Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Pentax Announces New Optio P&S Cameras

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PENTAX Announces Colorful Optio M50, Tiny Optio S12, Travel-Ready Optio E50; Optio A40 to Ship

GOLDEN, Colo. –(Business Wire)– Jan. 23, 2008 PENTAX Imaging Company announced three new compact camera models and confirmed the Optio A40 is scheduled to ship in February 2008.

The PENTAX Optio M50, with a 5X optical zoom housed in an ultra compact body with fun color options, is the ideal combination of style, function and price for both customers looking to update their camera and new digital users. The camera features a unique Smile Capture function, which distinguishes smiles on a subject and automatically releases the shutter. Available in three color choices including silver, light blue and pink, the Optio M50 will ship in March 2008 for US $229.95.

The PENTAX Optio S12 is the smallest, most stylish 12MP camera in its class. An ideal choice for the experienced digital camera user looking for an extremely compact camera with advanced features, the PENTAX Optio S12 is scheduled to ship in April 2008 for US $279.95. The Optio S12 will be available in silver and black.

The PENTAX Optio E50 has advanced functions and high resolution with simple operation that appeal to customers looking for the maximum features and a minimal price – making it an ideal gift. The Optio E50 is also an excellent travel camera due to compatibility with easy to find AA batteries. This camera will ship in March 2008 for US $149.95.

The PENTAX Optio A40 appeals to the advanced digital user who wants the most from their compact camera including a high resolution sensor, mechanical Shake Reduction system, and advanced capture settings. Previously announced in the fall of 2007, the Optio A40 will ship in February 2008 for US $299.95.

“PENTAX’s goal with our compact digital cameras is to offer customers advanced features in the most compact bodies at a reasonable price,” said Ned Bunnell, President, PENTAX Imaging Company. “Every compact offering from PENTAX includes the popular face recognition feature, Digital Shake Reduction, PENTAX’s own Auto Picture mode and high quality design.”

All of these latest PENTAX compact digital products will be displayed at PMA 2008 Trade Show from January 31 to February 2 in Las Vegas.

PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of digital SLR and compact cameras, lenses, flash units, binoculars, scopes, eyepieces and mobile printers and scanners. For more than 80 years, PENTAX technology has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses. With headquarters in Golden, Colorado, PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of PENTAX of America, Inc.

 

Nikon Press Conference January 30th?

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The Nikon gearheads have gotten their girlfriends involved now:

My girlfriend works for a radio station in Slovenia and they received an invitation to a press conference on 30th January in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia.

The invitation states, that 4 new Coolpix series compact cameras will be presented, a new D-SLR camera (a very interesting and technicaly & pricingly superbly positioned D… that replaces the currently available Nikon D…) and three new Nikkor lenses.

So; 4 new Coolpixes, 1 new D-SLR and 3 new Nikkor lenses. It’s clear, the new D-SLR can only replace D40x or D80 and that one of the lenses is to be a kit lens for the new D-SLR camera. The other two lenses are supposed to be two new/redesigned primes.

(via DPReview.com forums)

More on the Nikon D60 and Nikon D90 pages.

[tags]nikon, d60, d90, d80, d40x, rumors, news, announcements, pma, 2008[/tags]

Canon Press Conference January 29th

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According to Backfocus (a Spanish site – translated version), Canon Spain has confirmed that a press conference is scheduled for January 29th. Check out the slides below and stay tuned to Photography Bay’s main page and the Canon 450D page for the latest.

I have confirmation from Canon Spain that the forthcoming January 29 will host the presentation of his “Collection of Spring 2008” which may “touch and try” new products of the company

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Thanks for the tip Xart.

[tags]canon, 450d, 5d mark ii, rumors, news, announcement, pma, 2008[/tags]

Pentax K20D and K200D Official Images

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Official images of the Pentax K20D and K200D are now floating around. It’s only a matter of time before the news becomes official now. These Japanese ads have been leaked onto the net and are now widespread. Stay tuned to the Pentax K20D and K200D page for the latest news updates.

Also, the new lenses are as follows:

  • SMC PENTAX-DA* 200mm F2.8 ED [IF] SDM – 7th February 2008
  • SMC PENTAX-DA* 300mm F4 ED [IF] SDM – end of March 2008
  • SMC PENTAX-DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Limited – middle of March 2008
  • SMC PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED – end of March 2008
  • SMC PENTAX-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL II – end of February 2008

Sony DSC-H10

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SAN DIEGO, Jan. 23, 2008 – Sony today unveiled its high-zoom Cyber-shot® DSC-H10 digital camera, a compact model that is ideal for parents looking to capture their families’ memories.

With its small dimensions (only 4-1/4-inches wide by 2-3/4-inches tall by 2-inches deep), the new model combines the performance of much larger cameras in a more convenient size.  Small enough for a pocket or purse, the 8-megapixel camera is perfect for sporting events, school recitals and vacations, helping you easily capture close-ups, even from a distance.

Designed to replace the current DSC-H3 model, the DSC-H10 camera features a wider 3-inch Clear Photo LCD PlusTM screen for easy playback viewing and menu navigation.

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[Read more…]

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T300

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SAN DIEGO, Jan. 23, 2008 – Sony is taking the wraps off a new 10.1-megapixel Cyber-shot® DSC-T300 digital camera, featuring a stylish, ultra-compact design and intelligent functionality to help reduce the risk of taking a bad photo.

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The new model incorporates Sony’s new intelligent scene recognition (iSCN), a technology that allows the camera to analyze shooting conditions and automatically select the optimal settings for the best photo results. In iSCN mode, the camera can automatically detect up to five scenes, and choose the best setting for the situation. [Read more…]

Sony Announces New Cyber-shot Entry Level Cameras

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SAN DIEGO, Jan. 23, 2008 – Sony has enhanced the features and updated the design of its new Cyber-shot® DSC-S750 and DSC-S780 digital still camera models.

Both of the new entry-level digital still cameras feature Sony’s face detection technology, which identifies up to three faces in the camera’s LCD frame and automatically adjusts focus and exposure for well-exposed, natural-looking photos. [Read more…]

Canon 450D Accessories on Amazon

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Search for Canon 450D on Amazon and you get some results for various accessories. I’ll point these out only because there are a number of other sources reporting on these and I think the emphasis may be misplaced. I don’t think this is an indicator of anything other than vendors trying to capitalize on the rumors building up to the announcement of the Canon 450D (XTi replacement).

As noted, there are several accessories on Amazon that are or have been listed as compatible with the Canon 450D. Previously, I got results for third-party flashes, batteries and other items. However, today, I’m only getting adapter rings in silver and black. Try the Amazon search for yourself and I think you’ll agree that there’s really nothing to be drawn from this hype.

Get the latest news and rumors on the Canon 450D page.

[tags]canon, 450d, amazon, rumors[/tags]

Canon 3D and 5D Mark II Rumors

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This time from a Canon repair center:

He said that as far he could see Canon is thinking soon to produce a pro camera that would include some of the best feature of both 1D series

15.1 MP (full frame)
14 bit
1 Digic III
Iso 100 to 6400(up to 12800)
AF like 1Dmk III
3 fps
3 inch screen
A sort of smaller 1D body,with integrated grip but not rear lcd panel
1 slot flash card

He also spoke about a 5D replacement coming probably after

12.8 MP
14 bit
1 Digic III
iso 100 to 3200 (up to 6400)
Improved 9 point AF
4 fps
3 inch screen
Improved body

(Source)

Take it with a grain of salt folks. I expect that we’re not going to see the 5D Mark II anytime soon; however, the good old original recipe Canon 5D just keeps getting cheaper. The specs for a potential 3D sound intriguing though.

Stay up to date on the Canon 5D Mark II rumors.

[tags]canon, 5d, mark ii, 3d, specs, rumors[/tags]