eK-gadgets info

Nikon has introduced the new D90 digital SLR, which has been battling it out with the EOS-50D as the worst-kept secret of the month. The D90 is the replacement to the venerable D80, and it offers many of the same features found on its big brother, the D300. And did I mention that it can record HD movies? Yes, this is the first digital SLR with a movie mode, which is probably a sign of things to come.Onto the specs!

Nikon D90

• 12.3 effective Megapixel CMOS sensor
• Supports all Nikkor F-mount lenses, with a 1.5X focal length conversion ratio
• 3-inch LCD display with 920,000 pixels
• Optical viewfinder has a 0.94x magnification
• Live view with contrast detect AF and face detection
• Full manual controls, with ISO range of 200 - 3200, expandable to 100 - 6400
• 11-point autofocus system with 3D tracking
• Can take up to 100 JPEGs in a row at 4.5 frames/sec (not sure about RAW yet)
• Can record “D-movies” at 1280 x 720 (720p) at 24 fps, with sound
  • The time limit for a single 720p movie is around 5 minutes
  • Lower resolutions are available, with longer recording times
  • As you’d expect, the zoom and focus must be operated manually once recording starts
  • Movies are saved in AVI format, using the M-JPEG codec
• Built-in wireless flash support
• Dust reduction system
• Other features include Active D-Lighting, distortion control, image straightening
• HDMI out port for connection to an HDTV
• Optional GPS unit allows for easy geotagging; the GP-1 ships in November, pricing TBD
• Uses EN-EL3e lithium-ion battery; 850 shots per charge
• Includes new F3.5-5.6, 18 - 105 mm ED VR lens; lens will be available separately for $399
• Ships next month for $999 body only, or $1299 with the 18 - 105 mm lens

Canon has introduced their new EOS-50D digital SLR, which has been the subject of rumors for the last several days. Since we’re under a non-disclosure agreement, we’ve been unable to publish anything until now.

Since Canon (as usual) didn’t provide any specs, press releases, or product photos in advance, I’ll be updating these news items frequently tonight, so check back often. It’s pretty frustrating that those of us who sign and honor non-disclosure agreements are not given information ahead of time, only to watch Canon leak the information themself, and allow it to proliferate across the Internet.

Here are the details on the new EOS-50D. By the way, the 40D isn’t going anywhere — it’ll slot in-between the Rebel XSi and the 50D.

EOS-50D

• 15.1 effective Megapixel CMOS sensor
• Supports EF and EF-S lenses with a 1.6X focal length conversion
• New DIGIC 4 image processor
• 3-inch LCD display, with 920,000 pixels; screen has multiple coatings for dirt, reflection, and scratch resistance
• Live view with three AF modes (including contrast detect), plus face detection
• Full manual controls; ISO can go to 12,800
• Can take up to 16 RAW or 90 JPEGs at 6.3 frames/second when using a UDMA CF card (there will be fewer JPEGs if you are not)
• Has three different RAW sizes: full resolution, 7.1MP, and 3.8MP
• Adjustable noise reduction (apparently only in continuous shooting mode)
• New Creative Auto Mode gives point-and-shoot users a little more manual control
• Quick Control screen lets you quickly adjust camera settings (like Olympus SLRs)
• Automatic vignetting correction + auto lighting optimizer (brightens shadows)
• Dust reduction system (same as the 40D)
• CompactFlash Type II slot; compatible with UDMA high speed cards
• HDMI output
• Optional battery grip and wireless file transmitter
• Uses BP-511A battery; 640 shots per charge
• Priced at $1399 body only, $1599 with the 28 - 135 mm EF lens

There’s also a new F3.5-5.6, 18 - 200 mm EF-S IS lens to mention. This lens is equivalent to 28.8 - 320 mm on the 50D, and it’s priced at $699.