Canon announced a number of new cameras Monday at Photokina, a major European camera show. Among them are the 6D, a prosumer full-frame DSLR, and a few smaller cameras aimed at enthusiasts.
Last week saw the introduction of Nikon's D600, which brought full-frame cameras to their lowest price point yet. Full-frame offers a few powerful benefits for pro and enthusiast photographers, but historically such cameras have cost at least $3000; The D600, and now the 6D, make the luxuries of full-frame slightly more accessible.
The $2,099 6D has a 20-megapixel sensor and an extremely wide ISO range (it will shoot at up to 102400, allowing for work in near-dark conditions), and features built-in Wi-Fi and GPS.
Potential buyers are already comparing it to the D600, and while it does have potentially superior low-light performance and a slightly better screen, the Nikon beats the Canon on autofocus and viewfinder quality. But until actual tests are done by the experts, such comparisons are purely speculative.
Canon also announced new devices in its S and G series of high-end compact cameras. The $450 S110 builds on the success of the S95 and S100, which have been among the best-reviewed and most popular point-and-shoots of the last couple years. The new version adds a touchscreen, Wi-Fi and a slightly updated sensor. It retains the fast f/2.0 5x zoom lens and the other features that made the other S series cameras so popular.
The G15 is the next device in the G series, which bridges the gap between point-and-shoot and DSLR by taking the fixed lens of the former and adding the manual controls of the latter. The price is in between, too, at $500. New in the latest camera is an updated sensor, a more high-resolution screen (though it no longer folds out), and an improved lens that opens all the way up to f/1.8 on the wide end and f/2.8 at a 5x zoom.
The S110 and G15 will be available in October, and the 6D is expected to ship in December.
Devin Coldewey is a contributing writer for NBC News Digital. His personal website is coldewey.cc.