Epson has released the free Epson iPrint application for the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch. This app lets you print photos directly from your iPhone using a variety of Wi-Fi enabled Epson printers. The Epson iPrint app is available for free from the App Store in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch and Portugese. Epson iPrint is compatible with iPhone and iPod Touch versions 2.2.1 and later.

Color Confidence today announced the launch of a freephone pre-sales and technical support phone line for ColorMunki in the UK. As the exclusive UK distributor of the ColorMunki range, Color Confidence has teamed up with X-Rite to introduce this line, which will provide simple advice and technical assistance for ColorMunki users. The service is available immediately by dialling 0800 197 2952.

Website: ColorMunki

Pentax is launching a limited-edition silver version of the Pentax K-7 digital SLR camera, intended as a perfect match for Pentax’s FA Limited lenses. The silver-coloured body comes with a “golden section ratio” focusing screen (see our image gallery below) installed. The body colour is identical to that of the company’s FA Limited lenses, while the rear LCD screen has been endowed with a highly scratch resistant glass plate. The silver Pentax K-7 ships with the latest firmware version, which provides automatic CA and distortion correction for FA Limited lenses. Production run is limited to 1,000 sets.

Via The Imaging Resource

Capture One 5.1 is the latest version of Phase One’s raw conversion, workflow and image editing application. The basic version now features both a simplified workspace and ‘pro’ image-editing options; Capture One 5.1 PRO comes with new tools for advanced noise reduction and image editing efficiency. Version 5.1 is free to existing Capture One 5.x/5.x PRO owners.

Sony is showing a number of concept cameras at PMA 2010. These include

- Concept model of an ultra-compact interchangeable lens digital camera system that packs the quality of a DSLR camera in an extraordinarily small body, along with interchangeable lenses
- Mid-range concept camera for advanced users (a successor to the ?700), as well as concept mainstream models, all complete with full 1080p AVCHD video capability
- Prototype of a Super Telephoto Lens (500mm F4 G) with class-leading optical performance
- Prototype of a Distagon T 24mm F2 ZA SSM, new Carl Zeiss wide angle lens for superior shots of landscapes and sweeping vistas

General Imaging have announced 9 new GE branded cameras for 2010. The waterproof GE G5WP features a sturdy metal design and 4x internal zoom lens, retailing for $179.99. The GE X5 offers a 15x zoom for $149.99, while the E1486TW and E1480W models have 14 megapixels and 8x zooms for $179.99 and $149.99 respectively. The GE J1455 features 14.2 megapixels of resolution and a 5x optical zoom lens, costing $129.99. The GE C1033 and C1233 are designed to be budget-friendly at $69.99 and $59.99, while the A1255 and A1455 models have 5x optical zooms and 2.7-inch LCD screens for $89.99 and $99.99.

General Imaging also unveiled the Create range by Jason Wu, a unique line of point-and-shoot cameras designed by the talented fashion designer. The Create collection includes built-in memory, battery, a retractable USB connector, and software for automatic backup and playback of pictures and video. GE’s Create line-up will be available next month for prices ranging from $179.99 to $229.99.

The Sigma DP2s is a new 14 megapixel compact digital camera with a 24mm F2.8 lens. Successor to the DP2, the DP2s incorporates a new AF algorithm, a Power Save Mode and a new rear design. The AF algorithm provides high speed auto focusing, ensuring convenient shooting. The DP2s’ Power Save Mode lowers the battery consumption, while the new rear design aids quick recognition of the controls.

The Sigma DP1x camera is an updated version of the DP1s incorporating the TRUE II image processing engine from the DP2 / SD15. The DP1x includes the TRUE II image processing engine, improving the image-processing time, as well as a new AF algorithm, providing high speed auto focusing. In addition, the user interface has been unified with the DP2 series by changing the Set Up Menu and adopting the QS (Quick Set) button.

The Sigma SD15 has been announced again, after it was first shown back at Photokina in 2008. Powered by the 14 megapixel Foveon X3 sensor, the SD15 incorporates the “TRUE II” image processing engine and features a 3.0 inch LCD monitor, 77-Segment AE sensor, 5-point AF system, and 3fps continuous shooting. The actual availability and price of the much-delayed Sigma SD15 haven’t been announced yet…

The Sigma APO 70-200 F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is a new fast telephoto lens. Equipped with optical stabilisation, the Sigma 70-200mm has a large maximum aperture of F2.8 throughout the entire zoom range. The lens incorporates HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor), ensuring a quiet and high speed AF as well as full-time manual focus capability. For digital cameras with an APS-C size image sensor, a dedicated hood adapter, which expands the length of the lens hood, is supplied.

The Sigma 50-500mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM is an ultra telephoto lens offering a 10x zoom ratio. Incorporating Sigma’s original Optical Stabiliser function, the Sigma 50-500mm f5-6.3 offers the use of shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower than would otherwise be possible. Four SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements provide excellent correction of colour aberration. The addition of the optional 1.4x EX DG or 2x EX DG APO Tele Converters produce a 70-700mm F6.3-8 or a 100-1000mm F9-12.6 MF zoom lens respectively.

The Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM is a large aperture medium telephoto lens. Optimised for use with digital SLR cameras, the Sigma 85mm F1.4 lens is ideal for portrait and low light photography. It features a minimum focusing distance of 85cm and a maximum magnification 1:8.6. For digital cameras with an APS-C size image sensor, a dedicated hood adapter, which expands the length of the lens hood, is supplied.

The Sigma 8-16mm f4-5.6 DC HSM is a new ultra wide-angle zoom lens for DSLRs with APS-C size sensors. This lens has an equivalent angle of view of a 12-24mm lens, producing striking images with exaggerated perspective. Four FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) glass elements, which have the performance equal to fluorite glass, compensate for colour aberration. The Sigma 8-16mm has a minimum focusing distance of 24cm throughout the entire zoom range.

The Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 EX DC OS HSM is a compact large aperture standard zoom lens equipped with optical stabilisation. This large aperture standard zoom lens is designed for digital SLR cameras with APS-C size sensors. Two FLD (“F” Low Dispersion) glass elements, plus two glass mold and one hybrid aspherical lens, provide excellent correction for all type of aberrations. The inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making the Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 particularly suitable for use with the supplied petal-type lens hood and circular polarising filters.

The Casio EX-S7 and EX-Z35 are new entry-level additions to the EXILIM range of digital compact cameras. The Casio EX-S7 is a 12.1 megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom lens, 720p high-definition video and a 2.7 inch, high-quality LCD screen. The 12 megapixel Casio EX-Z35 features the Easy Mode function, a simplified menu screen that offers seamless navigation. The EX-S7 will be available in the spring in fashionable colors such as black and purple for $139.99. The EX-Z35, available this March, will be available in black, silver, pink, purple and blue for $109.99.

Samsung will launch 5 more lenses for its NX camera system in 2010. These include an 18-55mm, 20-50mm, 20mm, 18-200mm and 60mm macro lens. The total number of Samsung lenses at the end of 2010 will be 8, rivalling similar systems from Olympus and Panasonic. “The Samsung NX10 represents a whole new category of digital cameras and the new offerings within our lens line up will ensure our users feel empowered to unleash their creative side and integrate camera technology into everyday life, in their own way.” explained Steve Mitchell, General Marketing Manager, Samsung Digital Imaging.

The Samsung TL500 (also known as the EX1) is an advanced 10 megapixel compact camera with a large 1/1.7” CCD sensor and bright f/1.8 lens. Clearly rivalling the Panasonic DMC-LX3, the Samsung TL500’s 3x optical lens offers a focal range of 24-72mm and is optically stabilised, plus there’s a 3 inch swivelling AMOLED LCD screen, pop-up flash and external flash hotshoe, RAW shooting mode, and full manual control over exposure. The Samsung TL500 will be available in Spring 2010 for $449.99.

The Samsung TL350 (also known as the WB2000) is a 10 megapixel digital compact camera featuring 1080P, full-HD video recording. The TL350 offers a maximum video recording speed of 1,000 frames-per-second (fps) and a 10fps burst mode for stills,thanks to its CMOS sensor and DRIMeIII processor. In addition to sheer speed, the Samsung TL350 also features a 5x, 24mm ultra wide-angle lens, 3 inch AMOLED LCD screen, manual control over exposure, and RAW shooting mode. The new Samsung TL350 will be available in Spring 2010 for $349.99.

The waterproof Samsung AQ100 (also known as the WP10) and durable Samsung SL605 are two new 12 mega-pixel point and shoot cameras. The Samsung AQ100 can be used in up to 10 feet of water and has a dedicated Aqua mode for underwater photography. In addition the AQ100 has a 5x optical inner zoom lens, 2.7 inch TFT-LCD screen and can record 720p HD video. The Samsung SL605 features an Anti scratch Mask and the bottom, buttons and areas surrounding the 2.7-inch TFT-LCD screen are rubberized. Other key features of the SL605 include an internal 27mm wide angle, 5x optical zoom lens and new Smart Night Mode. Both cameras will be available in Spring 2010, with the Samsung AQ100 costing $199.99 and the SL605 $129.99.

The Samsung HMX-U20 and HMX-U15 are two new ultra-compact camcorders. Building on the success of the Samsung HMX-U10, the HMX-U20 and HMX-U15 offer a built-in USB connection, 1920x1080 full HD resolution video, true 3x optical zoom (HMX-U20), and 14 mega-pixel digital still images (HMX-U15). the Samsung HMX-U20 and HMX-U15 are extremely portable with dimensions of just 2.1” x .61” x 4.09”. The Samsung HMX-U20 and HMX-U15 will be available in Black, Silver, Blue and Red in Spring 2010 for $249.99 and $229.99 respectively.