News has been leaked appearing to confirm the imminent and much-anticipated release of Gizmodo’s USB connector accessory enabling iPod owners to transfer images directly from a digital camera.

The source is an Apple Japan advertisement for the device complete with tagline: “iPod, Meet Camera”.

Reports are now suggesting that the iPod Camera Connector could be available on the UK market within four months, priced from around £15.99.

In an interview with Cnet News.com last week, Apple vice president Greg Joswiak described the picture accessory as “a small white plastic device, similar in appearance to a small docking station, that has a cable for connecting to the iPod and a USB port for connecting to a camera.

“Pictures loaded onto an iPod directly will be able to display immediately on the iPod. But for the photos to be shown on a TV, the iPod Photo will need to be connected to a Mac or PC first.”

Reports are uncertain as to whether the accessory will be USB 2.0, high speed, or USB 1.1, but most concur that the development represents an exciting, ambitious step for the iPod.