Konica Minolta Photo Imaging’s new compact DiMage Z5 digital camera offers a built-in 12x optical mega zoom lens, anti-shake system, 5-megapixel CCD, rapid autofocusing and two-inch LCD screen.

The 12x optical zoom lens and 4x digital zoom combine for a total 48x zoom. Its CCD-shift anti-shake system is particularly effective at such high zoom ranges. It allows photographers to shoot with shutter speeds four to eight times longer. It also provides steady, shake-free images with...

Nikon recently introduced two new digital compact cameras, the 8-megapixel Coolpix P1 and the 5.1-megapixel P2, that incorporate built-in WiFi LAN support (IEEE 802.11b/g). In addition to USB connectivity, wireless transfer allows photographers to send pictures from memory cards or internal memory (32MB for the Coolpix P1; 16MB for the Coolpix P2) directly to selected computers.

The cameras feature 3.5x zoom capability, with 36-126mm Zoom-Nikkor lenses (35mm equivalent). They also offer...

Fujifilm has introduced its FinePix E900 digital camera with a 9-megapixel, Super CCD HR sensor. The E900 offers Real Photo Technology for faster operation, low noise processing, better low-light shooting and higher shutter speeds that minimize blurriness. In addition, fully automatic features on the E900 provide point-and-shoot simplicity, while manual and customizable feature settings allow...

Fujifilm's recently released FinePix S5200 comes equipped with 5.1 megapixels, a 10x optical zoom, and technology that suppresses camera shake and blur caused by subject movement.

Other features of the 5200 include Real Photo Technology, a new RP Processor, a Super CCD HR sensor and a 10x optical zoom. In macro mode, the FinePix S5200 can...

Fujifilm recently released the latest addition to its S-series, the SLR-styled FinePix S9000 digital camera. The S9000 boasts a 9-megapixel capture and incorporates Real Photo Technology, a Super CCD HR sensor, a Fujinon 10.7x wide-angle optical zoom lens and the RP Processor technology of the FinePix F10 digital camera.

With Real Photo Technology, the FinePix S9000 can take pictures at...

Olympus has introduced the SP series, with the launch of the 7-megapixel SP-310 and the 8-megapixel SP-350. Both cameras offer the option of manual settings for creative control or 30 selectable shooting modes, along with 2.5-inch LCDs, optional lenses and optional underwater housings.

The addition of manual aperture priority and shutter priority modes gives users versatility and control. The SP series features...

Samsung has released its 8-megapixel Digimax Pro815, featuring a larger LCD and 15x longer optical zoom.

With a 2/3-inch CCD sensor and f/2.2-4.6 Schneider 7.2-108mm lens (equivalent to a 28-420mm lens in 35mm format), crisp images are possible in both wide angle and telephoto. The Pro815's 4x digital zoom allows for a combined zoom of 60x.

The Pro815 also features a high-speed mode, for steady shooting...

Nikon has introduced its Coolpix S4, one of the new S series. The Coolpix S4 features six effective megapixels and a 10x Zoom-Nikkor lens that offers 38-380mm performance (35mm equivalent).

The lens of the S4 is housed within a swiveling body that allows it to be directed independently of the LCD monitor. As a result, pictures can be taken from a range of angles. The photographer can even point the lens and...