Digital cameras to watch for in 2012: A recap of CES announcements
Even after swallowing up the photo industry's PMA tradeshow, this year's CES didn't see as much digital camera action as last year's show, with most big vendors trotting out fewer cameras this year than last (with the exception of Fujifilm's 19 announcements, up from 16 last year). Panasonic dropped to just five new cameras this year, while Sony (last year's second runner up for most cameras with 11), brought out only three. But while the usual point-and-shoot extravaganza was quieter this year, the hottest cameras at the show turned out to be geared toward higher-end shooters such as the Nikon D4 professional dSLR; the Canon PowerShot G1 X, a new big-sensor compact shooter; and the Fujifilm X-Pro1, the company's new interchangeable lens compact (ILC) camera and worst kept secret. Look for more new cameras to be announced next month at Japan's CP+ show, which debuted in 2010. Until then, though, here's a recap of digital camera announcements from CES:
Canon Rather than announcing its budget cameras as usual, Canon blew out the stops by announcing its latest and greatest G series high-end compact, the PowerShot G1 X.
Casio Casio didn't have anything as exciting as last year's Tryx up its sleeve, trotting out four entry-level Exilim models along with its top-of-the-line Exilim EX-ZR15.
- Casio Exilim EX-ZR15
- Casio Exilim EX-ZS150
- Casio Exilim EX-ZS20
- Casio Exilim EX-ZS6
- Casio Exilim EX-ZS12
Fujifilm Fujifilm was the star of the show, coming out with its first ILC, the Fujifilm X-Pro1, as well as a whopping 19 point-and-shoot cameras.
- Fujifilm FinePix X-S1
- Fujifilm FinePix XP150
- Fujifilm FinePix XP100
- Fujifilm FinePix XP50
- Fujifilm FinePix JX580
- Fujifilm FinePix JX500
- Fujifilm FinePix AX550
- Fujifilm FinePix T400
- Fujifilm FinePix T350
- Fujifilm FinePix S4200
- Fujifilm FinePix S4500
- Fujifilm FinePix SL300
- Fujifilm FinePix HS30EXR
- Fujifilm FinePix HS25EXR
- Fujifilm FinePix JZ250
- Fujifilm FinePix JZ100
- Fujifilm FinePix F770EXR
- Fujifilm FinePix F750EXR
- Fujifilm FinePix F660EXR
- Fujifilm X-Pro1
GE These licensed GE cameras from General Imaging aren't the most exciting, but they do offer some advanced features at low prices.
Kodak Poor, beleaguered Kodak expanded its EasyShare line with the WiFi-enabled EasyShare M750 as well as a 26x megazoom, a waterproof snapshooter, and two budget models.
- Kodak EasyShare M750
- Kodak EasyShare M565
- Kodak EasyShare M215
- Kodak EasyShare Z5120
- Kodak EasyShare C135
Nikon One of the biggest announcements of the show, the long-rumored Nikon D4 professional dSLR is poised to take on the Canon EOS-1D X announced last fall.
Olympus Speaking of beleaguered companies, Olympus tried to make some scandal-free headlines for a change. With its latest ILC line already on the market, Olympus focused on a couple of compact megazoom this CES, as well as the latest addition to its rugged Tough series.
Panasonic Though Panasonic did announce some conversion lenses for its ILC cameras, its actual camera announcements at CES were mostly mid-range offerings, including a pair of 10x compact zooms and a pair of ultracompact point-and-shooters.
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH8
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH6
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ7
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-S2
Polaroid Though not quite as buzz-worthy as having Lady Gaga as a booth babe, Polaroid did create a bit of a stir this year with the first Android-based digital camera. The question is, who needs a "smart camera" if they already have a smart phone?
Sony Compared to its 11-camera blow out last year, Sony practically took a pass this CES, announcing three measly budget shooters.