Welcome to our guide to the best new photo gear released in May 2023. We’ve got lots to get through – after a relatively calm April where the key releases were lenses and drones, this month it’s been back-to-back cameras. We’ve seen new models from Nikon, Canon, Sony, Fujifilm and Leica, along with a couple of new lenses too.
The new cameras are all very different, with everything from entry-level mirrorless models to high-end luxury compacts and professional full-frame shooters. We’ve got the skinny on the whole lot right here, so let’s dive straight in.
Nikon Z8 Digital Camera Body
The long-awaited Nikon Z8 joins the esteemed Z line of cameras, combining industry-leading technology with a compact form factor to introduce a new powerhouse camera to the mirrorless market. Equipped with a 45.7MP stacked CMOS sensor, an EXPEED 7 processor, a fully electronic shutter with high-speed readout, and 8K/30p video recording, the Z8 truly embodies what it means to be a hybrid shooter.
£3,789.00 View
This was something a lot of photographers were waiting for. The Nikon Z8 is essentially a mirrorless answer to the beloved Nikon D850, a fast-shooting, full-frame, weatherproof camera that gives wildlife photographers everything they need in one package. The Z8 inherits a lot of the key tech from the flagship Nikon Z9, but shaves off a few features to fit it all in a body that’s a little lighter, and a little cheaper.
We took a closer look at the Nikon Z8 on release to figure out whether it truly is a worthy successor to the D850. Check out our full Nikon Z8 blog where we dive into the features in more detail, and don’t our full Nikon Z8 review on YouTube, where we took the camera to Greece to truly put it through its paces.
Canon PowerShot V10 Advanced Vlogging Kit - Silver
The Canon Powershot V10 is the perfect next step for creators looking to elevate their content and stand out online. With an all-new innovative design, the Powershot V10 is a pocket-sized vlogging powerhouse, combining a 19mm wide-angle lens with 4K video capture, digital IS, stereo sound recording, and a built-in foldable stand to provide users with the means for studio-quality content on the go.
£459.00 View
The Canon PowerShot range used to consist of compact cameras with a quite typical form factor. These days, however, it has evolved to include some quite interesting, niche devices that put a lot of power into a pocketable device. The latest is the Canon PowerShot V10, which doesn’t look much like your average camera, but is in fact a capable little vlogging powerhouse pairing a 19mm wide-angle lens with a 20.9MP 1-inch back-illuminated CMOS sensor.
Able to shoot up to 4K 30p video, the V10 also boasts two built-in stereo microphones for crisp, clear audio – and you can input a mic via the 3.5mm mini jack if you prefer. The wide-angle lens means it’s easy to use the camera at arm’s length for self-filming, and the lens has an f/2.8 maximum aperture that means it’ll perform well in low light. For the price, this is a really comprehensive vlogging setup.
Sony ZV-1 II Digital Camera
Sony continues to put users at the centre of all they do by introducing the ZV-1 II compact digital camera. Taking feedback from original ZV-1 users and reinventing their concept to streamline the Sony vlogging experience, the ZV-1 II comes equipped with a wider 18-50mm f1.8-4.0 lens, Cinematic Vlog settings, an upgraded 3-capsule mic with customisable directivity, and more intuitive touch controls.
£869.00 View
Another great option for vloggers, the Sony ZV-1 II is an upgrade to the popular Sony Vlog ZV-1, keeping the same essential premise while fine-tuning a few features and offering some upgrades. The key new feature is the wider 18-50mm f1.8-4.0 lens on the front of this APS-C compact, which offers a greater field of view than the original ZV-1 did and allows you to fit more into the frame.
The ZV-1 II is built for the demands of modern content creators. This capable 4K camera boasts features like multi-face recognition, which can detect when new people enter the frame and adjust focus and bokeh accordingly, altering the depth of field appropriately without any manual input from the user. There are also Sony’s Cinematic Vlog adjustable presets, which allow you to choose the colour and mood of your footage – though if you want to be more granular with your grading, you also have the flat S-Log3 and S-Log2 colour profiles at your disposal.
Want to know more? Watch our full Sony ZV-1 II review:
Fujifilm X-S20 Digital Camera Body - Black
In line with Fujifilm’s dedication to tried and tested technology, the X-S20 pairs its 26.1MP X-Trans 4 BSI CMOS Sensor with the high-speed image processing engine ‘X-Processor 5’. This masterful combination gives way to improved 6.2K 30P 4:2:2 10-bit internal video recording, an upgraded Hybrid AF system, and dedicated vlogging modes to inspire a new generation of creatives to push the boundaries.
£1,149.00 View
It’s been a bit of a wait for this one, with the original Fujifilm X-S10 having arrived all the way back in 2020. But we’re glad to see an update to this enthusiast-focused X-series mirrorless camera, and the Fujifilm X-S20 brings a lot of new features to the table to tempt hybrid photo/video content creators in particular.
The X-S20 takes the 26.1MP X-Trans 4 BSI CMOS Sensor from the X-T4 and the X-Processor 5 from the high-end X-T5, a combination that delivers superb image quality dn fast operation speeds. Significant upgrades can be found particularly in the camera’s video spec – it can now record 6.2K 30P 4:2:2 10-bit video internally, and also offers 4K 60p and Full HD at up to 240p for super-slow-motion. Via HDMI, it can also record ProRes and BlackMagic RAW formats.
The upgraded hybrid autofocus system gains subject-detection functionality, using deep-learning AI to lock onto and track specific subjects. In the camera’s AUTO mode, this system can also select the optimal settings for different subjects and scenes.
We headed to Malta to get a feel for how the Fujifilm X-S20 performs and try it out amid some beautiful scenery. See how we got on in our full review:
Fujifilm XF 8mm f3.5 R WR Lens
As the widest lens in Fujifilm’s XF lineup, the XF 8mm f3.5 R WR is a fantastic option for expansive landscapes, group shots, selfies and intricately detailed scenes. Delivering edge-to-edge sharpness thanks to its intricate optical arrangement of 12 elements in 9 groups, this lens also benefits from a powerful AF performance and advanced weather sealing in 10 locations across the lens barrel.
£799.00 View
This new prime lens is the widest in the Fujifilm stable, offering an impressive 121° angle of view. Ideal for landscapes and architecture, the lens uses 12 elements in nine groups to deliver edge-to-edge clarity and sharpness in images. It’s also extensively weather-sealed, so you’ve no need to worry about using it outdoors in rough conditions, and its nine-bladed aperture enables the creation of beautiful bokeh in shallow depth of field.
Canon EOS R100 with RF-S 18-45mm Lens
Bring your special moments to life and create long-lasting memories with the Canon EOS R100. With a simple guided interface and creative assist tools for controlling parameters, this camera helps users maximise results, capturing every moment in detail-rich clarity thanks to its 24.1 MP APS-C sensor, high-performing Digic 8 processor and Dual Pixel CMOS autofocusing with Face+ tracking and eye detection.
£599.00 View
The ideal starting point for users new to the EOS R series, Canon’s EOS R100 is a small mirrorless camera packed with helpful tools for learning the art of picture-taking. The guided UI (user interface) makes it simple to navigate the camera and figure out what each of its settings do, while Creative Assist mode allows you to create specific effects without necessarily knowing the technical processes that go into them. Want to pump up the contrast, or add some background blur? The EOS R100 makes it simple. The camera comes bundled with the RF-S 18-45mm lens, a versatile kit zoom that’s fantastic for everyday photography and video.
Canon RF 28mm f2.8 STM Lens
The Canon RF 28mm f2.8 STM is a small, pancake-style lens that opens up a wide world of creative possibilities. Designed for full-frame RF-mount cameras, this 28mm lens packs an impressively wide, bright and fast f2.8 maximum aperture and near-silent STM into one compact and highly portable package, providing users with the flexibility needed for travel, street, and everyday photography.
£344.00 View
Canon’s new pancake prime for the RF mount lets you field a lightweight setup while still producing great-looking images. The slimline lens weighs just 120g, but packs in a sophisticated optical construction of eight elements in six groups for premium image quality. The STM focusing system is fast and accurate, while the lens can focus at distances as short as 0.23m. Super Spectra coatings improve sharpness and clarity, and the f2.8 aperture is seven-bladed for smooth bokeh.
Leica Q3 Digital Camera
As one of the most prestigious names in the industry, Leica continues to pioneer the market with the launch of the long-anticipated Q3. This classic, minimalist masterpiece features a new triple-resolution sensor (60MP/36MP/18MP), an upgraded Maestro IV processor, 8K 30 fps video, and an improved hybrid AF system with phase detection - delivering industry-leading imaging power in one compact body.
£5,300.00 View
Naturally, this is not going to be for everyone. But the Leica Q3 is every bit as stunning a camera as previous models in this series of premium compacts, and in terms of a pure photographic experience, it is arguably unmatched. Pairing a full-frame sensor with a Summilux 28mm f1.7 ASPH fixed lens, the Leica Q3 enables the creation of absolutely astounding images.
However, there’s much more versatility in this model. It borrows the triple-resolution sensor from the Leica M11 rangefinder, meaning you can shoot at 60MP, 36MP or 18MP, and that big maximum resolution means the camera can offer digital crops to simulate different focal lengths and still produce high-quality images. As such, you can effectively shoot at 35mm, 50mm, 75mm and 90mm.
The Leica Q3 also adds a tiltable 1,843,200-dot 3-inch display, which is excellent news for street photographers who prefer to shoot at waist-level. If you’re more of a viewfinder shooter, don’t worry, you’ll be right at home with the 5.76MP 120 fps OLED EVF, which delivers a crystal-clear image that’s virtually lag-free.
A gorgeous achievement in camera engineering, the Leica Q3 really is one of a kind.
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