2012 was a fairly stellar year as far as gear goes. Both Nikon and Canon launched their versions of full-frame goodness, and the industry saw several mirrorless options that tantalized even the pros. As 2012 draws to a close and we eagerly look forward to 2013 products, we thought we'd take a post to reflect on our favorite products of 2012.
Nick Gilson: Fujifilm X-Pro 1
The X-Pro 1 is my favorite camera of the year hands down. The dial-based control layout and the hybrid optical-electronic viewfinder offer a charming and engaging experience while the X-Trans CMOS sensor provides truly stellar quality. The image quality the X-Pro 1 offers is remarkable at all ISOs, especially when paired with the XF 35mm F1.4 R lens. Ultimately, the X-Pro 1 is the perfect combination of portability and quality.
Krista Waters: Nikon D600
I've been eyeing the D600 since it's release. It's the perfect prosumer camera that offers full-frame performance at an affordable price point. At 24MP, the D600 offers similar image quality to the D800, which appeals to two different sets of photographers—the D800 or D4 owners looking for a smaller second body or the D7000 owners wanting to upgrade to a full-frame camera without having to replace all of their DX-format lenses. It's the full-frame sensor and bliss of the D800 in a less expensive package.
Berkley Pack: Canon G15
The Canon G15 has everything you could possibly want in a compact camera. It's the camera people take when they don't take their DSLR. With a 12.1 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor, exceptional low-light performance, and a genuinely fast 5x zoom lens, the G15 is an excellent camera for those looking for a reliable and serious compact.
Dave Ward: ColorMunki
Every photographer needs perfect color, and the ColorMunki offers just that. It's very intuitive to use and provides an affordable way to get color accuracy both on screen and in your prints.
Chris Harmon: MeFoto Transfunctional Tripod
If you're looking for a versatile and lightweight tripod, the MeFoto Tripod Kit is where it's at. It's incredibly lightweight and offers the added bonus of a quick monopod. It's a precision tripod for a great price.
Jacob Nuttall: Fuji FinePix X100
The X100 is the perfect camera for street photographers looking for portability and an increase in quality over other compact cameras. It has a 35mm focal length that's perfect for a wide variety of shooting situations. It's constructed to look and feel like a retro camera with traditional analogue controls in a small package, which only adds to its charm.
Arrius Sorbonne: Canon Cinema Lenses
After using the Canon cinema prime lenses this year, I'm blown away by the image quality they provide. They're remarkably sharp and 4K ready, perfect for all of the professional cameras out there. They have a full-metal housing and an angular rotation of 300-degrees. They really are true professional cinema primes. See Arrius' full review here.
Ken Sintz: Fuji FinePix X-E1
The X-E1 comes with all the benefits of the X-Pro 1 in a smaller and lighter package. It has a much improved auto focus and a 2.36M dot OLED unit electronic viewfinder. The X-E1 offers awesome quality along with an old-school feel that makes me feel like I'm getting back to the roots of photography.
What product won your photographer heart this year? Let's hear in the comments below!