Leica Announce M8, D-LUX 4 and C-LUX 3

Leica has announce a trio of digital cameras today. The cameras include the C-LUX 3, D-LUX 4 and the M8.2. The C-LUX 3, is a compact pocket-sized digicam that features 10-megapixel sensor, 25 to 125mm 5x optical zoom lens, all-metal chassis, optical image stabilization, face detection and a 2.5-inch LCD monitor. Available in black or white from October 2008, the LEICA C-LUX 3 will have an SRP of £420. The D-LUX 4, is a 10.1-megapixel compact camera which can extend its zoom range of 24 to 60-millimeters via lens adapters. It also features a choice of either an additional flash or a 24-millimeter optical viewfinder. Available from October 2008, the LEICA D-LUX 4 will have an SRP of £590. The M8.2, which keeps the current 10.3 megapixel sensor found in the M8 , but also features a new metal blade focal plane shutter, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal coverglass for the LCD, a "snapshot mode," redesigned bright frame lines in viewfinder and a Quick Override setting. The M8.2 should be available this month for an SRP of £3390. Authorised Leica dealers are also offering a £400 Leica M8 trade up incentive which is currently scheduled to end on 30th September 2008.

Polaroid Reveal Future Instant Camera Plans

Polaroid are set to release an digital camera which includes an on-board printer which uses the Zink printing technology. The camera/printer will be able to produce 4 x 3 inch prints. It also looks likePolaroid are looking for consumer feedback on the devices final form factor. Visit amateurphotographer.co.uk for more information.

Samsung Announces New Cameras

Samsung have announced a number of new cameras. Their new NV100HD offers 14.7 megapixels, a 28mm Wide angle lens and can record 720p HD video. It also features a touch screen and has optical image stabilization. The new NV9 features a 5x optical zoom, 10.2 megapixel sensor and has the capability to play MP3 music files. The new Samsung L310W features a 13.6 megapixel camera and has a 28mm equivalent wide angle lens. Their S1070 compact digital camera, features a 10.2 megapixel sensor, a 3x optical zoom and a 2.7" LCD screen. The L201 is a 10.2 megapixel compact digital camera which feature Samsung's Auto Contrast Balance which will brighten dark areas in high-contrast and back-lit scenes. It can also charge batteries directly in the camera.

Phase One Intro 60 Megapixel Back

Phase One have announced their new P65+ 60 megapixel digital back. This unit is a full frame, 645 medium format back, which can shoot at 1 FPS, an uses a proprietary sensor built. The back will retail at $39,990 and will no doubt only be affordable for industrial level photographers.

Sony Announce 24.81 Megapixel Sensor

Sony have just announced a new full size 35mm based CMOS sensor featuring 24.81 effective megapixels. The new sensor is aimed at future professional-level DSLRs. Sony's patented "Column-Parallel A/D Conversion Technique" is used in the new sensor and is said to achieve high signal to noise ratios even while shooting at the 6.3 - 12-bit frames per second. This new chip looks to be aimed squarely at Pros who are considering a future purchase of something like the Canon 1Ds MkIII. It'll be interesting to see who uses this chip in their cameras.

Nikon Unveil Full Frame D3 & new D300

After what has to be one of the longest waits Nikon released a Full Frame D-SLR, featuring a CMOS based 12.1 megapixel sensor. D3. The D3 is centred around speed and sensitivity, with a base sensitivity of ISO 200 to 6400 and an additional two stop range above that (up to ISO 25600). The D3 can shoot at nine frames per second with AF tracking, and up to eleven frames per second without. The D3 should be available in November, at around US$5000. Other capabilities included their new EXPEED image processor, a new 51-point AF sensor, color AF tracking, dual CF compartments featuring UDMA support, an amazing 3.0" Live View Display, HDMI video output, and even a virtual horizon function which can tell you when you're holding the D3 level. The D300 also features a 12 megapixel CMOS sensor, albeit a 1.5x FCF, 14-bit A/D conversion, EXPEED image processor, sensitivity up to ISO 6400, HDMI video output, UDMA CF support and the 3.0" Live View Display. The D300 should be available in November, at around US$1800. Visit DPReview for more info...

Canon Announce New Cameras and Lenses

Canon announced a slew of new cameras and lenses, including the 20MP Canon Eos 1Ds Mk III, the 10MP Eos 40D, and the Powershot G9. Other products include the SD (ixus) 950i P&S, the Digital IXUS 860 IS, PowerShot A650 IS and the PowerShot A720 IS. On the optical front they have released an updated version of their EF 14 mm F2.8 L USM lens, and also a couple of EF-s based lenses; the Canon 18-55 mm IS and 55-250 mm IS.

Breeze Systems

Breeze Systems have released Downloader Pro 2.0, which is a major upgrade to their powerful yet simple tool for transferring digital photos from camera to PC. New features in Downloader Pro 2.0, include automatic geo-tagging, the creation of track log files for GPS data, the ability to view thumbnails on a memory card and IPTC XMP data support. Visit Breeze Systems for more info...