We have collected the most interesting digital cameras announced at (or just before) Photokina 2012. They are not necessarily the “best” cameras out there - some of them are indisputably ground-breaking, others rather controversial - but they are all intriguing in one way or another.

This year’s Photokina is dominated by 35mm full-frame cameras, CSCs and premium compacts - no wonder that each of our top picks belongs to one of these categories. (The cameras are listed in alphabetical order.)

Canon EOS 6D

Billed as Canon’s “smallest and lightest full-frame digital SLR camera for serious photographers,” the EOS 6D features a newly designed 20.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, built-in Wi-Fi and an integrated GPS module. The camera also includes an 11-point AF array and 63-zone dual-layer iFCL metering sensor together with 1080p Full HD video capabilities. Other highlights include 14-bit analogue-to-digital conversion, a native sensitivity range of ISO 100 to ISO 25,600, and a maximum continuous shooting speed of 4.5 frames per second. With an MSRP of $2,099/£1,799, it’s also the manufacturer’s most affordable 35mm full-frame digital SLR camera to date.
Announcement | Hands-on photos | Nikon D600 comparison

Fujifilm X-E1

The Fujifilm X-E1 is a sixteen-megapixel compact system camera with a 2.36-million-dot EVF, fast auto-focus and a built-in flash. Other highlights include in-camera raw conversion, a range of film simulation modes, multiple exposure and panoramic shooting modes, a number of auto bracketing options and Full HD video recording capabilities.
Announecement | Hands-on photos

Fujifilm XF1

The Fujifilm XF1 is a 12-megapixel premium compact with a 2/3-type sensor and a 25-100mm (eq.) f/1.8-4.9 lens with Optical Image Stabilisation. The camera’s EXR-CMOS sensor features Fujifilm’s three switchable sensor modes (SN - high ISO and low noise, DR - dynamic-range priority, and HR - resolution priority) which can be selected according to the subject. The quick read time of the CMOS sensor, coupled with the high-speed EXR processor, accelerates all operations - start-up in 0.55 seconds, focus acquisition in as little as 0.16 seconds, and minimum shot-to-shot time of 0.8 seconds.
Announcement | Hands-on photos

Hasselblad Lunar

Dismissed by many as nothing but a Sony NEX-7 in drag, the 24-megapixel Hasselblad Lunar is arguably the most talked-about camera at this year’s Photokina. With a tentative price of “circa 5000 euros,” the Lunar is actually the cheapest Hasselblad digital camera by a very wide margin - but still, it’s over three times more expensive than the Fujifilm X-Pro1 and about five times the price of a NEX-7, with which it shares almost every component - including the sensor, lens mount, AF system, viewfinder and TriNavi control system. For the extra money, the Lunar offers a new, designed-in-Italy body shell complete with a Hasselblad logo and a right-hand grip that provides “unparalleled ergonomics.”
Announcement | Hands-on photos

Leica M

The new Leica M is a 24-megapixel full-frame digital rangefinder camera with Live View and Full HD video recording capabilities. This means - among other things - that Leica M users will, for the first time ever, be able to see exactly what their M lens sees prior to taking a photograph (if they so wish, that is). In Live View mode the Leica M offers a choice of two focusing aids, focus peaking and up to 10x magnified view. Furthermore, the Leica M has an accessory port that allows users to attach a bespoke external EVF to the camera - this comes in especially handy when using ultra-wide and telephoto lenses as well as Leica-R lenses mounted via the new Leica R-Adapter M.
Announcement | Hands-on photos

Nikon D600

The D600 is Nikon’s lightest and most affordable FX format digital SLR camera to date, featuring a 24.3-megapixel sensor, newly developed Multi-CAM4800 39-point AF system, 14-bit analogue-to-digital conversion.and a glass prism optical viewfinder with 100% frame coverage. Other highlights include a shutter unit designed for 150,000 actuations, dual SD card slots with SDXC and UHS-I support; a dual-axis virtual horizon; in camera HDR exposure blending; and a Multi-area D-Movie mode offering Full HD video capture at a variety of frame rates and the ability to output an uncompressed live video stream at 1080p to external recorders.
Announcement | Detailed hands-on preview | Hands-on photos | Canon 6D comparison

Panasonic Lumix GH3

The Panasonic GH3 is a dust- and splashproof Micro Four Thirds camera with a new 16.05-megapixel Live MOS sensor, three-inch OLED screen, built-in Wi-Fi, 1080 50p Full HD recording in a range of video file formats, and sockets for professional-grade equipment. Aimed at both photographers and professional filmmakers, the new Lumix GH3 allows users to capture AVCHD video with a bitrate of 28 Mbps or MOV1 movies with 72Mbps in ALL-I. For still photography, the Panasonic GH3 offers burst shooting of up to 6fps at 16 megapixels and up to 20fps in 4-megapixel mode, plus a 1,744K OLED EVF and a sync socket for studio lighting rigs. Like the G5, the Panasonic Lumix GH3 features a completely silent electronic shutter in addition to a conventional focal-plane shutter.
Announcement | Hands-on photos

Sony Alpha SLT-A99

The Sony A99 is a relatively lightweight 35mm full-frame camera with a 24.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, an XGA OLED viewfinder with 100% frame coverage, semi-transparent mirror, Dual AF system and pro-style video features.
Announcement | Hands-on photos | Sample images

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1

The 24-megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 is the world’s first compact camera with a 35mm full-frame sensor. Other highlights include a Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 35mm F2 prime lens, 5fps burst shooting, 14-bit A/D conversion, and Full HD movies at 50p/60p or 25p/24p.
Announcement | Hands-on photos

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