In the first quarter of 2011, Altek plans to release its Android-based Leo smartphone in the European market, and there's good reason why we should be jealous here in the States. It will come equipped with a 14MP camera.

With a sensor that large, we're not sure if we should call this a smartphone with an integrated digital camera or vice versa. Either way, it's the first Android-enabled 3.5G device to come with a 14MP sensor and makes a real case for ditching your dedicated digicam.

"Memorable moments usually happen when you least expect them," observed Altek CEO, Alex Hsia. "You want to be able to capture those precious moments anytime and anywhere, and Leo is the device that lets you do just that. Leo is the product of design know-how that comes from years of creating breakthroughs at Altek in digital imaging technology, integrated with the most advanced Android smartphone system."

Supplmenting the built-in camera is a 3.2-inch WVGA multitouch display, Wi-Fi, GPS, and microSD card slot.

No word yet on how much this one will cost or when Altek plans on shipping it to other markets.

Sony arrives fashionably late to the video capture DSLR party with its new A560, the first DSLR in Sony's lineup that comes capable of recording impromptu moments in both AVCHD 1920x1080 60i or MP4 formats.

Sony said it equipped the A560 (and A580) with a new generation Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor processor, which together with the company's BIONZ imaging processor supports high-speed continuous shooting and a range of digital image compositing and processing functions.

Both cameras can freeze photos at up to 7fps in Speed Priority Continuous Advanced mode, and both come with a newly developed 15-point phase-detection autofocus system that purportedly keeps moving subjects in focus.

Other features include an articulating 3-inch LCD, 16.2 megapixels (A580) or 14.2 megapixels (A560), 3D Sweep Panorama, auto HDR, and up to ISO 25,600.

The A580 will ship in October for $749 (body only) and $850 (kit lens), while the A560 will arrive in the first quarter of 2011 for $100 less.

It's a great time to be in the market for a DSLR. First time buyers have more choices than ever to wade through, and companies are competing for your business by cramming more features into their entry-level models. That includes Nikon's new D3100.

The D3100 comes with a new CMOS image sensor and image processing engine that lets users capture high-definition images and movies (1080p/24 H.264 AVCHD).

Nikon claims the new 14.2 megapixel sensor can be goosed from its native maximum of ISO 3200 all the way up to 12,800 for those extra dark scenes. Some of the other features include a Live view mode, built-in scene auto selector, face detection that's capable of detecting up to 35 human faces, and a 3-inch LCD screen.

Look for the D3100 to ship in September for $700 with an 18-55mm VR kit lens.