Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM

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Today, Sigma announced a new super-range zoom lens, the 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM.  The new Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM will be available in March 2009 in Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony and Sigma mounts.

The combination of optical stabilization (OSM) and the hypersonic motor (HSM) makes this lens very attractive as a consumer-level all purpose lens.  In my opinion, Canon really botched the opportunity to make solid super-zoom lens with its new EF-S 18-200mm IS lens by failing to put a USM motor inside it, which has resulted in a slower and noiser autofocus.  If the price is right, perhaps this Sigma 18-250mm lens can fill that void with a fast focus speed and optical stabilization.

Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM IF Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM IF Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM IF Lens for Sony Digital SLR Cameras

Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM IF Lens for Pentax Digital SLR Cameras

Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM IF Lens for Sigma Digital SLR Cameras

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

 

Canon PowerShot A480

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Canon has replaced its PowerShot A470 with the new PowerShot A480.  The A480 features a 10 megapixel sensor and 3.3x optical zoom.  It is situated as a lower-end consumer grade point and shoot camera that’s no frills and comes with a reasonable price. No word on US price yet, but the A470 that is replaces is $81.95 at Amazon.com right now, and it came to market at $99.95 I believe.

It has no image stabilization and comes with the standard bells and whistles like face detection autofocus.  The A480 is powered by AA batteries (a good thing in my opinion).

See the following press release for more details. [Read more…]

Polaroid PoGo Instant Digital Camera

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Polaroid’s new PoGo Instant Digital Camera may be the next big thing.  Or, then again, it may be the next big flop.  The concept is great – taking Polaroid’s history of instant photography into the digital realm (Polaroid started down this road with the PoGo Instant Printer last year).

Execution is crucial.  Depending on how the print quality and consumer impressions of this new gadget plays out is key.  I have to admit though, I kinda want one.

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

Nikon D3X Announced

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Nikon has officially announced the Nikon D3X, a 24.5 megapixel DSLR.  Nikon is now upped the ante for Canon, which just launched its 21.1 megapixel 5D Mark II.  Canon’s flagship DSLR also sports a “mere” 21.1 megapixels and is now playing third fiddle to the Nikon D3X and the Sony A900.  Oh yeah, the D3X will run you about $8,000.

Full details on the D3X can be found in the press release below. Expect more news, reviews and other info on the Nikon D3X in the coming days.  Stay tuned to Photography Bay’s Nikon D3X Reviews and Resources for the latest. [Read more…]

Nikon D3x Leak

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Looks like someone posted the images of the Nikon D3x a little early.

Kudos to Nikon Rumors who picked up the images before they were removed, which apparently came shortly after NR’s post. Now you get this:

I suppose December 1 may be D-Day for Nikon after all.  Now, we just the to find out what the specs are…  Anyone?

Stay tuned to Photography Bay’s Nikon D3x coverage for the latest when the new camera drops.

Canon 5D Mark II – Pre-Order and Availability Update (Part II)

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Reports are flooding in from the stable of photographers that have pre-ordered the Canon 5D Mark II.  It seems that the consensus is many US retailers will be getting the 5D Mark II this coming week.  I have yet to be able to confirm this with the larger retailers; however, I’ve seen many reports that photographers who have pre-ordered the 5D Mark II getting notices from their local shops that they will be receiving the cameras from Canon this week.

Here’s a rundown of some of the major retailers for the Canon 5D Mark II.  Out of this list, Ritz is the only retailer still accepting pre-orders for the camera.  B&H hasn’t taken any pre-orders that I’ve seen.  Keep an eye on them for launch day and see if it’s available (if only briefly).

Ritz

Amazon

B&H Photo

Adorama

Finally, I’ve started a thread in the forum where you can exchange info and keep up with the pre-order status of the Canon 5D Mark II – click here for the forum thread.  I’ll try to keep up with the chaos as well and let you know where it’s available as it rolls out next week.

For more news and reviews, be sure to visit Photography Bay’s Canon 5D Mark II Reviews and Resources.

RED Scarlet and EPIC

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“A DSMC is a camera that shoots stills and motion. Configure that camera any way you want. Select a brain. Configure your body.”

RED may have just changed the digital imaging game with the new Scarlet and EPIC cameras, which include options for full-frame 35mm size sensors.

The Scarlet is available in 4.9MP, 13.8MP and 24MP. The EPIC is available in 13.8MP, 24MP, 65MP and 261MP. Here’s the big one though – they are available in Nikon and Canon mounts. [Read more…]

Nikon D3x German Leak?

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Could this be the next version of the Nikon D3 that popped up on the Nikon Germany website?  Here’s a closer look:

What’s a Nikon D3 2 folder doing just below the Nikon D3 and D300 folders?  A Nikon D3x, a different folder for the Nikon D3’s updated firmware, or just a spare folder for all the Nikon D3 stuff?

I dunno, but crunch time is closing in for the 24MP rumored camera.  See this Nikon D3x rumor for the last word on the topic.

Pentax K30D Rumor

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A new rumor is surfacing regarding a follow up to the Pentax K20D.  A Chinese forum, DCHome.net, reveals some specs for what could be the next Pentax DSLR.  The initial rumored specs for the Pentax K30D are as follows:

  • CMOS APS-H (1.3x crop) sensor (not APS-C – 1.5x)
  • 14megapixels
  • improved AF speed
  • better ISO control
  • 3.5fps at 14mp
  • 6.5fps at 6mp
  • new AF assist

Also in the rumor mill is a Pentax K300D with a new CMOS sensor developed in conjunction with Samsung.