Leica M9

• Launched: September 2009
• Type: Rangefinder compact
• Sensor: Full frame, 36 x 24mm
• Resolution: 18 megapixels
• Lenses: Leica M mount
• Key features: Rangefinder focussing, direct vision viewfinder
• Links: Product page

Summary: Full-frame digital version of Leica's classic rangefinder camera. The M9 is expensive and specialised, but the Leica brand is in a class apart in the world of photography.

Leica X1

• Launched: September 2009
• Type: Fixed lens hybrid
• Sensor: APS-C, 24 x 16mm
• Resolution: 12.2 megapixels
• Lens: 36mm equivalent f2.8
• Key features: Fixed focal length lens
• Links: Product page

Summary: The X1 combines a fixed focal length lens with an APS-C sensor in a top-quality body, though it works like a conventional hybrid rather than Leica's M-series rangefinders.

Panasonic Lumix GF1

• Launched: September 2009
• Type: Compact style hybrid
• Sensor: Micro Four Thirds, 17.3 x 13mm
• Resolution: 12.1 megapixels
• Lenses: Micro Four Thirds
• Key features: Standard HD movies
• Links: Press release, Product page

Summary: Panasonic's compact style hybrid camera uses the same Micro Four Thirds lenses as the G-series cameras. It's now been superseded by the GF2.

Canon EOS 7D

• Launched: September 2009
• Type: Digital SLR
• Sensor size: APS-C, 22.3 x 14.9mm
• Resolution: 18 megapixels
• Lenses: Canon EF-S, EF
• Key features: 8fps continuous shooting, full HD movies
• Links: Press release, Product page

Summary: The 7D is designed for high-speed shooting and full HD movies. The video mode has full manual control, and the camera has an external microphone socket. It's one step up from the EOS 60D and one below the EOS 5D Mark II.