Digital Cameras
Samsung's new WB5000 digital camera is perfect for would-be paparazzi.
Its 24x optical zoom lens ensures you can get close up on the action while staying a safe distance from your subject. It can take 12.5-megapixel snaps and record video at HD 1,280 x 720p resolution.
If you want to tweak the settings, then flick it into manual mode and you've got full control over the options. If you'd rather let the camera do the work, there's face-recognition technology built in with the ability to automatically take shots of smiling people.
The WB5000 will be available in September, see Samsung for more information.
Casio's Exilim Zoom EX-Z450 is equipped with its new Intelligent AF system to keep everything pin sharp.
As well as regular face detection it can distinguish non-human subjects - such as pets or scenery - ensuring anything you snap is both in focus and properly exposed. There's a 28mm wide-angle lens, to help keep everyone in shot, and it can take photos at up to 12.1-megapixels.
If you're taking shots in low light, the Night Scene function will step in and use the most appropriate settings to avoid camera shake.
The Exilim Zoom EX-Z450 will be available soon, see Casio for more information.
Samsung has launched the NV100HD, a compact digital camera that includes a 14.7-megapixel sensor and a 28mm wide-angle lens - ideal for framing scenes in even the snuggest spaces.
Among the Samsung NV100HD's other features, there is a 7.62-cm touchscreen, where you can monitor your photos before and after taking them, and a dual stabiliser.
The NV100HD also boasts face-detection technology and a beauty mode, which lets you zoom in on groups of people and automatically edit faces. The video mode lets you use the camera as a mini high-definition camcorder, ideal for subjects in motion.
Samsung NV100HD's bonus functions include a slideshow mode, so you can create displays using your snaps and play them back to music; and Anynet+ compatibility means you can work with your photos on a Samsung home cinema system or a projection screen. It is currently on sale at Pixmania for £149.50.
Samsung has taken the guesswork out of self portraits and group shots with its new ST550 digital camera.
In addition to the normal 3.5in touchscreen on the back, there's also an extra 1.5in LCD on the front so you can see what the shot will look like before you press the shutter.
It can take stills up to 12.2-megapixel and shoot video at 1,280x720 HD resolution. There's HDMI out as well, so viewing you photos and videos on the big screen is a doddle.
The ST550 will be available at the end of the month, see Samsung for further details.
Sony's new Party-shot accessory means you can spend less time worry about taking snaps and more time mingling with your guests.
Slip either Sony's new TX1 or WX1 digital camera into its dock and leave it to take pictures for you. The motorised base will scan left and right and up and down until it finds someone to capture.
The face detection and Smile Shutter features will then kick in, so it will take photos of your happy, smiling guests all automatically.
The Party-shot IPT-DS1 will be available in September, see Sony for more information.
