Photokina 2008: Canon G10 and Pentax K2000 Announcements

Photokina, one of the biggest camera tradeshows of the year, is to officially start tomorrow tomorrow in Cologne, Germany, but as is customary with trade events these days, we've already seen a number of new announcements come out in the days leading up to the big event. Last week, Canon announced the Powershot G10 (the sequel to the G9), which gives camera buffs the flexibility of some dSLR features but without the bulk (or expense of added lenses). The G10 amps up the megapixels to 14.7 (from 12.1), a 28-140mm wide zoom (5x), and Canon's new DIGIC 4 image processor (check out the press release and specs over at DPReview). Aside from these internal changes, Wired also notes that the body has a grippier feel and that more dials have been added, enabling you to control settings without fiddling with onscreen menus. 

If you're ready to make your first foray into the DSLR big leagues, Pentax announced the K2000 today, an entry-level model under $700 with a 10.2-megapixel resolution that comes bundled with an external flash (even though it has an integrated flash) and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DA L Lens. For those new to the world fo DSLRs, the K2000 has a dedicated help button that explains current camera settings as well as an auto scene-detection mode. Other features include image stabilization, continuous shooting at a rate of 3.5 fps, and a decidedly compact, lightweight body. See more about its specs as well as a hands-on preview at DPReview, and check out how it stacks up with other budget DSLRs over at CNet's Crave.

We'll be covering more releases as the week goes on, so keep checking back for more.

--Agen G.N. Schmitz