GIZMOTONIC

If you're into collecting limited edition items, then the Olympus Mju 1200 should be taken into consideration since there will only be 5,000 of such units available. Each of these limited edition digital cameras feature uniquely-styled skins by internationally-acclaimed artist Matei Apostolescu, and I suspect you will probably keep this safe and sound at home instead of subjecting it to the rigors of everyday use. Other than the external aesthetic changes, everything else inside the Olympus Mju 1020 remains the same. To refresh your memory, here are the main features below :-

• 7x optical zoom (37-260mm) for exciting close ups
• 10.1 Megapixels to make poster-size prints
• 6.9cm/2.7" HyperCrystal II LCD with extra bright display even in direct sunlight
• 23 scene modes for the best results in different situations
• Slim, metallic body
• Underwater shooting up to 40m possible in combination with optional underwater case PT-042
• Avoids blur thanks to Dual Image Stabilisation
• Face Detection Technology for perfectly focused and exposed faces
• Correct exposure of other image areas
• Better low light shooting thanks to BrightCapture Technology
• New in-camera Panorama function
• Liven up your memories with movie recording with sound (up to VGA resolution at 30fps)
• TruePic III image processor for faster image handling and higher image quality

Here is a sneak preview of new SUV cam by Elmo Japan called the SUV-Cam II. It can record video in 704×480, accepts cable length from 3m to 5m, as well as schedule recording and start them without being in your SUV. No word on the price and such, but it shouldn’t too much longer

Picto has made a 7 megapixel camera called the Picto DigiArt i90 that also plays Mp3’s. It comes with a 3x optical zoom lens, 3.0-inch LCD, face recognition, unspecified anti-shake technology, voice recorder, 740 x 480 / 30fps MPEG-4 video recorder, and the ability to playback MP3s and video of unspecified formats. The i90 hits Korea this month for ₩179,000 or $185.

Here’s a great twist camera concept. The digital camera depends on a winding mechanism for power, allowing it to take several images per cycle. The concept comes with a view finder that is just a simple hole in the body. The knob is there for you to wind it up just in case, and a singular button. The images are then transferred from the Twist Camera to a notebook or PC using USB.

Ricoh has announced the release of the aluminum R8 and R50 come with a 10 megapixel camera, 1/2.3-inch CCD covered with a 7.1x optical zoom lens, the back has a 2.7-inch LCD with CCD-shift image stabilization and smooth imaging engine III processing on the inside. Both should drop in Japan in March for about $460 and $280 for the R50 which features a 10 megapixel sensor, processing engine, and stabilization with a 5X optical zoom

Sony Japan made it official for the Japanese local market that they will be selling the Cybershot DSC-T300. It features a 10.1Mpix censor and a 3.5” wide screen, a 5x optical zoom, an image stabilizer, and boosts up to ISO3200. This digicam will be available in the U.S for $400

Japanese company Olympus will release a camera that can resist just about anything. The U1030SW features a 10Mpix CCD and can be dropped from a height of 2m max, support a pressure of 100kg on its body, and can be dropped into 10m max of water without suffering from damage

Mustek has dropped their first ever 5-in-1 PF-D240 digiframe that not only serves that purpose but is also an alarm clock, FM radio, built-in MP3 player and a thermometer. Additional features include an MMC / SD expansion slot for loading photos, a USB 2.0 connector and a pair one-watt speakers along with a 2.4-inch 320 x 240 panel for displaying all your pictures. No word on pricing or availability yet, but I’m guessing the price will be pretty high considering all the features it has.

Canon will be releasing a new camera ( Ixy Digital 20IS) camera in Japan. It features a lens shift-type Image Stabilizer(IS) system, a DIGIC III image processor, 8M CCD sensor and 3X optical zoom lens with support for p to 30fps in 640 x 480 resolution and ISO 1600. Look for this mini cam in five colors: silver, white, caramel, brown, and pink. The 20IS will be dropping early March for $327.

Panasonic will be releasing a new 10.1-megapixel lumix digital camera known as the DMC-LZ10 in Japan. The DMC-LZ10 comes with a 5X zoom, a 2.5-inch LCD monitor with 848 x 480 resolution, and can take five photos continuously per a second and records video at 30 frames per second, and MEGA O.I.S(Optical Image Stabilizer). $327

Samsung WITH the new 10-megapixel camera, the L210. The L210 offers an OIS or Optical Image Stabilizer, a DIS Digital Image Stabilizer, a 3x optical Zoom and Face detection system, a Self portrait mode and an Auto Red Eye Fix mod

The Sigma DP1 has just received a release date. This Spring look forward to a 14 megapixel FOVEON X3 sensor, a fixed, 16.6-mm F4 lens, the new “TRUE” image processing engine, a 2.5-inch LCD, pop-up manual flash, hot shoe, manual or 9-point autofocus modes, and QVGA movie recording capabilities

Casio will release a new digital camera called the Exilim Card EX-S10 in Japan. It comes equipped with a 10.1M CCD sensor and a 3X optical zoom lens, a 2.7-inch 230,000 pixel LCD monitor and 11.8MB built-in memory, and supports ISO 1600, face detection function, and up to 230 photos from one charging. You’ll be able to get them in silver, black, red, blue and white and will be for $373.

Casio has a new point-and-shoot model in the form of the EXILIM EX-Z9 that comes in an array of exciting colors to cater for different tastes and preferences. Some of its features are :-

* 8.1-megapixel camera with 3x optical zoom
* 2.6" LCD monitor
* Face detection technology
* 18.6MB of on-board memory
* SD/SDHC/MMC memory card slot

The Casio EXILIM EX-Z9 will retail for $159.99.

Sony has announced their new Sony Cyber-Shot W300 digital camera, capturing the still shots at 13.6 megapixel sensor. It features the no 1 Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with 3x zoom, optical image stabilization, scratch-resistant titanium covering, 2.7 inch LCD display & viewfinder & the high speed burst mode and extra high sensitivity. The Sony Cyber-Shot W300 is set to released this May at the approximately price of $350 usd.