Focoro beta

Sony's NEX cameras have a disappointing selection of lenses when compared to the breadth of the older micro four thirds system as well as the quality of the younger Fujinon XF system. While there are a handful of high-quality Zeiss lenses for the E-mount, they are few and far between; the most recent being the Zeiss Touit 1.8/32 (of which there is also a similar model in an XF mount). Wide-open, the lens performs only marginally better than the existing Sony 35mm f/1.8, but stopped down from f/2.2 through f/4 the Zeiss lens is significantly sharper (albeit at nearly twice the price).

Samsung has released the source underlying the NX300 and NX2000 cameras under the GNU General Public Licenses (and lesser GPL) in an interesting move. The Magic Lantern and CHDK firmware have long been available by Canon hackers, unlocking features unavailable from official firmwares. We look forward to seeing what comes about from this.

The latest Micro Four Thirds cameras from Olympus share similar insides with our favourite interchangeable lens camera of 2012, the OM-D E-M5. While the PEN E-P5 even surpasses the OM-D E-M5 in some areas—in-built WiFi and focus peaking—the PEN E-PM2 brings the OM-D E-M5's innards to an entry-level interchangeable lens camera. If you do not mind the spec of the E-PM2 but want something just a tad bigger, the PEN E-PL5 might be for you.

Oddly, Nikon has announced a fast portrait lens (85mm equivalent) for its 1 camera system, with a price of around $900 and availability in June.

Announced just after the Nikon Coolpix A, the latest digital Ricoh GR has dropped the now superflous "Digital" from its name, increased the sensor to an APS-C sized imager, and returned to a fixed 28mm/F2.8 lens rather than the modular components of the GXR system. What that leaves is simply the Ricoh GR and its simplicity. The camera line dates back to the original 35mm film Ricoh GR and since going digital, has provided a fairly consistent interface. The most exciting element of the GR is its unique "snap focus" mode which, despite the lack of a manual focusing ring, lets you quickly focus to a specific a specific distance making it excellent for street photography.