Casio has managed to squeeze the extremely high-speed photography and slow-motion video of 2008's EX-F1 and EX-FH20 into a much smaller, and more affordable, package. The EX-FC100 takes 9-megapixel images (or 6 megapixels at 30 frames per second), records video at up to 1000 frames per second. It has a 5x zoom lens, a maximum ISO of 1600 and an asking price of $329. While it had some issues with image quality, the high speeds are a powerful draw. Click on for our full review.

June 24, 2009 – Pentax expanded its lineup of weather-resistant cameras today with the 12.1-megapixel Optio W80, which is waterproof to depths of 16 feet (5 meters), dust resistant, shockproof from heights up to 3.3 feet (1 meter) and works at temperatures down to 14 degrees F (-10 degrees C). The $299.95 W80 will be available in three colors, starting in July.

The Apple iPhone 3G S is the newest model from Cupertino, with some significant under-the-hood improvements. In addition to a faster processor and more memory, the 3G S has an updated three-megapixel image sensor, and the ability to autofocus both for stills and the newfound video recording capability . The camera performed well in color accuracy and resolution, but we disliked the shortage of controls for just about every setting. The iPhone 3G S is currently available at prices from $199 to $699.

The Canon PowerShot SD970 IS is a capable 12.1-megapixel point and shoot with a solidly constructed metal body, handsome high-res 3-inch LCD screen and 5x zoom. We found image quality was consistently very good, and movies shot at 720p were impressive. Less satisfying were the somewhat bulky design, so-so wide angle capability and lack of manual exposure controls. Our full review of this $380 model follows.

The Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR is a camera with a new generation of image sensor, that can join pixels in pairs, halving resolution from 12 megapixels down to six, but providing special modes for reducing image noise or improving dynamic range. In addition to this interesting feature, it has a 5x zoom lens, and offers ISO up to 3200 at full resolution, and ISO 12,800 at reduced size. In our testing, we found the camera did well in color accuracy, image noise and resolution, but struggled in burst-mode speed and video quality.

There are only a handful of video-enabled SLRs to begin with and, at under $1000, there are only two: the Canon T1i we reviewed recently, and now the Nikon D5000. Overall we found the Canon did a better job shooting video, with higher definition and smoother video motion, but the Nikon was superior for still photography. Our complete review, including a newly expanded video section prepared exclusively for us by the experts at CamcorderInfo.com, follows.

June 16, 2009 – In one of the most highly anticipated (and widely leaked) product announcements of the year, Olympus today announced its first Micro Four Thirds camera, the E-P1. With a 12.3-megapixel sensor, 720p video recording capability and a distinctive retro look, the E-P1 is scheduled to go on sale in July for $749.99 (body only), $799.99 with a 14-42mm zoom lens or $899.99 with a 17mm lens and accessory optical viewfinder.

Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-T900 is a sleek camera that shoots 12-megapixel images and 1280x720 video. It features a 3.5-inch, 920,000-dot touch-screen, an ISO range of 80-3200, and a 4x optical zoom lens. In our lab testing we found it to have good color accuracy and image sharpness, but lacked in manual controls, had poor image noise performance and was prone to  distortion and chromatic aberration. The Sony T900 is currently available for $349.99.

The Canon Rebel T1i is one of the few video-enabled SLRs on the market, and the only one from Canon available for less than $1000. Sold in a kit with an 18-55mm lens for $899.99, the T1i can shoot 15-megapixel images and record 1920x1080 HD video at 20 frames per second. The T1i offers a very sharp 920,000-dot LCD, an impressive ISO spread of 100-3200 (extendable to 12,800), and a maximum continuous shutter speed of 3.4 frames per second. In our lab testing, it showed very good color accuracy but struggled with image sharpness, white balance and dynamic range.