Category: Photokina 2014

Monday, September 15, 2014

Photography Blog was invited along to Panasonic’s UK HQ in Bracknell , Berkshire, late August to hear more about its GM5 and LX100 releases, as well as the two new versions of its 35-100mm and 14mm lenses also launched today for its system cameras. Present at the meeting and making presentations were Panasonic UK’s Marketing Manager Dai Mukai, Head of Imaging Barney Sykes and Imaging Product Specialist Mark Baber, as well as the brand’s technical expert Mr Uematsu from Japan. A transcription of the presentations and discussions follows…

The Panasonic Lumix GM5 is the World’s smallest interchangeable lens camera with a Live View Finder. The Panasonic GM5 builds on the successes of the GM1, incorporating a variety of new functions and a practical LVF for even greater control over composition, and an external flash unit (GN7, black or silver) is also bundled to fit on the newly added hot shoe.

Panasonic is also introducing two new lenses. The new LUMIX G VARIO 35-100mm / F4.0-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S has been designed with a metallic profile and a retractable structure. The LUMIX G 14mm / F2.5 II ASPH. (H-H014A), has been updated in both black and silver.

The Panasonic Lumix GM5 is the World’s smallest interchangeable lens camera with a Live View Finder. The Panasonic GM5 builds on the successes of the GM1, incorporating a variety of new functions and a practical LVF for even greater control over composition, and an external flash unit (GN7, black or…

The Panasonic LUMIX LX100 is a flagship premium compact camera which incorporates a Micro Four Thirds sensor. Setting a new standard for fixed lens photography and videography, the Panasonic LX100 features a 4/3-inch High Sensitivity MOS sensor, video recording in 4K, 24-75mm F1.7-F2.8 Leica lens, Live View Finder (LVF) with 2764K-dot equivalent high resolution, high speed burst shooting at 11 fps, and integrated Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity.

The Panasonic LUMIX LX100 is a flagship premium compact camera which incorporates a Micro Four Thirds sensor. Setting a new standard for fixed lens photography and videography, the Panasonic LX100 features a 4/3-inch High Sensitivity MOS sensor, video recording in 4K, 24-75mm F1.7-F2.8 Leica lens, Live View Finder (LVF) with…

Want to see exactly what the new Samsung NX1 compact system camera looks like in the flesh?

Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of the Samsung NX1 compact system camera.

Want to see exactly what the new Samsung NX1 compact system camera looks like in the flesh? Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of the Samsung NX1 compact system camera.

Want to see exactly what the new Samsung 50-150mm 2.8 S ED OIS lens looks like in the flesh?

Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of the Samsung 50-150mm 2.8 S ED OIS lens.

Want to see exactly what the new Samsung 50-150mm 2.8 S ED OIS lens looks like in the flesh? Check out our hands-on gallery of photos of the Samsung 50-150mm 2.8 S ED OIS lens.

The Samsung NX1 is a new compact system camera designed for the expert photographer. Boasting fantastic image quality, remarkable fast AF system and ease of use, the Samsung NX1 features best in class 15FPS continuous AF shooting, a unique Auto Focus (AF) System III with 205 Phase Detection AF points, a 28MP APS-C BSI CMOS Sensor for superior image quality, a weather-sealed magnesium-alloy body, and 4K video recording. The Samsung NX1 will cost £1299 body-only, release date to be confirmed.

Samsung have also announced the new 50-150mm 2.8 S ED OIS lens, a high end, premium telephoto lens perfectly matched with the NX1. Price and availability to be confirmed.

The Samsung NX1 is a new compact system camera designed for the expert photographer. Boasting fantastic image quality, remarkable fast AF system and ease of use, the Samsung NX1 features best in class 15FPS continuous AF shooting, a unique Auto Focus (AF) System III with 205 Phase Detection AF points…

Olympus has announced a silver OM-D E-M1, version 2.0 firmware upgrade, super-fast 40-150mm telephoto zoom lens and 1.4x teleconverter booster. The 2.0 firmware upgrade delivers tethered shooting, on-camera Digital Shift and Live Composite. The extremely fast M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm 1:2.8 PRO (80-300mm*) is available with a booster for ultra-high zoom photography: the M.ZUIKO Digital 1.4x Teleconverter.

The silver Olympus E-M1 upgrade goes on sale in early October – at £1099.99 for the body only, or £1799.99 in a kit with the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-40mm 1:2.8 PRO lens. The new 40-150mm PRO zoom lens and 1.4x Teleconverter both follow in early November. The Olympus 40-150mm lens will cost £1299.99 with the 1.4x teleconverter priced at £299.99. Alternatively, they will be available together for £1499.99.

Olympus has announced a silver OM-D E-M1, version 2.0 firmware upgrade, super-fast 40-150mm telephoto zoom lens and 1.4x teleconverter booster. The 2.0 firmware upgrade delivers tethered shooting, on-camera Digital Shift and Live Composite. The extremely fast M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm 1:2.8 PRO (80-300mm*) is available with a booster for ultra-high…

The Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12mm 1:2.0 lens is now available in a classic black metal finish. The black Olympus 12mm lens will be available from late September for £739.99.

The Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12mm 1:2.0 lens is now available in a classic black metal finish. The black Olympus 12mm lens will be available from late September for £739.99.

Zhongyi Optics have announced two new lenses, the 42.5mm f/1.2 and 24mm f/1.7, for mirrorless cameras. The new Zhongyi Mitakon 42.5mm f/1.2 Lens features an incredibly fast aperture of f/1.2, making it ideally suited for low-light conditions shooting, greater control over selective focus and shallow depth of field imagery. The new Zhongyi Mitakon 24mm f/1.7 Lens is a fast prime wide-angle lens that provides a 35mm-equivalent focal length of 35mm, making it ideally suited for everyday shooting applications. The recommended retail price of the 42.5mm f/1.2 is $359 and the 24mm f/1.7 is $289.

Zhongyi Optics have announced two new lenses, the 42.5mm f/1.2 and 24mm f/1.7, for mirrorless cameras. The new Zhongyi Mitakon 42.5mm f/1.2 Lens features an incredibly fast aperture of f/1.2, making it ideally suited for low-light conditions shooting, greater control over selective focus and shallow depth of field imagery. The…

The Phottix Indra500 TTL Studio Light offers a new level of power for photographers on the move. Use TTL to shoot during fast moving events like weddings. Shoot on-location, under the harsh sun and control ambient light with high speed sync. Shoot wide-open with shutter speeds up to 1/8000s. The built-in Phottix Odin Receiver for Canon and Nikon makes the Indra500 TTL easy to control and trigger.

The Indra500 TTL Studio Light, Indra Battery Pack and Indra AC Adapter will be available in October 2014. A Indra 500 TTL Light and Battery Set will be priced at $1295 USD.

The Phottix Indra500 TTL Studio Light offers a new level of power for photographers on the move. Use TTL to shoot during fast moving events like weddings. Shoot on-location, under the harsh sun and control ambient light with high speed sync. Shoot wide-open with shutter speeds up to 1/8000s. The…

The Epson Expression Photo XP-860 printer delivers ultra-powerful performance in an ultra-slim design. Ideal for families and photo enthusiasts, the Expression Photo XP-860 outputs stunning, professional-quality photos with smooth gradations and amazing skin tones – up to 8" x 10" borderless – with six-color Claria Photo HD Inks. It also comes equipped with Epson Connect for the ability to access, print and scan documents, photos, emails, and web pages from a tablet, smartphone or computer. The Epson Expression Photo XP-860 ($299.99) is now available via select photo and other specialty retailers.

The Epson Expression Photo XP-860 printer delivers ultra-powerful performance in an ultra-slim design. Ideal for families and photo enthusiasts, the Expression Photo XP-860 outputs stunning, professional-quality photos with smooth gradations and amazing skin tones – up to 8" x 10" borderless – with six-color Claria Photo HD Inks. It also…

The Profoto Air Remote TTL-N allows Nikon shooters to do TTL metering with the Profoto B1 off-camera flash. Air Remote TTL-N is a small, wireless radio transmitter that attaches to the Nikon camera’s hotshoe. Attaching the unit enables TTL metering with the B1. The Air Remote TTL-N can also be used to manually control and sync the B1 or any other Profoto flash with Air built-in. Air Remote TTL-N is sold separately. The recommended sales price is €295 / $395. The already released Air Remote TTL-C has the same price.

The Profoto Air Remote TTL-N allows Nikon shooters to do TTL metering with the Profoto B1 off-camera flash. Air Remote TTL-N is a small, wireless radio transmitter that attaches to the Nikon camera’s hotshoe. Attaching the unit enables TTL metering with the B1. The Air Remote TTL-N can also be…

Lowepro has unveiled the newest generation of its beloved expedition backpacks from the Professional Collection: the Trekker Series. "Trekker is our largest capacity backpack line, so our number one goal in refreshing the design was to improve the premium suspension system and offer a best-in-class solution for carrying a heavy load," said Tim Grimmer, Lowepro brand director. The new Pro Trekker 650 AW ($429.95 / £365), Pro Trekker 450 AW ($379.95 / £325) and Lens Trekker 600 AW III ($299.95 / £265) offer improved comfort, superior protection and a versatile organization system.

Lowepro has unveiled the newest generation of its beloved expedition backpacks from the Professional Collection: the Trekker Series. "Trekker is our largest capacity backpack line, so our number one goal in refreshing the design was to improve the premium suspension system and offer a best-in-class solution for carrying a heavy…

The Lowepro ProTactic Series is a groundbreaking, professional camera backpack. These packs are built for photojournalists, documentary photographers and urban shooters who rely on mission-critical access and on-the-fly versatility to get them behind the lines and into the action. "From the design table to field testing, ProTactic has generated more energy and excitement internally than any other product I've been involved with," said Tim Grimmer, Lowepro brand director. "We can't wait to see where photographers take it and how they'll set it up." The Pro Tactic 450 AW costs $249.95 and the ProTactic 350 AW $199.95.

The Lowepro ProTactic Series is a groundbreaking, professional camera backpack. These packs are built for photojournalists, documentary photographers and urban shooters who rely on mission-critical access and on-the-fly versatility to get them behind the lines and into the action. "From the design table to field testing, ProTactic has generated more…

The Lowepro Toploader Pro is a new compact and flexible toploading camera bag. Sports, event and active photographers will benefit from the updated features, including four wearing options. "We looked at how people carry and work with their bags and designed a flexibility strap and harness system that lets photographers wear it four ways," said Tim Grimmer, Lowepro brand director. The Toploader Pro 75 AW II costs $99.95 / £85 and the Toploader Pro 70 AW II $89.95 / £75.

The Lowepro Toploader Pro is a new compact and flexible toploading camera bag. Sports, event and active photographers will benefit from the updated features, including four wearing options. "We looked at how people carry and work with their bags and designed a flexibility strap and harness system that lets photographers…

The Lowepro Hardside Series is a game-changing line of impact-protective, hard case solutions. Tested to a rating of IP67, which translates to 100% protection against the ingress of dust and sand, and makes it watertight for at least 30 minutes under 15cm to 1m of water, these hardworking cases double up on protection and versatility with a tough outer shell of formed ABS resin and a removable, soft-sided insert with a padded divider system. The Hardside 400 Photo retials for $249.95 / £215, the Hardside 300 Photo £199.95 / £170, and the Hardside 200 Video $169.95 / £145.

The Lowepro Hardside Series is a game-changing line of impact-protective, hard case solutions. Tested to a rating of IP67, which translates to 100% protection against the ingress of dust and sand, and makes it watertight for at least 30 minutes under 15cm to 1m of water, these hardworking cases double…

Schneider-Kreuznach has unveiled the Xenon 1.6/35mm Xenon 1.4/50mm and Macro Symmar 85mm, three new lenses for full-frame single-lens reflex cameras. The Xenon 1.6/35 mm and Xenon 1.4/50 mm lenses are equipped with an electronic interface to the camera and a mechanical automatic iris for Nikon cameras. The Macro Symmar on display with an 85 mm focal length and a maximum aperture of 2.4 has a motorized iris and an electronic interface for the Canon EOS system. The automatic aperture function is driven exclusively by the camera. All lenses will be available for Canon EOS and Nikon-F systems. Pricing and availability to be confirmed.

Schneider-Kreuznach has unveiled the Xenon 1.6/35mm Xenon 1.4/50mm and Macro Symmar 85mm, three new lenses for full-frame single-lens reflex cameras. The Xenon 1.6/35 mm and Xenon 1.4/50 mm lenses are equipped with an electronic interface to the camera and a mechanical automatic iris for Nikon cameras. The Macro Symmar on…

JOBY has unveiled four versatile, durable and compact accessories for professional photographers that help improve workflow and increase efficiency. The Pro Sling Strap ($69.95 / £57) is a low profile, high-strength camera strap designed for professional DSLRs with zoom lenses and battery grips. The UltraFit Hand Strap with UltraPlate ($49.95 / £41) is a useful combination of a streamlined hand strap and universal quick-release plate. GorillaPod Focus + Ballhead X ($149.95 / £140) is the strongest and largest GorillaPod, designed with the professional photographer in mind. The Flash Clamp & Locking Arm ($39.95 / £35) helps transform everyday objects into lighting assistants.

JOBY has unveiled four versatile, durable and compact accessories for professional photographers that help improve workflow and increase efficiency. The Pro Sling Strap ($69.95 / £57) is a low profile, high-strength camera strap designed for professional DSLRs with zoom lenses and battery grips. The UltraFit Hand Strap with UltraPlate ($49.9…

The JOBY Suction Cup & Locking Arm and Suction Cup & GorillaPod Arm are two new accessories for GoPro and action cam shooters. Scheduled to launch in November, they deliver fast set-ups, unique perspectives and provide the ultimate hold on all kinds of smooth surfaces. The Suction Cup & Locking Arm will retail for $39.95 / £33, while the Suction Cup & GorillaPod Arm will cost $29.95 / £25.

The JOBY Suction Cup & Locking Arm and Suction Cup & GorillaPod Arm are two new accessories for GoPro and action cam shooters. Scheduled to launch in November, they deliver fast set-ups, unique perspectives and provide the ultimate hold on all kinds of smooth surfaces. The Suction Cup & Locking…

Friday, September 12, 2014

Nikon will exhibit its remote camera system at IBC and Photokina 2014. Developed by Nikon and Mark Roberts Motion Control (MRMC) as professional equipment for the imaging industry, this remote camera system uses Nikon’s digital camera and imaging solutions and MRMC’s robotic heads. Nikon has been working with MRMC in the UK for some time, allowing professional photographers to use remote systems set up at major sporting events such as Wimbledon and The Open Golf Championship, as well as at some of the world’s other big sporting events. Earlier this year the partners installed a bespoke remote set-up using Nikon DSLR cameras in the London Live studio, the first 24-hour entertainment TV channel dedicated to London. The studio operates a fully automated set-up using the Nikon D4 and Nikon D800 cameras and a nine axis, state of the art, custom-made robotic arm to produce the desired full-frame 35mm cinematic effect.

Nikon will exhibit its remote camera system at IBC and Photokina 2014. Developed by Nikon and Mark Roberts Motion Control (MRMC) as professional equipment for the imaging industry, this remote camera system uses Nikon’s digital camera and imaging solutions and MRMC’s robotic heads. Nikon has been working with MRMC in…