Digital Camera Trends 2012: The Post-CES Onslaught

CES 2012 was a big show for camera announcements, but the past two weeks have been just as eventful in the world of digital imaging. It hasn't all been good news: Kodak officially announced that it will be exiting the digital camera business, marking a mind-boggling turn for the worse in the company's 131-year history.

On the plus side, 2012 is shaping up to be a great year for anyone interested in buying a new camera. High-end DSLRs are becoming powerful weapons for both stills and video; mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras are maturing nicely; pocket cameras now offer zoom ranges that can reach 20X optical; and rugged cameras are delivering more in-camera goodies to accompany their everything-proof frames.

Here's a look at the most enticing announcements of the past few weeks. Examined in aggregate, these models provide a wide-angle view of 2012's most popular trends in digital cameras.