Panasonic introduces its latest rugged digital camera, the LUMIX DMC-TS4 (aka DMC-FT4) replacing the LUMIX TS3/FT3. In fact, not many differences can be found between the TS4 and the TS3, but Panasonic does add some new functions to the new model. The TS4, like its predecessor, is waterproof to 40 feet (12 meters), shockproof to approximately 6.6 feet (2 meters), freezeproof to temperatures as low as 14ºF, and dustproof. The shooter is capable of Full HD video recording in AVCHD and MP4 formats.

Panasonic LUMIX ZS20 Front

Panasonic updates its ZS-series of long-zoom cameras with the new LUMIX DMC-ZS20 (aka LUMIX TZ30) with 20x optical zoom, which is the follow-up to the LUMIX ZS10. The new ZS20 sports a 24mm ultra wide-angle 20x optocal zoom LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens, and it is the world’s slimmest digital camera with 20x zoom lens. The camera is equipped with a 14.1 Megapixel High Sensitivity MOS sensor and a 3-inch Smart Touch LCD touchscreen display for easy operation that allows for Touch AF, Touch Zoom or Touch Shutter.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX10V

Other than the the high-end HX200V and mid-range HX20V and HX30V, Sony will also release in March the more affordable DSC-HX10V and DSC-H90 long zoom cameras. They are equipped with 16x optical zoom lens, and the HX10V includes Clear Image Zoom technology to extend zoom range to up to 40x. The HX10V packs 18.2 Megapixel Exmor R CMOS image sensor and BIONZ image processor, while the H90 gets 16.1 Megapixel Super HAD CCD sensor.

For those who are looking for a super long zoom camera, here comes another choice. Sony’s new Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V, successor to the HX100V, is the company latest ultra zoom camera featuring a 30x optical zoom lens (27-810mm in 35mm format). Using Sony’s Clear Image Zoom technology, the zoom range can be extended by 2x, providing 60x zoom.

Pentax introduces its 13th generation of rugged waterproof digital camera, the Optio WG-2 and the Optio WG-2 GPS that are the successor to the WG-1. The two new rugged cameras are adventure proof. They are not just waterproof to up to 40 feet (12 meters), but are also shockproof to withstand from drops up to 5 feets, crushproof to withstand weights up to 220 LBF (pound force), coldproof to sub-freezing temperatures of minus 10 degrees C, and dustproof to operate in dusty environments. A tough mineral crystal cover protects internal lens elements and a SP coating helps eater sheet off the optical surface.

Canon introduces two new long-zoom digital cameras, the PowerShot SX260 HS and the PowerShot SX240 HS. Both have a sleek and compact design, yet packs Canon’s 25mm wide angle 20x optical zoom lens with 4-stop optical Image Stabilizer. According to Canon, the new models are its slimmest 20x zoom camera. The SX260 comes with built-in GPS chip for tagging each picture with the local time and location it was taken automatically. The Map Utility software also lets you to view your journey on Google Maps.

FujiFilm FinePix XP150

FujiFilm is launching three new rugged digital cameras, the FinePix XP150, XP100 and XP50 for active users to take photos in the most demanding shooting conditions. These cameras provid Four-Way Protection. The XP150 and XP100 are Waterproof to 33ft (10M) and Shockproof to 6.5 ft (2M) while the XP50 is Waterproof to 16.5ft (5M) and Shockproof to 5 ft (1.5M). All three models are Freezeproof to 14°F (-10°C) and Dustproof.

FujiFilm FinePix F770EXR with GPS

FujiFilm brings three new compact long-zoom digital cameras, the FinePix F770EXR with GPS (aka F770EXR), F750EXR and F660EXR (aka F665EXR). All three models are equipped with a newly improved 1/2″ 16 MegaPixel EXR-CMOS sensor for superior performance in low light situation. Other the camera maker’s other EXR cameras, these compact long-zoom shooter feature the EXR Auto mode with Motion Detection to ensure subjects is captured clearly in low light condition. There are, of course, EXR HR (High Resolution), EXR DR (Dynamic Range), EXR SN (Signal to Noise) priority modes for you to choose from, in case you don’t want the camera to made the choice for you.

Olympus expands its TOUGH line with the new TG-810 ultra-rugged “four-proof” digital camera. Designed to capture all of your extreme adventures, no matter where you go, the camera is shockproof, waterproof, freezeproof and crushproof. It can be submerged up to 33-feet under water, withstand a 6.6-foot drop, and operate when the temperature dips well below freezing (14 degrees Fahrenheit; -10 degrees Celsius). It has a airtight construction that is impervious to dust, dirt and other particles.

Canon has just announced the new PowerShot SX230 HS, which is the company’s first GPS-equipped digital camera. The 12.1 Megapixel camera comes with a 14x optical zoom lens with optical image stabilizer and 28mm wide angle. With a high-sensitivity CMOS sensor and Canon’s DIGIC 4 image processor, the SX230 HD includes Canon’s HS System, as you can see from the HS suffix, which is a technology used to enhance image quality in low-light situations without the need for a flash.