Samsung TL500 has f/1.8 lens, enthusiast-friendly specs

15:00 EST - Samsung has today unveiled its new TL500 digital camera, with an impressive looking 3x zoom lens offering both a very generous wide angle and bright maximum aperture.

The Samsung TL500 is the company's latest offering aimed at enthusiasts and advanced amateurs, and its lens is clearly the hook intended to draw interest to the camera. With Schneider-Kreuznach Varioplan branding, the TL500's lens offers 35mm equivalent focal lengths ranging from a 24mm wide angle to a 72mm telephoto. Maximum aperture varies from f/1.8 to f/2.4 across the zoom range. The... (More)

Samsung TL350: Speedy 10mpix 5x zoom compact

15:00 EST - Samsung has today announced its TL350 digital camera, a compact model with ten megapixel resolution.

The Samsung TL350 features an optically stabilized, Schneider Kreuznach branded 5x optical zoom lens with a generous 24mm wide angle. The standout feature of the TL350 has to be its speed, though. The TL350 can shoot at an impressive ten frames per second, at full ten megapixel resolution. Unfortunately, the company's press materials don't yet specify the Samsung TL350's burst shooting... (More)

Samsung SL605 and AQ100: two new durable compacts

15:00 EST - Alongside the enthusiast-class TL350 and TL500 models, Samsung has today unveiled its SL605 and AQ100 compacts, aimed at outdoors types and hitting a more affordable price point.

The Samsung SL605 and AQ100 have rather differing degrees of protection against their shooting environment, matching their price tags. For $130, the Samsung SL605 is rubberized in several points so as to provide a degree of protection, and also includes an anti-scratch mask over the LCD. The twelve megapixel SL605 includes a 5x optical zoom lens with 27mm wide angle and Samsung branding. More details... (More)

HP: Five new digicams, three flash camcorders

18:26 EST - Hewlett Packard has today returned to the digital camera market after an absence of several years since ceasing production at the end of 2007.

In the runup to the Photo Marketing Association tradeshow, HP has unveiled five new entry-level digital camera models, ranging from around $100 to $150 in price. The HP CW450, CW450t, SW450 and PW460t all feature 4x optical zoom lenses with 29mm wide angle, while the PW550 opts for a 5x optical zoom with a 28mm wide angle. All five cameras have a effective resolutions of 12.2 megapixels from 1/2.3"-type... (More)

Bibble 5.02 update extends Raw support, adds soft proofing

02:32 EST - Just three weeks after the release of its first incremental update to its freshly overhauled RAW file converter, Bibble Labs has unveiled another update that adds further Raw file support and another new feature.

Bibble 5 Pro first debuted at the end of December, and last month's update added or improved support for a variety of camera and lens models, as well as debuting a new black / gray / white point tool. This month's new release, Bibble 5.02, adds support for a couple of dozen new cameras, including models from Canon, Leica, Ricoh and Sony. There's also a new Soft Proofing function which... (More)

Sony TX5 and H55: Two new Cyber-shot compacts for PMA

23:00 EST - With the 2010 Spring PMA show just days away, Sony has today unveiled its latest two Cyber-shot digital cameras - the Sony H55 featuring a Sony G lens and Super HAD CCD sensor, and the Sony TX5 being a rugged, pocket-friendly camera with a backside-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor - and we've just posted our test shots for the latter camera.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H55 is based around a fourteen megapixel sensor, and its stabilized G-branded lens has a 10x optical zoom range. The Sony DSC-H55 provides a 3.0" Clear Photo LCD display on which to frame and review images and movies. The H55 stores this data on either SD or SDHC cards, Sony's own Memory Stick PRO Duo cards, or in 45MB of built-in memory. The Cyber-shot DSC-H55 offers... (More)

Sigma preps Sony, Pentax-mount stabilized wide zoom lens

16:09 EST - Japan's Sigma Corp. has today announced predicted availability for its 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM zoom lens in both Sony Alpha and Pentax K-mount variants.

Sigma first announced the 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM lens a little over a year ago, and over the last few months has started shipments of Canon, Nikon, and most recently Sigma-mount versions. The Sony-mount variant will apparently be next to ship from February 27 2010, with the Pentax-mount version following from March 19 2010. All the various mount-types for the lens have the same pricing in... (More)

PMA rounds up 2010 show prizes, offers

15:47 EST - With this year's Photo Marketing Association Spring tradeshow fast approaching, the PMA has just posted a Deals & Prizes page for attendees.

The Deals & Prizes at PMA 2010 page currently includes information about some 43 companies offering special prizing, giveaways and the like during the show. Among these are cash prizes of $5,000 and $500, new and refurbished printers, Nintendo Wii video game, PocketPC-based Wi-Pics Mobile wireless imaging solution, several Sunbounce Micro-Mini reflectors with flash bracket, a leather digital SLR... (More)

Olympus announces new Micro Four Thirds entry-level

01:01 EST - Olympus has today announced a third model for its Digital Pen series of Micro Four Thirds-format single-lens direct-view digital cameras, the Olympus E-PL1, and we've just published our hands-on PL1 preview.

The Olympus PL1 retains much of the feature set of its predecessors, the E-P1 and E-P2, but with rather more modern styling. Compared to its siblings, the PL1 adds one much-requested feature - a built-in popup flash strobe. It also leaves out some functionality to save cost as well, using a slightly smaller 2.7-inch LCD display, and dropping the rear-panel sub-dial that was used to adjust exposure,... (More)

Nikon announces Coolpix P100

23:01 EST - The Nikon Coolpix P100 is the company's first camera to be based around a backside illuminated CMOS image sensor.

The sensor in the Coolpix P100 yields an effective resolution of ten megapixels, and sits behind a 26x optical zoom lens with a generous 26mm wide angle. Importantly, given the reach of the zoom lens, the Coolpix P100 does include true mechanical image stabilization. The P100 also provides both a 0.2-inch electronic viewfinder, and a high-res 3.0-inch LCD on which to frame and review images and movies.... (More)

Nikon: Two new L-series digicams

23:01 EST - The Nikon Coolpix L22 and Nikon Coolpix L110 are the latest compact digital cameras for the company's Coolpix L-series.

The sensor in the Coolpix L22 yields an effective resolution of twelve megapixels, and sits behind a 3.6x optical zoom lens with a tight 38mm wide angle. The Coolpix L22 doesn't include any form of mechanical image stabilization, instead relying on software techniques to combat blur from camera shake. The Nikon L22 provides a 3.0-inch LCD on which to frame and review images and movies. Data is... (More)

Nikon: Four new S-series digicams

23:01 EST - Nikon has today announced four new cameras for its style-conscious Coolpix S-series - the Nikon Coolpix S3000, Nikon Coolpix S4000, Nikon Coolpix S6000 and Nikon Coolpix S8000.

The sensor in the Coolpix S3000 yields an effective resolution of twelve megapixels, and sits behind a 4x optical zoom lens with a useful 27mm wide angle. The Nikon S3000 doesn't include any form of mechanical image stabilization, instead relying on software techniques to combat blur from camera shake. The S3000 provides a 2.7-inch LCD on which to frame and review images and movies. Data is stored... (More)

Two new models for Olympus Stylus Tough series

16:57 EST - The Olympus Stylus Tough-8010 and Olympus Stylus Tough-6020 are the latest in the company's line of life-proof digital cameras, billed as shockproof, waterproof, freezeproof, and (in the 8010's case) even crushproof.

The sensor in the Olympus Tough-6020 yields an effective resolution of fourteen megapixels, and sits behind a 5x optical zoom lens with a useful 28mm wide angle. The 6020 doesn't include an optical or electronic viewfinder, with its 2.7-inch LCD panel being the sole method of framing or reviewing images and movies. Data is stored on SD or SDHC cards, or in a generous 632MB of built in memory.... (More)

Olympus: Two new SP-series long zoom digicams (UPDATED)

16:33 EST - The Olympus SP-800UZ and Olympus SP600UZ are both long-zoom digital cameras which the company is aiming at advanced amateur photographers.

The sensor in the Olympus SP-800UZ yields an effective resolution of fourteen megapixels, and sits behind a 30x optical zoom lens with a useful 28mm wide angle. The Olympus SP800UZ doesn't include an optical or electronic viewfinder, with its 3.0-inch LCD panel being the sole method of framing or reviewing images and movies. Data is stored on SD or SDHC cards, or in a generous 1.8GB of built in... (More)

The sensor in the Fuji FinePix HS10 yields an effective resolution of 10.3 megapixels, and sits behind a Fujinon-branded 30x optical zoom lens with a generous 24mm wide angle. The Fujifilm HS10 includes both an electronic viewfinder and a 3.0-inch LCD panel. Images are stored on SD or SDHC cards, or in 45MB of built in memory. Power for the Fuji HS10comes courtesy of four AA batteries, with alkaline... (More)

Fuji launches new Super CCD EXR compact

00:01 EST - The Fujifilm FinePix F80EXR is the company's latest compact digital camera to feature its Super CCD EXR technology, which allows it to trade off resolution to gain sensitivity or dynamic range, or vice versa.

The Super CCD EXR sensor in the Fuji FinePix F80EXR yields an effective resolution of twelve megapixels, and sits behind a Fujinon-branded 10x optical zoom lens with a useful 27mm wide angle. The Fujifilm F80EXR includes no optical viewfinder, with framing and review all achieved on a 3.0-inch LCD panel. Images are stored on SD or SDHC cards, or in 40MB of built in memory. Power for the Fuji F80EXRcomes... (More)

Fuji Z700EXR: Where style and high-tech meet

00:01 EST - The Fujifilm FinePix Z700EXR places touch-screen control and Super CCD EXR technology into a stylish Z-series camera.

The Super CCD EXR sensor in the Fuji FinePix Z700EXR yields an effective resolution of twelve megapixels, and sits behind a Fujinon-branded 5x optical zoom lens with a rather tight 35mm wide angle. The Fujifilm Z700EXR includes no optical viewfinder, with framing and review all achieved on a large 3.5-inch LCD panel with touch-screen capability. Images are stored on SD or SDHC cards, or in 30MB of... (More)

Fujifilm: Three new long-zoom S-series models

00:01 EST - The Fujifilm FinePix S1600, Fujifilm FinePix S1800 and Fujifilm FinePix S2550HD (known in some markets as the Fujifilm FinePix S2500HD) are all long-zoom digital cameras which the company is aiming at advanced amateur photographers.

The sensor in the Fuji FinePix S1800 yields an effective resolution of 12.2 megapixels, and sits behind a Fujinon-branded 18x optical zoom lens with a useful 28mm wide angle. The Fujifilm S1800 includes both an electronic viewfinder and a 3.0-inch LCD panel. Images are stored on SD or SDHC cards, or in 23MB of built in memory. Power for the Fuji S1800comes courtesy of four AA batteries, with alkaline... (More)

Fuji announces "Four-Proof" FinePix XP10

00:01 EST - The Fujifilm FinePix XP10 is the first in the company's new series of waterproof, freezeproof, shockproof and dustproof digital cameras, dubbed "Four Proof".

The sensor in the Fuji FinePix XP10 yields an effective resolution of twelve megapixels, and sits behind a Fujinon-branded 5x optical zoom lens with a rather tight 36mm wide angle. The Fujifilm XP10 includes no optical viewfinder, with framing and review all achieved on a 2.7-inch LCD panel. Images are stored on SD or SDHC cards, or in 13MB of built in memory. Power for the Fuji XP10 comes courtesy... (More)

Fuji launches 12mpix, 5x zoom FinePix Z70

00:01 EST - The Fujifilm FinePix Z70 is the latest in the company's Z-series of digicams for the fashion-conscious.

The sensor in the Fuji FinePix Z70 yields an effective resolution of twelve megapixels, and sits behind a Fujinon-branded 5x optical zoom lens with a rather tight 36mm wide angle. The Fujifilm Z70 includes no optical viewfinder, with framing and review all achieved on a 2.7-inch LCD panel. Images are stored on SD or SDHC cards, or in 13MB of built in memory. Power for the Fuji Z70 comes courtesy of... (More)

Fujifilm: Five new J-series ultracompacts

00:01 EST - The Fujifilm FinePix JV100 , Fujifilm FinePix JV150, Fujifilm FinePix JZ300, Fujifilm FinePix JX250, and Fujifilm FinePix JZ500 are all new additions to the company's J-series lineup of ultra-compact models.

The sensor in the Fuji FinePix JV100 yields an effective resolution of twelve megapixels, and sits behind a Fujinon-branded 3x optical zoom lens with a tight 37mm wide angle. The Fujifilm JV100 includes no optical viewfinder, with framing and review all achieved on a 2.7-inch LCD panel . Images are stored on SD or SDHC cards, or in 24MB of built in memory. Power for the Fuji JV100 comes courtesy of... (More)

Fuji: Eight new A-series entry-level compacts

00:01 EST - The compact, budget-friendly Fujifilm FinePix AV100, Fujifilm FinePix AV130, Fujifilm FinePix AV150, and Fujifilm FinePix AV180, and their closely related siblings the Fujifilm FinePix AX200, Fujifilm FinePix AX230, Fujifilm FinePix AX230,Fujifilm FinePix AX250, Fujifilm FinePix AX280 are all digital cameras aimed at the beginner or casual photographer, and have relatively subtle changes to differentiate them.

The sensor in the Fuji FinePix AV100 yields an effective resolution of twelve megapixels, and sits behind a Fujinon-branded 3x optical zoom lens with a 32mm wide angle. The Fujifilm AV100 includes no optical viewfinder, with framing and review all achieved on a 2.7-inch LCD panel. Images are stored on SD or SDHC cards, or in 9MB of built in memory. Power for the Fuji AV100 comes courtesy of two AA... (More)

Bibble Pro 5.0.1 update released

16:19 EST - Bibble Labs has today announced an update to the latest release of its RAW file converter, Bibble.

Bibble 5 Pro first debuted at the end of December, and today's update adds support for two new camera models, as well as thirteen new calibrated lenses, improved color reproduction from several cameras, and a new black / gray / white point tool. There's also a newly bundled free version of the Andrea film simulation plugin. The newly supported cameras are Canon's EOS-1D Mark IV and Olympus' E-P2,... (More)

Panasonic: Two new ZS-series digicams

01:00 EST - Panasonic has today added two new models to its Lumix ZS-series, both featuring fully manual control over apertures and shutter speeds.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 and ZS5 both have twelve megapixel image sensors and Leica-branded 12x optical zoom lenses. The Panasonic ZS5 opts for a 2.5" LCD display with 230,000 dots of resolution. The ZS7 meanwhile selects a roomier, higher-res 3.0" LCD display with 460,000 dot resolution. The Lumix ZS7's biggest edge over the DMC-ZS5 is its inclusion of a built-in GPS receiver, a... (More)

Panasonic announces Lumix TS2

01:00 EST - Panasonic has today unveiled its Lumix DMC-TS2, a rugged shockproof, waterproof and dustproof digital camera.

The TS2 can survive a drop from 2.0 meters, is dustproof and waterproof to ten meters, and has a fourteen megapixel image sensor coupled to a Leica branded 4.6x optical zoom lens with a useful 28mm wide angle. The Panasonic TS2's lens has a two-step aperture. There's no optical viewfinder, with the Panasonic DMC-TS2 instead opting solely for a 2.7" LCD display. As well as JPEG still images,... (More)

Panasonic announces Lumix ZR3

01:00 EST - Panasonic has today unveiled its latest Lumix ZR-series camera, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3.

The ZR3 has a fourteen megapixel image sensor coupled to a Leica branded 8x optical zoom lens with a generous 25mm wide angle. The Panasonic ZR3's lens features true optical image stabilization, and has a two-step aperture. There's no optical viewfinder, with the Panasonic DMC-ZR3 instead opting solely for a 2.7" LCD display. As well as JPEG still images, the Panasonic Lumix ZR3 can capture... (More)

Pentax: Three new Optio compacts

17:00 EST - Pentax has today announced three new compact digital cameras - one for the existing Optio E- series of entry-level compacts, and one apiece for its new Optio H- and Optio I- series lineups.

The Pentax Optio E90 is the entry-level model, combining a ten megapixel imager with a Pentax-branded 3x optical zoom lens. The Pentax E90 also includes a 2.7-inch LCD panel, and stores images on either SD or SDHC cards plus 6MB of built-in memory. The E90 draws power from two AA batteries, with alkalines in the product bundle. Connectivity includes USB 2.0 high-speed for data, and NTSC / PAL standard... (More)

Samsung: Two new HZ-series long-zoom digicams

01:38 EST - Rounding out its announcements for the day (and bringing its total new camera models for the year to twelve already!), Samsung has announced its long-zoom HZ30W and HZ35W.

Most specifications for the Samsung HZ30W and HZ35W have yet to be revealed, with only a brief outline of their features and functionality so far available. What we do know is that the Samsung HZ35W offers a better display, being an AMOLED type rather than an LCD - both panels being 3.0-inch diagonal. The HZ35W also adds a GPS receiver that's absent from the Samsung HZ30W's design. In other... (More)

Samsung: Two new TL-series ultracompacts

00:16 EST - Samsung has today announced two new additions to its TL-series of digital cameras - the Samsung TL105 and TL110.

Most specifications for the Samsung TL110 and TL105 have yet to be revealed, with only a brief outline of their features and functionality so far available. What we do know is that the TL110 offers the higher resolution and more powerful lens, being based around a fourteen megapixel image sensor and a 5x optical zoom lens that provides 35mm-equivalent focal lengths ranging from a useful 27mm wide... (More)

Samsung announces SL630 entry-level compact

23:13 EST - Following on from the seven new digital camera models the company recently announced at the Consumer Electronics Show, Samsung has today announced its latest entry-level design.

Most specifications for the Samsung SL630 have yet to be revealed, with only a brief outline of the SL630's features and functionality so far available. What we do know is that the Samsung SL630 is based around a twelve megapixel image sensor, and includes a 5x optical zoom lens that provides 35mm-equivalent focal lengths ranging from a useful 28mm wide angle to a 140mm telephoto. The SL630 also... (More)

Canon to skip PMA 2010

00:41 EDT - With the Photo Marketing Association's Spring 2010 International Convention and Trade Show a little under five months away, interesting news has reached us from Dan Havlik of the PDN Gear Guide.

Traditionally one of the largest exhibitors at PMA each year with a booth right inside the main entrance, Canon U.S.A. Inc. has apparently decided not to attend the show next spring. In an interview with PDN, Canon USA VP and General Manager Eliott Peck stated that the decision wasn't made for economic reasons. In six of the last ten years, the PMA show has taken place in Las Vegas, Nevada, with Orlando... (More)