New cameras with new designs
Camera companies have been hard at work designing new models for Photokina, the mammoth biennial trade show that takes place in Cologne, Germany.
Ricoh introduced a futuristic-looking action cam, the WG-M1, $300, which has the look and feel of camping gear. The company claims it will be waterproof to a depth of 32 feet and can survive a fall from 6 feet. Features include wireless connectivity and a 1.5-inch LCD screen. The company (which has rebranded point-and-shoots formerly sold under the Pentax label) also displayed several boldly colored rugged-and-waterproof basic cameras, including the Ricoh WG-4.
Check out our buying guides and Ratings for more on digital cameras and camcorders.
The Sony booth showcased several new products, including the company's newest action cam, the Sony HDR-AZ1. It's available with a remote control ($350) and without ($250). It’s about two-thirds smaller and lighter than the previous model, the AS100V. And since these action cams are often used as wearable devices, the smaller they are, the better. Where Sony has really gambled is by adding two more QX-series lens-style cameras, which are meant to be used with mobile devices. The two new models are the Cyber-shot DSC-QX30, $350, and the Cyber-shot ILCE-QX1, (no pricing yet).
Last, one of the strangest camera designs at the show came from Leica, which incidentally had one of the largest booths at the show. To celebrate the company’s 60th anniversary, it introduced the Leica M Edition 60, which is beautifully designed with muted colors and a scratch-resistant metal surface reminiscent of classic film range finder cameras of the past. The company took this anachronistic style one step further and left out an LCD on the back of the camera and instead included an ISO dial, again, similar to the ones found on their film-camera bodies of old.
That means there is no way for you to preview the photos you just captured. Frankly, I found this to be bizarre, but because it’s a special edition camera, there will be only 600 of models produced. At press time, there was no price for this model, but because it’s a special production run from Leica, it’s likely to be very expensive.
—Terry Sullivan
More from Consumer Reports:
Top performing kitchen gear at rock bottom prices
The best washing machines for $800 or less
Kitchen floors that stand up to foot traffic
Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers or sponsors on this website. Copyright © 2006-2014 Consumers Union of U.S.