Sony unveils new compact camera concept at PMACompact Sony camera with interchangeable lenses

22 February 2010

The concept mock up camera from Sony is on the right and is smaller in comparison with the regular digital SLR from Sony on the left (a mock up successor to the Sony Alpha 700)

Sony has unveiled mock ups of two new cameras at the Photo Marketing Association (PMA) show in the US.

The first is the successor to the Sony Alpha 700 digital SLR, and the second has been described by Sony as an ultra-compact camera with interchangeable lenses.

Sony ultra-compact camera with interchangeable lenses

Sony says that both of these cameras will launch this year. The ultra-compact camera with interchangeable lenses will feature an APS-C sensor, which is similar to the sensors found on digital SLRs. The camera shall also be able to capture HD video. 

Which? digital camera expert Richard Parris says, 'With an APS-C sensor built in, Sony's new system camera will be in direct competition with Samsung's NX10 and Panasonic and Olympus's micro four-thirds system as a compact alternative to a digital SLR'.

There have been a number of cameras launched in the last few years that are smaller than digital SLRs but allow users to change lenses. Click on the links below to read First Look reviews of the following models:

• Olympus E-P1
• Olympus E-P2
• Panasonic Lumix G1
• Panasonic Lumix GH1
• Panasonic Lumix GF1
• Ricoh GXR

Sony digital SLRs

Sony has stated that it shall continue to manufacture digital SLRs and compatible lenses. The pictured successor to the Sony Alpha 700 will be just one of several Sony digital SLRs to launch in 2010.

You can read the full review of the Sony Alpha 700 here.

For help choosing the best digital camera, check out our in-depth, lab-based digital camera reviews.