Nikon D800 Review

Boasting a 36-megapixel FX format sensor, the Nikon D800 is currently the highest-resolution “35mm size” digital SLR camera in the world. As a successor to the venerable and deservedly popular D700, the Nikon D800 offers a similarly rugged, weather sealed magnesium-alloy body and a broadly similar control layout; and adds an all-new high-resolution imager, a new viewfinder with 100% frame coverage, an upgraded Multi-CAM 3500FX auto focus module, an all-new metering sensor, a revamped Live View mode and Full HD movie recording capabilities including the ability to stream uncompressed video to an external recorder via HDMI. Other highlights include the addition of a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 port, microphone and headphone jacks, dual CF/SD memory card slots, an intelligent self-diagnostic shutter rated for 200.000 actuations, a user configurable Exposure Delay Mode, a dual-axis Virtual Horizon, a 3.2” rear display and in-camera HDR exposure blending. As of writing, the Nikon D800 is available body-only for £2499.00 / $2,999.95 in the UK and the US, respectively.

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Nikon D4 Review

The Nikon D4 is a new professional-grade digital SLR camera with a sixteen-megapixel FX sensor, EXPEED 3 processing engine, upgraded Multi-CAM 3500FX auto-focus module, a brand new 91,000-pixel RGB metering sensor and a weather-sealed magnesium alloy body. Capable of recording 1080p Full HD movies at 24/25/30fps as well as 720p HD footage at up to 60 frames per second, the Nikon D4 comes with microphone and headphone jacks and an HDMI port that allows for the streaming of uncompressed video to an external recorder or monitor. Other highlights include a Kevlar reinforced shutter rated for 400,000 actuations, the ability to shoot full-resolution stills at up to 11fps, an expanded buffer, dual CF and XQD memory card slots, two ergonomically placed rear joysticks for quick AF point selection, two different LiveView capture modes, in-camera HDR exposure blending, a user configurable Exposure Delay Mode, a dual-axis Virtual Horizon, a 3.2” rear display and a new focusing screen. Powered by a newly developed EN-EL18 battery and outfitted with an Ethernet port, the Nikon D4 even allows you to assign it to its own IP address and operate it from a distance via a Web browser interface, using a PC, tablet or smartphone. As of writing, the Nikon D4 is available body-only for £5,289.00/$5,999.95 in the UK and US, respectively.

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Fujifilm X-E1 Review

The Fujifilm X-E1 is a new compact system camera featuring a retro design that bears more than a passing resemblance to its big brother, the X-Pro1. At the heart of the X-E1 is the same 16.3 megapixel APS-C sized “X-Trans” CMOS sensor, which has a colour filter array that mimics film grain and no optical low-pass filter for higher resolution images. The X lens mount has a short flange-back distance of just 17.7mm, and a new standard 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS zoom lens is available on launch which features a traditional aperture ring and an iris diaphragm with rounded aperture blades. The X-E1 has a 2.36-million-dot electronic viewfinder, a built-in flash, in-camera raw conversion, a range of film simulation modes, multiple exposure and panoramic shooting modes, a number of auto bracketing options and Full HD video recording capabilities. The Fujifilm X-E1 is available in all-black or silver and black and costs £749 in the UK and $1000 in the US body-only, or $1399 with the new 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS lens.

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Olympus OM-D E-M5 Review

The E-M5 is the new flagship Micro Four Thirds compact system camera from Olympus. The first in a brand new range of cameras dubbed OM-D, the E-M5 is a classically styled 16.1 megapixel model that offers the world’s fastest auto-focus system and the world’s first 5-axis image stabilisation system. Other key features of the Olympus OM-D EM-5 include a dust- and splash- proof magnesium-alloy body, 1.44-million-dot electronic viewfinder, 3 inch articulated OLED touchscreen, 9 frames per second burst shooting, full 1080p video, and a sensitivity range of ISO 200-25600. In the UK the Olympus OM-D is available in silver or black as a kit with the M.Zuiko DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 lens for £1149.99, and in the US it costs $999 body only or $1099 with the 12-50mm lens

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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V Review

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V is a feature-packed super-zoom camera, offering a 30x, 27-810mm zoom lens, 18.2 megapixel back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor, built-in GPS tracking complete with a compass, 1920x1080 50p Full HD video recording with stereo sound and HDMI output, and 3D Sweep Panoramas and 3D Still Images. Other key features of the well-appointed Sony HX200V include high-speed autofocusing (0.13 seconds), a tilting 3 inch LCD screen with 921,000-dots, 10fps burst shooting mode at full resolution, ISO range of 100-12800, Optical SteadyShot with Active Mode which cuts camera-shake while you’re shooting handheld HD video, Intelligent Auto Plus, Superior Auto, Program and full Manual shooting modes, a range of Picture Effects and and support for both Memory Stick PRO Duo and Secure Digital cards. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V is available in black for £479.00 / $479.99.

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Canon PowerShot G1 X Review

The Canon PowerShot G1 X is a new premium compact camera with a large CMOS image sensor. Dubbed “the finest compact camera Canon has ever produced”, the metal-bodied G1 X has a 14.3 megapixel, 18.7x14mm sensor that’s marginally bigger than Micro Four Thirds cameras and full manual controls with shooting mode and exposure compensation dials. Positioned as a more portable alternative to a DSLR, the G1 X also offers an extensive ISO range of 100-12800, 4x zoom lens with fast maximum aperture of f/2.8, 3-inch vari-angle LCD screen with 920k dots, optical viewfinder, built-in flash and a flash hot shoe, full HD movie recording and 14-bit RAW image capture. The Canon Powershot G1 X is available in black priced at £699 / €799 / $799.99.

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 Review

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 is a super-zoom camera featuring a wide-angle 24x zoom lens with a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture throughout its 25-600mm range. Successor to the FZ150 model, the bridge-style Panasonic FZ200 compact offers a 3-inch 460K-pixel rotating LCD screen, a 1.31-million-dot electronic viewfinder, 1920x1080 50p Full HD video recording, a 12.1 megapixel high-sensitivity MOS image sensor, and 12fps continuous shooting without autofocus and 5.5fps with autofocus. Other key features include Intelligent Resolution technology, Light Speed auto-focus, a port for an optional stereo microphone, and an accessory shoe for an external flash. The FZ200 also offers Power O.I.S anti-shake system, iA (intelligent auto) mode, manual shooting modes, 3D still images, RAW format support, an ISO range of 100-6400, and Creative Control Mode during recording and Creative Re-touch Mode in playback. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 is available in black and retails for £499.99 /

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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 Review

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 is a feature-packed compact camera aimed at the discerning photographer. Offering an integrated 3.6x, 28-100mm Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* zoom lens with a fast aperture of F1.8 at the wide-angle setting, a 20.2 megapixel 1.0-type Exmor CMOS image sensor and full 1080p high-definition video recording, the RX100 also boasts a high resolution 3 inch LCD screen, continuous shooting at up to 10fps at full resolution, high-speed autofocus that locks onto your target in 0.13 seconds, built-in pop-up flash, support for the Raw format and full manual controls. The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 is available now for around $650/£550.

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Fujifilm FinePix HS30EXR Review

The Fujifilm FinePix HS30EXR is a new super-zoom digital compact camera. Looking and handling like a DSLR, the bridge-style Fujifilm HS30EXR boasts a 30x zoom lens which covers a 35mm equivalent focal range of 24-720mm and features mechanical image stabilisation and twist-barrel manual zoom and focusing controls. Other highlights of the HS30 EXR include a 16 megapixel EXR Back Side Illuminated CMOS sensor, a 3-inch tilting 460k-dot LCD monitor, 920k-dot electronic viewfinder with eye-sensor for automatic switching, and full 1080p HD movie recording with stereo sound. In addition there’s an ISO range of 100-12800, High Speed movie capture at 320 fps, continuous shooting at 8fps, 0.16 second auto-focusing, 600 shot battery life, a customisable Function button, full manual controls and support for the RAW file format. The Fujifilm FinePix HS30EXR is available now for £439.99 / $499.95 in the UK / US respectively.

 

In addition to these "normal" movie modes, the HS30EXR also offers several high-speed modes. There are three different speeds on offer - 320, 160 and 80fps, with the file size varying from 320x112 to 640x400 pixels respectively. This slow-motion effect is initially very appealing and sure to impress your friends, but there are some drawbacks to be aware of. Sound isn't recorded at all, horizontal bands can appear as the lighting fluctuates, and the actual sizes of the recorded movies are pretty small.

From the front the Fujifilm HS30EXR looks like a serious bit of kit. The large zoom lens dominates proceedings, with a push-on lens cap, retaining strap and lens hood provided in the box. Above the lens and extending out across the lens barrel, which boasts a textured surround allowing you to get a good firm grip and achieve a smooth, steady zooming action, is an attractively sloping ridge that conceals the pop-up flash (when not in use), which is activated via a dedicated button positioned on the right. Still viewing the HS30EXR from the front, the stereo sound speakers are positioned one on either side of the lens barrel, with a familiar dual purpose AF-assist illuminator and self-timer lamp to the left. Above the pop-up flash is another DSLR-like touch - a hotshoe for additional illumination via an optional external flashgun (EF-42 and EF-20 models).

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Canon PowerShot SX260 HS Review

The Canon PowerShot SX260 HS camera is a new travel-zoom camera that replaces the SX230 HS model. There’s a longer 20x, 25-500mm optical zoom lens with a built-in 4-stop image stabilizer and Intelligent IS technology, 12.1 megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor, 3 inch LCD screen with 460k-dot resolution, DIGIC 5 image processing engine, full 1080p HD Movie Mode with stereo sound and an HDMI output, and a Smart Auto mode with Scene Detection Technology and an Easy mode for beginners. The Canon SX260 HS also offers built-in GPS with included Map Utility software and GPS logger function (the only difference between the SX260 and cheaper SX240 model), a full range of manual exposure modes for more experienced photographers, fast 10.3fps burst shooting at full 12 megapixel resolution, Face Identification, a range of Creative Filters and a 240fps Super Slow Motion Movie mode. The Canon PowerShot SX260 is priced at £329 / $349.99 / €379.00 and is available in silver, black, red or green.

Perhaps most usefully, the full extent of the 20x optical zoom can also be deployed when shooting movies, its ultra quiet transition meaning that the built-in microphone doesn't pick up operational buzzes, the usual reason for manufacturers disabling the zoom. Focus is automatically adjusted as the user zooms in or out, which, with no alternative manual adjustment ring, means the footage can go soft for a moment or two before the camera locks on target. Canon states that Dynamic Image Stabilisation also kicks in when shooting video to ensure smooth tracking shots, of use when filming whilst walking for example. The SX260 HS records 1920x1080p Full HD movies at 24fps with stereo sound, making it one of the few compact cameras currently on the market to offer such good quality, while the new Intelligent IS system helps to keep footage steady.

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Canon PowerShot S100 Review

The Canon PowerShot S100 is a pocket-sized camera that offers a lot of professional features. Aimed at the serious photographer looking for a capable compact, the new Canon S100 features a high-sensitivity 12.1 megapixel 1/1.7-type CMOS sensor, 5x zoom lens with a focal range of 24-140mm and fast maximum aperture of f/2.0, DIGIC 5 processor, and a 3.0 inch LCD display with a resolution of 461K dots, The S100 also offers a maximum ISO of 6400 at full resolution, built-in GPS, 1080p movie recording at 24fps, full range of manual shooting modes, RAW format support and 9.6fps burst shooting. Also present are the innovative lens Control Ring, which enables users to adjust the settings of various functions by twisting the selector at the base of the lens barrel to the left or right, and an anti-shake system which incorporates seven modes of stabilisation. Available in black or silver, the Canon Powershot S100 officially retails for £439.00 / €509.00 / $429.99.

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ30 Review

The Lumix DMC-TZ30 (also known as the DMC-ZS20 in the USA) is Panasonic’s premium travel-zoom compact camera, featuring a 20x 24-480mm lens, 14.1 megapixel high sensitivity MOS sensor, 1080p Full HD movies at 50/60fps, 3 inch touch-sensitive LCD screen and fast burst shooting at 10fps with continuous auto-focus. The TZ30 offers a 23-point multi-area autofocus system, A, S and M exposure modes, Intelligent Auto and a variety of scene modes, Intelligent Resolution function which digitally boosts the zoom ratio to 40x, 3D still images, and Creative Controls, HDR, Panorama Shot, Creative Retouch and Auto Retouch modes. An upgraded Light Speed auto-focus system, Venus Engine VI processor, and the POWER O.I.S. anti-shake system complete the headline specifications. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ30 / ZS20 is available in black, brown, red, white and silver for £349.99 / $349.99.

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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V Review

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V is a feature-packed travel-zoom camera that sits at the top of the Cyber-shot range. Offering a 20x, 25-500mm zoom lens, 18.2 megapixel back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor and built-in GPS tracking complete with a compass, the HX20V also has full 1080i high-definition video recording with stereo sound and HDMI output and 3D Sweep Panoramas and 3D Still Images. Other key features of the Sony HX20V include a 3 inch LCD screen with 921,000-dots, fast 0.13 second auto-focusing, 10fps burst shooting mode at full resolution, ISO range of 100-12800, Optical SteadyShot with Active Mode, Intelligent Auto Plus, Program and full Manual shooting modes, artistic Picture Effect modes, Intelligent Sweep Panoramas, and support for both Memory Stick PRO Duo and Secure Digital cards. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V is available in black or brown for £329.99 / $399.99.

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Canon PowerShot SX160 IS Review

The Canon PowerShot SX160 is a portable high-zoom digital compact camera. It features a 16 megapixel sensor, 16x optical zoom which is image stabilised, manual modes for controlling shutter-speed and aperture, digital effects and it takes AA batteries. Priced at around £140 / $229.99, the Canon PowerShot SX160 IS is available in Red, Black and White.

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