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Nikon Coolpix P600 and P530 superzooms ship this month for $450-plus
If you recently came upon a Coolpix P520 under the Christmas tree, prepare to be mildly disappointed. That superzoom just reached early retirement, with today's P530 introduction. 2014's refresh brings along a similar f/3-5.9, 24-1,000mm (42x) optically stabilized zoom lens, a new 16.1-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, 1080/30p and 60i video capture, a 3-inch fixed LCD and a built-in EVF. It also comes along with full manual control, including a dedicated mode dial. There's WiFi connectivity via the optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter ($50), but with a $450 price tag, there's really no excuse for it not to be included (and embedded, for that matter). You do, however, get built-in WiFi with the Coolpix P600, which is available for just 50 bucks more. It's also a bit more capable on the imaging front, with an f/3.3-5.6, 24-1,440mm (60x) optical zoom lens (equipped with an ED glass element), lens-shift image stabilization, a 16.1-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor and a 3-inch, 921k-dot tilt-and-swivel RGBW LCD. Like the P530, the P600 supports 1080/30p and 60i video capture and comes along with full manual control, with a dedicated mode dial as well. Both cameras also ship with a few new shooting modes, including Moon Mode, Bird Mode and a multiple-exposure option that merges up to three separate images. Both should be available later this month, with the P600 shipping in black and red for $500 and the P530 available in black for $450.
Olympus launches 50x superzoom with unique 'Eagle-Eye' gun sight
Not only has Olympus unveiled the Stylus SP-100 with a whopping 50x optical zoom lens, it's also tackled one of the biggest issues in using such cameras: losing a moving subject. The new model is equipped with what the company calls its "eagle-eye" dot-sight located just above the viewfinder, which projects a target onto a semi-transparent mirror below the flash, as shown in the photo after the break. That way, you can keep a bead on your photographic prey (the tech is also used on gun-sights) without needing to zoom out, which could make the difference between nailing or losing a shot. The rest of the specs include a 1/2.3-inch 16-megapixel CMOS sensor with a TruePic VII processor, 7 fps burst speed with a small six-frame buffer, a 24-1,200 (35mm equivalent) f/2.9-6.5 lens, a 3-inch (460K-dot) LCD, 920K-dot EVF and 1080/60p Full HD video. It'll arrive in March for $400 or so and while it might not be the biggest superzoom out there, at least you may actually catch Junior's winning goal.
Nikon CoolPix L830 packs an extra-stable 34x zoom for $300
It wouldn't be CES if there wasn't a cavalcade of point-and-shoot introductions, and Nikon is more than happy to do its part by launching four CoolPix cameras. The CoolPix L830 leads the pack with a long-ranged 34x zoom lens (up from 30x in the L820) that touts both lens-based anti-shake and a new hybrid stabilization system for video recording. The 16-megapixel, AA-powered shooter also improves on its predecessor with a tilting (if still 920,000-dot) LCD. Unfortunately, the new features come in tandem with a price hike -- the L830 will sell for $300 when it ships in February, or about $20 more than the outgoing model cost when it was new. Other cameras are mostly subtle iterations of last year's releases. The S6800 ($220) shares the 16-megapixel sensor, 12x zoom and WiFi of the S6500; it primarily adds target-finding autofocus and more beauty modes. The 20-megapixel S3600 ($140) and 16-megapixel S5300 ($180) build on the formulas of the S3500 and S5200 by including more powerful 8x lenses, while the starter L30 ($120) is chiefly a beauty-focused software upgrade to the L28 that preserves the 20-megapixel sensor, 5x zoom and AA battery power. All of these entry-level compact cams should arrive in February.
Fujifilm reveals the FinePix S1, a weather-ready 50x superzoom camera
Fujifilm is launching a quintet of point-and-shoots at CES, and one of them may be just the ticket for those who want both extreme zoom and weather resistance in a single camera. Its new FinePix S1 (above) packs a 50x (24-1,200mm) f/2.8-5.6 lens, yet is tough enough to survive the dust and rain; you can take that close-up concert photo even if you're stuck in lousy weather. The 16-megapixel shooter also offers WiFi image sharing, 10fps burst shooting, 1080p video, a 920,000-pixel electronic viewfinder and a tilting 3-inch LCD. The S1 will ship this March for $500. The remaining FinePix models all share that 16-megapixel resolution, but sacrifice the S1's do-it-all design in the name of price. The S9200 and WiFi-equipped S9400W both share the 50x lens and 10fps burst mode, but lose the weather-hardened design and step down to a 200,000-pixel viewfinder. The entry S8600 moves to "just" a 36x (25-900mm) lens, 720p video and AA battery power. Photographers who need a truly rugged camera can pick up the XP70, a waterproof compact cam with 5x (28-140mm) optics and 1080p movie making. All four of these designs also arrive in March, with prices starting at $230 for the S8600 and XP70; the S9200 costs $330, while the S9400W is slightly costlier at $350.
Sony RX10 features 1-inch 20.2MP sensor, 24-200mm constant f/2.8 lens for $1,300
Sony's growing its successful RX Cyber-shot lineup with an entirely new type of camera. The RX10 packs the same 20.2-megapixel 1-inch BSI CMOS sensor as the RX100 Mark II, and based on our experience shooting with that model, it wouldn't be unreasonable to expect excellent image quality with this cam as well. What makes this model unique, however, is the 24-200mm Zeiss lens, which offers a constant f/2.8 aperture, enabling identical exposures at both ends of the zoom spectrum. It also includes the same BIONZ X processor as the Alpha 7 and 7R, which aids in autofocus, noise reduction and detail reproduction. The RX10 is being positioned as a step-up camera for point-and-shoot users and even some DSLR owners. The camera is priced at $1,300 -- considering that you'll often spend that much for an f/2.8 zoom lens alone, it'll likely appeal to a variety of photographers. Sony's also targeting video shooters here; like the new Alphas announced today, the RX10 shoots 1080p video at 60 or 24 frames per second with full manual control, and offers uncompressed output through the HDMI port. There's also an adjustable audio level meter, a headphone and mic jack, and compatibility with the XLR-K1M adapter for even more sound input options. You can share video and still images with the built-in WiFi, which you can also use for remote shooting with Sony's Android and iOS apps. Unfortunately you're stuck with just contrast-detect AF on board, but the camera still focused quickly enough during our test. You can shoot an unlimited number of consecutive frames at 10 fps with continuous autofocus, and the three-axis image stabilization should aid in keeping shots steady. You can frame shots using the built-in OLED EVF or the 1.23M-dot 3-inch White Magic LCD, which tilts up 84 degrees or down 43 degrees for shooting at odd angles. There's a magnesium-alloy body, so it's dust and moisture-resistant as well. The Sony RX10 is expected to hit stores next month for $1,300. Update: And here are some hands-on photos from an earlier event in Hong Kong.
Nikon's Coolpix L620 14x superzoom ships next month for $250
Nikon's Coolpix L820 30x lens camera debuted at CP+ in Japan earlier this year, and now the company's adding another new superzoom to the family, the L620. This more compact flavor drops the focal range significantly -- its 14x optic can snap from 25mm to 350mm -- but boosts the CMOS sensor to 18.1 megapixels, supporting a maximum sensitivity of ISO 3200. This entry-level model was designed with beginners in mind, with multiple scene modes and an auto mode representing the most notable shooting options, and effects like Quick Retouch and Skin Softening enabling on-the-go enhancements. There's also optical image stabilization, a 3-inch LCD and 1080p video capture with stereo sound. The Coolpix L620 is expected in stores in September with a $250 MSRP.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ70 superzoom packs 16.1MP, massive 60x optical zoom
The 600mm zooming capabilities of Panasonic's DMC-FZ200 superzoom not quite up to your telephoto needs? The company's added a new sibling to its Lumix lineup as a followup to the FZ60, dubbed the FZ70. Also known as the Lumix FZ72 in the UK, it's packed with a 16.1MP sensor and a 20mm lens that's capable of 60x zoom (1200mm), besting both the FZ200 and FZ60 (24x zoom). That said, you're looking at a variable aperture of F2.8-5.9 and HD video recording that tops out at 60FPS for 1080i and 720p resolutions. A powered optical image stabilizer is onboard to help you keep things steady for stills and movies, while built-in Dolby-certified microphones capture stereo sound. The FZ70's Venus image engine lets burst-mode lovers shoot at 9FPS, although you'll be capped at three photos per use. As you'd expect, creative filters and an intelligent auto mode are included and some of the existing Lumix tele-converters, flashes and filters can hookup with this camera. There's no word on price or retail availability just yet, but zoom past the break for more details in the meantime.
Samsung unveils 20-megapixel WB110 bridge camera with 26x optical zoom
While its mostly been busy blurring the lines between smartphone and camera lately, Samsung's still churning out regular shooters as well. Case in point: it just launched the WB110, a 20-megapixel successor to last year's 16-megapixel model packing the same 26x optical zoom. That's far from superzooms like Nikon's 42x P520, but Samsung's model does go a touch wider with a 35mm equivalent range of 22.3mm to 580mm. Other highlights include 720p AVC/H.264 video, 3,200 max ISO, Smart Auto mode to aid in tricky still and movie exposures, a pop-up flash and a 3-inch HVGA (480 x 360) display. None of those specs will set the world on fire, so hopefully the price won't burn your wallet once Samsung gets around to announcing it. There's no date for availability either, but the rest of the story's in the PR after the break. %Gallery-193116%
Sony introduces Cyber-shot HX50V, a small and light 30x superzoom
There exists a type of photographer who can't quite get by with a pocketable compact, but also hesitates to commit to a full-size (and pricey) DSLR rig. This shooter is all too familiar with the superzoom -- and Sony's latest 30x model may just offer the perfect excuse for an upgrade. The 9.6-ounce device has earned the title of "world's smallest and lightest 30x optical zoom camera," which, judging by its spec sheet, is quite an achievement. There's a 24-720mm SteadyShot-equipped optical zoom lens, a 20.4-megapixel 1/2.3-inch Exmor R CMOS sensor, a 921k-dot 3-inch LCD, 1080/60p video capture, a top sensitivity of ISO 12,800 and a battery that's rated for up to 400 shots. As you may have noticed from the image above, there's also a dedicated mode dial, exposure-compensation control and a full-size hot shoe. You can pick up Sony's Cyber-shot HX50V next month for $449, or check it out right now in the gallery just below.%Gallery-186494%
Sony brings Cyber-shot HX300, WX300 and TX30 to the US with fast autofocus
Sony refreshed many of its mainstream Cyber-shot cameras at CES. Now that we're on the cusp of spring, the company is giving equal love to a trio of more specialized shooters arriving in the US. The 20.4-megapixel Cyber-shot HX300 superzoom easily bests its HX200V ancestor in the optics department with a 50X, 24-1,200mm equivalent lens that sports better stabilization, but the real allure is its autofocus speed: it can lock in twice as quickly at telephoto distances, giving us more reason to use all that extra reach. The WX300 compact zoom isn't quite as alluring on paper with its 18.2-megapixel sensor and 20X (25-50mm equivalent) lens, although it carries autofocus about 3.6 times speedier than the old HX30 while stuffing in WiFi for simpler photo sharing. These two are joined by the TX30, an all-around improvement for last year's waterproof TX20 camera. While there isn't quite a revolution on the outside, the TX30 can survive twice the depth at 33 feet, carries a longer-zoomed 5X (26-130mm) lens and bumps the resolution to 18.2 megapixels. Both the TX30 and the HX300 will come first, hitting American shops in March at respective $350 and $500 prices. The WX300 will miss March break with its April release, but it will be the cheapest of the pack at $330.
Get your superzoom on with Nikon's Coolpix P520 and L820
Oh, the superzoom camera -- it's not a compact and the lens doesn't twist off, but for one reason or another, this confused category has survived against the odds. So, if superzooms happen to be your shooter of choice, we've got some good news: Nikon's got a new pair to add to the pickins. For those with deeper pockets, the Coolpix P520 might be on order, with an 18.1-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor and a 3.2-inch vari-angle (tilt-and-swivel) VGA display. There's a 42x f/3.0-5.8, 24-1,000mm lens on board, netting you quite a bit of range. It also offers 1080/60i HD video shooting and WiFi compatibility through the optional ($60) WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter. Casual photographers might be more taken with the Coolpix L820, which still packs a fair amount of punch, thanks to a 16-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, a 30x, 22.5-675mm zoom lens with optical VR, and 1080p video shooting. Unlike its more feature-packed sibling, though, this model uses AA batteries -- which you might be into if international travel is on the agenda (those disposable cells are available worldwide, which helps if you aren't keen on plugging in a charger). Both offerings will hit stores in late February, with the P520 available for $450 and the L820 shipping for $280, in your choice of black or red finishes.
Olympus reveals SZ-15, SZ-16 superzoom cameras with upgraded sensors
It almost wouldn't be a camera introduction without a couple of superzooms, would it? Appropriately, Olympus is updating its lower-cost SZ models at CES with new sensors and a handful of extras to match the long-distance optics. The 24X zoom SZ-16 iHS makes the undeniably larger leap: its 14-megapixel sensor now relies on low light-friendly CMOS (instead of the SZ-12's CCD) and introduces a quicker TruePic VI processor. The added power leads to a multi-shot Hand-Held Starlight mode for would-be astrophotographers as well as 1080p video. Not that the very entry level isn't getting some love, however. The SZ-15 is a meaningful upgrade in its own right, extending to the same 24X zoom as the SZ-16 while replacing the SZ-10's 14-megapixel CCD with a 16-megapixel CMOS imager. Olympus includes a handful of options that the SZ-15's older TruePic III engine can handle, such as a Beauty Mode and SR Zoom (read: digital zoom). Both models ship in March, although the narrow pricing spread between the $200 SZ-15 and $230 SZ-16 leaves us leaning heavily toward the higher-end camera. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Casio's Exilim EX-H50 superzooms its way to Photokina, we go hands-on (video)
Looking for a superzoom camera without the bulk of a DSLR? Casio's Exilim EX-H50 is a pretty slick proposition. The camera's got a reasonably slim profile that's a bit more like an oversized point-and-shoot, slight bulk that's presently largely because of the extended soft grip and big three-inch TFT display on the rear -- and then, of course, there's that 25 mm wide-angle lens with 24x optical zoom that certainly adds a good deal to the camera's footprint when extended. The flash adds a bit too, but that'll lay dormant until you pop it out via the devoted switch just to the left of the bump, on top of the camera. The zoom is quite smooth -- it certainly did the trick snapping photos of strangers socializing in the halls of the Cologne Convention Center. That three-inch screen is big, if not particularly bright, but does the trick for the camera's fairly simple menu system, which also includes a number of filters like Fisheye, Sepia (move over Instagram) and Monochrome -- the processing on each occurs after the photos are snapped. Inside, you've got a 16.1-megapixel sensor. The superzoom will run €250 when it hits Europe next month.
Canon PowerShot SX50 HS hands-on
Sure the SX160 is a bit of a bulky superzoom, but it's got nothing on Canon's beefy PowerShot SX50 HS. As with the similarly named SX500 IS, the SX50's got a big, protruding lens and flash, though the added girth make it look a bit more like a DSLR. Part of its width can no doubt be chalked up to its 2.8-inch vari-angle LCD, which can be swiveled away from the body of the camera to help vary viewing angles. Also, like the SX50, the SX500 has a devoted button for Zoom Framing Assist, which does a quick zoom out to help you reframe subjects on the fly. Above the display you'll find a play button and a cushioned viewfinder. To its right, you've got the Record, Display, Menu and access to settings like Macro and ISO. You'll find the rest to the settings -- plus ON / OFF and access to that big 50x zooming to the right of the flash. The PowerShot SX50 HS will run you $480 when it drops next month.
Canon adds the G15, S110 and SX50 HS to its PowerShot lineup
Canon already outed a pair of superzoom cameras prior to Photokina 2012, but it turns out the company wasn't done adding to its PowerShot family. First, we have the PowerShot G15, which has a 28 - 140mm wide angle f/1.8 - f/2.8 lens, 12.1 megapixel sensor and Canon's DIGIC 5 image processor. Its sensor has a max 12,800 ISO, shoots RAW stills and records 1080p video, and you can view your subjects using the optical viewfinder or the 3-inch, 922,000 dot LCD on the back. It replaces the G12 in Canon's lineup when it goes on sale for $500 this October. The PowerShot S110 replaces the S100, and like that camera, it's got a 12.1-megapixel sensor, max 12,800 ISO and an f/2.0 lens. Unlike its predecessor, however, its got a 3-inch, 461,000 dot capacitive touchscreen on the back and ditched GPS in favor of WiFi. That wireless capability lets the S110 pull GPS data for geotagging from Android or iOS devices using Canon's CameraWindow app and share photos and videos on the web. It does RAW shooting, has a 10fps burst mode and records 1080p 24fps video as well. It'll come in both black and white versions that run $450 when it goes on sale next month. Lastly, there's the PowerShot SX50 HS superzoom camera. It packs a 24-1200mm, f/3.4 - f/6.5 lens and optical image stabilization to ensure clear shots even when using the camera's full 50x zoom capability. Like the SX40 HS is replaces, it has a hotshoe and a 12.1-megapixel sensor. It has a max 6,400 ISO and like its new PowerShot mates, it has a 10fps burst mode, shoots RAW photos and 1080p video. The SX50 HS can be had in October for $480.
Pair of unannounced Leica cameras get leaked ahead of next week's Photokina
As you may or may not know, Photokina's taking place in Cologne, Germany in a few days, which has caused a plethora of cameras to make an appearance before they're even made official. The latest round of unannounced, leaked shooters brings us a couple of Leicas, including the high-end, LX7-esque compact pictured above and a superzoom that takes a design cue from its smaller sibling. Unfortunately, details like pricing and availability are still at large, but with Photokina right around the corner, it won't be long before we know more about this sleek pair. For now, head past the break to check out an extra pic, where you'll find the larger member of the two posing for the camera -- ironic, huh?
Pentax intros X-5 superzoom camera with 26x lens, tiltable LCD
We'd been worrying that Pentax would be left out of the flurry of new cameras in the run-up to Photokina. With the new X-5, there's reason to relax. The new shooter sits at the higher end of the by-the-numbers superzoom crowd, centering most of its energy on a 26x, 22-580mm equivalent lens as well as a backside-illuminated CMOS sensor that should keep the resulting 16-megapixel photos and 1080p videos relatively clean. Most of the effort to stand out from the pack, however slightly, involves previewing pictures rather than capturing them -- an electronic viewfinder and a tilting, 3-inch LCD will help perfect those macros and overhead concert shots. The X-5 won't shake the foundations of personal photography, especially not when it's using AA batteries for power, but hitting all those right notes at a $280 price could persuade more than a few of us to take the plunge after the September launch. %Gallery-163187%
Canon announces PowerShot SX500 IS, SX160 IS superzoom cameras ahead of Photokina
Digital imaging buffs are certain to experience a whirlwind autumn, but there's nothing on the books saying that manufacturers need wait for the biennial Photokina expo to roll out new models. Just in time for the back-to-school season, Canon is announcing two new superzoom cams -- the SX160 IS will serve as the successor to the SX150, while the SX500 IS is an entirely new camera, set to sit alongside the company's SX40 HS and SX260 HS point-and-shoots. Both new models include identical 16-megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD sensors, intelligent image stabilization, a relatively modest ISO range of 100-800 and the ability to capture 720p video at 25 frames-per-second. As you may have guessed the SX500 IS is the higher-end flavor, offering a 30x, 24-720mm lens with a maximum aperture range of f/3.4-5.8. That model boasts autofocus improvements of 32 percent and decreased shutter lag of 33 percent over the SX40 HS, Canon's former top model in this category. The SX160 IS, for its part, packs a 16x, 28-448mm f/3.5-5.9 lens and offers 22 percent faster autofocus and 46 percent less shutter lag than the SX150 it replaces. It's also powered by AA batteries, which some users may find to be an advantage, considering wide availability during trips abroad. Both cameras include 3-inch LCDs -- 461k-dot for the SX500 and 230k-dot with the SX160 -- and are set to ship in September, with the black SX500 IS priced at $330 and the SX160 IS available for $230, in both red and black.%Gallery-162904%
Panasonic's Lumix lineup grows: DMC-G5 Micro Four Thirds, DMC-FZ200 superzoom and DMC-LX7 hands-on and sample shots
It's been nearly half a year since Panasonic's Lumix series of cameras got any new members, but today the company is introducing three more shooters to the family. First up is the DMC-G5, the latest addition to the company's Micro Four Thirds lineup. It's the successor to the G3 and packs a 16-megapixel sensor capable of shooting 1080p videos at 60fps and stills in up to 6fps bursts at a max 12,800 ISO at full resolution. The G5's LVF has a proximity sensor to automatically switch between it and the camera's 920,000-dot capacitive screen depending on which one you're using to frame your shots. When the G5 goes on sale next month, you'll have your choice of black, silver and white models.%Gallery-160553% In addition to the G5, Panasonic's also introducing a new superzoom camera, the DMC-FZ200 and a high-end DMC-LX7 point-and-shoot. The FZ200 replaces the FZ150 and pairs a 12-megapixel sensor with a 25-600mm constant f/2.8 aperture Leica Elmarit lens with nano surface coating to reduce flare and ghosting. It has a 24x optical zoom and shoots 1080p video at up to 60fps along with stills in up to 12fps bursts, though its max ISO is only 6,400. Meanwhile, the LX7 has arrived sporting a 10-megapixel sensor and a 24-90mm, f/1.4-2.3 Leica Summilux lens with the same nano surface coating as the FZ200. Like its Lumix brethren, it shoots 1080p video at 60fps, and shares the same maximum 12,800 ISO as the G5. It'll be available in black and pearl white when it ships in August. We got to spend some time with all three, so join us after the break to learn a bit about what its like snapping pics with this trio of Panasonics.%Gallery-160554%%Gallery-160552%
Samsung brings out WB100 camera with 26x lens for zoom-loving Brits
Samsung has been quiet on the superzoom camera front, but it's leaping back into the fray with the WB100. The camera doesn't have the longest zoom we've seen, but with a 26x lens and a wide-angle 22.3mm minimum zoom, odds are that just about anything you come across during vacation will fit into the frame. A choice to use AA batteries instead of a lithium-ion pack also emphasizes that focus on travelers. We're otherwise looking at a very deliberately middle-of-the-road camera with a 16-megapixel sensor, ISO 80 to 1,600 sensitivity (3,200 if you like 3-megapixel photos) and 720p movie making. The company doesn't have pricing, nor word as to which countries get the WB100 treatment outside of the UK -- for now, you're most likely to see this camera slung around a suntanned British neck in Ibiza.
