CES 2012: Whats new in Digital SLRs

SmartReview.com gathered the latest information on Digital SLRs at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas (CES 2012). Here is a short overview of what caught our attention at the show in regards to Digital SLRs and Mirrorless Cameras. For 2012 both Canon and Nikon have released their top of the line full frame digital SLRs at the show. Canon with the EOS-1D X, and Nikon with its D4. We also are seeing a lot of interest in mirrorless subcompact cameras. These smaller cameras have interchangeable lenses like SLRs, but without the size and weight. They are also referred to as a Compact System Camera (CSC). They do not have built-in optical viewfinders, so most of the pictures are taken with the LCD (just like using live view on a traditional DSLR). A few of the cameras had digital viewfinders.

Canon Digital SLRs 2012: At CES, Canon introduced the world to the new EOS-1D X Full Frame DSLR. It features 61-Point High Density Reticular Autofocus (AF), a better metering sensor, fast 12 frames/second, a brand new 18 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor, Better dynamic range, Better noise level, a dedicated Live View button, standard ISO 100–51,200 (expandable to 204,800), and Full HD recording at higher bit rates. The EOS 1D X upgrades to dual Digic 5+ processors. These processors will not only help in taking pictures, but minimize moir’e and color artifacts, as well as enable less noise when shooting video in low light. The newly designed shutter is rated at 400,000 cycles.




Canon did not introduce a subcompact mirrorless DSLR at CES, but some people felt one was coming. They did introduce a new powershot model, the Canon PowerShot G1 X with the largest imager ever in a powershot model, with an APS-C sized sensor .

Canon displayed their EOS C300 digital cinema camera (very expensive unit). This is specifically targeted to the digital cinema market. It was designed for video and includes features not found on the 5D Mark II, such as timecode, XLR inputs, and SDI output. It has a brand new image sensor that is more sensitive. The cinema lenses for this camera are made for video with focus marks and other features that filmmakers desire. It has a Super 35mm sensor, and records in 1080p. The sensor is 3840 x 2160, the dimensions of 4K. Features Reduced Rolling Shutter and Moiré Artifacting. Its compression is at 50 Mbps 4:2:2 codec. It was one of the most unusual looking cameras we have seen. No other new SLR cameras were announced.

Nikon Digital SLRs 2012: At CES, Nikon also introduced a new Full Frame DSLR, the Nikon D4 expected in late February in stores. For the D4 Nikon has improved its 51-point AF System, has a brand new 16.2-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor (up 4 megapixels from the previous model), uses Nikon’s EXPEED 3 image processing engine, has a 91,000-pixel 3D color matrix meter, and an ISO from 100 to 12,800, expandable to 204,800 for low light performance. Its Dual card slots can use the latest UDMA-7 Compact Flash™ cards, as well as the new XQD™ memory card. On the video side, many improvements. The D4 has full HD recording, and it allows live recording of uncompressed video footage, and can hook up an external monitor, as well as an ethernet port. It has illuminated buttons in the back, so you can see camera settings in low light. SmartReview got to see the D4′s internal magnesium frame, which is lightweight and strong. The D4 features a headphone jack for monitoring audio levels. You can set and monitor audio levels on the LCD which will also display peak audio levels. The D4 can be Pre-ordered from Adorama.com. Nikon also showcased its Nikon 1 series of compact cameras with interchangeable lenses. Nikon’s 1 series comes as the J1 and V1 models. No other new models were announced at the show, but shortly after Nikon introduced the D800 (36 megapixel DSLR). See SmartReview’s D4 video below:

Panasonic Digital SLRs 2012: Although not new for 2012, Panasonic was displaying their flagship super compact mirrorless system camera, the Lumix DMC-GX1 mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses. The GX1 features a 16.01-megapixel Live MOS sensor, can record video at (1920×1080) at 60i and 30p. Panasonic also displayed a large amount of lenses available for these cameras.




Sony Digital Alpha SLRs 2012: No new models announced, however there was a lot of interest in Sony’s feature rich subcompact NEX-7 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The Nex-7 includes the addition of two programmable control dials, a 24 megapixel APS-C sized sensor, high resolution Sony’s Xtra Fine 922k pixel tiltable screen, a 1024 x 768-pixel electronic viewfinder, Ultrasonic dust removal, 25 point AF, full 1920X1080 HD video (24p, 60i, and 60p) using the new AVCHD 2.0 compression. This is quite an impressive camera for its size with features previously only seen in Pro SLRs. This is the best compact mirrorless camera that SmartReview has seen up to this point. The NEX-7 natively accepts only Sony E-mount lenses. The NEX-7 has had a delayed entry into stores because of supply problems caused by severe floods in Thailand.




Samsung Digital SLRs 2012: Samsung featured its flagship mirrorless, NX200 camera with interchangeable lenses that was on display with a 20.3 megapixel APS-C sized sensor, metal body, and compact size. Features full 1080p video at 30fps, ISO to 12,800, up to 7 frames/second, 3-inch OLED screen with 641,000 pixels, and 18-55mm OIS lens. The NX200 also includes a clip-on external flash.