PMA is the world’s largest annual photo trade show and it’s scheduled to take place January 31 – February 2, 2008. With over 650 exhibitors, it’s always full of the biggest announcements of the year. (You can see this year’s exhibitors here.)
After a rocking series of announcements this fall from Nikon (the D3 and D300), Canon (the 40D and 1Ds Mk III), Sony (the a700) and Olympus (the E-3), what more can we expect from major camera manufacturers at PMA 2008?
Below is the rundown of the latest developments from PMA. Please note that I will continue to update this page with the latest announcements throughout PMA (hence, I’ll delete rumors and speculations and replace it with news as the information becomes available).
Canon
Replacing the EOS Rebel XTi / 400D, Canon has announced the EOS Rebel XSi / 450D, which is a 12.2 megapixel DSLR. Along with the Rebel XSi, Canon announced the availability of the EF-S 55-250mm IS lens for US customers. This lens was announced in August 2007, however, it was previously unavailable in the US.
On the “pro” gear side of things, Canon launched the previously announced EF 200mm f/2L IS USM and EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM lenses, priced at $6,000 and $12,000, respectively.
In the point & shoot realm, Canon announced the PowerShot A590 IS, A580 and A470 to update the popular “A” series digital cameras. Additionally, Canon updated the PowerShot SD1000 IS Digital ELPH camera with the PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital ELPH camera.
For details on all of these new products from Canon, please click on the respective links above to go to Photography Bay’s in-depth coverage.
Nikon
Nikon announced the new 10.2 megapixel Nikon D60 on January 29, 2007. Rather than creating an entirely new DSLR that’s a true “step up” from the Nikon D40x, Nikon settled on the solid 10.2 megapixel sensor that has made the D40x such a great camera and “upgraded” the rest of the camera to include next generation features like built-in sensor cleaning, built-in filter effects, Active D-Lighting (featured in the Nikon D3/D300) and 3D Color Matrix Metering II (also from the D3/D300). For more info, check out the reviews, resources and other info on the Nikon D60 page.
What most people were expecting before the Nikon D60 rumors got to full steam was a successor to the Nikon D80. The D80 was introduced by Nikon in August 2006, which would have made PMA 2008 the proper timeframe for the typical 18-month product life cycle that we’ve grown accustomed to in consumer/prosumer DSLRs. Additionally, the D80 is sadly behind on the technology curve in light of the current offerings from Nikon and other DSLR manufacturers. The D80 remains the little brother of the D200. The introduction of the Nikon D60 seems to convey the message that Nikon has consolidate their line with only one entry-level DSLR. However, you can find any further developments/rumors/etc. on the Nikon D90 page.
In addition, Nikon has added some new lenses for its DSLR lineup, which are as follows:
Finally, Nikon added a number of point and shoot cameras to its stable:
- Nikon COOLPIX S600
- Nikon COOLPIX S550
- Nikon COOLPIX S520
- Nikon COOLPIX S210
- Nikon COOLPIX L16 and L18
- Nikon COOLPIX P60
For details on all of these new products from Nikon, please click on the respective links above to go to Photography Bay’s in-depth coverage.
Sony
Sony is expected to fully roll out all the details on their flagship DSLR, believed to be called the a900. The a900 will be a step up over the a700, which is now available.
Additionally, Sony rolled out their next iteration of the Alpha a100 at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) earlier in January – the A200. Just prior to PMA, Sony announced the Sony A300 and A350, which share the consumer-oriented body of the A200 and weigh in at 10.2 and 14.2 megapixels respectively. Both cameras will be available in April – at $800 for the A300 with a 18-70mm kit lens and the A350 in a $900 kit or an $800 body-only package.
Sony has also announced several new point & shoot models, which include the following:
For details on all of these new products from Sony, please click on the respective links above to go to Photography Bay’s in-depth coverage.
Olympus
Olympus doesn’t really have much more to show us as far as DSLR bodies are concerned. We saw the introduction of the E-410 and E-510 last Spring, and the E-3 was introduced just last month. Their entire line is new. We could see updates for the E-410 and E-510 at Photokina next fall, but I wouldn’t hold my breath on any new bodies from Olympus at PMA ’08. Olypmus could (and should) continue to introduce lenses to beef up their 4/3 System. Their new Supersonic Wave Drive (SWD) lenses really boost focus speed, especially when coupled with the new E-3. Expect to see more of these, hopefully at PMA ’08.
Pentax
Pentax has replaced the K10D and K100D with new models – the K20D and K200D, respectively. The K20D has 14.6 megapixels and the K200D gets 10.2 megapixels and they are priced at $1299 and$799, respectively.
Additionally, Pentax has announced a number of new smc lenses to couple the with new K20D and K200D DSLRs. Details on the new lenses can be found on the K20D and K200D page as well. The lens pricing and shipping dates are as follows:
- smc PENTAX DA* 200mm f/2.8 ED (IF) SDM will ship in March 2008 for $1099.95
- smc PENTAX DA* 300mm f/4 ED (IF) SDM will ship in May 2008 for $1299.95
- smc PENTAX DA 55-300mm f/4-5.8 ED will ship in May 2008 for $399.95
- smc PENTAX DA 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited will ship in April 2008 for $599.95
- smc PENTAX DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AL II will ship as a kit lens with PENTAX K200D in March 2008 (value $199.95)
Finally, Pentax announced a four new Optio series cameras – the Optio M50, Optio S12, Optio E50 & Optio A40.
For details on all of these new products from Pentax, please click on the respective links above to go to Photography Bay’s in-depth coverage.
Samsung
Samsung has announced the new GX-20, the fraternal twin of the Pentax K20D, both of which tout nearly identical features but come in a different body, some display variations and other subtle differences. For further details, visit on the Samsung GX-20 page.
Sigma, Tamron & Tokina
We’re interested in what everyone’s favorite step-children are doing with their lens offerings. Sigma has rolled out more HSM lenses to go along with the Nikon D40(x) and D60. Tamron has already announced a few internal focusing lenses that are compatible with Nikon’s consumer grade DSLRs (see below). Now we’re just waiting on Tokina to jump on board.
Also, image stabilization is becoming more and more essential (and marketable) for Canon and Nikon cameras. This is due in part to the push we’ve seen from Sony, Olympus and Pentax to incorporate IS in the body of DSLRs. Sigma has a few lenses that offer Optical Stabilization, as Sigma calls it, including their new 18-200mm OS lens. Tamron’s got the superzoom 28-300mm VC (vibration compensation). Expect more of this feature as these companies introduce new lenses.
New Tamron Products
- Tamron SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO
- Tamron SP AF10-24MM F/3.5-4.5 DI II LD ASPHERICAL (IF)
- Tamron AF18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di II (model A14NII); SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II (model A16NII); and 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di
New Sigma Products (via DPReview.com)
- Sigma announces DP1 to be available spring 2008
- Sigma 18-125mm f/3.8-5.6 DC OS HSM
- Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 HSM for Nikon
- Sigma 70-200 and 50-150 f/2.8 APO EX DG for Pentax and Sony
- Sigma 10-20mm and 70-200mm for Four Thirds
- Sigma APO 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM
- Sigma APO 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM
- Sigma 200-500 f/2.8 EX DG
Stay tuned and I’ll keep you posted with the latest rumblings on the latest gear as it surfaces at PMA and elsewhere on the web.
More PMA Reports
[tags]pma, nikon, canon, sony, olympus, sigma, tamron, tokina, 2008[/tags]
I’m honored that you mentioned Photo Buffet in this post. The intricate details of nature inspire me, and it’s good to know that my images inspire others, as well. Thank you!
What about Pentax?
Good point Julian. I did leave them out. Perhaps it was the late hour of my post… Let me do some digging and I’ll update it soon. In the mean time, I’m open to tips, thoughts and insights on Pentax’ game plan.
We’re not really concerned about DSLR bodies here (no one takes the SD-14 seriously, right?). hrmpf.. ;) When it comes to pure IQ then it’s on it’s own! But why care about that when you have something like MEGA PIXELS and a really cool and sophisticated guessing game!!! :D YEAH!
Carl,
I’ve not seen much fanfare for the SD-14. Even though some people are impressed with the IQ, I’ve seen a lot of complaints re: noise and general clunkiness of the camera. My apologies if you’re offended, but when you say “Sigma”, I’m thinking about lenses – not cameras. I’d be surprised to find anything but a small minority that disagree with me.
Cheers!
Me too!
I read all this whole article/blog wanting to know more about the next Pentax replacement for the K10D. What about the Pentax 645? The K10D has been great, but I want something to go against the upper end Nikons.
Thanks,
EB
Is it to be expected that a replacement for the Canon EF 24-70L f/2.8 USM will show up at the next PMA? Considering of buying such a lens, but MTF’s are not up to date anymore. The ‘overall punch’ is still good, but probably will improve in the next model.
Jacques,
I haven’t heard anything about any lenses other than the superteles that Canon recently announced were in development. Often times, we are surprised at the new/updated lenses that Canon releases at these events. I certainly wouldn’t be surprised at a “II” version of the 24-70 L coming out at PMA. If I hear whispers of it, I’ll be sure to pass that along.
“These features in the successor to the Nikon D80 at a price point less than the 40D will deliver quite a blow to Canon’s lineup. With an updated D80, Nikon would have every model in Canon’s lineup well-flanked, with the exception of the Canon 1Ds Mark III.”
i quite disagree.
Nikon misses a competitior for 5D, the high-end. prosumer FF market.
a d300x, FF, 3-5 fps, would be highly appreciated
I’m waiting for Canon to introduce a successor to TX1 with better HD capability and improved image. The only thing missing on that one would be a cell phone…
Anything new expected from Panasonic?
Eric, re the Sigma SD14:
Noise:
What I found out, is that generally one has to underexpose when shooting digitally, in order to not blow out the highlights. But the Foveon sensor used in the Sigma SD14 behaves a lot more like color negative film. That is, rather overexpose a little, and bring back the highlights when developing. Then there’s no noise problems whatsoever. That said, it ain’t no sports camera, or press photographer camera either. Too slow, and low ISO (max 1600)… But for portraits and fashion at 800 ISO and below, my god!
Bulkiness? You’re kidding right? It is so nice to hold, almost perfect ergonomics, and simple, to-the-point, KISS, controls of the camera, which I like, since when the going gets tough, I just wanna shoot, shoot, shoot, and shoot some more, and be 200% sure the ISO, exposure, RAW, etc are all set as I intended. No deep submenus here. Very cool. But if one is looking for a blingblong beepbeep technodynamic piece of gear, that has a million+ features you can impress your friends with, you’ll be let down with no mercy, by the workhorse that is the Sigma SD14.
And the shutter is so sexy, much smoother sounding than a 5D. For the people who care about that;-)
PS: It is a minority camera, alright. Why bully it? You, as a photo guy, and news reporter, blogger, etc, should be delighted the world is not just full of, but limited to, bayer-sensor cameras, but that brave (INDEED) companies like Sigma, Ricoh, and Fuji, amongst others, dare to swin against the mainstream, in the name of INNOVATION!
There is no war here. I don’t dislike bayer sensor cameras. I just happen to really see a difference in the way the Sigma/Foveon “thing” is portraying my subjects and objects. And, since I happen to like that difference, I choose one over the other.
Essentially, I find the Sigma SD14 to be a worthy digital alternative to my former system, the Pentax 67. Which was also a special camera, dear to many fashion and portrait shooters who liked its unique images.