A NEW breed of digital cameras which aims to bridge the gap between point-and-shoot cameras and professional digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras looks set to take photographers here by storm.
In the last two weeks, two different models of the new breed - known as micro four thirds - were launched here by Olympus and Panasonic.
Previously, there was only one such camera available here, launched by Panasonic last October.
The new cameras use an imaging technology similar to DSLRs', but packed inside a much-less-bulky body.
Retailers and photographers, amateurs and professionals alike, thought the new cameras will be well-received.
Professional photographer Chng Eu Lee, 36, said amateur and serious photography hobbyists "will definitely take to the new camera".
"The compactness of the camera makes it great for street photography and travel shots...even though it might not be as good for taking fast-moving objects," he said.
Mr Melvin Ho, a freelance photographer who works in the information-technology industry, said: "It's more compact than a DSLR but still manages to produce images of comparable quality at lower resolutions."
But the 32-year-old still prefers to use a DSLR camera when he does photography work for clients, as it delivers better image quality. His customers also feel more confident when they see him using a large camera.
Electronics stores Harvey Norman and Best Denki said that, with the new cameras hitting stores this month, sales of the new breed are expected to increase.
The micro four thirds are likely to appeal to those who want cameras with great image quality but shun DSLRs because they consider them "bulky, heavy and difficult to use", said a Harvey Norman spokesman.
A Best Denki spokesman added that Singaporeans would snap up the new cameras because "consumers are becoming more affluent and are looking for innovative products and technologies".
The new cameras cost between $1,000 and $2,500. In contrast, DSLRs range from $1,000 to over $10,000, while compact, point-and-shoot cameras go for between $100 and $800.
