Category: Compact System Camera

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

The Sony A5000 is billed as "the world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable-lens digital Wi-Fi camera" with an APS-C sized sensor and built-in flash. Headline specifications include a 20.1-megapixel imager, 180° tiltable LCD screen, NFC and Wi-Fi for one-touch sharing and remote control, and support for PlayMemories Camera Apps. Weighing in at 210 grams, the Sony A5000 features a redesigned hand-grip and a Sony E bayonet mount. An upgraded Time-lapse Ver.2.0 can now smoothly track changes to ambient brightness in a scene. The brand-new Sync to Smartphone function automatically transfers shots to a pre-registered smartphone or tablet each time the camera’s switched off. The transferred photos can then be automatically relayed to your PlayMemories Online account if the mobile device has the PlayMemories Online app installed and the All Sync feature enabled.

The Sony A5000 is billed as "the world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable-lens digital Wi-Fi camera" with an APS-C sized sensor and built-in flash. Headline specifications include a 20.1-megapixel imager, 180° tiltable LCD screen, NFC and Wi-Fi for one-touch sharing and remote control, and support for PlayMemories Camera Apps. Weighing in…

Monday, January 6, 2014

Panasonic has taken the wraps off four new Lumix cameras to coincide with this year’s CES. The new models are: the TZ60, a 30x travel zoom with Leica lens and promised March 2014 availability in the UK; the TZ55, a 20x zoom compact appearing the same month; the LZ40, a whopping 42x zoom surfacing in April 2014; plus the SZ8, a 12x zoom model, also available from March.

Panasonic has taken the wraps off four new Lumix cameras to coincide with this year’s CES. The new models are: the TZ60, a 30x travel zoom with Leica lens and promised March 2014 availability in the UK; the TZ55, a 20x zoom compact appearing the same month; the LZ40, a…

Fujifilm have updated their X mount lens roadmap for 2014 and early 2015.

1. A high speed wide angle prime lens (Focal length and Aperture TBC)
2. A bright XF50-140mmF2.8 R OIS tele-photo zoom
3. A bright XF16-55mmF2.8 R OIS standard zoom lens
4. A super telephoto zoom lens (Focal length and Aperture TBC)
5. A high magnification XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6 R OIS zoom lens

Fujifilm have updated their X mount lens roadmap for 2014 and early 2015. 1. A high speed wide angle prime lens (Focal length and Aperture TBC) 2. A bright XF50-140mmF2.8 R OIS tele-photo zoom 3. A bright XF16-55mmF2.8 R OIS standard zoom lens 4. A super telephoto zoom lens (Focal…

The Fujifilm XF 56mm F1.2 R is a new fast portrait lens for X-series cameras. It features a fast maximum aperture of f/1.2, a focal length of 85mm and delivers beautiful bokeh, making it particularly suitable for high quality portraits. The Fujifilm XF 56mm F1.2 R will be on sale from February 2014 for £999.99.

The Fujifilm XF 56mm F1.2 R is a new fast portrait lens for X-series cameras. It features a fast maximum aperture of f/1.2, a focal length of 85mm and delivers beautiful bokeh, making it particularly suitable for high quality portraits. The Fujifilm XF 56mm F1.2 R will be on sale…

Thursday, January 2, 2014

The Samsung NX30 is a new APS-C compact system camera. The traditionally-styled NX30 features a 20.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor, tiltable electronic viewfinder (XGA, 2,359K-dot resolution), 3.0-inch Super AMOLED swivel and touch display, 1/8000 sec shutter speed, 9fps continuous shooting, and NFC and Wi-Fi capabilities. The price and availability of the Samsung NX30 are still to be announced.

Samsung have also unveiled two new lenses, the premium ‘S’ Series 16-50mm F2-2.8 S ED OIS lens, and the more consumer 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 Power Zoom ED OIS.

The Samsung NX30 is a new APS-C compact system camera. The traditionally-styled NX30 features a 20.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor, tiltable electronic viewfinder (XGA, 2,359K-dot resolution), 3.0-inch Super AMOLED swivel and touch display, 1/8000 sec shutter speed, 9fps continuous shooting, and NFC and Wi-Fi capabilities. The price and availability of the…

Friday, December 20, 2013

Fuji has issued a firmware update for the Fujifilm X-Pro1 compact system camera. Version 3.10, which was announced last month, brings a number of improvements and enhancements, including improved accuracy and coverage of the bright frame in the optical viewfinder, a new file name editing function, more consistent file numbering for photos taken in continuous shooting mode, and improved in-camera raw conversion. Additionally, you will be able to see the exposure setting in live-view, adjust the aperture / shutter speed while maintaining the exposure value while AE lock is selected, and set the default and maximum sensitivity and minimum shutter speed when selecting AUTO in the ISO setting. This new firmware update for the Fujifilm X-Pro1 can now be downloaded from the website below.

Website: Fujifilm X-Pro1 Firmware Update Ver.3.10

Fuji has issued a firmware update for the Fujifilm X-Pro1 compact system camera. Version 3.10, which was announced last month, brings a number of improvements and enhancements, including improved accuracy and coverage of the bright frame in the optical viewfinder, a new file name editing function, more consistent file numbering…

Announced in November, the new firmware updates for the Fujifilm X100S, X-E1 (pictured) and X-E2 are now available for download. The updates add new functionality allowing you to edit image filenames and improvements to in-camera raw file conversion, In addition, the X-E1 and X100S will benefit from a number of enhancements already incorporated into the X-E2, such as the ability to see the exposure setting in Live View, the cpability to change the aperture and shutter speed while maintaining exposure (EV value) with the AE lock button, and more consistent file numbering for photos taken in continuous shooting mode. In the X-E1, the maximum sensitivity and minimum shutter speed can now be set when ISO AUTO is selected. Finally, the X100S also benefits from improved accuracy and coverage of the bright frame in the optical viewfinder. You can download the firmware upgrades from the websites below.

Website: Fujifilm X-E1 Firmware Version 2.10

Website: Fujifilm X-E2 Firmware Version 1.10

Website: Fujifilm X100S Firmware Version 1.10

Announced in November, the new firmware updates for the Fujifilm X100S, X-E1 (pictured) and X-E2 are now available for download. The updates add new functionality allowing you to edit image filenames and improvements to in-camera raw file conversion, In addition, the X-E1 and X100S will benefit from a number of…

Friday, December 13, 2013

An entry for the upcoming Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 lens has appeared on the Fujifilm UK website. This super-fast portrait lens will offer a focal length of 84mm in 35mm terms. Details are still scarce, but apparently the exciting new Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 prime lens will be available sometime in Spring 2014.

Source: Fujifilm UK

An entry for the upcoming Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 lens has appeared on the Fujifilm UK website. This super-fast portrait lens will offer a focal length of 84mm in 35mm terms. Details are still scarce, but apparently the exciting new Fujifilm XF 56mm f/1.2 prime lens will be available sometime…

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Currently, compact system cameras and SLRs are divided into two segments but InfoTrends believes that they "will converge back into a single category." Until this happens, the research firm recommends that vendors and retailers continue to educate future camera buyers about the advantages and disadvantages of each "to create smart shoppers." InfoTrends’ new Consumer Digital Interchangeable Lens Camera study provides demographic information on different types of camera owners, examines owners’ and future owners’ attitudes, behaviours, and brand preferences, provides insight into photo activities, feature use, and future requirements, and analyses current and future market opportunities. This study also provides a market forecast from 2013 to 2018.

Currently, compact system cameras and SLRs are divided into two segments but InfoTrends believes that they "will converge back into a single category." Until this happens, the research firm recommends that vendors and retailers continue to educate future camera buyers about the advantages and disadvantages of each "to create smart…

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

The United States District Court for the Southern District of New York has issued a Preliminary Injunction Order to stop the sales and advertising of the Polaroid iM1836 digital camera. Nikon had filed a lawsuit against Sakar - the worldwide licensee of the Polaroid brand for digital cameras - for design patent infringement and trade dress infringement on 11 October 2013, arguing that the Polaroid iM1836 looked conspicuously similar to the Nikon 1 J1 compact system camera. As part of the injunction, Sakar will no longer manufacture, import, advertise, promote, offer for sale, sell, or ship the Polaroid iM1836 digital camera in its present configuration.

The United States District Court for the Southern District of New York has issued a Preliminary Injunction Order to stop the sales and advertising of the Polaroid iM1836 digital camera. Nikon had filed a lawsuit against Sakar - the worldwide licensee of the Polaroid brand for digital cameras - for…

Monday, December 9, 2013

Ricoh has issued firmware updates for the Pentax Q, Pentax Q7 and Pentax Q10 compact system cameras. This upgrade adds compatibility with the Pentax-08 Wide Zoom and improves overall stability. The Q7 (pictured) additionally benefits from a new feature that enables lens firmware to be displayed in the set-up menu, and enhanced green-button functionality in manual exposure mode.

Website: Pentax Q Firmware Update 1.14

Website: Pentax Q10 Firmware Update 1.03

Website: Pentax Q7 Firmware Update 1.01

Ricoh has issued firmware updates for the Pentax Q, Pentax Q7 and Pentax Q10 compact system cameras. This upgrade adds compatibility with the Pentax-08 Wide Zoom and improves overall stability. The Q7 (pictured) additionally benefits from a new feature that enables lens firmware to be displayed in the set-up menu…

Thursday, December 5, 2013

After extensively reviewing both cameras at the same time, here's our real-world comparison of the exciting new Sony A7 and Sony A7R full-frame compact system cameras. We've outlined the main differences between the two models, both on paper and in reality - you might be rather surprised by our findings...

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Canon Japan has just announced the Canon EOS M2 compact system camera. Promising "greatly improved" auto focus performance courtesy of a new Hybrid AF II system, the Canon EOS M2 also boasts on-board Wi-Fi and an 8% smaller body by volume. Other highlights include an 18-megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor, DIGIC 5 processing engine and a continuous shooting speed of 4.6 frames per second. Availability is slated for Mid-December, with pricing to be communicated. Canon Europe have confirmed that the EOS M2 will not be available in Europe.

Source: Canon Japan

Canon Japan has just announced the Canon EOS M2 compact system camera. Promising "greatly improved" auto focus performance courtesy of a new Hybrid AF II system, the Canon EOS M2 also boasts on-board Wi-Fi and an 8% smaller body by volume. Other highlights include an 18-megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor…

Friday, November 29, 2013

With Black Friday upon us and Cyber Monday just around the corner, we've rounded-up all 7 Holiday Gift Guides that we've published in the last week. If you're looking to buy a camera, make sure to check out our expert guides first!

DSLR Cameras

Compact System Cameras

Premium Compact Cameras

Superzoom Compact Cameras

Compact Cameras

Smartphones

Accessories and Software

With Black Friday upon us and Cyber Monday just around the corner, we've rounded-up all 7 Holiday Gift Guides that we've published in the last week. If you're looking to buy a camera, make sure to check out our expert guides first! DSLR Cameras Compact System Cameras Premium Compact Cameras…

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Fujifilm has announced an upcoming firmware update for its X-Pro1 compact system camera. Version 3.10 brings a number of improvements and enhancements, including improved accuracy and coverage of the bright frame in the optical viewfinder, a new file name editing function, more consistent file numbering for photos taken in continuous shooting mode, and improved in-camera raw conversion. Additionally, you will be able to see the exposure setting in live-view, adjust the aperture / shutter speed while maintaining the exposure value while AE lock is selected, and set the default and maximum sensitivity and minimum shutter speed when selecting AUTO in the ISO setting. This new firmware update for the Fujifilm X-Pro1 will be available on 5th December.

Fujifilm has announced an upcoming firmware update for its X-Pro1 compact system camera. Version 3.10 brings a number of improvements and enhancements, including improved accuracy and coverage of the bright frame in the optical viewfinder, a new file name editing function, more consistent file numbering for photos taken in continuous…

Fujifilm will be releasing firmware upgrades for its premium X-E1, X100S and X-E2 models to enhance operability and functionality. The updates will bring new functionality allowing you to edit image filenames and improvements to in-camera raw file conversion, In addition, the X-E1 and X100S will benefit from a number of enhancements already incorporated into the X-E2, such as the ability to see the exposure setting in Live View, the cpability to change the aperture and shutter speed while maintaining exposure (EV value) with the AE lock button, and more consistent file numbering for photos taken in continuous shooting mode. In the X-E1, the maximum sensitivity and minimum shutter speed can now be set when ISO AUTO is selected. Finally, the X100S also benefits from improved accuracy and coverage of the bright frame in the optical viewfinder. The updates will go live on 19th December.

Fujifilm will be releasing firmware upgrades for its premium X-E1, X100S and X-E2 models to enhance operability and functionality. The updates will bring new functionality allowing you to edit image filenames and improvements to in-camera raw file conversion, In addition, the X-E1 and X100S will benefit from a number of…

Olympus has announced firmware updates for the OM-D E-M1 compact system camera (read review), the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 EZ lens (read review) and the Stylus XZ-2 premium compact camera (read review). Firmware version 1.1 for the Olympus OM-D E-M1 improves Live Bulb image quality while noise reduction is on, enhances AF operation including C-AF, improves image stabilisation in the Sports and Children scene modes, and corrects chromatic aberration caused by the Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. Firmware update 1.3 for the Olympus Stylus XZ-2 improves AF performance when you use a single target in a low-light situation. Finally, the firmware upgrade for the 12-50mm lens improves stability when using electronic zoom in combination with Panasonic cameras. As usual those updating their firmware should use the company's free Digital Camera Updater utility.

Olympus has announced firmware updates for the OM-D E-M1 compact system camera (read review), the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 EZ lens (read review) and the Stylus XZ-2 premium compact camera (read review). Firmware version 1.1 for the Olympus OM-D E-M1 improves Live Bulb image quality while noise reduction is…

Friday, November 22, 2013

Panasonic has posted a firmware update for its Lumix GX7 compact system camera. Version 1.2 improves manual focus operation with the Lumix G Vario 12-32mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. lens, and allows the adjustment of flash output to be assigned to the Fn button. You can download the firmware upgrade from the website below.

Website: Panasonic Japan ! Support

Panasonic has posted a firmware update for its Lumix GX7 compact system camera. Version 1.2 improves manual focus operation with the Lumix G Vario 12-32mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. lens, and allows the adjustment of flash output to be assigned to the Fn button. You can download the firmware upgrade from the…

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

In the second part of our 2013 Holiday Gift Guide, we've selected our favourite Compact System Cameras, with something for every budget.

Friday, November 15, 2013

Olympus UK are offering a £100 Accessory Cashback voucher to anyone purchasing an E-M1 body or kit from authorised dealers. The offer is valid on any Olympus accessory worth over £199.99, and runs until 15 January 2014. For details visit the website below.

Olympus UK are offering a £100 Accessory Cashback voucher to anyone purchasing an E-M1 body or kit from authorised dealers. The offer is valid on any Olympus accessory worth over £199.99, and runs until 15 January 2014. For details visit the website below.