G-Technology has announced that it is now shipping its G-Technology G-DRIVE mini and G-RAID mini external storage solutions with new high-quality, 1TB, 2.5-inch 7,200RPM hard disk drives from HGST. Delivering up to 136MB/s performance, the G-Technology G-DRIVE mini features a sleek compact and durable all-aluminium enclosure and both USB 3.0 and FireWire® 800 connectivity. Preformatted for Mac users, the drive works with Apple computer systems right out of the box and is Time Machine ready. The new G-DRIVE mini is now available for a suggested retail price of £149.99 for 1TB. Out of the box, the G-RAID mini solution is set up in RAID 0 (performance mode), with its two 7,200rpm drives working together for the performance needed to edit the most popular compressed HD formats. The G-RAID mini is FireWire bus powered — even when using USB 3.0 for data transfer. Shipping in early Q1, the 2TB G-RAID mini solution will have a MSRP of £339.99.

Sony has unveiled its newest range of Handycam branded Full HD digital camcorders. This year’s models include the Handycam PJ780VE, PJ650VE (pictured), PJ420VE, PJ320E, CX410VE, CX280E and CX220E. Key features include Balanced Optical SteadyShot, enhanced wide-angle performance, new ‘Multi Terminal’ interface and upgraded audio with an expanded dynamic range. Three models - including the range-topping PJ780VE as well as the PJ650VE and PJ320E - incorporate built-in projectors with boosted light output and upgraded resolution. New camcorders above the HDR-PJ/CX400 series feature the ‘Multi Interface Shoe’, which accommodates accessories . including external microphones - that draw power from the camera. The new range of Sony Handycam HD camcorders will be available in the UK from February 2013.

Nikon has announced the US availability of the new Nikon D5200 digital SLR camera.  The 24.1 megapixel Nikon D5200 succeeds the D5100, featuring a new EXPEED 3 image processor, ISO range of 100-6400 which is extendable to 25600, 3-inch vari-angle LCD monitor, Fulll 1080p HD movies, 5fps burst shooting, 39-point AF system, 2,016-pixel RGB metering sensor, the Scene Recognition System and a new generation GUI Design. Priced at $899.95 with the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens, the Nikon D5200 will be available in late January in three colours (black, red and bronze).

Related posts:
Chipworks Dissects Nikon D5200, Finds Toshiba Sensor Inside
Nikon D5200 Sample Photos

Sigma UK has announced the suggested retail price of the new 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM lens. Featuring a focus limiter, newly developed USB dock, dust- and splashproof construction and a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture; the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM is part of the manufacturer’s “Sports” line of lenses. Incorporating 1 SLD and 2 FLD elements, the lens’ design also compensates for sagittal coma and minimises the blurring of a point light source in peripheral areas. This lens incorporates the OS system which, the company claims, offers the use of shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower than would otherwise be possible. The new Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM lens will ba available in Sigma and Canon fits from the end of February, with a Nikon version coming at the end of March. The SRP of the lens is £3,599.99.

Sigma UK has announced the SRP of the new 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC OS HSM lens. Mainly used for general-purpose photography, this everyday lens covers a range equivalent to 25.5-105mm on a 35mm camera. The Canon version will go on sale at the end of January and the Nikon variant will be available by the end of February. Sigma, Sony and Pentax fit will follow (the latter two without the Optical Stabiliser). The suggested retail price is £449.99.

Want to see exactly what the new Canon PowerShot N camera looks like in the flesh?

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of 34 photos of the Canon PowerShot N in both matt black and glossy white.

The Canon PowerShot N is a completely different compact camera with an unconventional square design, innovative zoom and shoot operation lens rings, built-in Wi-Fi, range of creative filters and a tilting touch screen.

Want to see exactly what the new Fujifilm X100S camera looks like in the flesh?

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of 32 photos of the Fujifilm X100S, including a side-by-side comparison with its predecessor, the X100, and its new stable-mate, the X20.

The Fujifilm X100S is a premium compact camera with a newly-developed 16.3 megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor, EXR Processor II and faster auto-focusing than the original X100.

This claim was certainly borne out in our direct comparison of the two cameras, with the X100s focusing almost instantaneously despite running very early firmware. The X100 with the most recent firmware update lagged noticeably behind, so the X100S certainly promises to fix one of the few major criticisms of the original model.

Other interesting features such as focus peaking and the clever “Digital Split Image”, which displays dual images on the left and right to be lined up for manual focusing, weren’t working on the pre-production model that we tried, but things certainly look promising for the new Fujifilm X100S.

In addition to the Android-powered iM1836, Polaroid has announced two more CSCs, a bridge camera and a camcorder. The Polaroid iM1030 ($299) and Polaroid iM1232 ($349, pictured) are similar to the iM1836 in being interchangeable-lens models (which Polaroid confusingly refers to as “Micro Four Thirds bodies,” even though their sensors are apparently smaller than a regular Four Thirds imager, and the cameras require an adapter to mount MFT lenses), but lack the Android OS that makes the iM1836 truly special. Nonetheless, the Polaroid iM1232 offers built-in Wi-Fi allowing users to instantly upload and share photos on their favourite social networks. Apart from these differences, the three models appear to be quite similar, featuring 18.1-megapixel sensors, 10-30mm kit lenses and 3.5” rear displays.

The company is also launching a bridge camera called Polaroid iS2433 ($199), featuring a 25-600mm equivalent superzoom lens and back-illuminated 16.1-megapixel Sony CMOS sensor; and a camcorder (Polaroid iD975, $249) with 10x optical zoom, capable of shooting Full HD video and 16-megapixel stills.

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Manfrotto Distribution has announced the new 290 Foldable Three-Way Head. Lightweight and durable, this new head allows for precise framing, and packs easily thanks to the addition of foldable handles, leaving space for more equipment in your gear-bag. The Manfrotto 290 Series Foldable Three-Way Head can be purchased on its own or bundled with one of three Manfrotto 290 Series tripods - the 290 aluminium tripod, the 293 carbon-fibre tripod or the 293 aluminium tripod. “We are thrilled to debut innovative photography solutions that deliver on our brand’s reputation for excellent quality and versatility,” said Jodi Palm, category manager, photo supports. “Our new 290 foldable three-way head is durable and light-weight, while delivering easy and precise framing capability. Additionally, we’re excited to showcase the full 290 series carbon fiber lineup.”

Polaroid has officially announced the upcoming launch of its Android-powered, interchangeable-lens compact system camera, the 18-megapixel Polaroid iM1836. Produced by Sakar, an authorised Polaroid licensee, the Polaroid iM1836 features the latest Android 4.1 “Jelly Bean” operating system and comes standard with a 10-30mm zoom lens. Highlights include a pop-up flash, 3.5” capacitive touchscreen interface and 1080p Full HD capture. ” With built-in peer-to-peer Wi-Fi and easy-to-use Polaroid photo sharing apps on board, the Polaroid iM1836 lets users instantly upload and share stunning, professional-quality image creations with friends via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, Vimeo and more, all at the touch of a button,” the company says. Slated for a 2013 Q1 release, the Polaroid iM1836 carries a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $399.

Ambarella today introduced the A9 camera System on Chip (SoC) with support for the new 4K Ultra HD video standard. In addition to 4K at 30fps, the A9 supports high frame-rate video for capturing fast-action sports with 1080p video at 120fps or 720p video at 240fps. The A9 includes dual core ARMR CortexT-A9 CPUs providing the performance required for advanced applications including wireless connectivity to smartphones for video streaming or image sharing. “The A9 unleashes 4K Ultra HD video into the consumer camera marketplace,” said Fermi Wang, president & CEO of Ambarella.  “Using A9, our customers can create camera products with a unique combination of advanced fast-action video features, exceptional still image quality, and full wireless connectivity.” Multi-exposure HDR imaging support, electronic image stabilisation with rolling shutter correction and fast continuous shooting are all supported by the new Ambarella SoC, making it an attractive option for manufacturers of next-generation digital cameras.

Vanguard has unveiled a number of new products at CES, including the GH-300T pistol grip ball head with built-in shutter release trigger, the Abeo Pro tripod, Abeo Plus 323AV tripod with PH-123V fluid video pan head and new Vojo photo-video bags. Featuring a unique, remote shutter release built into the grip handle, the GH-300T pistol grip ball head enables users to trip their camera’s shutter without pulling their hand from the grip. The GH-300T also features two panning axes: a 72-click-point panning base just below the camera mounting plate for precise panoramic images, and a second 360-degree panning base at the tripod mounting base for following subjects in motion. The Abeo Pro tripod’s Multi-Angle Central Column system allows users to move the central column from 0 to 180-degree angles in variable vertical and horizontal positions; its Instant Swivel Stop-n-Lock (ISSL) System securely repositions the central column in one simple movement, in just a few seconds, while maintaining the tripod’s stability. The 3-in-1 All-Terrain feet provide the perfect solution for any surface: angled rubber, spikes, and a set of snow/sand shoes. The new Vanguard Vojo Series shoulder bags (models 22, 25 and 28) offer space for a camera, personal items, and a padded compartment for a tablet or compact laptop.

The Sigma DP3 Merrill compact camera features a 50mm F2.8 lens and a 46 megapixel Foveon X3 sensor. The Sigma DP3 Merrill’s high-performance 50mm F2.8 lens has the equivalent angle of view as 75mm on a 35mm lens. The 23.5×15.7mm full-colour Foveon X3 direct image sensor (Generation name “Merrill”), featured in the Sigma DP3 Merrill incorporates 46 effective megapixels (4,800×3,200×3 layers). The availability and price of the Sigma DP3 Merrill have yet to be announced.

The Nikon 1 Nikkor VR 10–100mm f/4.0–5.6 is a small and convenient superzoom lens for Nikon’s compact system cameras. Billed as the world’s smallest carry-anywhere 10x zoom lens, thee Nikon 1 Nikkor VR 10–100mm f/4.0–5.6 has a 35mm equivalent focal range of 27-270mm. Nikon’s integrated Vibration Reduction (VR) mechanism helsp users cature crisp stills and stready video footage.

The Nikon 1 Nikkor VR 6.7–13mm f/3.5–5.6 is a new wide zoom for the Nikon 1 System. With a 35mm equivalent focal range of 18-35mm, the Nikon 1 Nikkor VR 6.7–13mm f/3.5–5.6 is currently the widest lens available for Nikon compact system cameras. The lens comes equipped with the manufacturer’s proven Vibration Reduction (VR) technology that enables users to take hand-held shots at slower shutter speeds than would otherwise be possible with a lens of this type.

Nikon has announced two new compact system cameras, the14.2-megapixel Nikon 1 J3 and the 10.1-megapixel Nikon 1 S1. Billed as the world’s smallest body among digital cameras with interchangeable lenses employing an image sensor larger than CX format, the Nikon 1 J3 (pictured) also boasts the world’s shortest release time lag and fastest continuous shooting speed of 15fps with auto focus and up to 60 fps with fixed-point AF. The Nikon 1 S1 launches the new S-series of fast and stylish camera bodies designed for speed and simplicity. Claimed to be “as convenient and easy to use as a compact camera, but much faster and significantly more powerful, with better image quality,” the Nikon 1 S1 has a clean, minimalist design with simplified controls. Both models can record Full HD movies at 60 and 30 fps and 60i, 60p, and 30p frame rates, and even capture full-resolution photos while filming.

Nikon has added two new models to its Coolpix range of compact cameras in the form of the Wi-Fi enabled Coolpix S6500 and the stylish S2700. The Nikon Coolpix S6500 (pictured) comes with a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor and a wide-angle Nikkor 12x optical zoom lens covering a 35mm equivalent focal range of 25-300mm. The built-in Wi-Fi means you can transfer them directly to your smart device ready for uploading to your favourite social media venues. Additionally, you can use your smart device as a remote control for the camera.The Nikkon Coolpix S2700 comes without Wi-fi but has a slender 20.7 mm body with 6x optical zoom, and offers features like motion blur reduction, in-camera retouching and subject tracking auto focus. The S6500 has Full HD 1080p movie recording capabilities, while the S2700 offers 720p video only.

Sony has added seven new models to its Cyber-shot range of digital compact cameras. The Full HD enabled Sony Cyber-shot WX200 has an 18.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and 10x optical zoom with Optical SteadyShot (OSS), high-speed AF and Wi-Fi. The Cyber-shot WX80 offers a 16.2-megapixel imager, 8x optical zoom with OSS, Wi-fi and Full HD video. The Sony WX60 has similar specifications sans Wi-Fi. The Cyber-shot W730 also has a 16-megapixel imager and 8x optical zoom with OSS but shoots 720p movies instead of Full HD video. The Sony W710 has the same CCD as the W730 but comes with a 5x zoom lens without SteadyShot. The Sony Cyber-shot TF1 is a water-, dust-, shock- and freezeproof offering with 16 megapixels, 4x optical zoom, OSS and 720p video, while the AA battery powered Sony H200 (pictured) has a 20.1-megapixel CCD and 26x optical zoom.

The 12-megapixel Olympus TG-630 and 16-megapixel TG-830 are the latest additions to the manufacturer’s line-up of ruggedised Tough cameras. Waterproof to 5m, freezeproof to -10 °C and shockproof to 1.5m, the family-oriented Olympus TG-630 (£169.99) comes with a 28-140mm equivalent zoom lens. The more serious Olympus TG-830 (£249.99, pictured) is waterproof to 10m, crushproof to 100kg, freezeproof to -10 °C and shockproof to 2m;.and comes with built-in GPS and e-Compass. Both cameras offer 5x optical zoom, 60fps sequential shooting, Full HD video capture and advanced underwater white balance. The Olympus TG-630 is availabele from early February, while the Olympus TG-830 is expected to hit the shelves in mid-March.

The Olympus SZ-15 is a 16-megapixel compact camera with 24x optical zoom and an interesting telemacro function that allows users to capture great close-ups of tiny creatures from a very reasonable working distance. The 25-600mm equivalent zoom lens covers everything from ultra-wide angle to super-telephoto, while the image stabilisation system ensures sharp images even when the camera is used in a hand-held fashion. Also capable of shooting 720p HD movies, the Olympus SZ-15 is expected to hit the shops in mid-March, at a recommended retail price of £179.99.