Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18


Barely half a year after the introduction of the DMC-FZ8, Panasonic added another model to its popular range of compact 'super zoom' Lumix cameras in the shape of the FZ18. Although obviously based on the FZ8 (they are externally almost identical), the FZ18 doesn't replace it; it's a sort of 'big brother' with a bigger zoom, more pixels and a smattering of new features.
The biggest news is the optically stabilized lens, which has 'grown' at both ends and now sports a whopping 18x (28-504mm equiv.) zoom, putting the FZ18 into direct competition with Olympus' SP-550UZ (now updated to the SP-560UZ) and Fujifilm's recently announced FinePix S8000fd.
Almost inevitably the FZ18 squeezes even more pixels onto its 1/2.5-inch sensor, although the increase has been fairly moderate from 7.3 to 8.3 megapixels. Other new features include a dedicated AF/AE button, Face Detection and a new Intelligent Auto mode which integrates Image Stabilization, Intelligent ISO, Face Detection and Scene Detection into a 'Super' Auto Mode.


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Olympus E-3 SLR


In Oct. 16, 2007, Olympus today launched the 10.1 megapixel E-3 digital SLR, the follow-up to the E-1. Olympus claims its new 11-point biaxial cross type autofocus system focuses faster than any other camera currently on the market. Other features include dust reduction, weatherproofing, mechanical image stabilization, a large magnification optical viewfinder, and a swiveling 2.5-inch Live View LCD screen. The Olympus E-3 body will retail for $1,699 when it is available next month.
The Olympus E-3’s autofocus system is its most touted feature. The twin cross type (fully biaxial) 11-point autofocus system is based on proprietary Olympus technology that uses a tooth-pattern phase detection sensor. Each of the 11 sensors has two data points, combining for a total of 22 data points to focus on both the horizontal and vertical axis. A second layer has 11 more cross focus points for an additional 22 data points, totaling 44 autofocus points readable by the sensor.

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Canon EOS Rebel XSi


The new update popular Digital Rebel XTi SLR: the EOS Rebel XSi. The XSi ups the resolution to 12.2 megapixels and includes improved autofocus, live view, an enlarged 3-inch LCD screen, and an optical image stabilized kit lens. The storage medium also changes to SD and SDHC memory cards; previous models used CompactFlash cards. The Digital Rebel XSi will cost $799 for the body and $899 for the kit with the 18-55mm lens, and will be available in April. As well as upping the resolution to 12.2 megapixels (from from the 10.1 megapixels of the Digital Rebel XTi), the XSi has a new and improved analog-to-digital converter. Canon claims it allows recording of up to 16,384 colors per channel, leading to better, more subtle colors. In addition, Canon has added micro-lenses over every pixel that focus the light, which Canon claims will lead to better low light performance. Although the resolution has increased, the size of the image sensor has not, so the lens conversion factor remains at 1.6. The Rebel XSi also includes a new DIGIC III image processor, previously seen on higher-end EOS models such as the 1Ds Mark III.

Casio Exilim Pro EX-F1


Digital Camera from Casio with superfast burst and movies in 12x digital zoom. It has 6-megapixel camera. Casio Exilim Pro EX-F1 is the fastest burst shooting performance in the world with up to 60 frames per second in full resolution burst mode, and up to 1,200 frames per second in high speed-movies. The casio Exilim Pro Ex-F1, introduced in Januari of 2008, looks like no other Casio camera before, and it can do thing no other digital camera available to consumer can do.

Nikon D300


The Nikon D300 digital camera with main features 12.3 effective megapixel Nikon DX-format CMOS image sensor with integrated A/D converter and the increased bit precision of selectable 14-bit NEF (RAW) output, Nikon's original Scene Recognition System greatly improves autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance performancem, new 51-point autofocus system features 15 cross-type sensors that maximize the potential of lenses with apertures as small as f/5.6, viewfinder with approx.100% frame coverage and large approx.0.94 magnification (50mm f/1.4 lens at infinity, –1.0 m-1), rapid 8 fps*1 or 6 fps*2 continuous shooting for up to 100 shots*3*4, new Picture Control System for image finishing optimized to match individual preferences, quick response of 0.13 sec. power-up and 0.045 sec. shutter release time lag*5, two liveview modes enable shooting while confirming subjects in the LCD monitor, magnesium alloy body for light weight and rugged durability, 3-inch LCD with 920,000-dot (VGA) resolution and a 170° ultra-wide viewing angle, active D-Lighting optimizes tone reproduction in both shadows and highlights, shutter speeds ranging from 1/8,000 to 30 s for full creative control, optional Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 extends shooting capability, enhances stability, and provides the further shooting potential of added controls, built-in Speedlight with i-TTL flash control and full support for Nikon's Creative Lighting System, support for the Wireless Transmitter WT-4 (optional) enables direct cable-free image transfer to a compatible computer, includes Nikon’s Software Suite software for easy control over image adjustment and management.

www.nikon.com

Sony Alpha DSLR-A700


The new model from Sony D-SLR cameras.Like Sony’s mainstream DSLR-A100 model, the new A700 unit incorporates Super SteadyShot® Inside image stabilization in the camera body and is compatible with most Minolta Maxxum® mount lenses in addition to Sony lenses.

“Discerning photo enthusiasts will be impressed with the rugged construction and outstanding performance of the A700, said Phil Lubell, director of marketing for digital cameras at Sony Electronics. “We also expect that this new camera will re-define the post-capture experience with HDMI™ output for high-quality playback of images on high-definition televisions.”

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