Priced at $649.95 USD (for body with DA L 18-55mm lens), the extremely compact and lightweight PENTAX K-x forges ahead on the trail initiated by the popular PENTAX K2000. With a one-handed shooting design and simple, easy-to-use operation, the K-x is perfect for users stepping up from a point and shoot digital camera to their first digital SLR.

The PENTAX K-x offers photographic performance that challenges higher class DSLR models and offers several features that set this camera apart in the entry-level category:

• 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).
• Widescreen HD video capture in full 720p resolution (1280×720) at 24 FPS cinematic framerate, using any PENTAX 35mm lens.
• Creative processing and filter modes produce high quality finished images, while offering the ability to explore artistic freedom through unique special effects.
• True High Dynamic Range (HDR) image capture blends 3 bracketed images into a single picture with outstanding shadow, highlight, and midrange detail.
• Fast 4.7 FPS capture speed and 1/6000 second maximum shutter speeds are possible with the PENTAX PRIME II image processing engine.
• Powerful automatic modes, including PENTAX Auto Picture and scene modes, ensure the perfect shot in any situation, while helping new photographers learn DSLR photography.
• Responsive 11 point wide angle SAFOX VIII autofocus system focuses quickly and accurately, and can easily track moving subjects.
• Captures up to 1900 shots with universally available, easy-to-find AA lithium batteries (also compatible with AA NiMH rechargeable and alkaline batteries).

All combined, the PENTAX K-x is the perfect camera for new digital SLR camera users as well as an ideal backup camera for more experienced photographers.

Along with the K-x, PENTAX announced the smc PENTAX DA L 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED super-telephoto zoom lens. This lens will be exclusive to a K-x Twin Lens Kit package consisting of a K-x body, this new lens and the smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 lens. The lightweight design of this zoom lens offers the exceptional optical performance found in all PENTAX lenses for super-telephoto photography with the K-x and other PENTAX digital SLR camera bodies. Limited edition colors of red and navy will become available at select locations to be announced.

The PENTAX K-x (in black and white) will ship in October 2009 in three configurations: options:

• K-x single lens kit with body and an smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm lens for USD $649.95.
• K-x twin lens kit for $749.95 including a K-x body, the smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm lens and the smc PENTAX DA L 50-200mm zoom lens.
• K-x twin lens kit for $849.95 including a K-x body, the smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm lens and the smc PENTAX DA L 55-300mm zoom lens.

Complete information is available here: http://www.pentaximaging.com/about-us.aspx?p=press

If you love the marine outdoors, then the “FinePix Lagoon” is just the site for you.

Standing on the shoulders of the world-renowned D3, the D3S takes the potential of Nikon’s proprietary FX format to incredible new levels designed to meet or exceed a professional’s high standards. The D3S delivers ISO 200 to ISO 12800 as standard, with the excellent noise control and wide dynamic range that the D3 is famous for. This provides photographers of any discipline with additional latitude to achieve quality images in most lighting situations. When needed, ISO sensitivity can be expanded from Lo 1 (ISO 100 equivalent) up to Hi 3 (ISO 102400 equivalent), making a significant difference in extremely low-lit shooting scenarios and other situations where faster shutter speeds or more depth of field is required.

In a first for an FX-format flagship, the D3S incorporates the HD-quality D-Movie function, letting users take full advantage of the wide dynamic range and high ISO performance, including the breakthrough High-Sensitivity Movie mode. The D3S’s D-Movie also offers compatibility with an external stereo recording microphone, as well as convenient in-camera editing functions such as the ability to select the starting or ending points in order to trim D-Movie footage, as well as the option to save selected movie frames as JPEGs. The D3S shoots approximately 9-frames-per-second high-speed continuous shooting in FX format and 11 fps in DX format, with a buffer twice the size of the D3′s. These features, along with a 0.04-second* shutter release time lag and improved AF accuracy work seamlessly for lightning-fast responses. Various improvements in ergonomics, operation, and reliability, such as image sensor cleaning, will help photographers focus on shooting under any conditions. When combined with state-of-the-art NIKKOR lenses and the Nikon Total Imaging System, which includes Nikon Speedlights, wireless transmitters and various software, the D3S delivers exceptional quality and versatility for an unprecedented variety of professional and personal assignments.

You can read full Press release here.

Canon Powershot G11

The G11 also features a 2.8-inch tilt/swivel LCD display in place of the G10′s 3.0-inch fixed panel, raises the flash sync speed to 1/2000 second, and adds high-definition HDMI output connectivity.

The Canon PowerShot S90 takes much of the G11′s feature set, and puts it into a more compact, pocket-friendly package. The Canon S90 uses the same lower-res 10.0 megapixel imager, but drops some of the telephoto reach, instead including a stabilized 28 – 105mm equivalent 3.8x optical zoom. The S90 also replaces the G11′s screen with a larger 3.0-inch fixed position LCD display.

The Canon PowerShot SX20 IS takes the place of the company’s existing SX10 IS model, with which it shares a near-identical body design. The Canon SX20 boosts the SX10′s resolution just slightly from ten to twelve megapixels, which equates to an increase in linear resolution of just under 10%. The PowerShot SX20 also offers slightly increased flash range when the ISO sensitivity is under automatic control, with a maximum reach of 22 feet at wide angle, or 12 feet at telephoto.

The most significant change in the Canon PowerShot SX20IS is the addition of high-definition movie capability. Where the SX10 could only record videos at VGA resolution or below, the PowerShot SX20IS can capture 720p (1280 x 720 pixels) clips. The H.264 MOV compression and stereo microphone from the SX10 is retained in the SX20 IS. To take advantage of the higher movie resolution, the Canon SX20 IS also adds an HDMI video output. In other respects, the Canon PowerShot SX20 is essentially identical to its predecessor, including a 20x optical zoom with stabilization and 28mm wide angle, 2.5-inch LCD display, SD / SDHC storage, and power from four AA batteries with alkaline disposables in the product bundle.

One of the biggest advantages of lens-interchangeable SLR cameras is that users are able to choose from a larger selection of lenses. Maintaining the same basic structure of lens mount for a longer period means a broader, constantly growing array of compatible lenses. For this reason, the lens mount is an extremely important and symbolic element for both photography enthusiasts and professionals, who are able to benefit from ongoing use of their carefully selected collection of lenses. The Nikon F-mount, employed for even the latest, most advanced digital SLRs, has received and continues to garner the highest evaluations as a reliable, long-serving lens mount.

Evolution of the Nikon F-mount

• Introduced on Nikon’s first lens-interchangeable SLR, the Nikon F (1959)
• Auto aperture indexing enables automatic setting of maximum aperture (1977)
• Program auto exposure mode compatibility (1981)
• Aperture information exchange with the camera body through CPU communication (1983)
• Autofocus compatibility (1983)
• Digital SLR cameras compatibility (1995)

The NX Series offers the performance and image quality of a DSLR and the portability and convenience of a compact point-and-shoot. With the NX Series, Samsung opens new hybrid camera market.

Samsung’s new NX Series bridges the gap between a DSLR and compact point-and-shoot digital camera by combining the benefits of both in one new model. Like conventional DSLRs, the NX Series utilizes an APS‑C sized image sensor providing a larger surface area to gather light and produce higher-quality images than comparable digital camera systems. Unlike a DSLR, the NX Series does not feature a mirror box and employs an Electronic Viewfinder (EVF).

The use of an EVF has allowed Samsung engineers to significantly reduce the size and weight of the new camera system by decreasing the distance between the lens and image sensor (flange back) by approximately 60% compared to traditional DSLRs.

“We estimate that the hybrid digital camera market will be over 20% of the global digital still camera market by 2012,” said Sang-jin Park, CEO of Samsung Digital Imaging Company. “With the release of the NX Series, a digital camera that combines the strengths of a DSLR and compact digital camera, Samsung Digital Imaging will become a global leader in the new hybrid digital camera market and achieve the company’s goal to become the global leader in the digital camera market by 2012.”

The first model of Samsung NX Series will be available in the second-half of 2009.

With Scott Kelby and Matt Kloskowski, as its hosts, D-Town TV is a fresh approach to teaching camera tips and photographic techniques to today’s digital photographers. No matter what skill level or interest, each episode covers a wide range of topics.

About Scott Kelby:

Scott Kelby was just named the #1 best-selling computer book author for the 5th year in a row.

Scott is also the President of NAPP, the publisher of Photoshop User and Layers magazine, and chief “Photoshop Guy” on the popular podcast, PhotoshopUser TV. He also writes the wildly popular blog, Photoshop Insider, and is the creator of Photoshop World – the world’s only Photoshop and digital photography conference and expo. Furthermore, Scott also heads up Kelby Training, which teaches Photoshop and digital photography techniques to millions every day via online classes and live seminars…

About Matt Kloskowski:

Matt’s business card says, “Photoshop Guy” because best-selling author, Photoshop instructor (for conferences, seminars, workshops, online training, DVDs, etc.), photographer, co-host of PhotoshopUser TV, blogger and podcaster for Photoshop Killer Tips and Lightroom Killer Tips (the web’s #1 Lightroom resource), Photoshop User magazine contributor, and Education and Curriculum Developer for the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) doesn’t fit.

Dr. Koichi Wakata, a Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut, will take images of the earth with the Olympus E-3 throughout his three-month mission on the ISS. Specifically, he will stay in the “Kibo,” which is the Japanese Experiment Module. It is located in the ISS and is Japan’s first manned facility where astronauts can conduct experiments for long periods of time. ‘Hope’ is the English translation for Kibo, and Dr. Wakata will be the first astronaut to inhabit the new experiment module. Images captured by Dr. Wakata will be available on Olympus’ Web site at http://olympus-space-project.com.

Details on the ISS, JAXA, the Japanese Experiment Module, Dr. Wakata and the next mission of the Space Shuttle Discovery are available at http://www.jaxa.jp/index_e.html.