Pentax K-7: a top Pentax DSLR camera now with more affordable than ever with huge savings

Another winner from Pentax announced just before this summer: the Pentax K-7
, is now available with a substantial price saving – up to 44% off!
The Pentax K-7 entered the Pentax range as a high-end model targeted at photo enthusiasts because its complexity made it most suitable for experienced SLR photographers.
Featuring a solid metal body, weatherproof sealing and a wide range of user-adjustable controls, it also supported high-speed continuous shooting at up to 5.2 frames/second and HD video recording at 30 frames/second.
The low-down: This 14.6-megapixel camera came fitted with the Pentax 18-55-millimetre lens. This is at the top of the company’s camera range. It has a magnesium-alloy body and is smaller than the K20D. It is weather-sealed and sports an excellent 920,000-dot LCD and 100 per cent viewfinder. It has an HD movie mode. Image stabilisation is by sensor shift. There are body-top and LCD information displays. All important controls are immediately accessible on the camera body, including a nifty white balance adjustment tool. This white balance tool itself is not unique to Pentax but the accessibility is. Among all the desirable features for serious photography is a killer innovation: true in-camera HDR (high dynamic range) processing.
Like: The in-camera HDR processing works by taking three exposures at widely spaced exposure values and then merging them into a single jpeg. Of course, it can really only work with the camera tripod mounted but that is true of any HDR sequence. The results from the Pentax K-7 are splendid and, unlike some HDR output from Photomatix or Photoshop, completely realistic.
High-quality movie recording at 1280 x 720 pixels; 30-frames-per-second
The Pentax K-7 adds a new movie recording function, extending the benefits of SLR photography to the world of movie shooting: For instance, reduce the depth of field to make the subject stand out, or use different lenses to create distinctive visual effects. Beautiful movie clips can recorded at different sizes–640 x 416 pixels, 1536 x 1024 pixels, or 1280 x 720 pixels (16:9 high-definition TV proportions)–at a frame rate of 30 frames per second. The K-7 is also equipped with an HDMI terminal and an external microphone input terminal for high quality sound to match your videos.
Pentax K-7 Technical Details
- High-resolution, 14.6-megapixel CMOS sensor; compact, magnesium alloy body
- Weather resistant, dustproof, and coldproof (14 degrees F, -10 degrees C)
- Fast 5.2 fps shooting with the new PRIME II Image processing engine; top shutter speed of 1/8000 sec freezes even the fastest action in well-lit settings
- 3-inch LCD; Live View mode, with contrast AF, Face Detection, and optional histogram, grid, and bright/dark area display
- Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
Pentax K-7 is available now (body only) for US $1,031.89
This means you save $822.12 (that’s 44% off regular price!)
Pentax K-x: a colorful, small, powerful 12.4 MP entry-level DSLR fully-equipped with pro-features!

The new colorful digital SLR camera Pentax K-x
combine solid photography performance like Live View function, high quality movie recording, high quality DSLR photographic for all users.
The Pentax K-x DSLR is geared toward entry level users. It has a 12.4MP CMOS sensor and a large number of higher end features. Additionally, the camera will come in black, white, red and navy.
The Pentax K-x continues on the for the Pentax K2000. The K-x has a one-handed shooting design is targeted to users stepping up from a point and shoot digital camera to their first digital SLR.
Along with the 12.4MP CMOS sensor, it has a 2.7 inch LCD screen, Live View, face detection, 720p HD video capabilities shooting at 24p, HDR bracketing, 4.7 fps, 11 point autofocus, and uses AA batteries.
The Pentax K-x DSLR is geared toward entry level users. It has a 12.4MP CMOS sensor and a large number of higher end features. Additionally, the camera will come in black, white, red and navy.
The Pentax K-x continues on the for the Pentax K2000. The K-x has a one-handed shooting design is targeted to users stepping up from a point and shoot digital camera to their first digital SLR. Along with the 12.4MP CMOS sensor, it has a 2.7 inch LCD screen, Live View, face detection, 720p HD video capabilities shooting at 24p, HDR bracketing, 4.7 fps, 11 point autofocus, and uses AA batteries.
Pentax K-x Features & Highlights
- High-resolution 12.4-megapixel CMOS image sensor features sensor-shift Shake Reduction for stabilized image and video capture up to 4 stops max.
- Large 2.7-inch LCD features Live View with contrast, phase difference, and Face Detection autofocus (up to 16 faces).
- Capture widescreen HD video in full 720p resolution (1280×720) at 24fps cinematic framerate, using any Pentax 35mm lens.
- Highly compact DSLR body design allows for 1 handed operation and comfort when travelling.
- Powerful automatic modes, including Pentax Auto Picture and scene modes, ensure the perfect shot in any situation, while helping new photographers learn DSLR photography.
- Creative processing and filter modes produce high quality finished images, while offering the ability to explore artistic freedom through unique special effects.
- True HDR image capture blends 3 bracketed images into a single picture with outstanding shadow, highlight, and midrange detail.
- Fast 4.7fps capture speed and 1/6000 second maximum shutter speeds are possible with the Pentax PRIME II image processing engine.
- Responsive 11-point wide-angle SAFOX VIII autofocus system focuses quickly and accurately, and can easily track moving subjects.
- Capture up to 1900 shots with universally available, easy-to-find AA lithium batteries (also compatible with AA NiMH rechargeable and alkaline batteries).
- Expanded ISO range covers sensitivities from 100-12800 for extreme low light photography.
The Pentax K-x is available now for US $ 649.95!
Nikon deal! Purchase the new Nikon D300s and save 50% off the pocket-powerful Nikon Coolpix S710!
For a limited time, purchase Nikon’s next-generation D300s digital SLR and save 50% on the powerful, pocket-sized Coolpix S710.
Here’s some clue on this bast-Nikons-deal!
Nikon D300s

The Nikon D300s
updates the excellent D300 as Nikon’s flagship DX format DSLR. It combines the performance and handling panache of its predecessor with high-definition video capability.
The Nikon D300 made a impressionable impact when it was first launched 2 years ago making it the semi-professional DSLR to beat. And in many respects it is still the camera to beat in that class. After 2 years, Nikon deemed it is time to up the ante, which most notably includes support for 720p video capture, and launched the D300S. The D300S will replace the D300 the same way the D70S replaced the D70 and it is looking to hold on to that high-end non-full frame slot for a long time.
Design
In line with tradition, the Nikon D300s
looks just like its older counterpart. The most notable addition is the three small holes just underneath the model number which is a microphone, a feature last seen in the D90.
Many of the new features on the Nikon D300s
are those that are already featured on recent Nikon DSLRs like virtual horizon from the D3 and movies from the D90. But one genuine new feature is the inclusion of contrast-detection autofocus that operates while in movie mode. This is a first for a Nikon DSLR.
There are some changes to the connection ports on the left. The HDMI output is now a mini HDMI port with a smaller Type-C specification.
Also new are twin card slots – one Type I CompactFlash and one SD/SDHC – with a full complement of write options. Either slot can be designated the primary one, with the secondary slot used for Backup (each photo is written to both cards) or Overflow (when the primary card is full the camera switches to writing to the secondary card). In addition, the Nikon D300s
can be configured to store NEFs on one and JPEGs on the other, plus photos can be copied between the cards too. Also interesting is the support for the newer Wi-Fi capable memory cards.
Many changes can also be found on the back where there is a repositioned “Lv” button which activates the Live view feature. Just below that is the “Info” which brings the Nikon D300s
up to the same level of usability as the D90. The dedicated “Info” button is extremely useful in that it lets you get to every camera setting and menu item using only your right hand.
Performance
The Nikon D300S is responsive and the improved frame rate is also a bonus. Still image focusing is fast and the AF viewfinder confirmation display is superb, the improved frame advance rate helps with fleeting subjects but seems to suffer when shooting uncompressed RAW files.
Metering and white balance are almost flawless. In terms of white balance, using auto WB setting seems to have a slight orange cast, but if you pick the correct WB setting for the picture by using a custom setting, the D300S renders natural looking images. Metering is excellent with the 3D Color Matrix.
In terms of image noise, shots in near darkness at ISO 1600 provide images with a good balance between image detail and noise. However, pushing ISO to 6400 results in images with an obvious level of noise.
Nikon Coolpix S710

The Nikon Coolpix S710
is a 14.5 megapixel digital camera. It has a 3.6x wide angle lens. One advantage it has over other smaller compacts is the fact it also has manual exposure modes. Other features include image stabilisation and a 3 inch LCD screen.
The Nikon Coolpix S710 is a compact that’s suited to night-time photography. Not only does it feature a 3-inch LCD screen that’s bright and easy to view in low light, but it also comes equipped with a generously high ISO of up to 12800 (allowing you to capture images in lower light without the need for flash) as well a Vibration Reduction feature to cut down on unsightly image wobble.
Nikon + Nikon deal: how to apply!
Save $120 and get a Sony Alpha A330Y DSLR w/18-55 and 55-200 lenses kit!

The Sony Alpha A330
is a new 10.2 megapixel DSLR camera featuring a restyled external design and enhanced user interface, both intended to make it easier to use for people new to SLR photography.
Replacing the A300 model, the Sony Alpha A330 retains all of its predecessor’s key features, with a 2.7 inch tilting LCD screen, impressively quick Live View mode, anti-dust system, ISO range of 100-3200, anti-shake that’s built into the body, eye-start auto-focus and Dynamic Range Optimiser.
Sitting in the middle of the Sony Alpha range above the entry-level A230 and and below the 14 megapixel A380, the Sony Alpha A330 retails now for US $ 679.99 , saving you US $ 120.00 (15%) including in the kit two lenses: 18-55mm and 55-200mm!
Panasonic GF1: a serious competitor for Olympus E-P1 micro four-thirds compact camera

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1
is a 12.1-megapixel Micro Four Thirds camera, which offers a more compact form factor than its predecessors, the G1 and GH1. The Lumix GF1 looks more like the Olympus E-P1; however the GF1 also offers a pop-up flash, a feature that I sorely missed on the Olympus E-P1.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1’s Venus Engine HD records stunning high-resolution 12-megapixel images using its advanced Live MOS Sensor. This sophisticated LSI circuit separates chromatic noise from luminance noise and applies the optimal noise reduction to each, helping to capture clear and beautiful images even when shooting at high ISO levels.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 also comes fully-equipped with a built-in flash and a large, 3.0-inch Intelligent LCD with a wide viewing angle and a 460,000-dot resolution. The Intelligent LCD offers automatic backlight control, which when combined with its high-resolution, helps improve visibility in all light environments – from sunny outdoors to low-light interior settings.
New for the LUMIX G Series, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 is compatible with an optional Live View Finder (DMW-LVF1), which provides the full-time live view function boasting 100% field of view regardless of the attached lens. To further expand the LUMIX G Series system, Panasonic Micro Four Thirds digital cameras can be used with Four Thirds System interchangeable lenses via an optional mount adaptor DMW-MA1 and with the prestigious Leica M/R lenses using Panasonic’s DMW-MA2M DMW-MA3R. These adapters give the user access to the unlimited number of lens properties.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 will be available in early October 2009 with the option of two kits – both with a suggested retail price (SRP) of $899.95. One kit option includes the newly-announced LUMIX G 20mm/F1.7 ASPH, a compact and lightweight “pancake” lens, while the other kit features the LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. The optional Live View Finder DMW-LVF1 has an SRP of $199.95; while the DMW-MA2M and DMW-MA3R both have an SRP of $249.95. All new accessories will also be available in early October.
Canon PowerShot D10: cool summerproof and waterproof camera!

The Canon PowerShot D10
represents Canon’s first foray into the all-action world of adventure cameras.
The Canon PowerShot D10 is waterproof up to 10 meters / 33-feet deep, freeze proof from -10°C / 14 degrees Fahrenheit, shockproof up to 1.22 meters / 4 feet, and is fully protected from dust.
More regular features include a 12 megapixel sensor, 3x zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilization, 2.5 inch LCD screen, and new Smart AUTO, Blink Detection and FaceSelf-Timer modes.
The Canon PowerShot D10 has relatively few external controls, 14 in total, which reflects the fact that this is quite a simple camera in functionality terms, with only limited photographic control on offer. All the controls are clearly labeled using industry-standard symbols and terminology. As this camera will spend quite a lot of its life underwater, it thankfully has large On/Off and Shutter buttons, and the optical zoom is operated by buttons on the rear, rather than a more fiddly push/pull lever. We would have liked the zoom buttons to have been a little bigger though for quicker access in more unfamiliar shooting environments.

Virtually all of Canon’s compact digicams offer a few little known but advanced functions, and the Canon PowerShot D10
is no exception. These well-kept secrets, which you usually only learn about if you read the user guide attentively, include auto-focus lock (AFL), autoexposure lock (AEL) and flash exposure lock (FEL). To lock the focus on a subject for a series of consecutive shots, press the Left button on the four-way pad once while holding the shutter release depressed halfway. To lock the ambient exposure, do the same with the Up button. Flash exposure lock is achieved the same way when the flash is set to Forced On. AEL is available in Program, Quick Shot and Movie modes (you needn’t hold down the shutter release for AEL when you are in Movie mode though).
A unique accessory kit with Canon PowerShot D10 12.1 MP Waterproof Digital Camera, additional battery, 8GB SD card, case and tripod is now US $ 349.95 (that’s 24% off its regular price!)
Nikon Coolpix L100: easy, compact and with super 15x zoom lens, perfect holidays partner

It goes like this: the Nikon Coolpix L100
is a “bridge-style” camera that combines ease of shooting with the compositional freedom of a 15x zoom lens that covers everything from 28mm wide-angle to 420mm super-telephoto shooting.
As part of the ‘Life’ series, the Nikon Coolpix L100 sits in the Nikon range towards the bottom end. Still, a 10Mp sensor and 15x optical zoom aren’t anything to be sniffed at. On the surface it does seem that the only reason this camera was released was to satisfy the consumers who wanted a big zoom and nothing else.
The Nikon Coolpix L100 holds in a 15x optical zoom with Vibration Reduction for the zoom and distortion control for the wide shots.
On the back is the expected 3in LCD screen and very little else for simplicity’s sake.
Again, a few buttons are sat to the right of the screen for changing the mode you’re in or selecting macro, flash and drive options. The main modes are brought up for selection when you press the camera button. Easy auto makes everything point and shoot to a level I don’t normally experience. In this mode, the main menu allows you to change the resolution. That’s basically it for that mode, if you want to do anything else, you’ll have to choose the normal auto mode found at the bottom of the list.
There are only fourteen modes in the scene menu which is a little unusual for a camera that essentially takes control away from you. This could be down to the predictive auto systems that all cameras are having installed in them since Panasonic developed it. It works in the normal auto system and detects what type of photograph you’re taking then adjusts the mode the camera is in to suit. Of course, it can’t tell when you’re in a museum so there’s an option for that in the scene selections.
Looking at the menu and it’s just as simple as the rest of the Nikon Coolpix L100.
In auto mode there’s only two tabs to choose from for recording options and set up. You can also change the resolution, white balance, drive modes, colour options and take advantage of the distortion control. This could be a distinct advantage with the wide angle lens as it will cause distortion otherwise they wouldn’t include the feature on the camera.
Full info on Nikon’s L100 page.
It’s an all-time compact and easy camera: the Nikon Coolpix L100 retails for US $ 239.95, give it a try!
Olympus E-P1 Micro Four Thirds Rangefinder-style Camera First Thoughts and First Specs

Olympus has introduced their first Micro Four Thirds camera – the Olympus PEN E-P1
.
The compact new Olympus PEN E-P1 has a 12.3-megapixel sensor and it’s Olympus’ first changeable lens camera to offer a movie mode (720p HD).
The Micro Four Thirds format was announced last August and since then we’ve been anxiously waiting to find out what Olympus would do with it. Panasonic has introduced two Micro Four Thirds cameras, the Lumix G1 and the GH1 with HD video. But until now, the only Micro Four Thirds action we’ve seen from Olympus was behind glass at tradeshows. But now there’s an Olympus Micro Four Thirds camera we can bank on – and it’s not just a list of specs and features, either.
Olympus PEN E-P1 Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera
The Olympus PEN E-P1 was named in honor of the fiftieth anniversary of the Olympus Pen half-frame film camera. The lines of the E-P1’s sleek metal body are an obvious nod to that heritage. And like the Olympus Pen-Series, the Micro Four Thirds format E-P1 offers high-performance in a smaller camera body. Basically, the Micro Four Thirds format eliminates the SLR mirror so the camera and lenses can be smaller and lighter (for more on the Micro Four Thirds format, read our Micro Four Thirds Introduction article).The Olympus PEN E-P1
’s stainless steel and aluminum body is comparable in size to a 35mm rangefinder and has a solid, metallic feel that traditionalists will love. Unlike the Panasonic Lumix G-Series Micro Four Thirds cameras, which have electronic viewfinders (EVF), the Olympus E-P1 only uses only a 3-inch, 230k-pixel LCD for viewing and composing, allowing them to make the camera even smaller. That allowed Olympus to make the E-P1 the smallest 12-megapixel digital camera with changeable lenses. It’s as if you chopped the top off one of the smallest digital SLRs and then squished the body front to back (see below). Lens diameters are also smaller and less glass makes the camera even lighter. The Olympus PEN E-P1
’s size feels closer to high-end compacts like the Canon G10 than a digital SLR. But the EP-1’s 12-megapixel Four Thirds sensor is much larger than the G10’s and can deliver far better image quality.
There is one detail to note about image quality – the new True Pic V image processor is supposed to have a significantly better signal-to-noise ratio and that should mean better high-ISO image quality (the E-P1 maxes out at ISO 6400). Since the Four Thirds sensor is smaller than APS-C sensors in most DSLRs, it’s a bit much to expect the E-P1 (as well as Four Thirds digital SLRs) to match their image quality. The E-P1 has an image-stabilized sensor so image stabilization is available regardless of the lens you use.
If you’ve got Leica M-rangefinder lenses you can get a Micro Four Thirds M-mount adapter and you’ll be able to shoot image-stabilized photos with Leica glass on the E-P1.
Excellent reference to the Olympus E-P1 can be found here:
- DPReview, excellent as always,
- CNET’s test, from which the above video
- DigitalCameraReview,
The Olympus PEN E-P1 is available for ordering now and is priced US $ 799.99.
Pentax Optio W80: tough, shock- and waterproof like no other digital camera!
Pentax has launched its latest waterproof camera promising to let you “go boldly where none have gone before.”

Called the Pentax Optio W80
, the update to the Optio W60
will be more adventure-proof than ever, according to Pentax, and be waterproof, dustproof, coldproof, and now shockproof enough to withstand impact from a fall of more than 3 feet (1 metre), as it plays catch up to Olympus’ successful tough series of cameras.
On the tough specs, the Pentax Optio W80’s waterproof design withstands depths of up to 5 metres, letting you shoot photos and video for up to 2 hours underwater. On dry land, the rugged, shockproof design protects against drops of up to 1m. That coldproof badge means the camera can to be used in sub-freezing temperatures of 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celsius).
On the camera specs you get 12.1 megapixels, a 5x internal optical zoom (equivalent to 28-140mm), a slim body and a wide angle 28mm lens. There’s also a 2.5-inch LCD screen and HD movie capture capabilities that record resolutions up to 1280 x 720 pixels at full-speed 30fps.
There is also fast face detection that sees up to 32 faces in 0.03 seconds, with smile capture and blink detection, for perfect portrait shots.
Available in cardinal red, azure blue and gunmetal grey, the Pentax Optio W80 will be available in July 2009 for US $299.95 in the US with an expected UK price of around £170 and is available now for pre-order
.
Sleek and sexy: Nikon Coolpix S60 10MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical VR Zoom
The Nikon Coolpix S60 is the newest generation of ‘point and snap’ camera, a perfect travel mate!

Roughly the same size (though twice as thick) as the revolutionary iPhone, the appearance and ergonomics of Nikon’s Coolpix S60 will be reassuringly familiar to Apple aficionados.
While the S60 comes equipped with a somewhat standard feature set, what makes it an easy, fun camera to shoot and show is its intuitive and responsive 3.5-inch touchscreen viewfinder.
Some of the features include a massive 10 mega pixel resolution which will enable you to print fantastic quality pictures of up to 16 x 20 inches as well as a 5x optical zoom lens with ‘VR image stabilization’. It has a 3.5 inch high resolution touch panel LCD screen and automatically adjusts the ISO up to 3200. One of the other great things is that you can save to an expandable memory slot in the form of SD/SDHC.
The Nikon Coolpix S60 is small enough to slip into a pocket and has a slightly longer than standard 5x zoom lens for this type of camera.
This is a very good looking camera and has obviously been built for easy usage with the 20MB of internal memory, SD card expansion slot and JPEG, AVI and WAV formats.
The Nikon Coolpix S60 has VR image stabilization which reduces camera shake as well as smile shutter and blink warning which will let you know when a subjects eyes are closed so you can retake the picture.
The Nikon Coolpix S60 is inline with a lot of other smaller digital cameras when you increase the ISO rating. The noise levels at ISO 400 are noticeable, but if it’s the only way to get a picture, then it levels are acceptable.
We like the macro shot. It is very clear and has great definition.
Check the latest price for the Nikon Coolpix S60!


