This one is a bit of a surprise, I guess the Nikon D40x must be selling extremely well for them to release such a minor update after such a short time, Nikon usually upgrades models after 2 years…and before that this would have been classed as a D40s, not a megapixel upgrade but a minor feature upgrade (use interface, LCD, rotating display, dust reduction).

It’s an interesting strategy - but if it keeps funding the development of groundbreaking cameras like the Nikon D3 - I fully support it.

I was actually expecting the announcement of the D3x (a higher megapixel but slower D3 similar to the Canon EOS 1Ds MKIII) to pop up next, or even the Nikon D80 replacement.

As for the D60, the only real differences are it now includes an anti-dust system that incorporates a self-cleaning sensor unit that shakes off dust, coupled with an airflow system designed to channel dust away from the sensor. The model also adds active d-lighting, a stop-motion recording mode and Expeed branding. The kit will be with the new 18-55mm VR lens, released recently.

Perhaps the same sensor, with a new image processor? Does that mean the D60 will be giving even better noise control, image acuity and punchy colours than the D40x?

It also follows immediately after the upgrade of Canon’s entry level model the Canon EOS 450D!

Read the full release here:

Nikon announces D60

There have been a few rumours about this recently, it was about time for Canon to update their entry level model with the new Digic III processor and the Live View technology they have put into their other cameras like the 1D MKIII and the EOS 40D.

There will be two kits, body only for $800 and one with a starter 18-55mm lens for $900

• 12.2 megapixel CMOS sensor
• SD/SDHC cards
• Larger viewfinder
• Live view mode, including contrast-detect AF
• Improved 9-point AF system
• Spot metering
• 3.0″ LCD monitor
• Continuous shooting at 3.5fps for up to 53 JPEG (6 RAW)

Finally Canon’s entry level cameras has spot metering! Something that has been missing (and rather important) for quite some time.

It’s also Canon’s first camera to use only SD cards (Supports SDHC).

Read the full release here:

Canon EOS 450D / Rebel XSi brief hands-on

Olympus takes it two steps further this time, after announcing the first 18x zoom camera the Olympus SP-550 UZ (a couple of others followed with the Panasonic Lumix FZ-18 and the Fujifilm FinePix S8000fd), now they are pushing into new territory again with a 20x zoom and even wider at the wide end (26mm for 35mm equiv.).

I always prefer compacts to start wider than zoom further, it’d be ideal if they started at 24mm IMHO, with a 20x zoom would be great.

The Olympus SP-570 UZ – main features:

• 20x optical zoom (equivalent to 26-520mm) - from extreme close-ups to stunning scenes
• Avoids blur thanks to Dual Image Stabilisation
• Don’t miss the moment with high-speed 15fps sequence shooting
• Face Detection Technology for perfectly focused and exposed faces plus correct exposure of other image areas
• P/A/S/M exposure modes for creative freedom
• 22 scene modes for the best results in different situations
• 10 Megapixels to make poster-size prints
• See and share images on the 6.9cm/2.7″ LCD
• Great for shots of flowers and detail from as close as 1cm with Super Macro mode

I’ll certainly be looking forwards to the reviews on this one, a very versatile backup and travel camera. The performance of the previous model was a little disappointing. Both in terms of speed and image quality.

It’ll also be interesting to see if Panasonic and Fuji follow again with 20x zooms and 10megapixel upgrades.

Read the full release here:

Olympus SP-570 UZ

Now this is news, even cheaper than the A100 and firmly aimed at kicking the entry level competitors asses, far better specced than the Nikon D40/x and will do well against the Canon EOS 400D (I think a 450D or similar should be coming soon).

I’m not really sure if I like the rather cheesy 10.2 Megapixels on the bottom, but I guess they know more megapixels attracts the entry level users - hence the D40x upgrade too.

I’d guess perhaps an updated Nikon D80 should be heading out within 2008 as well, or maybe something more along the lines of the D50, which can trump the current D40.

Built in-body stabilization really is a plus. It’s priced very competitively too with the price in Malaysia being listed at RM1999, which normally means the street price will be lower (Around RM1800 to compete with D40/x?). It will ship with the 18-70mm kit lens.

The DSLR-A200 model features upgrades influenced by the recently-introduced, enthusiast-class DSLR-A700 camera and replaces the former Sony DSLR-A100 model, which was Sony’s first in the DSLR class.

The new model is designed to be faster, lighter and easier to use. Upgraded features include a wider, 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCDTM screen for easy playback viewing; a more compact body and an easily-accessible mode dial; an easy-to-use function menu (camera function display); improved noise control for higher quality images; an auto focus speed 1.7x faster than the previous model; improved predictive control performance; quieter shutter sound; automatic pop-up flash; and a battery life indicator that displays the percentage of battery life remaining so you know exactly when to recharge.

I guess they are skipping on the new-gen 3″ LCD to keep the price down.

Read the full specs here:

Sony Alpha DSLR-A200