Nikon
Nikon's latest effort is the new 16.2-megapixel Nikon D5100 DSLR, designed, they explain, “for those ready to artistically express themselves and need a versatile camera that can keep pace creatively.” Additional features include a three-inch, 921,000-dot Vari-angle LCD screen and full HD (1080p) movie recording with full-time autofocus and a few fun in-camera effects that can be applied to both photos and movies to deliver even more creative expression.
Canon
The advent of HD video has certainly changed the way users capture 1080p HD video and opened new doors in the still photo world, and the Canon EOS 5D Mark II DSLR is at the forefront of all this change—24p (23.976 fps) and 30p (29.97 fps) image capture (when updated to Canon Firmware version 2.0.4 or higher), 21.1-megapixel full-frame, 24 x 36mm CMOS sensor for 1920 x 1080 HD resolution capture and a sensitivity range from ISO 50 to ISO 25600.
Can the Mark III be far behind?
Olympus
Olympus continues their strong showing in the category with both their E-System models (E-5, E-30, E-620) as well as their Micro Four Thirds models highlighted by the new E-PL2 that features the system's staple small, light and simple design, 12.3 MP res, intuitive interface and expands creative potential with new lens technology, in-camera creative features, a new Close-Up Spotlight accessory (MAL-1) for macro photography and the new Olympus PENPAL Bluetooth accessory.
Sony
Sony's play here is all about their Translucent Mirror Technology that they explain achieves exceptionally high level of auto focus speed for both still image and movie shooting. Within the framework of this system is the Alpha a55 that features continuous shooting at up to 10fps and continual phase detect AutoFocus while recording full HD AVCHD video. The Alpha a 55 utilizes Sony's Exmor HD APS censor (16.2 megapixels) and includes a full-time LiveView using either the viewfinder or 3″ rotating LCD monitor, 3D Sweep Panorama mode and GPS for geo-tagging.
Panasonic
The Micro Four Thirds System-compatible LUMIX DMC-GH2, is referred to as a hybrid touch-control camera, featuring full HD video recording and compatibility with Panasonic's new interchangeable 3D lens. The GH2 also features 16MP Live MOS sensor, three-inch LCD, and the ability to record video in variable frame rate—80, 160, 200 and 300 percent.
Pentax
Pentax added the very unique silver edition K-5 to their DSLR line-up—a special-edition model of the original Pentax K-5 that features an exclusive design with an original exterior color scheme and a uniquely shaped grip. Add a 16.3 MP CMOS sensor, ISO 80-51200 at 7 fps and 1080p HD video to the feature set as well. Along with the silver K-5, Pentax also announced three Pentax DA Limited Edition Silver lens models—smc Pentax-DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited Silver; smc Pentax-DA 40mm F2.8 Limited Silver; smc Pentax-DA 70mm F2.4 Limited Silver.
Samsung
Samsung's play in this space comes in the form of their hybrid Compact System Camera (CSC) led by last year's announcement of the NX10 that features the larger APS-C sensor (more light hits sensor) and also offers Samsung's iFunction lens system that providing access to essential controls right on the lens. The iFunction lens helps the shooter set up their shots by showing the impact of different settings in real time on the 3″ AMOLED display. The NX100 and NX11 have since followed and evolved accordingly.
Sigma
The Sigma SD1 is the flagship, 46-megapixel APS-C Foveon X3 direct image sensor DSLR model that will be available in spring/summer 2011. The SD1 has a lightweight, solid magnesium alloy for its body, O-ring sealing connections and dual three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine (TRUE) II image processing engines. The autofocus system features an 11-point, shifted twin cross type sensor.
The Foveon image sensor continues to take center stage for Sigma in this category with the DP2x – 14-megapixel Foveon X3 direct image sensor (2,652×1,768, three layers), and will also includes Analog Front End (AFE) and high-speed auto focus. The benefits here include the ability to reproduce high-definition and richly colored images. The new AF algorithm also provides high-speed auto focus.
Leica
Leica's D-Lux 5 is an extremely compact, 10.1MP option within this category with a very fast f/2-3.3 DC Vario-Summicron 24-90mm (35mm equivalent) lens that is, no surprise, Leica through and through. The range of features include that compact body design (4 1/3 x 2 2/3 x 1 5/7″), lightweight (9.5 oz), sensitivity up to 12800 ISO, a bright, high-res three-inch LCD and a large 1/1.6.3″ CCD sensor. It can also record 720p AVCHD Lite videos and allows for fully manual control.
Fujifilm
Sitting within the “SuperZoom” category is the Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR, which features a 16 MP EXR-CMOS sensor, a FUJINON 30x manual optical zoom (24mm-720mm equivalent) and a tilting three-inch high-contrast LCD with an electronic viewfinder, featuring a “heads up” sensor that automatically changes from LCD to EVF. Add continuous shooting at 8 fps at full resolution for eight frames, high-speed movies at 320fps, captures full panoramic photos with Motion Panorama 360° and full HD movies at 1080p with an HDMI output connector and this category warrants continued attention as well.
