Fuji brings out new FinePix
Fuji has unveiled the successor to the FinePix 4700Zoom - one of last year's hottest digital cameras. Due in April, the FinePix 6800 Zoom offers a slightly different take on its predecessor's upright James Bond gadget-influenced styling, as well as delivering improved image resolution (3.3 megapixels as opposed to 2.47) and, at 160 seconds, twice the amount of video footage. The camera also features an updated version of Fuji's controversial Super CCD, which uses interpolation technology to allegedly increase image resolution, in this instance up to 6.0 megapixels. The model also features a 3x optical zoom and stores images on its accompanying 16MB SmartMedia card. Its price is likely to be around £700.

A cosmetically-similar, though lower specified version, the FinePix 4800 Zoom, which has a megapixel count of 2.4 and can store up to 80 seconds of video, goes on sale in June for around £500.

Also due in the summer is the FinePix 2300, a budget model with a resolution of 2.1 megapixels that stores images on embedded flash memory.

Olympus zoom in for nice pair
Olympus has kicked off 2001 with a pair of top-end digital cameras aimed at the serious amateur photographer.

In the stores now are the £800 Camedia C-3040 Zoom and the £500 Camedia C-2040 Zoom. The C-3040 is the successor to last year's C-3030 model - one of the first cameras to offer 3.4 megapixel resolution images.

The 2001 version keeps both the traditional styling of its predecessor and its 1/1.8inch 3.4 megapixel CCD (image sensor). However Olympus has added an enhanced 2.5x digital zoom (in addition to the 3x optical zoom) and has updated the camera's JPEG movie shooting/editing facilities by offering the option of disabling sound while shooting video. The camera also sports manual facilities, including white balance and exposure and comes with a 16MB SmartMedia card.

Also new from Olympus is the £500 Camedia C-2040 Zoom, a mid-market camera that has a resolution of 2.11 megapixels, a 3x optical and 2.5x digital zoom and an 8MB SmartMedia card.

Sharp's slim screens scoop
Sharp has announced three additions to its range of ultra-slim LCD TVs. Due on sale in the summer are the 13inch LC-13C2, 15inch LC-15C2 and 20 inch LC-20C2. These join Sharp's existing trio of models which are starting to arrive in the stores in limited quantities.

All three new models sport conventional 4x3 shaped screens (widescreen versions are expected in 2002), boast a 160 degree viewing angle and feature integrated speakers, sockets and an analogue TV tuner. Picture resolution from the black TFT LCD panel screens is rated at 921,600 pixels. The models are finished in silver and are accompanied by a small floor stand, although they can also be hung on a wall. Prices are expected to be around £1,500 for the 13inch model, £2,000 for the 15inch and £4,000 for the 20inch.

Record break into Europe
RecordTV, the controversial internet based-VCR system, may soon be coming to Europe. The company has confirmed that it is has been in talks with German media giant Bertelsmann with a view to offering programmes available via the web. Users simply state what they want to record and then watch the programmes online at their own convenience. The move is indicative of Bertelsmann's recent approaches to web companies. Several months ago it also sealed an alliance with on-line music swapping service Napster. Earlier this year, RecordTV suspended its US-based virtual VCR service after members of the Motion Picture Association of America filed a lawsuit against the company. The lawsuit has a trial date of July 2001.