After many years of deliberation, General Electric has finally entered the highly competitive world of digital cameras. But the company has only entered the fray as a licensor. The actual manufacturer of the GE-branded cameras is General Imaging, a Japanese company hoping to make a worldwide splash.
The cameras (shown at PMA last week) will be designated based upon the series (A, E, G, or X) they belong to.
The A-series is perfect for those of us who want an entry-level camera and don't want to spend too much money just to take some pictures. Called the A730 and the A830, the A-series cameras feature a 2.5-inch LCD screen, 3X optical zoom and 7 megapixels on the A730 and 8 megapixels on the A830 version. Each camera is powered by two AA batteries.
Offering a more advanced feature set, the E-series is ideal for intermediate users. With the exception of the 2.7-inch LCD-equipped E1030, the E-series cameras feature a respectable 3-inch LCD screen. The E850 includes a 28mm equivalent wide-angle lens, a 5X optical zoom and 8 megapixels. Both the E1040 and E1240 feature 4X optical zoom, but the former has 10 megapixels and the latter offers 12. Another step up from the A-series: Each camera in the E-series features a rechargeable lithium ion battery so you don't have to keep running to the store to have some juice.
Perfect for anyone who wants a sleek and compact digital camera, the G-series G1 is small in size (3 inches wide x 2 ½ inches high), but big in functionality. The G1 features a 2.5-inch LCD screen, 3X optical zoom, a rechargeable battery, and 7 megapixels of resolution.
To round out the lineup, General Imaging also announced the X-series X1. The X1 is designed for the more serious photographer who wants spec over size, with optical image-stabilization, 12X optical zoom, a 2.5-inch LCD screen, 8 megapixels, and a handgrip in case your hands get a little sweaty. But for all of that, wouldn't you wish the camera featured a rechargeable battery? Well, it doesn't. In its place, the X1 takes four AA batteries.
Hopefully GE and General Imaging will show us some high-quality products when these cameras are released in Mid-April.
Post by Don Reisinger
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April 12, 2007 1:57 AM
The First-Ever General Electric Digital Cameras? Hardly! I have one that most certainly predates 2007. I acquired it second hand and have zero information about it. There is no model name or number on it. Only the GE logo on the front and a near-microscopic translation of the various mode icons (that will be seen on the equally small LCD) printed on the backside. It's fixed focus, has an optical viewfinder, uses 2 AA cells and has a shutter release button and a mode button. Supposedly it will shoot continueous frames or movies, according the the mode settings. It's dimensions are 4" x 2 3/8" x 1 3/16". There is a very tiny jack on the top for external power input and image output functions.
If anyone recognizes this camera and has any information about it I'd appreciate hearing from you. Contact me at bizrate@dcemail.com
June 7, 2007 7:55 PM
For me I think the electric based digital camera is more convenient for me.
July 30, 2007 5:18 PM
Reguarding the Model E850 camera,being so "NEW" on the market,I hesitate buying something with no "Track Record".
I have a "Hand Tremor Problem", and am concered if the "Image Stabilization" on this model will compesate ?
I also wonder with the 3" screen, does it also include a view finder?
Please forward specifcations.
Sincerely Bill "K".
January 2, 2008 6:46 PM
My daughter just bought the 7.0 megapixel A730 while on vacation in Hawaii in November (07). She is getting black lines on the screen almost like a bar code and the pictures won't develop when she tries to print them. What should we do. Because she was away, she doesn't have the receipt. We only have her bank statement that gives us the date and where she bought it as she used her debit card. Any help you could give us would be appreciated. Thanks