Tasco cuts price of GXR, Sony launches a390

Tasco has reduced the price of Ricoh’s GXR interchangeable lens camera system, with new kits starting from $749 (RRP) and the base camera body selling for a $100 less at $599 (RRP).

Tasco general manager - digital camera sales division - Stewart Pickersgill said the move follows increasing competition in the compact interchangeable lens category.

“The digital camera market has always been a competitive one. A year ago, there were only two or three players in the compact interchangeable lens category – now there are half a dozen,” he said.

“People who are serious about image quality will always want to buy Ricoh, but we’ve had to respond to increasing competition in the category by reducing the price of the GXR offering,” he said.

Three interchangeable Ricoh camera units are currently available, with a fourth camera unit featuring a 28mm fixed-focal-length Ricoh GR lens and a high speed APS-C size CMOS sensor scheduled for release in October.

Pickersgill says this demonstrates Ricoh’s commitment to the GXR system.

“The GXR is here to stay. Ricoh is listening to its customers and has mapped out the release of new camera units heading into 2011 and beyond,” he said.

"To fully utilise the GXR’s unique ability to accommodate interchangeable units other than camera units, Ricoh is also investigating possibilities for the development of a variety of devices, such as storage, printers and projectors,” he added.

The GXR camera system is available exclusively through the Ricoh Pro G Dealer Network.

Ricoh will release a GXR S10 hard kit on July 2.

Sony introduces entry-level a390 DSLR

Sony Australia has introduced an entry level model to its Alpha DSLR range.

Aimed at first-time DSLR users, the a390 features a 14.2 megapixel CCD image sensor, variable-angle 2.7 inch LCD screen and a new ergonomic grip within a lightweight body.

“With increasing consumer interest in professional photography, the a390 has been designed specifically for first-time DSLR users, letting them capture professional quality photos without the steep learning curve,” Sony Australia product manager for Alpha DSLR Maurice Satya said.

The camera also supports PhotoTV HD, which allows playback of optimised full HD images when connected to any compatible BRAVIA TV in photo mode.

The single lens model will retail at $799 (RRP) with the twin lens version selling for $999 (RRP). Both models will be available early next month.