Digital Camera Blog – Deals, Promos, News and Reviews

In addition to announcing the new E-P3, E-PL3 & E-PM1 cameras, Olympus has also announced two new lens for the micro four thirds system of cameras. The new Olympus lenses are a 12mm f/2.0 and 45mm f/1.8 portrait lens, both fast primes for Micro-Four-Thirds.

The 12mm F2.0 lens is a metal-bodied 24mm equivalent featuring a unique snap-focus manual focus mode. A snap-back focus ring reveals a traditional depth-of-field scale for focusing and offers improved focus. The 45mm F1.8 is a portrait lens, making Olympus one of the only manufacturers to offer a fast prime at a roughly 100mm equivalent focal length, ideally suited to portraiture. The 12mm lens will be available very soon with a price tag of $799.99 and the 45mm lens will be available early fall with a price tag of $399.99.

Both the 12mm f/2.0 and 45mm f/1.8 lens are now available for pre-order, click below for the links on Amazon.

• Olympus 12mm f/2.0 lens – Pre-Order on Amazon.com – $799.99
• Olympus 45mm f/1.8 lens – Pre-Order on Amazon.com – $399.99

Olympus has just announced 3 new models to their line up of micro-four-third interchangable lens digital cameras. The three new PEN models are the updated E-P3 & E-PL3 as well as the new Mini E-PM1.

Olympus E-P3

The Olympus Pen E-P3 is the third flagship micro four thirds camera from Olympus and will launch in early August with the 14-42mm kit lens. The Olympus E-P3 sports a 12.3 MP Live MOS Sensor, TruePic VI Image Processor, FAST AF Tracking System with 35 focus points, Low Light Performance, Fast Shutter Response, Full HD Movie – Shoot up to 29 minutes of full 1080i HD video in either AVCHD or AVI formats and a Full HD Movie – Shoot up to 29 minutes of full 1080i HD video in either AVCHD or AVI formats. The Olympus PEN E-P3 kit will be available in stylish black, white and silver.

• Olympus E-P3 overview on Amazon and pre-order information
• Olympus E-P3 with 14-42mm lens (Black) on Amazon.com
• Olympus E-P3 with 14-42mm lens (Silver) on Amazon.com

Olympus Pen E-PL3

The Olympus Pen E-PL3 is what Olympus describes as a ‘Lite’ version of the E-P3. This powerful camera is perfect for photographers who want their memories to reflect incredible, professional image quality. Easy-to-use creative technologies are packed in its versatile body – the size of a small, portable point-and-shoot camera, but with the versatility of interchangeable lenses. It will also feature a new 12.3-megapixel Live MOS Image Sensor, TruePic™ VI Image Processor, high ISO of 12,800, a reengineered autofocus system, full 1080i HD video with Dolby Digital sound recording. No release date is available yet for the E-PL3 but it is expected to be released later in the year perhaps early fall.

Olympus Pen Mini camera (E-PM1)

The third Olympus micro four thirds camera to be announced is the Pen Mini E-PM1. he smallest and lightest Olympus PEN is available in six stylish colors (purple, pink, brown, white, silver and black) and features a new and simplified user interface as well as a streamlined button structure for superior ease of use. Its small size and portability make it the ideal camera to document life’s fun and spontaneous moments. This very compact camera will also launch in early fall.

Nikon has officially announced and unveiled the brand new D5100 DSLR digital camera. The Nikon D5100 is the new updated and enhanced version of the previous D5000 model, with features a greater 16.2 Mega Pixel resolution, improved tilting LCD screen, and increased ISO range. The Nikon D5100 use the same EN-EL14 battery and charger as the Nikon D3100, as well as the 11-point AF system (single center cross-type point sensor), shutter speed range (1/4000-30s), flash sync speed (1/200s) and uses the same 420-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix meter. In addition the D5100 will use the same 921k-dot LCD that the Nikon D7000 uses, the same 16.2-megapixel image sensor, ISO range (100-6400, expandable up to 25,600), and 3.5mm stereo mic input.

The Nikon D5100 will be available in Body Only format for $799 or with the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens for $899. The D5100 will start shipping in late April or early May and is already available for pre-order on Amazon.com.

Nikon D5100 Features:

• High Resolution 16.2 MP DX-format CMOS sensor
• Stunning Full 1080p HD Movies with Full Time Autofocus
• In-camera HDR (High Dynamic Range)
• 3-inch, 921,000-dot Super-Density horizontal type Vari-Angle LCD Monitor
• In-camera Special Effects Mode

Nikon D5100 Pre-Order Information:

• Nikon D5100 with the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens
  $899.00
• Nikon D5100 (Body Only)
  $799

The brand new Olympus XZ-1 digital camera is now available for pre-order on Amazon.com for $499 and will be shipping soon.

The new Olympus XZ-1 is a low light fixed lens at f/1.8 to f/2.5 and is designed to compete with the Canon PowerShot G12, Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5, and Nikon Coolpix P7000. With a range of f/1.8 to f/2.5, defocusing the background will be cake with the Olympus XZ-1, and Olympus promises faster shutter speeds in low light, thanks to the wide aperture. Another most excellent thing about the XZ-1′s lens is the control ring, which is just like the Canon PowerShot S95′s. The Control Ring works in tandem with the Wheel Controller found in the back of the camera to tackle ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed, Scene Modes, and Art Filters. For low light shooting, the Olympus XZ-1 has a Low Light mode, which automatically adjusts the ISO up to 3200 with the ability to capture images at the full 10-meghapixel size. iAuto (Intelligent Auto) is also designed to detect low light scenes, and the AF Illuminator allows shooters to adjust the focus in dimly lit environments. The Olympus XZ-1′s LCD screen is no slouch either. It’s a 3-inch 610,000-pixel OLED display. Olympus has also given the XZ-1 a 10-megapixel CCD sensor with TruePic V Image Processing and Six Art filters have also been handed down from the PEN lineup, in addition to Live Guide.

“The XZ-1 features one of the world’s brightest built-in lenses on a digital compact camera to enable you to shoot high-quality still images and HD videos in any shooting environment, including difficult low-light conditions,” said Katie Roseman, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “This camera will give you the versatility needed to take on any challenge without weighing you down.”

• Click here to pre-order the Olympus XZ-1 digital camera
  

Panasonic at Photokina (the photography mega show) has announced the new Panasonic Lumix GH2 Micro Four Thirds camera. The GH2 gets an upgraded MOS sensor and shoots at 16 mega pixels with a wider sensitivity range of ISO 160 to 12,800 and a faster, 23-point auto-focusing system. The brand new sensor along with a new Venus Engine FHD processor also provides for 5FPS burst shooting and 1080i video at 60 frames per second instead of 30fps. A swivel out touchscreen LCD still acts as an important control mechanism with tap-to-focus, subject tracking and area focus. The electronic viewfinder is still similar in resolution but has been upgraded to a more natural 60 frames per second. Photos and videos can still show on a TV through HDMI out. The upgraded camera gives the option of shooting in 3D through a new lens; the optional 12.5mm f12 has two optical elements and creates stereoscopic photos that are usable with most 3D displays.

The Panasonic GH2 has three versions of it available for pre-order on Amazon.com. Two black versions, with either a 14-42mm lens ($999.95) or the 14-140mm lens($1,499.95). There is also a silver version of the GH2 with the 14-42mm lens for $999.95. See the list below for the available options.

Pre-Order the Panasonic GH2 on Amazon.com:

• Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 with 14-42mm Hybrid Lens (Black)
  $999.95
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 and 14-140mm HD Hybrid Lens (Black)
  $1,499.95
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 with 14-42mm Hybrid Lens (Silver)
  $999.95

Making big news at the Photokina show Nikon has announced the new Nikon D7000 DSLR mid-range camera. Priced at $1,199 (body only) the D7000 sits above the $900 Nikon D90 and below the $1,700 Nikon D300S. In features, the D7000 is much nearer the higher-end D300S, however, at a price that’s $500 less.

The D7000 pairs a new 16.2-megapixel CMOS APS-C sensor with Nikon’s enhanced Expeed 2 processor, which enables 14-bit analog-to-digital conversion for better performance and dynamic range with less noise. Nikon says it has enhanced the color metering system and added a new 39-point AF system with nine center cross-type sensors for faster, more accurate focusing. The D7000 is comparatively speedy, offering a burst rate of six frames per second (fps) for 100 shots. That’s faster than the D90 but not quite as capable as the D300S. The D7000 enables you to capture HD video at full 1080p (24 fps) or 720p (24 or 30 fps). The camera lets you use full-time autofocus and, if you prefer, manual control, while shooting video.

The camera has two SDXC memory card slots that bring a lot of versatility. For instance, you can use two cards in a relay format (when one card is full, the camera will fill the next) or record RAW images on one card and JPEGs on the other, or store video on one card and still photos on the other. The camera feels quite solid in your hands, thanks to a durable chassis fortified with a magnesium-alloy top and rear covers. For those who are new to DSLR cameras, Nikon will also sell a kit version of the D7000 with an 18mm to 105mm F/3.5-5.6G VR lens for $1,499.

Features/Specifications of the Nikon D7000:

• 16.2MP CMOS sensor
• 1080p HD video recording with mic jack for external microphone
• ISO 100-6400 (plus H1 and H2 equivalent to ISO 12,800/25,600)
• Twin SD card slots
• 3.0 inch 921k dot LCD screen
• New Live View/movie shooting switch
• Full-time AF in Live View/movie modes
• 39-point AF system with 3D tracking
• 2016 pixel metering sensor
• Up to 6fps continuous shooting
• Lockable shooting mode dial
• Built-in intervalometer
• Electronic virtual horizon
• Shutter tested to 150K actuations
• Scene Recognition System (see 2016 pixel sensor, above) aids metering + focus accuracy

Available Models for Pre-Order:

• Nikon D7000 16.2MP DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR with 3.0 Inch LCD (Body Only)
  $1,199.00
• Nikon D7000 16.2MP DX-Format CMOS Digital SLR with 3.0 Inch LCD and 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR ED Nikkor Lens
  $1,499.00

Pentax has announced a new entry level DSLR camera, the K-r, an update to its least expensive DSLR model. The new Pentax K-r directly addresses some of the issues with the earlier Pentax K-x model and focuses on image performance as its priority. The K-4 now shoots at up to ISO 25,600 (up from 12,800) and at up to 6FPS for 25 shots in continuous mode (up from 4.7). It’s a 12.4 megapixel shooter, making use of Pentax’s Prime II image processing engine. An 11 point wide-frame autofocus system is onboard, as is a spot beam feature for shooting in low lighting conditions. High dynamic range (HDR) shooting is better with a new night-focused mode, and the shutter speed has climbed to 1/6000th of a second. The Pentax K-r can also shoot 720p HD video, you can preview videos and shots on a 3 inch, 921k dot LCD on the back of the camera.

The Pentax K-r is now available for pre-order on Amazon.com and is available in three colors, black, red and white. See below for various body only and lens kit options that are available for it.

Pentax K-r 12.4 MP Digital SLR Camera with 2.7-Inch LCD and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens (Black)
$849.95

Pentax K-r 12.4 MP Digital SLR Camera with 2.7-Inch LCD (Black, Body Only)
$799.95

Pentax K-r 12.4 MP Digital SLR Camera with 2.7-Inch LCD and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 and 50-200mm f/4-5.6 Lenses (Black)
$899.95

Pentax K-r 12.4 MP Digital SLR Camera with 2.7-Inch LCD and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 and 55-300mm f/3.5-5.6 Lenses (Black)
$999.95

Pentax K-r 12.4 MP Digital SLR Camera with 2.7-Inch LCD and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens (Red)
$849.95

Pentax K-r 12.4 MP Digital SLR Camera with 2.7-Inch LCD (Red, Body Only)
$799.95

Pentax K-r 12.4 MP Digital SLR Camera with 2.7-Inch LCD and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens (White)
$849.95

Pentax K-r 12.4 MP Digital SLR Camera with 2.7-Inch LCD (White Body)
$799.95

The brand new just announced Nikon D3100 is now available for pre-order on Amazon.com. The new camera is available with a single lens kit (18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens) for $699.99 or dual lens kit (18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens + 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens) for $949.

The Nikon D3100 is the latest entry-level offering from Nikon and its first DSLR that can record full 1080p HD videos. Successor to the popular D3000, it is built around a 14.2 CMOS sensor and a 3 inch LCD. As well as movies it gains Live View shooting, a wider ISO range ( 100-3200 expandable to 12800) and a host of small revisions.Easily capture the action other cameras miss with a fast start up time, split-second shutter release, 3 frames per second shooting and 11-point autofocus. Capture pictures and make movies in near darkness with an ISO range of 100 to 3200 (expandable to 12800-Hi2). EXPEED 2, Nikon’s new image processing engine, assures breathtakingly rich image quality, managing color, contrast, exposure and noise. One-touch Live View and movie recording lets you see the action on the 3-inch monitor and the Scene Recognition System automatically chooses the ideal settings. You can also select from 6 Automatic Exposure Scene Modes: Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close-up or Night Portrait for stunning results in otherwise challenging conditions. Active D-Lighting restores picture-enhancing detail in shadows and highlights.

Nikon D3100 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens
$699.99

Nikon D3100 with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens and 55-200 f/4-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens
$949.00

Also be sure to see Nikon’s latest lenses also recently announced.

In addition to the new Nikon D3100 DSLR, Nikon has announced four new NIKKOR lenses, all of which will be hitting shelves in September. Two super-zooms, a normal-tele zoom and a super-fast prime round out the list. The lenses include the Nikon AF-S DX 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR, the Nikon AF-S 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, the Nikon AF-S 24-120mm f/4G ED VR and the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G ED. These four new lenses bring the total number lenses released by Nikon in 2010 to seven. All four lenses feature Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor technology—while the three zoom lenses all include Nikon’s Vibration Reduction II Image Stabilization system. All of the new lenses are now available for pre-0rder on Amazon.com, see below.

AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
At $399.95, this DX lens is designed to take on the ever-growing number of affordable do-it-all lenses like the recently-announced Tamron AF70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di LD Macro Zoom.

The VR II’s image stablization abilities will come in very handy, especially if you plan on shooting at longer focal lengths without a tripod. Speaking of tripods, the lens includes a nifty “Tripod Detection Mode,” which ensures that image stabilization stays activated and counteracts any small vibrations when mounted.

The lens also includes a High Refractive Index lens element, which helps to ensure high contrast, even at the maximum aperture. Two Extra-low Dispersion elements that help to eliminate chromatic aberration.

Like the other four lenses, the DX 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 utilizes Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor technology. As it is the cheapest in the line-up of new lenses, Nikon is touting it as a great companion to the D3100. We’ll be happy to test that theory as soon as we get our hands on retail units.

AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
This is Nikon’s first FX-format lens to offer an impressive 10.7x zoom range. Aimed at a more prosumer or even professional crowd than the NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G, this lens promises to be sharp from edge to edge, on both FX- and DX-mount bodies. (42-450mm DX equivalent).

The lens includes two Extra-low Dispersion glass elements to eliminate chromatic aberration, plus three aspherical lens elements meant to eliminate coma and aberrations resulting from wide apertures.

An M/A Focus Mode Switch allows shooter to easily toggle between automatic and manual focusing and Internal Focus provides fast and silent performance. And like the DX 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6, the FX 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 also includes Nikon’s VR II system and a Silent Wave Motor. This lens is listed for $1049.95 and is available for pre-order now.

AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 G ED VR
The FX 24-120mm f/4 (36-180mm DX equivalent) lens will quickly become a staple for users looking for a high-quality walking around lens. Another extremely versatile piece of glass, this lens is a perfect companion to Nikon’s 14-24mm f/2.8 wide angle.

Inside the barrel, you’ll find two Extra-low Dispersion glass elements, three aspherical lens elements, and a Silent Wave Motor. On the outside, you’ll find the increasingly popular A/M focus switch that allows full-time manual focus tweaking. Additionally, the FX 24-120mm f/4 utilizes Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coating to cut down on ghosting and flare. Currently listed for $1299.95 and is available for pre-order on Amazon.com now.

AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G ED
A big Nikon lens announcement just wouldn’t be complete without a super-fast prime and this fits the bill nicely. Its extremely low aperture and 85mm focal length (127.5mm DX equivalent), make this an outstanding portrait lens for professionals and advanced shooters alike.

The f/1.4 aperture offers an incredible ability to separate one’s subject from the background, even in low light. Like the FX 24-120mm f/4, this lens features a manual/auto focus toggle switch, Internal Focus, a Silent Wave Motor and of course Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coating. It joins several other 85mm offerings from Nikon, including the affordable ($400) f/1.8, the already-pricy 85mm f/1.4D IF and the 85mm f/3.5G DX Micro ED VR.

Built to last, this rugged lens comes with a $1699.95 price tag, click here to pre-order on Amazon.com. This is a serious piece of glass, for serious photographers.