Pentax has today posted a firmware update for its K100D digital SLR. Version 1.01 appears to contain one important update; support for SD-HC cards (SD type cards with a capacity of 4 GB or greater) and one minor update; focal length input into the Shake Reduction menu is now displayed accurately in Pentax Photo Browser 3. The firmware can be easily installed by loading the BIN file onto an SD card and starting the camera holding the MENU button (just make sure you've got fresh batteries).

Both Fujifilm and Olympus (the only two companies utilizing the xD format) have today announced a step up in capacity for xD card to 2 GB. The new 2 GB xD-Picture Card is twice as large as the current largest and utilizes Multi-Level Cell technology to pack so much storage into such a small package. This new card will be available in September, there's currently no word on price.

Kodak has announced today a handful of new EasyShare cameras. The 7.0 megapixel EasyShare V705 Dual Lens and the 8 megapixel EasyShare C875 both feature a 5x all glass Schneider-Kreuznach optical zoom lens and a 2.5-inch LCD and the V705 also sports an additional ultra wide 23mm lens. Kodak has also announced two entry level cameras; the C743 and C433.

Kodak also introduces today the EasyShare G600 Printer Dock, which features a built-in handle, smart paper tray storage and battery for easy portability. Available from this month the G600 is capable of producing a high quality photo in just 60 seconds. The G600 features automatic Kodak Perfect Touch technology providing red-eye reduction and is PictBridge and ImageLink compliant.

Pentax releases firmware update version 1.01 for the K100D digital SLR, which provides the following new functions: 1) Integration of support for SDHC (High Capacity) memory cards. 2) Focal length which is input on the Shake Reduction menu can be displayed with Photo Browser 3. The new firmware is available for download from the Pentax support website...

Casio announces the Exilim Card EX-S770, offering 7.2 megapixel image resolution and high-quality movie recording in MPEG-4 format. While featuring a Super Bright 2.8 inch 230,000-pixel wide-screen LCD, the S770 still retains the ultra-slim card size of its predecessor, the EX-S600. Casio has also added a number of new functions to make the most of the EX-S770's new wide screen. The EXILIM Card EX-S770 will be available in three colors: premium silver, blazing red, and graphite blue...

Casio has today revealed an all new ultra-slim 'Exilim Card' series digital camera, the seven megapixel EX-S770. Sporting a new smoothed, rounded design and glossy finish it looks slick and expensive. The S770 features a three times optical zoom lens, a large bright 2.8" LCD monitor, and 16:9 format MPEG-4 video capture. The S770 is 17 mm (2/3 in) thin and weighs just 127 g (4.5 oz) without its Lithium-Ion battery. UPDATE: Additionally Casio US has confirmed the already announced EX-Z70 and EX-Z700 will be available there.

Pentax announces the Optio W20, the new 7 Megapixel follow-on to the 6 Megapixel Optio W10. The Optio W20 is capable of underwater photography without requiring a waterproof case or other accessories. In addition, the Optio W20 features a new Blur Reduction High ISO mode, a Portrait mode offering AF with Face priority and High-quality movie mode capturing QuickTime motion JPEG (640 x 480) at 30fps. The new Optio W20 will ship, unfortunately after the holidays, in September 2006 for under $300US...