BenQ offers budget P&S cams with wide video
updated 01:35 pm EDT, Mon May 18, 2009
BenQ C1220 and C1020
BenQ has started the week with the appearance of two compact cameras with slight edges over other competing models in the class. Both the 10-megapixel C1020 and 12-megapixel C1220 switch out the typical 4:3 ratio, 640x480 video recording mode for a 16:9 720x400 format better-suited to modern TVs. They can also zoom while capturing video and have a smile detection mode for still shots.
Aside from sensor density, the two are similar with 3X optical zoom and ISO-based anti-blur correction; the C1220's LCD is slightly larger at 2.7 inches instead of 2.5. Photographers can shoot up to ISO 1,600 normally but can boost this to ISO 3,200, either at regular resolution (on the C1220) or by dropping down to 3 megapixels on the C1020.
Regional availability and pricing haven't been mentioned by BenQ.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2002
38mm eq lens...
...would not be 'wide' by my definition, although the format may be wide screen without the wide angle, with perhaps an inescapable irony, and a puzzling mix of features...
Is this camera company driven by those schooled in product design or those purely focussed on marketing...?