Predicitng Canon's next DSLR

Now here is an interesting chart by Presscorr.com that places existing Canon DSLR models on a grid of mega pixels versus the size (k/mm2) of a photosite in each crop factor category. By logically extrapolating the two parameters, it forms a linear relationship and this leads it nicely to predicting future DSLR models.

As indicated in the table below, it predicts (in red font) a 10 mega pixel limit for 1.6x crop cameras with possible (blue font) extension to 13 mega pixels (due to competition, etc.), 13 mega pixels for 1.3x models with possible extension to 17 and 21 mega pixels, and 21 mega pixels limit for full frame with possible extension to 26 and 33 mega pixels.

In other words, the 5.7-µm based sensor already exists and may or may not extend into the professional cameras. The next proportional step is 5.1 µm that may or may not happen at all. Whatever models are eventually released, their mega pixel count is predicted in the table based on the information supplied.

The table also implies that the mega pixel increase will not happen too soon. For example, the sensor of the Canon EOS 400D / rebel XTi will not change in the consequent models for at least 3 years. Similarly, Canon EOS 40D, hopefully upcoming in the spring, will stay at around 10 mega pixels also for the following 3 years.

Anyway, the table shows in red font the predictions of Canons new DSLR models for the foreseeable future. They should be on the mega pixel grid defined by the photosite size with no intermediate steps. In addition, the market pressure and technological development in time may push Canon to extend into an even higher mega pixel count listed in the table in blue font.
Lastly, Canon's current entry level offering is EOS 350D. Time has moved it there from the amateur/enthusiast position now held by EOS 400D. The supposedly upcoming EOS 3000D (or whatever name Canon decides upon) will be modeled after and will replace EOS 350D. It will also be the model to compete against Nikon's new and low cost entry model DSLR, the Nikon D40.

Nikon establishes Nikon Australia

In Australia, Maxwell Optical Industries Pty. Ltd was responsible for the distribution of Nikon products in Australia. Unfortunately, Nikon wasn't marketed properly and suffered with expensive prices for their products.

I'm finally glad that Nikon Corporation made the right decision and has announced the establishment of NIKON AUSTRALIA PTY LTD, a wholly owned sales and service subsidiary, in Sydney, Australia. This new company has been launched to fortify sales of imaging products, beginning with digital cameras, and to enhance after-sales service in Australia. Operations will commence on November 1, 2006 and is still located in the same building opposite the Dairy Farmers manufacturing site.

Sales of Nikon imaging products began in Australia in 1959 with distribution through Maxwell Photo Optics. Maxwell Optical Industries Pty. Ltd., has continued with sales and service of our products up to the present. In response to the continued digitization of imaging products, we have established this wholly owned sales subsidiary based on our determination that a stronger marketing, sales, and service presence is required to further expand our business in Australia.

Our primary goals in establishing this subsidiary are to strengthen and expand our presence in the Australian market and to improve customer service with a system integrating all aspects of our business in Australia, from marketing to sales, customer support, and after-sales service. In addition, we believe that strategic marketing and effective advertising will lead to increased sales and greater permeation of the Nikon brand, further increasing Nikon’s presence in Australia.


Corporate Profile

Name
NIKON AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

Address
Headquarters in Sydney suburb
Unit F1, Lidcombe Business Park
3-29 Birnie Avenue,
Lidcombe NSW 2141 Australia

Capital
AUD $4 million (approx. ¥350 million; 100% from Nikon Corporation)

Representative Director
Kyoichi Hagimori, Managing Director

No. of employees
Approximately 40

Primary activities
Purchase, import, wholesale distribution, and after-sales service of imaging products in Australia

Start of operations
November 1, 2006

Nikon D40 now officially released! Finally

Two weeks after all the information was unofficially released, Nikon has finally announced the release of the new Nikon D40 DSLR. This is another step by Nikon to bring in a budget DSLR for those wanting to upgrade from their compacts or those DSLR like cameras. Now it's only time before Canon announces their budget model (3000D).



Anyhow, with the release of the new D40, there are two other new products from Nikon that compliments the new DSLR. They are:

1. A new lens, the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II. The major features are:

*Offers the popular focal range of 18-55mm (picture angle equivalent to a 27-82.5mm lens in the 35mm format) for use in a variety of situations
*Compact SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for quiet and smooth auto focusing
*An ED glass element minimizes chromatic aberration, and a hybrid aspherical lens element minimizes astigmatism and other forms of distortion while ensuring high resolution and contrast
*Compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry
*Optical performance highly complements Nikon digital SLR cameras
*Ideally complements the D40 kit
*The seven-blade rounded diaphragm opening makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural
Click here for more info



2. A new flash, the Nikon Speedlight SB-400. The major features of the SB-400 are as follows:

*Compatible with i-TTL and D40’s M mode
*Flash head can be tilted in 4 steps; horizontal, 60, 75 and 90 degrees
*Flash shooting distance range: 0.6m - 20m (depends on the ISO setting)
*Guide number: 30 [ISO 200, m, 20°C]
*Angle of coverage: 18mm (with Nikon-DX format cameras), 27mm (with Nikon F6)
8Depending on the camera in use, the following flash modes are available: Slow Sync, Red-eye Reduction, Red-eye Reduction with Slow Sync, *Rear-curtain Sync, FV Lock, exposure compensation, M (manual, only with D40 camera)
*Power source: two AA-size 1.5V batteries (also compatible with lower voltage batteries)

Unfortunately, the SB-400 cannot be used with cameras not compatible with Nikon Creative Lighting System and is not compatible with Advanced Wireless Lighting. Click here for more info

Nikon D40

Looks like Nikon is ready to tackle the entry model DSLR with the new smaller Nikon D40. With 6 mega pixels, it seems like a stripped down version of the Nikon D50. I assume it will compete head-on with Canons 3000D.

So far the specifications are as follows:

Sensor - 6.1 mega pixel CCD (same as the Nikon D50)
LCD - 2.5 inch with 230,000 pixels
Size - 94mm x 126mm x 64mm
Price - $599 Euro with in the kit form with a new zoom AF-S DX ED 18-55 f/3,5-5,6 G-II
Weight - 475g
Battery - ENEL9
Sensitivity - up to 3200 ISO (mode "push"), 1600 ISO in "normal"
Memory - SD
Auto focus - 3 point auto focus
- mode RAW available
- Battery Lithium-Ion EN-EL9
- Announcement - 16th November 2006

Canon pulls out of film cameras

According to the English translation of a Spanish website, DSLRmagazine.com, Canon plans to pull out of film camera. This seems to be the natural progression of most camera manufacturers.

If you look at the latest sales results from Canon you can see the huge growth in digital cameras against the stagnant growth in film cameras. Digital cameras are projected to grow 17.6% in the 4th quarter compared to a small growth of 0.3% for film cameras. It seems odd that any viable business will still continue in this path and it was only a matter of time. The question is how quiet Canon has been.





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