Sigma has announced the availability of the their new superzoom lens -18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM- in Sony and Pentax mounts. This lens has been available in Canon, Nikon and Sigma fit for some time. The Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM incorporates a Hybrid Optical Stabilisation system which allows photographers to use the lens’ OS function even if the camera has a built in anti-shake system. If the photographer should switch off the built in stabiliser is he chooses to use the lens’ OS function. I really look forward to see how OS will compare to SSS on my A700, and ofcourse also turn both of them on at the same time just for fun to see how the result will be.

Sigma Press Release

Tamron has announced the release date of the SP AF60mm F/2 Di II APS-C Macro lens, Canon version is the first to come on 25 June in Japan, Nikon and Sony variants will follow soon. SP AF60mm F/2 Di I features 1:1 magnification and maximum aperture of f2, -one stop faster than the F/2.8 maximum aperture found on conventional macro lenses in the same class- , an internal focusing system, full-time manual control and a body mass of only 390 grams. With the maximum aperture of f2, the new Tamron may serve as an ideal portrait lens in my opinion.

Tamron Press Release

Panasonic has announced recommended prices and availability for the Lumix DMC-GH1 Micro Four Thirds camera as a kit with the Lumix G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH/O.I.S. lens. Starting from June 2009, the kit will sell for a suggested retail price of $1499.95 in the US and price of €1550 in Germany (recommended price). Panasonic will sell only the black US, while different European countries will have varying options.

Photos of the new Sony Alpha DSLRs - A230, A330 and A380- are on the SonyStyle Canada website.

No doubt that the announcement is very close. Mix of black and silver color on the new cameras are very cool in my opinion, really attractive for the customers who are looking for an entry level DSLR. It is also obvious that the new lenses have AF/MF switch on the lens body indicating the micromotors (or even SSM).

More Photos:

Redrock Microsystems have announced the Redrock Micro DSLR 2.0 line of cinema accessories for video-enabled DSLRs like Nikon D5000&D90, Canon EOS 5D, T1i/500D and the Panasonic Lumix GH1. Redrock Micro DSLR 2.0 delivers cinema support & accessories for hybrid still and cinema shooting with DSLRs, which are not stable enough and lacks some of the features for shhooting cinema-style production. Redrock’s previous Cinema Bundles were already aimed at resolving these problems, but the DSLR 2.0 accessories provide a more portable, lightweight solution and are more affordable too, as the individual components can be purchased separately, starting at $195. The Redrock Micro DSLR 2.0 products are available now.

Redrock Press Release:

The new Sony HX1 is now available at trusted retailed stores:

Sony Cybershot DSC-HX1 Sony HX1 at Amazon.com for $499

Sony HX1 Press Release:

Rumors for the Pentax K7D are popping around the web in several forums. Based on the ad spot below, the Pentax "K7D" will be coming on May 21, 2009. The price tag is claimed to be around $1.500/€1.500

Below you can find the rumored specs:

For those of you who wonder how the new Nikon compares to entry level D60 and mid-level D90, I have prepared a quick spec comparison table below:

Nikon has announced the new Nikon D5000 DSLR today:

• Nikon D5000 Key Features
• 12.3 megapixels
• ISO 100-6400
• HD video capture (1280 x 720 at a cinematic 24 fps)
• 11-point autofocus
• 100,000-cycle shutter

The D5000 and AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens kit, will be available beginning in late April 2009 at an estimated selling price of $849.95. the D5000 will also be offered as a body only for an estimated selling price of $729.95. For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com

Nikon D5000 Press Release: