January 2013 news and reviews

Olympus has announced the Stylus XZ-10 enthusiast compact - a smaller, cheaper addition to the range alongside the well-regarded XZ-2. It's built around a 26-130mm equivalent F1.8-2.7 lens, coupled with a 12MP 1/2.3" type backlit CMOS sensor that offers ISOs up to 6400 and sensor-shift image stabilization. It can record 1080p Full HD movies with stereo sound, with Multi-motion Movie IS to reduce blur while walking. The 3" 920k dot LCD is touch-sensitive, but unlike the XZ-2's doesn't tilt, which helps make the camera slimmer. The package is rounded off by a full set of manual controls including a customizable round-lens control ring, but there's no hot shoe or support for an external EVF. It'll be available from March 2013 for £349.99 in black, brown or white.

Fujifilm has announced the FinePix F900EXR, a 20X zoom, raw-capable compact superzoom with built-in Wi-Fi, offering what Fujifilm claims is the 'world's fastest AF'. The F900 uses a 16MP EXR-CMOS II sensor with Phase Detection AF technology and sensor-shift image stabiisation. A near-identical twin of the F800EXR in other respects, it offers the same 25-500mm equivalent lens, captures 1080p movies, P,A,S,M shooting modes and the ability to wirelessly transfer files via the free 'Fujifilm Camera Application' app for Android and iOS devices. Price and availability details have not been given.

Fujifilm has launched the Finepix S6800 and S4800 superzooms with stabilized 30x (24-720mm equiv.) zoom lenses. The 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor-based S6800 captures 1080p60 full HD and high speed movies, while the 16MP CCD-based S4800 is limited to 720p30 videos. Both come with 3-inch LCDs and run on four AA batteries. The S6800 and S4800 will be available from March 2013 at a retail price of $249.95 and $229.95 respectively. The company has also launched the $99.95 JX680 ultra-compact with 26-130mm optical zoom lens, 16MP sensor and full HD video recording that will available around the same time.

CP+ 2013: With the WG-10 Pentax has created a more affordable waterproof digital camera, one that still withstands depths of 33 feet, as well as the usual drops, dust, cold, and pressure. With a 14MP CCD sensor, Pentax says the camera can produce 'poster size' images thanks to its new imaging engine, and can also capture 720p videos. Its 5x lens zooms from 28-140mm equivalent.

CP+ 2013: Pentax announces the WG-3 rugged digital camera, available with and without a built-in GPS. Both versions feature an image-stabilized 16MP CMOS sensor, and now an F2.0-4.9 lens with 25-100mm equivalent zoom. Both are also waterproof down to 45 feet, drop-resistant from heights of 6.6 feet, dust-resistant, and can handle temperatures down to 14F. Finally, they're back-pocket-safe, meaning you can sit on them and they're still likely to work (they can handle up to 220 pounds of pressure).

Casio has announced two additions to its High Speed Exilim series, the EX-ZR700 and EX-ZR400. The EX-ZR700 uses a 16.1 MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor, 3 inch LCD and a stabilized 18x, 25-450mm equivalent optical zoom lens. The EX-ZR400 is similar to its predecessor the EX-ZR300, inheriting its 16.1MP BSI-CMOS sensor and 24-300mm equiv. lens, and comes equipped with a long-lasting battery promising 515 photos on a single charge. Both cameras feature the company's latest Exilim Engine HS 3 processer and new shooting modes including a Premium Auto Pro and an All-In-Focus Macro mode. There is currently no information available about their price and availability.

Tamron has announced that it's developing an image stabilised superzoom lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras. The 14-150mm F/3.5-5.8 Di III VC (Model C001) is poised to become the first third-party zoom for the system, and will offer a 28-300mm equivalent focal length range. It uses the company's Vibration Control (VC) system to counteract hand-shake, and a stepper motor for fast and silent autofocus. The lens will also feature a metal barrel and be available in a black or silver finish. Price and availibility are still to be confirmed.

Tokina has announced it will be exhibiting two soon-to-be-released lenses at the CP+ trade show in Japan. The AT-X 70-200 F4 PRO FX VCM-S is a telephoto zoom that's designed for use on both full frame and APS-C SLRs, and features both optical image stabilisation and a ring-type ultrasonic autofocus motor with full-time manual override. Meanwhile the AT-X 12-28 F4 PRO DX is a replacement for the company's existing 12-24mm F4 wideangle zoom for APS-C cameras. But rather than making the lens wider to match its competitors, Tokina has chosen to extend it further into the 'normal' range, to give an 18-42mm equivalent zoom. 

CP+ 2013: Nikon has unveiled a quartet of mid-level Coolpix compacts including the Coolpix P520 42x superzoom and S9500 22x compact superzoom, alongside the Coolpix L820 30x budget superzoom and the S6500 12x compact. The P520 features the same 24-1000mm equivalent zoom seen in the P510 but moves to an 18MP BSI CMOS sensor and is compatible with the optional WU-1a Wi-Fi module. The S9500 has built-in Wi-Fi and fits the same 18MP sensor into a slim body with a 25-550mm equivalent lens.

CP+ 2013: Nikon has announced the Coolpix AW110 and S31 tough, waterproof cameras. The AW110 is the more resilient and feature-packed of the two. It features a 16MP BSI CMOS sensor, OLED screen and a 28-140mm equivalent stabilized zoom. It is waterproof to 18m (59ft) and shockproof from a height of 2m (6.7ft) and includes both GPS and Wi-Fi. The S31 is built around a smartphone-sized 10MP sensor and includes a 29-87mm equivalent lens. It's waterproof to 5m (16.5ft) and shockproof from a height of 1.2m (3.6ft).

CP+ 2013: Nikon has announced the CoolPix S5200 and L28 - two affordable compact cameras. The S5200 is a 6x compact with a 26-156mm equivalent stabilized zoom lens and a 16MP BSI CMOS sensor. It features a 3" LCD screen and built-in Wi-Fi capability and will retail for around $180. The L28 offers a slightly more modest 26-130mm 5x zoom lens in front of a 20MP CCD sensor. It uses AA batteries and will sell for around $120.

CP+ 2013: Canon has announced three long-zoom compacts, the PowerShot Elph 330 HS, the Elph 115 IS and the A2500. The Elph 330 HS, called the Ixus 225 HS in Europe, is a Wi-Fi capable 12MP CMOS camera featuring a 10x, 24-240mm equivalent lens. The Elph 115 IS, known as the Ixus 132 in Europe, has a 16MP CCD sensor and an 8x, 28-224mm equiv stabilized zoom. A Wi-Fi variant, called the Ixus 135 is available in Europe. Finally, the A2500 is an inexpensive model using the same 16MP CCD chip placed behind a 28-140mm equiv zoom. It has a slightly smaller screen than the A2600 launched at CES.

Olympus has issued a press release confirming JK Imaging and four other companies have formally signed-up to the Micro Four Thirds standard. JK Imaging announced last week that it would be offering MFT cameras under the Kodak brand. Australian company Blackmagic Design, which already offers a movie camera with a passive Micro Four Thirds mount and is rumored to be working on a fully compliant version, also joins. The other three signatories are less consumer-facing.

Just a week after announcing it was licensing the Kodak brand name, JK Imaging has been showing a Micro Four Thirds camera at a press conference in China. Details are vague but the camera, reported to be called the S1, does appear to be sporting the official Micro Four Thirds logo. The camera, which will offer Wi-Fi for communication with smartphones, is said to be based around a Sony CMOS sensor. (via PetaPixel)

CES 2013: Sakar International has formally announced the distinctly Nikon-esque iM1836 - a modular camera system wearing Polaroid branding. Details are scarce - with the company able to give little information (and some of that being improbable), but the first model is said to be an Android-based, Wi-Fi-connected camera with Ricoh GXR-style interchangeable modules with the sensor built into the lens. Further adapter modules are promised to allow use of Pentax K, Nikon F and Micro Four Thirds lenses.

CES 2013: Sigma has announced the DP3 Merrill, the latest iteration of the company's enthusiast large sensor compact camera. Nearly identical to the earlier DP Merrill models, this camera features the familiar 15x3MP APS-C Foveon X3 sensor, but it is now mated with a 50mm (75mm equiv.) F2.8 lens. The lens lends itself to portraiture and, with a minimum focus distance of 22.6cm, offers respectable 1:3 magnification. Video recording is still limited to VGA resolution but the DP3M can shoot at up to 4 frames per second for 7 frames in Raw.

CES 2013: Olympus has announced the Stylus Tough TG-2 iHS, the latest flagship of its Tough series of waterproof compact cameras. This update to the TG-1 model is now waterproof down to 15m (50 feet), has a 12MP CMOS sensor and a 4x optical zoom lens with a maximum aperture starting at F2.0. Further rounding out the specifications are a 3.0" OLED rear display, built-in GPS and elevation recording and 1920 x 1080 video output. The TG-2 iHS will be available in March in both red and black versions for US $379.99.

CES 2013: Olympus has announced the Stylus SH-50 iHS, which the company claims is the first compact camera to feature E-M5-style 5-axis image stabilization. The 16MP camera also features a 24x 25-600mm (equiv.) optical zoom lens, 1080i60 video output and a touch-sensitive 3-inch rear LCD. Taking design cues from the company's higher-end PEN cameras, the SH-50 iHS sports a textured hand grip and will be available in March in both black and white versions.

CES 2013: Olympus has announced the TG-830 iHS and TG-630 iHS, two new additions to the company's TOUGH series of travel-friendly waterproof compact cameras. The mid-range TG-830 iHS is waterproof to 10m (33 feet) and has a 5x optical zoom lens to go along with its 16MP back-side illuminated CMOS sensor. Video can be recorded in 1920 x 1080 resolution, with the option to capture high speed clips at 120 fps in 720 resolution mode, for slow motion playback. The entry-level TG-630 iHS is waterproof down to 5m (16 feet). Both models will be available in March in a range of colors.

CES 2013: Olympus has announced the Stylus SZ-16 iHS and the Stylus SZ-15 iHS - a pair of 24x compact superzoom cameras. Both cameras offer an 25-600mm equivalent zoom range. The SZ-16 iHS is based around a 16MP CMOS sensor, allowing it to offer 1080p video and the other high-speed features needed to wear the company's iHS branding. The SZ-15 makes do with a 16MP CCD sensor, restricting it to 720p video capture. The SZ-16 iHS uses Olympus' previous-generation TruePic V processor, while the SZ-15 uses an older TruePic III+ chip.

CES 2013: Nikon USA has announced it is releasing the D5200 launched elsewhere in November 2012. The 24MP upper entry-level DSLR gains the 39-point AF system from the company's higher-end models. The camera will cost around $899.95 with the Nikkor 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 VR kit lens. It includes an articulated 920k dot LCD and is compatible with the clip-on WU-1a Wi-Fi module. We previewed it back when it was launched in Europe so, if you still don't know what makes the D5200 tick, the preview should cover it.

CES 2013: Nikon has launched two additional camera and two lenses to the Nikon 1 mirrorless system. The 10MP 1 S1 and 14MP 1 J3 are two small mirrorless camera both featuring hybrid-AF. The 1 J3 looks a lot like the previous 1 Js but sees the mode dial moved to the camera's top plate. The S1, meanwhile is a smaller, less expensive model aimed squarely at point-and-shoot users. In addition Nikon has announced the 1 Nikkor 6.7-13mm F3.5-5.6 VR 18-35mm equivalent wide-angle zoom and a retractable superzoom lens, the 1 Nikkor 10-100mm F4-5.6 VR.

CES 2013: Nikon has announced the Wi-Fi-enabled Coolpix S6500 compact camera. It includes the latest 'Glamour Retouch' effects including 'Reduce Dark Circles' and 'Redden Cheeks'. The camera is built around a 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor, 12x 25-300mm (equiv.) optical zoom lens and offers Full HD video recording capabilities. It will available late January for a suggested retail price of $219.95 in silver, black, red, and orange.

CES 2013: Sony has announced five Cyber-Shot compacts, including the Wi-Fi-capable, 16MP CMOS-based DSC-WX80 with its 25-200mm equivalent zoom lens. There are also two CCD-based W-series cameras - the DSC-W730 which shares its lens with the WX80, and the DSC-W710 that has a 5x 28-140mm equiv. zoom. Beyond these are the 16MP CCD-based 5x rugged, waterproof DSC-TF1 and the 26x DSC-H200 superzoom.

CES 2013: Fujifilm has announced the X100S - a significantly enhanced replacement for its X100 large sensor, fixed-lens compact camera. The X100S retains its predecessor's classic styling but has been extensively re-worked inside, with a 16MP X-Trans sensor that includes on-chip phase-detection elements (a technology first utilized by Fujifilm), and a higher-resolution LCD in its Hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder. A faster 'EXR II' processor, along with the on-chip AF information help Fujifilm offer what it says is the world's fastest AF. The X100S backs-up its rangefinder-esque looks with a digital split-image manual focus system, allowing fast manual focusing. A great many fine details of the camera have also been enhanced - we look in greater detail in our hands-on preview article.

CES 2013: Fujifilm has announced the X20 - a substantially upgraded re-working of its high-end enthusiast compact. The biggest changes over the X10 are the adoption of the X-Trans color filter pattern from the company's mirrorless cameras, along with an LCD added to the optical viewfinder to allow shooting information to be overlaid. A faster processor and on-chip phase detection elements promise fast focusing while the addition of a 'Q' quick-menu button should also improve the camera's usability.

CES 2013: Fujifilm has announced the 16MP FinePix HS50EXR, its new flagship superzoom camera. The HS50 features a 42x 24-1000mm (equiv.) optical zoom lens and a new EXR CMOS II sensor. A 3" articulated rear LCD complements the camera's built-in 920k dot electronic viewfinder. The HS50 records 1080p60 video alongside stereo audio. An 'Intelligent' hybrid autofocus system allows for automatic switching between contrast and phase-detection AF operation. Burst modes as high as 11 fps are possible in full resolution mode. A more affordable HS35EXR has also been announced, which features an earlier version sensor, 30x optical zoom and 1080p30 video recording.

CES 2013: Fujifilm has announced the FinePix SL1000, a 50x superzoom camera. The 16MP SL1000 features a 24-1200mm (equiv.) optical zoom lens and a newly developed image stabilization system. In addition to the exceptionally wide focal length range, the lens can focus as close 1cm (.39 inches). A 3" articulated rear LCD complements the camera's built-in 920k dot electronic viewfinder. The camera is capable of burst rates of up to 10fps at full resolution. The SL1000 records 1080i60 video alongside stereo audio.

CES 2013: Fujifilm has announced the FinePix XP60, the latest addition to its rugged waterproof line of compact cameras. The 16MP XP60 is waterproof down to 6m (20 feet), has a 5x optical zoom lens, image stabilization and can record 1080i60 video. A dedicated 'burst mode' button offers up to 10fps at full resolution. The camera also comes with a sweep panorama mode as well as several effects filters. The XP60 will be available in March.

CES 2013: Fujifilm has launched three mid-range superzoom cameras - the 46x S8500, the 42x S8300 and the 40x S8200, all based around otherwise similar specifications. The Europe-only S8500 offers a 24-1104mm equivalent range, while the North America-only S8300 has to make do with a 24-1008mm equivalent range. Meanwhile the S8200, available in all territories, gets a 24-960mm equiv zoom. All three models share a 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor and 460k dot rear screen.

CES 2013: Fujifilm has announced the FinePix T550, its latest compact travel zoom camera. The T550 has a 16MP CCD sensor, features a 12x 24-288mm (equiv.) optical zoom lens, image stabilization and 1280 x 720 video. The camera also comes with a sweep panorama mode as well as several effects filters. In the UK Fujifilm is releasing the T500, which is identical aside from a 2.7-inch versus 3.0-inch rear LCD panel.

CES 2013: Panasonic has announced the Lumix DMC-ZS30 (TZ40 in Europe) and ZS25 (TZ35 in Europe) compact superzoom cameras. The higher specified ZS30 features a 20x optical zoom, 1080p60 video and Wi-Fi capability. The biggest new feature on offer, however is Near Field Communication (NFC), a close-proximity radio connection that the ZS30 can use to initiate a Wi-Fi connection with a compatible device simply by tapping the two together. The cameras will be available at the end of March in both black and white color schemes.

CES 2013: Panasonic has announced the Lumix DMC-TS5 (FT5 in Europe) and TS25 (FT25 in Europe) compact waterproof and shock-resistant 'adventure' cameras. The higher specified TS5 is waterproof at depths of up to 12m (39 feet) features a 28-128mm equiv 4.6x zoom lens, 1080p60 video and Wi-Fi capability. New on offer is Near Field Communication (NFC), a close-proximity radio connection that the camera can use to initiate a Wi-Fi connection with a compatible device simply by tapping the two together. The cameras will be available at the end of March in a range of colors.

CES 2013: Panasonic has announced the Lumix DMC-XS1 compact camera. The 16MP XS1 body is only 14mm thick, sports a 24mm (equiv.) 5x optical zoom lens and includes the company's MEGA O.I.S image stabilization system. Panasonic has also announced the Lumix DMC-FH10 and F5 compact cameras. The FH10 provides the functionality of the XS1 (minus the Creative Control filters) in a larger camera body, while the entry-level F5 uses a slightly smaller-resolution 14MP sensor. All three cameras will be available at the end of March.

CES 2013: Panasonic has announced the Lumix DMC-SZ3 compact camera. The 16MP CCD sensor SZ3 sports a 25mm (equiv.) LEICA DC 10x optical zoom lens and offers a 10fps burst mode. The camera records 1280 x 720 video and offers 14 creative shooting modes. The SZ3 will be available at the end of March in black, blue and white color options. A CMOS variant, the SZ9, will be released in European markets.

CES 2013: Panasonic has introduced the DMC-LZ30, a 35x superzoom offering a 25-875mm equivalent zoom range, based around a 16MP sensor. The LZ30 features a large, 3.0", 460k dot LCD and uses a CCD sensor, restricting it to 720p HD video output. In common with most of the cameras being launched at CES, it features a resolution-boosting extra zoom mode, HDR, panorama function and a choice of pre- and post-shot creative effects.

CES 2013: Panasonic has announced the lifestyle-oriented HX-A100 'wearable' camcorder. The video camera includes an 'Earthhook' which allows for hands-free video recording. HD video can be captured at 1920 x 1080 at 60 fps. Wi-Fi connectivity allows for live streaming on Ustream and you can use a smartphone or tablet to start and stop recording. The HX-A100 is also waterproof up to 1.5m (5 feet). Pricing and availability are yet to be announced.

CES 2013: Pentax has announced the MX-1 - its entry into the enthusiast compact camera sector. The MX-1 features classic styling and construction, with brass top- and base-plates. It's based around a stabilized 12MP BSI CMOS sensor and a familiar-sounding 28-112mm equivalent F1.8-2.5 lens. In addition the MX-1 features a flip-out 920k dot rear screen. It includes a top-plate exposure compensation dial and rear thumb wheel to control a UI very much like those in the company's DSLRs. We've borrowed a pre-production version of the camera and have prepared a hands-on preview article.

CES 2013: Canon has announced the PowerShot N, a compact camera designed specifically as a smartphone companion for the Instagram generation. The N is built around a tilting touch-screen, and its round-lens zoom controller and shutter release are designed to make it behave identically whether held right-way-up or upside-down. It offers a 'Creative Shot' mode that generates multiple versions of your image, so you get the shot you composed plus five alternatives with different crops and processing effects. Canon promises one-touch Wi-Fi connectivity to make it easier to upload images and video to your smartphone and the internet. To extend its capability beyond that of a smartphone, the N has a 28-224mm equivalent lens and a 12MP CMOS sensor that works with a Digic 5 processor.

CES 2013: Canon has refreshed its lineup of compact cameras with the launches of the Elph 130 IS and the PowerShots A3500 IS, A2600 and A1400. The Elph 130 IS (called the IXUS 140 in Europe), features an 8X, 28-244mm equivalent zoom in front of a 16MP CCD sensor. Although it features Wi-Fi, it does not promise the PowerShot N's one-touch convenience and uses a previous-generation Digic 4 processor. The A3500 IS is also Wi-Fi capable but features a 5x, 28-140mm equivalent, stabilized lens and the same 16MP sensor. The less expensive A2600 loses the A3500 IS's stabilization and Wi-Fi, while the AA-battery-powered A1400 gains an optical viewfinder.