More Sony rumors: new Alpha 18-250mm SAM, "digital zoom" on A55/A33?

Sony Alpha Rumors has received an anonymous image that shows a new SAM version of the Sony Alpha 18-250mm superzoom lens, which would be replacing the existing non-SAM version of the lens.

Meanwhile, Foto Actualidad writes that YLovePhoto's pages (33, 55) for the A55 and A33 mention that the cameras will include a "Smart Teleconverter mode", which some consider a glorified digital-zoom. This is a feature we have seen on fixed-lens cameras (eg Panasonic superzooms). Some may also be upset with this as they may consider it "dumbing down DSLRs" and/or confusing the average consumers. Others may see this as a practical benefit with known limitations. We blog, you decide!

Speaking of Sony, we have a deal alert for you, their 6-inch touch-screen Reader Touch PRS600BC e-book reader is offered for $120 at Sears, sold and shipped by Sears itself. There are rumors of two new models coming up...