The Canon PowerShot family of digital cameras received a welcome upgrade today as the company announced six new models that would be joining the lineup. The new camera models are the PowerShot G11, PowerShot S90, PowerShot SX20 IS, PowerShot SX120 IS, PowerShot SD980 IS Digital ELPH, and PowerShot SD940 IS Digital ELPH.

All six new models feature Optical Image Stabilization, the DIGIC 4 Image Processor, and Smart AUTO technology which can track moving faces and up to 22 different shooting situations (up from 18). Let’s jump right into the new models shall we?

Canon PowerShot G11:

• New 10.0 megapixel sensor
• DIGIC 4 Image Processor
• RAW+JPEG output
• 2.8 inch Vari-angle LCD with 461,000 dots
• Large collection of optional accessories including Speedlite flashes, underwater housing, and Tele-converter lens available
• High-powered wide-angle 5x optical zoom
• HDMI output
• Smart AUTO selects proper settings for the camera based on 22 predefined shooting situations
• Focal length – 6.1 (W) – 30.5mm (35mm film equivalent: 28 (W) – 140 (T) mm)
• ISO 80/100/200/400/800/1600/3200
• Record video in 640 x 480 at 30fps
• MSRP of $499.99 and available in Sept.

Canon PowerShot S90:

• 10.0 megapixel sensor
• DIGIC 4 image processor
• Low light scene mode for ISO settings up to 12,800
• Pocket-sized camera
• Bright f/2.0 lens ideal for shooting in low light conditions or using a shallow depth-of-field
• Customizable control ring for easy access and operation of manual or other creating shooting settings
• Wide-angle 3.8x optical zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer
• RAW+JPEG output
• 3.0 inch PureColor System LCD
• ISO 80 to 3200
• Record 640 x 480 video at 30fps
• MSRP of $429.99 and available in Sept

Canon PowerShot SX20 IS:

• 20x wide-angle optical zoom with optical image stabilizer
• Record 720p HD movies with stereo sound
• HDMI output
• Smart AUTO selects proper settings from 22 predefined shooting scenarios
• DIGIC 4 image processor
• 12.1 megapixel sensor
• 2.5 inch Vari-angle LCD
• AA battery powered camera
• MSRP of $399.99 and available in Aug

Canon PowerShot SX120 IS:

• Smart AUTO selects proper settings from predefined shooting conditions
• Easy Mode for super easy image captures
• 10x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilizer
• 10.0 megapixel resolution
• DIGIC 4 image processor
• 3.0 inch PureColor System LCD
• AA battery powered
• Record 640 x 480 video at 30fps
• MSRP of $249.99 and available in Aug.

Canon PowerShot SD980 IS Digital ELPH:

• 3.0 inch wide touch panel PureColor System LCD with new user interface
• Active Display for quickly switching between images during playback with a shake of the camera
• 5x optical zoom with ultra-wide 24 mm lens
• 12 megapixel resolution
• 720p HD video recording
• HDMI otuput
• Available in Silver, Blue, Purple, and Gold
• Smart AUTO selects proper settings from 22 predefined shooting conditions
• MSRP of $329.99 and available in Aug.

Canon PowerShot SD940 IS Digital ELPH:

• 12.1 megapixel resolution
• 28mm wide angle lens with 4x optical zoom and optical image stabilizer
• 720p HD movie recording
• HDMI output
• 2.7 inch PureColor System LCD with wide viewing angle
• Smart AUTO selects proper settings from 22 predefined shooting conditions
• Easy to use with built-in hints and tips
• MSRP of $299.99 and available in Aug.

Technorati Tags: Canon PowerShot G11, PowerShot S90, PowerShot SX20 IS, PowerShot SX120 IS, PowerShot SD980 IS Digital ELPH, PowerShot SD940 IS Digital ELPH

So you’re out with a friend and you’d love to snap a picture of the two of you together. Problem is – no one is around to help take that picture. What do you do? Hold that camera out in front of you and hope/pray that the picture will come out just right. Press that shutter.. and.. whoops – your face is cropped. Grr.. try again!

Well folks – things are about to get a lot easier thanks to two of three new Samsung digital cameras announced yesterday which feature Samsung DualView technology. As the name implies, DualView cameras come with two LCD displays – your standard large display on the back and a smaller LCD display in the front designed to help make taking self portraits a snap. The two cameras to feature DualView are the TL225 and the TL220. The third new camera, the CL65, features geo-tagging, Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity, DLNA support, and built-in Wi-Fi capabilities.

Here are the specs to the TL225:

• 12.2 megapixel resolution
• 4.6x zoom lens
• 1.5 inch front LCD display
• 3.5 inch haptic enabled 1,152,000-pixel touch-screen back display
• Schneider-KREUZNACH lens
• 720p HD / H.264 format capable with an optional HDMI adapter
• Measures 99.8mm x 59.8mm x 18.9mm
• Smart Gesture UI
• Advanced Real Dual Image Stabilization : Optical IS + Digital IS
• Smart Touch Auto Focus
• Smart Auto
• Smart Album
• Smart Face Recognition (up to 20 faces)
• Perfect Portrait System: Beauty Shot / Face Detection / Self Portrait / Smile Shot / Blink Detection
• Photo Style Selector
• Available in September for a price of $349.99

Next up, we have the TL220:

• 12.2 megapixel resolution
• 4.6x zoom lens
• 1.5 inch front LCD display
• 3.0 inch haptic enabled 230,000-pixel touch-screen back display
• Schneider-KREUZNACH lens
• 720p HD / H.264 format capable
• Measures 99.8mm x 59.8mm x 19.1mm
• Smart Gesture UI
• Advanced Real Dual Image Stabilization : Optical IS + Digital IS
• Smart Touch Auto Focus
• Smart Auto
• Smart Album
• Smart Face Recognition (up to 20 faces)
• Perfect Portrait System: Beauty Shot / Face Detection / Self Portrait / Smile Shot / Blink Detection
• Photo Style Selector
• Available in Sept for $299.99

Finally, there’s the CL65 which features:

• 12.2 megapixel resolution
• 5x internal optical zoom
• 3.5 inch 1,152,000 pixel touch-screen display
• Schneider-KREUZNACH lens
• 720p HD / H.264 Format capable with optional HDMI adapter
• Measures 99.8mm x 60.8mm x 18.9mm
• Wi-Fi & Bluetooth 2.0 Connectivity (DLNA Supported)
• Email / Direct upload to photo sharing Web sites
• Smart Gesture UI
• Advanced Real Dual Image Stabilization : Optical IS + Digital IS
• Smart Touch Auto Focus
• Smart Auto
• Smart Album
• Smart Face Recognition (up to 20 faces)
• Perfect Portrait System: Beauty Shot / Face Detection / Self Portrait / Smile Shot / Blink Detection
• Photo Style Selector
• Available in Sept for $399.99

Technorati Tags: Samsung TL225, Samsung TL220, Samsung CL65, digital cameras

Ladies and gentlemen – say hello to Nikon’s four latest COOLPIX Style Series compact digital cameras – the COOLPIX S70, COOLPIX S1000pj, COOLPIX S640, and COOLPIX S570. One has a new OLED touch screen display; one is the first camera ever to feature a built-in projector; one is fast and affordable; and one is cooler and easier to use than ever before.

According to Bill Giordano, GM of Nikon marketing – “These latest Nikon COOLPIX digital cameras reflect hallmarks of the COOLPIX line: performance, design and innovation,”

Without further ado – let’s check out the features and specs to the four new models:

COOLPIX S70:

• 12.1 megapixel resolution
• 5x Wide-angle Optical Zoom-NIKKOR glass lens
• 3.5 inch high resolution Touch Panel OLED display with Clear Color Display and anti-glare coating
• Swipe your finger to scroll through images and pinch your fingers with two fingers to zoom in or out on images
• Touch Shutter and Autofocus capabilities – tap on your display to have the camera focus and shoot a picture
• Scene effect adjustment by using touch screen sliders
• 5 way VR image stabilization system including Nikon’s Hybrid Optical and Electronic VR Image Stabilization
• Motion Detection
• Up to ISO 6400
• Best Shot Selector (BSS) automatically takes up to 10 shots while the shutter is pressed and saves the sharpest image
• Captures HD video at 1280 x 720 resolution
• Subject tracking will track a moving object
• Scene Auto Selector
• Nikon Smart Portrait System including new Skin Softening feature, In-Camera Red Eye fix, Face Priority AF, Smile Timer, Blink Proof, and Blink Warning technologies, and D-Lighting
• Macro shooting as close as 1.2 inches
• Available in Red & Red, Black & Black, Champagne & Beige, Champagne & Light Brown
• Available in Sept for $399.95

COOLPIX S1000pj:

• 12.1 megapixels
• 5x Wide-angle Zoom-NIKKOR Glass Lens
• First camera to feature an ultra-small, built-in projector – project up to 40 inches
• 5 way VR image stabilization system including Hybrid VR Image Stabilization technology, Motion Detection, ISO support up to 6400, and Best Shot Selector (shoots up to 10 shots and saves the sharpest)
• 2.7 inch High Resolution LCD
• Scene Auto Selector
• Smart Portrait System including Skin Softening, In-Camera Red Eye Fix, Face-Priority AF, Smile Timer, Blink Proof and Blink Warning technologies, and D-Lighting
• Quick Retouch
• 16 scene modes
• Record video at 640 x 480 at 30fps
• Macro shooting as close as 1.2 inches
• Available in black
• Available in Sept for $429.95

COOLPIX S640:

• 12.2 megapixel resolution
• Fast startup
• 5x wide-angle Zoom NIKKOR Glass Lens
• 4 way VR Image Stabilization System including Optical VR Image Stabilization, Motion Detection, Up to ISO6400, and Best Shot Selector
• 2.7 inch Clear Color Display
• Scene Auto Selector
• Subject Tracking
• Smart Portrait System including Skin Softening, In-Camera Red Eye Fix, Face-Priority AF, Smile Timer, Blink Proof and Blink Warning technologies, and D-Lighting
• Quick Retouch
• 16 scene modes
• Record movies at 640 x 480
• Macro shooting as close as 0.8 inches
• Available in Calm Black, Velour Red, Precious Pink, Pearl White
• Available in Sept for $249.95

COOLPIX S570:

• 12 megapixel resolution
• 5x Wide-angle Zoom-NIKKOR Glass Lens
• 4 way VR Image Stabilization System including Electronic VR Image Stabilization, Motion Detection, Up to ISO3200, and Best Shot Selector
• 2.7 inch LCD display
• Scene Auto Selector
• less than 1 inch thick
• Smart Portrait System including Skin Softening, In-Camera Red Eye Fix, Face-Priority AF, Smile Timer, Blink Proof and Blink Warning technologies, and D-Lighting
• Quick Retouch
• 16 Scene Modes
• Record movies at 640 x 480 at 30/15 fps
• Macro shooting as close as 1.2 inches
• Available in Black, Blue, Red, Pink
• Available in Sept for $199.95

[Check it out]

[Check out some product videos]

Technorati Tags: Nikon, COOLPIX S70, COOLPIX S1000pj, COOLPIX S640, COOLPIX S570

Panasonic expanded their LUMIX line of digital cameras on Monday with the introduction of three new models including the LUMIX DMC-FZ35, LUMIX DMC-FP8, and LUMIX DMC-ZR1. The DMC-FZ35 is the successor to the FZ28 and features AVCHD Lite, HD video recording, and a 27mm wide-angle, 18x optical zoom LEICA lens while the DMC-FP8 comes with a 12.1 megapixel resolution, and a 28mm wide-angle 4.6x Leica DC lens with folding optics. Finally, the DMC-ZR1 features the world’s first 0.3mm thin aspherical lens which allows for a super compact body while still yielding a 25mm ultra-wide-angle 8x optical zoom.  Here’s the low down on the new digicams:

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ35:

• Creative Movie Mode – allows you to set the shutter speed and aperture manually for movie capture
• My Color Mode – manually adjust the color, brightness, and saturation parameters while seeing how the adjustments change the picture live on the display
• High Dynamic Mode – helps capture a scene with moderate exposure even though the scene contains both bright and dark areas
• 12.1 megapixel resolution
• LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens
• Upgraded POWER Optical Image Stabilizer
• MEGA OIS
• Ultra high-speed Auto Focus (AF)
• 18x optical zoom lens
• Venus Engine HD
• Battery life of around 470 pictures
• Intelligent Auto Mode with features such as Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector, Intelligent Exposure, and Face Recognition
• Face Recognition that recognizes up three faces simultaneously while taking pictures
• Available in September for a suggested retail price of $399.99
• Available in black

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FP8:

• 12.1 megapixel resolution
• LEICA DC Vario-Elmar lens
• High-speed Auto Focus(AF)
• Intelligent Auto (iA) suite of technologies
• POWER Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)
• MEGA OIS
• Blue LED cursor buttons that glow when pressed
• 2.7 inch large Intelligent LCD
• Face Recognition recognizes up to three faces simultaneously
• Venus Engine V
• HD movies with VIERA Link Networking – record in 1280 x 720 at 30fps or 848 x 480 or 640 x 480
• 27 scene modes including a new High Dynamic Mode which takes a scene in moderate exposure even though there are dark or bright areas in the scene
• PHOTOfunSTUDIO 4.0 software
• Available in September for $299.95
• Available in black, red, and silver

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-ZR1:

• Has the world’s first 0.3 mm thin aspherical lens providing a 25mm ultra-wide angle 8x optical zoom lens in an ultra-compact body
• Zoom range of 25-200mm
• 12.1 megapixel resolution
• LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens
• High speed Auto Focus
• High speed startup of 1.1 seconds
• 2.7 inch Intelligent LCD
• Venus Engine V
• Intelligent Auto (iA) technologies including hand-shake component, and a face recognition feature – up to 6 faces registered and three detected simultaneously
• POWER Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS)
• Travel Mode – organize information related to travel including destination, date, and time. Allows for simply playback of pictures
• High Dynamic Mode (see above)
• PHOTOfunSTUDIO 4.0 software included
• Available in September for a suggested price of $279.95
• Available in black, red, blue, and silver

[Check out the DMC-FZ35 Press Release]

[Check out the DMC-FP8 Press Release]

[Check out the DMC-ZR1 Press Release]

Technorati Tags: Panasonic, LUMIX DMC-FZ35, LUMIX DMC-FP8, LUMIX DMC-ZR1, digital cameras

For all the slack that I’ve given to the iPhone 3G S, one of the nicer “features” of the new phone is the upgraded camera on the device – providing a boost in picture quality as well as the capability of recording video for the first time on the platform. Certainly not a great thing for low-end camcorder manufacturers but luckily on so many people will have the iPhone 3G S right?

Not so fast folks. According to TechCrunch sources, Apple has placed an order for a “massive number of camera modules” and based on the size of the order, it can really mean only one thing. A camera is coming to the iPod touch.

Imagine for a second – a camera found on every single new iPod touch sold around the world – each capable of taking respectable stills and video clips. Yes.. who would need a Flip Video or Kodak Pocket Camcorder after an iPod touch is in your pocket? It’s a small subtle enhancement but one that could easily spell trouble to the low-end camcorder industry.

Evil.. (and delicious at the same time).

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Apple, ipod touch, camera

Looking to get the picture quality of a DSLR but not willing to deal with the added bulk? Check out Olympus’s newly announced E-P1 – the world’s smallest 12.3 megapixel interchangeable lens system camera.  No, it’s not a DSLR at all. It’s not exactly a point and shoot camera either. The EP-1 is part of the “PEN” family of cameras from Olympus which combine the optics of SLR cameras with the size and simplicity of point-and-shoot cameras.

With the E-P1, Olympus does away with the optical viewfinder and the mirror box thereby reducing the form factor of the camera body. Olympus also reduced the lens mount diameter resulting in smaller and lighter lens for the camera. The E-P1 also is the first Micro Four Thirds camera from Olympus – providing the same image quality as current Four Thirds format E-System cameras since it uses the same image sensor as the E-30 and E-620 DSLR models.

Here’s a rundown of the features and specs to the E-P1:

• Stainless-steel body
• Measures 4.75 x 2.75 x 1.43 inches
• Weighs 11.8 oz
• Available in silver or white
• In-body image stabilization
• 3 inch full color  LCD display
• Dust reduction system
• 12 megapixel resolution with next-generation TruePic V
• ISO 100 to ISO 6400 support
• HD video capture with stereo audio
• In-camera creative features for still images and video (six in-camera art filters such as Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pale & Light Color, Light Tone, Grainy Film or Pin Hole)
• Multiple exposures
• Multi-aspect shooting – four aspect ratios – 4:3, 16:9, 3:2, and 6:6
• Multimedia slideshows
• Digital leveler
• Magnified focus assist
• 18 x 18 metering modes
• Record in uncompressed 16 bit/44.1 kHz Linear PCM
• 19 automatic scene modes

Sounds great – what about pricing and availability? Well the E-P1 will be available next month (July) with the following price configurations:

• E-P1 Body Estimated Street Price: $749.99
• E-P1 Body with ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens Estimated Street Price: $799.99
• E-P1 Body with ED 17mm f2.8 with optical viewfinder Estimated Street Price: $899.99

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Olympus. EP-1, micro four thirds camera

Akihabara News reports that Fujifilm will be releasing a new point-and-shoot digi-cam next week called the FinePix Z300. Available in several colors, the Z300 features:

• 10 megapixel resolution
• 5.7x optical zoom lens
• 100 to 1600 ISO support
• 31MB of internal memory
• SD/SDHC memory card support
• 3 inch touch-screen LCD display
• VGA resolution recording at 30 fps

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Fujifilm FinePix Z300, digital camera

Eye-Fi announces the introduction of their latest wireless SDHC media card – the Eye-Fi Pro. The Eye-Fi Pro adds support for RAW image support and ad-hoc network support for peer to peer network connectivity without the need of a router. The company also announced today that all Eye-Fi card users can now select which photos or videos they want to transfer from their camera to the computer or the web using the new Selective Transfer feature.

Here’s what you need to know about the new Eye-Fi Pro card:

• 4GB SDHC Ccard
• Upload through Wi-Fi hotspots or set up an Ad Hoc network
• Upload RAW photos
• Automatic geotagging
• Send photos to any of over 25 popular sharing, blogging, and networking websites including Flickr, Facebook, Picasa, etc
• MSRP of $149.99

As for “Selective Transfer”, this is a new feature announced today which gives users more control over which photos and videos should be uploaded. All you need to do is “protect” or “lock” a file on your camera and then the Eye-Fi cards will automatically upload the file. Selective Transfer is free and available now for all Eye-Fi card users through the Eye-Fi Manager.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Eye-Fi, Eye-Fi Pro, Wireless SDHC card

If you constantly find yourself in and around water, then you might be interested in the new General Imaging G3WP – the first waterproof digital camera from the company (quite honestly, I didn’t even realize there were General Imaging digicams out there). The G3WP is waterproof up to 10 feet which makes it perfect for backyard pool parties, quick swims at the waterfront, and taking pictures in the rain. Other features of the G3WP include:

• 12.2 megapixel resolution
• 4x optical zoom lens
• 2.7 inch LCD display which automatically adjusts to changes in ambient light
• Support for up to ISO 3200
• Blink Detection, Smile Detection, Face Detection
• Electronic Image Stabilization
• Red Eye Removal
• Auto Scene Detection – determines the appropriate scene type and optimizes settings
• Pan-Capture Panorama – lets users pan the camera across the scene while the engine automatically captures stills, determines the overlap, and stitches the frames into a single panoramic image

The G3WP is available in black, gray, and red colors.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: General Imaging G3WP water-proof digital camera

We’re not quite done with Casio just yet. The company also announced a new EXILIM digicam yesterday in the form of the EXILIM Zoom EX-Z29. The new camera sports a compact & stylish form factor, a 10.1 megapixel image resolution, a 3x optical zoom lens, and a 2.7 inch wide LCD display. Not too bad right? Other features include:

• 2.7 inch wide LCD display
• 3x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom
• Effective 10.1 megapixel resolution
• 23 Best Shot modes
• Face Detection technology
• Anti-Shake DSP to reduce photo blur
• Easy Mode simplifies camera settings to three menus – image size, flash, and self timer
• Record widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio movies (highest resolution is 848 x 480)
• YouTube capture mode – records and saves movies in settings ideal for YouTube sharing
• 17.8 MB built-in flash memory
• Supports SD and SDHC memory cards
• Measures 3.64 x 2.16 x 0.91 inches
• Rechargeable Lithium Ion battery

The Casio EXILIM Zoom EX-Z29 will be coming out in April for a price of $149.99. Available colors include black, pink, blue, silver, and purple.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Casio EXILIM Zoom EX-Z29