January 2016 news and reviews

Sony Corp. released its third quarter 2015 earnings report, in which the company discloses notable drops in both camera and image sensor sales. Revenue in the imaging products unit dropped by 5%, due to decreases in units sales of digital cameras. The devices unit had an even larger drop (12.6%) due mainly to a 'significant' decrease in sales of image sensors (as well as batteries). Read more

A new pocket-sized camera called YoCam, claiming to be the world's smallest waterproof wearable camera, has been successfully funded through Indiegogo. Available for pre-order now, Molify’s YoCam features a versatile design suitable for a variety of situations, including underwater recording. Read more

A patent was recently granted to Apple describing how a spherical image sensor can be used to design a very compact camera module. The sensor is spherically curved and eliminates the need to correct for curvature of field, meaning a simpler, brighter and ultimately smaller lens design can be used. Read more

In September 2015, Ricoh published a teaser website for a Pentax full-frame DSLR set to launch in spring 2016. Additional teasers have been released on occasion since the website went live, including a new one today. In a post, Ricoh has released a pair of sample photos alongside details about the HD PENTAX-D FA 24-70mm F2.8ED SDM WR lens and how it functions with the upcoming full-frame camera. Read more

The Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG HSM | A is the newest member of Sigma's family of 'Art' lenses. It's also the widest member of the Art lens family, and with a maximum aperture of F1.4 Sigma claims that it's the fastest 20mm lens in the world.  We shot this lens on both 5DS R and 7D Mark II bodies, and since we had an EOS mount we even tried it on the Sony A7R II as well. How did it do? Take a look

Nikon has released firmware version 1.01 for its D5300 and D5500 cameras. Both updates add support for the AF-P DX NIKKOR 18–55mm F3.5–5.6G VR and AF-P DX NIKKOR 18–55mm F3.5–5.6G lenses, Nikon's first DX lenses to offer stepping motors. Read more

With its new 20MP sensor, high-resolution electronic viewfinder and slick rangefinder styling, the new Olympus PEN-F has been receiving Texas-sized portions of praise around the DPReview offices. But it's not all southern hospitality for the PEN series' newest flagship. DPReview writer Carey Rose been shooting with it in Austin all week; find out how it fared. Read more

In a move intended to honor the giant panda - a Chinese national treasure - German camera manufacturer Leica has produced a limited edition version of its M-P (Typ 240) rangefinder that is finished in black and white. The 'Panda Edition' will consist of a pair of kits that include the camera body along with either a Summicron-M 28mm F2 ASPH lens or a Summilux-M 35mm F1.4 ASPH. Read more

Olympus has brought new life – and a new face – to the famed film-era PEN series with the all-new digital PEN-F. The PEN-F is a 20MP rangefinder-style interchangeable lens camera that inherits a lot of features from the OM-D E-M5 II, including 5-axis image stabilization and a high resolution shooting mode. We've been using one for a few days, and we've prepared a detailed first impressions review. Read more

Olympus's PEN series of digital interchangeable lens cameras has a long heritage, stretching right back to the mid-20th Century, long before digital imaging transformed photography. The company's latest PEN shows off its early influences in a classically-styled body and enthusiast-friendly handling experience, but in terms of its specifications the PEN F is thoroughly modern. Click through for a closer look

Olympus has announced the revival of its classic 1960s half-frame film camera in digital form – the 20MP PEN-F. The first digital PEN to feature a built-in viewfinder, it offers an impressive 2.36 Million-dot OLED panel as well as a fully articulating LCD. Read more

Along with the launch of the new PEN-F, Olympus has announced a limited edition OM-D E-M10 II. Wrapped in a tan faux leather, it comes with a matching leather neck strap and a collapsible 14-42mm EZ electronic zoom. Read more

Chinese lighting manufacturer Yongnuo has announced it is to launch a variable temperature LED wand for still and video photographers. The wand can be used to produce light that blends in with ambient lighting in a wide range of conditions by varying the mix of 3200K and 5500K LEDs, and also be used to create a spectrum of colors by mixing the red, green and blue LED sources. Read more

Live-streamed content is about to get a little more extreme as action cam maker GoPro and live-broadcasting video app Periscope have announced a partnership. Starting today, Periscope users can broadcast live from GoPro's Hero4 Black and Silver models. Read more

LensRentals' Roger Cicala has been his usual busy self, tearing lenses apart to work out how to repair and maintain them. The latest optic to fall prey to his toolkit is the Sony Zeiss 35mm F1.4 ZA: one of the company's latest designs for its full frame a7 series cameras. Peering inside reveals a radical design approach far removed from the one Canon uses for its latest 35mm lens. Read more

Award-winning and Emmy-nominated visual journalist and filmmaker Tim Matsui used to view stories as a means of having experiences. Now, he sees them as a means of creating change, engaging audiences and helping them see that they can make a difference. In this PIX 2015 video, Matsui speaks on The Long Night, his documentary on human trafficking, and how he leveraged grassroots distribution to effect social change. Read more

Getty Images is set to become the exclusive distributor of content from its rival, Corbis Images, after a deal in which Corbis was sold to a Chinese company that has a partnership with the Getty agency. Unity Glory, an affiliate of media business Visual China Group, has bought the assets and brands of Corbis Images for an undisclosed sum. Getty Images will represent the Corbis content in all territories outside China, as the two companies have worked together for over ten years to share content. Read more

Our Fujifilm X-Pro2 First Impressions just got a significant update. With a production-ready camera in hand, we've been able to send it through our studio tests, make some judgements about image quality from its new 24MP X-Trans image sensor and put together a fresh sample gallery. Read more

As a destination for street photographers and photojournalists, there's no place quite like Cuba. The natural beauty of the island is plain to see, but for photographers and good friends Susan Roderick and Kenna Klosterman, the real pulse of the country can be found talking to its inhabitants. Read more

We introduced Aaron Draper's project 'Underexposed' a little while back. In case you missed it, Draper has made a project of taking stylized portraits of individuals experiencing homelessness, aiming to help others literally see them in a new light. Filmmaker Eric Becker sat down with him at PIX 2015 to talk in depth about the project. Read more

Like its predecessor, the OnePlus 2 offers the specification of a high-end phone at a budget price point. The camera's 13MP resolution isn't anything out of the ordinary these days, but optical image stabilization and a laser-assisted AF system tend to be found only on expensive top-end models. Find out where its appealing camera specs land the OnePlus 2 in DxOMark's mobile rankings. Read more

DSLR autofocus has been the gold standard for decades but the higher accuracy and precision offered by some mirrorless cameras risks tarnishing this image. However, many modern DSLRs include an option to fine-tune the AF behavior to help optimize their performance. Guest writer Joey Miller has written a short guide to how to make use of this feature over on the LensRentals blog. Read more

It's often said all modern cameras are good, and it's true. But it's also close to meaningless. It seems to imply that it doesn't matter which camera you buy, yet that's as far from the truth today as it's ever been. DPReview writer Richard Butler feels quite strongly about this. Read more

Leica has increased the value and volume of prizes for its forthcoming Oskar Barnack awards for 2016, with the winner taking home €25,000 in cash on top of a €10,000 M system camera and lens. The newcomer prize has been doubled to €10,000 in cash, and the winner will also receive a Leica rangefinder kit. Read more

The Ricoh GR II is a modest update to the well-regarded GR, and the high-quality formula remains: an 18.3mm (28mm equiv.) F2.8 lens in a compact body with a 16MP APS-C sensor inside. While the update doesn't bring image quality changes, it does offer a chance to run the new camera through our studio test scene, as it will be an obvious competitor to the Fujifilm X70 when it arrives. Read more

Lomography has resurrected another classic Russian lens to sit next to its Petzval 85mm and 58mm lenses. This time, the company has revived one of the Jupiter designs that are so popular in our Adapted Lens Talk forum. The 50mm F1.5 lens is offered in L39 mount with an included M-mount adapter. Read more

Last week, Fujifilm announced several new products including two major new cameras - the X-Pro2 and X70. DPReview was at the launch event in Tokyo where we made time to sit down with two senior Fujifilm executives - Mr. Toru Takahashi and Toshihisa Iida. As well as the new cameras, we also spoke about Fujifilm's long-term ambitions, which cameras sell best in which countries and Samsung's apparent exit from the camera market. Read more

German camera manufacturer Leica has announced a waterproof, shock-proof and dust-proof compact camera that uses an APS-C sensor. The Leica X-U (Typ 113) joins the X family of compacts, but offers waterproofing to 15m / 50ft and a body that is designed to be used both beneath and above the waves. Read more

Canon made some big claims about the development put into its 35mm F1.4L II. Its new Blue Spectrum Refractive optics is claimed to minimize longitudinal chromatic aberration, and a new 9-blade aperture promises smoother bokeh and 18-ray sunstars. With a copy of the lens in our hands, Sam Spencer put these claims to the test in a shootout against the Mark I version and the Sigma 35mm Art. Read more

Panasonic has announced that the next version of its Lumix DMC-CM1 smartphone will dispense with its phone functionality to concentrate on being a camera. The Lumix DMC-CM10 will initially only be available in Japan, and is very much the same as the original DMC-CM1, but while it will run on the Android 5.0 operating system it will not be equipped to make phone calls. Read more

Domke has a long history of making bags that to serve the needs of working photographers. Designed for accessibility, durability and style that intentionally avoids attracting attention, they've enjoyed popularity with generations of pro photographers. A few years ago Domke introduced the Next Generation line, bringing modern updates to its classic bag. Find out what a longtime Domke user thinks of the next-gen Chronicle bag. Read more

MaxCurve is an app for iPhone and iPad that, as the name suggests, relies predominantly on curves for image editing. Overall, there are 20 curve adjustments available which are grouped into so-called kits. Another key feature of MaxCurve is its ability to connect, via Wi-Fi, to a desktop version of Photoshop that is running on a Windows PC or Mac. Read more

Macphun has released Aurora HDR Pro version 1.2, adding a few new features and several improvements to its image editing software. The update includes support for .EXR and .HDR image files, compatibility with Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) Raw files, and support for Photos for Mac editing extensions. Read more

You probably know all about the X-Pro2's specs by now, but what's it like to shoot with? Sam and Richard hit the streets of Georgetown, Seattle with the camera to see how it handles different types of shooting. What did they like? What came up short? There's just one way to find out. Read more

Medium format equipment manufacturer Hasselblad has announced the winners of its Masters competition, and has awarded the winners of each category a high end medium-format camera. The company does not specify which cameras will constitute the prizes, but they will be presented at a ceremony during September’s Photokina show in Germany, at which the company is speculated to be launching major new products. See winners

Mobile phone add-on-lens manufacturer olloclip has announced it is to introduce a new case for the iPhone 6 series that makes it easier to fit additional accessories to complement the process of shooting movies and stills with its products. Read more

In the HTC device lineup the One A9 sits just below the flagship One M9. However, in the camera department, with its faster F2.0 aperture and optical image stabilization, it actually offers some advantages over the M9. There is also a dual-LED flash and the A9 is, like the M9, capable of recording DNG Raw files. However, with a DxOMark Mobile score of 78 the HTC A9 doesn't place itself among the best current smartphone cameras. Read more

In its preliminary Q4 financial report this week, GoPro revealed it expects the last quarter's revenue to be about $435 million, a figure significantly lower than $512 million analysts had estimated. Due to poor sales over the holidays, GoPro states it will layoff 7% of its workforce as part of a restructuring effort. Read more

We've got our hands on preproduction versions of Fujifilm's X-Pro2 and X70 and have put together a sample gallery for each. Keeping in mind that these are 'beta' cameras, have a look at some photos from both Seattle and Japan. Take a look

In addition to the Fujifilm X-Pro2 and X-E2S, Fujifilm also announced the X70, a compact camera with a fixed 28mm equiv. F2.8 lens. Focal length aside, the X70 is in many way an X100T without an electronic viewfinder, but with the addition of an articulating touchscreen. Read more 

The Fujifilm X-Pro2 is a 24MP rangefinder-style mirrorless camera that sits at the top of the company's lineup. It's a successor to the company's original X-mount camera, the X-Pro1 and incorporates a host of improvements from subsequent models as well as a raft of new features. We've been shooting with the X-Pro2 for a few weeks and have prepared an in-depth First Impressions Review.

We've been using a Fujifilm X-Pro2 for a couple of weeks now, and have taken the time to dig beyond the basic specifications of the camera. Join us on a walk through the features that matter and what it means for Fujifilm's new flagship. Read more

Fujifilm has released the long-awaited followup to its flagship X-Pro1 mirrorless camera, aptly named the X-Pro2. While similar in design to its predecessor, virtually everything else about the X-Pro2 is new, including its 24MP X-Trans sensor, 273-point Hybrid AF system, 2.36M-dot 'Advanced Hybrid Multi Viewfinder', an electronic shutter, refined controls and menus, and a lot more.

Fujifilm has announced the X70, a fixed-lens compact camera designed in the spirit of the company's X100-series. While the X70 features the same 16MP APS-C-size X-Trans CMOS sensor as the X100T, it has a wider and slower lens (28mm equiv. F2.8) and lacks that clever hybrid viewfinder. What it does offer is Fujifilm's first touchscreen LCD, a max ISO of 51200, an electronic shutter, 1080/60p video and, of course, plenty of direct controls. Read more

The Fujifilm X-E2S is an update to the company's premium rangefinder-style mirrorless camera, the X-E2, which was introduced back in 2013. New features include an improved AF system, an electronic shutter, top ISO sensitivity of 51200, and an improved grip and refined menu interface. It has the same 16.3MP X-Trans sensor, 3" LCD, high-res electronic viewfinder and Wi-Fi functionality as its predecessor. Read more

Fujifilm has officially announced its Fujinon XF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR lens, which has been on the company's roadmap since early 2015. This weather-sealed lens, equivalent to 152-609mm when mounted on an X-series body, has nine rounded aperture blades, 5 ED and 1 Super ED elements, and a fluorine coating. It also features a 5-stop image stabilization system and a linear motor. Read more

Fujifilm has released the FinePix XP90, a relatively minor update to last year's XP80 rugged camera, with the main new feature being a larger and sharper LCD. As with its predecessor, the XP90 is waterproof to 15m/50ft, shockproof from 1.8m/5.8ft, freezeproof and dustproof. It sports a 16MP CMOS sensor, 28-140mm lens and Wi-Fi connectivity - and it can double as an action cam. Read more

Winter can be a stark wonderland in the Pacific Northwest, especially east of the Cascade mountain range. Editor Barney Britton spent some time with the new Nikon 24-70 F2.8 ED VR lens amongst the snow-covered rolling hills, waterfalls, forests, and even sunny beaches our beautiful state provides. See how the lens performed in this set of real-world samples. Read more

In a bit of a surprise, one of the hottest products to make an appearance at CES 2016 was an analog product: Kodak's Super 8 movie camera. Built around the classic Super 8 film format, the camera does make some nods to contemporary digital technology, but the film is the real thing. DPReview editor Dale Baskin talks with Kodak's Josh Coon to learn a bit more about this camera. Read more

Global tech giant Google could be joining the camera business if a patent it was awarded this month is anything to go by. Filed in June 2014 and just approved on the 12th January this year, the patent issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office is for a design for a folding camera that's hinged in the middle like a clamshell mobile phone. Read more

Phase One has published a new video featuring the XF 100MP back in use. Phase One photographer Tim Kemple put the new Sony co-developed 100MP CMOS sensor through its paces outside of the studio, soaring to great heights above a waterfall and on dusty trails in the desert of Moab, Utah. Read more

CES 2016 just wrapped up in Las Vegas over the weekend. During the course of the week-long trade show we had the chance to roam the floor a bit and check out a lot of cool new products, from big releases like the Nikon D500 and D5 to pleasant surprises like the prototype Kodak Super 8 camera. Take a look through our gallery and see for yourself all of the cool new stuff CES 2016 had to offer. Read more

Chinese lens maker Zhongyi Optics has added M42, Canon FD and Minolta MD lens adapters to its second-gen Lens Turbo lineup for Micro Four Thirds cameras. Like Metabones' Speedboosters, the adapters shorten the effective focal length, reducing the F-number by a stop and partially negating the crop factor. Read more

Back in November Nikon teased us by announcing that a D5 DSLR flagship camera was in development. Fortunately, we didn't have to wait long for 'development' to turn into 'product.' At CES 2016 we got the chance to meet the D5, up close and personal. Read more

A team at Sony has custom designed and 3D-printed a rig that mounts onto a tripod and can hold 12 Xperia Z5 Compact smartphones, making it possible to record 4K video simultaneously for immersive video. Stitched together in post production, the clips create some impressive 48K 360-degree footage. To test and demonstrate the setup, Sony recorded various winter sports scenes at the Rise Ski & Snowboard Festival in Les Deux Alpes. Read more

German flash manufacturer Metz has said that the mecablitz 44 AF-2 flash unit that it announced at the end of last year will be available immediately, selling in the UK for £179.99. The gun is an update of the 44 AF-1, and brings with it compatibility with Fuji's X-system and a built-in LED for videographers. Read more

The New York Public Library has released more than 180,000 digitized items into the public domain, making them freely available for anyone to use for any purpose. These items include scans of manuscripts from well-known authors, copies of sheet music, more than 40,000 stereoscopic photographs and more than 20,000 atlases and maps. Read more

The sensor in the Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) is an interesting one. Without a color filter array, the 24MP CMOS sensor doesn't lose sharpness through interpolation, much like a Merrill-generation Foveon sensor or Pentax's pixel shift mode found in the K-3 II. The catch is, of course, no color. Is the extra sharpness worth the cost? Read more

CES 2016 has turned into a big event for Nikon thanks to the release of the company's new D500 and D5 DSLRs. We were able to get some hands-on time with both cameras at the show and it's fair to say that we're impressed with what we've seen so far. We've put together a quick overview of the D500, based on our impressions of using it a little this week. Read more

Sony has announced new XQD and SDXC UHS-II memory cards at CES. This comes on the heels of Nikon's announcement of the D5 and D500, both of which can utilize the relatively recent XQD format. Read more

CES 2016 saw the announcement of two important DSLRs from Nikon, including an update to its flagship line, as well as an almost mythical product many had given up hope of ever seeing: a true D300 replacement. The D5 and D500 really refine the DSLR with a number of under-the-hood improvements. In case you missed any, we've compiled and analyzed some of the most important underlying technologies in these cameras. Read on

Smartphone accessory lens manufacturer ExoLens is to introduce three new lenses that use optics and designs from Zeiss. The lenses will be a zoom macro adapter as well as wide-angle and telephoto converters that will screw into a frame that fits around the phone. Read more

Cameras may be pushed towards offering higher-quality 10-bit 4K recording as the industry starts to set quality standards. The UHD Alliance, a group made up from leading producers, distributors and device makers has defined the Ultra HD Premium brand that requires certain minimum specifications to be met for content production, streaming and replay. The most interesting detail is the requirement for 10-bit capture, distribution and playback. Read more

Samsung has launched a new convertible tablet at CES which appears to be squarely aimed at Microsoft's Surface Pro model. Like the Surface Pro, the Galaxy TabPro S runs Microsoft's Windows 10 operating system and can be used with a keyboard cover that attaches via a pin connector. While on the Microsoft device the keyboard cover is an optional accessory, with the TabPro S it is included in the package. Read more

Processor maker Ambarella has announced its two newest and most powerful chips. The H2 and H12 are 4K (UHD) capable processors, with the more powerful H2 able to compress 10-bit 4K/60p video using H.265 HEVC compression or 4K/120p with the less efficient H.264 AVC system. The company says it's the drone market that's now pushing the capabilities it needs to offer - way beyond what compact cameras tend to need. Read more

Today at CES Nikon announced two new DSLR cameras: the pro-oriented D5 and the enthusiast-oriented D500. Just after the press conference we slipped away from the CES crowds with Nikon’s DSLR product manager, Mark Soares, to get his take on the new bodies, a rundown of some major features, and some insight into their target audience. Read more

Olympus just squeezed a 600mm equivalent field of view into a 1.27kg (2.8 pound) lens, complete with image stabilization, weatherproofing and an impressive close focusing distance. Meet the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4 IS Pro. We got the chance to shoot with it recently, and we've prepared a gallery of sample images - view our gallery

Recently we got a chance to take a close look at Olympus's brand new M.Zuiko Digital 300mm F4 IS Pro - which the company says is the sharpest lens it's ever made. Join us for a walk-through of the lens' features, capabilities and fine details. Read more

Olympus has launched the M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4 IS Pro, which it claims it the sharpest lens in its lineup. The 600mm equivalent prime lens features built-in IS that also works in conjunction with the OM-D E-M1 and E-M5 II bodies to offer 6 stops of stabilization, measured to CIPA standards - the best we've yet encountered. Olympus says it expects the lens to be used for bird photography, landscape and sports. Read more

Olympus has updated its rugged compact lineup with the Stylus Tough TG-870, a modest update to last year's model offering next-generation GPS and a brighter, higher-resolution screen. Still sporting a 16MP BSI-CMOS chip and a 21-105mm equivalent zoom, the TG-870 provides a 920k-dot, 180 degree flip-up LCD that claims to be 1.1x brighter than its predecessor's screen. Read more

DPReview attended the Samsung 2016 press conference at CES today in Las Vegas but among all the talk of smart devices and Internet-connected fridges, one specific consumer product category was not even mentioned: digital cameras. Staff writer Dan Bracaglia wonders what it all means. Read on

Nikon's newly announced SB-5000 Speedlight is the company's first foray into the radio-controlled flash market. It can operate in radio-control mode when paired with the WR-R10 Wireless Remote Adapter Set, or in a more conventional optically controlled mode with the SU-800 or any commander-capable flash unit. In addition, the new design offers an improved cooling system while maintaining the tilt-and-rotate capability of other high-end Speedlights. Read more

Nikon has announced a shockproof and waterproof spherical 360-degree action camera. Called KeyMission 360, it promises to 'put 360 virtual reality in the hands of any enthusiast' and offers 4K UHD recording. Shockproof to 2m / 6.6 ft and waterproof to 30m / 100 ft, the camera includes electronic VR stabilization and houses an image sensor and lens on opposite sides of the device to create immersive stills and video. Read more

Nikon has announced the much-anticipated followup to its D300S, the 21MP D500 which the company calls its 'best enthusiast DX offering.' It features the same 153-point AF system and EXPEED 5 processor. It can shoot continuously at 10 fps with a 200 shot buffer for Raw images. It can also capture 4K/UHD video and also features 'SnapBridge', a constant connection to a smartphone using Bluetooth, similar to what Samsung did with its NX1. The D500 will be available from March at a cost of around $2000. Read more

Update: That's a wrap! Thanks for following along. Aside from teasing its D5 professional DSLR last month, Nikon is keeping the details of its latest products close to its vest. We're live the company's CES press event and you can follow along in real-time right here.

Panasonic's Lumix DMC-TZ100 is the first compact superzoom to be built around a 1"-type sensor. Known as the ZS100 in North America, it features a 25-250mm equivalent F2.8-5.9 zoom, Wi-Fi, touchscreen and 4K recording. Add in a pop-up flash and built-in viewfinder and you've got a very flexible package, especially considering the $699 list price. We got our hands on one recently - see what we found. Read more

Panasonic has just announced the Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 lens for its Micro Four Thirds system cameras. We've gone hands-on with the high-end, super-tele zoom that sports the longest focal length available for the MFT system. Learn about some notable features this lens brings to the MFT line. Read more

Panasonic has announced the Lumix DMC TZ100 / ZS100, the first compact superzoom camera to include a 1"-type sensor. Despite having a sensor four times larger than most travel zoom cameras, the ZS100 manages to incorporate a 25-250mm equivalent zoom into a very small body. It also finds room for a built-in viewfinder and two full dials. It shoots 4K video and incorporates a host of related features, many of which utilize its touchscreen rear LCD. Read more

Panasonic is adding a high-end super telephoto zoom lens to the Micro Four Thirds lineup: the Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4-6.3 ASPH. This lens is equivalent to a whopping 200-800mm when attached to a MFT body and features much-needed 'Power' optical image stabilization to keep things steady. The lens has several aspherical and extra low dispersion elements, a nine-blade aperture, and a minimum focus distance of 1.3m. The lens also features a compact tripod collar that rotates with the camera and it's weather-sealed, too. More details

Panasonic has updated its compact travel zoom lineup with the Lumix DMC-ZS60, which is known as the TZ80 outside of North America. While it shares the design and lens of its predecessor, the ZS50, there's a new 18MP MOS sensor and Venus Engine processor under the hood. The autofocus system now uses the company's Depth from Defocus technology for a major speed boost, and 4K video recording, 4K photo and post focus features on board, as well. More details

Electronics giant Samsung has announced it will introduce a 2TB USB memory device that is ‘smaller than an average business card’. The Samsung Portable SSD T3 will measure 74x58x10.5mm/2.91x2.28x0.41in and will weigh 51g/1.79oz when it comes to market in February. The company claims that the device will offer read and write speeds of up to 450MB/s via its USB 3.1 Type C interface, and with AES 256-bit hardware encryption and password protection it will not be readable should it be lost or stolen. Read more

Canon has introduced three new PowerShot ELPHs, serving as the company's entry-level cameras. The models include the ELPH 360 HS, which has a 20MP BSI CMOS sensor and 12X zoom, the ELPH 190 IS with a 20MP CCD and 10X zoom, and the basic ELPH 180 with an 8X zoom and digital image stabilization. More details

Canon has refreshed its midrange superzoom lineup with the new PowerShot SX540 HS and SX420 IS. The former has the same design and 24-1200mm lens as the SX530 that came before it but adds more pixels and processing power, 1080/60p video and a new feature which keeps a subject centered at full telephoto. The SX420 follows in the footsteps of the SX410 and offers a 20MP CCD, 24-1008mm lens, 720p video and Wi-Fi with NFC. Read more

Nikon is bringing stepping motors to its DSLR lens lineup for the first time with a pair of 'AF-P' lenses, both of which are collapsable 18-55mm zooms (one with vibration reduction, the other without). Nikon says that its stepping motor lenses are both faster and quieter than their predecessors, making them quite appealing for video recording. These lenses have two aspherical elements as well as a Super Integrated Coating, with the VR model reducing shake by 4 stops. Read more

Late last year we asked you to vote on the outstanding products of 2015. We created four polls, covering lenses and cameras, including more than 50 products in total. With thousands of votes cast, and plenty of 'discussion' in the comments, we're ready to announce the winners! But the fun isn't over yet - now is your chance to vote on the winners and runners-up from each of the four categories, to determine the readers' choice award for best overall product of 2015 - click through to vote 

Software provider Corel has updated its PaintShop Pro X8 image manipulation program to include more help and guidance to enable users to find their way around the tools and features of the application. The update also brings what Corel describes as 'performance enhancements' across the application, but especially faster brush speeds. Read more