The Sony Bloggie Live pocket camcorder can capture full HD video with stereo sound, 12.8 megapixel stills, and offers live streaming via built-in Wi-Fi capability. The device camera works with any Wi-Fi hotspot including mobile hotspot services from leading wireless carriers, and is able to directly upload content to sites like Facebook, YouTube, and PlayMemories Online, a network service by Sony. For those who want to share right away, Bloggie Live cameras can stream your moments in real-time in collaboration with Qik Video, a mobile video sharing service from Skype. Once live streaming begins, friends and family can view the video instantly on a computer, smartphone or tablet no matter how far away they are. The Bloggie Live camera has 8GB of internal memory, and is available now for approximately $250.

The Sony Bloggie Sport is a tough pocket camcorder that shoots Full HD videos and 5-megapixel stills. Water-, shock- and dustproof, the new Bloggie Sport features four gigabytes of internal memory and a 2.7-inch touch-sensitive screen that can be operated underwater. The camcorder has a built-in USB arm that allows users to easily upload their videos and stills to a computer and charge the device’s built-in battery. Additionally, an HDMI port connects Bloggie Sport to your HDTV for a big-screen view of your photos and videos. The Sony Bloggie Sport will be available from March 2012.

Successor to Sigma’s earlier, slower 180mm F3.5 EX DG macro lens, the new APO Macro 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is billed as the world’s first 180mm f/2.8 macro lens with a 1:1 reproduction ratio. In addition to the faster maximum aperture, the new lens also offers optical image stabilisation and a quiet “hypersonic” AF motor. Three “F” Low Dispersion (FLD) glass elements, which have a performance equal to fluorite glass, are included to provide correction for colour aberrations, while the Super Multi-Layer Coating is claimed to reduce flare and ghosting. The Sigma APO Macro 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM lens has a rounded nine-blade diaphragm to create an attractive blur to the image’s out-of-focus areas. Note that unlike the two other Sigma lenses announced today, this is a “traditional” SLR lens. Pricing and availability to be confirmed.

The Sigma 19mm f/2.8 EX DN (“Digital Neo”) is a new fixed-focal-length lens for Micro Four Thirds (MFT) and Sony NEX users. Comprising 8 elements in 6 groups, the Sigma 19mm f/2.8 EX DN has an angle of view of 59.3 degrees on MFT and 73.5 degrees on an E-mount camera. This lens benefits from a newly developed linear AF motor which moves the lens elements directly without the need for gears or the drive of other mechanical parts, and comes with a non-rotating 46mm filter thread. The Sigma 19mm f/2.8 EX DN features a rounded 7 blade diaphragm creating an attractive blur to the out of focus areas of the image. This Sigma 19mm F2.8 EX DN has a minimum focusing distance of 20cm/7.9in and a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:7.4. Pricing and availability have yet to be communicated.

The Sigma 30mm f/2.8 EX DN is a new “Digital Neo” lens for Micro Four Thirds (MFT) and NEX system users. With an optical formula that comprises 7 elements in 5 groups and an iris diaphragm with 7 rounded blades, the Sigma 30mm f/2.8 EX DN has an angle of view of 39.6 degrees on MFT and 50.7 degrees on an E-mount camera, thus being equivalent to a 60mm and a 45mm lens, respectively. The lens benefits from a newly developed linear AF motor which moves the lens elements directly without the need for gears or the drive of other mechanical parts, the company says. Note that this is not a macro lens - the maximum reproduction ratio is only 1:8.1. The Sigma 30mm f/2.8 EX DN has a non-rotating 46mm filter thread and weighs in at 135 grams.

Want to see exactly what the new Panasonic SZ7, S5, FS45 compact cameras look like in the flesh?

Then check out our extensive hands-on gallery of photos of Panasonic’s new compact cameras.

Panasonic today announced four new conversion lenses that are compatible with the Lumix G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./POWER O.I.S. and the Lumix G 14mm / F2.5 ASPH. Micro Four Thirds lenses. The DMW-GWC1 wide conversion lens turns a 14mm lens into a 11mm, the DMW-GTC1 teleconverter (only compatible with the zoom) effectively doubles the focal length of your lens, the DMW-GMC1 is a macro conversion lens that allows you to focus the 14mm lens down to 0.14m and the 14-42mm power zoom to 0.16m, while the DMC-GFC1 fisheye converter helps you shoot creative and unique photographs with a very pronounced barrel distortion and an ultra-wide 120-degree angle of view. Pricing and availability will be announced approximately 30 days prior to shipping.

The 16.1-megapixel Lumix DMC-SZ1 and the 14.1-megapixel DMC-SZ7 mark the introduction of entirely new range of stylish, ultra-compact ultra-zooms by Panasonic. Both cameras feature a Leica-branded 25-250mm equivalent zoom lens whose optical formula comprises 9 elements in 7 groups, including 4 aspherical lens elements with 6 aspherical surfaces. The Panasonic SZ1 (pictured) comes equipped with a 16.1-megapixel CCD sensor and features “Sonic Speed AF” as well as 720p HD video recording capability, while the SZ7 boasts a 14.1-megapixel CMOS imager, 10fps continuous shooting and “Light Speed AF”, along with Full HD movie capture. The DMC-SZ1 will be available in black, silver, blue, red and violet, while the DMC-SZ7 comes in black, white and brown.

The 14.1-megapixel Panasonic FS40 and the 16.1-megapixel FS45 (pictured) are two new ultra-compact cameras featuring 24-120mm equivalent lenses with an f/2.5 maximum aperture at the wide end. Comprising 6 elements in 5 groups - including 3 aspherical lens elements with 5 aspherical surfaces -, this Leica branded lens is claimed to deliver “exceptional” optical performance with minimal distortion and great flare resistance. Both the DMC-FS45 and the DMC-FS40 offer features like Panorama Shot, Beauty Retouch, Mega Optical Image Stabilisation, AF Tracking, Intelligent ISO Control, Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector and a variety of special effects, The Lumix FS45 will be available in black, silver, red and violet colours, while the FS40 comes in black, silver, pink and blue.

The “simple, smart and stylish” Panasonic S5 is a 16.1-megapixel compact camera with a 28-112mm equivalent zoom lens, optical image stabilisation and “Sonic Speed AF”. Comprising 6 elements in 5 groups, including 3 aspherical lens elements with 5 aspherical surfaces, the lens is claimed to deliver “exceptional optical performance”. Also on board is Panasonic’s iA (Intelligent Auto) mode which features Intelligent Scene Selector and Face Detection technologies. In addition to capturing 16-megapixel stills, the Panasonic DMC-S5 can also record 720p HD movies, and includes the Lumix Image Uploader utility that offers an easy way to share photos and videos via Facebook and YouTube.

15.50 CET No mention of cameras at all during the conference. So check out our news coverage and hands-on photos of Panasonic’s new compacts instead.

15.31 CET Big shout-out for the London 2012 Olympics. Panasonic partners with NBC for US coverage and 200hrs of 3D footage.

15.30 CET Z10000 camcorder for 2D and 3D broadcast quality video, complete with macro capability.

15.27 CET 3D TV. So last year. 20% of TVs sold in 2012 will be 3D.

15.18 CET Eco solutions is the intial focus.

15.10 CET Panasonic’s CES conference has just kicked-off. Expect more TVs and maybe some camera news (no promises).

Samsung has launched a new range of Wi-Fi enabled travel zoom cameras. The flagship Samsung WB850F (€350, pictured) features a 21x optical zoom, 16.2-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, 3-inch AMOLED screen, Full HD video recording built-in GPS and Digital Compass. The 14.2-megapixel Samsung WB150F (€220) comes with 18x optical zoom, 720p HD video recording capabilities and the same large AMOLED display as the WB850F, while the Samsung ST200F (€200) sports a 10x zoom lens and 720p video. With the innovative Remote Viewfinder feature, users can remotely control camera settings and set-up shots via a connected smartphone using the cameras’ Wi-Fi connection. The Wi-Fi capability of the new Samsung long-zoom cameras also allows users to email photos from any hotspot or share them on social networks such as Facebook and Picasa. The WB850F and the WB150F give photographers full manual control over the picture-taking process, with a Smart Auto mode also on board to help beginners or less experienced photographers.

Samsung has unveiled a duo of metal-bodied 16.1-megapixel compact cameras called the Samsung ST66 and ST76. The 25-125mm (eq.) f/2.5-6,3 lens available on both models is complemented by optical image stabilisation on the ST76 (pictured). Live Panorama, featured on each of the new ST models, allows users to capture wide panoramic shots by simply holding down the shutter button and sweeping the camera across the scene. Finally, both the ST76 and ST66 include 720p HD movie recording at 30fps.

Our understanding is that the Samsung ST76 will be marketed under the name Samsung ST77 in the UK and continental Europe, where consumers will also be able to purchase a third model called the Samsung ST88, which has the same features as the ST76/ST77 except that it comes with a 3” hVGA screen rather than a 2.7” LCD.

Samsung has just announced the latest additions to its family of camcorders. The Samsung Q20 is a stylish, slim and lightweight model with 1080i HD video recording, 20x optical zoom, and a new Switch Grip II that now includes the Vertical Recording feature, increasing flexibility with three recording angles. The Samsung QF20 (pictured) is a similar camcorder, with the added benefit of Wi-Fi capability for uploading and sharing content, along with Auto-Backup to help quickly and securely backup your memories to your chosen PC. Waterproof up to five metres, shock-proof from heights of up to two metres and dust-proof, the Samsung W300 is the latest in the manufacturer’s rugged range of pocket camcorders, with 1080/30p Full HD movie capture, a 5mp back-illuminated CMOS sensor and f/2.2 lens. The similar W350 features an optional floating bumper that enables filming while floating the camcorder on water. Finally, the Samsung F80 is a family-friendly option that offers 720p HD recording capability and 52x optical zoom in an affordable and stylish package.

14.38 That’s all the photo news from Samsung at CES 2012. Next up is Panasonic, so stay with us.

14.35 CET Smart cameras and camcorders introduced with - 5 new models with wi-fi. WB850 is the highlight with a 21x zoom. Can control it remotely using a smartphone or tablet using Wi-Fi direct! Autobackup uploads all photos to your PC wirelessly, share them on YouTube or Picasa, and email them straight from the camera.

14,32 CET Cameras and connectivity - wireless transfer via the new All Share Play feature.

14.25 CET Camera press releases are in. WB850F, WB150F, ST200F, DV300F, ST88, ST77 and ST66 compact cameras, QF20, W300, and F80 camcorders. No surpises of note.

14.20 CET Angry birds tie-in. Thy get their own animated channel.

14.15 CET New TVs have integrated camera in the top.

14.12 CET TVs, TVs, TVs. ES8000 has dual-core processor and multi-tasking. Nice.

14.05 CET Samsung Smart TV is the heart of the home. Every device will connect, including cameras, anywhere and anytime.

4.00 CET Samsung’s event begins with some very loud music. Bear with us as the wi-fi connection creaks under the strain of thousands of devices.

13.35 CET And we’re in! 1,000 journalists are gathered to find out what digital delights Samsung have in store for 2012. We’re just hoping for the NX20 CSC and maybe an EX-2 premium compact…

13.15 CET We’ve accidentally and very fortunately jumped to the head of the 1,000+ queue for Samsung’s CES conference, which begins in 45 minutes. Stay tuned to find out if Samsung releases a new compact system camera or a high-end compact, which have both been recently rumoured.

The X-Pro1 is Fujifilm’s first compact system camera, and we saw an almost-complete prototype, one of only two in the world, at Fujifilm UK’s HQ back in December 2011. This is our detailed preview of the Fujiflm X-Pro1’s design, features and accessories.

Want to see exactly what the exciting new Fujifilm X-Pro1 compact system camera looks like in the flesh?

Then check out our extensive hands-on gallery of photos of Fujifilm’s new compact system camera and the XF 18mm f2 R, the XF 35mm f/1.4 R and the XF 60mm f/2.4 R Macro lenses.

The Fujifilm X-Pro1 is a new compact system camera sporting a 16-megapixel, APS-C sized “X-Trans” CMOS sensor, Hybrid Multi Viewfinder and a new “X” lens mount. The completely new Fujifilm X-Trans CMOS sensor has a new type of CFA (colour filter array) “inspired by the random arrangement of fine film grain” and no optical low-pass filter. According to Fujifilm, this solution results in a higher resolution than that provided by a Bayer sensor of a similar pixel count. The new X lens mount has a short flange-back distance of just 17.7mm and a wide opening, contributing to high edge-to-edge sharpness and resolution. The Hybrid Multi Viewfinder works similarly to the hybrid opto-electronic finder found on the X100, except that it also offers variable magnification to match lenses of any focal length. The camera comes with a traditional shutter speed dial and a recessed exposure compensation control that is precision milled from solid metal. The Fujifilm X-Pro1 body will cost £1399 in the UK and $1699 in the US.

In addition to the Fujifilm X-Pro1 camera, the company has also announced three Fujinon XF prime lenses, the XF 18mm f2 R ($499), the XF 35mm f/1.4 R ($499) and the XF 60mm f/2.4 R Macro ($599), each of which features a traditional aperture ring and an iris diaphragm with rounded aperture blades.

Fujifilm USA has officially announced the Fujifilm X100 Black Edition. According to the company, “Fujifilm is also launching a limited release of the high-end compact digital camera FUJIFILM X100 Black Premium Edition worldwide. The X100 Black Premium Edition will come with a genuine leather case, a lens hood, an adapter ring and a protective filter; and will also include a Limited Edition numbered card for product authentication.”

12.36 CET That’s the end of the whistle-stop tour of Fujifilm’s new mirrorless camera. Make sure to check-out our Hands-On Photos and Preview articles for more detailed information on the exciting X-Pro1.

12.35 CET 14mm is the widest lens currently planned, it will work with the optical viewfinder.

12.33 CET No external microphone support. Boo. The X100 is STILL backordered worldwide.

12.32 CET Can change focal length of lenses in-camera when using the not-yet-released Leica-M adapter. Otherwise have to use the EVF.

12.31 CET Ships with Silkypix RAW software. “Oh boy!” shouts a journalist.

12:28 CET Built-in magnifier in the hybrid viewfinder will work with future zoom lenses.

12.26 CET Leica-M adapter “in the works”! Plus other system adapters too…

12.25 CET Cost to you - around $1700 body-only, to be confirmed closer to the end-February launch date.

12:22 CET 9 lenses will be released in total for the new X-Pro1 system, including a 14mm, more primes and several zooms by the end of 2013.

12:20 CET Hybrid viewfinder. 0.6x magnification built-in that switches automatically to match the attached lens.

12:17 CET X-Trans CMOS sensor. No low-pass filter. No moire in days of film, so Fujifilm have developed a 6x6 array to avoid moire and increase resolution. EXR processor developed to handle the extra data. Will out-perform both APS-C and Full-frame sensors in terms of resolution at any ISO setting!

12:15 CET X-mount 17.7mm flange back to deliver optimum results from the XF lenses.

12:13 CET XF Lenses high resolution, all glass, unique aperture blade. 18mm f/2, 35mm f/1.4, 60mm f/2,4 macro - just what Amazon predicted yesterday. 1/3 stop aperture increments on the lens.

12:09 CET The not-so-secret X-Pro1 is officially announced. Finally!

12:00 CET Hundreds of journalists are literally squeezed into the Venetian conference room.