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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.
Sony's new HX99 compact camera does things your smartphone can't
At a time when everyone is carrying around a generally capable camera inside their smartphone, compact cameras have struggled to stay relevant. Barring Sony's own wonderful RX100 series and Fujifilm's X100F family, the world of point-and-shoots is usually an unremarkable one. Sony's only camera announcements at IFA 2018 were intriguing, at least. It revealed two cameras, the Cybershot HX99 and HX95, which cram a technically impressive 30x, 24-720mm f/3.5-6 equivalent zoom lens into a 1.5-inch wide camera frame that feels very similar to the premium RX100 series. Both compacts join the Cybershot camera family, meaning they are cheaper than Sony's aforementioned premium compact camera series. The HX99 -- the one I tested -- is priced at €520 (around $610), making it pretty much half the price of the latest RX100 models.
Canon's selfie-oriented point-and-shoot now handles 4K video
With stellar cameras on smartphone models like Huawei's P20 Pro, the end seems nigh for point-and-shoot cameras. Canon hasn't given up on the category yet though, as it's just unveiled the compact PowerShoot SX740 HS, a spiffed-up version of last year's SX730. The new model is a dead ringer for the last one, and has the same 24-960mm equivalent (40x) lens, 20.3-megapixel sensor and pop-up flipable rear screen. However, with a new a Digic 8 processor, it can shoot photos at a speedier 7.4 fps, and video at 4K 30 fps instead of just 1080p.
A day with Sony’s versatile RX100 VI point-and-shoot
Without a doubt the most interesting feature on Sony's new flagship point-and-shoot RX100 VI is the new zoom lens. That Vario-Sonnar T* 24–200mm f/2.8–4.5 glass is much longer than the 24–70mm equivalent on the previous model, making the RX100 VI a more versatile compact shooter. You may not always need the superzoom, but it's nice to know you have that option -- especially on a camera that fits in the pocket of your shirt or jeans. Aside from the upgraded lens, the RX100 VI looks identical to its predecessor and also comes with a 20.1-megapixel, 1-inch Exmor RS CMOS sensor, though it does feature a better Bionz X processor (the same one that's on the full-frame A9).
A closer look at Sony's RX100 VI
As far as compact cameras go, there's no question that Sony's RX100 series has been the one to beat since its debut in 2012. But the company isn't resting on its laurels. With the RX100 VI, announced oday, Sony is making its flagship point-and-shoot even better by packing a 24-200 mm 8.3X zoom lens inside a tiny body. That's a much longer zoom than the Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 24-70mm on the previous model, the Mark V. Powering that is a 20.1-megapixel, 1-inch Exmor RS CMOS sensor and the same Bionz X processor as the full-frame A9, which makes it possible to do things like continuous shooting at up to 24fps and an autofocus speed of 0.03 seconds.
Canon's G1 X Mark III is its first APS-C sensor compact
Canon has unveiled its first-ever APS-C sensor compact zoom camera, the 24.3-megapixel PowerShot G1 X Mark III. It trades in the sleek body of the last G1 X Mark II model for a more DSLR-like, physical dial-laden body that's very similar to the G5 X compact. It also features Canon's fast and accurate dual-pixel autofocus and an all-new 2.36 million OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF). To get those big-sensor bragging rights, however, Canon had to sacrifice a few key features from the last model and jack up the price significantly.
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.
Nikon's Coolpix W300 is a rugged point-and-shoot with 4K chops
Not to be outdone by rival camera maker Olympus, Nikon is getting ready to launch a rugged point-and-shoot of its own. The new Coolpix W300 borrows a few features from the AW130 that was introduced in 2015, including the same 16-megapixel (1/2.3-inch) CMOS sensor, wide-angle lens with 5x optical zoom, 3-inch LCD as well as built-in NFC, WiFi and GPS. Naturally, the W300 is also waterproof (100ft/30m), freezeproof (14F/-10C), shockproof (7.9ft/2.4m) and dustproof. But the main new feature here is support for 4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160) video at 30fps. Aside from being able to record your adventures at a super high resolution, you can take still images while you're shooting in movie mode -- which isn't something a lot of 4K cameras let you do. In terms of ergonomics, Nikon says its W300 is an improvement over the AW130, thanks to a slightly redesigned grip that should make it easier to grip and hold it comfortably in your hands. If that's enough to peak your interest, the Coolpix W300 will be hitting stores this summer for $395, about $55 less than Olympus' recently announced TG-5 rugged camera.
Olympus’ TG-5 rugged camera has 4K video in a compact body
With summer season just around the corner, now is the perfect time for new rugged cameras to start popping up. And what do you know, Olympus has introduced the Tough TG-5, a point-and-shoot with a 12-megapixel CMOS sensor (1/2.3-inch), 25-100mm f/2.0 wide-angle lens (35mm equivalent), 4x optical zoom, 12,800 max ISO and the latest TruePic VIII image processor. If you're looking to record your adventures, you can do so in 4K at 25 and 30fps, or 1080p at 25, 30, 50, 60 and 120fps (slow-motion videos, anyone?). Naturally, since this is a rugged camera after all, the TG-5 is waterproof (50ft), crushproof, dustproof and freezeproof. You'll also get built-in GPS, RAW+JPEG shooting, a 3-inch LCD and WiFi, which makes it easy for you to transfer your images to a smartphone. The Tough TG-5 is hitting stores in June for $450, while an underwater case for extra protection (147ft) will be sold separately for $300.
Panasonic's latest super-zoom camera also shoots selfies
Point-and-shoot cameras have had a bad rep lately, since they're neither as convenient as a smartphone nor as powerful as a mirrorless cam or DSLR. However, there are a few areas where they still excel: they can include ridiculously long-zoom lenses in small bodies, and take selfies that would be difficult or impossible to manage on your phone. And Panasonic, at least, is determined to make the most of those advantages. The company has just introduced the Lumix ZS70, a successor to the ZS60 that crams more into its compact frame. It now has a 20.3-megapixel sensor (up from 18MP), an even longer-ranged 24-720mm equivalent lens, and -- most importantly -- a flip-out 3-inch touchscreen. If you've ever wanted to take a high-quality selfie (including a new 4K mode) without sacrificing your ability to shoot far-off subjects, you might want to consider this model.
Canon's latest point-and-shoot helps you take solid selfies
Canon has been relatively quiet since introducing its EOS M6 mirrorless in February, but the company is getting ready to launch yet another camera soon. Meet the PowerShot SX730 HS, a point-and-shoot with a 20.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, the latest Digic 6 processor, a 4.3-172mm 40x zoom lens (24-960mm equivalent) and a 3-inch tilting LCD that lets you take high-quality selfies. To help with that last bit, Canon added new "skin" and "self-portrait" modes, which aim to make you more attractive by giving your face a smoother look.
Fujifilm's FinePix XP120 is a sporty, rugged point-and-shoot
Unlike Nikon and Panasonic, Fujifilm isn't making any major announcements at this year's CES. That said, the company is introducing a camera here in Las Vegas: the FinePix XP120, the latest member of its rugged point-and-shoot series. Naturally, the main highlights here are that it's waterproof (up to 65 feet) and shockproof to 5.8 feet, as well as dustproof and freezeproof. In addition, the XP120 sports a decent 16.4-megapixel CMOS sensor, 3-inch LCD and 1080p recording at 60fps. These specs won't blow anyone's mind, but the $230 camera could appeal to at least a few outdoor buffs when it launches in February.
Canon's latest premium point-and-shoot is the G9 X Mark II
Canon is refreshing its premium line of point-and-shoots with the PowerShot G9 X Mark II, a sleek camera with a decent set of specs. Notably, there's a 1-inch 20.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and Digic 7 image processor, coupled with a 3x optical zoom lens (28-84mm) and a 3-inch LCD. You'll also find an 8.2 frames-per-second continuous shooting mode, as well as WiFi and NFC for controlling the camera remotely. The PowerShot G9 X Mark II is expected to hit stores in February for $530/£450.
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 new A6500 and RX100 V cameras are all about speed
Today at an event in New York City, Sony revealed its latest compact cameras, the A6500 and RX100 V. And they have one thing in common: They're all about speed. With the A6500 flagship mirrorless, you get a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor with 11-fps continuous shooting, which you can fire for about 30 seconds at a time. If you do the math, that should give you a little over 300 frames in a single shutter press. The A6500 also comes with in-body 5-axis image stabilization -- a first for an APS-C-sized shooter from Sony -- as well as 100-25,600 ISO (52,000 for stills).
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's A900 is the first Coolpix point-and-shoot with 4K
Nikon has more than a few premium compact cameras to reveal today. Along with the announcement of its DL series, the company's also introducing three new Coolpix shooters. The most interesting one of the bunch is the A900, a point-and-shoot camera with a 20-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, 35x optical zoom, 3-inch tilting screen and 4K movie recording at up to 30 fps. All that for only $350. Then there's the B700, which features the same sensor as the A900, but with a 60x optical zoom, a higher resolution LCD and 4K video, too. However, you'll have to pay $500 for this one.
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.
Olympus' new compact camera uses retro looks to lure you in
Due to the popularity of smartphones, camera manufacturers have had to scramble trying to find ways to keep their products relevant. And Olympus is no stranger to this. Now, the company has announced its Stylus SH-2, a point-and-shoot camera that's using retro looks to, hopefully, appeal to the masses. Like they say, however, looks aren't everything. As such, Olympus is making this compact cam beautiful on the inside too, featuring a RAW capture mode, 5-axis image stabilization, WiFi and the ability to shoot 1080p video at 60 fps. Just as important, the Stylus SH-2 comes with a 16-megapixel sensor and 24x optical zoom lens (24-600mm wide-angle equivalent) -- similar to what we saw on the Stylus SH-1, which was introduced last March. It'll be available in black and silver next month for $400, while the companion carrying cases will be sold separately.
