Wednesday, 4 November 2009

Olympus E-P2

  • Launched: November 2009
  • Type: Compact style hybrid
  • Sensor size: Micro Four Thirds, 17.3 x 13mm
  • Resolution: 12.3 megapixels
  • Lenses: Micro Four Thirds
  • Key features: Standard HD movies, in-built anti-shake, Art Filters, optional EVF, Accessory Port
  • Links: Press release, Product page
Summary: A development of the original Olympus E-P1 'Pen' camera, now including an accessory port and manual movie controls.

    Tuesday, 20 October 2009

    Canon EOS 1D Mk IV

    • Launched: October 2009
    • Type: Digital SLR
    • Sensor: APS-H, 27.9 x 18.6mm
    • Resolution: 16 megapixels
    • Lenses: Canon EF (not EF-S)
    • Key features: 10fps continuous shooting, full HD movies
    • Links: Press release, Product page
    Summary: High-speed digital SLR for professionals. It has a unique sensor size mid-way between APS-C and full frame, which puts it at a slight disadvantage to the Nikon D3s, though the Nikon only shoots standard HD movies.

      Wednesday, 14 October 2009

      Nikon D3s

      • Launched: October 2009
      • Type: Digital SLR
      • Sensor: Full frame 'FX' format, 36 x 23.9mm
      • Resolution: 12.1 megapixels
      • Lenses: Nikon F (FX, DX in 'crop' mode)
      • Key features: 9fps continuous shooting, high ISO performance; standard HD movies
      • Links: Press release, Product page
      Summary: Second-generation version of Nikon's original full-frame D-SLR optimised for speed, with a 9fps continuous shooting speed (11fps in 'crop' mode) and a maximum ISO raised to 12800.

        Friday, 2 October 2009

        Sigma DP1s

        • Launched: October 2009
        • Type: Fixed lens hybrid
        • Sensor size: APS-C Foveon X3, 20.7 x 13.8mm
        • Megapixels: 4.7 (x3)
        • Key features: Foveon X3 sensor, fixed lens
        • Lens: 28mm equivalent f4
        • Links: Press release, Product page
        Summary: Fixed lens hybrid camera using unique Foveon X3 sensor for low apparent resolution but high image quality. The plain design and fixed lens restricts its appeal to enthusiasts only.

          Thursday, 1 October 2009

          Pentax K-7

          • Launched: October 2009
          • Type: Digital SLR
          • Sensor size: APS-C, 23.4 x 15.6mm
          • Resolution: 14.6 megapixels
          • Lenses: Pentax KAF2
          • Key features: In-built anti-shake, expanded dynamic range, distortion and chromatic aberration correction, standard HD movies
          • Links: Press release, Product page
          Summary: D-SLR for enthusiasts and professionals, featuring metal construction, good continuous shooting speeds and a host of well thought out and useful features.

            Sunday, 13 September 2009

            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.

              Thursday, 10 September 2009

              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.