Fixed Lens Cameras

A compact, digicam with advanced shooting functions and a stabilised wide-angle, 20x optical zoom lens.In its Ultra Zoom (UZ) models, Olympus appears to be trying to bridge the gap between digicams and DSLRs. But, until larger sensors are used in these cameras, a large gulf will remain. With the new 10-megapixel SP-570 UZ, it has taken a big step forward by providing the longest zoom currently available on a compact digicam. Extending from the equivalent of 26mm (in 35mm format) to 520mm, it covers a magnification range of 20x and both optical and digital image stabilisation are provided.

A new flagship digicam with a fast zoom lens, a wide range of exposure controls and support for raw file capture and 720p HD video recording.The XZ-1 was one of two feature-rich cameras announced by Olympus on 6 January, as the C.E.S Show opened in Las Vegas. Introduced as the flagship of the company’s digicam line-up, the XZ-1 combines a relatively large ‘1/1.63 inch’ type (~ 8 x 6 mm) CCD sensor with an effective resolution of 10 megapixels with a smarter body design and many features from PEN series models.

A compact digicam with a 20x optical zoom lens and advanced shooting modes.Olympus’s SP-565 UZ incorporates many of the features of the flagship model of the long-zoom range, the SP-570 UZ, in a cheaper, more compact body. It has the same 10-megapixel sensor and 20x optical zoom lens plus the same TruePic III image processor. Yet it weighs 72 grams less and is $100 cheaper than the SP-570 UZ. Its LCD monitor is also slightly smaller but has the same resolution as the flagship model.

Nikon’s first ultra-zoom digicam with P, A, S and M shooting modes and time-lapse capture.Nikon has entered the competitive ultra-zoom digicam market with the Coolpix P90, which combines a 24x optical zoom lens with a 6.13 x 4.6mm CCD sensor with an effective resolution of 12.1 megapixels. It’s not the longest zoom lens on the digicam market (Olympus still commands a lead with 26x on the SP-560UZ) and the P90 is a large and chunky camera. But it has a few features to attract photographers who don’t want an SLR.

Nikon’s latest digicam for photo enthusiasts who want a full range of controls plus support for raw files and HD video. It’s taken a while for us to get our hands on Nikon’s Coolpix P7000, although we’ve reviewed its main rivals: Canon’s PowerShot G12 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5. There’s clearly a market for a competent, pocketable camera that supports raw file capture and offers P/A/S/M shooting modes. And it’s obvious the main players are watching their rivals because all three models provide similar functions.

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.

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.