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Olympus has announced the first wide 18x optical zoom with the launch of the Olympus SP-550 UZ. According to the specifications supplied the SP-550 UZ focal length spans 28mm-504mm (in 35mm camera equivalent terms).

The SP-550 UZ includes double protection against camera shake with Dual Image Stabilization. Even at high magnifications or when capturing fast-moving objects, this technology ensures results are significantly sharper.

The general specification of the 7.1 megapixel SP-550 UZ reveals a 2.5-inch LCD screen and 15fps, BrightCapture for improved low light photography, internal memory plus XD-Picture card slot and 25 picture modes. The camera runs of 4 AA batteries.

Also the rugged 7.1 megapixel MJU 770SW, designed for those with the slightly more active lifestyle… Read more

Well it”s a been a busy few weeks for digital camera”s and theirs no sign of let up with Panasonic looking to bolster its range with no less than 10, yes 10 new digital cameras.

First out of the bag is the 7.2 megapixel DMC-FZ8 7.2 (Pictured right) and 12x optical zoom which Panasonic claims to offer a level of control close to that of an SLR, but without the need for interchangeable lenses.

Next on the table is the 6 megapixel DMC-TZ2 and the 7.2 megapixel DMC-TZ3, both cameras offering a 10x optical zoom. Both models include an LCD screen 2.5inch for the DMC-TZ2 and a 3-inch screen for the DMC-TZ3. A nifty little extra on the DMC-TZ3 lets you select and display thumbnails of nine sequential frames from a motion image. Read more

FujiFilm has announced its FinePix Z5fd digital camera, the first in the ‘Z’ range to offer a hardware-based Face Detection technology.

Available in three colours, Raspberry Red, Mocha Brown and Silver, the FinePix Z5fd is the flagship in Fujifilm’s ultra-slim compact line-up, alongside the FinePix Z3 and Z2.

Judging by the announcement this slim and stylish offering from FujiFilm is packed full to the rafters with features including 3x optical zoom, 6.3 megapixel, ISO 1600, intelligent flash, and a new blog mode ‘for the MySpace generation’ that will adjust image settings for posting online. It has a 2.5 inch scratch resistant LCD screen. Read more

The Photo Marketing Association’s big trade event – PMA07 – is on the horizon (March 8th). As always, camera manufacturers have been treating us to a horde of new models ready for the show. Here is a rundown of some of those, with some specs and a release date.

Fujifilm FinePix S5700 – 10x zoom, 7.1 megapixel sensor, 2.5-inch display (March)
Fujifilm FinePix A820 and A900 – $180/200, 8mp/9mp, 2.5′ LCD (March)
Canon PowerShot A570 and A560- 4x zooms, 7.1mp, 2.5′ LCD, $230/$280 (March)
Canon PowerShot TX1 camcorder – 7.1mp stills, 720p (HD) video, $500 (unknown)
Canon SD750 and SD1000 Digital ELPH – 3x zoom, 7.1mp, 2.5′ LCD, $300 (March)
Canon EOS-1D Mark III DSLR – 10.1mp, 10fps, 3′ LCD, 5 and 10x zoom (unknown)
Pentax Optio W30 and A30 – 10mp (A30) or 7.1mp (W30), 2.5′ LCD (unknown)
Pentax Hasselbladian 645 Digital (pictured) – 31.6mp, SD + CF slots (unknown)
Nikon S50c – 7mp, 3x zoom, WiFi with 2gb server space (unknown)
Sigma SD14 – 14.1mp with Foveon x3 sensor, 2.5′ LCD, $2000+ (March)