Olympus PL2: New Micro Four Thirds digicam announced, previewed

22:00 EST - Olympus Imaging America Inc. has today announced its new PEN E-PL2 interchangeable lens digital camera, along with a number of related accessories, and we've just posted our hands-on Olympus PL2 preview.

The Olympus PL2 is the fifth camera in the company's PEN series of single-lens direct view cameras, which forgo the mirror box of an interchangeable lens camera, as well as the dedicated metering and autofocus sensors. Instead, the Olympus E-PL2 relies on a full-time live view feed from its main imaging sensor, and uses this same data to determine exposure and provide a contrast detection system....

Olympus XZ-1: Zuiko lens-shod compact nears market

22:00 EST - Last Fall, Olympus Europa Holding GmbH previewed an upcoming digital camera model at the Photokina tradeshow in Cologne, Germany.

Today, the fruits of the company's development work are nearing public availability, as the company announces the XZ-1 fixed-lens point and shoot camera. The Olympus XZ-1 bears an impressive i.Zuiko Digital 6.0 - 24.0mm, with maximum apertures of a bright f/1.8 to f/2.5 across the zoom range. The Olympus XZ-1's lens has 35mm-equivalent focal lengths from a useful 28mm wide angle to a moderate 112mm...

Olympus SP-610UZ: 14mpix ultrazoom digicam

22:00 EST - Continuing its Consumer Electronics Show announcements, Japan's Olympus Corp. has unveiled its latest SP-series ultra zoom digital camera model, the Olympus SP-610UZ.

Based around a 14 megapixels image sensor and a powerful 22x optical zoom lens, the SP610UZ offers 35mm-equivalent focal lengths ranging from 28mm to a whopping 616mm. As you'd expect, the SP-610UZ includes mechanical image stabilization with which to prevent blur from camera shake -- specifically, a sensor shift system. The SP610UZ doesn't offer any optical or electronic viewfinder, though, instead... (More)

Olympus TG-610, TG-310: A duo of rugged ultracompacts

22:00 EST - Nearing the end of the company's Consumer Electronics Show announcements for the day, Olympus has unveiled two new camera models with similar shockproof, waterproof, freezeproof bodies: the Olympus TG-610 and Olympus TG-310.

While the Tough TG-310 and TG-610 are both shockproof and freezeproof to the same degree, they do differ in their level of waterproofing. The Tough TG-610 can be used as much as 16 feet underwater, significantlt deeper than the 10 foot range of the TG-310. Both models have 14 megapixel image sensors, and include mechanical image stabilization. The duo also feature differing lenses and LCD displays,... (More)

Olympus VG-120: Entry-level 5x zoom, 14mpix ultracompact

22:00 EST - Rounding out its Consumer Electronics Show announcements, Olympus Corp. has announced imminent availability of the Olympus VG-120 ultracompact digital camera.

The Olympus VG120 combines a 14 effective megapixel image sensor and an Olympus-branded 5x optical zoom lens in an ultracompact body. Sadly -- but perhaps not surprisingly, given the pricing -- the Olympus VG-120 lacks any form of mechanical image stabilization. Images and movies are framed on a 3.0-inch LCD display that dominates the VG120's rear panel. As well as still images, the Olympus VG120... (More)

The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-WX9 has a 5x optical zoom lens with a 25mm wide angle. Sensor resolution of the Sony WX9 is 16.2 megapixels, from a backside-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor. Images and movies are framed on the WX9's 3.0-inch LCD display. Other features of the Sony DSC-WX9 include SteadyShot image stabilization, 3D Still Image and 3D Sweep Panorama functions, Backlight Correction HDR and Background... (More)

The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W510 has a 4x optical zoom lens with a 26mm wide angle. Sensor resolution of the Sony W510 is 12.1 megapixels. Images and movies are framed on the W510's 2.7-inch LCD display. Other features of the Sony DSC-W510 include SteadyShot image stabilization, an Intelligent Auto mode, and a Sweep Panorama function. The Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W510 ships from February 2011, in four body... (More)

Panasonic FH27, FH25: A duo of 8x zoom compacts

18:30 EST - Rounding out its digital camera announcements for the day, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. has revealed the Lumix DMC-FH27 and DMC-FH25 digital cameras, each of which features an 8x optical zoom lens with 28mm-equivalent wide angle.

The Panasonic FH25 and FH27 are very closely related under the skin, although externally there are quite a few differences visible from most angles. These relate to changes made to how the Lumix FH27 and FH25 are controlled. While the Lumix DMC-FH25 has fairly traditional physical controls, with a mode switch and cluster of eight buttons on its rear panel, the DMC-FH27 adopts a touch-screen interface... (More)

Panasonic FP7, FP5: A duo of pocket-friendly ultracompacts

18:30 EST - Next up in Panasonic's raft of digital camera announcements for the day are its new Lumix DMC-FP7 and DMC-FP5 digital cameras, a pair of pocket-friendly ultra-compact models with sliding lens barriers.

The Panasonic FP5 and FP7 designs share much, but with some important differences. While the Lumix FP5 opts for a 3.0-inch LCD display on its rear panel, the Lumix FP7 swaps this for a larger 3.5-inch panel, increasing weight just slightly by 6 grams. Although both displays have identical 230,000 dot resolution, the larger panel on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP7 compared to that of the FP5 should improve... (More)

Panasonic FH5, FH2: Two closely-related ultracompacts

18:30 EST - Continuing its announcements for the day, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. has unveiled its new Lumix DMC-FH5 and DMC-FH2 digital cameras, two ultra-compact models that are nearly inseparable in terms of most specifications.

The differences between the Panasonic FH2 and FH5 all relate to their choice of image sensor. While the Lumix FH5 opts for a 1/2.33-inch type, primary color filtered CCD chip with 16.1 effective megapixel resolution, the Lumix FH2 opts for a 14.1 megapixel chip of similar size, type, and filtering. The Panasonic FH5's choice of a higher resolution image sensor actually causes it to lag behind the... (More)

Panasonic S3, S1: Colorful, approachable compact cameras announced

18:30 EST - Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. has today announced its new Lumix DMC-S3 and DMC-S1 digital cameras, the first in a new line featuring rounded-off bodies that project a gentler, friendler image.

The Panasonic S1 and S3 are very closely related designs, with the most significant different being in the amount of built-in storage space offered by each camera. While the Lumix S3 offers a relatively generous 70MB of built-in memory with which to supplement its SD, SDHC, or SDXC card slot, the Lumix S1 provides a rather more modest 20MB of internal memory. The Panasonic S3 also has a higher resolution... (More)

Samsung: More new digicams, camcorders

17:00 EST - Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. has today announced a variety of camcorders and five new digital camera models, including the Samsung ST700 and Samsung WB210.

With half our news team in the air on the way to the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, and the other half swamped back in the office by the fact that the whole world has chosen to make their CES announcements the day before the show -- we're currently standing at 30 cameras announced in the last 17 hours -- we've unfortunately yet to finish preparing our coverage of these cameras. Although the... (More)

Casio ZR100: Speedy long-zoom compact

16:30 EST - Kicking off a variety of announcement for the Consumer Electronics Show, Casio Computer Co. Ltd has revealed the EXILIM EX-ZR100 digital camera, as well as announcing plans for US availability of the EX-ZR10.

The Casio ZR100 is based around a backside-illuminated twelve megapixel image sensor and an EXILIM Optical branded 12.5x zoom lens, and includes sensor-shift image stabilization to fight the effects of blur from camera shake. The standout feature of the Casio EX-ZR100 is its speed, achieved courtesy of a dual-core EXILIM Engine HS image processor. The EXILIM ZR100 can shoot an impressive 30 frames... (More)

Casio TRYX: Internal-swivel digicam hangs around 'til you need it

16:30 EST - Without question Casio's most unusual announcement for the Consumer Electronics Show is the new TRYX digital camera, which features an eyecatching design with both an internal swivel and pivot mechanism.

The Casio TRYX's 3.0-inch LCD panel can face pretty much any angle, allowing for shooting self-portraits, over the head, or low to the ground. A frame that surrounds the TRYX's LCD when stowed can serve both as a way to hang the camera on a hook or doorknob between shots, or perhaps for a self-portrait, and also doubles as a tripod of sorts, with the camera able to stand upright by itself, although... (More)

Casio H30: Long-zoom compact unveiled

16:30 EST - Continuing the company's CES announcements for the day, Casio Computer Co. Ltd has revealed its latest long-zoom compact, the EXILIM EX-H30.

The Casio H30 is based around a sixteen megapixel image sensor and an EXILIM Optical branded 12.5x zoom lens, and includes sensor-shift image stabilization to fight the effects of blur from camera shake. Images and movies are framed and reviewed on the Casio EXILIM H30's 3.0" Super Clear TFT LCD display. Helping to unleash your creative side, the Casio EX-H30 provides not only Program, Aperture-... (More)

Casio ZS10, ZS5: Two new entry-level compacts

16:30 EST - Casio Computer Co. Ltd. has today announced two closely-related entry-level compact digital cameras for the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas -- the Casio ZS5 and Casio ZS10.

The Exilim ZS5 and ZS10 are very closely related, although their bodies aren't quite identical. The ZS5's body adds a subtle grip that's absent from that of the EXILIM ZS10. Both cameras have 14 megapixel resolution, and 5x optical lenses. It's not the same lens on both models, however. The Casio Exilim ZS10's actual focal length range is just ever so slightly wider, although both cameras carry the... (More)

Canon announces four new A-series PowerShots

09:01 EST - Canon U.S.A. has today announced four new additions to its PowerShot A-series digital camera family, ranging in price from $90 to $180.

The entry-level Canon PowerShot A800 has a 3.3x optical zoom lens starting at 37mm equivalent focal length. Sensor resolution of the Canon A800 is 10 megapixels, and images and movies are framed on the A800's 2.5-inch LCD display. Other features of the PowerShot A800 include a Smart Auto mode based on 19 predefined shooting situations, 13 scene modes, VGA movie mode and power from AA batteries. The... (More)

Fuji HS20EXR: New long-zoom BSI camera

00:01 EST - Fujifilm North America Corp. has today announced no less than sixteen new cameras for the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, of which the highest specified (and most expensive) is the Fuji HS20EXR.

The Fujifilm FinePix HS20EXR features an SLR-like body with a powerful 30x optical zoom lens. Inside sits a backside-illuminated EXR-CMOS image sensor, capable of operating in three different modes that favor the best resolution, dynamic range, or signal/noise ratio. The Fujifilm HS20EXR also has a 3.0-inch tiltable LCD display, and an electronic viewfinder whose resolution hadn't been disclosed... (More)

Fuji F550EXR, F500EXR: A duo of BSI compacts

00:01 EST - Continuing its Consumer Electronics Show announcements, Fujifilm has today unveiled two closely related compact cameras -- the Fuji F500EXR and Fuji F550EXR.

Both the Fujifilm FinePix F500EXR and F550EXR feature compact bodies with 15x optical zoom lenses. Inside, a backside-illuminated EXR-CMOS image sensor lets the Fujifilm FinePix F550EXR and F500EXR operate in three different modes, favoring the best resolution, dynamic range, or signal/noise ratio. The F500EXR and F550EXR each have a 3.0-inch LCD display, but no optical or electronic viewfinder.... (More)

Fuji S4000, S3200, S2950: Three new long-zoom bridge cameras

00:01 EST - Next up in its mammoth list of announcements for the Consumer Electronics Show, Fujifilm has taken the wraps off three new bridge cameras -- the Fuji S4000, Fuji S3200, and Fuji S2950.

The Fujifilm FinePix S4000, S3200, and S2950 all feature SLR-like bodies, although the choice of lens on the front differs. The Fujifilm S2950 offers up an 18x optical zoom lens, while the Fujifilm S3200 trades up to a 24x zoom with more on offer at both ends of the range. Finally, the Fujifilm S4000 reaches the farthest, with a mighty 30x zoom. Inside, all three cameras feature 14 megapixel image... (More)

Fuji XP30, XP20: Digicams for the adventure-minded

00:01 EST - Next up on Fuji's announcement roster for the day are two new ruggedized digital camera models, the Fuji XP30 and Fuji XP20.

With rugged, rounded-off bodies, the Fujifilm XP30 and XP20 might not look at home on the runway, but they'll take the abuse of daily life and keep on shooting. The Fujifilm XP20 and XP30 will each withstand a drop from five feet, continue operating when submerged to 16 feet, and fight the frost at 14 degrees fahrenheit. Under the skin, both cameras feature 14 megapixel image sensors, coupled to... (More)

Fuji T200, T300: Two new long-zoom compacts

00:01 EST - Fuji's fifth group of announcements for the CES show sees the company unveiling two new long-zoom compact models, the Fuji T200 and Fuji T300.

Both the Fujifilm T200 and T300 share closely related bodies, with gently rounded corners and small leatherette trim pieces on their front panels that serve as abbreviated grips. The Fujifilm T300 and T200 can each capture high-res still images and 720p high-def video, courtesy of 14 megapixel image sensors. Each camera has a 10x optical zoom lens, with 35mm-equivalent focal lengths from 28 to 280mm.... (More)

Fuji Z90: Touch-screen interface for fashion-conscious digicam

00:01 EST - Among the many models unveiled by Fujifilm today, the FinePix Z90 stands out from the group -- and not only for its fashion-friendly styling.

The Fuji Z90 is also the only model among today's announcements that offers a touch-screen display. To be specific, it's a 3.0-inch resistive touch screen. That means that it's not multi-touch capable, so photographers won't find equivalents of the two-fingered pinching motions and the like seen on devices such as those from Apple. The touch-screen will allow users to trigger movie and video capture... (More)

Fuji JX300, JX350: Two new long-zoom compacts

00:01 EST - Nearing the end of the company's CES announcements for the day, Fujifilm has revealed two new entry-level compact models, the Fuji JX300 and Fuji JX350.

Both the Fujifilm JX300 and JX350 share the exact same body, with a friendly, rounded-off profile and brushed metal finish. The Fujifilm JX350 and JX300 can each capture high-res still images and 720p high-def video, but the precise choice of sensor differs. Where the the JX350 opts for an ever so slightly higher resolution 16 megapixel imager, the JX300 features a 14 megapixel chip, saving $30... (More)

Fuji AV200, AX300, JV200: Three new entry-level digicams

00:01 EST - Rounding out its whopping list of sixteen digital camera announcements today, Fujifilm has announced details of three new entry-level models -- the Fuji AV200, Fuji AX300, and Fuji JV200.

The Fujifilm FinePix AV200, AX300 and JV200 all feature slightly differing body designs, although their choice of sensor resolution and LCD type is identical. The Fujifilm JV200 is the smallest of the trio, while the more closely related Fujifilm AX300 and Fujifilm AV200 have identical dimensions and weight, despite a difference in lens barrel size and front profile. Inside, all three cameras feature... (More)

Samsung SH100: Wi-fi capable 14mpix compact

11:54 EST - Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. has today announced its SH100 digital camera, a 14 megapixel model with wi-fi capability.

The Samsung SH100 couples its CCD image sensor with a Samsung-branded 5x optical zoom lens. that provides a 26mm wide angle, but lacks any form of mechanical image stabilization. There's also no optical viewfinder, with images being framed on a 3.0-inch touch-panel LCD display. The Samsung SH100 can record high definition movies at 720p resolution, and also includes wireless LAN connectivity. This... (More)

Kodak: New cameras, frame, printer

00:01 EST - Eastman Kodak Co. has today announced a variety of new imaging products for the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show, which is about to get under way in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Kodak's announcements include three new digital cameras, two video cameras, a digital frame, an inkjet printer, and several new service offerings. Details on the hardware announcements are unfortunately rather brief, but we do know a few basic details on the main products. The entry-level point in Kodak's new digital camera offerings is occupied by the EasyShare Sport C123, priced at around US$80.... (More)

Samsung WB700: New long-zoom compact (UPDATED)

21:14 EST - Alongside its interchangeable lens NX11 model, Samsung has today unveiled the new WB700 digital camera.

We're not certain if the new 'WB' designation -- which has been used in other markets for some time -- is intended to be applied in the US market, or whether it will bear a different model number in this country, as its predecessors have received the HZ and TL-series monikers in this market. Certainly, the US press release we've received carries the Samsung WB700 name, suggesting that the company... (More)

Samsung announces NX11, new lenses (UPDATED)

20:08 EST - With the Consumer Electronics Show fast approaching, Samsung has today announced its NX11 digital camera, as well as two new lenses.

Only limited information is available on the Samsung NX11 at this time. We do know that the NX11 is very closely related to the company's existing NX10 model, which we reviewed in April 2010. One difference from the NX10 is that the Samsung NX11 now natively supports i-Function lenses, something which was possible with the NX10 only after a firmware upgrade. This being the case, Samsung has also switched... (More)