No sight of the Cyber-shot G1 with 2GB onboard memory as rumored on the Web recently. Instead, Sony delivers two slim shooters from the T-series and a pair of megazooms.
The new 8-megapixel Cyber-shot DSC-T100 (pictured) and DSC-T20 are powered by the same Bionz image processor used on the Alpha 100, which Sony claims not only will improve camera performance but also enhance battery life. Fashionistas will have something to cheer about as well. The T100, which comes with a large 3.0-inch LCD, will be decked out in red, black and silver, while the T20 will be dressed in pink, white, black and silver shades. There're even matching cases to go with the cameras.
For the H-series megazooms, the DSC-H7 and DSC-H9 replace the current DSC-H2 and DSC-H5 with 8-megapixel sensors and 15x optical zoom. Of the pair, the DSC-H9 gets a headstart with its NightShot mode, which supposedly allows the user to snap in total darkness and "from any position" with a 3.0-inch flip-up LCD. The Bionz image processor also powers both cameras, with the proprietary Dynamic Range Optimizer (first seen on the Alpha 100) adding to the frills.
All four shooters feature Sony's Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization, high ISOs and, of course, face detection which by now is, frankly, old news. Of more interest to Hi-Def aficionados are the high-definition output that comes with the shooters, so you can connect it via a component cable to your HDTV set to view the pictures in HD glory.
According to Sony Asia Pacific, the DSC-T100 and DSC-T50 are expected to be available in March and April, respectively. More details on local pricing soon, but for now we have the US launch information as below:
It's another one of those teaser campaigns that keeps you hanging you in mid-air and guessing. At least you don't have to wait too long for this one.
According to a banner ad on the Olympus Europe Web site, March 5 is the day we could witness up to three dSLRs announced for PMA--an entry-level model, perhaps the successor to the E500; a semi-professional offering (in the league of Canon's EOS 5D or Nikon's D200); and possibly the replacement to the E1, though whether it will finally see light of day is really anyone's guess.
Ok, so there's no EOS 40D. Instead, Canon today announced the professional series 10.1-megapixel EOS 1D Mark III, a new EF 16-35mm F2.8L II USM lens and the Speedlite 580EX II external flash.
Canon claims the EOS 1D Mark III as the world's fastest digital SLR with a 10fps burst rate, capable of capturing up to 110 high-quality JPEGs. According to the press release, the 1D Mark III uses the APS-H-size (28.1 x 18.7mm) CMOS sensor and is powered by a new Dual Digic III image processor.
Other features include the EOS Integrated Cleaning System, a large 3.0-inch LCD monitor and Live View function that allows users to view real-time images on the screen while shooting.
The EOS 1D Mark III is expected to be available in Japan from late May and Canon has capped the initial production at 5,000 units per month.
The two Optios announced today are basically extensions of the current lineup with the Optio A30 (pictured) sporting CCD shift-type image stabilization, a 10-megapixel image sensor and a maximum sensitivity of ISO 1,600. Underwater snapshooters have the Optio W30, which can dive up to 3m depths for 120 minutes, to look forward to--a marked improvement over the Optio W20's 1.5m for 30 minutes.
Pentax also announced two new KAF2 lenses--Pentax DA* 16-50mm F2.8 ED AL[IF]SDM wide-angle zoom and the smc Pentax DA* 50-135mm F2.8 ED [IF]SDM telephoto zoom--which feature weather- and dust-resistant properties for use in rugged conditions. These lenses will be showcased at the annual PMA show from March 8.
It's getting increasingly tough (or should we say impossible) to keep things under wraps and nearly all products go through their obligatory rumor mill phase in the entire life cycle. One anonymous tipster has taken things a little further with catalog snaps of the upcoming Sony Cyber-shots.
February 27 is the official date to mark on your calendar, but while you wait, Engadget has an exclusive on several catalog images of the upcoming Cyber-shots. The lineup is seen to include the T20HDPR (camera/printer bundle), T100, T20, H9, H7, G1 (pictured), W200 and W90 Cyber-shots.
These cameras, according to the blog site, offer Sony's Super SteadyShot optical image stabilization and HD output, but the G1 takes the cake with an apparent generous 2GB internal memory and a 3.5-inch LCD. More details to follow soon.