Christmas stocking fillers and more

There was no shortage of new camera releases in 2009 with the PMA Show in Sydney providing a timely opportunity for Olympus to release its reborn classic - the PEN E-P1, which has since been joined by the PEN E-P2.

Samsung also made a fuss over its two new compacts - the ST550 and ST500, featuring the novel inclusion of dual LCD screens front and back.

In recent weeks there have been several more releases that have snuck into Christmas gift guides.

AgfaPhoto

Tasco Sales Australia, distributors of AgfaPhoto, introduced three new digital cameras from its OPTIMA series (first shown at IFA in Berlin). These slim-designed cameras range in price from $179 to $299 (RRP).

ACME Made/ Lowepro

Tasco also introduced the AgfaPhoto DC- 600uw, a new underwater and outdoor camera that is water-resistant at depths of up to 10 metres. The new DC-600uw takes videos with sound in YouTube format, which can then be immediately uploaded to any compatible online platform. It sells for $199 (RRP).The latest camcorder bags from  ACME Made and Lowepro deliver a "high standard of protection without compromising on style", according to Maxwells.

The Stella Video from ACME Made offers "first-class protection combined with a modern and distinctive style" while Lowepro has created a new "fastaccess shoulder bag for today's compact camcorders" with the Impulse model.

Meantime, Joby announced the global availability of the Gorillatorch, mounted on Joby's award-winning bendable and flexible legs.

Nikon

Nikon announced the introduction of its newest FX-format digital SLR flagship for fast response and high light  sensitivity: the Nikon D3S.

The D3S takes the potential of Nikon's proprietary FX-format to "incredible new levels designed to meet or exceed a professional's high standards." The flagship model shoots approximately nine frames-per-second high-speed continuous shooting in FXformat and 11 fps in DX-format, with a buffer twice the size of the D3.

Canon

Pro photographers will be interested in the launch of Canon's latest highperformance digital SLR camera, the EOS 1D Mark IV. The new Canon EOS is the first high-end professional DSLR that can record full HD movies in addition to stills.

At the same time, Canon has given advance notice of an upgrade to the movie-related firmware for the EOS 5D Mark II digital SLR camera in response to user requirements for additional frame rates.

"We understand that EOS 5D Mark II users desire additional frame rates and we're preparing a firmware update to allow the camera to shoot at both 24P and 25P," said Canon Australia brand manager - EOS Chris Macleod.

"The upgrade to 24P and 25P will broaden the usage scope for this popular camera to include cinema and broadcast applications respectively," he said.