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Spring Tech Preview: Cameras and camcorders

If you're one of the visually infatuated gadget geeks, these are the cameras and camcorders you should be looking out for.

Lori Grunin

I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.

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Lori Grunin

March 22, 2012 4:21 p.m. PT

1 of 6 Lori Grunin/CNET

Sony Cyber-Shot HX30V and HX20

Price: $419.99 (HX30V), $399.99 (HX20)

Availability: May 2012

Outlook: The HX30V replaces our Editors' Choice-winning and wildly popular HX9V with an even longer 20x zoom lens. The HX20 is the same camera, but missing the HX30V's built-in Wi-Fi.

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2 of 6 Lori Grunin/CNET

Fujifilm X-Pro 1

Price: $1,699

Availability: March 2012

Outlook: With a new higher-sensitivity sensor technology, interesting hybrid viewfinder, and a recent history of succeeding with its retro designs, Fujifilm's high-end mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera looks like a model to watch.

$593 at Amazon

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3 of 6 Sarah Tew/CNET

Olympus OM-D E-M5

Price: $999.99 (body only); $1,299.99 (with 12-50mm lens); $1,099.99 (with 14-42mm lens)

Availability: April 2012

Outlook: Olympus resurrects its OM brand for the digital age with a dust-and-weather-sealed mirrorless interchangeable-lens model for enthusiasts. With a new sensor and fast burst-shooting specs of 9 frames per second, it has the potential to be one of the first mirrorless models suited for shooting action.

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4 of 6 Lori Grunin/CNET

Canon EOS 5D Mark III

Price: $3,499 (body only); $4,299 (with 24-105mm lens)

Availability: March 2012

Outlook: Everything on the inside's been revamped, promising improvements on every aspect of this professional staple from performance to image quality to streamlined shooting.

$1,480 at Amazon

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Nikon D4

Price: $5,999.95

Availability: March 2012

Outlook: Nikon hits the important highlights with this replacement for the D3S: improved autofocus, increased durability, better performance, and more-competitive video capabilities.

$4,500 at Amazon

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