Which camera ? Compact or DSLR

Choosing which digital camera to buy is a difficult decision to make. There are just as many different cameras to choose from as there are different types of mobile phones in the market. Do you go for the small and light compact or do you buy an entry model Digital SLR camera. With so many choices out there it gets even more difficult.

Well, to make it easier for you to decide, you must stick to the core brands. A friend of mine was ready to purchase the 11 megapixel Supacam DVX and I advised him otherwise. The Supacam DVX claims to be a video recorder, video player, MP3, webcam etc, this is the biggest piece of rubbish I have ever seen and one that should be avoided. Actually it should not be sold at all.

To be safe you can't go wrong with a Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Konica Minolta, Pentax, Olympus and Kodak just to name a few.

With the different types of camera available, the confusion gets larger as you probe deeper. Newer and newer models appear every month and so you basically bombarded with endless amount of information.

To make it easier, most cameras fall into two groups. You can either go for a good point or shoot camera or an entry model Digital SLR camera.

Although my decision may not suit all of you, I would buy go for a DSLR as my first camera. Why because you cannot beat that SLR experience and with the great auto focus system, short lag time and high ISO you get fantastic picture. If you are going to take one picture, you want it to be the best. There are many excellent models and two of the best includes the Nikon D50 or Canon 350D/XT.

If I have the extra money I would then go for a small compact model that has great portability, good features and great picture quality. Make sure you check out the ones with high ISO so that you can take some good low light pictures.

Will Pentax exit Digital Camera Manufacturing?

On the 17th May 2006, three experts in Japanese equities in Tokyo gathered at the International Herald Tribune to discuss the stock market, the global competitiveness of Japanese companies, and trends to watch. Participants in the discussion, which was moderated by Miki Tanikawa, were: Robert Alan Feldman, chief economist, Morgan Stanley (Japan). Ryoji Musha, Vice Chairman, Deutsche Securities. Shuhei Abe, President and CEO, SPARX Asset Management

Interestingly, Shuhei Abe from SPRAX Asset management which holds a 21% stake in Pentax has this to say:

"Let me discuss Pentax, of which we hold 21 percent. Pentax is an optical technology company that is known for making single-reflex lenses. Japanese camera makers have their roots in lens making and optical technology. Leveraging its technological strength, Pentax has diversified into endoscopy, an area that Japanese companies monopolize. The neat thing about the endoscope business is that once you become a supplier, you have a lock on demand for parts replacement the same way copy machine makers benefit from continuing demand for, say, toner. The mistake that Pentax and other camera manufacturers made was in digital cameras, which as a business are not like cameras but more like home electronics, with short product cycles. It's not an efficient business for camera manufacturers to be in. We have been in talks with the Pentax management and have been suggesting that they exit from digital camera manufacturing. This also represents a new way of communicating and relating with the management as shareholders. There are lots of Japanese companies that can improve through an arrangement whereby shareholders, management and employees share in the benefits"



Source: International Herald Tribune

Why it's more expensive to buy a Nikon camera in Australia

Purchasing a Nikon camera is Australia is more expensive than some overseas countries. After being asked the questions through unofficial channels, John Swainston, the Managing Director, Maxwell Optical Industries (National Distributor for Nikon Imaging across Australia) has the following reply.

"In relation to Australia, several factors come into play. I will try and discuss each in turn.

1. Nikon digital products (scanners/digital compacts, digital SLR's) are warranted only in the first country of importation. This is because each country has subtle but important safety compliance requirements in chargers, power supplies radiation and so on. Different countries also bundle different software, so support is not available for software not supplied in this country, for example.

The power supplies for our digital camera chargers, for example, are AS designated - that means they are marked with the N150 approval number from the Australian authorities, they comply with RF radiation standards and they are supplied with an approved electrical cord that has its own approval number from the authorities.

2. Digital Product imported from overseas by a consumer, say via the Internet, is subject to warranty by the vendor overseas, who is bound by the trade rules as to merchantable quality of the country of purchase. Typically a year's warranty. The EU varies this and sometimes it is longer. The cost of freight and duties of returned merchandise are subject to payment by the buyer in almost all cases.

3. At the time of importation in purchases from the Net, the vendor is required by Australian law to declare the actual transaction cost and declare that value for GST payment to Customs when imported into Australia. The importer or buyer is required by law to pay GST and any duties at the value of the purchase. Failure to do either of these things is a breach of Australian law and subject to possible confiscation of the goods by Customs and payment of GST plus damages.

4. In the situation where a trader imports goods from another retailer or vendor overseas, other than the manufacturer, whether they are digital goods or not, the carton of the goods should be marked with suitably visible markings to indicate the name of the importer and the address to which the buyer should return the goods should they fail. Maxwell, who in this case is not the importer, is not legally bound to repair such goods under warranty, even if, as in the case of a lens, there is in fact a worldwide warranty. The reason is that as another company actually imported them it is that company who has the legal liability to warrant the goods as merchantable and fit for sale. Where that does not continue for a reasonable period, that company is required to effect make-good arrangements. Any failure to distinguish the goods from other goods imported by the authorized distributor could be subject to further prosecution under the Trade Practices Act, as passing off goods of a deceptively similar nature, without making clear the different warranty outcomes and provisions that apply.5.

5. Where a consumer buys a lens, say, with worldwide warranty while the consumer is physically overseas, provided that the lens does indeed have a valid Nikon Corporation worldwide warranty (and not a USA-only or EC region only), or much more frequently a Hong Kong "Worldwide Warranty" form issued by the HK retailer, a consumer is entitled to seek warranty repair by Maxwell or its approved service agents in Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne, for such objects, but only after producing the original sales docket, proof of purchase (charge card receipt) AND the Nikon warranty form..

6. The same consumer, buying over the Net, must seek all warranty from the vendor overseas, notwithstanding they may indeed have a valid Nikon Worldwide Warranty form. There is no contract of sale between Maxwell and the buyer and we were neither the importer nor the vendor of the goods they have purchased. As Maxwell is a distributor and not an agent for Nikon, there is no obligation on us to provide warranty for such purchases."



www.maxwell.com.au

Source

Pentax new DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited Lens

Along with the two new DSLR models, PENTAX has also announced the smc PENTAX DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited interchangeable wide-angle lens. Previewed at PMA 2006 in Orlando, the lens features a versatile angle of view and an ultra-thin, pancake design that offers go-anywhere portability that is ideal for casual, day-to-day photography. The latest lens inherits all the attributes of the acclaimed PENTAX Limited lens series including high-quality image reproduction, distinctive visual description, and high-grade lens-barrel finish. The smc PENTAX DA 21mm F3.2 AL Limited lens will ship in July 2006 for $549.95.

Specifications

Lens mount: PENTAX KAF mount
Lens construction: 8 elements in 5 groups

Angle of view: 68° ( when used with *istD series & K100D body )

Aperture control: Automatic

Number of diaphragm blades: 7

Minimum aperture: F22

Metering system: TTL open-aperture metering

Minimum focusing distance: 0.2m (0.66ft.)

Filter size: 43mm or 49mm

Maximum magnification: 0.17X

Dimensions (diameter x length): 63mm x 25mm (2.5inch x 1.0inch)

Weight: 140g (4.9oz) without hood / 155g(5.5oz) with hood


Ultra-thin, super-lightweight design
With newly developed, high-performance optics, this new lens measures only one inch (25 millimeters long) and weighs a mere 4.9 ounces (140 grams). Mounted on a PENTAX digital SLR camera body, the lens protrudes very little from the camera's front panel, making it an ideal choice for carry-everywhere, instantaneous snapshot photography.


Versatile wide-angle perspective
Mounted on a PENTAX digital SLR camera body — including the new K100D — this lens offers an angle of view equivalent to a 32mm lens in the 35mm format. This versatile angle of view produces natural images with a moderate perspective and an expanded depth of field (or a wide in-focus area), making it ideal for many different types of subjects and occasions, including snapshots, landscape, travel photos, and architecture.


High-performance optics
This lens incorporates a hybrid aspherical lens in its eighth optical element to effectively compensate for a variety of aberrations, which cause adverse effects on overall image quality. In order to assure high-quality image reproduction over the entire focusing range, it also features a floating mechanism, which is designed to adjust the degree of aberration compensation in relation to the focusing distance.


Limited Lens-series quality for distinctive visual description and a premium appearance
The PENTAX Limited Lens series is designed for ultimate image reproduction by combining a series of mechanical and numerical evaluations with human assessment of test shot samples. True to this tradition, this new lens not only assures excellent image quality, but also produces sharp, clear images with outstanding contrast even at the maximum aperture, because its optical design has been optimized for digital photography. In addition, its lens barrel, hood and cap are all made of a high-grade aluminum material, shaped for perfect proportions and striking beauty.


SP coating to protect the lens against water and grease
The PENTAX-original Super Protective (SP) coating is applied to the front surface of the lens. Through a vapor deposition process, the lens surface is coated with a special fluorine compound to repel dust, water and grease, making it easy to wipe off fingerprints and cosmetics.


Digital SLR-exclusive design
This lens is exclusively designed for use with the PENTAX digital SLR cameras, with an image circle perfectly proportioned to the CCD size (23.5mm x 15.7mm), and optics optimized for digital imaging characteristics. Combining high-quality image reproduction with an ultra-thin, super-lightweight design, it is a perfect partner to PENTAX digital SLR cameras.


Other features
*PENTAX-developed Quick-Shift Focus System for instant switching to manual-focus operation after the subject is captured in focus by the AF system.
*Minimum focusing distance of 20 centimeters for close-up photography.
*Dual filter attachment design: 43mm filters on the hood, and 49mm filters on the lens (without use of the hood).

Olympus secret 3 year plan to boost profits

Tsuyoshi Kikukawa, the preseidnt of the Olympus Corporation has drawn up a new three-year Corporate Strategic Plan from 2006 to Marchn 2009. The aim of then plan is to maximize corporate value through the recovery and enhancement of value creation capabilities. this includes net sale of 1.2 trillion yen and operating income of 100 billion yen which is 1.2 times and 1.5 times the respective figures for the term ended March 2006.

In the Imaging Systems Business centered on digital cameras, Olympus will build a sustainable earnings structure to create a framework for generating stable profits. It will also apply resources to creating new businesses with a view to nurturing related business in the medical and health sectors, and the imaging, information and communications sectors. To this end, it will make strategic investments while at the same time striving to strengthen its financial base by considering ways of reducing interest-bearing liabilities.

Here's what he says on the Imaging Systems Business plan.

"To create a structure that will yield profits on a continuous basis, Olympus will rigorously pursue a process of selectivity and focus, channeling its resources into digital SLR cameras, compact digital cameras, optical components and other businesses based on one of its key strengths, opto-digital technology. The company will engage in developing both product and business platforms. The development of product platforms in particular is designed to promote differentiation and enhance development and manufacturing efficiency, and quality levels."

After looking into the financial data, we can see that Olympus is slowly starting to turns things around. After a -8.6% net sales loss in 2005 to a net sales gain of 1.9% in 2006, thing are starting to look promising for Olympus.


Source

Pentax new DSLR - K110D

Pentax has also announced another budget model DSLR called the K100D.

Pentax K110D
The PENTAX K110D, an entry-level digital SLR camera, which has all of the features of the K100D with the exception of Shake Reduction. Both models reflect a new digital SLR naming system that references the reverse compatibility that each body has with the legacy of PENTAX K-mount lenses. The PENTAX K100D will ship along with the smc 18-55mm lens in July 2006 for $699.95 US, while the PENTAX K110D will ship along with the smc 18-55mm lens in August 2006 for $599.95 US.

Specification

11-point wide-frame AF to capture off-center subjects in crisp focus
The K110D's sophisticated SAFOX VIII autofocus system features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors) to automatically focus on the subject with utmost precision, even when it is positioned off center. The in-focus sensor point is automatically superimposed in red in the viewfinder for at-a-glance confirmation. This high-precision AF system offers a choice of two AF modes: the conventional single AF, and the continuous AF,** which maintains focus on the moving subject as long as the shutter release button is pressed halfway down.
** The continuous AF mode is selectable by the user only when P, Tv, Av, M or B is selected as a shooting mode on the mode dial. This mode is automatically activated by the camera when the Auto Picture Program, or one of the Picture or Scene modes, is selected.


Bright, clear viewfinder
The K110D features a lightweight penta-mirror viewfinder, which combines PENTAX-original finder optics with a Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screen to deliver bright, clear subject images with a 0.85X magnification and a 96 percent field of view.


Large LCD monitor to facilitate image viewing and menu setting
The K110D incorporates a large 2.5 inch color LCD monitor on its back panel. Its wide-view design allows the photographer to check the monitor image over 140 degrees vertically and horizontally, ensuring effortless image viewing even from a diagonal position. With a total of approximately 210,000 pixels, it also offers digital zooming of playback images up to 12 times for easy confirmation of the image's focusing status and details. The large monitor size allows for large letters, digits and icons on the menu screens to facilitate menu confirmation and camera operations. In addition, the color scheme between the menu listings and the background is optimized for each menu screen to assure at-a-glance confirmation, even under varying shooting conditions.


Auto Picture Mode for effortless point-and-shoot SLR photography
The K110D offers the PENTAX-developed Auto Picture Mode, which automatically and instantly selects one of the four Picture modes — including Portrait, Landscape and Macro — by calculating various photographic factors to assure optimum results. Since this advanced shooting mode takes away all the concerns about aperture, shutter-speed, white-balance, saturation, contrast and sharpness settings, the photographer can concentrate on image composition and shutter opportunity.


Auto sensitivity control up to ISO equlivalent of 3200 standard output sensitivity
The K110D features an auto sensitivity control function, which automatically sets the optimum standard output sensitivity — up to 3200, which is the highest automatic setting in its class — based on such data as the subject's brightness level and the lens' focal length. Since this function allows the use of higher shutter speeds in poor lighting situations (such as indoor sports events and night scenes), it helps the photographer to effectively reduce camera shake and prevent blurred images.


AA-battery power supply for easy battery replacement on the road
The K110D is powered by four AA-size batteries — available nearly everywhere around the globe — for worry-free batter replacement. It also accepts two CR-V3 lithium batteries.


True-to-life, rich-gradation images assured by 6.1 effective megapixels
The K110D features a large, high-performance 23.5mm x 15.7mm CCD as its image sensor, assuring the faithful reproduction of the desired photographic intention in the resulting images — from images with beautiful out-of-focus backgrounds to those with edge-to-edge sharpness. By combining 6.1 effective megapixels with a high-performance imaging engine and advanced image-processing technologies, the K110D is designed to produce beautiful, true-to-life images that are rich in gradation. What's more, it offers a choice of two finishing touches of “Natural” or “Bright” to create a distinctive atmosphere.


Compatibility with existing PENTAX interchangeable lenses
The K110D is compatible with all existing PENTAX interchangeable lenses. This compatibility lets the photographer use various lenses for the same subject, or select the most appropriate lens for a given situation, assuring the top visual creativity available only through SLR photography.
** Lenses compatible with the K110D are: K-, KA-, KAF- and KAF2-mount lenses; screw-mount lenses (with an adapter); 645-system lenses (with an adapter); and 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Certain lenses may lose part of their functions.


Super-compact, ultra-lightweight body, with outstanding rigidity
While the K110D is designed to be compact and lightweight to enhance operability and portability, it also incorporates a newly developed stainless-steel chassis and a fiber-reinforced engineering plastic housing to reinforce its overall rigidity and durability.


Upgraded standard software package
The K100D's standard software package consists of the PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory 3 that features the reliable SILKYPIX image-processing engine (developed by ICHIKAWA SOFT LABORATORY) for RAW data processing, and the PENTAX PHOTO Browser 3 that offers faster data processing speed and better operability than the previous version, and can convert RAW images to the DNG format. DNG is a public, archival format for digital camera raw data.


Save-by-day Storage Capability on an SD memory card
Images can be stored in a standard format where all files are located in one folder, or the images can be stored in folders for each day of shooting automatically on an SD memory card.


Additional features
·High-speed shutter unit, with a top speed of 1/4000 second
·High-speed continuous shooting, up to five images (at “Best” image quality in JPEG format) at the speed of approx. 2.8 images per second
·Eight distinctive Scene modes to accommodate specific subjects/applications
·19 custom functions to personalize camera operations
·SD memory card compatibility
·Choice of two depth-of-field preview functions (digital/optical)
·Choice of 16-segment multi-pattern metering, center-weighted metering and spot metering to accommodate various photographic applications
·Noise reduction mechanism to reduce digital noise during extended exposures
·USB 2.0 (HI-SPEED) compatibility for speedy data transfer to PC
·Choice of image format between JPEG (Best, Better or Good) and RAW
·Five digital filters (Black-and-white, Sepia, Slim, Soft and Brightness) for easy editing of recorded images
·PictBridge compatibility

Pentax new DSLR - K100D

Pentax has just announced two new DSLR. The first is the Pentax K100D.

Pentax K100D
The first is the Pentax K100D which has a 6.1 megapixel image sensor and also anti-shake (Shake Reduction) system to deliver high-quality digital images.

The Shake Reduction (SR) system in the K100D effectively offers a two-stop advantage for sharp, blur-free images even under difficult shooting conditions, such as using a telephoto lens or shooting in low light without a flash. The SR mechanism is designed to minimize camera shake by oscillating the CCD image sensor vertically and horizontally at high speed using magnetic force, while adjusting the speed of oscillation in proportion to the amount of camera shake detected by a built-in sensor. As a result, the system does not require special anti-shake lenses and can be used with almost all existing PENTAX interchangeable lenses.*

* Lenses compatible with this mechanism are: PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF- and KAF2-mount lenses; screw-mount lenses (with an adapter); and 645- are 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Certain lenses may lose part of their functions.


“The ease-of-use, advanced features and attractive price make the PENTAX K100D digital SLR a perfect choice for users moving up from a point-and-shoot camera,” said Ned Bunnell, director of marketing, PENTAX Imaging Company.

Specifications

PENTAX-original Shake Reduction mechanism for sharp, blur-free images
The K100D features a PENTAX-developed Shake Reduction (SR) system, which effectively reduces camera shake for sharp, blur-free images even under difficult shooting conditions, such as using a telephoto lens, shooting in low light conditions without a supplementary flash illumination. The K100D SR mechanism is designed to minimize camera shake by oscillating the CCD image sensor vertically and horizontally at high speed using magnetic force, while adjusting the speed of oscillation in proportion to the amount of camera shake detected by a built-in sensor. This system does not require special anti-shake lenses and may be used with almost all existing PENTAX interchangeable lenses.*

* Lenses compatible with this mechanism are: PENTAX K-, KA-, KAF- and KAF2-mount lenses; screw-mount lenses (with an adapter); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Certain camera and/or lens functions may be disabled.

11-point wide-frame AF to capture off-center subjects in crisp focus
The sophisticated K100D SAFOX VIII autofocus system features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors) to automatically focus on the subject with utmost precision, even when it is positioned off center. The in-focus sensor point is automatically superimposed in red in the viewfinder for at-a-glance confirmation. This high-precision AF system offers a choice of two AF modes: the conventional single AF, and the continuous AF,** which maintains focus on the moving subject as long as the shutter release button is pressed halfway down.

** The continuous AF mode is selectable by the user only when P, Tv, Av, M or B is selected as a shooting mode on the mode dial. This mode is automatically activated by the camera when the Auto Picture Program, or one of the Picture or Scene modes, is selected.

Auto sensitivity control up to ISO equivalent 3200
The K100D features an auto sensitivity control function, which automatically sets the optimum standard output sensitivity — up to equivalent ISO of 3200, which is the highest automatic setting in its class — based on such data as the subject's brightness level and the lens focal length. Since this function allows the use of higher shutter speeds in poor lighting situations (such as indoor sports events and night scenes), it helps photographers reduce camera shake and prevent blurred images.


Auto Picture Mode for effortless point-and-shoot SLR photography
The K100D offers the exclusive PENTAX Auto Picture Mode, which automatically and instantly selects one of the four Picture modes — including Portrait, Landscape and Macro — by calculating various photographic factors to assure optimum results. Since this advanced shooting mode takes away all the concerns about aperture, shutter-speed, white-balance, saturation, contrast and sharpness settings, the photographer can concentrate on image composition and shutter opportunity.


Large LCD monitor to facilitate image viewing and menu setting
The K100D incorporates a large 2.5 inch color LCD monitor on its back panel that offers a wide-view design that allows views from over 140 degrees vertically and horizontally, ensuring effortless image viewing even from a diagonal position. With a total of approximately 210,000 pixels, the monitor offers digital zooming of playback images up to 12 times for easy confirmation of the image's focusing status and details. The large monitor size allows for large letters, digits and icons on the menu screens to facilitate menu confirmation and camera operations. In addition, the color scheme between the menu listings and the background is optimized for each menu screen to assure at-a-glance confirmation, even under varying shooting conditions.


True-to-life, rich-gradation images assured by 6.1 effective megapixels
The K100D features a large, high-performance 23.5mm x 15.7mm CCD as its image sensor, assuring the faithful reproduction of the desired photographic intention in the resulting images — from images with beautiful out-of-focus backgrounds to those with edge-to-edge sharpness. Combining 6.1 effective megapixels with a high-performance imaging engine and advanced image-processing technologies, the K100D is designed to produce beautiful, true-to-life images that are rich in gradation. What's more, it offers a choice of two finishing touches of “Natural” or “Bright” to create a distinctive atmosphere.


Super-compact, ultra-lightweight body, with outstanding rigidity
While the K100D is designed to be compact and lightweight to enhance operability and portability, it also incorporates a newly developed stainless-steel chassis and a fiber-reinforced engineering plastic housing to reinforce its overall rigidity and durability.


Bright, clear viewfinder
The K100D features a lightweight penta-mirror viewfinder, which combines PENTAX finder optics and a Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screen to deliver bright, clear subject image with a 0.85X magnification and a 96 percent field of view.


Top shutter speed of 1/4000 second
The K100D offers a top shutter speed of 1/4000 second to freeze fast-moving subjects and capture decisive moments and features a flash synchronization speed of 1/180 second and a bulb setting (B) for extended exposures.


Continuous shooting at approximately 2.8 images per second
To trace the movement of an active subject or capture a sequence of the subject's expressions, the K100D offers a continuous shooting mode that allows the photographer to capture multiple images (up to five images at “Best” image quality in JPEG format) at a maximum speed of approximately 2.8 images per second.


Upgraded standard software package
The K100D's standard software package consists of the PENTAX PHOTO Laboratory 3 that features the reliable SILKYPIX image-processing engine (developed by ICHIKAWA SOFT LABORATORY) for RAW data processing, and the PENTAX PHOTO Browser 3 that offers faster data processing speed and better operability than the previous version, and can convert RAW images to the DNG format. DNG is a public, archival format for digital camera raw data.


Save-by-day Storage Capability on an SD memory card
Images may be stored in a standard format where all files are located in one folder, or the images can be stored in folders for each day of shooting automatically on an SD memory card.


Additional features
·19 custom functions to personalize camera operations
·SD memory card compatibility
·Eight distinctive Scene modes to accommodate specific subjects/applications
·Choice of two depth-of-field preview functions (digital/optical)
·Choice of 16-segment multi-pattern metering, center-weighted metering and spot metering to accommodate various photographic applications
·Noise reduction mechanism to reduce digital noise during extended exposures
·Dual power source (two CR-V3 lithium batteries, or four AA-size batteries)
·USB 2.0 (HI-SPEED) compatibility for speedy data transfer to PC
·Choice of image format between JPEG (Best, Better or Good) and RAW
·Five digital filters (Black-and-white, Sepia, Slim, Soft and Brightness) for easy editing of recorded images
·PictBridge compatibility

The smallest 8 megapixel sensor in the world

Computer Chip manufacturer, Micron Technology has unveil a thumbnail-sized digital sensor that enables pocket-sized cameras and cell phones to capture bursts of 10 high-quality photos in a single second or even high-definition video. This is what they say during the press release:

The world of digital cameras just got bigger and smaller at the same time. Using a tiny 1.75-micron pixel design, Micron Technology, Inc., has built the world’s first 8-megapixel image sensor in a 1/2.5-inch optical format, the standard size for mainstream digital cameras. This new sensor comes loaded with features and functionality that will catapult Micron-equipped cameras into the next generation of digital cameras featuring high-resolution still images, ultra-fast image capture and vibrant high-definition video.

The company today unveiled a prototype of an 8-megapixel image sensor that packs a punch with incredible capture rates at full resolution and stunning high-definition (HD) video capture. Because of its high resolution, the sensor captures large, crisp pictures (11-inch by 14-inch) or can be used to zoom-in and print just a portion of the image without sacrificing image quality.

Used in continuous-shot mode for digital still cameras, the sensor is capable of bursting more than 10 pictures a second at full 8-megapixel resolution and more than 30 pictures a second at 2-megapixel resolution. With this high speed capability, it is now possible to capture that perfect moment like a child’s first soccer goal. Also given its high-speed, the sensor allows for cameras to have advanced features like image stabilization for reducing the effect of blurred images typically caused by jittery hands and fast auto-focus response, resulting in sharper images that are important for taking those priceless, spontaneous snapshots.

The sensor also enables a digital camera to capture and playback HD video, which equates to shooting video at 30 frames per second (fps) in 720p (progressive) format. As such, it complements Micron’s 5-megapixel image sensor that also supports HD video and is currently shipping in volume.

“As the world’s leading supplier of image sensor solutions, we continue to expand the envelope, bringing new experiences and advanced functionality to digital photography,” said Steve Appleton, Micron chairman, CEO and president.

Additionally, continuing its heritage in imaging innovation, Micron announced its work on a 1.4-micron pixel and unveils pictures taken with test chip. By shrinking pixel size, Micron will bring more resolution to consumer devices such as digital cameras and mobile phones without sacrificing image quality, while still maintaining the small form factor required for these applications.

“With the 8–megapixel image sensor being designed with our latest 1.75-micron pixel, and the encouraging results we’re seeing with the next-generation smaller pixel at 1.4-microns, Micron leads the industry in both smaller and higher performance image sensors, enabling our customers to create new and exciting camera products,” said Bob Gove, vice president of Micron Technology’s imaging group.

Micron Unleashes New Class of Image Sensors for High-End Camera Phones
In camera phones, where space is at a premium and image quality is traditionally negligible, Micron’s 8-megapixel image sensor could revolutionize the market. As high-end mobile phones trend larger with more features and functionalities designed into the handset, Micron’s new 8-megapixel image sensor becomes an attractive fit. And with the new 1.75-micron pixel design, Micron continues to enable the industrial design of today’s popular thin and slim phones while increasing the resolution. For example, given the standard 1/4-inch optical format of today’s mobile phones, a sensor built on Micron’s 1.75-micron pixel can deliver a 3-megapixel resolution, without changing the handset’s form factor.




Availability & Pricing
General customer sampling is planned for the fall of 2006 with mass production expected in the first half of 2007. The 8-megapixel pricing will be determined at the time of general customer sampling.

Micron’s CMOS image sensor portfolio offers designers of virtually every image-capture application the flexibility, speed, resolution, feature set, and innovative thinking to develop high-quality products. Micron’s portfolio of CMOS image sensors are used in a variety of applications that span the mobile, consumer, medical, automotive, commercial, industrial and high-speed markets.

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Nikon D200 wins the 2006 Camera Grand Prix award

The Japanese Camera Press Club has given the Camera Grand Prix 2006 award to the Nikon D200. This is the most prestigious award for cameras in Japan and was determined by a panel of 49 (in 2006) which includes respected photographers, scholars and technical writers in the field of photography, as well as chief editors and magazine representatives of each of the 12 magazines that comprise the Camera Press Club. The Nikon D200 came out on top with a top of 149 cameras all released between April 2005 and March 2006.

The committee members issued the following statement in support of bestowing the Camera Grand Prix 2006 honor on the D200.

"The Nikon D200 contributes to the widespread dissemination of photographic culture as a digital SLR offering superior operability at an affordable price for both entry-level digital SLR camera users as well as professional and high-end amateur photographers. This high-quality camera received superior evaluations for many of its facets, including performance, price, design, operability and durability. Furthermore, the D200 offers the first 10.2-megapixel CCD image sensor in APS-C Format. Delivering immediate performance, including instant and world-leading*1 power-up of only 0.15 seconds, a remarkable shutter release time lag of only 50 milliseconds, and up to 54 consecutive shots*2 at 5 fps, this camera challenges or surpasses higher-priced products. For enhanced reliability, the D200 features a magnesium body with a superb sealing system that protects against dust and moisture and the shutter unit has been tested through more than 100,000 cycles. The approximately 95% viewfinder frame coverage and approx. 0.94x high-magnification viewfinder with glass pentaprism also contribute to the D200’s high overall performance as a digital SLR camera."




Source

New DSLR for Nikon

According to financial data ending 31st March 2006, Nikon had another bumper quarter and looks set to increase their profits in the future.
It seems Nikon had huge unit sales in the first half of the year, however in the second half there is a huge decrease in volume. This is where you would expect the Nikon D50 and D70s to contribute significantly to volume.

Author of the Nikon Field Guide & Nikon Flash Guide and editor of the Nikon DSLR Report, Thom Hogan says:

"As I've noted before, I don't think the November 1 announcement of the D200, which came a month into the second half of their fiscal year, helped Nikon. Basically, it seemed to stall D50 and D70s sales, yet Nikon couldn't deliver many D200's during that third quarter. In the fourth quarter, the D200 sold as many as Nikon could ship, but it took price drops on the D50 and D70 to get them unstalled, and those were a little slow in coming (which is strange considering the dollar devaluation in that time period)."

Interestingly, there is a projected forecast of a huge increase in 2007 and this is most likely due to a release of a new model. Possibly the Nikon D80 or even the D90, whichever it is, it's likely to be the Nikon D70s replacement. Again, Thoms says:

"Look at Nikon's predicted rebound numbers: 550k units in second half 2006 and 850k units in first half 2007. That's not going to be explained by new pricing, and it's not going to be explained by a D2xs release, as some have hinted is imminent. A change of 300k units over 6 months means a 60k/month level DSLR is coming and that would most likely be something like a US$999 8-10mp D80."

As for what's happening in the future of new DSLR, Thom Hogan has his own views and predicts more than 15 new DSLR will be announced before the end of this year. Here's what he says: " My expectation is actually a minimum of 15 new DSLRs announced before the end of the year. For those that want to play the game, there is also the need to identify which DSLRs go away. Some are easy: a D2xs would replace a D2x in the lineup. But would a D80 actually replace a D70s? Note, for example, that Fujifilm is somehow still selling new S2 Pros right now. Some of this is inventory buildup (e.g., a product isn't actually taken off the market until it sells off the shelves, even if it may not be in actual production). Some is intentional generation overlap.
Put another way, it's worth trying to guess what DSLR models will be still be in the maker's catalogs at the end of 2006 versus which are actually in active production. As an example, here's a Nikon guess:

In catalog (selling): D50, D70s, D80, D200, D2h, D2xs (with perhaps some remaining D2x models at a few dealers). In production (actively manufacturing): D50, D80, D200, D2xs.
The difference is important. That's because the numbers the makers report (or estimate going forward) are from the latter category, not the former. They can't be the former, because models already made have usually been reported as sold (to a subsidiary, distributor, or customer). In other words, Nikon expects to sell 1.75m DSLRs in their fiscal 2007 (which has just started). If they aren't making the D70s past this summer, it wouldn't be reflected in that estimate they put out (which is one reason why I said that they must have another consumer DSLR up their sleeves)."





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