Yesterday Canon announced the exciting new EOS 550D / Rebel T2i DSLR camera with 18 megapixels and Full HD video. We attended last night’s UK press launch at the British Academy of Film and Arts in London to bring you a comprehensive gallery of hands-on photos.

Yesterday Canon announced four new Digital IXUS cameras, including the SX210 IS with 14x zoom, touch-screen Digital IXUS 210, and the IXUS 130 and 105 models. We attended last night’s UK press launch at the British Academy of Film and Arts in London to bring you a comprehensive gallery of hands-on photos.

The AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR is Nikon’s first ultrawide-to-wide zoom lens featuring Vibration Reduction (VR), and generally, the world’s first full-frame ultrawide lens with any form of in-lens stabilisation. Intended to be a more affordable alternative to the venerable AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED, the new AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR features Nikon’s proprietary Nano Crystal coating and incorporates 2 extra-low dispersion (ED) glass elements as well as three aspherical lens elements for superior optical performance. The Silent Wave Motor and the VR II anti-shake mechanism ensure quiet operation, while the 9 rounded diaphragm blades make for excellent bokeh. On FX and film bodies, the AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR has an angle-of-view range of 107°-63°, whilst on a DX format DSLR camera, its angle of view is 83°-44°. Featuring a filter thread size of 77mm, the AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR ships with a soft pouch and an HB-23 lens hood. Available from late February at an estimated retail price of $1259.95/£1049.99/€1249.00.

The AF-S Nikkor 24mm f/1.4G ED is a new ultra-wideangle prime for FX format DSLR camera bodies. Designed for professional photojournalists and landscapists, the AF-S Nikkor 24mm f/1.4G ED has 12 elements in 10 groups. Among these are two ED - extra-low dispersion - glass elements and two aspherical lens elements. The lens also features Nano Crystal coating to reduce reflections, and has 9 rounded aperture blades for nicely rendered out-of-focus highlights. The Silent Wave Motor ensures quiet and fast focusing and manual focus override even when the focus mode switch is in the M/A position. Boasting an angle of view of 84° on FX and film bodies (61° on DX), the AF-S Nikkor 24mm f/1.4G ED will ship from late March with a soft pouch and an HB-51 lens hood, priced at $2199.95/£1949.99/€2319.00.

Seattle-based artist Aaron Gustafson has become the first person to take large-format photographs while skydiving. Gustafson designed a helmet-mounted 4x5-inch film camera, and during the period of several months he made one photograph per jump while skydiving at speeds greater than 130 miles per hour. The camera is a cube-shaped acrylic and aluminum box that contains a wide-angle lens and houses a single sheet of 4x5-inch film at a time. “Photography is in a strange place now where everyone is taking camera-phone snapshots and posting them online,” Gustafson said. “But photography can still be grand and larger-than-life. This project came out of a desire for that. It’s a hybrid of new and old, calm and chaos.”

Photographer Nick Hannes has travelled the length and breadth of the fifteen former Soviet republics to document the life of their inhabitants. Awarded with the Nikon Press Photo Award in 2009, his photo series, “Red Journey”, will go on display in Antwerp’s FotoMuseum on 12 February. The exhibition runs until 12 March. The opening ceremony takes place from 5pm to 7pm on 12 February.

Pentax has announced an instant rebate programme in the US, effective until 15 February 2010 on 3 Pentax K-x kit configurations. The amount of the rebate is $50 and is valid on the single-lens kit consisting of the Pentax K-x digital SLR camera and the 18-55mm lens, as well as two double-lens kits including the body and afore-mentioned lens plus either the 50-200mm or the 55-300mm telezoom.

Kodak has announced the discontinuance of Kodak Professional Tri-X 320 for medium format. The American company cites “significantly decreased sales volumes” as the main reason for taking this decision. Based on current sales, these products are expected to be available in the market through March 2010. Importantly, Kodak Professional Tri-X 320 film remains available in sheet format (4x5”, 5x7” and 8x10”). Kodak Professional Tri-X 400 film is not affected by the decision in any way.

The WB5000 / HZ25W is Samsung's first entry into the big boy world of all-in-one super-zoom cameras. Offering a 24x zoom lens with 26mm wide-angle setting, the WB5000 literally has most photographic subjects covered, for both 12 megapixel stills and 720p movies. Throw in a range of hand-holding smart modes for beginners and RAW format and Manual mode for advanced users, and Samsung could be onto a winner at their very first attempt. Read our expert Samsung WB5000 / HZ25W review to find out if Panasonic, Olympus et al have anything to fear...

Canon has just unveiled the Canon EOS 550D (called the Canon EOS Rebel T2i in North America); a consumer-grade 18-megapixel digital SLR camera that can shoot 1080p high-definition videos. Canon’s advanced DIGIC 4 image processor and 18MP sensor support standard ISO settings of 100 – 6400 (expandable to 12800), while enhanced in-camera noise reduction technology boosts performance in low light conditions. The system’s 14-bit image processing produces smooth tonal gradation and natural looking colours for high quality prints and on-screen display. The EOS 550D / Rebel T2i also supports high-speed, continuous shooting at 3.7 frames per second. A 7.7cm / 3” Clear View LCD screen with 1,040k dot resolution and anti-reflective coating makes it possible to view the scene and your captured your images in bright conditions and from a variety of angles. The EOS 550D body only is available from 24th February 2010 priced at £799.99 / €899. In the USA, the Canon EOS Rebel T2i is expected to hit the shelves in early March priced at $799.99.

Canon have added four new PowerShot cameras to their lineup - the SX210 IS, SD3500 IS, SD1400 IS and SD1300 IS models. The Canon PowerShot SX210 IS ($349.99) features a 28mm wide-angle lens with 14x optical zoom, image stabilization and 3.0-inch wide LCD screen. The Canon PowerShot SD3500 IS ($329.99) is a 14 megapixel compact with a 3.5-inch wide LCD touch screen and 24mm ultra-wide angle, 5x zoom lens. The Canon PowerShot SD1400 IS ($249.99) features a 28mm wide-angle lens with 4x optical zoom lens and 14 megapixels. The Canon PowerShot SD1300 IS ($199.99) is a 12 megapixel camera with 4x zoom and 2.7-inch screen. The Canon PowerShot SX210 IS will be available in late March, and the other 3 models in late February.

The 12.1-megapixel Canon Digital IXUS 105 - called the Canon PowerShot SD1300 IS in North America - boasts classic IXUS styling, combining a slim and chic body with a 28-112mm equivalent, optically stabilised zoom lens. The IXUS 105 features a Smart Auto mode with Smart Flash Exposure and Scene Detection Technology plus Face Detection, FaceSelf-Timer and Auto Red-Eye Correction. A 2.7” rear screen and VGA movie recording at 30 frames per second round off the features list. The Canon IXUS 105 will be available from March 2010 priced at £189 / €219.

The 14-megapixel Canon Digital IXUS 130 - called the Canon PowerShot SD1400 IS in the U.S.A. - is the slimmest IXUS model to date. A 28-112mm equivalent, optically stabilised zoom lens is on board to help you take sharp photos and 720p HD videos. A 2.7” PureColor II G LCD features a new tempered glass layer, providing improved visibility during shooting and playback. Smart Shutter mode provides inventive ways to control the shutter using Face Detection Technology, enabling the user to trigger the shutter using a smile or a simple wink of an eye. Combined with FaceSelf-Timer, the IXUS 130 provides an easy way for users to get the picture they want. A new optional, ultra-slim and lightweight waterproof case (WP-DC37) is available for the IXUS 130, allowing users to protect their camera and shoot underwater to depths of up to 40m. The Canon IXUS 130 is available from March 2010 priced at £279 / €309.

The 14-megapixel Canon Digital IXUS 210 - known as the Canon PowerShot SD3500 IS in North America - boasts a 24-120mm-equivalent ultrawide-to-telephoto lens and a 3.5” touch-sensitive rear screen. By using large and easy-to-press on-screen icons while shooting, users can swiftly access commonly-used camera functions, while a simple-to-navigate touch menu system aids swift access to other camera settings. Touch AF allows the user to focus on their subject by simply ‘touching’ it on the screen.  If the subject is moving, the camera’s integrated Servo AF/AE will automatically track it, maintaining both focus and exposure for the perfect shot. 720p HD video, Smart Auto technology with Smart Flash Exposure, Face Detection and Face Self-Timer plus a range of Eye-Fi connected functions round off the features list. The Canon Digital IXUS 210 is available from early March 2010 priced at £349 / €389.

After the stir caused at the SWPP Convention in London in January, Aaduki have announced that the “Aaduki Boys” will also appear at the Focus on Imaging show. Nik Stewert, Marketing and Business Development Manager said, “The Boys caused a few eyebrows to be raised in Hammersmith to say the least. Everyone was talking about them and to say there were a lot of photographs taken of them is an understatement. Visitors and exhibitors alike were keen for a quick snap with the lads!!” Dressed in pre-branded underwear they will be helping to highlight the event itself as well as the Aaduki brand. Aaduki is an insurance company that offers a specialist service to photographers and video makers to insure cameras and other equipment.

This year marks the centenary of the first infrared photographs that have appeared in print. Professor Robert Williams Wood, the man who took the first published infrared photographs, had to sensitise his own photographic plates to infrared light, as there was no commercially produced infrared emulsion available at the time.

Minox has launched the Minox Digital Classic Camera 5.1, a minature replica of a classic 35mm rangefinder camera that has a five-megapixel sensor inside. Featuring a 2” rear monitor, the Minox 5.1 can be outfitted with a detachable eye-level optical viewfinder and a host of other accessories. Apart from taking 5mp still photographs, the camera is capable of shooting video in AVI format. All data are stored on external SD cards, while power is supplied by a removable Lithium-ion battery. The Minox DCC 5.1 has a fixed-mount, fixed-focal-length lens that accepts an optional chrome-plated brass lens cap and an add-on teleconverter. Focus can be set to 0.5m, 1m and infinity. The suggested retail price is €199.

Olympus has announced a range of official accessories for the new Olympus PEN E-PL1 digital camera. These include black and wine-red front & body cases made of genuine leather that are large enough to accommodate an Olympus PEN E-PL1 with attached M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 9–18mm f4.0–5.6 or M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14–42mm f3.5–5.6 lens; white, black or brown body jackets that protect the body without hiding its attractive design; a casual camera bag targeted at women; and a wrapping cloth that allows the camera and lens to be carried inside the user’s everyday bag or briefcase. These accessories are scheduled to go on sale in March, at prices ranging from 2,400 yen for the wrapping cloth to 9,000 yen for the front & body case.

On 23 March, Swann Auction Galleries will hold an auction featuring important photographs from the Stephen White Collection and other fine works by distinguished artists. One of the many highlights includes renowned American photographer Alfred Stiegletz’ Going Home by Ferry (estimate:  $50,000 to $75,000). Other noteworthy pieces include Andrew Russell’s Golden Spike (estimate:  $30,000 to $45,000), Lewis W. Hine’s Spinner, Cotton Mill (see above; estimate:  $12,000 to $18,000), Walker Evans’ Country Store (estimate:  $15,000 to $25,000), Andrew J. Russell’s Golden Spike Ceremony with Flag and Camera, (estimate:  $20,000 to $30,000) and Commanding half-plate daguerreotype of Henry Clay, the “Great Compromiser” (estimate:  $20,000 to $30,000). The collection also includes classical landscapes by master photographer Ansel Adams, as well as works by celebrated photographers Horst P. Horst, Mario Giacomelli and Helmut Newton. Swann Auction Galleries are located at 104 East 25th Street in New York.

It hasn't taken Panasonic long to release their second all-action digicam, the Lumix DMC-FT2. Successor to the very good FT1 model that we reviewed just a few weeks ago, the Panasonic FT2 gains new freezeproof capabilities, better shock and water proofness, plus a faster auto-focus system, more stable anti-shake, and a couple more megapixels. In this World First review, find out if the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT2 is the new toughest camera on the block.