Canon intros Rebel T1i/EOS 500D entry level DSLR

Canon today announced an entry level DSLR that will give the goodness of EOS 50D and EOS 5D Mark II at a very pocket friendly price. Rebel T1i, as the Americans know or EOS 500D incorporates a 15.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor supporting full 1080p HD video recording at 20 fps. The camera boasts the latest DIGIC 4 imaging processor, ISO sensitivity up to 3200 with couple of high-speed ISO settings going to 6400 and 12800, 3-inch Clear View LCD, nine-point AF, EOS Cleaning System for sensor and SD/SDHC card support. Destined to come in early May, the body only T1i will cost $800 or $900 for the full kit.

Press Release

[Info from Engadget]

Sony unveils new range of digital imaging products at PMA 2009

At the Photo Marketing Association (PMA) 2009 International Convention, Sony has introduced their new range of digital imaging products including the new Cyber-shot® DSC-HX1 with “sweep panorama” technology.

Cyber-Shot DSC - HX1

The DSC-HX1 is Sony’s first Cyber-shot camera with sweep panorama technology, which can capture up to 224-degree panorama shots in one easy press-and-sweep motion. The HX1 camera is also the company’s first to incorporate a Sony G lens and 1080p HD movie clip recording capabilities and proprietary 1/2.4-inch Exmor™ CMOS sensor technology. This sensor technology allows the camera to achieve burst speeds of up to 10 frames per second at full 9.1 megapixel resolution in the continuous burst mode.

a (Alpha) DSLR Cameras

Sony’s full-frame a (alpha) DSLR-A900 camera introduced last fall, is back at PMA after being presented as a prototype last year. It is designed for serious photo enthusiasts looking for traditional SLR performance with the added benefits of digital photography.

The DSLR-A900 is capable of delivering ultra-fine picture quality with a 24.6-megapixel, 35 mm full-frame CMOS sensor and fast image processing with a new dual BIONZ® processing engine. The camera is also the first DSLR to have a body-integrated image stabilization system for a full-frame sensor with Sony’s SteadyShot® Inside anti-shake system.

Handycam High-Definition Camcorders

Sony’s strong 2009 Handycam product portfolio is also on display, including the top-of-the-line HDR-XR520V (shown above) featuring a 240GB hard disk drivethat holds up to 101 hours of HD video (LP mode), a back-illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS sensor, embedded GPS and improved optical image stabilization.

Its back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor offers a refined level of optical performance. Because the wire circuitry is placed behind the sensor’s photo detectors, the HDR-XR520V camcorders provide stunning low light performance with approximately twice the sensitivity compared to Sony’s existing front-illuminated CMOS sensor at F2.0. This results in brilliant image clarity and reduced grain.

Also on display is the new HDR-CX100 Flash Memory Handycam camcorder. For around USD600, this model includes intelligent face detection and Smile Shutter™ technology, 8GB of embedded memory (a portion of which is used for data management) and three color options (red, black and silver) — all in a compact design.

On top of that, two new digital photo printers, two professional printers and 13 new digital imaging accessories are also on display. Accessories include underwater housing products, high-definition (HD) lenses and output cables, accessory packs for sports and outdoor enthusiasts, as well as a full line of fashionable and functional cases and camera bags for Cyber-shot cameras and Handycam® camcorders.

The intelligent auto (iAuto) mode, available on the T900, T90, W290 and H20 models announced in February,