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Nikon's VR-ready camera arrives in October for $500
Earlier this year, at CES 2016, Nikon took camera fans by surprise with its announcement of the KeyMission 360. But, back then, not many details were shared about the newly minted camera. The company only mentioned a few notable features, such as 4K video recording, NFC, WiFi and a waterproof design. Now, we're learning that the VR-ready shooter comes with two 20-megapixel (1/2.3-inch) sensors, electronic image stabilization, in-camera footage stitching and a swappable battery. Most importantly, Nikon today announced that the KeyMission 360 is set to arrive in October for $500. That's a little pricier compared to other similar devices, like Samsung's $350 Gear 360, but the Nikon camera has much better specs.
Panasonic rolls out the 4K, full-metal LX10 compact camera
Today, Panasonic is celebrating the 15th anniversary of its Lumix series with a new camera, the LX10. This compact shooter, which the company says is designed to fit in most jean pockets, features a 1-inch, 20.1-megapixel sensor and 24-75mm f/1.4-2.8 fixed Leica lens. The LX10 has a full metal body, giving it a premium look that you don't often see in other $700 cameras. Of course, being a Panasonic product, it shoots 4K video at 24, 25 and 30 fps.
Canon's EOS M5 is a mirrorless camera with a DSLR feel
It's been almost a year since the debut of the EOS M3, arguably Canon's best mirrorless camera to date. And now the company is expanding its compact series with the M5, a high-end shooter with a DSLR feel to it. We're not saying it'll replace your DSLR, by any means, but the M3 does borrow a number of features from Canon's prosumer-focused 80D. There's the Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus, for instance, which helps you track moving subjects accurately in video mode. Additionally, you have the same 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor and 100-25,600 ISO.
A first look at Canon's EOS 5D Mark IV
The long-awaited EOS 5D Mark IV is getting ready to hit retailers later this month. And, as expected, it is a worthy successor to one of Canon's most popular DSLRs, the 5D Mark III. At least based on specs. It features a massive 30.4-megapixel CMOS sensor, a Digic 6+ processor and, perhaps most importantly, 4K video at 23.98, 24, 25 and 30 fps. Additionally, the 5D Mark IV comes with a 61-point autofocus system, an ISO range of 100-32,000 a built-in digital lens optimizer, NFC and WiFi. We had the chance to check it out for the first time at an event in New York City and, not surprisingly, it looks nearly identical to its predecessor.
Sony's flagship Action Cam arrives in the US later this month
Sony introduced its new Action Cam, the FDR-X300R, last week at IFA 2016. Back then, though, the company only shared details about pricing and availability for Europe. But now we know when it will come to the US. As a refresher, compared to the previous generation, the main highlight of this shooter is the addition of optical image stabilization. Sony says that was the most requested feature by users of its Action Cam line, noting that it's the same technology found on its Handycam camcorders.
Canon's EOS 5D Mark IV has a 30.4-megapixel sensor and 4K video
The moment Canon fans have anxiously waited for is here. Today, the company finally took the wraps off of its EOS 5D Mark IV, a DSLR geared toward photographers and videographers alike. For starters, the highly anticipated flagship camera features a brand new 30.4-megapixel, full-frame CMOS sensor and Digic 6+ processor. It also brings 4K video capability at 23.98, 24, 25 and 30 fps, as well as a 61-point autofocus system, built-in digital lens optimizer, NFC, WiFi and an ISO range of 100-32,000. All told, that's a big step up from the previous model, the EOS 5D Mark III -- one of the most beloved DSLRs out there.
Nikon's D3400 DSLR is made for aspiring photographers
Not everyone can handle cameras like Nikon's flagship D5, which are designed with professional photographers in mind. But, for those who want a less advanced DSLR, the Japanese manufacturer has others such as its new D3400. This entry-level shooter features a 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor (DX-format) alongside the Expeed 4 processor, which Nikon claims brings improved auto white balance performance and better image quality in low-light scenarios. The D3400 also boasts an ISO range of 100-25,600, 11-point autofocus system, 5-fps continuous shooting and 1080p video at up to 60 fps. These are the sort of specs you'd expect from beginner DSLRs, but the lack of 4K recording will be a downside for some people.
Engadget Daily: LittleBits unveils BitLab, hands-on with the Socialmatic camera and more!
Today at Photokina 2014, we go hands-on with the oddly shaped Polaroid Socialmatic, and well, a lot of seriously expensive Leica shooters. But that's not all -- read on for Engadget's news highlights from the last 24 hours.
Lomo's latest camera is expensive and uses 120 film
The Lomographic society is committed to the preservation of analog photography in all of its forms. That's what has prompted the outfit to launch a high-end medium-format camera that'll sit alongside its similarly-priced 35mm offerings. The LC-A 120 takes 120 film, and packs a Minigon XL multi-coated 35mm four-element lens that's the equivalent to a 21mm lens on a 35mm camera. With it, creative photographers are able to shoot multiple exposures, and even take long exposures using a rear curtain flash for that retro effect. Aperture-wise, the range begins at f/4.5, and runs all the way to f/16 for big, square shots that won't get grainy when you enlarge them.
Ricoh's new action cam isn't a toy, even if it looks like one
When you're in the market for an action camera, we'd imagine GoPro or Contour would be the first names that sprang to mind. Ricoh is hoping to crowbar itself onto your psychological roster, however, with the WG-M1, its latest ruggedized action camera. Looking more like the sort of spy compass you'd get for free on the front of a magazine, the hockey puck-style device offers a 14-megapixel CMOS sensor and a six-element lens with an f/2.8 aperture. That'll be good enough for 1080p video of you on your longboard hurtling through traffic at 30 miles an hour.
Panasonic's 'connected camera' pairs an Android smartphone with a one-inch sensor and f/2.8 lens
Compact, point-and-shoot cameras are dying, simply because people would rather use smartphones and tablets to snap their dinner and instantly share them to Instagram. Unfortunately, that's a segment of the market that Panasonic abandoned (at least in Europe) back in 2013. That left the company without a convincing rival to the Lumia 1020 and Samsung's various phone / camera hybrids. That's why the company has now launched the DMC-CM1, a "connected camera" (i.e. a smartphone with a proper lens) that's capable of taking 20-megapixel stills and record 4K video thanks to a one-inch MOS sensor.
The 7D Mark II is Canon's best DSLR without a full-frame sensor
The wait is over. Canon's long-anticipated EOS 7D Mark II is here, shipping in November for $1,799, without a lens. With a price tag that high, you'd think it'd be safe to assume that the company's consumer flagship sports a full-frame sensor. It does not. It does, however, represent an enormous step up from the original model -- the Mark II includes just about every feature a pro photographer (and video shooter) could hope for, excluding a 35mm sensor, of course, and integrated WiFi. Instead, there's a 20.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, which, despite a similar spec, is an improvement over what you'll get with the 70D. You can also take advantage of a new 51,200 top ISO and a 10 fps continuous shooting mode (at full resolution, of course), powered by the dual DIGIC 6 processors.
Canon's bringing back the square selfie cam with PowerShot N2
Early last year, a Canon rep pulled out a point-and-shoot with a very peculiar design. Instead of the rectangular form factor we'd grown used to, this camera was square. The PowerShot N was designed to be held any which way, making it a good fit for both righties and lefties, but without any pronounced grip, it didn't feel quite as natural to hold. We were a bit relieved, then, when Canon debuted the N100 with a more familiar look and feel, but at Photokina, the company's returning to the original shape and size with the PowerShot N2. The N2 replaces the original N -- the N100 will remain on the market -- bringing a slew of new features for social sharers and video bloggers alike.
Canon's most powerful superzoom sports advanced video features, 65x lens
If you need a 21-1365mm focal range in a single permanently affixed lens, man does Canon have the camera for you. The PowerShot SX60 HS, which replaces the SX50, sports a 65x optical zoom with an f/3.4-6.5 maximum aperture range and features to help you track distant subjects when you're zoomed all the way in. The camera's Advanced Zoom Framing Assist lets you select how much of a person you want to keep in the frame, and the camera will automatically zoom in and out to maintain that composition. The SX60 has an upgraded 16.1-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor, a DIGIC 6 processor, a 922k-dot viewfinder that flips out, up and forward, along with built-in WiFi and NFC.
Samsung's new NX1 flagship shoots 28.2-megapixel stills and 4K video
This week marks the start of Photokina, the camera show where pretty much every brand will unveil their latest and greatest pieces of kit. We'll hear from everybody in due time but right now, Samsung is in the hot seat. The tech giant just unveiled the NX1, the company's first camera that records 4K video. In addition to doing UHD footage at 30 or 24 frames per second and Cinema 4K at 24fps, it shoots stills with a 28.2-megapixel backside-illuminated APS-C CMOS sensor. In burst-capture mode, you can snap up to 15 frames per second at full resolution. ISO sensitivity now ranges from 100 to 51,200. Similar to the NX30, a more mid-range camera in Samsung's lineup, this has WiFi and NFC, along with a 3-inch Super AMOLED articulating display and a 1,366 x 768 electronic viewfinder. In this case, though, it's 802.11ac WiFi, there's Bluetooth too, and the EVF promises a shorter lag time of around 5ms.
Canon's probably launching an updated version of its 7D next week
The photographic industry is gearing up for one of its biggest events, Photokina in Cologne, which kicks-off next week. Naturally, the preceding fortnight is a high-time for the internet's leak-happy camera fans, and Digital Camera Info has, once again, come up with the goods. The site is claiming that Canon will launch the 7D Mark II at the shindig. According to the spec list, the dust-proof magnesium alloy shell is protecting a boosted 20.2-megapixel CMOS, dual DIGIC 6 processors and a 65-point autofocus. The 7D Mark II will shoot full-HD video at 60p, which will keep Canon's cottage industry of DSLR-toting cinematographers happy. Of course, this is all just rumor and speculation, so take it with a pinch of salt, but just a small one - we're watching our cholesterol.
Fujifilm's new retro cameras pack smarter viewfinders and more controls
Those hints of significant upgrades to Fujifilm's retro-styled X100 and X-T1 cameras? Yeah, they're real. The company has just unveiled the X100T and X-T1 Graphite Silver Edition, both refinements of familiar formulas. The X100T gets the biggest update of the bunch. It still has a 16.3-megapixel X-Trans II CMOS sensor and that signature, super-bright 23mm f/2 lens, but should give you much more control over your output. The centerpiece is an improved hybrid viewfinder that lets you focus as if you're using an old-school rangefinder, hopefully giving you a well-composed photo on the first try. New focus peaking, split-image and filter simulation modes should also give you a better sense of how a shot will turn out before you press the shutter.
Olympus' newest mirrorless camera is built for selfies
Even Olympus can't resist the allure of selfies, it seems. The company has just unveiled the PEN E-PL7, a retro-tinged mirrorless camera whose centerpiece is a 3-inch flip-out LCD that makes those trendy self-portraits a little easier. When you swing out the display, it kicks into a "Selfie Mode" which lets you tap the screen to capture a slightly time-delayed (and hopefully, better-prepared) shot. There's a selfie interval option to snap successive photos in different poses, and powered zoom lenses will automatically kick into a wide-angle view to make sure your pretty face is in the frame.
Leica's latest rangefinder camera is both speedier and stealthier
Digital rangefinder cameras may look like retro fashion items, but they're genuinely handy for pros -- they're good for moments when you need quality without carrying a big, conspicuous DSLR. To that end, Leica has just launched the M-P, a new addition to the M series that's more about serious work than style. You're still getting a 24-megapixel full-frame sensor in a relatively small body, but the buffer memory has doubled to a hefty 2GB; the camera should almost always keep up with your rapid-fire photography. There's also a new selection lever that shows you framing for common focal lengths in the viewfinder, and an anti-reflective coating on the scratch-resistant sapphire LCD will help you review your snaps in bright sunlight.
Photokina 2012 wrap-up: Canon, Nikon, lust-worthy Leicas, a full-frame Sony compact and more
The sun is setting on Germany's monster of a photo show, but Photokina didn't come and go without shaking up the industry. The biennial trade show drew all the big names -- Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Sony and many more manufacturers all had their latest wares on display for tens of thousands of photographers, journalists and local attendees -- with each company releasing a suite of impressive products. Canon and Nikon made an impression with their $2,100 6D and D600 full-frame DSLRs, while Olympus, Panasonic, Sony and Fujifilm each upped the ante with new mirrorless lineups, and Leica demoed its new M, which for the first time brings live-view and video capture to the high-end rangefinder series. The fun doesn't stop there, though -- there was plenty more to explore, and you'll find it all in our wrap-up just after the break.
