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Pre-CES 2010:The first part of substantial compact camera range refresh by Olympus begins with the µ (mju) Tough 3000 (Europe / Asia name). As with previous Tough cameras the 3000 is shockproof to 1.5m, scratchproof, waterproof to 3m, and able to withstand temperatures as low as -10°C (or "freezeproof" if you like). Behind its monocle-like lens-cover sits a 3.6x wide angle zoom (28-102mm) and a pretty tiny 12 megapixel CCD sensor. Must-haves are sensor stabilization, HD movie, HDMI connectivity and "Magic Filters" (known as Art Filters elsewhere). Credit though for 1GB of internal memory and USB charging.

CES 2010 only opened today and we’ve already seen the announcement of 45 new compact cameras. To a great extent these launches have been about manufacturers refreshing their product ranges, but there have been a few interesting additions along the way. As try to dry ourselves off after the latest compact camera deluge, it’s worth taking stock of where these latest models leave the market. What sort of specification should you be able to expect from the class of 2010?

UK shoppers spent nearly one fifth more on cameras this Christmas than they did at the same time last year. Market research company GfK’s figures show that although camera sales volumes only rose a little, the amount of money spent between December 20 and 26th climbed by 19%. Fixed-lens (compact) cameras led the way, with unit sales up 2%, while interchangeable lens cameras sales volumes fell 4%. However, because the average selling price of interchangeable lens cameras has increased since late 2008, their sales were up 20% by value.

CES 2010: Casio has unveiled a prototype compact camera with what the company is calling ‘Hybrid GPS’. The EX-10HG appears to be essentially a modified Exilim EX-H10 that aims to allow the use of GPS when indoors or away from the GPS satellite signals. According to a report from Japanese site DC Watch, the camera uses three-axis accelerometers and its orientation sensor to calculate how far it has traveled since it was last able to receive a signal. (Image courtesy of DC Watch)

Kodak and Samsung Electronics have agreed a licensing pact that will allow access to each other’s patent portfolio, settling a dispute between them. The agreement also saw Samsung pay towards what Kodak describes as ‘its royalty obligation.’ In November 2009 Kodak had challenged Samsung over alleged patent infringement of technology used in their Blackjack II camera phone.

Pre-CES 2010: Panasonic has released a slew of compacts, starting with the Lumix DMC-FS33 and DMC-FS30. Both cameras feature 8X image-stabilized zoom lenses starting at a 28mm-equivalent wideangle, 14MP 1/2.33"-type sensors with image processing by Panasonic’s Venus Engine IV, and HD video recording in the MJPEG format at 720p. They are distinguished by their screens - the FS33 has a 3" touch-screen with an anti-reflective coating, that allows users to select the focusing and metering areas simply by tapping the desired point on the preview image. Meanwhile the FS30 makes do with a conventional 2.7" LCD. As usual both cameras will be available in a range of colors.

Pre-CES 2010: Sony has unleashed twelve Cyber-shot compacts. First come the feature-rich HX5 and TX7 with 10MP Exmor R back illuminated CMOS sensors, 25mm wide angle lenses and offer AVCHD 1080i Full HD movie recording, image stabilization and Intelligent Sweep Panorama. The HX5 also comes with built-in GPS and compass, while the TX7 includes a 3.5 inch touchscreen LCD. Next come eight new compacts in the W-series, with 14MP CCDs and wide-angle lenses, including features such as Sweep Panorama and HD movie recording. Lastly, we have the S2100, S2000 with 12 megapixel sensors, 10x optical zoom lenses and 3.0 inch LCDs. The latest line-up of Cyber-shots support SD/SDHC memory cards and will be available from the end of January 2010.

Pre-CES 2010: Saving the best cheapest most cost-effective for last, Olympus has launched four FE series cameras to line the shelves. With either four or five times optical zooms these cameras will no doubt rely heavily on noise reduction to keep their fourteen megapixel CCDs in check. Credit for USB charging, sensor stabilization, use of SD memory cards, and a rather attractive design for the 5030. Available in March.

Pre-CES 2010: The next installment from Olympus comes with no less than four new pocketable super-zoom models. They are the first Olympus compacts to use the common SD memory card format (to allow for HD movie capture, the company says). The name sort-of indicates the amount of zoom available; 10x for the µ-9010, 7x for the µ-7040 & µ-7030 and 5x for the µ-5010. All four cameras pack a fourteen megapixel CCDs, sensor stabilization, either 1 or 2 GB of internal storage and HD movie recording. Best of all these models will be available in a range of vivid colors.

Pre-CES 2010: Casio has announced four cameras in its Exilim line of digital compacts. From the top, we have the EX-FH100 with a wide-angle 10x optical zoom lens starting at 24mm, a 10MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor that allows high-speed movie recording at up to 1,000 fps, image stabilization and RAW capture. Next we have the EX-H15, EX-Z2000 and EX-Z550, all featuring the company’s latest EXILIM Engine 5.0 processor and stabilized 14.1MP CCD sensors. The EX-H15 includes the same lens as the EX-FH100, a 3.0 inch LCD and offers a 1000-shot battery life. The EX-Z2000 features a 5x (26-130mm equiv.) optical zoom lens and a 3 inch LCD, while the EX-Z550 includes a 4x(26-104mm equiv.)optical zoom lens and a smaller 2.7 inch LCD.