The Panasonic Lumix DMC-XS1 is a slim, pocket-sized camera with a 16.1-megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom, Mega optical image stabiliser and 13 Creative Control filters. Available in a range of 4 different colours including, red, purple, black and white; the Panasonic XS1 comes with a 2.7” screen and offers 720p HD video recording in addition to stills capture. The Panoramic Shot mode enables users to easily take 180-degree panoramic images just by swivelling the camera. The Lumix XS1 will be in available in the stores and online from February. Two similarly styled Lumix compact cameras are also available from Panasonic in the shape of the DMC-FS50 and DMC-F5. The FS50 provides identical performance to the XS1 (minus Creative Control filters) in an ever so slightly larger package. The new, entry-level Lumix F5 retains the design and image stabiliser of the XS1 and FS50 but comes with a 14-megapixel sensor.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ9 is a slim digital compact camera featuring a sixteen-megapixel sensor, 10x optical zoom, 10fps burst shooting and Wi-Fi connectivity. Fitted with a 25-250mm equivalent lens, the SZ9 boasts approx. 0.1-second “Light Speed AF,” integrated GPS and Full HD video recording capabilities. Equipped with 14 creative effects such as soft focus, toy effect and retro, the SZ9 also sports a three-inch LCD screen, while the GPS functionality allows you to record your location and view the map with the associated photos directly on your camera. Also announced today is the Panasonic SZ3, a similar camera that comes with a slightly smaller rear display and 720p video but retains the 16.1-megapixel sensor (CCD rather than CMOS) and 10x optical zoom of the SZ9.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ40 (sold as the ZS30 in the US) is a new travelzoom camera with an 18.1-megapixel sensor, 20x optical zoom, 50p Full HD video, 5-axis image stabiliser and Wi-Fi. Other highlights include “Light Speed AF,” which allows the camera to lock focus on a subject in as little as 0.1 second; manual exposure control, a 10fps burst mode; enhanced GPS functionality; and a 3-inch, 920000-dot touchscreen. The new High Dynamic Range feature means natural images can be captured automatically even when shooting against the light and the Panoramic Shot mode enables you to take panoramic images just by swivelling the camera. Panasonic will also be launching the DMC-TZ35 (ZS25) which has the same features as the TZ40 but includes a 16.1 megapixel sensor and comes without Wi-Fi connectivity.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT5 (marketed as TS6 in the United States) is a new ruggedised compact camera with a 16-megapixel sensor and 28-129mm equivalent zoom lens. Waterproof to a depth of 12m, shockproof from a height of 2m, freezeproof to a temperature of -10 °C and pressure resistant to 100kg, the Panasonic FT5 offers Full HD video recording capabilities and one-touch easy connection to Wi-Fi with NFC, allowing for remote picture capture and quick and easy upload. The enhanced GPS functionality allows you to automatically record your location and view the map and associated photos directly on your camera.

Also announced today is the Panasonic FT25 (TS25), another 16-megapixel tough camera sporting a 25-100mm equivalent lens. The FT25 is waterproof to a depth of 7m, shockproof from a height of 1.5m and freezeproof down to a temperature of -10 °C. In comparison to the FT5, the FT25 lacks the on-board GPS and Wi-Fi capabilities and offers only 720p video.

The Canon PowerShot N is a new type of camera with square design, innovative zoom and shoot operation lens rings and tilting touch screen. The perfect smartphone companion, the PowerShot N has been designed to simplify image sharing with intuitive Wi-Fi connectivity allowing a new generation of high-quality, artistic images and Full HD videos to be shared in near real-time. The PowerShot N is available from early April priced at £269 / $299.99, in white or black.

Canon have launched the new IXUS 140 alongside the PowerShot A3500 IS, PowerShot A2600 and PowerShot A1400. All four models have DIGIC 4 processors, 16 megapixels, and 28mm wide-angle lenses. The new PowerShot models offer a 5x optical zoom, while the IXUS 140’s 8x optical zoom gets even closer to the subject. The IXUS 140 and the PowerShot A3500 IS are part of Canon’s expanded range of Wi-Fi enabled cameras. The IXUS 140 is available from late February with a £159. The PowerShot A3500 IS is available from early March for £129. The PowerShot A2600 is available from late February for £109. The PowerShot A1400 is available from late February for £99.

The PENTAX MX-1 is a new high-performance digital compact camera. Featuring a four-times optical zoom lens with a maximum aperture of F1.8 to F2.5 and a 28mm wide-angle coverage, the Pentax MX-1 has a newly designed 12 megapixel back-illuminated CMOS image sensor with a top sensitivity of ISO 12,80 and a 3.0-inch, tilt-able, high-definition LCD monitor. Combining state of the art technology with a classic design reminiscent of film cameras, the MX-1 features a textured-rubber grip, and brass top and bottom panels. In addition the camera features a pop up auto flash, along with a number of metallic parts, including a metallic lens ring, to complete the tasteful, high-class retro design finish. The PENTAX MX-1 will be available in Black and Black and Silver from February 2013 priced at £399.99.

Canon USA has launched a television campaign that “shows how images can magnify the subtle feelings in everyday life.” Designed to popularise the company’s PowerShot line of digital compact cameras, the campaign also involves the launch of a unique Facebook application that identifies the emotions of a user’s photo collection. The application scans a chosen photo album for a variety of emotions – including passion, love and nostalgia –then creates a unique visual summary of the specific feelings that reside in the image collection. Users can then share this visual summary with their Facebook friends and discuss the emotion they’ve captured through their own photography. The application, and more information on the Power of a Shot campaign, can be accessed at the website below.

Olympus has issued a firmware update for the Olympus Stylus XZ-2 premium compact camera. Version 1.1 improves image processing while shooting with the ISO bracketing function enabled. To install the firmware update connect your camera to your computer via USB and launch the Digital Camera Updater software.

Nikon has posted a firmware update for the Nikon Coolpix S800c digital compact camera. According to the company, Version 1,2 incorporates the following improvements:

The position information the GPS function attached to images was sometimes incorrect. This issue has been resolved.

If images were captured before the playback mode icon is displayed, the date and time recorded was incorrect. This issue has been resolved.

Website: Nikon Coolpix S800c Firmware Update 1.2

After reaching its Kickstarter goal of $50,000 in just 5 hours, Memoto continued to rally support for its wearable micro-camera that captures every moment of your life in “photo keyframes,” ultimately surpassing two stretch goals and reaching a half million dollars in funding.  Capturing a 5-megapixel photo every 30 seconds, the Memoto camera is about the size of a large postage stamp and features geotagging, a built-in rechargeable battery with a LED indicator, and a micro-USB port for charging and downloading pictures to a computer. “Of course, you always dream that your product will have an impact like this, but we were blown away that we received so much support from the community in such a short time frame,” said Martin Källström, CEO of Memoto. “This device represents a turning point in how we remember and share special moments in our lives. It’s great that so many share our vision.”

Estimated availability for the Memoto camera is early 2013. The unit will be offered in Graphite grey, Arctic white and Memoto orange colors for $279. For the last two days on Kickstarter, Memoto will be offering the camera at the discounted price of $249.

Sigma has partnered with a number of retailers throughout the UK to offer consumers a free three day ‘test drive’ of the latest Sigma cameras. These include the Sigma SD1 Merrill digital SLR camera (pictured) and the Sigma DP1 Merrill and DP2 Merrill large-sensor compact cameras. The promotion will run until April 2013. Click through / read on for a full list of participating retailers.

On 4th December, Lytro will unveil a new light field technology capability for the Lytro camera, featuring Perspective Shift as well as new creative tools called Living Filters.  Perspective Shift lets Lytro photographers interactively change the point of view in a picture after it has been taken. When pictures are shared to the web, Facebook and Twitter, friends can experience Perspective Shift without needing any special software. Perspective Shift also works retroactively on any light field pictures previously taken with a Lytro camera. Living Filters enable Lytro photographers to apply one of nine interactive filters to their pictures and change the look of the picture based on light field depth. Unlike traditional digital photo filters, Living Filters create additional effects as viewers interact with a picture. These features will be available to customers via a free Lytro Desktop software update.

Nikon has issued a firmware update for the Android-powered Nikon Coolpix S800c digital compact camera. According to the company, Version 1.1 incorporates the following improvements and fixes:

“Support for Hindi and Arabic has been added.

When a memory card inserted in the camera was ejected while an Android app saved to the camera’s internal SD card storage (internal SD card space) was running, operation of the Android OS sometimes became unstable. This issue has been resolved.

When the camera was turned on and then off, icons for Android apps saved to the camera’s internal SD card storage (internal SD card space) sometimes disappeared. This issue has been resolved.

An issue that sometimes caused unexpected termination of Wi-Fi connections has been resolved.

An issue that sometimes caused the camera to stop functioning when multiple Android apps were running has been resolved.

DPOF-compatible printers were sometimes unable to recognize information specified with print orders (playback menu>Print order). This issue has been resolved.”

Website: Nikon Coolpix S800c Firmware Update 1.1

Jessops has just announced that it is the first UK photo high street outlet to have stock of the new Samsung Galaxy Camera. Featuring 21x optical zoom, a 16-megapixel BSI sensor, the latest Android OS (4.1 Jelly Bean) and 3G+Wi-Fi connectivity; the Samsung Galaxy Camera can be yours for £399.99.

Samsung UK today announced the availability of its new, Android-powered Galaxy Camera. Hitting the shops on Thursday, 8th November, the Samsung Galaxy Camera is a sixteen-megapixel superzoom camera with a 4.8” high-definition capacitive touchscreen, 21x optical zoom, optical image stabilisation, and Android 4.1 Jelly Bean operating system with Wi-Fi and 3G/4G connectivity. The 4.1-86.1mm f/2.8-5.9 lens offers an angle-of-view range equivalent to that of an imaginary 23-483mm lens on a 35mm camera body. The Samsung Galaxy Camera can be yours for £399.99.

Want to see exactly what the new Nikon 1 V2 compact system camera looks like in the flesh?

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of the innovative Nikon V2, including both the black and white versions.

Swedish company Memoto has introduced a micro-camera that captures every moment of your life in “photo keyframes.” “Imagine if you could capture and re-live every memorable moment of your life” said Martin Källström, CEO of Memoto. “With Memoto, you can effortlessly travel back in time to that moment when you met the love of your life, the day your daughter took her first step, or that night you laughed the night away with friends.” Capturing a 5-megapixel photo every 30 seconds, the Memoto camera is about the size of a large postage stamp and features geotagging, a built-in rechargeable battery with a LED indicator, and a micro-USB port for charging and downloading pictures to a computer. Estimated availability for the Memoto camera is early 2013. The unit will be offered in Graphite grey, Arctic white and Memoto orange colors for $279. Starting today, anyone can support Memoto in getting the camera into production through Kickstarter - those offering $199 or more will be rewarded with a camera and a one-year Web Service subscription.

Nikon UK has announced a new promotion. Customers purchasing any product from the Nikon EDG range, including fieldscopes and binoculars, from today until 31 January 2013 (inclusive) can claim a free Nikon Coolpix AW100 (pictured) or P310 camera worth £279.99 each. Note that the promotion only applies to products which have been supplied and distributed by Nikon UK within the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. For more details, including terms & conditions, visit the website below.