Sigma today announced the new Merrill series of digital cameras with the introduction of the DP1 Merrill and DP2 Merrill. The Merrill series is named in honor of Richard “Dick” Merrill, the co-creator of the Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor technology that powers Sigma’s unique lineup of cameras.

“These upgraded, high resolution, fixed lens compact digital cameras now incorporate the same APS-C sized 46-megapixel X3 image sensor found in the company’s flagship SD1 SLR, now also known as the Sigma SD1 Merrill. This name change not only pays homage to Merrill, but it also reflects new production efficiencies that will result in a substantial reduction in the camera’s market price starting next month.

The Sigma DP1 Merrill and DP2 Merrill each boast exclusively-designed, high-performance telecentric fixed lenses. The DP1 Merrill features a wide, 19mm F2.8 lens, which is the equivalent to a 28mm lens on a 35mm SLR camera. The DP2 Merrill, however, offers a 30mm F2.8 lens, which is the equivalent to a 45mm lens on a 35mm camera. Both cameras are compact and lightweight, and feature Sigma’s own “F” Low Dispersion (FLD) glass, which performs like fluorite glass and significantly improves lens performance, as well as Super Multi Layer Coating to reduce flare and ghosting. With the 46-megapixel, full-color Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor, the new DP cameras capture all primary RGB colors at each pixel location with three layers, which results in incredibly detailed images with a three-dimensional feel.”

Pricing and availability of the new Sigma digital cameras will follow soon.

Today Polaroid has launched their new Z340 Instant Digital Camera. While featuring a 14 megapixel processor and LCD display, the camera also comes with an integrated printer.

“Unlike any other camera available today, the Polaroid Z340 pays homage to its analog predecessors, yet contains an advanced, easy-to-use digital feature set. Designed for portability, the Z340 combines a 14.0 megapixel digital camera with a ZINK-enabled printer using the ink-free Zero Ink Printing Technology from ZINK Imaging to deliver a 3×4” print – the same size as the classic Polaroid photos that captured millions of special memories over the past 63 years. The Polaroid Z340 camera gives you even more options for instant printing: choose the iconic Polaroid Classic Border Logo or full bleed and contemporary 3×4” photos.”

Priced at 299 USD, the camera is now available here.

Today we already presented the new Lumix DMC-G1X by Panasonic. The Japanese brand has announced something else today, the Lumix 3D1.

The digital camera employs two newly-developed lens units with folded optics design in a compact body and can capture crisp and clear 3D and 2D photos and videos. The LUMIX 3D1, with a twin-lens design, features 25mm ultra-wide angle lenses with 4x optical zoom that offer the outstanding capability to record high resolution 8-megapixel 3D photo and 1920×1080 60i high quality 3D HD video using side-by-side method. The LUMIX 3D1’s optics give users a wider range of composition possibilities with approximately 169% larger viewing space compared to that of 35mm cameras.

The 12 megapixel camera comes with a 3.5 inch touchscreen and releases December 2011 for about 500 USD.

Leica presents a new special edition version of the successful D-Lux line: the Leica D-Lux 5 Titanium. The 10.1 megapixel compact camera comes with a silver-grey styling and the high-quality materials used further reinforce its refined appearance. It will be available from October 2011 and will come together with a premium titanium-colored leather case and the latest Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® professional image-processing software.

The special edition features the same advanced technical specifications of the standard model Leica D-Lux 5. An ideal tool for a wide variety of photographic opportunities, the D-Lux 5 Titanium incorporates a fast zoom lens with a focal length range from 24 to 90 mm (35 mm equivalent focal length).

With a wide viewing angle and 460,000 pixel resolution, the camera monitor displays extremely high quality images both before and after capture. Clearly laid-out functions and straightforward operation of its comprehensive range of features and manual settings ensure intuitive handling of the camera in all photographic situations, from creative image design to spontaneous spur-of-the-moment shots, or when using the 720 pixel HD video function.

The Leica D-Lux 5 Titanium’s offerings are expanded by a range of optional accessories. The Leica EVF1 electronic viewfinder is particularly useful when shooting under extreme lighting conditions. The Leica CF 22 accessory flash unit provides photographers with additional options for flash exposure and fill-in flash. A handgrip helps to ensure steady and safe handling of the camera.

Look out for the new camera in stores in the next couple of weeks.

Among the newly announced Nikon products this week (including the interesting Nikon 1 Series), the Coolpix AW100 in camouflage right away stood out. The rugged outdoor camera comes with a 16 megapixel sensor, 5 times optical zoom and a 3 inch LCD screen. It can go up to 10 meters under water and resist shock when dropped from up to 1.5 meters. Furthermore it can not only take pictures, but also film HD movies and has an integrated GPS module. All that in a compact format and among others, a nice looking camouflage colorway.

Look out for the new Nikon Coolpix AW100 camera at retailers now.

Ricoh announced their new GR Digital IV camera, once again a gadget for purists. The camera comes with a hybrid autofocus system that combines an external auto focus with a conventional contrast autofocus system. The 10 megapixel cam furthermore comes with a built in flash, 3″ LCD display and can shoot photos and video. Look out for a release in the coming months.

After having previewed the upcoming Fujifilm X10 camera before, we can give you a more detailed look at the camera and its functionality today, via the above promotional video that the brand has released today. Looking good!

Today we get a further look at the upcoming Fujifilm X10, which releases off of the success of the X100. Aside from showing you some more images of the smaller, but equally beautiful digital camera, we can also give you the specs of  it today. We really like the vintage all black design of the camera and cannot wait to see it live. Along with the official announcement of the X10, rumors are that there will also be a X50 model, but more on that soon.

The full specs and further images follow after the jump.

In other interesting camera news (aside from the ‘first’ Fujifilm X10 look), we come across first images of the supposedly upcoming Panasonic Lumix GF Pro. Expanding their Micro 4/3 range, in which Panasonic is already very strong, they will be announcing late 2011 the new GF Pro, which speaks to an advanced and professional user. If the camera looks anything like the above image, which shows the LC1, we are all in for a treat.

Further images of the camera follow after the jump.

It looks like a first image of the much anticipated Fujifilm X10 camera have appeared on a Japanese blog. The X100 has been a huge success for Fujifilm and they want to follow up with the smaller and lower priced X10 later this year. Featuring a 2/3 sensor, features include a 12 megapixel sensor, 1080p video, 4x optical zoom and also Jpeg and RAW shooting. The camera is supposedly priced at 599 USD, making it more or less half the price of the X100.

The camera looks beautiful in all black, so let’s hope that this is the one. We will keep you posted on the X10, as more news and images become available.

Take a closer look at the Fujifilm X10 after the jump.