The Sony Handycam FDR-AX53 is a new digital camcorder featuring a 4K Exmor R sensor and a newly developed, 26.8-536mm equivalent Zeiss lens. Thanks to its Advanced Aspherical (AA) and Extra-low Dispersion(ED) glass elements, the lens is very well controlled for chromatic aberrations, and the multi-layer film ZEISS T* coating reduces ghosting and flare. The FDR-AX53 is the first Handycam with an enhanced version of Sony’s own Balance Optical SteadyShot; a 5-axis image stabilisation system that brings you blur-free footage when shooting handheld and thanks to its new Intelligent Active mode, also ensures crisp footage whilst running. The FDR-AX53 records at a bit-rate of 4K 100Mbps, using the high-performing XAVC S recording format, and comes with the same Fast Intelligent AF algorithm as the A7S II compact system camera, which optimises communication between the lens and processor to achieve speeds up to approximately 40% faster than previous models.

The new Canon Selphy CP1200 wireless compact photo printer features an optional direct-attachable battery, Wi-Fi button, and the ability to print 54 photos per charge. With card-size printing options, users can create pass cases, messages, decorated albums, and more with the option of adding white or black borders to the layout. Users also have the ability to print postage stamp size sheets, featuring eight thumbnails or a combination of images. Features such as borderless printing and image optimisation can be used through adjustment on the printer itself or via a compatible mobile device. The estimated selling price of the AirPrint compatible Canon Selphy CP1200 printer is £129.99/€149.99/$105.99.

Canon are expanding their IXUS range of compact digital cameras with three new models. The Canon IXUS 175 (£99.99/€149.99) has a 20-megapixel CCD imager, a 28-224mm equivalent lens and a 2.7" rear screen, and is capable of capturing 720p HD videos. The IXUS 180 (£129.99/€179.99) has a similar sensor and display but comes with a 24-240mm equivalent lens, optical image stabilisation and Wi-Fi connectivity. The IXUS 285 (£169.99/€239.99, pictured) has a 20.2-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor, an optically stabilised 25-300mm equivalent zoom lens, a 3" screen, Full HD movie recording capabilities, and Wi-Fi with Dynamic NFC technology.

Olympus have revealed the suggested retail price and availability of their pro-grade 600mm equivalent Micro Four Thirds prime. The M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm 1:4.0 IS PRO lens, whose development was first announced at photokina 2014, is claimed to have the World's most powerful 6-step image stabilisation system (in combination with the matching Olympus camera models), and boasts the shortest focusing distance for telemacro photography in its class (1.4m). When mounted to an OM-D E-M1 or E-M5 Mark II, it achieves autofocus speeds of less than 300 milliseconds, while the dust-, freeze- and splashproof build makes this an ideal choice for nature and outdoor sports photographers. The Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm 1:4.0 IS PRO will be available in black from early March 2016 for £2199.99/€2799.00/$2499.99.

The 16-megapixel Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 is a premium rugged camera with a 21-105mm equivalent lens 180-degree tilting 920,000-dot LCD screen, customisable front button, built-in Wi-Fi, next-generation GPS, and 13 Art Filters. The camera is waterproof to depths of 50 feet (15 m), freezeproof to 14℉ (-10℃), shockproof from 7 feet (2.1 m), crushproof to 220 pounds of force (100 kgf) and dustproof. The customisable button on the front of the camera can be programmed for several functions, including shutter release, video recording, monitor boost, LED assist and Super Macro Mode. The Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 will be available in April 2016 in Gunmetal Metallic, Metallic Green, and Pure White for $279.99.

Nikon today officially unveiled its latest flagship digital SLR camera. The Nikon D5 - whose development was announced back in November - has a 20.8-megapixel FX sensor, a 153-point AF module with 99 cross-hatched focus sensors, a maximum shooting speed of 14fps at full resolution (12fps with AF), as well as 4K movie recording capabilities. The extended buffer lets users shoot for up to 200 frames of 14-bit lossless RAW/NEF files + JPG fine when using approved XQD cards. Of the 153 focus points, 55 AF are directly selectable by the photographer. This all-new AF module is coupled with a new 180K pixel RGB metering sensor and Advanced Scene Recognition System, helping users achieve optimally balanced exposures and accurate white balance in even the most challenging light. The camera has a "native" sensitivity range of ISO 100-102,400 (expandable to an unprecedented ISO 3,280,000),a built-in 1000 Base-T 400MBps Ethernet connection port and a 3.2”, 2359K-dot touch-sensitive rear screen. The Nikon D5 DSLR will be available in March for a suggested retail price of £5,199.99/€6,989.00/$6,499.95 in two different versions, with either dual XQD card slots or dual CF card slots.

The 20.9-megapixel Nikon D500 is a new DX-format semi-professional DSLR camera with a 153-point AF module (including 99 cross-type sensors), 10fps continuous shooting for up to 200 raw images, and "always on" Bluetooth LE technology for seamless smartphone connectivity. Successor to the D300S, the new model uses the latest version of the SnapBridge app, and features a tiltable 3.2" touchscreen with a resolution of 2,359K dots. The sensor offers a native sensitivtity range of ISO 100-51,200; expandable to 1,640,000. Images can be saved on either a fast XQD card or an additional SD card for maximum workflow efficiency. Like the also-new Nikon D5, the Nikon D500 is capable of recording 4K video at a variety of frame rates including 24, 25 and 30fps. The camera is compatible with the separately sold MB-D17 Multi-Power Battery Pack, which can be used with various types of battery. The Nikon D500 APS-C digital SLR camera will be available in March 2016 for $1999.95 (body only) and $3069.95 (in a kit with the AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED VR lens).

Nikon today officially revealed its SB-5000 Speedlight, whose development was first announced back in November. The SB-5000 is the first Nikon flashgun to be equipped with a radio-controlled Advanced Wireless Lighting function (with a communication range of up to ~30m), and is also equipped with a cooling system that enables more than 100 continuous full-power flashes. Radio control makes wireless multiple flash photography easier in situations where conventional optical (infrared) control is difficult, such as when remote flash units are positioned behind objects or at greater distances, or when ambient lighting is very bright. The tilt-swivel flash head can be zoomed to match the angle-of-view rage of a 24-200mm lens. The guide number is 34.5 (in metres at ISO 100) in FX format and 41 in DX format, at the 35mm zoom head position. The Nikon SB-5000 AF Speedlight will be available in March for the SRP of £499.99/€659.00/$599.95.

Nikon today announced the development of a new range of action cameras. The first in the lineup will be the Nikon KeyMission 360 a rugged camera capable of recording true 360-degree video in 4K resolution. The Nikon KeyMission 360 features an image sensor and lens on opposite sides of the device, with images from each combining to create a single immersive, ultra-high-definition 360-degree video and still image. Waterproof to 100 ft/30m, and ready to stand up to dust, shock and low temperatures, the KeyMission 360 also features electronic Vibration Reduction. Nikon will exhibit reference models of the KeyMission 360 at the Nikon booth at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) from Wednesday to Saturday in Las Vegas. The KeyMission 360, along with a variety of dedicated accessories, will officially be released in Spring 2016.

Want to see exactly what the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ100 camera looks like in the flesh?

Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ100 camera.

Panasonic has today introduced a new telephoto zoom lens for MFT cameras. The Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 ASPH. is a 200-800mm equivalent lens featuring Power Optical Image Stabilisation (O.I.S.) and an optical formula comprising 20 elements in 13 groups plus an iris diaphragm with 9 rounded blades. The weather sealed telephoto lens comes with a dedicated, quick-shifting tripod mount and an integrated shift-away lens hood.

The Panasonic Lumix TZ100 is, a premium compact travel camera with a 1"-type sensor, 4K video capture and a 25-250mm lens. This camera is the first in the Lumix TZ series to incorporate an f/2.8-5.9 Leica DC lens with 10x optical zoom and hybrid O.I.S. Another new addition to the range is the Post-Focus feature, which allows you to choose the focal point of any picture, even after it’s taken. The Lumix TZ100’s 0.1s Light Speed Auto Focus and Depth from Defocus capability combine to calculate the distance between the camera and the subject, capturing optimal focus for 49 individual areas within each frame. The Live View Finder (LVF) features 1,166K-dot resolution, as well as LVF AF that detects when you’re about to take a shot. The camera also provides extensive manual controls including dedicated physical rings and dials for settings such as zoom, aperture, shutter speed, manual focus and sensitivity settings. Combining WiFi and QR code connectivity, it is easy to connect the camera to a smartphone or tablet.

The Panasonic Lumix TZ80 is an 18-megapixel travelzoom camera featuring an 1/2.3" MOS sensor, 4K movie capture and a Leica branded 24-720mm equivalent lens with optical image stabilisation. For the first time in a travel camera, Panasonic’s 4K Photo function allows you to extract an 8-megapixel still from 4K video. Another new addition to the LUMIX TZ range is the Post-Focus feature, which allows you to select the focal point of your picture even after it’s taken. A dedicated control ring gives smooth control of settings such as zoom, aperture and shutter speed. Similarly, a 3.0-inch 1040k-dot touch screen makes navigating menus and selecting your preferred setting quick and easy, even in bright sunlight, the company says. In addition to the rear screen, the Panasonic Lumix TZ80 boasts a built-in 0.2" electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 1,166k dots.

Want to see exactly what the new Panasonic LEICA DG 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 lens looks like in the flesh?

Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of the Panasonic LEICA DG 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 lens.

Want to see exactly what the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ80 camera looks like in the flesh?

Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ80 camera.

Canon has refreshed its ultrazoom camera lineup with two new models.

The Canon PowerShot SX420 IS features an improved 42x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 24-1008mm) and Optical Image Stabiliser, a 3" rear screen and a 20-megapixel sensor. A dedicated Wi-Fi button allows for easy sharing and transferring of images over Wi-Fi and NFC technology. Videos are captured in 720p resolution. The Canon PowerShot SX420 IS is scheduled to be available in February 2016 for an estimated retail price of $299.99.

The Canon PowerShot SX540 HS (pictured) has a powerful 50x optical zoom (equivalent to 24-1200mm) with Optical Image Stabiliser, a new 20.3-megapixel CMOS sensor with a DIGIC 6 imaging chip and a dedicated Wi-Fi button. Users can easily record 1080p Full HD video at an improved rate of up to 60fps in MP4 format with stereo sound. Its Hybrid Auto mode records quick video clips before each still and compiles them together to make a short highlight reel. The Canon PowerShot SX540 HS is scheduled to be available in March 2016 for an estimated retail price of $399.99.

Canon  have announced four new camcorder models across their Legria (Vixia) HF G and HF R series. Featuring a 1/2.84 type HD CMOS Pro sensor and DIGIC DV4 processor, the Legria HF G40 (£1049.99/€1449.99, pictured) offers 20x optical zoom, an 8-bladed circular diaphragm, high quality audio, full manual control and Wi-Fi. Perfect for capturing family moments in Full HD quality, the Legria HF R706 (£224.99/€309.99), Legria HF R76 (£280.99/€399.99) and Legria HF R78 (£304.99/€424.99) make it easy for every member of the family to shoot creative videos. The Optical Image Stabiliser with Dynamic Mode keeps handheld footage steady, automatically reducing visible camera shake, even whilst walking. The Legria HF R76 and the Legria HF R78 both feature built-in Wi-Fi functionality and the R78 additionally includes a wide attachment lens which can be quickly mounted on the camera to shorten the focal length to 26.9mm (in 35mm terms).

Nikon have announced two new consumer-grade standard zooms for their digital SLR cameras featuring DX sized sensors. The AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G and AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR utilise stepping motors to drive AF for fast and quiet focusing, and boast a retractable-barrel design for enhanced portability. When shooting video footage, the stepping motor allows you to smoothly shift focus from subject to subject with practically no drive noise. These are also the first Nikon lenses to allow users to switch between auto and manual focus using the camera menu (when used on a Nikon D3300, D5300 or D5500 with the latest firmware installed). Each lens incorporates 2 aspherical glass elements to correct various types of aberration, and the VR version additionally offers up to four stops of vibration reduction. The VR function can also be turned on or off using the menu on compatible camera models. The Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G standard zoom will be available next month, priced at £149.99/€199.00. The AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR will retail for £199.99/€259.00.

The Societies are gearing up for Europe's largest all-welcome photographic convention. Described by the organisers as "a veritable feast of education, with five days of action packed programmes designed to help you put your imagery ahead of the game," the three-day trade event will be held at the Hilton London Metropole Hotel, Edgware Road, London, W2 1JU, starting on Friday 22 January 2016. Photographers planning to visit the convention can still access the Trade Show element of the London-based event free of charge, if they pre-register before 15 January 2016. For more information on The Societies 2016 Convention, visit the website below.

We’ve teamed up with SanDisk to give two lucky readers more storage for their favorite photography devices this holiday season! We will be giving away two bundles of the 200GB SanDisk Ultra® microSDHC™ Card, Premium Edition, 64GB SanDisk Connect Wireless Stick and 128GB SanDisk Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-I Card – a total value of $540!

Bruce King and Karl Edwards are the two lucky winners - congratulations!

We know you love taking photos, whether it’s on your mobile phone, tablet or DSLR know you’ll be filling up your cards and devices with holiday photos. This trio can capture every joyful moment this holiday season and keep your memories safe. SanDisk’s Ultra microSD, Connect Wireless Stick, and Extreme Pro SD Card are the perfect bundle to shoot, store and transfer all of your photos and videos without having to worry about running out of space!

200GB SanDisk Ultra microSD Card - Get the most out of your Android-based smartphone or tablet with this incredible high capacity memory card.  The card’s breakthrough 200GB capacity allows users to store up to 20 hours of Full HD video, so you never have to stop shooting, saving, and sharing. At 90MB per second of transfer speed, the microSD card can offload 1,200 photos per minute.

64GB SanDisk Connect Wireless Stick - The latest from SanDisk's award-winning Connect Wireless line of products, this next generation USB has built in Wi-Fi so you can save, or access video, photo and music content – all wirelessly, no Internet connection required! With the ability to stream content to 3 devices simultaneously and iOS/Android/Kindle compatibility, the pocket-sized Connect Wireless Stick is the perfect gift for any mobile photographer on the go.

128GB SanDisk Extreme PRO SD Card - Never miss a moment with SanDisk’s most powerful SD card. Designed to deliver high resolution, real-world color and stutter free video in DSLRs, advanced digital or HD video camera devices, this card lets you shoot without limits. Its high capacity and U3 rating makes it ideal for burst-mode photography and 4K video recording.

And for some photography inspiration, check out SanDisk’s Instagram @sandisk for photos from SanDisk’s Extreme Team members!

a Rafflecopter giveaway