The Fujifilm F47fd is the latest in Fujifilm’s range of advanced compact digital cameras. Exclusive to Dixons in the UK, the Fujifilm F47fd is essentially the same as the F40fd model, except for a slightly larger 9 megapixel sensor. The Fujifilm F47fd also Fujifilm’s proprietary Real Photo Processor II, Super CCD HR VI and hardware-based Face Detection, plus ISO 2000 sensitivity at full resolution and a 3.0x optical zoom lens. The Fujifilm F47fd is available now at Dixons for £179.89.

The Fujifilm F45fd digital camera is a new ocean-blue version of the F40fd. Produced exclusively in the UK for Argos, the Fujifilm F45fd shares exactly the same specification as its sister model, including ISO 2000 sensitivity at full 8.3 megapixel resolution, 3.0x optical zoom lens, Face Detection and 300 shot battery life. The Fujifilm F45fd is available now at Argos for £199.99.

The Fujifilm A825 is a new, charcoal grey version of the previously announced A820 model. Exclusive to Comet in the UK, the Fujifilm A825 has exactly the same specification as its sister model, including a Fujinon 4x optical zoom lens and ISO 800 sensitivity at full resolution. The A825 also features Fujifilm’s acclaimed Super CCD HR sensor and RP Processor. Comet are currently selling the new Fujifilm A825 for £89.99.

Reuters are reporting that Canon are investing 55 billion yen / $451 million in a new Japanese factory to double its production of image sensors. More interestingly, the new factory will apparently be making CMOS chips for both Canon’s DSLR and compact camera ranges. “The CMOS chips will be used in both single lens reflex (SLR) models as well as in some compact models. Canon’s compact cameras have to date used a different type of image sensor called a charge-coupled device (CCD)” commented Reuters. Up to now the company have exclusively used CCD sensors for their compacts and CMOS for their DSLRs. This could mean an increase in image quality if Canon chooses to use larger CMOS sensors in its compacts, plus the decision will directly affect Sony, who currently supply CCD sensors to Canon.

Website: Reuters - Canon to build $451 mln factory for key camera part

The Canon iPF610 24” large format printer has just appeared on Canon USA’s website. Available in August 2007, the Canon iPF610 features a Reactive Ink system consisting of four highly colorfast dye inks - Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black - plus two channels of pigment-based matte black. The iPF610 is aimed at the graphic design market, producing full-bleed posters, clear text documents and crisp line drawings easily and quickly. More news on pricing to follow.

Don McCullin will be presented with the Centenary Medal of The Society at The Royal Photographic Society Annual Awards. The Centenary Medal is awarded in recognition of a sustained, significant contribution to the art of photography. the RPS Annual Awards 2007 are being held at The Royal Institute of British Architects, London W1 during the evening of Thursday 4th October.

ReaConverter 5.0 allows users to convert images, as well as edit them, creating high quality photos and drafts. ReaConverter 5.0 comes in Lite, Standard and Pro editions and runs under Microsoft Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/2003 Server/Vista. A free 15-day trial version is available.

ePhotoZine have reviewed the new Olympus E-410 DSLR camera.

“Well, it’s been an almost indecently short time between updates to the E-410 and the main difference is the Live View is now in colour and the image quality is a little better. Handling is exactly the same, with just one button changing function. Being small it is harder to hold more comfortably and securely than a Nikon D40x or a Canon EOS 400D, but the build quality is a lot better than either of those two.”

Website: ePhotoZine - Olympus E-410 Review

Website: Read our Olympus E-410 Review

PrinterInfo have reviewed the Panasonic KX-PX20, an easy-to-use, dye-sub home photo printers with print life of up to 100 years and a 3.6 inch colour LCD screen.

“For the money, users can do much better with other compact photo printers, dye sub or inkjet. The expensive cost per print and poor image quality alone makes this a poor buy next to models such as the Sony FP90 and The Epson PictureMate Flash. But the lack of wireless compatibility, single memory card slot, and lack of optional battery go well beyond this to make the PX20 simply not worth the cost, unless the consumer is wed to Panasonic products.”

Website: PrinterInfo - Panasonic KX-PX20 Review

The Fujifilm IS Pro is a new infrared DSLR camera based on the S5 Pro model. The IS Pro records light from the ultraviolet (UV), visible and infrared (IR) portion of the spectrum (approx. 380nm - 1000nm). There are several system packages available for the Fujifilm IS Pro digital SLR, ranging in price from $2599.95 body only to $4999 for a kit including a Zeiss 50mm Macro lens. The Fujifilm IS Pro is currently only available in the USA.

Nikon UK will offer a two year warranty as standard on all camera bodies from 1st September 2007. The new warranty applies to all Coolpix and DSLR cameras purchased on or after 1st July 2007. Nikon customers are required to register their product to take advantage of the two year warranty. “The introduction of the two year warranty from September 1st demonstrates Nikon’s commitment to all our customers. We are confident that this will be a distinct benefit to all users and reinforces the confidence we have in the quality and durability of our products.” commented Mark Evans, Service Manager - Imaging, Nikon UK.

Nikon are offering a £50 cashback in the UK and €75 in Eire on the Coolpix S500, a 7.1 megapixel camera with a 3x zoom lens (35-105mm), Vibration Reduction to combat camera shake, ISO 2000 capability, 2.5 inch monitor and One-touch portrait button. The offer is valid for purchases made between 13th July and 30th July 2007. Closing date for application is 31st August 2007.

Canon have released Digital Photo Professional 3.0.2 for Windows and Mac OS X. Digital Photo Professional is software exclusively for editing and converting RAW images shot by EOS Digital cameras. The update adds the following new features:

Windows Version
1-1. The following functions can now be used in Windows Vista.
- Trimming Tool
- Quick Check Tool
- Detailed settings printing
- Contact sheet printing
1-2. Improvement of image display quality.
Corrected the issue in which jaggies are noticeable in images displayed on the monitor.
1-3. The setting value of Picture Style files will be applied to images.
When a picture style is applied to images, the setting value of picture style (contrast/color tone/color depth/sharpness) will be applied.

Canon have released EOS Utility 2.0.2 for Windows and Mac OS X, EOS Utility is software exclusively for EOS Digital cameras that combines all the functions involving communication with the camera. This software accommodates features such as importing and viewing images on the computer by connecting the camera to the computer, using the remote shooting function, and controlling the camera from the computer to specify the camera settings. The update adds the following new features:

Windows Version
1-1. Support added for Auto Power OFF (camera) during Remote Live View shooting
The Auto Power Off function can now be used during Remote Live View shooting with EOS-1D Mark III.
1-2. Corrected “From PC” in Time Setting on the Camera
It’s corrected that the “From PC” in “Date/Time” of the camera setting does not function properly when a computer is working in daylight saving time.
1-3. The setting value of Picture Style files will be applied to camera.
When a picture style file is set to the camera, the parameters included in the file (contrast/color tone/color depth/sharpness) will be applied to the camera.

PCMag have reviewed the new HP B9180, an 8 colour, A3+ inkjet printer that uses Vivera pigment inks for waterproof photos which resist fading for more than 200 years.

“Talk about most categories of printers and you have to talk about HP models. Talk about high-quality photo printers for the serious amateur photographer or professional on a budget, however, and HP has been largely absent from the discussion. If the HP Photosmart Pro B9180 Photo Printer ($699.99 direct) accomplishes nothing else, it should change that.”

Website: PCMag - HP Photosmart Pro B9180 Review

Website: Read our HP Photosmart Pro B9180 Review

ePhotoZine have reviewed the Ricoh GX100 digital camera, which features a 10.01 megapixel CCD, fast 24-72mm wide zoom lens and a removable electronic view?nder.

“Upon opening the box of the GX100, I was amused to discover a camera that looked like it had been designed by someone using Sticklebricks. However, that amusement was short lived as the camera grows on you like fungus on an old tree.”

Website: ePhotoZine - Ricoh GX100 Review

Website: Read our Ricoh GX100 Review

DCResource have reviewed the new Canon S5 IS ultra-zoom compact camera, which features a 12x optical zoom lens equivalent to 36-432mm, optical image stabilizer and 8 megapixel sensor.

“The PowerShot S5’s image quality is some of the best you’ll find on an ultra zoom. The camera takes well-exposed, colorful photos with just the right amount of sharpness. At lower ISO settings, images have an almost D-SLR-like “smooth” appearance to them. Noise doesn’t become a problem until ISO 400 in good light, and ISO 200 in low light. ISO 800 is usable (in good light) if you use noise reduction software, but you might as well forget about using ISO 1600.”

Website: DCResource - Canon S5 IS Review

Website: Read our Canon PowerShot S5 IS Review

Megapixel.net have reviewed the Panasonic DMC-FX30, the world’s slimmest digital camera with a 28mm wide-angle lens.

“The Panasonic DMC-FX30 is a camera that produces mixed reactions. It allows capturing fleeting moments thanks to a fast auto focus and a negligible shutter delay. The images the camera yields have an excellent colour rendition, exposures turn out perfectly without any particular effort on the part of the photographer, and images print very well. At the same time, this is a camera that is clearly sensitive to noise, yielding its best results when given plenty of bright light and when the photographer tries to avoid framing shots that contain numerous shadow areas.”

Website: Megapixel.net - Panasonic DMC-FX30 Review

The Ricoh RR750 is an entry-level 7.16 megapixel digital camera with 2.5 inch LCD screen and 3x optical zoom lens. The new RR750 replaces the Caplio RR730 model, offering a higher resolution LCD screen and greater lens resolution. So far the Ricoh RR750 has only been announced in Japan. The Ricoh RR750 will be available at the end of July 2007 in the UK at £99.99 including VAT.

The Samsung S85 entry-level digital camera features an 8.2 megapixel sensor and 5x optical zoom lens. The S85 also includes Samsung’s Intelligent Face Recognition Technology and Advanced Shake Reduction system. Full manual control is offered by the Samsung S85, with a fastest ISO speed of 1600 and a 2.5 inch LCD screen. The Samsung S85 will be available from the end of August 2007 for £119.99 in the UK, and late September for $229 in the USA.