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  • Sigma is set to launch five new lenses over the next few months. A spokesman declined to reveal details other than to say that three will be showcased at the CP + Camera & Imaging Show in Yokohama, Japan from 31 January-2 February, and a further two will be unveiled at the Asia Imaging Fair in Beijing, China from 1-3 April.
  • Fujifilm Japan has not ruled out the launch of a full-frame compact system camera (CSC). Asked whether there have been any further developments since Photokina, Masamichi Okui from the corporate planning division of Fuji’s Public Relations Group replied: ‘At this point there is no plan.’ In September 2012 Fujifilm technicians said they were seriously investigating the possible launch of a full-frame CSC and were focusing on the sensor and processor that would be required. However, at the time they stressed that, if Fuji did introduce a full-frame sensor, it would require a remake of the lens mount.
  • Samsung accepts that there may be a market for launching a smaller version of its Galaxy Camera. Last year Samsung hinted that any future Galaxy Cameras would
    come with a screen ‘bigger than the conventional [3in or
    3.5in] display’, because the larger-than-normal screen is designed to make photo editing easier. However, speaking to AP at CES, on 8 January, Samsung seemed more receptive to the idea of launching a smaller camera to suit consumers more used to a smartphone. More on this later…
  • Giottos has unveiled a new range of tripods claimed to save 30% space, while maintaining strength, stability and weight capacity. The Giottos Silk Road YTL Series features a new Y-shaped central column, to deliver ‘30% spec saving when the tripod is packed down’.
  • Connectivity continues to be a central theme at CES. In a meeting with AP, Samsung representatives said the firm will continue to focus on improving image quality and the ability to share large files. Nyunwoo Nam, Sales & Marketing team manager for Samsung’s Digital Imaging Business, added that more NX lenses are on the way this year, but he was not yet able to reveal details. When asked what gaps there are in Samsung’s lens range, Nam said there have been ‘huge requests’ from customers for Samsung to release a lens up to 300mm in focal length. But he made clear that this doesn’t mean such a lens will be released, and that this focal length area is merely under consideration.
  • Sigma has added a Monochrome Mode to its Photo Pro raw file image processing software. Editing options include Colour Mixer and Film Grain Effect. Sigma Photo Pro 5.5, for Windows and Macintosh OS, is due for launch in February at a price yet to be announced.
  • Canon has unveiled three new budget-priced PowerShot compacts and a
    new Ixus model. The Ixus 140, PowerShot A3500 IS, A2600 and A1400
    feature a 16MP sensor, 28mm wideangle zoom and Digic 4 processor. The
    PowerShot A3500 IS and Ixus 140 are Wi-Fi-enabled. The Ixus 140, priced
    £159 and due next month, features an 8x zoom. The PowerShot 3500 IS (due
    in March), A2600 and A1400 – which each carry a 5x zoom – will cost
    £129, £109 and £99 respectively.
  • Kingston Technology will use CES to announce a 1TB USB flash drive. Marketed as ‘the world’s largest capacity USB 3.0 flash drive’, the DataTraveler HyperX Predator 3.0 will be available in the US before the end of March.
  • Pentax has announced that its Q10 will be available in 100 different colour combinations. ‘Customers can now order a custom-built Q10 to reflect their unique taste and individuality,’ said a US spokesman.
  • Lexar has revealed what it bills as the largest capacity SDXC memory card. The 256GB Lexar Professional 600x SDXC UHS-1 is due out this month priced £743.99.
  • Watch out for bigger announcements appearing on the AP site and see updates on this page for more CES news…
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