WINTER 2012 CAMERA GUIDE

Lumix DMC-GF1. Of perhaps even greater significance, the move to introduce a separate GX product line (as opposed to releasing the camera as a 'GF4') would seem to suggest a long-term commitment by the camera maker to meet the demands of enthusiasts who embraced the GF1.
Panasonic's Lumix DMC-GX1 is the company's latest addition to its G-series lineup. And although the camera bears the '1' appendage in its model name, it is clear from even a cursory glance that with the GX1, Panasonic has provided the long-awaited spiritual successor to the highly regarded
Pleasingly retro on the outside but definitely cutting edge on the inside, Fujifilm's X100 doesn't just look the part, it's also capable of DSLR-standard results. 100% field of view and a 1,400,000 dot LCD panel. A magnesium alloy body with manually operated control dials, an APS-C CMOS sensor and new EXR processor delivering the highest image quality in the history of FinePix cameras, the quality of which is so high that is almost overwhelming DSLRs
SONY NEX-5N
The NEX line is almost as small and light as the GF3, and its DSLR-sized photo sensor (16MP CMOS) means you can get great photos in low light, and can even shoot 1080p HD video. While the 18-55 kit lens is more than adequate, picking up an 18-200 zoom—or the stunning Carl Zeiss, 24mm lens—can make a world of difference (though at a cost).
Leica finally serves up a full-frame M-series body, and in our lab tests it produced Excellent image quality through ISO 800. Outside the lab, we loved the classic Leica style and good old-fashioned simplicity of operation. But what’s with the maximum ISO of 2500?
LYTRO CAMERA
Traveling for work? Keep this in your carry-on: a quick-draw camera that lets you shoot now, focus later. A special sensor and micro-lens combination collect all available light in a scene—and hence all the detail. That means for the first time, you can change or adjust the focus after you take the picture. This is 22nd-century technology, folks. $400, lytro.comhand_camera