DxO Labs have posted their findings on the new CX-format sensor found in the Nikon 1 V3 compact system camera. The overall DxOMark Sensor Score is 52, which does not differ significantly from the results of the Nikon 1 V1 (54) and V2 (50). It's also very close to the Nikon 1 AW1 (51), although its "Sports (Low-light ISO)" score is decidedly lower. The Nikon 1 V3 comes with a new 18-megapixel sensor, but the real improvements the camera offers have more to do with features than image quality: the camera boasts a new and significantly enhanced AF system, faster continuous shooting while maintaining autofocus, and expanded video functionality.

Website: DxOMark

Want to see exactly what the new Kodak S-1 compact system camera looks like in the flesh?

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of photos of the Kodak S-1 compact system camera, including the black and white versions and the three new lenses (12-45mm, 42.5-160mm and 400mm fieldscope).

Want to see exactly what the new Kodak PixPro SL25, SL10 and SL5 smart lens cameras look like in the flesh?

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of photos of the Kodak PixPro SL25, SL10 and SL5 smart lens cameras.

The Samsung NX mini is billed as "the world's slimmest interchangeable-lens camera." Featuring NFC and Wi-Fi capabilities, the Samsung NX mini has a 1"-type 20.5-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, 6fps continuous shooting mode and a maximum shutter speed of 1/16000 second. The 3-inch touchscreen that flips 180-degrees allows users to take self-portraits effortlessly. Unlike other Samsung NX models, the NX mini has a brand new NX-M lens mount, with two lenses available at launch: a 9mm f/3.5 and a stabilised 9-27mm f/3.5-5.6. A stabilised 17mm f/1.8 will be available at a later date (multiply the focal lengths by 2.7 for the 35mm equivalents). The Samsung NX mini will retail for $449, paired with the new 9mm NX-M lens, or $549 when paired with the 9-27mm lens and SEF-7A flash. The 9mm and 9-27mm NX-M lenses will retail for $179 and $279, respectively. In the UK, the camera will be available for £399.99 in a kit with the 9mm f/3.5 lens. Availability is slated for early April in both markets.

Digital photography specialist Fujifilm, well known for its affordable yet powerful lenses, is currently offering brilliant deals on a number of products in its popular XF range.

Buyers of one XF lens can claim a cool £100 (or €120) cashback, while those who purchase a pair of lenses will get a bonus £100 cashback, making for a whopping total of £300 (€360) cashback.

Fuji Japan has issued a service notice to Fujifilm X-T1 users regarding a recently discovered light leak issue. According to the company, the phenomenon occurs when the door covering the USB/HDMI and microphone/remote ports is opened during long exposures or video recording, and affects units with serial numbers from 41002001 to 41006000. Fujifilm Japan is asking users to send their cameras to a Fujifilm repair centre, where they will be fixed free of charge.

Source: Fuji Japan via PR

Nikon France has published ten full-resolution sample images captured with the new Nikon 1 V3 compact system camera. Shot with a variety of 1 Nikkor and AF-S Nikkor lenses at sensitivity settings ranging from ISO 160/23° to ISO 12,800/42°, these Nikon 1 V3 samples can be downloaded from Nikon France's Flickr pool.

Website: Nikon France | Flickr

The Nikon 1 V3 is a WiFi-enabled compact system camera with an 18.4-megapixel CX-format sensor and no low-pass filter. Key features include a sensitivity range of ISO 160-6,400 (expandable to ISO 12,800), a 171-point AF system with 105 on-sensor phase-detect auto-focus points, a continuous shooting speed of 20fps with AF (and 60fps without), a 40-shot raw buffer, a tiltable touchscreen and 1080/60p Full HD movie recording. As opposed to the Nikon 1 V1 and V2, the new V3 lacks a body-integral electronic viewfinder, although an add-on EVF is available as an optional extra. The Nikon 1 V3 will be available for €849.00 for the body only and €949.00 /  £799.99 in a kit with the 1 Nikkor 10-30mm PD-Zoom lens. An all-encompassing kit including the V3 camera, 10-30mm PD-Zoom lens, DF-N1000 external EVF and GR-N1010 grip will be available for £1,049.99 / €1249.00 / $1,199.95 (for US customers, this appears to.be the only option).

Panasonic has announced a preview campaign for the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 compact system camera.  Three GH4 units will be in the UK and Ireland for this weekend only for the preview campaign to be held exclusively at three camera shops, for three days at each store. The preview campaign will start this Thursday at Conns Cameras, 54 Clarendon St, Dublin 2; continuing at Jessops, 129-131 Oxford Street, London, W1D 2HU and Park Cameras, Victoria Business Park, York Rd, Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH15 9T. Each store will have a working sample of the camera for users to try, as well as a dedicated Panasonic expert to talk through product features and answer any questions.

Panasonic has confirmed pricing and availability details for its flagship Lumix GH4 compact system camera. In the United Kingdom the camera will be available from 5 May 2014, priced at £1749.99 (single-lens kit with Panasonic's 14-140mm lens), £1299.99 (body-only) and £2499.99 (body only with the DMW-YAGHE interface unit). A pre-order offer will be available, with participating retailers. Those ordering the camera between 10th March until Monday 2nd June, will receive a free battery grip and battery with their purchase. In the U.S., the Pansonic Lumix DMC-GH4 will be available in late April / early May for $1,699.99 (body only) and $3,299.99 (body only with DMW-YAGHE interface unit).

Ricoh has posted firmware updates for ten Pentax cameras. Applicable to the Pentax K-01, K-3, K-5, K-5II, K-5IIs, K-7, K-30, K-50, K-500 (pictured) and K-r; the upgrade adds compatibility with the new HD Pentax DA AF 1.4X AW Rear Converter. You can download the updates from the websites below.

Pentax K-01 | Pentax K-3 | Pentax K-5 |
Pentax K-5II/s | Pentax K-7 | Pentax K-30 |
Pentax K-50 | Pentax K-500 | Pentax K-r |

Want to see exactly what the new Kowa Prominar lenses look like in the flesh?

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of photos of the new Kowa Prominar 8.5mm f/2.8, 12mm f/1.8 and 25mm f/1.8 Micro Four Thirds lenses.

Want to see exactly what the new Panasonic GH4 compact system camera looks like in the flesh?

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of photos of the Panasonic GH4 compact system camera, including the YAGH interface grip,the metal chassis and an exploded view of the inside of the camera.

Panasonic were also exhibiting early samples of the Leica DG Summilux 15mm f/1.7 ASPH lens and a non-working protototype of an intriguing super-compact 35-100mm lens.

Fuji now allows owners of select X series compacts (the Fujifilm X10, X20 and X100) and CSCs (X-Pro1 and X-E1) to personalise thir cameras by choosing from one of the customised Signature colours and textures. "Whether you already own a camera or are looking to purchase one today, simply select a style to suit your personality and we’ll get your tailor-made camera to you in a flash," the company promises. The service is available on the dedicated Fujifilm X Signature microsite.

In addition to their main stand, Olympus UK will have a separate booth at The Photography Show offering free sensor cleaning to Olympus users. "We all know that the [SSWF] anti-dust system is so good you do not really need it, but time has its effect with our polluted world, and this is a lovely free service we are happy to offer," says Mark Thackara, National Marketing Manager, Consumer Products, Olympus UK. Interested photographers should go to the main Olympus stand to book their kit in. The Photography Show will be held from 1-4 March 2014 at the NEC in Birmingham - PhotographyBLOG readers have until tomorrow to buy their tickets online at a discounted price using our special promotion code.

Fuji has issued firmware updates for a number of its compact system cameras. Available for the Fujifilm X-A1, X-E1, X-E2, X-M1 and X-Pro1 models, the latest upgrade improves auto exposure (and, with the X-E2, auto focus) accuracy with the XF56mm f1.2 R lens.

Website: Fujifilm X-A1 Firmware Version 1.10
Website: Fujifilm X-E1 Firmware Version 2.20
Website: Fujifilm X-E2 Firmware Version 1.20
Website: Fujilfilm X-Pro1 Firmware Version 3.20
Website: Fujifilm X-M1 Firmware Version 1.10

Following a similar announcement made by its UK sister company, Samsung Electronics America today revealed availability and pricing details for the Samsung NX30 compact system camera.  The traditionally-styled NX30 features a 20.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor, tiltable electronic viewfinder, 3.0-inch Super AMOLED swivel and touch display, 1/8000 sec maximum shutter speed, 9fps continuous shooting, and NFC and Wi-Fi capabilities. In the United States, the NX30 will be available from mid-March, at an MSRP of $999.99.

Panasonic will be exhibiting its newly announced GH4 compact system camera for the first time in the UK at The Photography Show, taking place from 1st-4th March at the Birmingham NEC. The most advanced camera yet in Panasonic’s series of Lumix G cameras, the Lumix DMC-GH4 boasts a Four Thirds sized image sensor and 4K video capability in a compact and durable chassis .In addition to the much-anticipated GH4, Panasonic’s 4K themed stands (G50 and G60) will also showcase its Lumix G series CSCs, Lumix compacts and HD camcorders. Click through / read on for the stands' detailed programme.

Nikon has posted a firmware update for its Nikon 1 AW1 compact system camera. Version A 1.01 fixes an issue that prevented updating of the camera’s A-GPS file with the latest A-GPS file. The firmware upgrade can be downloaded from the website below.

Website: Nikon 1 AW1 Firmware Update A 1.01, B1.00