Toshiba has launched a new compact HD camcorder called the Toshiba Camileo S30. Featuring a free-angle, 3” touch-sensitive screen, the Toshiba Camileo S30 is only 3/4th of an inch thick, and weighs a mere 4.2 ounces. Compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, the Camileo S30 shoots HD video and 8-megapixel stills, and offers easy operation, 16x digital zoom and digital image stabilisation. Priced at $179.99 including an HDMI cable, the Toshiba Camileo S30 camcorder is available now at toshibadirect.com.

The SD Association has introduced a new bus-interface specification called UHS-II. The new specification transfer speeds up to 312 megabytes per second, which is up to three times higher than last year’s UHS-I. “Tripled bus-interface speeds give manufacturers more flexible design options, including low voltage and low power consumption, for large and small SD devices without compromising data transfer rates,” the association said in a statement. This new speed option will be available in full-size SDHC and SDXC memory cards and microSDHC and microSDXC form factors and does not change the physical size or shape of the cards.

Pentax have released new firmware updates for the K-5, K-r and 645D cameras.

The version 1.02 firmware for the K-5 and version 1.01 firmware for the K-r enables:
- An improved functional sequence of Contrast AF and improved total speed until focus is done
- All ISO settings can now be selected in Bulb mode, from 80 to 51 200 (whereas with v1.01, maximum value was 1600)
- Compatibility with SDXC memory cards

The version 1.01 firmware for the 645D enables:
- Compatibility with SDXC memory cards

The Panasonic DMC-FP7 and DMC-FP5 are two new ultra-flat and stylish digital compact cameras. Incorporating a ultra-thin 4x optical zoom, 35-140mm lens with folded optics, both the 16.1-megapixel FP7 and the 14.1-megapixel FP5 boast exceptional slimness and a futuristic, urban look, a touchscreen interface, and 720p HD movie recording. The two models have a suggested retail price of $229.99 for the LUMIX FP7 and $199.99 for the LUMIX FP5.

The Panasonic DMC-FS37 and DMC-FS35 are new stylish digital compact cameras with 8x zoom lenses. The 16.1-megapixel DMC-FS37 / FS35 (also known as the FH27 / FH25) both feature an 8x, 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC lens, touch-screen LCDs, and 720p HD movie recording. The Panasonic FH27 has an SRP of $229.99 and the Panasonic FH25 has an SRP of $199.99.

The Panasonic DMC-FS18 and DMC-FS16 are two new ultra-compact cameras. The 16.1-megapixel FS18 (also known as the FH5) and 14.1-megapixel FS16 (also known as the FH2) both feature a 4x, 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC lens, ISO 6400, and 720p HD movie recording. The Panasonic FH5 will cost $149.99 and the Panasonic FH2 will cost $139.99.

The Panasonic DMC-S3 and DMC-S1 are the first models in a new range of simple, stylish and smart digital compact cameras. The 14.1-megapixel S3 and 12.1-megapixel S1 have been exclusively developed for first time camera users, both models offering a 28mm wide-angle 4x optical zoom lens, Optical Image Stabilizers and 720p movie recording. The Panasonic S3 has an SRP of $129.99 and the Panasonic S1 has an SRP of $119.99.

The Panasonic SD40, TM40, HS80, TM80, SD80, TM90 and SD90 are seven new Full-High Definition camcorders. They all have a 1MOS sensor with 1920 x 1080 resolution and feature wide-angle lenses. The Panasonic SD90 and TM90 are capable of shooting full-HD video with 1080/60p recording and can even record 3D video with the optional Panasonic 3D Conversion lens. All models will be available in black, while the HDC-TM80 and HDC-SD80 will also be available in red and silver.

The Panasonic H100, T70 and S70 are three new standard definition camcorders. All three are compact models with advanced features like a 33mm wide-angle and a powerful Enhanced Optical Zoom of 78x, Advanced OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) feature, plus Active mode. All three models record to SDXC, SDHC or SD Memory Cards, but the H100 also records onto an 80GB hard disk drive and the T70 has 4 GB of built-in memory. The Panasonic H100, the T70 and the S70 will be available in March 2011.

The Panasonic TM900, HS900, SD900 and SD800 are new flagship high-definition camcorders. They all feature an Advanced 3MOS System for enhanced colour reproduction, resolution and gradation, the ability to shoot home movies in 3D, and full-HD 1920 x 1080, 50 progressive recording at a 28-Mbps bit rate. Elegantly finished in black, the Panasonic TM900, HS900, SD900 and SD800 will all be available from February 2011.

The Casio TRYX is a revolutionary new camera with a distinctive, variable frame design. Thanks to its super thin (.59-inches thick), variable frame design, TRYX can adapt to fit the user’s preferred shooting style or to help them capture an image from just about any angle or in any environment. Users can hold the camera horizontally, in a traditional point-and-shoot style to capture still images or flip out the rotating, three-inch, touch-screen LCD and swivel the body to experience countless other positions. The Casio TRYX will be available April 2011 for $249.99.

The Casio EX-H30 digital camera can take 1,000 photos on a single battery charge. The EXH30 also features a 16.1 megapixel CCD, a wide-angle 24mm, 12.5x optical zoom lens, a 3.0-inch high-resolution 460K Super Clear LCD, 720p movies and CCD-shift image stabilisation. The Casio EX-H30 will be available in four colors, including sliver, black, red, and gold, and will ship in March 2011 for $249.99.

The Casio EX-ZR100 is a new wide-angle, high-zoom digital camera. The ZR100 features a 12.1-megapixel, back-illuminated CMOS sensor, wide-angle 24 mm, 12.5x optical zoom lens, 40fps burst mode at 10 megapixels, Full HD movies and an HDR ART function. The Casio EX-ZR100 will be available in black and will ship in March 2011 for $299.99.

The Casio EX-ZS10 is an ultra-stylish and high performance camera on a budget. The ZS10 has a 14 megapixel sensor, 2.7 inch LCD screen, stainless steel body and 720p HD movie recording. In addition to minimalistic silver, the EX-ZS10 is also available in black, red, pink and blue. The EX-ZS10 will be available in black, silver, red, pink and blue, and will ship in March 2011 for $119.99.

The Casio EX-ZS5 is a stylish and easy to use entry-level digital camera. The ZS5 boasts a 5x optical zoom and a 26mm wide-angle lens, Advanced Easy Mode function, intelligent face detection and Anti-Shake Mode. The Casio EX-ZS5 is available in black, silver, pink and orange. The EX-ZS5 will be available in black, silver, orange and pink, and will ship in March 2011 for $99.99.

The Samsung ST700, PL170 and PL120 are three new DualView digital cameras. The ST700 represents the ultimate in dual screen innovation from Samsung, boasting a 1.8” front LCD screen, new 3.0” rear touch screen with Smart Access UI, a 16.1 megapixel image sensor and a 26mm 5x optical zoom lens. The PL170 and PL120 bring the added value of dual screen technology to all camera users, with bright 1.5” front screens and Easy Self Shot feature. The Samsung ST700, PL170 and PL120 will be available in March for $279.99 / £249.99, $199.99 / £179.99 and $149.99 / £149.99 respectively.

The Samsung WB210 and PL210 are two new high zoom, wide angle digital cameras. The WB210 boasts a 12x optical super zoom lens set in a slim-line 22.4mm body, 21mm wide angle setting via the super wide shot mode,14 megapixel sensor, and a large 3.5” touch screen with Samsung’s new Smart Access UI system. The PL210 features a 10x optical zoom with 27mm wide angle lens in a body measuring just 19.7mm, a large 3.0 LCD screen, 14 Megapixel sensor and HD movie capabilities. The Samsung WB210 and PL210 will be available in February for $279.99 / £249.99 and $199.99 / £179.99 respectively.

The Samsung HMX-P300 and HMX-P100 are two new point-and-share camcorders. The full HD HMX-P300 and HMX-P100 have been designed for those who love sharing videos with friends and family, and enjoy capturing film spontaneously and uploading just as quickly. The Samsung HMX-P300 will be available in March for $199.99, and the HMX-P100 in February for $149.99.

The Samsung HMX-H300 series camcorders capture every moment in perfect focus while recording professional-standard movies. The four different models - H300 / H303 / H304 / H305 - feature an easy-to-use, durable design, long battery life, a 3” touch screen LCD, and 30x optical zoom. The HMX-H300 will cost $399, the H303 $449, the H304 $499, and the H305 $599.

The Samsung SMX-F50 / F53 / F54 are new family camcorders with a 65x zoom lens. The SMX-F50 series delivers premium camcorder technology for families on a budget, to help you capture every moment and occasion. The Samsung SMX-F50 / F53 / F54 will be available in February for $199, $249 and $299 respectively.