Canon Unveils Hybrid IS Image Stabilization

Canon says that sudden changes in camera angle can introduce significant blurring in images taken in standard shooting while shift-based shaking is more pronounced in macro photography when the camera moves in parallel to the subject.

The Hybrid IS system uses an angular velocity sensor that has been found in previous Canon IS lenses and incorporates a new acceleration sensor to compensate for shift-based camera shake. The system also has a new algorithm that synthesizes the information from the two sensors to make adjustments.

Canon reports that it is actively engaged in ongoing research and development on D-SLR camera lenses that support Hybrid IS technology and is looking to commercialize the new feature in a wide range of products. The first D-SLR lenses using Hybrid IS are planned before the end of 2009.

Via dailytech.com

Sony Alpha DSLR-A230

Cnet Australia says:

A modest update over its predecessor, the Sony Alpha DSLR-A200, the Alpha DSLR-A230 offers the same essential feature set in a redesigned body with sufficient quality and performance-enhancing firmware tweaks to merit the term "upgrade". And like its predecessor, the result is a generally solid, if not stellar, entry-level dSLR option.

Good: Fast autofocus • High magnification viewfinder for its class • Dual card slots • Relatively simple, straightforward operation • Built-in wireless flash and image stabilisation • Helpful SteadyShot indicator
Bad: Smallish grip • Default settings produce suboptimal photos
Specs: Digital SLR • 10.2 megapixels • 2.7 inch • Memory Stick PRO Duo, Secure Digital Card, Secure Digital High Capacity

Buy a Sony Alpha A230Y 10.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with Super SteadyShot INSIDE Image Stabilization and 18-55mm and 55-200mm Lenses

Sony A500, A550, A850 leaked online

Someone in Sony must be excited to get the company's new cameras out. Previously, we reported the TX1 and WX1, two upcoming superzoom compacts, were prematurely published on an online retailer's site. Now, the Japanese firm itself has let loose three dSLRs model names on its US-based product registration page.

We caught wind of this news from camera blog 1001noisycameras. Note that the highlighted portion in the picture above shows DSLRA500, A550 and A850. The trio has caused quite a stir on the Web, especially the A850 which is suspected to succeed the popular DSLR-A700, an enthusiast-oriented dSLR.


Via cnet/Crave

Leica S2 spotted

Devin Coldewey at CrunchGear says:

For those pros out there working in print, medium format is king. Portable yet powerful, they can be deployed anywhere. With large but not crowded sensors, they provide excellent sharpness and color fidelity with reasonable exposure times. Of course, they do cost upwards of twenty grand. Leica’s S2 is an evolution of the medium format: a medium-format sensor in a DSLR body, a sort of spiritual big brother to the Sigma DP2, which has a DSLR sensor in a point-and-shoot-esque body.

Unlike the DP2, however, the S2 isn’t likely to suffer from its change of form; Leica is too good for that. It’s still not in production, but a few prototypes were available for handling at a recent Foto Care event in New York.

Via CrunchGear

Night Vision Module For Canon DSLRs

Übergizmo says:
Electrophysics has release a new high performance night vision module that will play nice with digital SLR cameras from Canon, including the EOS-1Ds Mark III and EOS 5D Mark II. Used in conjunction with the new AstroScope 9350EOS-FF, these digital cameras will offer bright, high-resolution green images of night-time scenes. You won't suffer from a drop in image quality since the night vision module itself will fit between the camera body and SLR lens, keeping all the lens electrical connections together in order to offer features like optical image stabilization even in night vision mode. These modules are able to offer optimum performance, sharp detail and highest quality full-frame images with no vignetting. Get this if you love going out on night safaris and the ilk.

Sony DSLR-A700 Camera Review

PCWORLD.ca say in their article:

A complex, well-made camera with tons of controls, the A700 takes exceptionally sharp, well-exposed shots.

A Short Course in Sony A700 Photography book/ebook

Complex the A700 certainly is--it probably has more exposure controls than any other DSLR I've seen to date. That said, the camera's ease of use is still exceptionally good: Like most current DSLRs, it has fore and aft selector dials for quickly changing shutter speeds, aperture values, and exposure compensation. But it also has a healthy number of nicely placed, well-labeled, dedicated buttons for key controls such as white balance, drive mode, ISO setting, and metering modes.

Buy a LensPEN Precision Design Cleaning Kit for Digital SLR Cameras and Lenses

Sony 32GB Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo HX

Sony started its week today by introducing its largest ever Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo HX card. The 32GB card stores twice as much as Sony's previous best and is treated as a particularly ideal fit for the company's own Alpha DSLRs and its HD camcorders: the latter could hold about 3.75 hours of HD footage on a single card. As an HX card, it's also relatively quick with 15MB per second write speeds and 20MB reads.
The card comes with a USB adapter to guarantee full speed and avoid draining camera batteries. Sony notably avoids committing to a price or exact availability but does say the card won't replace the existing 4GB, 8GB or 16GB models in its HX lineup.

Via electronista.com

Hasselblad announces CFV-39 Digital Back

The new Hasselblad CFV-39 is custom built to match the design and functionality of Hasselblad V cameras and turns every V camera into an easy-to-use digital camera. The back is 39MP and the sensor is two times that of regular DSLRs.

It features two capture modes and new digital lens connection technology for Carl Zeiss lenses that are powered by Mac and Windows-compatible Phocus image processing software. All V camera systems are wirefree, the sensor is 100 percent larger than a full-frame 35mm DSLR camera, ISO range speeds range from 50 to 800 and H camera owners can gain full access to V lens DAC connection by using the CF lens adapter.

Via slipperybrick

Nikon 2009 / 2010 DSLR Roadmap Leaked

August 4 introduction: (Apparently the end of July presentation is for compact cameras)

• Nikon D3000
• Nikon D300s with Full-HD movie 24 fps, improved AF, self timer + mirror-up, cf + sd-slot
• AF-S DX 17-65/3.2-4 G VR with 72(!) mm filter

October 15 presentation:

• Nikon D700x with 24.5 MP, Full-HD movie 24 fps, improved AF and self timer + mirror-up
• AF-S Nikkor 24-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR (The FX-dream-walk-around-lens?)
• AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II (What everybody waited for! 82 mm filter, 1530 g)
• AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.4G
• AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G (No VR?)

Q1/2010:

• AF-S Nikkor 14-28mm f/3.5-4.5G ED
• AF-S Nikkor 120-450mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR II (Replacement for 80-400? 82 mm, 1480 g)

Q2/2010:

• Nikon D4 with 15.7 MP, improved 1 EV, Full HD-movie 30fps
• Nikon D400 with 13.8 MP, improved 1 EV, Full HD-movie 24fps

Q3/2010:

• AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4G VR (On the waiting list for many!)
• AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/5.6G VR (Have been missing a long time!)
• AF-S Nikkor 70-240mm f/3.5-4.5G VR (The missing medium size telezoom!)
• AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/2G DC (A small surprise. No VR?)
• AF-S Nikkor 24-85mm f/4G VR
• AF-S DX Nikkor 60-95mm f/2G VR (The DX dream-telezoom!)
• AF-S DX Nikkor 17-60mm f/2.8G VR (Replacing 17-55 with addition of VR)
• Nikon Coolpix P1DX with DX 12.3 MP stabilised sensor, 28-85/3.5-5.6 zoom (comparable to FX, actually 18-56), 2.9 inch 920k-display, movable upwards for macro.

Q4/2010:

• Nikon D4X with 30.2 MP with 1 EV improved sensitivity

Via Cameratown, NikonRumors

Olympus E-30 Digital SLR Camera

"The E-30 SLR offers convenience and advanced features, plus great image quality, too."

Kathleen Cullen from PC World has an article at washingtonpost.com.

The Olympus E-30 has a well-rounded feature set that should appeal both to consumers upgrading from lower-end DSLR cameras and to buyers looking for something of a more semipro caliber. The E-30 is sold as a kit ($1350 as of 7/7/09, including a 14mm-to-54mm lens) and as the body only ($950 as of 7/7/09).

Compared with its older sibling, the Olympus E3, the E-30 has a smaller body and a lighter weight. On this model Olympus has sacrificed the weatherproof, magnesium-alloy body in favor of a plastic and fiberglass version, which may be a deal-breaker for photographers inclined toward outdoor shooting. The E-30 features a handy swiveling LCD so that you can capture shots from odd angles, or even simply rotate it and snap it inward to protect it while you're out and about.

The E-30 boosts the image sensor to 12.3 megapixels, from 10 megapixels in the E3. It also adds Art Filters, effects such as pinhole, soft focus, pop art, and grainy tone. Though you can preview these effects in Live View, you can't modify them in-camera. As for more-concrete functionality, the E-30 adds improved contrast detection focus, in-body stabilization for vertical panning, and improved electronic AF adjustments for older and third-party lenses.

Buy Olympus E30 12.3MP Digital SLR with Image Stabilization (Body Only)

Via washingtonpost.com

Two New Entry-level Nikon DSLRs

After the announcement of the swivel-screen hobbyist DSLR Nikon D5000, the entry level photography enthusiasts must be looking for something slimmer and easier to use. Just then, images of Nikon D3000 and D300s were leaked out on the web stating that they are the upcoming DSLR cameras from Nikon.

Lenstip guys believe that Nikon D3000 would be a scaled down version of Nikon D5000. The scaled down means that there won't be the D5000 exclusive swivel-LCD screen in D3000 DSLR. Also, the HDMI and built-in microphone will not exist in D3000.

Along with that, NikonRumors carried images of upcoming Nikon D300s body meant for entry-level DSLR enthusiasts. This new D300s, assumed to be without microphone, is a close match to existing Nikon D300 model. It's being speculated that D300s would be capable of recording 720p HD video content, have a quiet shutter mode, would be able to shoot continuously at eight frames per second and have an SD storage support.

There's no official announcement from Nikon on these cameras. Also, no information about the approximate pricing is available as of now.

Via TechTree India

Bua a Nikon D5000 12.3 MP DX Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens and 2.7-inch Vari-angle LCD

Olympus E-620 reviewed by DPReview

Olympus has established a tradition of offering very well specified cameras at the entry-level, and was one of the first to offer two cameras in this bracket - the little E-410 and its image-stabilized big brother, the E-510 (later upgraded to the 420 and 520 respectively). Now it has introduced the E-620, a model that will 'sell alongside' the E-420 and E-520 (in the sense that we suspect it will eventually replace the E-520) as the company's attempt at a '500D-killer'.

And, even by Olympus's standards of entry-level generosity, it's not short on toys - including an articulated screen to make full use of its live view system, which itself is one of the better implementations of this feature (from the company that got there first). It's also got 'Art' modes and the ability to shoot in four different aspect ratios - adapted from the features of the more expensive E-30. There's also in-body Image Stabilization and a level of configurability that is unparalleled in this class. In fact it's astonishing how much Olympus has crammed into its small dimensions - it's nearer to the size of the E-4X0 than the E-5X0 series (due in part to use of the small BLS-1 battery), and the E-420 was famously the smallest DSLR in the world.

Of course, since the E-620 was announced, Olympus has launched the E-P1 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, which shares many features with the E-620 and is still smaller. However, the through-the-lens optical viewfinder and fast, phase-detection autofocus system mean that the E-620 shouldn't face too much of a threat from its more compact sibling (despite the degree of shared componentry, they're different cameras that fulfil rather different needs).

Read the full 32 page review at dpreview.com.

Buy an Olympus Evolt E620 12.3MP Live MOS Digital SLR Camera with Image Stabilization and 2.7 inch Swivel LCD

AsiaOne: New cameras to rival DSLRs

Kenny Chee at AsiaOne says:
A NEW breed of digital cameras which aims to bridge the gap between point-and-shoot cameras and professional digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras looks set to take photographers here by storm.

In the last two weeks, two different models of the new breed - known as micro four thirds - were launched here by Olympus and Panasonic.

Previously, there was only one such camera available here, launched by Panasonic last October.

The new cameras use an imaging technology similar to DSLRs', but packed inside a much-less-bulky body.

Buy a Panasonic DMC-GH1 12MP Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Camera with 1080p HD Video