digitalkamera.de has a news entry stating that Nikon Germany will apply a scary price increase of up to 30% on lenses, flashes and other accessories, blaming Japan Yen exchange rates against US Dollar and Euro currencies.
Here is the Google-translated version of the original German article here.
The Nikon GmbH, Dusseldorf, has its trading partners in Germany today informed that they are "due to the serious exchange rate changes (which are probably those of the Japanese yen against the U.S. dollar or Euro) their dealer purchase from 1 Februar 2009. For about 465 Nikon products from the assortment of lenses, flashes and accessories also increased so that the manufacturers suggested retail price of between 2 and drastic 30 percent. On average, the EIA price increases 14 percent. Excluded from the price increase is (initially) cameras and camera kits. (Jan-Gert Hagemeyer)
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Olympus E-30 Review at photographyblog
The Olympus E-30 is the new mid-range model in Olympus's E-System DSLR line-up, slotting seamlessly into the gap between the cheaper, entry-level E-520 and the more expensive, professional E-3. The E-30 borrows quite a lot of features from its big brother, including the fast 11-point auto-focus system, shutter speeds of up to 1/8000th second, 1/250th sec maximum flash sync speed, 5fps continuous shooting, built-in image stabiliser which stabilises all lenses, Live View on a multi-angle LCD screen and the Supersonic Wave Filter dust reduction system. Key differences include more megapixels (12.3 versus the E3's 10), a smaller and lighter body, slightly larger 2.7 inch LCD screen, smaller viewfinder, addition of Face Detection, and no dust- or weather-sealing on the camera body. The E-30 also has a number of interesting "creative" features up its sleeve, including a range of Art Filter effects which are applied as you take a photo, a Multiple Exposure mode for combining images into one, nine separate aspect ratios, and an integrated pitch and roll Level Gauge which helps to ensure that both your horizons and verticals should always be straight. Olympus have taken a long time to join the mid-range market, but is it a case of too little, too late? Priced at $1300 / £850 body only, can the Olympus E-30 compete with the likes of the Canon EOS 50D, Nikon D90 and Sony A700, and is it a viable alternative to Olympus' own E-3?
Read the full review here.
Sigma UK to Increases Prices February 1st
Sigma UK Press Release:
Sigma increase prices due to the exchange rate.
It’s a very long time since prices in the photo/imaging market increased. Cameras and lenses fell in price until they offered incredibly good value for money. In times of recession it seems counter-intuitive for prices to rise but that’s exactly what is about to happen, mainly due to the currency fluctuations.
In December 2007, the exchange rate between the UK Pound and Japanese Yen was 235. The very weak pound and unusually strong Yen now means that the exchange rate has fallen to below 130 Yen, a devaluation of approximately 40%. Anybody who has recently been on holiday abroad will have noticed that the pound is very weak against the Euro, Dollar and Yen.
Our parent company, the Sigma Corporation, purchases raw materials in Yen and their overheads are therefore inextricably linked to the Yen and so they have been forced, in line with our competitors, to increase our supply price to reflect the exchange rate between the UK pound and the Japanese Yen. Our prices are therefore set to increase on 1st February 2009. Whilst our price increases reflect the international exchange rate movements we have made every effort, wherever possible, to absorb the price rises and minimise extra expense to the customer. Sigma, in line with our competitors, are constantly monitoring the currency market and our prices are directly influenced by exchange rates. We hope that the UK pound makes a recovery against foreign currencies however it is not altogether impossible that further price increases may be forced upon us all.
As retailers strive to beat the price increase deadline, we have seen tremendous growth in sales in January and as a result our warehouse is very low on stock. Whilst the prices of Sigma products will increase on 1st February, it may be possible for customers to purchase from their local retailers at the original prices for a limited period as long as stocks last.
Whilst these price rises are regrettable it is important to note that, as all our competitors are increasing prices to a similar degree, we still retain our reputation for offering top quality products and excellent value for money.
Via photographyblog
SLRGear has a review of the Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM telephoto lens, with a verdict that says "The lens performs well, perhaps not up to the level that more recent Canon lenses have, but considering the age of its design it still works extremely well."
The Canon EF 400mm ƒ/5.6L USM was released in 1993, alongside other telephoto primes popular with wildlife and sports photographers. The 400mm ƒ/5.6 is often compared to the more recent 100-400mm ƒ/4.5-5.6L USM IS, the suggestion being that if you are always shooting at the 400mm range, it's better to go with the prime. Our review may help to shed some light on this decision.
The EF lens is compatible with both full-frame and cropped-frame Canon SLR cameras, though on the latter the lens will have an effective field of view of approximately 640mm. The lens features a built-in lens hood, and ships with a well-padded soft case. The lens retails for approximately $1,200.
Read the full review here.Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Phase One P65+ Digital Back, the 60.5 Megapixel beast
With noise-free exposures of up to 1 hour and all sorts of extraordinary features, the P65+ is a unique high-end digital back that requires no extra cooling, has good battery life.Check out details and an introduction video here.
Imaging technology
CCD: Full frame CCD
Lens Factor: 1.0
Resolution: 60.5 mega pixels
Active pixels: 8984 x 6732 pixels
CCD size effective: 53.9 x 40.4 mm
Pixel size: 6 x 6 micron
Image ratio: 4:3
Microlens on CCD: No
Dynamic range: 12.5 f-stops
Storage files
Phase Ones IIQ RAW file format speeds up the image capture and file transfer. Increases the storage capacity by turning the full 16 bit image data into a compact RAW file format. The default IIQ RAW-large format is completely lossless.
llQ small: 40 MB
llQ large: 60MB
Output files
Color depth: 16 bit per color
Image file formats: TIFF-RGB, TIFF-CMYK, JPEG
Color management: RGB, Embedded ICC profile, CMYK
Sensitivity
ISO: 50, 200, 400, 800, 800
Sensor+
Resolution: 15 Mega pixels
Pixel size: 12 x 12 Micron
RAW file compression: IIQ Large: 15MB, IIQ Small 10MB
ISO: 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
Camera system
Capture time: up to 1 sec./frame (depending on camera body)
Storage security: Phase One 3S technology - Secure Storage System
Battery type: 7.2 V Lithium Ion 2500mAh
Battery lifetime: 2000 captures
Exposure time: 1/10,000 sec. up to 1 minute
Live preview: Yes
IR filter: Mounted on CCD
Cooling system: Passive cooling and sleeping architecture
Power up time: Less than 2 sec.
Power: 8-33 V DC (from FireWire®)
LCD screen
Size: 2.2"
Resolution: 230,400 pixels
Viewing angle: 160º
Technical & large format camera support
Wide angle: Hasselblad 903 SWC, Horseman SW-D & range of adapters with 35 mm support
4" x 5": Arca Swiss, Cambo 4x5, Rollei Xact, Linhof M679/4x5, Toyo, Sinar, Plaubel, Horseman
Operating conditions
Temperature: 0º to 40ºC (32º to 122ºF)
Humidity: 15 to 80% RH (non-condensing)
Lighting
Supports all photographic lights: Flash, tungsten, daylight, fluorescent, HMI
Canon EF 50mm/F1.8 EF II review
The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II is the very cheapest lens in the Canon line-up. In the APS-C DSLR scope the field-of-view resembles a 80mm lens here which qualifies it as an interesting portrait lens besides other purposes such as low-light photography. The lens features a conventional micro motor without full-time manual focusing. The AF speed feels pretty fast - there aren't really many elements to move around here. The lens uses a linear extension system for focusing (similar to extension tubes) so the length of the lens changes according to the focus distance. The front element does not rotate during focusing. The minimal focus distance is 0.45m resulting in a max. magnification of 0.15x (~1:7). Manual focusing feels Ok. The focus ring, positioned at the very front, is very narrow so it's not really convenient. 
Image source photozone.deThe optical construction is made of just 6 elements in 5 groups without any special elements (not needed at this focal length). The lens features 5 aperture blades. The filter size is 52mm. At just 130g it is an ultra light-weight lens and with a dimension of 68x41mm it's also extremely compact. The build quality is sufficient to say it positive. The lens barrel is made of plastic down to the mount. All-in-all you feel the price tag here. That said there's little wobbling of the inner tube and unless you abuse it there're no reasons to believe that it'll not last.
Buy a Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens for as low as $86 (Amazon price in Jan 09)
for as low as $86 (Amazon price in Jan 09)Read the full review here.
Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L USM Ultra -wideangle lens review
Read the full article with a great historic background and technical details here.
Prior to availability of Canon FD-mount 24mm wideangles; there were only two Canon fixed focal length ultrawide that has a diagonal view wider than 75° (28mm); while most people would be more familiar with the S-mount 19mm f/3.5 super-wideangle; the CANON S-Mount 25mm f/3.5 Rangefinder Wideangle which was introduced as early as 1956 seemingly was less noticed by majority. Throughout evolution of the Canon S; R; FL-mount era, both of these lenses represented Canon's only ultrawide offering in their respective lens group for photographers who used the Canon photographic system.
This ultra-fast speed Canon elite-class 24mm AUTOFOCUS ultrawide was introduced quite late in the EF lens system. In fact, the 24mm focal length was quite weak in its option as another specialized application option, Canon TS-E 24mm f/3.5L joined in the lens system 1991. I remembered this USM 24mm ultrawideangle was only introduced about the same time when the Asian financial crisis began to sweep across the continent.
Read other reviews here and here.
The EF 24mm f/1.4L lens offers generally excellent center of field lens sharpness from f/2 on and very acceptable performance at f/1.4 in image center if you need it. Edge performance is probably acceptable for most applications, especially if you can stop the lens down to f/8. This lens significantly outperforms the consumer EF 24mm f/2.8, but at a significantly higher price. The EF 24mm f/1.4L lens is an excellent lens. However, its performance doesn't quite match the stellar performance of the EF 35mm f/1.4L. If corner sharpness is important to you and you have enough light to stop your lens down to f/5.6 or f/8, a quality L-zoom (e.g., EF 17-40mm f/4L) outperforms the L-prime except for slight linear distortion.
Buy the Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L USM Wide Angle Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
Limited edition Paul Smith fisheye camera out of stock
It's not a DSLR, but it's a piece of art, and a cool film camera to show off. See below for description.
Exclusive limited edition Paul Smith fisheye No2 camera with a special collaboration with Lomography Cameras.
Exclusive limited edition Paul Smith fisheye No2 camera with a special collaboration with Lomography Cameras. This camera has a 180 degree wide-angle view and stunning fisheye barrel distortion. The fisheye No2 adds a bulb setting for long exposures, a switch for multiple exposures on the same frame, the ability to fire both a hotshoe flash and the built in flash and has a true fisheye viewfinder.
The camera is finished with a full metal jacket body with the signature Paul Smith multi stripe.
Uses 35mm film with regular development.
Via Paul Smith UKSigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG APO Macro reviewed by SLRGear
Andrew Alexander at SLRGear.com has a fresh article and test of the new Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG APO Macro Telephoto Zoom Lens lens.
lens.From the review:
Every lens manufacturer produces a consumer telephoto zoom in the 70-300mm range; Sigma offers an economical alternative in the form of the 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG APO Macro. A telephoto zoom is typically one of the first lenses consumers acquire after a kit lens. Does Sigma's offering fare well enough to find a place in your bag?
Bottom line:
The Sigma 70-300mm ƒ/4-5.6 is a viable alternative to manufacturers' versions of the same lens.
Check out the full review here.
Full-Frame DSLR Sensors Tested by DxO Labs, Compared by Adorama
Using data recorded by DxOLabs.com, Adorama has an article comparing the current lineup of full-frame DSLR camera bodies: the Canon 1Ds Mark III and 5D Mark II, the Nikon D3, D3x and D700, and the Sony Alpha 900.From the article:
Not surprisingly, these five cameras earned DxOMark's top five overall image-quality ratings of all cameras they have tested so far. (The other full-frame DSLRs, the Canon EOS 1Ds Mark II, EOS 5D and EOS 1Ds, are older but with the exception of the EOS 1Ds were near the top of the list as well.)
DxOMark conducts measurements based on the Raw image, which is the unadulterated image file as captured by the sensor (a jpeg, on by comparison, has already gone through some processing which may include grain reduction or color compensation, before you even get to see it.) DxO Analyzer, which has become an industry standard for camera image quality testing, was used in determining the results. DxO conducts its tests using specifically designed test targets under consistent conditions in a lab environment.
Read the review here.
Shooting HD Video with DSLR Cameras
Business World Online says:While the new DSLR cameras lack some crucial features of a camcorder, they have chips for large, high-resolution imaging and can shoot video that looks good on a large TV screen.
They also allow videographers to pick from a wide variety of lenses from fisheye to telephoto.
Some recent DSLR models that offer high-definition (HD) video include Nikon’s D90 and Canon’s 5D Mark II. Manufacturers such as Fujifilm are also offering compact cameras with HD video.
Ambitious amateur photographers have long been attracted to DSLR cameras, which — although bulkier than compact cameras — offer more flexibility with interchangeable lenses and higher degree of control over the technical aspects of taking a picture.
Check out the full article here.
Control Your Shutter For Less Blur - Gearlog tell you how
Geoff Fox at Gearlog has an article with tricks and ideas on how to bring the most out of your DSLR. Shooting with Full Auto settings may seem easy, but exploring your camera settings will wake the artist in you."If you're shooting in "AUTO" I can almost guarantee you're getting blurry shots from time-to-time. Of all the things that can go bad blur seems the worst. There's little you can do to correct it after-the-fact. That's why my goal is to shoot at a fast enough shutter speed to keep things sharp."
"Higher ISO introduces additional noise in the photo. Sometimes grain looks good, but even when it doesn't it's better than blur! Blur is worse than rickets."
Check out the full article here.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Hack allows video capture on any Canon EOS LiveView camera
Wow, great news. Canon Rumors has an entry based on a Russian description on how to hack your Canon Live View DSLR into a video camcorder. It requires a USB connection to a PC, but it works.The program is called EOS_Movrec and you can download it from http://valexvir.narod.ru/
A quick translation done with Google's Translate tool reveals that the supported models are: Canon EOS 450D, Canon EOS 1000D (Rebel XS) and Canon 40D.
Bottom line:
Connect camera to a computer with USB, run program, press “write” button. Check out.avi in program folder. That's it!
- http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=7167297
- Sample with Av mode: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRezR82Jyq0
- Sample with Manual mode: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3HzxbzBpJ8
- Sample from EOS 40D: http://perm.odevaem.com/40D.avi
Buy a Canon EOS 40D 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Standard Zoom Lens
Panasonic Lumix G Micro-System: Best Of Both Worlds
The Lumix G Micro-System combines the ease of use from ultrazoom and compact cameras and the interchangeability of lenses and power of DSLR cameras. The Micro Four Thirds standard offers a wide selection of lenses and good optical performance.The models are based on the new Micro Four Thirds System standard that greatly reduces camera size and weight. The DMC-G1 with Full-time Live View LCD and Live View Finder bring you to the new horizons of creative possibilities.
Here is the list of compatible lenses:
"Even with their extremely small size, these high-performance lenses feature Panasonic's MEGA O.I.S. (optical image stabilizer), which makes it easy to shoot super-clear shots even in low lighting by suppressing hand-shake blur. Characterized by their compact size and light weight, both lenses bring out the full capabilities of the 4/3 image sensor, and support the Contrast AF function of the DMC-G1."
LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. (details)
- Minimum focus distance of 30 cm over the entire zoom range
- MEGA O.I.S. - Panasonic's advanced hand-shake correction technology
- Circular aperture diaphragm
- Multi-coated lens elements minimize ghosts and flare
- Contrast AF system support
- Utilizing a durable metal mounting
- 3 ED lenses for a superb optical performance
- MEGA O.I.S. - Panasonic's advanced hand-shake correction technology
- Circular aperture diaphragm
- Multi-coated lens elements minimize ghosts and flare
- Contrast AF system support
- Utilizing a durable metal mounting
The Micro Four Thirds System is an interchangeable lens camera system that was designed and developed to optimize the characteristics of digital technology. It carefully preserves the image quality of the 4/3-type image sensor, while reducing the size of the camera body and particularly the size of wide-angle lenses. The Micro Four Thirds System also offers excellent expandability and adaptability to future functions.
Visit the Micro Four Thirds System standard websiteRedrock Cinematizing Kits for Your Beloved Canon 5D Mark II And Nikon D90
First check out the jaw dropping video here, and the "making of.." movie here.So if you are one of those lucky few who own a Canon 5D Mark II or Nikon D90, and you want to shoot some nice looking movies, you may want to check out one of Redrocks's DSLR bundles.
From the Redrock DSLR Kits page:
Redrock accessories for video DSLRs transform video DSLRs into production-ready cinema solutions by providing:
- Rock-solid 15mm support system
- Follow focus with 35mm lens gearing for accurate and repeatable focusing
- Swing-away mattebox for light management and easy access to changing lenses
- Shoulder mount and handgrips for steady handheld use
- Support cage for enhanced stability and low angle shot
Redrock video DSLR Bundle Benefits
- Convenient form factor and weight of video/film production system
- Modular design: add only the pieces you want, and build as your needs grow
- Compatible
- Industry standard 15mm lightweight rods for stability and compatibility with other products
Available bundles:
Redrock DSLR Cinema Bundle
Redrock DSLR Field Cinema Bundle
DSLR cage & top handle
Nikon D60 review
Jim Fitzsimmons at photodailynews.com has a review of the Nikon D60, and he says:This is a great little camera at a great price with a sharp lens that’s fast to focus and lightweight. Because it’s a small package you can carry it in your backpack or purse, or maybe a pocket but that would be a stretch. It’s a good camera for those starting with a DSLR and doesn’t cost more than some compact cameras but allows you many more options with lenses and flashes. The D60Nikon CLS system which allows you to grow into shooting with Speedlights other than the built in. Wireless flash is just so much fun.
Buy the Nikon D60 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens at Amazon.
at Amazon.Read the full review here.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II review at Imaging Resource
Reviewed by Shawn Barnett, Dave Etchells, and Zig Weidelich
The Canon EOS-5D Mark II raises the standards of the entire EOS line, as it is the first EOS digital SLR camera to offer both still and video capture. The Canon 5D Mark II also includes most of the hardware and software upgrades that the company introduced on the Canon 50D.
Its upgrades are welcome, because though the Canon 5D leads the race for overall image quality for many photographers, it lags behind in a few key areas, most of which improve with the 5D Mark II.
| Basic Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Resolution: | 21.10 Megapixels |
| Kit Lens: | n/a |
| Viewfinder: | Optical / LCD |
| LCD Size: | 3.0 inch |
| ISO: | 50-25600 |
| Shutter: | 30-1/8000 |
| Max Aperture: | n/a |
| Mem Type: | CF1 / CF2 / Microdrive |
| Battery: | Custom LiIon |
| Dimensions: | 6.0x4.5x3.0in (152x114x75mm) |
| Weight: | 32.5 oz (920 g) |
| MSRP: | $2,699 |
| Availability: | 11/2008 |
Buy Canon EOS 5D Mark II 21.1MP Full Frame CMOS Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
Read the full review here.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II reviewed by Steve's Digicams
A DSLR with HD movie recording capabilities, plus all the goodies you expect from the top Canon body, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II give you the best a man can get in the field of Full-Frame Digital SLR photography.From the review:
"The anticipation surrounding the launch of this camera model has exceeded our greatest expectations, and we believe our loyal customers will be awed by the level of innovation and features built into the new EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR. Once they have the chance to experience the camera, we believe they will agree that it was worth the wait," stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.
Among the many advancements in Canon's new EOS 5D Mark II camera is the Company's proprietary DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor that powers the camera's fast 14-bit analog-to-digital conversion for smooth color tones and exceptional gradation. The Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR offers a full-frame 24 x 36mm, 21.1 megapixel CMOS sensor and continuous shooting at 3.9 frames per second (fps) for an unlimited number of full-resolution JPEGs to the capacity of the memory card or up to 14 RAW images in a single burst when using a UDMA CF card. The camera includes a 15-point Autofocus (AF) sensor with nine selectable AF points plus six additional Assist AF points (three center AF points sensitive to f/2.8 lenses) with enhanced light source detection and AF microadjustment for greater autofocus performance. The EOS 5D Mark II camera also features a large, clear 3.0-inch Clear View LCD screen with 920,000 dot/VGA resolution, four times the pixel count of the EOS 5D camera's 2.5-inch screen, for enhanced clarity and color when viewing images. The new camera is equipped with a high-performance, high-magnification optical viewfinder providing 98 percent coverage, giving a new dimension to the saying, "what you see is what you get." Professional photographers will also appreciate the enhanced 150,000-cycle shutter durability of the EOS 5D Mark II camera.
Buy Canon EOS 5D Mark II 21.1MP Full Frame CMOS Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
Check out more here.
Canon 500D Close-up Lens Review
The Canon 500D Close-up Lens is a small double-element lens that threads onto the filter threads on a standard (non-macro) lens. It allows that lens to be focused at a much closer distance- resulting in a higher magnification of the subject. The Canon 500D Close-up Lens is intended to be used on lenses with a focal length of 70mm-300mm. If you only want to shoot at macro distances infrequently, the Canon 500D Close-up Lens might be what you want. Read the full review here.
Nikon D3 Awarded iF Product Design Award
Digital SLR Nikon D3 with AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
The International Forum Design (iF), based in Hannover Germany, has sponsored the iF Product Design Awards since 1953, selecting industrial products exhibiting superior design from those manufactured the world over, making them highly prestigious and globally respected awards. Aspects including quality of design, functionality, degree of innovation, ease of use, as well as any effects the product may have on the environment are considered with product evaluation and award selection.
The D3 is Nikon's flagship FX-format digital SLR camera, the first FX-format model released by Nikon. In designing the D3, Nikon first asked premier industrial designer, Giorgetto Giugiaro, to present a design exhibiting form and value immediately recognizable by anyone who sees it. Next, our in-house design team thoroughly examined each individual component to achieve a more ergonomic and refined form based on Mr.Giugiaro's original design. Our primary design goal was an intuitive design offering operation that supports accurate and comfortable shooting under any circumstance with a high-quality and attractive look. The D3 has been extremely well received by professional photographers, primarily sports and press photographers, since its release in November 2007.Book that may be of interest to you: Nikon DSLR: The Ultimate Photographer's Guide (Digital Workflow), Rick Sammon's Digital Photography Secrets, Nikon D60 For Dummies :)
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PMA09: Seven new Alpha lenses to be announced by Sony?
Image for illustration purposes- Sony AF DT 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 (Tamron design)
- Sony AF DT 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 (Tamron design)
- Sony AF DT 18-55mm f/3.5-4.5 (Sony design) new kit lens
- Sony AF 24-105 F4 G SSM (Sony design)
- Sony AF 200/fa macro za ssm (Zeiss design)
- Sony AF 600/4 G SSM (Sony design)
- Sony AF 24/1.4 ZA (Zeiss design)
Nikon F6 still in production
According to Nikon Rumors, Nikon Germany made an official statement that the Nikon F6 will stay in production. However, there is no sign of it online, some stores don't even list it, while others are out of stock.Via Nikon Rumors
Pentax K2000 White DSLR two-lens kit pre-sale for $680?
Yes, it appears that the white version of the sleek DSLR appeared at the Pentax store for just $680 with a two-lens package of 18-55mm and 50-200mm.Pentax K2000 Features
- Shake Reduction system, featuring a 10.2 megapixel CCD, is compatible with any PENTAX lens ever made, and minimizes the effect of camera shake even at slower shutter speeds.
- Smart camera operation featuring highly user-friendly tools such as a dedicated Help button.
- Advanced Auto Picture mode takes the guesswork out of your pictures by automatically selecting the best mode to use for a given situation.
- 2.7 inch, high resolution LCD monitor featuring wide angle viewing of up to 170° allows for easy image review.
- High ISO of 3200 allows faster shutter speeds in lower lighting to freeze subject action, while making the most of ambient light.
- Includes widely available long life Energizer AA Lithium batteries for outstanding runtime.
- One of the smallest and lightest DSLR cameras available allows one handed operation.
- DA-L 18-55 Lens
- DA-L 50-200 Lens
- USB Cable I-USB17
- Strap O-ST84
- Hot Shoe Cover FK
- Eyecup FQ
- Body Mount Cover
- 4 AA Energizer Lithium Batteries
- Software CD-ROM S-SW84
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Olympus E-30 reviewed by DigitalCameraReview
David Rasnake at DigitalCameraReview has posted a text and video review of the E-30 from Olympus, an "advanced amateur" or "prosumer" DSLR for 2009, featuring a 12.3 Megapixel Live MOS sensor, 2.7 inch LCD, a bunch of preset modes and some bells and whistles. A high performer in the shutter lag field, it offers consumer-friendly art filters and most of the E-3 features in a smaller body.
From the review:
When Olympus decides to take on any new DSLR project, two things are almost certain. First, you can bet that whatever they've got planned, they'll roll it out on their own schedule. And second, that they'll put a slightly different spin on a familiar idea. Whether you think the much debated decision to lead development efforts for the open-format Four Thirds system has been a smart move or not, it's hard not to respect Olympus for being a little "above the fray" when it come to the rampant copy-cat behavior in the quest for consumer dollars.
Read the full review here.
PMA Pro Photography - The Ultimate Collection of Educational and Hands-On Sessions for Pros
Offering various events, certification programs, pro sessions and more, PMA09 brings the largest photography-related convention and trade show to Las Vegas, Nevada between March 1-4 2009.
Each spring, PMA brings the world of photography together for the largest annual convention and trade show dedicated to everything photo. And as the industry’s professional trade association, we’re hard at work year-round developing copyright reforms, creating certification programs, and providing the information you need to make daily business decisions. You get it all in one place at one time. Now that's the ultimate smart choice!
When it comes to your business, make the smart decision; PMA 09 – the ultimate event for everything photo.
Via PMA09 website, PMA09.
Pentax smc FA 50mm 1:1.4 reviewed
From the review:The Pentax smc FA 50mm F1.4 is something of an anomaly in the company's current lens lineup, as the last of their film-era primes featuring plastic construction and an aperture ring. This actually reflects the fact that Pentax are probably the leading proponents of modern-design fixed-focal length lenses, with their range of compact 'pancake' lenses and 'Limited' series high quality primes being the envy of users of other systems. Indeed we can probably presume that the 50mm F1.4 will itself be superseded by the recently-announced Pentax-DA* 55mm F1.4 SDM lens, but in the meantime it stands as the most obvious option for users seeking a fast prime for low light and portrait work.
Read the full review here.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Sony Alpha A800 rumored part 3: Cnet Asia has more
Probably a successor to the Alpha A700 (pictured above), the A800 would feature the pentaprism from the A900 and on-board Wi-Fi, mostly for photo sharing on sites like Flickr and Picasa. If this is true, the Alpha A800 will be the first DSLR with Wi-Fi on board, and it is expected to be (finally) announced at upcoming Photo Marketing Association (PMA) 2009 tradeshow held between March 3-5, 2009.
Cnet Asia says:
It's kind of weird to see a Sony dSLR rumor on Nikon Rumors, but the site recently reported on a new Alpha camera from the Japanese company. Dubbed the A800, the shooter could be the successor to the A700, which is due for an upgrade. The specifications are convincing enough, with a 15.2-megapixel sensor, 6.5 frames-per-second burst mode, 9 double cross AF sensor and a maximum ISO sensitivity of 12,800.
To find out more about PMA09, visit their website.
Olympus E-System DSLR Events
Olympus is catering to first-time users of its E-System DSLRs through a series of six classes that will be held from February through to May.Topics Covered:
- Basic Olympus DSLR features
- Metering
- White Balance
- Aperture
- Image Stabilization
- Depth of Field
- And much more!
There will be courses geared toward both beginners as well as advanced users, and will discuss both the "art and science" of photography. Each course will run for a half-day, and will be led by technical representatives from Olympus, who are experts in photography as well as Olympus products specifically.
Check out the details at Olympus Upcoming Events list.
Other upcoming Olympus events:
Event: "Meet the Pros"
Art Institute of Colorado
Denver, CO
February 19-20, 2009
Olympus Visionaries: Jay Kinghorn & Anne Day
Pellissippi State Technical Community College
Knoxville, TN
March 19-20, 2009
Olympus Visionaries: Judy Herrmann & Nick Kelsh
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rochester, NY
March 23-24, 2009
Olympus Visionaries: Jay Dickman & Larry Price
Via hereshow.ca, Olympus
Pentax K2000 White DSLR Kit Available
The K2000 is available for pre-order in a slick looking white color. In white, it looks exactly like the camera an Imperial Storm Trooper would use to shoot images on assignment. The camera includes a pair of white lenses in 18-55 and 50-200. 
Other than the color, the white camera is the same as the other K2000 units with 10.2 megapixels and ISO of 100-3200. A shake reduction system is built-in and the rear LCD is 2.7-inches. Pentax claims the K2000 is one of the smallest and lightest DSLRs around. The white version with the dual lenses can be pre-ordered now for $679.95 with shipping to commence in February.
Via i4u.com
Sigma 50mm f/2.8 Macro EX (DG) reviewed at vnphoto.net
Vietnamese site VNPhoto has a review of the Sigma 50mm f/2.8 Macro EX (DG) macro lens.
Sigma first introduced the AF 50mm f/2.8 Macro lens in 1990, then upgraded it and released the Sigma 50mm f/2.8D EX 1998. The latest version is Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX DG, Sigma is the optimal for digital machines. However, all 3 lenses are designed with optical lens in 10 groups in 9 so the image quality is almost similar. Both are the 2 to 35mm in both FF and have a smaller sensor.
This is probably the lens AF Macro 1:1 cheapest one you can find on the market. Price new (2009) about $ 240 and only about $ 140 used. While price is quite cheap but quality is very good and most websites gave it high rates. Very suitable for those who want to try Macro picture category, but do not want to invest more money.
Buy the Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens for Canon SLR Cameras now.
now.Check out the full machine-translated review here.
Capture the pen: President Obama signs his first executive orders
These press guys are fanatics. Press corps members in Washington, DC are happily taking shots of the mighty pen used to sign the first executive orders by President Barack Obama. Hey, it's just a pen, get over it.
According to Turnto10.com, it's a pen made by A.T. Cross of Lincoln, R.I., and you can check the company's pen lineup here. With prices up to $1500 these are top stuff.
According to Turnto10.com, it's a pen made by A.T. Cross of Lincoln, R.I., and you can check the company's pen lineup here. With prices up to $1500 these are top stuff.
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