Nikons Forcast Lowers Sales in 2009

It looks like Nikon is expecting a slowdown in camera sales in 2009 with lower prices coming from their competator. Again with all companies around the world - there will be cost cutting, let's hope it's not in innovation.

Here''s what they say in their first half finanical report ending 30th Sep 08
"In the market of digital cameras the increasing adverse effects of the global recession on personal consumption cannot be disregarded, and the market growth is expected to slow with intensifying price competition."

For the purpose of realizing "Strong Nikon" and a "Truly Excellent Company" able to make a continuous growth even under the severe market conditions as currently imminent, the Nikon Group is aware of a crisis and try to be prompt and precise in management and, at the same time, promote the enhancement of product competitiveness and cost reduction and try to realize our new vision formulated last year, "Our Aspiration: Meeting needs. Exceeding Expectations."

The New Nikon D90!!

Finally,

The new Nikon D90 has been announced and it definately looks like a camera on my shopping list. Here's what Nikon has to say:

Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of its newest DX-format digital SLR, the D90. More than just a new camera, the D90 represents a new era of digital SLR fun and creativity.

The first thing that will amaze photographers about the D90 is its stunning image quality, which takes its inspiration from Nikon’s flagship DX-format digital SLR, the D300. The D90’s image sensor and 12.3 effective megapixels combine with Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED image processing to deliver outstanding images featuring fine details, smooth tones, rich colors and low noise across a wide ISO sensitivity range.

The D90 is the world’s first* digital SLR camera with a movie shooting function that delivers genuinely cinematic results, enhanced by the creatively shallow depth of field made possible by the DX-format sensor. This is further refined by the optical quality and broad selection of NIKKOR lenses — the same lenses relied upon by professional photographers the world over. Thanks to the D90’s large image sensor, D-Movie images exhibit less noise than those of a typical camcorder, most notably in low-light situations.

The D90 also provides remarkable performance and operability, featuring Nikon’s exclusive Scene Recognition System that advances precision in auto focus, auto exposure, and auto white balance in diverse shooting situations. Live View mode allows shooting while confirming the subject on the large 3-in., approx. 920k-dot high-density color LCD and offers three contrast-detect AF modes to allow photographers to focus on any point in the frame, enabling a greater variety of composition. In addition to wide and normal area AF, the D90 offers face priority AF in Live View mode for even sharper pictures of people.

All of these powerful features and more are housed in a compact, comfortable-to-hold body, with intuitive controls. In other words, the D90 is a camera that will satisfy the requirements of passionate photographers who demand superior image quality and crave exciting new photographic possibilities.

Nikon D90 Feature Highlights
Newly designed Nikon DX-format CMOS image sensor with wide ISO sensitivity range with low noise

D90’s 12.3 effective megapixels provides outstanding resolution, delivering images with extraordinarily defined detail and expanded enlargement capacity. The extremely wide sensitivity range of ISO 200 to 3200 delivers incredibly low-noise characteristics throughout. Furthermore, sensitivity can be increased to Hi 1 (ISO 6400 equivalent) and decreased to Lo 1 (ISO 100 equivalent) to expand shooting versatility. The camera also employs the Image Sensor Cleaning function that works to free image-degrading dust particles from the sensor’s optical low-pass filter.

EXPEED for smooth tones, rich colors and fine details
Nikon’s comprehensive digital image-processing EXPEED technology is optimized for the D90 to realize the high-quality, high-speed image processing capability. EXPEED also contributes to the outstanding performance of other powerful features such as Live View and the new Face Detection System.

D-Movie: the world’s first* D-SLR movie mode
In a world first* for D-SLRs, the D90 offers a movie function, allowing you to shoot 320 x 216 pixels, 640 x 424 pixels or HD720p (1,280 x 720 pixels) movies at the professional smoothness of 24 frames per second in motion JPEG format. The D90’s sensor, which is much larger than the sensor of a typical camcorder, ensures higher image quality and exceptional low-noise, high ISO sensitivity performance, even during movie shooting. Capturing creative movie clips or the drama of life’s moving moments is further enhanced by the wide selection of incredibly sharp NIKKOR interchangeable lenses that are available, from fisheye to wide-angle to super-telephoto. And Micro NIKKOR lenses bring the magic of extreme close-up imagery to movie making.

*As of August 27, 2008, according to research conducted by Nikon CorporationNote: Autofocus and some other functions are not available when recording movies.
Scene Recognition System integrated with Face Detection System
The D90 precisely reads the color and brightness information of each scene from the 420-pixel RGB sensor, and applies this to auto focus, auto exposure and auto white balance. The D90 also recognizes human faces using the new Face Detection System, data which is incorporated during calculation, resulting in faces with newfound definition and accuracy as well as enabling face priority AF in Live View mode and immediate zoom into people’s faces in playback zoom.

Easy-to-use Live View mode
One press of the Live View button activates the D90’s Live View mode, delivering a bright, crisp image to the 3-in., approx. 920k-dot color LCD and allowing comfortable shooting without looking through the viewfinder. There are three contrast-detect AF modes that let you focus on any point in the frame: Face priority AF automatically detects up to five faces and focuses on that calculated to be the closest. Wide area AF offers a large AF area suitable for handheld shooting, and normal area AF provides focus with pinpoint accuracy when using a tripod. And when Nikon VR (Vibration Reduction) lenses are in use, photographers will enjoy the benefit of a VR-smoothed image, even in Live View mode.

Picture Control System: Customize the visual style of your images
Nikon’s Picture Control System enables users to customize the look and mood of images. Six original setting options are available — Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait and Landscape — for easy customization of image preferences.

Active D-Lighting for smooth tone reproduction in high-contrast lighting
The D90’s Active D-Lighting accurately restores details in the shadows and highlighted areas, which are often lost in high-contrast lighting situations, by localizing tone control while shooting. There are four levels, including the new “Extra High.” Active D-Lighting can be used manually or set to Auto mode. It is also possible to bracket your pictures, allowing the capture of one image with Active D-Lighting and one without.

Versatile, practical 11-point AF system
Thanks to the Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus module, the D90’s 11-point AF system offers fast and precise autofocus coverage across the frame with the most sensitive AF sensor operating from the center. In addition, the D90 features versatile AF-area modes to handle most shooting situations: Single-point AF is recommended for stationary subjects, dynamic-area AF for moving subjects, auto-area AF for spontaneous shooting and 3D-tracking (11 points) AF for when you want to change the composition after focusing on your subject.

Bright pentaprism viewfinder featuring frame coverage of approx. 96%
The D90 has a precise eye-level pentaprism viewfinder with approx. 96% (centered) frame coverage and an easy-to-view 19.5 mm eyepoint (at -1.0 m-1). The built-in 16-frame superimposed grid display can be activated to assist in the creation of better-balanced compositions.

Advanced Scene Modes for superior image quality
The D90 features Advanced Scene Modes: Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports and Night Portrait. These modes not only adjust exposure and image processing, but also judge the optimum Active D-Lighting and Picture Control settings to obtain the best results. The D90 also recognizes if VR (Vibration Reduction) is on or off and minimizes noise even in dimly lit scenes.
Extensive palette of in-camera Retouch Menus

The D90’s designers incorporated a wide variety of image editing functions, making it easy for users to enhance images within the camera. The D90 introduces several new retouch options: Distortion Control adjusts lens aberration, Straighten corrects inclination of the image, while Fisheye produces optical effects similar to a fisheye lens.
Engineered for precision and durability

Accurate exposures rely on precise shutters and the D90’s electronically timed shutter mechanism was specifically engineered for long, accurate service. To ensure this, D90 shutters, assembled in D90 bodies, underwent exhaustive 100,000 shutter-release cycle testing.

Nikon D90 Other Features
Gives you quick response, with 0.15-second start-up, 65 ms shutter release time lag (CIPA standard) and 4.5 fps continuous shooting.

3-in., approx. 920-k dot high-resolution LCD monitor with wide viewing angle that lets you change composition of the frame during shooting from various angles and easily confirm your image during playback.

Built-in flash with 18mm lens coverage, guide number of approx. 17/56 (ISO 200, m/ft., 20°C/68°F) and Nikon’s original i-TTL flash control; works as a commander; controlling up to two groups of remote Speedlights.

Highly efficient energy-saving design allows approx. 850 images on a single charge of the Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e. (CIPA standard, with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, with 50% of pictures taken with flash)

Extensive playback functions offer ample options for viewing and selecting the right shot, including 72-frame playback, calendar playback and histogram display for magnified portion of the image.

Versatile Pictmotion menu creates slideshows combining five choices of both background music and image effects.

Compatible with HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) output.
Supports the Nikon Creative Lighting System when using the SB-900, SB-800, SB-600 Speedlight, or Wireless Close-up Speedlight System R1C1; ensures accurate exposures via i-TTL flash control.

Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D80 (Optional, in common with the D80) gives you the choice of using one or two Rechargeable Li-ion Batteries EN-EL3e or six R6/AA-size batteries to extend battery life.

New optional Remote Cord MC-DC2 enables shutter release and long time exposures (bulb) remotely.

With the new optional GPS Unit GP-1, location information such as latitude, longitude, altitude and time is automatically recorded to each image’s EXIF data.
Included Nikon ViewNX image browsing and editing software lets you organize, label and select images as well as perform RAW (NEF) image editing adjustments and conversions.
Optional Capture NX 2 photo-editing software features patented U Point™ technology and powerful tools for quick and easy photo editing including enhanced RAW (NEF) Editing.

Nikon Digital SLR Camera D90 Specifications
Type
Single-lens reflex digital camera
Lens mount
Nikon F mount (with AF coupling and AF contacts)
Effective picture angle
Approx. 1.5 x lens focal length (Nikon DX format)
Effective pixels
12.3 million
Image sensor
23.6 x 15.8 mm CMOS sensor
Total pixels
12.9 million
Dust-reduction system
Image Sensor Cleaning, Image Dust Off reference data (optional Capture NX 2 required)
Image size (pixels)
4,288 x 2,848 [L], 3,216 x 2,136 [M], 2,144 x 1,424 [S]
File format
• NEF (RAW) • JPEG: JPEG-Baseline compliant with fine (approx. 1:4), normal (approx. 1:8), or basic (approx. 1:16) compression • NEF (RAW) + JPEG: Single photograph recorded in both NEF (RAW) and JPEG formats
Picture Control System
Can be selected from Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape; storage for up to nine custom Picture Controls
Media
SD memory cards, SDHC compliant
File system
DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) 2.0, DPOF (Digital Print Order Format), Exif 2.21 (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras), PictBridge
Viewfinder
Eye-level pentaprism single-lens reflex viewfinder
Frame coverage
Approx. 96% horizontal and 96% vertical
Magnification
Approx. 0.94 x (50mm f/1.4 lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1)
Eyepoint
19.5 mm (-1.0 m-1)
Diopter adjustment
-2 to +1 m-1
Focusing screen
Type B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark II with focus frame (framing grid can be displayed)
Reflex mirror
Quick-return type
Depth-of-field preview
When depth-of-field preview button is pressed, lens aperture is stopped down to value selected by user (A and M modes) or by camera (other modes)
Lens aperture
Instant return, electronically controlled
Compatible lenses
• DX AF Nikkor: All functions supported • Type G or D AF Nikkor: All functions supported (PC Micro-Nikkor does not support some functions). IX-Nikkor lenses not supported. • Other AF Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II. Lenses for F3AF not supported.• AI-P Nikkor: All functions supported except 3D color matrix metering II and auto focus. • Non-CPU: Autofocus not supported. Can be used in exposure mode M, but exposure meter does not function. Electronic rangefinder can be used if lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster.
Shutter type
Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter
Shutter speed
1/4,000 to 30 s in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, Bulb
Flash sync speed
X = 1/200 s; synchronizes with shutter at 1/200s or slower
Release modes
Single-frame, continuous low speed, continuous high speed, self-timer, delayed remote, quick-response
Frame advance rate
Continuous high speed: up to 4.5 fps, continuous low speed: 1-4 fps
Self-timer
Can be selected from 2, 5, 10 and 20 s duration
Exposure metering
TTL exposure metering using 420-pixel RGB sensor
Exposure method
• Matrix: 3D color matrix metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses) • Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6-, 8- or 10-mm circle in center of frame • Spot: Meters 3.5-mm circle (about 2% of frame) centered on selected focus point
Exposure range (ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, 20°C/68°F)
• Matrix or center-weighted metering: 0-20 EV • Spot metering: 2-20 EV
Exposure meter coupling
CPU
Exposure modes
Auto modes (auto, auto [flash off]), Advanced Scene Modes (Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Close-up, Night Portrait), programmed auto with flexible program (P), shutter-priority auto (S), aperture-priority auto (A), manual (M)
Exposure compensation
±5 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV
Exposure bracketing
2 or 3 frames in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 1 or 2 EV
Exposure lock
Luminosity locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button
ISO sensitivity (Recommended Exposure Index)
ISO 200 to 3200 in steps of 1/3 EV, can also be set to approx. 0.3, 0.7 or 1 EV (ISO 100 equivalent) below ISO 200, or to approx. 0.3, 0.7 or 1 EV (ISO 6400 equivalent) over ISO 3200, ISO sensitivity auto control available
Active D-Lighting
Can be selected from Auto, Extra high, High, Normal, Low or off
Active D-Lighting bracketing
2 frames
Autofocus
Nikon Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus module with TTL phase detection, 11 focus points (including 1 cross-type sensor) and AF-assist illuminator (range approx. 0.5-3 m/1 ft. 8 in.-9 ft. 10 in.)
Detection range
-1 to +19 EV (ISO 100 equivalent, 20°C /68°F)
Lens servo
• Autofocus: Single-servo AF (S), Continuous-servo AF (C), Auto-servo AF (A), Predictive focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status in single- and continuous-servo AF• Manual (M): Electronic rangefinder supported
Focus point
Can be selected from 11 focus points
AF-area modes
Single-point AF, dynamic-area AF, auto-area AF, 3D-tracking (11 points) AF
Focus lock
Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (Single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button
Built-in flash
Auto, Portrait, Close-up, Night Portrait modes: Auto flash with auto pop-up P, S, A, M: Manual pop-up with button release
Guide number (m/ft.) at 20°C/68°F
• At ISO 200: Approx. 17/56, 18/59 with manual flash • At ISO 100 equivalent: Approx. 12/39, 13/43 with manual flash
Flash control
• TTL: i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL flash for digital SLR using 420-pixel RGB sensor are available with built-in flash, SB-900, SB-800, SB-600 or SB-400 • Auto aperture: Available with SB-900, SB-800 and CPU lenses • Non-TTL auto: Supported flash units include SB-900, SB-800, SB-28, SB-27 or SB-22s • Range-priority manual: Available with SB-900 and SB-800
Flash modes
Front curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync
Flash compensation
-3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3, or 1/2 EV
Flash bracketing
2 or 3 frames in steps of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 1 or 2 EV
Flash-ready indicator
Lights when built-in flash or SB-900, SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, SB-80DX, SB-28DX, or SB-50DX is fully charged; blinks for 3 s after flash is fired at full output in i-TTL or auto aperture modes
Accessory shoe
Standard ISO 518 hot-shoe contact with safety lock
Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS)
Advanced Wireless Lighting supported with built-in flash, SB-900, SB-800, or SU-800 as commander and SB-900, SB-800, SB-600 or SB-R200 as remotes; Auto FP High-Speed Sync and modeling illumination supported with all CLS-compatible flash units except SB-400; Flash Color Information Communication and FV lock supported with all CLS-compatible flash units
White balance
Auto (TTL white-balance with main image sensor and 420-pixel RGB sensor); 12 manual modes with fine-tuning; color temperature setting; preset manual white balance
White balance bracketing
2 or 3 frames in steps of 1, 2 or 3
Live View AF modes
Face priority AF, wide area AF, normal area AF
Live View focus
Contrast-detect AF anywhere in frame (camera selects focus point automatically when face priority AF is selected)
Movie image size (pixels)
1,280 x 720/24 fps, 640 x 424/24 fps, 320 x 216/24 fps
Movie file format
AVI
Movie compression format
Motion-JPEG, with monaural sound
LCD monitor
3-in., approx. 920k-dot (VGA), low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with 170° viewing angle, approx. 100% frame coverage, and brightness adjustment
Playback function
Full-frame and thumbnail (4, 9 or 72 images or calendar) playback with playback zoom, movie playback, Pictmotion, slide show, histogram display, highlights, auto image rotation, and image comment (up to 36 characters)
USB
Hi-Speed USB
Audio video output
Can be selected from NTSC and PAL; simultaneous playback from both the audio video output and on the LCD monitor available
HDMI output
HDMI Mini connector; camera monitor turns off when HDMI cable is connected
Accessory terminal
• Remote Cord MC-DC2 (Optional) • GPS Unit GP-1 (Optional)
Supported languages
Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swedish
Battery
One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e
Battery pack
Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D80 (optional) with one or two Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e or six R6/AA-size alkaline, Ni-MH, lithium or nickel-manganese batteries (Battery Holder MS-D200 is required when using R6/AA-size batteries.)
AC adapter
AC Adapter EH-5a (optional)
Tripod socket
1/4 in. (ISO 1222)
Dimensions (W x H x D)
Approx. 132 x 103 x 77 mm/5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in.
Weight
Approx. 620 g/1 lb. 6 oz. without battery, memory card, body cap or monitor cover
Temperature
0-40°C/32-104°F
Humidity
Less than 85% (no condensation)
Supplied accessories (may differ by country or area)
Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, Quick Charger MH-18a, Eyepiece Cap DK-5, Rubber Eyecup DK-21, USB Cable UC-E4, Audio Video Cable EG-D2, Camera Strap AN-DC1, LCD Monitor Cover BM-10, Body Cap, Accessory Shoe Cover BS-1, Software Suite CD-ROM

Canon 50D specifications leaked!

Wow, the specification on the new Canon 50D has been leaked from a chinese site and boy does it look good.

Here's what you get:

• Sensor: 15 megapixels (大：约1510万像素（4752 x 3168） means: big, 15.1 MP （4752 x 3168） 中：约800万像素（3456 x 2304） means: "middle" 8 MP （3456 x 2304） 小：约370万像素（2352 x 1568） i.e.: small, 3.7 MP, （2352 x 1568）)


• Crop factor: 1.6X


• LCD screen: 3 inch VGA Scree (920,000 pixels)


• Processor: New DIGIC 4 Phantom Processor


• Sensor: CMOS (22.3 x 14.9mm)


• Size: APS C


• ISO: 100 – 12800


• Shutter speed: 6.3 fps (high) and 3 fps (slow)


• Shutter life: 150,000


• Dust reduction


• Auto Brightness Processing


• 95% viewfinder with 0.97 magnification


• Autofocus: 9 point (All Cross Type)


• Metering: 35 meter area equipped with high-precision sensors


• AF Fine Tuning


• Buffer: 16 RAW - 60 JPG - 10 RAW+JPG


• Rugged magnesium alloy body


• Built-in flash: Recoverable, auto-flash


• Battery: Battery BP-511A (1) * AC adapter can be packaged using the AC ACK-E2
  * Installation of the battery box and handle BG-E2N or BG-E2, you can use on the 5th (AA/LR6) batterySize and weight Size (Width x x high-thick): 145.5×107.8×73.5 mm / 5.7 x4.2×2.9 inches Weight: About 730 grams / 25.7 ounces (body only) Operating Environment

Here's the translation if you can make sense of it:

"EOS 50D, to satisfy the high-end numerical code list counter-camera user to live to the high picture archery target demand. Please heartily understand condenses the Canon unique technology and the rich experience, has the remarkable expressive force high fine image. Uses the Canon independent development production the CMOS image sensor, has approximately 15,100,000 effective picture element Gao Huazhi. The high sensitivity luminosity high clear beautiful image, the nature reappearance is absorbed the object the detail. Provides the new generation DIGIC 4 digit phantom processor, brings exquisitely, the lifelike color performance! The DIGIC technical performance further enhances. Is absorbed from the detail faithful reappearance the object the tone, the shadow. The lens built-in against shake the function, reduces blurring which, because the hand shakes creates, brings the more photography pleasure! Against hand shakes easily, to focus, lays out satisfaction picture EOS synthesis dust removal system, further reduces the dust to the phantom the influence. Unique dust removal countermeasure. On the effective reduced sensor the dust adsorption with accumulates.
Provides approximately 15,100,000 effective picture element APS-C size CMOS the image sensor, the lens focal distance conversion ratio approximately is 1.6. 22.3×14.9 millimeter CMOS size, single picture element size approximately for 4.7μm, not can only present the splendid phantom which exquisitely the lens catch, may realize the beckoning background empty effect.
The performance remarkable DIGIC 4 digit phantom processor brings ISO100~ISO3200 the superelevation photosensitiveness commonly used establishment scope, when night photography may also expand to ISO6400 and 12800. At the same time, has the splendid signal-to-noise ratio, has suppressed when largely the high sensitivity luminosity particularly dark spot noise spot (C.Fn II-2), as well as when long time to make public photography produces noise spot (C.Fn II-1). May divide 4 scales according to the noise reduction degree (standard/weak/strong/closure) to carry on the establishment, “strong” outside three establishments, will not reduce the camera to pat the performance.

Regardless of being the highlight, the shadow may clear gorgeous present. May carry on the high light tone first to photograph, presents splendidly from the shadow to the highlight color transition, suppresses the high light part effectively the detail loss. Through (C.Fn II-3) carries on the menu establishment from the definition function, in the high light tone first photographs in the process, in the liquid crystal monitoring device and the viewfinder will demonstrate

Has the approximately 15,100,000 effective picture elements, the approximately 6.3/second high speed companies to pat the performance. While realizes high speed Lian Pai, guarantees the high resolution, and in instantaneous completes high accuracy focusing! Provides the high accuracy 35 area light measuring sensor, may act according to the photography environment, through 4 kind of light measuring patterns, grasps the optical fiber the subtle difference, photographs a more splendid phantom. Performance remarkable 9 spot wide area cruciform type automatic focusing (AF) system.

Uses magnesium alloy fuselage which firm reliable, is worth trusting; Classical contour design, stimulation photography phantom creativity. The shutter service life achieves the approximately 150,000 times! Splendid dustproof, against water-drop performance, lets the photographic amateur deal with the severe photography environment calmly.

Uses the brand-new 920,000 VGA3.0 inch liquid crystal monitoring device, suppresses the reflection, even if may also with ease glance over under the bright optical fiber. In photography process, but direct-viewing adjusts the photography establishment on the liquid crystal monitoring device, simple convenient. The lens built-in against shake the function, reduces blurring which, because the hand shakes creates, brings the more photography pleasure! Carries on the photography intuitively through the liquid crystal monitoring device “the real time display photography” the function."

Latest Rumor on Nikon D90

So far, the latest rumor is an announcement by Nikon Finland on the 1st July 2008. Here's some news floating around:

The rumor is that Nikon is going to announce 5 new products on July 1, 2008. Of the 3 products are sure to be announced. The rest 2 are not clear. Here are some possibilities:

For sure these will be announced on July 1, 2008:
1. Nikon D700 FX - a 12.1 megapixel full-frame based on Nikon D300 body
2. Nikon 45mm f/2.8D PC-E ED
3. Nikon 85mm f/2.8D PC-E Micro ED


Option 1
4. Nikon D90 - 12 megapixel DX replacement for Nikon D80
5. SB-900 speedlight

Option 2
4. SB-900 speedlight
5. Nikon 200mm f/4 Micro AF-S VR Nano

Option 3
4. Nikon D90 - 12 megapixel DX replacement for Nikon D80
5. Nikon 200mm f/4 Micro AF-S VR Nano

The much anticipated Nikon 24 megapixel Nikon D3x will be announced in September 2008.

Source

Nikon D90 in June 2008?

It looks like the rumours are flying again and this time its the Nikon D90 and the D3X. My interest is the D90 and it looks like a June date.

Will it have more features than Canon Rebel / 450D Xsi in specifications? I'm sure it will.

Canon 450D Xsi

As predicted, CANON has annouced the replacement for their successful 400D Rebel Xti with the Canon 450D Xsi. Although it is an entry model, the 450D Xsi has incorporated some high end features found in their professional range.

Here's what they say in the press release.

Canon EOS Rebel series of digital single lens reflex cameras – the cameras that defined and refined what it means to be an "entry level" digital SLR – have now redefined the gateway prowess and "pro-ness" of the DSLR category with the introduction of the line's new leader, the 12.2-megapixel EOS Rebel XSi camera. Incorporating a number of high-end functions and technology found in Canon's professional SLR models, the EOS Rebel XSi camera boasts an improved autofocus sensor, enhanced 14-bit A/D conversion, an advanced Live View function, and the proprietary DIGIC III image processor. When paired with any of the more than 60 compatible Canon EF and EF-S lenses, including optically image stabilized EF-S lenses like the EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS – now included in the EOS Rebel XSi kit – or the new EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS, the EOS Rebel XSi DSLR delivers images that will delight and inspire family and friends at an entry level price tag.


"This new EOS Rebel XSi camera is the answer for those who have been waiting to make the leap from digital point-and-shoot to digital SLR or from an older SLR to the latest generation of advanced technology, while still including the creative controls their old camera afforded them," states Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.

Luxury Feel and Function
At first glance, one notices the Rebel XSi's large, 3-inch LCD monitor, enhanced from the 2.5-inch screen on the Digital Rebel XTi model. The larger 230,000 pixel screen makes it easier for users to review images and scroll through the Rebel XSi camera's menus. The larger-sized display provides the ability to use a larger font size for menu text, making it easier than ever to read settings and options. The new screen also features a broadened color gamut, seven brightness settings for easy viewing under a variety of shooting conditions and a wide viewing perspective in all directions.

The EOS Rebel XSi camera features a substantial yet streamlined profile, with curved edges, contoured surfaces, conveniently placed controls and comfortably constructed rubber grip and thumb rest that all contribute to fatigue-reducing hand fit. The camera body is constructed of a rugged yet lightweight combination of stainless steel and polycarbonate embedded with glass fiber. The chassis exterior is enrobed in a durable ABS and Polycarbonate resin and offered in a choice of silver or black finishes.

Improved Image Quality
At the heart of the new EOS Rebel XSi is its newly designed 12.2 megapixel APS-C size Canon CMOS sensor. This new sensor employs large microlenses over each pixel to reduce noise and enhance sensitivity up to ISO 1600, which is ideal for high-quality images in low light. The APS-C size sensor retains a 1.6x focal length conversion factor compared to full-frame digital image sensors or 35mm film format cameras.

Another image quality enhancement is the upgrade of the Analog-to-Digital (A/D) conversion process to a 14-bit A/D processor. The inclusion of the 14-bit A/D process means the Rebel XSi camera records up to 16,384 colors per channel and allows the camera to produce images with finer and more accurate gradations of tones and colors. This is ideal for shooting outdoors where subtle hue changes in sky, water or foliage can really add to an image.

The Canon EOS Rebel XSi DSLR also incorporates the optional Highlight Tone Priority and High-ISO Noise Reduction functions first introduced in 2007 with the EOS-1D Mark III Professional Digital SLR and now available for the first time in an entry level Canon digital SLR camera. Additionally, the new camera is equipped with Canon's Auto Lighting Optimizer technology, which corrects image brightness and contrast automatically. Introduced last year in the EOS 40D camera, this valuable optional feature now works in all exposure modes and utilizes Face Detection technology to prevent underexposure with backlit faces.

DIGIC III Image Processor
If the 12.2-megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor is the heart of the camera, then Canon's DIGIC III processor is the brain. The latest generation of Canon's proprietary image processing engine, DIGIC III technology ensures that the fine details and natural colors of the images are optimally recorded. The DIGIC III processor also manages the camera's efficient energy consumption and high-speed signal processing performance. The EOS Rebel XSi is the first model in the Rebel series to incorporate DIGIC III.

Enhanced Live View
Introduced in 2007 on the EOS-1D Mark III DSLR, this function makes its debut in an entry level Canon DSLR with the EOS Rebel XSi camera. Live View allows users to frame shots through the LCD screen rather than the viewfinder. Going beyond the manual focus and phase-detection AF capabilities of earlier EOS models with Live View, the EOS Rebel XSi camera adds a new "Live Mode" contrast-detection AF function that allows the camera to focus automatically during Live View without lowering the reflex mirror.

Improved Autofocus and Framing Rate
The EOS Rebel XSi Digital SLR utilizes a precise nine-point Autofocus (AF) system featuring a newly developed AF sensor that improves the camera's subject detection capabilities compared to earlier models. The new Rebel XSi DSLR provides a cross-type AF measurement at the center that's effective with all EF and EF-S lenses, while providing enhanced precision with lenses having maximum apertures of f/2.8 or faster. The cross-type AF measurement reads a wider variety of subject matter than conventional single-axis AF sensors and thus increases the new camera's ability to autofocus quickly and accurately. The EOS Rebel XSi is also the fastest firing Rebel model to date, capable of continuously capturing 3.5 frames per second for bursts of up to 45 images in large/fine JPEG mode and 6 frames in RAW mode. The faster frame rates and finer focusing capabilities of the Rebel XSi together with its impressive image burst rate will help photo enthusiasts preserve family milestones or capture split second sports action at just the right moment.

EOS Integrated Cleaning System
The new Rebel XSi DSLR utilizes Canon's EOS Integrated Cleaning system, first introduced on the EOS Rebel XTi camera. The camera's Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit shakes dust particles off of the low-pass filter in front of the sensor. The dust is then trapped by an adhesive along the base, preventing it from causing further nuisance. Cleaning is engaged each time the camera is powered up or shut down or manually through the "clean now" function.

The second part of the cleaning system involves post processing with a compatible personal computer and the supplied Digital Photo Professional software. Here the camera maps any spots that may remain on the sensor, saving it as Dust Delete Data and subsequently subtracting dust spots from the final image during post processing. A third option includes a manual sensor cleaning function which raises the mirror and allows users to clean dust that may have stuck to the low-pass filter.

Back to the Basics
In keeping with its EOS system heritage, the new Canon EOS Rebel XSi camera is equipped with a host of useful creative controls, including shutter speeds ranging from 1/4000 sec. to 30 sec. plus Bulb, a choice of four metering patterns including 4% spot metering (another first for the Rebel series), a wide range of exposure modes from fully automatic to fully manual, depth of field preview, mirror lock and much more. The new camera is fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses, as well as EX-series Speedlites, an optional Battery Grip, and remote control and viewfinder accessories.

A departure from previous EOS Digital Rebel models, which accommodated CF type memory cards, the new EOS Rebel XSi camera utilizes SD and SDHC memory cards including those with capacities higher than 2GB, making it the perfect upgrade for users already equipped with SD cards from point-and-shoot model cameras. Additionally, the EOS Rebel XSi camera utilizes Canon's new high-capacity LP-E5 lithium ion battery pack, which provides 50% more exposures per charge than earlier models with virtually no increase in size or weight.

In the Box
Expected to ship in April 2008 the Canon Rebel XSi camera is available in body-only configuration which includes a rechargeable battery pack and charger, USB and video cables, a neckstrap, an EOS Solutions Disk CD, and a 1-year Canon U.S.A., Inc. limited warranty. The new camera will also be available in a lens kit version which includes everything in the body-only kit plus the EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens. The two versions carry estimated retail prices of $799.99 and $899.99, respectively.

EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Image Stabilizer Lens
First introduced in August of 2007, the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens is Canon's answer to consumer demand for a high-quality yet affordable optically image stabilized lens and is included as the standard lens in the Rebel XSi kit configuration. The lens features the wide-angle to mid-range zoom flexibility of its non-IS predecessor with the significant advantage of Canon's true optical, lens-shift image stabilization system that yields up to a full four stops of image-shake correction. The EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-55.6 IS zoom lens sells separately for $199.99*, but when customers purchase the lens kit version of the Rebel XSi the difference in price is only $100* from the price of the body-only kit. Canon is offering the lens kit at this discount so that more customers can enjoy the benefit of a lens based image stabilizer system.

The higher performance provided by Canon's lens shift IS system (compared with the in-camera body sensor shift type offered in some competitive SLRs) includes the ability to optimize the lens performance for specific shooting situations such as low light, long-zoom or movement while shooting (or virtually any combination of the three). What's more, the photographer can see the optical image stabilization effect in the viewfinder. As the image already appears steady in the viewfinder or on the screen through the Rebel XSi Live View function, better framing and composition is possible allowing the photographer to concentrate on the best shot more comfortably.

EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens
Like the standard kit lens, the optional EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS offers users of Canon EOS Digital SLRs with APS-C type CMOS sensors an affordable, lightweight, high-performance lens with tremendous range and flexibility. Given the 1.6x conversion factor inherent in the APS-C sized sensor, the high zoom ratio of this EF-S 55-250mm lens actually achieves the equivalent focal length of 88-400mm (in 35mm format).

Canon's true optical, lens shift image stabilizer offers users an equivalent shutter speed that is approximately 4 settings faster, making hand-held lower light or long zoom photos easier to capture without blurring. What's more, the lens can automatically distinguish between normal shooting and panning shots and select the optimum Image Stabilizer mode for each.

In stores now, both the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS and the EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS zoom lenses are manufactured by Canon specifically for the EOS Rebel XSi , EOS 40D and every other EOS SLR that takes EF-S lenses including earlier Digital Rebel cameras and the EOS 20D, EOS 20Da, and EOS 30D models. Though standard in the EOS Rebel XSi kit, the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens is also available as a stand alone purchase and carries an estimated retail price of $199.99. The optional EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS lens is available at an estimated retail price of $299.99.

Canon 450D Rumors

It seems Canon may announce the successor to the Canon 400D soon. According to all the rumors; thanks to Mr Robert Westin. He states that it may be the 24th January 2008 to be more precise.

The new model? Who knows? Most likely it will be the Canon 450D with a 12 mega pixel CMOS sensor and of course a 3 inch LCD screen. It seems everyone is moving towards the larger size these days.

The other rumor is the replacement for the Canon 5D and according to Tech.sina.com, it mentions the Canon 70D and even a 320D? on the UPC. Check it out!







Source