This is such a cluttered market we have decided to concentrate on the more upmarket versions, so everything here will cost you at least £300 and some much more. These are the sort of cameras someone who is serious about their photography might use when they are not using their dslr.
As always Tech Radar is a place to go for informed opinion
Best compact cameras: Advanced
Fuji X100S
Price: £1,000/US$1,300 (around AU$1,680)
Specs: 16.3MP APS-C format CMOS II sensor, EXR Processor II, Full HD video
Fuji’s replacement to its popular FinePix X100 compact camera draws on user feedback to make improvements. The Fuji FinePix X100S uses the same APS-C format sensor, but with a 16.3 megapixel resolution and a new EXR Processor II and 6 x 6 RGGB filter array pattern.
We liked the retro design and control arrangement of the Fuji X100. Its image quality is also good, but it is surpassed by that of the Fuji X-Pro1, which is capable of producing pictures that aren’t far off those from some full-frame cameras.
Specs: 12MP X-Trans CMOS II sensor, 6 x 6 RGGB filter array pattern, 7.1-28.4mm f/2-2.8 lens
The Fuji X10 was our favourite high-end compact camera of 2012, and combining it with the same sensor design as one of our favourite compact system cameras – the Fuji X-Pro1 – bodes very well.
Fuji says it’s made 50 improvements on the X10 for the X20, including a new 2/3-inch X-Trans CMOS II sensor with 12 million effective pixels and a 6 x 6 RGGB filter array pattern, which combines with an EXR Processor II. The Fuji X20 also boasts a hybrid AF system and a Digital Trans Panel in the viewfinder.
Specs: Large 14.3MP CMOS sensor, 4x optical zoom, 1080p HD video, swivel LCD screen
Although the zoom range is limited when compared to other Canon G-series cameras, the trump card of the Canon G1 X is its unusually large sensor. A larger sensor has more surface area to receive light, improving image quality at high sensitivities and boosting dynamic range. Interestingly, Canon has opted to stick with the 4:3 aspect ratio, rather than 3:2 as most APS-C sensors are, even though the sensor in the G1 X is roughly the same height as APS-C format.
In order to make the most of what the sensor can offer, Canon has equipped the G1 X with the latest Digic 5 processor, which promises better control over noise at high ISO sensitivities, faster operation and smoother 1080p video recording.
The 4x zoom lens provides an angle of view equivalent to a 28-122mm lens on a 35mm camera, and the usual array of direct controls found on G-series cameras should make manual operation a pleasure.
At first glance, the Canon G15 looks pretty similar to theCanon G12, but there are a few significant differences. The most notable of these is the stacked or overlapping mode dial and exposure compensation dials on the top, and a new f/1.8 lens with 5x zoom.
Canon has manufactured a high quality compact camera in the shape of the Canon G15. It is capable of producing great images with bags of detail, good punchy colours and pleasing shallow depth of field effects.
Nikon has given the Coolpix A the same 16.2-million-pixel sensor as theNikon D7000, but it has left off the anti-aliasing (low-pass) filter to allow it to record sharper details in-camera.
Aimed at serious photographers, the Coolpix A has advanced exposure modes such as aperture priority, shutter priority and manual as well as fully automatic and scene options.
Our tests reveal that the Coolpix A can capture lots of sharp detail, on a par with an SLR, but the file write times are a little longer than we’d like and vignetting is apparent in images shot with apertures down to f/8 and in some cases f/16.
The Coolpix P7700 replaces the Nikon P7100 and sits at the top of Nikon’s compact camera line-up. It’s aimed at experienced photographers who want a smaller alternative to an SLR.
There’s a liberal covering of control dials and buttons on the P7700’s body giving quick access to features such as the shooting mode, sensitivity, white balance and exposure compensation to name just a few.
The lens offers an equivalent focal length range of 28-200mm in 35mm terms, and has a maximum aperture range of f/2.0-4.0.
Although the P7700 is capable of producing excellent images with lots of detail and nice colours, it is a little hampered by slow image processing making it unsuitable for shooting action.
Another new camera from Canon. This is a replacement for the 60D. I still have a 20D in a cupboard somewhere, it was state of the art at the time, now I could barely give it away!
The EOS 70D is a mid-range SLR for enthusiast photographers that from the outside looks like a sensible, indeed desirable upgrade to the EOS 60D. It borrows many of the best bits from Canon’s existing SLRs, including the autofocus sensor from the EOS 7D, the fully articulated touchscreen from the EOS 700D (Rebel T5i), and built-in Wi-Fi from the EOS 6D. But on the inside it sports an entirely new sensor that is, potentially, revolutionary. It offers 20.2MP resolution, but uses a ‘Dual Pixel CMOS AF’ design in which every single pixel is split into two separately-readable photodiodes, facing left and right. This means that in principle they are all capable of phase detection autofocus in live view and movie mode.
During the early days of digital SLRs, Canon was pretty much the undisputed leader in CMOS image sensor technology. Almost every new EOS model came with an increase in resolution and high ISO range, and when the EOS 7D appeared in late 2009, the company had progressed from 3MP to 18MP, and ISO 1600 to ISO 12800, in just over nine years. But since then Canon’s APS-C cameras have all sported variants on the same basic sensor design, to the extent that you could be forgiven for wondering what on earth their engineers were doing all day. Now we know.
Canon EOS 70D key features
20.2MP APS-C ‘Dual Pixel CMOS AF’ sensor
DIGIC 5+ image processor
ISO 100-12800 standard, 25600 expanded
7fps continuous shooting, burst depth 65 JPEG / 16 RAW
‘Silent’ shutter mode
1080p30 video recording, stereo sound via external mic
19-point AF system, all points cross-type, sensitive to -0.5 EV
Fully-articulated touchscreen, 1040k dot 3″ ClearView II LCD, 3:2 aspect ratio
Single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot
Built-in Wi-Fi
Single-axis electronic level
Built-in flash works as off-camera remote flash controller
AF microadjustment (can be set individually for up to 40 lenses, remembered by lens serial number)
In-camera High Dynamic Range and Multiple Exposure modes (JPEG-only)
‘Creative Filter’ image processing styles, previewed in live view
Key specs compared
In the table below we see how some of the EOS 70D’s key specs measure up against its more expensive big brother, the EOS 7D, and its main rival, the Nikon D7100. What’s interesting here is just how close the 70D is to the 7D in terms of spec – in much the same way as Nikon’s D7000 made the D300S look almost redundant, it’s quite difficult to see why most Canon users would now choose the top-end APS-C model.
Canon have just released the ‘new’ 700D The quotation marks are because it seems it is almost identical to the 650D, here is what DP Review has to say
June 2013: The Canon EOS 700D / Rebel T5i replaces the very short-lived Canon EOS 650D / T4i but is almost indistinguishable from it in terms of design, operation and specification. Our tests have found the image quality and performance of both cameras to be identical and they use the same batteries and accessories as well. Accordingly, this review is a very slightly modified version of the EOS 650 review we posted in the summer of 2012. We’ve retained product images of the EOS 650D where there’s no meaningful change in design, and except where indicated, any comments in the body of this review which reference the Canon EOS 650D / T4i are equally relevant to the Canon EOS 700D / T5i and vis-versa.
The Canon EOS 700D / Rebel T5i is the company’s latest addition to its novice-oriented ‘Rebel’ series. With more than two decades of continuous success in its film and digital incarnations, these little SLRs have been improved and refined to the point that Canon’s biggest challenge seems to be finding new ways to distinguish its updated models. Place the new EOS 700D / Rebel T5i alongside its predecessor the EOS 650Dand the differences are so minimal to be of little real importance. Read more here
Differences compared to EOS 650D
Real-time preview of Creative Filters in Live View mode
Redesigned new mode dial that turns 360 degrees
New ‘upmarket’ textured body finish.
Canon EOS 700D / Rebel T5i key features
18MP APS-C ‘Hybrid CMOS’ sensor
Phase detection AF from imaging sensor for Live View and Video
Continuous autofocus in movie mode with subject tracking
14-bit DIGIC 5 processor
ISO 100-12800 standard, 25600 expanded
5 fps continuous shooting
9 point AF system, all sensors cross type, central sensor F2.8 (from 60D)
So if you are looking to buy an entry level Canon, and I would, then the 700D it is and it costs £550 and £500 depending on where you buy including the current £50 cash back deal. If you shop around you can still buy the 650D for about £400 although stocks won’t last long.
Hot on the heels of the new Nikon D600 comes the Canon 6D, bit like buses…. Calumet Photo are quoting about £1800 for the body only
The 6D is apparently not a replacement for the 5D but a stable mate designed with features for landscape, travel and outdoor photographers. It is lighter than the 5D so easier to carry around and has geo-location GPS facilities so you can tag images with their exact location and built in wifi for transmitting and sharing images. Here are some details
A 20.2-megapixel DSLR featuring a full-frame sensor and compact design. Ideal for portrait, landscape and travel photography, offering tight control over depth of field and a large choice of wide-angle EF lenses.
Enjoy the full-frame advantage with a 20.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, for a wider choice of wide-angle lenses, great image quality, and more depth-of-field control
Tough magnesium-alloy body and compact design
Great in low-light. Shoot at max ISO 25,600 (expandable to ISO 102,400) and with precise AF, even in conditions as dark as -3EV
Follow the action with 11-point AF and 4.5 fps shooting
Built-in GPS geotags images with location
Wirelessly control and download from your camera with built-in Wi-Fi • 14-bit DIGIC 5+ processor for accurate colour reproduction
Shoot Full-HD video
Live View composition on a 1,040,000-dot 7.7cm (3.0″) ClearView LCD screen
The EOS 6D is best seen as a full frame version of the EOS 60D – indeed it’s very similar in both control layout and dimensions. Its front profile is very similar to the Nikon D600, but it’s rather slimmer front-to-back, and lighter too. However it differs from the Nikon in a number of key respects; for example it has Wi-Fi and GPS built-in, while the D600 offers a distinctly higher spec’ed autofocus system, dual card slots and a built-in flash.
The EOS 6D is built around a new Canon CMOS sensor, which offers a pixel count of 20.2MP (compared to the D600 and A99’s 24MP, or the 5D Mark III’s 22MP). In concert with the DIGIC 5+ processor it offers a standard ISO range of 100-25600, expandable down to 50 and up to 102,400. The AF system has 11 points, but only the central one is cross-type (i.e. sensitive to both vertical and horizontal detail). However according to Canon to will operate at extremely low light levels; right down to -3 EV – a stop dimmer than the 5D Mark III.
The EOS 6D’s most eye-catching additions are integrated GPS and Wi-Fi – their first appearance on a Canon SLR. The GPS unit includes exactly the same functionality as on the company’s compacts – it can embed location data into every image, and has a logging function that can keep track of where you’ve been through the day. This, we suspect, will be most-popular with landscape and travel photographers.
The integrated Wi-Fi unit has the basic functionality you might expect, allowing transfer of images to a smartphone or tablet, and direct upload to social media sites such as Facebook and YouTube. You can also send images directly to a Wi-Fi-enabled printer. But we think more photographers are likely be interested by the fact that it can also be used to turn your smartphone into a wireless remote control via Canon’s EOS Remote app for iOS or Android, complete with live view and full control of exposure settings.
The EOS 6D gains Canon’s silent shutter mode that we saw on the 5D Mark III, which offers quieter, more discreet shooting. It gets in-camera HDR and Multiple Exposure modes, but disappointingly these are JPEG only, unlike on the 5D Mark III that also records RAW files. There’s also a single-axis electronic level to check for wonky horizons. READ THE FULL PREVIEW
You may find this comparison site useful as well as the DP Review pages, this lists the differences between the Nikon D600 and the Canon 6D
From Photo.net by Bob Atkins, comes this in depth review of the Canon 5DM3.
On March 2nd 2012 Canon announced the Canon EOS 5D MkIII, (compare prices) as an upgrade of – but not a replacement for – the EOS 5D MkII. Among the major new features of the EOS 5D MkIII are:
A new 22.3MP CMOS sensor with a gapless microlens, 8 channel readout and low noise
A new 61 point AF system with 41 cross sensors (same as EOS 1D X) with AF to -2EV
A 63 Zone iFCL metering (same as EOS 7D)
Native ISO settings of 100-25600 with expansion to 50-102400
A new Digic 5+ processor (30% faster than Digic 5, 17x faster than Digic 4)
6fps continuous shooting
In-camera HDR. 3 images taken at +/- 3 stop intervals with in-camera image alignment
Currently (July 2012), the EOS 5D MkIII sells for around $3450 and the EOS 5D MkII sells for around $2100
There were a host of other features that were upgraded or added, but the new sensor, new AF system and new processor are the major advances which enable many of the other upgrades such as faster shooting (6 fps vs 3.9 fps) and more extensive in-camera processing. With a processor 17x faster than that in the EOS 5D MkII, real time chromatic aberration correction is now available for JPEGs, and in video modes the extra processing power enables better moire fringing correction.
Bob Atkins
Outwardly the EOS 5D MkIII resembles the EOS 5D MkII quite closely, but the user interface is closer to that found on the Canon EOS 7D, with a similar menu structure and control layout….MORE of this extensive review here
Canon has introduced its EOS M compact interchangeable lens camera, which features an 18-megapixel APS-C-sized hybrid sensor writes Olivier Laurent in the BJP
Canon will release in October its first ever compact system camera, the EOS M, which uses its own models of lenses while being compatible, via an adapter, with a range of 70 EF lenses
The EOS M marks Canon’s entry in the highly competitive mirrorless market, and comes more than four years after Olympus and Panasonic introduced their Micro Four Thirds system. However, similarly to what Sony offers, Canon has chosen a large APS-C-sized sensor to be at the heart of its compact system.The EOS M, which will be presented at this year’s Photokina trade show in Cologne, uses an 18-megapixel APS-C hybrid CMOS sensor, and is also fitted with Canon’s Digic 5 processor. The camera offers a sensitivity range of ISO100 to ISO12,800, expandable to ISO25,600.
It will retail at £770 (€910) with the EF-M 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens, at £880 with the EF-M 22mm f/2 STM and Lens Adapter. The lens adapter alone will retail at £130.
The EOS M features a clean, simple design that’s clearly designed to look as much like a compact camera, and as little like an SLR, as possible. The rounded edges and angled area around the shutter button go some way to softening the somewhat boxy profile, and the main body panels are made from magnesium alloy. There’s no handgrip as such, just a minimalist fingergrip on the front and a slightly-contoured rubberised thumbpad on the back. READ MORE HERE
The overall layout is notable for its simplicity – the front of the camera features just the lens release button and vertical window for the autofocus illuminator and IR remote receiver. The back of the camera features a red movie record button, combined four-way controller and dial, and Menu, Info and Playback buttons. The SET button in the centre of the 4-way controller also brings up a Quick Menu for on-screen access to an array of functions – this is fully controllable via the touchscreen.
This link will take you to the Canon site with all the specs and info and guff you might need
Canon have added a new model to its range and all the evidence before full user reviews are available is that it has the new Digic 5 processor plus other new technologies like a dual focusing system and articulated screen with touch screen capabilities.
Introducing the latest model in the Canon EOS system, the 650D featuring a 270 degree vari-angle clear view touch screen – a first on any Canon DSLR. View your images, pinch to zoom and even fire your shutter on the 1,040,000 dot LCD screen.
;
The Canon EOS-650D also features
;
18 MP CMOS sensor
Full HD movies with continuous AF and editable video snapshot modes
Digic 5 processing
63 zone light metering for optimum exposure in all light conditions
4 ways to focus
Integrated Canon Speedlite transmitter
;
As always my first place for decent info rather than just rumours is the excellent DP Review
Here is a brief summary of what they have to say
“The EOS 650D offers outstanding image quality and performance. Its newly-developed 18MP APS-C Hybrid CMOS sensor provides super-fine resolution, capturing poster-sized images that are rich in colour and detail. Ideal for shooting in low light without flash, the camera features a native 100-12,800 ISO range, allowing the capture of naturallooking shots with minimal noise, while an expanded ISO 25,600 range also offers the ability to shoot in more extreme low-light conditions.
The EOS 650D is the first entry-level EOS to be powered by Canon DIGIC 5 processing, offering greater speed, responsiveness and advanced colour rendition. DIGIC 5’s 14-bit image processing provides beautiful and subtle transitions between colour tones, such as those of an evening sky, and its vastly-increased power also makes the camera ideal for capturing fast-moving action such as football or other sports.
The new dual AF system makes it easy to capture sharply-focused shots of all subjects, whether capturing stills or movies. A superior 9-point all cross-type AF system provides exceptional performance during stills shooting, offering precision accuracy when capturing sports, action and wildlife. Additionally, a new Hybrid AF System offers continuous autofocusing during movie recording, and when shooting in Live View1 mode…….
Touch control and Vari-angle flexibility
Getting the perfect shot has never been easier thanks to the new 7.7cm (3.0″) Vari-angle Clear View LCD II Touch screen. Featuring capacitive technology, the screen is highly responsive and supports a variety of multi-touch gestures, such as pinching and swiping – making it easy to access shooting modes, alter settings and even capture a shot using the screen alone.
Touch control adds a different dimension to Live View shooting. You can select AF points, track faces and objects, and fine-tune image settings via the camera’s Quick Control screen. Navigation is instant and intuitive, while pinch-zooming in playback provides a great way to check the finer details of a shot. The Vari-angle hinge allows the screen to be angled and tilted to suit virtually any situation, while a super-sharp 1,040k-dot resolution ensures every detail is clearly displayed.”.…MORE
The expected price upon release is from £699 so it is not excessive expensive for a state of the art digital slr camera, release dates seem to vary but will be generally available over the summer.
Canon has unveiled its most advanced PowerShot compact camera ever – the revolutionary 14.3 Megapixel PowerShot G1 X – that incorporates a large Canon CMOS sensor, a DIGIC 5 processor and an exceptional 4x zoom lens to offer DSLR levels of control and image quality in a compact metal body.
Designed for professional and serious photographers the PowerShot G1 X is the new flagship model in Canon’s legendary G-series line-up that, due to its superb specification and image quality, stands in a category of its own and redefines the performance achievable from a compact camera.
A top quality camera in its own right, or the perfect ‘second camera’ complement to a professional DSLR, the PowerShot G1 X combines EOS sensor technology with DIGIC 5 processing power, a new, precision Canon lens and extensive manual control to create the finest compact camera Canon has ever produced.
Designed to be a highly portable camera the PowerShot G1 X’s precision Canon 28-112mm 4x zoom lens retracts into a robust metal body, providing an unimposing camera that delivers high quality images and can be used discreetly in any shooting situation..……..MORE
A new Canon camera for the top end, this first review on the BJP site Author: Olivier Laurent gives the basic info you might be interested in. Interesting that it only has 18.1 mp whereas the current 5D Mk2 has 21mp.
“Canon is expected to release, early next year, the successor of both its EOS-1D Mark IV and EOS-1Ds Mark III – the EOS-1D X, which the firm claims is “the filmmaker’s digital SLR”
Canon says it is marking the 10th generation of it’s professional system with the development of the EOS-1D X digital SLR, which will “supersede both the EOS-1D Mark IV and EOS-1Ds Mark III.”
“The EOS-1D X sports a 18.1-megapixel full-frame sensor, as well as a redesigned autofocus system, and “powerful new metering technology with new dual DIGIC 5+ processors.
According to Canon Europe’s professional marketing manager Kieran Magee, “the EOS-1D X is the ultimate camera for all types of photographer. Professionals often shoot in fast-paced, high pressure situations, and the EOS-1D X provides the features and performance they need. We’ve carefully listened to the needs of professionals and created a versatile, powerful camera that will meet the requirements of more photographers than ever before.”…more
An in depth review of the Canon flagship camera by Bob Atkins and Theano Nikitas
The Canon EOS 1D Mark IV is the latest in Canon’s 1D series DSLRs. The 1D series is unique in its use of an APS-H format sensor (28.1×18.7mm). The sensor is larger than APS-C and so can yield higher image quality, but is smaller than full frame, which means that the file size is smaller and the reflex mirror can be smaller and lighter and so the camera can operate at higher speeds (10 frames per sec). The high speed operation of the 1D series cameras has made them the first choice for many sports and action photographers. Like other 1D and 1Ds series cameras, the EOS 1D MkIV has an integrated grip with a second set of controls for vertical shooting, a high capacity battery pack, high strength construction and the body is weather-sealed for operation outdoors in the rain.….more
1D MkIV Major Features
New 16.1 Megapixel APS-H CMOS sensor
10 frames per second continuous shooting
Up to 121 large JPEG images in a single burst
New 45-point wide area AF with 39 cross-type sensors with f/2.8 sensitivity
New upgraded AF system designed for high speed tracking of moving subjects
High-speed Dual “DIGIC 4” processors for fast operation and high image quality
12,800 high ISO expandable up to 102,400
Full HD movie recording at 30, 25 and 24 frames per second (fps)
3.0″ Clear View II LCD with Live View mode
Durable dust and water resistant body with 76 rubber seals
1/8000s shutter with 300,000 cycle rating and 1/300s sync
Facebook does not show all the posts we make, if you want to receive our excellent content and get an email when we make a new post click the Follow this Blog button. Don't bother with Facebook
Search by Categories e.g.Canon, Light Painting etc
Oxford School of Photography 