Rollei has announced two entry-level cameras, the Rollei Compactline 103 and 203. The two models are identical except for the pixel count (10mp and 12mp, respectively). Both have 3x zoom lenses with a 35mm equivalent focal range of 35-105mm, 2.4” colour LCD screens, 21 scene modes and both offer 720p high-definition video at 30 frames per second (fps). The company also quotes a continuous shooting speed of 30fps for stills, but we suspect it is not offered at the cameras’ full resolution. Compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards, the Rollei Compactline 103 and 203 will become available from April, priced at €69.95 and €79.95, respectively.

The 12.1-megapixel Pentax X90 digital superzoom camera boasts a 26x zoom lens offering a focal-length coverage of 26-676mm in 35mm terms. The Pentax X90 incorporates the Pentax-original CCD-shift-type Shake Reduction system to assure sharply focused, blur-free images even under demanding conditions prone to camera shake. The X90 comes equipped with an electronic viewfinder of 200 000 dots and a newly incorporated dioptre adjustment mechanism. Manual, Aperture Priority and Shutter Priority modes are all on board to serve the needs of the creative photographer. And in addition to shooting twelve-megapixel stills - or 5-megapixel images at 11 up to frames per second -, the Pentax X90 can also capture 720p HD video clips. Thanks to a large-capacity lithium-ion battery, the X90’s battery life is approximately 50 percent longer than that of its predecessor. Available from the end of March 2010, the Pentax X90 has a recommended retail price of £329.99.

The twelve-megapixel Pentax Optio W90 is a heavy-duty water-, dust-, freeze- and shockproof digital compact camera that also provides an all-new Digital Microscope mode. Combining a macro shooting capability from one centimetre away with the Digital Zoom function, the Optio W90’s new Digital Microscope mode delivers a magnified view of miniscule subjects difficult to observe closely with the naked eye. Also, Pntax has upgraded the Optio W90’s underwater picture-taking performance to six metres (compared to five metres for its predecessor) and for up to two hours of continuous operation. In addition, the Pentax Optio W90 can withstand a fall from a height of 1.2 metres without damage to the body, and is also freezeproof down to –10°C. Upgrtaded face detection, 720p HD movie recording and a 28-140mm equivalent 5x optical zoom round off the features list. Available from the end of March 2010, the Pentax Optio W90 has a recommended retail price of £269.99.

General Imaging have announced 9 new GE branded cameras for 2010. The waterproof GE G5WP features a sturdy metal design and 4x internal zoom lens, retailing for $179.99. The GE X5 offers a 15x zoom for $149.99, while the E1486TW and E1480W models have 14 megapixels and 8x zooms for $179.99 and $149.99 respectively. The GE J1455 features 14.2 megapixels of resolution and a 5x optical zoom lens, costing $129.99. The GE C1033 and C1233 are designed to be budget-friendly at $69.99 and $59.99, while the A1255 and A1455 models have 5x optical zooms and 2.7-inch LCD screens for $89.99 and $99.99.

General Imaging also unveiled the Create range by Jason Wu, a unique line of point-and-shoot cameras designed by the talented fashion designer. The Create collection includes built-in memory, battery, a retractable USB connector, and software for automatic backup and playback of pictures and video. GE’s Create line-up will be available next month for prices ranging from $179.99 to $229.99.

The Sigma DP2s is a new 14 megapixel compact digital camera with a 24mm F2.8 lens. Successor to the DP2, the DP2s incorporates a new AF algorithm, a Power Save Mode and a new rear design. The AF algorithm provides high speed auto focusing, ensuring convenient shooting. The DP2s’ Power Save Mode lowers the battery consumption, while the new rear design aids quick recognition of the controls.

The Sigma DP1x camera is an updated version of the DP1s incorporating the TRUE II image processing engine from the DP2 / SD15. The DP1x includes the TRUE II image processing engine, improving the image-processing time, as well as a new AF algorithm, providing high speed auto focusing. In addition, the user interface has been unified with the DP2 series by changing the Set Up Menu and adopting the QS (Quick Set) button.

The Casio EX-S7 and EX-Z35 are new entry-level additions to the EXILIM range of digital compact cameras. The Casio EX-S7 is a 12.1 megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom lens, 720p high-definition video and a 2.7 inch, high-quality LCD screen. The 12 megapixel Casio EX-Z35 features the Easy Mode function, a simplified menu screen that offers seamless navigation. The EX-S7 will be available in the spring in fashionable colors such as black and purple for $139.99. The EX-Z35, available this March, will be available in black, silver, pink, purple and blue for $109.99.

The Samsung TL500 (also known as the EX1) is an advanced 10 megapixel compact camera with a large 1/1.7” CCD sensor and bright f/1.8 lens. Clearly rivalling the Panasonic DMC-LX3, the Samsung TL500’s 3x optical lens offers a focal range of 24-72mm and is optically stabilised, plus there’s a 3 inch swivelling AMOLED LCD screen, pop-up flash and external flash hotshoe, RAW shooting mode, and full manual control over exposure. The Samsung TL500 will be available in Spring 2010 for $449.99.

The Samsung TL350 (also known as the WB2000) is a 10 megapixel digital compact camera featuring 1080P, full-HD video recording. The TL350 offers a maximum video recording speed of 1,000 frames-per-second (fps) and a 10fps burst mode for stills,thanks to its CMOS sensor and DRIMeIII processor. In addition to sheer speed, the Samsung TL350 also features a 5x, 24mm ultra wide-angle lens, 3 inch AMOLED LCD screen, manual control over exposure, and RAW shooting mode. The new Samsung TL350 will be available in Spring 2010 for $349.99.

The waterproof Samsung AQ100 (also known as the WP10) and durable Samsung SL605 are two new 12 mega-pixel point and shoot cameras. The Samsung AQ100 can be used in up to 10 feet of water and has a dedicated Aqua mode for underwater photography. In addition the AQ100 has a 5x optical inner zoom lens, 2.7 inch TFT-LCD screen and can record 720p HD video. The Samsung SL605 features an Anti scratch Mask and the bottom, buttons and areas surrounding the 2.7-inch TFT-LCD screen are rubberized. Other key features of the SL605 include an internal 27mm wide angle, 5x optical zoom lens and new Smart Night Mode. Both cameras will be available in Spring 2010, with the Samsung AQ100 costing $199.99 and the SL605 $129.99.

HP today introduced a range of five point-and-shoot digital cameras and three camcorders. The premium HP CW450t ($109) and HP PW460t ($149) point-and-shoot digital cameras feature 2.7-inch and 3-inch LCD touchscreen displays, respectively, and a newly designed touch interface for viewing photos with the simple swipe of a finger. Both have 4X optical zoom and support SDHC memory cards. With a lithium-ion battery making it slim enough to fit easily into a shirt pocket, the HP SW450 ($129) features a 2.7-inch LCD display and 4X optical zoom. The HP PW550z ($149) features a 5X wide zoom lens, and comes in a choice of black or plum.

The 14.1-megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H55 boasts an ultrawide 25-250mm equivalent superzoom lens and a 3” LCD screen. Other highlights of the Sony H55 include Optical Steady Shot image stabilisation with Active Mode, 720p HD video recording, a Self portrait timer that automatically takes the shot two seconds after one or two faces are detected, Smile Shutter technology to automatically capture smiles and Sony’s trademark Sweep Panorama feature that lets you capture panoramic photographs effortlessly. The Sony H55 camera will be available in black and silver this April for about $250. Pre-sales begin in February.

The 10.2-megapixel Sony TX5 is the world’s thinnest and smallest certified waterproof digital still camera with Optical SteadyShot image stabilisation and touch operation. It’s also freezeproof, dustproof and shockproof up to about a five-foot drop. The Sony Cyber-shot TX5 features an “Exmor R” sensor and offers 10fps continuous burst shooting for capturing action shots plus Sony’sunique Sweep Panorama mode for taking panoramic images without having to bother with stitching individual frames. An ultra-wide 25-100mm equivalent 4x zoom lens and 720p HD movie recording round off the features list. Compatible with both SD(HC) and Memory Stick PRO Duo memory cards, the Sony TX5 camera will be available in silver, black, pink, green, and red this April for about $350.

Panasonic Canada has unveiled the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1R, billed as an official product of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. As seen from the product shot above, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1R bears the Olympic logo on its front plate - otherwise it is the same thing as the regular Lumix DMC-ZR1 (a 2009 model known as the ZX1 outside North America).

Panasonic USA has announced pricing for four of its new Lumix digital cameras. These include the Lumix DMC-TS2, Lumix DMC-ZS7, Lumix DMC-ZS5, and Lumix DMC-ZR3 – all which will be available in mid-March 2010. The Panasonic Lumix TS2 has a suggested retail price (SRP) of $399.95, the Lumix ZS5 and the Lumix ZR3 will be available for an SRP of $299.95 each, whie the ZS7 will cost $399.95.

BenQ announced today the release of their latest digital camera – the 12 megapixel BenQ E1240 –, which boasts 720p video recording and semi-manual shooting modes like shutter and aperture priority. The frame rate for HD movies is a little pedestrian 20fps, and the lens is a bog standard 35-105mm equivalent zoom; but the BenQ E1240 has a few interesting tricks up its proverbial sleeve. Among these is an Auto Panorama mode, which seamlessly stitches three photos into one panoramic image. Other highlights include a 2.7” LCD with LED backlighting, a Fisheye mode and a hotkey function called “Beauty Enhancer”. The BenQ E1240 digital camera will be available worldwide later this month.

Yesterday Canon announced four new Digital IXUS cameras, including the SX210 IS with 14x zoom, touch-screen Digital IXUS 210, and the IXUS 130 and 105 models. We attended last night’s UK press launch at the British Academy of Film and Arts in London to bring you a comprehensive gallery of hands-on photos.

Canon have added four new PowerShot cameras to their lineup - the SX210 IS, SD3500 IS, SD1400 IS and SD1300 IS models. The Canon PowerShot SX210 IS ($349.99) features a 28mm wide-angle lens with 14x optical zoom, image stabilization and 3.0-inch wide LCD screen. The Canon PowerShot SD3500 IS ($329.99) is a 14 megapixel compact with a 3.5-inch wide LCD touch screen and 24mm ultra-wide angle, 5x zoom lens. The Canon PowerShot SD1400 IS ($249.99) features a 28mm wide-angle lens with 4x optical zoom lens and 14 megapixels. The Canon PowerShot SD1300 IS ($199.99) is a 12 megapixel camera with 4x zoom and 2.7-inch screen. The Canon PowerShot SX210 IS will be available in late March, and the other 3 models in late February.

The 12.1-megapixel Canon Digital IXUS 105 - called the Canon PowerShot SD1300 IS in North America - boasts classic IXUS styling, combining a slim and chic body with a 28-112mm equivalent, optically stabilised zoom lens. The IXUS 105 features a Smart Auto mode with Smart Flash Exposure and Scene Detection Technology plus Face Detection, FaceSelf-Timer and Auto Red-Eye Correction. A 2.7” rear screen and VGA movie recording at 30 frames per second round off the features list. The Canon IXUS 105 will be available from March 2010 priced at £189 / €219.

The 14-megapixel Canon Digital IXUS 130 - called the Canon PowerShot SD1400 IS in the U.S.A. - is the slimmest IXUS model to date. A 28-112mm equivalent, optically stabilised zoom lens is on board to help you take sharp photos and 720p HD videos. A 2.7” PureColor II G LCD features a new tempered glass layer, providing improved visibility during shooting and playback. Smart Shutter mode provides inventive ways to control the shutter using Face Detection Technology, enabling the user to trigger the shutter using a smile or a simple wink of an eye. Combined with FaceSelf-Timer, the IXUS 130 provides an easy way for users to get the picture they want. A new optional, ultra-slim and lightweight waterproof case (WP-DC37) is available for the IXUS 130, allowing users to protect their camera and shoot underwater to depths of up to 40m. The Canon IXUS 130 is available from March 2010 priced at £279 / €309.