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Sony A7 reportedly pictured in blurry screengrab, teases viewfinder
Remember that full-frame mirrorless shooter Sony's expected to release? Sony Alpha Rumors claims to have found an (admittedly low resolution) image of the fabled camera. The blurry shot shows a little more than half of the rumored camera's face, teasing undefined outlines of the device's control wheels, as well as a protruding bump that could hide an traditional viewfinder. The rig looks a bit like a mash up between Sony's A900 and the mirrorless NEX-7, borrowing elements from both designs. The camera is rumored to launch later this month, and is expected to come in 24- and 36-megapixel variants (respectively called the A7 and A7r). Check out the source link below for more rumors and speculation.
Samsung refreshes NX300M mirrorless camera with 180 degree rotatable display
Samsung's original NX300 mirrorless camera came with little to shout about beyond its gimmicky 3D capability. This refreshed NX300M brings something more useful to the table, however: a 3.31-inch AMOLED touch display that can now flip around 180 degrees instead of just 90, making it possible to easily frame up your selfies. Other features remain unchanged from the original, like the 20.3-megapixel APS-C sensor, 100-25,600 ISO range, 8.6fps continuous shooting, dual-channel WiFi with SmartShare and NFC capability. Users in Korea will be able to grab one now in white, black and brown with an 18-55mm kit lens for 890,000 won (about $839). There's no word on US pricing or availability, but that shouldn't be too far behind.
Nikon's AW1 is the world's first waterproof interchangeable-lens digital camera (hands-on)
Have any interest in bringing an interchangeable-lens camera along on your next snorkeling adventure? You could pick up a pricey DSLR housing, sure, but you might want to consider Nikon's new 1-Series AW1, the first digital device of its kind to score an integrated waterproof enclosure. An O-ring combines with a regular bayonet lens fitting to create a reassuringly tough seal that will survive down to a depth of 49 feet, at the expense of requiring just a little bit more time and physical effort to swap lenses. You'll need to re-surface before attempting that, of course, and you'll also have to make sure you're using one of just two waterproof pieces of glass: either a 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6, which comes as part of the kit, or a wide 10mm f/2.8 lens that is sold separately. Regular 1-series lenses will still fit on the AW1, courtesy of a little accessory, but they won't offer any of the ruggedness of the dedicated pair -- which means you'll miss out on the water-proofing, dust-proofing, freeze-proofing (to 14-degrees Fahrenheit) and shock-proofing (from a maximum drop of 6.6 feet). Internally, the AW1 is similar to the CES-era J3. There's the same 14.2-megapixel CX-format sensor and 6400 top ISO, along with 1080p video capture, but the new model adds thrill-seeker essentials like an altimeter, depth gauge, GPS, compass and an accelerometer-powered option for switching modes with one hand. Finally, at risks of startling the little fishes, there's also pop-up flash that works underwater. All this will set you back $800 with the 11-27.5mm lens, when the AW1 ships next month, while the 10mm f/2.8 will be $200 more. Oh, and check out the hands-on video after the break to see how the AW1 fares in our own, hastily compiled durability test. Update: As some particularly knowledgeable readers have spotted, the AW1 is the first digital waterproof ILC, but not the first if you count the celluloid Nikonos series. Thanks guys -- the post has been tweaked. Sharif Sakr contributed to this report.
Olympus' OMD E-M1 flagship ILC arrives with new sensor, Four Thirds lens support for $1,399
Olympus has just announced its top-of-the-line OMD E-M1 camera that squeezes the ruggedness of its E-M5 predecessor into a smaller package, while adding some tempting new capabilities. There's a brand new 16.3-megapixel sensor, for starters, that dispenses with the optical low-pass filter of the previous model and uses the new TruePic VII image engine to kill artifacts, instead. Olympus claims that results in more resolution and sharpness, while also keeping noise and color fading to a minimum at high ISOs. Another big addition is the "Dual Fast" autofocus system that permits faster focusing and 6.5 fps shooting in continuous focus mode (10 fps with single AF). Also, you can now autofocus with non-native Four Thirds lenses using phase detection, and there's better support for Olympus' Zuiko lenses -- like the new M.Zuiko 12-40mm f2.8 model shown above. Other features include 1080p/30fps video, an updated 2.36 million-dot EVF, a tweaked 5-axis image stabilizer and built-in WiFi. Though more compact than before, the new body has extra dials and switches, including a dedicated HDR button with two selectable modes (one or two stops above and below normal). On top of remaining dust- and waterproof, the E-M1 is now also freezeproof and guaranteed to function down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit. As before, that'll let you take it into dusty, wet and now cold environments without fear of damaging sensitive optics or electronics. That aspect may have been the OMD E-M5's killer feature, and with numerous performance improvements and those classic good looks, the E-M1 may actually top its forerunner -- no mean feat. It'll arrive next month for $1,399 (body only).
Leaked Fujifilm X-A1 hints at a more mainstream mirrorless camera
Fujifilm looks set to extend its range of retro-styled mirrorless cameras, if we're to believe a leaked press release and publicity shots for an unannounced model, the X-A1. The camera, which first appeared on Czech camera retailer Fotoskoda (before it was quickly taken down), looks to become the fourth model in Fujifilm's interchangeable lens X-series, with a 16-megapixel APS-C EXR CMOS sensor. Like the $700 X-M1, Fujifilm's latest shooter is said to include a 3-inch tilting LCD, on-board Wi-Fi, and a "very fast" startup response time to get you snapping in less than 0.5 seconds. The absence of Fujifilm's magical X-TRANS sensor, which has been a big feature on the higher-end models, makes us think this may be a significantly cheaper model, possibly aimed at those looking for their first foray into the world of interchangeable lens compacts. There's no word on when the X-A1 might become available, but expect bold red and blue variants when it does, alongside the more traditional Fuji-ish black.
Sony unveils 16.1MP NEX-5T with NFC and WiFi, available this September
We assure you, the camera pictured above is not the NEX-5R. Announced today alongside three new E-mount lenses and the A3000, it's actually Sony's new NEX-5T. This shooter's unique feature is the addition of NFC for tap-to-device transfers of videos and photos -- a nice complement to the WiFi connectivity. Aside from that, it's pretty similar to its predecessor. Internally, you'll find the same 16.1-megapixel APS-C sensor with a maximum ISO sensitivity of 25,600 and hybrid phase-/contrast-detect autofocus for still images. The outside houses the familiar 921k-dot 3-inch touchscreen (with 180 degrees of rotation), a rear-set navigation dial and a function button (both programmable) adjacent to the shutter button. Photographers and videographers alike should be pleased with 1080/60p video capture and continuously focused 10-frames-per-second burst shooting. This NEX can also handle Sony's various Play Memories Camera Apps for extended versatility. The NEX-5T is set to launch this September in white, black and silver for $700 with a 16-50mm pancake powered-zoom lens, and $550 for just the body. For now, grab a better glimpse by checking out the embedded galleries. Full press release after the break.
Samsung's Android-powered Galaxy NX hits UK retailers at a weighty £1,299 ($2,000)
We expected the Samsung Galaxy NX camera to cost a bundle when it was first announced, and if pricing from UK retailer Jessops proves accurate, we aren't going to be "disappointed." The Android-powered mirrorless model will run £1,299 ($2,000 or so) with an 18-55mm kit lens, more than Canon's fearsome EOS 70D and pushing Panasonic's flagship GH-3. As you may recall, the Galaxy NX is the first-ever interchangeable-lens camera to run Android, and packs 3G / 4G LTE radios along with a 20.3-megapixel APS-C sensor, 8.6fps shooting speed, WiFi, 16GB built-in storage, and 1/6000 shutter speed. We noted such strange bedfellows might make it a hard sell, especially considering some shortcomings for demanding photographers, like a slow start-up time and lack of manual dials. Jessops is showing the model in stock, while another retailer called Wex merely has it up for pre-order, so we're not sure which has it straight. In any event, if you're one of the few who thought high-end cameras really needed an Android OS, hit the sources.
Panasonic GX7 specs and images leak, show tiltable 2.76 million dot EVF
Prolific leaker Digicame Info has just showed off new images of Panasonic's likely new 16-megapixel Lumix GX7, along with full specs that place it squarely in the high-end, if accurate. Those include a 2.76 million dot EVF that can be tilted 90 degrees, 1/8000th of a second shutter speed, and in-body image stabilization -- all of which exceed the company's $1,500 GH-3 flagship. Other features include a 25,600 max ISO, silent mode shooting, NFC, WiFi, focus peaking, an 80-degree tiltable LCD and full HD, 60 fps video. If 43 Rumors is to be believed, all of that will cost around €1,000 in Europe for the body only (around $1,325). There's no word on an official arrival yet, but if you're in the market for a GH-3 and were hoping for something lighter (and cheaper), you may want to hang on. Head after the break to see the tilt EVF, or check the source for more pics.
Samsung Galaxy NX mirrorless camera: hands-on with an Android ILC (video)
After last year's Galaxy Camera, Samsung split in two directions. It went closer to the phone with the Galaxy S 4 Zoom, shrinking the form factor (and some of the specs) for something that closer approximates a pocket-friendly device, and it got serious about interchangeable-lens cameras. This is the Galaxy NX, an ILC with LTE connectivity that's capable of capturing at 8.6 fps and contains a hybrid autofocus system made by Samsung. In fact, the company says it's behind every part of this new device, from the quad-core 1.6GHz Pega-Q processor, to the 4.8-inch LCD screen, to even the shutter mechanism. With a "DSLR-class" 20.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor we've seen on other NX cameras, new DRIMe IV image processor and ISO settings from 100 to 25,600, Samsung appears to be making a serious pitch for photographers interested in more than just an Instagram hook-up. This mirrorless shooter will be compatible with the full gamut of NX lenses, currently totaling 13. We paired the Galaxy NX with its 18-55mm OIS kit lens and tested it out for a bit. Read up on our impressions after the break. Update: Now with a dollop of video from the Premiere event in London.%Gallery-191821%
Samsung NX1100 ILC now shipping for $600 with bundled Lightroom 4
Samsung's quietly introduced replacement for the NX1000, the NX1100, just hit stores today with a $600 price tag. The camera, which sports a 20.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, 921k-dot, 3-inch LCD, 8 fps RAW and JPEG shooting, a top sensitivity of ISO 12,800, 1080p video capture, built-in WiFi and an Android and iOS companion app, comes bundled with a copy of Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4, which typically carries a sticker price of around $125. You also get a 20-50mm f/3.5-5.6 lens and an external flash in the box, making this quite an appealing offer for beginners looking to step up from a point-and-shoot.
Panasonic's Lumix GF6 leaks early with a 16MP sensor, tilting touchscreen and NFC for £449
After passing by Taiwan's WiFi certification tests, Panasonic's latest interchangeable lens camera has broken cover over at TechRadar. The leak has given us the first glimpse at the Lumix GF6's full spec list, which include the same 16-megapixel sensor as the GX1, a new Venus engine to assist with imaging performance, an electrostatic touchscreen and (in a first for ILCs) built-in NFC . Better still, the team had some time to play with the camera, which has shown itself almost precisely 12 months after the last GF iteration. The camera apparently tries to straddle the gap between compact point-and-shoots and the more technical world of mirrorless and DSLR shooters with a new mode dial on top and a more responsive touchscreen. In addition to NFC, there's even built-in WiFi to aid image sharing -- although we can only share the original article through the magic of Google cache -- take a peek at the source below. No word on a specific release date in the leak, although the UK's £449 price tag (which includes a new 14-42mm kit lens) should translate to around $680 on the other side of the Atlantic. (Update: At TechRadar's request, we've taken down the image of the GF6)
Pentax offers 100 different custom color options for its Q10 mirrorless camera
If Pentax's Q10 ILC piqued your interest when we got to play with it back in September, then perhaps the choice of 100 different paint jobs might push you to a purchase. Alongside several new cameras at CES 2013, the camera-maker will start to offer custom ordering for the mirrorless unit, with a choice of colors for both the grip and body. And the options? They include pink, white, black, red, turquoise, gold, green, magenta, orange and brown -- and Pentax will be offering them all direct from its Q10 studio site, which you can find at the source.
Sony rumored to be developing full-frame mirrorless camera, release could come in 2014
This September, Sony disrupted the point-and-shoot market with the announcement of a full-frame compact model -- the $2,800 Cyber-shot RX1. On the same day, the company shared news of its first full-frame HD video camera, the NEX-VG900, representing Sony's third imaging product line to pack the 35mm chip. Now, it looks like the Japanese electronics giant is fast approaching the industry's final frontier, with rumored plans to launch a full-frame mirrorless model in late 2013 or early 2014. Sony Alpha Rumors has reportedly confirmed the news with multiple sources, adding that the TBD model has reached the "final stage of development," and that a 24-megapixel and 30+ MP prototype are currently undergoing testing. The camera is expected to be slightly larger than the NEX-7, and should include a native E-mount, with A-mount lens compatibility (for full-frame shooting) to be offered as well. We've reached out to Sony for confirmation, but, considering that the rumored product is a year or so out, we don't expect a reply. Still, based on the company's recent announcements, a full-frame mirrorless ILC doesn't seem so far-fetched, and we can't think of a better manufacturer to take on such a project than Sony.
Canon announces Q3 2012 results: operating profit down 42 percent to $908 million
Canon just released its Q3 2012 earnings reported, and things aren't looking peachy right now for the camera maker: revenue is down 13 percent to $10.3 billion from last Q3 last year, while profit tumbled by 42 percent. The Japanese company directed the blame toward the "negative impact of economic deterioration" in Europe and emerging markets like China, as well as the strong yen (again). DSLR sales fell over last year, with Canon mentioning that its launch of new models like the EOS 5D Mark III didn't help to shore its camera figures up. Other units within the company didn't fare much better, with printer sales falling and business-to-business numbers flatlining. The company doesn't see a bright fourth quarter either, and is projecting that sales will stay in lockstep with the sluggish economy, resulting in a 6 percent decline in operating profit for the year. It may not want to count so much on the new mirrorless offering pulling it out of the mud, though -- it got fairly mixed reviews.
Nikon 1 V2 unveiled: 14.2 megapixel ILC shoots 15fps stills for $899.95 in November
It was just over a year ago when Nikon first dipped its toe into mirrorless waters with its first two 1 System cameras, the V1 and J1. Now, the company has released the V1's successor, the aptly named V2. Like its elders, the V2 has a 1200fps slo-mo capture mode, a 3-inch LCD display on the back, a high-res (1.4 million dot) electronic viewfinder, and does 1080/30p and 1080/60i video capture (Alas, 4K recording capability didn't make the cut). Unlike the V1, the V2 comes in only black or white and uses an upgraded 14.2-megapixel CMOS sensor with an ISO range of 160-6,400. It also packs a new Expeed 3A image processor in tandem with Nikon's Advance Hybrid AF to deliver higher speed shooting. That autofocus system is comprised of 73 phase detect sensors and 135 contract detect sensors, which enables the V2 to capture stills at up to 15fps for 45 continuous frames -- and it can shoot 60 frames continuously using fixed focus.%Gallery-169057% The camera itself looks quite a bit different from its brethren, with a magnesium chassis, a bulked up grip and a built-in flash, plus command and shooting mode dials up top. It's a layout not unlike Sony's NEX-7, with one dial enabling easy switching between auto and manual exposure modes and a second providing access to secondary shooting controls like exposure compensation. The camera also has a stereo mic on board along with an external mic jack for recording audio. Would-be V2 owners can grab one with a 10-30mm kit lens for $899.95, and Nikon will add 30-110mm glass to that package for $250 more when it goes on sale in late November. Want to know more? Check out our hands-on with the V2 to see the new shooter in action, and Nikon's full PR awaits after the break.
Nikon 1 V2 mirrorless camera hands-on! (video)
If you followed the launch of Nikon's J2 interchangeable-lens compact recently, then waking up to today's announcement of a higher-specced V2 probably won't come as a huge surprise. Nevertheless, whereas the J2 was frustratingly incremental compared to the J1, the V2 will likely represent a more significant upgrade when it lands on shelves at the end of November. For a start, the magnesium alloy camera has been bestowed with a sizable grip, which makes a vast difference to its ergonomics -- it feels much more secure and manageable in the hand, without hurting the small and lightweight appeal of this form factor. Nikon has found room for a pop-up flash too, which is certainly nice to have. The mode dial has moved to the top of the camera and now includes the four main shooting modes (P/S/A/M) -- a change which, in one fell swoop, helps the entire remainder of the control system to become more intuitive and accessible. A new processing engine allows the camera to shoot 15 fps with continuous focus (versus 10 fps with the V1), with Nikon claiming that AF speed has been improved as well. And as for the bad news? It's waiting for you after the break.
Sony Alpha NEX-6 sample shots and video
Sony's fourth member of the acclaimed NEX family of cameras, the NEX-6, predictably slots in between the 5N and 7 in its mirrorless product lineup. We've seen the 6 hardware a few times, and now we've gotten to take some pictures with the thing. Want to know how its 16.1-megapixel APS-C sensor performed? Check out our gallery below and head on past the break for a video sample and our impressions.
Canon EOS M review: was Canon's first mirrorless ILC worth the four-year wait?
More Info Leaked EOS M photo looks like Canon's long-awaited mirrorless camera Canon unveils EOS M mirrorless: 18 MP APS-C, EF compatibility, $800 in October with 22mm lens Canon EOS M mirrorless camera hands-on It's here. Finally. Well, that is, if you happen to live in Japan. Canon's very first mirrorless interchangeable lens camera should be hitting shops the world over just as you begin to make room for that decked-out evergreen conifer, but the EOS M is already making the rounds in Canon's home country. It's available at select Japanese retailers for ¥109,900 (about $1,410, including sales tax). That lofty price will net you the EOS M in black, white or silver (the glossy red model remains elusive), complete with 55mm f/2 and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 EF-M optics, a Speedlite 90EX external flash and the EF-M Lens Adapter, enabling full compatibility with any and all of your EF and EF-S lenses. The US variant, which comes bundled with only the black 22mm "pancake" STM lens, should run you $799 when it appears stateside beginning October 15th, though neither country's model carries a particularly competitive price tag, especially considering how diverse (and well-equipped) the mirrorless ILC market has become. You might argue that Canon is borrowing a play out of Nikon's book when it comes to pricing the EOS M -- had the camera offered full DSLR functionality, including an advanced user interface, a $799 sticker might be justified. But the company has crippled its new compact shooter so as to avoid cannibalizing its still-successful full-size APS-C DSLR lineup, which includes models ranging from the Rebel T3 (about $475) to the EOS 7D (about $1,350). Appropriately, the EOS M falls right in the middle in terms of capabilities, with the added benefit of a new, nearly pocketable design that should win over more than its fair share of amateurs. That said, there's a reason larger SLRs remain on the market, and Canon very much wants to retain that solid footing. The EOS M isn't for everyone, and that's by design. But is it the right pick for you? Join us past the break as we try it on for size.
Aptina unveils 1-inch sensor with 1080p video at 120FPS, we suspect Nikon wants 1
Part suppliers sometimes telegraph their customers' plans months in advance: when you're the only provider for a key piece of technology, it's not hard for others to read the tea leaves. Aptina might have just given us one such peek into the future by unveiling its 1-inch AR1011HS camera sensor this week. As the Nikon 1 series is one of the few current, mainstream camera lines to use Aptina's 1-inch sensors, it's quite possible that we're looking at a template for one or more of Nikon's tiny interchangeable-lens shooters. The 10-megapixel CMOS sensor and low-light sensitivity aren't surprises. We're more interested in the wild levels of video capture support -- the AR1011HS can record 1080p footage at 120 frames per second, oversample movies at that resolution or scale up to quad HD. There's no guarantee any or all of the features will make the cut, especially given a dearth of 4K TVs, but it's not hard to imagine Nikon playing to the 1's high-speed strengths with an even quicker upgrade. Mass production starts in the first quarter of 2013, and while neither Aptina nor Nikon has confirmed any plans, Aptina's emphasis on top-tier companies in the "performance-oriented" mirrorless camera world leaves few other choices for a partnership.
Hasselblad announces Lunar mirrorless camera, fancies up Sony's NEX-7 for 5,000 euros
The bar's pretty high when your company is behind the first camera in space. Hasselblad's looking to build on that theme with its new Lunar mirrorless, which according to the company "revives the timeless charm" of 1957's 500c -- and if nothing else, the camera's got a curvy, space age body, built out of high grade aluminum with either a carbon fiber (available in black, silver or titanium colors) or wood (beech, olive, pear or mahogany) grip. Inside, you'll get a Bionz processor and an APS-C 24.3 megapixel sensor. The Lunar has a 10 frames per second burst mode, full HD recording and sports a 100 to 16000 ISO range. On the rear, you'll find a swiveling three-inch display. All of that's packed into a body that weighs roughly a pound. Update: While we didn't quite realize it at first, the layout of the camera and its specs are clearly that of a rehashed NEX-7. As SonyAlphaRumors points out, the shooter accepts Sony's e-mount lenses and is part of new partnership between the two photography giants -- looks like we're soon to have even more Sony cameras re-purposed as Hasselblad's, similar to Leica and Panasonic. While the NEX-7 itself will run you roughly $1,100 to 1,200k (body-only vs. with a kit lens), SAR has the Lunar pegged at $5,000 Euro (about $6,530, or six NEX-7s). That's almost $1k more than Leica's utilitarian M-E and about as much as an M9 for, those keeping count -- but hey, at least the lunar can shoot video, right? Joe Pollicino contributed to this post.
