Canon introduces the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM prime lens, the company’s widest aperture optic. The Canon EF 50mm lens will be priced around £1149.99 RRP VAT INC (€1669.99) and available late September.

UPDATE: I’ve now added some images from this morning’s UK press conference to the end of this article.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon is please to announce the release of its new L-series standard prime lens: the EF 50mm f/1.2L USM. Sharing the widest aperture of any lens in Canon’s current EF range, the Canon 50mm f/1.2L offers extremely fine control over depth of field and consummate low available light performance. It is expected to be popular amongst wedding and portrait photographers, as well as professional photojournalists. Endowed with Canon’s latest AF technologies, the Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM embodies the brand’s reputation for superior response high-speed auto focus, while a circular aperture produces beautifully even background blur.

The new Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens offers up to 4 stops of image stabilisation with 2 modes and a compact, lightweight body. The Canon EF 70-200mm lens will be priced around £989.99 RRP VAT INC (€1429.99) and available late September.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon today announces the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM, Canon’s first interchangeable lens with 4 stop Image Stabilizer. This allows hand held photography with no perceptible image blur at shutter speeds up to 4 steps slower than otherwise possible – ideal for low light shooting without tripod or flash. Dust and moisture resistant, compact, manoeuvrable, and incorporating Canon’s finest standards of precision optics, Canon’s latest professional L-series lens is expected to be popular for travel, expedition and wildlife assignments where there is a requirement to travel light without compromising image quality.

The new Canon A710 IS is the first PowerShot model to feature built-in image stabilisation. Other features include a 7 megapixel sensor, 6x zoom lens (35-210mm) and large 2.5 inch LCD screen. The Canon A710 will be available September 2006, price to be confirmed.

UPDATE: I’ve now added some images from this morning’s UK press conference to the end of this article.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon is pleased to bring Optical Image Stabilization (IS) technology to the PowerShot A Series with the launch of the Canon PowerShot A710 IS. Along with a 6x optical image stabilized zoom, the compact Canon A710 IS is packed with features that make it a worthy successor to the popular PowerShot A700 it replaces. As well as helping to reduce blurring and counteract camera shake, improvements on the Canon A710 IS include a 7.1 Megapixel sensor and new photo effects that add to the already extensive creative possibilities
The Canon PowerShot A710 IS keeps many of the features that made its predecessor so successful, including an extensive range of shooting modes, full manual control, VGA quality movie recording, ISO 800 shooting and a 2.5” LCD screen.

The new Canon A640 and Canon A630 replace the A620 and A610 cameras, with 10 and 8 megapixels respectively. The other main improvement is a larger 2.5 inch LCD screen. The Canon A630 and Canon A640 will be available September 2006 for £269.00 (€389.99) and £329.00 (€479.99) RRP inc. VAT respectively.

UPDATE: I’ve now added some images from this morning’s UK press conference to the end of this article.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon today launches two PowerShot A-Series compact cameras with the highest resolution in the range to date - the 10.0 Megapixel Canon PowerShot A640 and 8.0 Megapixel Canon PowerShot A630. Replacing the highly popular PowerShot A610 and A620, both cameras feature a rotating 2.5” vari-angle LCD, 4x optical zoom lens and a vast array of creative shooting modes. “These two new cameras epitomize everything the A-Series stands for,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “Combining user-friendly design with advanced functionality, they will appeal equally to novice users and serious photo enthusiasts.”

The CanoScan 4400F is available from September 2006 with a street price of approximately £79 (€114) RRP INC VAT with the CanoScan 8600F available from October 2006 with a street price of around £149 (€215) RRP INC VAT.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon today announces the launch of two 4800 dpi scanners: the CanoScan 8600F and CanoScan 4400F. Both are high-speed devices that provide exceptional productivity, while Film Adapter Units (FAU) are incorporated for high quality, convenient film scanning. Bundled software packages extend the functionality of both scanners, with the CanoScan 8600F featuring SilverFast SE from LaserSoft for advanced control of the scanning process and extended creative options. The CanoScan 8600F is positioned below the CanoScan 9950F and replaces the CanoScan 8400F, while the CanoScan 4400F offers high performance 4800 dpi scanning at an economical price point.

The CanoScan LiDE 70 and the CanoScan LiDE 600F will be available from October and September 2006 Respectively. Prices will be £59 (€85)RRP inc VAT and £129 (€186) RRP inc VAT respectively.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon today announces the launch of two new LIDE scanners – the CanoScan LiDE 600F and CanoScan LiDE 70. Replacing the CanoScan LiDE 500F and CanoScan LiDE 60 respectively, both scanners offer increased resolution – the CanoScan LiDE 600F is the first CIS (Contact Image Sensor) scanner capable of scanning at 4800 dpi. Each scanner expresses the compact style of the LIDE design sensibility, and features a stand for vertical scanning. The stand is integrated in the CanoScan LiDE 600F, which boasts an advanced three-way design and offers Drop-in vertical scanning. “With the launch of two new designer CanoScan LIDE scanners, Canon continues to lead the way with CIS scanners,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging. “The increased resolution of both models puts quality scanning within everyone’s reach.”

The Canon SELPHY ES1 printer will be available from September 2006 for £189.00 (€279.99) RRP inc. VAT.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon today defines a new standard for compact photo printing with the launch of the Compact Photo Printer SELPHY ES1. Based around the concept of stress-free printing, the new flagship of the SELPHY range supports new all-in-one ink and media cassettes, 50-sheet capacity and one-touch operation for unparalleled ease of use. The stylish vertical design incorporates a carry handle and retractable USB cable for further convenience, while Canon’s DIGIC II image processor and a newly developed print head controller contribute to the highest print quality ever achieved by a Canon SELPHY compact photo printer. A broad range of creative options and image enhancement tools are selectable from the printer’s tilt-up 2.5” colour LCD.

The SELPHY CP730 and SEPLPHY CP720 will be available from September 2006 for £139.00 (€199.99) and £99.00 (€149.99) RRP inc. VAT respectively.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon is pleased to announce two new updates to its SELPHY range of compact photo printers. Replacing the popular SELPHY CP710 and CP510, the Compact Photo Printer SELPHY CP730 and SELPHY CP720 feature 2.0” and 1.5” LCD screens respectively and a stylish new design. The SELPHY CP730 offers more creativity with the addition of Canon’s My Colours photo effects, while the entry-level SELPHY CP720 provides great connectivity with support for direct printing from most memory cards. Delivering high quality photos that last for up to 100 years , the low running cost of £0.22 per print ensures that these printers compete with standard photo lab developing on price as well as convenience and quality.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon is launching six new photo lab quality printers as part of the third generation PIXMA range: the iP1300,  iP1700, iP3300, iP4300, iP5300 and iP6700D. Benefiting from advantages derived from the unique combination of Canon’s digital imaging, media handling and print head know-how, these PIXMA printers also showcase an eye-catching new range design and continue the PIXMA tradition of delivering the finest in photo lab quality output at outstanding print speeds. With the iP4300, Canon introduces the successor to the PIXMA iP4200, Europe’s best selling inkjet printer,  while the iP5300 sets new records for PIXMA, slashing speeds for a single 10x15cm (4”x6”) print to just 21 seconds. With this new generation, PIXMA gets even better.

The PIXMA mini260 and PIXMA mini220 will be available from October 06, priced at: £119.00 inc. VAT/ €171.81 inc. VAT and £79.00 inc. VAT/ €114.06 inc. VAT respectively.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon is launching its latest must-have products from the PIXMA range of home, office and professional quality photo printers - the compact PIXMA mini series. Comprising of the PIXMA mini 260 and entry-level PIXMA mini 220, PIXMA mini combines superior photo lab quality with high print speeds. The flagship mini 260 also features Canon’s innovative new easy-scroll wheel – the very first time this popular type of controller has been incorporated into a compact printer’s design. The refined user interface makes menu navigation and operation of the printer’s functions a far easier and more intuitive process. The easy-scroll wheel allows users to spend more time exploring the many creative printing possibilities available to them. The printer’s eye-catching design incorporates a foldaway carry handle for on the move printing – a perfect partner for the latest compact digital cameras and other mobile imaging devices.

The PIXMA 600 will be available from October 06 priced at £159.00/ €229.56 RRP inc. VAT. The PIXMA MP600R and PIXMA MP810 will be available from November 06, priced at: £249.00inc. VAT/ €359.51 inc. VAT and £249.00 inc. VAT/ €359.51 inc. VAT respectively.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon is launching a new intuitive user interface featuring an easy-scroll wheel on three of its high specification PIXMA Photo All-in-One printers. The easy-scroll wheel, which will be featured on the new MP600, MP600R and MP810, will change the way that people interact with their All-in-One photo printers. Similar to controllers found on other popular digital devices – such as MP3 players and mobile phones – the easy-scroll wheel is rotated to operate the printer and make selections from the menu, displayed on a high quality colour TFT screen. With the easy-scroll wheel built into an eye-catching contemporary design, these new PIXMAs move All-in-Ones out of the office and into the home, delivering a 10x15cm (4”x6”) print at speeds as fast as 21 seconds (MP810).

Canon announces four new PIXMA Photo All-in-Ones. The Canon MP160, Canon MP180, Canon MP460 and Canon MP510 will be available from September 2006, priced at: £59.00 inc. VAT/ €85.18 inc. VAT, £79.00 inc. VAT/ €114.06 inc. VAT, £99.00 inc VAT/ €142.94 inc. VAT and £119.00 inc. VAT/ €171.81 inc. VAT respectively.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon is launching four new PIXMA Photo All-in-Ones, the MP160, MP180, MP460 and MP510, which combine superior PIXMA quality photo printing with advanced copying and scanner functions. By offering users a choice of features, from the entry-level PictBridge-ready MP160 to the MP510, which features a 1.9” (4.7cm) colour LCD screen and Single Ink technology at a new low price, the PIXMA range offers a Photo All-in-One to suit every budget. “PIXMA Photo All-in-Ones bring photo lab quality and versatility into the home, helping users to realise their creative ideas,” said Alessandro Stanzani, CCI Country Director Canon UK. “By making Photo All-in-Ones even more affordable, these four new PIXMAs will bring the benefits of core Canon technologies, including our latest imaging, media handling and print head systems, to a wider home audience.”

The new Fujifilm S9600 will be available from UK retailers in October 2006. Pricing and stockists will be announced nearer to the date of retail launch (called the FinePix S9100 in the USA).

Fujifilm UK Press Release

Fujifilm today announced the release of the Fujifilm FinePix S9600, replacement to the critically acclaimed FinePix S9500 and the new flagship in Fujifilm’s range of ‘prosumer’ digital cameras. The Fujifilm S9600 features carefully considered modifications designed to improve image quality as well as making it easier to use and better performing in low light. Refinements include increased image sharpness, a more generous LCD screen, faster autofocus in low light and improvements to the camera’s flash capability. These features combine with existing Fujifilm technologies to result in user-friendliness more usually associated with compact digital cameras, and a performance to challenge entry-level digital SLRs.

Ricoh Press Release

Tokyo, Japan - August 24, 2006 - Ricoh Co., Ltd. (president and CEO: Masamitsu Sakurai) has announced the release of the new Ricoh Caplio R5 digital camera featuring a 7.1x optical wide zoom lens (28–200 mm in 35 mm camera format), the highest zoom in the compact class*. Combining the Ricoh R5’s Ricoh-original CCD-shift vibration correction method and brand new image processing engine greatly expands the range of shooting in low light areas producing high quality images at even higher ISO settings with low noise. The new Ricoh R5 succeeds the standard setting Caplio R4 with wide angle / high-magnification zoom (open priced, launched March 17, 2006, featuring effective 6.04 megapixel CCD). With its roots based in the solid features of it’s predecessor, the Ricoh Caplio R5 has been designed to give even more fun and easy photography. Improvements include employing an effective 7.24 megapixel CCD, and achievement of high-sensitivity photography with low noise and edge to edge picture clarity through the New Smooth Imaging Engine II image processing engine.

The new Nikon Coolpix S7c offers 7 megapixels, a 35-105mm lens and electronic Vibration Reduction. The Nikon S7c will be available for £299.99, release date September 2006.

Nikon UK Press Release

Nikon is pleased to announce the introduction of the Nikon Coolpix S7c, a slim elegant compact digital camera that boasts vibration reduction and sophisticated in-camera improvement technology. The 7.1 megapixels and 35-105mm (35mm equivalent) zoom-Nikkor ED lens offers photographers the flexibility to shoot a range of images from wide-open landscapes to clear portraits boasting true-to-life colour. The Nikon S7c has a large, bright 3.0-inch LCD monitor and 170-degree viewing angle allows smoother composition and high-quality playback anywhere, at any time. Built-in electronic Vibration Reduction (e-VR) and other Vibration Reduction capabilities compensate for camera shake and unsteady subjects to ensure sharp, clear results. Anti-shake mode automatically activates e-VR and BSS, a feature that selects the sharpest image from up to ten sequential shots, while also setting the optimal ISO for steady results. High-Sensitivity mode maximizes the Nikon S7c’s exceptionally high light sensitivity by choosing the optimal setting, up to ISO 1600, for shooting fast-moving subjects or low light conditions.

The new Nikon Coolpix S10 has 6 megapixels, Vibration Reduction and a 10x, 38-380mm swivel lens. The Nikon S10 will cost £299.99 and be available in September 2006.

Nikon UK Press Release

The new Nikon Coolpix S10 packs powerful imaging performance, 10x zoom capability and a stylish swivel design into compact dimensions, making it easy to take great shots from more imaginative angles. With a distinctive wave-surface design and a high-quality finish, the Nikon S10 is as attractive as the images it achieves. Even more impressively, the Nikon S10 features 6.0-effective megapixel image resolution as well as a built-in 38-380mm (35mm equivalent) 10x Zoom-Nikkor lens – making it easy to compose everything from close portraits to wide-open scenery with fine detail and vivid colour. And because the distinctive camera body incorporates a swivel design for the lens, users can set their creativity free, holding the Nikon Coolpix S10 overhead to capture action over the crowd or composing from down low to get a different perspective, while the large, bright 2.5-inch LCD with a 170-degree viewing angle lets users frame the shot with accuracy.

The Nikon Coolpix S9 is announced, offering 6 megapixels, 2.5 inch LCD screen and a 3x zoom lens. The Nikon S9 will cost £199.99, available in August 2006.

Nikon UK Press Release

The Nikon Coolpix S9 is a high-quality compact digital camera that packs 6.1 megapixels and a range of easy-to-use functions into a slim and sophisticated wave-surface body. The camera features a 1/2.5-inch CCD that offers enhanced precision and 6.1-effective megapixel image resolution, to help capture true-to-life colour and sharp detail. It also features a 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens with a 38-114mm range (35mm equivalent) which gives users broad compositional freedom to shoot anything from expansive scenery to tight portraits. In addition, the lens of the COOLPIX S9 features an ingenious “right-angled” design, which allows it to operate throughout its entire focal range without ever protruding. The camera has a generous 153,600-dot, 2.5-inch LCD to allow simple composition and high-quality playback anywhere.

The new Nikon Coolpix L5 offers a 5x zoom lens, 7 megapixels and 2.5 inch LCD screen. Available September 2006, the Nikon L5 is a Dixons exclusive in the UK.

Nikon UK Press Release

The new Nikon Coolpix L5 compact digital camera combines a number of high quality features with simple operation to deliver outstanding performance and unrivalled results. Such features include the powerful 5x Zoom-Nikkor lens which offers a focal length of 38-190mm (35mm equivalent) to give compositional freedom to the user. Intimate personal portraits can be captured by zooming in and expansive outdoor scenes are shot by zooming out. The same advanced lens shift Vibration Reduction (VR) mechanism that was originally developed for Nikon’s renowned SLR systems has also been integrated into the new model, effectively complimenting the 5x zooming. The CCD provides enhanced precision with minimized dimensions, greatly adding to the camera’s compact portability. Boasting a generous 7.2 effective megapixels, the new model matches the refined image clarity that is expected of the COOLPIX family. Images can be viewed instantly and clearly on the large, bright 2.5-inch LCD that features backlight to help compose superb images and allows the user to play back at their convenience.

The new 6 megapixel Nikon Coolpix L6 is announced today. Available in September 2006, the Nikon L6 is a Jessops exclusive.

Nikon UK Press Release

The Nikon Coolpix L6 digital compact camera is one of the latest additions to the range offering powerful imaging performance, easy operation and outstanding battery life. Housed in a slim, lightweight body, the Nikon L6 boasts 6.0 effective megapixels. The Nikon L6 also offers an optical 3x Zoom-Nikkor lens with a focal range of 38-116mm (35mm equivalent), allowing users the flexibility to shoot a range of images from portraits to expansive landscapes with true-to-life colour and fine detail. The Nikon Coolpix L6 delivers the world’s longest battery life* – allowing the user to take up to 1,000 shots when using the supplied Energizer™ lithium AA-size batteries. The extended battery life is extremely convenient and is ideal when traveling or photographing important events where you can’t afford to run out of power.

The Casio Exilim EX-Z60 is a small, slim and stylish 6 megapixel digital camera with a large 2.5 inch LCD screen, 3x zoom lens and brushed all-metal body. The Casio EX-Z60 is a purely point and shoot camera, with 33 different scene modes, electronic image stabilisation and a clean and uncluttered layout. Does the rest of the Casio Exilim EX-Z60 measure up to its attractive design? Read our extensive review now.

Website: Casio Exilim EX-Z60 Review