Blackmagic Design has announced Blackmagic Cinema Camera, a new digital cinema camera design that includes features such as a claimed 13 stops of dynamic range, built in high bandwidth SSD recorder, open file format support, colour correction with full version of DaVinci Resolve and a built in capacitive touch-screen with metadata entry. Other highlights include sensor cooling, built in high-speed Thunderbolt connection, 3 Gb/s SDI output and a Canon EF lens mount. The sensor is capable of capturing both 2.5K and Full HD footage at frame rates of 24, 25, 29.97 and 30fps. The Blackmagic Cinema Camera, which is currently on display at the NAB 2012 Show (Booth #SL220) will be available July 2012 for $2,995.

Olympus has released a firmware update for the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 EZ lens. Version 1.1 adds support for the Zoom Resume feature of certain Panasonic bodies and enhances the performance of the Olympus OM-D’s image stabiliser when the camera is used with the 12-50mm lens set to macro mode. You can upgrade your lens’ firmware via the Olympus Digital Camera Updater application, as described at the website below.

Website: Olympus Europe | Firmware Update Instruction
Review: Read our in-depth review of the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 EZ lens

The Olympus E-PL3 PEN Lite has been named “Best Entry-Level Compact System Camera” by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA). The jury praised the camera’s focusing speed, image quality, body-integral image stabiliser and overall usability. Meanwhile, the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2 has won the “Best Fixed Focus CSC Lens” category.

Review: Read our in-depth review of the Olympus E-PL3
Review: Read our in-depth review of the M.Zuiko Digital ED 12mm f/2 lens

This year, two Vanguard products have received accolades from the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA). The 2012 awards were voted on by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) General Assembly last month in South Africa, where editors of close to 30 top photo magazines from around the world selected the best imaging products of the year. Vanguard’s BBH-200 professional ball-head (pictured) was named “Best Accessory 2012,” while the company’s The Heralder series camera messenger bags were voted “Best Photo Bag 2012” for their quick and easy access and large storage capacity.

At the NAB Trade Show in Las Vegas, Carl Zeiss is showcasing its first Compact Zoom CZ.2 lens to complement the Compact Prime CP.2 line of lenses. The Compact Zoom CZ.2 70-200/T2.9 features an iris diagram with 18 rounded blades for a pleasing rendition of the out-of-focus areas. The cine-style housing with gearing allows the attachment of any standard follow-focus system. The Carl Zeiss T* anti- reflection coating minimises stray light and ghosting within the lens. Weighing in at 2.8kg (6.2lbs), the Carl Zeiss Compact Zoom CZ.2 70-200/T2.9will start shipping in the fourth quarter of 2012 at a recommended retail price of €14,900 or US$19,900.

The Pentax K-01 compact system camera has been selected as a Product Design 2012 winner at this year’s red dot design awards in Germany. The award – the red dot – has established itself internationally as one of the most appreciated quality seals for outstanding designs. The Pentax K-01 was selected from more than 4,500 applicants from 58 countries to win the “Entertainment Technology and Cameras” category.

This year, two Panasonic products have received accolades from the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA). The Panasonic GX1 (pictured) has been named ‘Best Advanced Compact System Camera’ of the year, while the Lumix G X Vario PZ 14-42mm won the ‘Best Compact System Camera Expert Lens’ category. On the latter, a TIPA jury spokesperson commented: “Constructed with nine elements in eight groups, with four aspherical and two ED lenses, the Micro-4/3rds mount Lumix G 14-42mm lens is a power zoom, making it ideal for both still and especially video recording. An enhanced built-in Power O.I.S. optical image stabilisation feature aids in quality recording, and Nano Surface Coating technology results in a dramatic reduction of ghosting and flare.”

Review: Read our in-depth review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1

Sigma’s 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 II DC OS HSM has won the TIPA 2012 Best Entry Level Lens award, while the Sigma APO Macro 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM has been named the Best Expert DSLR Lens in 2012. The 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 II DC OS HSM is the new, optically stabilised version of Sigma’s 11.1x superzoom lens, equipped with a HyperSonic Motor (HSM) for quiet focusing. The Sigma APO MACRO 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM is the world’s first optically stabilised 180mm macro lens with a reproduction ratio of 1:1 and a maximum aperture of f/2.8.

Nikon has announced that three of its products have won accolades in the TIPA 2012 awards, and four products have been given the prestigious “red dot award: product design 2012”. The TIPA honours have been awarded to the Nikon D5100 (Best Entry-Level DSLR), the Nikon D800 (Best Expert DSLR), and the Nikon SB-910 (Best Professional System Flash). Meanwhile, the “red dot award: product design 2012” was given to the Nikon 1 system, the Coolpix AW100 rugged camera, the Coolpix P310 premium compact, and the PROSTAFF 5 laser rangefinder.

Canon has been awarded six separate honours by the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA). The award-winning Canon products include the EOS C300 (Best Professional Video Camera), the EOS 5D Mark III (Best Video DSLR), the not-yet-available EOS-1D X (Best Professional DSLR, pictured), the EF 8-15mm f4L USM Fisheye (Best Professional DSLR Lens), the Powershot G1 X (Best Expert Compact Camera) and the Pixma MG8250 (Best Multifunction Photo Printer).

Sony has scooped up three TIPA awards. The Sony A65 has been named the Best Advanced DSLR of the year, the Best Expert CSC title has been awarded to the Sony NEX-7, while the new XQD memory cards have won the ‘Best Imaging Storage’ Media award. On the latter, the jury commented, “Sony’s XQD Memory Cards are made for the demanding needs of today’s pro still and DSLR videographers. Offering read/write speeds of up to 125 MB per second (currently, when used with the Nikon D4), the card can record approximately 100 raw images in continuous shooting mode.”

Review: Read our in-depth review of the Sony A65
Review: Read our in-depth review of the Sony NEX-7

The Pentax Optio WG-2 has been selected as the Best Rugged Compact Camera in the 2012 TIPA Awards. In its official product analysis, TIPA noted that: “The newest model of the proven PENTAX WG-series is available with or without the GPS feature (geotagging). Made for rugged use, the camera is protected against drop damage up to 1.5 metres (5 feet) and withstands weights up to 100 kilograms (220 LBF). It is well prepared for use underwater, for depths up to 12 metres (40 feet), and in dusty climates as well as cold conditions, down to -10° C (14° F).”

Tiffen has announced that its Tiffen Dfx digital filter suite will support the upcoming Adobe Creative Suite 6 software. Attendees at NAB 2012 can get a hands-on look at the Tiffen Dfx v3 for Adobe Creative Suite 6 at the Tiffen booth (C8818). “It was a top priority to roll out Tiffen Dfx for Adobe Creative Suite 6, and we are thrilled to be showcasing it on the show floor at NAB,” said Steve Tiffen, President, The Tiffen Company.

Tiffen will be showcasing the new MPTV line of integrated and enhanced professional photography and motion picture optical filters at NAB 2012 at booth C8818. This product range delivers two distinct filter offerings. The first combines the innovative Tiffen IRND technology with the premium Tiffen Ultra Pol, giving shooters a single-filter solution providing maximum light control and “unparalleled” IR protection in challenging environments. The second new filter launch features the popular TIffen Pro-Mist, Black Pro-Mist, and Glimmerglass filters in a 1/16 grade size. Pricing remains the same as other grades. All Tiffen filters are backed by a ten-year warranty and are made in the USA.

A new report released by BCC Research claims that “by 2016, the [global] digital photography market should reach $82.5 billion”. Within this market, the segment of digital cameras and lenses is forecast to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 5.8%, reaching nearly $50 billion in 2016. By contrast, the segment of photo printers and processing equipment is expected to contract slightly to $24.7 billion, representing a decrease of $300 million versus 2011. The report is available to purchase from the BCC website.

Website: BCC Research

Canon has posted a quality issue announcement saying it has identified an issue that prevents users of the Canon EOS 5D Mark III from processing raw images when using Digital Photo Professional (DPP) 3.11.10. The company has promised to release an update for users to download which will address this issue. The update will be available on the Canon website in mid-April.

Lunabee has released oneSafe Photos, its latest app for iPhone and iPad, which safeguards personal pictures and private videos on a user’s device inside a locked vault. Featuring hardware encryption, a full-screen viewing mode and built-in search functionality, oneSafe Photos is easy to set up: users only need to choose a 4-digit PIN, password, or visual pattern. They can lock the vault with the touch of a button or automatically when they leave the app. Additionally, the app features an option for double protection. This “vault within a vault” is designed to protect highly valuable information and is only accessible after entering a second password. oneSafe Photos is available on iTunes for $0.99.