- Launched: May 2010
- Type: Compact style hybrid
- Sensor size: APS-C 23.4 x 15.6mm
- Resolution: 14.2 megapixels
- Lenses: Sony e mount
- Key features: Articulating LCD, Sweep Panoramas, 7fps continuous shooting
- Links: Press release | Product page
Summary: The cheaper of Sony's two compact hybrid cameras. It has a plastic body and shoots standard HD movies not full HD, but otherwise it's much the same. Good for novices, though some could find the graphical interface slow and simplistic.
- Launched: March 2010
- Type: SLR style hybrid
- Sensor size: Micro Four Thirds 17.3 x 13mm
- Resolution: 12.1 megapixels
- Lenses: Micro Four Thirds
- Key features: Articulating LCD, touch-control
- Links: Press release, Product page
Summary: This is the next model up from the basic Lumix G10 SLR-style hybrid, offering an articulating LCD display with touch-screen control. The G2 is aimed at beginners and enthusiast.
- Launched: March 2010
- Type: SLR style hybrid
- Sensor size: Micro Four Thirds 17.3 x 13mm
- Resolution: 12.1 megapixels
- Lenses: Micro Four Thirds
- Key features: None
- Links: Press release, Product page
Summary: Panasonic's entry-level SLR-style hybrid. It lacks the articulating LCD and high-resolution EVF of the G2, but the sensor and overall image quality are just the same. A good camera for beginners.
- Launched: February 2010
- Type: High-end compact
- Sensor size: 1/1.7-inch
- Resolution: 10 megapixels
- Lens: 24-72mm equivalent f1.8-2.4
- Key features: Articulating LCD
- Links: Press release, Product page
Summary: The EX-1 is Samsung's attempt at a high-end compact designed for enthusiasts. It meets all the requirements, including full PASM exposure modes and the ability to shoot RAW files as well as JPEGs.
- Launched: February 2010
- Type: Fixed lens hybrid
- Sensor size: APS-C 20.7 x 13.8mm
- Resolution: 4.7 megapixels (3 x 4.7)
- Lens: 41mm equivalent f2.8
- Key features: Fixed lens, Foveon X3 sensor
- Links: Press release, Product page
Summary: Fixed-lens hybrid camera which uses Sigma's Foveon X3 sensor. It's designed for photo enthusiasts and experts, favouring manual controls as well as automatic modes.
- Launched: February 2010
- Type: Digital SLR
- Sensor size: APS-C 22.3 x 14.9mm
- Resolution: 18 megapixels
- Lenses: Canon EF-S, EF
- Key features: Full HD movies
- Links: Press release, Product page
Summary: Canon's top 'beginners' SLR will also appeal to enthusiasts. It has the same 18-megapixel sensor as Canon's more expensive EOS 60D and EOS 7D and, like them, shoots full HD movies, though it has a cheaper plastic body.
- Launched: February 2010
- Type: Compact style hybrid
- Sensor size: Micro Four Thirds 17.3 x 13mm
- Resolution: 12.3 megapixels
- Lenses: Micro Four Thirds
- Key features: Art Filters
- Links: Press release, Product page
Summary: The E-PL1 was launched as the 'affordable' Pen camera from Olympus, with a plastic body and much simpler and more cheaply-made controls, though it does have a built-in flash. It's now been superseded by the E-PL2.
