Camera Price Buster Blog – cameras, photography and anything else!

I’ve been getting a few questions about Nikon prices recently, in particular the lack of any best-ever-prices on their DSLRs.  As some of you are already aware, the Nikon factory in Thailand has been affected by the flooding there, and had to be closed.  As far as I can gather, this factory produces many of their DSLRs.  I think it is reasonable to expect shortages and therefore higher prices for the time being.

If you want to read more about the impact, just search for something like “nikon flooding” in your favourite search engine.  You can read the BJP article about the factory closure here, and details of the resulting impact on Nikon’s business here.

Canon have announced the new EOS 1DX, the replacement for the current EOS 1D series cameras:

Offering an unparalleled combination of speed, resolution and image quality, the EOS-1D X is the ultimate camera for capturing stunning images and Full HD movies. Whether shooting in the studio, the sports field, or anywhere in between, this model is ideal for virtually any professional photographer. The new model launches as the flagship in Canon’s DSLR line up – marking the 10th generation of Canon’s professional system with the most advanced EOS model ever produced.

Headline specs are as follows:

• 18.1MP full-frame sensor
• 12fps or 14fps (14 frames per second using a super high speed mode – not sure what this compromises)
• Dual “DIGIC 5+” processors, giving a 2-stop improvement in noise performance
• ISO range 100 to an expanded 204800
• New 61-point wide-area autofocus system
• Newly-designed RGB metering system

For details see the press release on the Canon UK website.

More new announcements from Canon today:

Speedlite 270ex II Flash
Speedlite 320ex Flash

EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM
EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM
EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II (new kit lens)

They also have a picture of another new lens, the EF 200-400mm f4L IS USM, but it does not have a release date yet.  It will have a built-in 1.4x extender which turns it into a 280-560mm.  Sounds interesting!   See here for the picture.

Details for the Canon EF 200-400mm lens are as follows:

Designed for Canon’s leading range of EOS Digital SLR cameras, the new lens will be an ideal addition for sports and wildlife photographers, offering exceptional flexibility with a built-in 1.4× extender that creates an increased focal range of 280 – 560mm. Perfect for photographers who require high performance, fast aperture and a flexible telephoto range, the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM EXTENDER 1.4× will enable photographers to shoot a greater breadth of subjects using a single lens, delivering the best possible image quality at all focal lengths.

Developed as a new addition to Canon’s acclaimed L-series of professional lenses, the new lens will offer an unsurpassed combination of versatility, first-class optical performance and an enhanced weather-proof construction. The model will be released as part of Canon’s continued development of its EF lens line-up, offering enhanced performance and improved functions that cater for the needs of photographers from beginners through to professionals.

Update: Price listings for the Canon EOS 600D can be found here:
Canon EOS 600D Body Prices
Canon EOS 600D Lens Kit (EF-S 18-55mm IS lens) Prices
Canon EOS 600D Lens Kit (EF-S 18-135mm IS lens) Prices

And prices for the Canon EOS 1100D are here:

EOS 1100D Body Prices
EOS 1100D Lens Kit (EF-S 18-55mm III lens) Prices
EOS 1100D Lens Kit (EF-S 18-55mm IS lens) Prices

Canon have announced two new “entry level” SLRS today, the Canon EOS 600D and the EOS 1100D.

Canon EOS 600D SLR

Due to be on sale early April 2011, the headline 600D features are:

• 18 Megapixel APS-C Sensor
• Full HD video capture
• Vari-Angle Clear View LCD screen
• EOS Scene Detection Technology
• ISO range 100-6400, expandable to 12800
• 95% coverage viewfinder
• Max frames per second: 3.7fps

Recommended price for the EOS 600D body only is £679.

Two lens kits will be available:
The EOS 600D EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens Kit, priced at £769.
The EOS 600D EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens Kit priced at £949.

Canon EOS 1100D SLR

Also due to be on sale early April 2011, the headline features are:

• 12.2 Megapixel APS-C Sensor
• 720p HD video capture
• ISO range 100-6400
• 95% coverage viewfinder
• Max frames per second: 3fps

Recommended price for the EOS 1100 body only is £419.

Two lens kits will be available:
The EOS 1100D EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens Kit, priced at £499.
The EOS 1100D EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III Lens Kit priced at £459.

You can find details on the Canon site, eg here.

Nikon have announced the D7000 SLR.  Headline features are: 16.2 Megapixels, 100-6400 ISO expandable up to 25600, 100% viewfinder, 6 frames per second, HD movies, and Twin SD memory card slots.

For full details see the Nikon site. Three lens kits are announced:

D7000 18-105VR Kit
D7000 16-85VR Kit
D7000 18-200VR II kit

I’ve not seen any firm news on the RRP, and release is expected to be in October.

Announced today is the new Canon EOS 60D.  Headline features: 18 Megapixel APS-C sensor, 5.3fps, ISO range 100-6400 extendable to 12800, Full HD video, 9-point AF system and the iFCL metering system from the EOS 7D.  

The 60D also has one of those swivelly LCD screens too, I think a first for the EOS range, and an integrated Speedlite transmitter to wirelessly control other flash units (again this is a feature from the 7D).

There is support for SDXC memory cards, providing up to 2TB of storage, aimed no doubt at people shooting HD video.  For more details see the Canon 60D press release.

It sounds like a great little camera (if not ground breaking), and I’m interested in just how good the HD video is.  Given the overall spec, I’m wondering if people thinking about a 7D will have second thoughts – afterall, it seems to have several of the features that made the 7D so desirable.

I couldn’t see a release date or RRP anywhere, but you can preorder the Canon EOS 60D for £1099 from Warehouse Express. 

I’ve started the 60D price comparison listings, including the Canon EOS 60D body and various 60D lens kits.