Sigma Updates to DP2s and DP1x

Sigma updated two of its large-sensor compact digital cameras with the announcement of the DP2s and DP1x. The new cameras make several improvements upon their predecessors, including faster autofocus. They will be available this spring.

HP Resurrects its Camera Business

HP made major cutbacks on their digital camera business two years ago and went through a long dry spell without any new releases. The company is making a comeback with the announcement of five new 12.2-megapixel digital cameras on Feb. 19. They are giving camera production a second chance, but will consumers give HP a second chance?

Casio Shows Budget-Friendly Z35, S7

Good news for consumers who are following a tight budget: Casio introduced two new ultra-compact digital cameras priced at $140 and under. The S7 and Z35 have 12.1 megapixels and 3x optical zoom lenses packaged in colorful 0.8-inch thin bodies.

Sony Drops Skinniest Waterproof Cam To Date

Sony announced a petite digital camera that can take a beating and still function. The Cyber-shot DSC-TX5 is “the world’s thinnest and smallest certified waterproof,” according to the company’s press release, and is also shock, freeze, and dustproof. It will go on sale for $350 in April. Sony also announced a long-zoom compact, the H55, with its 10x lens and 14.1 megapixels for $250.

Olympus Tough Cameras Get Tougher

Olympus announced a new flagship to its Tough series of waterproof digital cameras. The Olympus Stylus Tough-8010 is waterproof down to 33 feet, shockproof from 6.6 feet, freezeproof to 14 degrees, and crushproof to 220 pounds. The company also announced the Tough-6020, which isn’t as tough as the flagship but can still endure a beating.

Nikon Unveils 15x L110

As more and more manufacturers add zoom to their compact cameras, Nikon announced the L110 with its 15x lens and $279 price tag. The company also unveiled the $129 L22 with its 3.6x lens.

Touchscreen Fuji Z700 Announced

Fujifilm introduced two new digital cameras to its fashionable Z-series. Both cameras come with 12 megapixels and a YouTube/Facebook Automatic Web Upload, but the Z700 comes with a 3.5-inch touch screen and the Z70 has a smaller standard screen. The Z700 will retail for $279 and the Z70 for $149.

New Batch of Nikons get More Zoom, More Trim

Nikon expanded its skinny lineup of digital cameras with the announcement of four new models. The Coolpix S8000 leads with a 10x lens in a compact body, while the S6000 is also called “the thinnest camera in its class” with its 7x lens. The S4000 comes with a touch screen and the S3000 provides more basic features. The new Nikons will be available next month.

Nikon P100 with Backlit CMOS

Nikon introduced the Coolpix P100 with a backlit CMOS sensor that sounds familiar. The camera can snap 10 frames a second and captures full 1080p HD video. The Nikon P100 pairs its sensor with a 26x optical zoom lens and sensor-shift image stabilization. It will retail for $399 when it goes on sale next month.

Canon Announces Newest Rebel T2i

Canon announced an 18-megapixel update to last year’s T1i. The Canon EOS Digital Rebel T2i increases the resolution on its APS-C-size CMOS sensor and its 3-inch LCD screen. It also improves the metering system, burst mode, and media compatibility, among other things. The new DSLR will be available in early March for $799 for the body, and $899 with an 18-55mm kit lens included.