We don’t usually feature unsubstantiated rumours, but when one of the best known Nikon-related authors decides to publish the key specs and a release date, it’s pretty clear that the Nikon D90 is on its way. David Busch, creator of the popular Nikon Digital Field Guides series, has revealed that the D90 will offer a 12 megapixel sensor, Live View shooting mode, “larger” LCD screen than the D80’s (pictured) 2.5 inch model, 4.5fps continuous shooting, HDMI connectivity, video recording (!) and GPS compatibility. Busch states that the price of the Nikon D90 with a new 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G DX VR kit lens will be $1299, something that’s also verified by recent stock listings at Best Buy and Circuit City. Finally, August 27th will apparently be the launch day according to Busch.

Website: Nikon Guides - D90

Buy-n-Shoot have reviewed the 14 megapixel Samsung GX-20 DSLR camera.

“In summation, it is fair to suggest the GX-20 is not an entry level unit. It has clearly been designed with the intermediate to advanced user in mind who is familiar with the general controlling, functions and handling of a DSLR. The lack of scene modes and the detailed menu/function information help to define the target customer as an experienced camera user capable of fully controlling the GX-20 as opposed to it automatically controlling the look of images with point-and-shoot operation.”

Website: Buy-n-Shoot - Samsung GX-20 Review

Website: Read our Samsung GX-20 Review

Sigma have released a new firmware update, v1.08, for the Sigma SD14 DSLR camera. Improvements include:

  1. Corrects the occasional phenomenon of an image recorded in RAW format appearing to have an unnaturally large file size.
  2. Corrects the rarely occurring error of camera freeze and image recording failure when shooting continuously or if the shutter button is pressed when the CF Card Busy Light is blinking.
  3. When Bulb Mode is used Sigma Photo Pro now displays the actual shutter speed used in the exposure rather than just showing the word “Bulb”.

Website: Sigma SD14 v1.08 Firmware Update

Olympus and Panasonic have jointly developed the “Micro Four Thirds System standard”, producing significantly lighter and more compact cameras. The Micro Four Thirds sensor will remain the same size (18x13.5mm) as the current Four Thirds standard, but the optical viewfinder and mirror box are completely removed so that a Micro Four Thirds camera is 50% thinner. Also lenses are smaller, due to the 6mm smaller lens mount outer diameter, and movies are also set to feature.  Olympus is developing a range of Micro Four Thirds System lenses and accessories, and Micro Four Thirds System camera bodies smaller than the E-420. Likewise, Panasonic are also working on ultra-portable camera bodies, interchangeable lenses, and related system accessories, so we’d expect new product announcements shortly before Photokina in September. Both companies will continue to develop “normal” Four Thirds DSLR products. So what do you make of the new Micro Four Thirds System standard - is a tiny DSLR-like camera without an optical viewfinder that can also shoot movies the camera for you?

The-Digital-Picture have reviewed the Canon EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi, a 12 megapixel compact DSLR camera.

“The number of people moving up to digital SLR cameras has been amazing - but so are the images these cameras can deliver. Even compared to the not-very-old Canon Rebel XTi / 400D, the Canon EOS Rebel XSi / 450D delivers better image quality from a more attractive body with more features ... I’m very pleased (actually somewhat surprised) with the improvements delivered by the Canon EOS Rebel XSi / 450D. It will be a worthwhile upgrade for many XTi / 400D owners - it is a lot of camera for the money for anyone purchasing it. “

Website: The-Digital-Picture - Canon Digital Rebel XSi Review

Website: Read our Canon Digital Rebel XSi Review

Nikon are now offering to upgrade the buffer of your Nikon D3 DSLR so that it can capture more shots with a single burst of continuous shooting. In the highest quality RAW format, the number of shots is increased from 16 to 36, quite a significant improvement. The service costs $500 plus state tax and all shipping costs in the US, and £352 in the UK, and will take up to two weeks to be completed. Requests for the Buffer Memory Expansion service will be accepted beginning July 30th, 2008.

Website: Nikon USA - D3 Digital-SLR Camera Buffer Memory Expansion Service

Website: Nikon Europe - D3 Digital-SLR Camera Buffer Memory Expansion Service

PCMag have reviewed the Nikon D60, a 10 megapixel entry-level DSLR camera.

“When a camera manufacturer releases a pricey D-SLR, it had better have killer features or some sort of hook to entice current users to upgrade to the latest model or to get new customers to take the plunge. The Nikon D60, while a very good camera, doesn’t really deliver in that regard. With a 2.5-inch LCD, a 10.2-megapixel CCD sensor, and lacking a Live View system, the D60 is nearly identical to its predecessor, the D40. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, because the D40x is a significant step up from a simple point-and-shoot camera, but I wish the D60 offered more new features.”

Website: PCMag - Nikon D60 Review

Website: Read our Nikon D60 Review

PopPhoto have reviewed the Sony A200, a 10 megapixel, entry-level DSLR camera with 2.7 inch LCD screen and a maximum ISO speed of 3200.

“Overall, image quality was Excellent from ISO 100 through 800. It slipped to Extremely High at ISO 1600-3200, when noise reduction, a default setting, kicked in at the expense of resolution. This dropped to 1725 lines at ISO 3200 from 2150 lines on average at lower ISOs. The A200 also fared very well in our noise tests, slightly edging out Canon’s Rebel XSi from ISO 100 through 800. But even at lower sensitivities, its noise advantage costs the Sony resolution: The Canon beats it by about 100 lines at ISO 100.”

Website: PopPhoto - Sony A200 Review

Website: Read our Sony A200 Review

PhotoReview have reviewed the Sony A300 DSLR camera, which has a 10.2 megapixel sensor and variable angle 2.7 inch LCD screen.

“Sitting between the DSLR-A200 and DSLR-A350 models (both of which have been reviewed on this website), Sony’s DSLR-A300 offers the resolution of the A200 model plus the Live View system of the A350. Initially the company had no plans to release the A300 in Australia but it obviously saw a need to compete with other manufacturers that offered live viewing in their entry-level models.”

Website: PhotoReview - Sony A300 Review

Samsung have released a firmware update, version 1.01, for the 14 megapixel GX20 DSLR camera. The new firmware minimizes image noise when using the 2 second self-timer.

Website: Samsung GX-20 Firmware Update 1.01

Thom Hogan has reviewed the Nikon D3, a full-frame, 12.1 megapixel DSLR camera that offers 9fps continuous shooting and a 51 point autofocus system.

“the D3 simply blows away any DSLR Nikon has previously produced. I’m almost tempted to say that you can shoot at any ISO up to 1600 at any camera setting (sharpening, JPEG compression, etc.) with impunity. I said almost. As with all digital cameras, increasing ISO does have other impacts, most notably on dynamic range and noise. If I really work at it, I can force JPEG compression artifacts into the faint noise and make them visible at 100% view at as low as ISO 800. But I have to select the worst possible JPEG compression (Size priority and JPEG basic) and push the contrast and sharpening to do that. So, here’s how I’ll put it: if you don’t overdo the camera settings you can shoot at impunity through ISO 1600.”

Website: Thom Hogan - Nikon D3 Review

Website: Read our Nikon D3 Review

CameraLabs have reviewed the Pentax K200D, a new 10 megapixel entry-level, compact digital SLR camera.

“So while the K200D may be missing out in some respects, it does boast by far the best build quality of any entry-level DSLR. Couple that with the upper screen and unique RAW options, along with plenty of control over processing and customisation, and you have a DSLR which really stands out from the crowd and one we can Highly Recommend. Ultimately if you want a tough DSLR with weather-proofing, but can’t stretch to a semi-pro model, then the K200D really is your only choice.”

Website: CameraLabs - Pentax K200D Review

Website: Read our Pentax K200D Review

Canon USA have announced the Canon EOS Rebel XS, which was first unveiled in other markets last month as the EOS 1000D. “We are proud to introduce the new EOS Rebel XS camera at a very exciting time in digital imaging. As consumers have fully embraced digital photography, with many consumers purchasing their second or third digital camera models, we see the Rebel XS as the bridge to help photographers cross over from the world of point-and-shoot cameras to digital SLR technology,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. Expected to ship in August 2008, the black or silver Canon Rebel XS camera is only available in a zoom lens kit version, which includes the EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens. The Canon Rebel XS’s estimated retail price is $699.99.

Hasselblad are now offering the H3DII-31 kit, featuring the HC80mm lens, at the new price of $17,995. “Hasselblad’s commitment to Medium Format DSLR cameras, and to our H system platform, has now enabled us to lower the price barrier that may have kept some photographers from acquiring a true high-end DSLR camera,” explains Christian Poulsen, Chief Executive Officer of Hasselblad. Based on the same technical foundation as the other H-system cameras and using the same superior HC/HCD lens program, the H3DII-31 provides a serious but affordable Medium Format alternative to high-end 35mm users.

The Hasselblad H3DII-50 is a new 50 megapixel DSLR camera system. The H3DII-50 uses Kodak’s 50 megapixel 36x48mm CCD sensor, which is twice the size of the largest 35mm DSLR sensors. The H3DII50 also provides improved controls and functionality, better sensor cooling, a new and more intuitive user interface, and a bright, 3 inch LCD display. Hasselblad has also announced the HTS 1.5 tilt/shift lens adapter, which by enlarging the image circle makes room for +/- 18mm shift and +/-10 degrees of tilt. The H3DII-50 camera will be available from October 2008 at a price of $39,995 excluding tax.

TrustedReviews have reviewed the Olympus E-420, a compact new entry-level 10 megapixel DSLR camera.

“There’s very little to criticise the overall specification and performance of the E-420. I like it’s size - it’s ideal for travelling and is reminiscent of my old OM4 in some aspects of its handling. Images are generally good too, with excellent sharpness and detail. Colour is crisp and hough exposures are slightly underexposed to my taste, they do maintain good tonality throughout the range.”

Website: TrustedReviews - Olympus E-420 Review

Website: Read our Olympus E-420 Review

Leica are offering up to $800 off the price of a Leica M8 digital camera. From July 1, 2008 to September 30, 2008, customers can save $500 with the purchase of a brand new LEICA M8 or $800 for a brand new LEICA M8 and a new and current M lens. This promotion is valid for residents of the US, Canada, Central and South America. The mail-in rebate is not applicable to special edition lenses and cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion.

Nikon UK is offering up to £90 off a D60 kit and £60 off a D40 kit. From the 1st July, customers will be to claim up to £60 cashback for a twin lens D40 kit and £90 cash back on the D60 kit, which has now been extended to include the SB-400 and SB-600 flashguns. Full terms and conditions and information about how to claim the cashback can be found at http://www.nikon.co.uk/cashback . This promotion ends on 31st August 2008, and all claims have to be made by 30th September 2008.

Nikon have released a new firmware update, version 2.00, for the D3 DSLR camera. The most notable changes are improvements to the autofocus and auto white balance performance, and the resolution of an issue that caused the battery indicator to blink, regardless of the actual battery charge.

Nikon have released a firmware update, v1.03, for the D300 DSLR camera. This firmware update resolves an issue which, in rare cases, causes the battery indicator to blink whilst shooting regardless of the level of charge in the battery.