Pre-PMA 2008: Alongside its camera releases Canon has also announced new PIXMA all-in-one devices. First up is the MX7600, showcasing a new ink technology - PgR (Pigment Reaction). This pre-treats the media with a clear layer ahead of the ink, effectively turning plain paper into coated and offering many benefits in terms of durability and quality - clever stuff. The MX850 is more conventional in terms of print technology but features such as automatic duplexing of both scanned sources and printed output make it a useful tool to have around your SoHo (Small or Home Office). Read more…

Pre-PMA 2008: The PIXMA ip2600 replaces both the ip1800 and ip2500 at the entry-level end of Canon's printer range and offers 4-ink A4 printing at 4800 x 1200 dpi with class-leading 2pl (picolitre) droplet size for finer detail and color gradation. ChromaLife100 dye-based ink formulation promises longer life prints too, with Canon claiming up to 100 years of fade-free enjoyment if the prints are stored in a suitable album. The ip2600 will be available from February for around $49.99. Read more…

Pre-PMA 2008: We managed to get an early sample of the new Samsung GX-20 into our studio for a few hours for a brief 'hands-on' look at the latest model from the new kid on the DSLR block. Check out the pictures and a quick look at the differences between the GX-20 and its 'separated at birth' twin, the Pentax K20D, after the link... Read more…

Pre-PMA 2008: After last night's launch of Pentax's replacement for the K10D it comes as no surprise to see Samsung unveiling its own version in the shape of the GX-20. Essentially it's the same camera with a very slightly different body design, different menus and - according to Samsung - it's own JPEG processing. Key changes are identical to the Pentax; 14.6 megapixel CMOS sensor (jointly developed, manufactured by Samsung), live view and a larger 2.7 inch LCD. Read more…

Pre-PMA 2008: Today is the day Fujifilm has chosen to reveal the new models it is launching at the PMA show next week. There's 7 models in total, but the most intersting is undoubtedly the FinePix S100FS, which the company is describing as its most advanced consumer digital camera to date and its latest attempt to offer a viable DSLR alternative. Headline features include a large 2/3 inch 11 megapixel Super CCD sensor, all-new optically-stabilized 14.3x (28-400mm) manual zoom lens and a version of the 100-400% wide dynamic range and film simulation (hence 'FS') options seen on the FinePix S5 Pro SLR. Read more…

Pre-PMA 2008: The second new camera from Fujifilm today is the FinePix S8100fd, a minor update to the FinePix S8000fd (itself only announced 6 months ago). The main differences are an increase in pixel count (from 8 to 10 megapixels), some new continuous shooting modes and an increase in the maximum sensitivity to ISO 6400 (at reduced resolution). The other changes and new features are all relatively minor. Read more…

Pre-PMA 2008: Fujifilm's second new camera is an upgraded version of the Z10fd, featuring four new color schemes, 10MP sensor and an improved face detection system with automatic red-eye removal. The Z20fd now also features MPEG-4 movie recording and a variety of novel features designed to tickle the fancy of its intended 'generation Z' market. Read more…

Pre-PMA 2008: We had a quick chance to get our hands on Canon's latest DSLR, the EOS 450D (Rebel XSi). It's a bigger step forward than the 400D was from the 350D, adding a host of useful improvements as well as the predictable feature tweaks. Based on our brief look at it, here's a rundown of the new features. Read more…

Pre-PMA 2008: Canon has today announced a new compact digital SLR, the twelve megapixel EOS 450D (Digital Rebel XSi). On the surface a very similar camera to the EOS 400D, however there are a range of significant improvements; twelve megapixel CMOS sensor, 3.0" LCD monitor, Live View with both AF modes (contrast-detect and passive), 14-bit processing and RAW, spot metering, improved AF, 3.5 fps continuous shooting, a larger viewfinder, SD/SDHC storage and a new higher capacity battery. All in all a fairly impressive range of usage oriented improvements and refinements. Read more…

Pre-PMA 2008: Canon today announced another addition to its stylish ELPH/IXUS range of ultra compact digital cameras. The Canon Powershot SD1100 IS DIGITAL ELPH (DIGITAL IXUS 80 IS in Europe, IXY DIGITAL 20 IS in Japan; can you spot the hidden logic in Canon's global camera naming strategy?) comes with all the features you would expect from a camera of such a pedigree. It sports a 8MP sensor, 3x zoom, Face Detection and optical Image Stabilization, all nicely wrapped up in Canon's 'perpetual curve' design. Read more…