You can predict the future by studying the past and present. You can tell even more when it comes to digital cameras. The megapixel race is officially over, as 8 megapixels has become the minimum resolution for even the entry-level pocket cameras. Instead of racing to add the pixels, camera manufacturers will move on to capitalize on some of the big developments for the past few years.

It is believed that the major manufacturers will start to build the ultimate hybrid still and video device, better good looking pocket camcorders and interchangeable-lens compact cameras, as well as to adopting the wireless technologies. Here’s what we may see coming out in the upcoming CES 2010 (Consumer Electronics Show).

Improvement of Pocket Camcorder

Last year, we saw the first 1080p, digitally stabilized pocket camcorder, the Kodak Zi8. And according to Cisco – the well known network equipments, has shipped over 2.5 million units of their Flip Video camcorders since 2007. Simple, pocketable and allows easy sharing of video cameras are the main attractions of this camera.

We’ll expect to see a leap in pocket-camcorder features in the next year; higher-quality optics, wireless sharing features, advanced camera settings and 1080p video capture capabilities as high-bitrate AVCHD.

And don’t be surprised to find pocket camcorders’ marquee features in point-and-shoot cameras. We may see certain models that work in both potrait and landscape orientation to allow the user reposition the camera depending on still or video mode.