At an annual convention held in Zaragoza, Spain, Sony unveiled its plans to put semitransparent mirrors in all future Sony Alpha camera models. In our understanding this means that there will be no more conventional SLR cameras to feature the Sony badge, and every Sony Alpha model - be it entry level, mid-range or high end - will be an “SLT” like the current A33 and A55.

Source: Quesabesde

Review: Read our in-depth review of the Sony Alpha A33 SLT camera
Review: Read our in-depth review of the Sony Alpha A55 SLT camera

Canon UK has issued a notice to Canon users regarding AF operation with certain camera-lens combinations. Specifically, those using the Canon EOS 7D, 40D, 50D or 60D camera with one of the lenses below may find that the peripheral AF points work as line sensors rather than cross sensors, and are therefore sensitive to vertical OR horizontal detail only, but not both at the same time. Normally, if you use any EF or EF-S lens with a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster, all AF points on these cameras should work as cross-type AF points, but this does not apply to the lenses listed below. These are quite old lenses - all of them were released between 1990 and 1995.

Sony is showing a “see-through” concept model of an upcoming midrange “SLT” camera at CP+. Slated for availability later this year, the new Alpha will feature Sony’s “translucent mirror” technology, fast continuous autofocus and a newly developed “Exmor” APS HD CMOS sensor. Also on display are a number of accessories including a new standard zoom, vertical grip and flash unit.

The Pentax K-5 DSLR is being released in a silver limited edition version. This limited version (only 50 units are available in the UK) has had a complete face lift and features a new finish, thumb wheels, buttons and packaging. In addition, the back LCD and top screen of the Silver K-5 have been reinforced to provide additional durability. The camera also benefits from a redesigned handle, making it more comfortable to use. Three existing pancake lenses - 40mm, 21mm and 70mm - are now also available in silver. The Silver Pentax K-5 will be available in March 2011 for £1299.99, the 21mm DA limited in Silver for £609.99, the 40mm DA limited in Silver for £529.99, and the 70mm DA limited in Silver for £609.99.

The Canon EOS 600D / Rebel T3i is a new compact, lightweight DSLR that sits at the top of Canon’s entry-level EOS line-up. The Canon 600D has an 18 megapixel sensor, full 1080p HD movies, 1,040k-dot vari-angle 7.7cm (3.0”) screen, and 3.7fps continuous shooting. The Canon 600D / Rebel T3i is available from early April 2011, priced at £679.00/€819.00/$799.99 body only, £769.00/€929.00/$899.99 with the new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens, and £949.00/€1,149.00/$1099.99 with the 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens.

The Canon EOS 1100D / Rebel T3 is a new entry-level DSLR camera aimed at first-time users. The Canon 1100D has 12 megapixels, 720p HD video, a 2.7 inch screen, and an nn-screen Feature Guide. The Canon 1100D / Rebel T3 is available from early April 2011, priced at £419.00/€499.00 body only,  £499.00/€599.00/$599.99 with the new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens, and £459.00/€549.00 with the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III lens.

Pentax Japan have issued an apology to all owners of the K-5 which suffered from a “stained image sensor”. The problem affected the first shipment of the K-5, producing images with spots looking like water drops that were impossible to clean. All users of these defective products will receive free repair at a Pentax service center.

Ever wondered what the inside of your DSLR camera looked like? Want to know exactly who makes the sensor for the Nikon D7000? Then wonder no more, as the website Chipworks has dismantled a D7000 and laid bare its innards for the whole world to see. And yes, as everyone suspected, the D7000 does use the impressive 16.2 megapixel Sony APS-C sensor, presumably the same one that Sony’s own A55 and A580 cameras use, and possibly also the Pentax K-5. Also present inside the D7000 is a whopping 4Gb of SDRAM and a micro-controller courtesy of Toshiba. Just don’t try this at home, kids…

Website: Chipworks

Nikon has issued a firmware update for the Nikon D3100. Version 1.01 fixes various bugs related to autofocus, image playback, an error message and a magenta tint seen in the bottom of photos captured at high sensitivity settings after the camera had been in Live View mode for an extended period of time. The update can be downloaded from the websites below.

Website: Nikon D3100 Firmware Version 1.01 - Mac
Website: Nikon D3100 Firmware Version 1.01 - Windows

Pentax has released firmware updates for its K-x and K-7 digital SLR cameras. Versions 1.02 (K-x) and 1.11 (K-7) add support for SDXC (Secure Digital eXtended Capacity) memory cards, though Pentax remarks that the cameras’ maximum transfer rates are “not compatible with UHS speed class”. Meanwhile, Pentax Japan has added the Pentax K-7 to the list of discontinued cameras. The firmware updates can be downloaded from the websites below.

Website: Pentax K-x Firmware Update 1.02
Website: Pentax K-7 Firmware Update 1.11

Pentax have released new firmware updates for the K-5, K-r and 645D cameras.

The version 1.02 firmware for the K-5 and version 1.01 firmware for the K-r enables:
- An improved functional sequence of Contrast AF and improved total speed until focus is done
- All ISO settings can now be selected in Bulb mode, from 80 to 51 200 (whereas with v1.01, maximum value was 1600)
- Compatibility with SDXC memory cards

The version 1.01 firmware for the 645D enables:
- Compatibility with SDXC memory cards

Sigma have released a new firmware update for the SD15 DSLR. Version 1.01 includes the following:

  * Adds the selected function of Quick Set
  * Improves the display quality of the Color LCD monitor
  * Addition to the Key Sound cancellation function

Download the Sigma SD15 Firmware Update 1.01

Read our Sigma SD15 Review

Nikon have released a firmware update for the D7000 DSLR camera. Version 1.01 fixes the following issue:

- Bright spots were sometimes noticeable with live view mode or movie recording of especially dark scenes or subjects.  Occurrence of this issue has been reduced. 

Website: Download Nikon D7000 Firmware Update 1.01

Canon have released a firmware update for the EOS 60D DSLR camera. Firmware version 1.0.8 incorporates the following fix:

  1. Fixes a phenomenon in which captured images may become overexposed when using the camera’s built-in flash or an external Speedlite in combination with the lenses listed below:*
    a) EF300/4 L IS USM
    b) EF28-135/3.5-5.6 IS USM
    c) EF75-300/4-5.6 IS USM
    d) EF100-400/4.5-5.6 L IS USM

Website: Download Canon EOS 60D Firmware Update Version 1.0.8

Pro photographer Scott Audette, who shoots NASA shuttle launches for Reuters, has assembled an innovative long-distance remote-control system for his Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR camera that includes Canon’s WFT-E4 II A Wireless File Transmitter and an Apple iPad. “I was in the lobby of a hotel in Titusville, Florida with my colleagues from the other wire services and a friend from Apple,” Audette recalled. “I asked if I could borrow his iPad and see if I could control my Canon 5D Mark II, which was attached to a Canon WFT-E4 II A Wireless File Transmitter and the other gear 26 miles away in the front window of our trailer at the Kennedy Space Center. We instantly dialed into the camera and were able to control it and take pictures with it. Everybody’s faces went blank as they realized what a game-changer this was for remotely capturing and transmitting images, and we knew it would be perfect for the next shuttle launch.”

Pentax are releasing a limited edition “Korejanai” version of the K-r DSLR in Japan. Just 100 sets of the special Korejanai K-r and a matching 35mm lens will be available in time for Christmas. It’s certainly a little more eye-catching than the usual sombre black…

Website: Pentax Japan Press Release

Nikon is about to release a new firmware upgrade for the D7000 DSLR to fix “noticeable bright spots with movie recording under certain conditions”. Owners have reported that the spots are particularly noticeable when recording movies of especially dark scenes or subjects. No date has yet been given for the release of what will be the first D7000 firmware upgrade.

Sony have released a major firmware upgrade for the A900 and A850 DSLR cameras. The upgrade includes quicker and more responsive autofocus, an increase in exposure compensation to to ±5EV and exposure bracketing to 6.0EV, and a new menu option that allows the shutter release to be enabled even when the camera body doesn’t detect an attached lens. The latest firmware upgrade for the A900 and A850 is available free of charge.

A locking mode dial modification for the Canon EOS 5D MarkII and EOS 7D DSLR cameras is now available in the USA. This modification is available for $100 per body to owners of these cameras who would prefer a Mode Dial which locks in place and can’t be accidentally moved during normal camera operation.

Those UK and RoI residents who buy the new Nikon D3100, body or lens kit, are now able to claim £40/€50 in a new Christmas cashback promotion from Nikon. Simon Iddon, Product Manager for Enthusiast products, says: “The D3100 is the ideal gift for people wanting to capture festive memories this Christmas and learn how to improve their photography skills. I am delighted that we’re able to introduce this cashback offer on our award-winning model and hope that it will make it even more accessible this season.” The D3100 cashback offer will run from today through 31st January 2011, and claims must be received by 28th February 2011.