Monday, 7 September 2009
Sunday, 6 September 2009
Saturday, 5 September 2009
Friday, 4 September 2009
Sigma releases 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG OS
The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG OS. This telephoto zoom lens incorporates Sigma’s original OS (Optical Stabiliser) function and is housed in a compact construction.
The OS function offers the use of shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower than would otherwise be possible. It makes telephoto shooting easy for many types of photography such as sport and nature. For Sony and Pentax mount, the built-in OS function of this lens can be used even if the camera body is equipped with an anti-shake function. As compensation for camera shake is visible in the view finder, the photographer can easily check for accurate focus and ensure there is no subject movement.
The SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass element provides excellent correction for all type of aberrations. The Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting and provides high contrast images throughout the focal range.
The lens has an overall length of 126.5mm (5.0”), maximum diameter of 76.5mm (3.0”) and weight of just 610g. Its compact construction makes it convenient for travel and hand held telephoto photography. This lens’ rounded 9 blade diaphragm creates an attractive blur to the out of focus areas of the photograph.
This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 150cm (59.1”) throughout the entire
zoom range and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.9, making it ideal for close-up photography.
Features:
- Equipped with Sigma’s own OS (Optical Stabiliser) function
- SLD glass for excellent correction of aberrations
- Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting
- Compact construction
- For use with full frame and APS-C digital SLRs
Thursday, 3 September 2009
Porsche Unveils 911 Sport Classic
Porsche has announced a new 911 model that brings back the iconic ducktail spoiler that graced the rear deck of many earlier Porsche cars. The 911 Sport Classic is set to debut at the Frankfurt show this month and will be limited to only 250 units made.
The car sports new bodywork, the ducktail spoiler, custom paint, and a wider rear track. The interior is tweaked fro exclusivity as well with new sport seats and a leather wrapped dash.
The heart of the 911 is the 3.8-litre flat six producing 408bhp. The car also features ceramic brakes, PASM sport suspension, and custom 19-inch wheels. The car is set to go on sale in January 2010 for £150,000.
Via: Auto Express
Wednesday, 2 September 2009
Panasonic unveils DMC-GF1 Micro four-thirds camera
Panasonic has added a powerful new model, the DMC-GF1, to its LUMIX G Micro System lineup of next-generation digital interchangeable lens system cameras. Distinguished by an artistic flat body that is both elegant and compact, the new DMC-GF1 debuts as the world's smallest and lightest system camera with a built-in flash*. The new GF1 takes its place as the third model in the revolutionary G series of digital interchangeable lens system cameras based on the Micro Four Thirds system standard. Panasonic took the market by storm with the series' first model – the DMC-G1, with its convenient size and brilliant image quality. The company broke more new ground when it launched the DMC-GH1, which added creative AVCHD full-HD movie recording.
The newest family member DMC-GF1 is sophisticated in form, offers an extensive function set, provides uncompromising performance, and delivers the ultimate in operating and shooting ease. The GF1 thoroughly optimizes the advantages of a system camera to assure outstanding image quality. It can record both vivid still shots and smooth, beautiful motion pictures. The GF1 features the advanced AVCHD Lite movie mode, which is ideal for recording extended HD movies and networking with other AV devices, and it can also record in the Motion JPEG format, which offers wide compatibility with PCs.
As the "artistic flat" body description suggests, the slim GF1 puts a palette of creative possibilities in the user's hands. When shooting either still photos or movies, for example, users can select from several preset filters in My Colour mode or apply a range of unique textures available in Film mode.
In addition to a host of beginner-friendly shooting assisting functions, such as LUMIX's popular iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, the DMC-GF1 also comes with unique functions including exposure meter, aperture preview and shutter speed preview through the live view. A number of accessories, starting with the Live View Finder which provides full-time live view, makes photography more fun while expanding the user's artistic capabilities.
With its unlimited possibilities and choice of three attractive body colours, the easy-to-carry GF1 will please users of every level. Experienced photographers will find the GF1 an ideal everyday camera in the bag anytime and those new to system cameras will find that it gives them the potential to explore realms of photography far beyond the limits of compact cameras.
The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GF1 will be available in early October 2009 with the option of two kits - both with a suggested retail price (SRP) of $899.95. One kit option includes the newly-announced LUMIX G 20mm/F1.7 ASPH, a compact and lightweight “pancake” lens, while the other kit features the LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. The optional Live View Finder DMW-LVF1 has an SRP of $199.95; while the DMW-MA2M and DMW-MA3R both have an SRP of $249.95. All new accessories will also be available in early October.
For more information about Panasonic and its LUMIX G System cameras and accessories, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.
* For a system camera with a built-in flash as of September 2, 2009
Tamron launches stabilized 17-50mm F2.8 zoom
Tamron Co., Ltd. announced the release of the SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II (*1) VC LD Aspherical [IF] (Model B005NII), a high speed f/2.8 wide-to-moderate-telephoto zoom lens designed exclusively for Nikon-mount digital SLR cameras with smaller sensors. Featuring Tamron's proprietary tri-axial Vibration Compensation (VC) mechanism that minimizes the effects of handheld camera shake, the lens will be available starting on September 17, 2009 in Japan. 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 new SP 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II VC covers the very popular 17-50mm focal length range (equivalent to 26-78mm in the full-frame 35mm format*2) making it extremely versatile. Its wide aperture and outstanding performance provide practical advantages in low-light shooting and aesthetic image control, thereby enriching the user's range of creative expression. The new lens delivers impressive sharpness and striking contrast over its entire focal-length and aperture range, and at its maximum aperture of f/2.8 it produces beautiful images enhanced by shallow depth of-field, and smooth, natural transitions in out-of-focus areas of the image (i.e. excellent bokeh.) The new lens is equipped with Tamron's proprietary Vibration Compensation (VC) image stabilization mechanism, which controls the effects of camera shake in three planes. VC provides more opportunities for sharp hand-held photography at the slow shutter speeds needed when shooting in low-light conditions (e.g. night or indoor scenes) dramatically enhancing the user's level of photographic freedom.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
The previously announced, still currently available Tamron SP 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II (Model A16) boasts superlative optical performance for a fast standard zoom lens and has been acclaimed world-wide as a masterpiece of compact optical design. In developing the new Tamron SP 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II VC zoom, the primary goal was to maintain this incredible compactness and ease-of-use while simultaneously enhancing its convenience and expanding its performance envelope. As a result of concerted efforts, the engineers were able to incorporate Tamron's proprietary state-of-the-art Vibration Compensation (VC) image stabilization mechanism into the new lens without materially increasing its size and weight. As a result of this success, the SP 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II VC makes sharp hand-held photography possible under a vastly expanded range of photographic situations.
VC (VIBRATION COMPENSATION)
The Tamron Vibration Compensation mechanism employs a three-coil system in which three driving coils move internal optical components within the VC lens electromagnetically, based on signals originating from three steel ball bearings. Since the VC compensating lens elements are held in place solely by contact with these bearings, smooth, virtually frictionless movement is assured, providing the stabilized viewfinder images and excellent tracking performance characteristic of VC lenses. Moreover, since the VC lens elements move parallel to the image plane via electronic control alone, the mechanical structure is simplified, and the lens is more compact.
*1 Di II (Digitally integrated design) lenses are designed exclusively for use with digital SLR cameras (equivalent to APS-C size), and employ an optical system optimized for the characteristics of those cameras. Di II lenses are not designed for use with digital SLR cameras with image sensors larger than APS-C size or 35 mm film SLR cameras.
*2 Tamron's conversion value is 1.55 x
Tuesday, 1 September 2009
Samsung releases WB5000 superzoom digital camera
Samsung Digital Imaging, leaders in innovation and digital technology, today announced the launch of the WB5000 – a camera which offers photography enthusiasts an unrivalled Schneider-KREUZNACH 26mm wide angle lens and 24x optical zoom, all within a compact camera.
The WB5000’s powerful zoom lens breaks new ground in offering users unmatched wide angle versatility, with the chance to take pictures much more closely than ever before. This cements Samsung’s position in the growing and important High-zoom category - compact cameras equipped with the sort of advanced zoom lens technology traditionally seen only in SLR cameras. Combine that with full manual control and taking professional looking shots is easy and fun.
Full Manual Control and RAW Shooting
For the more advanced user who prefers to have more control over camera settings, the WB5000 offers aperture priority, shutter priority and two “User defined Modes” as well as full manual shooting modes. The ability to manually focus the lens and shoot in RAW format for maximum detail will also be a welcome addition for the budding enthusiast.
Dual Image Stabilization
The WB5000 combines Optical and Digital Image Stabilization into a Dual Image Stabilization function, providing fantastic quality photos without any blur from handshake - even in low light conditions.
HD Movie Experience
The 12.5 mega pixel WB5000 records HD video in 1280x720p resolution at 30 frames per second using the latest H.264 format. This format allows more than twice as much recording capacity as the MP4 format, so gives you more room on your memory card for images and movies. With a dedicated movie button to allow an instant switch into movie mode, you’ll never miss a movie opportunity again.
Smart Face Recognition
Samsung’s innovative Smart Face Recognition technology actually remembers faces it sees frequently and then prioritises them when focussing and exposing future shots. It can store up to 20 recognised faces in the cameras’ internal memory and allows users to search for their favourite faces in playback. This can be done quickly by using the ‘Face’ search in Smart Album, instead of viewing every single photo on the memory card.
In “Blink Detection Mode” the camera will take a series of shots when closed eyes are detected so everyone is captured with their eyes open; in “Smile Mode” a picture is automatically taken when smiles are detected and, in "Beauty Shot" mode, facial skin is retouched to three different user defined levels for brighter and smoother skin tones.
Smart Auto and Smart Album
Take professional-looking photos with Samsung’s advanced Smart Auto feature so you never have to worry about your photos being washed out, too dark or out of focus. Smart Auto analyses key elements of your composition such as colour, brightness, motion and subject and then automatically adjusts to take the perfect shot.
This advanced compact camera also features the ‘Smart Album’ Digital Contents Management system; a contents management program within the camera that makes it quick and easy to store and manage your photo collection. The clever navigation program automatically organizes photos based on the date they were taken, their contents, colour or themes making it quick and easy to locate your favourite images.
The WB5000 will be available from leading high street and online retailers from September 2009. All Samsung cameras include a one year warranty.
Canon EF 100mm F2.8L USM Macro with Hybrid IS
Canon today announces the launch of the high performance EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM, the latest addition to its prestigious L-series, Canon’s flagship professional lens range. The EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM incorporates image stabilisation in a macro lens for the first time in the EOS lens range. This enables photographers to capture stunning close-up shots without the need for a tripod.
The high quality, medium telephoto macro lens, has been developed for photographers who demand the highest level of optical quality. The new Hybrid IS system features up to 4-stop correction, compensating for the effects of camera shake, during normal shooting. Low friction ceramic balls support the moving elements, which allows for the amazingly smooth movement – needed when compensating for camera shake during macro shooting. Hybrid IS corrects shift movement – problematic when shooting up close -as well as angular movement providing photographers with the benefit of up to 2 stops at 1.0x magnification.
The EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM features ultra low dispersion (UD) lenses that correct colour aberration for high resolution, high contrast images while the addition of Super Spectra coatings effectively reduce ghosting and flare for superior quality images. A nine blade circular aperture makes subjects stand out amid beautiful background blur and a silent, high-speed ring type USM Autofocus motor quickly achieves focus. The lens also includes a three position focus limiter to tailor the focus system range to the desired subject.
As part of the L-series the lens features dust and water resistant seals. Sitting ahead of the EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro, within the range, the EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM supports a full range of accessories including: Tripod Mount D, Macro Lite adaptor 67, Lens Hood ET-73 and EF12 II and EF25 II extension tubes. The tripod mount attaches to the lens without the need for an adaptor enabling quick portrait or landscape switching without having to reframe the camera. Speedlites MR-14EX and MT-24EX can be attached using the MacroLite adaptor.
The EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM lens should be available in September 2009 at an initial retail price of $1049.
Canon launches 15-85mm and 18-135mm EF-S lenses
Canon today strengthens its EF-S series of lenses with the launch of two powerful standard kit lenses for EOS EF-S camera owners: the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS and the EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM. Both lenses match the style and performance of Canon’s new APS-C sensor camera – the Canon EOS 7D.
The high performance standard zoom lens
The high-quality EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM is equivalent to a 24-136mm focal length lens (5.6x standard zoom). Designed for EOS EF-S mount bodies the lens covers wide angle and portrait focal ranges. It also offers a 4-stop Image Stabilizer as well as a close focusing distance of just 0.35m throughout the zoom range.
Versatile super zoom lens
The EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is a powerful all-in-one lens for EOS EF-S mount bodies. It features a 4-stop Image Stabilizer and a 7.5x super zoom range (approx. 29-216mm equivalent focal length). The lens covers a wide range of focal lengths with a 0.45m minimum focusing distance. A general-purpose zoom, it is ideal for photographers looking to make the step up from a standard kit lens.
Easy-to-use impressive image quality
Both lenses offer great low-light performance due to the inclusion of a 4-stop Image Stabilizer that automatically detects panning and tripods, responding accordingly to help photographers take steady shots in any situation. The addition of ultra low dispersion (UD) lenses and aspherical lens elements - as well as lens coatings optimised to combat ghosting and flare - ensure high quality throughout. Both products also include a circular aperture for beautiful background blur (bokeh).
Both lenses feature Canon’s improved exterior lens design that offers an improved high-grade look and feel compared with previous EF-S lenses.
Offering a wide range of focal lengths both EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS and the EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM are ideal all purpose lenses, suitable for the photographer looking for a walk around lens or those with many lenses who on occasion wish to travel lighter.
The EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens will be available in October 2009 at an initial retail price of $799.99.
The EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens will be available in September 2009 at an initial retail price of $499.99.
Canon unveils EOS 7D high-end digital SLR
Canon today unveils the EOS 7D digital SLR camera – a completely new design to meet the specific demands of photographers. Incorporating a new 18MP APS-C CMOS Sensor, developed by Canon, the EOS 7D also features: Dual “DIGIC 4” processors to offer fast, high-quality performance in all light conditions, an ISO range expandable to 12,800 and continuous shooting at 8 frames per second – without the need for additional accessories. Impressive technologies are matched by excellent build-quality designed with the photographer in mind – to create a whole new photographic experience.
During extensive development Canon went back to the drawing board, listening to photographers worldwide in order to design the EOS 7D to meet their specific needs. Commenting on the creation of the EOS 7D, Mr. Shinbori, Deputy Group Executive of Photo Products Group & Senior General Manager of Camera Development Center, Canon Inc,said “We consulted over 5,000 photographers worldwide and asked them what they most wanted to see from a camera. Matching this insight with cutting-edge technology, we were able to develop a camera that truly gives photographers the versatile tool they require to experiment with their images.”
Features:
- 18 MP APS–C CMOS Sensor - Designed and manufactured by Canon, the sensor produces an outstanding image and offers fantastic performance at high and low conditions, thanks to a new photodiode and microlens construction.
- 8 fps image capture - Enabled by the Dual “DIGIC 4” processors and improved electrical system, photographers can capture images at 8fps, without the need for additional accessories and in all file types.
- ISO Range - The EOS 7D enables photographers to capture subjects in their natural light. The ISO range (100 – 6,400) is expandable to 12,800.
- EOS Movie - With improved operation, making it easy to switch directly to movie mode, it is now even simpler to shoot Full HD video. Users can set exposure and frame rate – with options for 24 fps to create that cinematic feel.
- Dual “DIGIC 4” processors - By utilising Dual “DIGIC 4” processors, users of the EOS 7D never have to compromise between shooting speed, image quality and ISO performance.
- Impressive Design - Canon has listened to photographer feedback when designing the body, as well as the internal technologies. A magnesium alloy body offers environmental protection – the tough, lightweight construction is designed to defend against moisture, and dust – equivalent to the legendary EOS–1N.
The camera is compatible with a wide range of accessories so it can easily be integrated with a photographer’s workflow. The Wireless File Transmitter (WFT-E5) allows extensive camera control via a web browser – allowing photographers to control the camera using a web-enabled mobile device.
The EOS 7D is compatible with all EF and EF-S lenses as well as Canon EX Speedlites. The Canon EOS 7D can also be used with Battery BG-E7, and remote controllers and switches such as the remote Controller RC-1/RC-5.
Pricing and Availability
The Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers at the end of September, and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $1,699.00. It will also be offered in a kit version with Canon’s EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $1,899.00. 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.
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