Category: Bodies

Now the digital SLR market is getting undoubtedly interesting. The recent announcement of a DSLR that can do high–definition videos in the Nikon D90 got everyone listening, and now we have the first full–frame camera for the Sony Alpha system, the Sony Alpha 900. This provides a full–frame option for Minolta/Konica–Minolta shooters as well as those betting on the Sony Alpha DSLR system. Not that I think there are many of those, but having a third full–frame capable system puts pressure on the rest of the market, surely making cheap full–frame DSLR cameras a reality in the next few years.

Sony’s venture into full–frame would make Canon and Nikon think twice about their products, making it no longer simply a technogical race, but also a price–driven battle. And since we know that Sony also sells their sensors to other manufacturers, it wouldn’t be far–fetched to see Pentax and Samsung with full–frame digital SLR cameras in the next few months.

And as if it matters in a big way, here’s the specs for the Sony Alpha 900:

• 24.6 MP 35mm format full-frame CMOS sensor (highest res in class)
• SteadyShot INSIDE full frame image sensor shift stabilization (world first)
• High Speed Dual Bionz processors
• Eye-level glass Penta-prism OVF, 100% coverage, 0.74x magnification
• 9 point AF with 10 assist points, center dual-cross AF w/2.8 sensor
• 5 frames per second burst, newly developed mirror box
• Intelligent Preview Function
• 3 User programmable custom memory modes on mode dial
• Advanced Dynamic Range Optimizer (5 step selectable)
• 40 segment honeycomb metering
• 3.0″ 921K pixel Photo Quality (270 dpi) LCD display, 100% coverage
• Direct HDMI output
• ISO 200-3200 (ISO 100-6400 expanded range)
• User interchangeable focusing screens (3 options)
• CF Type I/II and MS slots, LI-ION battery, STAMINA 880 shots
• Weight 850g (without battery, card, accs)
• New Image Data Converter SR software (includes vignetting control)
• New Vertical Grip
• Supplied with wireless remote control
• Magnesium Alloy body and rubber seals for dust and moisture resistance
• AF micro adjustment
• $2999.99 body price; available late October 2008

As always, DPReview gets the first stab on this camera with their preview of the Sony Alpha 900.

This is rather late news since every other photography site actually tried to scoop everyone else, but it’s still worth mentioning that Canon has just announced their entry level Canon EOS–1000D which will also be known as the Digital Rebel XS. Quite obviously, this camera is a response to Nikon’s three–headed entry–level team composed of the D40, the D40X, and the D60.

Anyone who’s familiar with Canon’s digital SLR lineup would surely notice that the EOS–1000D is a cross–breed of the older 400D and the current 450D. It carries a 10–megapixel CMOS sensor, 3 FPS continuous shooting, and a 2.5–inch LCD, features that were upgraded when Canon released the 450D. The body and button layout are inherited from the 450D, including the image–stabilized kit lens, but some features are clearly limited to make it a lower camera compared to the 450D. A blatant non–existent feature is the sensor found just under the optical viewfinder of the 400D and the 450D; this means that the rear LCD will most likely behave similar to Nikon’s models — you have to manually turn them off when you take them to eye level.

The introduction of this model is an interesting twist in Canon’s lineup, raising the doubts on the market value of the 450D since it is just marginally better than the 1000D. For less money, you get a camera of almost the same usability and value. If I were looking for a backup camera on a limited budget, I won’t hesitate picking the 1000D over the 450D. For first–time digital SLR owners though, it is too close to call and would largely depend on your budget and deals offered. Either way, you still get a perfectly usable camera. I think Canon just introduced another great seller in the EOS–1000D, I just hope it isn’t at the expense of the 450D.

Seriously big new: Nikon announces the new Nikon D60.

Much to the disappointment of Canon fans thinking the Canon EOS–450D/XSi will reclaim the entry–level dSLR market, Nikon continues to milk profits from its best–selling D40 by morphing it into another better product just like the D40x.

From the outside, the Nikon D60 is the same as the D40 but with some key changes, like:

• 10.2–megapixel CCD sensor (up from 6 on the D40)
• Active D-lighting (same as that on the Nikon D300)
• EXPEED, Nikon’s digital image processing technology, a response to Canon’s DIGIC
• 3x zoom AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens
• Stop-Motion Movie mode, allowing users to produce stop–motion movies that have been fairly popular these days
• Image Sensor Cleaning function + Airflow Control System, a 2–step approach to keeping dust and dirt away from your sensor

The Nikon D60 adds a lot of consumer–aimed features, it being marketed to the beginner types just like the D40. Instead of using a 3–inch LCD, Nikon has decided to stick with the same 2.5–inch display and focus on adding relevant features instead. Compared to the new offerings from Pentax and Samsung, the D60 holds its own and should be a strong contender in this market segment.

Buying a digital SLR? The Nikon D60 should be just as good an option as those recently announced and soon available. There’s no reason not to get one soon!

Almost released at the same time as the Canon EOS-450D/XSi, the Pentax K20D, Pentax K200D, and the Samsung GX-20 are three new digital SLR models aiming to grab a portion of the entry–level DSLR market that has rapidly been growing the past few years.

The Pentax K20D is an upgrade to their successful K10D, adding a 14.6–megapixel CMOS sensor now capable of live view functionality and an expanded dynamic range.

The Samsung GX-20 is reportedly the same as the Pentax K20D, though Samsung claims that its model uses its own JPG processing algorithm.

Lastly, the Pentax K200D is an upgrade to the beginner–level k100D, now with a 10.2–megapixel anti–shake CCD inside a weather–sealed body.

With all these new digital SLR models crowding the market, prices should go further down — pleasant news to all consumers. So if you’re looking to buy your first digital SLR, there’s no better time than now!

Just in case you haven’t heard about it, Canon has released their latest consumer digital SLR, the Canon EOS-450D/XSi.

Not simply an updated 400D, this model is a completely new creation that looks far more professional than previous entry–level Canon SLRs. Listed in it’s special site as highlighted features are:

• 12.2–megapixel CMOS Sensor and DIGIC III
• Image Stabilizer (IS) Lens Support
• EOS Integrated Cleaning System
• Continuous 3.5fps Shooting
• Live View Shooting
• Precise 9–point Auto Focus
• Auto Lighting Optimizer
• 3.0–inch LCD Monitor
• Lightweight Body, SD Card Compatibility
• Viewfinder with 0.87x Magnification
• Comfortable, Easy Operation
• Comprehensive System Enhancements

With all the other announcements in the entry–level SLR market, Canon is pressed to deliver a better camera that can compare well against other offerings, especially those from Nikon like the  D40 and the D40x which has handily captured a significant slice of the pie. The way it looks, the 450D appears to be a good contender, but is it going to be enough to reclaim their share of the market?

If the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III, Canon EOS-40D, or the Nikon D300 didn’t get you all excited, the Nikon D3 should. Being the first ever full–frame digital SLR from Nikon, the Nikon D3 stands proud with features than can easily equal or beat its rivals now, even if those are already in their third generation.

The Nikon D3 uses a full–frame CMOS sensor designated as the “FX Format,” as opposed to the DX format used in their 1.5x crop cameras like the D40 and and the D200. Here’s a breakdown of this model, as mentioned in their product page:

• 12.2 megapixel FX CMOS sensor with high signal-to-noise ratio, wide dynamic range and 12-channel readout.
• ISO 200 – 6400: extendable up to 25600 (equivalent) and down to ISO 100 (equivalent).
• 9fps consecutive shooting (11fps in DX Crop mode)
• EXPEED image processing engine with 14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit image processing for superb tonal gradation.
• Advanced Scene Recognition System combines the camera’s metering and AF sensors for precise exposures and sharply defined images.
• Multi-CAM3500FX 51-point AF system. Individually selectable or configurable in 9-point, 21-point and 51-point coverage settings.
• Picture Controls streamline in-camera image processing by enabling customization of image parameters before capture and offer complete control over sharpening, contrast, brightness, hue and saturation in various color modes.
• 920,000 dot 3-inch VGA LCD monitor with wide, 170-degree viewing angle.
• Live View with Autofocus enables composition of images using the LCD monitor. Two modes are supported: Handheld or Tripod.
• Two Crop Modes: DX format and 5:4 ratio. The DX crop mode can be automatically enabled when a DX lens is attached.
• Quick response: approx. 37 ms shutter-lag and 55 ms viewfinder black-out.
• Highly accurate, durable Kevlar/carbon fiber-composite shutter unit: Standard rating of 300, 000 cycles, with a maximum shutter speed of 1/8,000 sec and flash synchronization at up to 1/250 sec.
• Active D-Lighting enables superior high-contrast images by automatically applying tone compensation at the moment of capture.
• Dual CF card slots: configurable for parallel (simultaneous) or serial (consecutive) recording.
• HDMI video output interface enables connection to high-definition video systems.
• Intuitive ergonomics with optimized button placement for fast and comfortable handling.
• Durable Magnesium alloy body built to withstand the rigors of the harshest of environments.
• Wireless LAN and Ethernet support via optional Wireless Transmitter WT-4.

Considering most of the features on the Nikon D3, especially the full–frame sensor capable of 9 frames per second continuous shooting, with an ISO range up to 6400 and expandable to 25600, it seems Nikon has clear winner compared to the Canon’s top end EOS-1Ds Mark III. This is the camera that Nikon digital shooters haven’t been expecting this soon — this is what full–frame Canon shooters always wanted their next camera to be. And Nikon produced it.

At a price 5,000 dollars, the Nikon D3 is inexpensive when compared to the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III. If all feature advantages or disadvantages were to be ignored, the Nikon still comes out as the better camera at a better value. I’m sure Canon engineers are now busy trying to outdo Nikon. Times are good, cameras are getting better at lower prices.