Panasonic Introduces New Compact 'Hybrid' Line

Panasonic’s new line of Dual Cameras targets consumers who are looking for an easy-to-use 'hybrid' device that captures full HD video and high resolution stills. The HX-WA10, the HX-DC10, and the HX-DC1, all sport a vertical design with separate video/photo capture buttons negating the need to switch between the two settings.

Pentax Introduces ‘Cosmetically Customizable’ Optio RS 1500

Along with visual customization, the Pentax Optio RS 1500 flaunts 14 megapixels, a large three inch LCD monitor, a high-performance 4X optical zoom lens covering 27.5mm wide angle to 110mm telephoto and easy to use operation. 

Sony Introduces Class 10 SDHC Media, MRW-F3 USB Reader

Sony today introduced Class 10 SDHC memory cards with the capability of achieving a 22-megabytes-per-second transfer rate. The improved card speeds can be maximized with a new MRW-F3 USB memory card reader, which also comes with downloadable file recovery software. Using the 32GB capacity SDHC Class 10 card, users can record up to 12 hours of HD video (at 5 mbps).

Casio Updates GPS Performance on Exilim EX-H20G

Casio today issued firmware version 1.02 for its Exilim EX-H20G digital camera. The update purportedly extends the total storage time for “positioning log data” from seven to 14 days, and improves some GPS functionality.

Canon Updates PowerShot A-series

Canon today added four new A-series models to its budget line of point-and-shoot digital cameras. The 16-megapixel A3300 IS, 14.1-megapixel A2200, 12.1-megapixel A1200, and 10-megapixel A800 offer solid video capture and a host of auto modes. The new A-series offerings range in price from $179.99 down to $89.99 and are slated for availability in mid-February and March.

Canon Introduces Vixia Camcorders with HD CMOS Sensor

Canon today unveiled a new line of Vixia camcorders, backed by a pro HD CMOS sensor. The 1/3-inch imager is designed to improve performance in low-light conditions by 25 percent and increase resolution. Canon also touts wider dynamic range, dual SDXC-compatible memory slots, and superior internal microphones on its new models.

Backlit CMOS in New Canon SD4000

The backlit CMOS sensor craze is dipping into more consumer-friendly markets. The Canon PowerShot SD4000 IS was announced with a 10-megapixel sensor and an f/2.0 lens that make up Canon’s “High Sensitivity System.” The SD4000 will be available at the end of this month for $349.
 

Ricoh Announces 28-300mm Lens for GXR

Ricoh expanded its GXR system camera offerings with today’s announcement of the Ricoh P10 Lens Module. The P10 comprises a 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 lens and a backlit 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor populated with 10 megapixels; it is the third module announced for the GXR system.

Sony Flaunts Big Sensors, Little Bodies on New NEX Cameras

Sony announced its entry into the mirrorless interchangeable lens camera market with the unveiling of the alpha NEX-5 and NEX-3. The new digital cameras share a 14.6-megapixel APS-C-sized CMOS image sensor that Sony flaunts is much larger than its Four Thirds standard competitors. The camera bodies themselves, however, are marketed as miniscule with the NEX-3 being called “the world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens digital camera.”