An analysis of lenses for Micro Four Thirds and similar cameras. "The lenses we'd really like to see [are] fast, compact primes covering a range of focal lengths from wide to short telephoto." I don't disagree, but I do wonder if there's not too much wishing going on in here; there are very few digital-specific primes for APS-C bodies. On the other hand, the new mounts can't reuse working (but not optimal) older lenses. We'll see.

"The Canon's PowerShot S90 appears to represent exactly the sort of compact we like - a bright lens, good screen and easy access to a selection of manual controls. Then we discovered the control ring around the lens and thought it worth publishing our first impressions." As it says, it looks like a response to (the by all reports very good) Panasonic DMC-LX3.

"For the kind of subjects that require lightning responses - young kids, street photography, sports and so on - the slow focus (especially in low light) seriously limits the E-P1's usability." Generally, though? "Highly Recommended".

A new Ricoh compact camera, with a CMOS (not CCD) sensor, and built-in HDR compositing. "However, Hongoh stresses that its feature isn't trying to produce the fashionable, heavily-processed 'HDR-look.' 'it aims to portray the scene in as natural a way as possible,' he says."

Andy Westlake at Digital Photography Review looks at the new walkabout lens that Canon finally introduced with the 50D. It's obviously going to involve compromises, but it looks as if it does well enough. If I didn't already have a 28-135mm it'd probably be worth considering.

Well, that was quick. An actual preview of the 1000D, complete with comparison charts (against the 400D and 450D, but sadly not the 40D). I note the viewfinder is more like the 400D than the 450D; most consumers won't care, but I would.

So, the rumoured 1000D surfaces. They'll sell a ton, because the minor differences between this and the 450D won't matter to most (and it's still less compromised than the entry-level Nikons). I'm curious about how the product lines will shake out.

Their conclusion? "the DP1 has not been developed to its full potential yet and can only really be recommended ... to photographers who can live with a frustratingly slow speed of operation"

New on their site is a set of lens reviews, starting off with two Canon lenses (both walkabouts) and two from Pentax. I doubt they'll be able to take on longstanding sites like fredmiranda.com, though.

Just in time to compete with the new Canon 450D, here's an update to Nikon's D40 line. Unfortunately its lack of an autofocus motor makes it useless if you want prime lenses (and you should).

"The standard 450D kit will include a redesigned, image stabilized version of Canon's 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens" Saw that coming when they announced the IS last year. Also good: live view, ISO visibility. Ambivalent on the CF/SD switch.

DPReview have finally released a few reviews I've been waiting for. The Leica M8 one is of academic interest, but the GX100 - a zoom lens variant of the GR-D, kind of - is much more realistically priced. Unfortunately still has small-sensor noise issues.

Part of a longer article covering sensors, ISO settings and noise in compact cameras. Shows fairly well why I recommended the F30 to people, especially as it's so cheap now, and how bad some of the others are.

An interesting fixed-focal-length digital camera. Doubt I'll buy one but the review might be interesting reading (posted unseen)

Of course the news comes out on DPReview before any Canon sites, sigh.