Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG MACRO HSM lens. This large aperture telephoto zoom lens has a minimum focusing distance of 100cm (39.4") throughout the entire zoom range. It is very convenient for close-up photography. This lens uses two ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) glasses and two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glasses for utmost correction against chromatic aberrations. This lens’ super multi layer lens coating reduce flare and ghost, which is a common problem with digital cameras. This lens incorporates HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor), which ensures a quiet and high-speed AF. (11:00 GMT)

Casio, Inc., in conjunction with its parent company CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD. announced the release of the latest addition to its EXILIM ZOOM digital camera series with the stylish, compact, and high-resolution EX-Z850, at the PMA 2006 Show that opened in the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando today. Offering high quality 8.1 megapixel photos, the EX-Z850 includes a 3X optical zoom, and offers both manual aperture and shutter speed priority AE options for advanced users who prefer to create customized images. The impressive 2.5” Super Bright LCD generates approximately 1,200 cd/m 2 of luminescent output, making the monitor even easier to view when outdoors. The EX-Z850 will be on display at Casio’s Booth # 4609. (10:24 GMT)

Panasonic is pleased to announce the development of our first interchangeable-lens digital SLR camera, the LUMIX DMC-L1. State-of-the-art digital and optical technologies developed for our compact digital cameras have been crystallized to make LUMIX a top camera brand while helping establish a new photographic culture for the digital age. Panasonic is drawing on these leading technologies, and the emotional excitement of true-to-life photographic images, as we announced in our entry to the digital SLR market in 2005. (09:40 GMT)

Samsung announces the new Digimax L60, featuring a 3x optical zoom SHD lens, a 5x digital zoom and a large, 2.4" color LCD display. The Digimax L60 offers MPEG-4, the high-compression, high-quality video format that can record for up to 3-4 times longer than traditional video formats commonly used in other digital cameras. The L60 can record in VGA (640x480) at 30fps, for smoother video and a bigger view of the movie on LCD and TV screens.... (11:20 GMT)

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the COOLPIX S5 and COOLPIX S6. Two exciting new cameras built for the sharing of digital photographic enjoyment, they combine high-quality imaging performance with impressive wave-surface design, enable images to be improved in-camera, feature outstandingly large LCDs and introduce the powerful Pictmotion function that allows users to create entertaining in-camera shows. (14:46 GMT)

Kodak announces the Easyshare V603 Zoom digital camera for people who want a small, stylish camera packed with innovative features. The tiny, 6.1-megapixel V603 features a 3x optical zoom lens, a 2.5” high-resolution display, in-camera picture enhancing features such as KODAK Perfect Touch technology and multiple color and scene modes including panorama stitch. The V603 Zoom Digital Camera, which comes in black or silver, will be available worldwide beginning in April and will retail for $299... (08:06 GMT)

Duracell, Bethel, Conn., USA, introduced its latest additions to its rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) line, including a 15-minute charger and higher-capacity 2650 mAh AA and 1000 mAh AAA rechargeable cells. According to the company, the new Duracell 15-minute charger provides maximum power performance in a minimal amount of time. When used with high-drain devices, such as digital cameras, the new charger is capable of charging four 2400 mAh AA cells in just 15 minutes. In addition, the Duracell 15-minute charger will power all standard AA or AAA NiMH batteries. The new charger, which has special safety features to prevent overcharging, is slated for arrival on drug store, grocery, and electronics store shelves by the end of this month. (12:31 GMT)

After almost a decade of obsession with pixel counts, Fujifilm is proud to announce the launch of the FinePix F30 Zoom, a camera which confirms a new stage in the evolution of digital camera technology. Breaking away from the tired and irrelevant practice of pixel counting, the FinePix F30 Zoom is the world's first digital compact camera to deliver ISO 3200 sensitivity at full resolution. Fujifilm has identified sensitivity as one of the major photographic benchmarks for the digital age, and this camera makes it possible to capture images of unrivalled quality, even in very dark conditions. (10:33 GMT)

GOLDEN, Co. (February 2, 2006)…The popular line of PENTAX waterproof digital cameras is now available in red and blue as well as traditional silver just in time for Valentine's Day giving. The WP series compact digital cameras offers high resolution for shooting performance in a variety of conditions and features 6.0 effective megapixels packed in a slim body that captures images up to five feet underwater and offers a JIS Class 5 dustproof rating. Perfect for extreme indoor or outdoor adventure, the OptioWPi offers high resolution images with a quick start-up, a 3X zoom lens and an ultra-fast 9-point Autofocus to keep subjects sharp. (14:00 GMT)

GOLDEN, CO ( February 1, 2006 )...PENTAX Imaging Company has announced a significant price adjustment on the *ist DL digital SLR camera with 18-55 DA lens kit. The price reduction from $799.95 US to $599.95 US takes effect February 1, 2006 . “Digital single lens reflex cameras with interchangeable lenses are gaining in popularity as products have become easier-to-use and prices have fallen," said Ed Lee , Director, Consumer Services and Digital Photo graphy Trends Service InfoTrends, Inc. "Consumers wavering between a higher-end compact digital and a digital SLR will take note of this new PENTAX pricing as will consumers who have been considering an upgrade to a digital SLR," added Lee. World-renowned for decades for delivering small, lightweight, easy-to-use and affordable SLR systems including bodies, lenses and flashes, PENTAX now offers a suite of nine digital lenses specifically designed for use with PENTAX digital SLR bodies. Rebates up to $100.00 US on select lenses are currently available through March 31, 2006 . “PENTAX is the first camera manufacturer to offer a digital SLR kit at a price that entry-level users can afford,” said Ned Bunnell , marketing director, PENTAX Imaging Company. (10:20 GMT)