A couple of years ago, it was pretty easy to recommend a camera to someone who wants to take photography a bit more seriously. They want better pictures, want to get professional quality results, are willing to upgrade their camera and even to learn a bit about photography.

The recommendation back then would have been a simple, “Get an entry-level Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera.” The DSLR has a bigger image sensor than most compact point-and-shoot cameras and would give better image quality, especially in low light (where, for example, most parents take pictures of their children). Phase detection autofocus would drastically increase performance. Better quality optics would guarantee sharper and more detailed pictures. It was a winning proposition.

Today, a DSLR is not the only way to go if you want to upgrade your photography.

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF6 Review

Neocamera just published a review of Panasonic’s latest compact mirrorless. The Lumix GF6 sports a 16 megapixels sensor in a compact body with a tilting LCD screen and built-in wireless connectivity with both WiFi and NFC. This Micro Four-Thirds camera offers full manual-controls with a single control-dial and 3″ touchscreen LCD with a whopping 1 megapixel of resolution.

Read the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF6 review to find out how it performs and compares to its peers.

FUJIFILM UNVEILS THE NEW X-M1 PREMIUM CSC FEATURING A 16.3 MP APS-C X-TRANS CMOS SENSOR, EXR PROCESSOR II AND A KIT OPTION FEATURING THE NEW XC16-50MM LENS

New X-M1 also includes a 3” tilting, high definition LCD screen, wireless image transfer for easy photo sharing and advanced filters for creative picture taking

Valhalla, N.Y., June 24, 2013 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announced the all new, premium FUJIFILM X-M1 compact system camera (CSC), the third interchangeable lens system camera introduced within the award-winning FUJIFILM X-Series. The X-M1 is a lightweight camera that includes the same 16.3 Megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor used in the critically acclaimed FUJIFILM X-Pro1and X-E1 that delivers outstanding image quality, all in a premium, beautifully crafted body.

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Category: Beginner, Serious

Type: Compact Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera

Beginner Classic. The Fujifilm X-M1 is a more compact and affordable version of the X-E1, targeted to beginner photographers. It inherits the beautiful retro design, the innovative APS-C 16MP X-Trans CMOS image sensor, and the X Mount that accepts the full range of interchangeable XF lenses. It is accompanied by a new line of cheaper XC lenses with plastic barrels but which do not compromise with the construction and premium glass elements used. The first of the XC lenses is the XC16-50mmF3.5-5.6 OIS kit lens.

The X-M1 does not have any viewfinder, optical or electronic, nor is an optional external viewfinder available. Instead, it has a 3.0-in. LCD with 920K-dot resolution that tilts 90° up and 85° down. The LCD is not touchscreen. You can display a live histogram and framing guide lines but not an Electronic Horizon Leveling Gauge.

Unlike its more expensive big brothers, the X-PRO1 and the X-E1, the X-M1′s body is mostly polycarbonate plastic but is nevertheless solidly constructed and has a feeling of quality. It also reverts back to using a more contemporary Mode Dial so as to make readily available AUTO and Scene Modes. It does, however, sports twin command dials that control the shutter speed, aperture and exposure compensation, depending on which shooting mode you have selected. The dials are beautifully designed with the right amount of resistance when turning them.

There is a built-in pop-up flash, and a hot shoe allows you to attach an external flash unit. The Shoe Mount Flash EF-X20 (sold separately) is a compact external flash that has a matching retro design. Also optional is the Hand Grip HG-XM1 (sold separately) for those who prefer a bigger handgrip. Other accessories include a Remote Release RR-90, Protector Filters and Leather Case BLC-XM1. There is also an M Mount Adapter to use LEICA M lenses.

The Fujifilm X-M1 boasts a quick start time of 0.5 sec. (when in sleep mode) and a shutter time lag of approx. 0.05-sec. Continuous Shooting is a fast 5.6fps at full resolution.

The X-M1 also offers the Film Simulation Mode popularized in its compact digital cameras to simulate the color and tonal qualities of its acclaimed film brands: PROVIA for a true-to-scene natural look, Velvia for vibrant tonality and saturated colors and ASTIA, for a silky soft look and beautiful skin tones. You can also shoot double exposure and a number of filter effects are also available in still photography.

Advanced photographers can use PASM modes and RAW for full control over exposure and image creation. The in-camera RAW Converter lets you view and edit your results without the need for your PC. Other practical features include built-in Wi-Fi (but no NFC or remote control), One-touch Movie Recording button, a customizable Fn button (doubles as Wi-Fi button in Playback), a Quick Menu button, and Super Intelligent Flash when shooting macro shots in dim lighting. Focus peaking is available when using manual focus. A number of bracketing functions are also available for the advanced photographer: Dynamic Range, Film Simulation, AE, and ISO.

The Fujifilm X-M1 is targeted to beginner photographers looking to move up to a mirrorless DSLR. Advanced photographers who are unwilling to compromise with image quality will also find the X-M1 a very alluring proposition. The X-M1 is available in all black, black/silver or brown.

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Samsung just announced the GALAXY NX mirrorless camera, the world’s first compact system camera with 3G/4G LTE connectivity and Android operating system.

Samsung GALAXY NX Camera:

• 20.3 MP sensor and Hybrid Autofocus (AF)
• 4.8-inch HD LCD touchscreen and SVGA Electronic Viewfinder (EVF)
• Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) operating system
• 3G/4G LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity for seamless sharing of images and video, including:
  • “Share Shot,” ChatOn and AllShare Play similar to GALAXY mobile devices
  • Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and more
• 1/6000 sec shutter speed and 8.6fps continuous shooting lets you capture the action as it’s happening
• 3D photo/video recording when paired with the 45mm 2D/3D lens (sold separately)
• 1.6 GHz Quad-core processor
• Pricing and availability for U.S. market TBD

This video presents “[Samsung GALAXY NX] Official Demo Video”:

• “Samsung GALAXY NX | Connect. Express Yourself”

• World’s first interchangeable lens camera with LTE

  • Everything you wanted to know about the GALAXY NX is in this video

PRESS RELEASE

Introducing GALAXY NX, the First Interchangeable-Lens Camera with 3G/4G LTE & Wi-Fi Connectivity

Always connected, the Samsung GALAXY NX turns every picture into a story worth telling

LONDON, UK – June 20, 2013 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced the launch of the GALAXY NX, the first 3G/4G LTE Connected Compact System Camera (CSC). Versatile and easy to use, the GALAXY NX combines cutting edge optical performance with connectivity capabilities and a galaxy of applications based on the Android eco-system, all in one stylish package. The result is a new type of connected device that allows users to turn their experiences into a story that can be instantly shared with anyone they choose, from wherever they might be, in amazing color and outstanding detail.

“The GALAXY NX reflects the unique needs of a user who needs to take professional photos and share them immediately in any situation. For those who want to express themselves and the exciting moments that make up their lives quickly, easily and on the go, the GALAXY NX is an ideal choice” said Myoung Sup Han, Senior Vice President and Head of the Digital Imaging Business, Samsung Electronics.

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Samsung NX300

Just Posted: Samsung NX300 Review

The Samsung NX300 is intuitive, delivers great results and easily meets the challenges a serious photographer might throw its way. It’s that rare compact mirrorless DSLR that you pick up and enjoy using right away. It features 20.3MP resolution on a hybrid APS-C CMOS (23.5 x 15.7 mm) image sensor with Contrast AF and embedded Phase Detection AF, a large and bright 3.3-in. tiltable Touch Panel AMOLED display screen (768k-dot), Smart AUTO, PASM, Scene modes, i-Function, Smart Filters, In-Camera Panorama, RAW file, Continuous Shooting 8.6fps, Wi-Fi, and HD movie 1920 x 1080 with stereo sound.

Read more in our Samsung NX300 Review.

PENTAX Q7 digital interchangeable lens camera

PENTAX RICOH IMAGING CANADA INC. is pleased to announce the introduction of the PENTAX Q7 digital interchangeable lens camera, joining the already successful Q10 in the PENTAX Q Series. Available in 120 eye-catching colour combinations, the Q7 gives creative control to the user with a complete system of interchangeable lenses and fun smart effects and digital filters for truly limitless creativity.

The PENTAX Q7 features an upgraded 1/1.7 inch, back-illuminated CMOS image sensor, high sensitivity shooting up to ISO 12800 and enhanced Q ENGINE with faster response time during start-up and shooting time. The Q7’s ultra-compact, lightweight body enables easily pocket-able portability while the fun filters and assorted lens variety inspire the casual photographer to elevate their creativity. With 19 smart effects and filters and a choice of seven interchangeable lenses, a retro look and feel can easily be applied in-camera with the ability to layer different effects for more personalized images. Additionally, with the Q7’s enhanced Eye-Fi SD card compatibility and built-in menus, users can now edit, re-size and share photos instantly.

PENTAX Q7

The PENTAX Q7 will be available in a choice of three standard body colours: black, silver and yellow or select from a choice of 117 custom colour combinations (available by special order) to create your Q7 to be a unique as you are.

The PENTAX Q7 Kit, including the PENTAX-02 Standard Zoom Lens, will be available in Canada September 2013 at a suggested retail price of $499.99.

PENTAX-07 Mount Shield Lens

PENTAX-07 Mount Shield Lens
The PENTAX-07 Mount Shield Lens produces a truly unique and timeless visual effect, comparable to the original pin-hole camera—with a fixed aperture of F9 and a focal length of 11.5 mm (53mm in 35mm format when mounted on the PENTAX Q7 camera body or 63.5mm on the PENTAX Q or Q10 camera body), for an extra-ordinary image with distinctively velvety edges. Featuring a focusing range of approximately 0.3-2m, still life shots and macro photography are given a beautiful dream-like look and feel. Measuring a mere 6.9mm in length, it is extremely thin and compact for carry-anywhere convenience. It mounts onto the camera body just like a lens cap, making it the perfect choice for casual, everyday photography.

The PENTAX-07 Mount Shield Lens will be available in Canada July 2013 at a suggested retail price of $79.99.

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Olympus PEN E-P5

Retro. The Olympus PEN E-P5 is the successor to the popular E-P3. It merges the cool retro design of the compact PEN F rangefinder camera with the high-end qualities of a [mirrorless] DSLR. New is the requisite Wi-Fi social sharing features (with easy set-up using QR code) we see cropping up in all new cameras. This allows Wireless Touch AF Shutter (view the image on your smartphone and use touch AF on smartphone to trigger the shutter on the camera) and Geo-tagging.

The distinctive styling of the PEN F rangefinder camera is carried over quite attractively. The use of high-quality textured metal for the top plate, shutter button, lens release button and arrow pad cover lends a premium look and feel to the camera. Olympus claims countless mock-up prototypes were used to finalize the design and placement of controls and dials. The PEN E-P5 will be available in an all-black, silver top and black, or white body.

The PEN E-P5 probably comes closest to match the high-end features of a DSLR: 1/8000 sec. max. mechanical shutter speed, Continuous Shooting at 9fps, 5 axis image stabilization, 1/320 sec. sync speed with the built-in pop-up flash, up to 1/4000 sec. sync speed with Super FP external flash, a high-speed AF (30% faster than E-P3), short release time lag mode, 3.0-in. 1.04 million pixels tiltable LCD, 0.5 sec. start-up, Focus Peaking function with use of manual focus lenses, optional external VF-4 EVF (2.36 million dot and 1.48x viewfinder magnification) with eye-sensor.

A new feature for those who travel a lot is the Photo Story theme that allows you to include multiple photos (or views of the scene) in a single one. Other features include Time Lapse and Art Filters.

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Olympus PEN E-P5

PRESS RELEASE

THE ONLY THING RETRO ABOUT IT IS THE WAY IT LOOKS: NEW OLYMPUS FLAGSHIP PEN E-P5® TAKES COMPACT SYSTEM CAMERAS TO A NEW LEVEL

Advanced Performance in a Classic Design: 1/8000th of a Second Shutter, Built-in Wi-Fi, Custom Control, Creative Functions, Optional VF-4 Viewfinder and More

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., May 10, 2013 – Olympus marks the 50th anniversary of the legendary PEN F with the launch of the new Olympus® PEN E-P5, a digital update of a classic film camera designed with breakthrough technology and incredible performance advancements. Designed for photographers looking for superior image quality in a portable body, the PEN E-P5 delivers a stellar shooting experience with 1/8000th of a second shutter speed – a world-first for the Compact System Camera class – built-in Wi-Fi, autofocus advancements, easy-access manual controls and a host of other features.

The new flagship in the Olympus PEN series exudes detailed craftsmanship, from a seamless design to an all-metal casing that houses many of the same award-winning technologies found inside Olympus’s premier Micro Four Thirds® camera, the OM-D E-M5®: 16-Megapixel TruePic VI Live MOS sensor, FAST AF, 5-Axis Image Stabilization and more.

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