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Tamron SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO

duncan — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 22:32:37 +0000

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. (more…)

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS3 Announced

duncan — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 22:24:32 +0000

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. (more…)

Nikon D60 Announced

duncan — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 14:16:37 +0000

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. (more…)

Casio Exilim Pro EX-F1 - 12x Zoom with 60fps

duncan — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 23:06:19 +0000

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.

(more…)

SanDisk Cruzer Titanium Plus 4GB

duncan — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 01:23:07 +0000

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®

(more…)

Tokina 35mm Macro Canon mount delayed

duncan — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 01:05:23 +0000

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 CyberShot S730

duncan — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 23:38:42 +0000

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. (more…)

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III firmware v1.0.6

duncan — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 02:34:28 +0000

Canon has announced firmware update v1.0.6 for the EOS 1Ds Mark III. The update corrects color casts and vertical lines visible on some images as well as making some improvements on the camera’s CF card compatibility.

Download the update from Canon USA

Ricoh 500G Wide firmware v1.10

duncan — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 01:54:58 +0000

Ricoh has updated the firmware for 500G Wide to v1.10. The purpose of the update is to fix a bug that caused images to display out of order.

More information and download the update (Windows)

More information and download the update (Mac OS)

Sigma’s D40 / D40x friendly 18-200mm

duncan — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 23:48:55 +0000

Sigma have announced a a version of their 18-200mm that is compatible with the Nikon D40 and D40x, both of which lack an auto focus motor in the body. This lens has been announced shortly after Tamron announced its D40 friendly 18-250mm - obviously both companies have realised the D40 users make up a good proportion of their target market and should act to cash in on Nikon’s (shall I say?!) shortcomings. The lens incorporates an internal auto focus motor to cater for the D40’s issue and has meant the Optical Stabilization (OS) feature has been dropped for the 18-200 mm in the 2008 Sigma lens range. The switch from the OS to the internal AF motor has shed 24mm off the length and made the lens a whole 215g lighter. Press release below, further information is available from the Sigma Website. Pricing and availability coming soon.

Sigma’s Press Release:

11.1x high zoom ratio lens with a built-in AF motor allowing autofocus with all Nikon APS-C DSLR cameras.

18-200 F3.5-6.3 DC lens for Nikon

Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC for Nikon. This high zoom ratio lens, designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras, covers wide angle to telephoto focal lengths. The built-in motor is capable of autofocusing with all Nikon DSLR cameras*. Two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) lenses and two Aspherical glass elements provide excellent correction for all types of aberration. Sigma’s super multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting and provides high image quality throughout the zoom range. (more…)