Last month, Sony bumped up the cost of its consumer electronics products by as much as 33% to combat currency fluctuations but now it looks like most Japanese gadgets are going to get more expensive. A strong Japanese Yen versus a weakening pound means that Japanese firms are expected to start tweaking their UK prices by 5-10%. Canon has already started the process with UK prices rising by up to 10%. Nikon also raised its UK camera prices by around 10% a few weeks ago. When Sony bumped its prices before Christmas, consumers were protected from the worst of it by retailers desperate to keep consumers shopping in the run up to Christmas. There’s no guarantee that this will happen now, especially if key Japanese consumer electronics companies, including Toshiba, Sharp, Panasonic, Pioneer and Sanyo among others, start jacking up the prices. Have you noticed any sudden price jumps from your favourite Japanese gadget makers?-Martin Lynch [BBC] shopping currency gadgets

Sanyo decided to wait out the CES Show rush this year in order to hog the spotlight for the launch of its 2009 range of camcorders, comprising 6 new models. Sanyo is marketing the cameras as ‘Dual Cameras′ because of their improved photo capabilities. It’s also of note because the company is offering each camera in its signature vertical grip style and a more traditional horizontal form factor. Sanyo is also claiming a few ‘world firsts′. At the top of the heap we have the VPC-FH1 (horizontal) and VPC-HD2000 (vertical), which are claimed as the first ‘consumer’ Full HD [1080p] camcorders capable of shooting at 60fps thanks to a new proprietary CMOS engine. They may not actually be the first but they will be the cheapest.A step down comes the HD Ready VPC-TH1 and VPC-Cᯆ, compact camcorders capable of recording 720p video at 30fps. They boast a very generous 30x optical zoom lens and a very impressive [claimed] recording time of 3 hours 20 minutes. They also double as 10MP digital cameras with face detection technology, 5x optical zoom and image stabiliser. For all you water babies and snowboarding loons, there’s the waterproof VPC-WH1 and VPC-CA9 models, boasting the “highest IEC 60529 waterproof rating”. They are both HD Ready [720p] models, with the VPC-CA9 capable of filming safely to a water depth of up to 1.5 metres (5 feet), while the VPC-WH1 is submersible down to 3 metres (10 feet). All models come with HDMI connectivity for simple hook-up to HDTVs and all use SD Card storage. The camcorders, which will start arriving from next month with the Full HD models, and will range in price from around £180 to £550. See more detailed specs below the photo.-Martin Lynch Full HD models (VPC-FH1 and VPC-HD2000) The Full HD Dual Camera Xactis are truly the benchmark in high definition, offering 1920 x 1080 pixels, and 60 frames per second recording for crystal clear, smooth motion videos. These highly advanced cameras not only offer a standard 1080i (interlaced) format (recording at 60 fields per second), but with the SANYO proprietary CMOS engine, recording is also available in 1080p (progressive) format at an ultra-smooth, professional-looking 60 frames per second. Main Features: VPC-FH1 (Horizontal; $499.99 MSRP) and VPC-HD2000 (Vertical; $599.99) Full 1080p HD Video (60fps) 8-Megapixel Digital Photos and High-Speed Sequential Shooting (12fps) High Speed Recording/Super Slow Motion Playback (240/600fps for 1/4 or 1/10 playback) 3-inch wide LCD Monitor (FH1), 2.7-inch wide LCD monitor (HD2000) for HD Playback 10x Optical Zoom for photos 16x advanced zoom (more area included than standard zooming, 160x digital zoom) for video Digital Image Stabilizer (Movies & Stills) ‘Face Chaser’ technology (up to 12 faces) for photos/videos HDMI Output (FH1); HDMI Digital Interface via Cradle (HD2000) Optional lenses: Tele, Wide, Semi-Fisheye External microphone input (HD2000) VPC-FH1 and VPC-HD200 are available in Black Compact HD models (VPC-TH1 and VPC-Cᯆ) In response to massive global demand for high definition equipment, SANYO′s Dual Camera Xacti line-up for 2009 are all designed to record high definition video. SANYO′s compact HD Models offer 720p (1280 x 720) HD capability and record at 30 frames per second. The VPC-TH1 also offers an impressive 30x optical zoom and an incredible 3-hr 20-min long continuous recording time–all in HD! Main Features: VPC-TH1 (Horizontal; $299.99 MSRP) HD Digital Video (720p, 30fps) 30x Optical Zoom 2-Megapixel sequential shooting (13fps) 3-inch LCD (TFT) Widescreen Display Long 3-hour 20-minute continuous recording battery life Digital Image Stabilizer (video and stills) ‘Face Chaser’ technology can detect up to 12 faces for photos and videos HDMI Output 3D DNR digital noise reduction for clearer images Available in Silver and Blue Main Features: VPC-Cᯆ (Vertical; $199.99 MSRP) 10-Megapixel photos and 720p HD video 5x optical zoom 3-inch Widescreen LCD Digital Image Stabilizer (video and stills) ‘Face Chaser’/Detection Technology (up to 12 faces) High-Speed Sequential Shooting 7fps 3D DNR digital noise reduction for clearer images Available in Black and Pink Waterproof Compact HD models (VPC-WH1 and VPC-CA9) With a conventional digital camera or camcorder, many users are understandably reluctant to film or shoot in the rain or other wet environments, fearing water damage to the camera. The VPC-WH1 and VPC-CA9, however, have earned the highest possible IEC 60529 waterproof rating–IPX8–allowing high definition 1280 x 720 30fps footage to be captured without worrying about the effects of water or snow. The VPC-CA9 is operable down to a water depth of up to 1.5 meters (5 feet), while the VPC-WH1 is submersible down to an astounding 3 meters (10 feet). With SANYO′s advanced waterproofing technology, these cameras can be used without thinking twice in the rain, for marine sports such as surfing or snorkeling, or for winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding. Main Features: VPC-WH1 (Horizontal; $399.99 MSRP) Waterproof up to 3 meters (10 feet) for one hour Exceptional 30x optical zoom 2.5-inch LCD Display 2-megapixel photos and 720p high-definition video 2-megapixel sequential shooting (13fps) ‘Face Chaser’ face detecting technology for both photos and videos (12 faces) 3-hour 20-minute recording time; long battery life HDMI Output Available in Blue and Yellow Main Features: VPC-CA9 (Vertical; $349.99 MSRP) Waterproof up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) for one hour 9-megapixel photos and 720p high-definition video High Speed Sequential shooting (7fps) 5x Optical Zoom 2.5″ LCD monitor ‘Face Chaser’ face detection technology Available in Black, Red and Green camcorder video camera

Whenever a company launches a camera with ‘Fun’ in the title, you can be sure it’s entry level. Canon’s PowerShot A480 is just that, a standard digital snapper for those who want better shots than they get on their mobile phones but don’t want to break the bank. The new 10MP A480 has a 2.5in display and is 25% smaller than its predecessor. It comes in silver, red, blue or black. It has a 3.3x optical zoom and the the DIGIC III processor handles all the internal photo magic, from image quality and colour reproduction to face and motion detection. Everything, says Canon, has been redesigned with ‘ease of use’ in mind and there’s a new button layout to make it simple for kiddies and old timers to get to grips with. “Whether you′re 7 years old or 70, the PowerShot A480 offers a great-value way to discover the fun of taking pictures,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “This camera brings Canon’s unrivalled image quality to its widest audience yet.” The face detection technology detects up to nine faces in a scene and adjusts focus, exposure, flash settings and white balance, while motion detection automatically adjusts the camera settings for those drunk relatives that just won’t stay still. There are 15 preset shooting modes, it can record 30fps video and it runs off AA batteries. It costs £129, which is reasonably recession-friendly, but sub-£100 would be nicer.-Martin Lynch digital camera camera photo

There are plenty surveillance gadgets around that can be used to keep an eye on your house while you’re out and about, with many of the more capable models offering features like motion detection and the ability to snap pictures that could be used as evidence of a break-in. The new ‘Eye Camera’ offers all of this and can also text or email you up to five images should motion be detected. Up to ten mobiles can be chosen to receive the text, so other family members/flat-mates can be alerted at the same time to help guarantee an immediate response. In addition, you can text the thing manually to request the most recent images, and there′s even an infra-red mode so it’ll work at night. A built in microphone records any voices/noise and though it is powered by the mains, a battery backup offers 24 hours of additional recording, should the perpetrators cut the mains power, for example. The Eye Camera is available now for £245 from the link below, and should certainly offer peace of mind to those concerned about their expensive new technology being nicked while they′re out and about. - Paul Lester [EyeSpySecurity] spy camera SMS security

We have a soft spot for LEGO here at Gizmodo UK [especially for this and this and this] which is why we′re delighted to hear that a US company has signed the rights to creating a whole new range of LEGO-inspired gadgets, from digital cameras to MP3 players. Sure, there are LEGO-looking USB sticks and MP3 players already, but these ones are official and, you can never have enough LEGO spin-offs. Digital Blue has announced that under the agreement, it will be licensed to build: LEGO Digital cameras, MP3 players, BIONICLE-inspired digital cameras, digital video cameras, speakers, walkie talkies and accessory cases. Just look at that funky camera above. Of course, while the products will have that brick-built look, they will not actually be comprised of separate blocks for the obvious reasons. Not least of which will be your kids borrowing your new devices for those extra pieces they need to complete their LEGO tractor. “We are thrilled to work with Digital Blue because of its expertise in the consumer electronics industry,” said Jill Wilfert, vice president of licensing for LEGO Group. “Digital Blue will help bring the LEGO brand to life in an all-new way for its fans. This partnership will enable fans to express themselves through photos, videos and music, while displaying their enthusiasm for one of the world’s all-time favourite toys.” The first products will arrive this summer and will be priced [based on US pricing for now] between £20 and £60.-Martin Lynch [KidsTechReview] lego gadgets toys

The latest entrant in the high definition (HD) pocket camcorder race, the Vado HD Pocket Video Cam from Creative, has just landed in Europe. We covered its existence here [and there's some sweet video links] but consumers can soon pick one up, although we are still awaiting pricing. The cool Kodak Zi6 is still the only HD pocket camcorder available in the UK, as the Flip minoHD - announced in November - is not expected to go on sale here for another few months. The Vado HD is capable of recording 720p and comes with an impressive 8GB of internal storage, which is good for around 2 hours of video. Sadly, there’s no SD Card slot for taking more video.Creative says the camcorder sports a ‘precision glass lens for stunning video quality’ and it comes bundled with a HDMI cable for outputting the content to a HDTV at up to 1080i. The Vado HD is the only pocket camcorder with HDMI connectivity selling right now. Vado HD has a 2in display and the removable, rechargeable battery is good for around 2 hours of shooting. The pop-out USB connector lets you attach it directly to a computer and the software supports one-click uploading of video content to YouTube or Box.net. Promo video below.-Martin Lynch video camcorder HD

We revealed details on the prototype of the this back in August but Polaroid finally launched the real deal that the CES show: a digital camera with a printer inside. Meet the PoGo Instant Digital Camera, the first digital camera and instant printer combo that will launch in the US and Europe in March for around [US pricing] $200 (£132). The camera, which features the Zink Zero Ink printer technology, lets you take your snaps and then print out a 2 x 3in picture straight from the camera at the push of a button. It’s like the 1970s all over again, just smaller. The full colour prints take under a minute and will appeal to those that are happy with small photos. “This is the digital version of our traditional instant camera, which consumers have loved since the 70s,” says Jon Pollock, vice president and general manager, Digital Imaging. “With this product, Polaroid will bring the magic of instant photography to a whole new generation. It’s what consumers have told us they want - a fun, easy way to use a digital camera to print photos and share their memories instantly.” Like the Polaroid PoGo Instant Mobile Printer, which launched in July, the camera uses the same Zink Paper and Zink Zero Ink Printing Technology from Zink Imaging. The paper has embedded, heat-activated dye crystals and the prints are dry to the touch when they appear so, sadly, there’s no ’shaking that picture’ like the old days. The camera is, predictably, not as thin as many digital cameras and measures 4.7in long by 3in tall, weighing in at 10oz. The paper will cost extra: 10 packs of the photo paper will cost around $5 (£3.30) and 30 packs for $13 (£8.50). So, the next Big Thing or, the next Big Gimmick?-Martin Lynch photo camera digital camera

OK, Sony has certainly pulled one out of the bag with its new Cyber-shot DSC-ˉ digital camera, the world’s first snapper with a Web browser. We’re only still getting used to digital cameras coming with Wi-Fi but the ˉ’s addition of a Web browser will certainly stir things up in the consumer space. The ˉ allows for users to connect to any wireless public hot spot and upload their photos and videos with a single click to sites like YouTube, Dailymotion, Picasa and others. Whether the actual browsing of the Web will be any good, remains to be seen. Let’s hope so. “Research shows that our customers greatly value sharing images and video clips, but they often forget or don’t have enough time if they wait to get home to upload images,” said Phil Lubell, director of digital camera marketing at Sony Electronics. “Our new Cyber-shot DSC-ˉ camera provides the simplicity and convenience of sharing in the moment, while the impulse is still fresh in people’s minds.” As a camera, it’s a 10MP snapper with 4x optical zoom, a 3.5in display and a very generous 4GB of internal storage. It sports a lot of the usual camera features too, from intelligent scene recognition and DNLA support to face detection and smile shutter. It’s out now and costs [US] around $500 (£330).-Martin Lynch camera sony internet

I′m sure there are those out there for whom robots with in-built cameras are the spawn of Satan but we happen to like roving spies and there are few as cute as the new Spyball from WowWee. Looking like something that rolled out of a sci-fi movie, the Spyball spy-cam is a remote controlled, Wi-Fi enabled, transforming robotic ball that the company says: “introduces an element of play to telepresence functionality”. Tell that to the dog. The Spyball transforms from ball to camera and back again, moving with “stealth and in disguise - perfect for spying on siblings or peeking into the kitchen”. Chasing the pets and freaking them out, is what we like doing. Just take your Wi-Fi enabled device - laptop, PC or handheld devices like a phone, PSP or DS - and you can remotely control the Spyball as it spins around the home being sneaky and intrusive and smashing whole loads of privacy rules for the rest of your family. No price or release date but it’s coming out this year and we’ll update this story with new details as the CES show progresses.-Martin Lynch robot spy toys

A rather bizarre looking ‘world-first′ today could be an early step (or rather more of a nervous shuffle) towards the sort of futuristic communication you’ve seen in a myriad of science fiction movies. Video conferencing in 3D will undoubtedly become pretty common at some point in the future but until we get holograms and proper imaging sorted out you’ll have to settle for the Minoru 3D webcam. It creates a stereoscopic effect using dual cameras and comes with five pairs of 3D glasses, presumably so you can hand them out to people you’re likely to be talking to. We’d be very surprised if this turns out to be anything more than a novelty but it certainly seems pretty easy to use - simply clip the ‘legs’ around the top of an LCD panel, plug it into a USB port, run a calibration utility and you’re ready to go. It’s compatible with all the expected IM software and but will set you back just under £50 from the link below, which may turn out to be pretty expensive if the effect is as uninspiring as we suspect. - Paul Lester [Firebox] web cam 3D video