No sooner have Pentax announced their new DSLR, the curiously named *ist D, than Canon announce their new DSLR, the EOS 10D.

“Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the EOS 10D, a 6.3 million pixel Canon digital SLR with a seven point wide area autofocus system, fast three frames per second burst rate and an ergonomic super-tough magnesium alloy body shell. Launched as the successor to the award winning EOS D60, the EOS 10D builds on the strengths of this highly popular model with a range of improvements to both the camera’s design and its specification.”

Read the full press release

The 10D boasts a lot of noteable improvements over the D60, including a magnesium alloy body, extended ISO range (100-3200), 7-point autofocus and 35 zone evaluative metering system system.

Initial reaction to the new camera on the Web seems to be very positive and at a suggested RRP of ?1499 / $1999, the EOS 10D is definitely going to turn the heat up on the likes of Nikon, Fuji, Pentax and even Sigma. Why would you buy a Sigma SD9 now, or Pentax’s *ist D (even if you could pronounce it)?! The 10D may also threaten advanced digital compact cameras like the Minolta 7Hi and the Nikon 5700. Maybe there will be a big price ripple throughout the industry? Even better, the 10D will be available from March, hopefully in sufficient numbers, so we may see some price decreases very soon.

DPReview and Steve’s Digicams both have extensive first looks at the camera, whilst Imaging Resource wins the prize for the first full Review and some excellent sample pictures.

Website: Imaging Resource - Canon 10D Review

Website: Steves Digicams - Canon 10D First Look

Website: DPReview - Canon 10D Preview

Canon themselves have a Flash-based presentation and 2 sample images on their website. You can also read the Canon Press Release which contains all of today’s product announcements.