Canon announces a firmware update for the EOS 5D Mk II, which adds 24 and 25 fps recording. Furthermore, a new histogram display for shooting movies in manual exposure, shutter- and aperture-priority have been added, and exposure modes will also be available in movie mode. Improved audio will allows you to set record levels using a sound-level meter displayed on the LCD display and audio sampling has been increased from 44.1 KHz to 48 KHz. Update: Firmware version 2.04 now released...

Ricoh releases GXR firmware update version 1.07. The update offers a functional update for the GR lens A12 50mm allowing you to select AF speed options in the Setup menu. Furthermore, this version offers several fixes and improvements for both the S10 24-72 mm and the A12 50mm F2.5 models. At the same time Ricoh releases CX3 firmware update version 1.06 offering a fix for the problem where an incorrect image is displayed when you press the ADJ.OK button...

Sigma releases the new APO 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM lens for Sony and Pentax mounts. The lens has an equivalent field of view of a 225-750mm when used on digital SLR cameras with an APS-C size image sensor. Sigma's original OS (Optical Stabilizer) function offers the use of shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower. This lens is equipped with a rear focus system that minimizes fluctuation of aberration caused by focusing. It is ideal for sports, wildlife and landscape photography with handheld shooting...

Samsung releases NX10 firmware version 1.04 and 1.05. Version 1.04 offers these improvements: 1) Delay the memory card format time at the specific memory card. 2) The condition of shutter speed time on the LongTerm Noise Reduction change from 4 sec to 1 sec. 3) The initial setting of AF area at P, A, S, M Mode, it changed as a Selection AF from Multi AF. 4) System stabilization Firmware update version 1.05 mentions a somewhat cryptic "increase in productivity"...

Fujifilm has released several firmware updates this first quarter. In case you own one of the cameras mentioned below, you should check-out the Fujifilm support website to download the latest version: Finepix A100 / A150, the Finepix J10 / J12 / J15fd / J20 / J22 / J25, or the Finepix S1600 / S1770 / S1800 / S1880 / S2500HD / S2600HD. You might check-out the website as well for other Finepix cameras that have new firmware updates released last year...

Microsoft introduces TrueColor Technology, an image processing technology for superior color and brightness in even the worst lighting conditions. The TrueColor technology will be available in three new webcams, the LifeCam HD-5000, HD-5001 and HD-6000 for Notebooks. These LifeCams will also feature 720p HD sensors and Auto Focus technology. The LifeCam HD-5000 and the LifeCam HD-5001 will be available later this month for $49.95 and the LifeCam HD-6000 for Notebooks will be available in May for $59.95...

Leica releases M9 firmware update version 1.116. The update offers the following new functions: Faster zooming into last picture taken, enhanced speed of SD-card formatting, improved image quality of thumbnail pictures, improved SD-card compatibility, a new ISO setting-related and improved Magenta color shift correction for wide angle lenses. Furthermore, the update provides several functional and textual bug fixes...

Seitz Phototechnik AG has introduced the Roundshot D2x panoramic digital camera last month. The new D2x has a 2048 pixel vertical resolution and captures 2x full HD panoramas, ideal for nature photography and virtual tours. The system is available in 2 versions, the base D2x or the advanced D2xs (speed) with faster data transfer. The new camera accepts either fisheye or standard Nikkor lenses of any focal length. You don't have to hurry as the camera is in stock and available now for only € 9,700 (D2x) and €11,000 (D2xs)...

Samsung announces its 6-inch E-ink display (600x800) with 8-gray scale eReader for the US market. The most visibly distinguishing feature of the Samsung eReader is its electromagnetic resonance stylus pen, that allows you to make annotations in the margins and to record your own thoughts and interpretations while reading. With 2GB of internal memory, the Samsung eReader can easily store 1,500 books or 24,000 pages of memos. An external Micro SD card slot increases the device's storage capabilities by an additional 16GB...

HOYA launches the long-waited PENTAX 645D medium-format digital SLR camera. The 645D has been developed to provide super-high-resolution images produced by large image sensors to serious landscape/outdoor photographers. The new camera incorporates a large, high-performance image sensor (44x33mm) offering an image resolution of approx. 40 megapixels. The body is dust-proof, weather-resistant with 70 special seals, and outstanding cold-resistant to assure solid operation at a temperature as low as –10°C...

HOYA launches the smc PENTAX-D FA 645 55mm F2.8 AL[IF] SDM AW lens. When mounted on the Pextax 645D camera body, this standard lens offers a focal length of 43.5 mm (35 mm format), which produces an angle of view close to that of the human eye. As such, it can be used for many different kinds of subjects and applications, including landscapes and portraits. With seven special seals, the dustproof, weather-resistant construction effectively prevents the intrusion of dust and water to the lens interior...

BenQ Europe announces the 12 Megapixel DSC C1250. The new camera comes with a 3x optical zoom lens and a bright 2.7-inch LCD display. Furthermore, the C1250, the offers Scene Detection Technology to analyze the scene in detail: Subject brightness; Contrast; Distance and Overall hue. The camera then immediately chooses one of eight possible modes, to ensure perfect settings: Landscape, Night scene, Night Portrait, Sunset, Macro, Portrait, Backlight, and Backlight Portrait. The C1250 will be available in Europe in April...

Canon launches the REALiS SX7 Mk II Multimedia LCOS projector. This new model offers SXGA+ (1400 x 1050) native resolution and 4000 lumens of brightness, delivers excellent, lattice-free motion and still images. The Photo Image Mode allows you to easily make changes to improve look & feel of the content being projected. The Color Level and Temperature functions allow for fine-tuning by selecting from easy-to-use presets. The SX7 carries a hefty price tag of $6999, but a bit of Internet shopping will get you much better deals...

Tamron will develop a 70-300mm F/4-5.6 telephoto zoom lens. The new lens - to celebrate Tamron 60th anniversary - can be used with both full-frame sensor and AF 35mm cameras with a zoom range of 70-300mm; or with APS-C sensor cameras where the angle of view will change the zoom range equal to 109-465mm. Furthermore, it offers image stabilization-VC (Vibration Compensation) and an ultrasonic auto-focus drive -- USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive). The lens has been produced for the Nikon mount, Canon and Sony mounts will follow...

Digital Foci will introduce a new Pearl White version of its Photo Book, a portable digital photo album with an 8-inch 800 x 600 digital LCD color screen and a large 4 GB built-in memory at the Wedding & Portrait Photographers International Convention in Las Vegas this week. Featuring a slim design encased in a soft leather-like case photo display, Photo Book offers over 2.5 hours of battery life and an easy and portable way to enjoy and share digital photos. The Pearl White Photo Book will be available in June priced at $189...

Panasonic launches the new standard zoom lens for LUMIX G Micro System. The Ultra-compact and light weight Lumix G Vario 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH / MEGA O.I.S. lens offers a zoom range of 14-42mm (28-84mm equiv. ) suitable for a wide range of scenes from dynamic landscape to portrait. With its minimum focus distance of 30 cm even at full zoom, the new lens provides a maximum magnification of 0.32x. The new lens will be available from June 2010 with either the new DMC-G2, DMC-G10 or as a standalone lens...

Panasonic announces the new compact, lightweight Lumix DMC-G10 featuring dual Full-time Live View for the LCD and the LVF (Live View Finder). It gives you a live view of what you're shooting, with approx. 100% field of view. The wide-viewing angle 3.0" LCD features 460,000-dot resolution. The Intelligent LCD automatically controls the brightness and provides sharp, clear images in virtually all shooting situations. The DMC-G10 also features Contrast AF system that is not only accurate and easy-to-use, but also very fast...

Panasonic announces the 12.1 megapixel DMC-G2, the world's 1st interchangeable lens camera with touch-control shooting, which offers you a new kind of shooting. The G2 is equipped with the new Venus Engine HD II processor, double Live-View function, AVCHS Lite high definition movie recording, popular My Color Mode and Intelligent Auto mode. The G2 adopts touch-control shooting in an interchangeable lens system camera, once you lock on the subject by touch, the camera tracks the subject even if it moves with the AF tracking function...

Mamiya has last week introduced the new DM40 in its lineup of professional large-sensor DSLRs. Featuring a resolution of 40 Mp (7360x5562) with a peak capture rate of .8 seconds per frame and a sustained capture rate of 60 frames per minute, the DM40 is the industry's fastest large (44x33mm) sensor DSLR. The other members of the DM family, the model DM33 (6726x5040) and DM56 (9288x6000) feature a 48x36mm and 56x36mm sensor respectively. The DM40 DSLR kit including 80mm f.2.8 D lens will be available in the US for $21,990...

Agfa introduces the new Optima 103/104 slimline digital cameras measuring 16.9mm resp. 18mm in depth. The Optima 104 features a 4x optical zoom wide-angle lens with 29mm focal distance and a 3-inch touchscreen. The model 104 is available now in black, silver and rosé for €189. The Optima 103 features the same wide-angle lens, and offers a special picture mode for all Internet auctioneers: the Auction mode puts various perspectives of the same image onto one picture with 640 x 480 pixel resolution. Available in silver, red or titanium for €179...

Aiptek shows its PocketCinema Z20 at the CeBIT. The Z20 is a pocket size multimedia projector with built-in camcorder function which provides High Definition Video recording at a resolution of 720p. In addition, it gives you a quickly and easy access to capture still images at a resolution 8 megapixels. The new RGB LED technology offers a wide range of true colors in high contrast and can throw images up to 65" at a distance of 2 meters. For even more brightness Acer is showing its 200 lumen K11 and LG its 300 lumen HX300 at CeBIT...

Olympus releases the third firmware update for the PEN E-P1 digital SLR camera. This update offers the following improvement: • Resolved the issue introduced in firmware version 1.2 where LEVEL GAUGE display did not move when using MF (manual focus)...

Wacom introduces the Cintiq 21UX interactive pen display. The 21UX offers new pen performance that is capable of capturing the slightest nuance of pen pressure against the LCD surface, as well as offering 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity. Other enhancements include rear-mounted Touch Strips for fingertip access while working. Each Touch Strip has a thumb-controlled Toggle button that controls up to 4 user-assigned functions such as zoom, scroll, brush size and canvas rotation. The new 21UX is planned late March / early April for $1999...

THK announces the Tokina AT-X 116 PRO DX, 11-16mm f/2.8 AF lens will be available in a Sony mount in approx. 60 days. The Tokina AT-X 116 PRO DX is an ultra-wide angle lens with a fast f/2.8 aperture for better shots in low-light situations. Tokina stopped making lenses in the Sony (then Minolta) mount in 2005 and this will be the first Tokina lens that will be made in a Sony mount since that time. Sony has increased its market share since 2005 and Tokina makes one of its most popular lenses in the Sony mount first...

Minox launches the DC 9011 WP, a new 9 megapixel watertight and shock-proof digital camera, and the follow-on to DC 6033 WP. This new 9011 WP is waterproof up to a depth of three meters and repels dust, water, sand and salt. The ergonomic camera with slim dimensions of just 96 x 65 x 25 mm is fitted with a 2.5 inch color monitor. The scope of delivery of the new Minox DC 9011 WP includes a camera pouch, strap, software, USB-cable and 2x AAA batteries. The camera is available now for 129 Euro...

Mamiya introduces the Sekor AF 55mm F2.8 LS D lens. The Sekor LS lens series is designed for use with the 645DF and it incorporates a lens shutter. A wide-angle lens with an angle of view of 65 degrees, which is the equivalent to a 34mm lens in the 35mm format, produces most natural image for a wide-angle lens. Mamiya also announces that the three separate digital back adapters to connect the M series digital back (M18, M22 or M31) to the RB67, RZ67Pro/ProII and 4x5 cameras have become available for sale...

We haven't seen any new Sanyo digital cameras lately, as the company seems to have been focusing on the Dual Camera product range. But Sanyo is making up for this, at least in Europe, with the new X1420, X1220 and S122 cameras. The 14 megapixel X1420 is the highlight of the new series with its 3" LCD monitor and 28 mm wide-angle 4x optical zoom lens. The 12 megapixel X1220 and S122 offer 3x optical zoom and are fitted with a 2.7" LCD. The cameras will be available in spring for € 149, € 129 and € 99 resp....

Pentax unveils the Optio W90, the 11th generation Optio waterproof digital camera. The new W90 is waterproof to 20 feet, shockproof to 4 feet and coldproof to sub-freezing temperatures for use in wintery, snowy activities. Furthermore, the camera features a 12.1 megapixel sensor, a wide angle 5x optical zoom (28-140mm equivalent), a 2.7 inch LCD with 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio, and captures movies in widescreen 720p HD video at 30 frames per second. Priced at $329.95 the W90 will ship in April...

Pentax launches the new X90 digital camera. the PENTAX X90. The key feature of the X90 is the 26x megazoom, super-telephoto lens (26-676mm equivalent) also designed with a Macro mode that focuses to less than one inch away to capture images of subjects that are near or far. Furthermore, the new X90 features a 12.1 megapixel sensor, a 2.7-inch LCD, an electronic viewfinder with diopter adjustment, and is capable of High speed continuous shooting up to 11 frames per second. Priced at $399.95, the X90 will ship in April...

HOYA announces the Pentax K-7 Limited Silver digital SLR camera, marketed in a limited quantity of 1,000 sets. The special-edition model comes with a silver-colored body and the SR lettering is in a special gold color. Furthermore, the K-7 Limited Silver comes equipped with a "golden section ratio" focusing screen, and the LCD monitor on the camera's back panel is protected with a reinforced glass plate, which is highly shock- and scratch-resistant making this K-7 even more durable and dependable than the original K-7...

Canon releases firmware update version 1.1.0 for the REBEL T1i / 500D digital SLR camera. This update incorporates the following fixes and improvements: • Enhances the reliability of Live View shooting • Fixes incorrect indications on the Arabic, English, and Swedish menu screens

Ricoh announces development of two new system units for the GXR interchangeable unit camera. The new P10 28-300 mm F3.5-5.6 VC features a back-illuminated CMOS sensor and high-zoom 10.7x (28-300 mm) optical wide-angle zoom and offers 120 frame/second high-speed continuous shooting. The new A12 28 mm F2.5 features a 23.6 mm x 15.7 mm (APS-C size) CMOS and a newly developed 28 mm fixed-focal-length GR lens. The availability of the P10 is planned for this summer, the A12 for the last quarter of this year...

Sigma announces updates to the DP series of digital cameras. The new Sigma DP1x compact digital camera will now incorporate the same "TRUE II" image processing engine as used in the DP2 and SD15 models to improve the image-processing time, and a new AF algorithm to provide high speed auto focusing. The new DP2s is incorporates the new AF algorithm, a Power Save Mode and a new rear design. And last, but not least, the SD15 already introduced in September 2008 may be expected to see the light shortly...

Sigma announces five new HSM lenses at the PMA. The 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC is the first ultra wide zoom lens with a minimum focal length of 8mm, designed for APS-C size sensors. The 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS is a compact lens with an overall length of just 91.8mm (3.6"). The 85mm F1.4 EX DG large aperture medium telephoto lens is ideal for portrait and low light photography. The new APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS and APO 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS offer built-in Optical Stabilization for Sony and Pentax cameras...

Casio introduces two new models in the EXILIM line, the EX-S7 and the EX-Z35. The EX-S7 is a 12.1 megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom lens, a 2.7" LCD screen, and video in 720p mode. The entry-level EX-Z35 features the same resolution and a 3x optical zoom lens too, for ease-of-use without intimidating controls and settings. The EX-S7 will be available in the spring for $139.99 and is available in black and purple. The EX-Z35, available this March for$109.99 and will be offered in black, silver, pink, purple and blue...

Sony is showing its latest digital imaging products at PMA, which include a concept model of the new DSLR camera that employs an Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor. Sony is also showing a concept model of an ultra compact camera with interchangeable lenses, that "teams any time, anywhere convenience with DSLR picture quality". Exhibited in early concept mock-up form at PMA, the model will be introduced this year. Shown in mock-up form alongside the compact, easy-to-use camera is a selection of compatible interchangeable lenses...

At PMA 2010 20 digital imaging products have been selected by a panel of digital imaging editors to receive the Innovative Digital Product Award by the Digital Imaging Marketing Association. The winning digital cameras are: • Fujifilm FinePix F80EXR • Fujifilm FinePix HS10 • Fujifilm FinePix Z700EXR • Samsung DualView TL210 • Samsung NX10 • Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX5...

Samsung adds new waterproof and durable compacts to the digital camera family. The new AQ100 come in a slim (0.78" thin) package and can be used in up to 10 feet of water and features a 5x optical & internal zoom lens with Digital Image Stabilization, and a 2.7" TFT-LCD screen. The model SL605 was designed with durability in mind, and offers you an Anti scratch Mask, which safeguards the camera. Furthermore, the bottom, buttons and areas surrounding the 2.7" TFT-LCD, are rubberized to further protect the camera from the elements...

Samsung introduces the 10 Mp TL500, a compact digital camera that incorporates one of the brightest lenses featured on a compact camera, a 24mm ultra wide angle 3x optical zoom Schneider KREUZNACH, f/1.8 lens. The TL500 supports RAW and gives full control over your images thanks to its shutter priority, aperture priority and full Manual shooting modes. The rotating 3-inch AMOLED display will allow you to precisely frame the images the way you want and shoot from any angle, including overhead or low to the-ground shots...

Samsung adds five new lenses to its NX system technology. A new wide Pancake 20mm / F2.8 lens and the Macro 60mm / F2.7 lens. Furthermore, Samsung has added two new lenses without Optical Image Stabilization, the Standard Zoom 18-55mm / F3.5-5.6 lens and the Compact Zoom 20-50mm / F3.5-5.6 lens. Finally, if you are looking for all-round quality and durability in a multi-purpose lens, the new Super Zoom 18-200mm OIS / F3.5-6.3 lens is the perfect choice. The new lenses are expected to become available during this year...

Samsung unveils the TL350 - a new high-speed, 10 megapixel compact camera with 1080P, 1920x1080 full-HD video recording. The TL350 offers a maximum video recording speed of 1,000 frames-per-second and a burst mode capable of capturing 10 full-size digital stills per second. The TL350 features a 24mm ultra wide angle Schneider KREUZNACH lens complete with 5x optical zoom. Samsung's Advanced Panorama shot with Object Tracking will further enhance the camera's wide-angle capabilities...

THK Photo Products introduces the SLIK COMPACT II Tripod and the SLIK MINI II Table-Top Tripod. These second versions of the COMPACT and the MINI have improved ease of use by adding Speed-Release leg locks which are faster and easier to operate than the traditional twist-lock legs. Also there is a bubble-level at the top of the center column to help level the camera for the perfect shot. The COMPACT II is less than 14.2" when collapsed and 39" when extended. The MINI II is just 8" when collapsed, making it easy to carry...

HP introduces five point-and-shoot digital cameras and three new camcorders. The CW450t and PW460t point-and-shoot digital cameras feature 2.7-inch and 3-inch LCD touchscreen displays. Both have 4X optical zoom and support up to 32-gigabyte (GB) SD / SDHC memory. The CW450t is available in two colors – blue and merlot – and priced at $109, the PW460t in pink and charcoal gray and priced at $149. Furthermore, the affordable CW450 is priced at $99m, the SW450 at $129, and the PW550z at $149...

DALSA announces shipment of the image sensors that will power the newest models UltraCam line of aerial photogrammetry cameras by Microsoft's photogrammetry business. With 196 Megapixel resolution 17,310x11,310 pixels, the new UltraCamXp and UltraCamXp Wide Angle use multiple DALSA CCD image sensors to provide detailed imagery that feeds applications such as Microsoft Bing Maps. The resolution and footprint of the new UltraCams allows for high-quality urban maps with fewer flight lines, saving time and lowering cost...

Pentax releases firmware version 1.03 for the K-7 DSLR. This new update add these improvements: • Lens Correction (Distortion, Lateral chromatic aberration) is settable for these FA lenses: - Pentax-FA 43mmF1.9 Limited - Pentax-FA 77mmF1.8 Limited - Pentax-FA 31mmF1.8AL Limited • Improved usability by optimize the program of vertical position judgment • Improved stability of recording movie for some SDHC Memory card...

Sony introduces six new S-Frame digital photo frames. The X85 and X95 are the top of the range offering a generous 2GB internal memory and a 20.3cm (8") and 22.9cm (9") WVGA LCD panel respectively. A smart orientation sensor on the X85/95 – and all S-Frame models – automatically rotates images so they're always displayed the right way up, whether the frame's in landscape or portrait position. The new D85 and X85/95 are available from March and June respectively. The new A73 and E73 models are available from May...

Sony introduces the DSC-TX5, the first waterproof, dust-, shock-, and freeze-proof Cyber-shot digital camera. The TX5 is just 17.7mm slim, features a 10.2 Mp Exmor R CMOS sensor, 4x optical zoom with 25mm wide angle and a 3-inch.(7.5cm) LCD touchscreen. At the same time Sony announces the new Cyber-shot DSC-H55 featuring a 14.1 Mp sensor and a powerful 10x optical zoom lens. The TX5 will be available in silver, black, pink, green, and red this April for $350, the H55 will be available in black and silver this April for $250...