In recent years, Sony focus on beginner and semi-pro camera. This year, Sony released new mirrorless (NEX) system and translucent mirror camera (A55 and A33). Now, what is missing from Sony Alpha line is advanced camera for pro or enthusiasts.

This include A7xx line. It has been three years since Sony releases Sony A700. At that time, A700 is popular because of its dynamic range, great build quality and responsiveness. Since then, many advanced cameras are introduced and many new cameras use new sensor technology and processors. Canon has released 50D, 7D and recently announced 60D.

Now. it is a good time for Sony to update A700. However, because Sony already announces four DSLR cameras recently, we might have to wait until Spring next year.

What the spec will be? Here is my prediction:

• 16 mp sensor
• 100-25600
• 5-7 fps
• 1080p video recording
• new 15 point AF system
• magnesium alloy body
• top LCD screen

Possible Sony A750 body

Nikon D90 is definitely one of the most successful mid-range cameras selling just below $1000. It is successful because it is capable enough for many circumstances, while providing body that not to small and not to big/heavy.

Now, Nikon D90 and its upcoming replacement will face a tough challenger, which is Canon 60D.

How D90 compares to Canon 60D?

Canon 60D advantages

• Higher image resolution
• Swivel 3:2 LCD
• Full HD movie recording
• Faster continuous shooting with bigger buffer
• Better control/handling
• Slightly bigger viewfinder

While D90 main advantage is on the price, which is around $200 cheaper.

So, Canon 60D is better in almost any front compared to two years old Nikon D90. Canon 60D is especially a better camera for candid photography and video recording. I also recommend you to wait for Nikon D90 replacement (named D7000) which might have comparable specs to Canon 60D.

In recent years, Olympus is very focused on micro four thirds system development and neglecting the development of four thirds system. There are no new lens for four third system for a while now, and Olympus has not been updating their flagship Olympus E-3 camera for three years. Olympus E-520, one of the best selling consumer DSLR camera has not been updated for two years.

This fall, E-5 will here just to be there to save four third system from collapsing entirely. While E-3 is a capable cameras for any circumstances, many enthusiasts and pro shooters might need another body to upgrade.

From the leaked specs, it seems like Olympus is playing safe. Nothing really stand-out from competition at the moment.

The mighty waterproof Olympus E-3

Olympus E-5 specs

• Magnesium weather proof  body
• Truepic V processor
• Dual memory card slots (not sure if CF+SD or 2xSD)
• 12 MP sensor
• 11 AF points
• 6 fps continuous shooting
• Image stabilization
• Anti-dust feature
• Swivel LCD screen
• HD video @ 720P with 30 fps
• Built-in wireless flash
• 100% viewfinder coverage

The difference from E-3 include new processor, 720p/30 fps video recording, slightly bigger resolution and slightly faster continuous shooting. I think we can expect Olympus E-620 replacement next year, with video feature and new processor next year.

Olympus introduces two new lenses: 14-150mm f/4-5.6 and 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7. The 75-300mm is equivalent to 150-600mm equivalent to full frame camera. This lens remarkable because it weighs only 430 g and has a diameter of 7 cm and 11.6 cm in length. It is approx. 200 g lighter and 1.1 cm shorter than  Olympus 70-300mm f/4-5.6, which is popular Olympus lens for classic four third system DSLR camera.

Olympus really capitalizes small sensor and mirrorless camera design and make it happen. This lens will be great for travel and wildlife photography in day light. Because it has silent focusing motor, it is also suitable for video recording.

Olympus also releases a new lens road map for 2011, which include 8mm fisheye lens, 50mm macro lens, and 14mm wide angle prime lens.

Canon 60D ‘aka Super Rebel is a nice upgrade from Canon rebel series for several reasons, one obvious reason is it is not as big as 7D or 50D, and it has “easy to use” feel to it. So if you are a first time DSLR shooter, you won’t feel intimidated.

Ok, so what is the advantages on getting the Canon EOS 60D?

• Swivel LCD screen for composition in awkward angle. It is helpful for video recording.
• 5.7 fps continuous shooting with bigger buffer size.
• Better handling and control
• Top LCD screen
• Bigger and clearer viewfinder
• Bigger camera provide better balance especially when long lens is mounted.
• Wireless flash commander

and a couple advantages if you get by getting Canon T2i / 550D

• Smaller and lighter form factor
• Approx. $225 cheaper

As you can see, Canon 60D is a lot better than T2i / 550D. It is better suited for professional, video recording or candid photography, than T2i. However, T2i is still a very capable camera and significant smaller and lighter. So, if you are concern about travel weight and size, T2i is a better choice. If not, 60D is a better buy.

Canon 60D vs T2i  comparison table:

Fengniao/Hummingbird website posted a spirited review of  Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 USD VC. This lens is high quality Tamron lens (indicated by SP (Superior) code) and the first Tamron lens that employ ultrasonic drive to ensure quiet and smooth auto focus.

Tamron 70-300mm USD + lens hood mounted on Nikon D700

Here are some important points out of the review:

Focusing performance: very good especially in good light, but not as good as manufacturer lenses.

Vibration Compensation: work well most of the time, up to 3-4 stops

Image quality: very high color saturation, good contrast, a slight distortion, but not serious, or even negligible.

Price $450

Ideal for: any DSLR cameras, best for full frame sensor such as Nikon D700, Canon 5D or Sony A900.

Visit Fengniao for complete review with full size pictures.

Just two weeks before Photokina, Samsung digital imaging president, SangJin Park bluffed that Samsung will introduce new product that change the lives of creative consumers around the world, and take the camera industry by storm.

Wow! It is a very confident statement by Samsung. Before, Samsung bluffed that they will take 80% market share in mirrorless camera world through Samsung NX system. But until today, it’s not happening yet. I bet this message is also exageratted to attract attention.

Anyway, Samsung is more likely to introduce Samsung NX100, a smaller mirrorless camera without build-in electronic viewfinder (optional electronic viewfinder will be supplied). As seen in the picture below, NX100 will be very compact similar in size to Panasonic GF1. In addition, Samsung will introduce two small lenses. 20mm f/2.8 pancake lens (equivalent to 35mm in full frame camera) and a mini zoom, 20-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OIS lens.

Although it is not revolutionary, NX system give an alternative for user to choose from.

Veteran lens maker Cosina Voigtlander joins forces with Micro four third system group. At the same time, Cosina introduces Nokton 25mm f/.95 lens. This lens will be equivalent to 50mm in full frame SLR camera.

What special about this lens is the maximum aperture. Because micro four third system use smaller image sensor, it is harder to achieve soft and smooth bokeh (background blur). With this lens, the problem is solved. You will get pleasing bokeh similar to to f/2  in full frame sensor camera. In addition, you can shoot virtually in any light condition.

Unfortunately, this is a manual focus lens, and it will be a bit be sold at around $1,000

Voigtlander Nokton lenses are popular among Panasonic GF1 users, and users have to mount special adapter to connect the camera with Nokton lenses. But this is not the case with Nokton 25mm f/.95 because it is designed for m43.

Aperture illustration. The bigger the aperture, the more light the camera will get and the more shallow the depth of field.

Canon 60D just announced two days ago, but it already yield many strong reactions.

Basically people are upset because they are expecting 60D to be a better camera than Canon 50D. Most of them might be 30D, 40D users who plan to upgrade but disappointed in how small the improvement from 40D to 50D.

Unfortunately, Canon has to disappoint them because of their new pricing strategy. A while ago, Canon found out through research that many will be willing to buy top of the line DSLR for over$1500. Therefore, Canon released 7D last year and price it above $1500 and equipped it with wonderful advanced features.

Over the years, many Canon users use to think X0D line as Canon advanced camera for sports and candid shooting, which has great built quality. Now, Canon has betrayed them with 60D. 60D is worst than 50D or 40D in continuous shooting speed (which is important for candid) and built quality.

I think instead of naming this camera 60D, Canon should use different naming, such as Canon Super Rebel, or Canon 700D . If they do, they might not get these reactions which will potentially hurt their sales.

Although 60D ignites many negative reactions, the camera itself is not bad at all. It is better than Rebel series such as T1i and T2i (500D, 550D), but not as expensive as Canon 7D. It is also great for filmmakers/multimedia artists.

“Since the 60D does everything video-wise that the 7D does but now has an articulated screen, these things will sell like hotcakes to independent (and increasingly not-so-independent) filmmakers – George Feucht

Will Canon 60D succeed? It is hard to predict, because they are many strong competitor at this price point. For example, upcoming Nikon D7000, Sony A580 and A55. Consumers may also confuse 60D with Canon T2i, which has some similarity but selling in lower price point.

Related:

Canon 60D vs Canon 50D | Canon 60D vs Canon 7D

Canon 60D [Price $1099], is not camera than one year old Canon 7D [Price $1535], however, it has a few nice points about it that make it more desirable than 7D.

Let’s take a look on their differences:

Canon 60D advantages:

• 3 inch LCD screen, 3:2 aspect ratio, swivel.
• Smaller and 20% lighter
• Accept SD card than more expensive CF card
• Adjustable auto ISO limit
• Creative filter effects such as miniature, grainy B&W, toy camera and soft focus
• About $500 cheaper

And Canon 7D advantages:

• Faster continuous shooting (8 vs 5.7 fps)
• Bigger buffer size for JPG (126 vs 56)
• Magnesium alloy body
• AF adjustment
• Use CF card (relatively faster and more reliable)
• Bigger viewfinder (100% coverage vs 96)

Overall, Canon 7D is a better camera, especially for sports/candid photography. 7D is also more durable and has weather resistant body. However, Canon 60D has swivel LCD, which might help for shooting in awkward angle especially during video recording. It is approx. $500 cheaper, accept SD card. These feats make 60D an ideal upgrade for Canon rebel series or compact cameras users.

Table Comparison Canon 60D vs Canon 7D