"We loved the idea of working in perpetual startup mode, " says Hsieh.

FORBES: Tadpoles

Steve Jang, CEO, Schematic Labs (a stealth-mode startup in the mobile entertainment space), was one of the tarp surfers.

FORBES: Tarp Surfing CEO's

Another startup just out of stealth mode, ThinkFire, in Clinton, New Jersey, was founded by Nathan Myhrvold, Microsoft's former chief technology officer, and Daniel P.

FORBES: Managing your knowledge

Both cameras are also said to suffer from poor startup and shot-to-shot times, lackluster battery life, and a video mode that offers high quality video but decidedly limited controls.

ENGADGET: Sony's NEX-3, NEX-5 interchangeable lens cameras get reviewed