SNOWDON PHOTOGRAPHY

General Electric joins the digital photography scene

I got invited to the launch of General Electric (GE)’s second generation digital cameras this morning at the Oxo Tower in London, an event that marks it’s entry into the European market. The products were presented by General Imaging EU managing director Yasuhisa Nishida, commercial director Gary Banks and UK manager for General Imaging EU Gary Sutton. Several people from various magazines (print and online) were present, as well as other bloggers including Billy and Anna.

Gary Banks

We were presented different models from the A-series (7-8 megapixels), the G-series (8 megapixels) and the E-series (8-12megapixels) digital cameras and features Smile and Blink detection, in-camera panorama stitching and image stabilisation. The cameras’ simple and intuitive interface is the same throughout the range which makes updating to newer models easier. You won’t need to read another manual since there is only one user manual.

GE digital cameras will range from around £60 for the entry models A735, A835 and “superslim” A840s, around £120 for the G2, around £150 for the E1035 and around £180 for the E1235.

Newer models are also expected later in spring namely the E1050 with 3-inch touchscreen, 10-megapixel camera which has the ability to be read directly on a TV set for high definition playback without its docking station. Another is the GPS version which will allow photographers to geotag their photos with up to date satellite information. The E1050 models are expected to start from £200

It was hinted that a “bridge” model will join the European market this autumn. Having launched X1 “bridge” model in the US last year, I was hoping they have it today, but then, it should be worth the wait. The US-launched X1 model looks really cool with it’s fine lines, huge screen.

GE aims to be one of the top camera brands within five years and did not rule out future entry into the DSLR market.

These new digital cameras are designed from scratch by GE’s very own designers in Japan and are manufactured in China.

Models:

G2 is a light-weight digital camera featuring a trendy ultra-slim design and 18mm body. It is one of the lightest and slimmest compact cameras on the market and it comes in many yummy colours!

It comes with 8-megapixel resolution, 4x optical zoom, 2.7-inch LCD screen and is equipped with the latest technologies like In-camera Panorama stitching, face detection (Smile and Blink), Electronic Image Istabilisation and an MPEG-4 movie recording capability.

G2 cameras in black, red, silver, pink, purple, yellow and green.

Back of the G2 camera (image from GE)

E1035 is a 10.1-megapixel camera with 3x optical zoon, 2.7-inch LCD screen with the latest auto brightness technology for indoor and outdoor screen visibility. The camera feels really nice and solid.

Like other GE models, the E1035 is equipped with the latest technologies like In-camera Panorama stitching, face detection (Smile and Blink), Electronic Image Istabilisation and an MPEG-4 movie recording capability.

(image from GE)

photo taken with the E1035

Photos taken with other models

E1235 (image from GE)

taken with the E1235, handheld macro mode and no flash.

taken with the E1235, handheld macro mode and no flash.

E840s (image from GE)

St Paul’s Cathedral, taken with the E840s

across the river, taken with an E840s

Upcoming E1050 model (image from GE)

What I think of the cameras:

• In-Camera Panorama Stitching – this is a very nice feature in a compact camera and considering the amount of processing power fully automatic stitching software would need. You need a tripod to take the panoramic photo since you have to align it yourself and you can only photograph from right to left.
• Noise -up to a certain ISO setting, the noise becomes clearly visible – this may be a problem if you want to use the full-size images. When scaled to smaller sizes the effect is less noticiable (Compare the small images below with the full-size versions by clicking on the links below).

ISO 80	ISO 100
ISO 200	ISO400
ISO 800	ISO 1600

The photographs are taken with the E840s camera during the event.

• Smile and Blink recognition – these are cool technologies and if further developed would make a customer very satisfied. The technology only works on Auto mode. I wish it’d work on some of the other of the 14 modes (if not all). It’s new and there’s always room for improvement. Do not buy the camera because of this feature. Consider this an extra rather than a need and you will be a happy user
• Electronic Image Stabilisation – This works, I can guarantee it having tried taking a photograph while faking a shaky hand or even moving the camera on purpose. The image taken was sharp as it should be. However, it is not available on other modes even the manual. This is a mode on its own, like Auto, just stabilised…
• Design – the overall design and construction is good. It does NOT feel like a cheap camera that will break after a day’s use. The use of trendy colours will definitely make the G-series popular with young users. In some models, the way the SD card goes in was not indicated which is not too serious but still a detail overlooked.
• Flash – the flash power is fine, not too strong as to overexpose the image. A close-up shot with flash on did not ruin the image…

Auto mode, flash fired, taken with E1235

Honestly, this series of models from GE will do nicely. I am sure in most situations it will take better photos than I managed here. If GE continue with quality of build and design, technology and improve image quality at higher ISOs then I am sure GE will achieve it’s goal of being one of the top camera brands. Take heart, they are just starting
I am blogging information based on what I was given and tested (first-time experience and) on limited space & time. I would like to try them all out (even for a test?) and I am sure my little assistant would be the best person to test the usability Unfortunately, only magazines get to have that priviledge *sigh*

More photographs here

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Tags: compact cameras, digital camera, Digital Cameras, GE, General Electric, General Imaging, London, PHOTOGRAPHY, Press Launch