Best cameras of CES 2016: Nikon, Canon, Panasonic and more

The Consumer Electronics Show hasn't been the best known shows for camera launches, but as the years have gone by more notable products have been announced - and CES 2016 is no different. 

Like previous years, there haven't been a huge number of cameras unveiled, but that's representative of the shrinking compact camera industry and a key Japanese tradeshow called CP+ that is on the horizon for the second half of February.

We expect more camera goodies to appear in the coming month but, for now, here are the prominent cameras launched at CES 2016. We'll be getting the round-up updated throughout this year's show, so check back for new additions this week.

Nikon


Nikon D5

Nikon made several announcements at CES 2016 including the latest in its flagship full-frame DSLR cameras, the Nikon D5. The new camera features a number of advancements including an all-new 153-point AF system, 4K UHD video capture, 20.8-megapixel CMOS sensor and EXPEED 5 image processing.

The company claims the D5 will offer "astounding low-light performance" with a native ISO range between 100 and 102,400, a high-sensitivity range between 3200 and 12,800 and the option to expand from ISO 50 (Lo-1) to ISO 3,280,000 (Hi-5). Yes, ISO has reached the millions.

The Nikon D5 will be available in March, body-only priced £5,200.

READ MORE Nikon announces D5

Nikon

Nikon D500

The Nikon D500 is the second of three cameras to launch from the company at CES 2016, bringing with it the "best of both worlds" with a DX-format (APS-C) sensor combined with many of the pro-level features from the full-frame Nikon D5.

The D500 features an all-new 20.9-megapixel CMOS sensor, along with the EXPEED 5 image processing engine to deliver an ISO range of 100 to 51,200 (expandable from 50 to a 1,640,000 equivalent).

You'll find the same 153-point AF system as in the D5, and the D500 is also capable of capturing 4K UHD video at up to 30fps, as well as Full HD at a range of frame-rates - just like its pro-spec bigger brother.

The Nikon D500 will be available in March, body only priced £1,730.

READ MORE Nikon announces D500

Nikon

Nikon KeyMission 360

Nikon also announced its plans to take on the action camera market with its KeyMission 360. It isn't the first 360-degree actioncam, but it is the first from Nikon features two imaging sensors on opposite sides of the device to capture action in 4K resolution.

The KeyMission 360 also offers waterproofing to 30m and electronic vibration reduction that can be enabled during playback. So whether above ground or below the waves, this 360 camera is an unusual product from Nikon. 

The KeyMission 360 is expected to launch in the spring with a full line-up of accessories. But there's no pricing information just yet.

READ MORE Nikon KeyMission 360 is a 360-degree 4K actioncam

Pocket-lint

Panasonic Lumix TZ80

Alongside the Lumix TZ100, Panasonic also announced the Lumix TZ80, which replaces last year's TZ70 model. It offers a 30x optical zoom, making the TZ80 the do-it-all pocketable compact camera.

Touchscreen controls and a higher-resolution sensor have also been added to the equation for the 2016 re-lick. But despite these extra features, the TZ80 comes in with a £359 price point, which is only an extra £10 compared to the TZ70 at launch. Good work.

READ MORE Panasonic TZ80 first impressions

Kodak

Kodak PixPro SP360 4K Action Cams

Kodak announced a 4K version of its PixPro SP360 action camera at CES 2016, marking a step up from the original Full HD version. The new model will be compatible with Facebook and YouTube's 360 video, meaning plenty of options for creating new immersive videos.

The SP360 4K action camera offers back-to-back capture thanks to the PixPro Stitch software built in. Opt for the Dual Pro Pack and you get two cameras and a mount that will allow you to capture two half 360 spheres and combine them. The Kodak PixPro SP360 4K is available now for $499 or $899 for the twin pack.

Canon

Canon PowerShot SX540 HS

In its annual refresh Canon has updated its 50x optical zoom SX range, with the SX540 HS offering a massive 24-1200mm equivalent zoom all from the one body.

There's a 20.3-megapixel high sensitivity sensor, paired with the latest DIGIC 6 processor for the best low-light capability from the series yet. With a 100x digital zoom option, the extra resolution of this model compared to last year's SX530 comes in handy for cropped-in shots at the 2400mm equivalent. 

If you're looking for an affordable all-in-one with significant zoom then, and despite few differences to last years' model, the PowerShot SX540 HS is in with a shout thanks to its £300 price tag.

Pocket-lint

Sony HDR-AS50R actioncam

Sony announced a couple of updates to its popular actioncam series at CES 2016 with the launch of the HDR-AS50 and the HDR-AS50R. The latter model comes with a Live View Remote that is worn on the wrist and allows the user to see what they are recording.

Despite being a similar size to last year's model, there are also a couple of new features on board the HDR-AS50R including Advanced SteadyShot for smoother video and a new Zeiss Tessar lens for sharper images. You'll find a 11.1-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor for Full HD video at up to 120fps and the actioncam will also shoot 8-megapixel stills.

There is also 3x smooth zoom mode and the actioncam also now comes with a tripod socket. The Sony HDR-AS50R will be available in Europe from February but no UK price has been detailed as yet. It has been said it will cost $350 in the US.