Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

 

New Canon EOS-M Model w/ Viewfinder Coming in 2013?

By

This could be as much of an educated guess as a rumor. Nevertheless, recent rumors point to a new Canon EOS-M model that sports an electronic viewfinder to be unveiled in late 2013.

One of the most lamented non-features of the Canon EOS-M has been the absence of a viewfinder. Enthusiasts were lambasting Canon before the EOS-M ever hit store shelves over the lack of an EVF. While Canon never confirms what’s coming down the line for its camera systems, executives have emphasized that the EOS-M was its first foray into the mirrorless market and that there will me more cameras built for different users.

Additional rumors point to the styling of the camera as similar to the current EOS-M model and that it won’t be taking a retro design like some of the other mirrorless models out there (e.g., Olympus, Fuji, etc.).

[CW via CR]

Rumor Alert: Yet Another New DSLR Coming September 8th

By

Just got a tip about a new DSLR that will be announced on September 8.  The source doesn’t provide a model; however, there is an indication that it will be a prosumer or low-end pro model.

This has been a rather busy season for DSLRs, particularly over the past couple of weeks.  I sure don’t see much room for too many more entry-level DSLRs; however, camera manufacturers have been pretty thin on releasing pro-grade gear so far.  I suppose that the Canon 60D fits into the prosumer category, but that’s about it.

We’re all still waiting and hoping for a number of pro and prosumer models . . . Canon 1Ds Mark IV, Sony A700 replacement, Nikon D90 or D700 replacement and pretty much anything from Pentax.  With this in mind, we could still be rather busy in the lead up to Photokina 2010.

Stay tuned for the latest.  And, if you have any additional info on upcoming gear, feel free to drop me a tip via the contact form.

Canon 1D Mark IV, Nikon D700x, Sony A850 and More Rumor Updates

By

I received a tip that the September 2009 edition of Résponse Photo, a popular French magazine, that the Canon 1D Mark IV would be announced on August 25.  That’s Tuesday for those of you who don’t have your calendar handy.

responses-photo-sept-2009

I looked around the Interweb and couldn’t seem to find an online presence for Response Photo, other than the publisher’s site.  However, a poster on the Spanish forum Ojo Digital corroborates this tip and provides a little further insight as to what’s in the issue, including tips on the Nikon D700x or D800 and Sony’s new Alphas (via Google’s automated translation):

– A Nikon D700x (or D800) that should be the D3x what the D700 to the D3 (Sensor Sony 24 Mpx).
– One that replaces the Canon 1D Mk III … (anunciada el 25 de agosto) (announced on August 25)
– A Pentax entry-level …
– Three Sony models, two bodies twins who come to fill an empty space range today and a third that seeks to satisfy the fans who consider 24×36 expensive current models be announced on August 27 and will hit stores on September 15 . . . announce a complete test in the October issue.

Rumors of the Nikon D700x have been rattling around for a long time now (pretty much since the Nikon D3x was announced December 2008).  I’m skeptical that Nikon has such a camera planned this soon after the D700, but I’ve been wrong on these feelings before.

The Canon 1D Mark IV sounds plausible; however, that date is inconsistent with other rumors we’ve heard.

A replacement for the Pentax K2000 seems a little quick as well, but manufacturers seem to be shortening the product life cycle more and more.

The three Sony models sounds like the real deal though.  I think that the reference to the 24x36mm shooter is clearly the Sony A850, which has all but been announced.  The other two that fill a new slot in the lineup is likely the Sony A500 and A550.

Voigtlander 20mm f/3.5 Nikon Mount Lens Rumor

By

Rumors are swirling that Voigtlander will soon release a 20mm f/3.5 lens for the Nikon mount.  Rumored specs are as follows:

  • Expected Release Date: February 28, 2009
  • Focal length: 20mm
  • Angle: 94 degrees
  • Relative aperture: 1:3.5
  • Minimum aperture 6 of 9 pieces: F22
  • Minimum focusing distance: 0.2m
  • Number of diaphragm blades: 9 pieces
  • Weight: 205g
  • Maximum total length × diameter: 63 × 28.8mm
  • Filter size: 52mm
  • Mounting: Ai-s

[DPR forum via mapcamera.com] I’m questioning the release date, and as a result, the source, a bit.  February 28 is a Saturday.

No Canon 1-Series Updates at PMA 2009

By

Contrary to prior rumors of a Canon 1Ds Mark IV and 1D Mark IV coming out soon, I received a tip from a reliable source today that there will be no Canon 1-series DSLRs released at PMA 2009.  This person explained where the information originated and I believe it to be accurate.

Unfortunately, that is all the info that I can reveal while keeping the source anonymous, which I agreed to do.  I can say, however, that I still expect a Canon Rebel XSi replacement to be revealed very soon.

Nikon D400 Ads Surface

By

I was checking to see if anything had surfaced on the Nikon D400 and I noticed that an “exact match” (when you put your search term in quotes) search for “Nikon D400” produced a number of new stories about the rumored camera, but also revealed that legitimate retailers, like B&H Photo, Adorama and Amazon.com, are buying ads in Google’s search results for the exact match term “Nikon D400”.

Here’s a screen capture of the search results for “Nikon D400”:

I recalled that B&H and Amazon did the same thing with the D90 back in August, just prior to its release.

For now, the links are going to search results pages for Nikon D400.

B&H Photo Nikon D400 Ad Link

Adorama Nikon D400 Ad Link

Amazon.com D400 Ad Link

And, here’s the search query that I used.

The rumors and chatter are in full force now.  If anything new is coming from Nikon at PMA, I’m strongly leaning toward the Nikon D400 as their DSLR release.

As for specs, I’ve seen several rumors lately that compare it the Canon 50D, which if true, the Nikon D400 will stack up quite nicely:

  • 15 megapixels
  • 6 frames per second
  • ISO 12800
  • 51 point AF
  • 1080p video

While none of the sources I’ve read indicate substantial reliability on the specs, I think these make sense and are quite reasonable.  First, it crushes the Canon 50D, particularly if high-ISO performs anywhere near the D700.  Second, it’s enough of a step up from the D300 to be a true replacement as opposed to an “oh, we’ve got an upgrade” kind of release.

For the latest news on the D400, stay tuned to the Photography Bay front page and the Nikon D400 Rumors page.

What do you think?

Anyone heard of, seen, touched or dreamt of the Nikon D400?  Fire away in the comments below or email me at pic at contact [at] photographybay.com.