Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Pentax Optio RS1000 and RZ10 Announced

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The Pentax Optio RS1000 is a 14MP point and shoot camera with a 4x optical zoom lens.  The RS1000 is an ultra-compact caemra that is about the size of a credit card and comes with a bargain initial price point of $149.95.

The RS100 should be available in October 2010.  Check availability on Amazon.com.

The Pentax Optio RZ10 is a 14MP point and shoot camera with a 10x zoom lens, built-in image stabilization and a 2.7″ LCD screen.

The RZ10 should be available in October 2010 at an initial retail price of $219.95.  Check availability on Amazon.com.

More details in the press release below. [Read more…]

 

Nikon Coolpix P7000 Announced

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Nikon P7000

The P7000 is Nikon’s flagship point and shoot camera.  It is fitted with a 10MP sensor, 7.1x optical zoom, the ability to capture RAW format images (finally) and 720p video capture at 24 fps.  The P7000 also features a hotshoe for attaching an external Nikon Speedlight.

Additionally, Nikon steps up the game with an external mic input on the compact shooter, which will add to the functionality of optical zoom during video capture and full time AF.  By using an external microphone for audio capture, the P7000 allows us to avoid the problem of internal camera noise during video recording.  Of course, this feature is likely of limited use for most users, but certainly signals that Nikon is taking video customers seriously.

With the P7000, Nikon finally looks like it has the feature list to tackle Canon’s G-series (e.g., the new Canon G12) head on.

The Nikon P7000 carries an initial retail price of $499.95 and should be available in September 2010.  Check availability on Amazon.com.

Nikon P7000 Key Features

  • 10.1-megapixel, large 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor
  • 7.1x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED Glass Lens
  • 5-way VR Image Stabilization System
  • 3-inch 921k dot resolution LCD
  • RAW file function compatible with Mac and Windows
  • PSAM (Program, Shutter, Aperture, Manual) exposure control
  • ISO 6400 at full resolution

More details in the press release below. [Read more…]

Nikon Coolpix S80 Announced

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The Nikon Coolpix S80 is 14MP point and shoot camera with a 5x optical zoom lens and a touch-sensitive 3.5-inch OLED screen.  The Nikon S80 should be available soon at an initial retail price of $329.95.  Check availability on Amazon.com.

Nikon Coolpix S80 Key Features

  • 14.1-megapixel CCD sensor
  • 5x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED Glass Lens
  • 3.5-inch Ultra-High Resolution (819,000-dot) Organic LED (OLED) Clear Color Display
  • Full HD (720p) Movie with Stereo Sound and HDMI Output
  • ISO can be set as high as 6400.

More details in the press release below. [Read more…]

Nikon Coolpix S8100 Announced

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The Nikon Coolpix S8100 is a compact point and shoot camera that features a 10x optical zoom and a 12.1MP backside illuminated CMOS sensor.  The new S8100 should be available in September 2010 at an initial retail price of $299.95.  Check availability on Amazon.com.

Nikon Coolpix S8100 Key Features

  • 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor
  • 10x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED Glass Lens
  • Full HD (1080p) Movie Recording
  • Mode Dial for quick setting of key functions.
  • ISO can be set as high as 3200

More details in the press release below. [Read more…]

New Pentax DSLR(s) This Week?

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Pentax K-x

An interesting tidbit from RiceHigh’s Pentax Blog points to a new Pentax DSLR coming on September 9th.  His news is based on the Japanese Business Live Calendar, which apparently points to a new DSLR product from Hoya (Pentax’s parent company) on that date.

Additionally, other recent rumors suggest a new Pentax K-5 and K-r DSLR model.  The K-5 is rumored to be Pentax’s flagship model and the K-r is more of an entry-level model like the Pentax K-x (above).  Rumored specs are listed below. [Read more…]

Rumor Alert: Yet Another New DSLR Coming September 8th

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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 60D Announced

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The Canon 60D has been officially unveiled. The new EOS 60D features an 18MP CMOS sensor, in-camera RAW processing and Full HD video capture.  The 60D is also the first DSLR from Canon that features a fully articulating LCD, which is a 3-inch LCD with a 1.04-million dot resolution.

The Canon 60D will capture 1920 x 1080 resolution video at 24p, 25p or 30p.  In 720p resolution, the 60D captures 50p or 60p frame rates. In addition to manual control for video, the 60D also includes manual audio levels in 64 steps, akin to the recent firmware updates for the 5D Mark II.

The Canon 60D should be available in September at an initial retail price of $1099 for body only, or $1399 with an included 18-135mm IS USM kit lens. Check availability on Amazon.com.

More details in the complete press release below. [Read more…]