The latest entry level DSLR from Sony is reviewed at DCRP.  The DSLR-A200 gets put through the paces and here are the results.

In many ways, reviewing the Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 reminded me a lot of my experiences with the Pentax K10D. Both are great cameras, but they don’t deliver the kind of JPEG photo quality you know they can produce. If you’ll be shooting at low ISOs, or don’t mind shooting RAW, then I can recommend the DSLR-A200. If you want great high ISO shots straight out of the box, then you’ll probably want to consider another camera.

Head on over for the complete review.  

DPReview offers up it’s final review of the D300 from Nikon.

The D200 was a big step forward for Nikon, the ‘baby D2X’ certainly gave the competition a thing or two to think about. Its big problem was the fact that Canon was still a generation ahead in the noise stakes, managing to consistently deliver clean images despite megapixel jumps. With the advent of the D300 however Nikon has conclusively removed this disparity and if anything stepped ahead of Canon (mostly thanks to its chroma based noise reduction delivering more film-like grain rather than color blotches).

But that’s just one aspect of the D300 story, almost everything else about this camera has been improved. Starting on the outside there’s that stunning high resolution three inch LCD monitor, the usefulness of which shouldn’t be underestimated (you’ll find you get enough detail without magnifying as far), there’s perhaps the best implementation of Live View to date with both contrast detect (like a compact camera, although not particularly fast) and passive auto-focus options, and there’s HDMI output; a boon no doubt to studio photographers who can now provide live high resolution previews of a shot. And of course we can’t talk about the D300 without giving Nikon credit for the superb build quality and robust ‘go anywhere’ feel the body has.

Head on over for the review. 

IR compiles it’s complete review of the latest Sony entry level DSLR, the A200. So how does this sub $600 camera fare?

Analysis. I’m happy to report that Sony has shipped a digital SLR that I find easy to recommend to anyone, a position previously held mainly by the Nikon D40/D40x and Canon Rebel XT/XTi. The Sony A200’s handsome, compact body fits well in most hands, and it is easy to learn and use on a daily basis. The Sony A200 has a large array of good quality lenses to choose from, and the kit lens turns out excellent images without much trouble.

Head on over for the review.

Digital Camera Resource Page has posted a review of the Olympus E-3 DSLR.

All things considered, the Olympus E-3 is a solid midrange digital SLR, in more ways than one. It does almost everything well, with just a few weaknesses, most of which have easy workarounds. If you’re an enthusiast looking for a powerful D-SLR that doesn’t mind if it gets a little bit wet, then I can highly recommend taking a look at the E-3.

Head on over for a look.

Camera Labs has a review of the new Sony entry level DSLR, the A200.

Ultimately few existing A100 owners will be upgrading to the A200, as there’s no truly compelling reasons for doing so – instead they’ll be eyeing-up the A300, A350, or a bigger step to the semi-pro A700. But anyone who was about to buy an A100 – or indeed any entry-level DSLR – should definitely add the A200 to their shortlist. It may not have the bells and whistles of Live View or more than 10 Megapixels, but you may not want or need them. So as it stands, the A200 may be unremarkable, but remains a good, solid, entry-level 10 Megapixel DSLR we can easily recommend, although as always, carefully compare it against the competition.

Head on over for the full review.

Today, Sony has released specs on 2 new DSLRs, their first with Live view.Press Release:

SONY INTRODUCES TWO MAINSTREAM DSLR CAMERAS WITH UNIQUE “QUICK AF LIVE” VIEW SYSTEM

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 30, 2008 – Sony is bringing live-view shooting to its digital SLR camera line with today’s (alpha) DSLR-A350 camera and 10.2-megapixel?introduction of a 14.2-megapixel ? (alpha) DSLR-A300 model. Both cameras feature new technologies that make picture taking faster, easier, and more familiar for first-time DSLR users.

Quick AF Live View System

They both offer Sony’s new “Quick AF Live View” technology so you can frame photos on the camera’s LCD without sacrificing auto-focusing speed common to other live-view systems.

Sony’s innovative Pentamirror Tilt mechanism directs light to a dedicated live view image sensor, enabling fast and responsive TTL phase-detection auto-focusing, even during live view.

Eliminating the focus delay of other systems, the new models are equally responsive whether using live view or optical viewfinder.

With its two sensor design, Quick AF Live View can even continuously focus-track the subject and provide live view during burst shooting, helping you capture that special moment.

Taking further advantage of Quick AF Live View is the models’ variable angle 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD ™ screen. This makes it easy to frame scenes from high or low positions difficult to reach when using an eye-level viewfinder.

With Live View and an adjustable LCD, the cameras do not need to be in front of the user’s face, allowing parents, for example, to maintain eye-contact when photographing their children.

“Mainstream users stepping up to DSLRs are looking for a similar experience to their point and shoot cameras, but without compromise in speed or performance” said Phil Lubell, director of marketing for digital cameras at Sony Electronics. “Quick AF Live View gives these new models a familiar shooting style without compromising speed – ideal for the growing market of first-time SLR users.”

Exceptional Image Quality

The new models produce images with fine detail, rich tonality and vibrant color due to their APS-C CCD image sensors and BIONZ® processing engine. To aid shooting in low light, Super SteadyShot® image stabilization enables shutter speeds 2.5 to 3.5 steps slower than otherwise possible, with every compatible Minolta Maxxum® and Sony ? (alpha) lens (sold separately) attached to the camera.

High sensitivity operation at ISO 1600 and 3200 and very low noise are made possible by the user-selectable high-ISO noise reduction features. Sony’s D-Range Optimizer delivers suitable tonality and exposures with rich shadow and highlight detail, even under high contrast situations.

Powerful Performance, Easy to Use

The DSLR-A300 model can shoot about three continuous frames per second and the DSLR-A350 model can shoot up to two-and-a-half continuous frames per second, when using the optical viewfinder. Both are powered by the Bionz processing engine and supplied InfoLITHIUMTM battery for fast start-up times, quick response and long battery life – up to 730 shots per full charge when using the optical viewfinder and up to 410 shots per full charge in live-view mode.

Both models feature lighter, slimmer bodies for easy handling; an improved user interface; an automatic pop-up flash; a comfortable camera grip with an easily accessible mode dial; an anti-dust system to keep the CCD image sensor clean for spot-free pictures; and JPEG and RAW file format support. Both have a slot for CompactFlash™ Type I/II media cards.

An adaptor for Memory Stick Duo™ media cards is also available for the cameras and sold separately.

The new DSLR-A300 and DSLR-A350 cameras are compatible with a range of accessories, including the ergonomic Sony VG-B30AM vertical grip. Also available as an option is the new Sony HVL-F42AM flash unit. It offers advanced features such as automatic white balance adjustment with color temperature information, adjustable bounce angles, ADI metering and wireless remote operation to suit the needs of most photographers.

Price and Availability

The DSLR-A300 kit with a DT 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens will ship in April for about $800. The DSLR-A350 camera body will be available in March for about $800, and the DSLR-A350 kit with a DT 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 3.9x zoom lens will be available for about $900 at the same time. Both models will be available at sonystyle.com, Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail ), military base exchanges, and authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin online today at www.sonystyle.com/dslr.

MELVILLE, N.Y. (JAN. 28, 2008) – Nikon, Inc., today announced the new AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens, which offers Nikon digital SLR photographers exceptional wide-angle capability along with superb telephoto versatility. The wide-ratio zoom makes this new lens suitable for a broad range of shooting situations, including indoor and outdoor events; streetscapes; and portraits and scenery, making it ideal for everyday use. It incorporates several of Nikon’s most advanced lens design attributes such as Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass, Silent Wave Motor technology (SWM) and Nikon VR (Vibration Reduction image stabilization), delivering the outstanding optical performance that has made NIKKOR lenses the choice of so many professional photographers.”The new AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens fulfills a need among Nikon digital SLR customers for a compact wide ratio zoom lens that offers a dramatic wide angle perspective, up to a practical and useful telephoto view, as well as advanced optical features,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon, Inc. “Whether on vacation or on assignment, the new 16-85mm lens’ versatility and remarkable image integrity are sure to make it one of Nikon’s most popular advanced performance Zoom-NIKKOR lenses.”

The AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR is a compact lens that offers an array of versatile Nikon technologies, including VR II (Vibration Reduction II image stabilization), which allows photographers to shoot at shutter speeds up to four stops* slower than would otherwise be possible, while dramatically reducing the image blur caused by camera shake in handheld photography. The lens also features Nikon’s compact Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology for quiet, fast and accurate autofocus performance that ensures every moment is captured crisply.

This digitally optimized lens also features two ED glass elements and three aspherical elements that provide higher resolution and superior contrast, while minimizing chromatic aberration. Additionally, Nikon’s Super Integrated Coating reduces instances of lens flare and ghosting for sharp, faithful images.

Configured for optimum performance on Nikon DX-format digital SLR systems and compatible with Nikon’s newest flagship model, the FX-format D3, the new 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 lens offers a 5.3x zoom range, and a perspective equivalent to that created by a 24-127.5mm lens on a 35mm film camera.

The AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens is scheduled to be available at Nikon authorized dealers beginning in March 2008 at an estimated selling price of $649.** For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

MELVILLE, N.Y. (Jan. 28, 2008) – Nikon, Inc., today introduced the new PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED lens, the latest in a series of lenses that are equipped with a tilt/shift mechanism that enables photographers the flexibility to effectively manipulate perspective, distortion and focus. Whether photographing architecture, landscapes, interiors or panoramas, this Perspective Control (PC) lens easily corrects linear distortion and aberration to deliver images that more accurately reproduce the view as the human eye sees it.

“Nikon optical engineers successfully overcame a number of design challenges while developing a new 24mm Perspective Control wide-angle lens that delivers in a variety of applications and fulfills the needs of photographers whose work demands the type of image control that only a lens of this design can provide” said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon, Inc. “This lens represents a significant addition to the field-proven NIKKOR lens lineup and allows photographers to create images that would, in many instances, not be possible otherwise. Additionally, many photographers will appreciate the ability to more effectively correct images while shooting, significantly reducing the time required to correct images afterwards with image editing software.”

Typically, tilting the axis of a camera can result in a misrepresentation of perspective. A Perspective Control lens’ ability to fine-tune perspective and focus elements virtually eliminates these issues, an essential function for architectural and interior photographers.

The same features that make this lens excellent for architectural photography also provide nature and landscape photographers with an essential means to better control perspective, allowing them to capture nature’s beauty more accurately and naturally. Additionally, the 24mm PC lens enables professional product photographers to sight just the right shooting angles on reflective objects without capturing their own reflection in the process.

A special tilt/shift mechanism gives users up to +/- 11.5 mm shift and +/- 8.5-degree tilt for perspective control. When shooting with a conventional lens, some objects, such as tall trees and buildings, can be challenging to photograph due to rectilinear distortion and converging lines that warp perspective. The 24mm Perspective Control lens corrects this issue with convenient side-mounted controls at 1mm / 1-degree intervals that will adjust the focal plane with shift and tilt adjustments. The lens optics can also be rotated up to 90 degrees right or left for perspective control adjustment, while a click-stop is provided every 30 degrees. Importantly, photographers can see the effect of every adjustment accurately through their Nikon SLR viewfinder.

In addition to providing linear perspective correction, the new 24mm PC lens has unique characteristics that make it well suited for a variety of tasks and offers a wide angle-of-view combined with dramatic depth-of-field control potential, perfect for capturing stunning landscapes. To further control the image, users can quickly adjust aperture with a stop-down button, or with the aperture ring. These same characteristics also make the 24mm PC lens a great choice for close-up macro work, with a minimum focusing distance of 0.7 feet and the ability to fine tune focus with perspective control.

The PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED lens continues NIKKOR’s legacy of high-quality optics and durable design. It features the new “E” designation, which denotes an electromagnetic diaphragm that automatically controls aperture with the latest Nikon D-SLR cameras. Three Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements provide superior sharpness and color correction by effectively minimizing chromatic aberration, while three aspherical lens elements minimize various types of lens aberration. In addition to the Nikon Super Integrated coating that delivers superior color reproduction, Nikon’s exclusive Nano Crystal Coat helps to virtually eliminate any remaining instances of ghosting and flare.

The PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED lens is the first in a new series of PC lenses being designed to meet the needs of photo professionals and enthusiasts. Two more PC lenses are currently in development and are scheduled to become available through Nikon authorized dealers during the summer of 2008.

The NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED lens is scheduled to become available through Nikon authorized dealers in the U.S. in spring 2008 for an estimated selling price of $1929.* For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

MELVILLE, N.Y. (JAN. 28, 2008) – Nikon, Inc., today introduced the new AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED lens engineered specifically for extreme close-up photography, and perfectly suited for general imaging as well. The new AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED lens can focus at a distance of approximately 0.185m (.6 ft.) at its closest, and allows photographers to capture breathtaking close-up photography with reproduction ratios up to 1:1 (life-size).

“Nikon is proud of its strong reputation for designing and producing some of the world’s finest close-up lenses, delivering faithful and consistent color reproduction, stunning sharpness and beautifully balanced contrast,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon, Inc. “Serious close-up photographers are naturally demanding and we are confident that these discerning customers will be excited about the performance of the new 60mm f/2.8G ED Micro NIKKOR.”

Engineered for use with Nikon’s digital and 35mm SLR systems, the new AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED lens incorporates a myriad of innovative features and technologies, including Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor technology (SWM), Nano Crystal Coat, Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass and Internal Focusing (IF) design.

Combined with the Silent Wave Motor technology and Internal Focusing system, the
AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED-IF provides handling characteristics that better enable superior close-up photography. The SWM provides fast, quiet and accurate autofocus performance and Nikon’s Internal Focusing (IF) design further enhances AF performance, while also allowing photographers to manually focus quickly and smoothly. Internal Focusing (IF) also eliminates rotation of the front lens element, making it more convenient to use rotating polarizing filters as well as the Nikon Wireless Close-up Speedlight System. A rounded nine-blade diaphragm opening allows out-of-focus background or foreground scene information to appear more natural.

Nikon’s exclusive Nano Crystal Coat and Super Integrated Coating produce superior color, while dramatically reducing ghosting and flare for superior image quality. An additional (Extra-low Dispersion) ED glass element minimizes chromatic aberration, allowing the lens to deliver stunning, high-contrast images while the use of two aspherical lenses help correct spherical aberration and coma, producing accurate image reproduction even at the widest aperture.

The AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED lens is scheduled to become available from Nikon authorized dealers beginning in March 2008 at an estimated selling price of $549.95.* For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

Nikon introduces a new 10.2 megapixel DX-format DLSR, the D60.

Extraordinary 10.2-Megapixel DX-format Nikon Picture Quality: Nikon’s high-performance, 10.2-megapixel DX-format CCD imaging sensor and exclusive EXPEED image processing concept provide added cropping freedom and the ability to make larger prints.

Includes AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR (Vibration Reduction) Image Stabilization Lens: NIKKOR lenses are famous for breathtaking sharpness and faithful color. With Nikon’s fast, accurate autofocus and Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization technology built in, pictures are even sharper, free from blur caused by camera shake when shooting hand-held.

Fast Startup and Split-Second Shutter Response: With fast startup and split-second shutter response, the D60 eliminates the frustration of shutter delay, capturing moments that other cameras miss.

Shoot Continuously at up to 3 Frames per Second: Capture sports action, precious moments and fleeting expressions at up to 3 frames per second, for as many as 100 consecutive JPEG images.

Active Dust Reduction System with Airflow Control: Nikon’s Active Dust Reduction System activates automatically, along with Airflow Control technology to reduce the amount of dust that reaches the sensor.

Easy Operation with Intuitive Controls: Intuitive controls and an onboard HELP Menu System with Assist Images make the D60 truly easy to use, enabling everyone to capture beautiful memories perfectly.

Nikon’s EXPEED Image Processing Concept:Nikon’s original digital image processing concept, EXPEED, comprehensively optimizes pictures, shot after shot.

8 Digital-Vari Program Automatic Shooting Modes: Eight Digital Vari-Program Modes include: Auto, Auto Flash-OFF, Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close Up and Night Portrait; each of which adjusts automatically for optimal results for everyday shooting situations. Each mode considers lighting conditions and possibilities, aperture, shutter speed, white balance, hue, tone, sharpening and more to make creative photography as simple as rotating the mode dial.

Nikon’s Smallest Digital SLR Ever! Beautifully styled, the D60 makes high-performance digital SLR photography easier and more convenient than ever. You’ll be amazed at the power packed into a camera that weighs just over 16 ounces.

2.5-Inch, 230,000-Dot Color LCD Monitor with 170-Degree Wide-Angle Viewing: Playback images are easy to see and function menus are easier to use with a larger and brighter color LCD monitor. The large 2.5-inch LCD monitor enables image preview at up to 19 times magnification and has large type fonts with easy-to-view menus. Auto rotating LCD display provides automatic horizontal and vertical graphic display orientation.

Advanced HELP Menu System with Assist Images: The D60’s Assist Images help you select the appropriate settings for many camera features by showing an example image typical of that setting, as well as an advanced HELP Menu for the current item selected. The D60’s Question Mark icon (?) indicates that help is available for the currently selected item; just press the HELP button beside the LCD monitor to see a context-sensitive HELP page.

Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II: The D60’s 3D Color Matrix Metering II evaluates each scene for brightness, color, contrast, size and position of shadows and highlights, selected focus area and camera-to-subject distance, comparing that information against an onboard database of more than 30,000 actual photographic scenes. The result delivers instantly and precisely determined exposures for each scene, even in challenging lighting conditions.

Image Optimization Options: The D60’s Optimize Image setting lets photographers adjust color, contrast and sharpening, as well as other image settings, according to the type of scene or output desired. Settings include: Normal, Softer, Vivid, More Vivid, Portrait, Custom and Black and White, each of which are automatically adjusted based on sophisticated Nikon algorithms or user-selected settings for optimum results.

Built-in Speedlight with i-TTL Automatic Flash Control: Nikon’s innovative i-TTL flash control evaluates flash exposure with incredible precision to achieve better automatic flash balance and deliver outstanding results. The built-in Speedlight is always at the ready and brings beautiful exposures in darkened conditions, as well as adding sparkle for fill flash in outdoor situations for enhanced twilight shots or an added impact to daylight images. In low-light or back-light situations, added illumination from the built-in Speedlight can make the difference between an average snapshot and a dazzling picture.

Fast, Accurate 3-Area Autofocus: The D60’s advanced 3-Area AF system and the refined algorithms inherited from more advanced Nikon digital SLR cameras deliver fast, efficient and precise Autofocus. AF refinements deliver greater precision with fast, more consistent subject acquisition and improved focus tracking for consistently sharper pictures.

In-Camera Image Editing and Enhanced Retouch Menu: Highly versatile in-camera editing features through the Retouch Menu include Nikon D-Lighting, Red-Eye Correction, Image Trim, Image Overlay, Monochrome (Black and White, Sepia and Cyanotype) along with Skylight, Warm Tone and Color Balance filter effects. New effects and controls include Quick Retouch, NEF (RAW) Processing, Cross Star and Color Intensifier filters. This provides greater creative freedom without the need for a computer for those who prefer to send pictures directly to a printer.

Stop motion video: Creates a stop-motion animation from a sequence of images for added creative fun to your pictures.

Up to 500 Images per Battery Charge: The supplied EN-EL9 rechargeable battery will allow for shooting up to 500 images per charge based on CIPA battery testing standards.

Supplied accessories (may differ by country or area): EN-EL9 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, MH-23 Quick Charger, UC-E4 USB Cable, DK-20 Rubber Eyecup, AN-DC1 Camera Strap, BF-1A Body Cap , DK-5 Eyepiece Cap, BS-1 Accessory Shoe Cover, Software Suite CD-ROM

The camera is due in March and will be priced at a price TBD.