As smartphones become more and more like full-fledged cameras, it only makes sense for cameras to become more like smartphones. We see bits of this when newer cameras offer better software experiences, but so far the mass market has deemed smartphones good enough that it is not worth the headache of carrying dedicated cameras.

Samsung’s Galaxy Camera gave us a glimpse of how user-friendly cameras can be when putting full-blown Android on them, but it still fell short in many areas. Chinese company Yongnuo has announced that it is making its own Android-powered camera, and unlike the Galaxy Camera, this one will support interchangeable lenses.

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Leica has released its latest camera today, the M10-D. Following in the footsteps of its recently-released M10-P, the M10-D shares a very similar appearance aside from the immediately obvious omission of a screen. A deliberate move by Leica to help photographers focus on the moment happening in front of them instead of viewing it on a display. Even though Leica’s latest camera ditches some digital features for a nostalgic and analog feel, the company attempts to make up for this by shipping a new companion smartphone app for interacting with it. expand full story

Olympus has announced a new smartphone lens that is a direct competitor to the Sony QX-series. The ‘Air’ has a 16MP sensor with Four Thirds capabilities as well as a shutter release button and microSD slot. It is powered by a lithium-ion battery and packs an autofocus system with 81-points of reference. It mounts directly to your smartphone adding greater zoom capabilities to your device. The Air communicates with your smartphone via WiFi and with its open-source API, it will be available in early March within Japan for ¥33,800 or roughly about $289, availability elsewhere is currently unknown.

As we head through February and into the Spring months, we will be seeing three new camera models from Olympus and Samsung. While they all offer different feature sets, these cameras continue to bring more pro-style attributes to the hobbyist photographer. Each one represents a different phase of photography ability dependent upon the needs of the shooter. While there have been many cameras announced by these companies we found the following to be of most interest.

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We have spotted some solid battery charger deals today including the 5200mAh and 2600mAh portable backup battery charger for starting at just $30 and $20 respectively. The 5200mAh option is $50 under the regular asking price, $10 better than Amazon and features dual outputs for charging two devices simultaneously, LED battery-status bar, 3.1-amp max output and is compatible with iPod, iPhone, iPad, e-book readers, digital cameras, MP3/MP4 players, and all other smartphones that are charged via USB. This charger has received a 4.6 stars out of 5 rating among Amazon customers. Groupon also has a 2600mAh charger from Photive at $20 shipped, which is $30 under the original listing and the same price Amazon is offering, except Groupon’s deal comes with free shipping for those that aren’t Amazon Prime members.

Photive 5,200mAh portable backup battery charger: $30 shipped (Reg. $80)

We also have a 3000mAh charger in silver from RAVPower on sale today for just $20 (with free shipping for Prime members). This half the price of the original listing and cheapest deal we could find from a trusted retailer. This lipstick charger is compatible with iPod, iPhone, iPad, other tablets and just about anything with a USB connector. This RAVPower option has also received a solid 4.6 stars out of 5 on Amazon.

RAVPower 3,000mAh portable lipstick battery charger: $20 (Reg. $40)

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Today only, All4Cellular is offering a  36 LED Video Light Panel for digital cameras for only $20 with free shipping.  A total savings of 60% off the retail price of $50.  This light panel “features 36 high-quality LED bulbs that enhance the quality of your videos or photos.”  Also included is a battery charger to make sure you’re never caught without power.  All4Cellular jokingly boasts that this light panel will “put your “high powered” flashlight to shame” during a power outage. expand full story

Best Buy’s Deal of the Day is the Sony Cyber-shot 16.2MP Digital Camera for only $99 shipped.  That’s the lowest total price we could find for this cyber-shot. It features a 5x optical/10x clear image zoom, 2.7″ Clear Photo LCD monitor, HD movie mode for 1080/60i HD video, and optical image stabilization.  Amazon has over 100 customer reviews on the cyber-shot that received 4 out of 5 stars.

Best Buy also has a PNY 16GB SDHC Memory Card on sale for $12 as one of their Bonus Deals of the Day (2nd item, underneath the camera).

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Amazon has the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX7K 10.1 MP Digital Camera for only $290 with free shipping.  This highly reviewed camera typically sells for around the $390 mark.  The LUMIX features a “24mm ultra-wide angle LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMILUX lens that boasts a F1.4 brightness at wide-end and F2.3 at tele-end.”  This lens will help you take fantastic photos even in low light environments. Features include 1080 HD video recording and the ability to snap photos while recording video. This deal is only available on the black version. expand full story

Canon USA is offering an EOS Rebel T3 EF-S 18-55mm IS II Lens Kit for only $299. This refurbished bundle typically sells for $399 from Canon, while Amazon charges $417 new. The Rebel T3 is generally regarded as one of the best entry-level cameras. Canon refurbished units have received great reviews, with most buyers saying the only way they could tell it wasn’t brand new is because it shipped in a plain white box.  This DSLR features a lightweight form factor, 12.2-Megapixel CMOS sensor and the ability to shoot 1280×720 HD stills and movies. (via Dealzmodo)

Also be sure to check out a good deal on the EOS Rebel T3i Body Refurbished, only $374. expand full story

As its deal of the day, Amazon is offering the Sony NEX-F3K 16.1 MP Compact System Camera with 18-55mm Lens for only $369 with free shipping, a total savings of 38% off the retail price of $599.  This camera touts DSLR performance at a lower cost and size, featuring the same sensor in many Sony DSLRs and interchangeable lenses.

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