The last time we heard anything about the long-delayed Sigma DP1 compact camera was back in November last year, when Sigma announced that they were going back to the drawing board. Now the company has published a teaser advert for the DP1 with the immortal tagline, “The worldwide debut, soon”. How soon is now? asked The Smiths. Could the Sigma DP1 appear at PMA as a fully-fledged, working camera, or will we have to be content with another pre-production sample, as at last year’s PMA show? Why is anyone bothered - well, remember, the Sigma DP1 could be the first ever compact camera to feature an APS-C size sensor, or as Sigma are describing it, “The camera that no-one’s made before”. Now all they have to do is get it out of the factory door…

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 and DMC-TZ4 are 9 and 8 megapixel updates of Panasonic’s best-selling camera ever, the TZ3. Both the DMC-TZ5 and DMC-TZ4 feature a 10x, 28-280mm zoom lens, Venus Engine IV image processing engine and improved Intelligent Auto mode. The TZ5 has a 460,000 pixel high resolution 3 inch LCD screen, whilst the TZ4 has a smaller, 230,000 pixel 2.5 inch screen. Additionally the DMC-TZ5 integrates recording capabilities for 720p HD (high-definition) motion pictures.

I’ll be using the Panasonic DMC-TZ5 camera later today in Las Vegas, so stay tuned for some sample images…

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX35 is a new 25mm ultra wide-angle compact camera. The Panasonic FX35 features a 25-100mm zoom lens, Venus Engine IV processing engine and 10.1 megapixels. The DMC-FX35 also integrates 720p HD (high-definition), 30fps movie recording capabilities.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ10 and DMC-LZ8 are new 10 megapixel, 5x zoom digital cameras. Replacing the LZ6 and LZ5 models, the DMC-LZ10 has a 30-150mm lens and the DMC-LZ8 a 32-160mm lens. Both models offer a full range of scene and fully manual controls, making them attractive to both beginners and more experienced photographers alike. The DMC-LZ10 and DMC-LZ8 both offer upgraded 2.5 inch LCD screens, now with 230,000 pixels, improved Intelligent Auto mode, Venus IV processing engine, and run on AA batteries.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20 and DMC-FS5 are the first models in a new range of stylish, easy to use cameras. Both the FS20 and FS5 offer a 4x, 30-120mm lens and 10.1 megapixel, 1/2.33-inch sensor. Intelligent Auto Mode has been improved and there’s also a new image-processing engine, Venus Engine IV. The DMC-FS20 features a 3 inch, 230k screen, whilst the DMC-FS5 has a smaller 2.5 inch model.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS3 camera is an entry-level addition to the brand new FS range. The new FS series is similar to the world-acclaimed FX series. The Panasonic DMC-FS3 has a 3x, 33-100mm zoom lens, Intelligent Auto mode, Venus IV processing engine, 2.5 inch LCD screen and 8.1 megapixel sensor. The DMC-FS3 will be available in silver, black blue, pink and green.

The Nikon Coolpix P60 is a new 8 megapixel compact digital camera with 5x zoom (36mm-180mm). The Nikon P60 also offers a 2.5 inch LCD screen, electronic viewfinder and vibration reduction technology. “Its ergonomic design, powerful zoom lens and advanced features make the Nikon P60 a great choice for people who want to take outstanding pictures with a compact camera.” said Martina Beckmann, Manager Communications & Marketing Services for Nikon Europe. The price for the Nikon Coolpix P60 is £199.99 / €292.00 / $229.95, available in March.

The Nikon Coolpix S600 is a new 10 megapixel compact digicam with a 4x wide-angle zoom lens. The Nikon S600 offers a 28-112mm lens, Optical Vibration Reduction and the fastest start-up time for any camera in its class. Sporting an all-metal body in Slate Black, the Nikon Coolpix S600 will be available in March 2008 for £249.99 / €366.00 / $299.95.

The Nikon Coolpix S550 is a new 10 megapixel compact camera with 5x zoom lens. It features two new modes that enhance portrait photography, Smile Mode and Blink Warning. “We are excited to enhance the consumers’ photography experience by incorporating Smile Mode and Blink Warning into the new Nikon S550,” says Bill Giordano, General Manager, Marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc. “With these two features, it will be easier than ever to take perfect portraits of friends and family.” The Nikon Coolpix S550 will be available in plum, cool blue and graphite black for £199.99 / €292.00 / $229.95, available February 2008.

The new Nikon Coolpix S520 is a slim, ergonomic camera with a a streamlined profile. The Nikon S520 features 8 megapixels, 3x zoom lens, Optical Vibration Reduction, and an aluminum body. “The COOLPIX S520 is a solid contribution to the COOLPIX Style Series line, and we hope that its slim and stunning design, color options, unique technology, and powerful capabilities continue to appeal to the street-savvy trendsetters at which the Style Series is aimed.” said Bill Giordano, General Manager, Marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc. The Nikon Coolpix S520 will be available in March 2008 in plum and graphite black for $229.95.

The new Nikon Coolpix S210 is a super-thin entry-level camera with 8 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD screen and 3x zoom lens. “With the Coolpix S210, Nikon has created an affordable compact camera that boasts both style and power” says Bill Giordano, General Manager, marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc. “The gentle contours of the S210’s small camera body will fit comfortably in the user’s hand providing greater mobility.” The Nikon S210 will be available in March 2008 for £179.99 / €263.00 / $179.95.

The Nikon Coolpix L18 is a new compact and affordable 8 megapixel digital camera. The Nikon L18 features a 3x zoom lens, large 3 inch LCD screen and new Easy Auto Mode. “The COOLPIX L18 carries on the tradition of previous L-Series cameras, as it is user friendly, ultra-portable and a tremendous value for consumers.” says Bill Giordano, General Manager, Marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc. Available in March, the Nikon Coolpix L18 will be offered in Navy and Ruby Red for $139.95.

The Nikon Coolpix L16 is a new compact and affordable 7 megapixel digital camera. The Nikon L16 features a 3x zoom lens, large 2.8 inch LCD screen and new Easy Auto Mode. “The Nikon L16 is all about cameras that are fun to use and help consumers experience the joy of taking great pictures,” said Martina Beckmann, Manager Communications & Marketing Services for Nikon Europe. Available in March, the Nikon Coolpix L16 will be offered in Black or Grey for £99.99 / € 146.00 / €119.

The Samsung i100 is a new 10.2 megapixel compact digital camera with 3 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom. Other standout features of the i100 include Face Detection, ISO 3200 sensitivity, MP3 Multimedia Player and Samsung’s World Tour Guide. The Samsung i100 will cost around £179 and be available in May 2008.

The Samsung i80 is a new 8.1 megapixel compact digital camera with 3 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom. Other standout features of the i80 include Face Detection, ISO 3200 sensitivity, MP3 Multimedia Player and 14 different Scene Modes. The Samsung i80 will cost around £149 and be available in April 2008.

The Samsung S1060 is a new 10.2 megapixel, entry-level compact digital camera. The S1060 features a 5x optical zoom lens, 2.7 inch LCD screen, Face Detection mode and 14 scene modes. The price and availability of the Samsung S1060 have yet to be announced.

The Canon Digital IXUS 80 IS (Europe) / PowerShot SD1100 IS ELPH (US) is a new 8 megapixel compact digital camera. The IXUS 80 IS / SD1100 IS offers a 2.5” PureColor LCD II screen, DIGIC III image processor, upgraded High ISO Auto mode with new Motion Detection Technology, and 3x zoom with optical Image Stabilizer. The Canon IXUS 80 IS / SD1100 IS features Canon’s ‘perpetual curve’ design and is available in four subtle colour variations. The Canon Digital IXUS 80 IS will be available from March 2008 priced at £219.00 / €319.00.

Canon have added 3 new models to their A-series Powershot range of digital cameras - the A590 IS, A580, A470. Offering 8 megapixels, the Canon A590 IS and Canon A580 are identical apart from the addition of image stabiliation to the former model, with 4x optical zoom, Motion Detection Technology with High ISO Auto, 2.5” LCD and optical viewfinder on offer. The cheaper Canon A470 camera has a 7 megapixel sensor and 3.4 optical zoom. The new Canon PowerShot A590 IS will cost $199 / £159.00 / €229.00. The Canon PowerShot A580 will cost $179 / £139.00 / €199.00. The Canon PowerShot A470 will cost $179 / £109.00 / €159.00. All three are available from March 2008.

The new Fujifilm FinePix S100FS is what the company describe as “its most advanced DSLR-styled camera to date”. With an 11 megapixel sensor, 2.5” tiltable LCD and 14.3x, 28mm-400mm Fujinon manual zoom lens, the Fujifilm S100FS attempts to offer the manual controls and functionality of a true DSLR camera. Film simulation modes and settings that expand the camera’s dynamic range have filtered down from the FinePix S5 Pro DSLR camera. The Fujifilm FinePix S100FS will be available from UK retailers in March 2008, pricing to be announced nearer to the date of the launch.

The new Fujifilm FinePix S8100fd camera offers 10 megapixels and an 18x wide angle lens (27-486mm). Successor to the S800fd model (which is just 6 months old), the Fujifilm S8100fd offers more megapixels, new Zoom Bracketing and Instant Zoom modes and some new continuous shooting modes (up to 33 frames at 13.5 frames per second (at 3 megapixels; 6.8 frames per second at 5 megapixels)). The Fujifilm FinePix S8100fd will be available from UK retailers in March 2008, pricing will be announced nearer to the date of the launch.