Fixed Lens

A very expensive, large-sensor compact camera with intuitive manual exposure controls and support for DNG raw file capture – but not video recording.Leica’s announcement of the X1 in early September 2009 took the market by surprise. Given the company’s liaison with Panasonic, many analysts expected to see a version of the Panasonic GF1. But the X1 is quite different. A fixed-lens camera with an APS-C sized sensor in a compact body, it provides only P, A, S and M shooting modes, doesn’t support video and lacks an optical viewfinder (one is available as an optional accessory).

A fixed-lens compact camera for serious photographers, which features an APS-C sized sensor plus a hybrid viewfinder that combines optical and electronic systems.Although production of Fujifilm’s FinePix X100 was set back by the earthquake and tsunami that devastated north-eastern Japan, the factory in Sendai resumed production at the end of March and stocks were scheduled to arrive in Australia late in April. However, demand has been high and many retailers have pre-sold their stock, so it might still be difficult to obtain one for a month or so.

Fujifilm’s latest ultra-zoom digicam offers higher resolution, an improved monitor, raw file support and a wide range of video recording settings.Fujifilm’s FinePix HS20 EXR replaces the 10-megapixel HS10 EXR at the top of the company’s ultra-zoom line-up. It has the same 30x optical zoom lens, 3-inch adjustable monitor, manual controls, RAW support and Full HD video support as the earlier model but sports the same 16-megapixel sensor and EXR processing technology as the FinePix F550 EXR (which we reviewed recently) plus a few stylistic modifications.

An advanced digicam with a 30x zoom lens, support for raw file capture and Full HD video recording.Announced in early February, Fujifilm’s FinePix HS10 is one of several extended-zoom digicams unveiled at this time. The first Fujifilm camera with a BSI (Back Side Illuminated) CMOS sensor, the HS10 also introduces a number of multi-shot and high-speed shooting modes and sports a one-touch movie record button that enables users to record Full HD (1080p) movie clips with stereo soundtracks.

A fixed-lens compact camera for serious photographers that sports an APS-C sized sensor plus a hybrid viewfinder that combines optical and electronic systems.Fujifilm’s FinePix X100, which is scheduled for release in Japan next month, represents a departure from the company’s regular compact camera line-up. Designed for DSLR users who need a compact back-up camera, it features a 12.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, a non-interchangeable Fujinon 23mm f/2 prime lens and a newly developed Hybrid Viewfinder that combines the best features of optical and electronic viewing systems.

A new Canon super-zoom digicam with a stabilised 35x zoom lens, full manual controls and 720p HD movie recording.The PowerShot SX30 IS replaces the year-old SX20 IS at the top of Canon’s super-zoom line-up but is $120 cheaper than its predecessor was at launch. Its 35x zoom lens is a significant step-up from the predecessor’s 20x zoom and resolution has been increased from 12.1 to 14.1 megapixels. Otherwise, most of the differences between the two cameras are more cosmetic than functional.

The latest model in the popular G-series of digicams for photo enthusiasts adds 720p HD video recording. Canon’s PowerShot G12 can be seen as a minor or major upgrade to its predecessor, the G11, depending on how much you want HD video capabilities. The new model arrives at $100 less than the launch price of its predecessor yet adds a 720p HD movie mode with stereo audio. For movie fans, this would represent a significant improvement on the G11’s VGA video with monaural audio.

The latest model in the popular G-series of digicams for photo enthusiasts.Canon surprised many industry observers by replacing the 14-megapixel PowerShot G10 with the 10-megapixel G11 model. However, this move makes sense because image noise was an issue with the G10 at ISO 400 and most photographers should appreciate having fewer – but larger – photosites that deliver better image quality. Nevertheless, the sensor remains pretty small (7.6 x 5.7 mm) and, more surprisingly, the RRP has risen by $150 since the G10 was released.

A new flagship model for Panasonic’s popular TZ (Travel Zoom) series of compact digicams.It’s been just over a year since we reviewed Panasonic’s last TZ-series camera, the TZ10. This camera has been so popular it’s little wonder the company waited until January 2011 before unveiling not one but two updates: the TZ20 and a simpler (and cheaper) model, the TZ18. Many of the features that made the TZ10 a success have been upgraded to better suit the target market: travellers looking for a full-featured, pocketable camera.

A capable advanced digicam with a 24x zoom lens and support for Full HD video recording with stereo soundtracks.The Lumix DMC-FZ100 takes its place at the top of Panasonic’s FZ series of digicams, which are designed for photo enthusiasts and support raw file capture. Slotting in above the FZ35 (which we reviewed in November, 2009), it extends the zoom range and adds Full HD recording with stereophonic soundtracks.