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.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ10 and DMC-LZ8 are new 10 megapixel, 5x zoom digital cameras. Replacing the LZ6 and LZ5 models, the DMC-LZ10 has a 30-150mm lens and the DMC-LZ8 a 32-160mm lens. Both models offer a full range of scene and fully manual controls, making them attractive to both beginners and more experienced photographers alike. The DMC-LZ10 and DMC-LZ8 both offer upgraded 2.5 inch LCD screens, now with 230,000 pixels, improved Intelligent Auto mode, Venus IV processing engine, and run on AA batteries.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20 and DMC-FS5 are the first models in a new range of stylish, easy to use cameras. Both the FS20 and FS5 offer a 4x, 30-120mm lens and 10.1 megapixel, 1/2.33-inch sensor. Intelligent Auto Mode has been improved and there’s also a new image-processing engine, Venus Engine IV. The DMC-FS20 features a 3 inch, 230k screen, whilst the DMC-FS5 has a smaller 2.5 inch model.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS3 camera is an entry-level addition to the brand new FS range. The new FS series is similar to the world-acclaimed FX series. The Panasonic DMC-FS3 has a 3x, 33-100mm zoom lens, Intelligent Auto mode, Venus IV processing engine, 2.5 inch LCD screen and 8.1 megapixel sensor. The DMC-FS3 will be available in silver, black blue, pink and green.

The Nikon D60 is a new 10 megapixel entry-level DSLR camera. Successor to the popular D40/D40x models, the new D60 is a modest upgrade which features Nikon’s EXPEED image-processor, 3-point auto-focus system, 3fps continuous shooting and a 2.5 inch LCD screen. The D60 includes an integrated dust reduction system with a new Airflow Control System that channels dust out of the image path. The D60 body only is £449.99 / €672.00.  The Nikon D60 Kit with AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR will cost £529.99/ €791.00. The D60 kit with AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II will cost £499.99/ €747.00. In the USA the Nikon D60 will be available beginning in February 2008, pricing still to be confirmed.

The new AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens is a wideangle 5.3x zoom with built-in vibration-reduction. Nikon VR II Vibration Reduction technology provides the ability to shoot at shutter speeds up to four stops slower than normal. Aimed at users of the D80, D200 and D300 DSLRs, the lens covers ultra-wideangle through to short telephoto. Estimated pricing for the AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR is £429.99 / €642.00 / $649, available in February.

The new AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED lens offers 1:1 reproduction of objects at just 18.5cm away. Designed for for micro or close-up photography, the AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm includes Nikon’s new Nano Crystal Coat and ED glass elements for outstanding image quality. The AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED measures just 73 x 89mm and weighs 425 grams. Estimated pricing for the AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED is £379.99/ €567.00 / $549.95, available in March.

The PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED is a new Tilt/Shift Lens ideal for studio, architecture and landscape photography. The lens offers a tilt/shift capability range of up to +/-8.5º and shifting +/-11.5mm and can be rotated a full 90° degrees left or right with convenient clicks-stops at 30° intervals. “The very first 35mm tilt/shift lens was pioneered by Nikon in 1961 and the incredible image quality and class-leading levels of movement offered by the PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED tilt/shift lens demonstrates the NIKKOR heritage of innovation and optical quality,” said Robert Cristina, Manager Professional Products and NPS, Nikon Europe B.V. Estimated pricing for the PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED is £1099.99 / €1642.00 / $1929 and it will be available in March.

Nikon have also announced that two further PC-NIKKORs are now in the final stages of development, adding PC-E Micro NIKKOR 45mm f/2.8D ED and a PC-E Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/2.8D to the range of tilt/shift lenses. These new lenses are planned for availability in the summer 2008.

The Nikon Coolpix P60 is a new 8 megapixel compact digital camera with 5x zoom (36mm-180mm). The Nikon P60 also offers a 2.5 inch LCD screen, electronic viewfinder and vibration reduction technology. “Its ergonomic design, powerful zoom lens and advanced features make the Nikon P60 a great choice for people who want to take outstanding pictures with a compact camera.” said Martina Beckmann, Manager Communications & Marketing Services for Nikon Europe. The price for the Nikon Coolpix P60 is £199.99 / €292.00 / $229.95, available in March.

The Nikon Coolpix S600 is a new 10 megapixel compact digicam with a 4x wide-angle zoom lens. The Nikon S600 offers a 28-112mm lens, Optical Vibration Reduction and the fastest start-up time for any camera in its class. Sporting an all-metal body in Slate Black, the Nikon Coolpix S600 will be available in March 2008 for £249.99 / €366.00 / $299.95.

The Nikon Coolpix S550 is a new 10 megapixel compact camera with 5x zoom lens. It features two new modes that enhance portrait photography, Smile Mode and Blink Warning. “We are excited to enhance the consumers’ photography experience by incorporating Smile Mode and Blink Warning into the new Nikon S550,” says Bill Giordano, General Manager, Marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc. “With these two features, it will be easier than ever to take perfect portraits of friends and family.” The Nikon Coolpix S550 will be available in plum, cool blue and graphite black for £199.99 / €292.00 / $229.95, available February 2008.

The new Nikon Coolpix S520 is a slim, ergonomic camera with a a streamlined profile. The Nikon S520 features 8 megapixels, 3x zoom lens, Optical Vibration Reduction, and an aluminum body. “The COOLPIX S520 is a solid contribution to the COOLPIX Style Series line, and we hope that its slim and stunning design, color options, unique technology, and powerful capabilities continue to appeal to the street-savvy trendsetters at which the Style Series is aimed.” said Bill Giordano, General Manager, Marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc. The Nikon Coolpix S520 will be available in March 2008 in plum and graphite black for $229.95.