Our eight and final award is for Camera of the Year 2012, which goes to the Olympus OM-D E-M5.

“Image quality is where Micro Four Thirds cameras have traditionally lagged behind their APS-C sensor rivals, but the OM-D E-M5 is the first MFT model to equal the results from leading cameras like the Sony NEX-7. Noise doesn’t rear its ugly head until ISO 3200 for JPEGs and even the faster settings prove eminently usable, although the E-M5 does apply some pretty aggressive noise reduction to keep the files clean as shown by the much noisier raw images. We never longed for a camera with a bigger sensor, and you’d have to step up to a full-frame DSLR to see an appreciable leap in image quality.”

Read the Full Review

Congratulations to Olympus and the OM-D E-M5!

Olympus has scooped up tow iF product design awards - one for the Olympus Stylus XZ-2 premium compact (pictured) and one for the Olympus OM-D E-M5 compact system camera. Established in 1953, and sponsored throughout by the International Forum Design GmbH of Hanover Germany, the iF product design award is recognised all over the world as a symbol of outstanding design and innovation. This year, the jury picked the winners from 3011 products in 16 categories.

Review: Read our in-depth review of the Olympus Stylus XZ-2
Review: Read our in-depth review of the Olympus OM-D E-M5

Our sixth award is for Compact System Camera of the Year 2012, which goes to the Olympus OM-D E-M5.

“The OM-D E-M5 is the best Olympus compact system camera to date, and also a strong contender for best compact system camera full stop. It delivers a compelling mix of classic looks, excellent image quality, an extensive feature set and immediate responsiveness, with the camera so well designed that it rarely gets in the way of the creative process. The E-M5 may hark back to a bygone era, but it’s definitely bang-up-to-date in all the places that count.”

Read the Full Review

Congratulations to Olympus and the OM-D E-M5!

In addition to the Android-powered iM1836, Polaroid has announced two more CSCs, a bridge camera and a camcorder. The Polaroid iM1030 ($299) and Polaroid iM1232 ($349, pictured) are similar to the iM1836 in being interchangeable-lens models (which Polaroid confusingly refers to as “Micro Four Thirds bodies,” even though their sensors are apparently smaller than a regular Four Thirds imager, and the cameras require an adapter to mount MFT lenses), but lack the Android OS that makes the iM1836 truly special. Nonetheless, the Polaroid iM1232 offers built-in Wi-Fi allowing users to instantly upload and share photos on their favourite social networks. Apart from these differences, the three models appear to be quite similar, featuring 18.1-megapixel sensors, 10-30mm kit lenses and 3.5” rear displays.

The company is also launching a bridge camera called Polaroid iS2433 ($199), featuring a 25-600mm equivalent superzoom lens and back-illuminated 16.1-megapixel Sony CMOS sensor; and a camcorder (Polaroid iD975, $249) with 10x optical zoom, capable of shooting Full HD video and 16-megapixel stills.

Polaroid has officially announced the upcoming launch of its Android-powered, interchangeable-lens compact system camera, the 18-megapixel Polaroid iM1836. Produced by Sakar, an authorised Polaroid licensee, the Polaroid iM1836 features the latest Android 4.1 “Jelly Bean” operating system and comes standard with a 10-30mm zoom lens. Highlights include a pop-up flash, 3.5” capacitive touchscreen interface and 1080p Full HD capture. ” With built-in peer-to-peer Wi-Fi and easy-to-use Polaroid photo sharing apps on board, the Polaroid iM1836 lets users instantly upload and share stunning, professional-quality image creations with friends via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, Vimeo and more, all at the touch of a button,” the company says. Slated for a 2013 Q1 release, the Polaroid iM1836 carries a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $399.

Nikon has announced two new compact system cameras, the14.2-megapixel Nikon 1 J3 and the 10.1-megapixel Nikon 1 S1. Billed as the world’s smallest body among digital cameras with interchangeable lenses employing an image sensor larger than CX format, the Nikon 1 J3 (pictured) also boasts the world’s shortest release time lag and fastest continuous shooting speed of 15fps with auto focus and up to 60 fps with fixed-point AF. The Nikon 1 S1 launches the new S-series of fast and stylish camera bodies designed for speed and simplicity. Claimed to be “as convenient and easy to use as a compact camera, but much faster and significantly more powerful, with better image quality,” the Nikon 1 S1 has a clean, minimalist design with simplified controls. Both models can record Full HD movies at 60 and 30 fps and 60i, 60p, and 30p frame rates, and even capture full-resolution photos while filming.

The Samsung NX300 is a new compact system camera featuring a 20-megapixel imager with on-sensor phase detection AF sensors, an articulated OLED touchscreen and Wi-Fi connectivity. Other highlights include a sensitivity range of ISO100/21°—ISO25,600/45°, a maximum shutter speed of 1/6000 sec,  8.6fps continuous shooting, a 5-way manual key interface and i-Depth, an easy and simple way to adjust the depth-of-field of an image using the NX Series’ unique i-Function system. Available in either black or white with a contrast silver band, the Samsung NX300 is expected to hit the shelves priced at around $750. Also announced today is the new Samsung 45mm 2D/3D lens, which supports both 2D and 3D movie capture with the NX300, and boasts a maximum aperture of f/1.8. This new 2D/3D version of the Samsung 45mm f/1.8 lens will cost around $500.

Polaroid has confirmed plans to release an Android-powered mirrorless system camera. Rumours of the upcoming launch started circulating on the Internet four days ago when the picture reprinted above popped up on a Russian social network site. Since then Scott Hardy, President and CEO of Polaroid has confirmed that the product was real and that “additional information and specs will be released” at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Interestingly, the new model exhibits a surprising degree of similarity with the Nikon 1 J1 and J2 cameras and one of their lenses - although the lens release button is in a different location.

Via PR | Imaging-Resource

Panasonic has announced a delay in the launch of its new Lumix DMC-GH3 Micro Four Thirds camera (body-only version). Originally scheduled for a December 13th release, the Panasonic GH3 camera body’s launch has been pushed back to December 29th. Do note that this decision only affects the body-only configuration; two kits - one with the 12-35mm f/2.8 lens and one with the 14-140mm superzoom - are going on sale today in Japan, according to schedule.

Source: Panasonic Japan
Review: Read our in-depth review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 compact system camera

Sony has announced the creation of the world’s first real time digital photography exhibition, allowing visitors to appreciate the work of three photographers - Lee Strickland, William Daniels and Paul Sullivan - from the moment the shots are taken. Sony has partnered with three photographers, based in Berlin, London and Paris across Europe, who have been set the creative task of ‘capturing the light’ of their home cities.  They have each been armed with a Sony NEX-5R compact system camera, complete with built in Wi-Fi allowing them to send photos directly to the Sony ‘Real Time Gallery’ located in central London (91 Brick Lane). Open for one night only (15th November), the innovative exhibition promises to transport visitors to the three iconic European cities, where they can experience the atmospheres that make each city unique.

Samsung UK has announced a new promotion. Those who buy a camera from the new Samsung “Smart” NX range (the NX1000, NX210 and NX20) between 9th November and 9th January will be rewarded with a free 7” Galaxy Tab 2 tablet. The offer will run in conjunction with the current Samsung Smart range cash back deal, offering £50 cash back on the Samsung NX1000 and £100 on both the Samsung NX210 and Samsung NX20. Note that you must be a UK resident in order to be eligible to participate in the promotion.

Fuji has issued a firmware update for the Fujifilm X-Pro1 compact system camera. Version 2.01 incorporates the following improvements and fixes:

1. Adds full compatibility with the Fujinon XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R.lens

2.Improves the auto-focus accuracy of the Fujinon XF60mm lens and fixes a couple of bugs with the M- Mount Adapter and magnified view in manual focus mode.

Website: Fujifilm

Fuji has released a firmware update for the Fujifilm X-E1 compact system camera. Version 1.01 incorporates following improvements and fixes:

1. Adds full compatibility with the Fujinon XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R.lens

2.Improves the auto-focus accuracy of the Fujinon XF60mm lens and fixes a bug with the M- Mount Adapter

Website: Fujifilm

Olympus UK are really excited to announce the launch of our latest offer, the PEN 1-2-3 Offer.

It’s as simple as it sounds:

Step 1 - Buy any PEN E-PL5 or E-PM2 kit from an authorised Olympus dealer and get a FREE 8GB FlashAir Card, which will allow you to take advantage of the new smart phone app, Olympus Image Share.

Step 2 - Purchase a PEN Portrait Zoom Kit for just £99, saving £250 on the RRP of £349.99.

Step 3 - If you’ve completed steps 1 & 2 you can then claim a 15mm Body Cap lens (RRP £69.99) absolutely FREE!

Visit http://olympusuk.sales-promotions.com/ for more information.

Nikon UK is launching its biggest Christmas promotion to date, offering cashback on selected entry-level DSLR cameras, DX lenses, speedlights, as well as the Nikon 1 J1 and J2 compact system cameras. The offer runs until 21 January 2013. The cashback amounts range from £15/€20 to £70/€85. All claims must be received by 28th February 2013 in order to qualify.

The Canon EOS M compact system camera is now on sale at a range of retailers across the United Kingdom. Equipped with an 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, the Canon EOS M features an all-new EOS M lens mount, a Full HD Movie mode with Movie Servo AF for continuous focus tracking of moving subjects, manual exposure control, a sensitivity range of ISO 100-6400 (expandable to ISO 12800) for video recording, ISO 100-12800 (expandable to ISO 25600) for still image shooting, Multi-shot Noise Reduction and a 1,040,000-dot, 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor II with smudge-resistant coating, multi-touch operation and Touch AF. With a recommended retail price of £769.99 including the 18-55mm standard lens and the new Speedlite 90EX flash, the Canon EOS M is available in black, white, silver or red.

The Nikon 1 V2 is a new compact system camera. Offering new levels of speed and more accurate performance, as well as clever next-generation features, full creative control, and wireless methods of image transfer, the Nikon V2 has an advanced hybrid AF system, 15 fps burst mode with continuous autofocus and 60 fps with fixed-point AF, 14.2-megapixel resolution and 160 to 6400 ISO light sensitivity. The Nikon V2 will cost £799.99 / €999.00 / $899.95 in the 10-30mm Kit, and £969.99 / €1199.00 in the 10-30mm and 30-110mm kit.

Launching alongside the Nikon 1 V2 is Nikon’s new Speedlight SB-N7 flash unit. This powerful i-TTL compatible Speedlight boasts a guide number of 18/59 (at ISO 100 m/ft), the flash head tilts up to 120°, and an external wide panel is included. The SB-N7 will cost £149.99 / €179.00 / $159.95.

Nikon today announced the development of three new 1 NIKKOR lenses. The new lenses being developed are a 32mm medium-telephoto fixed focal length lens with a fast maximum aperture of f/1.2, a vibration-reduction (VR) equipped 6.7-13mm f/3.5-5.6 ultra-wide-angle zoom lens, and a compact and lightweight 10x zoom lens covering the 10-100mm range of focal lengths with maximum apertures of f/4-5.6. An on-sale date, suggested retail price and further specifications will be announced by Nikon Corporation at a later date.

Pentax will exhibit and demonstrate several of its new products including its new flagship K-5 II digital SLR, point-and-shoot models, and compact system cameras, as well as new lenses and accessories at PhotoPlus Expo 2012, Additionally, Pentax will have its largest booth space at the show to date, measuring 1,200 square feet. And, attendees who visit the Pentax booth can pick up a rebate form for substantial savings on a wide variety of Pentax DSLR cameras as well as register in a daily drawing for a chance to win a K-30 DSLR camera kit with DA L 18-55mm lens. PhotoPlus Expo 2012 is taking place from 24-27 October 2012 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.