The Nikon Coolpix AW100 is the company’s first steps into the world of tough cameras. Built to last and filled with features to dominate the market, the AW100 sports a 16 megapixel CCD sensor, 5x optical zoom, 3 inch LCD and EXPEED C2 processor. On top of that, the camera can be plunged into water down to 10 metres, dropped from a height of 1.5 metres and taken to freezing locations as low as -10 degrees. It also has a built-in GPS system with on-board maps to help tag your pictures on Google Maps when you get home.

The Nikon Coolpix AW100 has an RRP of £329.99 (383 euro) and will be available early September 2011.

The S1200pj is the newest projector camera from Nikon. A slim camera, the S1200pj has a 14 megapixel sensor and 5x optical zoom. A 3 inch screen on the back of the camera joins just a few buttons to adjust settings and enter menus but there’s also a dedicated video button for fast recording of candid moments.

One of the higher specification models, the S8200 has an attractive design thanks to the huge lens barrel on the front. Images go through a 14x optical zoom NIKKOR ED lens onto a 16 megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor. The 3 inch screen on the back has a 921,000 dot (307,000 pixel) resolution and is extremely clear with no motion blur.

Speed is a big issue for Nikon on the S8200 and because of this the autofocus and start-up time has been improved on. It certainly seems to be faster but the full review on a final sample with prove it.

Slightly just down the ladder from the S8200 is the S6200. It’s a smaller, lighter version and you could also say a lite version. There are noticeable omissions to distinguish between the S6200 and S8200. The resolution is the same on both cameras, the function wheel on the back is present on each camera and they both have an EXPEED C2 processor. But the NIKKOR ED lens on the S6200 has a more moderate 10x optical zoom. The HD video isn’t Full HD and the screen on the back is slightly smaller at 2.7 inches.

The Nikon S100 is a flat, palm sized digital compact camera that’s packed with features for the tech savvy younger generation. A 16 megapixel Back-illuminated CMOS sensor sits inside the smart phone shaped unit which also records FullHD video. The screen on the back is an OLED 3.5 inch touch-screen which is extremely sensitive. But not in a way that it preempts your moves. However, some touch screens we’ve seen have had to be jabbed at to get a command acknowledged but the S100 is more sensitive than an iPhone.

Want to see what the new Panasonic X 14-42mm lens looks like in the flesh?

Here’s a gallery of hands-on photos of the Panasonic X 14-42mm professional lens.

Want to see what the new Panasonic X 45-175mm lens looks like in the flesh?

Here’s a gallery of hands-on photos of the Panasonic X 45-175mm professional lens.

Want to see what the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ150 looks like in the flesh?

Here’s a gallery of hands-on photos of the Panasonic FZ150 super-zoom compact camera.

Want to see what the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90 looks like in the flesh?

Here’s a gallery of hands-on photos of the Panasonic FX90 compact camera.

Panasonic has unveiled a duo of power zoom lenses for the Micro Four Thirds system, including the tiny Lumix G X PZ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 standard zoom and the Lumix G X 45-175mm f/4-5.6 telephoto lens.  The new lenses feature Panasonic’s Nano Surface Coating, optical image stabilisation and aspherical and ED glass elements; as well as a motorised - yet smooth, quiet and precise - zooming mechanism. The Lumix G X 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 lens additionally features a collapsible design that allows it to be approximately as small as the 20mm pancake lens when not in use. In comparison to the existing Lumix G Standard 14-42mm kit lens, this lens provides “significantly improved optical performance” while being a lot smaller and 48% lighter. The Lumix GX 45-175mm f/4-5.6 lens has a 35mm equivalent focal range of 90-350mm and features a fast motorised Multi-Actuator Floating Inner Focus System, which ensures that air and dust isn’t sucked into the lens during zooming or focussing. The new lenses will debut this September at the IFA trade show in Berlin. Panasonic Europe will also release a Panasonic GF3X kit including the Panasonic GF3 camera body and the new 14-42mm power zoom. Pricing to be confirmed.

The Panasonic FZ150 is a 12.1-megapixel, 24x super-zoom camera with Light Speed auto-focus and Full HD video recording. The Leica-branded 25-600mm equivalent lens of the boasts Nano Surface Coating, which is claimed to “dramatically minimise” ghosting and flare, while the new sensor delivers an improved signal-to-noise ratio compared to the existing Lumix DMC-FZ100. The Panasonic FZ150 also offers a range of manual controls, a hot-shoe, Power O.I.S. optical image stabiliser, continuous shooting speeds of 5.5fps with auto-focus and 12fps without focus tracking, and 1,920x1,080/50p Full HD movie capture with stereo sound, as well as QVGA video recording at 220fps.  The Lumix FZ150 even features a Creative Video mode, which lets users set the shutter speed and aperture manually. Additionally, it is also possible to take 3.5-megapixel stills while filming a movie. Face Recognition, an Intelligent Scene Selector and a 3D photography mode round off the features list. The DMC-FZ150 will be available from October.

Panasonic is launching a new photo sharing service called Lumix Club to coincide with the release of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90 digital camera, which features Wi-Fi connectivity. The service offers external site link function to support easy Social Network Service posting using the DMC-FX90 without having to worry about complicated settings, the company says. The External Site Link function allows users to upload a photo or video to multiple sites (including Facebook, Flickr, Picasa and YouTube) simultaneously. In the future, Lumix Club will provide additional functions such as a storage service, and album timeline display function and a device link function, which allows e.g. the photo of a faraway grandchild posted to Lumix Club to be viewed or downloaded using a Panasonic DIGA Blu-ray Disc recorder. The service will be available through the website below.

The 12.1-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90 offers a 24-120mm equivalent lens, Full HD movie recording and Wi-Fi connectivity. Comprising 7 elements - including 3 aspherical elements - arranged in 6 groups, the lens has a maximum aperture of f/2.5 at the wide end and f/5.9 at full telephoto. The 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi connectivity allows owners of the Panasonic FX90 to post images and videos to sites such as Facebook, Flickr, Picasa or YouTube directly from the camera. Users can even upload photos via a mobile network if they have a smartphone that can act as a portable Wi-Fi hotspot. Panasonic provides a free, dedicated application called Lumix Link for both iPhone and Android handsets. Other highlights include Face Recognition, Intelligent Scene Selector and a 3D photo mode. The Lumix FX90 will be available in October, with pricing to be confirmed.

Panasonic has announced it will soon be releasing a new, function-enhancing firmware update for the Panasonic LX5 premium compact camera. Version 2.0 speeds up the auto-focus to achieve best-in-class performance at the wide end of the zoom range, adds a High ISO NR function and improves AWB performance in low light situations. Additionally, the new firmware upgrade adds an Active mode to the image stabiliser during movie capture, expands the available My Colour modes with a Miniature Effect, and extends the maximum exposure time to 250 seconds (i.e. more than 4 minutes) for shooting fireworks, night scenes and starry skies. Shutter release operation is improved so that the camera can perform continuous auto-focus while the shutter release is depressed halfway, as with a system camera. The combination use of AF/MF is now easier even in situations where maximum focusing accuracy is demanded. The camera can now remember the size and position of the active AF point, which is convenient for shooting with the camera mounted on a tripod. The brightness, contrast and colour balance of the LCD screen and the optional external EVF can now be adjusted manually. The new firmware version will be available worldwide at the website below starting 5am GMT on 13th September.

Pentax has posted a few official sample images taken with the new Pentax Q compact system camera. Captured at ISO 125 and ISO 200 using the (50mm equivalent) 8.5mm f/1.9 lens at f/2.8, these four Pentax Q samples were shot raw and developed in-camera. To see them at full resolution, follow the link below and click on the images.

Website: Pentax Japan

Via RiceHigh’s Pentax Blog

Announced in the US in May, the new Lowepro Photo Sport AW Series camera bags are now available in the United Kingdom too. Designed for outdoor adventurers that like to bring photo gear along when skiing, biking or snowboarding., the Lowepro Photo Sport AW Series comprises a dual-compartment sling bag and a photo backpack. To ensure quick access to camera equipment, the lower compartment of each pack includes Lowepro’s Ultra-Cinch Camera Chamber that snugs gear in a secured compartment to prevent bouncing while in motion. A zippered, side-access pocket allows the wearer to quickly rotate the pack to the front, unzip, un-cinch and access the camera compartment which can accommodate a DSLR with attached lens and a flash unit. The top-loading upper compartment provides flexible storage space — 13.9 litres in the 200 AW backpack and 9 litres in the Sling 100 AW — for other essential photo gear. In the UK, Lowepro products are distributed exclusively by DayMen International.

Breathing Color recently launched the “Go Lyve” international print competition with $10,000 worth of prizes. Entrants are required to purchase a roll, box or trial roll of of Breathing Color’s Lyve Canvas between 15 August through 31 December 2011, print their favourite image on it at a size of 16x20 inches or less, and send the print to Breathing Color, Att: “Go Lyve Print Contest”, 18552 MacArthur Blvd., Suite 100. Irvine, California, 92612. For contest rules and a detailed list of prizes, visit the website below.

Sony have unveiled plans to release three new E-Mount lenses for the NEX compact camera system in 2012. In addition to announcing 3 new lenses for 2011 yesterday (the Carl Zeiss 24mm f/1.8, Sony 50mm f/1.8 and 55-210mm), a Sony spokeman also revealed that a high performance standard zoom lens, wide angle zoom lens and mid telephoto lens will be added to the ever-expanding NEX system during 2012, bringing the total number of E-mount lenses to 10.

Want to see what the new Sony A65 camera looks like in the flesh?

Here’s a gallery of hands-on photos of the Sony A65, including the 18-55mm kit lens, new 16-50mm f/2.8 lens, and a side-by-side comparison with its big brother, the A77.