Canon PowerShot SX40 HS

https://www.photoreview.com.au/reviews/advanced-compact-cameras/fixed-lens/canon-powershot-sx40-hs/

Canon’s latest ultra-zoom digicam introduces an updated High Sensitivity (HS) CMOS sensor, DiG!C 5 processing, improved image stabilisation and new slow-motion movie effects.Canon’s PowerShot SX40 HS has most of the same features as its predecessor, the PowerShot SX30 IS, which we reviewed in October 2010. However, its price tag is $30 lower, the sensor resolution has been reduced to a more sensible 12 megapixels (effective) and Canon has opted for CMOS technology which, with the new DiG!C 5 image processor, allows the SX40 HS to support Full HD video recording.

Olympus PEN E-PL2

https://www.photoreview.com.au/reviews/advanced-compact-cameras/interchangeable-lens/olympus-pen-e-pl2/

The latest entry-level PEN camera comes with a new kit lens, adjustable Art Filters and support for additional accessories.Announced in early January, the E-PL2 is a fourth-generation model in Olympus’s PEN family of compact interchangeable lens cameras. Featuring the same 12.3-megapixel Live MOS Sensor as the E-PL1, the new model has a redesigned user interface and larger, higher-resolution LCD monitor. A built-in flash has been added, along with a new M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II MSC kit lens that is 25% lighter than its predecessor.

Nikon Coolpix P100

https://www.photoreview.com.au/reviews/advanced-compact-cameras/fixed-lens/nikon-coolpix-p100/

A compact super-zoom digicam with support for Full HD video capture plus high-speed photo and video shooting modes.Released a year after the Coolpix P90, Nikon’s Coolpix P100 is a next-generation super-zoom model with the same SLR-like styling as its predecessor. However, it adds some features and special shooting modes to attract a wider range of potential purchasers. Although sensor resolution has been (sensibly) reduced, the zoom range is longer and the adjustable LCD monitor has higher resolution.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ10

https://www.photoreview.com.au/reviews/other-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmc-tz10/

A lightweight, 12x zoom camera for travellers who want advanced shooting controls plus 720p HD video recording.Offering 12.1-megapixel resolution plus a 12x optical zoom lens that covers the equivalent of 25-300mm focal length range, Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-TZ10 extends the appealing features of previous ‘Travellers’ Zoom’ models with a built-in GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver and P, A, S and M shooting modes. Its image stabiliser has been upgraded to a new POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabiliser) with twice the steadiness of previous systems.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18

https://www.photoreview.com.au/reviews/advanced-compact-cameras/panasonic-lumix-dmc-fz18/

A lightweight digicam with an optically-stabilised 18x optical zoom lens, RAW+JPEG support and a full range of adjustments.Successor to the successful FZ8 model, Panasonic’s latest long-zoom digicam, the DMC-FZ18 sports an 8-megapixel imager and a massive 18x Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens that covers an equivalent focal length range from 28mm to 504mm. Otherwise the two models are superficially quite similar, although the FZ18’s image stabiliser is accessed via the menu instead of through a dedicated button. Internally some sigificant changes have been made in the newer model.

Olympus SP-800 UZ

https://www.photoreview.com.au/reviews/other-cameras/olympus-sp-800-uz/

A compact, lightweight digicam with a 30x zoom lens plus 720p HD video recording.When it was unveiled in February, Olympus’s SP-800UZ was one of only two digicams with a 30x zoom lens. Claiming the advantage of being the world’s smallest in this category, the SP-800UZ boasts a 14-megapixel sensor and was released with a ‘sister’ model, the SP-600UZ which sports a 15x zoom lens and 12-megapixel resolution. Reviews of both models will appear on the Photo Review website.