The *ist DS is one of the smallest and lightest digital SLR cameras available. Measuring just 4.9 x 3.6 x 2.6 inches and weighing under 18 ounces, the *ist DS also delivers superior image quality in compact design. Despite the size, the *ist DS offers 6.1 effective megapixels and PENTAX original image processing technology. The camera is designed to be compatible with most PENTAX interchangeable lenses to meet a wide range of applications and visual creativity.

The *ist DS hosts an array of advanced, user-friendly features including a high-magnification viewfinder, a 2.0 inch color LCD monitor, a generous LCD data panel, and an innovative Auto picture mode for automatic selection of the proper exposure program. Offering quick, effortless operation and easy portability, the *ist DS is the ideal digital SLR for all levels of photographers, including first-timer digital SLR users and families.

Street Price: $899.95, available end of November.

Pentax D FA Macro 50 mm F2.8

This lens is optimized for Digital Photography, Including lens coating, curvature and positioning of optical elements but unlike most "digital" lenses can still be used with 35mm film cameras. 

It's designed to be extremely compact and lightweight, and measures only 2.4" x 2.7" and weights just 9.3oz. It has a large lens hood to shield the lens surface from incident light, and features the Pentax "Quick-Shift Focus System" that allows an instant shift from AF to MF.  

Street Price: $429.95, available the end of November

Pentax D FA Macro 100 mm F2.8

This lens is optimized for Digital Photography, Including lens coating, curvature and positioning of optical elements but unlike most "digital" lenses can still be used with 35mm film cameras. 

It's designed to be extremely compact and lightweight, and measures only 3.2 " x 2.7" and weights just 12.2oz. It has a large lens hood to shield the lens surface from incident light, and features the Pentax "Quick-Shift Focus System" that allows an instant shift from AF to MF.  

Street Price: $564.95, available now

Pentax DA 18-55 mm F3.5-F5.6 AL

This compact, lightweight standard zoom lens is designed for PENTAX digital SLR cameras including the newly announced PENTAX *ist DS SLR (equivalent to a 27.5mm-84mm).  

The Quick-Shift Focus System allows photographers to shift the focusing mode instantly to manual without any switching operations.

Available the end of November

Sandisk

8GB CompactFlash Cards

SanDisk Extreme CompactFlash is designed exclusively for the high-end, professional photographers who work under extreme conditions and expect the very best in products and support services.

Ultra II 8GB cards will begin shipping in December.

Sigma now offers three lenses for the Olympus Digital Four Thirds camera standard (E-1 Digital)

• 18-50mm F3.5-5.6 DC
• 18-125mm F3.5-5.6 DC
• 55-200mm F4-5.6 DC

This large aperture telephoto macro lens enables you to shoot up to 1:1 life size close-ups and features a large F2.8 aperture. 

Sigma claims it's new lens power layout provides the ultimate correction against lateral chromatic aberration to which digital cameras are prone. Two Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements control various color aberrations and assure high image quality. A floating focusing system moves two different lens groups in the optical system to different positions. This system compensates for astigmatic aberration and spherical aberration.

The HSM models provide ultra quiet high-speed autofocusing as well as full-time manual focus override.

HSM available for Sigma, Canon, Nikon (D) mounts. Non-HSM for Konica Minolta and Pentax mounts.

This is the world's smallest, large and constant aperture zoom lens and is ideal for digital SLR cameras. 

Super Multi Coating gives superb color performance while cutting down flare and ghost. Two SLD elements and four aspherical lenses provide the ultimate correction against distortion as well as all types of aberration, especially spherical aberration. Its advanced optical design ensures high performance throughout the entire zoom range. The use of aspherical lenses in the construction of this lens not only corrects aberrations but also produces a very small and lightweight lens design. 

It has an overall length of 87.2mm (3.4in.), maximum diameter of 74mm (2.9in.), filter size of 67mm and weight of 510g(18.0 ounces), a minimum focusing distance of 33cm (13 in.) at all focal lengths and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.4, convenient for close-up photography. 

The internal focus system allows the lens to be focused without rotating the front element, therefore a Petal-type hood and circular polarizing filters can easily be used.

Available for Sigma, Canon, Nikon (D), Konica Minolta and Pentax mounts.

The new ring light is designed to work with both AF 35mm film and Digital SLR cameras of all-popular manufacturers. It is ideal for photographing subjects in fine detail when the shadowless mode is used, and is extremely effective for scientific and medical applications. 

Dual flash tubes can fire simultaneously or separately. Using only one flashtube creates modeling, which can give a three-dimensional feeling to the subject. The flash features a guide number of 14 at ISO 100. 

The Modeling Flash function makes it possible to check for reflections and shadows before actually taking the flash picture. A wireless flash function is also available, where the EM-140 DG is used as master and an EF-500 DG Super as a slave unit for creating fine shadow details. High Speed Synchro and Exposure compensation functions are also available.

Copmpatible with Sigma-STTL, Canon-ETTL/ETTL II, Nikon-iTTL Minolta-ADI and Pentax A-PTTL

SP AF11-18MM F/4.5-5.6 Di-II LD ASPHERICAL (IF) 

A new high performance ultra wideangle zoom lens designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras using APS-C size image sensors (1.5x, 16-27mm equivalent).

This is Tamron's first lens designed for exclusive use with digital SLR cameras using APS-C size image sensors. 

The compact lens uses a new optical system specially designed for digital SLR cameras, in addition to the use of a glass-molded aspherical element having a large clear aperture, hybrid aspherical elements, and elements using such special glass materials as high index/high dispersion glass and low dispersion optical glass, for outstanding optical performance.

Price and availability: TBD

A new high power zoom lens designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras using APS-C size image sensors (1.5x, 27-300mm equivalent).

It inherits the product concept of Tamron's  AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR zoom lens. Even two years after its introduction, the current AF28-300mm is still a unique in offering so much convenience and quality in such a compact package.  

It's popularity led Tamron to initiate the development of an equivalent lens for digital SLR users. 

Price and availability: TBD

"Since the advent of digital photography, medium format sales have declined at a rapid pace. Imports today are just a fraction of what they were even two years ago, for Bronica, that slip has been faster since our core customer base, portrait and wedding photographers, has adapted well to digital SLR equipment." -- Mr. Takashi Inoue, President of Tamron USA 

"These photographers are now providing customers with a quality and cost-efficient product that has virtually eliminated their need for the higher quality results that medium format film or digital backs can provide," added Stacie Errera, Chief Marketing Officer. "While some customers are faithful to the format, the current sales volume and devastating purchasing forecasts cannot sustain the production of Bronica SLR products."

Tak Inoue stated that with the discontinuation of Bronica, the company is now in a better position to dedicate even more resources to developing optics for the digital age, particularly those for digital SLR cameras, currently the fastest growing segment of camera products according to industry analysts.

Customers may continue to purchase Bronica ETR-Si, SQ-Ai, SQ-B, and GS-1 products through 11/15/04 and qualify for the current Bronica SLR rebates. Tamron will post a list of dealers with substantial Bronica inventory and users are suggested to contact these dealers to purchase equipment. If the dealer does not have what the customer is looking for, Tamron USA, Inc. will make special accommodation sales to the customer directly at the current published Minimum Advertised Price less any applicable rebate. After 11/15/04, Tamron USA, Inc. will no longer sell any Bronica SLR inventory to customers. In order to claim a rebate for merchandise purchased through a dealer by 11/15/04, Tamron USA, Inc. must receive the redemption request by 11/30/04 to qualify. Purchases made after 11/15/04 at a dealer with inventory will not be applicable for any rebates.

The Bronica RF645 Medium Format Rangefinder will continue to be distributed and Tamron USA, Inc. will offer the current rebates on that product line.

Repair service will continue for seven years as is mandated by law. Any new Bronica SLR equipment purchased after October 31, 2004 — the official date of discontinuation — (through Tamron or any dealer by 11/15/04 or any dealer thereafter) will carry a one year limited warranty from date of purchase. However, all warranty and out-of-warranty repair service obligations will cease on October 31, 2011, regardless of purchase date. Customers can contact Tamron's Service Department at 1-800-827-8880 with any repair or parts concerns.

AT-X 124 AF PRO DX 12-24mm Lens

This is Tokina’s first lens designed for use exclusively on Digital SLR cameras from Canon and Nikon (APS-C, 1.5x format). 

This lens gives the Digital photographer an ultra wide-angle zoom lens that has the equivalent of an 18-36mm zoom range on a 35mm film camera while maintaining a constant f/4 aperture. 

It takes a 77mm front filter, uses Tokina’s One-Touch focus clutch mechanism, has two sharp-cut Aspherical elements, and a chrome plated brass mounting plate and all-metal zoom unit.

Price and availability: TBD