Canon have been busy today, introducing the new EOS 60D and a handful of lenses including: EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM, EF 8-15mm f/4 L USM, EF 300mm f/2.8 L IS II USM, EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM and if that is not enough, they announced development of new EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM plus an EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM.
Also announced earlier this wee was the successful development of an APS-H sized CMOS sensor with 120 megapixels – that is right 120mp. Read on for more details.
Today was the official press announcement of several new and exciting Sony Alpha cameras and lenses. The list of new bodies is as follows: DSLR-A580, DSLR-A560, SLT-A55, SLT-A33. In terms of new lenses: Carl Zeiss® Distagon T* 24mm F2 ZA SSM (model SAL24F20Z), a DT 35mm F1.8 SAM (model SAL35F18) and an 85mm F2.8 SAM (model SAL85F28).
With the introduction of the new A33 and A55 comes new technology and terms that will require a brief explanation. These two new cameras use what Sony is calling Translucent Mirror Technology™ which basically means that unlike traditional DSLR cameras where the reflex mirror moves out of the way during exposure, the SLT (Single Lens Translucent) cameras mirror is fixed and light passes through it during exposure. This will allow for fast, accurate autofocus during video shooting.
Read on for a summary on the individual cameras and lenses.
We have just got our hands on the new Sony Alpha A290 and A390 for review which does mean – as we want to have it in the June issue of the magazine – that we wont be publishing the magazine till later this week, but we thought we would give you a heads up of what has changed between these two cameras and their predecessors.
What Sony have done is reduce the entry level range from 3 models (A230, 330 and 380) to just the two (A290 & A390) In essence both cameras are the same, featuring 14mp CCD sensors. The only real difference is that the A390 sports live-view with a tilt screen which the A290 lacks. The make or break of these cameras though is if Sony have addressed the design of the Grip which was a deal breaker on the previous range. “So have they?” I hear you ask… well, you will need to wait for the full review in the magazine later this week, all I can say for now is yes and no.
Yesterday many of us here in SA who follow the photographic news would have woken to the announcement of Sony’s new addition or division to the Alpha range, the NEX-5 and NEX-3. Today I briefly held a working sample of the NEX-5 in my hands. (The NEX-3 was just a dummy).
So what are the first thoughts then on the new ‘revolutionary’ camera? To be honest I am a little mixed. I think the concept Sony have gone for is clever and unique (having recently played with the Panasonic Lumix GF-1) and for that they should be commended. The challenge is that while the NEX-5 is amazingly small – smaller than the Panasonic by far which is amazing when you thing the sensor it has is bigger, APC vs the Micro Four Thirds – the kit 18-55mm lens is out of proportion when compared to the body and the user interface is far more Cyber-shot, compact camera orientated than DSLR styled.
A quick note from Seema Shariat from Teneues Books:
Just wanted to update you that the new Michael Poliza South Africa book has launched!
And with World Cup around the corner, this couldn’t be more timely!
Check out the book here:
www.teneues.com/Poliza
And don’t forget to enter the Twitter contest and win a FREE Michael
Poliza book: www.teneues.com/poliza/contest
Enjoy!
Seema Shariat
www.teneues.com
www.twitter.com/teneues
www.facebook.com/teneues
www.teneues.wordpress.com
Leica have unveiled a new Compact in the form of the V-LUX20. Like most compact ‘consumer’ Leica cameras this is remarkably similar to a Panasonic – the TZ10/ZS7 to be precise – with a bigger price tag and in this case, one or two inferior features, the main one being that of the 720p HD video being in Motion JPEG format rather than AVCHD. One great feature insluded in this camera is GPS for Geotagging of photographs.
The summary of features:
You can view more on the camera at Leica’s site.
The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new APO 150-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM for Sony and Pentax.
This ultra-telephoto zoom lens covers a telephoto range up to 500mm and allows photographers to bring the subject close and short perspective. This lens has an equivalent field of view of a 225-750mm when used on digital SLR cameras with an APS-C size image sensor. Sigma’s original OS (Optical Stabilizer) function offers the use of shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower. 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.It is ideal for sports, wildlife and landscape photography with handheld shooting. Three SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements provide excellent correction for chromatic aberration. This lens is equipped with a rear focus system that minimizes fluctuation of aberration caused by focusing. The super multi-layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting. High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range. This lens incorporates HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor), which ensures a quiet and high-speed AF as well as full-time manual focusing capability. The addition of the (optional) 1.4x EX DG APO or 2x EX DG APO Tele Converters produce a 210-700mm F7-9 MF ultra-telephoto zoom lens or a 300-1000mm F10-13 MF ultra-telephoto zoom lens respectively (For Sony fitting only). A removable tripod socket (TS-31) is included as a standard component.
Liquid Image has just announced new camera-equipped ski masks, swimming goggles and scuba masks, just in time for them to be unveiled at CES 2010. The Summit Series Snow Camera Goggle 335 boasts a 5MP still camera capable of shooting D1 720 x 480 resolution video at 30 frames per second with audio. It’s got 16MB of built-in flash memory, expandable to 16GB via its microSD / SDHC slot. Other features include large buttons on the side of the goggles which are easy to press while wearing gloves and a light inside the goggles which indicates when recording. The goggles are estimated to get about 2,200 still images or over 2 hours of video per charge on their lithium ion battery. Liquid Image expects to ship the Summit Series goggles in the summer of 2010(Winter here in the south)
Even more possibilities with Olympus PEN
Hamburg, 5 November 2009 – Welcome to dimension PEN, where form and function unite to deliver the power and performance of an SLR with the ease and spontaneity of a compact. This latest retro-chic digital Olympus PEN builds on EISA’s 2009/2010 “Best Camera of the Year”, an icon of style and quality. To enrich photographic potential, the new E-P2 includes an accessory port to clip on the electronic viewfinder or other accessories. It also enlivens creative impulses through two additional Art Filters and supplements ease of use with further innovative options. Cloaked in classic black, the hybrid photo and HD movie Olympus PEN boldly brings fun and simplicity back in SLR quality. It’s a legend in the making – and available from January 2010 for €949 including the electronic viewfinder.
Lensbaby have released two new optics to complement the existing range of optics available for the Lensbaby Composer or Muse.
Turn your Lensbaby Composer into a fun fisheye lens with the Fisheye Optic. The Fisheye Optic’s ultra-wide 12mm focal length and 160 degree field of view captures eye-popping fisheye views from infinity all the way down to one inch from the front of your lens. The Fisheye Optic is designed for use with the Composer, and can also be used with the Muse with the purchase of a special adapter.
The Soft Focus Optic creates a velvety soft image perfect for portraits, flowers, landscapes or any subject that needs a soft touch. Soft Focus has a look that is evenly soft throughout the image without the Sweet Spot of sharp focus created by our selective focus optics. You can vary the amount of softness by changing the aperture disks.
Should make shooting with these lenses more interesting, pity they are so expensive.
The leader in speed and image quality
The Leaf Aptus-II series of digital backs offers professional photographers the speed, image quality and flexibility to push their work beyond expectations.
The all new Leaf Aptus-II series includes a top of the line offering with the only True Wide Frame sensor. With the Leaf Aptus-II 10, you can capture what was previously impossible, with a revolutionary, digital sensor that achieves True Wide Frame shooting. This 56mm x 36mm sensor offers a higher resolution (56MP) and allows for fullwidth imaging.
Sony have announced the release of a new digital photo frame with a built in photo printer in the DPP-F700. The printer uses their current thermal dye-sub printing technology which offers a fast 45 second print time for the standard 4×6 inch durable photograph. The inclusion of the 7 inch digital photo frame provides a rather large preview screen when compared against other printers in this class.
The concept is rather unique and clever. In our home at present it would be great for viewing the images of our son particularly when the grandparents visit. If during the slide show there is an image they really like – which is usually all of them but that point aside – they simply use the unique screen capture mode to print that image then and there.
The ideas is great, however the price is expected to be around R2500.00 making it a bit more than many may wish to spend. Here are the details from the press release.
New Mamiya DM56 Digital Camera Introduced
Elmsford, NY – October 21, 2009 – Mamiya has partnered with industry leaders Schneider, Phase One and Leaf to produce the best of all worlds — the new Mamiya DM56 professional digital camera.
The camera features a 56 megapixel sensor, and is precision-matched to new optics designed by renowned lens maker Schneider-Kreuznach. “The results have created a new standard for digital images,” says Mamiya Product Marketing Manager Mike Edwards. “The large sensor, 56x36mm, coupled with a 16 bit/channel color palette, provides exceptional color accuracy and rich high dynamic range images in just a single capture. Other digital camera systems simply cannot compare.”
Mamiya Debuts DM22 Digital Camera for under $10K
Elmsford, NY – October 20, 2009 – Mamiya, synonymous with professional photography, has introduced a new 22MP, 36x48mm digital camera selling for $9,995. The Mamiya DM22, slated for November delivery, is the perfect choice for photographers when 35mm-sized DSLRs are not good enough. In fashion work, studio product photography, industrial/scientific or other demanding photographic specialties, medium format photography is in many people’s eyes hands-down the winner over 35mm-based digital. The DM22 is the affordable way to achieve that superiority.
“For years, many professional photographers have been relegated to consumer-like DSLR systems, simply due to the high cost of recognized pro-level digital equipment,” says Mamiya Product Marketing Manager Mike Edwards. “This new camera features a premium-quality 22 megapixel sensor, and true 16bit/channel RAW files, resulting in richly detailed images that leave a vibrant and lasting impression for both the photographer and client. We recognize photographers’ need to deliver exceptional quality photographs, along with an impression of professionalism, which a 35mm-sized DSLR cannot present. Files can be processed using either of the included software solutions: Capture One™ by Phase One or Leaf Capture™, or photographers can choose to use Adobe Lightroom™ (not included) allowing the widest variety of professional processing software options available. This is definitely an opportunity to put the finest technology to work at a most affordable price.”
The Nikon D3S a professional digital SLR with the newly designed FX-format CMOS image sensor and HD movie capability, delivering improved ultra-high sensitivity, image quality and response speed.
TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of its newest FX-format digital SLR flagship for fast response and high light sensitivity: the Nikon D3S.
Standing on the shoulders of the world-renowned D3, the D3S takes the potential of Nikon’s proprietary FX format to incredible new levels designed to meet or exceed a professional’s high standards. The D3S delivers ISO 200 to ISO 12800 as standard, with the excellent noise control and wide dynamic range that the D3 is famous for. This provides photographers of any discipline with additional latitude to achieve quality images in most lighting situations. When needed, ISO sensitivity can be expanded from Lo 1 (ISO 100 equivalent) up to Hi 3 (ISO 102400 equivalent), making a significant difference in extremely low-lit shooting scenarios and other situations where faster shutter speeds or more depth of field is required.
PhotoComment Magazine October Issue
It is here! The October Issue of PhotoComment is now live and available to read by clicking the ‘Read Magazine’ button on our website or type http://photocomment.mymag.co.za into your browser.
This month we feature Alet Pretorius in our Pro Portfolio and find out about her life as a photo journalist and what she does when she is not chasing the news. Leon Laubscher our featured reader shows us his portfolio and tells us how he got started.
We review the awesome new Olympus E-P1 and the Sony Alpha A850. Will you buy one these?
The biggest news of all is the launch of our new competition. We are a running the competition in association with Sony and are pleased to announce that Sony is sponsoring an Alpha 230 as the prize.
See the magazine for more!
Entries for the 2009 SONY PROFOTO AWARDS, presented by the Professional Photographers of Southern Africa (PPSA) and sponsored by Sony Alpha, officially open on 9 October 2009.
The 2009 SONY PROFOTO AWARDS will be a showcase of the best images of Southern Africa’s renowned and undiscovered professional photographers and photography students.
Both professional photographers practising in Southern Africa and photography students can enter images until 31 January 2010. The Southern African region includes South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. For the 2009 awards, the student competition has been expanded to include both full time students from accredited photographic institutions as well as part time photographic students.
From architecture to portraiture and fine art to photo-journalism, the SONY PROFOTO AWARDS is the benchmark of professional excellence that the PPSA aspire to achieve.
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