Ricoh is showcasing prototypes of the recently announced P10 28-300 mm F3.5-5.6 VC and A12 28 mm F2.5 modules for the GXR sytem at the CP+ photography trade show in Japan. DCWatch is reporting that Ricoh has also developed an adapter for the A12 module that allows it to be attached to a spotting scope. Mock ups of two other adapters, which would allow GXR users to mount Leica M and Hasselblad lenses, are also on display.

Source: DCWatch via 1001 Noisy Cameras

The long-awaited Pentax 645D digital medium-format camera will be available in May 2010. The 645D features a 40 megapixel Kodak sensor, SAFOX IX+ autofocus system with 11 sensor points, weather-proof body, dual SD/SDHC card slots and a glass prism viewfinder. Expected to sell for ¥850,000 ($9,500 / £6,300), the Pentax 645D will initially only be available in Japan, with a decision about release in other countries still to be decided. In addition to the 645D body, Pentax will also launch the D-FA 645 55mm F2.8 AL [IF] SDM AW lens, which is equivalent to 43.5mm in the 35mm format and will cost around ¥100,000 ($1,100 / £750).

Canon is showcasing various imaging products, from input to output, at this year’s Wedding & Portrait Photographer International (WPPI) Convention at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. On display is the new REALiS SX7 Mark II Multimedia LCOS projector, three new imagePROGRAF large format printers, in addition to the company’s EOS Digital SLR camera line and PIXMA Pro Series Inkjet printers. The all-new Canon REALiS SX7 Mark II Multimedia LCOS projector (see picture above) offers a remarkable 4000 lumens of brightness and advanced LCOS technology, delivering film-like photos and video with fine details and exceptional colour reproduction, the company says. Canon’s WPPI 2010 booth is #401.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 is the world’s lightest system camera with an eye-level viewfinder. Weighing in at only 11.85 ounces without a lens, the 12.1-megapixel Panasonic G10 boasts Panasonic’s newly developed Venus Engine HD II processor, and has a sensitivity range of ISO 100 - ISO 6400. Bundled with a new, stabilised 14-42mm kit zoom, the Panasonic Lumix G10 shoots HD videos in MJPEG format, and provides a continuous Live View feed even when taking stills in burst mode. Compared to the DMC-G2, which was also revealed today, the Panaonic G10 has a smaller (1.04x) and lower-resolution (202,000-dot) eye-level electronic viewfinder, and lacks the AVCHD Lite movie mode touch operation and LCD articulation offered by the more advanced model. Powered by a proprietary Lithium-ion battery, the Lumix DMC-G10 takes SD, SDHC and SDXC cards and has both a pop-up flash and a hot shoe for external flashes. Finished in black, the Panasonic G10 will be available in the UK from June.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 is a 12.1-megapixel Micro Four Thirds camera with an articulated touchscreen that provides touch-based functions like Touch AF/AE and Touch Shutter. Armed with a newly developed Venus Engine HD II processor, the Panasonic G2 shoots AVCHD Lite movies at a resolution of 1280x780 pixels, and has a port for an optional stereo microphone. In stills mode, the articulated touchscreen allows the photographer to pick the AF point they desire to use via a simple touch, which makes for quick and intuitive use in the field. In manual focus mode, a touch of a finger allows you to magnify into the live image to help with accurate focussing. You can even release the shutter using a single touch. Other novelties versus the G1 include an expanded sensitivity range that now extends to ISO 6400/39°, and uninterrupted Live View feed during burst shooting. Carried over from its predecessor, the 1,440,000-dot eye-level electronic viewfinder of the Panasonic Lumix G2 provides 1.4x magnification with a 50mm lens focussed at infinity. Bundled with a new 14-42mm kit zoom with boasting Panasonic’s Mega Optical Image Stabiliser, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 will be available from June 2010.

Olympus America has announced that the Olympus E-PL1 system camera is now shipping. Sporting a stabilised 12.3-megapixel LiveMOS sensor, the Olympus E-PL1 weighs in at only 296 grams without a lens, battery or memory card. Other highlights include a Supersonic Wave Filter for automated sensor cleaning, a sensitivity range of ISO 100-3200, 3fps continuous shooting for up to 10 raw images, HDMI and USB 2.0 connectivity, and auto gradation adjustment to prevent blown highlights and blocked-in shadows. The suggested retail price is $599.99, and Olympus America has launched a store finder to help you locate a dealer near you.

Website: Olympus E-PL1 US Store Finder

Olympus has issued a firmware update for the Olympus E-P1 system camera. Version 1.3 resolves an issue in firmware version 1.2 where the electronic level gauge did not move when using manual focus. For update instructions, pay a visit to the website below.

Website: Firmware Update Service

Seitz has unveiled the Roundshot D2x 360° panorama camera and its faster brother the Roundshot D2xs. The Roundshot D2x has a 2,048 pixel vertical resolution and captures 2x full HD panoramas at a fast speed, ideal for nature photography and virtual tours, the company says. As with all Roundshot cameras, the D2x rotates around its own axis and takes Nikon F mount lenses. A panoramic image is created in seconds, and can then be transferred to the PC via Ethernet (100Mb on the D2x, 1Gb on the D2xs). One further difference between the Seitz D2x and the Seitz D2xs is the onboard RAM buffer, which is 256MB on the D2x, and 1GB on the D2xs. The Roundshot D2x costs CHF 14,500; while the Roundshot D3xs can be had for CHF 16,500.

The Arca-Swiss RL3d is a state-of-the-art professional viewfinder camera, which comes equipped with new functions for making high-resolution images both digitally and on film. Thanks to Arca-Swiss’ wide selection of interface plates it is possible to take anything from medium format images through to panoramas. The extraordinary versatility of the modular Arca-Swiss photographic system enables you to use elements from the F- and M-Line cameras as well as a binocular viewer, lens hoods, bellows and other accessories to significantly enhance the functionality of the Arca-Swiss RL3d. Compared to the previous Rm3d model, the new Arca-Swiss RL3d offers increased shift, opening up new horizons by enabling you to take images in multiple formats up to 4x5”. Apart from the in-plane horizontal and vertical shift feature, the Arca-Swiss RL3d also offers ±5° tilt to allow photographers to exploit the Scheimpflug effect. The camera comes equipped with focus sensors and an electronic range-finder; framing is achieved using the new variable Vario viewfinder, which covers focal lengths from 23 – 210mm. An optional electronic module provides an electronic camera level function. The list price of the Arca-Swiss RL3d viewfinder camera is €4650+VAT.

Leica’s North American fans are going to be given a rare opportunity to see and try out the Leica M9 (pictured) and the Leica S2 courtesy of a road show kicking off on 18 March. The road show has 21 M-events in 17 US and 4 Canadian cities, and 19 S-events, out of which 2 are in Canada. M-events are $99 per participant, while the cost of entry to an S-event is $149. Click through / read on for locations and dates.

Ricoh today announced the development of two new camera-lens units for the Ricoh GXR interchangeable unit camera system. One of them, tentatively named RICOH LENS P10 28-300 mm F3.5-5.6 VC, features a back-illuminated compact camera sensor with the ability to capture images at 120 frames per second, and a 28-300mm equivalent lens. The “VC” designation indicates that this unit has the vibration correction function developed independently by Ricoh. The other, called GR LENS A12 28 mm F2.5 for the time being, is a unit boasting an APS-C sized CMOS sensor ana 28mm lens. The former is scheduled to ship in the summer, while the latter is expected to go on sale at the end of the year.

Sony is showing a number of concept cameras at PMA 2010. These include

- Concept model of an ultra-compact interchangeable lens digital camera system that packs the quality of a DSLR camera in an extraordinarily small body, along with interchangeable lenses
- Mid-range concept camera for advanced users (a successor to the ?700), as well as concept mainstream models, all complete with full 1080p AVCHD video capability
- Prototype of a Super Telephoto Lens (500mm F4 G) with class-leading optical performance
- Prototype of a Distagon T 24mm F2 ZA SSM, new Carl Zeiss wide angle lens for superior shots of landscapes and sweeping vistas

Today, Leaf Imaging announced the 40-megapixel Leaf Aptus-II 8, billed as the industry’s fastest medium format digital back. At a capture rate of under 0.8 seconds per frame, the Leaf Aptus-II 8 delivers a sustainable burst of 60 full resolution images per minute. Boasting a 44x33mm CCD imager with a sensitivity range of ISO 80-800, the Leaf Aptus-II 8 offers connectivity with over 80 different camera platforms including large-format cameras. Bundled with both Leaf Capture 11 and Capture One 5, the back is priced at €13.995 and is available now.

Website: Leaf Imaging

Panasonic has announced a new colour scheme for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 Micro Four Thirds camera. From March, the GF1 will also be available in pink, in addition to the existing black, silver, white and red options. Panasonic plans to produce 5,000 units per month of these cameras. If you are more interested in what the Panasonic GF1 can do than what colours it comes in, make sure to check out our in-depth review.

Source: Panasonic Japan via 1001 Noisy Cameras

Samsung has posted a number of sample shots taken with the all-new Samsung NX10 system camera and (mostly) the 30mm f/2 lens. Available on SamsungImaging.net, the photos link to their own full-resolution versions on Flickr. The entire set consists of 87 images, of which 13 are reproduced on the SamsungImaging blog.

Website: SamsungImaging

Via 1001 Noisy Cameras

Panasonic will be launching new cameras and camcorders at the UK’s Focus on Imaging show. This is the first year that the Japanese giant chose to attend Focus, the largest annual imaging exhibition in Europe. The company has not given any detailed info on the number of new products it plans to launch, but the above banner - found on the Panasonic UK website - alludes to at least one Lumix G series Micro Four Thirds camera and a Lumix compact. Focus on Imaging is taking place at the NEC, Birmingham from 7th-10th March.

Via 1001 Noisy Cameras

Olympus have just launched the Olympus E-PL1, a new, affordable Micro Four Thirds camera with a built-in flash, sensor-shift image stabilisation and one-touch HD video recording. Sporting a stabilised 12.3-megapixel LiveMOS sensor, the Olympus E-PL1 weighs in at only 296 grams without a lens, battery or memory card. Speaking of which, the Olympus E-PL1 is compatible with SD and SDHC cards, just like the existing Micro Four Thirds offerings from Olympus and Panasonic. Other highlights include a Supersonic Wave Filter for automated sensor cleaning, a sensitivity range of ISO 100-3200, 3fps continuous shooting for up to 10 raw images, HDMI and USB 2.0 connectivity, and auto gradation adjustment to prevent blown highlights and blocked-in shadows. The Olympus E-PL1 also features an easy-to-understand, non-technical Live Guide with simple direct control over key image effects. Available from March 2010 at a retail price of £549 for a single lens kit and £699 for a twin zoom kit, the Olympus E-PL1 is the most affordable Micro Four Thirds camera from Olympus to date.

Samsung UK’s press launch for their extensive range of 2010 cameras gave us the opportunity to get all hands-on with the jewel in their crown, the NX10. Modestly billed as the “Evolution of camera”, the Samsung NX10 is targeted at the so-called “Wannabe” user, who’s apparently looking for perfect image quality from a smaller camera than a traditional DSLR. Therefore the NX10 is up against the likes of the Olympus Pen range and the Panasonic G1 - indeed, we have a few side-by-side comparison shots with the G1 in our photo gallery. Find out just what Samsung UK are going to spend £1million promoting by reading the rest of this article.

Olympus have issued a firmware update for the Olympus Pen E-P1 interchangeable-lens digital compact camera. Version 1.2 reduces the duration of the MF ASSIST enlarged display; allegedly to improve operability. It also enables REC VIEW when the monitor backlighting is set to ‘off’. Unlike with most other manufacturers’ models, but in line with other Olympus cameras, the Olympus E-P1 firmware can be updated from within the Olympus Master or Olympus Studio software.

Source: Olympus Japan

Colour Confidence has announced the availability of ‘Seeing The Light’ a free educational paper which provides a comprehensive introduction to, and overview of, the importance of light and shade as part of an accurate colour management workflow. The ‘Seeing The Light’ document discusses the importance of introducing a consistent light source to the workflow, in order to achieve total accuracy when it comes to assessing final proofs and outlines the various ways of achieving this. In addition, it takes a look at how adding a monitor hood can shield unwanted light from the working environment so that what is seen on the display is free from distractions and irregular light levels, making it as colour accurate to the eye as it can be. The newly published ‘Seeing The Light’ document is the latest addition to Colour Confidence’s already comprehensive online ‘Learning Centre’ archive, which offers a wealth of free information on every aspect of colour management. This includes easy to follow guides to digital photography, monitor comparisons, top tips from the professionals, video tutorials and much more.

Website: Seeing the Light