60MP is the new 50MP

Less than two weeks ago, Kodak announced its new 50MP medium-format sensor, and only a few days ago Hasselblad announced its H3DII-50 camera based on it. The Hasselblad H3DII-50 became the highest resolution digital camera back, but it didn't last long; it was a short stay at the top.

Phase One has now announced its P65+ digital back and P65+ camera system with a whopping 60MP sensor. It is the first full-frame 645 film-format-sized sensor, measuring 40.4mm by 53.9mm. The current crop of 39MP backs, and the new Hasselblad 50MP back, measure 36mm by 48mm. Having a full-frame sensor means no lens magnification, allowing photographers to make full use of wide-angle lenses. The sensor yields an 8,984 x 6,732 pixel, 180MB 8-bit file. The P65+ has an ISO range from 50-800, and an exposure time range from 1/4000 of a second to 1 minute. The P65+ is expected to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of 2008, with prices starting at US$39,900 for the P65+ back, and US$41,900 for the P65+ camera system.

Via Crave CNET

New Canon lens goes for versatility

If you are a Canon shooter and always wished Canon made a do-everything 18-200mm lens like others make, well it finally arrived.

Canon has announced its latest EF-S lens the 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 IS. If offers and incredibly wide focal length range, with a 35mm equivqlent range of 29-320mm. The lens features Canon's built-in optical Image Stabilization system, with a claimed 4-stop effect. With a minimum focusing distance of 18 inches you will get pretty close for a big lens. It's focal length versatility make it ideal for traveling, and anytime you don't want to carry multiple lenses. It will be available in October for around US$700.

Via Crave CNET

Canon announces EOS 50D and four PowerShot compacts

It didn't come as a surprise when Canon announced the long-rumored EOS 50D dSLR today. This model succeeds the EOS 40D, and comes with a 15-megapixel CMOS sensor, the new DIGIC IV image processor and 6.3 frames-per-second burst mode. The 3-inch LCD with Live View remains on the 50D. For those thinking of upgrading to this new dSLR, it would probably be for the higher-resolution CMOS sensor.

It's a little disappointing that the successor to the full-frame EOS 5D wasn't part of the announcement. We are guessing that will probably arrive closer to Photokina.

The Japanese camera maker today also unveiled four new PowerShot units, all of which feature a new Easy Mode to get beginners started with digital photography.

The superzoom PowerShot SX110 IS replaces the SX100 IS, and sports minor upgrades including a 9-megapixel sensor and a smaller chassis. Like its predecessor, it has a 10x optical zoom lens coupled with image stabilizer (IS) system.

Canon has also unveiled a new shooter targeted at ladies. Named PowerShot E1, its chassis is brushed in light blue, pink or white. This 10-megapixel point-and-shoot is more curvy than its siblings in the PowerShot family, and we are guessing that may be a hit with the fairer sex. It comes with optical image stabilizer, but has only a 2.5-inch LCD so that may be a deal-breaker.

The last two models are the PowerShot A1000 IS and A2000 IS. Both sport 10-megapixel sensors, and Canon claims that these two shooters will deliver better-looking images with a more sophisticated noise-reduction algorithm. It also has a more compact body compared with most current PowerShot units.

Canon Singapore was unable to provide us with any information as of press time, but we will update once we get them, so check back with us.

Picture credit: Canon Europe

Canon EOS 50D leaked

Eagle eyes online have spotted what could be Canon's upcoming dSLR. The EOS 50D was posted briefly on Canon's China Web site, though the details have since been taken down. But that wasn't before someone grabbed the specifications and posted it all over the Internet.

It is reported on Gizmodo that the new shooter will have a 15-megapixel sensor and maximum ISO of 12,800. The burst rate fires off at 6.3 frames per second and at the heart of the camera is the new DIGIC IV image-processing engine. While it wasn't reported when this dSLR will be unveiled, a little bird told us to keep a lookout this Tuesday for new stuff from Canon. So we are guessing the EOS 50D will be announced then.

The new Canon dSLR will probably not be going head-on with Nikon's D700 because the specifications and target audience seem to be very different. However, going by previous encounters, we think Nikon will retaliate with its own model soon and the battle between these two brands will continue to heat up as we countdown to Photokina, where more new cameras are expected to be seen. Keep checking back with us for more updates.

Source: Gizmodo

M-Rock's camera backpacks available in September

If you're looking for a new bag to organize your dSLR and all its accessories, I thought it worth pointing out that M-Rock's got a couple of camera backpacks that will be available in September. The new Zion 525 (pictured) is a straight backpack, while the McKinley 526 has wheels and a telescope handle. The two models are identical otherwise. The MSRP for the Zion 525 is US$230 and the McKinley 526 is US$290.

Compared with our Best 5 camera bags, there's nothing particularly unique about the backpacks, but here's how the press release describes them (more photos are here):

The backpacks include a modular interior with a removable Accessory Bag and spare dividers for three set up options. The basic setup is for a regular or Pro DSLR camera with up to a 6-inch lens attached, with room for an additional two to four lenses or photo accessories. The Accessory Bag above can hold more electronics, personal items, or hiking gear. Replacing the Accessory Bag with the extra dividers will allow you to use all of the interior space for extra photographic supplies and load your SLR camera with up to a 9-inch lens attached. The removed Accessory Bag has Web & Velcro arms below that can securely attach to the fabric handle on top of the backpacks.

Via Crave CNET

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