Digital Cameras

March 2009 – Panasonic just introduced the DMC-GH1, the newest member of the company’s revolutionary LUMIX G Micro System – a new digital interchangeable lens camera system that delivers professional-level features and performance in a compact and easy-to-use camera body.

Compatible with the Micro Four Thirds System standard, the new LUMIX GH1 features advanced video photography functions, such as the ability to record High Definition (HD) AVCHD 1080p/24p video.* In addition, the new LUMIX GH1 comes with a newly developed long-zoom interchangeable lens – the LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. This lens was specifically designed to support HD movie recording and features a silent motor and continuous auto focusing (AF) capability; two features which distinguish the LUMIX GH1 from DSLRs that offer HD video recording capabilities. Read more

General Imaging (GE Cameras) today announced their first waterproof digital camera – the G3WP. This 12.2 megapixel camera is waterproof to 10 feet and includes a 4x optical zoom, Auto Scene Detection, Pan-Capture Panorama, high ISO 3200 sensitivity, face, smile and blink detection, and has a 2.7-inch LCD screen that automatically adjusts to changes in ambient light.

The G3WP will be available in July 2009. Pricing has not yet been announced.

Press release:

Waterproof GE G3WP Camera Makes Big Splash

March 4, 2009--General Imaging invites you to dive right in and start snapping. The company has just released a new camera that loves the water. Read more

March 3, 2009 — Casio introduced the latest addition to its stylish series of EXILIM digital cameras today, the EXILIM Zoom EX-Z29. This newest member of the EXILIM line features a stylish, slim and compact design to increase portability, and provides an improved 10.1 megapixels of image resolution with 3X optical zoom. The EX-Z29 will be on display at Casio’s booth at the Photo Marketing Association International Convention and Tradeshow.

This new model stays true to the user-friendly features that have become standard to the EXILIM Zoom series. The 2.7-inch wide LCD display enables users to easily navigate camera operations and enhance the review of images, while the 23 Best Shot Modes and face detection technology help users take high quality photos without having to adjust camera settings.

“Casio is dedicated to creating digital cameras that feature superior technology while maintaining an ease of use for the consumer,” said Bill Heuer, Vice President of Sales for Digital Imaging Division at Casio America, Inc. “We continue to be a leader in the digital camera industry, providing fun and convenient ways to capture quality photographs.” Read more

March 3, 2009 — Casio America, Inc. and its parent company, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., released some exciting details about its upcoming digital camera models today. Soon to be released, the EX-S12 can make the most of Casio’s high-speed image processing engine to enable users to cut and paste moving subjects onto still backgrounds.

Casio has been a pioneer in digital cameras for over ten years. The new models maintain Casio’s long tradition of innovation and creativity. In 1995, Casio introduced the QV-10, the world’s first consumer digital camera with an LCD monitor so users could view the images they had just taken. In 2002, the company released the EX-S1, a card-sized camera so thin that it could be carried anywhere. In 2008, Casio launched the highly anticipated EX-F1 and EX-FH20, boasting high-speed burst shooting capabilities to ensure that users would never miss a crucial moment again, not to mention the ability to record high-speed movies that capture motion too fast for the human eye to perceive. Read more

March 3, 2009 -- General Imaging has released its 2009 lineup of GE digital cameras, introducing a full array of exciting new features, including auto scene detection, pan-capture panorama, and optical image stabilization. General Imaging, the worldwide exclusive licensee for GE digital cameras, unveiled ten new models this morning at the 2009 Photo Marketing Association trade show in Las Vegas.

Now entering their third model year, GE digital cameras offer higher resolution and more powerful zooms than ever before. Each camera in the 2009 collection features at least 9 megapixels of resolution – with seven models boasting 12 or more – helping preserve all life’s memories with greater clarity. Ready for your close-up? GE cameras certainly are, as seven of the new models feature zooms of 5X or higher, including an impressive 12X zoom in the X3 to make those big smiles appear even bigger. Read more

February 18, 2009--Samsung Electronics America just extended its popular SL-Series with the introduction of four new models, comprising two 12.2 mega-pixel and two 10 mega-pixel digital cameras. Stylish and advanced, the new SL-Series models elevate the stature of the user-friendly family of digital cameras, allowing consumers to experience higher-end features and performance at more affordable price points.

The SL820 and SL620

Samsung’s new 12.2 mega-pixel SL820 and SL620 offer users large three inch LCD screens and powerful 5x optical zooms. With the SL820, users have access to a 28mm wide-angle lens, while the SL620 offers a standard 35mm lens. Both the SL820 and SL620 are paired with Optical and Digital Image Stabilization to help reduce blur caused by hand movements. Shooters have the option of simply using Optical Image Stabilization, ideal for well-lit environments, or choosing Dual Image Stabilization and combining the strengths of Optical and Digital Image Stabilization.

A first for Samsung’s SL-Series, the new SL820 offers consumers high-definition video recording at a resolution of 720p, as well as HDMI connectivity, allowing the camera to be connected to an HDTV through a cradle for reviewing footage and photos. The camera also utilizes H.264 compression, an advanced codec that allows users to record video for longer periods of time. The SL620 offers users advanced MPEG-4 video recording at a resolution of 640x480. For added versatility, with both the SL820 and SL620, consumers can use the cameras’ 5x optical zooms and Optical Image Stabilization while recording video. Read more

February 2009 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today introduced 10 new PowerShot cameras that offer an array of photographic options for the entry-level consumer right up to the photo enthusiast. Whether on a family vacation, swimming in an ocean or out for a night on the town, the new line-up of PowerShot digital cameras enable consumers to customize their photographic experience to their personality with color, style and features galore.

Most PowerShot cameras for 2009 feature Canon’s exclusive DIGIC 4 Image Processor, with proprietary technology which accounts for the camera's higher performance levels, including improved signal processing speed and higher image quality. This new chip paves the way for a host of features including Canon’s new Smart AUTO. Smart AUTO intelligently selects the proper camera settings based on the specific shooting conditions of each scene, ensuring that all images are accurately focused, exposed, stabilized and white-balanced before the shutter is even pressed. Using data derived from Canon’s Optical Image Stabilization, Genuine Face Detection and Motion Detection Technologies, Smart AUTO automatically adjusts a multitude of settings including brightness and hue, during various shooting situations. Another enhancement available with select PowerShot models is Blink Detection Technology, which uses the Face Detection function to display an icon after shooting with a warning that someone’s eyes were closed (such as when blinking) during shooting. Unlike other systems which prevent users from taking a photo, Canon’s Blink Detection Technology lets users know immediately whether there’s any need to reshoot the image, thus providing a far more intuitive experience. Read more