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]
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]
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]
Don’t be fooled by the extra letter between the “G” and the “1″ in Panasonic’s compact interchangeable lens digicam; the 12.1-megapixel GH1 is pretty similar to its predecessor, which launched only a few months ago, but includes HD video. In addition to recording 24 frames per second in high definition, the GH1 can film SD video at 60 frames per second. To accompany this new feature, the GH1 includes an interchangable long-zoom 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH lens with MEGA optical image stabilization, specifically designed for shooting HD movies. Existing features from the G1 include Micro Four Thirds technology, intelligent Auto mode and a Live View Finder system for previewing the effects of camera settings. There’s no mention of pricing, availability or whether we’ll now see a price drop in the $800 G1. [via Akihabara News]
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]
If you’ve long been eyeing a DSLR to capture those life-altering moments like a true photog, this could be the deal you’ve been waiting for. Pentax just dropped the price on its revered K20D by 200 bucks. The $800 MSRP only promises to drop further once cutthroat competition gets fully underway. Equip this camera with the lens(es) of your choice and get to work. Finally, pictures that actually are worth 1000 words. [Crunch Gear]
In a slap in the face to cameras with higher pixel counts, Nikon’s D700 DSLR camera won Amateur Photography’s Product of the Year award for 2008. The British mag has some clout, so Nikon can celebrate for good reason. The 12.1-megapixel camera received praise for its FX Format CMOS Sensor and its quality auto focus, white balance and metering systems, delivered for less money in a smaller and lighter body than Nikon’s D3. The big losers here were Canon’s EOS 1DS MARK III and Sony’s Alpha 900, whose respective megapixel counts of 21.1 and 24.6 weren’t enough to beat the mighty D700. Hail to the king. [Amateur Photography via Wired]
