Canon has just unveiled a new type of camera that can potentially bring photography to new heights. The company’s new ME-20F-SH is a full-frame camera with a sensor whose pixels are arranged over a 19µm square giving the camera superb performance in low-light conditions.

To be more precise, the camera’s ISO range tops at 4,000,000. Yep, you read it right, six zeros, which is exceptionally higher even compared to high-end models currently in the market. This means that the ME-20F-SH will be capable of capturing images and videos even in conditions with only 0.005 lux of brightness (that’s like shooting on a clear night with no moon).

Design-wise, the camera looks pretty unconventional in contrast to typical DSLR and compact system cameras in the market. The ME-20F-SH look boxy though it contains an impressive slew of features and ports including HDMI, a 2.5mm stereo mini-jack and a round 8-pin RS-422 jack.

Luckily, the camera works well with Canon’s SLR and EOS lines, which further extends the night-time performance of the camera by coupling the device with different types of lenses. Canon is saying the camera is a multi-purpose one but it will likely be used in certain niches like night-time surveillance and wildlife photography among others.

The Canon ME-20F-SH will be available starting this December for a cool $30,000.

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Panasonic has just announced two new cameras this week as an update to its GX and FZ camera line. The GX8 will be replacing the outgoing GX7 from two years ago while the FZ3000 will succeed the FZ1000 from last year.

The Lumix GX8 will be Panasonic’s flagship compact camera system and features a 20.3MP Digital Live MOS Sensor that works with a Venus Engine imaging processor. The camera’s ISO range goes up to 25,600 and supports 4K video recording both at 24fps and 30fps.

It also has a dual image stabilizer, features high-speed burst shooting modes at 8fps and 6ps, NFC and Wi-Fi connectivity. The camera also comes with a 3-inch LCD monitor that swings outward and swivels to give photographers more flexibility. And just like the GX7, this model also packs an articulating electronic viewfinder.

The GX8 will come in either black of silver and will be available in August for around $1200 body only.

Now, for those looking for a camera with more serious zoom power, Panasonic’s FZ3000 might be the one for you. The camera has a 24x optical zoom and is capable of capturing 4K video at both 24fps and 30fps.

At the heart of the FZ3000 is a 12.1MP high sensitivity MOS sensor with the same Venus Engine image processor as the GX8. The camera’s light sensitivity tops at 6400 ISO and the lens that’s permanently mounted into the FZ3000 is a Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 24mm lens with an f/2.8 aperture.

The Panasonic Lumix FZ3000 will be available by October for around $600.  

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Fujifilm released this week an update to its 2014 premium interchangeable camera lens model – the X-T1. For its 2015 model, the Japanese manufacturer has decided to add an extra digit in the model number and a number of new improvements to the already impressive specs of the outgoing model.

Just like its predecessor, the X-T10 sports premium styling and materials including die-cut magnesium parts and precision-milled aluminium dials. There’s also a 3-inch 920k-dot LCD monitor at the back that can be adjusted for improved shooting flexibility. There’s also a pop-up flash located at the center of the top plate and features a Super Intelligent flash that automatically adjusts light output according to the scene type.

The X-T10 also features a real-time view finder that displays images at 0.62x magnification and 0.005 seconds lag time, thanks to its 2.36 million-dot organic EL screen.

As for the internals, the camera is packing a 16MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor and is complimented by an EXR II image processor and a high-performance Fujinon X-mount lens. The X-T10 also features a new autofocus system comprised of a standard 49-point single point mode for high-speed focusing and a new Wide/Tracking mode that uses a 77-point area.

Moreover, the camera uses Eye Detection AF that allows the device to automatically detect and focus on human eyes. Naturally, Fujifilm has added a number of software-based photo-enhancers and modes including Film Simulation mode and a variety of filters.

There’s no word yet on availability, but it’s likely to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor in terms of pricing, which is around $1300 during launch.

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Canon is starting 2015 with some major announcements for its PowerShot and EOS lines, including two new point-and-shoot units and three new DSLR models.
CANON REBEL T6s and T6i 
Leading the announcement is the Canon Rebel T6 and T6i. Both DSLR models feature a 24.2MP sensors complimented by DIGIC6 image processors. 

The camera will also have a 5 fps continuous shooting mode and a maximum ISO of 25600 and a LCD panel at the top that shows users basic configuration such as ISO and exposure compensation. Other notable features of the camera include Wi-Fi, high dynamic range movie recording and servo autofocus for shooting in burst mode. 
Moreover, both models have autofocusing embedded in the pixels and color tone detection. Both models will be available starting April, with the Rebel T6i to sell for $750 for the body only ($900 with a standard 18-55mm kit lens and $1100 for the 18-135mm lens) while the T6s will go out for $850 for the body only.   CANON 5Ds and 5Ds R 
Another exciting announcement this week was the company’s newest flagship DSLR cameras – the Canon 5Ds and 5Ds R. Both models are sporting a 50.6MP full-frame sensor that’s complimented by a Dual DIGIC 6 image processor.
There’s also a 3.2-inch fixed LCD at the back of the device, a 61-point autofocus system, an overhauled body to minimize shake and improve stability, built-in time lapse feature and a view finder that can cover nearly 100 percent of the field of view. 

The cameras can record 1080p videos at 24,25 and 30fps. It also has a USB 3.0 port as well as support for CF and SD cards. Native ISO on both cameras maxes out at 6400. 
The difference between the two models is that the 5Ds R does away with a low-pass filter effect and creates a cancellation effect designed to reduce blur from images and make them sharper. 
Both models will be available starting in June with the Canon 5Ds to be priced at $3700 (body only) while the 5Ds R to be sold at $3900. Canon is also making available a new lens to go with the 5Ds and 5Ds R – the 11-24mm f/4L USM ultra wide-angle, aspherical lens which will cost $3000 once it launches towards the end of this month. 
CANON EOS M3 
Of course the party wouldn’t be complete without a mirrorless camera model. And finally, Canon is ready to up its game in this segment of the market with the new EOS M3. The new model offers a 24MP APS-C sensor with a DIGIC 6 image processor that should deliver premium quality image and video. 

It has a fast autofocus system with 49 focus points, an ISO range of 100-25600 and a 3-inch articulating LCD panel for selfie fans. And unlike previous EOS M models, the new M3 comes with a built-in pop-up flash. This allows the hot shoe to be used with an optional electronic viewfinder. The new M3 is also capable of recording 1080p videos at 30fps and comes with built-in Wi-Fi.
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Olympus unveiled several new camera models this week including a new Micro four thirds camera, a ruggedized camera and a lens camera that goes after Sony’s QX line. 
OLYMPUS E-M5 MARK II 
The E-M5 Mark II will obviously replace the E-M5 and will go head-to-head with other mirror-less cameras such as the Sony Alpha series. The camera comes with a new 16MP Live MOS sensor that is complimented by a TruePic VII image processor, an 81-point autofocus system, a 3-inch articulating touchscreen and Wi-Fi. The second-generation E-M5 will be able to shoot 1080p videos at up to 60fps and ISO that tops at 25,600. 

And just like the Sony A7 II, the camera also comes with a built-in five-axis image stabilization system. Other notable features of the E-M5 includes a 9 frames per second sequential shooting mode and a battery, which according to Olympus will be able to allow for up to 470 shots. 
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 is also dustproof and shockproof. It will be available later this February in either black or silver and will cost around $1100 (body only). 
OLYMPUS TOUGH TG-860 
Those looking for a simple solution can get the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-850. This camera sports a 16MP CMOS sensor with a 21mm ultra wide-angle lens, an adjustable screen at the back that flips up to 180 degrees and Wi-Fi. The Tough TG-850 is waterproof up to 50 feet, shockproof up to 7 feet and can shoot 1080p videos at 60fps. 

The camera will be available in April for around $279. 
OLYMPUS AIR
 Lastly, there’s the Olympus Air, a camera that transforms an iOS or Android device into a viewfinder much like Sony’s QX series. The Air sports a 16MP Live MOS sensor that can take up to 320 images on a single charge. 

Olympus claims the Air will be an open platform camera and will allow third party developers to build applications for it. Moreover, the camera will be compatible with other micro four third lens enabling the Air to create SLR-quality photos. There’s no word yet on pricing, but Olympus said that the Air will be available next month in Japan. 
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Sony’s A7 range of full frame mirrorless cameras is growing like crazy. It’s quite expensive A7 models including the base A7, A7R and A7S were announced just a few months apart. And 7 months later after the 4K-capable A7S was introduced, the Japanese tech giant is already getting the second generation A7 out in Japan.

And while the A7S’s focus was on Ultra High Definition video capture and stellar ISO ranges, the new A7 II is taking stabilization at a whole new level. The camera packs a built-in 5-axis stabilization for photos and videos, which works wonders in reducing blur and shake regardless of what lens is used. In fact, the stabilization works even with lenses that have their own stabilizing system.

As for the rest of the specs, it looks like Sony didn’t really change a lot. The A7 II still has a 24.3MP sensor, a Bionz X image processor with 14-bit RAW support, a shutter speed of 1/8000 seconds, a 2.4 million dot view finder and a 3-inch 1.2 million dot display at the back.

What’s improved though is the camera’s autofocus system. The A7 II uses a 117-point phase-detection system and 25 contrast detection points, which according to Sony gives the device AF speeds 30% faster than its predecessor. Video capture capability maxes out at 1080P/60fps using XAVC-S or AVCHD while ISO range goes as high as 25,600.

The Sony A7 II will be available to the Japanese market by December 5 for $1600. There’s no information yet on international availability, but will let you know once more information pushes through.

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