Samsung has issued a firmware update for the Samsung NX20 compact system camera. Version 1.01 adds support for external microphones and a number of new menu languages, fixes a few bugs related to Wi-Fi compatibility and other areas, and adds a new new menu item called Horizontal Calibration. You can download the firmware update from the website below.

Website: Samsung

Fujifilm has published a fifteen-page brochure that includes detailed specifications for 5 XF lenses, a lens roadmap and a few other accessories. The roadmap is the same as the one that was released back in June but the brochure goes one step further by revealing the detailed specs of the two lenses that will go on sale this autumn, including the Fujinon XF 14mm f/2.8 R and the XF 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS. The former is an ultra-wideangle prime with an angle of view of 89 degrees and an optical formula that comprises 10 elements in 7 groups, including 2 aspherical and 3 “abnormal dispersion” elements. The latter is a standard zoom boasting optical image stabilisation as well as 14 lens elements arranged in 10 groups. Each lens features an iris diaphragm with 7 rounded aperture blades.

Olympus have released a firmware update for the OM-D E-M5 compact system camera. Version 1.2 incorporates the following improvements:

• Improved sleep recovery operation
• AF target is indicated while using C-AF+TR in sequential shooting mode L
• M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm 1:3.5-6.3 underwater support has been added
  When using underwater macro or underwater wide mode the lens will move automatically in tele or wide setting

You can download and install the firmware update using the Olympus Camera Updater application.

Ricoh has posted a firmware update for the Ricoh GXR system. Affecting all camera-lens modules, Version 1.51 improves the quality of images taken using a combination of negative exposure compensation and Multi-P AUTO white balance. For the Ricoh GXR M module, it additionally fixes bugs related to the colour of the display and the recording of manually entered focal length and f-number values in the DNG file headers. The A16 module (pictured) now correctly records the colours at the top of colour images recorded using color bracketing. You can download the firmware update from the website below.

Website: Ricoh

Nikon UK has launched a new promotion offering £50/€60 cashback on Nikon 1 J1 and V1 kits purchased before 31st August 2012. All claims must be received by the 30th September 2012 in order to qualify. For more information on the promotion, and how to submit your claim, visit the website below.

Fujifilm M Mount Adapter enables the X-Pro1 compact system camera to be used with Leica M mount lenses. The M Mount adapter comprises three parts; an aluminium mount for the body, a stainless steel mount for the lens plus an aluminium central tube, which accurately maintains a 27.8mm distance from lens mount to sensor. A new firmware version, 1.10, will be made available to support the new adapter. The Fujifilm M Mount Adapter will be available in June and will cost approx. £179 in the UK.

The Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH is a new standard zoom lens for the Micro Four Thirds system. Offering a versatile zoom range 24-70mm in 35mm terms and a fast maximum aperture throughout the focal range, the Panasonic 12-35mm lens is comprising of 14 lenses in 9 groups, utilises Panasonic’s Nano Surface Coating technology for reduction of ghosting and flare, and features a built-in Optical Image Stabilizer. The Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm will be available in June for £999.

Samsung has announced the pricing and U.S. retail availability of the world’s first Wi-Fi enabled compact system cameras. The Samsung NX20 and N210 are available now from authorized Samsung retailers for MSRPs of $1,099.99 and $899.99, respectively. The sleek and compact NX1000 will be available in June in white, black and pink at an MSRP of $699.99.

The Sony NEX-F3 is a new entry-level compact system camera. The NEX F3 has a 16.1 megapixel APS-C size image sensor, 180° tiltable LCD for easy self-portraits, full HD AVCHD (50i/25p) video, and a built-in flash. The new Sony 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS LE lens offers a powerful 11x zoom range and superb resolution in an easy-to-carry lens. The Sony NEX-F3 will be available from June 2012 for around £530 / $600.

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