If you’re in the “Alpha” stage (har har!) of high-end photography, Sony’s preparing to launch a few new DSLRs to help out. These entry-level cams come in a smaller size than their predecessors and now include HDMI out. There’s also Bravia control, allowing owners of Bravia TVs to remotely flip through their images during big screen viewing. For newbies, a “handbook” teaches the basics. The details were leaked from Sony’s Russian Web site, so there’s no extensive breakdown of each model yet, but we at least know the a380 shoots in 14.2 megapixels. Presumably the a230 and a330 have slightly smaller pixel counts. Unfortunately, there are no signs of video. Price and release date? Nyet! [Photoclub Alpha via Engadget]
Last week, hazy photos emerged of a new Nikon DSLR with a swivel screen. Now, the camera has made the leap from rumor to fact, materializing as the Nikon D5000. Hovering near the entry level, the D5000 sports a 12.3-megapixel DX-format sensor, max ISO of 3200, 4 frames per second in burst mode, 11-point auto focus with 3D tracking and one-button Live View, plus all the usual stuff like image stabilization and face detection. There’s also a 24 frames per second movie mode in 720p and, of course, the 2.7-inch articulating screen. The body alone will cost $729 when it reaches retail later this month. For $849, Nikon will throw in an 18-55mm VR kit lens. See? Rumors can come true after all. [via Engadget]
The Xacti series from Sanyo may look like regular camcorders, but they’re actually still/video hybrids, and they’re shipping right now. The flagship FH1 ($500) shoots 1080p video in H.264, and includes an 8-megapixel sensor for stills with a 10x lens and large memory buffers for better slow motion capture and burst mode. The waterproof WH1 (pictured, $400) only reaches 780p, but shoots 9-megapixel stills. At the same video resolution, the TH1 ($300) has an 8-megapixel camera, but a staggering 30x optical zoom. The CG1 ($200) rounds out the line looking different than others, with a skinny handle and vertical form. The models come in a variety of colors, which is either good or bad depending on how much you like that wicked shade of yellow seen above. [Sanyo via Electronista]
Dubbed an “entry-level juggernaut” by its maker, Canon’s EOS Rebel T1i is the first from the company to feature full HD video capture. Videos in 1080p can be recorded at 20 frames per second, and in 720p are captured at 30 frames per second. As for still imagery, there’s a 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor and Canon’s DIGIC 4 image processor. Other features include nine-point auto focus with Live View, Auto Lighting Optimizer and an integrated cleaning system. For the real rookies, Creative Auto Mode allows for some on-the-fly adjustments and tricks without the need for technical know-how. The T1i body alone will cost $800 when it’s released in May, or $900 with an EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens. [Canon via BB Gadgets]
Hooray for medium-format cameras, with their monsterious pixel counts, huge sensors and epic price tags. Mamiya’s latest, the DL33, is a big brother to the their DL28, sporting a 33-megapixel image sensor that measures 36×48 mm — about twice the size of a standard full-frame DSLR. For records, Mimiya is claiming that the DL33’s touch screen is the largest “in the industry,” but they must be referring to DSLRs only, because we’ve seen screens of that size on digicams before. The camera uses a digital back from Leaf and has a coreless motor for fast and precise autofocus. Other features include 16-bit capture from 67 MB RAW images, 12-stop dynamic range and an ISO range of 50-800. Like any pro medium-format camera, it’ll cost you; the DL33 will sell for $19,999 when it’s available in April. [PhotograpyBLOG via Electronista]
Uber cool, ultra sleek and adored with sexy curves, Nikon Coolpix eXtreme is a concept design by Camillo Vanacore that plans to steal the heart of every shutterbug across the globe. Equipped with an ability to overcome, dust, snow, rain and everything else that nature can hurl at it, the Coolpix eXtreme oozes with overwhelming class. However, keep in mind that the camera is extreme, and you’ll still need to run for cover. Anyone from Nikon reading this? [via Yanko]
If the megapixel wars rage on, Olympus will have no part of it. Akira Watanabe, manager of the company’s SLR planning department, said 12 megapixels is “enough for covering most applications most customers need.” Olympus’ E-System of SLR cameras will focus on potentially less-sexy selling points, such as dynamic range, ISO range and color reproduction. As ZDNet points out, a high pixel count can actually be detrimental to the picture, adding more noise, washing out brights and blackening darks. More pixels also results in bigger file sizes. For those who really want loads of pixels in their pictures, Watanabe suggests getting a full-frame camera instead of trying to pack it all into a smaller sensor. Kudos to Olympus for committing to withdrawal. [ZDNet via Wired]
The new Sigma SD15 DSLR camera is making the rounds at PMA. While not built for minimalists, the camera is sturdy and ready to take on your most challenging photo shoots. The SD15 uses the same Faveon X3 sensor as the SD14, but one-ups the 14 with a True Image II processor, which it has borrowed from the high-end compact DP1. The new processor is supposed to provide better image quality, faster processing speed and better overall performance, which could help it move past some less-than-stellar reviews suffered by the SD14. For your viewing pleasure, Sigma also uses a 3″ LCD. [Gizmodo]
The E-620 from Olympus is a bit above the norm for an entry-level DSLR. Fancy features like the 2.7-inch full flip LCD screen, four selectable aspect ratios, hardware image stabilization and wireless flash capability are paired with some nice basic specs. The sensor is a 12.3-megapixel Live MOS and the lens has a zoom range of 14 mm – 42 mm at f3.5/5.6. Another funky perk is the inclusion of Art Filters, which directly apply effects including “Pop Art,” “Grainy Film” and “Pin Hole.” Of course, your newbie-friendly Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment features are included as well. The E-620 will sell for $800, or $700 for the body only, when it hits stores in May. [DPReview via BB Gadgets]
