Last time I started talking about some of the innovations to be found in modern cameras that go beyond the megapixel race and the arguments about noise, and I'd like to share a few more of these innovative ideas I think we sometimes forget to give weight to.



4. Sony's Rotating Control Panel. I'll likely always consider this a Sony innovation, even though I know other cameras seem to use it too (the Nikon D60, for example.) This feature is a logical expansion of a feature most cameras have anyway, namely a rotation sensor. Many cameras, in playback, will automatically rotate the image so it's always the right way, even if you hold the camera in portrait mode. Sonys just do this for the control panel as well. I gotta says, I wish Olympus digital cameras had this, it's just a pain reading all my settings sideways every time I shoot in portrait.





5. Sony's Battery Status. This one is definitely an award-winner for tiny little details, but it's one I'm envious of. At the right are two low battery indicators, can you figure out which one is more useful? It's a toughie, I know. It's just such a great idea all around. Tell the user how much battery is left, inspired! I wonder if it's a Sony patent thing, because the only problem I have with this is that it isn't in every Canon digital SLR camera, Nikon digital SLR camera, Olympus, Pentax, or in general any digital camera that I pick up.

6. Dust-Reduction. Originally an Olympus-only sort of deal, this has become one of the big "me too" features of the past year (much like LiveView). The basic idea run-down is good and simple: dust wasn't a horrid problem on film because it only affected one frame. On a DSLR, dust stays on the sensor and affects all pictures taken until said dust is removed. DSLRs were already using a thin sheet over the sensor for IR and UV cut-off, so the solution of using super-sonic ripples to shake it and knock the loose dust off of it seems both reasonable and head-smackingly obvious. Those of you having a hard time imaging that should definitely check out this video made by what I can only assume is the craziest Olympus user ever.



Now that this is rapidly becoming a standard feature, lurking over sensors behind Canon lenses and Nikon lenses alike, it's starting to be taken a bit for granted. But, even the least ineffectual dust reduction system beats having none.