- Monday, 25 January 2010 -

Pentax introduces the Optio I-10
PENTAX U.K. is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX Optio I-10 digital compact camera. In addition to a compact body and with the look of a traditional film SLR camera, it offers a wide range of advanced functions — including an upgraded Face Detection AF & AE function and Sensor-shift Shake Reduction. Read on...
 

Pentax introduces the Optio E90
PENTAX U.K. Imaging Systems Division is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX Optio E90 digital compact camera. Offering a host of convenient, user-friendly features — including an upgraded Smile Capture function that automatically and accurately detects and records the subject’s smiling face — this new entry-class model simplifies high-quality digital photography for everyone — even for new photographers. Read on...

Pentax introduces the Optio H90
PENTAX U.K. is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX Optio H90 digital compact camera, combining a functional, no-frills design with essential user-friendly features - including a high-performance wide-to-telephoto 5X optical zoom lens, approximately 12.1 effective megapixels and a large, easy-to-view LCD monitor - all within a compact, lightweight body that fits comfortably in the photographer’s hand. Read on...

- Tuesday, 5 January 2010 -

Canon introduces the PowerShot A495 and A490
United Kingdom, Republic or Ireland, 5th January 2010 – Canon today announces the launch of the new PowerShot A495 and PowerShot A490 – a duo of affordable and user-friendly compact digital cameras designed for fun, everyday use. Replacing the popular PowerShot A480, the new models combine a subtle, soft-edged design with a genuine Canon lens and a range of intelligent automatic features – packing impressive performance into a small, lightweight body.

  

Available in silver (both models), red and blue (PowerShot A495 only), both new models offer a 10.0 Megapixel sensor and genuine Canon 3.3x optical zoom lens, producing large, detailed images. Smart Auto mode takes care of picture settings automatically, and a bright, vivid 6.2cm (2.5”) LCD display makes it simple to frame, capture and share images. Read on....

Canon introduces the PowerShot A3100 IS and the A3000 IS
United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 5th January 2010 – Canon today launches the PowerShot A3100 IS and PowerShot A3000 IS, two new digital cameras that are compact, great looking and extremely easy to use. Packed with a range of clever and user-friendly features, the new models make photography more enjoyable than ever, helping users get great shots with the minimum of effort.

  

With genuine Canon lens technology and DIGIC III processing, the PowerShot A3100 IS and PowerShot A3000 IS offer excellent performance and great value. Both sport a new, slim and lightweight body with an attractive exterior design, combining stand-out looks with a range of intelligent technologies. The PowerShot A3100 IS is available in a selection of bright, attractive colours, offering a choice of blue, red and silver variants, while the PowerShot A3000 IS comes in silver with a subtle black trim. The new models will succeed the current PowerShot A1100 IS, and mark a true step forward for the PowerShot A series line. Read on...

Canon introduces the updated EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens
United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland 5th January 2010 – Canon today adds to its acclaimed L-series with the launch of the new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM telephoto zoom lens. This new lens launches as the successor to the immensely popular EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, offering improved performance in every area.

True to the L-series’ heritage, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM delivers optical excellence in the most challenging situations. As well as a revamp of the internal optical system, the lens has also been structurally re-developed as a direct result of user feedback, making it as robust and reliable as it is optically advanced. Read on....

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- Friday, 1 January 2010 -

Happy New Year - Welcome to 2010
The past decade has ended that started by seeing the demise of the film based cameras and the popularisation of the digital format for the masses by compact cameras like the Canon IXUS with its 2mp image sensor and desirable design. The introduction of the 5mp sensor provided image quality suitable enough to leave the film camera in the draw. Image quality has improved over the last 10 years and cameras have got considerable faster at processing the images and far better battery life.

2010 starts with video capability being almost standard for both compact and DSLR cameras and some with HD resolution. Features such as face detection, intelligent auto shooting modes, movie mode, large LCD screens and powerful optical zoom lenses have improved the simplicity and versatility for compacts. For the DSLR, they continue to become cheaper, more responsive with more features than most will use.

The micro 4/3 shows a lot of promise with cameras like the Olympus E-P1/2, Panasonic GF1 and GH1 as they permit more compact camera designs with interchangeable lens and larger image sensor (to rival DSLRs). They potentialyl point the direction the industry will go as no doubt APS-C based cameras will appear to compete for this new market segment.

Interesting times ahead for all photographers both enthusiasts and professionals.