The NPD Group Press Release

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y.—March 6, 2006—According to leading consumer and retail information provider The NPD Group, forecasts show the U.S. digital camera market will generate close to $6.8 billion in revenue and sell a record-breaking 29.5 million units in 2006. The digital camera market is expected to increase by eight percent in revenue and 17 percent in units over 2005. The findings come from The NPD Group’s Market Outlook report, driven by a powerful new forecasting methodology that gives companies an unparalleled view of the market’s future behavior. “The NPD Group’s forecasting model is a unique combination of point-of-sale and consumer data, along with econometric modeling and the expertise of our industry analysts,” said Stephen Baker, vice president of industry analysis, The NPD Group. “That combination created a forecast for 2005 that came within two percent of The NPD Group’s actual consumer data for the year.”

PMA 2006: Live from the Panasonc press conference at PMA, where Panasonic have unveiled the new DMC-L1 digital SLR camera. Here are some exclusive shots of the Panasonic L1, new Leica D lens and Sigma Four Thirds lenses. The DMCL1 has certainly caused a stur amongst the journalists here at PMA, but what do you think of the Panasonic DMC-L1?

Update 28th February 2006: I’ve added 14 more photos of the DMC L1 which give you a much better idea of what the new DSLR looks like. There are also some exclusive shots which compare the DMCL1 with the Olympus E-330 and also show the Leica D lens mounted on the E-330, and an Olympus E-System lens on the Panasonic L1. And yes, the Olympus lens did work with the Panasonic body, just as the E-System standard promised.

PMA 2006: Pentax are showing their new, as yet un-named 10 megapixel DSLR under glass here at PMA (making product shots a little tricky). Here are some shots to whet your appetite…

Update 28th February 2006: Pentax kindly took the glass domes off their display booths, allowing a scrum of journalists to kick, bite and punch each other in a bid to get the ultimate shot of the new DSLR, lens and flashgun. So depsite being a little battered and bruised, there are now some better shots of the new prototypes at the end of this article, plus the smc Pentax-DA 21mm f3.2AL Limited lens and AF 540 FGZ flashgun.

PMA 2006: PMA has started with a bang for the Four Thirds DSLR system, as Sigma, Leica and Panasonic all unveil new products based upon the 4/3 inch sensor. New Four Thirds versions of existing lenses from Sigma, a brand new Leica Four Thirds lens and best of all the Panasonic DMC-L1, which looks unlike any other DSLR available today. So what do you think of this sudden increase in support for what has been up to now something of a niche standard? Will Four Thirds push on to gain a lot more market share - would you buy a Four Thirds camera? Or does the smaller sensor size mean that, for the consumer at least, Four Thirds will always be waiting on the sidelines? In a special edition of our Saturday Shout column, cunningly titled “PMA Shout”, let everyone know what you think about what has been a fascinating start to PMA.

PMA 2006: The Panasonic DMC-L1 digital camera is unveiled today. The 7.5 megapixel Panasonic DMCL1 is based on the Four Thirds system. The DMC L1 has the same Live View feature as the Olympus E-300, which allows you to preview the image on the camera’s LCD screen as well as through the viewfinder.  There is a new LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm/F2.8-3.5 lens with an aperture ring. Other features of the Panasonic L1 includes the Supersonic Wave Filter system for dust removal, SD card support and new Venus Engine III processing engine. The DMC-L1 is scheduled for release “later this year”.

Panasonic Press Release

A genius in the making – Panasonic announces development of the DMC-L1 Digital SLR

Having announced our entry to the digital SLR market in 2005, Panasonic is pleased to update you on the development of the state-of-the-art Lumix DMC-L1 – our first interchangeable-lens digital SLR camera, distinguished from conventional digital SLRs by combining the operating feel of an analogue camera with innovative features unique to digital cameras. The DMC-L1 benefits from a new LEICA D VARIO-ELMARIT 14-50mm/F2.8-3.5 lens, equipped with an aperture ring, focus ring and zoom ring, for easy, direct aperture setting. This new and inspiring digital SLR also features a shutter speed dial on top of the camera body, to enhance the sense of camera control. These features, combined with a classic design that will remind users of traditional analogue cameras, ensure the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 is distinct in both design and operation.

PMA Show: Panasonic announces the development of the DMC-L1, its first digital SLR camera, and Olympus exhibits the E-330 at PMA.

Olympus / Panasonic Press Release

Olympus Corporation (Olympus) and Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (Panasonic) have been engaged in joint development of cameras that comply with the Four Thirds System standard for interchangeable-lens-type digital SLR cameras, and will display the fruit of their labors at the PMA 2006 International Convention and Trade Show that starts today, February 26, in Orlando, Florida. Olympus will exhibit the E-330, a recently introduced product that incorporates jointly developed technologies, and Panasonic will announce development of the DMC-L1, its first digital SLR camera. A prototype of the DMC-L1 will also be exhibited. The two cameras are the result of an agreement announced on January 13, 2005, under which Olympus and Panasonic agreed to jointly develop underlying technologies and key components, and promote the introduction of digital SLR camera products that take full advantage of the significant user benefits offered by the Four Thirds System standard.

PMA 2006: Olympus Press Release

Olympus Imaging Corp. (President: Masaharu Okubo) is pleased to announce the participation of Leica Camera AG of Germany in the FourThirds System standard for digital SLR cameras. Olympus has encouraged other manufacturers to participate in this open standard since it was first established, and will continue to promote its widespread acceptance in the future. The FourThirds System standard was established to facilitate the development of digital SLR camera systems that are designed and developed from the ground up to maximise the performance potential of digital imaging technology. The standard uses a 4/3” image sensor that makes it possible to realise the high image quality and high mobility that are demanded of SLR camera systems, and defines an open standard for lenses and lens mounts to assure compatibility between bodies and lenses produced by various manufacturers participating in the standard.

PMA 2006: Olympus have provided a technical explanation of how the new Live MOS Sensor in the Olympus E-330 and Panasonic DMC-L1 DSLRs actually works.

Olympus Press Release

The Live MOS Sensor offers image quality comparable to an Full Frame Transfer (FFT) CCD sensor with the low power requirements of a CMOS sensor, and is noteworthy for its high-quality imaging capabilities over an extended period of time. Simplified circuitry that reduces the distance from each photodiode to its corresponding on-chip microlens assures excellent sensitivity and image quality even when light strikes it at a high angle of incidence.

PMA 2006: Pentax have unveiled plans to launch a 10 megapixel DSLR camera, 21mm wide-angle lens and PENTAX 645 Digital medium format DSLR. All 3 products will be shown at PMA 2006. I have just arrived in Orlando, Florida (where it’s raining, just like London), and PhotographyBLOG will bring you more news about the Pentax 10mp DSLR on Sunday when PMA officially opens.

Pentax Press Release

PENTAX to Exhibit Upcoming Digital SLR Camera Products at PMA 2006 in the U.S.A.

PENTAX Corporation is pleased to announce the exhibition of three upcoming digital SLR camera products, all currently under development, at major trade shows in the U.S.A. They will be showcased at PMA 2006, America’s largest annual photographic merchandise trade show, to be held from February 26 to March 1 in Orlando, Florida.
 
1. [ Product type ]  Lens-interchangeable digital SLR camera
Model name : To be announced
Product information :
  * High-quality digital image reproduction with 10 effective megapixels
  * Market launch tentatively scheduled for autumn 2006

PMA 2006: The Samsung GX-1L DSLR is announced. 6-megapixels, five-point wide-area Auto Focus system, three-mode metering system, 8 scene modes. Available in March.

Samsung UK Press Release

Samsung is introducing a second digital SLR model for 2006 - the GX-1L - developed jointly with Pentax. The Samsung GX-1L is a 6-megapixel model is an interchangeable lens D-SLR that features world-renowned Schneider optics in a compact, lightweight, easy-to-hold body. Set to launch in March, the GX1L will be available with an 18-55mm lens and has been designed to offer fantastic ease-of-use with entry-level DSLR users in mind. The Samsung GX1L features a host of automatic functions including Auto Sensitivity, Auto Picture Mode and a newly designed operation system. This, combined with its full range of advanced manual functions, makes the GX-1L perfect for the beginner through to the more advanced DSLR user.

DCResource have just reviewed the new 10.2 megapixel Nikon D200 digital SLR camera.

“Photo quality was excellent as well. Photos were properly exposed, with vivid colors and low purple fringing and noise levels. As is typical with D-SLRs, images are very smooth, and some folks may want to sharpen things up a bit. My only real photo quality complaint is that noise levels are higher than I would’ve liked at ISO sensitivities above 640. They’re not horrible by any means, but after just reviewing the Canon EOS-5D, I’m a bit spoiled. Then again, the 5D costs $3299 and the D200 is $1699.”

Website: DCResource - Nikon D200 Review

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DPReview have also reviewed the new 10.2 megapixel Nikon D200 digital SLR camera.

“Next we’ll talk megapixels, or I guess the marketeers would like that, but to be frank there’s really little to gain or lose in two megapixels either way, hence in a neutral comparison (as we did here, shooting RAW and using the same converter) you really can’t see any significant advantage or disadvantage going either way (8 to 10 or 10 to 12). You really wouldn’t be able to see a difference in print even at very large sizes.”

Website: DPReview - Nikon D200 Review

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PMA 2006: The Canon EOS 30D is announced today. Improvements over the 20D include a 2.5 inch LCD, spot metering, Picture Style pre-sets and a few other minor tweaks. The Canon 30D will be available from March 2006, priced at body only £1099.99 / €1599.99, plus EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 (non USM) lens £1179.99 / €1749.99.

Canon UK Press Release

Canon upgrades best selling EOS 20D

Canon is pleased to announce the new EOS 30D, replacing the award winning EOS 20D. Retaining the 5fps, 8.2 Megapixel performance of its predecessor, the upgraded camera enjoys a larger, wider viewing angle 2.5” LCD, extended 100,000 shutter cycle durability, spot metering, and a variety of refinements designed to enhance the photographic experience. Targeted at an increasingly discerning population of serious creative photographers, the Canon 30D replaces a camera that already claims a significant share of the Western Europe D-SLR market, which grew by 120% in the past 12 months. “A rapidly expanding population of serious and semi-commercial creative photographers is helping drive EOS growth,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “As well as putting many high-end pro features into their hands, the EOS 30D becomes a launching pad into the world’s most comprehensive interchangeable lens system and huge range of flash units and accessories.”

DIWA member and Polish website Fotopolis have published their review of the 12.8 megapixel Canon EOS 5D digital SLR.

Website: Fotopolis - Canon EOS 5D Review

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DIWA member LetsGoDigital have reviewed the Olympus E-500, an 8 megapixel DSLR with a 2.5 inch LCD screen in a body with a classic penta-prism design.

“One of the advantages of the FourThirds system is that a compact size can be created and that the lenses can be easily exchanged. All lenses have a focal length multiplier of two. The 14-45 mm Zuiko Digital lens that comes supplied in the kit thus handles itself as a 28-90mm on a 35mm camera; which is a beautiful and universal range. The lens itself is also very compact. In combination with the small body, it makes the Olympus E-500 an ideal digital camera to take with you on any trip. Furthermore, it is an extremely light-weight camera.”

Website: LetsGoDigital - Olympus E-500 Review

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CNET have just reviewed the new 10.2 megapixel Nikon D200 digital SLR camera.

“Overall, the Nikon D200 raises the bar a notch in the midrange digital SLR class, providing extra features and a more robust body than those of the Canon EOS 20D for only a few hundred dollars more, and most of the good stuff found in the 12.8-megapixel Canon EOS 5D—with the obvious exception of the full-frame sensor—for a lot less money.”

Website: CNET - Nikon D200 Review

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CameraLabs have reviewed the Olympus E-500, an 8 megapixel DSLR with a 2.5 inch LCD screen in a body with a classic penta-prism design.

“The Olympus E-500 is a mixed bag with plenty of things going for it, but equally a number of aspects which could be considered deal-breakers by some photographers. Highlights of course include the SSWF anti-dust system, an impressively high level of information and control for a budget body, along with an increasing number of high quality lenses - check back in the future for full reviews of four Zuiko Digital models including the impressive 7-14mm ultra wide angle zoom.”

Website: CameraLabs - Olympus E-500 Review

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Both Nikon Europe and Nikon USA have issued an FAQ about the banding issue that has affected the new 10.2 megapixel Nikon D200 digital SLR camera. Here’s a quote from Nikon USA:

“Nikon has discovered that a limited number of early-production D200 cameras may, in specific and uncommon shooting conditions, record images that can present an excessive pattern of fine pitch lines throughout (long banding). If you experience this, Nikon will, without charge, evaluate your camera to determine if adjustment to the camera’s image output level is required. Adjustment, if required, will optimize the camera’s image output level, thereby reducing visible banding to a minimal level.”

Website: Nikon USA - What is banding? FAQ

Website: Nikon Europe - Lines occuring in D200 images

In an interview with the British Journal of Photography, Pentax UK have revealed that they intend to unveil a number of new DSLR cameras at Photokina in September, along with some new lenses and the much-awaited Pentax 645D medium format camera.

“Asked whether the new DSLRs would be a new range, or additions to the current ist range, Dickins answered: ‘They will be a mixture of both.’ And will that include a professional model? ‘From BJP readers’ point of view, they will regard it as a high-end amateur camera. However, that’s not to say it won’t be able to stand up to the rigours of everyday use that a professional would put it through.’”

Website: BJP - Pentax on the bounce back

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Shutterbug have published a review of the 12.8 megapixel Canon EOS 5D digital SLR.

“Although there is much that is new and improved in the features and performance controls in this new 5D digital SLR, like the EOS lens mount, there is much that has become standard over the years. This makes this Canon EOS familiar, and easy to learn and use. Probably the most striking feature is its size and weight, much closer to that of an EOS 20D. I found the feel of the camera similar to the Canon EOS A2 35mm SLR I enjoyed using for a number of years. About the only thing that’s bigger rather than smaller than the big brother Canon EOS-1Ds is the 5D’s 2.5” LCD display on the back of the camera.”

Website: Shutterbug - Canon EOS 5D Review

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