General Imaging, the worldwide exclusive licensee for GE digital cameras, has unveiled four new snappers, including a touch-screen model with 8x optical zoom and image stabilisation. The latest additions to the company’s Power Series, the GE E1486TW and E1480W are 14-megapixel compacts sporting a 3” display, 28-224mm equivalent zoom lens with optical image stabilisation, and HD movie recording capabilities. In addition, the E1486TW (pictured) offers an innovative touch-screen control with gesture support. The GE E1486TW and E1480W are priced at $179.99 and $149.99, respectively and will ship this spring. The Smart Series has also been expanded with two cameras, the GE A1255 and a1455. Both are equipped with 5x zoom lenses and 2.7” LCDs. The GE A1255 is a 12-megapixel camera that carries an SRP of $89.99, whilst the GE 1455 is a 14-megapixel model that goes for $99.99. Both cameras will ship this spring, and are available in a variety of colours including black, silver and red.

Sony has launched two entry-level compact cameras that draw power from standard AA batteries. The Cyber.shot DSC-S2000 and S2100 (pictured) are basic models with 3x optical zoom (equivalent to 35-105mm in 35mm terms) and standard-definition VGA movie capture. The Sony S2000 is a 10-megapixel camera with a 2.5” rear screen, while the S2100 boasts 12 megapixels and a 3” display. Like the Cyber-shot HX5, TX7 and W series models, the Cyber-shot S2000 and S2100 also take SD and SDHC cards as well as Memory Stick PRO Duos. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S2100 should be available starting next month, priced at $120. The S2000 appears to be a Europe/Asia only model.

Casio has released the Casio Exilim EX-FH100, billed as the world’s first high-speed, high-zoom digital compact camera. The pocketable Casio EX-FH100 packs a ten-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor, a 24-240mm equivalent zoom lens and high-speed burst shooting of 40 shots per second in a compact body measuring just 105mm wide x 63.2mm tall x 29.9mm thick. Additionally, the EX-FH100 can record high-speed movies at 1,000fps, 420fps, 240fps, or 120fps. Also it features a Prerecord Continuous Shutter setting which allows users to start shooting when the shutter button is only depressed halfway, meaning the user will not miss those critical moments even if they press the shutter a little late. The Casio EX-FH100 has a number of Best Shot modes including High-speed Night Scene and Portrait, which combines several images using highly sensitive high-speed burst shooting into a single, clear image; High-speed Lighting, which is basically an in-camera HDR function; and High-Speed Burst Shooting BEST SHOT, which optimises the burst shooting simply by selecting the type of scene to be photographed. Equipped with an HDMI port and stereo microphone, the EX-FH100 will retail with an RRP of £279.

Casio has introduced the 14.1-megapixel EX-H15 that comes with a wide-angle 24mm 10X optical zoom lens and a 3” LCD screen with a resolution of 460,000 dots. The Casio EX-H15 also boasts CCD-shift image stabilisation, long 1,000-shot battery life on a single full charge, and a HD movie function. Also on board are Casio’s unique Dynamic Photo, Art Shot and Premium Auto functions. The new Engine 5.0 increases image processing speed by 30%. The Casio Exilim EX-H15 will retail with an RRP of £249.

Casio has released the 14-megapixel EX-Z550 digital compact camera featuring a wide-angle 26mm 4X optical zoom lens. The Casion EX-Z550 also comes with CCD-shift image stabilisation and HD movie functions. Also on board are Casio’s unique Dynamic Photo, Art Shot and Premium Auto functions. The Casio Exilim EX-Z550 will retail with an RRP of £149.

Casio has announced the release of the sleek and compact EX-Z2000, equipped with fully-automatic features including Casio’s unique Dynamic Photo and Premium Auto functions. The 14.1 effective megapixel EX-Z2000 comes with a wide-angle 26mm 5X optical zoom and a 3” Super Clear LCD screen with a resolution of approximately 460,000 pixels. The camera comes with CCD-shift image stabilisation and HD movie functions, as well as a long-life battery, making it possible to take 580 shots on a single full charge according to CIPA standards. Casio’s Advanced Dynamic Photo function creates “moving photos” by allowing the user to cut moving subjects from the background of images taken with the continuous shooting function, and combine them with a different still image. Premium Auto is the same thing other manufacturers call Smart Auto or Intelligent Auto. The Casio Exilim EX-Z2000 will retail with an RRP of £179.

Sony has announced the feature-laden Sony Cyber-shot HX5 digital compact camera featuring a 25-250mm equivalent lens and a 10.1-megapixel, back-illuminated EXMOR R CMOS sensor, plus integrated GPS and compass. The wide 25-250mm equivalent superzoom lens bears the prestigious G designation, while the EXMOR R CMOS sensor can capture 1080i full-HD video clips as well as ten-megapixel stills. Videos are stored in AVCHD format. Optical SteadyShot with new Active Mode cuts camera-shake while you’re shooting handheld HD video, allegedly providing up to 10x more shake correction than conventional cameras. Intelligent Sweep Panorama enhances the unique feature first introduced on last year’s Cyber-shot HX1, TX1 and WX1 models: the camera detects if people or other objects are moving in your field of view as you sweep the camera, using new algorithms to compensate for any mis-matching as images are automatically stitched together. The Sony HX5 integrates GPS and Compass functions to enhance your enjoyment of travel photography. Your location is displayed in real time on the 3” LCD screen as you’re shooting. When you’re back home, see where geotagged images and video clips were shot as on-line maps with supplied Picture Motion Browser PC software. As an extra refinement, a new Compass function shows which direction you were pointing when the picture was taken. Like the other Sony compacts unveiled at CES 2010, the camera takes both Memory Stick PRO Duo and Secure Digital cards. The Sony HX5 is expected to be available later this month, priced at $349.99 in the US (where it is apparently called the HX5V).

The Sony Cyber-shot TX7 is a new touch-screen camera with a 10.1-megapixel EXMOR R CMOS sensor, a Carl Zeiss branded 25-100mm equivalent zoom lens and image stabilisation. The generously-sized wide 8.9cm (3.5”) touch-screen LCD and streamlined user interface makes operation simple and easy. TruBlack screen technology minimises reflections and boosts contrast for a richly detailed view of your shots, even when you’re outdoors in bright daylight, the manufacturer says. Apart from capturing ten-megapixel photos, the Sony TX7 can also shoot 1080i full-HD videos. In the new Intelligent Sweep Panorama mode, the camera detects if people or other objects are moving in your field of view as you sweep the camera and compensates for any mis-matching as images are automatically stitched together. The lightweight (133g) Sony TX7 has 45MB of internal memory and slots for both Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD/SDHC cards. The camera should be available later this month, priced at $399.99.

Sony has added seven new, 14-megapixel cameras to the Cybershot W range, including the W390, W380, W370, W360, W350, W330 and W320 models, plus the 12-megapixel W310. These cameras are all based around 1/2.3-inch “Super HAD” CCD sensors but are fitted with different lenses and displays. Topping the range are the Sony Cyber-shot W390 and W380 models with a fast f2.4 Sony G lens offering 5x optical zoom and 24mm wide angle. These two cameras differ in the size of their LCD screen, which is 3” on the W390 and 2.7” on the W380. The Sony W370 boasts a 7x zoom lens spanning a focal range of 34-238mm in 35mm equivalency, but this lens is considerably slower and does not bear the prestigious G designation. The Cyber-shot W360 and W350 have 26-105mm equivalent Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lenses and 3” / 2.7” rear-panel LCDs respectively. The W330 is a simpler but somewhat bigger version of the W360, with the same lens and screen but without optical image stabilisation. Likewise, the DSC-W320 has the same lens and display as the W350 but no stabilisation. The DSC-W310 is the only 12-megapixel model in the new W series, which comes oufitted with a 28-112mm equivalent lens. All of these cameras are supposed to take SD/SDHC cards as well as Memory Stick PRO Duos.

Panasonic has introduced the new FH-series to its 2010 line of LUMIX digital cameras, which includes the LUMIX DMC-FH20 (14.1 megapixels, pictured), LUMIX FH3 (14.1 megapixels) and LUMIX FH1 (12.1 megapixels). The LUMIX FH-Series are slim, pocketable models that pack a 28mm wide-angle lens with 8x optical zoom for the FH20 and 5x optical zoom for the FH3/FH1. All models can record 720p High Definition video at 30fps in MJPEG format. The Panasonic LUMIX FH-series includes the Venus Engine IV image processor, which features advanced signal processing technology to produce a fast response time. The shutter release time lag on the FH20 and FH3 is approximately 0.006 second; and approximately 0.007 second for the FH1. The auto focus on the three models can lock on the subject in minimum 0.35 second at the wide end of their respective lenses. The Panasonic FH20 is meant to be a step-up model for those who need extra zoom reach - 28-224mm in 35mm terms - but don’t want to give up on pocketability; whereas the 5x zoom FH1 and the FH3, which practically only differ from each other in their pixel count and shot-to-shot speed, are targeted at first-time buyers. All three models feature Panasonic’s Mega Optical Image Stabilisation technology. Pricing and availability will be announced 30 days prior to shipping date.

Panasonic has announced new additions to the ultra-slim FP-series, including the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FP1 and FP3 (pictured). Both FP-series models have a 4x optical zoom with a folded optics design so the front has a flat and stylish design, featuring a newly-adopted lens cover that protects the lens, and also serves as the camera’s power switch. The 14.1-megapixel Panasonic FP3 features a 3” touch-screen LCD, while the FP1 has 12.1-megapixels and a 2.7” 230,000-dot display. The newly adopted, 3” touch-screen LCD on the FP3 provides an intuitive control thanks to a hybrid operation combined with the four major operation buttons.  Both models feature Intelligent LCD, which detects the lighting condition and controls the brightness level of the LCD in 11 fine steps, to offer a display with the most appropriate clarity in any situation. Panasonic’s FP1 and FP3 models include an intelligent Auto (iA) mode with the following technologies: MEGA O.I.S.; Intelligent ISO Control; Face Detection; and Intelligent Scene Selector which automatically selects the best option from six scene modes. New to the FP-Series is High Definition (HD) video recording capability at 1280x720p at 30 fps, in addition to WVGA (848 x 480) and normal VGA (640 x 480). Both models are compatible with Panasonic’s new SDXC cards. Pricing and availability for the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FP1 and FP3 will be announced 30 days prior to shipping date.

Panasonic has introduced a new entry-level digital camera, the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-F3, which has been designed with simplicity in mind. The 12.1-megapixel Panasonic F3 is a small camera featuring a 4x optical zoom that starts at 28mm (eq.), and shoots 720p HD video at 30fps in addition to WVGA (848 x 480) and normal VGA (640 x 480). Its Auto Scene Mode includes three shooting-assist functions, Intelligent ISO Control, Face Detection and Intelligent Scene Selector. Also, the Panasonic F3 has an auto power LCD function which detects light conditions and automatically boosts the LCD backlighting by a maximum of 40% when shooting outdoors to secure clarity and visibility of the screen. In addition to supporting conventional SD/SDHC cards, the LUMIX F3 is compatible with SDXC media, including Panasonic’s newly announced 48GB and 64GB SDXC memory cards. Pricing and availability for the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-F3 will be announced 30 days prior to shipping date.

Samsung has extended its innovative DualView family of digital cameras with the introduction of two new models, the TL210 and TL205. Offering Samsung’s dual screen LCD technology, the new 12-megapixel TL205 and TL210 offer a variety of updated features. Both have a 1.5-inch color LCD screen located on the front of the camera. This 1.5-inch display gives consumers the ability to perfect their self-portraits or join their friends and family in the shot. New for the Samsung DualView TL210 and TL205, photographers can now use the 1.5-inch front LCD to frame video in addition to digital stills.  With the TL210, consumers can enjoy 720p HD video recording at 30 frames?per?second (fps). The Samsung TL210 has an optically stabilised 5x optical zoom starting at 27mm (eq.) and a 3” rear screen, while the TL205 has a more pedestrian 35-105mm equivalent lens and a 2.7” LCD on the back. Both cameras feature Samsung’s advanced scene recognition technology, Smart Auto, which has been upgraded for use with video as well as with still images. The Samsung TL205 and TL210 are currently on display at CES, in the Samsung booth #11026 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Pricing to be released.

Samsung has officially unveiled the Samsung CL80 (pictured) and TL240, a pair of stylish, 14.2-megapixel digital cameras with some exciting new features. A recipient of a 2010 CES Innovation Award, the Samsung CL80 offers integrated Wi-Fi connectivity and a 3.7” WVGA AMOLED touch screen. It allows consumers to share their video and photos on the go without being tethered to their laptops or home PCs thanks to its wireless connectivity options, which include Bluetooth 2.0, Wi-Fi and DLNA. Using an available Wi-Fi connection, users can send a digital image to any email address using the camera’s touch?screen QWERTY keypad or selecting those stored the camera’s address book. The CL80’s Wi?Fi connection also allows users to upload their images directly to popular websites such as Facebook, Picasa and YouTube, as well as SamsungImaging.com. Both the Samsung CL80 and the Samsung TL240 offer the manufacturer’sSmart Gesture touch?screen user interface which is complimented by an internal Gravity sensor for added ease?of?use. Also, both feature Schneider-Kreuznach branded 7x optical zooms with optical image stabilisation, and both offer 720p HD video recording at 30 frames-per-second in H.264 format. The Samsung CL80 and TL240 are currently on display at CES in the Samsung booth #11026 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Pricing and availability to be confirmed.

Olympus has just unveiled the new, 14-megapixel mju-5010, mju-7030 (pictured), mju 7040 and mju-9010 wide-zoom digital compact cameras with SD card compatibility. The manufacturer is keen to stress that the “new stylish models have retained the original µ series size, but their zoom power and features have grown exponentially”. The mju-9010 is the new flagship of the range with its 28-280mm equivalent 10x optical zoom and 2GB of internal storage. The mju-7040 and mju-7030 models come with a 28-196mm equivalent 7x zoom lens and 2GB / 1GB of internal memory, respectively. Finally, the ultra-slim Olympus mju-5030 has a 26-130mm equivalent zoom and 1GB of built-in memory. All four models offer both mechanical and “digital” image stabilisation, Advanced Face Detection, Magic Filters and in-camera manuals, as well as in-camera panorama assist functionality. Three of them can also record HD movie clips, the exception being the mju-7030. The new Olympus mju cameras will hit the shelves in March.

Four new, 14-megapixel models join Olympus’ FE range of eye-catching, easy-to-use digital cameras, all featuring SD card slots. Three of the models come with a practical USB charger and all are available in a range of colours that are especially brilliant thanks to a Double-Layered Crystal Shell finish. The USB chargeable Olympus FE-5030 (pictured) sports a 26-130mm equivalent 5x optical zoom, image stabilisation, four Magic Filters, AF tracking, i-Auto mode, and Advanced Face Detection Technology. The slim and stylish FE-4040 and FE-4030 both have a 26-105mm equivalent 4x optical zoom and also feature USB charging, four Magic Filters, AF tracking and an i-Auto mode. The FE-4040 also boasts mechanical image stabilisation, while the FE-4030 makes do with “digital image stabilisation” only. Finally, the Olympus FE-47 offers a 36-180mm equivalent zoom lens and runs on standard AA batteries. This model also features i-Auto, AF tracking Advanced Face Detection Technology and four Magic Filters, but lacks mechanical image stabilisation. The FE-5030, FE-4040, FE-4030 and FE-47 follow an easy-to-use ‘one button, one function’ design principle, but if you still need help their convenient In-Camera Help Guide will lead you in the right direction. The four models come with the new [ib] software CD and will become available in March 2010.

The 12-megapixel mju Tough-3000 is the latest addition to Olympus’ line of ruggedised, water-, shock- and freezeproof cameras, featuring an HD movie function, Magic Filters and - at long last - SD card support. Waterproof to 3m, shockproof to 1.5m, and freezeproof to -10°C, the Olympus mju Tough-3000 boasts a 3.6x wide optical zoom, image stabilisation, 1GB of internal storage, an SD card slot - something new for Olympus -, an HDMI port and a USB charger. Thanks to Olympus’ new [ib] software, you can quickly locate those particular events, people and locations tagged using GPS, Face Detection, or the date. Besides all that, the µ TOUGH-3000’s In-Camera Manual is on hand whenever you need help or some tricks. The rugged Olympus mju Tough-3000 will be available in Oxide Red, Turquoise Blue, Hot Pink and Emerald Green from March 2010, at a price of $230.

Kodak has announced four new EasyShare M series digital compact cameras and two new chargers. The new Kodak EasyShare M580 (pictured) is the flagship of the range, featuring 14 megapixels of resolution and an 8x optical zoom that spans a focal range of 28-224mm in 35mm terms. Next up is the Kodak M575, another 14-megapixel model with a 5x zoom lens. Both of these cameras have 3” LCD screens and both can capture HD video. The M580 even has an HDMI connector. There are two 12-megapixel models in the M range too, the M550 and the M530. These come with 2.7” LCDs. The M550 features a 5x zoom lens, while the M530 makes do with 3x optical zoom. The M580 and the M575 are expected to hit the shelves in April, priced at £179.99/$199.95 and £169.99/$179.95 respectively. The M550 should be available by March, at an MSRP of £139.99/$149.95, while the M530 will reatil for £119.99/$129.95 beginning in February 2010. Kodak has also announced two new battery chargers, including the K7700 which features fast one-hour charging for many Kodak digital cameras, and the K450 which is a C-Series AA battery charger that comes bundled with two high performance AA Ni-MH rechargeable batteries.

Kodak has quietly introduced a new superzoom camera, the Kodak EasyShare Z981, featuring a 26x Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon zoom. The Kodak Z981 appeared in Kodak’s online store without much fanfare, and can also be pre-ordered from Amazon for $329.95. Apart from the 26x zoom lens that spans a focal range of 26-676mm in 35mm equivalency, the other main ingredient of the Z981 is a new, 14-megapixel imager. In most other respects, the Kodak Z981 is not really different from its predecessor the Z980. Just like that camera, the Z981 has a 3” rear screen, can shoot 720p HD video, features Kodak’s exclusive Smart Capture technology, and comes bundled with a detachable vertical grip. It also retains its forebear’s ability to capture raw image data, though Kodak warns that raw image editing is not supported on Mac OS. The flash hot shoe of the Z980 is, apparently, gone. Kodak claims a shutter lag of less than 0.2 seconds foir the Z981, though this is probably without focusing time. Like camera that preceded it, the Kodak EasyShare Z981 runs on AA batteries and comes bundled with four pre-charged Kodak Ni-MH rechargeables.

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Kodak have just announced their first touchscreen camera, the fourteen-megapixel Kodak Slice. The new Kodak Slice features a 3.5” LCD touchscreen with anti-reflective coating, a Schneider-Kreuznach-branded 5x optical zoom lens, 720p video recording, optical image stabilisation, face recognition and a Share Button that lets you tag pictures directly on the camera for easy uploading to sharing sites including Facebook, Kodak Gallery, Flickr, and YouTube. The Kodak Slice Touchscreen Camera will be available in black, nickel and radish for US $349.95 MSRP beginning in April 2010. Best Buy will initially be the exclusive retailer for in-store sales. The Kodak Slice Touchscreen Camera will also be sold online at Amazon.com and Kodak.com. The UK price is £299.99 (RRP).