Backlit CMOS in New Canon SD4000

The backlit CMOS sensor craze is dipping into more consumer-friendly markets. The Canon PowerShot SD4000 IS was announced with a 10-megapixel sensor and an f/2.0 lens that make up Canon’s “High Sensitivity System.” The SD4000 will be available at the end of this month for $349.
 

Sony Flaunts Big Sensors, Little Bodies on New NEX Cameras

Sony announced its entry into the mirrorless interchangeable lens camera market with the unveiling of the alpha NEX-5 and NEX-3. The new digital cameras share a 14.6-megapixel APS-C-sized CMOS image sensor that Sony flaunts is much larger than its Four Thirds standard competitors. The camera bodies themselves, however, are marketed as miniscule with the NEX-3 being called “the world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens digital camera.”

Ricoh Announces 28-300mm Lens for GXR

Ricoh expanded its GXR system camera offerings with today’s announcement of the Ricoh P10 Lens Module. The P10 comprises a 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 lens and a backlit 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor populated with 10 megapixels; it is the third module announced for the GXR system.

Olympus Improves AF on Pen Series

Olympus announced a firmware update that will quicken the auto focus speed of its Digital Pen series of interchangeable lens cameras. The new update also ensures that the E-P1, E-P2, and E-PL1 are compatible with newer Micro Four Thirds lenses.

Panasonic Adds Two Interchangeable Lens System Cameras

Panasonic announced two new G-series interchangeable lens system cameras, the G2 and G10. Both have the same 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor that was included on the original G1. The G2 adds touch-screen capability to its 3-inch free-angle LCD, making it the first system camera to include the trendy feature. The G10 claims its fame as the “world’s lightest” system camera with a viewfinder.

Pentax W90, X90 Revealed

Pentax unveiled two digital cameras this week, the 26x ultra-zoom Optio X90 and the waterproof W90. The 12-megapixel cameras will go on sale in April with the X90 retailing for $399 and the W90 for $329.

Sigma Updates to DP2s and DP1x

Sigma updated two of its large-sensor compact digital cameras with the announcement of the DP2s and DP1x. The new cameras make several improvements upon their predecessors, including faster autofocus. They will be available this spring.

HP Resurrects its Camera Business

HP made major cutbacks on their digital camera business two years ago and went through a long dry spell without any new releases. The company is making a comeback with the announcement of five new 12.2-megapixel digital cameras on Feb. 19. They are giving camera production a second chance, but will consumers give HP a second chance?

Casio Shows Budget-Friendly Z35, S7

Good news for consumers who are following a tight budget: Casio introduced two new ultra-compact digital cameras priced at $140 and under. The S7 and Z35 have 12.1 megapixels and 3x optical zoom lenses packaged in colorful 0.8-inch thin bodies.