The European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) has published the 2008-2009 Award Winners. Below listed are the winners for the Photography category:(*)

We just have another proof now that confirming how close the launch of the new Nikon D90 is. A Best Buy employee took a photo of the computer screen showing the Nikon D90 & 18-105 VR Nikkor lens combo in Best Buy inventory, with the same price ($1.299,0) that was witnessed by a Circuit City employee. Albeit the quantity in their inventory and in transit is 0 according to the screenshot, I guess it would take no more than 2 weeks to see the D90 on the shelves.

The first Nikon D90 pricing info came from Nikonrumors.com, where a guy working for a US Electronic Superstore informed that he witnessed the new Nikon D90 + 18-105 VR lens combo in their system for $1.299. If all the rumors about the new D90 (video recording, 12 MP CMOS, HDMI, GPS, etc.) are true, I think the price is quite reasonable. Well we don't know the body only price yet but would probably be between $950-$1000.

Click here for the first Nikon D90 photo

Click here for the Nikon D90 Specifications

Today nikonrumors.com posted what could be the first photo of long-waited Nikon D90. even though the source of the photo is unknown yet, I have to say that this one looks real to me ( but I never underestimate the things that a talented and dedicated photoshopper can do). Some of the details like microphone for video recording, GPS port and HDMI ouput also proves Thom Hogan who couple of days ago claimed that the new D90 would have video recording feature with sound.

Here is the photo of the new Nikon D90 taken from Nikonrumors.com:

Nikon has anoounced the Coolpix P6000, its new flagship compact digital camera with a built-in GPS feature which logs the locations at where the photos are taken. Some other features of P6000 are a 13.5 megapixel CCD, a 4x wide angle-zoom lens( (28 - 112 mm equiv.), NRW RAW format and a Wired LAN port. The new P6000 is expected to start shipping in September for around $500.

Specifications and Press Release:

Nikon guru Thom Hogan claims that the new Nikon D90, replacement for the D80, will feature a video recording (with sound) ability which no other DSLR offers so far. Frankly speaking, I would expect this kind of feature to be announced with an entry-level Nikon that will address to P&S camera owners who are willing to upgrade to a DSLR but don't want to compromise the video recording feature. Anyway, this feature may become a big selling point for D90, even I can consider one if the recording quality is decent.

Other features of Nikon D90 according to Thom Hogan:

- 12 megapixels CMOS sensor
- 4.5 fps shooting speed
- HDMI connection
- GPS connection

And he also says that a new kit lens will be announced and bundled with D90: 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G DX VR (28-150mm equivalent on 35mm) which would be a good cheap alternative to famous Nikon 18-200 VR and answer to the users who complain about the lack of entry level VR lenses in the Nikon line-up.

Click to read more about the Nikon D90 rumours

Nikon D700 is now available in-stock at two of the biggest online photography equipment retailers, Amazon and B&H Photo, so don't miss this chance to order yours before they ran out of stock.

Nikon D700 Body only at B&H Photo for $2,999.95

Nikon D700 with plus 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G ED IF VR B&H Photo for $3,599.95

Nikon D700 Body only at Amazon for $2,999.95

Nikon D700 with plus 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G ED IF VR at Amazon for $3,599.95

The theme for Nikon Photo Contest International 2008-2009 is "At the Heart of the Image" and will be open for entries from 1 September to 30 November 2008. The two competition categories are ‘Free Subject’ and ‘My Planet’. In addition to the 54 regular prizes and the Grand Winner, there will be an extra prize awarded to an outstanding entry.

Nikon Photo Contest International 2008-2009 Rules and Press Release:

Sony Alpha DSLR-A100 10.2 Megapixel, SLR, Digital Camera with Sony SAL-18200 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Autofocus Lens for onyl $629.95 + Shipping (18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 alone costs over $400, so you do the math..) at B&H Photo

The Sony α (Alpha) DSLR-A100 10.2 Megapixel, SLR, Digital Camera is a top-quality 10 megapixel Digital SLR Camera that utilizes Sony imaging innovations and builds on a two-decade legacy of Minolta photographic leadership. It accepts all Minolta A-mount lenses sold worldwide (Maxxum & Dynax), and includes impressive features such as high-sensitivity shooting with Super SteadyShot in-camera image stabilization, Sony's exclusive Dynamic Range Optimizer to automatically increase detail in bright and dark picture areas, Effective Anti-Dust technology to keep the CCD imager clean for better pictures, and the Eye-Start Autofocus system for faster camera response.

Special Price- $629.95 + Shipping

Two new Picture Control profiles - Portrait and Landscape profiles- for D3, D300 and D700 are now available on Nikon website in addition to the D2x picture controls. You can use Landscape mprofile for vivid shots of landscapes and cityscapes and Portrait profile for creating portraits with soft, natural skin tones.

You can find the download links for the profiles here.