My father realy likes the light weight DSLR cameras,so for the last years he uses the canon dx00 series.Now as a matter of competition with Nikon/Pentax really low cost entry level  Dslr cameras.The new Canon D5000 is the Canon answer to that trend.The new Canon D500 has HD video capabilities,better low noise/ISO photography and a better (in my opinion).Here are the main features for the new Canon D500,also known in some places as Ti:

Technical Details

• New 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor with DIGIC 4 Image Processor
• Includes Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens
• Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution; HDMI output
• 3.0-inch Clear View LCD; Live View Function for stills (Quick, Live and Face Detection AF modes) and video
• Capture images and video to SD/SDHC memory cards

Read a review made by pz.com,the bottom line:"The EOS 500D is another recommendable masterpiece from Canon. However, Canon EOS 450D users don't really need to upgrade unless there's a critical need for the movie mode functionality."

Read the full Canon D500 here.

Pentax got a line for very good entry level Dslr cameras.Those have a very suprising qualities as Pentax tried to get deep into the Dslr cameras only in the last years.Now they bring out the PENTAX X-k
A High-Performance Entry-Class Digital SLR Camera,
Packaging Movie Recording, High-Speed Continuous Shooting
and User-Friendly Operation in Compact, Lightweight Body

I have to say that I have a sweet spot for the Pentax manufacture  as the first film camera that I had was a Pentax one,and I still have it Pentax Spotmatic.As you may well know when you choose your camera its like you choose your soccer team,you choose it and stay with it no matter what!

Read more for some of the great features that this entry level bargain camera offers:

I really like compact cameras with great features.The compact cameras do has a lot of pluses : you could find almost any type of camera that suites you, whether you prefer the size,zoom ability , mega pixels ,manual functionality and etc...  But the big compact digital camera's problem is the ISO quality when you push it high...Almost any camera that I used showed poor preformences at more than 400ISO (compared to DSLR cameras).

The Sigma DP2 shows the beginning  if a new era in that market with good ISO quality.

Check the lately published review by dpreview.

The bottom line:above average.

 Read the full review here. 

Canon 7D reviews and hands on from the web:

dpreview.com 

gizmodo.com 

gadgetvenue.com 

letsgodigital.org 

With some surprise and not much after the announcement of the Canon 50D,Canon decided to publish another camera.As the Canon x0D series (30D,40D,50D) where something behind the Nikon's 300D and 200D,esspecialy in means of focus system and the ability to have wireless flash control from the camera,Canon ingeneers come out with another Canon category and announced the Canon 7D.

Here is what they say about it in their web page:

A Whole New Class of EOS.
With a host of brand new features designed to enhance every facet of the photographic process, from still images to video, the new EOS 7D represents a whole new class of camera.

Made to be the tool of choice for serious photographers and semi-professionals, the EOS 7D features an all-new 18.0 Megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors, capturing tremendous images at up to ISO 12800 and speeds of up to 8 fps. The EOS 7D has a new all cross-type 19-point AF system with improved AI Servo AF subject tracking and user-selectable AF area selection modes for sharp focus no matter the situation. The EOS 7D's Intelligent Viewfinder, an entirely newly-designed technology, provides 100% coverage and displays user-selected AF modes as well as a spot metering circle and on demand grid lines. New iFCL Metering with 63-zone dual-layer metering system uses both focus and color information to provide accurate exposure even in difficult lighting. The EOS 7D also captures Full HD video at 30p (29.97 fps), 24p (23.976 fps) and 25p with an array of manual controls, including manual exposure during movie shooting and ISO speed selection. The EOS 7D features a magnesium alloy body that is dust- and weather-resistant and shutter durability of up to 150,000 cycles. Compatible with over 60 EF and EF-S lenses as well as with EOS System accessories, the creative opportunities - not just with stills but also with video - are beyond amazement.
 

For the full Canon 7D page Click here. 

Photozone.de posted a review for the ultra zoom lens by Nikon,the Nikkor AF-S DX 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED.

The Nikkor offers a very wide option for the APC-S nikon camera users.

Offering a dramatic, ultra-wide 110-degree picture angle, the 2.4x AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED lens is ideal for landscapes, interiors, architecture and more. With two ED glass and three hybrid aspherical lens elements, Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) and the exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor, the AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED lens delivers the exceptional image quality and fast handling that defines NIKKOR optics.

Read the full Nikkor AF-S DX 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED test here .

The bottom line as I see it:

The lens offers some great image quality and will add your photography a very wide angle option (16mm 35mm eq.) but isn't a budget lens to consider.

You could buy it at amazon.com for  about 800$.

SUPER CCD EXR Sensor and Fujinon Lens Combination Pushes Picture Quality to New Levels

Valhalla, NY, July 22, 2009 – FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc. today unveiled the FinePix S200EXR digital camera, its most advanced SLR-styled camera to date. Combining the pin-sharp 14.3x Fujinon optical zoom lens (30.5mm-436mm equivalent) so popular in its predecessor, the award-winning FinePix S100FS, with Fujifilm’s latest 12-MegaPixel Super CCD EXR sensor, the FinePix S200EXR is aimed at top-end camera enthusiasts looking for excellent picture quality without the hassle, bulk and expense of a D-SLR system.

Compact, lightweight ‘bridge’ cameras offering long zoom and high image quality have proved a big hit with those looking for an alternative to bulky interchangeable lens systems. Users of the FinePix S200EXR will find their results equal or superior to D-SLRs, principally due to the revolutionary design of Fujifilm’s EXR CCD sensor technology. The key improvements of the FinePix S200EXR over the FinePix S100FS are:

• 1/1.6” 12 megapixel Super CCD EXR sensor
• EXR Priority modes and EXR Auto
• Pro Focus Mode and Pro Lowlight Mode
• 5 Film Simulation Modes (Black & White mode and Sepia mode added)
• A new 2.7” high contrast 230k-pixel LCD
• New ‘Super Intelligent Flash’
• Improved battery life – almost a 50% increase on the FinePix S100FS
• Combined CCD-RAW (EXR)/JPEG shooting

Read the full press release here.

Powerful New Addition to Fujifilm's Award-Winning F-Series Offers DSLR-like Capabilities in an Affordable, Stylish Package

Valhalla, NY, July 22, 2009 – FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc. today announced the FinePix F70EXR, a sleek, compact digital camera that combines intuitive use with the most advanced features and technology available in a point-and-shoot digital camera. The announcement of the FinePix F70EXR also marks Fujifilm’s first model in the growing long-zoom compact segment with an impressive Fujinon 10x wide angle optical zoom.

Read the full story here.

dpreview.com posted a review for the Canon TS-E 24mm F3.5 L II .

The Canon TS-E 24mm F3.5 L II  allows tilt and redirection .

With new optical design its a good new lens.

Read the full review here.

Seoul, Korea - July 14, 2009 - Samsung Digital Imaging, leaders in innovation and digital imaging, today announced the release of the compact 5x optical zoom, 28mm Wide Angle PL70; a camera which combines innovative technology and user-friendly features in a streamlined, stylish package.

Take fantastic group pictures and wide landscape shots with the wide angle lens, and get closer than ever in crisp focus with the 5 x optical zoom; the perfect feature combination for amateur photographers.

HD Movie Recording
The 12 mega pixel PL70 includes HD movie capture so you can ‘Pause and Re-record’ high definition videos and super sharp movie-quality recordings in one movie clip - a Samsung patented function. It also features HDMI connectivity so you can see your video creations on the big screen via an optional cradle.

Smart Auto (Scene Recognition)
The PL70 features a 3.0” (230K) TFT LCD screen and Samsung's new "Smart Auto” (Scene Recognition) technology which has 11 optimized picture pre-settings such as Portrait, Night portrait, Macro, Macro Colour - helping people take the perfect shot regardless of the conditions. You can also use these settings when sorting through your photos - making it quick and easy to find all the photos or videos you've taken.

Smart Album
The PL70 includes Samsung’s unique “Smart Album” Digital Contents Management system; a program built into the camera that significantly reduces the time it takes to find your favourite photos – so it’s quicker and easier to store and manage your photo collection. The clever navigation program automatically organizes photos based on the date they were taken, their contents, colour, or themes – so you’ll never have an excuse for losing a photo again.

Face, Smile and Blink Detection
Samsung’s Perfect Portrait System is also included in the PL70; “Face Detection” locates the subject’s face within the frame and automatically adjusts focus and exposure to ensure better composition and image quality for portraits; in “Blink Detection Mode” the camera takes a series of shots when closed eyes are detected so friends and family are always captured with their eyes open; in “Smile Mode” a picture is automatically taken when smiles are detected and, in "Beauty Shot" mode, facial skin is retouched for a brighter and smoother skin tone. Samsung’s Self Portrait is also included within the PL70 – a beep sounds when faces are positioned centrally so you don’t have to be behind the camera to take the perfect shot.

Dual Image Stabilisation
Samsung’s Dual Image Stabilization technology combines Digital and Optical image stabilisation to ensure outstanding photos without blur – even in low light conditions.  Couple this with a highly sensitive ISO 3200 that offers a faster response to light, you can capture great low light shots without needing any flash.

The PL70 is available in a range of colours including red, pink and silver and has a recommended retail price of £199 from leading high street and online retailers from August 2009.