16 megapixels

Today Nikon has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Sigma over the vibration reduction technology found in Sigma’s lenses. Nikon has also demanded that Sigma cease production of their lenses that infringes upon the vibration reduction patents. Possibly affecting a large amount of Sigma OS, optical stabilization lenses according to a press release.

Nikon is suing for 12.6 billion yen, equal to $154 million according to Reuters.

Sigma Corporation announced yesterday in a press release that their flagship DSLR, the SD1 will hit stores in June with an estimated MSRP of  $9,700. The SD1 will be packing a 46 megapixel Foveon sensor along with a magnesium alloy body, 11 autofocus points, and an ISO range of 100-6,400.

Foveon? What’s that?

Unlike other DSLRs the SD1 will be using a Foveon sensor, which stacks three silicone sensors on top of each other. The bottom sensor being red, middle green, and top blue, according to Foveon’s website. This will allow for better resolution and color reproduction along with an simultaneous RAW and JPEG reading, which is a first for Sigma cameras according to the press release.

“The SD1 will carve out a new category in the marketplace by providing high-end photographers with an alternative to very expensive medium-format cameras and digital backs, while offering unrivaled image quality,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America.

Memory cards are a dime a dozen. They come in all shapes and sizes and all sorts of brands but would you trust your family photos or photos taken on a job to some random compact flash (CF) or secure digital (SD) cards?

Nikon Europe has created a list of approved memory cards for their DSLRs along with their Coolpix P and S line cameras to help you figure out which one is the best for you. According to Nikon’s website, brands other than the ones listed may work but Nikon cannot guarantee their operation and that you should always carry an approved card just in case. Also should the card be more than 2G and will be used with a card reader; be sure to check that the device will support 2G cards. MultiMediaCards (MMC) should not be used in Nikon cameras, according to the website.

Here’s a neat website you can check out to help familiarize yourself with the basics of digital photography. CameraSim is a website that allows you to experiment with different ISO, aperture and shutter settings to see how they affect the end product. It’s nice for those who are looking to learn the basics before picking up a DSLR.

If you’re in the market for a new micro four thirds camera Panasonic has just announced its latest addition to the line the: Lumix DMC-G3. Weighing in at just 336 grams (the DMC-G2 weighed 371) it’s the world’s lightest camera. Aside from that, the G3 will feature a 1,440,000-dot equivalent Live Viewfinder and a 3” rotating LCD. The G3 will also feature a 16 megapixel MOS sensor. Allowing for noise reduction up to 66% making it great for low light photography, according to Panasonics website.

The Lumix DMC-G3 will hit stores in June 2011 at an estimated MSRP of $700.