In Japan, Canon’s and Nikon’s combined share of the interchangeable-lens camera market has shrunk by an estimated 35% due to the onslaught of compact system cameras (CSCs). Citing “estimates at research firm BCN Inc.,” news agency Bloomberg claims that the biggest winner of this market restructuring is Sony, whose share has allegedly doubled. The situation is quite different in places like Europe and North America, where consumers are much less eager to embrace new technologies, allowing traditional SLR camera makers to continue enjoying healthy profits. Nevertheless, Bloomberg quotes a Nikon spokeswoman as saying, “Nikon has completed development of a next-generation camera” - although for the time being, it remains a secret if that “next-generation camera” is a CSC or not.

Source: Bloomberg via 1001NoisyCameras

Nikon has announced a new, red version of the Nikon D3100 digital SLR camera. Featuring the same 14.2-megapixel sensor, Guide mode and Full HD video recording capability as the original D3100, the red version is Nikon’s first foray into the realm of colourful DSLRs. Aimed at families and young photographers, the red Nikon D3100 will be available across Europe and the US starting 22nd September.

Review: Read our in-depth review of the Nikon D3100

Sigma has released a firmware update for the Sigma SD15 digital SLR camera. Version 1.02 adds an option to save images in both raw and JPEG format simultaneously, improves flash output control and the accuracy of (evaluative) exposure metering, and corrects various bugs. You can download the firmware update from the website below.

Website: Sigma

On 1 December 2011, Hasselblad will release a firmware update for the Hasselblad H4D-40 and H4D-50 medium-format DSLR cameras, which will enable them to provide many of the features of the newer Hasselblad H4D-60. The new features include one-click focus check, a bi-directional spirit level, quick access to a new rear info screen, a live video view mode via Phocus when working with the camera connected to a computer, and support for electronically controlled Schneider and Rollei shutters. Interested readers can get more information and a sneak peek at the additional features at the website below.

Pentax USA has just announced a price reduction on the Pentax K-5 semi-professional digital SLR camera. The MSRP of the K-5 has dropped $100 to $1499.95 (body only) and to $1,649.95 (for the K-5 lens kit with DA 18-55 WR lens). In addition to this (permanent) price reduction, from now until 30th November, a $300 instant rebate is in effect on any qualifying purchase of either kit configuration.

Review: Read our in-depth review of the Pentax K-5

Want to see what the new Sony A65 camera looks like in the flesh?

Here’s a gallery of hands-on photos of the Sony A65, including the 18-55mm kit lens, new 16-50mm f/2.8 lens, and a side-by-side comparison with its big brother, the A77.

Want to see what the new Sony A77 camera looks like in the flesh?

Here’s a gallery of hands-on photos of the Sony A77, including the new 16-50mm f/2.8 lens, vertical grip, and a breakout of all the component parts.

Nikon UK has announced a new promotion on the Nikon D300S digital SLR camera, open to residents of the United Kingdom and Ireland. Those who buy a new Nikon D300S (supplied and distributed by Nikon UK), either as a body or part of a kit, are entitled to claim a free Transcend StoreJet 25M 750Gb portable hard drive worth £99.99. The offer is available from today to 31st October 2011 (inclusive), and all claims must be received by 30th November 2011. For more information and to download the claim form or read the terms and conditions, visit the website below.

The Sony A65 and A77 digital SLT cameras both feature a newly developed, APS-C sized 24.3-megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor and extremely fast burst shooting with continuous auto focus. Billed as the quickest, most responsive interchangeable lens cameras in their class, the Sony A77 and the Sony A65 feature shooting speeds of 12 and 10fps, respectively, with uninterrupted continuous phase-detection auto focus for tracking fast-moving subjects with ease. Additionally, the Sony A77 comes with a new 19-point AF module with 11 cross-sensors, while the A65 offers 15-point auto focus with 3 cross-hatched sensors. The other main difference between the two models is that the A77 has double control dials and a separate top-mounted LCD data display. Both cameras showcase the world’s first XGA OLED electronic viewfinder with 2359k dot resolution and 100% frame coverage. The sensor has a sensitivity range of ISO 100-16000, with ISO 50 available as an “expanded” setting on the Sony A77. Both cameras offer 1080p Full HD video recording with AF and a choice of 50fps or 25fps, and both will be available from October.

Pricing update: The Sony A77 has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of £1150, or £1650 with the also-new Sony DT-16-50mm f/2.8 SSM lens. The optional VG-C77AM Vertical Grip will be available for £270. The Sony A65’s recommended retail price is £800 (£900 with a 18-55mm zoom lens).

Sigma has issued a firmware update for the Sigma SD1 digital SLR camera. According to the company, version 1.02 does the following:

Corrects various bugs to achieve more stable operation.
Corrects the phenomenon of camera freeze when in Custom White Balance Mode.
Improves image quality at high sensitivity (ISO 3200, ISO 6400), only for raw image files.

Website Sigma

Leica has issued a firmware update for the Leica S2 and Leica S2-P digital SLR cameras. Version 1.0.1.8 changes the auto-bracketing procedure in that it is now enough to press the shutter release once for the full bracketing sequence Additionally, the new firmware update brings customisability to the menu-control button. New S2 and S2-P cameras will be supplied with the latest firmware, while existing owners can download the update from the website below.

Website: Leica Owners’ Area

Canon has announced that a number of action sequences in the highly anticipated feature film, Captain America: The First Avenger were captured with its EOS 5D Mark II digital SLR camera. Action scenes shot with the DSLR include a car chase and crash, and a high-speed motorcycle pursuit. The comparatively small size of the camera enabled the crew to mount it on the interiors and exteriors of moving vehicles to capture dramatic action shots. The camera’s size also ensured that it was “invisible” to the film cameras shooting the same scene from a distance. Previously, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II cameras and EF lenses were used for action shots in the blockbuster hit “Iron Man 2”.

Pentax has just announced the launch of a limited-edition Pentax 645D camera kit. Called the Pentax 645D Japan, this kit features a beautiful, red lacquer-finished 645D camera body, which is made to order and is delivered in a specially designed paulownia-wood packaging. The exclusive lacquer finish not only gives the camera an elegant, exquisite appearance, but also enhances the camera’s durability, Pentax says.  Orders for this special kit can be placed during a two-month period from 20th July 20 to 20th September through one of Pentax’s preferred suppliers in the UK. American customers will be able to pre-order the kit on the Pentax Web Store. The product will be delivered within “four months or more” from the receipt of the order. For more details, visit on of the websites below.

Hasselblad has posted a major firmware update for its H4D-60 medium-format DSLR camera. The update includes many functional enhancements such as one-click focus check, a bi-directional (pitch and roll) electronic spirit level, the ability to display camera grip information on the rear monitor, Live Video for more efficient workflow and Schneider and Rollei support. For more information, visit the website below.

Sigma Japan has announced a new Sigma SD15 Twin Zoom Kit, available from 15th July. The bundle includes the Sigma SD15 digital SLR camera body, a 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM standard zoom and a 50-200mm f/4.5-5.6 DC OS HSM telezoom lens. Currently there is no word on the price of the kit or whether it will be available outside Japan.

East Pleasant Pictures, a global collective specialising in multiple forms of moving-image media, has shot a series of commercials for a major cruise ship line using Canon EOS 5D Mark II and 1D Mark IV HDSLR cameras. Directed by Emmy-winning producer/director Xander Strohm, the commercials featured candid scenes of cruise ship passengers playing dodgeball and engaging in other recreational activities. Co-director Damien Drake explained: “We did a lot of documentary work for high-profile people and needed to be as inconspicuous as possible. We couldn’t use a crew, and we had to be our own technicians. The DSLR cameras stood out because they provide super high-quality HD and are very unobtrusive. In fact, a lot of the time people didn’t even realise that we were shooting video.” Both the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and 1D Mark IV digital SLR cameras provide full 1920x1080-pixel HD video recording at user-selectable frame rates of 30 (29.97), 24 (23.976), and 25 fps.

Canon today announced the launch of a new EOS training promotion - ‘Your EOS Adventure Starts Here’. Canon will be giving away a free training DVD and up to £150 worth of training vouchers when photographers purchase a Canon EOS 1100D, EOS 600D or EOS 60D. Customers will be sent their welcome pack, which includes their choice of DVD and their training voucher which can be redeemed against an Experience Seminars training course. Photographers have until 31st October 2012 to use their training voucher and the value of the voucher is dependent on the EOS camera that is purchased: Note that this promotion is only available to customers in the United Kingdom.

Sigma have released a firmware update for the SD1 DSLR camera. Version 1.01 includes the following improvements:

- Accuracy of the Evaluative Metering has been improved.
- Corrects the phenomenon of the intermittent camera freeze under certain conditions.
- Accuracy of Auto Focus has been improved.

Download Sigma SD1 Firmware Update 1.01

Canon has issued a firmware update for the Canon EOS 500D / Rebel T1i. Version 1.1.1 fixes incorrect indications in the Arabic and Portuguese menu screens. You can download the update from the website below.

Website: Canon EOS 500D / Rebel T1i Drivers & Software

Canon has released a firmware update for the Canon EOS 50D digital SLR camera. Version 1.0.8 incorporates the following improvements and fixes:

1. Improves the writing/reading speeds when using UDMA 7-compatible CF cards.
2. Fixes incorrect indications in the Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Arabic, Swedish, Spanish, Portuguese, Thai and Turkish menu screens.

Website: Canon EOS 50D Drivers & Software