CES 2008: Miniature memory for Sony compact consumers. Sony has launched a 16GB variant (the largest yet) of its Memory Stick PRO Duo memory card format used in its compact digital cameras.

CES 2008: Pretec, which has quite a history of pushing forward flash media capacities, has announced new CompactFlash cards available in sizes up to 48 GB. The speed ratings are also good with 2 - 24 GB cards available in 233x (35 MB/sec) and 1 - 48 GB in super-fast 333x (50 MB/sec). Release dates and pricing are yet to be announced but don’t expect the largest cards to be cheap - at least for a while. Via Engadget.

CES 2008: The V1273 and V1073 are the latest ultra compacts from Kodak. Both can record video at 720p30 HD resolution. They also feature optically stabilized lenses and the ability to output their stills in both 720p and 1080i HD formats.

CES 2008: The latest Z series digital cameras from Kodak, the Z1085 IS, Z1285 and Z8612 all feature the ability to output their stills in both 720p and 1080i HD formats. The Z1085 IS and Z1285 are also able to record 720p30 HD video. (This may not be as fast as 720p60 or as high res as 1080i, but it’s still a big jump from the VGA that is standard issue on most compacts).

CES 2008: Kodak has used CES 2008 to launch a phalanx of compact digital cameras. All feature the ability to output their stills in both 720p and 1080i HD formats. Here we look at the M763, M863, M893 and M1033, the last of which is able to record 720p30 HD video. (This may not be as fast as 720p60 or as high res as 1080i, but it’s still a big jump from the VGA that is standard issue on most compacts).

CES 2008: Panasonic has announced development of a wireless camera with the ability to upload directly to Google’s Picasa Web Albums. Thanks to a deal with T-Mobile, the camera will include twelve months’ free use of the network’s HotSpot service which is available in selected Starbucks, Borders, Hyatt hotels and airports. There are currently no details on the hardware aspect nor timeframe for introduction but we shall, of course, keep you up to date with more details as we receive them.

CES 2008: Sony has unveiled its Close Proximity Wireless Transfer Technology system: "TransferJet". Essentially, this is a data transfer system which relies on close proximity - 3cm maximum - and will deliver up to 560 Mbps when two compliant devices are brought together. Aside from the obvious benefits of a standardized, no-contact means of communication between AV devices the new technology promises minimal electromagnetic interference due to the low intensity of the radio waves employed. Click through for Sony’s press release.

CES 2008: Casio’s EX-Z100 and EX-Z200 are 10.1 megapixel compacts featuring, for the first time on a Casio, 28 - 112mm equivalent zoom lenses. Both models feature Auto Shutter and Auto Best Shot, whereby the camera analyses the scene and shooting conditions and selects the appropriate exposure settings. The EX-Z200 also includes CCD-Shift image stabilization. The pair will be available from March 2008, the EX-Z100 priced at $279.99 and the EX-Z200 $329.99.

CES 2008: The new EXILIM EX-Z80 is a smart looking little camera: 8.1 megapixels and a 3x zoom wrapped in a compact and solid shell. Interesting features on this model include Auto Shutter to delay taking a picture until there is minimal camera shake and/or the subject has cracked a smile - face detection also makes an appearance. A new system of focus confirmation allows the user to choose an image which coalesces when focus has been achieved or breaks up if the camera will not lock on. Availability is scheduled for March 2008 with a price of $199.

CES 2008: Casio has launched the world’s slimmest 10 megapixel camera today in the form of the EXILIM EX-S10. A mere 15mm thick, this latest ‘Wearable Card Camera’ sports a 3x optical zoom and the usual complement of Casio scene modes including YouTube™ Capture Mode, using H.264 encoding for high quality movies with small file sizes. A 2.7", 230k screen fills the rear of the camera and a shutter release control ensures camera shake has subsided before taking a picture. You may also set smile detection and have the shutter trip based on the quality of your subject’s grin. The EX-S10 will be available in Red, Blue, Silver and Black when it hits US shores in February priced at $249.99.