Fujifilm FinePix HS20 EXR

8.5 Rating

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.

Fujifilm FinePix HS10

8 Rating

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.

FIRST LOOK: Ricoh GXR

A radical new camera system in which lens-plus-sensor modules are changed via a slide-in mounting.Ricoh has unleased a design revolution with its new GXR system. It’s the first camera body that accepts interchangeable sensor-plus-lens modules, allowing buyers to choose the body/lens combination that suits them and providing a camera system with great flexibility for upgrading and expansion.

FIRST LOOK: Fujifilm Finepix X100

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.

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS

8.5 Rating

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.

Canon PowerShot S3-IS

8.5 Rating

High resolution plus an optically stabilised long-range zoom lens and a multitude of manual controls make the S3-IS a fine camera for enthusiasts.Canon’s 6-megapixel PowerShot S3-IS has the same 12x optical zoom lens and optical image stabilisation system and range of manual controls as its predecessor. We got the black body – but not raw support – with this upgrade to last year’s 5-megapixel S2-IS. A larger vari-angle LCD monitor means the new model’s body is slightly bigger and heavier – but otherwise little is changed.

Canon PowerShot G9

9 Rating

A compact digicam with an advanced feature set that would make it an excellent complement to a DSLR.Canon has re-introduced raw file capture to its top-of-the-range digicam, the PowerShot G9. This alone makes it a significant upgrade to the G7 model, although the G9 has slightly higher resolution (12.1 megapixels vs 10 megapixels) and a larger, 3.0-inch LCD screen. The viewfinder has been shrunk, however, to provide space for the LCD, which adds just over five grams to overall weight.

Canon PowerShot G7

9 Rating

A well-built, high-resolution digicam with enough adjustments to delight gadget freaks, impressive video facilities and above average performance.Canon’s new PowerShot G7 has much to recommend it over earlier G-series models, with a redesigned body that’s slimmer and 60 grams lighter than its predecessor and has classic rangefinder-like styling. Sensor resolution is now 10-megapixels and the vari-angle LCD is replaced by a fixed 2.5-inch monitor. The optical zoom range increases from 4x to 6x and image stabilisation is added. On the downside, raw format support has been dropped, the G7 is limited to the sRGB colour space and you can see the lens through the viewfinder when it’s at its widest setting.

Canon PowerShot G12

8.8 Rating

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.

Canon PowerShot G11

9 Rating

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.