Digital Camera 2011

Ricoh GXR Mount A12

12.3 megapixels | 3" screen | APS-C sensor

The GXR Mount A12 features a 12MP APS-C CMOS sensor with the ability to fit a wide range of M-mount lenses or a still wider choice if used in combination with an adapter. And, unlike the majority of digital cameras, it features no low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter. The Mount A12 module includes all the usual GXR features (such as toy camera and miniature processing modes), but also gains a silent electronic shutter mode, several manual focus assist options and a series of lens correction parameters.

Fujifilm FinePix F600 EXR

16.0 megapixels | 3" screen | 24 – 360 mm (15×)

The Fujifilm FinePix F600 EXR is an updated version of the F550 Raw-capable compact superzoom. The F600 features the same back-illuminated 1/2" EXR CMOS sensor and 24-360mm equivalent zoom lens but gains a series of feature improvements, allowing users to make more of the camera's capabilities. The biggest advance is a motion detection mode that allows the camera to increase the ISO to better capture moving subjects. If motion isn't detected, the camera will use a lower ISO to maximise image quality. The camera's GPS is also better utilized, with the addition of a Landmark Navigator mode that informs you of nearby landmarks as well as tagging them in your photos. It also features an 'Intelligent Digital Zoom' context-sensitive sharpening feature when up-sizing the cropped images shot in digital zoom mode, to reduce the loss of image quality. The camera retains the F550's Raw capability and 1080p30 HD movie shooting.

Panasonic DMC-GF3 Review

August 2011 | Amadou Diallo (with additional material by Richard Butler and Andy Westlake)

Review based on a production DMC-GF3, Firmware version 1.0

With the arrival of the GF3, Panasonic further solidifies the distinctions between its existing G-series lineup. The enthusiast-targeted rangefinder aesthetic heralded by the introduction of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 appears for the moment to have given way to a new directive; producing the smallest, lightest G-series camera possible. The move towards smaller, lighter large-sensor cameras with fewer external controls is not limited to Panasonic of course, as both Olympus and Sony are also courting the mass market aggressively.

Announced just eight months after the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2, the GF3 is as much about omission as addition. With the removal of the EVF port and hotshoe, the GF3 stands as the only G-series camera on which neither an electronic nor optical viewfinder can be used. Other prominent changes include the loss of the signature Panasonic rear click-dial and the camera body's sleeker, more rounded edges. These alterations give the GF3 an appearance more in line with that of a high-end compact camera than of its predecessor, the GF2.

Indeed, with the GF3, Panasonic offers a seamless upgrade path for compact camera users seeking higher image quality and more advanced shooting options. And perhaps for these users, the lack of a flash hotshoe and the downgrade from a stereo to mono microphone for video recording are sacrifices easily made in exchange for a smaller, lower-priced camera. In terms of features and performance, there is precious little in the GF3 that was not seen in either the GF2 or the more recently released Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3.

Despite being based around the same 12MP Micro Four Thirds sensor as the GF2, the GF3's new processor allows it to analyze autofocus information 120 times per second, a performance bump that made a significant difference to performance of the DMC-G3, released earlier this year. Increased sensor readout speed means theoretically improved AF speed. Based on our experience with the G3, we'd therefor expect AF speed to rival that of most entry-level DSLRs when presented with static subjects.

The faster processor also helps the continuous shooting rate edge up to 3.8 fps - a 20% improvement over the GF2. It is important to note, however, that like previous G-series models, the fastest shooting rate comes at the expense of live view. The fastest shooting rate possible with live view is 2.8fps. Interestingly, given that they share a sensor, the ISO sensitivity range of the GF3 starts at 160, rather than 100 in the GF2. According to Panasonic, this is a recalibration to make the most of the sensor response, rather than a simple renaming of the existing setting.

Beyond the external changes, the GF3 gains other notable features first seen in the G3, including Intelligent Auto Plus (iA+), a variant of the automated mode that allows limited (but useful) user control, a 4x magnified picture-in-picture manual focus mode, as well as 'pinpoint' AF selection. The more flexible 'Photo Styles' color presets also migrate across from the G3, as do the 'Creative Control' processing filters. The GF3 can, however, lay claim one of these filters as its own. The 'Miniature' filter is a variant on the currently-fashionable faux-tilt lens look. Panasonic's implementation allows a higher degree of user control than offerings from its competitors. Video options include rack-focus via touchscreen AF and (new to the G-series) the ability to extract a frame from a movie during playback and save it as a still image.

The GF3 is available as a body only purchase, or bundled with the Lumix G 14mm F2.5 ASPH (28mm equivalent) wide-angle 'pancake' lens or the image-stabilized Lumix G Vario 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH OISlens which will likely have more appeal for users upgrading from compact digital cameras.

Panasonic GF3 specification highlights:

• 12MP Micro Four Thirds format CMOS sensor
• ISO 160-6400
• 3.8 fps continuous shooting (max 2.8fps with live view)
• GF2-style touch screen interface
• 1080i60 AVCHD shooting (from 25p sensor output)
• All-area AF point selection
• Pinpoint AF mode (magnifies focus point to allow confirmation and fine-tune of AF position)
• AF Tracking in video mode
• Picture-in-picture manual focus magnification
• 460k dot fixed LCD
• Photo Styles (same color response presets as used in G3)