Digital Camera News: Nikon to Boost Production in Thailand, Pentax and Fujifilm Firmware Updates, Sigma Lenses for Nikon

Nikon Increasing Production Capacity in Thailand

ZDnet Asia is reporting that, as part of their policy to shift their production base from more expensive Japan to less expensive Thailand, Nikon will be spending $16.6 million (USD) to expand their production facility in Rojana Industrial Park in Ayutthaya.

The plant will produce "lenses, optics and semi-finished parts for cameras and lenses", as well as digital cameras.

In addition to being a production cost savings, the increased production will be located near a digital camera market where demand is increasing at 30% per year.

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Pentax K10D Firmware Update

Pentax has announced a firmware update for their K10D digital SLR. Version 1.30 of the firmware adds support for Pentax DA lenses with the SDM (Supersonic Drive Motor) technology. Improvements/updates from previous firmware versions are included with this update as well.

For more information or to get the update, click here.

Fujifilm Finepix S5 Pro Firmware Update

Fujifilm has released a firmware update for the Finepix S5 Pro (v1.08) that solves an issue that occurs with the MB-D200 battery grip (from Nikon). Apparently, the S5 Pro will freeze up when there is contact failure between the camera and battery grip. This firmware keeps the camera from freezing.

For more information or to get the update, click here.

Sigma Announces Two New HSM-equipped Lense for Nikon Cameras

The two new lenses, a 18-50mm F3.5-5.6 DC HSM lens and a 55-200mm F4-5.6 DC HSM lens can be used on any Nikon digital SLR, including the Nikon D40 and Nikon D40x. The HSM (Hypersonic Motor) technology allows quiet and fast focusing, even on the motorless bodies of the D40 and D40x.

As a side note, Sigma also has a handy page on their site that lists their lenses that are compatible with the Nikon D40 and D40x. You can find it here: Nikon D40 and D40x Compatible Lenses

Sigma 18-50mm F3.5-5.6 DC HSM

• Lens Construction:8 Elements 8 Groups
• Angle of View:76.5-31.7 degrees
• Number of Diagram Blades:7 Blades
• Minimum Aperture (W):F22
• Minimum Focusing Distance:25cm (9.8")
• Maximum Magnification:1:3.5
• Filter Size:58mm
• Lens Hood:Bayonet Type
• Dimensions:69.6mm(2.7") x 60mm(2.4")
• Weight:250g (8.8 oz)

Sigma 55-200mm F4-5.6 DC HSM

• Lens Construction:12 Elements 9 Groups
• Angle of View:28.9-8.1 degrees
• Number of Diagram Blades:8 Blades
• Minimum Aperture (W):F22
• Minimum Focusing Distance:110cm (43.3")
• Maximum Magnification:1:4.5
• Filter Size:55mm
• Lens Hood:Bayonet Type
• Dimensions:71mm(2.8") x 84.6mm(3.3")
• Weight:310g (10.9 oz)