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Sony's mic-ready RX100 VII is a vlogger's dream
Don't let its size fool you -- Sony's latest point and shoot is meant to be a powerhouse. The RX100 VII, unveiled today, is equipped with advanced tracking and autofocus features we previously saw in the full-frame, mirrorless A9 camera. In many ways, the seventh variant of the RX100 is a different species. It comes with an external mic port and a "Single Burst Driving Shooting Mode" that can take up to seven still photos with one shutter press, both new to the RX100 line.
Sony's $450 HX99 camera packs 30X zoom into an ultra-compact
How do you make a point-and-shoot camera appealing when the smartphone in your pocket can already take great photos? By stuffing a ton of features into a design that's almost as easy to carry as that phone, apparently. That's the principal behind Sony's Cyber-shot HX99 going on sale in November 2018 in the US. It crams a 24-720mm equivalent (30X) f/3.5-6.4 zoom lens, a retractable OLED viewfinder and a flip-up touchscreen into a small 4-by-2.5-inch body you'd associate with standard-zoom cameras.
A first look at Sony’s super-fast RX10 IV zoom camera
Sony just announced its latest flagship point-and-shoot at an event in New York City, the RX10 IV. The new camera, a successor to last year's RX10 III, again comes with a 24-600mm (35mm equivalent) f/2.4-4 Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens and a 1-inch, 20.1-megapixel stacked CMOS sensor. In terms of design, the RX10 IV is basically identical to its predecessor, featuring mode and exposure dials, a 3-inch LCD screen and an OLED viewfinder. Here's where it really shines, though: Sony says this zoom shooter sports the "world's fastest" autofocus speed of 0.03 seconds, complemented by 24fps continuous shooting (with full AF/AE tracking) and 4K (3,840 x 2,160) movie recording at 24 or 30fps.
Sony's RX100 V camera makes a strong first impression
With the introduction of its RX100 series in 2012, Sony raised the bar for point-and-shoot cameras. As such, it's no surprise that the latest model can do things like capture JPEG and RAW photos at a mind-boggling 24 frames per second. The RX100 V is all about speed, driven by a 20.1-megapixel 1-inch sensor and an autofocus system that, according to Sony, meets and exceeds the requirements of any professional photographer. That may be a marketing hyperbole, but I did shoot with the RX100 V last night and the results are impressive. Especially for a camera that fits in my pocket.
Sony's HX80 point-and-shoot fits a 30x zoom in a small body
If Sony's new A6300 mirrorless camera is more than you need, you might be interested in the company's latest point-and-shoot. Today, Sony revealed the HX80, a compact shooter with a 30x optical zoom lens and a built-in, retractable OLED electronic viewfinder. Featuring similar looks as its RX100 relative, it also comes with a 18.2-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor, 5-axis image stabilization, 1080p video recording and a 3-inch (921,000-dot) LCD screen. There's WiFi and NFC too, for transferring media to iOS and Android devices via the PlayMemories app. The HX80 will be available next month for $350, which isn't a bad price considering the overall package it offers.
Nikon launches DL line of premium compact cameras
Fresh off its exciting camera announcements from CES 2016, Nikon is now back with more. Today, the company is introducing a new line of premium point-and-shoots, called DL. This series consists of three different cameras -- the DL24-85, DL18-50 and DL24-500 -- each named after the type of fixed lens that's on them. And that, for the most part, is the difference between the trio. They all feature a 20.8-megapixel (1-inch, CX-format) BSI CMOS sensor, coupled with an Expeed 6A image processor, 20 fps continuous shooting, 4K video at up to 30 fps and slow-motion movies at 120 fps (1080p) and 240 fps (720p).
Canon widens premium point-and-shoot line with the G5 X and G9 X
As it turns out, the PowerShot G5 X we got a glimpse of earlier today is indeed real. But there's more where that came from: Canon has also announced the G9 X, another new member of its high-end point-and-shoot series. Similar to the existing G3 X, these cameras feature a 1-inch, 20.2-megapixel CMOS sensor, Digic 6 image processor and ISO up to 25,600 (extended). What makes these two PowerShots different from one another is mostly on the outside. The G5X, for example, has a built-in (2.36-million-dot) electronic viewfinder and a tilting 3-inch LCD on the back, whereas its sibling comes with a fixed screen and lacks an EVF. As a result, the G9 X shines in the weight department, coming in at a mere 209 grams (roughly 0.5 lbs), compared to the 370 grams on the G5 X.
Sony's new compact cameras put a superzoom lens in your pocket
We know your smartphone is pretty good at taking pictures. Still, sometimes you may find yourself in a situation where, perhaps, there's the need to snap a subject that isn't exactly nearby. This is where Sony could help. The company has announced the Cyber-shot HX90V and WX500, two small point-and-shoot cameras with 30x optical and 60x digital zoom -- it's a Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens, to be specific. Both models feature an 18.2-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor alongside a Bionz X processor, five-axis image stabilization (Optical SteadyShot), 1080p video recording, NFC, WiFi and a 3-inch (selfie-friendly) LCD. The main difference between them is the built-in, retractable electronic viewfinder on the HX90V, which is similar to the one you'll find on Sony's flagship compact camera, the RX100. The Cyber-shot HX90V and WX500 will be available in June for $430 and $330, respectively.
Fujifilm packs a ton of power in the X30 point-and-shoot
The highlight for Fujifilm at this year's Photokina is undoubtedly the X100T and its brilliant hybrid viewfinder, but the X30 point-and-shoot is also not to be missed. Internally, the $599 compact is nearly identical to its predecessor, the X20, with the same 12-megapixel, 2/3-inch CMOS sensor and f/2.0-2.8, 28-112mm lens, but it features a few improvements that might make an upgrade worthwhile for at least a few select Fuji fans. The most significant boost is a new 2.36M-dot electronic viewfinder, which provides a full 100-percent view, along with a new tilting 3-inch high-res LCD.
Capture super-sharp shots with Leica's X point-and-shoot
Leica cameras are not without their critics, especially when it comes to pricing (which admittedly can be absolutely absurd at times), but the company's point-and-shoots are more affordable. Of course you'll still pay a significant premium for the Leica name, but if you have the cash to spare, there are some very capable cameras to choose from, including the latest X model we met at Photokina today. Like its predecessor, the X sports a large 16.2-megapixel APS-C sensor (the same size you'll find in most DSLRs), paired with a fixed 23mm f/1.7 lens, which provides a field of view equivalent to a 35mm lens on a full-frame camera.
Meet the Leica X-E, an almost-affordable APS-C compact
Leica just released an update to its X2 point-and-shoot camera here at Photokina. The X-E has a look and feel that's very similar to its predecessor, with comparable specs as well. There's a 16.5-megapixel APS-C sensor that, like the X model also announced today, can capture images with a level of quality that rivals that of many DSLRs. What you can't do, unfortunately, is swap in a different lens -- there's a 24mm f/2.8 optic permanently attached, which is what you'd expect given the light weight and compact size, but if you need to get closer to your subject, you'll need to walk forward rather than zoom in.
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 targets Sony's popular RX100 with PowerShot G7 X point-and-shoot
When you're looking to buy a camera, the physical size of the sensor -- not the megapixel rating -- is what you want to keep an eye out for. The larger the better, of course, and while we may never see pocketable full-frame cameras with powerful zoom lenses, some manufacturers are getting close. Sony was the first such camera maker to debut a camera with a 1-inch sensor, the RX100, and now Canon's trying to reclaim some of that high-end point-and-shoot market share with a model of its own. The PowerShot G7 X is Canon's first 1-inch sensor camera, and while it costs a pretty penny ($700), you do get what you pay for.
Canon's new PowerShot cameras are for super-zoom lovers
Despite the popularity of smartphone (and tablet) cameras increasing by the minute, companies like Canon aren't ready to throw in the towel for classics such as the point-and-shoot. With that in mind, the Japanese camera maker has introduced a pair of compact, super-zoom shooters: the PowerShot SX400 IS and PowerShot XS520HS. For starters, the entry-level SX400 IS, priced at $250, comes with a 16-megapixel CCD sensor, Digic 4+ image chip and 30x optical zoom, plus a number of "Smart Auto" features that Canon hopes make it easy for users to snap some great quality photos and video. The SX520 HS, on the other hand, is $400, but the heavier price tag, naturally, signifies a better spec sheet. There's a 16-megapixel High-Sensitivity sensor (with the same image processor as the SX400), 42x optical zoom and a mini-HDMI, as well as speedy autofocus and enhanced stabilization systems. If you're interested, you won't have to wait long to get one -- Canon's bringing the new PowerShots to market soon, starting with the SX400 IS in August and SX520 HS the following month.
Sony RX100 III review: a fantastic point-and-shoot, but it'll cost you
There are good cameras that look cute, take passable pictures and don't cost an arm and a leg. And then there are incredible cameras that can really do it all, but come along with comparatively astronomical price tags. The Sony RX100 is the latter -- the original model, which cost $650 and first appeared in 2012, was already wildly popular with camera enthusiasts, and 2014's version cashes in on two additional years of R&D. The result is a more capable point-and-shoot that's even pricier, at $800, but still worth every penny: It's the RX100 III.
Olympus Stylus TG-3: a ruggedized camera that doesn't suck
In the past, opting for a ruggedized camera has required some serious sacrifices. Whether that's meant comically large housings or mediocre performance, you couldn't get a fantastic point-and-shoot camera that you could also safely take on the slopes, the back of a motorcycle or on SCUBA dives. This year's Olympus Stylus Tough is the first such model I've seen that's worthy of your 350 bucks. A fast lens, speedy focusing and solid image quality make the TG-3 a great option even if you only plan to document your backyard rose garden or a child's first steps, but it'll also handle much more sophisticated shooting situations with ease.
Meet Sony's RX100 III, a refined edition of its excellent point-and-shoot
Even though Sony has been suffering from financial woes of late, the Japanese company did find some form of success recently thanks to new Xperia smartphones and the PlayStation 4. And let's not forget another meaningful part of its electronics business: cameras. With the introduction of the Cyber-shot RX100 back in 2012, Sony made a point-and-shoot that most any photography buff could proudly carry around, to use not only as a backup to, say, a DSLR, but even as a main camera. Now, looking to build on the success of the first and second generations, Sony is announcing the RX100 III, bringing with it more bells and whistles than you could ever hope for out of a compact shooter.
Canon unveils WiFi-equipped PowerShot SX600 HS, ELPH 340HS point-and-shoots
It's hard to get excited about an ordinary point-and-shoot after Canon just showed off its funky PowerShot N100, but if practicality's the name of the game, this new duo will have you covered. The first model, the PowerShot SX600 HS, includes a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, a DIGIC 4+ processor, an 18x 25-450mm, f/3.8-6.9 optical zoom lens and a 3-inch 461k-dot LCD. There's also built-in WiFi and NFC, so you can pair the camera with an Android smartphone or tablet and transfer stills and video with ease. There's a Mobile Device Connect button, enabling instant access to wireless features, such as app control and uploads. The SX600 includes a Hybrid Auto mode, which records four seconds of video before each still photo; a Smart Auto mode with 32 pre-defined shooting modes; and a dedicated movie button, giving you instant access to 1080p captures. Next up is the PowerShot ELPH 340HS. This more portable cam will set you back 200 bucks, and includes a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, a DIGIC 4+ processor, a 12x 25-300mm, f/3.6-7.0 optical zoom lens and a 3-inch 461k-dot LCD. It also sports WiFi and NFC, with the same functionality outlined above, along with the same Hybrid Auto, Smart Auto and video shooting modes. The 340HS is expected to hit stores in March for $200, available in purple, black and silver. The $250 SX600 HS will be available a bit sooner -- it ships at the end of February in red, black and white.
Canon PowerShot N100 sports modified design, WiFi, rear-facing camera
We weren't quite sure what to think of Canon's PowerShot N, an unusual-looking point-and-shoot with a large touchscreen and a square design that launched at last year's CES. That model didn't follow the traditional pocket camera form factor, and while we were happy to give Canon some props for innovation, we weren't convinced the N would be a success. And now, well-received or not, the non-traditional cam is back. This year, it's the PowerShot N100 -- and Canon even had the chutzpah to price this thing higher than its 2013 equivalent, at $350. That sum will net you a 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, Canon's latest DIGIC 6 processor, a 5x f/1.8-5.7 (24-120mm) optically stabilized zoom lens, and a 3-inch, 922k-dot touchscreen that flips up 90 degrees. There's WiFi, like last year's model, along with NFC, so you can tap the camera to a compatible Android smartphone for instant image and video transfers. But the spec Canon is pushing most with the N100 is a secondary rear-facing camera. We've seen plenty of rear-facing cams on smartphones and even a few tablets, but this appears to be the first time a manufacturer is including one on a dedicated point-and-shoot. The intention here is that photographers will use this second camera to capture their own expression in still or video form alongside content coming in through the primary lens. We first experienced this concept with LG's Optimus G Pro, and while it's a bit gimmicky, we can see Dual Capture resonating well with Canon's target demographic. There's also a Hybrid Auto mode that snaps four seconds of video before each still photo, a Creative Shot mode enabling a handful of assistive options and a standard video mode for capturing clips at up to 1080p. The PowerShot N100, available in black and white, will run you $350 when it ships in May.
Nikon's comically compact Coolpix S02 features a 3x lens, 1080p video and boosted image quality for $180
Nikon's Coolpix S01 is adorable, and its successor, the S02, is too. The itsy-bitsy point-and-shoot is one of the smallest and lightest zoom-equipped cameras on the market, but it's hardly the most powerful. That's to be expected -- the Coolpix S02 will fit in the smallest of palms, and its $180 price tag is reasonable given the spec list. There's a 13.2-megapixel CMOS sensor (compared to a 10MP CCD on last year's model), a larger 2.7-inch touchscreen, 1080p video (up from 720p) and a 3x 30-90mm f/3.3-5.9 lens. Due to the cam's small size, there's no room for a removable battery or expandable storage, so you'll be limited to the internal cell and fixed 7.3GB for saving images and video clips. Expect the S02 to hit stores later this month in silver, white, pink and blue.
