New Digital Cameras

[CopCarSS]

If you don't want to go to the NYT site, DPReview is probably the best place to hang out and watch what happens in the pre-Photokina announcements.

Currently, I'm awaiting eagerly to see what Sigma and Foveon are bringing to the table with the SD14 that has a teaser up right now. I'd love to see the Foveon chip catch on. I almost bought an SD9 awhile ago, but decided to invest in some glass instead. Still might do it one of these days...prices on used SD9s have dropped way off (and SD10's probably will now after the SD14 is available, too.) The absence of a Bayer Pattern based chip means no moire problems. The Sigma guys used to claim they could hang with the 1Ds. That was a bit of exaggeration, but not too much. The 3MP chip could easily duplicate the image quality of a 6 MP. The only place Sigma really couldn't compete is high ISO / long exposure shooting. Other than that, they are a nice camera with quite an intriguing sensor.

[eastside]

"In the coming weeks, three new models, at various points along the price curve, will demonstrate just how fast S.L.R. technology is advancing. Canon’s popular Rebel XT will be joined by a sibling, the Rebel XTi EOS-400D ($900 with a basic 18-55-millimeter starter lens, $800 without). Nikon will replace its D70S with the new D80 ($1,300 with an impressive 18-135-millimeter lens, $1,000 without).

And Panasonic, intent on claiming some of the exploding S.L.R. market for itself, will introduce its first model: the startling Lumix L1, which will cost $2,000 with Leica’s first image-stabilizing lens. These are list prices; discounting online will begin soon."

Registration is free.

NYT Preview of new digital cameras