- Launched: March 2010
- Type: SLR style hybrid
- Sensor size: Micro Four Thirds 17.3 x 13mm
- Resolution: 12.1 megapixels
- Lenses: Micro Four Thirds
- Key features: None
- Links: Press release, Product page
Summary: Panasonic's entry-level SLR-style hybrid. It lacks the articulating LCD and high-resolution EVF of the G2, but the sensor and overall image quality are just the same. A good camera for beginners.
- Launched: February 2010
- Type: High-end compact
- Sensor size: 1/1.7-inch
- Resolution: 10 megapixels
- Lens: 24-72mm equivalent f1.8-2.4
- Key features: Articulating LCD
- Links: Press release, Product page
Summary: The EX-1 is Samsung's attempt at a high-end compact designed for enthusiasts. It meets all the requirements, including full PASM exposure modes and the ability to shoot RAW files as well as JPEGs.
- Launched: January 2010
- Type: Compact style hybrid
- Sensor size: APS-C or 1/1.7-inch
- Resolution: 10-12.3 megapixels
- Lenses: Ricoh GXR system
- Key features: Interchangeable camera-lens units
- Links: Press release | Product page
Summary: Unique hybrid camera where you change whole lens-sensor units rather than just the lens. It's inefficient in that each unit costs more, but allows sensor/lens pairings optimised for different kinds of photography. Designed for enthusiasts and pros.
- Launched: October 2009
- Type: Digital SLR
- Sensor: APS-H, 27.9 x 18.6mm
- Resolution: 16 megapixels
- Lenses: Canon EF (not EF-S)
- Key features: 10fps continuous shooting, full HD movies
- Links: Press release, Product page
Summary: High-speed digital SLR for professionals. It has a unique sensor size mid-way between APS-C and full frame, which puts it at a slight disadvantage to the Nikon D3s, though the Nikon only shoots standard HD movies.
- Launched: October 2009
- Type: Digital SLR
- Sensor: Full frame 'FX' format, 36 x 23.9mm
- Resolution: 12.1 megapixels
- Lenses: Nikon F (FX, DX in 'crop' mode)
- Key features: 9fps continuous shooting, high ISO performance; standard HD movies
- Links: Press release, Product page
Summary: Second-generation version of Nikon's original full-frame D-SLR optimised for speed, with a 9fps continuous shooting speed (11fps in 'crop' mode) and a maximum ISO raised to 12800.
- Launched: September 2009
- Type: Rangefinder compact
- Sensor: Full frame, 36 x 24mm
- Resolution: 18 megapixels
- Lenses: Leica M mount
- Key features: Rangefinder focussing, direct vision viewfinder
- Links: Product page
Summary: Full-frame digital version of Leica's classic rangefinder camera. The M9 is expensive and specialised, but the Leica brand is in a class apart in the world of photography.
- Launched: September 2009
- Type: Fixed lens hybrid
- Sensor: APS-C, 24 x 16mm
- Resolution: 12.2 megapixels
- Lens: 36mm equivalent f2.8
- Key features: Fixed focal length lens
- Links: Product page
Summary: The X1 combines a fixed focal length lens with an APS-C sensor in a top-quality body, though it works like a conventional hybrid rather than Leica's M-series rangefinders.
- Launched: September 2009
- Type: Digital SLR
- Sensor size: APS-C, 22.3 x 14.9mm
- Resolution: 18 megapixels
- Lenses: Canon EF-S, EF
- Key features: 8fps continuous shooting, full HD movies
- Links: Press release, Product page
Summary: The 7D is designed for high-speed shooting and full HD movies. The video mode has full manual control, and the camera has an external microphone socket. It's one step up from the EOS 60D and one below the EOS 5D Mark II.
- Launched: August 2009
- Type: Digital SLR
- Sensor size: Full frame, 35.9 x 24mm
- Resolution: 24.6 megapixels
- Lenses: Sony a mount
- Key features: None
- Links: Press release, Product page
Summary: The cheaper and newer of Sony's two full-frame digital SLRs. It has the same 24-megapixel full-frame sensor but a reduced maximum shooting speed of 3fps rather than 5fps.
- Launched: August 2009
- Type: Digital SLR
- Sensor size: Four Thirds, 17.3 x 13mm
- Resolution: 10 megapixels
- Lenses: Four Thirds
- Key features: None
- Links: Press release, Product page
Summary: Super-compact Four Thirds SLR with great layout and design but hampered by an older 10-megapixel MOS sensor. The only digital SLR to use a classic rectangular design and barely larger than an SLR style hybrid.
