Canon introduces their latest next generation EOS 1D digital SLR camera today, the EOS-1D Mark IV, with features such as a massive 16 megapixel CMOS sensor, dual DIGIC 4 imaging processors, 14 bit A/D data conversion, and the widest ISO range to date from Canon. Here’s what you need to know about the new digital SLR:

• New 45-point Area AF sensor including 39 cross-type AF points with f/2.8 support plus new AI Servo II AF with improved algorithm.
• ISO 100 – 12800 (expandable to L: 50, H1: 25600, H2: 51200, H3: 102400) for shooting from bright to dim light with low noise levels.
• EOS HD movie capture with manual exposure control and multiple frame rates (1080: 30p (29.97) / 24p (23.976) / 25p, 720: 60p (59.94) / 50p, 480: 60p (59.94) / 50p).
• 16.1 Megapixel APS-H CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors for high image quality and speed – Dual DIGIC 4 processors provide six times the processing power of DIGIC III for full 14 bit A/D conversion at 10fps
• 10.0 fps continuous shooting up to 121 Large JPEGS or 28 RAW using a UDMA CF card.
• 3.0-inch ClearView II LCD monitor, 160° viewing angle, 920,000-dot VGA, reflection resistance with multi coating and high-transparency materials for bright and clear viewing.
• Magnesium alloy body with shutter durability up to 300,000 cycles and exclusive dust- and weather-resistance.
• Fully compatible with over 50 EF lenses and a wide range of EOS System accessories.
• 60 percent more pixels than EOS-1D Mark III
• Peripheral Illumination Correction function corrects darkening that can occur in the corners of images with most lenses when used at their largest apertures
• Record on CF Type I and II, SD/SDHC memory cards, UDMA Mode 6 CF cards and/or external media

The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV digital SLR will be available in the U.S. starting in late December and will be sold in a body-only configuration for an estimated price of $4999.

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Technorati Tags: Canon EOS-1D Mark IV Digital SLR

OK.. so the new D300s is a bit expensive for the average consumer – that’s why Nikon also introduced last week the new affordable D3000 digital SLR camera. The camera features a new guide mode, a 10.2 megapixel resolution, and an extensive Retouch Menu for in-camera picture editing.

The full features and specs of the D3000 include:

• 11 point autofocus system
• EXPEED image processing
• Active D-Lighting system
• 3D color matrix metering II
• Guide Mode is an easy-to-use interface for newcomers to digital SLR photography providing step-by-step instructions
• Three inch 230K dot LCD display with easier-to-read font size
• 3D Subject Tracking
• In-camera retouch menu allows users to apply effects to images
• Capture images in NED (RAW) format
• Stop-Motion Movie Mode
• 10.2 megapixel CCD image sensor
• ISO range from ISO 100 to 1600
• Supports Eye-Fi memory card functions

The Nikon D3000 will be available later this month for a price of $599.95.

[Check it out]

[Check out the product page]

Technorati Tags: Nikon D3000 Digital SLR

Nikon introduced their latest digital SLR camera last week – the Nikon D300s. The camera features the friendly features of the D300 while improving and enhancing the speed, versatility, and agility of the camera. Features of the D300s include the following:

• 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor
• 51 point autofocus system
• 7 frame per second continuous shooting
• Record HD videos at 720p at 24 fps
• External stereo microphone input
• Dual card slots supporting CompactFlash, and SD cards separately
• One button Live View
• Quiet Shutter Release mode
• Active D-Lighting bracketing
• Three inch 920K dot LCD display
• Multiple focus modes including single point AF mode, and a dynamic area AF mode
• Face Detection System lets users zoom in on a human face in playback mode on the LCD monitor
• 1005 pixel 3D color matrix metering II
• Scene Recognition System (SRS)
• EXPEED image processing
• Low noise ISO sensitivity from 200 to 3200
• Magnesium Alloy Body
• Dynamic Integrated Dust Reduction System using ultrasonic process to remove dust in front of the image sensor
• 4 preset image capture preferences ( Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome) and 9 user customizable settings controlling Sharpening, Contrast, Brightness, Saturation and Hue.
• In-Camera image editing

The Nikon D300s will be available in late August for an estimated price of $1799.95.

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[Check out the product page]

Technorati Tags: Nikon D300s Digital SLR

The new Hybrid IS technology optimally compensates for both angle and shift camera shake. Angle shake and shift camera shake is depicted as follows:

According to Canon:

“The new Hybrid IS technology incorporates an angular velocity sensor that detects the extent of angle-based shaking and is found in all previous Canon optical image stabilizer mechanisms, as well as a new acceleration sensor that determines the amount of shift-based camera shake. Hybrid IS also employs a newly developed algorithm that synthesizes information from the two sensors to make optimal adjustments, thereby dramatically enhancing the effects of image stabilization during shooting, including macro shooting, which had proven difficult for conventional image stabilization technologies.”

Canon is still working on the commercialization and inclusion of these lens into a wide range of products but you can expect something to come out for the SLR market before the end of the year.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Canon Hybrid Image Stabilizer technology, Digital SLR

Eye-Fi announces the introduction of their latest wireless SDHC media card – the Eye-Fi Pro. The Eye-Fi Pro adds support for RAW image support and ad-hoc network support for peer to peer network connectivity without the need of a router. The company also announced today that all Eye-Fi card users can now select which photos or videos they want to transfer from their camera to the computer or the web using the new Selective Transfer feature.

Here’s what you need to know about the new Eye-Fi Pro card:

• 4GB SDHC Ccard
• Upload through Wi-Fi hotspots or set up an Ad Hoc network
• Upload RAW photos
• Automatic geotagging
• Send photos to any of over 25 popular sharing, blogging, and networking websites including Flickr, Facebook, Picasa, etc
• MSRP of $149.99

As for “Selective Transfer”, this is a new feature announced today which gives users more control over which photos and videos should be uploaded. All you need to do is “protect” or “lock” a file on your camera and then the Eye-Fi cards will automatically upload the file. Selective Transfer is free and available now for all Eye-Fi card users through the Eye-Fi Manager.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Eye-Fi, Eye-Fi Pro, Wireless SDHC card

The PENTAX K20D digital SLR just got a little cheaper. PENTAX announced that effective immediately, the K20D boy, and two K20D lens kits will be reduced by $200 dollars. This means the MSRP for the K20D will now be $799.95 while the K20D with DA 18-55mm II lens kit will go for $879.95 and the K20D with DA 16-45mm lens kit will be $1199.95.

In addition to the price reductions, PENTAX will extend their free three year warranty (one year standard, and two years extended) to March 31st, 2009.

In case you forgot, the K20D features:

• 14.6 megapixel resolution
• Dust-proof and weather-resistant body
• PENTAX developed shake reduction
• 2.7 inch LCD monitor with 160 degree field of view
• PRIME image processing engine
• Custom image nodes with six preset options
• Advanced white balance
• 36 custom functions with 96 individual settings
• Expanded dynamic range
• 16 segment metering and 11 point AF with 9 cross sensors

Technorati Tags: PENTAX K20D price reduction

Remember the days of passing around a photo album? Come on.. you remember what that was like right? Flip through a small album while your friend next to you waits for you to finish up. Pass it on when you’re done and work on the next album.  Seems like a long time ago doesn’t it?

Well, the folks at Digital Foci are trying to revive the photo album by bringing it to the world of digital images with the announcement of the “Photo Book”. Think of it as a slim portable digital picture frame encased in a soft leather-like (a.k.a. it’s not leather) case. Powered by a rechargeable Lithium Polymer battery, the Photo Book operates up to 2.5 hours, comes with an 8 inch 800 x 600 LCD color display, and a whopping 4 GB of internal memory.

Photo Book supports a number of picture transfer methods. You can transfer photos using a memory card or a USB flash drive OR you can connect the album directly to a computer via a USB cable and then transfer content that way. Memory card support includes CF, SD, SDHC, MMC, xD-Picture Card, Memory Stick, and MSPRO.

You can organize your picture content by albums and choose a specific album to view on the Photo Book. Yes, it even supports slideshow views with a supposed “elegant page-turning effect” (we’ll reserve final judgment until we actually see that effect).

More importantly, the Photo Book supports RAW images from high-end digital SLR cameras (though remember – you’re dealing with a display that has a resolution of 800 x 600). Other notable features for the Photo Book include:

• Copy albums directly from memory cards for USB flash drives to internal memory without needing a computer.
• Displays each photo album with folder name and photo preview.
• Optional displays show photo file name and slideshow counter.
• Run automatic Full-Screen or Photo Book photo Slideshows with adjustable time intervals.
• Scroll photos manually with zoom and rotate functions.
• Supported image formats – JPEG, BMP, TIFF, GIF, RAW image files from a wide selection of DSLR cameras.
• Automatic photo orientation based on EXIF data.
• Supported audio formats – MP3, AAC, WMA – music will play in the background during photo slideshow .
• Supported video formats – MJPEG, MPEG-1, MPEG-4 SP.
• Built-in 1 channel, 1.4W speaker.
• Runs on rechargeable Lithium polymer battery with 2.5 hours of battery life.

The Digital Foci Photo Book will be coming out in May at a price of $189. Expect to find the Photo Book at places like Amazon.com and Adorama.com.

Technorati Tags: Digital Foci, Photo Book, Digital Pictures

In an effort to spur sales, PENTAX has announced a series of price cuts for its K series digital cameras. Here’s a rundown of how the price cuts will work and how long they’re effective for (provided via the PENTAX press release).

• Effective February 1, 2009, the PENTAX K20D digital SLR body alone and all other K20D body and lens configurations will have an in-store instant $100.00 Consumer Rebate.  This is for a limited time only and ends February 22, 2009.  PENTAX is also extending the K20D FREE Three Year Warranty (one year standard, two years extended) on all K20Ds purchased by March 31, 2009.
• PENTAX also reduced the price of the PENTAX D-BG3 Battery Grip to $19.95 ($129.00 value) when combined with the purchase of the PENTAX K200D digital body and any PENTAX lens by March 31, 2009.
• Purchasers of the PENTAX K2000 flash kit (PENTAX K2000 body, smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL lens, and the PENTAX AF200FG Auto Flash) will benefit beginning February 1, 2009 from a price reduction to $599.95 on this kit and three new configurations shipping to dealers in February 2009.
  • PENTAX K2000 two lens kit (PENTAX K2000 body, smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL lens, and an smc PENTAX DA L 50-200mm F4-5.6 AL lens) will be $649.95.
  • PENTAX K2000 single lens kit (PENTAX K2000 body, smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL lens) will be $549.95.
  • PENTAX K2000 body only is $499.95.
• The Limited distribution white PENTAX K2000 DSLR system with a double zoom kit (PENTAX white K2000 body, white smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL lens, and a white smc PENTAX DA L 50-200mm F4-5.6 AL lens) will be offered at $679.95.

A quick check on PriceGrabber shows the K20D body to be available for as low as $742.95 at OneCall.com (on the “Featured Sellers” list) – though it’s not clear if the $100 dollar price reduction is already included in that price..

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Technorati Tags: PENTAX, PENTAX K20D, PENTAX price reductions

Taking high resolution panoramic images just got significantly easier thanks to the launch of the GigaPan Epic by GigaPan Systems. Utilizing technology from the NASA Mars Rover, the GigaPan Epic allows users to easily take “giga-pixel” panoramic images using almost any point-and-shoot digital camera.

The process itself is super-easy and straightforward.

• Attach your digital camera to the Epic robotic mount
• Set the upper left and lower right corners of the desired panorama
• Epic calculates how many photos you’ll need to take (it could be hundreds or even thousands of images mind you) and then automatically takes the images – organizing them in the correct rows and columns needed to capture the panorama
• Upload all of the captured images to your PC where the GigaPan Stitcher software automatically combines them into a super large panorama

You can then upload the giga-pixel, super immensely large image to GigaPan.org where users can view, zoom in/out of pictures using the GigaPan Viewer.

Need an example of what the GigaPan Epic can do? Check out this picture taken by professional freelance photographer David Bergman at the Obama inaugural address.

Play with the controls and see the incredible image he captured with the GigaPan Epic. Heck, if you were there maybe you’ll find yourself in the image! Yes.. I think it’s an awesome device.

Wondering what digital cameras are supported by the Epic? Check out this link to see a complete list of compatible cameras. If you have a larger point and shoot digital camera, then you might want to check out the GigaPan Epic 100 which will be available soon. All cameras supported by the Epic will also be supported by the Epic 100.

As for price, the GigaPan Epic is available now for $379 while the upcoming GigaPan Epic 100 will be priced at $449.

I might have to get a hold of that Epic at some point in the future! I’d love to take panoramic shots of the oceans out here in LA.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: GigaPan Systems, GigaPan Epic, GigaPan Epic 100, Panoramic Pictures,

Digital Foci announces their latest Picture Porter device – the Picture Porter 35. Featuring a 3.5 inch color screen, a multi-format memory card reader, and hard drive capacities starting at 160GB, the Picture Porter 35 is designed to be your “portable photo manager”. Take this device with you while you’re on the road and you won’t need a notebook anymore to offload your digital pictures. Simply snap your pictures and then transfer them to the Picture Porter 35. The device also supports RAW images with zoom, EXIF, and histogram data which allows you to examine your pictures in greater detail.

The Picture Porter 35 also comes with USB host functionality which allows you to attach external hard drives for secondary backups (great for those of you paranoid about losing your content). You can also perform functions such as slideshows, audio and video playback, record audio, and output audio and video.

Specs include:

• Supports CF, MMC, RS-MMC, SD, SDHC, miniSD, Memory Stick, MS PRO, MS Duo, MS PRO Duo, xD
• 3.5 inch color TFT LCD display with backlight and 320 x 240 resolution
• 2.5 inch SATA HDD
• USB 2.0
• USB Host capable
• Supports JPEG, GIF, TIFF, RAW
• Supports MPEG1, MPEG4, MJPEG
• Supports MP3, WMA 7-9, AAC
• Records in AAC
• TV Out in NTSC or PAL
• Mono microphone
• Built-in speaker
• 3.7V 2100mAh replaceable rechargeable Lithium Ion battery
• Measures 5.4 x 3.8 x 1.2 inches and weighs 14 oz with hard drive and battery

The Picture Porter 35 will be available this summer – MSRP has yet to be determined.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Digital Foci, Picture Porter 35, Portable Photo Manager

Say hello to Nikon’s latest flagship digital SLR – the D3X. With a whopping 24.5 megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor, the D3X has the following key features:

• Nikon EXPEED image processing technologies
• 138MB Processed NEF (RAW) 12 or 14 bit image files
• Low noise ISO sensitivity from 100 to 1600. Added ISO settings of Lo-1 ISO 50, Hi-1 ISO 3200 and Hi-2 ISO 6400 extend versatility.
• Two Live View shooting modes
• Continuous shooting at up to 5 fps at full FX format resolution
• 51-point AF system with 4 Dynamic AF modes
• 1005 Pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II with Scene Recognition System
• 3 inch super sensitivity 920,000 dot VGA LCD Monitor
• 100% viewfinder coverage
• Nikon Picture Control
• magnesium-alloy construction
• Dual CF card slots
• Virtual Horizon Graphic indicator
• Up to 4,400 images per battery charge

The Nikon D3X will be available starting in December for an MSRP of $7999.95.

[Check out the press release]

[Check out the product page]

Technorati Tags: Nikon D3X, Digital SLR

PENTAX has announced their new K2000 entry level digital SLR system designed specifically for consumers. The K2000 features easy to use Auto Picture modes, a small, light body, a 10.2 megapixel CCD, a 2.7 inch wide-view LCD display, and an ultra-compact design that “facilitates one handed operation”

Additional specs and features include:

• Compact, lightweight stainless steel chassis
• Redesigned camera grip
• Newly designed control system which positions most buttons and levers on the camera’s grip side
• PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine) imaging engine
• high speed continuous shooting at approximately 3.5 frames per second
• Five point wide-area AF system
• Up to ISO 3200
• Shake Reduction technology compatible with more than 25 million PENTAX lenses
• Auto Picture Mode selects from Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action, and Night Portrait modes
• Dust Removal System
• Bright, clear viewfinder
• Built-in digital filters (14 in total)
• 10 scene modes
• Energy-efficient power supply
• Choice of 16 segment multi-pattern metering, center-weighted metering and spot metering to accommodate various photographic applications
• Simultaneous recording of RAW- and JPEG-format images
• Supports SD/SDHC memory cards

The new PENTAX digital SLR is known as the K2000 in the U.S. while the rest of the world knows it as the PENTAX K-m.  The K2000 will ship in two kits – the PENTAX K2000 Lens Kit with the smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL lens and the PENTAX K2000 Double Zoom Kit with the smc PETAX DA L 50-200mm f/4-5.6 ED lens.

PENTAX also announced two high performance interchangeable lens – the smc PENTAX DA Star 60-250mm f/4 ED[IF] SDM telephoto lens, and the smc PENTAX DA Star 55mm f/1.4 SDM compact medium telephoto lens. Finally, the company announced the PENTAX AF160FC Auto Macro Ring Flash.

Here’s what you need to know about pricing and availability:

• The PENTAX K2000 digital SLR system with smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL lens and PENTAX AF200FG flash will ship in November 2008 at US $699.95.
• The PENTAX K2000 digital SLR system with smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm and smc PENTAX DA L 50-200mm lenses will ship in early 2009.
• The smc PENTAX DA Star 60-250mm f/4 ED[IF] SDM lens will ship in January 2008 at US $1499.95.
• The smc PENTAX DA Star 55mm f/1.4 SDM lens will ship in January 2008 at US $799.95.
• The PENTAX AF160FC Ring Flash will ship in November 2008 at US $499.95.
• The smc PENTAX DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited lens and 1.4X Rear Converter SDM price and availability are to be announced.

Technorati Tags: PENTAX, K2000 Digital SLR

Canon introduced the successor to the EOS 5D camera today in the form of the EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR. This camera features a 21.1 megapixel resolution, Canon’s new DIGIC 4 image processor, and the ability to capture full HD video clips at 1920 x 1080. The features and specs include the following:

• 21.1 megapixel full frame 24 x 36mm CMOS sensor
• DIGIC 4 image processor
• Supports ISO speeds from 100 to 6400 in 1/3 stop increments
• Two high speed ISO settings – H1 and H2 (ISO 12800  and ISO 25600)
• One low speed setting of ISO 50
• 16:9 Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 and 30 fps
• 4:3 standard TV quality video capture at 640 x 480 and 30 fps
• Live View function for both still images and video
• Records video at up to 4GB per clip or a max of 29 minutes and 59 seconds
• HDMI output
• Peripheral Illumination Correction evens brightness across the image field when shooting JPEG images
• Auto Lighting Optimizer helps ensure picture’s subject is clearly visible
• Creative Auto Mode allows users to make image adjustments using easy navigation screen on LCD menu
• Two small RAW formats
• Silent Shooting in Live View
• Integrated Cleaning System

The EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR will be available by the end of November with the body going for $2699. A kit version with Canon’s EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM zoom lens will go for $3499.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Canon, EOS 5D Mark II

Moving up the food chain, Canon introduced their latest digital SLR camera today called the EOS 50D. The new 50D features a whopping 15.1 megapixel resolution, Canon’s latest DIGIC 4 image processor, an expanded ISO range, improved noise reduction, and in-camera photo editing features.

The 50D (which is the successor to the 40D model which will still remain in Canon’s line of digital SLRs), has the following specs:

• 14 bit Analog to Digital conversion process for smooth tones
• Enhanced noise reduction
• Supports up to 6.3 frames per second shooting
• 15.1-megapixel CMOS APS-C size image sensor
• ISO 100 up to ISO 3200 in 1/3-stop increments and two high speed settings – ISO 6400 and ISO 12800
• Multiple levels of noise reduction (four settings – Standard/Weak/Strong/None)
• Peripheral illumination correction, which automatically evens brightness across the image field
• Enhanced Auto Lighting Optimizer analyzes the brightness of subjects and automatically adjusts dark images so that they appear brighter
• 3 inch Clear View LCD screen
• Includes HDMI output
• new “CA” Creative Full Auto setting – allowing users to make adjustments before shooting while still in an Automatic mode, without needing to know the meaning of technical terms such as aperture, shutter speed, etc
• Live View supports Quick Mode AF, Live Mode AF, and Face Detection AF
• Two small RAW formats
• EOS integrated cleaning system

Make sure to read the press release for much more detailed information on the new EOS 50D. The camera will be coming out in October for a price of $1399 for the body only.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Canon, EOS 50D digital SLR

You want MAJOR megapixels? How about say.. FIFTY MEGAPIXELS!! Yes.. that’s right. You heard me.. 50.. that’s 5 0 megapixels! That’s what you get if you shell out god knows how much for the new Hasselblad H3DII-50. This digital camera features Kodak’s 50 megapixel 36 x 48mm sensor and is ideal for those of you out there who need the ultimate in image resolutions. Just how crazy is that 50 megapixel image sensor? Well Kodak states the following:

At 50 {megapixels] the sensor captures digital images with unprecedented resolution and detail. For instance, with a 50 megapixel camera, in an aerial photo of a field 1-½ miles across, you could detect an object about the size of a small notebook computer (1 foot by 1 foot)

Well alrighty then…

If the 50MP didn’t impress you, here are the other specs to the H3DII-50:

• 3 inch display
• Hasselblad Natural Color Solution
• Integrated CCD cooling sink for lower noise
• Direct ISO/WB control
• Thumbwheel control of digital menus
• GPS accessory option
• Full Digital APO Correction for improved image sharpness and detail
• Choice of eye level or waist level viewfinders
• Field FW upgrade of H3D cameras
• Easy sensor cleaning
• Un-tethered and tethered operations
• RAW or DNG export
• CF or SanDisk Extreme IV’s

According to ExtremeTech, the H3DII-50 can record at 1 frame per second with RAW files at around 65MB in size. No word on the price but I’m pretty sure it’s more expensive than my car.. or heck.. two of my cars.

[Check it out via ExtremeTech]

Technorati Tags: Hasselblad H3DII-50, 50 megapixel

Canon has a new digital SLR for the entry level market and it’s called the EOS Rebel XS. With the Rebel XS, Canon brings to the market a fast, easy to use, lightweight camera that will satisfy both first time SLR photographers as well as advanced enthusiasts. The Rebel XS features the following:

• Optical Image Stabilized kit lens
• Canon’s DIGIC III image processor
• 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor
• Live View
• Auto Lighting Optimizer
• 7 point wide-area autofocus (AF) sensor
• 3.0 frames per second continuous JPEG burst rate
• 2.5 inch LCD screen

The EOS Rebel XS is compatible with Canon’s lineup of 60+ EF and EF-S lens and will be available in black or silver colored bodies.The Rebel XS will ship in August with an estimated price of $699.99.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Canon, Rebel XS

Nikon has formally announced the new D700 Digital SLR camera featuring a 12.1 effective megapixel Nikon FX-format sensor which measures 23.9 x 36 mm – that’s nearly the size of 35 mm film. The D700 builds upon the Nikon D3 professional digital SLR camera incorporating capabilities such as Nikon’s EXPEED image processing system, Nikon’s 51 point auto focus system with 3D focus tracking, and two Live View shooting modes.

Here’s a list of some of the key features found in the new D700:

• Nikon original 12.1 megapixel FX format CMOS sensor
• ISO sensitivity up to 6400 and low noise
• Continuous shooting up to 5 frames per second
• Three inch 920K dot VGA display with 170 degree viewing angle
• Two Live View shooting modes
• Rugged magnesium alloy construction
• 51 point auto focus system with 3D Focus Tracking – can be used individually or in groups
• Dynamic integrated dust reduction system – utilizes four distinct vibration frequencies to free particles from the sensor’s optical low-pass filter at startup, shutdown, or on demand
• 1005 pixel 3D color matrix metering II
• Nikon’s Scene Recognition System – analyzes information from the 1005 pixel RGB light sensor for use in auto exposure auto white balance, and autofocus calculations
• Nikon Picture Control settings
• Active D-Lighting with new auto mode
• CompactFlash card support and support for high speed UDMA CF cards
• Starts up in 0.12 seconds
• Shutter lag response time of 0.40 ms
• Outputs video via HDMI-C standard

The Nikon D700 will be available in late July for an estimated price of $2999.95 for the body only.

[Check it out]

[Check out the press release]

Technorati Tags: Nikon D700, Digital SLR

Some of the features on the PENTAX K20D include:

• 14.6 effective megapixel CMOS image sensor
• Custom image functions allows users to select between six preset options and further adjust image processing including saturation, hue, contrast and sharpness
• Expanded dynamic range function
• Live View support
• 2.7 inch LCD monitor
• Dust Reduction system featuring a new Dust Alert function which tells you where the exact location of dust particulars for the photographer to remove
• Weather and dust resistant body
• PC sync socket

The K20D will be available in April for $1299.95.

Some of the features on the PENTAX K200D include:

• Contains imaging technology found on the K10D
• 10.2 megapixel
• 2.7 inch wide view LCD display
• Auto picture and scene modes that offer shooting ease
• Weather and dust resistant body
• Custom image functions
• Expanded Dynamic Range for more contrast and detail in bright settings
• Improved dust reduction system
• PENTAX developed Shake Reduction system

The K200D will be available in March for $799.95 with a new 18-55 mm lens.

Technorati Tags: PENTAX, K20D, K200D

There’s a new Rebel in the midst and it’s called the Canon EOS Rebel XSi. This entry level digital SLR features a 12.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, improved autofocus sensor, enhanced 14 bit A/D conversion, advanced Live View function, and the Canon proprietary DIGIC III image processor. Here’s the complete feature list for the XSi:

• 12.2 megapixel CMOS sensor
• DIGIC III Image Processor
• 14-bit A/D conversion
• extensive noise reduction technology
• Auto Optimization for superior highlight-shadow control
• 3.5 fps continuous shooting – up to 53 full resolution JPEGs or 6 RAW images in a burst
• 3 inch LCD display with 170 degree wide viewing angle
• Live View function
• Fast 9 point AF systems and two types of AF during Live View
• Compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards
• Spot Metering, External flash settings on the camera’s menu, and a new higher magnification viewfinder
• Compatible with 60 EF/EF-S lenses and wide range of EOS system accessories

The Canon EOS Rebel XSi is due in April and will come in two versions – a body kit and a lens kit version. The body kit will sell for $799.99 while the lens kit with an EF-S17-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens will sell for $899.99.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Canon EOS Rebel XSi

Those of you looking to get the power of a digital SLR but not looking to deal with the details of changing lens and accessories might be interested in the newly announced Fujifilm FinePix S100FS. The FinePix S100FS comes with a 14.3x Fujinon manual zoom lens, an 8th generation Super CCD sensor with 11 megapixel resolution, RP III processor, a 2.5 inch tiltable LCD display and ISO capabilities up to ISO 6400 at 6 megapixels and ISO 10,000 at 3 megapixels. Other features include:

• 14.3 x optical zoom 28-400 mm (35 mm equivalent) lens
• Face Detection 2.0 with Auto Red Eye Correction
• Dual Image Stabilization combines Optical Image Stabilization with Fujifilm’s Picture Stabilization
• Wide Dynamic Range up to 400%
• Film Simulation modes offer pro photographic characteristics
• Multi Bracketing functions
• High Sensitivity ISO 3200 at full resolutions
• Support for xD/SD/SDHC
• Movie Mode with sound at 30 frames per second in VGA quality
• High Speed Shooting using newly developed Super CCD VIII “HR” and a new image processor RP III processor. At 3 megapixels, a maximum of 50 continuous shots at 7 frames/second is possible. 14 scene settings and customer settings can be selected
• Capture images in both JPEG and RAW formats

The Fujifilm FinePix S100FS will be coming out in February for a retail price of $799.95.

[Check it out]

Technorati Tags: Fujifilm, FinePix S100FS