Photokina 2008 Highs and Lows

Photokina 2008 happened last week, in Cologne Germany, where all the latest digital cameras and products were on display to see, including several new announcements and prototypes from various manufacturers. We were there to bring daily coverage of the show - here are some of the highlights of the show:

The new Panasonic Lumix G1 Digital SLR is the smallest Digital SLR currently available - have a look at our Panasonic Lumix G1 Preview

The new Nikon D90 is the world's first Digital SLR to provide High Definition video recording - we had a look at it here

Fujifilm are developing the world's first 3D digital camera - with two lenses, and a 3D screen! Have a look here. They also announced their new Fujifilm Super CCD EXR Sensor - this promises to give excellent low light performance (like the "classic" Fuji F30 loved by many), excellent dynamic range, and high resolution shots as well.

Lomography were showing that analogue film cameras can still be fun with several cameras on display

Minox announced a mini spy camera with seperate flash and screen.

Sigma announced 2 new cameras - the Sigma SD15 and DP2 - both use the 14 megapixel foveon sensor.

Leica surprised almost everyone by announcing a new 37 megapixel (!) Digital SLR - the S2. They also mentioned a new camera under development, the Leica R10.

Olympus showed two new prototypes - a compact micro four thirds camera, and a new Digital SLR

There was also a lot of interest in the new Canon Powershot cameras, including the new Canon Powershot G10.

Lows of Photokina 2008: Being stranded in Cologne / London as flights were cancelled! The Canon Powershot A1000 IS and A2000 IS have lost manual controls, meaning you will need to spend more money if you want manual controls on a Canon camera. The decline of Vivitar.

To see all the Photokina 2008 content including lots of photos view the full Photokina 2008 report here.

Casio Exilim EX-Z19 Announced

Casio have announced the new Casio Exilim EX-Z19, it features a 9 megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom lens, 2.6" screen and face detection. The camera will be available in silver, black, pink, light pink and green for £119

"This high performing model with 9.1 million effective pixels takes high definition photographs and features a stylish design in a compact size. At just £119 the EX-Z19 boasts many innovative Casio features including face detection and easy mode."

Canon Digital IXUS 870 IS 980 IS at Photokina

Canon were showing the new Canon Digital IXUS 870 IS - a compact 10 megapixel camera it features a 4x wide-angle optical zoom, optical IS, 3.0” screen, VGA video recording, and will be available in silver or gold for £238

Click here to view the Canon 870 IS and 980 IS.

The new Canon Digital IXUS 980 IS, shown below, is a compact 14.7 megapixel camera it features a 3.7x optical zoom, optical IS, 2.5" screen, optical viewfinder, manual controls, VGA video recording, and will be available in silver or black for £349:

Canon Powershot SX110 IS at Photokina

Canon were showing the new Canon Powershot SX110 IS - an update to the SX100 IS - the new camera features a more compact body, 9 megapixel sensor, larger 3" screen, 10x optical zoom lens with image stabilisation, Face Detection, Face Select & Track, Auto Red-Eye Correction, Motion Detection, 20 shooting modes including Easy Mode, and ISO 1600. It is available in silver and black for £199

Click here to view more pictures of the SX110 IS.

Canon Powershot SX1 IS at Photokina

Canon have announced the new 10 megapixel Canon Powershot SX1 IS - it features a wide angle 20x optical zoom lens, optical image stabilisation, ISO1600, a 10 megapixel CMOS sensor which allows HD video recording (1080p), 4fps shooting, HD out, swivel 2.8" screen. The camera will be available for £519

Click for more pictures of the Canon Powershot SX1 IS.

Canon Powershot SX10 IS at Photokina

Canon are showing the new 10 megapixel Canon Powershot SX10 IS - it features a wide angle 20x optical zoom lens, optical image stabilisation, ISO1600, a CCD sensor, VGA video recording, and a swivel 2.5" screen: The camera will be available for £359

Click for more pictures of the Canon SX10 IS.

Canon Powershot G10 at Photokina

Canon were showing the new 14.7 megapixel Canon Powershot G10 at Photokina - an update to the G9 - it features a wide angle 5x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilisation, RAW support, 3" screen, optical viewfinder, VGA video recording and ISO1600. The Canon Powershot G10 is available for £449

Click for more pictures of the Canon Powershot G10.

Canon Powershot A1000 A2000 at Photokina

Canon were showing the new Canon Powershot A2000IS - the 10 megapixel camera is an update to the A720 IS and features a 6x optical zoom with optical IS, 17 shooting modes including Easy Mode, Face Detection Technology, Auto Red-Eye Correction, Motion Detection Technology, 3” LCD, it takes AA batteries and is available for £175

Click for more pictures of the A1000 and A2000.

The new Canon Powershot A1000IS - the 10 megapixel camera is an update to the A580 and features a 4x optical zoom with optical IS, 17 shooting modes including Easy Mode, Face Detection Technology, Auto Red-Eye Correction, Motion Detection Technology, 2.5” LCD and Optical viewfinder, it takes AA batteries and is available in blue, brown or silver for £139

Canon Powershot E1 at Photokina

Canon were showing the new Canon Powershot E1 at Photokina - a cute 10 megapixel camera with a 4x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilisation, 2.5" screen, face detection, motion detection, 17 shooting modes including Easy Mode, Sunset mode and IS0 3200 mode, optical viewfinder. It will be available in white, pink, and blue and is available exclusively from Argos from September 2008

Click for more pictures of the E1.

Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR at Photokina

Canon were showing the new Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR at Photokina - an update to the 40D - it features a new 15.1 megapixel sensor, 6.3fps shooting, Canon’s latest DIGIC 4 image processor, ISO upto 12800, 3" screen with live view, sensor cleaning, 9 point AF, and face detection. Body only will be available from end of September 2008 priced at £1199:

Click for more pictures of the 50D.

DigiCamReview Stranded in Cologne

Along with hundreds of other people, I was stranded in Cologne, due to a computer glitch. Easyjet were unable to offer any alternative flights for another 5 days, so we hired a car and drove back, taking the ferry to Dover. Hence the lack of updates on the site! More photos from Photokina will be added shortly.

"Dozens of flights were cancelled and hundreds more delayed at airports across south-east England yesterday after a computer glitch at Britain's main air traffic control centre."

Picture shown above from the Ricoh GX200 Sample Photo Gallery.

Panasonic Lumix FX150 at Photokina 2008

Panasonic are showing the Panasonic Lumix FX150 - a new 14.7 megapixel digital camera - it features a 28mm Wide Angle 3.6x optical zoom lens with image stabilisation, Intelligent Auto Mode with AF Tracking, Simple Manual Operation, up to ISO1600 at Full Resolution, and a 2.7" screen. It is available in silver or black for £257.

Click to view more pictures of the FX150.

Panasonic Lumix LX3 at Photokina 2008

Panasonic were showing the new Panasonic Lumic DMC-LX3 - the camera features a F2.0 24mm Ultra Wide Angle lens (24 - 60mm), optical image stabilisation, a larger 10 megapixel sensor with higher sensitivity, ISO3200 at Full Resolution, Full Manual Operation, HD Motion Images and HD Output, and a 3.0-inch screen. The Panasonic LX3 is available for £335

Click for more pictures of the LX3.

Panasonic Lumix FX37 at Photokina 2008

Panasonic are showing the new ultra compact Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX37 - and update to the FX35 - key features are a 25mm Ultra-Wide-Angle* 5x Optical Zoom Lens (*35mm equivalent: 25-125mm), in Sleek, Super-Slim Profile, 10.1-megapixel sensor, Featuring Advanced Intelligent Auto Mode, Mega optical image stabilisation, 1280 x 720p motion video at 30 fps, and a 2.5" screen. The DMC-FX37 is available in silver, black and brown for £208

Click for more pictures of the FX37.

Panasonic Lumix FZ28 at Photokina

Panasonic were showing the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 - an update to the FZ18 - it features a 27mm Wide Angle 18x optical zoom lens, optical image stabilisation, 13fps at 3mp, Full Manual Operation, a 10.1 megapixels CCD, ISO1600, and a 2.7" screen. The FZ28 is available for £265.

Click for more pictures of the Panasonic FZ28.

Nikon Coolpix P80 at Photokina 2008

Nikon were showing the Nikon Coolpix P80 Ultra Zoom at Photokina - it features a wide angle 18x optical zoom lens (27-486mm equivalent), 10 megapixel sensor, sensor-shift vibration reduction, 2.7" screen, ISO6400, 1cm macro mode, and Distortion control corrects for barrel distortion. The Nikon Coolpix P80 is available for £235

Click for more pictures of the Nikon P80.

Nikon Coolpix P6000 at Photokina 2008

Nikon are showing the new Nikon Coolpix P6000 at Photokina 2008 - the new 13.5 megapixel camera features a wide angle 4x optical zoom lens with image stabilisation, a 2.7" screen, RAW support, manual controls, external flash support, manual focus, GPS support, and an optical viewfinder. The camera is available for £389

Click for more pictures of the Nikon P6000.

Sony Alpha A900 Digital SLR at Photokina

Sony were showing the new 24.6 megapixel full frame Digital SLR the Sony Alpha A900 - it has an optical viewfinder with 100% coverage, SteadyShot INSIDE™, dual BIONZ™ image processor, 3.0-inch Xtra Fine LCD, and 5fps continuous shooting at full resolution. The camera will be available from Amazon.

Click for more pictures.

Sony Cybershot T77, T700, T500 at Photokina

Sony were showing their full range of Cybershot cameras. Shown here is the Sony Cybershot T500 - it features a 10 megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom lens, large 3.5" touchscreen, optical image stabilisation, ISO3200, and stereo High Definition video recording (720p, 30fps, MPEG4 AVC/H.264), and is available in silver, black and red for £292.

Click here to view the Sony T77, T700 and T500.

Sony Cybershot T77 - the ultra compact 10 megapixel camera features a 3" touch screen, a 4x optical zoom lens with image stabilisation, and smile shutter. The DSC-T77 camera replaces the former T70 model and will be available in brown, green, pink, black and silver for £206.

Sony Cybershot T700 - the ultra compact 10 megapixel camera features a 3.5" touch screen, 4gb of internal memory, a 4x optical zoom lens with image stabilisation, and smile shutter. The camera will be available in red, champagne gold, pink, dark gray and silver for £265.

Samsung NV100HD, L310W, S1070 at Photokina

Samsung were showing their range of digital cameras including the compact NV100HD - it's a 14.7 megapixel camera with a Wide angle 3.6x lens, 3" screen and HD video recording. The camera is available for £199

Click to view the Samsung NV100hd, L310w and S1070.

Samsung L310w in Pink - 13.6 megapixels, wide angle lens - more details here.

Samsung S1070 in white - 10 megapixels, 3x optical zoom - more details here.

Samsung Innov8 Camera Phone at Photokina

Samsung were showing their new Samsung Innov8 Mobile Phone with 8 megapixel digital camera - it has a built in LED flash and is available in the UK on a pay monthly contract for £35 per month.

Click for more pictures.

Panasonic Lumix G1 DSLR Preview

Panasonic were showing the new Panasonic Lumix G1 - based on the micro four thirds system - whilst not as small as I was expecting, it's slightly bigger than Panasonic's ultra zoom cameras. It features Full-time Live View both for LCD and LVF, 12-megapixel Live MOS sensor, new smaller LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm MEGA O.I.S. lens, Dust reduction system and tilting 3" screen. It will also be available in three colours depending on location.

Click for more pictures.

Top - the camera has a film mode button which lets you choose between various options such as natural, vivid, black and white etc. You can customise these settings.

Pop up flash - the camera is available with two new Panasonic lenses with Mega Optical Image Stabilisation built in - these lenses are more compact than normal four thirds lenses, and are so far available as 14-45mm, and 45-200mm lenses.

Back - the screen updates very smoothly and the shutter response is almost instant. The EVF (electronic viewfinder) features "eye-detectoin" and will automatically switch on when you put your eye up to the viewfinder.

Menus - they appear almost identical to the other Lumix point and shoot cameras, and give you a choice of aspect ratio 4:3 (default), 3:2 and 16:9.

Panasonic sensor exposed - the camera features the same supersonic wave filter sensor cleaning system as the Olympus DSLR cameras.

Fujifilm FinePix Digital Cameras at Photokina

Fujifilm were showing the full range of Fujifilm FinePix digital cameras including the new S2000hd - an update to the S1000fd - it features a wide angle 15x optical zoom lens, 10 megapixel sensor, HD recording (1280 x 720 pixels video) and output, it comes with a remote control and cable, a 2.7" screen, ISO 1600, image stabilisation, and manual mode. The FinePix S2000HD is available for £199.

View the Fujifilm FinePix F60fd, J100, and J150w here.

Fujifilm FinePix F60fd - more information here.

Fujifilm FinePix J100 - more information here.

Fujifilm FinePix J150w - more information here.

Nikon D90 Digital SLR at Photokina

Nikon were showing the new Nikon D90 - the new 12.3 megapixel features a 3" screen, live view, 720p High Definition video recording, ISO upto 6400, 11 point AF, and 4.5fps shooting. The D90 is available for £849 with kit lens.

Click for more hands-on pictures.

Shown with the Nikon 18-200mm lens.

The LCD screen on top is very clear and easy to read.

The large 3" screen is impressive and easy to use.

Casio EX FH20 Ultra Zoom at Photokina

Casio were showing the new ultra high speed, ultra zoom Casio Exilim Pro EX-FH20 at Photokina - it features a 9 megapixel CMOS sensor, a 26mm wide angle 20x optical zoom lens, 40 fps shooting at 7 megapixels, High Definition (HD) video recording at 1280 x 720 pixels, at 30 fps, RAW, 1cm macro, ISO upto 1600 and has a large 3" screen.

Click for more pictures.

The 40fps shooting mode lets you playback the photos as though you have recorded a video at 7 megapixels per frame!

Minox DC 8022 WP Announced at Photokina

Minox have announced the new ultra compact Minox DC 8022 WP - a waterproof, shockproof 8 megapixel digital camera - it features a 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5" screen, panoramic mode, smile detection, electronic image stabilisation.

Click for more pictures.

Praktica Luxmedia 12-XS DCZ 8.1 at Photokina

Praktica were showing their full range of digital cameras at Photokina - including this see-through verson of the Praktica DCZ 8.1 - it features are:

"8.0 megapixels digital still camera with 3x optical zoom, 4x digital, 2.7" LTPS-TFT-monitor, 16 MB internal memory, extendable with SD/SDHC card, face tracking, digital antishake (ISO), 15 scene modes, PASM mode, smile detection."

Click for more pictures of the DCZ 8.1 and Luxmedia 12-XS.

The Praktica Luxmedia 12-XS is a "12 Mega pixels digital camera, 3.0" LTPS-TFT color monitor, 32 MB built-in memory, SD Card useable, with different shooting modes, voice recording and direct connection to printer, video 720x400 smile detection, digital antishake, face tracking"

Olympus Mju Stylus 1040 1050SW at Photokina

Olympus were showing the Olympus Mju 1040 - the new ultra camera measures 16.5mm thick, has a 3x optical zoom lens, 10 megapixel sensor, 2.7" screen, face detection, shadow adjustment, perfect shot preview, takes XD and MicroSD, and is be available in silver, red, yellow, and black for £149

Click for more pictures of the 1040 and 1050SW.

The silver 1040 model features a mirror like sliding cover, and the back features brightly lit buttons so that it can be used in the dark.

The new Olympus Mju Stylus 1050SW - the ultra compact 10 megapixel camera is waterproof to 3m, shockproof to 1.5m, freezeproof to -10c, and features a 3x optical zoom lens, face detection, shadow adjustment, perfect shot preview, tap control, and 2.7" screen. It is available in black, gold, silver, pink and blue for £218.

Fujifilm 3D Digital Camera Announced

Fujifilm have announced plans to sell a 3D digital camera - and were showing this prototype at Photokina - the camera features 2 lenses, 2 sensors, and a 2.8" 3D screen on the back. The camera was a 6 megapixel model, records videos in 3D and should be available next year. They were also showing a prototype 3D screen.

"Fujifilm today announces a radical departure from current imaging systems with the development of a completely new, real image system (3D digital camera, 3D digital photo frame, 3D print) that marks a complete break from previous attempts to introduce this technology."

Click for more pictures.

Sanyo VPC-S1070 at Photokina

Sanyo were showing the new Sanyo VPC-S1070 in white at Photokina - the camera features a 10 megapixel sensor, 2.4" screen, 3x optical zoom lens, ISO1600, slim body, digital anti shake and takes AA batteries.

Click for more pictures.

Kodak Easyshare Z8612 IS at Photokina

We had a look at the Kodak Easyshare Z8612 IS - it's an 8 megapixel camera with a 12x optical zoom lens, a 2.5" screen, ISO100 - 3200, and optical image stabilisation. The Kodak Easyshare Z8612 is available for £125

Click for more pictures.

Kodak Easyshare C1013 Announced

Kodak have quietly announced the Kodak Easyshare C1013 - a 10 megapixel budget camera which will be available from the 6th of October - it features a 3x optical zoom lens, 2.4" screen and face detection:

Click for more pictures.

Minox Rolleiflex MiniDigi AF5.0 at Photokina

Minox were showing the compact Minox Rolleiflex Mini Digi AF5.0 replica in red - the camera features a 1.1" LCD screen, 5 megapixel output, miniSD card support.

Minox M3 Gold Displayed at Photokina

Minox were showing the compact Leica M3 Gold - the mini replica camera features a 3 megapixel sensor (interpolated to 5 megapixels), a 1.5" LCD screen, SD card support, and AVI video recording.

Rollei X-8 Sport Ultra Compact at Photokina

Rollei were showing their new Rollei X-8 Sport ultra compact digital camera - Waterproof to 10 metres, Shockproof to 1 metre, and freezeproof to -5 C. It features a 2.5" screen, 3x optical zoom lens, face detection, VGA video mode and 8 megapixel sensor.

Click for more pictures.

Lomography the Future is Analogue at Photokina

Lomography, specialists in selling fun film cameras, were at Photokina showing the full range of cameras, films, and accessories available. In a recent online poll, Lomography found that life is analogue, and that the camera should reflect that.

View pictures of the cameras here.

The Lomo LCA - the camera that started Lomography and has become a cult classic.

The Holga 120 in green.

The Holga 135bc.

The original Fisheye in orange.

The Fisheye 2 in white with optical viewfinder. The full range is available on the Lomography website.

GE E1050tw Announced at Photokina

General Imaging were showing the new GE E1055w digital camera at Photokina - the new camera features a 10 megapixel sensor, face, blink and smile detection, panoramic mode (with in camera stitching), wide angle 5x optical zoom lens, 3" touch screen, HD video recording, and electronic image stabilisation.

Click for more pictures.

GE E1055w Announced at Photokina

General Imaging were showing the new GE E1055w digital camera at Photokina - the new camera features a 10 megapixel sensor, face, blink and smile detection, panoramic mode (with in camera stitching), wide angle lens, and electronic image stabilisation.

GE A1030 Announced at Photokina

General Imaging were showing the new GE A1030 digital camera at Photokina - the new camera features a 10 megapixel sensor, face, blink and smile detection, panoramic mode (with in camera stitching), 3x optical zoom lens, 2.5" screen, and electronic image stabilisation.

Leica D-Lux 4 System Camera at Photokina

Leica were showing their new Leica D-Lux 4 compact "system camera" at Photokina - the camera features a 24-60 mm wide angle lens with optical image stabilisation, 10 megapixel sensor, 3" screen and is available with a number of accessories such as optical viewfinder.

Click for more pictures.

Leica C-Lux 3 Ultra Compact at Photokina

We had a look at the new Leica C-Lux 3 - the ultra compact camera features a 25mm wide angle 5x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilisation, 10 megapixel sensor, and 2.5" screen. It will be available in white (shown above), and black (shown below).

Click for more pictures.

Ricoh R10 Displayed at Photokina

The Ricoh R10 was on display at Photokina, we had a look at the camera - an update to the Ricoh R8 - the camera features a new hand grip, a larger high resolution 3" screen, a new easy mode, a new auto level feature, new function button, and the same specifications as the R8, such as 10 megapixel sensor, 7.1x wide angle zoom, 1cm macro, anti-shake sensor and ISO1600. The camera will be available in the UK from October 2008, in Bronze, Silver and Black for £199 including VAT.

Click for more pictures.

Canon EOS 1000D Rebel XS DSLR Photokina

We had a look at the Canon EOS 1000D at Photokina - the camera features a 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor, Up to 3fps, 7-point wide-area AF, Self-Cleaning Image Sensor, 2.5” LCD with Live View mode, DIGIC III processor, auto lighting optimizer, SD/SDHC card slot. The Canon EOS 1000D is available for pre-order for £392 with IS kit lens, or £351 body only:

Click for more pictures.

Pentax K-m K2000 Digital SLR at Photokina

Pentax were showing the new Pentax K-m / K2000 at Photokina - we had a look at the compact digital SLR. The camera features an anti shake sensor, dust reduction, 10 megapixel sensor, 3.5fps shootings, 5 point AF, 2.7" screen, ISO3200, an easy to use menu, and new light weight and budget priced lenses to go with the system.

Click for more pictures.

Pentax K-m K2000 Digital SLR Covered in Bling

Pentax were showing this decoratively covered Pentax K-m K2000 Digital SLR covered in jewels. More pictures here.

Kodak Easyshare Z1485 IS Announced

Kodak have announced the new Kodak Easyshare Z1485 IS digital camera - the camera features a 14 megapixel sensor, 5x optical zoom lens, optical image stabilisation, ISO6400, HD Video recording and face detection:

"Who says you can’t have it all? The KODAK EASYSHARE Z1485 IS Digital Camera blends the latest picture-taking technology with the ultimate in style—and with Kodak’s innovative Smart Capture feature, it’s the take-anywhere camera that does it all—automatically."

Updated: pictures added - click here to view.

More pictures available at LetsGoDigital

Minox DSC Spy Camera Announced

Minox have shown the new Minox DSC Spy Camera at Photokina - the camera features an ultra compact body - and a seperate flash and LCD screen that attaches to the camera - the camera features 5 megapixel images (3mp CMOS Sensor), video recording, only weighs 90 grams, an optical viewfinder, micro SD card support, and measures 86 x 30 x 21mm.

Updated Additional photos added - Click here to view more pictures.

More details can be found on the Minox DSC Spy Camera website License to Shoot.

Sigma SD15 Digital SLR Announced

Sigma have announced the new Sigma SD15 Digital SLR prototype - and update to the SD14 - the camera features the same 14 megapixel foveon sensor, a new TRUE II Image Processing Engine, High Resolution 3.0 inch LCD monitor, and RAW support:

"The developing SD15 incorporates the “TRUE II” new image processing engine. It provides high resolution power and reproduces high definition images rich in gradation and impressive threedimensional detail. Incorporation of the large 3.0 inch LCD monitor and improved processing speed provide ease of operation of the camera."

Click here to view more pictures.

Sigma DP2 Prototype Announced

Sigma have announced the Sigma DP2 prototype - and update to the DP1 - the camera features a new quicker f2.8 41mm lens (35mm equiv) - and features the same 14 megapixel foveon sensor, a new TRUE II Image Processing Engine, RAW support and 2.5" screen:

"Building on this success, the DP2 is equipped with a 24.2mm F2.8 lens, equivalent to 41mm on a 35mm SLR camera, for increasing creative possibilities and superior image quality, improving handling and performance."

Click here to view more pictures.

Leica S System S2 Digital SLR Announced

Leica have announced a new S-System S2 Digital SLR, a completely new system with 9 new lenses, a 37.5 megapixel sensor that is 60% larger than a 35mm full frame sensor, while still remaining the same size as other digital SLRs. More details can be found at BJP Online and David Farkas' Blog (via TOP):

"Leica has once again revolutionized the world of photography with a digital S-System that's perfect for professional use. The Leica S2, with its premium AF objectives including everything from ultra wide to super telephoto, is an absolute photographic highlight. The digital SLR camera has a special new sensor with 30 x 45 mm and 37.5 megapixels. The S2's metal body is appreciably smaller and easier to carry than similar models from other camera brands, and yet it's also nearly twice as fast thanks to ultra modern processor technology."

Click for more pictures.

Samsung HZ1 Ultra Zoom Announced

Samsung have announced the new Samsung HZ1 ultra wide angle ultra zoom - with a 24mm 10x optical zoom lens, 10 megapixel sensor, dual image stabilisation, and will be available at the beginning of 2009:

"Samsung expands the focal length range and announces further with the HZ1 the world's first ultra wide-angle camera to Superzoom. The novelty has a 24-240 mm Wide and thus covers the wide-pronounced, as well as the strong telephoto range." (via Photography BLOG)

Click here for more pictures.

Fujifilm Super CCD EXR Sensor Announced

Fujifilm (pdf) have announced the new Fujifilm Super CCD EXR sensor - a sensor designed to allow the capture of high detail and high dynamic range with a newly developed sensor colour arrangement:

"EXR changes the color filter arrangement. Two side-by-side, same-colored pixels are taken together as a single pixel. With this design, the area of imaging elements is doubled, the sensitivity is twice the normal level, and ‘dark noise’ is extremely small. Therefore it is possible to create a high sensitivity image with little noise, instead of increasing the gain from a single pixel and increasing the noise."

Olympus Micro Four Thirds Camera Prototype

Olympus have announced development of a new compact micro four thirds camera - which will be on display at Photokina - we should have photos tomorrow - but in the meantime you can view the prototype at DPReview.

"Olympus has commenced development on an interchangeable lens type digital camera based on the “Micro Four Thirds System”. The forthcoming camera will bring dramatic reductions in size and weight to the Olympus E-System, and will comply with the new Micro Four Thirds System standard which was jointly announced with Matsushita Industrial Co. Ltd. (Panasonic), on 5 August 2008. A concept model of the new camera will be exhibited at photokina 2008, the world’s largest trade fair for the photographic and imaging industries held in Cologne, Germany, running from 23 to 28 September."

Click for more pictures.

Olympus EVOLT Digital SLR Prototype

Olympus have announced plans to release a new E series Digital SLR - designed to fit in between the E-520 and E-3 - the camera will feature high speed 11 point AF, and image stabilisation:

"In terms of quality and performance, however, there is nothing mid-level about this model. It will inherit all the outstanding features of the E-3 such as the high-speed AF system using an 11-point full twin-cross sensor and the built-in image stabilisation mechanism with a correction effect of up to 5 EV steps*. Other highlights will include a new and updated feature to replace the current splash and dustproof function of the E-3."

Updated with pictures - click here to view.

Panasonic Lumix G Micro DSLR with HD Video

LetsGoDigital, DPNow and Photography BLOG have pictures of Panasonic's new prototype micro four thirds Digital SLR with High Definition Video recording - the mock up shows stereo microphone, record button, 10x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilisation, and a large swivel screen.

"The prototype referred to as Panasonic LUMIX G, seems quite similar to the new Panasonic LUMIX G1 however, at first sight a number of striking features stand out. On top of the body a (stereo) microphone is positioned and on the back, top right side, a red button especially for HD movie capture is placed."

Leica M8.2 Digital Rangefinder Announced

Leica have announced the Leica M8.2 - the camera features is an update to the M8 - the updates provide a quieter shutter, scratch resistant screen, snapshot mode, vulcanite finish, and faster charger:

"The compact nature of the D-Lux 4 means it can be with you all the time. But despite its compact size, it offers top Leica quality and gives the photographer plenty of artistic freedom. The D-Lux 4 is ideal, whether for subjects composed with lots of forethought or for spontaneous reportage."

Leica D-Lux 4 System Camera Announced

Leica have announced the Leica D-LUX 4 - the camera features a 24-60 mm wide angle lens with optical image stabilisation, 10 megapixel sensor, 3" screen and is available with a number of accessories such as optival viewfinder:

"The compact nature of the D-Lux 4 means it can be with you all the time. But despite its compact size, it offers top Leica quality and gives the photographer plenty of artistic freedom. The D-Lux 4 is ideal, whether for subjects composed with lots of forethought or for spontaneous reportage."

Leica C-Lux 3 Ultra Compact Announced

Leica have announced the Leica C-LUX 3 - the ultra compact camera features a 25mm wide angle 5x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilisation, 10 megapixel sensor, and 2.5" screen:

"Leica photographers have always attracted admiring glances. The ultra fashionable LEICA C-LUX 3 will get even more attention. No other Leica is as small, slim, and elegant. It is available in either black or white - both in a high gloss finish. Only high-quality materials are used to make this slim line metal camera."

Pentax K2000 K-m Digital SLR Announced

Pentax have announced the new entry level Pentax K-m Digital SLR - the camera features an anti shake sensor, dust reduction, 10 megapixel sensor, 3.5fps shootings, 5 point AF, 2.7" screen, and ISO3200

"PENTAX Imaging Systems Division is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX K-m digital SLR camera. Designed primarily for beginning digital SLR photographers, this new entry-class model offers simplified, user-friendly operation, and an easy-to-maneuver compact, lightweight body. The PENTAX K-m was developed as an entry-class digital SLR camera offering simple, straightforward operation, making it possible for first-time digital SLR users and family photographers to enjoy high-quality digital SLR photography with little trouble or confusion."

Pentax K-m DSLR Previews: DPReview

Photokina 2008 Show Coverage

Photokina - World of Imaging is the world's largest photography show and runs every two years from 23rd September to 28th September 2008 in Cologne, Germany. Every digital camera manufacturer will be there, and we'll be there to bring you the latest news and previews of the latest digital cameras and products.

Click here to see the Photokina 2008 Show Report

We were there in 2006 and were impressed by the sheer size and range of products on display, some of the highlights were the transparent Nikon D80 DSLR, the Sigma DP1 prototype, the Pentax compact digital camera prototypes, and the ultra compact Olympus Wooden Digital Camera.

More Photokina 2008 Reports can be found at: Wouter Photoblog, GR Diary P1, P2, ByThom, Photography BLOG, Luminous Landscape, DPReview