Sony has released a firmware update for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX10 and Cyber-shot DSC-QX100 lens-sensor modules. Version 2.00 changes the resolution of MP4 video files from 1440x1080 to 1920x1080 pixels and expands the ISO range to ISO 3200/36° on the QX10 and ISO 12800/42° on the QX100. Additionally, the Sony Cyber-shot QX100 gains a "shutter priority auto" shooting mode, enabling users to control shutter speed directly.

Website: Sony QX10/QX100 Firmware Update 2.00 (Mac)
Website: Sony QX10/QX100 Firmware Update 2.00 (Windows)

See exactly what the new Olympus SP-100EE compact camera looks like in the flesh, and read our first hands-on impressions.

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of photos of the Olympus SP-100EE compact camera, which intriguingly features the world's first dot aiming point on a camera.

Ricoh has posted a firmware update for the Ricoh GR digital compact camera. Version 3.00 adds [Aspect Ratio] to the parameters of [RAW Development], enables shutter speed adjustments in 1/3EV increments when [ISO Step Setting] is set to [1/3EV], adds a [Folder Name Setting] to the Setup menu and a new [AFL Focus Setting] to the Key Custom Options menu. You can download the firmware upgrade from the website below.

Website: Ricoh Japan

Sony are set to unveil more new compact, bridge and mirrorless cameras at next month's CP+ show.

In a briefing held by Sony UK today, company representatives stated that a new ultra-zoom bridge camera will be announced in February with a faster processor than previous generations. The mystery product was demoed live with no annoying "Processing..." messages while images were saved, and burst shooting continuing indefinitely until the memory card is filled, albeit at a reduced frame-rate. The new super-zoom bridge model is just a small part of Sony's emphasis on faster speed for their 2014 cameras, which will also encompass faster auto-focusing speeds.

In addition to the bridge camera, new compact cameras will be announced in February, along with new compact system camera models at both the CP+ show and Photokina later in the year.

Meanwhile, the Sony Cyber-shot QX10 smartphone module apparently sold out in the UK during the Christmad period. Aided by strong sales of the more expensive QX100 model, the Sony QX series will definitely continue into the second generation.

Want to see exactly what the new Sony Cyber-shot W830 / W810 compact cameras look like in the flesh?

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of 22 photos of the 20.1 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot W830 / W810 compact cameras.

This week we’re revealing our favourite products from last year in our annual awards, looking back at the essential photography kit that helped to define 2013.

Our eight and final award is for Camera of the Year 2013, which goes to the Sony A7R.

“The Sony A7R is the most revolutionary camera of 2013, bringing 35mm full-frame, interchangeable lens shooting to the masses both in terms of cost and size. Importantly the A7R is also well-built, a pleasure to use and delivers outstanding image quality.”

Read the Full Review

Congratulations to Sony and the A7R!

This week we’re revealing our favourite products from last year in our annual awards, looking back at the essential photography kit that helped to define 2013.

The Compact Camera of the Year 2013 award goes to the Fujifilm X20.

“...the Fujifilm X20 delivers such a winning combination of old and new that offers so many important improvements over the original model that we can heartily recommend it for new and X10 users alike.”

Read the Full Review

Congratulations to Fujifilm and the FinePix X20!

The Kodak Pixpro AZ651 is a new superzoom camera boasting 65x optical zoom, image stabilisation and a 3" vari-angle display. Equipped with a 24-1560mm equivalent lens, the AZ651 is capable of shooting Full HD videos and comes with a proprietary lithium-ion battery. The AZ651 is scheduled to go on sale in spring 2014 at a price of $349.

The Samsung WB2200F dual-grip camera offers a 1/2.3-type 16-megapixel CMOS imager and 60x optical zoom. Equipped with a 20-1200mm equivalent f/2.8-5.9 lens, the Samsung WB2200F features integrated Wi-Fi, image stabilisation, Near-Field Communication (NFC), an i-Function control button and an eye-level electronic viewfinder.

The Samsung WB350F is a compact 16-megapixel camera with 23-483mm equivalent lens and on-board Wi-Fi connectivity with NFC. Other highlights include a 3" touchscreen, wireless photo sharing, automated image backup, remote shooting and Full HD video recording capabilities. In addition, this camera is capable of uploading original photographs directly to the user's Dropbox folder. The Samsung WB350F is currently on display at the CES trade show held from 7th-10th January in Las Vegas.

The Samsung WB1100F is a new digital compact camera with 35x optical zoom, Wi-Fi and NFC. Equipped with a 16-megapixel CCD and a 25-875mm equivalent lens, theThe Samsung WB1100F is a new digital compact camera with 35x optical zoom, Wi-Fi and NFC. has a Speed Control Key that allows users to move through the various levels of zoom with speed and ease. The Speed Control Key can be used to activate both the zoom and the Panorama mode. The Samsung WB1100F is currently on display at the CES trade show held from 7th-10th January in Las Vegas.

Sony has unveiled two new Cyber-shot W series digital compact cameras with 20.1-megapixel CCD sensors. The Sony Cyber-shot W830 combines a 26-208mm equivalent lens, Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation and a metallic exterior in a sleek and compact body. The W810 (above) shares the same CCD but comes with a 26-156mm equivalent lens. The new models offer the opportunity to shoot 360-degree Sweep Panoramas and feature an advanced flash which optimally controls ISO sensitivity so users can light faraway subjects to really bring their pictures to life. Both cameras are limited to 720p capture in video mode, for reasons inherent in the design of their CCDs. The Sony Cyber-shot W830 and W810 will go on general sale in Europe from February 2014.

Nikon has refreshed its Coolpix L ("Life") range of digital compact cameras with four new models. Leading the pack is the Nikon Coolpix L830 ($300, above), which features 34x optical zoom, a 16-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor with Hybrid VR image stabilisation, Full HD video recording and a titlable LCD screen. The considerably smaller Coolpix L29 (£69.99 / €84.00) offers 5x optical zoom, a 16-megapixel CCD and an anti-reflection 2.7” LCD screen. The similarly styled Coolpix L30 (£89.99 / €109.00 / $119.95) comes with a 20-megapixel CCD, 3" monitor and 5x optical zoom. Finally, the classically styled Nikon Coolpix L330 (£179.99 / €219.00) packs a 20-megapixel sensor and a 26x zoom lens with lens-shift Vibration Reduction for blur-free images.

Nikon has expanded its Coolpix S range of slimline digital compact cameras with two Wi-Fi enabled 16-megapixel models. The Nikon Coolpix S6800 (£199.99 / €249.00 / $219.95, above) offers 12x optical zoom courtesy of a 25-300mm equivalent lens, and can take up to seven full-resolution photos in less than a second thanks to its 8.4fps continuous shooting speed. The Nikon Coolpix S5300 (£169.99 /  €209.00 / $179.95) has a 25-200mm equivalent lens and offers 32 filter effects. Both cameras can record Full HD videos and both offer easy image sharing over Wi-Fi.

Nikon has added three new 20-megapixel cameras to its Coolpix S line-up. The Nikon Coolpix S3600 (£129.99 / €159.00 / $139.95) features a 25-200mm equivalent lens with lens-shift Vibration Reduction, Scene Auto Selector and 32 creative filter effects. The Coolpix S6700 (£149.99 / €180.00) offers 10x optical zoom, target-finding auto focus and 32 quick effects. Finally, the Nikon Coolpix S2800 (above, exclusive to Argos) has a wide-angle 5x zoom lens, Scene Auto Selector and again 32 digital effects. Because of the limitations inherent in the design of their CCD imagers, all of these cameras are limited to 720p resolution when it comes to shooting movies.

C&A Licensing and Socialmatic have signed an agreement through which the Polaroid Socialmatic instant camera will be produced and brought to market in 2014. Billed as a "unique blend of the old and new schools," the Polaroid Socialmatic camera combines the nostalgic appeal of vintage Polaroid instant cameras with the modern convenience of being able to instantly connect and share via major social media networks using the camera’s built in Wi-Fi and Android interface. If Wi-Fi isn’t immediately available, the camera will easily pair with the user’s smartphones via Bluetooth to enable instant sharing. Additionally, the Polaroid Socialmatic camera will allow users to select, print and share images instantly on 2X3 inch full-colour ZINK Paper. Slated for an autumn launch, the Polaroid Socialmatic instant digital camera will be on display at the Polaroid booth #13613 at CES.

Panasonic has taken the wraps off four new Lumix cameras to coincide with this year’s CES. The new models are: the TZ60, a 30x travel zoom with Leica lens and promised March 2014 availability in the UK; the TZ55, a 20x zoom compact appearing the same month; the LZ40, a whopping 42x zoom surfacing in April 2014; plus the SZ8, a 12x zoom model, also available from March.

The 18-megapixel Panasonic Lumix TZ60 is billed as the world's slimmest premium compact with an electronic viewfinder and 30x optical zoom. Headline specifications include an optically stabilised 24-720mm equivalent ultrazoom lens, "Light Speed Auto Focus," focus peaking, raw image capture, Full HD video recording and a manual control ring. High-speed consecutive shooting lets you shoot 10fps in 18.1-megapixel full resolution with the mechanical shutter (5fps with continuous AF). Panasonic’s advanced image stabiliser now includes HYBRID OIS+ for video recording. With 5-axis correction that detects and effectively compensates for the camera's five types of movement, you can achieve beautifully steady videos, the company claims. Meanwhile, the Level Shot Function detects the horizontal line of the recording image and keeps it level, even if the camera is tilted, letting you record stable video footage, even when shooting with the camera held above your head.

The 16.1-megapixel Panasonic Lumix TZ55 is a new, pocket-sized digital compact camera with a 24-480mm equivalent lens, optical image stabilisation, a tiltable LCD screen and Wi-Fi connectivity. Other highlights include 10fps continuous shooting, "Sonic Speed Autofocus," 15 creative filters, remote shoooting and Full HD video recording, The LUMIX TZ55’s wide connectivity options also mean that you can share your images and movies easily and instantaneously via your smartphone or tablet, even in destinations far from home.

The Panasonic Lumix LZ40 is a new superzoom camera with an optically stabilised 22-924mm equivalent lens, 20-megapixel sensor and a 3", 460k-dot rear screen. Offering full manual control, the Panasonic LZ40 comes with a Creative Panorama mode and 15 filter effects. In addition to capturing high-resolution stills, the Lumix LZ40 can also record 720p high-definition videos with the press of an independent ‘motion picture’ button.