Choosing a new camera can be a daunting task, not only because there’s such a huge choice on offer, but also being able to understand what differences each model has. This is the dilemma that consumers face when trying to choose the Canon 6D over the 5D Mark III, although if money is a factor then the former will appeal to you more because the Canon 6D price is cheaper.

Photo thanks to Lens Rentals

However, for some consumers it’s not all about price and more about the features, and there’s no denying that the Canon 5D Mark III spec list is far more impressive. We’re not saying that the Canon 6D features are far less impressive than the 5D Mark III, but they’re enough to make the more serious photographer stop and think. Although the 40 percent cost saving with the 6D is sure to sway your choice.

If you have a hard time choosing between the two then a recent review has been looking at a comparison of the Canon 6D vs. 5D Mark III. We do love how they do not try to force you to make a choice, but rather give you the details you need, such as an introduction to each model and a side-by-side comparison of the specifications.

If you have made your mind up that it’s the Canon 6D that you would rather have because the savings far outweigh the loss of certain features, then you’ll enjoy the 6D internal review seen here. You’ll see that they have started the review with a size comparison of the Canon 6D, 5D II and 5D III, it’s worth pointing out that the 6D is sandwiched in the middle, with the 5D II to the left and the Mark III to the right.

If you’re still struggling to make a choice then a video offering up five reasons why you should purchase the 6D over the Canon 5D Mk3 can be viewed below. However, looking at the second video it’s clear to see that many consumers might just be happy to go with the 7D instead.

There have been rumors circulating for a while now suggesting that the D4 could be set to be unveiled this coming Friday in Hong Kong. Now according to a report, a leaked document that was originally spotted by Nikon Rumors suggests that the new camera will be available sometime in February, but an exact date wasn’t given. It’s not cheap though as the recommended retail price is a hefty $6000.

This will place the D4 between both the D3x and D3s models, which means the camera has some pretty high specifications. It is thought to come using a 16.2 megapixel full frame sensor that has a ten frames per second shooting speed, and an ISO range of 100 to 102,400. Video wise the D4 has full HD 1080p recording up to 30 frames per second, with H264 B frame compression as well.

For the viewfinder you will get the much sought after pentaprism design that covers 100 percent of the shooting target, and you can also use 51 separate points of autofocus. There are also illuminated buttons and face detection.

If you are not interested in getting the complete camera there is always the Nikkor AF-s 85mm f/1.8G lens to splash your cash on, which is believed to cost around $500 on its own. At this sort of money the camera is more for the professional photographer, or the rich.

There are a number of Nikon DSLR applications available on the App Store, but DSLR Mega HD 1.0 has information for eleven different Nikon DSLRs. Brought to you by independent developer Ken Tidwell, this application will allow users to pick any topic from the Custom Setting Menu.

There are guides for some of the most popular Nikon DSLRs, which include D3, D90, D200, D300, D300s, D700, D3000, D3100, D5000, D5100 and D7000 all in one easy to use application. If you want to find out information on how to set the self-timer for instance, a user can quickly access instructions on how to achieve such a task.

No longer will you have to carry a bulky instruction manual around with you thanks to this feature packed application. There is a handy list of each cameras specification, a troubleshooting checklist, error messages, supported standards, DSLR lens glossaries, and much more.

Other topics featured in the app include; image quality, flash sync modes, exposure modes, AF focus modes, Live View, picture control, AF assist, and many more. Instructions contain no unnecessary words to further simplify the guides.

DSLR Mega HD 1.0 is available worldwide on the App Store for $8.99/£5.99. Requires iPad with iOS 3.2 or later.

As Vlad Savov over on the engadget.com website recently noted, the 46-megapixel Sigma SD1 DSLR features a splash-proof, easy to handle design that’s similar to that of a 35mm camera, and comes with a Foveon 23.5×15.7mm APS-CX3 direct image sensor for capturing images with a film-like quality.

The Sigma SD1 DSLR also comes with dual ‘Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine (TRUE) II’ image processing engines that not only improve processing speeds, but also produces high definition images. The SD1 also enables simultaneous JPEG and RAW recording, a first for Sigma cameras.

Users also have the option of selecting either full-size, half-size or quarter-size RAW files, which makes the SD1 more versatile for a wider range of photographers. The SD1 also features an ISO sensitivity range of 100 to 6400 and a 3.0-inch TFT color monitor with a wide viewing angle.

The Sigma SD1 DSLR can be used with over 40 Sigma SA mount lenses, including the ultra-telephoto, macro, ultra-wide and fisheye. Are you thinking of buying a new DSLR?

According to Photo Rumors Sony had held an event in Spain, which they learned from Spanish website Quesabesde. The Japanese consumer electronics company is committed to pushing their brand much harder in 2011, as they aim to become number one in a number of key areas. We have to wonder if they also plan to take a huge market share from the big two camera brands that we mentioned above?

We were told by a number of eager staff at a camera store that the Translucent Mirror Technology was a first for Sony, and made it possible for them to reduce the size of the body, as well as giving the camera ultra-fast continuous shooting. This idea is simple; the semi-transparent mirror allows a small amount of light through to the AF sensor, while the rest goes to the main imaging sensor. Being new to DSLR, this will be a nice transition from a compact – I should know.

Sony’s hope is to change the camera market, they believe that they have done so with their small-compact range, and looking at how they describe their α33 and α55, they could also succeed in the DLSR market as well. However, this will depend on a number of factors, having only three models in 2011 will not be one of them. They will have to increase the range by at least double that by the end of the year, but we have yet to know what other models they will make available – well apart from the upcoming a77 that is?

For those who are new to DSLR and want to step up from compacts, then the Sony Alpha Translucent Mirror Technology range offers a body that is 23 percent smaller and anywhere from 26 to 28 percent lighter. It is this and the idea of being able to shoot much faster, that Sony believe will be a deal breaker for consumers wishing to upgrade. For more details on the a33 and a55 visit the official Sony website.

Do you think that this new Translucent Mirror Technology will be enough for Sony to take on the Titans that are Canon and Nikon?

The T3 is Canon’s entry level Rebel and will ship in March at a price of $599.99, which will give you 12.2-megapixels and an 18-55mm lens, which as you may well know is just a starter lens to get things started. If you are about to make the move from compact, then just stick with this one lens for now – just until you get the hang of things. The T3 or 1100D what most people will know the camera as will have an ISO range of 100 to 6,400.

Engadget was also able to get some details on the upcoming Canon Rebel T3i, and will be the successor to the 500D. Again, this camera will launch in March, but will come with a price tag of $799.99 for the body only. The same lens as the T3 has will cost another $100 on top – not bad really.

This model also has the same ISO range, but we can see that there is also a DIGIC 4 Imaging processor and integrated Speedlite settings. We can already see that things are far more complicated on Rebel T3i, but this is no entry level DSLR. Read the press release from Canon here.

Devin Coldewey from CrunchGear thinks that consumers should go with the T2i rather than the new T3, this is only because it has a better lens option as part of the bundle. What do you think?

However, the HX9V still offers a 24mm Sony G lens and the compact even comes with a 16x optical zoom – things are certainly heating up in the compact camera market. Both the HX100V and the HX9V come packed with Full HD video recording, but is that really enough to persuade consumers to part with their hard-earned cash?

As with many other shooters on the market there is technology to help increase the amount of megapixels, these new models come with Intelligent Sweep Panorama HR mode; the end result is the possibility to capture 42.9 megapixel scenes. According to a press release sent to Engadget both models will be with us some time this month, with prices expected to be $450 and $350 respectively.

There are so many powerful zoom cameras like this on the market that promises much, but does not deliver – the DSC-HX100V and DSC-HX9V are very different though. Most give you a great super zoom range but the end result are blurry images; thanks to Optical SteadyShot and Active Mode image stabilization, you never need take a poor photo again – well that’s the theory anyway. More details on this can be found on DPReview.

One of our writers has wanted a new DSLR for some time now, and because he was new to this range he thought he would take the advice from our readers. You can see his hands-on with his new Nikon D3100 DSLR here. If you were just getting started what would you recommend?

The main reason for getting a new camera was for a family holiday to Disney World over Christmas, I did have access to my wife’s compact digital but wanted something better for capturing those special moments. I ordered a new SD card via the internet but due to the weather it didn’t arrive before we left, so I made do with a 4GB class4 I already had.

First impressions of the D3100 is how light and compact it is, the body is made from plastic but still feels sturdy enough. First thing I had to do was charge the battery with the supplied charger. This is a rather neat piece of equipment that is quite compact ideal for traveling.

When I first started to use the camera I had it set on auto mode, and found the shots to be of a good standard. The LCD screen on the back is a nice size to allow you to look at what you have just shot, even in bright sunlight. Even though I could have done with a better SD card, I didn’t come across any problems with the one I was using.

Night time shots were quite good, but I found the camera produced better quality images without the flash. This becomes more apparent when I was taking shots of the Disney lights and fireworks. Being just an amateur the D3100 has a great in-built guide which gives you tips for taking the perfect shots.

I used the video mode a couple of times, and all though not as good as a dedicated camcorder for short clips, it was more than capable. One thing I am considering in the future is to purchase a bigger lens, for those further away shots the 18-55mm lens couldn’t quite zoom in enough.

The D3100 is ideal for me personally as I will be mainly using it for family holidays and outings. Whether it will fill the needs of the more professional user is another matter, but it is an entry level DSLR and for the beginner will be an ideal choice.

Key Features

• ViewNX 2 software – Your imaging toolbox
• Long-lasting lithium-ion battery
• Date imprint
• Convenient playback – Find images instantly by date
• Image playback with transitions
• Nikon Integrated Dust Reduction System
• Rangefinder – Quick and easy focusing
• New shutter mechanism – Quiet shooting, even with Live View
• Easy-to-view finder
• Eye-Fi support
• Continuous 3 fps shooting
• Nikon’s original VR system
• High-performance NIKKOR lenses
• Ample image and movie editing functions
• Scene Recognition System
• Built-in pop-up flash
• Advanced white balance control
• 11-point AF system
• AF-area modes for live view and movies
• D-Movie – Breathtaking full HD 1080p movies
• Scene Auto Selector and Scene Modes
• Picture Control
• Active D-Lighting
• ISO sensitivity 100-3200
• EXPEED 2 – Nikon’s new image processing engine
• 14.2 effective megapixel CMOS image sensor
• Click here for the full D3100 specifications

PhotographyBLOG has a detailed review of the new Sony A580, which offers 16.2-megapixel, 7fps burst shooting, 15-point phase-detection, 1080i HD recrding – so not Full HD then? There are also a number of other unique features, but the most important thing you need to know is its price – $800 for the body only and about $900 for it to include an 18-55mm zoom lens as well.

The camera is on the large side, so just remember before committing to purchase it, but you will be rewarded with some great shots – once you get the hang of the features that is. However, the review does point out a downside, the camera is “a little plasticly in hand.”

Looking on the Sony Style website, we can see that the A580 will ship on January 24, 2011. There is a choice of 5 lenses to choose from and two carrying cases – you just have to ask yourself how much you are willing to pay for an accessory?

Pocket-lint found that the body is tough and weather proofed similar to Pentax’s top end K-7, and it also has the same 16.3 megapixel sensor which is found on the Nikon D7000, and Sony’s A55. The sensitivity range now starts from ISO 80 through to ISO 51200. There is a 1080p Full HD movie mode which can shoot at 25fps, and the still shooting mode is capable of an impressive 7fps.

On the back is a great detailed 3-inch screen, which boasts 920,000 dots which is ideal for using even in bright conditions. Another useful feature is the AF Adjustment; this will allow owners who have older or pre-digital Pentax lenses to set them up to focus correctly.

The review is summed up by adding that if you want an up to date DSLR, or just want a cracking camera which can shoot anything straight from the box, you would find it difficult to find something better than the Pentax K-5.

Use the link to read the full review and see some images taken with the camera.