By Patrick Avenell

SYDNEY, NSW: Canon, Samsung and Ricoh have all released new cameras today. Only Samsung, however, has been able to confirm the RRP of its new model.

There are two new models from Canon: the PowerShot SX30 IS and the PowerShot G12. The former is described by Canon as the world’s first digital compact camera with a 35x zoom lens. Unsurprisingly, the key feature of this 14.1-megapixel camera is its 35x zoom.  There’s also a manoeuvrable 2.7-inch screen, improved optical image stabiliser, HD movie recording with stereo sound and an Li-ion rechargeable battery.

The new G12 model has 10-megapixel image capture, a 5x zoom with optical image stabiliser, HD movie recording with stereo sound and a 2.8-inch LCD screen.

Across the sea from Japan in Korea, Samsung has released the NX100, a mirrorless camera in the Micro Four Thirds tradition (though not to the M4/3 standard) and a selection of new lenses. According to the release, this camera is set to dominate the mirrorless camera category, though it’s only natural for the supplier to be confident.

This is a 14.6-megapixel camera with a 3-inch AMOLED display. There are numerous shooting and scene modes, HD video recording, SDHC storage up to 32GB and a built-in GPS for geotagging. This camera body is RRP $899, with the consumer also receiving one lens from the choice of wide angle, pancake or standard zoom. Consumers will also get a free flash bundled in the pack for a limited time.

Finally, Ricoh Digital Cameras has released a new camera that is designed for use in tough working environments, such as farms, construction and field world. Distributed by Tasco Sales Australia, the Tough Body G700 is water, shock and dust resistant.

This 12.1-megapixel camera has 5x optical wide angle zoom and a 10-metre flash range. It runs off a rechargeable L-ion battery, but can also take AAA batteries as back-up. There is password protection for securing sensitive images. To further ensure image security, the camera works only with SanDisk’s SD Worm cards, which enable once-only writing and multiple reading. This means that images cannot be accidently deleted or modified.