Canon announced the EOS 400D digital SLR (D-SLR) camera. It is replacing one of the most affordable and well made D-SLR cameras, the EOS 350D. The new model includes a new 10.1 megapixel CMOS image sensor that delivers stunning, professional quality photographs and super-fast image processing, thanks to Canon’s proprietary DiG!C II processor, that ensures the camera is capable of capturing three frames per second (fps) for a burst of up to 27 consecutive frames. The 400D camera also comes with EOS Integrated Cleaning System providing total protection from appearance of sensor dust in images.

General Specifications
Image sensor: 10.1 Effective Megapixel CMOS sensor; 22.2 x 14.8mm effective size
Sensitivity (equivalent film speed): ISO 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 (selectable via ISO Speed menu)
Image data storage: Compact FlashT (CF) card Type I or Type II standard; 1 slot
Image compression: Raw / Fine / Normal
Image compression level: Still image: JPEG or RAW – simultaneous recording possible
Lens: Canon EF and EF-S series, effective focal length 1.6x
Still image: JPEG or RAW – simultaneous recording possible
Shutter: Vertical-travel, mechanical, focal plane shutter with electronic control
Shutter speed: 1/4,000 sec. – 30 sec., Bulb; maximum flash sync at 1/200 sec.
Focusing method: TTL-CT-SIR type. Wide area AF with 9 selectable focussing points.
Focusing modes: Autofocus (One-shot AF, Predictive AI Servo AF, One-Shot /Predictive AI Servo AF switching) and Manual Focussing
Light metering method: Evaluative, Partial, and Centre-weighted average metering
Metering range: EV1-EV20
White balance control: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash and Custo
Shooting modes: Program AE, Shutter-priority AE, Aperture priority AE, Depth-of-field AE, Full Auto, Programmed Image Control modes (6), Manual, E-TTL II autoflash Program AE
Continuous shooting speed: 3 frames per sec for up to 27 in a single burst
Self timer: Yes – 10 seconds
Flash (built-in): Auto pop-up, retractable, built-in flash in the pentaprism
Flash guide number (built-in): 13 at 100 ISO (m)
Flash (external): Hot-shoe: X-sync contacts, with EX-series Speedlites: E-TTL II autoflash
Optical viewfinder: Eye-level SLR (with fixed pentamirror)
Viewfinder adjustment: -3 to +1 dpt
Viewfinder coverage: 95% (vertically and horizontally)
Monitor type: 2.5″ TFT colour, liquid crystal monitor – 230,000 pixels
Interface: Digital Terminal – USB 2.0 Hi-Speed, Video Output Terminal – NTSC / PAL, Remote Control Terminal – E3-type, Wireless Remote Control for RC-1 and RC-5
Power source: Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery (type: NB-2LH), AC adapter (type: ACK-700)
Dimensions (W x H x D): 126.5 x 94.2 x 65mm
Weight: Approx. 510 grams

The Canon EOS 400D 18-55 kit will be available from late September 2006 with a price of ??????¬1039.99 (euro) or about $1340. For only the 400D body you’ll have to prepare ??????¬939.99 (euro) or about $1205.

- For more information about Canon EOS 400D D-SLR camera…
- For some sample photos made with the Canon EOS 400D D-SLR camera…

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Nikon introduced their new D80 digital SLR camera – an impressively featured, high performance camera that incorporates Nikon’s latest digital and photographic technologies, and offers advanced features as well as automated operation to satisfy any photographer with the passion to create beautiful photographs and preserve special moments.

With a new 10.2 effective megapixel DX Format CCD image sensor and an exclusive high-resolution color processing engine inherited from Nikon’s latest professional digital SLR cameras, the D80 can render images with incredible resolution, sharp detail and vibrant color that is unmatched in this class of cameras. And it can shoot these images fast – at speeds of up to 3 frames per second, for up to 100 consecutive shots (in JPEG Normal mode), ensuring that the camera’s always ready for the next fleeting moment.

The D80 works with the efficiency and grace of a fine-tuned instrument, powering up in only 0.18 seconds and capturing a picture with an imperceptible shutter lag time of just 80 milliseconds (0.08 seconds). A new 11-area auto- focus system detects focus with superb precision and can even track a moving subject across the frame, shifting focus instantly and automatically to any of the 11 auto-focus points that detect the subject.

The D80’s large, bright 0.94x viewfinder affords a remarkable view not found in many digital SLRs, making critical composition easier and more pleasing. The camera’s rechargeable battery can last up to 2700 shots on a single charge, while also providing a real-time Fuel Gauge of the percentage of charge remaining in the battery at all times.

The Nikon D80 will be available beginning September 2006 for an estimated selling price of $999.95 for body only and $1299.95** for body and lens outfit, including the new 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S IF-ED DX Nikkor Lens.

- For a list with the complete Specifications of the D80…
- For more information about the Nikon D80 DSLR Camera…

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Optio W20 is a compact digital camera featuring excellent waterproof performance with a slim, flat body design. The W20 camera is fully capable of underwater photography without requiring a waterproof case or other accessories. The waterproof design of the Optio W20 meets the JIS Class 8 waterproof standard, enabling it to withstand up to 30 minutes of continuous operation at an underwater depth of up to five feet. The Optio W20 also meets the JIS Class 5 dustproof standard, and is ideal for use skiing, marine sports, fishing, and enjoying other outdoor events.

The Optio W20 includes a 3X optical zoom lens that covers focal lengths from 6.3 to 18.9 mm (equivalent to 38 to 114 mm for 35mm film) and features a ???‚??folding???‚?? optical system so the lens never protrudes from the camera while zooming. The 7.0 effective megapixels produces extremely high-quality prints with crisp detail even when the photo is greatly enlarged.

The Optio W20 comes with a 2.5 inch LCD monitor that is easy to view even in sunny outdoor conditions. The LCD cover is finished with a non-glare coating and features adjustable LCD backlight strength. The camera also has a Power Saving mode that automatically dims the backlight to save battery power.

The Pentax Optio W20 will be available in September with a price of under $300.

- For more information about the upcoming Pentax digital camera…

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Sony Electronics announced a compact and lightweight, 12-channel GPS device for use in conjunction with their digital cameras. Using time and location recordings from Sony’s GPS-CS1 GPS device and the time stamp from a Sony digital still camera or camcorder you can plot the digital images to a map and pinpoint exactly where they’ve been taken.

To arrange your pictures geographically, you need to import the logged data from the GPS device, using the supplied USB cable, and then download the digital images to a computer. The supplied GPS Image Tracker software synchronizes the images on your digital camera with the latitude, longitude and time readings from the GPS-CS1 device.

Once synchronized, your photos can become virtual push pins on an online map by activating the Picture Motion Browser software bundled with the latest Sony cameras and camcorders released after July. You can easily add new photos and coordinates to the mapping web site, courtesy of Google Maps, and showcase years of globe-trotting.

Specifications
GPS device type: 12 channel
Supported images: JPEG file (EXIF 2.1 or later)
Powered by: Single AA battery, recording time is about 10 hours with Alkaline or 14 hours by using NiMH battery
Interface: USB 2.0, USB 1.1 compatible
Dimensions: 36×87x36 mm (1.4×3.4×1.4 in)
Weight: 55g (1.9 oz), without the battery
Software: GPS Image Tracker, Super Mapple Digital Ver.7 for Sony (Windows only)

The GPS-CS1 GPS device will be available in September with a price of about $150.

- Find a place where you can buy the Sony GPS-CS1 GPS…

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