Nikon has posted a new firmware update for the Nikon D4 digital SLR camera. This release improves subject tracking performance in AF-C mode. You can download the firmware upgrade from the website below.

Website: Nikon USA Support

Pentax Ricoh have posted a firmware update for its Pentax K-5 II and Pentax K-5 IIs digital SLR cameras. Version 1.01 enables users to adjust the contrast of the cameras’ rear displays, and improves overall operational stability. You can download the firmware upgrade from the website below.

Website: Pentax Japan

Our eight and final award is for Camera of the Year 2012, which goes to the Olympus OM-D E-M5.

“Image quality is where Micro Four Thirds cameras have traditionally lagged behind their APS-C sensor rivals, but the OM-D E-M5 is the first MFT model to equal the results from leading cameras like the Sony NEX-7. Noise doesn’t rear its ugly head until ISO 3200 for JPEGs and even the faster settings prove eminently usable, although the E-M5 does apply some pretty aggressive noise reduction to keep the files clean as shown by the much noisier raw images. We never longed for a camera with a bigger sensor, and you’d have to step up to a full-frame DSLR to see an appreciable leap in image quality.”

Read the Full Review

Congratulations to Olympus and the OM-D E-M5!

Our seventh award is for DSLR Camera of the Year 2012, which goes to the Nikon D800.

“On the resolution front, the Nikon D800 delivers images with a truly stunning amount of detail, comparable to what you can achieve with a number of medium-format digital cameras and backs. The 7360×4912-pixel photographs print to 24”x16” (60×40cm) size at industry-standard 300ppi with no interpolation required, which also means they are ideal for double-page spreads in a large-format 12”x12” photo book.”

Read the Full Review

Congratulations to Nikon and the D800!

Chipworks has dismantled the new Nikon D5200 and found that it’s equipped with a totally different sensor than the D3200. Whereas the entry-level model incorporates a Sony imaging chip, the more enthusiast focused Nikon D5200 comes with a Toshiba sensor. “In our recent technology blog entry on full-frame format image sensors, we speculated on the possibility of new entrants in the FF CIS space,” the company says. “What we didn’t expect was a new entrant into the APS-C game with Toshiba winning the primary CIS socket in the Nikon D5200.” For an idea of how the Nikon D5200 stacks up in terms of image quality, have a look at our full-resolution sample images. To read more about the sensor itself, check out the Chipworks website.

Website: Chipworks
Via Pixinfo Blog

Nikon has announced the US availability of the new Nikon D5200 digital SLR camera.  The 24.1 megapixel Nikon D5200 succeeds the D5100, featuring a new EXPEED 3 image processor, ISO range of 100-6400 which is extendable to 25600, 3-inch vari-angle LCD monitor, Fulll 1080p HD movies, 5fps burst shooting, 39-point AF system, 2,016-pixel RGB metering sensor, the Scene Recognition System and a new generation GUI Design. Priced at $899.95 with the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens, the Nikon D5200 will be available in late January in three colours (black, red and bronze).

Related posts:
Chipworks Dissects Nikon D5200, Finds Toshiba Sensor Inside
Nikon D5200 Sample Photos

Leica has released a firmware update for the Leica S2 digital SLR camera. Version 1.0.4.2 adds support for the new Leica Super-Elmar-S 24 mm f/3.5 ASPH. and Leica Vario-Elmar-S 30-90 mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH lenses and optimises the shutter priority exposure mode (T) based on user feedback. Furthermore, the installation of the new camera firmware is a precondition for the use of Leica S-Lenses with central (leaf) shutters. Registered S customers can now download the files containing the firmware upgrade and an installation guide from the owners’ area at the website below.

Website: Leica

Canon has issued a firmware update for the Canon EOS 6D digital SLR camera. Version 1.1.2 fixes a phenomenon which prevents movie files shot using the EOS 6D from being played back on YouTube. You can download the firmware upgrade from the website below.

Canon has issued a service notice concerning the Canon EOS 6D digital SLR camera. “We have identified a phenomenon which prevents movie files shot using Canon EOS 6D digital SLR cameras from being played back on YouTube,” the company says. Promising to “continue to investigate this phenomenon,,” Canon has come up with a temporary solution. They suggest that EOS 6D owners wishing to upload their movie clips to YouTube take the following steps: 1) download the movie file(s) from the EOS 6D camera to your computer, 2) start ImageBrowser EX, 3) after selecting the movie file(s) to be uploaded select [Edit Movies] in the [Edit] tab from the menu bar of ImageBrowser EX, 4) save the movie using the [Save] menu on the screen, 5) upload the saved movie to YouTube.

Website: Canon UK

Canon UK has announced that the Canon EOS 6D full-frame digital SLR camera will be available from this weekend at a range of retailers across the country. Priced at £1799.99 for the body only (£1,959.99 with the EF 40mm STM and £2,519.99 with the EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM lens), the Canon EOS 6D is the lightest and most affordable full-frame Canon DSLR to date; featuring a 11-point AF system, 20.2-megapixel sensor, integrated Wi-Fi and GPS.

Related posts:
Canon EOS 6D vs Nikon D600 - Key Differences
Canon EOS 6D Hands-On Photos

Sigma has partnered with a number of retailers throughout the UK to offer consumers a free three day ‘test drive’ of the latest Sigma cameras. These include the Sigma SD1 Merrill digital SLR camera (pictured) and the Sigma DP1 Merrill and DP2 Merrill large-sensor compact cameras. The promotion will run until April 2013. Click through / read on for a full list of participating retailers.

Nikon has posted a firmware upgrade for the Nikon D4 digital SLR camera. The new version improves focus accuracy when a lens and teleconverter with a combined maximum aperture of f/8 are used. You can download the firmware update from the website below.

Website: Nikon D4 Firmware Update

We've selected our top camera picks for 2012's Holiday season, all the way from the cheapest digital compact up to the most expensive DSLR and everything in between.

And we should know what to recommend - we've reviewed no less than 86 new cameras of all shapes and sizes so far in 2012.

So no matter what your budget, make sure that you consult the Photography Blog Holiday Gift Guide for 2012 before splashing out your hard-earned cash on a new camera, whether that's either for yourself or a loved one!

Nikon has released five full-resolution sample photos taken with the 24-megapixel Nikon D5200 digital SLR camera. Taken at sensitivity settings ranging from ISO 100/21° to ISO 400/27°, these Nikon D5200 samples were captured with a variety of lenses including the AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G (read review), AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR (read review), AF-S DX Micro-Nikkor 40mm f/2.8G and AF-S DX Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR (read review). All of these sample images were shot as 14-bit/channel NEFs and all of them are presented in JPEG format,

Website: Official Nikon D5200 Samples

Want to see exactly what the new Nikon D5200 DSLR camera looks like in the flesh?

Check out our extensive hands-on gallery of 46 photos of the Nikon D5200, including both the read and black versions.

The Nikon D5200 is a mid-range digital SLR with a brand new Nikon-developed 24.1 megapixel sensor, which different to the one in the D3200, principally offering greater dynamic range.

The Nikon D5200 is a new mid-range DX-format DSLR camera. The 24.1 megapixel Nikon D5200 succeeds the D5100, featuring a new EXPEED 3 image processor, ISO range of 100-6400 which is extendable to 25600, 3-inch vari-angle LCD monitor, Fulll 1080p HD movies, 5fps burst shooting, 39-point AF system, 2,016-pixel RGB metering sensor, the Scene Recognition System and a new generation GUI Design.

The optional WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter can transmit images from the D5200 to an Apple or Android smart device control your camera remotely from your smart device, while the new WR-R10 Wireless Remote transceiver and WR-T10 Wireless Remote transmitter let you control key camera functions from a distance.

Available in three colours, black, red and bronze, the Nikon D5200 will cost £719.99 / €899.00 body only, or £819.99 / €1029.00 with the 18-55mm VR lens. Sales start in December 2012.

Pentax Ricoh Imaging UK has announced a cashback promotion on the Pentax K-30 digital SLR camera. The promotion entitles UK and Ireland residents to claim £50 cashback when buying either the body only or with any Pentax lens. The cashback campaign will run from 1 November 2012 to 15 January 2013. For details visit the website below.

This Christmas, Canon UK is offering photographers an opportunity to complement their new DSLR with a range of accessories for half price. Those who buy an EOS 7D, EOS 60D or EOS 60Da will be able to get 50% off the battery grip, AC adapter, remote switch, additional batteries and remote control from a number of retailers. The promotion covers all purchases from 1 November 2012 until 27 January 2013.

Nikon UK is launching its biggest Christmas promotion to date, offering cashback on selected entry-level DSLR cameras, DX lenses, speedlights, as well as the Nikon 1 J1 and J2 compact system cameras. The offer runs until 21 January 2013. The cashback amounts range from £15/€20 to £70/€85. All claims must be received by 28th February 2013 in order to qualify.

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR is a new FX-format zoom lens with versatile 70-200mm focal range and constant f/4 aperture. The Nikon 70-200mm f/4 is the first NIKKOR to be equipped with Nikon’s next-generation Vibration Reduction system that allows for up to 5-stop compensation. The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR costs £1,172.99 / €1,430.00 / $1399.95 and will be available from 29th November, 2012.