Sigma DP2: New specs, release nearing

22:14 EST - Alongside its new lens announcements for the 2009 Spring Photo Marketing Association tradeshow, Sigma has further detailed its upcoming DP2 digital camera, first described at the Photokina show last September.

The Sigma DP2 is closely related to the company's existing DP1 digital camera, but replaces that model's 28mm-equivalent f/4.0 lens, with a brighter, tighter f/2.8 41mm lens. The image processor has also been upgraded to a Sigma TRUE II ("Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine") processor with improved processing speed, operation, and performance. The DP2 also has a somewhat revised rear... (More)

Sony announces Cyber-shot DSC-HX1

20:00 EST - Two weeks ago, Sony unveiled six new digital camera models for this year's Photo Marketing Tradeshow.

The company saved the best for last though, and today it has announced the most interesting of the group: the high-speed, high-def, long-zoom Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. Based around a high-speed 1/2.4"-type Exmor CMOS image sensor - the first time Sony has used this chip - the Cyber-shot HX1 has a sensor resolution of 9.1 megapixels, and is capable of capturing bursts of full-resolution images... (More)

Pentax: 24x zoom digicam, 15mm lens announced

17:00 EST - One day before the Photo Marketing Association tradeshow kicks off in Las Vegas, Nevada, Pentax has announced two new products for the show.

The Pentax X70 features a twelve megapixel image sensor coupled with a Pentax-branded 24x optical zoom lens that offers a useful 26mm-equivalent wide angle. The X70's image sensor is mounted on a moveable platter to provide for true mechanical, CCD-shift type image stabilization. Pentax X70 images and movies are framed and reviewed on either an electronic viewfinder or 2.7" LCD display, and stored... (More)

Samsung announces hybrid APS-C digicam family

10:18 EST - Competition for Olympus and Panasonic's Micro Four Thirds standard has today appeared from Korean rival Samsung, with the announcement of the company's upcoming NX series.

The Samsung NX format looks to be similar to that of Micro Four Thirds in concept - the biggest difference from existing Samsung digital SLR designs being the elimination of the mirror box. This change means that, as with the competing Micro Four Thirds format, all NX-series cameras will use Live View mode for framing of images. The Samsung NX design is said to include an "ultra precise" electronic... (More)

Olympus unveils E-620 digital SLR

01:00 EST - Olympus America has today announced its latest digital SLR, just a week before the start of this year's Photo Marketing Association Spring tradeshow in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Olympus E-620 brings the 12.3 effective megapixel Live MOS image sensor from the mid-range E-30 digital SLR into a more affordable body. Where the E30 is priced at $1,300, the E-620 will have a significantly lower pricetag of $700 - both prices being for the camera body only. A kit bundle will see the Olympus E620 sold with an ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens for $800 all-in. The E620... (More)

Samsung: Two more brand-new digicams

08:01 EST - Less than a week after its last batch of digital camera announcements, Samsung has added a further two models that will debut at this year's Photo Marketing Association tradeshow.

The Samsung HZ15W and Samsung TL320 are due to start shipping in the USA from March and May 2009 respectively, and both couple twelve megapixel imagers with zoom lenses that offer a 24mm wide angle. Priced at about $330, the HZ15W is the lower-cost of the pair and is closely related to another camera that launched just last month - the Samsung HZ10W. Compared to that model, the HZ15W boosts the... (More)

Canon: Eight new digicams plus two US debuts

02:40 EST - Canon USA Inc. has today unveiled eight new digital cameras in the runup to the Photo Marketing Association tradeshow, as well as giving stateside launches to two cameras that were first announced in Europe some time ago.

US customers will finally get their hands on the company's first CMOS sensor-based PowerShot digital camera when the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS ships in April 2009. Announced in Europe some five months ago, the Canon SX1 IS is closely related to the CCD sensor-based SX10 IS. Sensor resolution and size, as well as the lens / power / storage / etc. are unchanged. The big story of the Canon SX1 is its movie... (More)

Sony announces six new Cyber-shot digicams

08:01 EST - Just over a month after it announced three new digital camera models at the Consumer Electronics Show, Sony Electronics Inc. is already back with another raft of new additions to its Cyber-shot lineup.

This time around, there are six new cameras - all being announced in the runup to the Photo Marketing Association's annual spring tradeshow, and all expected to ship from around April 2009. Of the group, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 is the most affordable model, with a planned price of $150 for the US market. The Sony S980 is based around a twelve megapixel CCD image sensor, and a Sony-branded 4x... (More)

Samsung: Four new digicams for PMA

08:01 EST - With the annual Photo Marketing Association spring tradeshow fast approaching, Samsung has today unveiled four new digital camera models.

The Samsung SL30, Samsung SL202, and Samsung SL620 are all due to start shipping in the USA from March 2009, while the Samsung SL820 is set to follow from May 2009. The lowest-cost of the group is the SL30, a ten megapixel camera with 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5" LCD display, and AA battery power which is expected to retail at about $100. Next up the line is the proprietary Lithium Ion-powered... (More)

Fuji announces FinePix S1500fd

00:01 EST - Rounding out its announcements for the day, Fujifilm has announced a successor to last year's FinePix S1000 digital camera.

The Fujifilm FinePix S1500fd features an SLR-like body dominated by a powerful 12x optical zoom lens with a somewhat tight 33mm-equivalent wide angle. Maximum apertures in the Fuji FinePix S1500fd range from f/2.8 to f/5.0. The S1500fd's image sensor has ten megapixel resolution, and is mounted on a movable platter allowing for sensor-shift type image stabilization. ISO sensitivity in the Fujifilm... (More)

Fuji announces waterproof Z-series digicam

00:01 EST - Next up in its pre-PMA announcements, Fujifilm has revealed a new FinePix Z-series digital camera that it describes as "Life Proof".

The new Fujifilm FinePix Z33WP has a newly designed body that's safe for use at depths of up to ten feet (three meters), and includes both a 3x optical zoom lens and a ten megapixel CCD image sensor. The Fujifilm Z33WP offers ISO sensitivity ranging up to a maximum of ISO 1,600 equivalent at full resolution. There's no optical viewfinder, with the Fuji FinePix Z33WP instead offering solely a 2.7"... (More)

Fuji announces FinePix Z20 replacement

00:01 EST - Continuing its announcements in the runup to the Photo Marketing Association tradeshow, Fujifilm has revealed a replacement for its style-conscious FinePix Z20 digital camera.

The new Fujifilm FinePix Z30fd has a completely redesigned body that includes a 3x optical zoom lens and a ten megapixel CCD image sensor. The Fujifilm Z30fd offers ISO sensitivity ranging up to a maximum of ISO 1,600 equivalent at full resolution. There's no optical viewfinder, with the Fuji FinePix Z30fd instead offering solely a 2.7" LCD display on which to frame and review images. Controls... (More)

Fuji: Two new J-series digicams

00:01 EST - Fujifilm today kicks off a raft of pre-PMA digital camera announcements with two new models for its FinePix J-series.

The Fujifilm FinePix J20fd has a 3x optical zoom lens and a ten megapixel CCD image sensor, and offers sensitivity ranging as high as ISO 1,600 equivalent at full resolution. Images and movies are framed and reviewed on the Fujifilm J20fd's 2.7" LCD display, and stored on SD / SDHC cards or in 20MB of built-in memory. The Fuji J20fd includes a three-mode autofocus system with face detection,... (More)

Fuji announces first Super CCD EXR digicam

00:25 EST - The second - and unquestionably most interesting - of two digital camera announcements today from Fujifilm is the new Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR.

The specs of the Fuji FinePix F200EXR are overall competent - twelve megapixel resolution, 5x optical zoom lens, mechanical image stabilization, 3.0" LCD display, SD / SDHC / xD-card storage, Lithium Ion battery - but by themselves they might not truly grab attention in a crowded digicam market. One feature of the Fuji F200EXR should make potential buyers sit up and pay attention though, and... (More)

Fuji announces FinePix A150

00:09 EST - Fujifilm has today announced its latest A-series digital camera, the Fujifilm FinePix A150.

Based around a ten megapixel image sensor and a Fujinon-branded 3x optical zoom lens the Fuji A150 eschews true mechanical image stabilization, instead offering only the ability to freeze action by raising ISO sensitivity to achieve faster shutter speeds. Images are framed and reviewed on a 3.0" LCD display. Although the Fuji FinePix A150 is clearly designed with affordability in mind - it still... (More)

Nikon announces Coolpix P90

00:15 EST - Rounding out its eight digicam announcements for the day, Nikon Inc. has revealed its new Nikon Coolpix P90.

The Nikon P90 has a twelve megapixel imager, 24x optical zoom lens, image stabilization, and a 3.0" LCD display. The Coolpix P90 stores its images on SD / SDHC cards or in 47MB of built-in memory, and draws its power from an EN-EL5 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery. Priced at about $400, the Nikon Coolpix P90 will ship from March 2009. For more details read our Nikon P90 preview.Nikon Coolpix... (More)

Nikon announces Coolpix S230

00:05 EST - Next up in its raft of digicam announcements, Nikon Inc. has today unveiled its new Nikon Coolpix S230.

The Nikon S230 has a ten megapixel imager, 3x optical zoom lens, and a 3.0" LCD display. The Coolpix S230 stores its images on SD / SDHC cards or in 44MB of built-in memory, and draws its power from an EN-EL10 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery. Priced at about $230, the Nikon Coolpix S230 will ship from February 2009 in Plum, Jet Black, Night Blue, Gloss Red and Warm Silver. For more details read... (More)

Nikon: Three new S-series digicams

23:59 EST - Continuing its announcements for the day, Nikon Inc. has taken the wraps off three new digicams for its S-series - the Nikon Coolpix S630, Nikon Coolpix S620, and Nikon Coolpix S220.

The Nikon S630 has a twelve megapixel imager, 7x optical zoom lens, and a 2.7" LCD display. The Coolpix S630 stores its images on SD / SDHC cards or in 44MB of built-in memory, and draws its power from an EN-EL12 Lithium Ion rechargeable battery. Priced at about $280, the Nikon Coolpix S630 will ship from February 2009 in Jet Black, Royal Purple, Midnight Blue, Ruby Red and Titanium Silver. For... (More)

Nikon: Three new L-series digicams

23:44 EST - Nikon Inc. has today announced three new digital camera models for its affordable L-series - the Nikon Coolpix L19, Nikon Coolpix L20, and Nikon Coolpix L100.

The Nikon L19 has an eight megapixel imager, 3.6x optical zoom lens, and a 2.7" LCD display. The Coolpix L19 stores its images on SD / SDHC cards or in 20MB of built-in memory, and draws its power from two AA batteries. Priced at about $110, the Nikon Coolpix L19 will ship from February 2009 in bright silver. For more details read our Nikon L19 preview. Next up, the Nikon L20 has a ten megapixel... (More)

Panasonic: Two new TZ-series successor digicams

09:00 EST - Rounding out its announcements for the day, Panasonic has unveiled its new Lumix ZS series - launched with two models that follow in the footsteps of its popular TZ-series.

The Panasonic Lumix ZS1 and Panasonic Lumix ZS3 are closely related, but with a few key differences to justify a $100 higher pricetag for the latter camera. The Panasonic ZS1 has a 10.1 megapixel image sensor and 12x optical zoom lens, while the Panasonic ZS3 boosts the resolution to 12.1 megapixels. For framing and reviewing images, the ZS1 offers a 2.7" LCD display with 230,000 dot resolution,... (More)

Panasonic: rugged H.264 digicam

09:00 EST - Among Panasonic's many digicam announcements today, perhaps the most interesting is one for which the company sadly doesn't currently have press images - the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS1.

The Panasonic TS1 is a rugged shockproof, waterproof, dustproof camera with a high-def AVCHD Lite (H.264 / MPEG-4 based) movie mode. Due to reach US shores this April with a $400 pricetag, the Panasonic TS1 has a 12.1 megapixel imager and a 4.6x optical zoom lens. The Panasonic Lumix TS1 includes a 2.7" LCD display which is used for framing and reviewing images. The TS1 stores its images and... (More)

Panasonic: new touch-screen digicam

09:00 EST - Next up on Panasonic's digicam announcement schedule for the day is a second new FX-series model, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580.

The Panasonic FX580 is due to reach US shores this April with a $400 pricetag. This will get buyers the combination of a 12.1 megapixel imager and a 5x optical zoom lens. The standout feature of the Panasonic Lumix FX580 has to be its 3.0" LCD display, which is used not only for framing and reviewing images, but courtesy of a touch panel, as a control device as well.. The FX580 stores its images... (More)

Panasonic DMC-FX48 announced

09:00 EST - Continuing Panasonic's digicam announcements for the day is a new FX-series model, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48.

The Panasonic FX48 is due to reach US shores this April with a $350 pricetag. For this, you get the combination of a 12.1 megapixel imager and a 5x optical zoom lens. The ultra compact Panasonic Lumix FX48 also includes a 2.5" LCD display for framing and reviewing images, but no optical viewfinder. The FX48 stores its images and videos on Secure Digital / MultiMediaCard media, or in 40MB of built-in... (More)

Panasonic: New FS-series digicam

09:00 EST - One of a raft of new digital camera announcements today from Panasonic is the company's latest FS-series model, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS25.

Based around a 12.1 megapixel imager and a 5x optical zoom lens, the Panasonic FS25 is slated to reach stores this April priced at about $250. The budget-friendly Panasonic Lumix FS25 also includes a 3.0" LCD display for framing and reviewing images, but no optical viewfinder. The FS25 stores its images and videos on Secure Digital / MultiMediaCard media, or in 50MB of built-in memory. The Panasonic... (More)

Panasonic: Two new FS-series Lumix digicams

03:00 EST - Two closely-related digital cameras have been added to Panasonic's Lumix FS-series lineup today - the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS7 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15.

Of the two, the Panasonic FS7 is the more affordable model with 10.1 megapixel resolution and an image stabilized 4x optical zoom lens that offers a 33mm-equivalent wide angle. Images are framed and reviewed on the Panasonic DMC-FS7's 2.7" LCD display. The Panasonic Lumix FS7 features 9-point autofocusing with face detection, ISO sensitivity from 100 to 6400 equivalents, a generous 25 scene modes,... (More)

Panasonic announces DMC-LS85

03:00 EST - Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co. has today announced a new entry-level digital camera, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS85.

The Panasonic LS85 offers 8.1 megapixels and an image stabilized 4x optical zoom lens with a 33mm-equivalent wide angle. Images are framed and reviewed on the Panasonic DMC-LS85's 2.5" LCD display. The Panasonic Lumix LS85 features 9-point autofocusing with face detection, ISO sensitivity from 100 to 6400 equivalents, a generous 21 scene modes, and a four mode flash. The Panasonic LS85 stores... (More)