Nikon D800E
Boasting a 36-megapixel FX format sensor, the Nikon D800E is currently the highest-resolution “35mm size” digital SLR camera in the world. The D800E employs an optical filter with the anti-aliasing properties removed, producing sharper images than the standard D800 model, but at the risk of increased moiré and colour aliasing. In all other aspects the D800E and the D800 are identical. As a successor to the venerable and deservedly popular D700, the Nikon D800E offers a similarly rugged, weather sealed magnesium-alloy body and a broadly similar control layout; and adds an all-new high-resolution imager, a new viewfinder with 100% frame coverage, an upgraded Multi-CAM 3500FX auto focus module, an all-new metering sensor, a revamped Live View mode and Full HD movie recording capabilities including the ability to stream uncompressed video to an external recorder via HDMI. Other highlights include the addition of a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port, microphone and headphone jacks, dual CF/SD memory card slots, an intelligent self-diagnostic shutter rated for 200.000 actuations, a user configurable Exposure Delay Mode, a dual-axis Virtual Horizon, a 3.2” rear display and in-camera HDR exposure blending. As of writing, the Nikon D800E is available body-only for £2899.99 / €3171 / $3299.95. Sony A57
The Sony A57 is a new interchangeable lens camera that uses Sony’s unique Translucent Mirror Technology to offer high-speed shooting and a smaller body size. The 16.1 megapixel A57 features 12fps burst shooting, full HD 50p video with control over exposure and continuous autofocusing, 15-point phase-detection autofocus system with 3 cross sensors, ISO range of 100-16000, a 3-inch free-angle LCD screen, a high-resolution Tru-Finder (Electronic Viewfinder) with 100% coverage, 3D Sweep Panoramas, Auto HDR and Multi-frame Noise Reduction. Compared to a conventional DSLR camera, Translucent Mirror Technology utilises a fixed, translucent mirror that splits the optical pathway between the main image sensor and a separate phase-detection autofocus sensor, and offers a simplified mechanical design that enables the camera to be smaller. The Sony A57 costs $700 in the US and £679 in the UK for the body and the 18-55mm zoom lens. Nikon D3200
The Nikon D3200 is an entry-level digital SLR camera boasting a newly designed 24.2 megapixel DX format APS-C sensor and the same EXPEED 3 processor as the flagship D4 DSLR. The D3200 also boasts a 3 inch 921k-dot LCD monitor, one-touch full 1080p HD video recording with autofocus, quick-access Live View mode, ISO range of 100-12800, 11-point autofocus system, 4fps continuous shooting and the latest-generation interactive Guide Mode. The Nikon D3200 is available in black or red priced at £559.99 / €667.00 body only and £649.99 / €775.00 / $699.95 with the Nikkor 18-55mm VR lens.
Nikon Coolpix P510
The Nikon Coolpix P510 is a new super-zoom compact camera designed to appeal to the keen enthusiast photographer. The P510 has a mechanically-stabilized 42x optical zoom with a massive focal range of 24-1000mm and an innovative side zoom control. It also offers a 1/2.3” Back Side Illuminated CMOS sensor with 16.1 megapixels, sensitivity range of ISO 100 to 6400, full 1080p HD video recording with stereo sound, slow-motion video at up to 120fps, manual shooting modes, burst shooting at seven frames per second, 99-point autofocus system, 3D shooting mode, built-in GPS and a 3-inch 921K-dot tiltable LCD screen. The Nikon Coolpix P510 is available in black, blue or red for £399.99 / $429.95 / €471.00. Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ30
The Lumix DMC-TZ30 (also known as the DMC-ZS20 in the USA) is Panasonic’s premium travel-zoom compact camera, featuring a 20x 24-480mm lens, 14.1 megapixel high sensitivity MOS sensor, 1080p Full HD movies at 50/60fps, 3 inch touch-sensitive LCD screen and fast burst shooting at 10fps with continuous auto-focus. The TZ30 offers a 23-point multi-area autofocus system, A, S and M exposure modes, Intelligent Auto and a variety of scene modes, Intelligent Resolution function which digitally boosts the zoom ratio to 40x, 3D still images, and Creative Controls, HDR, Panorama Shot, Creative Retouch and Auto Retouch modes. An upgraded Light Speed auto-focus system, Venus Engine VI processor, and the POWER O.I.S. anti-shake system complete the headline specifications. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ30 / ZS20 is available in black, brown, red, white and silver for £349.99 / $349.99. Fujifilm FinePix SL300
The Fujifilm FinePix SL300 is a chunky DSLR-style compact digital camera aimed at the type of user that is venturing timidly into superzoom territory but still likes the familiarity of a standard compact. The SL300 features a 14 megapixel CCD sensor with sensor-shift image stabilisation, a massive 30x optical zoom with a focal range of 24-720mm, 720p HD video at 30fps, a 3 inch 460k dot LCD screen, faster start-up, improved auto-focus speed and an upgraded response time. Priced at $299.99 / £279.95, the new Fujifilm FinePix SL300 is available in black. Canon PowerShot SX260 HS
The Canon PowerShot SX260 HS camera is a new travel-zoom camera that replaces the SX230 HS model. There’s a longer 20x, 25-500mm optical zoom lens with a built-in 4-stop image stabilizer and Intelligent IS technology, 12.1 megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor, 3 inch LCD screen with 460k-dot resolution, DIGIC 5 image processing engine, full 1080p HD Movie Mode with stereo sound and an HDMI output, and a Smart Auto mode with Scene Detection Technology and an Easy mode for beginners. The Canon SX260 HS also offers built-in GPS with included Map Utility software and GPS logger function (the only difference between the SX260 and cheaper SX240 model), a full range of manual exposure modes for more experienced photographers, fast 10.3fps burst shooting at full 12 megapixel resolution, Face Identification, a range of Creative Filters and a 240fps Super Slow Motion Movie mode. The Canon PowerShot SX260 is priced at £329 / $349.99 / €379.00 and is available in silver, black, red or green. Nikon D4
The Nikon D4 is a new professional-grade digital SLR camera with a sixteen-megapixel FX sensor, EXPEED 3 processing engine, upgraded Multi-CAM 3500FX auto-focus module, a brand new 91,000-pixel RGB metering sensor and a weather-sealed magnesium alloy body. Capable of recording 1080p Full HD movies at 24/25/30fps as well as 720p HD footage at up to 60 frames per second, the Nikon D4 comes with microphone and headphone jacks and an HDMI port that allows for the streaming of uncompressed video to an external recorder or monitor. Other highlights include a Kevlar reinforced shutter rated for 400,000 actuations, the ability to shoot full-resolution stills at up to 11fps, an expanded buffer, dual CF and XQD memory card slots, two ergonomically placed rear joysticks for quick AF point selection, two different LiveView capture modes, in-camera HDR exposure blending, a user configurable Exposure Delay Mode, a dual-axis Virtual Horizon, a 3.2” rear display and a new focusing screen. Powered by a newly developed EN-EL18 battery and outfitted with an Ethernet port, the Nikon D4 even allows you to assign it to its own IP address and operate it from a distance via a Web browser interface, using a PC, tablet or smartphone. As of writing, the Nikon D4 is available body-only for £5,289.00/$5,999.95 in the UK and US, respectively. Olympus OM-D E-M5
The E-M5 is the new flagship Micro Four Thirds compact system camera from Olympus. The first in a brand new range of cameras dubbed OM-D, the E-M5 is a classically styled 16.1 megapixel model that offers the world’s fastest auto-focus system and the world’s first 5-axis image stabilisation system. Other key features of the Olympus OM-D EM-5 include a dust- and splash- proof magnesium-alloy body, 1.44-million-dot electronic viewfinder, 3 inch articulated OLED touchscreen, 9 frames per second burst shooting, full 1080p video, and a sensitivity range of ISO 200-25600. In the UK the Olympus OM-D is available in silver or black as a kit with the M.Zuiko DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 lens for £1149.99, and in the US it costs $999 body only or $1099 with the 12-50mm lens. Olympus SP-620UZ
The Olympus SP-620UZ is the successor to last year’s SP-610UZ camera, sporting a 16-megapixel CCD sensor and a 21x ultra-zoom lens. Also on board is Olympus’ sensor-shift image stabilisation system, TruePic III+ image processor, a range of Magic Filters and a feature that allows the SP-620UZ to combine two separate photos into a single 3D image stored in MPO format. The new model carries over the 720p HD video recording functionality that was already present in its predecessor, and also has a mini HDMI port that allows users to hook the camera up to an HDTV via an optional HDMI cable. Powered by 4 AA batteries, the Olympus SP-620UZ is an affordable entry into the world of superzoom cameras, priced at £179 / €189 / $199 in the UK, Europe and the US, respectively. Ricoh GXR A16 24-85mm
The Ricoh A16 24-85mm is the latest camera unit for the Ricoh GXR camera system, which combines the lens and sensor into a single interchangeable unit. The new A16 24-85mm module combines a 24-85mm lens f3.5-5.5 with a 9-group, 11-element configuration and a 16 megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor. It simply slides into and out of the front of the GXR body, with virtually all of the features of the camera body available for any of the five units that are now available. The Ricoh GXR A16 24-85mm module additionally offers an ISO range of 100-3200, Smooth Imaging Engine IV processor, dynamic range compensation, ISO bracketing, an improved two-axis electronic level gauge and two different manual focusing aids. The Ricoh GXR A16 24-85mm camera unit costs £449.99 / $599.
Samsung DV300F
The Samsung DV300F is a 16 megapixel compact camera featuring a 1.5-inch front LCD screen display for easier self-portaits and built-in Wi-fi connectivity. The DV300F also offers a 5x optical zoom lens with 25mm wide-angle setting and maximum aperture of F2.5, dual image stabilisation, 720p HD video recording at 30 frames-per-second, 3 inch rear LCD screen, a wide range of special effects, and the intelligent Smart Auto feature which automatically adjusts the camera’s settings. The Samsung DV300F is available in black, dark grey with a red back or dark grey with a blue back, priced at £179.99 / $199.99. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V
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The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V is a feature-packed super-zoom camera, offering a 30x, 27-810mm zoom lens, 18.2 megapixel back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor, built-in GPS tracking complete with a compass, 1920x1080 50p Full HD video recording with stereo sound and HDMI output, and 3D Sweep Panoramas and 3D Still Images. Other key features of the well-appointed Sony HX200V include high-speed autofocusing (0.13 seconds), a tilting 3 inch LCD screen with 921,000-dots, 10fps burst shooting mode at full resolution, ISO range of 100-12800, Optical SteadyShot with Active Mode which cuts camera-shake while you’re shooting handheld HD video, Intelligent Auto Plus, Superior Auto, Program and full Manual shooting modes, a range of Picture Effects and and support for both Memory Stick PRO Duo and Secure Digital cards. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V is available in black for £479.00 / $479.99. Fujifilm X-S1
The Fujifilm X-S1 is a new super-zoom bridge camera. Looking and handling like a DSLR, the Fujifilm X-S1 boasts a 26x zoom lens which covers a 35mm equivalent focal range of 24-624mm and has a maximum aperture of f/2.8. The lens also features mechanical image stabilisation, twist-barrel manual zoom and focusing controls, and a minimum focusing distance of 1cm in super macro mode. Other highlights of the X-S1 include a large 2/3-inch 12-megapixel EXR CMOS sensor, a 3-inch tilting LCD monitor, electronic viewfinder with 1.44 million pixels and eye-sensor for automatic switching, full 1080p HD movie recording with stereo sound, ISO range of 100-12800, High Speed movie capture at up to 200fps, continuous shooting at 7fps at full resolution or 10fps at six megapixels, 0.01 sec shutter lag, full PASM manual controls and support for the RAW file format. The Fujifilm X-S1 is available now for £699.99 / $799.99 in the UK / US respectively. Canon EOS 1100D
The Canon EOS 1100D (also known as the Digital Rebel T3) is the new entry-level model in Canon’s extensive range of digital SLR cameras, replacing the 3 year old 1000D model. Aimed at first-time DSLR users, the 1100D inherits features from both the equally new and more expensive EOS 600D and the previous 1000D. It has a 12 megapixel CMOS sensor, 2.7 inch LCD screen, 3fps continuous shooting mode, 9 autofocus points, 63-zone iFCL exposure metering, ISO 100-6400 sensitivity, on-screen Feature Guide, and 720p HD video capture.
The Canon EOS 1100D is priced at £419.99 / €499.99 body only, £459.00 / €549.00 with the non-stabilised EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III lens, £499.99 / €599.99 / $599 with the new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens, and £459.00 / €549.00 with the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III lens.
For the first time for an EOS camera, the 1100D is also available in 3 different colours other than black - red, silver and brown - all with the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens. The red EOS 1100D is available exclusively from Comet in early April 2011, priced at £499.00 / €599.00. The silver EOS 1100D is available exclusively from Jessops in early April 2011, priced at £499.00 / €599.00. The brown EOS 1100D is available exclusively from Harvey Norman’s in Ireland in early April 2011, priced at £499.00 / €599.00.
Pentax K-5
The Pentax K-5 is a new semi-professional DSLR camera, based around the same body design as the older K-7 and the same 16.3 megapixel image sensor as found in the Nikon D7000 and Sony A55 cameras. Key new features include a greatly expanded ISO range of 80-51200, Full HD 1080p video at 25fps, 7fps continuous shooting, upgraded 11-point SAFOX IX+ AF system with wider coverage and faster speed, improved High Dynamic Range mode, and a bigger range of in-built digital filter effects. The K-5 inherits the K-7’s dustproof, weather-resistant and cold-resistant construction, shutter designed for 100,000 releases, top shutter speed of 1/8000th second, through-the-lens optical viewfinder with 100% frame coverage and 0.92x magnification, 77-segment matrix meter, 3-inch LCD monitor with 920k dots, built-in dust removal and shake-reduction systems, Live View with Face Recognition AF, and automatic compensation of lens distortion and lateral chromatic aberrations with DA and DFA lenses. In the UK the Pentax K-5 is available in in three kits - £1199.99 with the 18-55mm WR lens, £1299.99 with the 18-55mm WR and 50-200mm WR lenses, and £1699.99 with the 18-135mm WR lens. In the US the Pentax K-5 is available body only for $1,599.95 or with the 18-55mm WR lens for $1749.95. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1
The Lumix DMC-GX1 is Panasonic’s new premium compact system camera. Marking a return to the prosumer-friendly ethos of the 2 year old GF1 model, the Panasonic GX1 features a FourThirds sized 16-megapixel Live MOS sensor, built-in pop-up flash and a 3 inch touch-sensitive LCD screen with a resolution of 460,000 dots. The DMC-GX1 also offers full HD movies at 1920 x 1080 at 60i (NTSC) / 50i (PAL) in AVCHD format with stereo sound and full-time auto-focus, 4.2fps continuous shooting, fast contrast-detect auto-focus system that can lock onto a subject in approximately 0.09 second, Venus Engine processor, RAW support and an ISO range of 160-12800. The Panasonic GX1 is available in Gunmetal Grey and Raven Black for £499.99 / $699.99 body only, £599.99 / $799.99 with the standard 14-42mm kit lens, and £729.99 / $899.99 with the new 14-42mm power-zoom lens. Samsung NX11
The Samsung NX11 is a new mirror-less compact digital camera with a large image sensor, electronic viewfinder and interchangeable lenses which is intended to bridge the gap between a small compact and large DSLR. A clear rival to the Micro Four Thirds cameras from Olympus and Panasonic, the NX-series is a proprietary rather than open standard, using the NX-mount lens system. The NX11 is a modest upgrade of last year’s NX10, with a revised handgrip, new panoramic mode, additional 1:1 and 16:9 ratios, and the incorportaion of i-Function capability, first seen on the NX100. The i-Function button on the new 18-55mm kit lens allows users to control the NX11 by scrolling through manual settings (shutter speed, aperture, EV, WB, and ISO) and using the focus ring to change the parameters for each setting. The NX11 also has a special i-Scene lens priority mode, which automatically selects scene options that are optimized for the lens currently being used. The NX11 has a 14.6 megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor, which is physically the same size as those used in entry-level DSLRs and notably larger than the MFT sensor, promising better image quality especially at higher ISO values. Styled like a mini-DSLR, the NX11 incorporates a high-resolution electronic viewfinder with eye-sensor, large 3 inch AMOLED LCD screen, built-in pop-up flash, fast contrast auto-focus system, 720p HD movies and Supersonic Dust Reduction system. The NX11 has a wide range of manual controls plus a Smart Auto function which automatically selects the best shooting mode, while the Smart Range feature captures detail in both the bright and dark areas of the picture. Available in black or silver, the Samsung NX11 retails for £549.99 / $649.99 with the 18-55mm OIS lens. Sony NEX-7
The Sony NEX-7 is a new compact system camera, the fifth model in the NEX series, that’s aimed squarely at enthusiasts. Featuring the same 24.3 megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor as the A77 and A65 SLT cameras, the NEX-7 has an eye-level XGA OLED electronic viewfinder, 25-point contrast-detect autofocus system, 1200-zone evaluative metering, 3-inch tilting LCD panel with 921,000-dot resolution, an ISO range of 100-16000 and a shutter release lag of just 0.02 seconds. The magnesium bodied NEX-7 can also capture fast-moving action at 10fps at full resolution, shoot Full HD 1920 x1080p video as high-quality AVCHD files at either 50fps or 25fps, and has an Auto-lock Accessory Shoe that supports various accessories including external flashguns and a clip-on LCD monitor. Lenses can be fitted via the E mount system, and the NEX cameras can also use regular Sony Alpha lenses via the optional LA-EA2 adapter. The NEX-7 is available body-only for £1000 / $1200 or as a kit with the Sony E 18-55mm zoom lens for £1100 / $1350. Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Announced just over 3 years since its popular predecessor, the long-awaited and much-rumoured Canon EOS 5D Mark III digital SLR camera has finally arrived. The EOS 5D Mk II was something of a break-through camera for Canon, bringing 35mm full-frame, 1080p HD video recording to a wider audience. Now the 5D Mark III is here, and although it looks very similar from the outside, there have been some major improvements on the inside. The twin headline features are the 22 megapixel, full-frame CMOS sensor, and the ability to record video at full 1080p high-definition. Other new and improved features include a 61-point auto focus system, 63-zone metering system, enhanced weather sealing, an expanded ISO range of 50-102,400, high bit-rate video compression options, larger 3.2 inch LCD screen dual CF and SD memory card slots and continuous shooting at 6 frames per second. Significantly more expensive than the 5D Mk II on launch (£2999 / €3569.99 / $3499.95), read the full review to find out if the new Canon EOS 5D Mark III is a worthy successor to the camera that it replaces. 