While 6 megapixels looks to be the most popular megapixel mark for many camera makers, there are many 7-, 8- and even a few 10-megapixel camera models are being introduced at PMA 2006.

Cameras offering more than 6 megapixels and models that include customizable capabilities aimed at general consumers may be a bridge into the advanced amateur market of digital SLRs. Some of these cameras also include lens accessories, more typical of digital or film SLRs.

On these above 6-megapixel models, new adjustments and additions in flash systems, ISO settings, and new image stabilization technology are being featured in order to reduce noise and image blur. These features, similiar to what advanced amateurs look for in digital SLR capabilites, aim to execute more accurate camera exposures, especially in dimly lighted situations, meaning more naturally lighted photos with fewer washed out images. These cameras also offer consumers the opportunity to customize more settings for increased creative control, as well as simplified menus and even resolution guides to help consumers determine the best print size for an image.

Canon is doing well last week with two DSLR cameras that raise in ranking - Canon 350D and Canon 20D. The Canon 20D is selling well most likely due to price drop or promotion to prepare for the upcoming launch of the new Canon 30D. It will be interesting to see how the ranking will change in the upcoming weeks with the release of the new Canon 30D camera.

2006/02/13 ～ 2006/02/19 Japan Most Popular Digital Camera Ranking

The two DSLR cameras that raise in ranking last week are the Canon 350D and Nikon D50. The rest are staying the same with Nikon D200 as the most popular DSLR camera in Japan.

2006/02/06 ～ 2006/02/12 Japan Most Popular Digital Camera Ranking

The research firm, InfoTrends, released the North American Professional Photography Market study. According to the study, there are over 131,000 professional photographers in North America , and they spend nearly $800 million a year on cameras, lenses, printers, ink and media, software, and other accessories. Approximately 65% of these professional photographers use film cameras for some of their shoots, however, InfoTrends’ estimates that 70% of all professional photos are taken with digital cameras. The study indicates that by the end of the decade, 90% of professional pictures will be taken with digital cameras, and less than 40% of professional photographers will still use film cameras. Pro photographers continue to purchase new digital cameras and backs as performance improves; however, falling prices are keeping overall camera revenue flat.

“The transition to digital is changing the economics and profile of the professional photography industry,” commented Jeff Hayes, Group Director at InfoTrends. “Digital technology is lowering the barriers to entry and increasing competition. Successful pro photographers in the future will have more automated workflows from capture through publishing, establish a strong Web presence, and diversify their offering to include more post-capture products and services.”

Website : InfoTrends press release

The new digital SLR sensor cleaning tool is designed to combine the cleaning prowess of the company’s Sensor Brush with the ability to rid itself of any accumulated guck between swipes of the imager cover glass. To do this with the Sensor Brush, a can of compressed air is required to blow out the bristles and charge them for next use; the Arctic Butterfly accomplishes the same thing by rapidly twirling its built-in brush.

Visible Dust’s Fariborz Degan, the inventor of both Sensor Brush and Arctic Butterfly, says that while the new product’s spinning action cleans and charges its bristles slightly more effectively than the canned air approach, the main reason for the Arctic Butterfly’s development was to give travelling photographers a sensor cleaning option that didn’t require compressed air to be toted along in addition to a brush.

Website : Visible Dust adds Arctic Butterfly to sensor cleaning line

Website : Purchasethe Visible Dust at B&H