Digital imaging branches out thanks to improved features.(Brief Article)

The majority of attention in the photo industry today has largely been centered on digital imaging. Not only is the category growing at a respectable rate--with more than 2 million units shipped to retailers in 1999--but pricing and features are rapidly bringing the technology into the mass market.

But an interesting side effect seems to be taking place as well. The ability to take digital images is now being incorporated into a slew of new products. Manufacturers are rapidly developing new units that essentially use digital-imaging technology more as an added feature than a stand-alone function. Two weeks ago, Olympus and Polaroid announced a jointly developed product that happily blends features of …