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Canon's budget mirrorless M100 gets a big sensor upgrade
Canon's M5 and other mirrorless cameras don't get the respect of Fujifilm or Sony models, perhaps because of the blah style and lack of features like 4K that users have come to expect. However, it's gradually improved the lineup and managed to increase mirrorless sales by 70 percent this year. To attract those who want to step up from smartphones, Canon has launched the M100, a replacement for the budget M10. The standout feature is a new 24.2-megapixel sensor that provides a big resolution improvement over the previous model's 18 megapixels.
Leica's TL2 gains more megapixels and 4K video
When you consider the limited features you get for the astronomical prices, it's easy to roll your eyes at Leica. However, it's just released the TL2, the compact APS-C successor to the original TL, that finally looks like a modern mirrorless. For $1,950 -- a lot, but not as crazy as some models -- you get an all-new 24-megapixel sensor, a shutter that allows up to a 20 fps shooting speed and 1/40,000th of a second and, yep, 4K video.
Tiny drone-friendly 4K camera lets you swap lenses
If you want to fly an interchangeable-lens camera on a DJI Phantom-sized drone, Blackmagic has two options coming soon, the 1080p Micro Cinema Camera and the 4K Micro Studio Camera. Now there's another one -- the E1, a Micro Four Thirds (MFT) interchangeable-lens camera small enough replace a GoPro in many cases. There is a catch, however. The company that's building it (Z Camera) is a startup and the camera is launching on Kickstarter, making any purchase a roll of the dice. However, it is fully funded and being produced in cooperation with Panasonic, which built the 4K sensor and is supplying the bundled 14mm f/2.5 lens.
Fujifilm outs the X-T10, an $800 interchangeable lens camera
If you've been holding out for a cheaper model of Fujifilm's X-Series flagship, the X-T1, today is your lucky day. The company has just revealed the X-T10 interchangeable lens camera, featuring a 16.3-megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor (with built-in phase detection autofocus), an EXR Processor II and compatibility with Fujinon lenses -- that's great news for people who are already invested in the ecosystem. It will also pack the revamped AF system Fujifilm announced last week, which is said to be speedier and more accurate overall, particularly in low-light conditions and when trying to capture moving subjects. Most importantly, perhaps, Fujifilm is pricing its X-T10 at a reasonable $800 (body-only), or you can shell out an extra $100 for the XC16-50mm kit.
Fujifilm's latest mirrorless camera has a flip screen for superior selfies
Your smartphone is fine for selfies, but it can't take them with a $1,000 Zeiss lens like Fujifilm's latest interchangeable lens camera. The X-A2 is a successor to its bottom-rung X-A1 model, but Fujifilm has changed the marketing thrust to selfies by adding a 175 degree flip screen for easier self-framing. It also carries face and eye detection features that are activated automatically when the 920k dot screen is flipped around. Otherwise, the 16.3-megapixel, APS-C sensor-equipped camera is little changed from before and will arrive next month in black, brown and white for $550 with a 16-50 f/3.5-5.6 lens (24-75mm 50mm equivalent). You can also grab it for $699 with a 50-230mm lens if you'd rather point it in the other direction.
Sony updates 'lens camera' lineup with QX30, interchangeable-lens QX1
At last year's IFA in Berlin, Sony announced its first two "lens cameras," a pair of point-and-shoot cams that clip onto your smartphone. You use your phone's display to control the camera, and while you can technically fire off shots using the integrated zoom toggle and shutter release, there's no built-in LCD. Given the limitations, they're not for everyone, but there's apparently been enough interest for Sony to keep the QX line going, with a 30x zoom version and a unique interchangeable-lens model that accepts any E-mount optic now making their debut here in Berlin.
Sony's next smartphone-mounted camera will let you change lenses
If you're looking to rule Instagram, Sony's about to give you the ultimate smartphone weapon, judging by a leak from Xperia Blog. The site posted several purported images of the Sony ILCE-QX1, a lens camera system that'd work with interchangeable E-Mount style lenses. Sony's niche-oriented lens camera lineup is currently fixed-lens only with the QX10 and QX100 models. The QX100, for instance, is based on Sony's fantastic RX100 camera and priced for serious smartphone photographers at $500. Assuming the rumor pans out, the QX1 would have an even larger APS-C (26.7mm) sensor and take compatible E-Mount lenses. There are no other specs, but as before, we'd expect that your smartphone will control the QX1 and capture images from it, with a mount that adapts to a wide variety of handsets. It'll also likely have a built-in memory card. There's no pricing yet, but as a rule, interchangeable-lens cameras are usually more expensive than fixed-lens models. Then again, Sony tends to break that rule. Update: Oh, and yes, that phone in the images appears to be the alleged Xperia Z3 that we spotted back in July.
Nikon's latest high-speed mirrorless cameras come to the US
After a (thankfully brief) wait, Nikon's super-speedy J4 mirrorless camera is coming to the US -- and it's bringing along a low-cost counterpart, the S2. You should see the J4 arrive later this month for $650 with a standard 10-30mm zoom lens, or about $50 more than the outgoing J3. It'll also be available in an $850 kit with a more flexible 10-100mm lens, and a $1,050 bundle is on tap if you want both the 10-30mm glass and a long-range 30-110mm telephoto lens. As you'd expect, the hardware hasn't changed in the few weeks since Nikon first unveiled the J4. You're still getting the new 18.4-megapixel sensor and Expeed 4A image processor that, combined, let you pump out photos at a steady 20 frames per second with advanced autofocusing (171 contrast detection points and 105 phase detection points). You'll also enjoy relative luxuries such as a touchscreen and WiFi photo sharing.
Samsung's new mirrorless camera tries to fuse style with modest specs
For some, Samsung's NX mini mirrorless camera went too far in catering to the style-minded; while it's eye-catching, that small sensor and reduced control won't please demanding shooters. Appropriately, the company is bridging the gap between the mini and the bigger NX300 with its new NX3000. It has a svelte profile closer to that of its tinier sibling -- like it or not, the NX2000's grip is gone -- but it has the larger (DSLR-sized) 20.3-megapixel sensor, mode dial and hot shoe (with bundled flash) of the NX300. This mid-range camera even straddles the line when it comes to lenses, as one variant includes a 16-50mm stabilized power zoom lens that's shorter than the 18-55mm kit optics from heftier NX models.
Nikon's J4 mirrorless camera has more megapixels, 20fps burst speed
Good things happen when you cram a fast image processor into a small camera body, as Nikon has shown with its new mid-range 1 model, the J4. With the latest Expeed 4A imaging engine, the CX-sensor camera can now pump out 20 images per second in burst mode with continuous AF, which Nikon claims is the world's fastest (along with the pricey new V3). That's also a big bump over last year's J3, and most other specs have also improved: there's now 18.4 instead of 14.2-megapixels, 1080/60p video in lieu of 1080/60i (with 120fps at 720p), a 105 point PD/171 point contrast AF, a new touchscreen and built-in WiFi. One change photographers may not like is the use of MicroSD memory cards instead of industry standard SD cards, but at least the J4 is slightly smaller and lighter than the J3. It'll come in black, white, silver and orange (with an optional underwater housing) but there's no word on when, where or for how much. As a rough starting point, though, last year's model was $600 with the 10-30mm kit lens.
Samsung Galaxy NX review: an overpriced Android-powered mirrorless camera
Samsung's flagship interchangeable-lens camera, the NX300, is by far the company's most impressive shooter to date. It offers stellar hybrid-autofocus capabilities, excellent image quality and integrated WiFi, and it retails for a hair over $550. For all intents and purposes, it's a very competitive option, if not one of the best deals on the market today. It's frustrating, then, that Samsung opted to price the Galaxy NX -- an Android-powered camera based on the NX300 -- at an obscene $1,700, lens included. If you're not a deep-pocketed early adopter, it's absolutely a dealbreaker. But I still enjoyed my two-week test with the Galaxy NX, and if you manage to overlook the MSRP, you might just fall in love.
Nikon hurt by falling DSLR prices, but still faring better than Canon
Nikon's finance department has been forced to revise its quarterly revenue forecast in a southerly direction due to the fact that entry-level DSLRs are selling for lower prices than it originally expected. One of the culprits is likely to be the D3200 shown above, which is currently going on Amazon for around $550 with a kit lens, or $150 below its list price. Looking to the future, the company also warns that sales of its Nikon 1 interchangeable lens cameras may shrink in 2014 due to "weak market conditions," despite the splash made by its recent ruggedized ILC, the Nikon AW1. The news isn't all bad, mind you, as the anticipated drops only add up to a few percentage points and Nikon says it's on course to make the same net profit it had previously projected -- a mostly stable outlook that struggling rival Canon can only dream of.
Fujifilm X-M1 mirrorless ILC ships in July with 16.3-megapixel APS-C sensor, $700 price tag
In January of 2012, Fujifilm first detailed its APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor -- the company promised superior image quality, thanks to a design that omitted an optical low-pass filter, and it delivered, in the form of the X-Pro1. That camera's relatively massive footprint and $1,700 price tag limited its appeal, however, though Fujifilm unveiled a smaller, and much more affordable variant, the X-E1, several months later. Now the saga continues. Today, the Japanese manufacturer is announcing an X-Trans-equipped model for the masses. The X-M1 includes the same 16.3-megapixel sensor as both the X-Pro1 and X-E1, yet it's housed in a lightweight body that's due to ship next month for just $700. The X-M1 tips the scale at 11.6 ounces, including the battery and memory card, but without a lens attached. As for optics, the ILC will be available as part of a kit with a brand new f/3.5-5.6 16-50mm (24-76mm equivalent) lens with optical image stabilization for $800, and will be compatible with the existing XF and XC lineup, including a variety of prime and zoom options. There's a 3-inch 920k-dot tilting LCD (but no EVF), a built-in flash, dedicated mode dial and on-board WiFi, letting you transfer images and movies to Android and iOS devices via a dedicated app. The EXR Processor II enables the camera to start up in 0.5 seconds, with a 0.05-second shutter lag and a maximum burst shot speed of 5.6 fps for 30 consecutive frames. The cam sports a fairly standard sensitivity range of ISO 100-25,600. The X-M1 is set to hit stores in July with black and silver finishes for $700, or $800 with the lens. A brown version (body only) will also be available come August for $700.
Samsung Galaxy NX mirrorless camera strikes a pose for the FCC
It's by no means a phone, so adjust your expectations accordingly. Samsung's Android-infused Galaxy NX camera, revealed last week at the company's London bonanza, has just reared its LTE-capable body at the FCC. Sporting model number EK-GN120, the portable mirrorless camera offers up no real surprises -- it has all the internal trimmings Samsung already officially announced, like WiFi a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0 and radios for WCDMA (850/1900MHz) and LTE (Band 5). Nothing in the filing pegs this as a US release, so the usual "(insert carrier)-friendly bands" won't apply here. In fact, its mix of radios clearly mark this Galaxy NX for a South Korean debut. Just when that'll be, we still don't know. It's currently slated for a vague summer release in the UK. On the plus side, this means you still have plenty of time to save up for what should be a hefty price tag.
Fujifilm's X-M1 interchangeable camera leaks out, doesn't mess with retro success
Fujifilm's about to extend its line of mirrorless shooters packing manual dials and vintage looks, if a leak from Digicame Info is to be believed. The Japanese rumor site has flaunted pictures of a purported X-M1 model, which bears a strong resemblance to X-E1 we saw last year, minus the electronic viewfinder and shutter-speed selector dial. In place of the latter is a general mode selector, along with a tiltable LCD screen and WiFi, judging by the pictures above and after the break. While all that points to a cheaper model aimed at more casual shooters, there's no word from the company about specs, pricing or a release date, obviously. As soon as we hear, of course, you'll be the first to know.
Samsung Galaxy NX mirrorless camera official: Interchangeable lenses, Android Jelly Bean and 4G LTE
True to JK Shin's promise, Samsung is indeed introducing a new Android-powered mirrorless camera: the Galaxy NX. Although it runs Google's mobile OS (version 4.2.2 Jelly Bean) and bears LTE radios, the NX is not quite a direct sequel to the Galaxy Camera, the company's glorified point-and-shoot for all comers. Rather, the Galaxy NX is what Samsung calls an interchangeable-lens CSC (or Compact System Camera), featuring a 20.3-megapixel APS-C sensor, as well as 3G / 4G LTE, WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity -- making it worthy of that Galaxy moniker. As you can tell from the above image, the Galaxy NX also packs a large 4.8-inch HD LCD display on its rear and is powered by a 1.6GHz Pega-Q quad-core setup and separate DRIMe IV Signal processor for imaging. The UI should look pretty familiar to anyone who's used an Android device before, with the common apps and widgets submenus, as well as the wheel interface for its 30 Smart Modes -- employed when selecting imaging settings. And if you happen to own any of the company's other NX cameras, you'll be able to swap out lenses (13 in all) as the Galaxy NX is fully compatible with that range. It also incorporates a hybrid AF, culled from the best of DSLRs and compacts, with a shutter speed of 1/6,000th of a second and 8.6fps shooting. Samsung's been pretty forthcoming about all the tech and software it's put into the Galaxy NX, but there are two key bits it's still withholding: pricing and availability. For now, it appears UK residents will have first crack at the Galaxy NX, as PR pegs its release for that territory as sometime this summer. The same, however, can't be said for a US launch. Regardless, as the Galaxy NX is more a proper camera for experienced photogs and less Android phone like the Galaxy Camera and S4 Zoom, you can bet on its price tag being relatively high when it launches. In the meantime, check out our Galaxy NX hands-on for more detailed impressions. %Gallery-191947% %Gallery-191950%
JVC unveils $18,000 4K interchangeable lens camcorder with Nikon F-mount
Lovers of 4K and Nikon glass, rejoice: JVC has just launched a 4K large-sensor camcorder that will use Nikon F-mount lenses. The JY-HMQ30 camera will operate in manual focus mode only -- even with AF glass -- though f-stop settings will be controllable in-camera for modern lenses with no aperture ring. As with the company's fixed lens GY-HMQ10, the interchangeable model will record AVC/H.264 4K video at up to 60 fps onto four separate SDHC cards, each capturing an HD-sized quadrant with a total maximum data rate of 144Mbps -- and also capture 1080/60p video at 28Mbps onto a single card. Other features include a JVC 4K clip manager that'll convert files to Apple's ProRes422 codec, live 4K, 60 fps output to a monitor or portable recorder, 4K time-lapse recording, a focus assist function and stereo XLR microphone inputs. Though the company's taking orders for the 1.7 million yen ($18,000) camera starting today in Japan, there's no word yet on availability or pricing stateside -- but you can probably start polishing up those Nikon lenses soon.
Pentax Q7 purportedly leaks with three color options, larger sensor than Q10
Pentax camera launches always seem to be colorful affairs, and if new images are to be believed, a multi-hued mirrorless model with a retro bent will soon arrive from the outfit. According to serial leaker Digicame-info, a new Q7 model will be unveiled with a larger 1/1.7-inch sized sensor than the 1/2.3-inch CMOS-packing Q10, and come with a kit zoom or optional standard prime lens on July 5th. Until we hear it from the source, though, it'd be wise to hold off on buying matching silver, black or yellow outfits.
Samsung outs $650 NX2000 camera with 20.3MP sensor, NFC, WiFi and touchscreen
If you've been torn between Samsung's NX300 and NX1000 mirrorless cameras, you should know the company has officially split the difference with its new NX2000. While it likely won't sway NEX-3N lovers away from Sony, the $650 NX2000 is only a Benjamin more than Sammy's lower-end NX1000 and packs the same 3D-capable DRIMe IV processor and NFC functionality as the pricier NX300. Of course, you still get the 20.3-megapixel APS-C sensor seen across the line. The differentiating factor from its siblings is the Galaxy Camera-like 3.7-inch, 1,152k-dot touchscreen (fixed) on the back, rather than the usual assortment of rear buttons. The 100 to 25,600 ISO range and maximum JPG burst rate of 8 fps is just like the 300's, though this is only capable of recording 1080p video at 60 fps. Unfortunately, the autofocus is only contrast-detection, but Samsung claims that it's one of the fastest to the draw. As you'd expect, this shooter features WiFi (single band) for connecting through AllShare or the Smart Camera app, plus there's a microSD slot for transferring files physically. Sure, it's not the most exciting update to Samsung's camera line, but it's clearly a big leap up from the NX1000 -- on paper, anyway. The NX2000 will be available soon in your choice of white, black or pink, and it comes bundled with Adobe Lightroom 4, a 20-50mm lens and a hotshoe-powered flash. Grab more looks in the gallery below and hit the press release after the break for all the technical details. %Gallery-187250% Edgar Alvarez contributed to this report.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF6 leaks out in white ahead of April 9 launch
After a review was published prematurely on another site revealing specs of Panasonic's Lumix DMC-GF6, Digicam Info has leaked press images of the upcoming model in white. As noted before, the stylish-looking micro four thirds will pack 16-megapixels, a new Venus image engine, low light AF system, 4.2 fps burst speed, 1080-60i video, WiFi, NFC and up to 25,600 ISO, among other features -- if the leaks pan out, of course. We noted earlier that the GF6 would start at around $680 with a 14-42mm kit lens, and sources also claim the camera will be launched early tomorrow morning -- though at this point, there's very little left to actually announce.
