Nikon today announced two new high performance NIKKOR lenses that offer remarkable sharpness, clarity and contrast. The new AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lens is one of the fastest 14mm ultra-wide angle zoom lenses available today while the new AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED lens is a highly versatile lens ideal for a broad range of applications and lighting conditions. While designed for use with either of Nikon’s FX and DX format digital SLR cameras, these new lenses truly maximizes the potential of Nikon’s recently announced D3 FX-format professional digital SLR camera. Combined with Nikon’s venerable AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR, these new lenses now offer professional photographers the ideal three-lens solution with a constant f/2.8 aperture across all three lenses.

Nikon today introduced three new super-telephoto NIKKOR lenses that offer professional photographers the latest innovations in lens technology and optical design. The new AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8G ED VR, AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4G ED VR, and AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4G ED VR all offer unprecedented image quality, responsiveness and versatility along with new features such as Nikon’s VR II Vibration Reduction technology and Nikon's exclusive Nano Crystal Coat. These new lenses are designed for use with Nikon’s FX and DX format digital SLR cameras and together with Nikon’s current AF-S NIKKOR 200mm f/2G ED VR AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR lens, they complete Nikon’s range of super-telephoto lenses.

Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC MACRO HSM for Nikon and 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC MACRO HSM for Nikon.  

17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC MACRO HSM for Nikon

The HSM system has been incorporated into this large aperture standard zoom lens for digital SLR cameras. This lens is capable of autofocusing with all Nikon DSLR cameras (including the D40 and D40x) and has a minimum focusing distance of 20cm (7.9”) and maximum magnification of 1:2.3 enabling close-up photography. A Special Low Dispersion (SLD) lens and Aspherical lens allows a compact construction and high optical performance. 

Panasonic today expanded its LUMIX family of digital still cameras with the introduction of the LUMIX DMC-FZ18, an 8.1 Megapixel compact camera with an impressive 18x optical zoom. In addition to a premium 28mm wide-angle LEICA DC lens, the DMC-FX18 joins the LUMIX DMC-FX33 and DMC-FX55 as the first Panasonic digital cameras to offer the revolutionary Intelligent Auto Mode, which include Face Detection, Intelligent Scene Selector and Continuous Auto-focus functions, allowing users to easily capture clear, professional-quality images in any situation or setting.

Eastman Kodak Company announced today the first digital camera in its successful EASYSHARE line to incorporate the company’s new, innovative CMOS image sensor technology.

The KODAK EASYSHARE C513 Camera is an entry-level camera designed to produce high-quality images no matter how experienced the photographer may be.  The camera is based on the new KODAK KAC-05011 CMOS image sensor, which delivers the image quality and overall performance customers have come to expect from Kodak’s EASYSHARE line of digital cameras while taking advantage of the power, integration and cost benefits associated with CMOS technology. 

Sigma Corp. has announced two new HSM lenses: the 18-50mm F3.5-5.6 DC HSM and 55-200mm F4-5.6 DC HSM. These new lenses are fully compatible with all Nikon digital SLR camera, including the new D40 and D40x.

18-50mm F3.5-5.6 DC HSM

The HSM is incorporated into the compact standard zoom lens 18-50mm F3.5-5.6 DC giving this lens the capability to auto focus with all Nikon DSLR cameras(including the D40 and D40x).  An aspherical lens and Super Multi Layer Coatings are used to achieve excellent lens performance and High image quality throughout the entire zoom range.

Kopin Corporation, the leading provider of microdisplays for mobile consumer electronics, announced today that Eastman Kodak Company, one of the world's leading camera makers, has selected Kopin's CyberEVF 230K-NF electronic viewfinder (EVF) for its new EASYSHARE Z712 IS digital camera. Kodak is the third tier-one camera manufacturer in 2007 to incorporate Kopin's EVF into an SLR-style digital camera model with a fixed high-zoom lens. The suggested manufacturer's retail price of the camera is US $299.95.

Canon today released firmware update version 1.1.0 for the Canon Digital Rebel XTi / 400D digital SLR camera. The firmware update includes two primary fixes and improvements:

1. Adds support for the new Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) USB protocol.
2. Corrects errors in the Simplified Chinese menu screens.
   
   

This firmware update is designed for cameras that currently use firmware version 1.0.5 or older. You can learn more and download the update here.

Olympus Imaging America today announces its national sweepstakes, which will send five winners and their doubles partner on a weekend getaway (August 31 - September 2, 2007) in New York City to experience the fast action and excitement of the US Open 2007 Tennis Tournament. Olympus sweepstakes champions will receive hotel, airfare, spending cash and two admission tickets to the world-class tennis tournament, including exclusive access to designated professional photography locations at the event, enabling them to capture the on-court and behind-the-scenes drama.

Olympus today announces its new super-telephoto Zuiko Digital™ ED 70-300mm (f4.0-f5.6) lens with a compact, lightweight design that is ideal for travel – a perfect complement to the two new portable D-SLR (digital single lens reflex) cameras, the EVOLT E-410 and E-510.

The lens' impressive 140-600mm equivalent focal length (in 35mm photography) is excellent for capturing beautiful images in situations where getting close to a subject is not practical, such as photographing distant scenes, wildlife, sports and children at play. Additionally, due to its unique optical design and impressive minimum focusing distance, this telephoto lens enables consumers to get up-close (38 inches / 0.96 meters) to subjects when taking macro shots - essential for capturing the intricate detail of a flower or jewelry. The lens will be compatible with all E-System and Four-Thirds system cameras, and it will be available at an attractive price for consumers.