Photokina 2012 Highlights — 11 Handpicked Cameras For Photography Enthusiasts

Author: Shivanand Sharma Published: September 30, 2012 0 comments

Photokina 2012 had it all to impress the photography enthusiasts. Be it a line-up of full frame cameras or talk about the surprising compacts, Photokina 2012 introduced some of the most interesting cameras of the time. While Nikon (with D600), Canon (with EOS 6D) and Sony (for Alpha SLT A99) had made way for a perfect promotion strategy (by launching their cameras just a few days before the show), the announcement of Panasonic GH3, Hassleblad Lunar and full-frame range-finders by Leica were the real show stoppers. That’s not all. A pair of cameras in the Olympus PEN series, mirrorless lenses by Panasonic and Olympus and Fujifilm’s stylish XF1 also make up for the key highlights of the grand event — Photokina 2012 (Cologne, Germany, 18th – 23rd September 2012). And here we have handpicked some of the remarkable cameras from the event.

Nikon D600

Nikon D600 — an FX camera in the DSLR packet was purposely launched on 13th September to steal the show. This 24.3 MP camera smartly loads in a number of features for serious enthusiasts and amateurs, who aspire to hold a full-frame camera in their hands. So here we have Nikon D600 powered by EXPEED 3 processor with 100% frame coverage, 5.5 fps in burst mode, 39 auto focus points, ISO 100-6400, expandable to 25600 with promises for amazing low light performance and high color depth. The best thing is that D600 is the first ever Nikon FX launched in the consumer range — economic and lightweight. And now let’s dive into the details of the Canon EOS 6D — another promising full-frame camera in the economic range. You can get D600 camera body for $2,096.95.
Canon EOS 6D

Just like Nikon, Canon is also set to offer lightest and smallest 35mm full frame DSLR. Canon EOS 6D is promptly promoted as a best economic alternative to Canon EOS 5D Mark III. On a 20.2 megapixel full frame CMOS sensor, Canon EOS 6D features 11 point AF array and an ISO in the range of 100-25600. It’s 63 zone dual layer iFCL metering sensor and 14-bit analogue to digital conversion system is all set to give a surreal feel to your images like almost all the Canons. It has built in Wi-Fi 2 and GPS3 module, which easily scores over the optional Wi-Fi support offered by D600. Nevertheless, it can be a good deal for Canon lovers at $ 2,099 for a full-frame professional system.
Nikon Coolpix P7700

From a premiering consumer FX to compacts, Nikon is all set to entice its customers. The other smashing hit from the Nikon’s store is Nikon Coolpix P7700. For great snap shooters, Nikon introduces a 12.76 MP compact camera with 6mm – 42.8mm, 7.1 x optical zoom inbuilt Nikkor VR lens. Nikon is all set to redefine crisp and sharp hand held shooting with the key features like lens-shift vibration reduction system, ISO ranging from 80-1600 with ISO 3200 at full stop and support for semi-auto modes (P/S/A/M) with AE/AF lock. Along with it, P7700 is designed to offer 1/3 EV steps within+/- 3EV and AE bracketing up to 5 shots. It processes images with EXPEED C2 engine and has support for SDHC/SDXC and Hi-speed USB, through which you can transfer enhanced NRW (RAW) files. This compact camera is priced at $499 approx. You can also connect an external remote cord, microphone and GPS (GP-1) to record the location on the move. What else one needs from a handy compact?
Sony Alpha SLT-A99

In the full-frame flurry at Photokina 2012, Sony also revealed its Alpha SLT A99. Sony’s latest 35mm full frame camera features 24.3 megapixel CMOS sensor. It is the same sensor that fits in Nikon D600 body. Other than the full frame advantage, Sony SLT A99 comes packed with dual AF system with 102 AF points, ISO (100 – 25,600) expandable from 50 to 102, 400, superior processing — 14 frames per second in burst mode and 1080p video shooting capability. The camera also features dual memory card slot for SD and SD/MS along with individual slots for headphone and microphone input. Unlike Nikon D600 and Canon EOS 6D it is a bit on the pricier side. You will have to spend $2,798 to experiment with Sony’s excellence at making the pictures which speak for themselves.
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX1

Sony makes up for the second round of applause with its full-frame compact camera — Cybershot DSC-RX1. Sony Cybershot DSC-RX1 is a 24 megapixel 35 mm full-frame sensor camera with Carl Zeiss Sonnar T 35mm F2 prime lens. The key features of this camera includes a processing speed of 5fps in burst mode, retention of RAW information with 14 bit analogue to digital conversion, efficient video capabilities with 1080p videos in AVCHD format recordable at 25p/50p/60p, better low light performance with ISO sensitivity of 100 to 25,600. This compact camera is all set to make capturing images all the more easy. The camera offers the feasibility of customizing the functions of five buttons on the camera. It also features a dedicated aperture ring to control exposure under various situation. The shutter button also supports bulb mode and has threaded cable release socket. This small yet effective compact camera is priced on the higher end though. You will have to spend something like $2,798 to hold Cybershot RX1 in your hands. Get it here.
Leica M

Talking about the full-frame cameras how can we miss out on Leica’s latest M. Leica introduces the first ever full frame range-finder with Leica M. Leica M is an exclusive range-finder which features 24 megapixel full frame sensor. Priced at $6,950, the camera is one out of the bunch to assure high quality images. This range finder goes to the end of providing features like focus peaking (so that you can see the entire area of the scene in focus on real time basis), 10x magnification and an exclusive port for connecting external EVF (Electronic Viewfinder). And the camera’s ability to record HD videos is like the cherry on the top. Get it here.
Leica M-E

Leica has made a smart move by announcing a host of cameras at Photokina 2012. The other remarkable camera from Leica is Leica M-E. Leica M-E is a perfect camera for people starting range finder photography. It has 18 megapixel CCD sensor in full 35mm format. It allows you to set the focus manually and the shutter speed is usually set as per the manual focus, though it can also be set manually. It has a mechanical shutter action, yet it is not audible and hence makes it a quiet capturing device. It doesn’t have low pass filter like Nikon D800E, so the final images are supposed to have a natural visual impact. You can get this one for $5,450, again on the pricier end just like Leica M.
Leica M9

Leica released M9 for photographers who sweat for finest details. Leica M9 is the smallest full frame camera with 18 megapixel CCD image sensor which is equivalent to 35 mm film format. It gives you four-way switch and dial controls to work in conjunction with few functions. You can view the image in 2.5 inch monitor. It also has quick control “Set” button to set White Balance, Exposure Correction, Exposure Bracketing, Resolution, Image Compression and other customizable user profiles. The solid make of the camera gives it a truly professional look. The 139 x 37 x 80 mm camera’s full metal housing has been made up of high-tensile magnesium allow and solid brass has been used in top deck and bottom plate. Leica frequently releases firmware updates for M9. You can buy it for $6,995 or view this link for special discount offers.
Canon S110 Compact

Canon has a good deal for compact camera market as well. Canon S110 is launched to give stiff competition to Nikon P7700. Canon S110 is a 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensor. It has 24mm lens (just like previous Canon compacts) with f/2.0 and 5x zoom. To reduce the chances of getting the blurry images, Canon implements a 4 stop intelligent image stabilization mechanism in its latest consumer compact. Canon S110 offer you the ability to capture full HD movie, shoot in RAW and share images wirelessly. With all these features, S110 comes for a price tag of $449.99.
Fujifilm X-E1

Fujifilm X-E1 had been a star at Photokina 2012. This 16 megapixel compact camera offers a smart deal for photography enthusiasts at $1,399 . It is a compact camera with a hub of features like film simulation, multiple exposure, panoramic shooting, auto-bracketing and HD video recording.
Fujifilm XF1

The stylish looks of Fujifilm XF1 makes it a rock star for the show. This 12 megapixel compact camera has 2/3 type sensor. It has a 25-100mm lens with f1.8 – f4.9. The camera also makes provision for mitigating the shakes with its’ optical image stabilization technology. For the first time we had noticed a camera with various ISO modes such as SN (where camera would keep the ISO high and noise as low as it can), DR (where the camera keeps the ISO prioritized to dynamic-range of the scene) and HR (where resolution will have the top-most priority). It features a high speed EXR processing engine which reads the CMOS in quick time, starts it up in as fast as 0.55 secs, acquires focus within 0.16 secs and gets ready for the next shot just within 0.8 secs. And you can get this one for $499.95 approx. Check out here.