PENTAX Imaging Company has announced a limited edition, white PENTAX K2000 DSLR system with a double zoom kit. The new camera body and both lenses* feature a brilliant white color with black trim.

The white PENTAX K2000 is an entry-level system consisting of the new PENTAX K2000 body, a white smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL lens, and a white smc PENTAX DA L 50-200mm F4-5.6 AL lens.   Bundled as a complete kit for the convenience of the customer, the PENTAX K2000 system offers uncomplicated operation for new digital SLR users and family photographers seeking high-quality digital SLR photography for the first time.  Combining PENTAX-developed, easy-to-use Auto Picture modes as well as powerful learning functions all housed in one of the smallest, lightest camera bodies in its class, the PENTAX K2000 system is ideal for digital SLR beginners. 

 Additional features on the newest digital K2000 SLR body include a 10.2 megapixel CCD, a 2.7 inch, 230,000 dot high resolution, wide-view LCD panel, and an ultra compact design that facilitates one handed operation.  The body also features the same PENTAX-developed Shake Reduction technology found on more advanced K series digital SLRs. PENTAX Shake Reduction is compatible with more than 25 million PENTAX lenses to deliver sharp images even when handheld at slower shutter speeds.  The K2000 also features the powerful PENTAX-developed Auto Picture Mode, which selects from Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action, and Night Portrait modes to tailor the camera settings for any photographic situation.  The camera also has a comprehensive Dust Removal system to help keep images spotless. A dedicated programmable help button clearly explains current camera settings to guide and teach the user about digital SLR photography.

The white PENTAX K2000 advantages:

• Simplified ergonomics with dedicated Help button
• Comprehensive Dust Detection and Removal system ons.
• Auto Picture and creative Scene modes
• High-quality image
• High-speed continuous shooting up to 3.5 frames per second
• High-precision 5-point AF system
• Auto sensitivity control up to ISO 3200
• Enhanced Dynamic Range and Shadow Adjustment mode
• Large, easy-to-view 2.7 inch LCD monitor
• Bright, clear viewfinder
• Digital filters for unique visual expressions
• Energy-efficient power supply, recording approximately 1,650 images with four AA-size lithium batteries  (included)
• Status screen, displaying camera settings on the LCD monitor for at-a-glance confirmation
• Index function, for five different types of display and printing modes
• Choice of 16-segment multi-pattern metering, center-weighted metering and spot metering to accommodate various photographic applications
• Simultaneous recording of RAW and JPEG format images
• Compatibility with SD and SDHC memory cards
• In-body development of RAW images
• Compatibility with SDM autofocus lenses for quiet, smooth focus operation
• PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory 3 RAW data processing software and PENTAX PHOTO Browser 3 browser software included

Lomo has launched a new Twin Lens Reflex camera, which is designed to shoot 35mm as well as medium-form at 120 film.

There are four image formats: 6×6cm (12 frames on a 120 roll); 6×4.5cm (16 images); Endless panorama (16 square images on a 120 roll); and users can choose to shoot 35mm film images as ‘panoramic portraits where the image exposes the entire film – including sprocket holes’.

Lomo claims the lens focuses down to 0.8m. Features include a standard hotshoe for flash and manual focusing. The ‘zone focus’ mode can be set to 0.8m, 1.5m, 3m and infinity. The camera’s viewfinder is claimed to cover 100% of the image area. The camera back and viewfinder are interchangeable so that a different style of viewfinder or another focusing glass can be put in its place. A Lomo spokesman said there are interchangeable backs for its new TLR ‘in the pipeline’.

Built as a ‘loving re-creation’ of the original Soviet era classic, the Lomo Lubitel 166+ costs £259.65.

The one and only stuff which all the people crazy about nature photography would like to have.Yes, Nikon finally announced the Nikon D3x. Canon’s high-end pro cameras are the talk of the dugout, with news and sports photographers clamoring for the latest from the Japanese camera maker.

Nikon D3x features:

• 5 megapixel with Expeed 16-bit processing at 5fps!
• Able to switch to DX mode at 10mp 7fps!
• Live view
• Compatible memory card double slot
• 51 point multicam3500fx autofocus system with scene recognition
• 3-inch high resolution viewing screen
• Superior durability
• Active D-Lighting
• Two Live View modes available
• Superior image quality with less noise
• shooting scenes using a 1,005-pixel RGB sensor
• CompactFlash card slots are enables for high-speed data transfer

The new D3X employs a new Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor with 24.5 effective megapixels covering an area of 35.9 x 24.0 mm to achieve truly amazing resolution. This awesome guy realizes superior image quality with less noise even at low sensitivity settings. A new image processing system,provides superior image quality, faster processing speeds and lower power consumption which is based on Nikon’s comprehensive EXPEED digital image processing.

Its advanced noise processing function,achieves this without interfering with other factors, including hue. This mini master givess a continuous shooting speed of approx. 5 frames per second in FX format (36 x 24) or 5:4 (30 x 24), and 7 frames per second in DX format (24 x 16), as well as start-up time of 0.12 second and a shutter release time lag of 0.04 second.

The new D3X is fully compatible with UDMA, the new-generation high-speed card.The maximum frame rate can be chosen using Custom setting. The D3X incorporates a large, 3-inch LCD monitor with ultra-high resolution of approx. 920k-d­ots (VGA). The wide viewing angle of 170° makes it easy to check composition in Live View shooting.

This guy has a tuff body with its exterior made of Magnesium alloy,Strict O-ring sealing to restricts dust and moisture.Precision is also maintained with a shutter monitor. It is also provided with a GPS which records shooting information such as latitude, longitude, altitude and date of shooting. Coordinated with map information, you can create an original map using images.

Compatible memory card double slot : The CompactFlash (CF) card slots  are enabled for high-speed data transfer. You can also copy the data from one card to another. An accelerator sensor incorporated in the body of the camera detects inclination and displays it in the LCD monitor. It can also be displayed in the top control panel and in the exposure indicator of the viewfinder. The D3X recognizes subjects and shooting scenes using a 1,005-pixel RGB sensor that precisely controls exposure by detecting not only the brightness but the colors of the subjects as well.

Two Live View modes available : Handheld mode allows the frame to be recomposed prior to actual shooting and the Tripod mode is designed for precise focus with still subjects and tripod stabilization.

And at last but not the least This little boy is also accomplished with a Picture Control System that offers four kinds of Picture Controls: Standard, Neutral, Vivid, and Monochrome.

Canon finally announced its new flagship PowerShot compact digital camera: the PowerShot G10.The Canon G10 is an impressive photographic tool for the discriminating enthusiast.

The New Powershot G10 features:

• 14.7 Megapixel CCD sensor
• 5x wide-angle optical zoom lens
• Great people shots with improved Face Detection
• RAW image recording
• DIGIC 4 for clear and sharp images
• i-Contrast technology
• 3.0” PureColor LCD II with wide viewing angle
• 26 shooting modes
• Accessories include tele-converter, Speedlite flashes and waterproof case.

This is a camera that supports and nurtures creativity, with a full range of shooting and recording modes and compatibility with exciting accessories including Speedlite flashes. This anticipated G10, the successor to the G9 is the first G-series camera to offer a new 14.7 megapixel CCD sensor and, more usefully, a new 28-140mm wide zoom and increased screen resolution – plus a DIGIC IV processor.

The Canon PowerShot G10 is enhanced with Faster and more accurate noise reduction delivers better image quality, even at high ISO speeds. Canon G10 has grown just a little larger than the G9 in all directions, though, with the biggest increase being an extra third of an inch (6mm) of height. The Canon G10’s handgrip and optical viewfinder have been reprofiled.

With a range-leading resolution and a large 3.0” PureColor LCD II allows easy framing and ultra-detailed review of every shot; this is complemented by improved colour rendition and an exceptionally wide viewing angle. A close look at the Canon G10’s images makes it clear that the Canon G10 meets the enthusiast’s standard and is easily worthy of a Dave’s Pick. The DIGIC 4 Image Processor introduced in the new G10 has features that makes the new i-Contrast system, which controls the compensation level in pixel units to brighten dark areas while leaving bright areas unchanged for better images where the main subject is dark.

This Canon G10 includes true optical image stabilization to help combat blur from camera shake. The New Face Self-Timer Technology included in the G10 automatically detects an increase in the number of faces and makes the appropriate adjustments,Face Detection self timer which automatically takes a photo two seconds after an additional face enters the scene. A comprehensive accessory system now includes support for Canon’s Macro Ring Lite and Macro Twin Lite, which offer powerful new possibilities for close-up shots and other creative photography.

The Canon G10 opts for H.264 MOV, a newer format which generally offers significantly improved compression for high class video quality. The new G10 is included with a Red-eye Correction for removing red-eye from subjects in flash pictures.

“Like no other compact camera, the PowerShot G10 delivers the power to excel,” commented Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe.

The Canon PowerShot G10 will be available from October priced at $500.

Eastman Kodak Company announced the latest M-Series Digital Camera to join its EASYSHARE System portfolio. The KODAK EASYSHARE M1093 IS Digital Camera, a sleek but powerful digital camera for style-conscious consumers, is packed with innovative features, including Kodak’s Smart Capture, which instantly adjusts the camera settings to help ensure brilliant pictures in virtually any environment – automatically.

The KODAK EASYSHARE M1093 IS Digital Camera is the newest member of Kodak’s line of affordable EASYSHARE M-Series Zoom Digital Cameras for the style-savvy consumer. A range of features lets consumers capture and share their memorable moments quickly and effortlessly:

• Innovative Smart Capture feature identifies the scene and adjusts camera settings for a great picture in just about any environment – automatically.
• Take stunning HD pictures and video and view them on an HDTV with the optional KODAK EASYSHARE HDTV Dock.
• Reduce blur caused by camera shake, subject movement or fast-action situations with image stabilization and blur reduction technology.
• For great shots of friends and family, face detection technology locates faces and automatically adjusts the camera settings.
• Capture the details in low light conditions and fast action situations with high ISO (up to 3200).

With its limited feature set, the M1093 focuses on snapshots. It’s a capable point-and-shoot with a responsive autofocus and fast snapping speeds. Start-up is quick enough, with the camera ready to capture an image in less than 2 seconds. Burst mode is limited to three shots, but captures them in a creditable 2 seconds. Capturing burst shots — and erasing images — does lead to a short delay with an on-screen processing message, but that’s just us being impatient.

“Underneath its sleek exterior, the KODAK EASYSHARE M1093 IS Digital Camera is a powerhouse built to capture beautiful pictures,” said John Blake, general manager Digital Capture and Devices, Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company. “The Smart Capture feature available on our latest digital cameras, including the M1093 IS, lets consumers capture moments that would have otherwise been missed, thanks to its intuitive and automatic scene detection and setting control.”

The camera is controlled with a jaunty little joystick. This is one of the better mini-joysticks we’ve seen because the indent where it sits is large enough to let you move it comfortably about without squashing a thumb against the rest of the frame. We’re less keen on the flattened zoom control pad, though, which has only the slightest contour to rock the button from side-to-side. It’s not terribly responsive, not helped by the limited number of steps in the zooming process.

Things are kept uncluttered by shifting the flash and mode selectors to the top, next to the power button and flat shutter release.The M1093 is sleekly masculine, like a well-cut suit. It comes in a brushed silver casing with an understated diagonal slice across the front, a subtly contoured face and a flush-folding lens. The minimalist look is continued at the back with the 76mm (3-inch) expanse of screen and neatly-placed, uncluttered controls to the right. Although the screen is large, it isn’t as crisp as it we’d like, with diagonal lines rendered a little jagged.

Kodak continues to bring groundbreaking features to its award-winning KODAK EASYSHARE Digital Photography System, enhancing the digital photography experience for consumers worldwide. The EASYSHARE System consists of digital cameras, picture frames, snapshot printers, online services, software, inkjet printers, and accessories—making picture-taking, sharing and archiving effortless. All KODAK EASYSHARE Products being introduced today include the latest Version 7 of KODAK EASYSHARE Software featuring an array of enhancements to help consumers find, create and share pictures like never before. Version 7 Software now includes direct access to KODAK Gallery making it simple to find albums stored online. The new KODAK EASYSHARE Software Version 7 can be downloaded for free.

The KODAK EASYSHARE M1093 IS Digital Camera will retail for US$199.95 MSRP.

Samsung, leaders in digital imaging, is building on the success of the groundbreaking NV Series with the launch of a new premium compact camera.  Continuing the winning combination of innovative technology and user-friendly features, the NV9 boasts a 5x Optical Zoom lens, an Intelligent 2.7″ LCD screen and a highly sensitive ISO 3200 to deliver optimum image quality in a slim, stylish package. The NV9 is a 10.2 megapixel digital compact camera and includes Samsung’s improved processing technology. It features Dual Image Stabilisation – by integrating Optical Image and Digital Image Stabilisation the user obtains vastly improved image quality and outstanding pictures without the blur. The camera also features Auto Contrast Balance (ACB) which will correct shadows making it perfect for daytime or evening shots.

One great new feature on the Samsung NV9 is the easy to read Mini-Dashboard status gauges. The Mini-Dashboard gives the user important easy to read information about the camera’s battery and memory status. The NV9 has MJPEG Movie recording at 30fps which allows users to edit and zoom during filming.

Samsung’s new slim NV camera features an inbuilt MP3 player and a Portable Multimedia Player (PMP) to watch downloaded movies. Other features include Samsung’s Perfect Portrait System which contains a range of features; “Face Detection”, which locates the subject’s face within the frame and automatically adjusts auto focus and auto exposure to ensure better composition and image quality for portraits; in “Blink Detection Mode” the camera will take a series of shots when closed eyes are detected, to ensure subjects are captured with their eyes open; in “Smile Mode” a picture is automatically taken when smiles are detected in “Beauty Shot” mode facial skin is retouched for a brighter and smoother skin tone.

“Samsung is delighted to strengthen the range with the launch of the NV9 which provides improved image quality and innovative features to photographers of all levels” said Robert King, Director, Samsung Cameras UK.

The NV9 is priced at £179 and includes a highly efficient rechargeable battery system enhancing convenience for the user. It will be available on the high street nationwide and online retailers from August 2008. All Samsung Cameras include a two year warranty.

Nikon Europe is pleased to announce the introduction of an all-new FX-format digital SLR: the 12.1 megapixel Nikon D700, designed to enable many more photographers to enjoy the acclaimed image quality of the Nikon D3, but in a smaller form factor.

The D700 joins the D3 as a fully-fledged ‘professional’ model; it has the same tank-like build quality (though we’re sure the pop-up flash will cause a few raised eyebrows), and gets you the full pro service from Nikon. And the pricing (around $2999) reflects this; anyone hoping for an ‘affordable’ semi-pro full frame Nikon SLR will have to wait until the cost of producing such large sensors falls considerably.

”The Nikon D3 has taken the action photography industry by storm, motivating many pros to change brands and we expect the D700 to continue that trend,” said Robert Cristina, Manager Professional Products and NPS at Nikon Europe. He added: “The D700 excels in the extreme low-light and high-contrast conditions under which today’s cameras are judged and affirms Nikon’s ongoing commitment to meeting tomorrows imaging needs too.”

The D700 is designed for the future without ignoring the past. As Nikon celebrates the 75th anniversary of the very first NIKKOR lens, and with well over 40 million sold, intelligent image processing technologies to control peripheral illumination (Vignette) and chromatic aberration enable photographers to rediscover the creative possibilities of their existing NIKKOR F mount lenses. For newcomers, the ever-expanding Nikon Total Imaging System provides lenses, Speedlights, Software and accessories for every photographic challenge both now and in the future.

The D700 is ideal for those seeking a perfectly-balanced DSLR on the move, without compromising durability or environmental resistance to moisture and dust. The D700 incorporates an image sensor cleaning system that uses high frequency vibrations to reduce the accumulation of dust on the image sensor surface. A responsive 5fps is possible with the compact 1500mAh EN-EL3e lithium-ion battery, with up to 8 fps possible by attaching the optional MB-D10 battery pack to use the powerful 2500mAh EN-EL4a battery if desired. This offers complete power supply integration for those already using the D3 and D300. Another first is the practical i-TTL built-in pop up flash with 24mm lens coverage, ideal for discrete flash lighting when a full size Speedlight might be too cumbersome.

The imaging side of the D700 is pretty much the same as the D3; it shares the acclaimed 12.1MP full frame (‘FX’) sensor and has the same processing engine, so we would presume output to be almost identical. The main differences (aside from being considerably smaller) are physical; there’s a different shutter (good for 150,000 exposures rather than 300,000 on the D3), different viewfinder prism (with 95% coverage) and a slower burst rate. You also lose the rear LCD info panel (there’s no room for it) and one of the D3’s two CF card slots, but you do get a couple of extra features to soften the blow slightly; most notably a self-cleaning sensor and a built-in flash. We’ll look a little more in-depth at the differences between the D3 and D700 in a moment.

Nikon D700 Key Features:

• 12.1 megapixel full-frame sensor (8.45µm pixel pitch)
• Image Sensor Cleaning (vibration) *
• ISO 200 – 6400 (with boost up to ISO 25600 and down to ISO 100)
• Also supports DX lenses, viewfinder automatically masks (5.1 megapixels with DX lens)
• 14-bit A/D conversion, 12 channel readout
• Same ultra-fast startup and shutter lag as D3
• Nikon EXPEED image processor (Capture NX processing and NR algorithms, lower power)
• New Kevlar / carbon fibre composite shutter with 150,000 exposure durability *
• Multi-CAM3500FX Auto Focus sensor (51-point, 15 cross-type, more vertical coverage)
• Auto-focus tracking by color (using information from 1005-pixel AE sensor)
• 95% coverage, 0.72x magnification viewfinder *
• Auto-focus calibration (fine-tuning), fixed body or up to 20 separate lens settings
• Scene Recognition System (uses AE sensor, AF sensor)
• Picture Control image parameter presets
• 5 frames per second continuous with auto-focus tracking*
• Optional MB-D10 Battery Pack (same as D300), increases burst rate to 8 fps *
• UDMA compatible single CF card slot *
• 3.0″ 922,000 pixel LCD monitor
• Live View with either phase detect (mirror up/down) or contrast detect Auto Focus
• Virtual horizon indicates if camera is level (like an aircraft cockpit display)
• HDMI HD video output
• ‘Active D-Lighting’ (adjusts metering as well as applying D-Lighting curve)
• Detailed ‘Control Panel’ type display on LCD monitor, changes color in darkness
• Magnesium alloy body with connections and buttons sealed against moisture
• Improved Info display on main screen.

FUJIFILM Corporation announced a radical departure from current imaging systems with the development of a completely new, real image system (3D digital camera, 3D digital photo frame, 3D print) that marks a complete break from previous attempts to introduce this technology and this revolutionary imaging product seems set to change the way we shoot, view and print photographs. While conventional digital cameras capture in two dimensions, the new 6-megapixel shooter uses two lens and the onboard Real Photo (RP) Processor 3D to combine a scene to present a three dimensional view.

The company has a strong research program currently running to improve every aspect of capture and output. This is based on the broad concept of producing images as lifelike as possible, or more simply, ‘capturing an image exactly as your eye sees it.’ The ‘Real Photo Technology’ program is determined to improve key quality metrics for each generation of camera, like ‘high resolution with low noise,’ ‘expanded wide dynamic range,’ ‘intelligent scene recognition,’ ‘intelligent flash,’ ‘face detection’ etc, culminating in the announcement this September of a new type of sensor, Fujifilm Super CCD EXR, which will take image quality to levels hitherto undreamed of.

Typically, 3D photography requires stereo cameras which are usually film-based. You require special accessories such as 3D glasses to view the pictures or dedicated programs to convert the images into one 3D picture. But what Fujifilm had done was to incorporate two lenses and sensors into the shooter. These components feed the scene to the RP 3D processor which translates the information to the special 2.8-inch LCD which is capable of displaying both 2D and 3D images. This technology is one-of-a-kind and we have not seen it in other shooters. Besides capturing 3D pictures, the unnamed camera is also capable of snapping 2D images, too, using only one lens.

The LCD is probably one of the more advanced displays we’ve come across. There are two sources on the sides of the screen and they will display the information captured through the two lenses independently. Each source has a refresh rate of 60 frames per second and as the sources alternate to and fro, a 3D effect is achieved. But what was rather impressive about the display was that the image engine does all the rendering in real time, meaning that you can view the scene in 3D before taking the picture. The snapper is also able to record video clips in 3D.

Fujifilm is developing a whole line of products to complement the 3D shooter. In the works is an 8.4-inch 3D photo frame and the company’s current Frontier mini-lab printing system has been modified to print lenticular photographs. We saw some samples and had to admit that they looked really good. Traditional lenticular prints splice two images anve you can view it only from the front to see the 3D effect. But what Fujifilm has done was to splice several images and merge them so the picture appeared 3D even when we viewed it from the sides.

The 3D camera wasn’t as slim as we thought, but Fujifilm said it would reduce the bulk for the commercial sets. Another issue was the file format the 3D snapper will generate. Fujifilm said the format will be new to the industry, but the company is currently working with CIPA (Camera and Imaging Products Association) to make this an open format. The firm is also looking to work with other developers such as Adobe to incorporate it in Photoshop for image-editing.

Printing 3D photographs will not be cheap either, but the company expects the price to drop when this printing format gets more popular. It would be almost impossible to output 3D photographs at home, and the initial high costs of printing may deter some people from buying the shooter.

It is difficult to predict how popular this camera will be among consumers when it seems like there is little support for its proprietary file format for now. Also, limited viewing accessories such as 3D monitors and printers may be a deal breaker for some. However, Fujifilm has been the pioneer for several digital imaging trends, such as low-light photography and face detection, so developing a ground-breaking 3D digicam is in line with its vision.

The 3D camera is expected to launch in August/September next year. Pricing is not available at press time but we will update when we have more information.