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Sanyo launches waterproof camcorder

In Japan, Sanyo has launched the waterproof Sanyo Xacti DMX-CA8, a camcorder that you can take into the water with you.

The pocket-sized camcorder offers an 8-megapixel CMOS sensor and 5x optical zoom and records to MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 at 60fps but in only VGA quality.

There’s also the new “Face Chaser” feature which works for both photo and video, with up to four faces - and even underwater.

The waterproofing is such that you can use the device for up to an hour underwater at a maximum depth of 1.5 metres.

The waterproof Sanyo Xacti DMX-CA8 will be sold in Japan and worldwide in mid-May 2008, pricing not revealed.

>> News - Sanyo Xacti CG9 launches
>> Via - akihabaranews

Vivitar DVR565HD (hi-def) Camcorder launched

There’s not a huge amount of information available yet on Vivitar’s forthcoming SD-card camcorder but we do know it will be launched by the end of April at one of Vivitar’s more, er, favourable price points.

The DVR565HD records in H.264/MPEG4 high definition at 720p with a frame rate of 30 frames per second, plays back at 1080i and comes complete with HDMI cable for playback on HD ready TVs.

To be available in silver and black and described as “compact in shape and size” the camcorder has a 3-inch flip out colour display, a rechargeable lithium ion battery and will support SD cards up to 4GB. We’ll bring you more when it launches.

Canon launches 3 new Ixus models

Canon has announced the launch of three new 10 megapixel digital cameras as apart of its Ixus range on Wednesday evening.

The new models called the Ixus 90 IS, the Ixus 90 and the Ixus 85 will promise technologies such as Motion Detection Technology, Optical Image Stabilization, Genuine Canon Face Detection Technology, and Canon’s proprietary DIGIC III imaging processor.

The 10 megapixel Ixus SD970 IS Digital Camera will offer a 5x optical image stabilized zoom lens (37mm to 185mm), a 2.5 inch PureColor II LCD display, and macro capabilities from less than an inch away from the subject. More »

Nikon Coolpix P60

Photographers will be able to buy the Nikon Coolpix P60 from March.

This new launch is built around Nikon’s EXPEED digital image processing concept, incorporates a 5x Nikkor lens, and packs in 8 million pixels.

A key feature is image sensor shift VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilisation, which compensates for camera shake and extends light sensitivity up to ISO 2000 to further help prevent blurred shots in lower light, or when capturing fast-moving subjects.

The P60 also offers Programmed Auto and Manual exposure modes, 15 scene modes, four different movie modes, and macro shooting from as close as 10 cm.

Other key features include an electronic viewfinder and a 2.5-inch LCD monitor.

Nikon adds that this model is powered by AA-sized batteries, it has 12 MB of internal memory as well as being compatible with SDHC cards and offers USB connectivity.

Sony Digital SLR Alpha A200 Professional Camera

Sony advanced category DSLRs to integrate photographers today introduction of the new Alpha DSLR-A200 camera. More »