Olympus Stylus 1200

The Olympus µ [mju:] 1200: Elegance meets ingenuity
London, 23 August 2007 – Introducing the brilliant Olympus µ [mju:] 1200. It packs an incredible 12 Megapixels and boasts a number of cutting-edge innovations including Face Detection Technology for the proper exposure and focusing of faces. In addition, Shadow Adjustment Technology has been included to detect the shadow areas in a composition and corrects the exposure for a more detailed, realistic image. This powerful addition to the stylish µ [mju:] range comes in a weatherproof* metal body in Midnight Black, which protects it against the elements. A giant 6.9cm HyperCrystal LCD makes the framing and reviewing of shots fun and easy – even in direct sunlight. And the incorporation of the new TruePic III image processor ensures faithful reproduction of image colours, excellent noise performance and quicker processing speeds.
The Olympus µ [mju:] 1200 will be available from October 2007 at around £270. For further information call 0800 0720070 or visit http://www.olympus.co.uk/.

Sensor
• 1/1.72" Type CCD• 12.4 million pixels total• 12.0 million effective pixels
Image sizes
• 4000 x 3000• 3264 x 2448• 2560 x 1920• 2304 x 1728• 2048 x 1536• 1600 x 1200• 1280 x 960• 1024 x 768• 640 x 480
Movie clips
• 640 x 480 @ 30fps• 320 x 240 @ 15fps• 160 x 120 @ 15fps
Maximum clip length
• 640 x 480: 10 sec• 320 x 240 / 160 x 120: 29 min
File formats
• JPEG Exif v2.21• AVI (Motion JPEG) with WAV audio
Lens
• 5=3x optical zoom• 35-105 mm (35 mm equiv)• F2.8- F4.7
Image stabilization
No
Conversion lenses
No
Digital zoom
up to 5x
Focus modes
• Autofocus• Macro• Super Macro
Focus distance
• Standard: 60 cm-infinity• Macro: 30 cm-infinity (wide), 50 cm-infinity (tele)• Super Macro: 10 cm closest focus distance
AF area modes
• TTL iESP auto focus with contrast detection• Face-detection AF • Spot AF
Metering
• ESP Multi-Pattern• Spot metering
Live Histogram
Yes
ISO sensitivity
• Auto (50 - 400) • ISO 50 • ISO 100• ISO 200• ISO 400• ISO 800• ISO 1600• ISO 3200*• ISO 6400** at 3.0MP
Exposure compensation
+/- 2EV in 1/3EV steps
Shutter speed
• 1/2 - 1/1000 sec• Up to 4 sec in Night Scene mode
Scene modes
• Portrait• Landscape• Landscape with Portrait• Night Scene• Night Scene with portrait• Sports• Indoor• Candle• Self-portrait• Available Light Portrait• Sunset• Fireworks• Cuisine• Behind Glass• Documents• Auction• Shoot & Select 1• Shoot & Select 2• Smile Shot• Beach and Snow
White balance
• Auto• Sunlight• Overcast• Tungsten• Fluorescent 1• Fluorescent 2• Fluorescent 3
Self timer
Yes
Continuous shooting
• 7 fps / 11frames (in 3MP mode)
Flash
• Auto• Red-eye reduction• Fill-in• Forced Off• Range TBC
Viewfinder
No
LCD monitor
• 2.7-inch HyperCrystal LCD• 230,000 pixels• BrightCapture
Connectivity
Combined USB 2.0 Hi-speed and AV output
Print compliance
• PictBridge• Print Image Matching III• DPOF
Storage
• xD-Picture Card (Panorama mode available when using Olympus branded cards) • Internal storage TBC
Power
• Li-ion battery pack LI-42B
Weight (no batt)
TBC
Dimensions
TBC

Olympus SP-560 UZ

Olympus today announced its SP-560 UZ - successor to the SP-550 UZ which caused quite a stir on announcement with its unprecedented 18x zoom. It's still here but the move to a slightly larger sensor has shifted the range toward the wide. The specs now read 27- 486 mm rather than topping out on the far side of 500 mm. Olympus has fitted this camera out with all it's latest technology so let's hope the slightly disappointing image quality we encountered with the 550 is a thing of the past.



The Olympus SP-560 UZ – main features:

18x optical zoom (equivalent to 27-486mm on a 35mm camera) 1:2.8-4.5 – for extreme close ups to stunning scenes plus 5.6x digital zoom
Avoids blur thanks to Dual Image Stabilisation
Don’t miss the moment with high-speed sequence shooting (15fps*) and pre-capture mode*
Face Detection Technology for perfectly focused and exposed faces plus correct exposure of other image areas
Great for shots of flowers & detail as close as 1cm with Super Macro mode
P/A/S/M exposure modes for creative freedom
24 scene modes (e.g. Smile Shot, Underwater Wide and Macro) for best results in different situations
8.0 Megapixels to make poster-size prints
See and share images on the 6.4cm/2.5” LCD (230,000 pixel resolution)
Shadow Adjustment Technology to brighten shadowy areas in a composition
Better low light shooting thanks to BrightCapture Technology
Liven up memories with movie recording with sound
TruePic III image processor for faster image handling and higher image quality
Underwater shooting up to water pressure equivalent of 40m possible in combination with optional underwater case PT-037
25 languages on board
Dioptric correction
Internal memory and xD-Picture Card slot
Supplied with Olympus Master software 2.03 including Muvee Pack trial version plus four AA batteries
TCON-017 teleconversion lens and CLA-10 adapter ring optionally available for maximum focal length of 826mm (or 4626mm when combined with digital zoom)


Sensor
• 1/2.3" Type CCD• 8.5 million pixels total• 8.0 million effective pixels
Image sizes
• 3264 x 2448 • 3264 x 2176 (3:2)• 2560 x 1920• 2304 x 1728 • 2048 x 1536• 1920 x 1080 (16:9)• 1600 x 1200• 1280 x 960• 1024 x 768 • 640 x 480
Movie clips
• 640 x 480 @ 30fps• 320 x 240 @ 15fps
Maximum clip length
• 640 x 480: 10 sec• 320 x 240: 29 min
File formats
• RAW • JPEG Exif v2.21• AVI (Motion JPEG) with WAV audio
Lens
• 18x optical zoom• 4.7 - 84.2 mm (27 - 486 35 mm equiv)• F2.8- F4.5
Image stabilization
Dual Image Stabilization
Conversion lenses
48.4 mm thread Use CLA-10 to attach conversion lens
Digital zoom
up to 5.6x
Focus modes
• Autofocus• Face-Detection AF • Predictive AF • Manual focus• Macro• Super Macro
Focus distance
• Standard / Macro: 10 cm-infinity (wide), 1.2 m-infinity (tele)• Super Macro: 1 cm closest focus distance
AF area modes
• TTL iESP auto focus with contrast detection• 143-point selectable spot AF
Metering
• ESP Multi-Pattern• Center-weighted• Spot
Live Histogram
Yes
ISO sensitivity
• Auto• ISO 50 • ISO 100• ISO 200• ISO 400• ISO 800• ISO 1600• ISO 3200• ISO 6400** in reduced pixel mode
Exposure compensation
+/- 2EV in 1/3EV steps
Exposure bracketing
• 5 frames• +/- 1/3EV steps
Shutter speed
• 1/2 - 1/2000 sec• Up to 4 sec in Night Scene mode• Up to 8 min in Bulb mode
Modes
• Auto• Program Auto• Aperture Priority• Shutter Priority• Manual
Scene modes
• Portrait• Landscape• Landscape with Portrait• Sports• Night Scene• Night Scene with portrait• Indoor• Candle• Self-portrait• Available Light Portrait• Sunset• Fireworks• Cuisine• Behind Glass• Documents• Auction• Shoot & Select 1• Shoot & Select 2• Beach• Snow• Smile Shot• Underwater Wide 1• Underwater Wide 2• Underwater Macro
White balance
• Auto (White Balance iESP II)• Sunlight• Overcast• Tungsten• Fluorescent 1• Fluorescent 2• Fluorescent 3• Manual WB• WB fine-tune (-7 Red, +7 Blue)
Self timer
Yes
Continuous shooting
• Sequential shooting mode: 1.2fps / 7frames (Full Image Size)• Sequential shooting mode (high speed): 7fps / 23frames (in 3MP mode)• 15fps / 40frames (in 1.2MP Mode)• Interval shooting
Flash
• Auto• Fill-in• Fill-in with red-eye reduction • Slow Sync• Forced Off• Range (ISO 400): Wide: 0.3 - 6. m (11.8 in - 20.1 ft), Tele: 1.2 - 4.0m (3.9 - 13.1 ft)
Viewfinder
LCD electronic viewfinder
LCD monitor
• 2.5-inch LCD• 230,000 pixels
Connectivity
• Combined USB 2.0 Hi-speed and AV output• DC input
Print compliance
• PictBridge• Print Image Matching III• DPOF
Storage
• xD-Picture Card (Panorama mode available when using Olympus branded cards) • 47 MB internal storage
Power
• 4 x AA batteries• Optional AC adapter
Weight (no batt)
365 g (12.9 oz)
Dimensions
116 x 78.5 x 78 mm (4.6 x 3.1 x 3.1 in)

Three new super telephoto Nikon AF-S VR lenses

Nikon has today announced three new super telephoto lenses to coincide nicely with their first full-frame DSLR, the D3. They are the AF-S 400 mm F2.8G ED VR, the AF-S 500 mm F4G ED VR and the AF-S 600 mm F4G ED VR. These fast aperture 'big reach' lenses are perfectly suited to the types of photography the D3 is aimed at; sports and news. All three lenses feature 'Nano Crystal Coat' which cuts down internal reflections as well as Nikon's Vibration Reduction II optical stabilization system which claims to enable up to four stops slow shutter speeds. Weight wise obviously these are big lenses, in order; 4.9 KG, 3.9 KG and 5.1 KG. Available this November, no pricing yet.

Nikon UK is pleased to announce three new super-telephoto lenses incorporating Nikon’s exclusive VR II Vibration Reduction system. Aimed at professional sports, news and wildlife photographers, the AF-S 400mm f/2.8G ED VR, AF-S 500mm f/4G ED VR and AF-S 600mm f/4G ED VR complement the NIKKOR range of super telephoto lenses. The new super telephotos give photographers the equivalent of a shutter speed 4 stops faster, thanks to Nikon’s VR II technology.
“Lenses like these bring the photographer right to the heart of the action, even from hundreds of metres away,” said Robert Cristina, Brand Manager, Nikon Professional Products, Europe. “Judging from feedback we have had already, this news will be very welcomed by photographers”.
The new lenses strengthen Nikon’s super-telephoto lens range, which already includes the unique AF-S VR 200mm f/2G and AF-S VR 200-400mm f/4G lenses as well as the popular AF-S 300mm f/2.8G to offer a compelling variety of options for sports, wildlife and surveillance photography.
NIKKOR quality, fast autofocus
The new lenses incorporate Nikon’s exclusive optical coating technology, Nano Crystal coat, and ED glass elements to deliver images that are sharp, rich in contrast, with soft background bokeh, especially in low light conditions.
The VR II system features a new mode designed to specifically compensate for camera shake when using vibration reduction at slow shutter speeds on a tripod.
The new lenses offer quick and quiet autofocus operation, thanks to Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor. They also feature new manual focus override switching designed to maintain autofocus in the event of accidental override. Photographers will also enjoy the smooth tripod collar rotation that makes changes of camera orientation very responsive.
All of the new lenses offer the practical and easy-to-use focus pre-set system used on current VR super telephoto lenses like the 300mm f/2.8 VR and 200-400mm f4 VR.
Designed for the demands of professional sport, press and wildlife photography, the new VR lenses are sealed to withstand dust and moisture and are only slightly heavier than their predecessors.

Nikon AF-S 14-24 mm and 24-70 mm F2.8G ED

Nikon has announced a pair of new professional AF-S lenses, first comes the AF-S 14-24 mm F2.8G ED which promises to offer a huge field of view on the new FX format D3 digital SLR. The lens is made up of fourteen elements in eleven groups, two of which are ED glass, three aspherical. There's also a "Nano Crystal Coat" which features in all the lenses announced today, it's designed to cut down internal reflection within the lens which can be a particular problem with the reflective surface of a digital SLR sensor. Next is the AF-S 24-70 mm F2.8G ED a new slimline (by F2.8 lens standards) lens which will provide wide to just beyond standard field of view on the D3. Both lenses will be available this November, no pricing yet.

Nikon UK is pleased to announce two zoom NIKKOR lenses designed to maximise the potential of the advanced new FX format D3 digital SLR camera launched today. Fully compatible with existing DX-format Nikon DSLRs as well, they share fast f/2.8 apertures across the zoom range. The ultra wide-angle AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED and the slimline AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED, are designed for the exacting optical demands of professional use. “These new zoom NIKKORS offer photographers immense creative potential when combined with the new FX-format D3, but are equally useful for those using Nikon’s DX-format cameras too”, said Robert Cristina, Brand Manager, Nikon Professional Products Europe. “They are the first wide-angle lenses to incorporate Nikon’s unique Nano Crystal coat, that suppresses the ghost and flare that sometimes occurs with the reflective surfaces of digital sensors.”
AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED
The ultra wide-angle/fast aperture combination of the AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lens is a world first*, and is highly adaptable for the tight spaces busy professional photographers often find themselves working in. The excellent optical quality of this 14-24mm lens, combined with excellent levels of detail contributes to brilliant, sharp results.
AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
The completely new standard zoom AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G ED complements the NIKKOR range of professional lenses. Much slimmer than its predecessor, (the AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8) the new lens exhibits outstanding characteristics at wide settings where centre-to-peripheral resolution is a priority, making it ideal for landscape photography. At the 50-70mm setting, crisp details are displayed with excellent bokeh, making the lens highly suited for portraits.
Both lenses share Nikon’s unique Nano Crystal coat technology to minimize ghost and flare, with ED glass elements contributing to outstanding levels of resolution and contrast. Nikon’s precision Silent Wave Motor assures fast and quiet autofocus performance, with instant manual override possible. Both lenses are designed with high dust and moisture resistance, and include a rubber seal around the bayonet mount.

Nikon D300

In addition to the FX format (Full-frame) D3 Nikon has also announced the new DX format D300 which also features a 12 megapixel CMOS sensor, 14-bit A/D conversion, EXPEED image processor, sensitivity up to ISO 6400 (with boost), the new CAM3500DX AF sensor (51 point), HDMI video output, UDMA CF support and last but not least the super-impressive 3.0" 922,000 pixel LCD monitor with Live View. No ordinary Live View either as this one supports Auto Focus in two ways; using the current 'normal' mirror-drop / mirror-raise but also contrast detect in the same way as a compact camera (although slower). The D300 will be available in November, at around US$1800.

Price (body only)
• US: $ 1799 • UK: £ 1299• EU: € 1980
Body material
Magnesium alloy
Sensor *
• 23.6 x 15.8 mm CMOS sensor• DX format• RGB Color Filter Array• Built-in fixed low-pass filter (with self-cleaning unit) • 13.1 million total pixels • 12.3 million effective pixels • 3:2 aspect ratio
Image processor *
Nikon EXPEED
A/D conversion *
14 bit
Image sizes *
• 4288 x 2848 [L; 12.2 MP] • 3216 x 2136 [M; 6.9 MP]• 2144 x 1424 [S; 3.1 MP]
File formats
• NEF (12-bit or 14-bit *, compressed or lossless compressed RAW)• NEF + JPEG• TIFF * • JPEG (EXIF 2.21)
NEF compression
• Compressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW, Lossless compressed): approx. 60-80% *• Compressed 12/14-bit NEF (RAW, Compressed): approx. 45-60%
Lens mount
• Nikon F mount with AF coupling and AF contacts• 1.5x field of view crop
Usable lenses
• DX AF NIKKOR: All functions possible • D-/G-type AF NIKKOR (excluding IX NIKKOR lenses): All functions possible (excluding PC Micro- NIKKOR) • AF NIKKOR other than D-/G-type (excluding lenses for F3AF): All functions except 3D-Color Matrix Metering II possible• AI-P NIKKOR: All functions except Autofocus, 3D-Color Matrix Metering II possible• Non-CPU AI NIKKOR: Can be used in exposure modes A and M; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster; Color Matrix Metering and aperture value display supported if user provides lens data
Dust reduction *
• Self-cleaning sensor unit ('Clean image sensor') * • Image dust-off data acquisition (Capture NX required)
Auto Focus
• 51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors) * • Multi-CAM 3500DX *• AF working range: -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100, normal temperature)• Contrast Detect in Live View (Tripod) mode
Lens Servo
• Single Servo AF [S]• Continuous Servo AF [C]• Manual focus [M]• Focus Tracking automatically activated by subject's status in [S] or [C] AF
Focus Point *
• Single point from 51 or 11 focus points• Liveview (Tripod mode): Contrast AF on a desired point anywhere within frame
AF Area Mode *
• Single point AF• Dynamic Area AF [9 points, 21 points, 51 points, 51 points (3D-tracking)]• Automatic-area AF
Focus Lock
Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button
AF assist
Yes, lamp
Exposure modes
• Program Auto [P] with flexible program• Shutter-Priority Auto [S]• Aperture-Priority Auto [A]• Manual [M]
Metering
TTL full-aperture exposure metering using 1005-pixel RGB sensor• 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); color matrix metering (non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data; metering performed)• Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6, 8, 10, or 13 mm dia. circle in center of frame or weighting based on average of entire frame (8 mm circle when non-CPU lens is used)• Spot: Meters approx. 3 mm dia. circle (about 2.0% of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used)
Metering range
• 3D Color Matrix Metering: 0 to 20 EV• Center-Weighted Metering: 0 to 20 EV• Spot Metering: 2 to 20 EV• At normal temperature (20°C/68°F), ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens
Meter coupling
CPU and AI
Exposure lock
Locked using AE-L/AF-L button
Exposure bracketing
• 2 to 9 frames• 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV steps *
Exposure compen.
• +/-5.0 EV• 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps
Sensitivity *
• Default: ISO 200 - 3200 in 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps • Boost: 100 - 6400 in 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps
Shutter
• Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter• 30 to 1/8000 sec (1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps) • Flash X-Sync: 1/250 sec (up to 1/320 sec with reduced GN *)• Bulb
DOF Preview
• Stop-down lens aperture by pressing button• Activates modelling flash
White balance
• Auto (1005-pixel CCD, image sensor) • Presets (seven) with fine tuning * • Manual presets (four) • Color temperature in Kelvin (2500 - 10000 K, 31 steps)• White balance bracketing (2 to 9 frames, 10,20,30 MIRED steps)
Picture Control *
• Standard• Neutral• Vivid• Monochrome
Image parameters *
• Sharpening: Auto, 7 levels • Contrast: Auto, 5 levels, Custom tone curve • Brightness: 3 levels • Saturation: Auto, 5 levels • Hue: 5 levels
Color space
• sRGB (Standard and Vivid modes) • Adobe RGB (Neutral mode)
Viewfinder
• Optical-type fixed eye-level pentaprism• Built-in diopter adjustment (-2 to +1m-1)• Eyepoint: 19.5 mm (at -1.0m-1)• Frame coverage 100% * • Viewfinder magnification approx 0.94x with 50 mm f/1.4 lens
Focusing screen
• B-type BrightView Clear Matte Screen II• Superimposed focus brackets• On-demand grid lines
LCD monitor *
• 3.0 " TFT LCD • 922,000 pixels (VGA; 640 x 480 x 3 colors) • 170° viewing angle • Brightness adjustment
LCD Liveview *
• Handheld mode: TLL phase-difference AF with 51 focus areas (15 cross-type sensors)• Tripod mode: focal-plane contrast AF on a desired point within a specific area
Shooting modes
• Single frame • Continuous Low [CL]• Continuous High [CH]• Liveview [LV]• Self-Timer (programmable)• Mirror-up mode
Continuous shooting *
• With built-in battery: up to 6 fps • With AC adapter or MB-D10 pack and batteries other than EN-EL3e: up to 8 fps
Continuous buffer
• JPEG Large/Normal: 100 shots (at 6 fps)• RAW: no data yet
Self-timer
• 2 to 20 sec custom
Flash control
• TTL: TTL flash control by 1,005-pixel RGB sensor. • Built-in Speedlight, SB-800, SB-600 or SB-400: i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL flash• AA (Auto Aperture-type) flash: Available with SB-800 used with CPU lens• Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800, 28, 27, and 22S• Range-priority manual flash; available with SB-800
Flash Sync Mode
• Front-curtain Sync (normal)• Red-Eye Reduction• Red-Eye Reduction with Slow Sync• Slow Sync• Rear-curtain Sync
Built-in Speedlight
• Manual pop-up with button release• Guide number (ISO 200, m) approx 17 (manual 18) • Guide number (ISO 100, m) approx 12 (manual 13)
Flash Accessory Shoe
ISO 518 standard-type hot shoe contact; Safety lock mechanism provided
Flash Sync Terminal
ISO 519 standard terminal, lock screw provided
Flash compensation
• -3 to +1 EV• 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps *
Creative Lighting System
With Speedlights such as SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, SB-R200, supports Advanced Wireless Lighting, Auto FP High-Speed Sync, Flash Color Information Communication, modeling flash and FV lock
Orientation sensor
Tags images with camera orientation
Playback mode
• Full frame• Thumbnail (4 or 9 images)• One-touch zoom• Slideshow• RGB histogram• Shooting data • Highlight point• Auto image rotation
Languages *
• Chinese (Simplified and Traditional)• Dutch• English• Finnish• French• German• Italian• Japanese• Korean• Polish• Portuguese• Russian• Spanish• Swedish
Custom functions
48 custom functions
Connectivity
• USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) Mini-B connector • HDMI video out (version 1.3a, Type A connector) *• Remote control 10-pin terminal • PC Sync flash terminal
10-pin terminal
• GPS: NMEA 0183 (Ver. 2.01 and 3.01) interface standard supported with 9-pin D-sub cable and GPS Cable MC-35 (optional)• Remote control: via 10-pin terminal
Communications
FTP and PTP/IP file transfer with optional Wireless Transmitter WT-3 (IEEE 802.11 b/g)
Storage
• Compact Flash Type I or II• UDMA *, Microdrive and FAT32 supported• 36 characters of text can be input and stored in EXIF header
Power
• Lithium-Ion EN-EL3e (7.4 V, 1500 mAh) • Included battery charger MH-18a• Optional AC adapter EH-5a• Optional MB-D10 battery pack / vertical grip *
Vertical grip *
• Optional MB-D10 battery pack / vertical grip• One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a, EN-EL4 or EN-EL3e or eight R6/AA-size alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH (HR6), lithium (FR6) batteries, or nickel-manganese ZR6 batteries
Battery monitoring
The LCD monitor on the camera back displays the following informationabout the EN-EL3e battery:• Remaining charge (%)• No. of shots taken since last charge • Battery life (5 stages)
Dimensions
147 x 114 x 74 mm (5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in)
Weight (no batt)
825 g (1.82 lb)
Box contents
Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, Quick Charger MH-18a, USB Cable UC-E4, Video Cable EG-D100, Strap AN-D300, LCD monitor cover BM-8, Body cap, Eyepiece Cap DK-5, Rubber Eyecup DK-23, Software Suite CD-ROM
Optional accessories
Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10, Wireless Transmitter WT-4, Magnifying Eyepiece DK-21M, AC Adapter EH-5a, Capture NX Software, Camera Control Pro 2

Sigma 18-200 mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS lens

Photokina 2006: Sigma has announced another digital-only lens, the new 18-200 mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS lens. This compact lens offers a big 11x zoom range in combination with Sigma's own Optical Stabilizer. Just like the 18-50 mm DC lens this one features aspherical and low dispersion elements as well as multi-layer coating to reduce flare and ghosting. On the downside it is slow (F6.3) at telephoto (you can't have everything at this price). On a digital SLR with a 1.5x FOV multiplier this lens provides an equivalent field of view of 27-300 mm on a 35 mm camera.

Nikon launch D300 and D3

Two new DSLRs from Nikon have indicated the company's new direction away from CCD based cameras. Both the D300 and D3 incorporate brand new CMOS sensors, with the Nikon D3 breaking away from the traditional DX (APS-C) sized sensor and into full-frame for the first time. The new Pro spec model features 12.1MP on a 36x23.9mm sensor, which the company is calling FX format. The larger format sensor allows a larger pixel pitch, and incorporates gapless micro lenses for better light capture and retention of information. Also featured is a high ISO rate from 200-6400, with a boost available up to ISO 25,600. The D300 maintains the Nikon DX format sensor, but with a 12.3MP pixel count and a sensitivity range of ISO 200-3200, with a boost up to 6400. In addition, the D300 now features an anti-dust solution, using vibration of the low pass filter to dislodge dust on camera start up, or shut down. Both cameras share a host of new technology, including Nikon's new Expeed ASICs processor, which is expected to feature in all next generation Nikon cameras. The processor is said to consume less power, improve start up time and burst speed and deliver superior image quality. Also featured on both cameras is newly improved autofocus performance utilising a combination of the new Multi-CAM 3500 AF module, 51-point customisable AF field and an improved 1005pixel RGB sensor in the pentaprism. Previously used for colour and exposure metering, this chip now offers subject recognition – for example, a portrait – to provide more accurate AF, and also improved white area detection for improved white balance and exposure. Each model has a 3in LCD screen with 170 degree viewing, with an impressive 920,000 dot resolution, allowing accurate focus and detail checks. The screens can also, for the first time on Nikon DSLRs, be used in Live Mode for live viewing and composition of the scene to be photographed. The new models will feature HDMI support for direct image viewing on High definition TV screens, as well compatibility with the new WT-4 wireless transmitter, which was announced at the same time. The cameras are expected in November, with body-only price tags of £1299 for the D300 and £3339 for the D3. For more details of specification and the new technologies visit