New Cameras Galore at PMA Show

New Cameras Galore at PMA Show

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With regard to the red-hot DSLR market, there will be plenty to talk about in this category coming out of PMA including Canon’s highly-anticipated next step in the rebel series – the Rebel XSi. Canon has already touted the rebel series as, “The cameras that  defined and refined what it means to be an ‘entry level’ digital SLR.” Well, now they are telling us they have now redefined, “the gateway prowess and ‘pro-ness’  of the DSLR category” with the introduction the  12.2-megapixel EOS Rebel XSi camera.  Incorporating a number of high-end functions and technology found in Canon’s professional SLR models, the EOS Rebel XSi camera includes an improved autofocus sensor, enhanced 14-bit A/D conversion, an advanced Live View function, and the proprietary DIGIC III image processor. With all this new “pro-ness” the price tag has inched up just a bit, to $799 body only – but the entry-level DSLR category gets more interesting by eh day

Pentax DSLR Duo

Pentax has also released two new DSLRSs – the K200D and the K20D, two new models that strengthen the company’s standing in both the entry-level end of the market as well as the higher end.

The budget-conscious K200D features a 10.2 MP CCD along with a 2.7-inch wide view LCD, a weather and dust-resistant body that allows for some flexibility in harsher conditions – a feature that should be most appealing to the intended audience. Add an advanced 16-segment meter and 11-point AF, with 9 cross sensors, along with Auto picture and Scene modes that provide ease operation for the novice with several more advanced modes so shooters can grow with this camera – and important part of the mix with the budget DSLR crowd.

On the higher end comes the K20D that features a 14.6 MP CMOS sensor along with Shake Reduction, enhanced Dynamic Range and what Pentax refers to as PRIME image processing engine that, they tell us, “maximizes image properties and allows custom adjustment of image parameters.”

Samsung GX-20

Samsung’s play at keeping pace in this wild ride of a DSLR market comes in the form of the GX-20, a much more serious-mined effort that the fun, affordable and easy to use GX-1L and a more robust effort than the more recent GX-10. The GX-20 boasts a CMOS Sensor, improved Shake Reduction, and a Live View LCD among its many new features. At 14.6 MP this model significantly extends the range of Samsung’s GX-Series and Samsung tells us the CMOS sensor can capture 14-bit RAW images, and maintains “outstanding noise performance, even at a high ISO setting of 6400.”

Sony’s A200

Sony also lifted the curtain on their latest DSLR, the A200 (10.2MP) – a model that features a more compact body, a wider LCD screen (2.7-inch, features new Clear Photo technology) and Sony’s Dynamic Range Optimizer, a feature that allows for greater shooting flexibility in a wide variety of lighting conditions. It features a media slot for CF Type I/II and offers an adaptor for Memory Stick Duo. Expect a kit (18-70mm lens) MSRP of $699. Sony offered up but a peek at the 200 at CES and should have a few more surprises on the imaging front at PMA

The Nikon D60 & D300

Not to be outdone in the “budget DSLR” category, Nikon D60 will turn many a head at PMA – checking in as the smallest DSLR Nikon has ever produced, the D60 features 10.2 MP res and an advanced 3-D Color Matrix Metering II that, Nikon explains, “ensures that images are exposed beautifully and automatically, even in challenging lighting conditions.”

When it comes to addressing one of the main reasons many consumers are moving over to DSLRs, shutter lag disappears from the equation when consumers move into this category and the D60’s fast 0.18-second start-up time and split-second shutter response don’t disappoint. A fast and accurate autofocus and the ability to shoot continuously at up to three pictures-per-second simply continue the thirst for speed this category elicits. No price was set at press tine but you can figure this model will priced competitively.

Though officially announced late last year, Nikon’s D300 is still grabbing headlines as this 12.3MP model combines brand new technologies with advanced features inherited from Nikon’s D3 professional digital SLR camera to offer, as Nikon explains, “serious photographers remarkable performance combined with agility.” The D300 features Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED Image Processing System along with a new 51-point auto focus system with Nikon’s 3D Focus Tracking feature and two new LiveView shooting modes that allow users to frame a photograph using the camera’s high-resolution LCD monitor. With speed always topping the list when talk turns to the DSLR market, the D300 powers-up in 0.13 seconds and shoots with 45 millisecond shutter release lag time. The D300 is capable of shooting six frames per second and can go as fast as eight frames per second when using the optional MB-D10 Multi-Power Battery Pack.

As we went to press, we were patiently awaiting word from both Panasonic and Olympus on new DSLRs models they may be adding and we’ll have all those details in the days and weeks ahead.

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