International
Consumer Electronics Show
(CES) Jan 5 - 8th, 2006

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ5 and LZ3
Digital Camera's with 6x Zoom and OIS

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 4th. - Panasonic today introduces two new models for its compact, consumer friendly LZ series of Lumix digital still cameras. The six megapixel DMC-LZ5 and five megapixel DMC-LZ3 incorporate Panasonic’s top-rated MEGA Optical Image Stabilization, large and bright LCD displays, 6x optical zoom, and a 1-point high-speed autofocus feature that is new to the LZ product line.

“The DMC-LZ5 and DMC-LZ3 provide consumers with features that are easy to understand and use, but that don’t compromise on capability,” says Monica Helmer, national marketing manager for Panasonic’s Optical Group. “And while these are compact cameras, the 6x optical zoom and MEGA Optical Image Stabilization give users the tools that are usually available only in larger and more expensive cameras.”

The MEGA Optical Image Stabilization, which Panasonic puts into all of its cameras, moves the lens to compensate for the slight hand movements most people make when taking a picture. It’s hand movement that leads to most blurry pictures, a common complaint for amateur photographers. With MEGA Optical Image Stabilization, pictures come out clear, even when using the zoom feature or shooting in low light.

The LZ5 and LZ3 also have Panasonic’s Venus Engine Plus, the processor that manages image capture and energy use for the cameras. Both cameras also come packaged with Panasonic’s Oxyride AA batteries, which feature longer life and power than alkaline batteries. With Venus Engine Plus and Oxyride, users can get the most out of their picture-taking experience. With Venus Engine Plus and Oxyride, the LZ5 can take up to 235 images and the LZ3 up to 250. (The LZ5 and LZ3 also can use regular alkaline AA batteries.)

The LZ5’s 2.5-inch LCD and the LZ3’s 2.0-inch LCD are greatly improved over the previous cameras in the LZ series, with higher sensitivity for viewing in low-light situations as well as easy viewing from angles, which helps the user when holding the camera overhead for a high-angle shot. More info and Lumix DMC-LZ5 sample images ...

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS2
Digital Camera with 3x Zoom and OIS

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 4th. - Panasonic today announces the introduction of the new DMC-LS2, an affordable, accessible, high-quality digital still camera that brings convenient picture taking to a new level. The DMC-LS2 features a 5-megapixel CCD, MEGA Optical Image Stabilization, and a 3x optical zoom lens.

“The DMC-LS2 has the very best of Panasonic’s digital camera technologies, like MEGA Optical Image Stabilization and our efficient, power-saving Venus Engine Plus processor, at a price that makes great picture taking accessible to all consumers,” says Monica Helmer, national marketing manager for Panasonic’s optical group. “The LS2 features a compact and stylish design, as well, so it looks as good as the pictures it takes. This camera is easy for anyone to carry, handle and operate.”

As with all of the models in Panasonic’s Lumix digital still camera line, the DMC-LS2 features the top rated MEGA Optical Image Stabilization. With MEGA Optical Image Stabilization, the lenses inside the camera actually adjust their position to compensate for any hand movement at the time a picture is taken. This significantly decreases the likelihood of blurry pictures, one of the top complaints among photographers. With MEGA Optical Image Stabilization, pictures come out clear, even when using the zoom feature or in low-light situations. The DMC-LS2 will have a retail price of $199.95 US and is scheduled to be at retail in March. More info and Lumix DMC-L2 sample images ...

Fuji Finepix V10 5.1 MP
Digital Camera with 3" LCD

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 4th. - Fuji Photo Film Canada Inc. today announced the availability of the new FinePix V10, the latest in Fuji’s high-performance digital camera lineup. Featuring Fuji’s leading-edge Real Photo Technology, the FinePix V10 offers 5.1 megapixels, an impressive 3-inch LCD screen and 3.4X optical zoom.

“Fuji is excited to offer this latest model of digital technology to the style-conscious consumer,” said Fujifilm’s Doug Snyder, Marketing Manager, Consumer Digital. “Now more than ever, digital photography fans can have the latest technological advances in a sleek and updated body-style.”

New features on this latest Fuji digital camera model include the FinePix V10’s “Natural Light & with Flash” mode. This distinctive feature allows the viewer to shoot two images in succession, with and without the flash, for on-the-spot comparison. This ability will allow the viewer to determine whether the flash is needed, providing greater control over the number of saved or discarded photos taken.

“ ‘Natural Light & With Flash’ mode will make picture-taking even easier for today’s busy consumer,” said Snyder. “The ability to immediately compare images in order to choose the perfect shot is a great asset to the digital photography lover,” continued Mr. Snyder.

Other features incorporated in the Fuji Finepix V10 include a 30-frame multi playback mode, great for viewing groups of photos, and a game function that utilizes the size of the generous LCD screen area. With a 0.01 second shutter lag speed* and 1.5 second start-up, this latest model is not only sleek but fast as well. The FinePix V10 comes with a rechargeable NP-40 battery and an xD-Picture Card™, allowing for greater storage capacity. PictBridge™ technology provides the viewer the option of direct printing without a PC.

The FinePix V10 has an estimated street price of $479.99 CDN and will be available in March, 2006. More info ...

• CCD sensor delivering 6.0 million pixels
  
• 16MB internal memory
  
• High resolution 2.5” LCD monitor
  
• 3x optical zoom
  
• 10 selectable scene positions for different shooting conditions: Portrait, Landscape, Sport, Night, Beach & Snow, Sunset, Museum, Party, Flower Close-Up and Text
  
• VGA movie capture of 30 frames per second with sound
  
• Lithuim-ion rechargeable battery and battery charger included
  
• xD-Picture Card™ (16MB to 1GB capacities available)
  
• PictBridge™ compatible for direct printing without a PC

Pentax Optio A10 8.0 MP
Digital Camera with "Anti-shake" 3x Zoom

The Optio A10 represents a complete overhaul of our Optio compact digital camera series and will be the first model of our new high-end Optio A Series.

Major Features

1. High image quality
The Optio A10 is equipped with a new large 1/1.8-inch CCD boasting 8.32 total megapixels.

2. PENTAX’s original SR (Shake Reduction) system for steadier shots

• Two internal gyro sensors detect the amount of camera shake.
  
• A dedicated CPU quickly calculates the necessary correction from the amount of camera shake and the lens’s focusing data.
  
• A special proprietary mechanism moves the CCD based on the calculated correction to compensate for the camera shake.

3. Super-compact, lightweight body
We kept the Optio A10 as slim as possible despite completely redesigning the lens unit from the optical lens to the image sensor, enlarging the CCD, and adding an anti-vibration mechanism to absorb camera shake.

4. Elegant, stylish design
The beautiful form of the Optio A10 is attained through numerous refinements such as the highly textured aluminum alloy exterior, the 12-faceted accent lens ring, and the connector cover designed to blend in with the camera.

5. Intuitive Mode Palette
The Mode Palette, which lists various modes on the LCD monitor, lets you quickly and expertly navigate through and select from the 15 shooting modes and 15 playback modes.

6. Auto Picture Mode
The Auto Picture Mode makes taking photos even easier and even more fun.

7. High-quality movie mode with long recording times
The Optio A10 smoothly captures movies at 30 fps (frames per second) at sizes up to 640 ´ 480 pixels

8. High-definition, easy-to-view LCD monitor
The Optio A10 has a large, 2.5-inch LCD monitor with the clarity of approximately 232,000 pixels. The monitor is easy to see even in bright locations because of its backlight and low-reflection type. More Info...

Pentax Optio E10 6.1 MP
Digital Camera with 3x Zoom

Major Features:

1. Mode dial for straightforward camera mode selection

2. Simple auto mode is easy for beginners

3. 6.0 effective megapixels provides outstanding image quality

4. 3X optical and up to approx. 12X total zoom magnification

5. Large, 2.4-inch LCD monitor

6. AA battery compatible

The camera can be powered with widely available AA batteries so you can always get replacements, even on vacation. More Info...

Kodak EasyShare Z650 6.1 MP Digital Camera
with 10x Zoom

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 4 -- On the eve of the 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Eastman Kodak Company announced the new KODAK EASYSHARE Z650 zoom digital camera, the latest model in its Z-series line. The 6.1-megapixel camera offers aspiring photographers exceptional performance and greater photographic control through its professional-quality SCHENIDER-KREUZNACH VARIOGON 10X optical zoom lens, helping capture detail from afar and flattering portraits.

“As with the entire line of EASYSHARE Z-Series cameras, the Z650 delivers more advanced control when needed and simplicity of operation for everyday situations,” said Mary Hadley, general manager of digital cameras for Kodak’s Consumer Digital Imaging Group. “Although the new Z650 has an impressive resolution, is also demystifies the conception that megapixels are the only standard of measurement when buying digital cameras. By adding advanced features like 10X optical zoom and a live histogram, Kodak has raised the bar by providing photographers with the tools to create high-quality photos, enhancing their overall digital photography experience.”

The EASYSHARE Z650 camera will be available worldwide beginning in February 2006 for US$349 (MSRP). More Info...

This model, with 6.1 megapixel resolution, a huge 2.5-inch LCD screen and a SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH VARIOGON 3X optical zoom lens, is the first camera to incorporate proprietary KODAK PERFECT TOUCH Technology.

At the touch of a button, this innovative feature — previously available only on KODAK printers and kiosks, or via lab processing — creates better, brighter pictures by bringing out detail in shadows without affecting lighter areas. It’s ideal for underexposed pictures caused by shooting beyond the flash range or in adverse lighting conditions.

“Kodak is a digital photography leader, not only in ease-of-use, but also image quality,” said Carolyn Walsh, Product Sales Director Digital, Eastman Kodak Company. “The C663 model fits the needs of a broad range of people looking for a compact digital camera that delivers exceptional image quality, plus Kodak’s hallmark simplicity of operation. Our latest innovation — the addition of KODAK PERFECT TOUCH Technology to the camera itself — helps people take the best possible pictures, which they’ll be more apt to share and print.” More Info...

Kodak EasyShare V570 Dual Lens Digital Camera

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 2 -- Kicking off this week’s 2006 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Eastman Kodak Company today introduced the world’s first dual-lens digital still camera, the KODAK EASYSHARE V570 zoom digital camera. Using proprietary KODAK RETINA Dual Lens technology, the elegant V570 camera wraps an ultra-wide angle lens (23 mm) and an optical zoom lens (39 – 117 mm) into a small, sleek package less than an inch thin.

“Today’s picture takers expect high-performance features in an attractive package. Kodak is first to give them a coveted but previously unavailable ultra-wide angle lens in a pocket-size camera,” said Mary Hadley, general manager of digital cameras for Kodak’s Consumer Digital Imaging Group. “Capturing high quality photos with maximum ease of use are at the top of people’s lists when buying a new digital camera. By delivering on these needs in a completely new way, the EASYSHARE V570 camera pushes the boundaries of innovative design for ultra-compact cameras.” More info...