Think the quest for more photosites on a sensor is over yet? Not quite. While many are still waiting to see just how well 36 megapixels work in Nikon’s new D800, Nokia has just announced a smartphone with a 41MP camera sensor! Hang on though; this isn’t exactly a straight comparison since the 808 PureView normally outputs still images at 3MP, 5MP, or 8MP using a process called pixel-binning. Just goes to show there’s still room for improvements as digital imaging continues to evolve. See more on the Nokia phone here.
For Canon shooters, March 2nd is announcement day, most likely for the successor to the EOS 5D Mark II. There’s been huge speculation as to how Canon intends to address the trade-offs between stuffing more photosites into a sensor or concentrating on other capture improvements like low noise and greater dynamic range, as well as potentially adding more pro-level hardware features in their “budget” full-frame sector. Enthusiasts have been begging for a digital EOS 3 for years. Most 5D Mark III informed guesses point to a 22MP sensor along with a number of significant performance upgrades. Of course there could be more than one new full frame model (5D X?), and we’ll likely know in a couple of days.
On a somewhat more lower-key scale, the PowerShot G1 X is now reaching stores. Though this fixed zoom lens compact model won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, I’ve a sneaking suspicion it’s going to gain a lot of converts. I’ll add personal impressions before long.
On a side note, with much of the emphasis in communications these days being wireless, we’re very close to implementation of the next Wi-Fi standard—802.11 ac. Speed is good; now if security keeps pace that would be a good thing too.
On the computing front, those needing or wanting to upgrade a laptop or desktop machine for creating content are likely well aware of the impending release of Intel’s next-generation Ivy Bridge CPUs which promise modest performance gains at lower current draws. Looks now like the expected April launch of the new chips has been delayed for 8-10 weeks. This may or may not affect the anticipated announcement of new Apple MacBook Pro laptops which will likely build on the slim-and-light MacBook Air form factor. The delay also may impact the second generation of Intel’s own “Ultrabook” initiative.
Much more to come in the month of March. Stay tuned.