The new Sigma DP1 packs the full specification of a DSLR into the body of a compact camera. The DP1 features a 14 megapixel FOVEON X3 direct image sensor (2652 × 1768 × 3 layers) as used in the Sigma SD14 digital SLR. It can record images in RAW or the widely used JPEG in four resolution modes. The Sigma DP1 offers five Exposure modes and three Metering modes as well as being equipped with a built-in flash with a Guide Number of 6, hot shoe, neck strap and 2.5 inch TFT color LCD monitor with 230,000 pixels. Availability is “Spring 2008”...

We have a selection of 20 photos taken with a pre-production version of the new Nikon D60 DSLR camera on a recent press trip to Las Vegas, USA. Please note that the Nikon D60 that I used was a pre-production version, therefore these images do not represent the quality of the final production camera.

Website: Nikon D60 Photos

As promised, we have a selection of 36 photos taken with a pre-production version of the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 ultra-zoom compact camera on a recent press trip to Las Vegas, USA. Please note that the DMC-TZ5 that I used was a pre-production version, therefore these images do not represent the quality of the final production camera.

Website: Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 Photos

After weeks of rumours and leaks, it should come as no surprise that the Sony A350 and A300 DSLR cameras have been announced. The two cameras are identical except for the megapixel count - the A350 has a 14.2 megapixel sensor, and the A300 10.2 megapixels. Both the A350 and A300 offer a variable angle 2.7 inch LCD screen, new Quick AF Live View mode for fast and responsive TTL phase-detection auto-focusing, high ISO of 3200 and Sony’s D-Range Optimizer. The DSLR-A300 kit with a DT 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens will ship in April for about $800. The DSLR-A350 camera body will be available in March for about $800, and the DSLR-A350 kit with a DT 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 3.9x zoom lens will be available for about $900 at the same time.

Sony have announced two new lenses - the Vario Sonnar T* 24-70mm f/2.8 ZA and 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G. Co-developed with Carl Zeiss, the Vario Sonnar T* 24-70mm f/2.8 ZA is a wide angle 24-70mm zoom lens with a large f/2.8 aperture. The Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm f/2.8 ZA lens will be available for about $1,750. The 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G incorporates the optical performance of Sony’s G series in a compact and flexible telephoto zoom lens. The 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G lens will be available for about $800. Both lenses will be available this spring.

The Sony GPS-CS1KASP GPS receiver is now able to trace video footage with GPS coordinates. Sony are bundling new versions of Picture Motion Browser software and Image Tracker software to add the extra functionality. The GPS-CS1KASP device can trace the GPS coordinates of your video footage to an online map, courtesy of Google. The Sony GPS-CS1KASP will be available next month for about $150.

Sony are introducing 3 new digital photo frames - the DPF-V900, DPF-V700 and DPF-D70 models. They all offer WVGA resolution (800 x 480 pixels) along with 15:9 aspect-ratio screens and can display images up to 48 megapixels in size. The 7-inch DPF-V700 and 9-inch DPF-V900 digital photo frames have 512MB of internal storage, while the 7—inch DPF-D70 model has 256MB of internal flash memory. The DPF-V900, PPF-V700 and DPF-V700 digital photo frames will be available for $250, $190 and $140, respectively. All three will ship in March.

The Sony PictureStation DPP-FP95 and DPP-FP75 are new transportable, 4 x 6-inch photo printers. The Sony DPP-FP95 has a 3.6-inch adjustable LCD screen, and the DPP-FP75 has a fixed 3.5-inch screen. Both models use dye-sublimation technology with SuperCoat 2 laminate, a durable coating that protects photos from water, heat and fingerprints. Sony are offering several print packs of high-quality paper, with prints costing as little as 29 cents per print. The DPP-FP95 and DPP-FP75 digital photo printers will be available in April for approximately $200 and $150, respectively.

The new Kodak Easyshare Z1012 IS digital camera features a robust suite of exclusive features that capture detailed pictures in the most challenging settings, yet its compact body can fit in the palm of your hand. The Kodak Z1012 IS, with 10 megapixel resolution and 12x optical zoom with optical image stabilisation, is packed with smart features that make great picture taking incredibly simple. The Kodak Easyshare Z1012 IS will be available from May for £199.99.

The Nikon D60 digital SLR is the first camera to feature in the “Eye-Fi Connected” program. The Nikon D60 will detect when an Eye-Fi Card is inserted and automatically adjust its power timer settings to ensure that photos upload effortlessly for sharing and storing. “This is our first announcement with a camera manufacturer, and it’s exciting to work with such a prestigious innovator in traditional, digital and wireless photography,” said Jef Holove, CEO for Eye-Fi. “Our work with Nikon is another vital step in our mission to make taking, saving and sharing digital memories as automatic and effortless as possible.” Beginning this Spring, Eye-Fi will also offer users access to “my Picturetown,” Nikon’s online digital photo storage and sharing service.

The last time we heard anything about the long-delayed Sigma DP1 compact camera was back in November last year, when Sigma announced that they were going back to the drawing board. Now the company has published a teaser advert for the DP1 with the immortal tagline, “The worldwide debut, soon”. How soon is now? asked The Smiths. Could the Sigma DP1 appear at PMA as a fully-fledged, working camera, or will we have to be content with another pre-production sample, as at last year’s PMA show? Why is anyone bothered - well, remember, the Sigma DP1 could be the first ever compact camera to feature an APS-C size sensor, or as Sigma are describing it, “The camera that no-one’s made before”. Now all they have to do is get it out of the factory door…

Sony have thrown their hat into the full-frame ring by announcing the development of a 35mm, 24.81 megapixel, ultra-high speed, CMOS image sensor. Sony’s new CMOS sensor promises shooting speed of up to 6.3fps and low noise thanks to its Column-Parallel A/D Conversion technique. Sony are targeting mass production of this CMOS image sensor within 2008.

The new Tamron SP AF10-24mm F/3.5-4.5 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) is a ultra wide-angle zoom lens for digital SLRs with APS-C size sensors. The lens covers an extended focal length range equivalent to 16-37mm that is particularly wide for an ultra wide-angle zoom lens, while improving the aperture to F/3.5-4.5 and keeping the filter diameter to 77mm. Price and availability of the Tamron 10-24mm F/3.5-4.5 lens to be announced.

The new Tamron SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO is a fast tele-zoom lens for digital SLRs with with 35mm full-size image sensors. The new lens offers the best-in-class minimum focusing distance of 37.4” (0.95m) over the entire zoom range. The Tamron SP AF70-200mm offers a focal length range from 109-310mm on a DSLR with an APS-C size sensor. The Canon mount is scheduled for spring delivery, with Nikon, Pentax and Sony versions to be announced at a later date. Price and availability of the Tamron 70-200mm F/2.8 lens to be announced.

The Tamron SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II LD Aspherical [IF] is now available in the Pentax mount. Designed for DSLRs with APS-C size sensors, the Tamron 17-50mm is a lightweight and compact, fast standard zoom lens that offers a focal length of 26-78mm. The Tamron SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II LD Aspherical [IF] is already available in Nikon, Canon and Sony AF mounts. Price and availability of the Tamron 17-50mm lens for Pentax to be announced.

Tamron have developed three zoom lenses with built-in motors for Nikon DSLRs, two for the APS-C size format and one for full-size format cameras. The three lenses are the AF18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di II (model A14NII), SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II (model A16NII) and 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di (model A17NII). Price and availability of all three lenses to be announced.

We have some exclusive photos from Panasonic’s PMA product launch, which took place at the Palms Hotel in Las Vegas this morning. Panasonic announced no less than 8 new compact cameras today, including the successor to the popular TZ3, the DMC-TZ5. I’m trying out a new Gallery system which should make it easier to browse the photos, so please email any issues that you find or suggestions for improvements.

Website: Panasonic PMA 2008 Launch

Pentax will exhibit three DSLR lenses currently under development at this week’s PMA show. The smc PENTAX-DA 55mm F1.4 SDM is a moderate-telephoto lens offering a focal length equivalent to 84.5mm. The smc PENTAX-DA 60-250mm F4 ED [IF] SDM is a telephoto zoom lens covering moderate- to super-telephoto ranges (92-383mm). Finally, the smc PENTAX-DA 17-70mm F4 [IF] SDM is a moderate-telephoto zoom lens equivalent to 26-107mm. Two of the lenses are slated for a Summer 2008 release.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 and DMC-TZ4 are 9 and 8 megapixel updates of Panasonic’s best-selling camera ever, the TZ3. Both the DMC-TZ5 and DMC-TZ4 feature a 10x, 28-280mm zoom lens, Venus Engine IV image processing engine and improved Intelligent Auto mode. The TZ5 has a 460,000 pixel high resolution 3 inch LCD screen, whilst the TZ4 has a smaller, 230,000 pixel 2.5 inch screen. Additionally the DMC-TZ5 integrates recording capabilities for 720p HD (high-definition) motion pictures.

I’ll be using the Panasonic DMC-TZ5 camera later today in Las Vegas, so stay tuned for some sample images…

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX35 is a new 25mm ultra wide-angle compact camera. The Panasonic FX35 features a 25-100mm zoom lens, Venus Engine IV processing engine and 10.1 megapixels. The DMC-FX35 also integrates 720p HD (high-definition), 30fps movie recording capabilities.