News

Friday, March 6, 2009

Olympus E-620World exclusive! We’ve published 41 sample photos taken with a production version of the brand new Olympus E-620 DSLR camera. There are 27 full-size JPEG images at the best quality setting, an ISO sequence from 100-3200, and 8 images shot with some of the new Art Filters. The Olympus E-620 is the world’s smallest and lightest DSLR camera with built-in image stabilisation. An Olympus UK spokesman hinted at a possible UK launch price for the E-620 of £650 with a kit lens (US price already confirmed as $699 body-only).

Website: Olympus E-620 Photos

World exclusive! We’ve published 41 sample photos taken with a production version of the brand new Olympus E-620 DSLR camera. There are 27 full-size JPEG images at the best quality setting, an ISO sequence from 100-3200, and 8 images shot with some of the new Art Filters. The Olympus E-62…

RED Prime LensesRED have been titillating forum users this week with more details of its upcoming DSLR camera system. Founder Jim Jannard has revealed a new set of primes lenses (pictured) - 18mm T1.9, 21mm T1.9, 65mm T1.9 120mm T1.9 140mm T1.9 and 14mm beginning. Also revealed is the first shot of a possible DSLR camera configuration (click the continue link below to see it).

RED have been titillating forum users this week with more details of its upcoming DSLR camera system. Founder Jim Jannard has revealed a new set of primes lenses (pictured) - 18mm T1.9, 21mm T1.9, 65mm T1.9 120mm T1.9 140mm T1.9 and 14mm beginning. Also revealed is the first shot of…

Olympus E-30Olympus have publically stated that 12 megapixels is enough for a DSLR camera. In an interview with CNET, Akira Watanabe, manager of Olympus Imaging’s SLR planning department, commented that “Twelve megapixels is, I think, enough for covering most applications most customers need,”. Watanabe went on to claim that contrast-detection autofocusing in DSLRs will soon out-perform the traditional phase-detection system. Of course, both of these claims are directly in line with Olympus’s current approach to its DSLR camera development…

Website: CNET - Olympus declares 12 megapixels is enough

Olympus have publically stated that 12 megapixels is enough for a DSLR camera. In an interview with CNET, Akira Watanabe, manager of Olympus Imaging’s SLR planning department, commented that “Twelve megapixels is, I think, enough for covering most applications most customers need,”. Watanabe went on to claim that contrast-detection autofocusing…

Mothers and ChildrenMothers and Children is a new National Geographic book that captures the bond between mothers and their children. World-famous contributors Annie Griffiths Belt, Sam Abell, Jodi Cobb, Joel Sartore and more have contributed 65 beautiful photographs from around the world. Mothers and Children will be available from March 17th for $20 (hardcover).

Mothers and Children is a new National Geographic book that captures the bond between mothers and their children. World-famous contributors Annie Griffiths Belt, Sam Abell, Jodi Cobb, Joel Sartore and more have contributed 65 beautiful photographs from around the world. Mothers and Children will be available from March 17th for $20 (hardcover).

Canon Digital IXUS 870 ISCanon has been voted the most trusted camera brand in Europe for the ninth consecutive year. In a survey by Reader’s Digest, the world’s best-selling monthly magazine, consumers in 13 out of 16 European countries voted for Canon.  Respondents rated each brand on the following four criteria: Quality, Excellent value, Strong Image and Understands customer needs.

Canon has been voted the most trusted camera brand in Europe for the ninth consecutive year. In a survey by Reader’s Digest, the world’s best-selling monthly magazine, consumers in 13 out of 16 European countries voted for Canon. Respondents rated each brand on the following four criteria: Quality, Excellent value…

Canon 1Ds Mark IIICanon USA have issued a service notice about the abnormal mirror operation of the EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III DSLR cameras. The mirror does not operate even if the shutter button is pressed and the following message appears frequently on the camera’s LCD monitor: ‘Err 99 Shooting is not possible. Turn the power switch to and

again or re-install the battery’. Canon USA are providing free repairs to affected products.

Canon USA have issued a service notice about the abnormal mirror operation of the EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III DSLR cameras. The mirror does not operate even if the shutter button is pressed and the following message appears frequently on the camera’s LCD monitor: ‘Err 99 Shooting is…

Canon EOS-1D Mark IIICanon USA have issued a service notice about the autofocusing accuracy of the EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III DSLR cameras. If an AF point other than the center AF point is used, focus may become soft. Canon USA are providing free AF accuracy checks and adjustments to affected products.

Canon USA have issued a service notice about the autofocusing accuracy of the EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III DSLR cameras. If an AF point other than the center AF point is used, focus may become soft. Canon USA are providing free AF accuracy checks and adjustments to affected…

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Leica R9Leica have ended production of the R9 camera. In an article by L.Camera Forum, Leica have informed dealers that they have run out of stock of all R9 cameras and R Lenses. Hinting at a new Leica R10 model, a spokesman commented “they are working hard on making a generation change possible for the current R-System”.

Website: L.Camera Forum

Website: Leica R9

Leica have ended production of the R9 camera. In an article by L.Camera Forum, Leica have informed dealers that they have run out of stock of all R9 cameras and R Lenses. Hinting at a new Leica R10 model, a spokesman commented “they are working hard on making a generation…

Photoshop CS4 Channels & Masks One-on-OnePhotoshop CS4 Channels & Masks One-on-One is a new book that provides step-by-step lessons on masking and the alpha channel. Authors Deke McClelland and Tim Grey provide text lessons, DVD-video demonstrations, and real-world projects. Photoshop CS4 Channels & Masks One-on-One is available now for $49.99, £38.50, 40 €.

Photoshop CS4 Channels & Masks One-on-One is a new book that provides step-by-step lessons on masking and the alpha channel. Authors Deke McClelland and Tim Grey provide text lessons, DVD-video demonstrations, and real-world projects. Photoshop CS4 Channels & Masks One-on-One is available now for $49.99, £38.50, 40 €.

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8GNikon’s F-mount lens-mounting system is 50 years old. The longest standing lens mount for 35mm-format SLR interchangeable lenses and cameras, the Nikon F-mount was first employed on Nikon’s earliest SLR camera, the Nikon F, released in June 1959. No other camera manufacturer has been able to sustain its original lens mount for such a long period of time.

Nikon’s F-mount lens-mounting system is 50 years old. The longest standing lens mount for 35mm-format SLR interchangeable lenses and cameras, the Nikon F-mount was first employed on Nikon’s earliest SLR camera, the Nikon F, released in June 1959. No other camera manufacturer has been able to sustain its original lens…

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T500 is a stylish digital camera with a large touch-screen LCD and HD movie recording. The 10 megapixel Sony T500 also features a Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with 5x optical zoom and optical image stabiliser. Video is recorded at 1280x720 pixels at 30fps in the MPEG4 AVC/H.264 format. Available in black, silver and red for £289 / $399, Gavin Stoker discovers if the Sony Cyber-shot T500 offers as much substance as style.

Sigma DP2Official sample images from the Sigma DP2 compact camera are now available. 17 images taken by four different photographers can be downloaded at the full 1760x2640 pixel resolution. Disappointingly, none of the images use an ISO speed faster than 200, and some of the have been “retouched by the photographer”. The Sigma DP2 is a compact camera with a 14 megapixel Foveon X3, APS-C sized sensor, 41mm lens with an aperture of f/2.8 (f4 on the DP1), and the “TRUE II” image processing engine.

Website: Sigma DP2 Sample Images

Official sample images from the Sigma DP2 compact camera are now available. 17 images taken by four different photographers can be downloaded at the full 1760x2640 pixel resolution. Disappointingly, none of the images use an ISO speed faster than 200, and some of the have been “retouched by the photographer”…

Olympus Micro Four Thirds SystemOlympus’ Micro Four Thirds System camera, originally shown as a prototype at Photokina last year, will be launched this summer. Olympus are showcasing exactly the same mockup under glass at this week’s PMA show, with the addition of a label simply stating “Launching this summer”. No further details have been revealed.

Olympus’ Micro Four Thirds System camera, originally shown as a prototype at Photokina last year, will be launched this summer. Olympus are showcasing exactly the same mockup under glass at this week’s PMA show, with the addition of a label simply stating “Launching this summer”. No further details have been…

6 New Sony DSLR LensesSony have revealed that they will be releasing 6 new DSLR lenses this year. The full line-up is: Super telephoto lens, 28-75mm f/2.8 (both for full-frame), 55-200mm f/4-5.6 DT, 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT, 50mm f/1.8 DT and 30mm f/2.8 DT (DT lenses are for smaller sensor cameras). No pricing or launch dates are available yet.

Sony have revealed that they will be releasing 6 new DSLR lenses this year. The full line-up is: Super telephoto lens, 28-75mm f/2.8 (both for full-frame), 55-200mm f/4-5.6 DT, 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT, 50mm f/1.8 DT and 30mm f/2.8 DT (DT lenses are for smaller sensor cameras). No pricing or launch…

Name Your Dream AssignmentThe Name Your Dream Assignment contest has just been officially launched. The contest is now open for submissions and voting for a month, until midnight on April 3th. The winner will be announced on or around April 17th. The Name Your Dream Assignment is a chance for photographers to go anywhere in the world on assignment. The winner will get a $50,000 cash award plus lots of goodies including a Lenovo ThinkPad W700 notebook computer with Windows Vista, specially designed for photographers.

Website: Name Your Dream Assignment

The Name Your Dream Assignment contest has just been officially launched. The contest is now open for submissions and voting for a month, until midnight on April 3th. The winner will be announced on or around April 17th. The Name Your Dream Assignment is a chance for photographers to go…

Vivitar V8400PSakar have unveiled new Vivitar products including digital, underwater and video cameras, digital SLR camera lenses and flashes. The Vivitar V8400P ($129.95) is an 8 megapixel that’s waterproof at depths up to 30 feet. The Vivitar V8025 ($99) is an 8 megapixel touch-screen camera. The Vivitar Series 1 Lenses for DSLRs includes an 85mm F1.4A spherical lens for portraits and a a 650-1300mm super telephoto lens. Vivitar Series 1 Flashes includes the DF-283 ($129.95) bounce, zoom, swivel AF flash and the DF-383 ($199.95) power zoom LCD display flash.

Sakar have unveiled new Vivitar products including digital, underwater and video cameras, digital SLR camera lenses and flashes. The Vivitar V8400P ($129.95) is an 8 megapixel that’s waterproof at depths up to 30 feet. The Vivitar V8025 ($99) is an 8 megapixel touch-screen camera. The Vivitar Series 1 Lenses for…

WD ShareSpaceThe WD ShareSpace network storage systems now offer 8 TB (terabytes) of capacity. Other key improvements include up to 30 percent faster transfer speeds, and DLNA media streaming capabilities. WD’s Anywhere Backup software provides automatic and continuous protection for data from every PC and Mac on the network. The WD ShareSpace storage system with 8 TB costs $1,699.99.

The WD ShareSpace network storage systems now offer 8 TB (terabytes) of capacity. Other key improvements include up to 30 percent faster transfer speeds, and DLNA media streaming capabilities. WD’s Anywhere Backup software provides automatic and continuous protection for data from every PC and Mac on the network. The WD…

The new Joby Gorillapod SLR-ZOOM Ball Head is designed to work with the Gorillapod SLR-ZOOM flexible camera tripod. The ball head featuresa a precision-machined aluminum housing and all-metal ball for durability and smooth movement, is capable of 360-degree panning and 90-degree tilt and supports up to 3 kg (6.6 lbs). It also includes a quick-release bubble level clip.

The new Joby Gorillapod SLR-ZOOM Ball Head is designed to work with the Gorillapod SLR-ZOOM flexible camera tripod. The ball head featuresa a precision-machined aluminum housing and all-metal ball for durability and smooth movement, is capable of 360-degree panning and 90-degree tilt and supports up to 3 kg (6.6 lbs)…

Vanguard Alta ProThe new Vanguard Alta Pro tripod makes photography possible at virtually any angle. Unlike traditional tripods, the Alta Pro’s Multi-Angle Central Column (MACC) System allows users to move the central column as needed from zero to 130-degree angles in variable vertical and horizontal positions. Its Instant Swivel Stop-n-Lock (ISSL) System feature allows photographers to securely reposition the central column in one simple movement. The carbon-fibre Alta Pro is available in three models. Alta Pro 283CT holds equipment up to 17.6 lbs. and has three leg sections that extend to 66 inches. With three leg sections extending to 65 inches, Alta Pro 263AT is made of strong aluminum alloy and holds up to 15.4 lbs. Alta Pro 264AT, made of solid aluminum alloy, extends to 61 inches and holds up to 15.4 lbs. The Vanguard Alta Pro will be available at the end of April 09, priced at around 389 euros.

The new Vanguard Alta Pro tripod makes photography possible at virtually any angle. Unlike traditional tripods, the Alta Pro’s Multi-Angle Central Column (MACC) System allows users to move the central column as needed from zero to 130-degree angles in variable vertical and horizontal positions. Its Instant Swivel Stop-n-Lock (ISSL) System…

Unified ColorHDR PhotoStudio offers advances in color modeling, color accuracy and image file compression for HDR images. With HDR PhotoStudio, photographers can easily merge and edit pictures taken at various exposures into a single, stunning HDR image. “Our application is backed by a unique color model based on human vision. The issue with just about every color model backing other imaging applications is that it is coupled with an obsolete technology, the CRT (cathode ray tube),” said Igor Tryndin, CTO of Unified Color. “Our color model is decoupled from any physical display device. Instead, we model visual information in terms of how the human eye sees it.” HDR PhotoStudio ‘s new BEF file format offers industry-leading file compression, so photographers get the most accurate color, full gamut, HDR images, all in a file comparable to the size of a JPEG. HDR PhotoStudio is available now for $129.99, and a 30 trial version is available.

HDR PhotoStudio offers advances in color modeling, color accuracy and image file compression for HDR images. With HDR PhotoStudio, photographers can easily merge and edit pictures taken at various exposures into a single, stunning HDR image. “Our application is backed by a unique color model based on human vision. The…