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Leica unveils V-Lux 4 superzoom, D-Lux 6 compact to mirror their Panasonic counterparts
Leica has its more unique creations, but some of its more affordable cameras are usually upscale parallels to Panasonic models — and that’s undoubtedly true for the newly official (and previously leaked) V-Lux 4 and D-Lux 6, which respectively echo Panasonic’s FZ200 and LX7 shooters. We can’t object too much. That similarity gives the 12-megapixel V-Lux 4 superzoom (seen up top) a 25-600mm equivalent lens with a constant, wide f/2.8 aperture to snap bright images at long distances. The D-Lux 6, meanwhile, combines its large 1.7-inch, also 12-megapixel sensor with a 24-90mm, f/1.4-2.3 lens and that distinctive aperture control ring. What you’re really getting over the Panasonic equivalents is a subtler, all-black Leica color scheme and a copy of Adobe Lightroom 4 to manage the imminent flood of photos. Photographers who don’t mind knowing their luxury cameras’ true roots can swing by Leica dealers in November to buy either design; we don’t yet know prices, but it’s safe to assume that the V-Lux 4 and D-Lux 6 will carry premiums over their more pedestrian equivalents.
Canon adds the G15, S110 and SX50 HS to its PowerShot lineup
Canon already outed a pair of superzoom cameras prior to Photokina 2012, but it turns out the company wasn’t done adding to its PowerShot family. First, we have the PowerShot G15, which has a 28 – 140mm wide angle f/1.8 – f/2.8 lens, 12.1 megapixel sensor and Canon’s DIGIC 5 image processor. Its sensor has a max 12,800 ISO, shoots RAW stills and records 1080p video, and you can view your subjects using the optical viewfinder or the 3-inch, 922,000 dot LCD on the back. It replaces the G12 in Canon’s lineup when it goes on sale for $500 this October.
The PowerShot S110 replaces the S100, and like that camera, it’s got a 12.1-megapixel sensor, max 12,800 ISO and an f/2.0 lens. Unlike its predecessor, however, its got a 3-inch, 461,000 dot capacitive touchscreen on the back and ditched GPS in favor of WiFi. That wireless capability lets the S110 pull GPS data for geotagging from Android or iOS devices using Canon’s CameraWindow app and share photos and videos on the web. It does RAW shooting, has a 10fps burst mode and records 1080p 24fps video as well. It’ll come in both black and white versions that run $450 when it goes on sale next month.
Lastly, there’s the PowerShot SX50 HS superzoom camera. It packs a 24-1200mm, f/3.4 – f/6.5 lens and optical image stabilization to ensure clear shots even when using the camera’s full 50x zoom capability. Like the SX40 HS is replaces, it has a hotshoe and a 12.1-megapixel sensor. It has a max 6,400 ISO and like its new PowerShot mates, it has a 10fps burst mode, shoots RAW photos and 1080p video. The SX50 HS can be had in October for $480.
Sony RX1 camera leaks with full-frame sensor in compact body, laws of physics slightly bent
Here’s something you probably didn’t expect: a compact Sony camera with a full-frame sensor. While Photoprice.ca was uncovering a treasure trove of leaked press shots that include the Alpha A99 and NEX-6, it also came across images of the RX1, whose body looks borderline pocketable yet stuffs in the same kind of sensor (and likely image quality) you’d normally reserve for pro-grade models. Several extra details reveal themselves right from the start. The RX1 is carrying a 35mm, f/2.0 lens with no apparent button to detach the lens — the included glass is probably as good as it’ll get. However, the RX1 is most definitely tuned for experienced shooters, with a toggle for macro focusing as well as dedicated controls for aperture and exposure compensation. We’re also liking that there’s a pop-up flash, a standard hot shoe for accessories and three custom settings on the mode dial. The slip doesn’t include mention of a release date or a price, but talk during the A99 slip mentioned a September 12th unveiling that wouldn’t shock us if it included multiple cameras — and we would be equally unsurprised if the RX1 carried the same high price commonly associated with other full-frame bodies.
Pentax intros X-5 superzoom camera with 26x lens, tiltable LCD
We’d been worrying that Pentax would be left out of the flurry of new cameras in the run-up to Photokina. With the new X-5, there’s reason to relax. The new shooter sits at the higher end of the by-the-numbers superzoom crowd, centering most of its energy on a 26x, 22-580mm equivalent lens as well as a backside-illuminated CMOS sensor that should keep the resulting 16-megapixel photos and 1080p videos relatively clean. Most of the effort to stand out from the pack, however slightly, involves previewing pictures rather than capturing them — an electronic viewfinder and a tilting, 3-inch LCD will help perfect those macros and overhead concert shots. The X-5 won’t shake the foundations of personal photography, especially not when it’s using AA batteries for power, but hitting all those right notes at a $280 price could persuade more than a few of us to take the plunge after the September launch.
Olympus introduces Stylus SP-820UZ, SP-720UZ cameras and SZ-14 binocular bundle
Thought Olympus only made one camera named after a writing implement? Meet the Stylus SP-820UZ, announced alongside the less romantically titled SP-720UZ and the SZ-14 DX bundle. The Stylus (the only one we’re expecting to see in the US) comes with a 14-megapixel CMOS tied to the same image engine you’ll find inside the company’s desirable PEN series. It’s ideal for crazy cat people, since it comes with a Pet-face detection mode to ensure your hilarious cheezburger submissions are perfectly focused, and it’s even got a series of magic filters to jazz ‘em up further. The snapper uses AA batteries (a genius or insane move, depending on how cheaply you can pick ‘em up at the store) and will arrive in September.
Meanwhile, the SP-720UZ includes a 26x optical lens perched in front of a 14-megapixel sensor with HDR backlit correction and high-speed shooting. The company’s also outing the “Big Telephoto Set,” combining a SZ-14 compact camera with a pair of binoculars for those who want to drag along a spotter. Both sets will be available in August, though Olympus has only confirmed US availability for the 820UZ, which is expected to retail for $330 in silver and black.
Nikon intros flagship Coolpix P7700 for prosumers, diminutive Coolpix S01 for fashionistas
In a bid to give Canon’s PowerShot G1 X a run for its money, Nikon is pulling out every stop it knows with the introduction of the Coolpix P7700. It’s a decidedly prosumer model, priced at a buck under $500 and equipped with a 1/1.7-inch 12.2 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, 7.1x zoom lens (with a maximum aperture of f/2), 1080p movie mode, Lens-Shift Vibration Reduction and full manual control for those who abhor automatic captures. On the opposite side of the spectrum, there’s the $179 Coolpix S01 — a bantam P&S camera that’s bound to snake its way into stockings this holiday season. Specs-wise, it’s packing a 2.5-inch touchpanel, electronic VR, a 10 megapixel CCD sensor, built-in flash and a stainless exterior that measures just 3.1- x 2.1- x 0.7-inches. It’ll ship alongside the P7700 this September, but it’s on you to pick between the red, silver, white and pink color options. The full releases are embedded after the break.
Fujifilm unwraps FinePix F800EXR camera with wireless sharing to Android, iOS
If your company doesn’t have a camera with WiFi sharing somewhere in your lineup, many will say you’re not even in the photography game. Fujifilm is definitely playing: welcome the FinePix F800EXR, its first camera with wireless sharing as part and parcel of the experience. Its centerpiece is a free Photo Receiver app for Android and iOS devices that will catch as many 30 images at a time from an ad hoc WiFi camera link. The matching (if unceremoniously named) Camera Application can return the gesture by geotagging shots as well as finding existing photos on the map. Fujifilm will even pre-Instagram the photos through six new on-camera filters for those who can’t stand posting images online without at least some Lomo or tilt-shift effects thrown in.
As for the actual camera part of the camera, Fujifilm is keeping afloat in the competitive waters with a 16-megapixel, CMOS-based EXR sensor that can widen the dynamic range or lower the noise if sheer resolution isn’t all that vital. An equally noteworthy 20x (25-500mm equivalent) lens out in front will zoom in a lot closer than any phone camera — well, most of them. We’re otherwise looking at the technology we’d expect in a point-and-shoot of this class, such as full-resolution burst shooting at up to eight frames per second, 1080p video and a RAW mode for image quality sticklers. Stores should have the F800EXR in August for about $350, or about as much as the Galaxy Nexus that just might serve as its companion.
Samsung EX2F point-and-shoot with f/1.4 lens hands-on (video)
We’ve been generally unimpressed with the latest round of basic point-and-shoots, including those from Samsung’s mid-range Smart series, but we do tend to take heed whenever a manufacturer opts to focus on optics rather than bumping up the megapixel count to boost sticker appeal. Compared to sub-$200 shooters, there’s a fairly limited market for $549 pocketable models — a price point that often prompts would-be owners to dig beyond superficial specs in search of full manual control, solid high-ISO performance, fast focusing and a lens that enables both low-light shooting and shallow depth of field. Samsung’s EX2F appears to fit the bill, offering a 12.4-megapixel 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor, a top extended ISO setting of 12,800, a 3-inch VGA-res AMOLED display and — the crown jewel — an f/1.4-2.7, 24-79mm lens. That optic delivers an additional one 2/3 stop of sensitivity over the EX2F’s predecessor, the two-year-old TL500. Other advantages include a lighter magnesium alloy body, an NX power pin-enabled hot shoe for adding an external mic or flash, and a new micro-USB trigger cable.
Samsung upstages Sony with f/1.4-equipped EX2F point-and-shoot for $549
Samsung’s been flaunting its WiFi-equipped Smart cameras throughout the last year, but with a generally significant tradeoff in image quality, we haven’t been terribly impressed. The EX2F, however, is a model we’re finally eager to get our hands on. This 12.4-megapixel CMOS shooter packs an f/1.4-2.7 lens — quite a feat for any point-and-shoot — along with a full-size hot shoe, dual image stabilization, a top ISO setting of 12,800 (extended), a 24-79mm 3.3x lens and a 3-inch swivel VGA-resolution AMOLED display. That’s in addition to the full manual shooting mode, RAW option, 1080/30p HD video capture and the standard plethora of WiFi options, including Remote Viewfinder and Auto Backup. Accessory add-ons include an optical viewfinder, external mic and a secondary flash (a smaller pop-up model is built-in, and retracts when not in use). There’s no hint of pricing or availability, but with that industry-leading f/1.4 lens, pro-level features and AMOLED display, we’re certain that the EX2F won’t come cheap. Full PR is after the break.
Update: It appears that the EX2F includes a 1/1.7-inch sensor, compared to the significantly larger 1-inch sensor on the Sony RX100. Samsung has also confirmed that the camera will be priced at $549, and is scheduled to hit stores in August.
Does Samsung’s point-and-shoot departure mark an industry-wide shift to mobile?
Samsung’s CES camera lineup had a single focus across the range: wireless connectivity. The company’s flagship point-and-shoot, the 14-megapixel WB150F, boasts built-in WiFi at the very top of its feature shortlist. In fact, until you make your way to the third (and only) capture-related detail (an 18x optical zoom lens), you’d be hard-pressed to distinguish the dedicated device from some of Samsung’s other camera-equipped offerings. With its latest generation of “Smart Cameras,” the company moved to further bridge the gap between its gamut of portable devices, by bringing key smartphone features to its digital imaging line.
As it turns out, the move was simply a crutch — an opportunity to refresh models with technologies in which the company has already made significant investments. And it appears to have resulted in only a slight delay of the inevitable. We now know what to expect for Samsung’s point-and-shoots — pocketable models will step aside to make room for NX-series interchangeable lens cameras, and compact fans will continue to turn to Galaxy all-on-ones for their on-the-go shooting needs. Join us past the break for a closer look at how the move could impact the industry, and what the future may hold for the (formerly) beloved point-and-shoot.
Canon welcomes ELPH 530 HS / 320 HS, SX260 HS and D20 to PowerShot lineup
Alongside the new additions to Canon’s A-Series of digital cameras, the company is also giving more demanding consumers a similar outpouring of love with four additional shooters in the PowerShot family, which sport a diverse array of features such as WiFi connectivity, 20x optical zoom and rugged designs. Leading the charge for the ELPH lineup is the 530 HS. Along with the 320 HS, it features the ability to wirelessly upload images to Canon’s online portal, where users may then post their latest captures to Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. The ELPH 530 HS features a 12x optical zoom lens paired with a 10 megapixel sensor and is expected to retail for $349 in April. Meanwhile, the 320 HS delivers a 5x optical zoom lens and a 16.1 megapixel sensor. It’ll carry a $280 price tag and is set to hit stores in March. Both ELPH models feature Canon’s DIGIC 5 image processor, capture 1080p video and include a 3.2-inch LCD touchscreen.
Those who roll Rear Window style may want to check out Canon’s new SX260 HS, which packs a 25mm wide-angle lens that boasts up to 20x optical zoom. Like the latest ELPH’s, it also offers the DIGIC 5 processor and captures 1080p video. Unique to the SX260 HS, it features GPS for location tagging and a burst shooting mode that captures a continuous 10.3 frames per second. It’ll be available in March for $349 and is set to come in black, green and red finishes. Lastly, the D20 offers up a few ruggedized features for outdoor enthusiasts. It features underwater shooting abilities (including a specific macro mode), and is also said to be shock-proof and freeze-proof — no mention of it tolerating heat, though. The D20 incorporates a 12.1 megapixel sensor, captures 1080p video and features a 5x optical zoom lens. It also offers GPS, but unlike the other cameras here, it uses the DIGIC 4 image processor. If you’re considering the D20 for your next adventure, it’ll be available in May for $349. You’ll discover more about these four additions in the PR, after the break.
Canon unveils new PowerShot A-Series cameras, brings image stabilization to its entry-level
Thought Canon was done with the point-and-shoot updates after refreshing its ELPH lineup last month? Think again, as the company is updating its PowerShot A-Series shooters with six new models in a variety of colors. All the cameras pack a 16-megapixel sensor, 28mm wide angle lens and can take 720p video. First up is the A4000 IS, which brings image stabilization, 8X optical zoom and a 3-inch LCD for $200 later this month. The A3400 IS and A2400 IS make their debuts in March, and bring the same image stabilization as the 4000, but have a lesser 5X optical zoom. Additionally, the 3400 packs a 3-inch touchscreen LCD and costs $180, while the 2400 gets a smaller non-touchscreen 2.7-inch LCD and retails for $150. Meanwhile, the A2300 has the same specs as the 2400, minus the image stabilization, and will cost ten bucks less than its brother when it drops next month. Finally, the PowerShot A1300 and A810 each come with 5X optical zoom and a 2.7-inch LCD when they debut in April, with the A810 priced at $110 and the A1300 available for $120.
Nikon outs new Coolpix trio: L810 with 26x zoom, waterproof S30 and Intelligent Auto L26
Point-and-shoot refreshes may not get you all hot and bothered like some new, networked DSLRs might, but Nikon’s doing its best to reinvigorate the category. Announced today, the new line of Coolpix digital cameras crams an assortment of dedicated features — Intelligent Auto, ultra-zoom and ruggedization — into a spread of budget-friendly, 720p HD-capable offerings. The leader of this updated bunch, the L810, combines a 26x (22.5mm-585mm) lens, 19 exposure settings and a 3-inch LCD screen with VR image stabilization for users who want to get up close and personal without compromising detail. While the bar-lowering L26 makes the art of imaging a bit simpler and removes that pesky need for photographic know-how, capturing pictures using a 5x Zoom-NIKKOR lens in tandem with its array of automatically-selected scene modes. And for the accident prone amongst you amateur Ansel Adamses, the company’s S30 packs a 10.1MP sensor and 3x wide angle lens into a drop-resistant, waterproof shell. These three digital imaging amigos are available starting this February in an assortment of colors, with the L810 retailing for $280 and its category siblings pegged for $120 each. Head on past the break to peruse the official presser and get the lowdown on the extended feature set.
Nikon adds Coolpix S9300, S6300, S4300 and S3300 to point-and-shoot lineup
It’s not been all that long since Nikon last augmented its Coolpix S-series, and now the camera maker’s at it again, adding another four to the point-and-shoot range. Starting at the bottom end is the S3300, which definitely keeps things simple: 16 megapixels, 6x zoom, 19 picture modes and 720p is what you’ll get for the $140 asking price. An extra $30 lands you the S4300, which adds touchscreen control. Stepping up the ladder, we have the S6300 at $200, which includes a 16 megapixel CMOS sensor, 10x zoom and an Easy Panorama mode for those 180- and 360-degree vistas. Video also jumps up a notch to a full 1080p. Assuming a $350 price tag doesn’t seem too lofty, you might like the S9300 — it has the same 16 megapixel CMOS sensor as the S6300, but also throws in GPS for geotagging, and a generous 18x zoom, giving it a 25-450mm range. There’s a limited range of colors for each model, and availability is pegged for February, but hit the PR after the break if you want the full rundown.
Nikon unveils Coolpix P510 42x superzoom, P310 with f/1.8 lens
Those of you seeking a more-pocketable P-series may want to consider the Coolpix P310, which offers the same 16.1 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, a 921k-pixel 3-inch LCD, a native sensitivity range of ISO 100-3200 (Hi1 of ISO 6400) and a 4.2x 24-100mm f/1.8 (maximum) optically stabilized zoom lens. As Nikon’s high-end pocketable model, the P310 offers advanced exposure modes, including program, shutter- and aperture-priority, along with a full manual mode. There’s also 1080/30p video capture with stereo sound and in-camera editing. Both cameras will be available in February, with the Coolpix P510 shipping in black and red for $430 and the black-only P310 running you $330. Oh, and don’t forget about that plenary P-PR past the break.
Panasonic adds Lumix DMC-TS4 and DMC-TS20 to ruggedized camera line
Panasonic has helped lead the market for ruggedized cameras, which have been a hit among adventurous photographers for years, and now the company has two new additions to add to its water/shock/freeze/dustproof cam line. Described as “the optical outdoor companion,” the Lumix DMC-TS4 is Panasonic’s new ruggedized flagship, replacing the TS3 and packing a 12.1 megapixel CCD sensor, 1080/60i HD video capture, a 4.6x 28-128mm optical zoom lens and 2.7-inch LCD. Naturally, it can withstand just about everything you’ll throw its way, considering that it’s waterproof to depths of 40 feet, shockproof to 6.6 feet and freezeproof to temps as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit. The TS4 also includes GPS, compass, altimeter and barometer functionality, logging all this data to supplement your photos with a full weather and location readout. Panasonic has also added full manual control, letting you adjust both aperture and shutter speed when shooting in manual mode.
The TS4 may offer a respectable spec list, but it doesn’t come cheap. The TS20 is an attractive alliterative, however, with a slim profile, 16.1 megapixel sensor, 720p HD shooting, a 4x 25-100mm optically stabilized zoom lens and a 2.7-inch LCD. It’s waterproof to 16 feet, freezeproof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit and can survive drops from up to five feet. There’s no manual option on this lower-end model, but it does include Panasonic’s Intelligent Auto mode for more accurate shooting. The TS20 will ship in late-February in orange, blue, black and red for $180, while the flagship TS4 will be available in orange, blue, black and silver for $400 when it ships in mid-March. You’ll find both press releases after the break.
Panasonic’s Lumix line gets a lot more crowded
Panasonic’s Lumix line is celebrating a whole bunch of new entries this week at CES. The FH series is expanding with two new slim additions, the DMC-FH6 and DMC-FH8. Both models do 720p video at 30 fps and rock Leica lenses and 5x optical zoom. The 16.1 megapixel FH8 has a three-inch LCD and shoots HD videos in MP4. The 14.1 megapixel F6 captures HD video in JPEG format and features a 2.7-inch display. Both new entries in the SZ series, meanwhile, feature 10x optical zoom, three-inch LCDs and 25mm ultra-wide angle Leica lenses. The SZ7 does 14.1 megapixel images and 1080p video, while the SZ1 goes 14.1 megapixels and 720p on the video front.
Also debuting this week is the LUMIX DMC-S2, a 14.1 megapixel compact shooter with 4x optical zoom and 720p video capabilities. The point-and-shoot also features Panasonic’s panoramic mode for stitching together images and auto retouch to adjust contrast and brightness in photos on the fly. As for pricing and availability? Not so much. Panasonic has promised such things a month prior to release — whenever that might be. Lots of pertinent press info after the break.
Canon PowerShot G1 X first hands-on (video)
This week, Canon reinforced its commitment to not producing a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera by launching the PowerShot G1 X. The company’s latest G-series camera is by far the most powerful, and most expensive model, ringing up at $799.99 — approaching (and in some cases exceeding) DSLR territory. Its pricing and spec list imply that the G1 X could be a DSLR competitor, but is it? No, not by a long shot. Instead, the company’s most powerful compact cam is designed to be a companion to cameras in Canon’s DSLR line, acting as a second, third or fourth shooter to professional photographers. The G1 X includes a 1.5-inch (18.7 x 14mm) 14.3 megapixel sensor — which puts it in almost the same class as APS-C models, but with a fixed 4x, 28-112mm optical zoom lens and a compact camera form factor, it’s a completely different beast. So is the G1 X able to justify its nearly $800 price tag? Join us past the break to find out.
Canon unveils PowerShot G1 X: huge 14.3 megapixel sensor, 12,800 ISO, $800 price tag (updated)
You were expecting Canon to announce a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, weren’t you? Well, we’re not getting that today — if ever. Instead, Canon has introduced a large sensor model to its PowerShot G-series of cameras. The G1 X joins (but doesn’t replace) the G12, which previously held the title as the company’s largest point-and-shoot. While the camera itself is not any smaller, the G1 X’s 1.5-inch 14.3 megapixel CMOS sensor is what really makes it unique, offering a sensor size nearly as large as the APS-C found in larger mirrorless models and many full-size DSLRs. Larger sensors require larger lenses and therefore larger body sizes, but for professional and advanced amateur photographers, the benefits typically outweigh the inconvenience associated with carrying a bulkier model.
With a large 1.5-inch (18.7 x 14mm) sensor, the Canon G1 X should theoretically be able to capture higher quality images in low light (with sensitivity boosted to ISO 12,800), and with more shallow depth of field — the 4x 28mm lens has an aperture range of f/2.8-16, making it ideal for everything from sports action to landscape shoots. The “EOS-like” feature set includes 1080p video, 14-bit RAW and JPEG capture and full compatibility with Speedlite flashes and other accessories. A 3-inch 922k-dot LCD is on the rear with full tilt and swivel, and a mode dial up top provides direct access to shooting modes, including full manual. The G1 X is scheduled to ship in February for $799.99, but check back here next week for the hands-on, live from the show floor at CES.q
Fujifilm opens the FinePix camera floodgates ahead of CES
Fujifilm knows that you’re almost certainly going through gadget withdrawal in these days and hours leading up to CES, so it’s unleashing not one, but ten FinePix cameras for your pointing-and-shooting pleasure. It’s a long list, so get comfortable. Let’s start with the JX580, which will offer up 16 megapixels, 5x optical zoom and a three-inch LCD for $119, when it drops in February. The JX500 will be hitting the same month for $99, bringing 14 megapixels, 5x optical zoom and a 2.7-inch LCD. The AX550 brings 16 megapixels and 5x optical zoom. It’ll be hitting in March for $89. All three slim cameras feature intelligent flash, tracking auto focus and scene recognition auto.
And what of the FinePix JZ250 and JZ100? We’re glad you asked. The JZ250 brings a 16 megapixel sensor, 8x optical zoom and a newly brightened three-inch LCD to the table, while the JZ100 rocks 14 megapixels, 8x optical zoom and a 2.7-inch LCD. Both can shoot movies in 720p and will hit retail in March for $149 and $129, respectively. The T400 and T350 both offer up Scene Recognition Auto, face detection and Motion Panorama Mode, as well as 10x optical zoom and three-inch LCDs. The T400 does 16 megapixels and the T350 tops out at 14. They’ll run $179 and $159 when they’re released in March.
The FinePix XP150 and XP100 do the rugged thing, shockproof, freezeproof, dustproof and waterproof to 33 feet. The XP50, meanwhile, is also durable — albeit slightly less so. All three cameras shoot 1080p video and have dual image stabilization and tracking autofocus. The XP150 also brings GPS and geo-tagging to the table. The three cameras will hit in March for $279, $259 and $199. Full PR after the break.
