Sony has announced two new cameras in the form of the semi-rugged DSC-TX5 and mega-zoom DSC-H55. Measuring at 17.7mm slim, the Sony DSC-TX5 is a water-, dust-, shock-, and freeze-proof camera that boasts a 10.2MP Exmor R CMOS sensor, a 4x optical zoom with 25mm wide angle and a 3-inch LCD touchscreen. Meanwhile, the Sony DSC-H55 has a 14.1MP CMOS sensor with a 10x optical zoom lens. The Sony DSC-TX5 is priced at $350, meanwhile the DSC-H55 retails for $250. [dcviews via Digital Camera Blog]

Fujifilm has outted the FinePix F80EXR and Z700EXR digital cameras. The FinePix F80EXR offers 12-megapixels and a 10x optical zoom, a 3″ LCD display, 720p HD movie capture, face recognition, auto picture rotation and even something new…Pet Detection mode. Cats or dogs specifically.

Pet Detection will detect your pet by modifying shooting conditions to obtain the best possible image with each shot. The Z700EXR also has Pet Detection mode and a 3.5″ touchscreen display, which will likely drain your battery pretty

Panasonic has just announced five new Lumix compact digital cameras, featuring both the new Venus Engine VI and the Venus Engine HD II which are supposed to be faster and have better noise reduction. Another new thing about these cams is that they will support the upcoming SDXC standard, allowing the use of memory cards larger than 32GB. See below for pecs and details on each model.

Starting from the top-left, going clockwise:

DMC-FX66 – This one has a 14.1 megapixel sensor combined with an F2.8-5.9 25-125mm ( 5x zoom)

Fujifilm has proudly launched its new digicam from the FinePix camera series. The FinePix S2500HD comes jam packed with an 18X optical zoom and supports HD video recording at 720p. The camera also supports dual image stabilization, face detection and red-eye removal. You can also connect the FinePix S2500HD to your TV to view your favorite photos and videos. [Slashgear via Digital Camera Blog]

Pentax has officially released their latest retro point-and-shoot camera, the Optio I-10. Priced at 26,000 Yen ($289), the camera comes equipped with a gyro-based image stabilizer, a 12.1MP CCD sensor, up to 6400 ISO sensitivity, a 5x optical zoom, a 2.7-inch LCD screen, Face Detection and a 26.7MB built-in Memory (expandable with SD/SDHC memory Cards). This camera also supports HD video recording in 1280×720 pixel resolution. Measuring 100.5mm x 65.0mm x 28.0mm and weighing 153grams, the Pentax Optio I-10 is scheduled to be released at the end

Samsung introduces two new long zoom cameras, the 12 Megapixel HZ35W and HZ30W both with a 24mm wide-angle Schneider KREUZNACH 15x optical zoom lens. These cameras feature Optical and Digital Dual Image stabilization, and Smart Auto mode.

The Samsung HZ35W comes with a 3-inch AMOLED display and supports geo-tagging to pinpoint and store the exact location that the shots were taken. The HZ30W, on the other hand, has a 3-inch LCD display. Both cameras are able to record 720p video at 30fps with h.264 compression. They provide HDMI

In addition to SL630, HZ35W and HZ30W, Samsung unveils also the ultra slim TL110 and TL105 digital cameras. The former is a 14.2 Megapixel camera with 5x optical zoom and 27mm wide-angle while the latter is a 12.2 Megapixel camera with 4x optical zoom and 27.5mm wide-angle. They both have 2.7-inch LCD display.

The TL110 features also dual image stabilization and the TL105 includes digital image stabilization. They offer special image effects such as Fisheye and Lomo, and a long list of user-selectable Photo Styles. Videos are record at 720p

If you’re an enthusiast photohrapher looking for new gear but your budget is limited, don’t worry – there’s plenty to choose from right now, and if you’ve got at least $1000 to spend, you should be able to pick a great camera that’s well worth the money.

First, the absolute best choice for this price range, the Nikon D3000. It comes with a 10.2 megapixel sensor and costs just $550, making it great as an introduction to SLR cameras.

The Nikon D5000 is also a great choice, although a bit more

Samsung has added a pair of compact digital cameras to its range with the launch of the Samsung TL110 and TL105.

Both of these new Samsung compact digital cameras are just 0.65 inches thick, and both feature a 2.7 inch LCD display.

The Samsung TL110 and TL105 can record HD video in 720p at 30fps, and feature a range of built in services like easy upload to YouTube and photo sharing websites.

The Samsung TL110 features a 14.2 megapixel sensor and five times optical zoom, whilst the Samsung TL105

Panasonic has announced two new IP network surveillance cameras at the CES 2010, the one-wire, plug-and-play BL-C210 and thw wireless BL-C230. Both cameras use H.264 video compression and can be activated by detecting body heat, sound and motion.

Thanks to integrated internet connection, BL-C210 and BL-C230 can pan, tilt and zoom remotely. They have built-in memory for storing captured images, which can be also sent via email or to a VIERA CAST HDTVs. Other features include built-in microphone, SSL support and Privacy Mode.

Panasonic