The Pentax X70 is a new super-zoom compact camera with a 24x optical lens (26-624mm). Coupled with the Intelligent Zoom function, the X70’s range can be extended to approximately 150 times (for an approximate focal length of 3900mm!). The X70 incorporates a 12 megapixel sensor, image-sensor-shift shake reduction system, continuous shooting up to 11 frames per second (at 5 megapixels), 1280x720 pixel HD movies, 2.7-inch LCD monitor,and Aperture-Priority AE, Shutter-Priority AE and Metered Manual modes. The Pentax X70 will cost £369.99.

The Kodak EasyShare Z915 is a new compact digital camera with an image-stabilized 10x zoom lens. The Z915’s Smart Capture feature automatically detects the scene being shot and adjusts the camera settings to capture the best image. A 2.5 inch LCD display and use of AA batteries completes the headline specs. The Kodak Z915 will be available in red, blue, black and gray in April for $199.95 in the US, and £179.99 from May in the UK.

Nikon have released a new firmware update for the Coolpix P6000 compact camera. The following improvements have been made in version 1.2.

- When shooting in a user setting mode at an image quality setting of NRW (RAW) + Fine, NRW (RAW) + Normal, or NRW (RAW) + Basic and Distortion control enabled, some JPEG images were corrupted. This issue has been resolved. 
- As distortion control cannot be used in conjunction with interval timer shooting, settings have now been modified so that they cannot be enabled simultaneously.
- Electric current consumption has been reduced.
- When shooting in “P”, “S”, “A”, or “M” mode at an image size setting other than 13M 4224 ×3168 and an image quality setting of NRW (RAW) + Fine, NRW (RAW) + Normal, or NRW (RAW) + Basic, the image size setting switched to 13M 4224 ×3168 when the camera was turned off and then turned on again. This issue has been resolved.

Website: Nikon Coolpix P6000 Firmware Update 1.2 (Windows)

Website: Nikon Coolpix P6000 Firmware Update 1.2 (Mac)

The Samsung NX Series offers the performance and image quality of a DSLR and the portability and convenience of a compact point-and-shoot. The NX Series utilizes an APS-C sized image sensor and replaces the mirror box of a DSLR with an Electronic Viewfinder. The size and weight of the Samsung NX Series is reduced by approximately 60% compared to traditional DSLRs. “With the release of the NX Series, a digital camera that combines the strengths of a DSLR and compact digital camera, Samsung Digital Imaging will become a global leader in the new hybrid digital camera market and achieve the company’s goal to become the global leader in the digital camera market by 2012.” said Sang-jin Park, CEO of Samsung Digital Imaging Company. The first model in the Samsung NX Series will be available in the second-half of 2009.

The AgfaPhoto OPTIMA 830UW is a new digital camera aimed at nature and sports fans. The AgfaPhoto 830UW can be used for diving up to a depth of 10 meters, is frost-proof up to a temperature of -5°C, and shockproof for a fall from a height of 1 meter. The AgfaPhoto 830UW also offers a 2.5 inch wide TFT display, 3x optical zoom, 8 megapixel resolution, ISO 1600, and 21 scene mode programs. The AgfaPhoto OPTIMA 830UW is available immediately for $349.95.

AgfaPhoto has introduced the new OPTIMA range of compact digital cameras. The 10 megapixel AgfaPhoto OPTIMA 1438m is equipped with a 32mm wide-angle lens, 23 scene modes, metal body, 4x optical zoom and a 3 inch display. The 10 megapixel AgfaPhoto OPTIMA 1338mT features a 3 inch touchscreen display, metal body, 3x optical zoom and 24 scene modes. The 8 megapixel AgfaPhoto OPTIMA 8328m offers a PASM mode, 3x optical zoom and a 2.7” LCD display. The AgfaPhoto OPTIMA 1438m is available for $209.95, the OPTIMA 1338mT for $199.95 and the OPTIMA 8328m for $139.95

The AgfaPhoto sensor 830s and 530s are two new digital cameras featuring a large red sensor shutter button. The AgfaPhoto sensor 830s offers an 8 megapixel resolution and a 3x optical and 5x digital zoom. The AgfaPhoto sensor 530s has a 5 megapixel resolution and a 3x optical and 8x digital zoom. Both models are equipped with a CMOS sensor, 2.4-inch TFT display, Face Tracking and maximum sensitivity of ISO 800. The AgfaPhoto sensor 830s and 530s are available in black, bronze, rosé and royal blue for $89.95 and $69.95 dollars respectively.

General Imaging have revamped their compact digital camera range with no less than nine new models. The range, which will arrive in the UK from April, offers new features including auto scene detection, pan-capture panorama, and optical image stabilisation. Each camera in the 2009 collection features at least 9 megapixels of resolution, with seven models boasting 12 or more. The new range will be arriving in the UK from April, with the E models under £150 and the A models under £100. The nine models are:

Available April
GE A950: 9 megapixels, 5x zoom, 2.5 inch screen
GE A1150: 11 megapixels, 5x zoom, 2.5 inch screen
GE A1250: 12 megapixels, 5x zoom, 2.5 inch screen
GE E1255W: 12 megapixels, 5x zoom, 3 inch screen

Approx availability, May
GE E1250W: 12 megapixels, 5x zoom, 3 inch screen

Approx availability, June
GE A1050: 10 megapixels, 5x zoom, 2.5 inch screen

Approx availability, July
GE G3WP: 10 megapixels, 4x zoom, 3 inch screen

Approx availability, August
GE E1276: 12 megapixels, 7x zoom, 3 inch screen

Approx availability, November
GE X3: 12 megapixels, 12x zoom, 2.7 inch screen

Panasonic have released a new firmware update for the DMC-FS15 camera. Version 1.1 offers a “Performance improvement at the time of the slide show enforcement”.

Website: Panasonic DMC-FS15 1.1 Firmware Update

The Samsung TL320 is a new 12 megapixel camera with a 5x, 24mm wide-angle zoom lens and 3 inch OLED screen. The TL320 (also known as the Samsung WB100) has a a 3 inch, 460,000 dot HVGA AMOLED screen, offering a high contrast ratio of 10,000:1 which produces darker black levels, more vibrant colors, and a brighter display that can be reviewed at any angle. The Samsung TL320 also features high-definition video recording at a resolution of 720p and HDMI connectivity, plus aperture priority, shutter priority and full manual shooting. Available in black or silver, the TL320 will be available in May 2009 for $379.99. In the UK the Samsung WB100 will be available in black and silver for £329 from April 2009.

The Samsung HZ15W is a new 12 megapixel camera with a 10x, 24mm wide-angle zoom lens. The step-up model from the HZ10W, which was introduced in January, the Samsung HZ15W (also known as the Samsung WB550) offers a larger 3 inch LCD screen. Just like the HZ10W, the HZ15W model has a 24-240mm lens, Dual Image Stabilization, Smart Auto, Face Detection, Smile Shot, Blink Detection, Self Portrait and Beauty Shot modes. It can also record high-definition video at a resolution of 720p and connected directly to an HDTV via the HDMI port. The Samsung HZ15W will be available in March 2009 for $329.99. In the UK the Samsung WB550 will be available in black and dark grey for £299 from April 2009.

The Samsung PL10 is a new 9 megapixel multimedia digital camera. The PL10 (also known as the Samsung Samsung CL5) features a 2.7 inch LCD screen and PMP (Personal Multimedia Player) with integrated MP3 player. Other standout features of the PL10 include Face Recognition, Perfect Portrait System, Smart Auto and Frame guide. In the UK the Samsung PL10 will be available from April 2009 in silver, royal black, arty red, candy pink and purple for £179.

The Olympus X915 and X890 are new digital cameras exclusive to UK retailer Jessops. The Olympus X915 (pictured) is a 12 megapixel camera with a 5x optical zoom and 2.7 LCD screen. The Olympus X890 has 10 megapixels, 3x optical zoom and a 2.7 LCD screen. The Olympus X915 and X890 are available now from Jessops stores or online for £299 and £259 respectively.

A new firmware update that adds RAW format to the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS camera will be released next month. The firmware will be available for download from mid-March. In the mean-time, take a look at our in-depth Canon PowerShot SX1 IS review.

The Ricoh CX1 is a new compact camera with a 9.29 megapixel CMOS sensor. Offering a dynamic range of 12 EV, the Ricoh CX1 also offers a Dynamic Range Double Shot mode that shoots two images with different exposures, and then combines the properly exposed portions of each image, giving an almost naked-eye impression. High-speed continuous shooting at 4 frames/sec at full image resolution is available, and the CX1 can even shoot at 120 frames/sec (640x480 pixel images). A 3 inch, 920k dot LCD screen and 7.1x, 28-200mm lens complete the headline features. The Ricoh CX1 will be available for £299 from 13th March in the UK.

The PowerShot D10 is Canon’s first attempt at a take-everywhere, do-everything camera, and they’ve certainly taken a different approach to the likes of Olympus. The Canon D10 has a rounded, almost toy-camera-like styling, with the option of changing the front fascia adding some individuality (although this camouflage model might not be to most people’s tastes). Click the continue link below to see what the 12.1 megapixel D10 compact looks like.

The Canon PowerShot A2100 IS drew the most admiring glances from the gathered journalists at this morning’s UK Canon launch. The A2100 looks very sleek and sophisticated in an all-black finish. Click the continue link below to see what the 12.1 megapixel A2100 IS compact looks like.

We got to grips with Canon’s pretender to the travel-zoom crown, the PowerShot SX200 IS, at today’s London launch. The SX200 IS proved to be bigger and chunkier than the Panasonic DMC-TZ7, likely to be its main rival. Click the continue link below to see what the 12.1 megapixel SX200 IS compact looks like in the flesh.

The new IXUS 990 IS (also known as the Canon SD970 IS) sits at the top of the tree in the IXUS range. It’s the most similar in design-terms to the previous IXUS models, whilst offering an extensive feature list that now includes 720p HD video. Click the continue link below to see what the 12.1 megapixel IXUS 990 IS compact looks like.

The IXUS 110 IS (also known as the Canon SD960 IS) features an unusual rounded styling, dubbed box and circle by Canon, as you can see from our pictures taken at today’s UK launch. A refreshingly uncluttered user interface perfectly complements the wide-aspect 2.8 inch LCD screen. Click the continue link below to see what the 12.1 megapixel IXUS 110 IS compact looks like.