The 2012 U.S. Interchangeable Lens Camera Market is a new report by InfoTrends. According to this multi-client study, digital interchangeable lens cameras (DILCs, including DSLRs and CSCs) are expected to account for over 50% of total U.S. digital camera market revenue by 2016. The report explores what drives photo activity among owners of DILCs, and which services and products they use and anticipate using in the future. In addition, the study investigates their typical imaging workflows, use of cloud services and mobile devices, and adoption of connectivity solutions. For more information on The 2012 U.S. Interchangeable Lens Camera Market, end an e-mail to Matt O’Keefe at InfoTrends.

Nikon has posted firmware updates for the Nikon 1 V1 and J1 compact system cameras. Version 1.12 addresses an issue that caused some frames to be duplicated in slow-motion movies recorded at a frame rate setting of 1200fps. You can download the firmware upgrades from the websites below.

Website: Nikon 1 J1 Firmware Update 1.12
Website: Nikon 1 V1 Firmware Update 1.12

Want to see exactly what the new Samsung NX20 compact system camera looks like in the flesh?

The Samsung NX20 is a range-topping mirrorless camera with a 20.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor, SVGA EVF and a 3.0” Clear AMOLED swivel display, and a top shutter speed of 1/8000th second.

Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of the Samsung NX20 compact system camera.

Want to see exactly what the new Samsung NX210 compact system camera looks like in the flesh?

Available in black, the Samsung NX210 is a mid-range mirrorless camera with a premium metallic finish.

Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of the Samsung NX210 compact system camera.

Want to see exactly what the new Samsung NX1000 compact system camera looks like in the flesh?

The Samsung NX1000 is a new 20 megapixel entry-level mirror-less camera available in black, white and pink.

Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of the Samsung NX1000 compact system camera.

The Samsung NX20, NX210 and NX1000 are the world’s first Wi-Fi enabled compact system cameras. All three new models allow users to connect to wireless networks without any additional cards or devices. The NX20, NX210 and NX1000 also feature the same 20.3megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor as the NX200, an ISO range of 100-12800, 8fps continuous shooting, i-Function 2.0 and 1080p Full HD Stereo movie recording.

The DSLR-like NX20 incorporates both an SVGA EVF and a 3.0” Clear AMOLED swivel display, along with a top shutter speed of 1/8000th second, while the NX210 offers a 3.0” VGA AMOLED display. The entry-level NX1000 is highly portable at just over 350g with a lens, battery and memory card fitted and is available in black, white and pink.

The Samsung NX20 is priced at £899 with the new 18-55mm OIS III lens which has a metal mount, the Samsung NX210 at £749 with the same lens, and the Samsung NX1000 costs £599 with the 20-50mm OIS II lens (black and white versions). Also announced is the ED-EM10 zoom microphone which will be released in the second quarter of this year.

Olympus has posted a firmware update for the Olympus OM-D E-M5. Version 1.1 improves the performance of the body-integral image stabiliser when the camera is used in conjunction with the following regular Four Thirds lenses (mountable via an adapter): Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye, Olympus Zuiko Digital ED 18-180mm f/3.5-6.3 and Leica D Vario-Elmar 14-150mm XS. OM-D owners can upgrade their camera’s firmware via the Olympus Digital Camera Updater application.

The Fujifilm X-Pro1 (pictured) has been named “Best Professional Compact System Camera” of the year by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA). The camera has won the award in recognition of its Hybrid Multi Viewfinder, which allows users to freely switch between the OVF and the EVF, and automatically selects the OVF magnification and frame size according to the focal length of the attached lens. Additionally, the Fujifilm X-S1 has been selected for the Best Superzoom Camera Award in recognition of its capability to “achieve premium image quality throughout its focal range from wide at 24mm to super-telephoto at 624mm [in 35mm terms]”.

The Olympus E-PL3 PEN Lite has been named “Best Entry-Level Compact System Camera” by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA). The jury praised the camera’s focusing speed, image quality, body-integral image stabiliser and overall usability. Meanwhile, the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2 has won the “Best Fixed Focus CSC Lens” category.

Review: Read our in-depth review of the Olympus E-PL3
Review: Read our in-depth review of the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2 lens

The Pentax K-01 compact system camera has been selected as a Product Design 2012 winner at this year’s red dot design awards in Germany. The award – the red dot – has established itself internationally as one of the most appreciated quality seals for outstanding designs. The Pentax K-01 was selected from more than 4,500 applicants from 58 countries to win the “Entertainment Technology and Cameras” category.

This year, two Panasonic products have received accolades from the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA). The Panasonic GX1 (pictured) has been named ‘Best Advanced Compact System Camera’ of the year, while the Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm won the ‘Best Compact System Camera Expert Lens’ category. On the latter, a TIPA jury spokesperson commented: “Constructed with nine elements in eight groups, with four aspherical and two ED lenses, the Micro-4/3rds mount Lumix G 14-42mm lens is a power zoom, making it ideal for both still and especially video recording. An enhanced built-in Power O.I.S. optical image stabilisation feature aids in quality recording, and Nano Surface Coating technology results in a dramatic reduction of ghosting and flare.”

Review: Read our in-depth review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1

Sony has scooped up three TIPA awards. The Sony A65 has been named the Best Advanced DSLR of the year, the Best Expert CSC title has been awarded to the Sony NEX-7, while the new XQD memory cards have won the ‘Best Imaging Storage’ Media award. On the latter, the jury commented, “Sony’s XQD Memory Cards are made for the demanding needs of today’s pro still and DSLR videographers. Offering read/write speeds of up to 125 MB per second (currently, when used with the Nikon D4), the card can record approximately 100 raw images in continuous shooting mode.”

Review: Read our in-depth review of the Sony A65
Review: Read our in-depth review of the Sony NEX-7

Jorge Torralba, the mastermind behind the highly successful Rangefinderforum.com, ZeissImages.com and LeicaImages.com websites, has announced the launch of JustNEX.com, an online gallery dedicated to images captured with Sony NEX series cameras. Besides being a gallery, JustNEX is also an image forum.where participants can comment on and discuss the photos uploaded by members. Additionally, the website lets visitors search for photos taken with a specific lens, camera, focal length or any other combination, while the online Market allows photographers to sell equipment they no longer need.

Want to see exactly what the new Panasonic LUMIX GF5 compact system camera looks like in the flesh?

The Panasonic LUMIX GF5 is a Micro Four Thirds camera sporting a brand new 12 megapixel image sensor with an ISO range of 160-12800 and full 1080p HD video.

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of photos of the Panasonic LUMIX GF5 camera, including a side-by-side comparison with the GF3 model that it replaces.

The Panasonic LUMIX GF5 is a new compact system camera that produces DSLR image quality and HD video from an ultra-compact body. The Panasonic GF5 has a brand new high-sensitivity 12.1 megapixel Live MOS image sensor, Venus Engine VII HD2 processor, top ISO speed of 12,800, 0.09 second Auto Focus, 1080p Full HD video and with stereo sound, and an LCD touchscreen interface. The Panasonic LUMIX GF5 will be available in black and white from June for £579 with the 14-42mm X lens and £449 with the standard 14-42mm lens.

Fujifilm has teamed up with luxury British luggage manufacturer, Globe Trotter, to create a limited edition, Vulcanised Fibreboard suitcase for the Fujifilm X-Pro1. The Vulcanised Fibreboard suitcase is handmade on original Victorian machinery at the Globe-Trotter factory in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire. The case is finished with an embossed leather ‘Harrods Exclusively’ tag and brass plaque. Each of the 12 casese has handcrafted compartments to house the X-Pro1, the flash, filter and the camera’s three lenses and lens hoods: 18mm, 35mm and 60mm. The partnership between Fujifilm and Globe-Trotter coincides with the much anticipated launch of Harrods’ Technology Department. The Globe-Trotter case, including Fujifilm’s X-Pro1, lenses and accessories will be available exclusively in Harrods for £5695.

Olympus has issued firmware updates for a number of its Micro Four Thirds cameras (including the PEN E-PM1, E-PL2, E-PL3 and E-P3) as well as the Olympus E-5 Four Thirds DSLR. For all of these cameras, the firmware update improves compatibility with SDXC cards of 48GB capacity and higher. Additionally, wireless flash control using RC capable Olympus flashes has been enhanced in the case of the Olympus E-PM1 and E-PL3. You can update your camera’s firmware through the Digital Camera Updater software.

Website: Olympus Japan

Rioch have released a major firmware update for the GXR system. Version 1.50 includes the firmware for the following GXR modules:

- GXR body
- GR LENS A12 28mm F2.5
- GR LENS A12 50mm F2.5 MACRO
- GXR MOUNT A12
- RICOH LENS S10 24-72 mm F2.5-4.4 VC
- RICOH LENS P10 28-300 mm F3.5-5.6 VC

New features include 1 EV or 1/3 EV ISO settings, ISO bracketing, interval shooting, RAW only mode, and Bulb / Time shutter speed settings.

Download the Ricoh GXR 1.50 Firmware

Sony has released a firmware update for the Sony NEX-5N compact system camera. Version 1.01 improves the AF response in certain situations, enhances stability when operating the camera using the [Lens Compensation: Distortion] “Auto” and [Picture Effect] “Miniature” settings at the same time, and improves camera operations when using the [Exposure Compensation] and [Intelligent AF] settings.

Website: Sony NEX-5N Camera Firmware Update | Mac
Website: Sony NEX-5N Camera Firmware Update | Windows

The Olympus OM-D EM-5 was recently introduced to the world after internet rumours had all but spoiled the announcement. The Japanese company first showed journalists the camera in a hush-hush operation in Las Vegas earlier in the year which included being bustled into a blacked out limousine. Now, to give everyone a taste of what the OM-D EM-5 is capable of, they took us on a photo tour of Amsterdam, Holland which included a skate park, fashion studio, some free-runners, a fire breather and James Bond. The O-MD EM-5 that we got to see is still pre-production and is subject to some tweaking of the firmware before it's available in March.