Casio has announced the release of the sleek and compact EX-Z2000, equipped with fully-automatic features including Casio’s unique Dynamic Photo and Premium Auto functions. The 14.1 effective megapixel EX-Z2000 comes with a wide-angle 26mm 5X optical zoom and a 3” Super Clear LCD screen with a resolution of approximately 460,000 pixels. The camera comes with CCD-shift image stabilisation and HD movie functions, as well as a long-life battery, making it possible to take 580 shots on a single full charge according to CIPA standards. Casio’s Advanced Dynamic Photo function creates “moving photos” by allowing the user to cut moving subjects from the background of images taken with the continuous shooting function, and combine them with a different still image. Premium Auto is the same thing other manufacturers call Smart Auto or Intelligent Auto. The Casio Exilim EX-Z2000 will retail with an RRP of £179.

Nikon has issued firmware updates for the Nikon D300s, D700, D3 and D3x digital SLR cameras. All of these models gain support for 64GB memory cards. Additionally, version 1.01 of the Nikon D300s firmware fixes two bugs related to the MB-D10 multi-power battery pack and certain memory cards. Version 1.02 of the Nikon D700 firmware improves AWB performance, adds minor but welcome functionality upgrades to ISO control, AF point selection and GPS operation, and fixes bugs. Version 2.02 of the D3 firmware brings about similar improvements, while version 1.01 of the D3x firmware fixes a bug related to certain memory cards.

Firmware 1.01 for the Nikon D300s: Windows | Macintosh
Firmware 1.02 for the Nikon D700: Windows | Macintosh
Firmware 2.02 for the Nikon D3: Windows | Macintosh
Firmware 1.01 for the Nikon D3x: Windows | Macintosh

Sony has announced the feature-laden Sony Cyber-shot HX5 digital compact camera featuring a 25-250mm equivalent lens and a 10.1-megapixel, back-illuminated EXMOR R CMOS sensor, plus integrated GPS and compass. The wide 25-250mm equivalent superzoom lens bears the prestigious G designation, while the EXMOR R CMOS sensor can capture 1080i full-HD video clips as well as ten-megapixel stills. Videos are stored in AVCHD format. Optical SteadyShot with new Active Mode cuts camera-shake while you’re shooting handheld HD video, allegedly providing up to 10x more shake correction than conventional cameras. Intelligent Sweep Panorama enhances the unique feature first introduced on last year’s Cyber-shot HX1, TX1 and WX1 models: the camera detects if people or other objects are moving in your field of view as you sweep the camera, using new algorithms to compensate for any mis-matching as images are automatically stitched together. The Sony HX5 integrates GPS and Compass functions to enhance your enjoyment of travel photography. Your location is displayed in real time on the 3” LCD screen as you’re shooting. When you’re back home, see where geotagged images and video clips were shot as on-line maps with supplied Picture Motion Browser PC software. As an extra refinement, a new Compass function shows which direction you were pointing when the picture was taken. Like the other Sony compacts unveiled at CES 2010, the camera takes both Memory Stick PRO Duo and Secure Digital cards. The Sony HX5 is expected to be available later this month, priced at $349.99 in the US (where it is apparently called the HX5V).

The Sony Cyber-shot TX7 is a new touch-screen camera with a 10.1-megapixel EXMOR R CMOS sensor, a Carl Zeiss branded 25-100mm equivalent zoom lens and image stabilisation. The generously-sized wide 8.9cm (3.5”) touch-screen LCD and streamlined user interface makes operation simple and easy. TruBlack screen technology minimises reflections and boosts contrast for a richly detailed view of your shots, even when you’re outdoors in bright daylight, the manufacturer says. Apart from capturing ten-megapixel photos, the Sony TX7 can also shoot 1080i full-HD videos. In the new Intelligent Sweep Panorama mode, the camera detects if people or other objects are moving in your field of view as you sweep the camera and compensates for any mis-matching as images are automatically stitched together. The lightweight (133g) Sony TX7 has 45MB of internal memory and slots for both Memory Stick PRO Duo and SD/SDHC cards. The camera should be available later this month, priced at $399.99.

Sony has added seven new, 14-megapixel cameras to the Cybershot W range, including the W390, W380, W370, W360, W350, W330 and W320 models, plus the 12-megapixel W310. These cameras are all based around 1/2.3-inch “Super HAD” CCD sensors but are fitted with different lenses and displays. Topping the range are the Sony Cyber-shot W390 and W380 models with a fast f2.4 Sony G lens offering 5x optical zoom and 24mm wide angle. These two cameras differ in the size of their LCD screen, which is 3” on the W390 and 2.7” on the W380. The Sony W370 boasts a 7x zoom lens spanning a focal range of 34-238mm in 35mm equivalency, but this lens is considerably slower and does not bear the prestigious G designation. The Cyber-shot W360 and W350 have 26-105mm equivalent Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lenses and 3” / 2.7” rear-panel LCDs respectively. The W330 is a simpler but somewhat bigger version of the W360, with the same lens and screen but without optical image stabilisation. Likewise, the DSC-W320 has the same lens and display as the W350 but no stabilisation. The DSC-W310 is the only 12-megapixel model in the new W series, which comes oufitted with a 28-112mm equivalent lens. All of these cameras are supposed to take SD/SDHC cards as well as Memory Stick PRO Duos.

Panasonic has introduced the new FH-series to its 2010 line of LUMIX digital cameras, which includes the LUMIX DMC-FH20 (14.1 megapixels, pictured), LUMIX FH3 (14.1 megapixels) and LUMIX FH1 (12.1 megapixels). The LUMIX FH-Series are slim, pocketable models that pack a 28mm wide-angle lens with 8x optical zoom for the FH20 and 5x optical zoom for the FH3/FH1. All models can record 720p High Definition video at 30fps in MJPEG format. The Panasonic LUMIX FH-series includes the Venus Engine IV image processor, which features advanced signal processing technology to produce a fast response time. The shutter release time lag on the FH20 and FH3 is approximately 0.006 second; and approximately 0.007 second for the FH1. The auto focus on the three models can lock on the subject in minimum 0.35 second at the wide end of their respective lenses. The Panasonic FH20 is meant to be a step-up model for those who need extra zoom reach - 28-224mm in 35mm terms - but don’t want to give up on pocketability; whereas the 5x zoom FH1 and the FH3, which practically only differ from each other in their pixel count and shot-to-shot speed, are targeted at first-time buyers. All three models feature Panasonic’s Mega Optical Image Stabilisation technology. Pricing and availability will be announced 30 days prior to shipping date.

Panasonic has announced new additions to the ultra-slim FP-series, including the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FP1 and FP3 (pictured). Both FP-series models have a 4x optical zoom with a folded optics design so the front has a flat and stylish design, featuring a newly-adopted lens cover that protects the lens, and also serves as the camera’s power switch. The 14.1-megapixel Panasonic FP3 features a 3” touch-screen LCD, while the FP1 has 12.1-megapixels and a 2.7” 230,000-dot display. The newly adopted, 3” touch-screen LCD on the FP3 provides an intuitive control thanks to a hybrid operation combined with the four major operation buttons.  Both models feature Intelligent LCD, which detects the lighting condition and controls the brightness level of the LCD in 11 fine steps, to offer a display with the most appropriate clarity in any situation. Panasonic’s FP1 and FP3 models include an intelligent Auto (iA) mode with the following technologies: MEGA O.I.S.; Intelligent ISO Control; Face Detection; and Intelligent Scene Selector which automatically selects the best option from six scene modes. New to the FP-Series is High Definition (HD) video recording capability at 1280x720p at 30 fps, in addition to WVGA (848 x 480) and normal VGA (640 x 480). Both models are compatible with Panasonic’s new SDXC cards. Pricing and availability for the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FP1 and FP3 will be announced 30 days prior to shipping date.

Panasonic has introduced a new entry-level digital camera, the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-F3, which has been designed with simplicity in mind. The 12.1-megapixel Panasonic F3 is a small camera featuring a 4x optical zoom that starts at 28mm (eq.), and shoots 720p HD video at 30fps in addition to WVGA (848 x 480) and normal VGA (640 x 480). Its Auto Scene Mode includes three shooting-assist functions, Intelligent ISO Control, Face Detection and Intelligent Scene Selector. Also, the Panasonic F3 has an auto power LCD function which detects light conditions and automatically boosts the LCD backlighting by a maximum of 40% when shooting outdoors to secure clarity and visibility of the screen. In addition to supporting conventional SD/SDHC cards, the LUMIX F3 is compatible with SDXC media, including Panasonic’s newly announced 48GB and 64GB SDXC memory cards. Pricing and availability for the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-F3 will be announced 30 days prior to shipping date.

Panasonic has announced its first SDXC cards, which come in capacities of 48GB and 64GB. These are Panasonic’s largest-sized GOLD cards with Class 10 speed specification. SDXC is the next generation SD memory card, a new standard for storing data more than 32GB and up to a theoretical limit of 2 terabytes. The 48GB SDXC Memory Card will have nearly the same capacity as a dual-layer Blu-ray Disc, and can hold 6 hours and 20 minutes of HD video content recorded in HA mode, while the 64GB card can record up to 8 hours and 30 minutes of video in the highest quality. Note that SDXC memory cards can only be used in SDXC host devices. The new 64GB and 48GB SDXC memory cards from Panasonic will be globally introduced in February 2010 with suggested retail prices of $599.95 and $449.95, respectively.

Samsung has extended its innovative DualView family of digital cameras with the introduction of two new models, the TL210 and TL205. Offering Samsung’s dual screen LCD technology, the new 12-megapixel TL205 and TL210 offer a variety of updated features. Both have a 1.5-inch color LCD screen located on the front of the camera. This 1.5-inch display gives consumers the ability to perfect their self-portraits or join their friends and family in the shot. New for the Samsung DualView TL210 and TL205, photographers can now use the 1.5-inch front LCD to frame video in addition to digital stills.  With the TL210, consumers can enjoy 720p HD video recording at 30 frames?per?second (fps). The Samsung TL210 has an optically stabilised 5x optical zoom starting at 27mm (eq.) and a 3” rear screen, while the TL205 has a more pedestrian 35-105mm equivalent lens and a 2.7” LCD on the back. Both cameras feature Samsung’s advanced scene recognition technology, Smart Auto, which has been upgraded for use with video as well as with still images. The Samsung TL205 and TL210 are currently on display at CES, in the Samsung booth #11026 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Pricing to be released.

Samsung has officially unveiled the Samsung CL80 (pictured) and TL240, a pair of stylish, 14.2-megapixel digital cameras with some exciting new features. A recipient of a 2010 CES Innovation Award, the Samsung CL80 offers integrated Wi-Fi connectivity and a 3.7” WVGA AMOLED touch screen. It allows consumers to share their video and photos on the go without being tethered to their laptops or home PCs thanks to its wireless connectivity options, which include Bluetooth 2.0, Wi-Fi and DLNA. Using an available Wi-Fi connection, users can send a digital image to any email address using the camera’s touch?screen QWERTY keypad or selecting those stored the camera’s address book. The CL80’s Wi?Fi connection also allows users to upload their images directly to popular websites such as Facebook, Picasa and YouTube, as well as SamsungImaging.com. Both the Samsung CL80 and the Samsung TL240 offer the manufacturer’sSmart Gesture touch?screen user interface which is complimented by an internal Gravity sensor for added ease?of?use. Also, both feature Schneider-Kreuznach branded 7x optical zooms with optical image stabilisation, and both offer 720p HD video recording at 30 frames-per-second in H.264 format. The Samsung CL80 and TL240 are currently on display at CES in the Samsung booth #11026 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Pricing and availability to be confirmed.

Samsung Electronics America has introduced the Samsung 700Z Digital Photo Frame, its slimmest frame yet for displaying high-quality images. The frame’s foldable “L” stand design and ultra slim active matrix (AM) OLED panel makes the Samsung 700Z a multi-purpose device. The AMOLED self-luminescent screen delivers bright, high contrast images at a 1024x600 resolution both in dark and bright atmospheres. In addition to its high-quality display and decorative frame function, the 9x6.6x4.6 inch Samsung 700Z can also be used as a secondary home or office monitor by simply connecting it to a PC through a USB cable. A recipient of a Consumer Electronics Show 2010 Innovation Award, the Samsung 700Z has a suggested retail price of $300 and will be available in stores March 2010.

Olympus has just unveiled the new, 14-megapixel mju-5010, mju-7030 (pictured), mju 7040 and mju-9010 wide-zoom digital compact cameras with SD card compatibility. The manufacturer is keen to stress that the “new stylish models have retained the original µ series size, but their zoom power and features have grown exponentially”. The mju-9010 is the new flagship of the range with its 28-280mm equivalent 10x optical zoom and 2GB of internal storage. The mju-7040 and mju-7030 models come with a 28-196mm equivalent 7x zoom lens and 2GB / 1GB of internal memory, respectively. Finally, the ultra-slim Olympus mju-5030 has a 26-130mm equivalent zoom and 1GB of built-in memory. All four models offer both mechanical and “digital” image stabilisation, Advanced Face Detection, Magic Filters and in-camera manuals, as well as in-camera panorama assist functionality. Three of them can also record HD movie clips, the exception being the mju-7030. The new Olympus mju cameras will hit the shelves in March.

Four new, 14-megapixel models join Olympus’ FE range of eye-catching, easy-to-use digital cameras, all featuring SD card slots. Three of the models come with a practical USB charger and all are available in a range of colours that are especially brilliant thanks to a Double-Layered Crystal Shell finish. The USB chargeable Olympus FE-5030 (pictured) sports a 26-130mm equivalent 5x optical zoom, image stabilisation, four Magic Filters, AF tracking, i-Auto mode, and Advanced Face Detection Technology. The slim and stylish FE-4040 and FE-4030 both have a 26-105mm equivalent 4x optical zoom and also feature USB charging, four Magic Filters, AF tracking and an i-Auto mode. The FE-4040 also boasts mechanical image stabilisation, while the FE-4030 makes do with “digital image stabilisation” only. Finally, the Olympus FE-47 offers a 36-180mm equivalent zoom lens and runs on standard AA batteries. This model also features i-Auto, AF tracking Advanced Face Detection Technology and four Magic Filters, but lacks mechanical image stabilisation. The FE-5030, FE-4040, FE-4030 and FE-47 follow an easy-to-use ‘one button, one function’ design principle, but if you still need help their convenient In-Camera Help Guide will lead you in the right direction. The four models come with the new [ib] software CD and will become available in March 2010.

The 12-megapixel mju Tough-3000 is the latest addition to Olympus’ line of ruggedised, water-, shock- and freezeproof cameras, featuring an HD movie function, Magic Filters and - at long last - SD card support. Waterproof to 3m, shockproof to 1.5m, and freezeproof to -10°C, the Olympus mju Tough-3000 boasts a 3.6x wide optical zoom, image stabilisation, 1GB of internal storage, an SD card slot - something new for Olympus -, an HDMI port and a USB charger. Thanks to Olympus’ new [ib] software, you can quickly locate those particular events, people and locations tagged using GPS, Face Detection, or the date. Besides all that, the µ TOUGH-3000’s In-Camera Manual is on hand whenever you need help or some tricks. The rugged Olympus mju Tough-3000 will be available in Oxide Red, Turquoise Blue, Hot Pink and Emerald Green from March 2010, at a price of $230.

Canon UK has just launched the new Legria HF R series – a collection of stylish and lightweight Full High Definition camcorders that make it fun and easy to share videos. The complete series is equipped with Canon’s HD Camera System, featuring an HD CMOS sensor, 20x optical zoom, Canon HD Video Lens and advanced DIGIC DV III processing. New Smart Auto technology is also included. First introduced in Canon’s digital compact cameras, Smart Auto has now been optimised for HD camcorders. Canon’s unique Instant AF technology complements Smart Auto with the ultra-fast focusing required for the best HD movies. Face Detection Technology ensures friends and family always look their best, automatically identifying up to 35 faces and ensuring they are in focus and well exposed. All models also feature Pre REC mode, which cleverly captures the three seconds prior to the moment you press Record. The Legria HF R16 (pictured) and R18 feature a new built-in HD-to-SD conversion tool, which combines with an Easy Web Upload feature to enable online sharing. Support for Eye-Fi connected functions means users can also upload their converted SD video clips direct from the camcorder at a wireless hotspot, without the need for a computer. Both models also feature Relay Recording, which prevents interruptions in filming caused by full storage. Relay Recording automatically switches to memory cards when internal storage (8GB on the R16, 32GB on the R18) becomes full, making sure that the camcorder keeps rolling as long as the action does. The Legria HF R106 shoots solely to SDHC cards. All three models are expected to be available from March 2010. Pricing is to be confirmed.

Note: The Legria line is called Vixia in the US.

Canon UK has announced the launch of the new LEGRIA HF M series – a selection of compact, easy-to-use, Full HD digital video cameras, comprising the Canon Legria HF M31 (pictured), M36 and M306 models. These camcorders feature a 3.3-megapixel Full HD CMOS sensor, 18x Advanced Zoom Canon HD Video Lens, DIGIC DV III processor and touch control via a newly developed touchscreen LCD.  Advanced Face Detection Technology identifies up to 35 faces at once, whilst Canon’s Instant AF technology provides the high-speed, pin-point auto-focus required for HD. Steady pictures are delivered by Canon’s Dynamic Optical Image Stabiliser technology. At maximum zoom, users can utilise the new Powered Optical Image Stabiliser mode, which greatly improves image stability when focusing on distant subjects. The Legria HF M31 and Legria HF M36 feature an in-camcorder HD-to-SD conversion tool, which combines with an Easy Web Upload feature to allow clips to be transferred to YouTube with the minimum of effort. Support for Eye-Fi connected functions means users can also upload their converted SD video clips direct from the camcorder at a wireless hotspot, without the need for a computer. The Canon Legria HF M31 has 32GB of internal storage plus an SDHC card slot, the M36 has 8GB of internal memory and can also record to a memory card. Both models feature Relay Recording, which automatically switches recording to the memory card when internal memory is full. The M306 model shoots solely to SDHC cards. All of these camcorders shall be available from March, prices to be confirmed.

Note: The Legria line is called Vixia in the US.

Canon UK has launched the new Legria FS300 series of lightweight and easy-to-use Standard Definition digital video cameras, comprising the Canon Legria FS36, FS37 and FS306 (pictured) models. These camcorders weigh just 225 grams each, but benefit from a number of advanced imaging features, including a genuine Canon Video Lens and DIGIC DV II processor. In order to reduce the effects of camera shake, especially at the far end of each model’s 41x Advanced Zoom, a new Dynamic Image Stabiliser makes the image smoother and more enjoyable to watch. The new series features Dual Flash Memory. In the Legria FS37 and Legria FS36, 16GB or 8GB of internal flash memory is combined with a card slot supporting SDHC memory cards. The Legria FS306 includes an SDHC card slot without additional internal memory. All three camcorders will be available from March, prices to be determined later.

The Liquid Image Summit Series is allegedly the world’s first snow goggle with an integrated digital camera. The hands-free unit has a wide-angle lens, a 5-megapixel (2560 x 1920) camera mode and a video mode that records D1 video (720x480) at a rate up to 30 frames per second with audio. The Summit Series Snow Camera Goggle is easy to operate. There is a button for On/Off/Mode and another button for the shutter. To record a photo or a video, simply turn on the camera, choose the mode, then press the shutter button. LED lights inside the goggle indicate the mode to the user. Large side buttons along the right side of the frame allow for greater dexterity while wearing gloves. The internal memory has 16 MB NAND Flash but there is a microSD card slot too. The Liquid Image Summit Series Snow Camera operates on an internal rechargeable Lithium Battery. The estimated retail price is $149, availability is slated for late summer.

Website: Liquid Image

Advanced Media (Ritek USA) has added a high speed 600x MLC based CompactFlash Card to their Lightning Series line in 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB capacities. Ridata CompactFlash® card 600X is non-volatile memory with error correction embedded. The controller inside supports UDMA Mode up to Mode 6 and the power consumption is 3.3V/5V with automatic power management. The internal testing resulted in a 94MB per second Read and a 92MB per second Write for the 600X 16GB Ridata CompactFlash® card. The Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) is 1 million power hours, endurance levels of 100,000 times, and durability measurements of 10,000 insertion and removal cycles. The Ridata Compact Flash Card family, including 600X MLC, 300X SLC, and 150X SLC with data lock write protection switch, is available through selected retailers, Ridata distributors, and at various online outlets. A complete listing of locations may be found on the Advanced Media Ritek USA website.

Website: Ritek USA