Following early announcements from the likes of Canon, Nikon and Kodak, several other manufacturers are using the official start of the PMA expo to debut new cameras. Sony's entry is the Cyber-shot G1; while relatively modest at 6 megapixels, the design emphasizes features rarely seen in other models. The camera uses a 3.5-inch LCD with 921,000-pixel resolution, which makes it one of the largest ever for a camera, according to its creator. Another first for the Cyber-shot range is integrated Wi-Fi, allowing sharing between cameras and other devices that fit the Digital Living Network Alliance standard. To this end, the camera also contains 2GB of internal memory as well as support for Memory Stick Duo cards as large as 8GB, ensuring that the camera can keep files well after a photo session. Sony plans to launch the camera in April at a price of $600.

HP has announced three cameras. First is the 7.2-megapixel Photosmart R837, said to be the first camera ever to have a specific mode for pets. When turned on, the setting automatically finds a pet's eyes and corrects the image to avoid the glow effect produced in normal shots. The design also features a relatively rare 3X lens whose zoom mechanism operates internally, keeping the design slim regardless of the subject's distance. HP ships the camera with 32MB of built-in flash memory in April at a price of $229.

Two basic cameras have also been introduced: the 6-megapixel M537 and 5-megapixel M437 are targeted at first-time photographers, and have red eye correction, ISO-based virtual image stabilization, and 3X optical zoom. Aside from resolution differences, the M537 also gains a larger 2.5 inches (versus 2 inches for the M437) and a slight increase in digital zoom factor from 5X to 6X. Both models will accompany the R837 in its April launch and will sell at prices of $130 for the M537 and $110 for the basic M437.

Long-time manufacturer Leica has contributed the C-LUX 2. One of the company's more affordable models, the 7.2-megapixel compact still aims at premium photography by using a 28-100mm wide-angle lens with hardware image stabilization and 3.6X optical zoom. The wider resolution also allows for DVD-quality, 848x480 movies at full speed. Shutter speed is also extremely high, Leica claims: photos snap at 1/2000th of a second for stills and 1/6400 for videos. Sensitivity peaks at ISO 1250 in normal mode but can be raised to ISO 3200 for dark scenes. The C-LUX 2 should release in May for $499.

Perhaps better known for its flashes, Vivitar has nevertheless revealed a full five cameras of its own. The ViviCam 6200W is housed in a rubber and metal shell watertight to depths of 30 feet, making it suitable for both swimming and diving. Optical zoom is absent to protect the lens underwater, and so is replaced by 4X digital zoom. The 6200W stores photos on either SD cards or 16MB of internal memory and should ship soon, though pricing is unavailable.

The remaining Vivitars include the DVR530, which doubles as a webcam; the 10-megapixel X625, with a "retro" pop-up flash; the 7-megapixel 7388s with MP3 playback, and finally the 6-megapixel 6385u ultra-compact. These and the DVR530 should be available soon, but as with the 6200W haven't received formal launch details.