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Rumors about Nikon’s next DSLR model, the D90 started surfacing as early as December last year. This was heightened a couple of days ago when leak photos and specs started appearing again. But finally, Nikon has ended all the speculations and announced the D90 with a new feature which some may love while others may not like at all. We’re talking here about the D90’s video function which is a first among DSLR cameras.

The D90’s D-Movie mode function allows for capturing high-definition movie clips at 720p. For some this might be the realization of a long time longing for a DSLR function, while DSLR purists might find this simply unacceptable. At any rate, we all have to accept the fact that from now on, the camera that we used to know is now a hybrid of a point-and-shoot and DSLR cameras.

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Well, we can all rest easy now as our beloved Canon has officially announced the EOS 50D. And with the official specs and features, I’m sure our fellow Gadgetell writer Jodie would be glad to know that the 50D will definitely not disappoint her again.

Most of the specs we mentioned to you yesterday are pretty much accurate as far as the official Canon announcement goes. The EOS 50D would have a 15.1-megapixel sensor, DIGIC 4 image processor, ISO range between 100-12800, multiple level noise reduction during high-speed shooting, peripheral illumination correction, 14-bit Analog-to-Digital conversion, 6.3 frames per second (fps) shooting, auto lighting optimizer, a viewfinder with 0.95x magnification, and an autofocus system which is similar to the EOS 40D’s AF system.

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As promised, Nikon has started shipping its newest camera, the 12-megapixel D700 DSLR. The D700 is already listed at Ritz Camera and is retailing for $2,999.99 (body only). Ritz Camera said that it’s got limited supply of the D700 so if you’re keen on getting this new camera, you better hurry up and reserve your unit now. The store promises to deliver the D700 within 24 hours after an order is placed.

Looking back at our previous coverage of the D700, we told you that this camera packs a 12.1-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor complemented by Nikon’s EXPEED image processing technology, an ISO sensitivity of up to 6,400, continuous shooting speed of 5fps, a 3-inch VGA color display with 170-degree wide-angle viewing, two live shooting modes. In addition, the D700 is encased in magnesium alloy body. It also employs the Dynamic Integrated Dust Reduction System and Nikon’s Scene Recognition System. This is also Nikon’s first DSLR that comes with a built-in flash.

Product [Ritz] Via [I4U]

Canon USA has officially announced its next generation entry level digital SLR camera, the EOS Rebel XS which officially replaces the EOS Rebel XT. Like we told you not so long ago, the Rebel XS offers up a cheaper alternative to the previously announced Rebel XSi.

Aside from features that we mentioned before such as a 10.1-megapixel image sensor, 2.5-inch LCD, 7-point autofocus system, 81% viewfinder coverage, 12-bit image processing, spot metering and remote control functionality, the Rebel XS also boasts of a 3.0 frames per second continuous JPEG burst rate which will only be limited by the capacity of the flash memory card in the camera. Weighing only 450 grams, the Rebel XS is by far the lightest EOS digital camera that will come out in the market.

And now for the most important information, Canon has announced that the EOS Rebel XS will have a retail price of $699.99. The Rebel XS camera body would come with the standard EF-S18-55m kit lens and is expected to hit the US market sometime in August.

Read [Business Wire]

We told you about this snazzy camera back at our CES coverage and today Casio announces a feature that is really exciting.  The camera already has a mode that allows you to take pictures before you press the button which allows you to capture the moment instead of just missing it.  The firmware update brings this, in my opinion, awesome feature to the video.

Working in much the same fashion as your TiVo, the camera records continuously in 5 second clips, dropping off anything older than 6 seconds.  So when you press the button, you have 5 seconds prior as well.  Unbelievably handy for blowing out candles, a full count at the baseball games, fireworks...you get the idea.

Update 1.02 came out in April, providing faster start up times.  This version, 1.10 is available now, free of charge from Casio.

Product page: [Casio]

So the photo of the new Nikon DSLR model that has been circulating on the web the past couple of days is actually true. Nikon has made the D700 official and its product page its up at the Nikon USA site. From the looks of it, the Nikon D700 seems to be a powerful new Digital SLR camera and it has a price to match, retailing for $2,999, it is definitely geared for the prosumer market.

So, what do you get from the price? A 12.1-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor with Nikon’s EXPEED image processing technology, ISO sensitivity of up to 6400, continuous shooting at 5 fps, a 3-inch VGA color monitor with 170-degree wide-angle viewing, two live shooting modes, rugged magnesium alloy body, Dynamic Integrated Dust Reduction System, Nikon’s Scene Recognition System, and much more. But more importantly, this is the first DSLR that has a built-in flash.

This Nikon D700 will be available sometime in July.

Product [Nikon] Via [Engadget]

Canon has finally decided to update its popular entry-level digital single lens reflex camera, the Rebel XTI with a newer model donning the name Canon EOS Rebel XS. The new Rebel XS comes on the heels of the more advanced Rebel XSi which Canon announced a couple of months ago. And possibly due to the growing demand for a lower cost entry-level DSLR, Canon decided to come up with another model that would cater to the entry-level photo enthusiasts who are not yet willing to pay the price of the the XSi.

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All of a sudden and without too much hype and buzz, Olympus has announced the new E-520 DSLR, a follow-up to its E-510 Evolt model which was released back in 2007. Perhaps the reason for the lack of pre-launch hype is the fact the E-520 doesn’t offer too much improvements over its predecessor. You’ll get practically the same look and feel except for a few changes.

Being a predecessor to an already powerful DSLR, the E-520 has the same 10-megapixel resolution that is capable of burst shooting at 3.5fps, a live view mode, CF or xD-Picture card for photo storage, and more.

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In addition to the recently announced K20D, Pentax has also introduced the K200D, a 10.2-megapixel digital SLR. Similar to the K20D, the K200D also features a large 2.7-inch LCD monitor, improved PRIME image processor, Shake Reduction and a weather and dust resistant body. The K200 also features:

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Pentax has announced the 14.6-megapixel K20D digital SLR, which is a follow up to the current K10D. The Pentax K20D features a large 2.7-inch LCD monitor, improved PRIME image processor, Shake Reduction and a weather and dust resistant body. Other notable features of the K20D include:

• A new CMOS image sensor that brings out the optimum performance of Pentax interchangeable lenses.
• A Live View function so you can see the image on the LCD monitor while shooting and also confirm the Shake-Reduction effect on the monitor while shooting.
• Custom Image functions that will allow users to select between six preset options that include Natural, Bright, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant and B&W. Users can also further adjust image processing to include saturation, hue, contrast and sharpness.
• A Live View which allows users to see the full image area to confirm composition, focus status and lighting on the monitor.
• Improved Dust Reduction system that features the new Dust Alert function. This will allow users to find the exact location of the dust particle.
• A PC sync socket for those who use studio lighting.

“The K20D builds on the technology of the award winning K10D and is ideal for the advanced photographer seeking maximum resolution from their camera as well as complete control over how the camera captures images.”

The K20D will retail for $1299.95 and be available beginning in April 2008.

Product [Pentax]