We take a hike up the mountain of new releases from digital photography’s big names and pick out some top tips
Phew. It’s been a busy few months. Things are always hectic in the world of digital cameras around the Christmas period, with many of the biggest names in the business releasing new models or variations in time for the late November/early December shopping kick-off (see for yourself on the Curry’s website).
And as we move into 2012, the market is seeing a Christmas comedown, with offers on some great small-size digital cameras such as the ever popular Nikon Coolpix, which is the ideal gift camera for fun and recreation.
However, 2012 looks to be a real bumper year for semi-professional photographers and those looking to take great photos or HD videos without spending thousands of pounds on a heavy-duty camera they may rarely use out of fear or intimidation!
It’s been an excellent year for the Lumix G-series, and for the Canon Powershot variations, especially the newest release, the S100, which like the Lumix G-series, offers SLR quality without the heavy handling.
The Lumix GH3 and its brothers and sisters represent one major trend in high-quality hand-sized digitals: changeable lenses and the option of upgrade. For semi-pros with nerves, or those looking to experiment in a lot of different locations and styles, we’re finding that many of 2012’s digital leaders will be ploughing the same furrow.
I love this camera:Â PANASONIC Lumix DMC-GH2 Digital Camera
A distinct advantage with this kind of camera is that its basic size is pretty compact, pretty portable and pretty easy to use – meaning you can still take it to a party and get some great informal shots. The real benefit, however, comes in splashing out the extra cash for optical zoom lenses and specialized extras – which will set you back a few hundred pounds, but are ideal if you’re moving from wildlife to indoor concert photography.
The other key trend, represented by the Canon Powershot big boys, is a fully-optimised hand-sized digital which won’t require extra lenses – but also won’t be quite right for extremely detailed or specialised work. Ideal for artists, journalists and work in moving environments, with a great lens ratio and zoom, as well as manual focus on the lens, it’s got a touch of the old analogue cameras about its usability.
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