Check out Panasonic's latest hybrid camera, the DMC-TZ7. It combines both the functionalities of a standard compact camera and that of a camcorder. Here are some of its key features:

• 10Mpix sensor;
• 3" LCD display;
• 12x optical zoom;
• 25mm ultra-wide angle lens;
• Advanced AVCHD Lite motion picture recording

The DMC-TZ7 will be available this April in either black or brown colors for a yet unknown price.

Kodak has announced a new entry-level digital camera called EasyShare C180. It's meant for those who just need a simple and cheap shooter for their daily life. This model will be available in August for $199.95 a piece.

Features include:

• 10Mpix image sensor;
• Kodak AF 3x optical aspheric zoom lens;
• 5x digital zoom;
• Face detection, Kodak Perfect Touch Technology, scene modes;
• Blur reduction;
• 2.4" color display;
• 16MB internal memory;
• SD/SDHC memory card slot

What's up with those lousy 16 megs of memory? Couldn't they include more? And what's with the delay???

Photofan.jp has recently mentioned the new Sony A800 DSLR camera, which supposedly comes with a 15.2Mpix sensor and will be available in April. Here are the rumored specs:

• 15.2Mpx APS-C CMOS Exmor "R" sensor;
• ISO 100-12.800;
• 6.5 frame per second;
• New high speed flash sync;
• 9 double cross f/2.8 AF sensor (23 total AF sensor);
• New metering and AF sensor with tracking and previous focus;
• Dual AF Ultr-Speed motor;
• Built-in Wi-Fi

The new Exemode Yashica EZ F525 is probably the ugliest looking 5Mpix point and shoot camera yet. It is now available in Japan for 7800 Yen (€67) in red, black and white options.

Features include:

• 5.08Mpix camera;
• 3x digital zoom;
• 16MB of internal memory;
• SD/SDHC slot;
• ISO range from 100 to 200;
• Size/weight: 90x57x24mm at 82g

Canon PowerShot A480 is a new entry level compact camera with a 10Mpix sensor. It's a replacement for the older A470 and will be available in silver, blue, red or black colors starting February 2009 in Europe for GBP129.00 ($209).

Features include:

• 10Mpix Sensor;
• 3.3x optical zoom;
• Easy to use, with simple button layout and intuitive user interface;
• 2.5” LCD with Image Inspection Tool for focus checking;
• Face Detection AF/AE/FE/WB and Red-Eye Correction in both shooting and playback;
• DIGIC III processing;
• Motion Detection Technology;
• Records 30fps VGA movies with Long Play mode;
• 15 shooting modes;
• Safety FE avoids blow-out when the flash is used;
• Powered by AA batteries

Today at CES Samsung has presented its new SL102 and SL420 cameras, both featuring a 10.2Mpix CMOS sensor. They will be available in Spring at a yet unknown price.

Comparative specifications:

SL102:

• 10.2Mpix;
• 3x optical zoom;
• 2.5 ” LCD;
• Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600;
• MJPEG / VGA;
• 90.4mm W x 59mm H x 21.6mm D

...

Here's yet another Hello Kitty-style device, a simple point and shoot digicam from Exemode called Hello Kitty Corr?ges. It is available in white & red color scheme for ?100, and has the following features:

- 5Mpix CMOS sensor
- 4x digital zoom
- 2.4" LCD display
- 32MB onboard memory
- SDHC card slot
- Video recording at 30fp

Akihabara has posted some information regarding the new Yashica EZ F1231 point & shoot camera released in Japan. It's features include:

- 1/1.8 type 12.19Mpix CCD
- 3x optical zoom
- Up to 4000x3008 resolution photos
- Records video in 720x400 at 30fps.
- 32Mb of internal memory
- SD/SDHC card slot
- 20mm thick
- 25 shooting modes

The price is about 200 Euros.

Olympus has announced  today its new E-30 DSLR. This mid-range camera features a 12Mpix Live MOS sensor and a 2.7" tilt and swivel LCD.  It also includes functions like Live View with Contrast AF, Image Stabilization, 5fps continuous shooting and shutter speeds of up to 1/8000th sec. In addition, the E-30 also introduces a set of six 'Art Filters', a Multiple Exposure mode and offers a choice of 9 aspect ratios.

You can find the full list of specifications here.

Casio came up with its new EXILIM EX-Z20, a simpler version of the EX-Z80, released earlier. Features inlude:

- 8.1Mpix CCD sensor
- 38-114mm lens with 3x optical zoom
- 12.4MB of internal memory
- 2.6-Inch LCD monitor
- MMC/SD/SDHC slot
- Face detection function
- Video recording at H.264/AVC (848?480)

Available in December.