Nikon Coolpix P6000

A compact digicam that offers raw file capture and extensive customisation plus inbuilt geotagging and Ethernet support.Replacing the P5100 model as flagship of Nikon’s compact digicam line-up, the Coolpix P6000 features a slightly larger, 13.5-megapixel CCD sensor, EXPEED processing and 4x Zoom-Nikkor lens. Like its predecessor, it provides the P, A, S and M shooting modes enthusiast photographers require. However, the P6000 adds raw file capture and some useful functions like geo-tagging, a built-in Ethernet connection, wireless flash and user customisation.

Canon PowerShot S100

8.5 Rating

Canon’s new pocketable digicam provides improved handling and a longer lens plus support for raw capture and Full HD video recording.Canon has taken one of its most successful digicams, the PowerShot S95, and upgraded it with a new sensor and image processor, longer zoom lens and better ergonomics to produce the PowerShot S100. It’s also reduced the price by $50 and added a GPS receiver/logger to make the new model even more appealing to travellers.

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.

Sigma DP2s

8 Rating

A compact, advanced digital camera with a large Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor and few automated functions.There’s very little difference between the Sigma DP2, which was released in April 2009 and the DP2s, which was announced in February 2010. The sensor and lens in the new camera are the same as the earlier model and the rather quirky user interface is unchanged. According to a company press release, there’s a new AF algorithm for faster autofocusing and a Power Save mode to enable more shots per charge. The rear panel buttons are more clearly labelled, and the camera ships with the latest raw file processing software.

Samsung WB2000

8.5 Rating

A slim, lightweight digicam with a 5x zoom lens, advanced controls, raw file support and Full HD video recording.Unveiled at the PMA International show in February, Samsung’s WB2000 is targeted at photographers who want a slimline digicam with a full suite of controls, a high-quality monitor and Full HD video capability. Boasting a 10.2-megapixel backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS image sensor and 5x optical zoom lens it is one of the few models of its type with raw file capture and provides a wider range of advanced functions than most competing models.

Samsung EX1

8.5 Rating

A compact digicam with a fast, high-quality 3x zoom lens, P/A/S/M shooting modes and support for raw file capture – but only VGA video.The 10-megapixel EX1 is the new flagship of the company’s compact digital camera range. It features a new high-performance 1/1.7-inch (7.6 x 5.7 mm) CCD sensor plus a fast Schneider Kreuznach Varioplan lens with 3x optical zoom (24-72mm equivalent). It also boasts a 3-inch, swivelling AMOLED screen that provides users with a higher contrast ratio, deeper blacks and more accurate colours under most lighting conditions.

Ricoh CX5

8.5 Rating

A minor upgrade to the CX4 model with faster autofocusing, three new scene pre-sets and two new colour options.Aside from cosmetic modifications, nothing much has changed in Ricoh’s CX series of slimline digicams since the CX3 was released early last year. The sensor is the same 10-megapizel back-illuminated CMOS chip and the camera has the same retracting 10.7x optical zoom lens. But under the hood, there’s a new, faster ‘hybrid’ AF system plus three new scene modes.