TrustedReviews have reviewed the new Canon IXUS 950 IS (also known as the SD850 IS), an 8 megapixel digital camera with 4x zoom, image stabilized lens equivalent to 35-140mm.

“As usual with Canon cameras the AF system is extremely fast, in fact it’s one of the fastest AF systems I’ve ever seen on a compact camera, locking on in under half a second, and sometime much quicker. Even in low light it focuses quickly, or at least lets you know quickly if it can’t focus. The bright AF assist lamp means that doesn’t happen very often though, and I found no problem focusing at night at ranges of several metres.”

Website: TrustedReviews - Canon IXUS 950 IS Review

Website: Read our Canon Digital IXUS 950 IS Review

After yesterday’s announcement by Canon that they were to invest heavily in CMOS sensors, Sony have also revealed very similar plans. Except that the Sony release is dated 6th June, which technically means that Canon are following Sony’s lead, but anyway, I digress. Sony are investing 60 billion Yen during the next 3 years “to strengthen its CMOS sensor manufacturing operations to provide growth markets such as mobile phones and digital still cameras with CMOS sensors”. All of this probably means that CMOS sensors will gradually replace CCDs in compact digicams, and hopefully improve the overall image quality (fingers crossed).

The Epson 4880, Epson 7880 and Epson 9880 are new large format printers featuring Epson’s UltraChrome K3 ink with Vivid Magenta and improved image processing. The sizes are - 17” (A2+) Epson Stylus Pro 4880, 24” (A1+) Stylus Pro 7880 and 44” (B0+) Stylus Pro 9880. Each model also has a Ethernet interface as standard, improved printhead and Super Halftone Technology, a new screening algorithm. Pricing excluding VAT - Epson 9880 £4495, Epson 9880 £2395, Epson 9880 £1495, all available September 2007.

The Epson 11880 is the first ever 64 inch large format printer from Epson. The Sylus Pro 11880 features Epson’s UltraChrome K3 ink with Vivid Magenta, Micro Piezo TFP printhead, Gigabit Ethernet and Super Halftone technology, a new screening algorithm. The Epson 11880 costs £9995 excluding VAT, and is available in September 2007.

The Epson 4450, Epson 7450 and Epson 9450 are new graphics arts large format printers featuring Epson’s UltraChrome K3 ink and Micro Piezo printhead. The sizes are - 17” (A2+) Epson Stylus Pro 4450, 24” (A1+) Stylus Pro 7450 and 44” (B0+) Stylus Pro 9450. Pricing excluding VAT - Epson 9880 £4095, Epson 9880 £2195, Epson 9880 £1395, all available September 2007.

The Kingston Technology 8GB DataTraveler II Plus Migo Edition is a USB Flash drive with data synchronization software from Migo. This software gives users the freedom to work on multiple PCs in different locations. “Kingston’s new 8GB DataTraveler II Plus – Migo Edition now provides the complete solution of high capacity storage with Migo’s state-of-the-art software to keep the data secure and fully synchronized.” said Robert Halligan, chief operating officer, Migo Software, Inc. The Kingston Technology 8GB DataTraveler II Plus Migo Edition costs $154.00 in the USA.

The Kingston DataTraveler 100 USB Flash drive features a capless design and a new, “thumb-action” slide positioned on the side. “The DataTraveler 100’s new thumb-action, retractable design reduces the drive’s overall size, which allows for easy and unobtrusive transport in a pocket or attached to a keychain,” said Joe Teng, Flash product manager, Kingston. The Kingston DataTraveler 100 is available in capacities up to 8GB, ranging from $19 to $116 in the USA.

Dynamic Learning: Photoshop CS3 is a new book from O’Reilly provides essential information and training in Photoshop CS3. The book is split into thirteen lessons and also a DVD with Digital Classroom video tutorials. “The video tutorials really make these books unique,” explains author Jennifer Smith. “We’re excited to be able to connect directly with our readers with the included videos. Readers can complete the exercise on their own, and then view the video tutorials to watch the authors work through complex topics.” Dynamic Learning: Photoshop CS3 costs $44.99 USD, $58.99 CAD, £31.99 GBP.

PicaJet.com is giving away a free 12-month subscription to Shutterbug photography magazine, worth $60. All you have to do is purchase PicaJet FX digital picture management software, costing $59.95. PicaJet’s offer ends on August 1st, 2007.

DWF START is a new free forum-based service for photographers who are planning to start careers in wedding photography. Application for free memberships to DWF START are now being accepted. Digital Wedding Forum has also changed its name to DWF Pro, and currently boasts 4,400 members.

FotoFlexer is an online photo-editing suite for photo-sharing sites such as Facebook.com and Photobucket.com. “We created FotoFlexer because we were frustrated with the inability to easily edit photos in online communities,” said Neil Warren, a co-founder. Fotoflexer is a free product - visit http://www.fotoflexer.com to try it out.

DCViews have reviewed the Nikon D40x DSLR, which features a 10.2 megapixel sensor, producing 3,872 x 2,592-pixel images, 3D Colour Matrix Metering II system and 2.5 inch LCD screen.

“The new 10-megapixel sensor provides a lower base sensitivity and now includes the full ISO range from ISO 100 to 3200. Noise characteristics remain the same with low noise up to ISO 800 and excellent detail in highlight and shadow areas. The D40’s already excellent dynamic range has been improved to eight and a half stops on the D40X. This may not be directly noticeable in day to day picture situations but in certain high contrast situations it could prevent the sky from washing out, which would mean the difference between getting a white blob or a nice blue sky.”

Website: DCViews - Nikon D40x Review

Website: Read our Nikon D40x Review

DigitalCameraInfo have reviewed the Nikon 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 Nikon Coolpix S500 retails for $299 which is right in the range of where it should be as a slim and sturdy point-and-shoot digital camera. This model was released alongside the Nikon S200, which was targeted to be the more budget-oriented camera. It costs $50 less and its features are worth at least that much less. Between the two cameras, I’d still go for the S500 mostly because of the optical image stabilization and much better LCD resolution. However, don’t expect too much in terms of image quality from the S500; noise levels up to ISO 800 are acceptable, but the S500’s dynamic range, color accuracy, and video performance are disappointing.”

Website: DigitalCameraInfo - Nikon Coolpix S500 Review

DCResource have reviewed the Nikon Coolpix P5000 camera, which offers 10 megapixels, 3.5x zoom lens (36-126mm), Vibration Reduction to combat camera shake, ISO 3200 capability and a 2.5 inch LCD screen.

“The Nikon Coolpix P5000 is a good compact camera that had a few too many corners cut, in my opinion. It offers a lot of features for both beginners and enthusiasts, but at the same time it’s lacking features that would make it a true D-SLR companion. Throw in a movie mode bug and a totally bizarre noise (and not the photo kind) in record mode and you’ve got a camera that I’m not jumping up and down about. It’s worth a look, but if you’re expecting a compact D-SLR, you might want to lower your expectations.”

Website: DCResource - Nikon Coolpix P5000 Review

DPReview have reviewed the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H7, a new addition to Sony’s range of ultra-zoom compact digital cameras offering 8 megapixels, 15x optical stabilized zoom lenses, ISO 3200, face-detection and HDTV output.

”...if you want a genuinely affordable big zoom camera for snapping the family that you can leave on ‘full auto’ all the time - and you rarely print your pictures bigger than 6x4 inches - the H7 is (at as little as $350 online) certainly worth a closer look.”

Website: DPReview - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H7 Review

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.