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Pentax K-r

  • Launched: September 2010
  • Type: Digital SLR
  • Sensor size: APS-C 23.6 x 15.8mm
  • Resolution: 12.4 megapixels
  • Lenses: Pentax KAF2
  • Key features: In-built anti-shake, 6fps continuous shooting, AA batteries
  • Links: Press release, Product page
Summary: Aimed at beginners, but with features for enthusiasts too, including a range of digital filters, very fast 6fps continuous shooting, a 921,000-dot 3-inch LCD display and a maximum ISO of 12800.

    Sony Alpha a55

    • Launched: September 2010
    • Type: Digital SLR/SLR style hybrid
    • Sensor size: APS-C 23.5 x 15.6mm
    • Resolution: 16.2 megapixels
    • Lenses: Sony a mount
    • Key features: Translucent mirror, full HD movies, articulating LCD, in-built anti-shake, 10fps continuous shooting
    • Links: Press release, Product page
    Summary: The more expensive of Sony's first two Translucent Mirror  SLRs. It has a higher-resolution sensor than the a33 and a higher continuous shooting speed, and is aimed at enthusiasts.

      Nikon D3100

      • Launched: September 2010
      • Type: Digital SLR
      • Sensor size: APS-C 23.1 x 15.4mm
      • Resolution: 14.2 megapixels
      • Lenses: Nikon F (DX and FX formats)
      • Key features: Full HD movies
      • Links: Press release, Product page
      Summary: Designed for beginners, the D3100 is the next step from the D3000, and includes a full 1920 x 1080 HD movie mode and a new 14-megapixel CMOS sensor.

        Canon EOS 60D

        • Launched: August 2010
        • Type: Digital SLR
        • Sensor size: APS-C 22.3 x 14.9mm
        • Resolution: 18 megapixels
        • Lenses: Canon EF and EF-S
        • Key features: Full HD movies, articulated LCD
        • Links: Press release | Product page
        Summary: Enthusiasts/semi-professional SLR which is on a similar level to the Canon EOS 7D, though has slightly less sophisticated autofocus system and a lower continuous shooting speed.

          Panasonic Lumix LX5

          • Launched: July 2010
          • Type: High-end compact
          • Sensor size: 1/6.3-inch
          • Resolution: 10.1 megapixels
          • Lens: 24-90mm equivalent f2.0-3.3
          • Key features: Aspect ratio switch
          • Links: Press release, Product page
          Summary: One of the best high-end compact cameras for enthusiasts, the LX5 boasts a wider zoom range than its predecessor but keeps its small size, build quality and manual controls.

            Sigma SD15

            • Launched: June 2010
            • Type: Digital SLR
            • Sensor size: APS-C 20.7 x 13.8mm
            • Resolution: 4.7 megapixels (4.7 x 3)
            • Lenses: Sigma
            • Key features: Foveon X3 sensor
            • Links: Press release | Product page
            Summary: Basic but sturdy SLR for enthusiasts which uses Sigma's unique Foveon X3 sensor to deliver pictures of just 4.7 megapixels but with very high definition and clarity which match the real-world definition of regular digital SLRs with much higher pixel counts.

              Sony Alpha a290

              • Launched: June 2010
              • Type: Digital SLR
              • Sensor size: APS-C 23.5 x 15.7mm
              • Resolution: 14.2 megapixels
              • Lenses: Sony a mount
              • Key features: In-built anti-shake
              • Links: Press release, Product page
              Summary: Sony's current entry-level DSLR, and the smaller brother to the a390 (the a390 has a live view mechanism and a tilting LCD on the back). The a290 feels quite basic and cheaply made, but it's good for the money and effective.

                Sony Alpha a390

                • Launched: June 2010
                • Type: Digital SLR
                • Sensor size: APS-C 23.5 x 15.7mm
                • Resolution: 14.2 megapixels
                • Lenses: Sony a mount
                • Key features: Quick AF Live View, articulating LCD
                • Links: Press release, Product page
                Summary: Basic but effective digital SLR for beginners or those on a tight budget, incorporating Sony's unusual but fast Quick AF Live View mode, which offers a more responsive live view mode than other SLRs.

                  Panasonic Lumix G10

                  • 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.

                    Samsung EX1

                    • 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.