Digital camera trend 2012

Compact camera: will continue to decline in popularity as many smart phones can produces quite good image quality. It is easier to share photos to friends or internet as well. The most important advantage of compact camera compared to smartphones is the zoom lens and manual exposure control Example: Sony RX100

Mirrorless or compact system camera: The camera is relatively small, but you can change lens. Image quality is as good as DSLR cameras. This system is popular for former compact camera users who demand higher quality picture without excessive bulk and weight. This camera system will also attract people who had been using a DSLR camera but feel DSLR camera is too big and heavy for travel. Example: Sony NEX, Samsung NX, Olympus OMD & Panasonic G.

DSLR camera: will continue to be excellent for serious amateur, semi-professional and professional photographers. It is mainly because DSLR system has complete selection of lenses, accessories and service. DSLR camera is divided into two sub-system according to size of the image sensor: APS-C and full frame.

This year (2012), Canon, Nikon and Sony emphasize on full frame DSLR camera such as Nikon D600, D800, Canon 5D mk III, Canon 6D and Sony SLT 99. The problem with recent full frame camera is it has high resolution, so it will require better quality lens to sharp images.

So what about DSLR camera with APS-C sensor? Well, it will still be popular in the next year or two, but without innovation or significant improvement, more DSLR camera users will likely to move to mirrorless compact system because technology and lens collection is getting better in rapid rate.