Digital SLR Blog

The Spider Holster takes a unique approach when it comes to carrying photographic equipment by putting the camera' weight at the human body's center of gravity. Made of stainless steel and aluminum, the holster has a unique locking mechanism that lets one choose:

Lower Position - a quick-release lock that latches automatically when the camera is placed in the holster.

Upper Position - for free camera motion to get your DSLR from hip to hands in a flash

For more information go here.

Curious about the newly announced Pentax K-7 DSLR? Then head over here to see the official sample images taken by the DSLR. The images have been taken at ISO 100 and from the following lenses; with three different lenses, the smc PENTAX-DA 55mmF1.4 SDM (pictured), the smc PENTAX-DA 50-135mmF2.8ED[IF]SDM and the smc PENTAX-DA 12-24mmF4ED AL[IF].

The Pentax K-7 digital SLR is official now. Touting a 14.6-megapixel resolution, the K-7 supports Live View and also features 720p movie recording capability. Other features include; a newly developed DR (Dust Removal) II mechanism, PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine) II imaging engine, optical viewfinder featuring approx. 100% field of view and new 11-point wide-frame AF module with 9 cross sensors. For the body alone, one will have to shell out $1.299.95.

[Via DCI]

The Sony A230 (right), A330 and A380 are the newest Alpha DSLR’s from the company. All three come equipped with a 2.7-inch 230,000-dot LCD, 9-point autofocus system and the SteadyShot in-camera image stabilization. The A230 and A330 have a 10.2-megapixel sensor and the latter also features Live View capability. Where as the A380 has a 14.2 megapixel sensor and will retail for $850 with a single lens.

[Via DCI]

According to a teaser on the Pentax German website, the imaging giants will unveil their new K series Pentax DSLR on May 20th at 4pm CET. No further information is  available as of now.

Canon US has announced a new rebate programme onselect Canon lenses and accessories, as well as instant rebates on Canon EOS 50D and Rebel XSi Digital SLR cameras. The offer is valid from May3rd to July 11th 2009. Details are below.

Dev Hardware has reviewed the Nikon D700 and the publication found the DSLR extremely appealing. Apart from a comprehensive feature set and advance features like D-Lighting system, the camera also excelled when it came to image quality. The well thought out interface and controls won’t be daunting to an amateur photographer and the magnesium alloy body ensures that the camera remains protected from wear and tear.

DevHardware has reviewed the Canon EOS 50D that features a 15-megapixel CMOS sensor and an advance DIGIC 4 processor. The DSLR won brownie points for its image quality, its huge array of features, its intuitive interface and its build quality.

Says the reviewer:
“Technicalities and specifics aside, there's something very reassuring about having a reliable, dependable camera that will capture all of life's memories and moments without any hesitation or difficulty. If for no other reason, photographers -- both professional and otherwise -- will find the Canon EOS 50D's$1,200 price tag well worth it.”

The much-anticipated Nikon D5000 DSLR is already making its way to stores before its official release date. Flickr user Kadath has posted a number of unboxing and test shots of the D5000, which can be accessed here.

[Via Engadget ]

Redrock Micro has unveiled their new DSLR 2.0 line of Redrock cinema accessories for video DSLR cameras, including the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Canon EOS Rebel T1i, Nikon D90, and Panasonic Lumix HG1. Prices start from $195 and vary according to the configuration. DSLR 2.0 accessories are based on their proprietary baseplate which features ultra light design, unique locking pin for DSLRs to eliminate rotation, and quick release clamp for fast transformations.

According to Amazon, the Nikon D5000 will ship on April 27th. Amazon is selling the DSLR for $849.95. The D5000 has a host of advance features including an articulating display and comes equipped with a 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor.
 

A new firmware update for the Canon EOS REBEL XS / 1000D DSLR  is now available for download. Firmware Version 1.0.5 incorporates the following improvements.

   1. Supports the AF assist beam feature of the new flash, Speedlite 270 EX, which is scheduled to be released in April 2009.


You can download it from here.

PhotoZone has reviewed the Panasonic DMC-G1 and you can check out their analysis here. The “Digital Interchangeable Lens Camera" impresses with its image quality, its fast contrast AF, its electronic viewfinder and its compact form factor. However the Panasonic DMC-G1 had its faults as it suffered from an average battery life, lacked a built-in image stabilizer and was found suitable for fast subject tracking.

Zeeion from Visible Dust is an anti-static non-contact dust removal device for DSLRs. Made from Silicon-RX - a unique compound with an anti-static property, Zeeion has an one-way valve in the nozzle and also comes with a soft cap. The new VisibleDust Zeeion is available now at RRP £39.95. from http://www.bogenimaging.co.uk/visibledust.

The newly announced Nikon D5000 DSLR is available on Amazon for pre-order. Amazon hasnn’t published the release date yet and is selling the DSLR for $849.95. You can order it from Amazon from here.

The Camlink COMO range of camera bags have been made from Cordura weather resistant nylon and also offer a built in weather cover to offer ultimate protection in adverse weather conditions. The Camlink COMA BP1 & BP2 in the range can hold a DSLR camera system and  a notebook computer (BP1 up to 15” notebook – BP2 up to 17” notebook.). The camera bags feature a built in rucksack strap and for further information go to http://www.camlink.eu.com
 

Firmware Version 1.4 is now available for the Olympus E-3 camera. The update improves the AF operation in firmware version 1.3. No other details have been given by Olympus. For more information go to http://www.olympus.co.jp/en/support/imsg/digicamera/download/software/firm/e1/

A new firmware update is available for the Pentax K20D DSLR. Version 1.03 improves the on board Shake Reduction (SR) apparatus and also improves the overall functionality. Download it from here.

Canon in a press release announced that the company’s has produced over 10 million consumer D-SLRs (digital single-lens-reflex) worldwide since the launch of the EOS 300D in 2003. Canon also recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of Canon SLR (single lens reflex) cameras which were first launched on May 1959.

“Canon remains at the forefront of this consumer market growth with a market share of 40 per cent in Europe (GfK WEU14 Jan~Dec 2008) which we account for our commitment to consumer demand and our passion for high-quality image,” said Rainer Fuehres, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging (CCI), Canon Europe. “We hope that the release of the EOS 500D will further strengthen our market position this year.”
 

Firmware update v1.1 for the Olympus E-30 DSLR is now available for download. Olympus E-30 Firmware version 1.1 incorporates the following improvements and fixes:

    * Reduced the sound of Image stabilizer operations when IMAGER AF and HYBRID AF are being used.
    * Resolved the issue where pressing the delete button in Close-up playback occasionally caused the Card access lamp to blink.
    * Resolved the issue where images with a changed aspect ratio played back with Index display sometimes had horizontal stripes.

Download it from here.

The new Olympus E-450 DSLR has a resolution of 10 megapixels and features a 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal II LCD with 176° viewing angle. The camera also includes three in-camera Art Filters and  comes equipped with the TruePic III+ image processor. The Olympus E-450 is available in the following configurations:

• Olympus E-450 body only
• Olympus E-450 Lens Kit
(E-450 body with ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens)
• Olympus E-450 Double Zoom Kit
(E-450 body with ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 and ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 lenses)

[Via DCI ]

Pentax recently announced a new limited edition version of the K20D. The Pentax K20D Titanium Colour Premium Kit includes the K20D body and a D-BG2 vertical grip that have been finished in a shade of titanium. No word on pricing or availability and for now the limited edition will be available only in Japan.

The Pentax X70 is now available for pre-order. According to the Pentax website, the camera will ship within the next ten days. The Pentax X70 is retailing for US$400.

The Toploader Pro AW is a new camera bag series from Lowepro that comes in three different sizes and should be available by late spring 2009. Ideal for DSLRs, the bag features a asymmetrical shape and can be worn three ways to accommodate several shooting styles: holster-style over the shoulder with the 3-point harness system, with a belt system such as Lowepro’s Street & Field™, or with Lowepro’s Topload Chest Harness (both sold separately).

Sony will soon update their DSLR portfolio by releasing six new lenses this year. The lenses in question are:A Super telephoto lens, 28-75mm f/2.8 (both for full-frame), a 55-200mm f/4-5.6 DT, a 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT and a 50mm f/1.8 DT and 30mm f/2.8 DT. No further details were available as of now.


[Via Photography Blog ]

Canon has issued a service notice regarding the EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III digital SLR cameras. According to Canon, an abnormal mirror operation occurs in some of the models and the camera displays the following:
“Err 99 Shooting is not possible. Turn the power switch to and again or re-install the battery”.

Free repairs will be provided to affected products.

Contact Information for Inquiries
Customer Support Center
1-866-207-9570 (toll free)
8:00 a.m. - Midnight, EST (M-F)
10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., EST (Sat.)
Email: carecenter@cits.canon.com

The newly announced Pentax X70 marks the imaging giant's entry into the ultra-zoom market. Equipped with a 24x optical lens (26-624mm) lens, the X70 the 12-megapixel shooter also features sensor-shift image stabilization technology. The Pentax X70 will cost £369.99.

[Via DCI]
 

Nikon should take a page out of Pentax’s book. Instead of hiking prices (like Nikon) , Pentax has been slashing the prices of their products. Effective immediately, the MAP price of the PENTAX K20D body and two K20D lens kit configurations have been reduced by $200.00 USD. The new MAP pricing is as follows:

PENTAX K20D body only: $799.95

PENTAX K20D with DA 18-55mm II lens kit: $879.95

PENTAX K20D with DA 16-45mm lens kit: $1199.95

Dust-Aid recently announced several new dSLR camera sensor filter dust prevention tools.  To view the entire list of products in details head over to the website. Here is quick run down of products they have introduced:

• Dust-Shield is focused on the prevention of dust by blocking particulates from entering the mirror chamber.

• Dust-Swabs with Sensor Light is an illuminated swab for shining light and cleaning a sensor filter in a dark mirror chamber.

• Dust-Jet which contains a replaceable filter to clean air blown through the bellows of the blower. These new products deliver breakthrough features that make them truly unique products.

Pentax's white K2000 DSLR is now in stock and if you fancy this white beauty then head over here to purchase it. It ships in one day and is retailing for $679.95.


What's In The Box:

    * DA-L 18-55 Lens
    * DA-L 50-200 Lens
    * USB Cable I-USB17
    * Strap O-ST84
    * Hot Shoe Cover FK
    * Eyecup FQ
    * Body Mount Cover
    * 4 AA Energizer Lithium Batteries
    * Software CD-ROM S-SW84