Canon announced some exciting things today like 3 new lenses and the first DSLR to break the 20 megapixel barrier. But what seems to have grabbed most people's attention is the new D40 mid-level DSLR with 10.1-megapixel resolution, JPEGs or 17 RAW files at 6.5fps, nine autofocus points, self-cleaning sensor, 3-inch LCD and "a live-view function that works in a similar way to Canon's higher-end EOS 1-D Mark III, with the ability to both display a live image and output it to a monitor."

The D40 is expected to ship in September with a street price of $1299 for body only or $1499 for the kit which includes the 28mm-135mm IS lens

Canon Lens Review is an ever growing database of reviews for Canon lenses. The reviews are very detailed and give lots of useful information to help you make the best decision for your lens dollars.

It's the time of year to make the photographers and photography lovers in your world very happy by gifting material goods their way. Or it's the time of year to reward yourself for being very, very good. Either way enjoy Exposure's Holiday Gift Guide and spread the photography love.

Note that the gift guide is presented as an Amazon.com store. Any sales through the guide will support Exposure with a tiny percentage of the sale.

B&H is getting a jump on the annual day after Thanksgiving shopping rush by offering up a Pre-Black Friday Sale. Interesting deals include a Canon Digital Rebel XT with lens for $649.95 (1GB CF card included), Canon SD600 for $224.95 (1GB SD card included), Nikon D50 with lens for $549.95.

The war for the all mighty Holiday dollars has started in the camera department. Nikon launched a spirited attack last week with news of it's brand new D40 with a street price of $599.95 for body and lens Canon doesn't have a new camera to launch but that doesn't mean they're staying out of the game this holiday season. Instead they're dropping the price of their immensely popular digital Rebel XTi to $599.95 for the body or $699.95 for the body and lens kit. It's going to be a very merry Christmas for camera shoppers.

It's time for Canon's annual amateur football photography contest. Submit your best football shots from pee wee leagues to high school (no college or pro). The grand prize is a trip to the Super Bowl and a trip to the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony. 1st Place winners get a new Digital Rebel XTi among other prizes.

Tags: photography, photography contest, canon

Aaron dropped word that B&H (one of my favorite camera gear spots) has an even better deal on the Digital Rebel XT than J&R. The B&H package includes a Sandisk 1GB Ultra II CompactFlash Card. Camera body, 18-55mm EF-S Lens and CF card sell for $794.95. Your $100 mail in rebate makes the total $794.95. It's an outstanding deal.

J&R Music and Computer World is currently running a fantastic special on the Canon Digital Rebel XT Kit (including 18-55mm Lens). Base price is $784.99, minus $100 Canon mail in rebate.

The "Cash In With Canon" mail in rebate campaign has returned. Rebates are good for select purchases made between April 1 and July 15, 2006. Though only two dslr bodies (Digital Rebel XT and 5D) qualify for rebates there is a good selection of lenses. If you're thinking about buying new glass why not buy in the next few months and get a rebate? (Rebate Form PDF)

Amazon.com has put together a handy list of qualified cameras, lenses, accessories and binoculars (?).

On my personal list of things I'd buy right now to score the rebates on, if I had the money?

Canon EF 50mm f1.4 It's a little extravagant since I already have the 50mm f1.8 but I still want it

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 This seems like a perfect portrait lens

Canon Speedlite 580EX Flash