DC Views

Rollei introduces a new generation of slide and photo scanners. The the DF-S 190 SE with a 9-Mp sensor and a scan resolution of 3600 dpi, which provides photo fans with exceptionally detailed digital images. In addition to color negatives and loose slides, the device can also scan framed slides. The DF-S 120 SE is the smaller brother of the DFS 190 SE and includes a 5-megapixel sensor and folding 2.4-inch color TFT LCD display. Rollei also offers the PDF-S 200 SE, the perfect device to view prints, slides and negatives on a computer...

Praktica unveils the model DPix 5000WP, a new 5 Megapixel underwater (IPX8) digital camera. The actual underwater specs are not known, as the IPX8 standard says that products are Protected against water submersion - the equipment is suitable for continual submersion in water under conditions which are identified by the manufacturer, but no more manufacturer info is given. Praktica also introduces the DVC 10.4 HDMI, a 10 Megapixel digital camcorder with photo function and full HD resolution (1920x1080)...

Samsung has added a number of new animations for "Child Mode" on the PL150 (TL210) / PL100 (TL205) and the ST550 (TL225) / ST500 (TL220) 2view cameras. With Child Mode - or "Children Mode" as seems to be the new name - you can keep small children's attention through built-in animations that captures the expressions only kids can make, and to easily capture them smiling. The animations come with a new character "Pororo", the cuddly little blue penguin with orange-rimmed goggles. The animations are available for download now...

Yamaha lauches a new line of A/V receivers, the AVENTAGE Series. Advanced networking functions provide seamless integration with a wide range of third-party home automation control systems, while permitting network control via a PC Web browser or by a free iPhone/iPad app on select units. The top two units incorporate the HQV Vida video processing chipset to ensure peak video performance. The new line will be rolled out through August and September with prices ranging from $649.95 up to $1899.95...

BenQ launches the new S21 Camcorder, featuring infrared night vision and motion detection. The 3-inch LCD camcorder offers intuitive touch-screen navigation, Full HD 1080p video and 16 Mp (albeit interpolated) still images. The camera comes with a dual power source (lithium-ion battery and ordinary AA batteries), and the dual SD card slots double the storage capacity allowing you to use another SD card in the second slot whenever the first SD card is full. The BenQ S21 will be available in China / Asia Pacific in August...

Leica releases firmware update version 1.138 for the M9 digital camera. The update improves compatibility with more SDHC cards, although Leica does recommend the use of the SanDisk Extreme III cards. Furthermore, the Auto White Balance is improved in conditions with power saving lamps and tungsten light. The new firmware update also fixes these bugs: • Saving of user profiles has been improved • Time display in American format corrected. • An auto power off bug fixed...

Sanyo launches the CA102YL, a new Full HD (1920 x 1080) Dual Camera Xacti that records over 480 minutes of 1080 Full HD video on a single 64GB SDXC memory card. The yellow bodied camera is waterproof up to ten feet depth and uses a proprietary "double-range zoom" feature for zoom operation while filming video with 12x zoom available from wide angle to telephoto. You can view the images on the swivel 2.7-inch LCD display and shoot 14 megapixel stills too. The new CA102YL will be available in August with an MSRP of $349.99...

Ricoh releases new firmware for the CX1, CX2 and CX3 cameras. CX1 firmware version 1.25 fixes: • Printing images with some PictBridge printer may fail • The camera may not correct distortion in certain scenes. CX2 firmware version 1.15 fixes these same problems CX3 firmware version 1.11 fixes: • Improved accuracy of flash adjustment in some cases • Image(s) captured in auto bracket may be blurred. • The camera may not correct distortion properly in certain scenes...

Epson introduces its new line of Artisan all-in-ones – the Artisan 835 and Artisan 725. The flagship Artisan 835 boasts a 7.8-inch smart touch panel, a 3.5-inch color LCD, built-in fax, and a 30-page Automatic Document Feeder to quickly copy and fax documents. The Artisan 725 features an enhanced touch panel for easier navigation. Both feature 2.5 times faster connectivity with Wi-Fi n, wireless printing from an iPhone3 and the world's fastest 4"x6" print speeds. The 725 and 835 will be available in August for $199.99 and $299.99 resp....

Samsung introduces the run-of-the-mill 12.2 megapixel PL90 digital camera that features a built-in USB connector and Auto install intelli-studio software for instant access to any computer via the USB. In addition the USB connector also allows you to charge the battery without a separate power cord. At first sight the USB connector seems a marketing gimmick as it looks impractical and vulnerable; time will tell. Samsung also introduces the new model ES75, a 14.2 megapixel point-and-shooter that comes in five colorful bodies...

Oregon Scientific introduces the world's first All Terrain Action camera with G Sensor and GPS, that allows you to capture 1080p HD video and takes photos of 5 megapixels. The camera is both shock resistant and water proof to 20m and comes with a full set of mounting accessories that enables you to mount it on any handles, bars, and helmets and use it for a variety of extreme activities. The optional GPS plug-in enables you to map your location, speed and distance travelled using Google Maps or Google Earth...

Casio introduces the new EX-S200 and EX-Z800 point-and-shoot digital cameras. The S200 is a slim 14 megapixel camera that uses a flat lens barrel and lens ring to achieve its thin, card-sized body. The Z800 lens, LCD monitor and buttons of the EX-Z800 are flat to achieve a compact body that fits the contours of the hand, and is available six colors. The two cameras use Single Frame SR Zoom that extends the maximum telephoto range of the optical zoom up to 1.5 times, while reducing image quality degradation...

Panasonic has introduced the world's first consumer 3D HD camcorder, the HDC-SDT750. The camera comes with a special 3D conversion lens that records right-and left-eye images at the same time through its two lenses. The right and left images (each with 960 x 1080 pixels) that enter through the lenses are recorded using the side-by-side method. The new Full-HD (1080/50p) camcorder is equipped with a high-sensitive 3MOS imaging system that provides an effective motion image pixel count of 7,590,000 pixels (2,530,000 pixels x 3)...

Panasonic releases a new firmware update for the DMC-LX3, TZ6/ZS1 and TZ7/ZS3 digital cameras. The latest firmware update version 2.2 and 1.3 resp. offers this improvement: "…Optimization of software processing. *Change in software version has no effect on camera performance…" Your guess is as good as mine as to what the update actually accomplishes...

Samsung introduces the pocket-size innovative HMX-E10, a point-and-shoot camcorder that offers 1920 x 1080 Full HD video - 30p / H.264 - as well as 8 megapixel digital still images. With these specs it plays in the same league as the new Panasonic TA1. What sets the Samsung E10 apart is its versatile, 270-degree swiveling lens that enhances your creativity and allows you to add their own unique views to their video by being able to record from just about any angle. The Samsung E10 will carry a price tag of $199.99...

Amazon launches its new Kindle model that is packed in a 21 percent smaller and 15 percent lighter body while preserving the same 6-inch reading area. Furthermore, it offers 50 percent better contrast and delivers 20 percent faster page turns, up to one month of battery life, double the storage, and much more for only $189 (£149). On top of that it still comes - in black or white - with free 3G wireless. Amazon also introduces a new Kindle family member: the Kindle Wi-Fi-only version for $139 (£109)...

Panasonic launches the HM-TA1 HD mobile pocket camera that offers both full-HD video recording and 8 megapixel photo shooting. The camera comes with software allowing you to link directly to YouTube or Facebook, and with Apple's iFrame video format you can even load and edit videos and pictures with Mac's iMovie software. The TA1 can also be used with the Skype phone service; simply connect the camera to a PC and it becomes a webcam. You can give the TA1 a personalized skin and choose a skin from over 40 cool designs...

Samsung unveils the newST80, a 14.2 mega-pixel point and-shoot camera that a 3x optical zoom lens, a 3.0-inch wide touch screen, and Samsung's new Smart Crop feature. Furthermore, the camera features wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi and Samsung's AllShare to sync the ST80 images to DLNA-compliant electronics such as HDTVs and digital photo frames. The ST80 also offers HD video recording at 30 frames-per-second in 720p utilizing the H.264 format. The Samsung ST80 will carry a price tag of $249.99...

Panasonic announces the development of the world's first twin-lens digital interchangeable 3D lens for its LUMIX G Micro System. Until now, 3D-capable interchangeable lens system cameras have used panorama systems or a combination of two lenses and two CCDs, but these systems have drawbacks including the need for a dedicated 3D camera and the difficulties capturing moving objects. The new 3D lens features two optical systems installed within a single lens, creating stereo images from the left and right lenses...

Sinar introduces the new "p-slr" system that can be used with all Canon and Nikon SLR cameras to exploit the advantages and quality characteristics of the Sinar view cameras. Thanks to the quick locking adapter supplied with the Sinar p-slr, the format can be changed from vertical to horizontal with only a few motions and within seconds. When the single lens reflex camera is controlled by a computer, the integrated support for the cable ensures the safety and the protection of the USB / Fire Wire socket on the camera...