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

Apple have scheduled a news conference for the first day of Photokina 2006, and are remaining tight-lipped about exactly what they will unveiling at the largest photography show of the year. Will it just be an updated version of Aperture, or an entirely new software offering? There have even been rumours of an Apple camera in the past, but rest assured that PhotographyBLOG will be there to bring you the news.

Olympus have gone compact crazy today and announced no less than 10 new FE, mju and SP series cameras, ahead of Photokina 2006 at the end of September. At a rainy press conference in Hamburg, Germany yesterday, we managed to get our hands on all the new models, and you can see exclusive shots of each camera at the end of each article below. Stand-out models include the FE-200, which offers a wide-angle 5x zoom lens, the 10 megapixel mju 1000, and the mju 725 SW, which is waterproof up to a depth of 5ms.

The new Olympus mju 750 and Olympus mju 740 feature 5x optical zooms and 7 megapixels. They will be in UK stores in September, priced at around £260.00 for the mju 740, and £300.00 for the mju 750.

Olympus UK Press Release

London, 23 August 2006 – Photographers who’d like to get a little closer to their subjects should take a good look at the Olympus mju 740 and Olympus mju 750. Both cameras feature a new 5x optical zoom – great for scrutinising objects a bit further away – and a 7.1 million pixel CCD for photos bursting with detail. Remarkably, this extra zoom power has not affected the size, as both models feature a sleek, ultra-compact design and weatherproof* metal body – trademarks of the mju series. To make the most of that more powerful zoom, the Olympus mju 750 also boasts another innovation in the Dual Image Stabilization, for the ultimate safeguard against camera shake. As the photo is taken, a mechanical image stabiliser compensates for camera shake by carefully adjusting the position of the 7.1 million pixel CCD. At the same time, a high maximum ISO value gives further protection against blur – a feature also included in the Olympus mju 740. For exceptional shooting in low light or at night, the Olympus mju 740 and Olympus mju 750 are equipped with BrightCapture Technology, which is now also available in Movie mode.

Olympus updates the popular mju 720 SW with the 7 megapixel Olympus mju 725 SW, which is waterprooof up to 5m depth. From October 2006, the Olympus mju 725 SW will be available in a choice of three colours: Deep Blue, Cherry Red and Titanium Grey, priced at around £300.00.

Olympus UK Press Release

London, 23 August 2006 – With today’s hectic and active lifestyles, photographers need a camera they can truly rely on when the going gets tough. Luckily, being waterproof to 5m** and shockproof to 1.5m*, the Olympus mju 725 SW can pretty much shrug off anything that life throws at it. When Olympus introduced the innovative mju 720 SW – waterproof to 3m – at the start of 2006, it looked like a tough act to follow. However, the new Olympus mju 725 SW is even harder, being waterproof to a greater depth of 5m*. The Olympus mju 725 SW takes its protection from a durably-constructed and yet great looking metal body. Image quality is equally impressive, due to a 7.1 million pixel CCD, coupled with a sharp 3x optical zoom lens (equiv. to 38-114mm on a 35mm camera) and 24 specialist scene modes. BrightCapture technology improves performance in low light– such as when shooting beneath the waves – when the camera’s bright 6.4cm LCD screen also comes into its own. Whether it’s being taken snorkelling in a rock pool, mountain biking over rough terrain, or skateboarding through the city, the Olympus mju 725 SW will deliver great results, regardless of what the photographer demands of it.

The Olympus mju 1000 features a 10 megapixel sensor and will arrive in UK stores in October, priced at around £330.00.

Olympus UK Press Release

London, 23 August 2006 – With the introduction of the Olympus mju 1000, even the most demanding of photographers will be delighted to take pictures packed with 10.0 million pixels worth of detail, using a camera they can simply slip into their pocket. The Olympus mju range is well known for cameras that push the very boundaries of technical achievement, without skimping on the style. The mju 1000 retains the hallmark weatherproof* metal body of its predecessors, bringing it bang up to date with a sophisticated silver finish, beneath which lies a 10.0 million pixel CCD and a 3x zoom lens, that together deliver bitingly-sharp results. The mju 1000 is ideally suited to low light photography thanks to BrightCapture Technology, which boosts its maximum ISO to an amazing 6400**. This brightens pictures, without the need to use flash thereby retaining the atmosphere of the ambient light.

Offering a 3 inch LCD screen, 7 megapixels and weatherproof body, the Olympus mju 730 is the latest update of a classic brand. The Olympus mju 730 is available from October, priced at around £270.00.

Olympus UK Press Release

London, 23 August 2006 – With a luxuriously large 7.6 cm LCD screen, sophisticated illuminated controls and super-slim design, taking photos using the Olympus mju 730 is a real pleasure. The extra-large screen also means that, once the shoot is over, all of your friends can enjoy viewing the shots at the same time. The 7.1 million pixel CCD and precision 3x zoom lens work together to deliver pictures packed with detail – something that can be really appreciated on an LCD screen of this size. And, as with all mju series cameras, the slim metal bodied mju 730 is weatherproof*, so even rain needn’t stop play. But it’s when night time falls that the Olympus mju 730 really comes into its own. Its buttons automatically illuminate, to make locating the controls a doddle, even in the dark. Olympus-developed BrightCapture Technology also increases LCD screen contrast and boosts the ISO value to brighten pictures considerably – now also in the Movie mode for the first time. The Olympus mju 730 proves that it’s often when the lights go down that the fun really starts.

Introducing the 7 megapixel, 10x optical zoom Olympus SP-510 UZ. Expect to see the Olympus SP-510 UZ in the UK in September, priced at around £260.00.

Olympus UK Press Release

London, 23 August 2006 – With an Olympus SP-510 UZ by their side, photographers need never miss the action again. Thanks to its powerful 10x optical zoom lens (equiv. to 38-380mm on a 35mm camera) they’ll be able to reach out to distant subjects and bring them in for closer scrutiny. The 7.1 million pixel resolution means that every detail will be there to see. Should anyone need to delve deeper still, in 3.0 million pixel resolution, a Fine Zoom option can increase the magnification of the optical zoom to a phenomenal 15x. Nothing escapes the gaze of the Olympus SP510 UZ, even when the sun starts to set. Olympus BrightCapture Technology comes into play boosting maximum ISO value to an amazing 4000* allowing the camera to deliver great results even in low-light conditions Energy efficient to the extreme, the SP-510 UZ needs just one set of AA batteries for up to 630** shots. So, what with its powerful zoom, high resolution, great low light capabilities, and energy efficiency, photographers using the SP510 UZ can continue shooting way into the evening. Even if the light fails, they know that their camera won’t.

The wide-angle, 5x zoom Olympus FE-200 digital camera is announced ahead of Photokina. The FE200 is a 6 megapixel model with a 28-140mm lens. The Olympus FE200 will be available from from September 2006, priced at around £200.00.

Olympus UK Press Release 

London, 23 August 2006 – For a wider view, reach for the Olympus FE-200. This ultra-compact, metal clad camera features an impressive 5x zoom lens that stretches from wide-angle – great for landscapes – all the way to telephoto. So, no matter where the photographers are, they can zoom in on the action. And with an intuitive “one button, one function” design and an onboard Help function, the FE-200 is simplicity itself to use. Photographers using the FE-200 will be able to tackle pretty much anything using its 5x zoom lens (28-140mm equiv. on 35mm camera), from breathtaking panoramas to stunning close-ups. Photos are captured in crystal clarity by the camera’s 6.0 million pixel CCD and, with several special scene modes to choose from and no-nonsense “one button, one function” controls, great results are all but guaranteed. There’s even a handy Help function that clearly displays explanations of what camera features do on the large 6.4cm LCD screen. Today’s entry-level cameras need to be small, powerful and easy to use. The FE-200 ticks all these boxes.

The slim 6 megapixel Olympus FE-190 camera is unveiled. The FE190 is an exclusive to Dixons in the UK and will arrive in September, with the price to be finalised nearer that time.

Olympus UK Press Release

Hamburg, 23 August 2006 – Lovers of minimalist design will adore the slender new FE-190 digital camera from Olympus. Measuring just 18.5mm deep, this slim, metal bodied camera can be slipped into a shirt pocket to be taken anywhere. It also features a large 6.4cm LCD screen that makes framing subjects, and viewing shots already taken, a delight. More good news is that the Olympus FE-190 has an equally tiny price tag, so it’s easy on the purse as well as the eye! The ultra-compact FE-190 will draw envious glances wherever it is taken and brings a welcome injection of style to the affordable, entry-level class of digital cameras. Hobby photographers will have everything they need to start shooting and, as the Olympus FE190 has a simple “one button, one function” design, they won’t be hampered by a complicated series of menus to work through to find the functions they desire. Equipped with a high quality 3x zoom lens and a 6.0 million pixel CCD, this tiny Olympus possesses enough clout to deliver outstanding photos – even in large formats.

The entry-level Olympus FE-180 and Olympus FE-170 digital cameras are announced. Both models will be available from September 2006, priced at around £115.00 for the FE170, and £140.00 for the FE180.

Olympus UK Press Release

London, 23 August 2006 – Olympus introduces the FE-170 and FE-180, cameras with 3x zooms that prove that photography is fun. With a no-nonsense “one button, one function” design and a 6.0 million pixel CCD, the Olympus FE170 and Olympus FE180 make taking – and printing – even larger size photos a cinch. There’s even an on-screen Help function included, to give easy-to-understand descriptions of camera settings. Life couldn’t be any easier! With these cameras, once a shot has been taken you’ll want to show it off. This can be done either on their large 6.4cm LCD screens, or by printing copies to pass around. Prints can be made either at home, by connecting the cameras directly to a suitable printer (no fussing around with a PC needed here!), or at countless High Street photo labs. As you’d expect from Olympus, both models look the business. The FE-180 features a metal front and, if your family occasions stretch to water based activities such as sailing or snorkelling, an optional Outdoor Case will soon be available for the FE-170. With the Olympus FE-170 and Olympus FE-180, you don’t have to be a technical whiz, or even own a computer to enjoy producing great quality photos.

Creative join the digital still / movie camera party by anouncing the 5 megapixel Creative DiVi CAM 516, available in Singapore from 31 August 2006.

Creative Singapore Press Release

SINGAPORE - August 22, 2006 - Creative Technology Ltd. (NASDAQ: CREAF), a worldwide leader in digital entertainment products, today introduced Creative DiVi CAM 516, a stylish mini digital camcorder offering video recording in the latest MPEG-4 format and video playback on TV in addition to practical functions such as a 5.1 Megapixel digital camera, MP3 player, voice recorder and webcam - all at an affordable price of S$249.00. The small and trendy Creative DiVi CAM 516 fits perfectly into the palm and comes in 3 stylish colours of Black, Silver and Light Blue.