Adobe had made Lightroom 2.0 available for public download and trial.

The new version -although is at an early stage of development- offers significant improvements over the previous version, and the feedback from the beta users will surely help Adobe to finalize the product. Some of the new features may be listed as multiple monitor support, photoshop integration and improved organizational tools. For more detailed information, you can check the release notes here.

Download Lightroom 2.0 Beta Trial Version:

New Canon 5D Mark II Specs leaked!

Some new information about the long-waited pro DSLR Canon EOS 5D have been leaked to internet through some 'unknown' sources. Well this is still in stage of rumour but since the specs seem to be reasonable in our opinion, we decided to publish it. According to the source, the new Canon will be announced in April 2008, earlier then Photokina contrary to expectations and will be available to market in early June.

New Canon EOS 5D Mark II Specs:

If you are too sensitive about your photo equipment, I advice you not to watch these Nikon D3 abuse videos.

Nikon D3 Drop Test Video: Don't try this at home!

Nikon D3 Overload Video: Pour out a little more!

Nikon have also released  Capture NX1.3.2 with the following updates and improvements: 

- Support for D60 RAW images added

- When Exposure Compensation was adjusted from Base Adjustments > Exposure Compensation while Picture Control settings were applied from Base Adjustments > Camera Adjustments > Picture Control, the sharpening effect was cancelled. This issue has been resolved.
- When images captured with the D1 and an AI Fisheye Nikkor 16mm f/2.8D lens, “Fisheye Lens” could not be selected from Base Adjustments> Lens Adjustments. This issue has been resolved.

Download Links (Windows and Mac Versions):

Nikon have released Camera Control Pro v. 2.1.0 with the following improvements and modifications:

- Support for new D60
- Faster response times when thumbnails are selected in the Viewer.
- Resolved Issue with the displayed lens name in the mechanical tab when a camera with a PC lens is connected.

Download Links(Windows and Mac Versions):

Nikon has released firmware v.1.02 for its D300 Digital SLR in order to resolve a problem with vertical banding which can sometimes appear in images that are taken at exposure times that are longer then 8 seconds.

Follow the links to download the Firmware v.1.0.2 for Windows and Mac and the installation instructions:

The longwaited Sigma 200-500mm f/2.8, a.k.a. Sigzilla, is available for preorder at Amazon with a price tag of $25.000! This 16 kg (~50lbs.) monster is the fastest 500mm DSLR lens so far, and has constant aperture from 200 to 500mm. So don't waste your time reading this post and follow the link below to become one of the first owners of this lens (I really wonder if I will ever see this lens live on use).

But be careful: Amazon notes that Gift-wrapping is not available for this item, and this is why I haven't pre-order by the way.

Follow the link to pre-order Sigma 200-500 f/2.8 EX DG:

Below we listed direct links to all the reviews and comparisons of the Nikon's new flagship camera D3 on the web so far:

REVIEWS

Pocket-Lint Nikon D3 Review

WDH Nikon D3 Review

ThinkCamera Nikon D3 Review

Just after the announcement of the new Nikon entry level DSLR D60, few websites posted sample images including high ISO ones. Feature wise, the new D60 doesn't offer much over D40 and D40x so any improvement in the image quality department, especially the high ISO images will be a decisive factor for those who are thinking of upgrading to D60.

We have to say that D40 and D40x were already very succesfull in terms of image quality, so expectations from D60 are really high. We advice you to follow the links below in order to evaluate the image quality from the early samples. In our opinion, level of details and lack of noise in high ISO images are quite promising, but frankly a Liveview feature would be the decisive factor for the successs of the D60 in terms of sales numbers. Nikon D90 will probably be the next Nikon DSLR with LV. Lets just wait and see.

Links to Nikon D60 Sample Images:

Sigma announced the Sigma APO 150-500mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM, a high ratio zoom lens housed in a compact construction and incorporating Sigma’s own image stabilization system OS (Optical Stabilizer).This lens is expected to become a relatively compact and low cost solution for people who wants a zoom with such a big focal range and have a reach of 500mm, although there is no price information available from Sigma yet.

Sigma 150-500mm also features Hypersonic autofocus motor (HSM) and will be available in Sigma, Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Sony mounts. Three SLD glass elements and a rear focus system claims to provide high image quality through out the zoom range and Super multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting. Sigma APO 150-500mm is also compatible with Sigma’s APO Tele Converters.

Technical Specifications and Press Release: