Vivitar, the company that has been on the market of photographic devices over 70 years, launched at the beginning of January its collection of affordable, multi-functional and easy-to-use digital cameras. they differ in technical specs but are united by their slim and sleek bodies.

The manufacturer claims that the ViviCam series (as they are called) were designed to satisfy every level of amateur photographer and will suit those who are totally novice as well. The Vivicams include digital camera ranged from 5 to 14 megapixels.

The ViviCam V5028 is a twin-view, 5.1-megapixel digicam. It features 4x digital zoom (strange but it does) and a 1.8” preview LCD screen for easy self-portrait shots and viewing. The device has also anti-shake capabilities to combat blur and face detection to male portraits perfect. It uses 3 AAA batteries as power source and sells at an SRP of just $69.

The ViviCam VX018 camera features 10.1 Megapixels with the same 1.8” preview screen, 4x digital zoom, face detection, anti-shake and a USB connection. For more megapixels you are required to pay more as the device costs $99.

The underwater, all-weather ViviCam VT026 has 12.1 Megapixels of resolution. Its LCD preview screen is bigger, 2.4” large. It shares the same 4x digital zoom, face detection and anti-shake capabilities with the above mentioned digicams. The price tag for it is $199.

At last, Vivitar’s innovative VF540 camera offers GPS capabilities and can thus geo-tag your images. It has 14.1-megapixel sensor, a large 3.0″ full touch panel screen, 5X optical zoom, face detection and anti-shake with a USB connection. For these specs you’ll pay $199.

Vivitar branded cameras have risen from the ashes at the beginning of 2009. Sakar International unveiled 15 Vivitar-branded digital cameras, also video cameras, SLR lenses and flashes, and a battery charger — all expected to ship this spring.

The 2009 Vivitar lineup includes:

• Vivitar V8025 digital camera: 8-megapixels, 8x digital zoom, 2.4-inch touch-screen LCD, face and smile detection, street price of $99
• The Vivitar DVR840XHD camcorder: records 5-megapixel stills with a 5x optical zoom and a 3-inch LCD.
• 85mm F1.4A spherical lens for portraits
• 500mm f/8.0 mirror lens
• 800mm f/8.0 mirror lens - all compatible with both film and digital SLRs
• 650-1300mm preset lens with a universal mounting ring (T-mount)
• 650-1300mm super telephoto lens that offers a zoom range from 16 feet
• DF-283 AF flash
• DF-383 power zoom LCD display flash
• Ultimate Smart lithium-ion battery charger

I’d like to point your attention to the Vivitar V8400P waterproof camera, an upgrade from 2006’s 6-megapixel Vivitar 6200W. The new camera features 8-megapixel resolution, an 8x digital zoom (now? digital zoom?), 2.4-inch LCD, image stabilization (I guess, digital) to keep the camera steady from the normal shaking patterns and movements of the human body.

This mid-grade designed to provide cheaper - low retail price! - offerings to people of all ages for taking bright, colorful, in-the-water pictures when swimming, diving or snorkeling. It is completely safe at depths up to 30 feet. The camera’s additional features make it even more rugged –it is housed in a shockproof and drop-resistant body style.

Vivitar V8400P – Specifications:

• Mid-grade camera
• 8-megapixel Resolution
• Maximum Image Size: 3264×2736 pixels
• 8x Digital zoom
• Image Stabilization
• 2.4-inch LCD screen
• Full length video capture mode
• 32MB Internal Memory
• Compatible with SD/SDHC memory card support up to 8GB maximum
• Shockproof and drop-resistant body
• Waterproof to a depth of 30 feet
• Street Price: $129

According to http://www.vivitar.com.

Sakar International has recently unveiled a new line of Vivitar products that are digital, underwater and video cameras, digital SLR camera lenses and a battery charger. The new cameras combine the strong feature set and moderate pricing, which has been characteristic of Vivitar photography products for over 70 years.

They are as follows:

1. Vivitar V8400P Underwater 8.1MP Digital Camera – is a handy device when swimming, diving or snorkeling. This compact camera takes bright, colorful, in-the-water pictures. It is one of the most affordable underwater cameras on the market.

• Waterproof at depths up to 30 feet
• Shockproof
• 8x Digital Zoom
• 2.4” LCD
• 32MB internal memory
• SD memory card slot for cards up to 8GB
• Video capture

2. Vivitar DVR840XHD Camcorder, a 5-megapixel high definition video camera.

• 5x optical zoom
• 3” TFT display
• Weight: 14 ounces
• Uses SD memory cards with capacities up to 8MB
• Image Stabilization
• MP3/MP4 player
• Voice Recorder

3. Vivitar V8025, a high definition budget-priced touch screen camera with a super-slim design for easy stowing in a pocket, purse or briefcase. (displayed on the picture)

• 8-megapixel Resolution
• 2.4” LCD
• Memory: SD cards up to 8GB
• 8x Digital Zoom
• Image Stabilization
• Face Detection
• Smile Detection

“These new cameras cater to consumers who want excellent image quality, advanced features and easy usability at an affordable price,” said Sakar COO Ralph Sasson. “Vivitar has always filled that role, and these new products continue that tradition.”

Also new to the Vivitar family are Sakar’s:

4. Vivitar Series 1 Lenses for Digital SLRs:

• 85mm F1.4A spherical lens for portraits
• 500mm and 800mm f/8.0 mirror lenses usable with both film and digital SLR cameras
• 650-1300mm preset lens with a universal mounting ring that allows the lens to fit practically all SLR cameras manufactured since 1960

5. Vivitar Ultimate Smart LCD Charger for lithium ion batteries. It charges a single battery in one hour, operates at either 100V or 240V for worldwide use, can be plugged into the car charger for on-the-go use, and supports over 300 batteries of different brands.

All new Vivitar products will be exhibited at the International CES Show and will be available in spring 2009. In addition, Sakar plans to add other Vivitar-branded products, including camera accessories and digital photo frames.