The Fujifilm X-Pro1 (pictured) has been named “Best Professional Compact System Camera” of the year by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA). The camera has won the award in recognition of its Hybrid Multi Viewfinder, which allows users to freely switch between the OVF and the EVF, and automatically selects the OVF magnification and frame size according to the focal length of the attached lens. Additionally, the Fujifilm X-S1 has been selected for the Best Superzoom Camera Award in recognition of its capability to “achieve premium image quality throughout its focal range from wide at 24mm to super-telephoto at 624mm [in 35mm terms]”.

Canon has been awarded six separate honours by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA). The award-winning Canon products include the EOS C300 (Best Professional Video Camera), the EOS 5D Mark III (Best Video DSLR), the not-yet-available EOS-1D X (Best Professional DSLR, pictured), the EF 8-15mm f4L USM Fisheye (Best Professional DSLR Lens), the Powershot G1 X (Best Expert Compact Camera) and the Pixma MG8250 (Best Multifunction Photo Printer).

The Pentax Optio WG-2 has been selected as the Best Rugged Compact Camera in the 2012 TIPA Awards. In its official product analysis, TIPA noted that: “The newest model of the proven PENTAX WG-series is available with or without the GPS feature (geotagging). Made for rugged use, the camera is protected against drop damage up to 1.5 metres (5 feet) and withstands weights up to 100 kilograms (220 LBF). It is well prepared for use underwater, for depths up to 12 metres (40 feet), and in dusty climates as well as cold conditions, down to -10° C (14° F).”

Nikon has issued firmware updates for the Nikon Coolpix S9200 and S9300 digital compact cameras. Version 1.1 (for each camera) addresses an issue that, in some rare cases, used to cause the camera to freeze when the built-in flash was raised while the optional AC Adapter EH-62F was used. You can download the firmware updates from the websites below.

Website: Nikon Coolpix S9200 Firmware Update 1.1
Website: Nikon Coolpix S9300 Firmware Update 1.1

Ricoh has released a firmware update for the Ricoh CX6 digital compact camera. Version 1.24 fixes a bug that sometimes caused parts of the live view feed to momentarily turn purple upon a half-press of the shutter release in “Toy Camera” and “Miniaturise” modes. You can download the firmware upgrade from the website below.

Website: Ricoh CX6 Firmware

The Fujifilm FinePix XP150 is now available in the United Kingdom. Billed as “Fujifilm’s most robust camera ever”, the 14-megapixel Fujifilm FinePix XP150 is water resistant down to a depth of 10m and will keep functioning all the way down to -10 °C. The 28-140mm equivalent zoom lens comes with a water repellent coating to prevent water droplets spoiling your shots and even the battery/memory slot cover comes with a new double lock design for ultimate protection from the elements. Also featuring an integrated high-sensitivity GPS module, the Fujifilm FinePix XP150 is available now for £219.

Fujifilm has announced the launch of its exclusive X100 Black Premium Edition box set at London department store Harrods. The sleek black presentation box contains the X100 Black, lens hood, adapter ring and protector filter, as well as a bespoke black and red leather case.The X100 Black Premium Edition is limited to just 10,000 units globally, each camera will have a number to denote its position in the run and once these are sold out, no more will be made. The exclusive Harrods presentation box is limited to just 16 units and contains a letter of authenticity from Fujifilm UK. The box set can be yours for £1,795.

Fujfilm has issued a firmware update for the Fujifilm X100 large-sensor compact camera. Version 1.20 turns the RAW button into a second customisable function button, improves AF and autoexposure performance while shooting video, adds more options for ISO selection and the engagement of the built-in neutral density filter, among other improvements. You can download the firmware update from the website below.

Website Fujifilm

Fujifilm has posted a firmware update for the Fujifilm X-S1 digital superzoom camera. Among other improvements, Version 1.01 is claimed to reduce the blooming (white disk) phenomenon which can be observed in EXR Auto mode, adds compatibility with MacOS 10.7, reduces the greenish cast noticeable in specular highlights when shooting macro with the built-in flash, and enhances the face-tracking AF function. You can download the firmware upgrade from the website below.

Website: Fujifilm

The Rollei Powerflex 800 is a compact travelzoom camera with 12.5x optical zoom and a fourteen-megapixel Sony sensor. Other highlights include 22 different shooting modes and a 720p HD video mode. The Rollei Powerflex 800 will go on sale in early April in black, silver and red, for a RRP of €199.95.

Want to see exactly what the new Sigma SD1, DP2 and DP1 Merrill cameras look like in the flesh?

The Sigma SD1 is a rebranded and crucially much cheaper version of the original SD1 DSLR, while the brand new DP2 and DP1 Merrill are compact cameras with fixed 30mm and 19mm lenses that incorporate the same 46 megapixel Foveon sensor as the SD1.

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of photos of the Sigma SD1, DP2 and DP1 Merrill cameras.

Want to see exactly what the new Sony Cyber-shot models look like in the flesh? Then check out our extensive hands-on gallery of photos of Sony’s latest digital compact cameras.

Sony has introduced seven new digital compact cameras, including the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V, HX10V, WX100, HX200V, TX20, W690 and H90. The first four models boast Sony’s new 18.2-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor, while the other three come equipped with 16-megapixel imagers. The flagship of the new Cyber-shot range is the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V, which sports a newly designed, compact Advanced Aspherical (AA) lens with 20x optical zoom and fast auto focus, as well as a built-in GPS module. Other cameras with “AA” lenses include the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX100, which is billed as the world’s smallest camera with 10x optical zoom, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W690, another 10x zoom model. The longest (30x) zoom is found on the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V (pictured), which additionally features high-speed AF, 3D shooting and Full HD 50p video. The TX series is joined by the 4x zoom Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX20, an ultra-slim and stylish yet tough little shooter that is dust- and freezeproof, as well as waterproof down to a depth of 5m and shockproof to 1.5m. Finally, the HX10V and H90 both sport 16x zoom lenses, with the main differences being the slightly different pixel count and a higher-resolution screen and GPS module in the HX10V.

Sigma has issued firmware updates for the Sigma DP1x and DP2x large-sensor compact cameras. Both firmware upgrades add a number of new menu languages and incorporate several bug fixes that should improve overall operational stability. The updates can be downloaded from the following websites.

Website: Sigma DP1x Firmware Update 1.03
Website: Sigma DP2x Firmware Update 1.02

Ricoh will release the first function-expansion firmware update for the Ricoh GR Digital IV on 27th February. The firmware update incorporates ideas taken from the many opinions and requests we received from customers who filled out a survey when they registered their cameras. These include the option to record copyright information in the EXIF data, an improvement in auto focus speed, the ability to assign the ADJ lever or the Fn button to saving the snap focus distance and the addition of “floating black level adjustment” to Interval Composite Mode shooting.

Rollei has unveiled the ten-megapixel Sportsline 62 Dual LCD camera, which offers a 1.8” front-mounted LCD panel in addition to its more conventional 2.7” rear screen. Dustproof, shock-resistant to 1.5m and waterproof down to a depth of 3m, the Rollei Sportsline 62 features a 35mm equivalent fixed-focal-length lens with a bright f/2.8 aperture, a 3-second pre-record function and 720p HD video recording. Available from March in pink, orange, blue, green and silver, the Rollei Sportsline 62 Dual LCD camera is powered by a pair of AAA batteries, and carries an RRP of €69.95.

Fuji has released a firmware update for the Fujifilm X10 digital compact camera. Version 1.03 addresses the blooming (“white disc”) issue that can sometimes be observed in EXR AUTO mode, adds compatibility with MacOS X 10.7, and provides a number of functionality upgrades and bug fixes, as outlined below.

Kodak has announced that it is ceasing production of digital cameras, pocket video cameras and digital picture frames. Due to take place in the first half of 2012, Kodak will instead expand its current brand licensing program, and seek licensees for cameras. Kodak will continue to honor all related product warranties, and provide technical support and service for its cameras, pocket video cameras and digital picture frames.

Fuji has posted a firmware update for the Fujifilm X100 large-sensor compact camera. Version 1.13 adds compatibility with MacOS X 10.7 and fixes the following bugs:

When VIEW MODE is set to EYE SENSOR activated mode, the camera may be frozen after changing OVF/EVF in certain shooting conditions.
After shooting images in A mode, if the mode dial rotated to another position and returned into A mode during data recording, the shutter of the camera may not work properly.

Website: FinePix X100 Firmware Update Ver.1.13

Ricoh has posted a firmware update for the Ricoh CX6 digital compact camera. Version 1.23 fixes a bug that has caused photos to be out of focus with Pre-AF turned on and the ADJ/OK button depressed. The firmware upgrade can be downloaded from the website below.

Website: Ricoh Global