LetsGoDigital have exclusive news of 6 new digital cameras from Samsung, headed by the 7 megapixel Digimax V70 (pictured). No sign of any official press releases yet, so more details when I get them. In the meantime here’s a brief round-up of the new models:

Samsung Digimax V70
“With a 7 Megapixel high definition CCD, the Digimax V70 gives photographers the ability to print up to A1 size of poster with great detail. Coupled with the on camera trimming function this means you can get the shot you want without using a PC. The Digimax V70 has 3x optical zoom (equivalent to 38mm -114mm in 35mm format) and a further 5x digital zoom to give 15x total zoom.”
http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/news/articles/story_1793.html

Samsung Digimax U-CA 505
“Sleek, compact and ultra thin (97 x 52 x 25 mm), the Digimax U-CA 501/505 packs impressive features, including 5 Megapixels, into a stylish body that’s small enough to take anywhere. The Digimax U-CA 501/505 has a 2.0-inch TFT LCD, which is a pleasure to use outdoors, bright enough to use even in direct sunlight for both composing and reviewing your shots.”
http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/news/articles/story_1792.html

Samsung Digimax U-CA 501
“Sleek, compact and ultra thin (97 x 52 x 25 mm), the Digimax U-CA 501/505 packs impressive features, including 5 Megapixels, into a stylish body that’s small enough to take anywhere. The Digimax U-CA 501/505 has a 2.0-inch TFT LCD, which is a pleasure to use outdoors, bright enough to use even in direct sunlight for both composing and reviewing your shots.”
http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/news/articles/story_1792.html

Samsung Digimax A6
“The Samsung Digimax A6 and A5 digital cameras come equipped with a wide range of the most technologically advanced and cutting-edge features available on the market at an affordable price. The Digimax A6 has a 6 Megapixel CCD sensor and the Digimax A5 has a 5 Megapixel CCD sensor.”
http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/news/articles/story_1791.html

Samsung Digimax A5
“The Samsung Digimax A6 and A5 digital cameras come equipped with a wide range of the most technologically advanced and cutting-edge features available on the market at an affordable price. The Digimax A6 has a 6 Megapixel CCD sensor and the Digimax A5 has a 5 Megapixel CCD sensor.”
http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/news/articles/story_1791.html

Samsung Digimax A400
“A 4 Megapixel auto focus camera with 2.8x optical and 4x digital zoom, the Samsung Digimax A400 captures crisp images. The Digimax has a 2.0-inch colour TFT LCD that enables users to quickly and easily review and preview. The superb 5cm macro mode allows users to capture clear images of subject matter as close as 5cm from the camera’s lens.”
http://www.letsgodigital.org/en/news/articles/story_1790.html

Website: LetsGoDigital - Photokina Coverage

Eastman Kodak Company Press Release 21/09/04

New KODAK EASYSHARE LS755 Digital Camera Combines Sleek Design with High-End Features

TOKYO, September 21 - Eastman Kodak Company today unveiled the EASYSHARE LS755 zoom digital camera, a sleek, Japanese-designed model created for the person with impeccable style and taste. It pairs high tech features and outstanding image quality.

The camera will be available in Japan beginning in Q4.

“We developed the LS755 camera to meet the discerning eye of Japanese consumers, who relentlessly seek the best combination of form and function,” said Yusuke Kojima, general manager of worldwide digital camera and system development, and vice president, Eastman Kodak Company.

The size of a deck of playing cards, the EASYSHARE LS755 camera’s aluminum body houses exclusive, high-powered components and technologies to deliver and share stunning pictures.

A professional-grade SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH C-VARIOGON 3X (36 - 108 mm equivalent) zoom lens and 5.0 megapixel CCD sensor work in conjunction to maximize picture quality. With each press of the shutter button, the camera rapidly analyzes lighting conditions and color balance to deliver sharp, color-accurate, properly exposed pictures. To help keep the camera body very thin while still using a barrel lens for optimal picture quality, Kodak developed an innovative, first-of-its-kind solution - the lens retracts behind the shutter when the camera is turned off.

Panasonic Press Release 21/09/04

- The cameras have 3.2 megapixel photo, MPEG4 video and music capabilities all in one ultra compact device -

Osaka, Japan - Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., best known for its Panasonic brand products, today introduced two new D-snap SD video cameras. The models SV-AS30 and SV-AS3 can snap still and moving images, play back video and music files, record voice notes and share contents with a wide variety of SD-enabled products, including digital TVs, DVD recorders and printers. The SV-AS30 will be available to the public on October 30 and the SV-AS3 on November 27.

The two models function as effective 3.2 megapixel CCD digital cameras, MPEG4 video recorders, AAC/WMA/MP3 music players and voice recorders recording up to 66 hours on a 1 GB SD Memory Card. The SV-AS30, super-thin model, incorporates all these features in a compact 53.2 ? 103.2 ? 9.9 mm (14.0 mm at the lens) casing, the slimmest in the world. The stylish and ultra-portable units can conveniently drop into a pocket or lady’s purse.

Equipped with an SD Memory Card slot, they can network with PCs and other SD-compatible products. As a digital still camera, they produce 16:9 images in the HDTV mode. Images can be reproduced on Panasonic’s VIERA large-screen high-definition TVs. By directly connecting to a PictBridge*1 compatible printer, the new D-snap models can print images without using a PC.

The Hungarian website Index Digicam have just reviewed the ImpressCam Elite DSC 11 digicam, a 4 megapixel model that I admit to not having heard of before.

Website: Index Digicam - ImpressCam Elite DSC 11 Review

Imaging Resource have reviewed the Kodak Easyshare DX7440, a 4-megapixel digital camera with a 4x (33 - 132 mm equivalent) optical zoom lens. The camera is available now for a suggested retail price of US$349.

“Low image noise at low ISOs. Also low at higher ISO settings, but a heavy price is paid in terms of image detail. Image noise is present in the DX7440’s images but quite low at the 80 and 100 ISO equivalent settings. As the ISO increases, the noise levels remain fairly low, but that’s because the camera makes a heavy tradeoff with subtle subject detail to suppress the noise in the final images. The net effect isn’t too bad at ISO 200, but the ISO 400 shot looks almost like a watercolor painting in places. - Don’t shoot with the DX7440 at ISO settings over 200 if you care about subtle detail in your photos.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Kodak Easyshare DX7440 Review

Canon UK Press Release 21/09/04

10 millionth Digital IXUS

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, today announces the global production of its 10 millionth Digital IXUS camera - otherwise known as IXY (Japan) and ELPH (America). The 10 millionth camera is expected to sell during October 2004.

Released in May 2000, the first Digital IXUS camera sold over 800,000 units world-wide and began a string of successes for Canon in the style-conscious digital compact camera market. The camera had a 2.1 Megapixel resolution and weighed 190g. By comparison, the latest Digital IXUS i5 has 5.0 Megapixels and weighs just 100g .

“We are delighted to achieve this important milestone,” said Malcolm Hills, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging in the UK and Ireland. “The continuing success of the Digital IXUS brand confirms the importance of meeting the demands of the quality-conscious customer who has an appreciation for aesthetic and an uncompromising approach to technology, style and design.”

Canon UK Press Release 21/09/04

Stunning new Digital IXUS 40 and Digital IXUS 30 join IXUS family

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the super stylish brother-sister cameras - the Digital IXUS 40 and Digital IXUS 30. A breakthrough in lens material science has paved the way for the smallest ever cameras from Canon to feature a 3x optical zoom. These are also the first in the IXUS range to incorporate Canon’s DIGIC II processor.

With beautifully rounded curves and polished, all-metal bodies, Canon takes the IXUS design philosophy to new levels. These petite and desirable digital accessories feature ‘over-size’ 2.0” LCD displays and blistering DIGIC II performance processing power for super responsive shooting, superb image quality and instant playback.  DIGIC II also means that the length of video footage these cameras can shoot is limited only by the capacity of the SD card .

“Icons of design are created where art and technological breakthroughs fuse,” said Malcolm Hills, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging in the UK and Ireland. “The new UA lens material developed by Canon?s research scientists led the way for our designers to take Yasushi Shiotani?s original IXUS design to a new, higher plane. We are thrilled with the result.”

The Digital IXUS 40 will be available from October 2004 for £319 RRP inc. VAT /  EUROS 460.99 RRP inc. VAT

The Digital IXUS 30 will be available from October 2004 for £249 RRP inc. VAT /  EUROS 359.99 RRP inc. VAT exclusively at Jessops

Canon UK Press Release 21/09/04

Digital IXUS i5 - New jewel in Canon’s coolest range

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the exquisitely compact Digital IXUS i5 digital still camera - an undeniably chic new addition to the legendary IXUS collection. Available in four irresistible finishes - Platinum Silver, Midnight Blue, Bordeaux Red and Storm Grey - Canon’s smallest ever 5.0 Megapixel camera is the ultimate digital accessory, designed to make taking great pictures simple. Half the size of many mobile phones, the silky look-and-feel all-metal body weighs just 100g.

With a 6.5x digital zoom to close in on the action, the Digital IXUS i5 can shoot 180 second video clips with full sound and playback.  A Print/Share button enables one-touch photo-printing to any PictBridge compatible photo printer, including Canon’s new SELPHY lab-quality personal photo printers.  The look and feel of the SELPHY range perfectly compliments the IXUS i5 and together they produce stunning prints. For beach fun, skiing, snorkelling and surfing, an optional 3m depth all-weather case is available.

The Digital IXUS i5 will be available from November 2004 for £319 RRP inc. VAT / EUROS 460.99 RRP inc. VAT

Canon USA Press Release 21/09/04

CANON’S SOPHISTICATED, STYLISH AND SLENDER NEW POWERSHOT SD200 AND SD300 DIGITAL ELPH CAMERAS OFFER BIG SCREEN VIEWING IN POCKET-SIZED PACKAGES

Canon’s New Ultra Slim, Ultra Compact PowerShot SD200 and SD300 Digital ELPH Cameras Offer Image Excellence, Large LCD Screens and Small Size to Today’s Consumers

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. Sept. 21, 2004 - Canon makes shooting and viewing brilliant high-quality digital pictures simple with two fast, sleek and slender new digital cameras. The 3.2-megapixel PowerShot SD200 Digital ELPH and 4.0-megapixel PowerShot SD300 Digital ELPH cameras combine large 2.0-inch LCD screens, cutting edge technology with UA Lens and Canon’s exclusive DIGIC II image processing technology into ultra compact 3.35 x 2.20 x 0.94 inch packages.

“Since the introduction of the first Digital ELPH model in May of 2000, Canon has gained an outstanding reputation for small, stylish compact cameras with excellent image quality,” said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group at Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ). “The new PowerShot SD200 and SD300 Digital ELPH models embody the basic principles of the ELPH line - ultra compact, lightweight and highly elegant - while striving to produce the best image quality possible.”

Canon pioneered the stylish camera concept in 1996 with the first ELPH camera, an APS film model designed to take great pictures and fit stylishly into the consumer lifestyle. With each PowerShot Digital ELPH Canon introduces, the company continues to focus on style, fashion and the distinctive look and feel of the Digital ELPH line, a look that many competitors have subsequently tried to copy. Canon’s new PowerShot SD200 and SD300 Digital ELPH cameras honor the ELPH heritage of ultimate style while incorporating the latest imaging technologies, like the DIGIC II image processor.

Canon USA Press Release 21/09/04

CANON’S FASHION FOCUSED POWERSHOT SD20 DIGITAL ELPH CAMERAS FEATURE IMAGING EXCELLENCE IN FOUR ELEGANT NEW COLORS

Form Meets Function With Canon’s New Five-Megapixel Beauties That Feature Fashionable Fall Colors in Garnet, Midnight Blue, Zen Gray and Silver

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Sept. 21, 2004 - Whether accentuating the hottest new attire during a memorable night on the town, or a fun day of shopping with friends, style enthusiasts are sure to zoom in on the most picturesque fashion accessory this fall ? Canon’s five-megapixel PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH cameras. The new PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH cameras combine excellent image quality with sultry sizzle - all the while keeping their slim, (3.6 x 1.9 x 0.7 inches) modelesque figure.

A Fashionista Must-Have
Designed for the fashion conscious trendsetter, the PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH comes in four new, exclusive colors that are ready to snap up plenty of attention this season. No matter if it’s the glamorous look of Silver for a night of dancing, an elegant deep Midnight Blue during an evening under the stars, the rich, sophisticated tone of Garnet, or the tranquility of Zen Gray that will please anyone’s inner chi, there is a PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH camera to suit any occasion.

Canon’s new PowerShot SD20 Digital ELPH cameras exude style. These new models replace last year’s superbly successful PowerShot SD10 Digital ELPH cameras, which debuted as the fall season’s sizzling new fashion accessory when mega-hot fashion designer and star costumer Patricia Field paired the SD10 Digital ELPH cameras with her latest line and her models wore the cameras down her 2003 “House of Field” Fashion Week catwalk.

Fujifilm UK Press Release 21/09/04

Fujifilm’s FinePix F455 Zoom: sharp looks and even sharper pictures

Release Date: 21 September 2004

New five megapixel addition to Fujifilm’s ultra-smart ‘F’ range of digital cameras

Fujifilm today announced the FinePix F455 Zoom, a sleek new model that increases Fujifilm’s already powerful presence in ultra-compact digital cameras. Beneath its elegant exterior lies a powerful sensor delivering five megapixel resolution and a 3.4x times optical zoom lens, balancing strength and style in a diminutive package exactly the same size as a standard deck of cards.

The FinePix F455 Zoom also boasts a high resolution, two-inch LCD screen, making it ideal for checking the five megapixel detail of your best shots.

Capable of low sensitivity settings of ISO 80, the FinePix F455 Zoom allows users to capture images of exceptional clarity, even in bright conditions. The five megapixel sensor also means that images can be enlarged without loss of quality or detail.

Furthermore, Fujifilm has developed a new battery system with reduced energy consumption, giving the FinePix F455 Zoom greater staying power. And with its xD-Picture Card memory (currently available in capacities up to 512MB), the FinePix F455 Zoom can store and download multiple images quickly and easily. This versatile camera also comes with a USB PictureCradle, useful for recharging batteries and parking your camera when not in use. PictBridge compatibility means that images can also be printed directly without the need for a PC or a Mac.

The Danish website Akamera.dk have reviewed the Olympus Mju 410 Digital camera. The Mju 410 is encased in a full metal body with a silver finish, offers 4 megapixels and a 3x optical zoom. The Mju 410 is the first Mju Digital model to feature TruePic Turbo, a new image processor which sharpens image clarity, contrast and colour for life-like results. Available now for £299.99 (inc VAT).

Website: Akamera.dk - Olympus Mju 410 Digital Review

Website: Read my review of the Olympus Mju 410 Digital

Concord Camera Corp. Press Release 20/09/04

CONCORD CAMERA CORP. DEMONSTRATES REVOLUTIONARY WI-FI TECHNOLOGY FOR DIGITAL CAMERAS

Fast Wi-Fi Photo Transmission at 1/10th of a second for a 4 Megapixel Image

Hollywood, FL September 20, 2004—Concord Camera Corp. (“Concord”) (Nasdaq:LENS), a leader in award-winning, high-quality, affordably priced digital cameras, announced today that it will demonstrate its clever new wireless image transfer technology for digital cameras called WIT (Wireless Image Transfer) at Photokina next week in Cologne, Germany. 

Concord will showcase the new WIT technology through a standalone prototype, a pocket-sized 2” x 2” WIT-enabled Wi-Fi device which plugs into a camera’s USB port allowing photos to be transmitted wirelessly over the Internet from Concord digital cameras, as well as other cameras utilizing mass storage technology.  WIT technology transmits using the 802.11b standard for compatibility with all Wi-Fi hot spots and base stations, as well as using the 802.11g standard to take advantage of the latest and fastest Wi-Fi transmission technology.  It is about 1500 times faster than traditional GSM (GPRS) networks today, and will be 20 times faster than mobile 3G networks.  WIT enables users to transmit a high quality 4 Megapixel image at 1/10th of a second, and video clips at up to 54MB per second.  WIT transmits images by e-mail or FTP with the help of a WI-FI access point or Hotspot. 

“As Wi-Fi explodes globally, we believe this type of wireless imaging technology has great potential for standalone camera accessories, as well as, being integrated into digital cameras,” said Jeff Mandell, VP Worldwide Marketing. 

PCMagazine have posted a very favourable review of the 6 megapixel Casio EXILIM PRO EX-P600 digital camera.

“The Casio Exilim EX-P600’s solid image quality, versatile lens, great LCD, pleasing design, and impressive menus outweigh such negatives as mediocre recycle time and slightly dark exposures; this pocketable winner is the best 6-megapixel point-and-shoot camera to come through our labs so far.”

Website: PCMagazine - Casio EXILIM PRO EX-P600 Review

From the sublime (Salgado) to the ridiculous; the Japanese company Tomy have released a digital camera for dogs. Yes, that’s right, dogs. If you’ve ever wondered what your best canine friend gets up to when you aren’t looking, then this will be the perfect gift. Expect a budgie-sized camera featuring a mobile phone CCD sensor soon…

Thanks to Marcos Katz for sending me one of the most amusing links that I’ve received in a while!

Website: Tomy Japan - Wonderful Shot 3.5

Website: Engadget - The Wonderful Shot: TOMY?s digital camera for dogs

Steves Digicams are first off the blocks with their review of the 6 megapixel Fuji FinePix E550.

“The E550 is equipped with a FUJINON 4x optical zoom lens with a range of 32.5mm to 130mm in 35mm equivalence. The lens’ 4x range is more versatile than its 3x competitors, providing more field of view at wide angle and greater magnification at telephoto. The lens produced sharp results throughout its range, even at the corners. There was noticeable barrel distortion at full wide angle, but no pincushioning at full telephoto; some chromatic aberration (purple fringing) was present throughout the zoom range in high contrast areas, typical for a camera in this class.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Fuji FinePix E550 Review

The Spanish website quesabesde.com have just reviewed the new HP Photosmart R707, a stylish 5 megapixel digital camera.

Website: quesabesde.com - HP Photosmart R707 Review

DPReview have just reviewed what is sure to be a popular digital camera, the 5 megapixel Canon PowerShot A95:

“Canon has taken a popular camera and added just enough to make it even better. It’s questionable whether you really need the extra million pixels for ‘snapshots’, but the results in this test show that the A95 has the optics and processor needed to squeeze the maximum possible information out of a scene. I was impressed by the build quality, and pleasantly surprised at just how good the results the A95 produces are. It’s a lot smaller than the G5, but a lot easier to handle and a lot more stable in your hands than many of the ‘sexier’ ultra compact 5MP models on the market. It also has a feature set that rivals many cameras considerable more expensive.”

Website: DPReview - Canon PowerShot A95 Review

Chooing a digital camera can be a confusing experience rather than an enjoyable one, especially with the large numbers of different and often very similar models that are released every year. PCMagazine has published a handy guide to selecting the right camera for you.

“Shopping for a digital camera is stressful. Most stores carry a fraction of the 200-plus cameras on the market, and except at specialty stores, salespeople aren’t much help. You can ask friends for recommendations, but even if they love their camera, it might be discontinued, given short product cycles. Don’t throw up your hands and give up. A little information, some strategizing, and our reviews can make the process less traumatic.”

Website: PCMagazine - Choose Your Camera

PCMagazine have obviously been busy writing this kind of article, as they also have a essential buying guide for photo printers:

“Photo printers fall neatly into three categories. The first is ink jet photo printers, which we’ll refer to as photo printers or photo ink jets. These offer at least one photo feature but can also function as all-purpose printers. They print from business applications reasonably well, though often at a very slow pace. This is the category to consider if you want a single, all- purpose printer. You should also consider it if you want a second printer just for photos.”

Website: PCMagazine - The Essential Buying Guide: Photo Printers

The Danish website Digital Magasinet have posted a review of the new 4 megapixel Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3.

Website: Digital Magasinet - Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3 Review

Check the Latest Prices for the Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z3