The Fujifilm X-A1 is an entry-level compact system camera with a 16-megapixel APS-C imager. Key features include a start-up time of 0.5 seconds, a shutter lag of 50 milliseconds, a continuous shooting speed of 5.6fps for a maximum of 30 frames, a control layout facilitating one-handed operation, dual command dials, a tiltable screen with a resolution of 920,000 dots, a built-in flash with a guide number of 7 (in metres at iSO 200/24°), Full HD video recording capabilities, Wi-Fi image transfer and a hotshoe for external flash units. The Fujifilm X-A1 will be available from October in a variety of colours, bundled with the XC16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS zoom lens, at a kit price of £529.99/$599.95. You can also buy the lens separately for £399.99. The Fujinon XC50-230mm f/4.5-6.7 OIS telephoto lens will also be available from October, priced at £429.99/$399.95.

Panasonic has issued a firmware update for its Lumix GX7 compact system camera. Version 1.1, which improves operational stability, can be downloaded from the website below.

Website: Panasonic DMC-GX7 Firmware Update 1.1

Want to literally see inside the new Olympus OM-D E-M1 camera? Now you can, thanks to this exploded view of every single component that goes into making the E-M1.

Claimed to be Olympus' most reliable camera ever, the E-M1 has a rigid magnesium body with 60 gasket rings, as well as being dustproof, splashproof and freezeproof, and is guaranteed to work perfectly in temperatures as low as -10°C.

To demonstrate its ruggedness, Olympus demonstrated the E-M1 positioned in a lake with fast-moving horses running past, splashing water over the camera. We're told that it survived the test! An optional underwater case will also be available should you require waterproofness down to 45 meters.

One of the big selling points of the new OM-D E-M1 camera, at least according to Olympus, is its size in comparison with an equivalent DSLR. To illustrate this point, Olympus literally weighed the E-M1 and the Nikon D7100 on the same set of scales, together with three lenses each. The D7100 with the 24-70mm, 10-24mm and the 105mm lenses weighed in at 2765g, whilst the E-M1 and the 12-40mm, 9-18mm and the 75mm lenses came in at a mere 1348g, half the weight of its Nikon rival.

Food for thought if you're thinking of building a camera system, especially for street and travel photographers - but would the size difference be enough to tempt you to choose the OM-D E-M1 (or compact system cameras in general) with their smaller sensors, instead of a DSLR?

Want to see exactly what the new Olympus M.ZUIKO Digital 40-150mm f/2.8 lens looks like in the flesh?

Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of the Olympus M.ZUIKO Digital 40-150mm f/2.8 lens, a professional telephoto zoom lens for Micro Four Thirds compact system cameras.

Note that this is a prototype version of the Olympus 40-150mm, apparently one of only two in the world.

Want to see exactly what the new Olympus OM-D E-M1 compact system camera looks like in the flesh?

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of 50 photos of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 compact system camera, which "delivers the best image quality of any consumer model Olympus has ever made".

Want to see exactly what the new Olympus M.ZUIKO Digital 12-40mm f/2.8 lens looks like in the flesh?

Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of the Olympus M.ZUIKO Digital 12-40mm f/2.8 lens, a professional standard zoom lens for Micro Four Thirds compact system cameras.

The range-topping Olympus OM-D E-M1 is a 16-megapixel compact system camera with hybrid contrast- and phase-detect auto focus, 5-axis image stabilisation and a high-magnification EVF with a resolution of 2,360,000 dots. Other highlights include a splash-, dust- and freezeproof construction, a tiltable touchscreen, a PC sync terminal, Full HD video recording capability, built-in Wi-Fi, re-assignable controls, 10fps sequential shooting, new HDR Preview Mode, focus peaking, and a newly developed "Colour Creator" that lets you intuitively play with colour by tweaking dials on top of the camera. Prices start at £1299.99 / $1399.99 for the body only, £1499.99 for the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 12-50mm 1:3.5-6.3 lens kit and £1949.99 for a kit that includes the new M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 12-40mm 1:2.8 lens.

Want to see exactly what the new Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R lens looks like in the flesh?

Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of the Fujifilm XF 23mm f/1.4 R lens, a brand new fast, moderate wide-angle lens for Fujifilm X-series compact system cameras.

Sony has posted a firmware update for the Sony NEX-7 compact system camera. Version 1.03 adds an AF drive system for movies "in order to enhance scalability of future E-mount system." According to Sony, this feature ensures a higher degree of design flexibility for future E-mount lenses. You can download the firmware upgrade from the websites below.

Website: Sony NEX-7 Firmware Version 1.03 for Mac
Website: Sony NEX-7 Firmware Version 1.03 for Windows

Sony has issued a firmware update for its NEX-5R and NEX-6 compact system cameras. Version 1.02 (for both models) provides support for the Sony E 20mm f/2.8 and Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar T* E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS lenses, and adds an AF drive system for movies "in order to enhance the scalability of future E-mount systems." You can download the firmware upgrades from the websites below,

Website: Sony NEX-5R Firmware Version 1.02 for Mac | Sony NEX-5R Firmware Version 1.02 for Windows
Website: Sony NEX-6 Firmware Version 1.02 for Mac | Sony NEX-6 Firmware Version 1.02 for Windows

Panasonic has posted a firmware update for its Lumix GF6 Micro Four Thirds camera. Version 1.1 fixes a Wi-Fi connection issue with Apple Macintosh computers. You can download the firmware update from the website below.

Website: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF6 Firmware Update 1.1

Panasonic has released a firmware update for the Panasonic Lumix G6 compact system camera. Version 1.1 fixes a Wi-Fi connection problem with Apple computers and improves the reliability of the automatic swiching betwwn the  EVF and the LCD screen when using the eye proximity sensor. To download the firmware update, follow the link below.

Website: Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6 Firmware Version 1.1

Samsung USA has announced availability and pricing for the intriguing Samsung Galaxy NX Camera. The Android-powered compact system camera, which takes interchangeable lenses and boasts 3G/4G LTE and Wi-Fi connectivity, will be available from October priced at $1,599.99 (body-only) or $1,699.99 (bundled with an 18-55mm lens).

Want to see exactly what the new Sony NEX-5T compact system camera looks like in the flesh?

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of photos of the Sony NEX-5T compact system camera.

Want to see exactly what the new Sony A3000 compact system camera looks like in the flesh?

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of photos of the Sony A3000 compact system camera

Want to see exactly what the new Sony 16-70 f/4, 18-105mm f/4 and black 50mm f/1.8 lenses look like in the flesh?

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of photos of the Sony 16-70 f/4, 18-105mm f/4 and black 50mm f/1.8

The Sony NEX-5T is a new compact system camera with a 16.1-megapixel APS-C sensor and Wi-Fi connectivity with NFC (Near Field Communication). There’s no set-up needed – simply touch a compatible mobile device against the NEX-5T and a wireless connection is made instantly. An embedded Smart Remote Control lets you trigger shutter release from your smartphone: Other highlights include a hybrid auto focus system that combines phase-detection AF to track fast-moving subjects with contrast-detection AF for absolute precision, Full HD video recording, a tiltable LCD screen that flips up to 180° for a comfortable view with the camera held at arm’s length, and compatibility with a growing range of Sony Play Memories Camera Apps. The Sony NEX-5T will go on sale in September 2013, priced at $550  for the body only, or $700 in a kit with the 16-50mm power zoom lens..

The Sony A3000 is a budget-friendly 20.1-megapixel compact system camera with a 201,600-dot electronic viewfinder, an ergonomic hand-grip  and an APS-C sized Exmor CMOS sensor. Compatible with the manufacturer's E mount lenses, the Sony A3000 weighs in at 411 grams including a battery, and features a Multi Interface Shoe that allows you to attach various accessories such as a powerful system flash, a video IR light or an external microphone. In addition to capturing 20-megapixel stills, the Sony A3000 is also capable of recording Full HD videos, with a choice of 50i or 25p shooting modes. The Sony A3000 is available to pre-order from the website below, with shipments expected to commence in September. The camera is priced at £370/$400.

Samsung today announced two new promotions for its NX range of compact system cameras. From today until the 31st October 2013, customers are eligible to receive a free 50-200mm lens worth £249, when they purchase a Samsung NX2000 or Samsung NX300 from participating retailers. Do note that the promotional offers are available to UK and Ireland residents only. To learn more, visit the website below.