News

Thursday, September 3, 2009

The Samsung NX series of cameras will be launched in either late 2009 or early 2010. Samsung’s Michael Zoller revealed that the NX series is still in the “field test stage” at today’s Samsung IFA press conference.First announced in March 2009 and slated for release in the second-half of 2009, the NX Series utilizes an APS-C sized image sensor and replaces the mirror box of a DSLR with an electronic viewfinder, rivalling the likes of the Olympus E-P1 and recently announced Panasonic GF1. It also seems that the NX series will use interchangeable lenses, as Samsung were briefly showing 3 prototype lenses behind glass here at the IFA show in Berlin, Germany, alongside an NX body.

The Samsung NX series of cameras will be launched in either late 2009 or early 2010. Samsung’s Michael Zoller revealed that the NX series is still in the “field test stage” at today’s Samsung IFA press conference.First announced in March 2009 and slated for release in the second-half of 2009…

Samsung haven’t announced any more new cameras at IFA, but we were able to briefly try out the WB5000. As a reminder, the Samsung WB5000 is a new bridge camera with a 26mm wide angle lens and 24x optical zoom. The WB5000 (also known as the HZ25W) offers RAW shooting, aperture priority, shutter priority and two User defined Modes as well as full manual shooting modes. Click through to see a gallery of shots of Samsung’s first entry into the mega-zoom market.

Samsung haven’t announced any more new cameras at IFA, but we were able to briefly try out the WB5000. As a reminder, the Samsung WB5000 is a new bridge camera with a 26mm wide angle lens and 24x optical zoom. The WB5000 (also known as the HZ25W) offers RAW shooting…

Sony are showing their newly-announced PM1 camcorder at the IFA show, a new hand-held device that provides quick photo and video uploads to the web. A direct rival to the popular Flip Video range, the Sony PM1 features a unique 270 degree swivel lens, 1080p video and 5 megapixel still images. Click through for some close-up photos of the Sony PM1.

Sony are showing their newly-announced PM1 camcorder at the IFA show, a new hand-held device that provides quick photo and video uploads to the web. A direct rival to the popular Flip Video range, the Sony PM1 features a unique 270 degree swivel lens, 1080p video and 5 megapixel still…

The Pentax X70 is the latest super-zoom compact camera to land on our review desk, and the first entry from Pentax into this ever-competitive segment of the market. This 24x zoom model offers an amazingly versatile focal range of 26-624mm, covering everything from wide-angle landscapes to up-close-and-personal nature shots. If there still isn't enough telephoto range for you, the software-based Intelligent Zoom function boosts the X70's reach up to 3900mm. Also on offer are a 2.7-inch LCD monitor, 1280x720 pixel HD movies, 1cm macro and full range of manual shooting modes. Currently selling for around £370 / $399, Gavin Stoker finds out if the Pentax X70 can compete with the super zoom big boys in our latest expert review.

The Sony PM1 camera provides quick photo and video uploads to the web. Capturing 5 megapixel still images and recording 1080p HD video in MP4 format, the Sony PM1 features a unique 270 degree swivel lens that instantly switches on camera when rotated. The Sharemark button and built-in Picture Motion Browser (PMB) Portable software enable wuick and easy Web uploads. The Sony PM1 is available now.

The Sony PM1 camera provides quick photo and video uploads to the web. Capturing 5 megapixel still images and recording 1080p HD video in MP4 format, the Sony PM1 features a unique 270 degree swivel lens that instantly switches on camera when rotated. The Sharemark button and built-in Picture Motion…

The Kodak ESP 5250 and ESP 3250 are new All-in-One (AiO) printers which save an average of £75 a year on ink. Offering print speeds of up to 30 pages per minute in black and 29 pages per minute in colour, the Kodak 5250 and 3250 both feature colour LCD display screens, memory card slots, intelligent paper tray systems and a simple two-cartridge set-up. The ESP 5250 is enabled with built-in Wi-Fi and a a 2.4” colour LCD, while the ESP 3250 features a smaller 1.5” colour LCD. The Kodak ESP 5250 retails for £129.99 and the ESP 3250 for £89.99.

The Kodak ESP 5250 and ESP 3250 are new All-in-One (AiO) printers which save an average of £75 a year on ink. Offering print speeds of up to 30 pages per minute in black and 29 pages per minute in colour, the Kodak 5250 and 3250 both feature colour LCD…

Corel Digital Studio 2010 makes it fast and fun to enjoy and share your favorite photos and videos. “With its simple, elegant design and intuitive, all-in-one approach, Corel Digital Studio removes barriers, inspires creativity and gives everyone the ability to create and share something memorable in just minutes.” commented Nick Davies, Corel’s Senior Vice President, Product Management and Product Marketing. In the US and Canada, Corel Digital Studio 2010 is available now for $99.99. Corel Digital Studio 2010 will be available globally starting in mid-September 2009.

Corel Digital Studio 2010 makes it fast and fun to enjoy and share your favorite photos and videos. “With its simple, elegant design and intuitive, all-in-one approach, Corel Digital Studio removes barriers, inspires creativity and gives everyone the ability to create and share something memorable in just minutes.” commented Nick…

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

We've published a selection of sample videos from the new Panasonic GF1 camera at the highest quality setting of 1280 x 720 pixels at 30 frames per second. We've also included some video clips taken using the new My Colors filters, which can be applied to both movies as well as still images.

See exactly what the new Panasonic GF1 camera is capable of by checking out our gallery of sample photos. There are 15 JPEG and RAW files, plus sample images showing off the ISO range and new My Colors effects.

We spent some quality time with the new Panasonic GF1 Micro Four Thirds camera at yesterday’s European Launch, held in sweltering Berlin, Germany.

Click through to see 24 up close and personal photos of Panasonic’s brand new rival to the Olympus E-P1.

We spent some quality time with the new Panasonic GF1 Micro Four Thirds camera at yesterday’s European Launch, held in sweltering Berlin, Germany. Click through to see 24 up close and personal photos of Panasonic’s brand new rival to the Olympus E-P1.

The new Panasonic DMC-GF1 is the world’s smallest and lightest system camera with a built-in flash. Based on the Micro Four Thirds standard, the Panasonic GF1 weighs just 285g body-only and is 35% smaller than the DMC-G1. Standout features include the 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor, a built-in flash, 3 inch LCD with 460k dot resolution, Venus Engine HD image processor and in-built Dust Reduction system. The DMC-GF1 offers 8 artistic effects via the My Color mode, plus nine Film modes and 16 Scene modes, including a new Peripheral Defocus mode that keeps the subject in sharp focus while softening the focus around it. It can record 1280 x 720 high-definition video in the AVCHD Lite or Motion JPEG formats, and the GF1 can focus in 0.3 seconds via its contrast AF system. The Panasonic DMC-GF1 will be available in October. In the UK pricing is still to be announced. In the US the GF1 will ship in two kits, one with the new LUMIX G 20mm/F1.7 ASPH pancake lens, and the other with the existing 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. zoom lens, both priced at $900. An optional electronic external viewfinder is also available for $200.

The new Panasonic DMC-GF1 is the world’s smallest and lightest system camera with a built-in flash. Based on the Micro Four Thirds standard, the Panasonic GF1 weighs just 285g body-only and is 35% smaller than the DMC-G1. Standout features include the 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor, a built-in flash, 3 inch…

The Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm / F1.7 ASPH is a new interchangeable pancake lens. Featuring a bright maximum aperture of f/1.7, the Pansonic 20mm lens is very compact and lightweight. Seven blades give the aperture a rounded shape that produces an attractively smooth effect in out-of-focus areas when shooting at larger aperture settings. Comprised of seven lenses in 5 groups, the versatile 20mm focal distance is equivalent to 40mm on a 35mm film camera. The Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm / F1.7 ASPH will be available in October as one of the DMC-GF1 kit lenses, pricing to be announced.

The Panasonic LUMIX G 20mm / F1.7 ASPH is a new interchangeable pancake lens. Featuring a bright maximum aperture of f/1.7, the Pansonic 20mm lens is very compact and lightweight. Seven blades give the aperture a rounded shape that produces an attractively smooth effect in out-of-focus areas when shooting at…

The Panasonic LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm / F2.8 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S is a new macro lens for the Micro Four Thirds system. Offering a 35mm camera equivalent focal length of 90mm, the Panasonic 45mm lens uses both an aspherical lens and an ED lens in its fourteen lenses in ten groups to realize outstanding compactness. It incorporates an inner focus direct-drive linear motor with three groups of floating structure for focusing, and the inclusion of stepping motor makes the focusing action smooth and silent for use in both photo and movie recording. The closest focusing distance can be instantly changed to 15cm or 50 cm(0.5 ft to 1.64 ft) with the switch on the lens barrel. Availability and pricing of the Panasonic 45mm macro lens are still to be announced.

The Panasonic LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm / F2.8 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S is a new macro lens for the Micro Four Thirds system. Offering a 35mm camera equivalent focal length of 90mm, the Panasonic 45mm lens uses both an aspherical lens and an ED lens in its fourteen lenses in…

In addition to the DMC-GF1 camera and two new lenses announced today, Panasonic have also announced their Micro Four Thirds lens roadmap for 2010. Three new lenses will be launched - the 100-300mm f/4-5.6 OIS, 8mm f/3.5 fisheye, and 14mm f2.8 prime lens.

In addition to the DMC-GF1 camera and two new lenses announced today, Panasonic have also announced their Micro Four Thirds lens roadmap for 2010. Three new lenses will be launched - the 100-300mm f/4-5.6 OIS, 8mm f/3.5 fisheye, and 14mm f2.8 prime lens.

The Epson Stylus Pro 3880 is a new high specification professional A2+ photo printer. Now using Epson’s advanced, fourth generation UltraChrome K3 with Vivid Magenta pigment inks, the Epson 3880 incorporates a special driver mode that allows users to create bespoke black tones and clear whites. All-new AccuPhoto HD2 image technology provides smoother color transitions and better highlight and shadow detail. Replacing the 3800 model, the Epson Stylus Pro 3880 will be available from October 2009 for £995. In the US the Epson 3880 will be offered in Standard and Graphic Arts Editiond (includes ColorBurst RIP) for $1,295 and $1,495 respectively.

The Epson Stylus Pro 3880 is a new high specification professional A2+ photo printer. Now using Epson’s advanced, fourth generation UltraChrome K3 with Vivid Magenta pigment inks, the Epson 3880 incorporates a special driver mode that allows users to create bespoke black tones and clear whites. All-new AccuPhoto HD2 image…

Nikon have reduced the price of the D5000 DSLR camera by up to £110 in the UK. Antonio Guillen, Nikon’s Consumer Digital SLR Product Manager, comments: “The introduction of the new D3000 and D300S cameras has allowed us to reposition the D5000 to offer an even stronger consumer line up - there’s something for everyone, whether you are looking to get into DSLR photography for the first time or want to develop your passion or hobby.” The D5000 body only now costs £619.99 / €750.00, and the 18-55mm VR lens kit is £689.99 / €830.00.

Nikon have reduced the price of the D5000 DSLR camera by up to £110 in the UK. Antonio Guillen, Nikon’s Consumer Digital SLR Product Manager, comments: “The introduction of the new D3000 and D300S cameras has allowed us to reposition the D5000 to offer an even stronger consumer line up…

The Canon WUX10 Mark II and SX80 Mark II are two new digital projectors aimed at photographers. Both include a dedicated ‘Photo’ mode that offers exceptionally clear, accurate colour still images in any lighting environment. The WUX10 Mark II projects in an industry-leading native WUXGA (1920 x 1200 pixels) resolution, with the SX80 Mark II displaying images in crystal clear SXGA+ (1400 x 1050 pixels) resolution. “The WUX10 Mark II and SX80 Mark II projectors have been designed to display images with unrivalled clarity, making them perfect for photographers wishing to display their work to the highest possible standard” said Rainer Fuehres, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. The WUX10 Mark II and SX80 Mark II are available from October 2009.

The Canon WUX10 Mark II and SX80 Mark II are two new digital projectors aimed at photographers. Both include a dedicated ‘Photo’ mode that offers exceptionally clear, accurate colour still images in any lighting environment. The WUX10 Mark II projects in an industry-leading native WUXGA (1920 x 1200 pixels) resolution…

The Canon WFT-E5A is a new wireless file transmitter (WFT) for the EOS 7D DSLR camera. Connectivity options includie IEEE802.11a/b/g and Ethernet, geotagging is possible via Bluetooth, and it can also transfer and display images on DLNA televisions and photo frames. Photographers can fire up to 10 cameras simultaneously from across the room or across the country while maintaining control over camera settings and remote live view on a laptop or smart phone. The Canon WFT-E5A wireless file transmitter is scheduled to be available in early November and sell at an estimated retail price of $699.99.

The Canon WFT-E5A is a new wireless file transmitter (WFT) for the EOS 7D DSLR camera. Connectivity options includie IEEE802.11a/b/g and Ethernet, geotagging is possible via Bluetooth, and it can also transfer and display images on DLNA televisions and photo frames. Photographers can fire up to 10 cameras simultaneously from…

Viewbook.com now allows photographers to create complete custom portfolio websites. The new Viewbook.com website creator includes branding elements, smooth scalable slideshows, full screen views and video - all with a user’s unique web address. “We’ve built a modular system that enables people to use their creativity and create solutions their own way and not force too many conventions on them. We keep our tools and formats clean and uncluttered, so people can really implement their ideas.” commented Rien Swagerman, founder and lead developer of Viewbook.com. The new Viewbook website features are available exclusively with the Viewbook Pro account, which is available at $19 per month or $190 for an annual subscription. For first-time users, Viewbook offers a 30 day free trial with no setup fees.

Viewbook.com now allows photographers to create complete custom portfolio websites. The new Viewbook.com website creator includes branding elements, smooth scalable slideshows, full screen views and video - all with a user’s unique web address. “We’ve built a modular system that enables people to use their creativity and create solutions their…

The Tamron SP AF 17-50mm is a new standard zoom lens for Nikon-mount digital SLR cameras with smaller sensors. Featuring Tamron’s proprietary tri-axial Vibration Compensation (VC) mechanism, the Tamron 17-50mm provides a focal range equivalent to equivalent to 26-78mm in the full-frame 35mm format. Tamron plans to introduce the lens in a Canon mount version shortly after the new Nikon mount version with built-in motor hits the market. The Tamron SP AF 17-50mm will be available in Japan from September 17th 2009. In the UK it will cost £529.99.

The Tamron SP AF 17-50mm is a new standard zoom lens for Nikon-mount digital SLR cameras with smaller sensors. Featuring Tamron’s proprietary tri-axial Vibration Compensation (VC) mechanism, the Tamron 17-50mm provides a focal range equivalent to equivalent to 26-78mm in the full-frame 35mm format. Tamron plans to introduce the lens…