The Fujifilm X30 is a premium compact camera featuring an innovative Real Time Viewfinder. Other new features offered by the Fujifilm X30 include a ‘Classic Chrome’ film simulation mode, new control ring along with extra dials and function buttons, and a tilting 3.0-inch 920K-dot LCD monitor. The Fujifilm X30 will cost £479 in the UK, available from September 2014.

The Sony A5100 is the world’s smallest interchangeable lens camera with an APS-C sensor, built-in flash and Wi-Fi connectivity. The 24.3 megapixel A5100 boasts a fast Hybrid AF with  179 focal plane phase-detection AF points, 180° tiltable touch enabled LCD screen, powerful BIONZ X image processor, and support for the XAVC S video format at 50 Mbps.

The Sony A5100 goes on general sale in Europe from Mid-September 2014. It is available in the UK priced at approximately £550 (16-50mm lens kit), £760 (16-50mm + 55-210mm lens kit) and £420 (body only).

Nikon will educate and inspire at this year’s Photokina show in Cologne. Nikon will be showcasing its full range of products, from stylish compact cameras, through to high-end professional D-SLRs. Central to the Nikon booth will be an interactive lightbox where visitors can experience the excitement of creative photography beamed to the giant screen. A full schedule of speakers and activity is available at www.nikonlife.eu.

X-Rite have announced their full educational speaker programme at Photokina 2014. Visitors will have the opportunity to come and learn from X-Rite Coloratti, Colour Experts and leading educators from across Europe about all things photography and colour management. Additionally, on Wednesday and Thursday evening visitors will have the chance to join a free Photowalk in Cologne with two of the world’s leading photographers. X-Rite’s stand will be in Hall 4.1, Stand J029.

Leica have unveiled their show activities for Photokina 2014. In addition to the unique exhibition concept in the Leica Galerie, the programme features further cultural highlights. For example, the world premiere of the new book The Haight: Love, Rock and Revolution from legendary photographer Jim Marshall (1936-2010). Talks and signing sessions with prominent photographers are also planned.

The Pentax Q-S1 is a new compact system camera with a 1/1.7-inch, back-illuminated CMOS image sensor. Key highlights include a maximum sensitivity setting of ISO 12,800, a dust removal system,  Full HD movie recording, compatibility with Eye-Fi wireless LAN SD memory cards and a range of creative tools to create uniquely personalised images and add filter effects with just a turn of a dial. The Pentax Q-S1 will be available in early September for £299.99 (body-only) in a choice of 40 colour combinations. A single-zoom kit including the Q-S1 camera and 5-15mm lens will be available for £379.99/$499.95, and a double-zoom kit comprising the camera, 5-15mm and 15-45mm lenses will also be on offer, priced at £549.99.