THK Photo Products, Inc., announces the Tokina AT-X 16.5-135 DX, is a 16.5-135mm f/3.5-5.6 AF lens designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras with APS-C sensors.* This lens gives the digital photographer an ultra wide-range zoom lens that has the equivalent angle of view to a 25-200mm.
This Tokina compact super wide zoom range begins at 16.5mm and offers the photographer a wider angle of view than most lenses in its class that start at 18mm. This makes the lens better suited for scenic and travel photography in addition to being a great standard lens for most general photography situations.
The AT-X 16.5-135 DX’s optical design benefits from the latest advances in the industry. Three aspherical elements, one all glass precision-molded element and 2 compound elements yield high contrast. Additionally two Super-low Dispersion (SD) glass elements correct chromatic aberration.
The AT-X 16.5-135 DX has a newly designed high-precision mechanical zoom cam system minimizes play and eliminates zoom creep.
More information can be found at the Tokina website.
Canon redefines the future of photography:
21.1 MP EOS 5D Mark II offers Full HD video capture
Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 17 September 2008: Canon announces the full frame, 21.1 Megapixel EOS 5D Mark II: the first EOS with full High Definition video capability.
Compact, lightweight with environmental protection, EOS 5D successor boasts a newly designed Canon CMOS sensor, with ISO sensitivity up to 25,600 for shooting in near dark conditions. The new DIGIC 4 processor combines with the improved CMOS sensor to deliver medium format territory image quality at 3.9 frames per second, for up to 310 frames.
Triggered from Live View Mode, HD video capture allows users to shoot uninterrupted at full 1080 resolution at 30fps – for amazing quality footage with outstanding levels of detail and realism.
The integration of HD movie capability into a high-end 21.1 Megapixel camera opens a multitude of new possibilities for photojournalists and news photographers. With its full frame CMOS sensor and outstanding ISO performance, the EOS 5D Mark II will appeal to any photographer in search of the finest camera equipment available – from studio and wedding to nature and travel photographers. Read the rest of this entry »
Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 17 September, 2008: Canon today strengthens its line-up of EF-series lenses with the introduction of a new fast aperture prime lens: the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM. Replacing the EF 24mm f/1.4L USM, the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM has been completely redesigned to provide an exacting partner lens to Canon’s new EOS digital SLRs, the EOS 50D and EOS 5D Mark II.
The EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM offers:
- Fast f/1.4 aperture
- Aspherical and UD lens elements for correction of chromatic aberration
- Sub Wavelength structure Coating (SWC) to dramatically reduce ghosting and flare
- Circular aperture for pleasing bokeh
- USM for full-time manual focus
- Lead-free glass (RoHS compliance)
- Lens hood and pouch supplied
Superior image performance
Featuring a 13-element, 10-group lens, the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM is designed to achieve the highest standards of image quality. Two high-precision GMo aspheric lenses are employed to correct various forms of aberration such as curvature of field and distortion, with a floating mechanism ensuring crisp corner-to-corner detail throughout the focal range. In addition, two UD lenses reduce the chromatic aberration common in wide-angle lenses.
A fast, ultra-large maximum aperture of f/1.4 delivers excellent low-light performance, with the circular aperture offering the potential for creative out-of-focus highlights. A focal length of 24mm and a USM focus motor providing full-time manual focus also make the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM ideal for situations where a wide-angle, high-performance lens is required. Read the rest of this entry »
This new fast telephoto zoom from Tamron has some tough competition out there from Canon, Nikon and Sigma who all produce quality 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses. However, we are sure it will get some attention with a minimum focusing distance of 0.95m at all focal lengths and a magnification ratio of 1:3.1 at the 200mm focal length. This lens is most likely going to jump into the market at a reasonable price point to further increase its appeal. Tamron’s press release follows.
Press Release:
Tamron Announces the Launch of SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO
A lightweight, high-performance and fast tele-zoom realizing 0.95m (ft) MFD over the Entire Zoom Range
Mr. Morio Ono, President of Tamron Co., Ltd., has announced the launch of SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO, a lightweight, high-performance and fast tele-zoom lens designed for DSLR cameras with 35mm full-size image sensors.
The new SP AF70-200mm Di LD (IF) MACRO (Model AA001) is an F/2.8 fast tele-zoom designed for DSLRs with 35mm full-size image sensors, inheriting product concept of the existing SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di (Model A09) that is highly acclaimed as a compact and fast standard zoom lens enabling photographers to enjoy high cost performance characteristics.
While dimensional increases are confined to the absolute minimum, the new SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO zoom lens offers the MFD (minimum focusing distance) of 0.95m over the entire zoom range for the maximum macro magnification ratio of 1:3.1 at f=200mm focal length, for stress-free photography, combined with the advantage of an internal focusing (IF) system. Read the rest of this entry »
The Lumix DMC-FS3 is the first release in the newly announced FS series of digital compacts from Panasonic. Sporting 8.1 megapixels and 3x optical zoom the DMC-FS3 has all the usual automatic modes with some manual overrides available. The FS series appears to be presenting itself as a more cost effective line than the FX series, which will most likely mean some sacrifices in specification and build quality.
Press Release:
8.1-Megapixel LUMIX DMC-FS3 with 3x Optical Zoom f2.8 Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT Lens Combines Simple Operation and Slim, Stylish Profile Featuring Intelligent Auto Mode
35mm film camera equivalent: 33-100mm
Panasonic is pleased to introduce the new 8.1-megapixel DMC-FS3 with f2.8 Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens with 3x optical zoom (equivalent to 33mm to 100 mm on a 35mm film camera) as part of the new Lumix FS series. The new FS series is similar to the world-acclaimed FX series, pursuing easy and simple operation with its high-grade profile for users at every stage to enjoy taking beautiful pictures.
The new DMC-FS3 features iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, which comprises 5 shooting-assist functions; Mega O.I.S., Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection and Quick AF functions. Mega O.I.S. suppresses hand-shake and Intelligent ISO Control prevents motion blur. The Intelligent Scene Selector sets the appropriate scene mode by automatically selecting it from the most frequently used scene modes, such as Portrait, Scenery, Night Portrait and Night Scenery. The Face Detection system detects a human face to set the focus and appropriate exposure for it automatically. Read the rest of this entry »
In the lead up to PMA 2008 Nikon has announced its new consumer level Digital SLR - the D60. It appears to be the replacement to the D40x and will have a very similar look and feel. It features 10.2 effective megpixels with EXPEED image-processing as well as a 3 fps burst rate, in camera editing and high ISO sensitivity. Another interesting feature is the double dust reduction system with an “Airflow Control System channels dust out of the image path and a vibrating, self-cleaning sensor”. Read on for more details.
Press Release:
Nikon Europe Debuts D60 Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera
User-friendly Nikon D60 offers 10-megapixel resolution, in-camera editing
Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 29 January 2008 - Nikon Europe today announced the debut of the Nikon D60, a digital SLR designed for the consumer who wants to combine top technology with user-friendliness and creative features. The D60 provides a resolution of 10.2 effective megapixels, Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED image-processing concept, in-camera editing functions and a 3-area auto focus system. The camera offers continuous shooting at 3.0 fps, near instant power-up in just 0.19 seconds and high ISO sensitivity, all in a compact, lightweight body with a user-friendly ergonomic design.
The Nikon D60 is designed to simplify camera operation and allow the photographer to concentrate on taking pictures. The camera’s simple, user-friendly design includes a reduced number of buttons and a combined monitor and information display. A 2.5-inch LCD screen presents information using an easy to understand graphic user interface, with three types of presentation style to suit all users. The symbols and numbers in the display rotate through 90 degrees, presenting information in the correct orientation according to how the camera is being held. The D60 also includes a new feature that turns off the LCD monitor screen automatically when the viewfinder is in use. Read the rest of this entry »
Casio have announced the Exilim Pro EX-F1. It is a 6 mega pixel 12x optical zoom that has an amazing burst rate of 60 frames per second at full resolution and a mind blowing 1200 fps when the resolution is dropped to 336 x 96. Rumor has it that Casio have had this camera in the pipeline for a while and will be welcome in a Casio range that is predominantly 3x zoom compact digitals. The Casio Exilim Pro EX-F1 will be available from March and with a price tag of around $1000.
Press Release:
EXILIM Pro EX-F1 — a high speed digital camera boasting the world’s fastest* burst shooting performance
The EXILIM Pro EX-F1 incorporates a new high speed CMOS sensor and high speed LSI processor. After building in 6.0 million effective pixels and a 12X optical zoom, the developers focused on achieving a burst shooting speed capability that was hitherto unheard of. Using the camera’s ultra-high speed burst shooting for still images or its high speed movie recording mode, users can capture a split second’s movement with greater detail than before, allowing them to catch each decisive moment, and even motion that the human eye cannot ordinarily perceive.
*As at January 6, 2008, based on a Casio survey for the consumer market digital cameras.
Full resolution photography using 60 fps ultra-high speed burst mode captures the crucial moment
Using the still image burst mode, users can shoot at an ultra fast 60 frames per second. In burst mode, the frame rate can also be varied from between 1 and 60 frames per second while shooting. Up to 60 shots can be taken at once, so 60 shots per second for one second, or 5 shots per second for 12 seconds, are possible.
Don’t miss that crucial moment, Prerecord Still Images, using ultra-high speed burst function
Users can record images not just at the instant they press the shutter button, but before! Continuously recording at up to 60 images per second, a maximum of 60 images can be saved in the camera’s own buffer memory even before the shutter button is depressed. Even if users press the shutter a little late, they will still be able to catch that vital moment.
Read the rest of this entry »
Gizmodo recently brought to my attention the release of the SanDisk Cruzer Titanium Plus 4GB that comes with 6 months free online backup! Quite handy for the traveling photographer we think.
This USB drive may not be as big as they come so might be more suited to a compact digital camera user, as opposed to the discerning Digital SLR user shooting RAW. The RAW shooters might be more interested in the impressive DiskGO 32GB flash drive which is more likely to be able to accomodate a long weekends photos in RAW format.
Features:
- Automatic online back-up service1
- Access your files on the device or online
- Password protection and AES hardware encryption
- Restore accidentally deleted files2
- Extremely rugged, crush resistant metal case
- Lightning fast
- BoomerangIt 3 – Lost and found service
- Enhanced for Windows® ReadyBoost®
Read the rest of this entry »
Tokina have postponed the release of the Canon EOS mount until the end of January 2008. Tokina has postponed the release due to issues in the focusing system during development. The Nikon mount is due to be release on schedule. See the Tokina Japan website for more information (in Japanese).
Sony have introduced a new entry level digital camera in the form of the Cyber-Shot S730. It’s a 7.2 megapixel compact with 3x optical zoom, also sporting a high sensitivity of ISO 1250. A basic camera yes, but its aimed to be a good value for money entry level digital camera providing the quality that users expect of Sony. The Sony CyberShot S730 will be available from January 2008 for €139 / £99 / $199.
See the Sony UK website for more information.
Press release:
Start here for better-looking pictures: The great value new Sony Cyber-Shot S730
- 7.2 effective megapixels
- 2.4-inch LCD screen with wide viewing angle
- High Sensitivity ISO 1250 for reduced camera shake
- Easy-to-use on-screen function guide
- 3x optical zoom lens
Light, compact and easy to use, the new Cyber-shot S730 presents a great-value entry point to the world of digital photography.
While it’s remarkably affordable, the Cyber-shot S730 doesn’t compromise on imaging quality. There’s a Sony 3x optical zoom lens to bring distant objects closer, while pictures captured with the 7.2 effective megapixel sensor look crisp with superb detail – even when blown up to A3 size. Read the rest of this entry »
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