New Cameras of 2016

Three of the largest and most competitive camera companies have released their newest models for 2016.

Booker Grass

The Panasonic TZ80, Panasonic TZ100, Fujifilm X70, Fujifilm X-Pro2, and the Nikon D5

We’re only three weeks into 2016 and plenty of new cameras have already been released with many featuring new technology and exciting features. Among the most popular types of cameras are compact cameras (cheaper and smaller) and DSLRs (expensive and bulkier). Both of these camera types have seen new models, from numerous popular camera companies, including Fujifilm, Nikon and Panasonic.

Panasonic recently announced a few new models of digital cameras. One new camera is the Panasonic Lumix TZ80, an upgrade from the TZ70. The new model features 4K video support, with a slightly different body frame and design. Also from Panasonic is the new travel suited TZ100, featuring a 10x optical zoom lens and a 1-inch sensor for improved picture quality. As for the prices of Panasonic’s new camera models, the TZ80 will cost you around $450 on Amazon, and the TZ100 runs for about $700 on Amazon. Both models are only available for pre-order.

“If I were to choose from the two on basis of technology specs, the TZ100 is a no-brainer,” senior Andrew Pimpo said. “The main deal with this is the upgraded image sensor, it being reportedly, and mathematically, four times the size resulting in four times the amount of light, which is a godsend to any photographer not going for a grainy, low quality image. Also amazing is the 4k video, although that is more so incredible, I don’t think that I’d use it all too much for the space it would take up (roughly twice as much as Full HD). All of these specs (excluding only the 4k video) would be amplified for about the same price, on an entry level [camera]. But that is beside the point. Anyone choosing between the TZ80 over the TZ100 is going to have a bad time.”

Fujifilm recently announced the X-Pro2 and the X70. The Fujifilm X-Pro2 is a retro-style rangefinder camera, allowing the user to measure the distance between the camera and the subject of the photograph. It features a 24 megapixel X-Trans CMOS III image sensor, and an improved hybrid viewfinder. The X70 is a slim body, fixed-focus camera, with a 180 degree rotating touchscreen. The camera is lightweight, weighing in at slightly under one pound. The X70 will take $700 from your pocket and the X-Pro2 comes at more than double the price of the X70: $1,799.

On the other end of the spectrum, regarding both body type and price, is the Nikon D5. According to Nikon’s website, the price of the camera will set you back $6,499.95 and comes with the following new features: “new 20.8MP FX-format CMOS image sensor and EXPEED 5 image processing; widest native ISO range ever in a Nikon full-frame DSLR: ISO 100 to 102,400 (expandable to Hi-5, ISO 3,280,000); redesigned AF system with a 153 focus points, 99 cross-type sensors and a dedicated processor; 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) video recording and pro-grade video features; 12 fps continuous shooting with full AF and AE performance; up to 200 shots in a single burst.”

“I prefer DSLR over compact cameras because they are simply better,” ACHS alumnus Ernest Szaflik said. “Compact cameras are nice when you have to travel, or just want to take pictures for yourself. However, if you really want nice pictures you have to go with a quality DSLR. They are better for a multitude of reasons, but in short the bigger sensor size coupled with the much better optics allows for higher resolution pics with more light. This means the picture will be much, much, much better quality when compared to one from a compact camera.”

There are multiple new cameras in the marketplace this year, with many new features and large price ranges. Ultimately, with plenty new models to choose from the choice is up to you.