The new PENTAX K100D is compatible with any PENTAX lens ever produced and featuring Shake Reduction. Picture a large 2.5 inch LCD monitor with 210,000 pixel resolution and a friendly Mode Dial offering Auto Picture and Picture modes as well as new Scene modes for even simpler photography. The 6.1 megapixel APS-C size CCD and sophisticated 16-segment multi-pattern metering delivers outstanding image reproduction, while the bright, high-precision PENTAX mirror viewfinder features with 0.85X magnification. All these features combine in a compact design with high-rigidity stainless-steel chassis that is built to last. Here’re the detail features:

• 6.1 MP APS-C size CCD with high-performance imaging engine and advanced image-processing technologies
• High-precision SAFOX VIII 11-point auto focus (9 cross-type sensors) system with single and continuous AF
• Sensitivity equivalent to ISO 200 to 3200 with an auto mode that takes advantage of the entire range
• Mode Dial includes the standard Exposure Modes, Auto Picture Mode, Picture Modes, and now Scene Modes
• Large 2.5-inch LCD monitor with 210,000 pixel resolution, wide viewing angle and 12 time zoom
• Sophisticated 16-segment multi-pattern metering determines the optimal exposure settings

Website : Pentax K100D product information

Website : Pentax K110D product information

As a reader and a Photography Enthusiasts, you are invited to share your own news and experiences related to DSLR photography; share your news, ideas, photo tips/techniques, your pictures… This is where we share our love for photography and introduce to each other her unique elements. Submit your story here and feel free to contact us anytime.[newline]

The Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 EX DG Lens is a well-built, well-spec’d lens with a decent price. It does not outperform (physically or optically) Canon’s similarly spec’d EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens, but it costs less than half as much. The Lens is solidly built but pays some penalty in the form of size and weight. Measuring 3.5″ x 4.5″ (88.7 x 115.5 mm) and weighing 25.2 oz (715 g), the Sigma is still smaller and lighter than Canon’s 24-70 L which measures 3.3″ x 4.9″ (83.2 x 123.5 mm) and weighs 32 oz (950 g). Extended, the length difference between the two lenses increases slightly. The Sigma is at its shortest around 60mm and longest at 24mm focused closely as it extends a small amount with focusing. Here’s the conclusoin of the review:
“The Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 EX DG Lens is sharpest at the wide end of its focal length range. At 24/28mm, the 24-70 is very sharp in the center at f/3.2. However, performance gets progressively worse as the focal length is increased. To me, 70mm f/2.8 is not usable on this lens. At 70mm f/4, center performance becomes useable. Corners (1.6x FOVCF corners included) need an extra stop at all focal lengths to become very good - generally becoming very nice at f/5.6.

…If the prices were the same, I don’t think anyone would choose the Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 EX DG Lens over the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L USM Lens. But, the Sigma is less than half the price of the Canon. And for that reason, many people are willing to overlook the physical and optical quality differences between these two lenses.”

Website :  Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8 EX DG Lens Review from TheDigitalPicture

Olympus has released firmware version 1.1 for the EVOLT E-330. The update enables:

• Improved image quality of 10x enlargement in Live-View B mode (macro live view).
• Live-View B mode (macro live view) can be used in underwater macro mode and underwater wide mode. (Only when the mode dial is customized.)
• Changes made to Korean Language.

Download : Olympus Unveils E-330 Firmware Update Version 1.1

Lenmar Enterprises, Inc. announces the new DLC-2L as a replacement battery for the Canon Digital Rebel XT. The Lenmar DLC-2L Li-Ion battery packs a large capacity of 750mHa.

“Higher capacity means more images. Lenmar estimates that usage is good for about 525 images on a full charge. Although this will vary on settings, conditions, and other camera functions,” says new Lenmar marketing/PR manager T.J. Miller. He adds that the Lenmar DLC-2L is considered a great power upgrade over the standard Canon NB-2L (570mHa), and also over the new Canon NB-2LH (720mHa)

The DLC-2L comes with a three year warranty and has a street price of $34.99.

Website : Lenmar Develops Replacement Battery for Canon Digital Rebel XT

Adobe Systems Inc., San Jose, Calif., USA, released an update to Adobe Photoshop 9. The Adobe Photoshop 9.0.1 (CS2) update fixes a number of problems discovered after Photoshop CS2 (9.0) was released. According to Adobe, the most significant fixes in the 9.0.1 release include the following:

• Photoshop no longer hangs for several seconds when using painting tools with quick strokes.
• A runtime error that could appear when mousing over a high-res document with the Brush tool has been fixed.
• Documents containing a large number of text layers now open more quickly.
• Problems related to palettes (slow redraw, palettes go white, possible crash) have been addressed.
• TIFF files from certain scanners can now be opened correctly.
• After editing an image in Photoshop CS2 via the TouchUp tool in Adobe Acrobat software, the image no longer gets repositioned.
• XMP metadata from AI and PDF files is now retained in Photoshop.
• Slow performance when toggling layer visibility has been fixed.
• Info palette numbers are now displayed and updated when moving a curve point in Curves via the cursor keys.
• Problems opening certain TIFF and PSB files greater than 2GB have been resolved.
• The Merge to HDR command now functions properly when using high-ASCII characters in user login.

Website : Adobe Photoshop 9.0.1 (CS2) updates

Camera Bits has released Photo Mechanic 4.4.3. Formerly available in beta, the final version is now available for download. The update is free to registered users. New features in Version 4:

• Scalable contact sheets – zoom in to see the details or zoom out to see a lot of photos.
• Compare the photos side by side – easily find the best of similar shots.
• Multi-prococessor support – if you’ve got them, we use them to go faster.
• Smart color management – chooses and sets the correct profile for supported cameras. You see colors correctly and Photoshop® doesn’t have to ask questions.[newline]

Website : Camera Bits has released Photo Mechanic 4.4.3

Website : Photo Mecahnic 4.3 Review by Rob Galbraith

Could this be the upcoming Sony ‘Alpha’ DSLR? This looks real to me. What do you think?