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

Popular Photography is reporting that the Nikon D40 isn't backward compatible with a most older Nikkor lenses.

During our current lab test (results to be published in the March 2007 issue and online in February 2007) we discovered that the D40 isn't fully backward compatible with most older Nikkor lenses! Sure, you can attach them to the D40, but autofocus won't work unless the lens is a relatively new, digital-only AF-S or ED-IF series. (These both differ from older Nikkors because they have the AF motor built in to the lens body).

If the D40 is going to be your first DSLR this doesn't really affect you but if you've got a bag full of older Nikon glass or would like the option of buying used Nikon glass this is a serious concern.

Tags: photography, nikon, nikon d40

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.

Nikon is intent on bringing digital slr cameras to the masses. Their latest entry into the DLSR market, the just announced Nikon D40 is rumored to have a street price of around $500 for the body and lens kit (3x 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens included). The D40 will have a 6.1-megapixel sensor, 2.5-inch LCD screen, ISO range of 200 to 1600 and lots of other Nikon bells and whistles.

Image courtesy of Nikon.

With a great headline, The Nikon Before Christmas, PopPhoto spilled the beans about Nikon's Select & Save Triple Rebate Program (PDF). They're offering some great rebates on lenses and flashes in particular. These are some really great deals if you or someone you love is in the market for some new gear this holiday season.

More news from Pentax on the K10D. On the the UK version of their website they've posted full size sample images from the anxiously anticipated new camera. The images don't disappoint.

via Rob Galbraith

Tags: photography, Pentax, K10D, dslr

Another stroke of brilliant camera advertising comes our way from Pentax. They've released a video show and tell of their new 10.2 megapixelK10D (to be released in early November). In the video Pentax employee John Carlson spends a little time in the gorgeous stream/river that runs behind the Pentax offices in Colorado. While hanging out in the elements he discusses the K10D's new anti-shake technology (offering a 2.5 to 4 stop advantage depending on lens focal length), dust removal system, rapid shooting rate (3fps to card capacity for jpegs, 3fps up to 9 frames for RAW) , extensive weather protection built into the camera and the fact that any Pentax lens ever made will fit the K10D body. If this camera performs as well as its features and specs indicate the K10D will be a very welcome addition to the prosumer dsrl market.

Estimated street price for the K10D body is $900. If Pentax offers a sweet deal on body & lens combo purchases or even a respectable discount on that $900 price tag then the K10D may be the hot dslr this holiday shopping season.

Tags: photography, Pentax, K10D, dslr

Nikon gave their new D80 dslr camera to a group of Flickr users. The users shot with the D80s and many of their shots have been turned into a brilliant ad campaign called stunning nikon. Nikon did themselves a great service with this campaign. Word of mouth and in the case of photography, visual evidence, is far more persuasive than any traditional sales or marketing campaign. Other camera makers should learn from Nikon's example (I totally volunteer to test any and all Canon or Pentax cameras or equipment).

via Jaffe Juice

Tags: photography, Nikon, d80, Flickr