One day after Canon launched its new EOS 50D, Nikon introduced its new D90 digital single lens reflex camera (DSLR).

Besides taking still pictures, the 12.3 megapixel D90 can also take 24fps HD movie clips with sound, first for an SLR camera.

The various controls for the camera can be used for shooting HD video as well. But the catch is you can shoot video for a maximum of up to five minutes.

The D90 is the successor to the 10 megapixel Nikon D80 that we own to much pleasure.

Nikon D90 Digital SLR

Other highlights of the D90:

* 3-inch 920,000-dot high-resolution LCD screen
* 11-point auto focus (AF) system based on Nikon’s Scene Recognition System and Face Detection technology
* Burst rate of up to 4.5 frames per second
* Wide range of ISO 200 to 3200 (expandable to Lo 1 ISO 100 and Hi 1 ISO 6400)
* Image Sensor Cleaning to free dust particles from the sensor’s optical low-pass filter
* Maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 second
* New playback function lets users show images in either four, nine or 72 thumbnail images, or use a calendar format to find photos
* Built-in Flash
* Provides geotagging when used with the Nikon GP-1 GPS unit (available separately in November 2008) with latitude, longitude and altitude data imprinted on the images’ metadata

The D90 will ship in September 2008 and cost $1,000 for body only and

Canon has rolled out EOS 50D, the successor to the popular EOS 40D digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera.

The new EOS 50D offers 15.1 megapixel resolution and features Canon’s new DIGIC 4 image processor.

Canon EOS 50D

Other highlights of the EOS 50D include:

Sony has launched a new thin Cyber-shot point-and-shoot 10-megapixel DSC T700 camera with 4GB of internal memory.

Internal storage is convenient if for some reason you forget to carry a memory card.

Sony claims that the internal memory in the DSC T700 can store 1,000 full-resolution or 40,000 VGA-quality photos. If you want more storage, you can use the optional Memory Stick media card.

 
DSC T700 with 4GB Internal Memory

The DSC T700 comes with a Carl Zeiss lens that integrates a 4x optical zoom and image stabilization. The camera has a 3.5-inch, wide touch

These are interesting times for folks looking to expand beyond their point-and-shoot digital cameras.

Canon has just introduced a new entry-level digital single lens reflex camera (DSLR) – EOS Rebel XS.

Highlights of the Canon EOS Rebel XS:

* 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor
* Optical Image Stabilized kit lens. EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens
* Live View
* 7-point wide-area autofocus (AF) sensor
* 3.0 frames per second continuous JPEG burst rate
* Auto Lighting Optimizer
* Price - $699.99 (including lens)
* Weight – 450 grams

This is what Canon has to say about the new DSLR camera:

Ideal for a wide range of photographers from first-time digital SLR users to veteran photo enthusiasts, the new Canon EOS Rebel XS camera was designed to embody what customers have come to expect from the EOS Rebel series — a fast, non-intimidating, lightweight, easy-to-use camera that produces excellent images and starts emerging photographers off on the right foot. Immediately, photographers will take notice of the camera’s Optical Image Stabilized kit lens for crisp focus, compensating for camera shake from unsteady hands or a moving vehicle.

Nikon, Pentax and Sony also offer attractively priced DSLRs for serious amateurs.

Barely a few months after Nikon rolled out its D300 upgrade to the venerable D200, the camera company has unveiled a new 12.1 megapixel full format digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera – D700.

Nikon’s full  format DSLR cameras have the FX-format sensor that measures 23.9mm x 36mm, nearly equal to the size of a 35mm film.

Besides the FX-format CMOS sensor, the D700 includes Nikon’s EXPEED Image Processing System, a 51-point auto focus system with 3D Focus Tracking and two Live View shooting modes that let photographers frame a shot using the camera’s three-inch high-resolution LCD monitor.

The D700 also features Nikon’s Scene Recognition System and a new active dust reduction system.

The D700 has a native ISO range of 200 to 6400.

Here are a few other highlights of the new Nikon D700:

* starts in 0.12 seconds
* shutter-lag response time of 0.40 milliseconds
* records full resolution JPEG images at 5FPS or 8FPS with the optional MB-D10 battery pack for up to 100 images
* Photographers can enhance their pictures during or after capture with the Picture Control System and Active D-Lighting
* made of new composite carbon fiber and Kevlar hybrid material
* weighs 995gms

Priced at $3,000 (body only), the D700 is expected to ship in late July.

According to Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon, Inc:

Nikon FX-format cameras have teamed with our strong lineup of DX-format models to offer photographers unprecedented advancements in performance and versatility along with the freedom to choose the format that best serves their needs. Today’s introduction of the D700 offers an important new option to photographers who need the overall performance and imaging perspective Nikon FX-format cameras offer.

Besides the D700, Nikon also launched a new flash SB-900 ($500) and two new Perspectice Control-E Micro Lenses – Nikkor 45mm f/2.8 and 85mm f/2.8D.

Pentax has launched a 10-megapixels Optio W60 waterproof digital camera priced at $329.95.

Optio W60’s design is said to allow the camera to be operated in up to 13 feet underwater for two hours and at temperatures well below freezing.

Besides the waterproof feature, the compact Optio W60 digital camera is dustproof against dirt, sand and dust, and comes with