From DCRP:

Olympus has released new firmware updates for their E-3 and E-510 digital SLRs, plus the 70-300 mm Zuiko lens. Here’s what you’ll get by installing the updates:

E-3 DSLR body:

• Dial operation on the power grip HLD-4 has been improved. The relationship between the rotation of the dial and the movement direction of the AF target has been optimized.
• Battery check function has been improved to extend shooting time when the power grip HLD-4 is attached.
• Focusing now stops immediately when the AF start button (AEL/AFL or Fn button) is released.
• Improved performance with the FL-50R or FL-36R flash units when undertaking bounce flashes at short distances.
• The selection and prioritization of the central five ranging points when shooting in C-AF mode and dynamic-single target mode has been improved.

E-3 DSLR and E-510 DSLR bodies:

• Image stabilization is now available for OM mount non-Four Thirds System interchangeable lenses.

Zuiko 70mm-300mm Digital Specific™ Lens:

• Stabilized exposure precision

The firmware for all of these can be updated with the Olympus Master or Studio software.

Dpreview has a brief look at the new DSLR from Samsung, the GX-20.

The GX-20 is Samsung’s fourth digital SLR produced in association with Pentax, and - slight styling and menu differences aside - is essentially the same camera as the Pentax K20D launched last night. Although pricing is obviously fairly fluid in this market the GX-20 is expected to sell for slightly less than the K20D. There’s not a huge amount to say about the GX-20 that doesn’t apply to the K20D, so we’ll mainly stick to looking at the differences on this page.

As with the K20D this is a case of ‘evolution’ rather than ‘revolution’ compared to the GX-10 (which was a Pentax K10D doppleganger). The key changes are the new higher resolution sensor and, this being 2008, Live Preview.

Key features

• 14.6M, APS-C size Samsung CMOS Sensor
• Optical Image Stabilization (OIS)
• Dual Dust Reduction System (Dust reduction by shake & Special coating)
• Sealed build with 72 different points (Semi water & dust proof)
• Live view (Digital Preview)
• 2.7” Large wide Color TFT LCD (230,000 pixels)
• X sync. terminal for external Flash
• Enhanced Digital filter (HDR - High Dynamic Range & Pixel Mapping)
• Professional RAW Converting S/W

 
Press release below.

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., January 23, 2008 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced the launch of two new telephoto lenses for use with its EOS SLR cameras: the EF200mm f/2L IS USM^*/** and the EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM^*/**, the world’s longest focal length lens with an Optical Image Stabilizer system.^*** The Company, which exhibited prototypes of the lenses during PhotoPlus Expo in New York last October, is launching them at the PMA tradeshow (booth E101) at the Las Vegas Convention Center, January 31 to February 2.

“The development of these two new lenses continues to show how Canon actively responds to the imaging needs of our professional and advanced amateur customers. We are proud to provide the right equipment to help photographers capture the best and brightest images under all conditions,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.

The EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM and EF200mm f/2L IS USM are professional L-Series lenses that incorporate the latest generation of Canon’s high-performance Optical Image Stabilizer system (OIS), giving them a stabilization effect equivalent to a shutter speed four settings faster. In addition, they feature optical systems utilizing fluorite and UD lens elements to provide excellent chromatic aberration correction for high-resolution, high-contrast shooting performance. Both lenses use only lead-free glass, and also incorporate lightweight yet durable magnesium alloy lens barrels with enhanced resistance to moisture and dust.

The Canon EF200mm f/2L IS USM is an exceptionally sharp lens that is significantly lighter (2520g/5.5 lbs. vs. 3000g/6.6 lbs.) than its predecessor, the renowned EF200mm f/1.8L USM lens, while adding OIS and a weather-resistant design. Ideal for all kinds of low-light photography including portraiture as well as indoor sports, the EF200mm f/2L IS USM has a close-focus setting of 1.9 m/6.2 feet and a circular aperture system that enhances its background blur rendition at wide apertures.

The Canon EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM is not only the longest focal length lens available with OIS, it is also virtually the same physical size as the EF600mm f/4L IS USM (461mm vs. 456mm), while weighing nearly 2 lbs. less (4500g/9.9 lbs. vs. 5360g/11.8 lbs.). These outstanding features were made possible by the use of a lightweight magnesium alloy lens barrel construction and a state-of-the-art super-telephoto optical system featuring 2 fluorite elements as well as Super UD and UD glass elements. The EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM is well-suited for a wide variety of long-range photo applications such as wildlife and nature photography as well as sports and documentary photojournalism.

The new Canon EF200mm f/2L IS USM is scheduled to be available in April at an estimated retail price of $5,999.00 and the new Canon EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM is scheduled to be available in May for an estimated retail price of $11,999.00.