The Panasonic FZ150 is a 12.1-megapixel, 24x super-zoom camera with Light Speed auto-focus and Full HD video recording. The Leica-branded 25-600mm equivalent lens of the boasts Nano Surface Coating, which is claimed to “dramatically minimise” ghosting and flare, while the new sensor delivers an improved signal-to-noise ratio compared to the existing Lumix DMC-FZ100. The Panasonic FZ150 also offers a range of manual controls, a hot-shoe, Power O.I.S. optical image stabiliser, continuous shooting speeds of 5.5fps with auto-focus and 12fps without focus tracking, and 1,920x1,080/50p Full HD movie capture with stereo sound, as well as QVGA video recording at 220fps.  The Lumix FZ150 even features a Creative Video mode, which lets users set the shutter speed and aperture manually. Additionally, it is also possible to take 3.5-megapixel stills while filming a movie. Face Recognition, an Intelligent Scene Selector and a 3D photography mode round off the features list. The DMC-FZ150 will be available from October.

Panasonic is launching a new photo sharing service called Lumix Club to coincide with the release of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90 digital camera, which features Wi-Fi connectivity. The service offers external site link function to support easy Social Network Service posting using the DMC-FX90 without having to worry about complicated settings, the company says. The External Site Link function allows users to upload a photo or video to multiple sites (including Facebook, Flickr, Picasa and YouTube) simultaneously. In the future, Lumix Club will provide additional functions such as a storage service, and album timeline display function and a device link function, which allows e.g. the photo of a faraway grandchild posted to Lumix Club to be viewed or downloaded using a Panasonic DIGA Blu-ray Disc recorder. The service will be available through the website below.

The 12.1-megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX90 offers a 24-120mm equivalent lens, Full HD movie recording and Wi-Fi connectivity. Comprising 7 elements - including 3 aspherical elements - arranged in 6 groups, the lens has a maximum aperture of f/2.5 at the wide end and f/5.9 at full telephoto. The 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi connectivity allows owners of the Panasonic FX90 to post images and videos to sites such as Facebook, Flickr, Picasa or YouTube directly from the camera. Users can even upload photos via a mobile network if they have a smartphone that can act as a portable Wi-Fi hotspot. Panasonic provides a free, dedicated application called Lumix Link for both iPhone and Android handsets. Other highlights include Face Recognition, Intelligent Scene Selector and a 3D photo mode. The Lumix FX90 will be available in October, with pricing to be confirmed.

Panasonic has announced it will soon be releasing a new, function-enhancing firmware update for the Panasonic LX5 premium compact camera. Version 2.0 speeds up the auto-focus to achieve best-in-class performance at the wide end of the zoom range, adds a High ISO NR function and improves AWB performance in low light situations. Additionally, the new firmware upgrade adds an Active mode to the image stabiliser during movie capture, expands the available My Colour modes with a Miniature Effect, and extends the maximum exposure time to 250 seconds (i.e. more than 4 minutes) for shooting fireworks, night scenes and starry skies. Shutter release operation is improved so that the camera can perform continuous auto-focus while the shutter release is depressed halfway, as with a system camera. The combination use of AF/MF is now easier even in situations where maximum focusing accuracy is demanded. The camera can now remember the size and position of the active AF point, which is convenient for shooting with the camera mounted on a tripod. The brightness, contrast and colour balance of the LCD screen and the optional external EVF can now be adjusted manually. The new firmware version will be available worldwide at the website below starting 5am GMT on 13th September.

Pentax has posted a few official sample images taken with the new Pentax Q compact system camera. Captured at ISO 125 and ISO 200 using the (50mm equivalent) 8.5mm f/1.9 lens at f/2.8, these four Pentax Q samples were shot raw and developed in-camera. To see them at full resolution, follow the link below and click on the images.

Website: Pentax Japan

Via RiceHigh’s Pentax Blog

Announced in the US in May, the new Lowepro Photo Sport AW Series camera bags are now available in the United Kingdom too. Designed for outdoor adventurers that like to bring photo gear along when skiing, biking or snowboarding., the Lowepro Photo Sport AW Series comprises a dual-compartment sling bag and a photo backpack. To ensure quick access to camera equipment, the lower compartment of each pack includes Lowepro’s Ultra-Cinch Camera Chamber that snugs gear in a secured compartment to prevent bouncing while in motion. A zippered, side-access pocket allows the wearer to quickly rotate the pack to the front, unzip, un-cinch and access the camera compartment which can accommodate a DSLR with attached lens and a flash unit. The top-loading upper compartment provides flexible storage space — 13.9 litres in the 200 AW backpack and 9 litres in the Sling 100 AW — for other essential photo gear. In the UK, Lowepro products are distributed exclusively by DayMen International.

Breathing Color recently launched the “Go Lyve” international print competition with $10,000 worth of prizes. Entrants are required to purchase a roll, box or trial roll of of Breathing Color’s Lyve Canvas between 15 August through 31 December 2011, print their favourite image on it at a size of 16x20 inches or less, and send the print to Breathing Color, Att: “Go Lyve Print Contest”, 18552 MacArthur Blvd., Suite 100. Irvine, California, 92612. For contest rules and a detailed list of prizes, visit the website below.

Sony have unveiled plans to release three new E-Mount lenses for the NEX compact camera system in 2012. In addition to announcing 3 new lenses for 2011 yesterday (the Carl Zeiss 24mm f/1.8, Sony 50mm f/1.8 and 55-210mm), a Sony spokeman also revealed that a high performance standard zoom lens, wide angle zoom lens and mid telephoto lens will be added to the ever-expanding NEX system during 2012, bringing the total number of E-mount lenses to 10.

Want to see what the new Sony A65 camera looks like in the flesh?

Here’s a gallery of hands-on photos of the Sony A65, including the 18-55mm kit lens, new 16-50mm f/2.8 lens, and a side-by-side comparison with its big brother, the A77.

Want to see what the exciting new Sony NEX-7 camera looks like in the flesh?

We braved the media scrum to bring you a gallery of hands-on photos of the World’s only working sample of the Sony NEX-7, which was on display for the first time at Sony’s European press event in Athens, Greece.

Want to see what the new Sony A77 camera looks like in the flesh?

Here’s a gallery of hands-on photos of the Sony A77, including the new 16-50mm f/2.8 lens, vertical grip, and a breakout of all the component parts.

Want to see what the new Sony NEX-5N camera looks like in the flesh?

Here’s a gallery of hands-on photos of the Sony NEX-5N, including the new Sony 55-210mm and Carl Zeiss 24mm lenses, and various accessories.

Kodak has unveiled a robust special edition of the Kodak Playsport pocket video camera. “The BURTON Edition of the Playsport Camera goes where you want to go, even in the harshest winter conditions,” said Phil Scott, Vice President of Marketing, Digital Capture and Accessories, Kodak. “This little pocket-sized video camera is waterproof, and shockproof so no need to worry about carving through fresh powder or hitting a rail or hard pack in a terrain park. The easy to read interface and buttons are large enough to use even with gloves on.” Capable of shooting 1080p Full HD video footage as well as 5-megapixel stills, the Kodak Playsport BURTON Edition comes with an HDMI cable, remote control, 4GB SDHC memory card, a gripping tripod and carry case and retails for £179, with availability slated for autumn.

Fantasea Line has announced its plans to launch an underwater (UW) housing for the new Nikon Coolpix P7100. The company says it is working closely with Nikon to deliver a housing that “will be desgined to meet the same high standards as featured by the successful FP7000 Housing and will be compatible with the complete FP7000 dedicated accessory line”. As of writing, there is no firm release date set for the underwater housing. The Nikon P7100 will be available from mid-September.

Update: Availability for the Fantasea Line FP7100 underwater housing is slated for the beginning of 2012.

Nikon UK has announced a new promotion on the Nikon D300S digital SLR camera, open to residents of the United Kingdom and Ireland. Those who buy a new Nikon D300S (supplied and distributed by Nikon UK), either as a body or part of a kit, are entitled to claim a free Transcend StoreJet 25M 750Gb portable hard drive worth £99.99. The offer is available from today to 31st October 2011 (inclusive), and all claims must be received by 30th November 2011. For more information and to download the claim form or read the terms and conditions, visit the website below.