Digital Cameras

Lowepro has announced two new bags designed to protect your camera gear, while allowing you to also carry a laptop, a tripod, or other advanced photography gear.

The Lowepro Transit Backpack 350 AW (pictured on the left) has two straps with plenty of room for accessories. It's large enough to hold a laptop PC with a 15-inch screen.

The Lowepro Transit Sling 250 AW (pictured on the right) is a little smaller, containing one strap. It can hold plenty of camera equipment, too, as well as a 10-inch tablet.

Both bags are available now at MSRPs of $119.99 for the Transit Backpack (Compare Prices) and $99.99 for the Transit Sling (Compare Prices). I'm hoping to have a chance to test these bags soon, so check back with my blog in a few weeks to read my full review!

Photo courtesy Lowepro

Nikon has reached an impressive milestone, as the company has now produced more than 80 million Nikkor interchangeable lenses for Nikon DSLR and Nikon DIL cameras.

Nikon's Nikkor lenses are well respected throughout the industry. The company's latest milestone includes Nikkor lenses made for both film and digital cameras. Nikon's 2013 lens lineup includes the 85mm f/1.8G (pictured here) for DSLR cameras and the VR 10-100mm f/4-5.6 for DIL cameras.

Interestingly, 2013 also marks the 80th anniversary of the first Nikkor lens introduction. For an interesting Nikon-produced video that shows how Nikkor lenses are constructed and that was created to mark the 80-year anniversary, click the link.

Pentax has announced three advanced level interchangeable lens cameras that will be available later this summer.

• The Pentax K-500 DSLR camera (pictured here) is a 16MP resolution model that runs from four AA batteries (MSRP $600 for body only).
• The Pentax K-50 DSLR camera is a colorful model, offering 120 different color combinations and weather resistant seals ($700 for body only).
• The Pentax Q7 DIL camera builds on the success of past Pentax Q family models, adding a 1/1.7-inch CMOS image sensor ($500 with kit lens).

I'll have more details on each of these newly announced cameras closer to their actual release dates later this summer, so keep checking back with my blog.

Photo courtesy Pentax

A newly developed type of CMOS image sensor could lead to much better camera performance in low light, as well as thinner cameras.

Panasonic and Fujifilm have announced jointly the development of the new CMOS sensor, which will make use of a 0.5-micron organic film layer, versus the silicon based layer used today at 3 microns of thickness.

The new sensor technology matches organic photoelectric conversion layer technology from Fujifilm with semiconductor technology from Panasonic. This combination should lead to greater overall image quality in thin cameras.

The two companies will present their findings today at the 2013 International Image Sensor Workshop at Snowbird Resort in Utah.

Nikon's Coolpix S6500 digital camera is aimed squarely at beginners, thanks to some fun image editing options and easy to use features. However, Nikon didn't forget to include some very nice camera features in a model that sits near the desirable $200 price point.

The S6500 has a 16MP CMOS image sensor, which should allow it to perform better in low light. It also includes a 12X optical zoom lens, built-in Wi-Fi, full 1080p HD video capabilities, and a high-resolution 3.0-inch LCD screen.

You'll have plenty of body colors to choose from with the Coolpix S6500, including black, silver, red, orange, or light blue. Although Nikon had originally listed the S6500 at an MSRP of $219.95 (Compare Prices), this camera has already dropped below the $200 price point.

Photo courtesy Nikon

Olympus' latest PEN camera -- the E-P5 -- is now available for sale, marking the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the PEN family of film cameras.

The mirrorless E-P5 is a Micro Four Thirds DIL camera, giving it the ability to use interchangeable lenses. It has a few advanced features, too, including an articulated touch screen 3.0-inch LCD, built-in Wi-Fi, 16 megapixels of resolution, and full 1080p video recording. You also can shoot at shutter speeds up to 1/8000th of a second, and the flash has a sync speed up to 1/320th of a second.

The E-P5 is available from Olympus in white, black, or silver camera bodies, and you can purchase it with the body only for $999.99 or with a starter lens and attachable viewfinder for $1,449.99. (Compare Prices) For those who like the look of the PEN family of cameras, the E-P5 is another great option.

Photo courtesy Olympus

Most photographers shoot during full daylight. However, don't forget about some of the cool photos you can shoot at twilight and at night, such as photos of the moon.

Using the moon as a subject for a photo or in the background of a photo of another subject will give you some interesting images.

The next full moon phase in the United States is scheduled for June 23, so click the link to read some tips that will help you improve your moon photography results next week.

When looking for a high-quality camera, it's easy to become distracted by a variety of features and specifications.

The Nikon Coolpix P7700 isn't immune to offering some of those advanced features, as it has a very high quality articulated LCD screen, a hot shoe to add an external flash, and extra ports for adding various accessories.

While those are nice features, Nikon didn't forget to put together a camera that can create outstanding images. To find out whether the P7700's image quality and feature list match up with your photography needs, click the link to read my full Nikon Coolpix P7700 review.

Photo courtesy Nikon

Canon has attempted to provide some advanced features in its ELPH series of stylish point-and-shoot cameras with the HS (high sensitivity) designation, and the latest in this family, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 330 HS, follows along this line of thinking.

The ELPH 330 can shoot at up to 6.2 frames per second in burst mode at a full 12.2MP of resolution. It also should perform well in low light using the HS technology, and the ELPH 330 can shoot at an ISO setting up to 6400.

The ELPH 330, which is available in black, silver, or pink, also has a 10X optical zoom lens, full 1080p HD video recording, and a 3.0-inch LCD screen. Look for this camera to carry a $229.99 MSRP. (Compare Prices)

Photo courtesy Canon

If you're planning a trip this summer that will involve diving, you may want to consider trying your hand at underwater photography.

For those new to this hobby, I've compiled a list of articles that may help you get started, including a list of the best waterproof cameras on the market right now, including the Canon PowerShot D20 (pictured here).

Click the links to read these underwater photography articles:

• Best Underwater Equipment
• Underwater Photography Tips
• Preparing Underwater Camera Equipment
• Cleaning Underwater Camera Equipment
• Troubleshooting Underwater Cameras
• Troubleshooting Underwater Photos

Photo courtesy Canon