Samsung 85mm/f1.4 lens for K-mount

Several rumors are circulating online that Samsung is testing a new 85mm/f1.4 lens. 

Via DPReview forums via SLRClub

Olympus E-620 reviewed by DPReview

Olympus has established a tradition of offering very well specified cameras at the entry-level, and was one of the first to offer two cameras in this bracket - the little E-410 and its image-stabilized big brother, the E-510 (later upgraded to the 420 and 520 respectively). Now it has introduced the E-620, a model that will 'sell alongside' the E-420 and E-520 (in the sense that we suspect it will eventually replace the E-520) as the company's attempt at a '500D-killer'.

And, even by Olympus's standards of entry-level generosity, it's not short on toys - including an articulated screen to make full use of its live view system, which itself is one of the better implementations of this feature (from the company that got there first). It's also got 'Art' modes and the ability to shoot in four different aspect ratios - adapted from the features of the more expensive E-30. There's also in-body Image Stabilization and a level of configurability that is unparalleled in this class. In fact it's astonishing how much Olympus has crammed into its small dimensions - it's nearer to the size of the E-4X0 than the E-5X0 series (due in part to use of the small BLS-1 battery), and the E-420 was famously the smallest DSLR in the world.

Of course, since the E-620 was announced, Olympus has launched the E-P1 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, which shares many features with the E-620 and is still smaller. However, the through-the-lens optical viewfinder and fast, phase-detection autofocus system mean that the E-620 shouldn't face too much of a threat from its more compact sibling (despite the degree of shared componentry, they're different cameras that fulfil rather different needs).

Read the full 32 page review at dpreview.com.

Buy an Olympus Evolt E620 12.3MP Live MOS Digital SLR Camera with Image Stabilization and 2.7 inch Swivel LCD

AsiaOne: New cameras to rival DSLRs

Kenny Chee at AsiaOne says:
A NEW breed of digital cameras which aims to bridge the gap between point-and-shoot cameras and professional digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras looks set to take photographers here by storm.

In the last two weeks, two different models of the new breed - known as micro four thirds - were launched here by Olympus and Panasonic.

Previously, there was only one such camera available here, launched by Panasonic last October.

The new cameras use an imaging technology similar to DSLRs', but packed inside a much-less-bulky body.

Buy a Panasonic DMC-GH1 12MP Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Camera with 1080p HD Video

Olympus Reveals PEN E-P1 Micro Four Thirds DSLR

Sporting the size of a small compact camera, Olympus sports a sleek and compact body as it uses the 4/3 sized image sensor. The internal structure eliminates the traditional digital-SLR quick-return mirror allowing a radical reduction in camera size without compromising the benefits of digital SLR photography with its high shooting performance and high quality images.

The new interchangeable lens system digital camera draws inspiration from the legendary "Olympus PEN" half-frame film camera range which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The Olympus PEN range made history by creating a fuss-free and unencumbered photography experience for the first time. Its success led to 17 million units being sold globally.

The imaging system uses a 4/3-inch type, 12.3-megapixel high speed Live MOS Sensor and a newly developed TruePic V image processing engine to provide high quality still images. This impressive processing engine also enables non-flash shooting up to ISO 6400.

The Olympus PEN E-P1 also boasts a 720p High-Definition movie recording capability. Its stereo audio recording in the linear PCM format allows movie recording with high quality sound.

The Powerful Art Filter effects can be used for both still shooting and movie capture modes, expanding photographic possibilities for the camera user.

Via Smarthouse.com.au

DSLR and Lens-Changing Cameras Roundup at Tom's Guide

Now that today's digital SLRs can shoot video, the difference between these devices and their compact counterparts is smaller than ever. Those pushing Micro Four Thirds (µ4/3) as an alternative to both have an understanding of the digital camera market's consistently changing nature. Needless to say, change is definitely on its way,

It's no secret that larger sensors on digital cameras yield better results. This is for two reasons: first, a larger sensor can not only capture more light, but it also allows you more room to adjust the depth of field, enabling you to focus on what you want. A great example of this would be a portrait shot where the background remains blurry, but displays a sharp view of the subject's face, for instance.

Read the full article at Tom's Guide

Buy an Olympus Evolt E620 12.3MP Live MOS Digital SLR Camera with Image Stabilization and 2.7 inch Swivel LCD

Panasonic updates firmware for LUMIX G VARIO lens

A new firmware was released for the LUMIX G interchangeable lens LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS014045).

Users will be able to download the latest firmware ver.1.1 from Panasonic support sites. The firmware includes improvement of auto focus performance in AFC mode for taking photos. It also enhances performance of auto focusing and stability of O.I.S.(Optical Image Stabilizer) while reducing noise of aperture control for taking movies when mounted on DMC-GH1(Except for FHD mode).

The new firmware was released worldwide at GMT: 6:00 25th of May, 2009 at http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/.

Buy a Panasonic 45-200mm f/4.0-5.6 Lumix G Vario MEGA OIS Zoom Lens for Panasonic Digital SLR Cameras

News via Panasonic

Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.1 details

PhotoRumors website has some info on this cool Voigtlander lens.

Here are the specs:

• Focal: 50 mm
• Luminous: 1.1
• Minimum Aperture: 16
• Picture Angle: 45.9 °
• Construction: 7 elements in 6 groups
• Minimum setting distance: 1 m
• Filter size: 58 mm
• Dimensions: 69.6 x57, 2 mm (length x diameter)
• Weight: 428 g
• Lens mount: VM Bayonet

Canon instant rebate promotion

Nicole Lee, associate editor for CNET says in her Crave entry yesterday:

Canon has recently launched an instant rebate promotion for a few of its DSLR products. You can save up to $500 on lenses, up to $300 on a new camera, and up to $70 on Speedlites and accessories. Of course, only a select few products qualify for the rebate, and you might be saving only 10 percent off the original price. Still, the lenses eligible for the rebate are very good (for example, the highly praised 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM), and if you've been lamenting the high cost of lenses, now may be the time to jump on these reduced prices. The camera and flashlight selections aren't bad either. Better get going though, because the offer only lasts until July 11, 2009.

Check out the official Canon Promotions page with instant rebate details or read below for full details.

Lenses: Instant Rebate

Save up to $500 on select Canon EF and EF-S lenses when you purchase between May 3, 2009 - July 11, 2009. Download .pdf for complete details.

Rebate Valid Dates: 05-03-2009 -- 07-11-2009

Download Coupon PDF

Qualifying Products:
EF 200mm f/2L IS USM
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM
EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM
EF 50mm f / 1.2L USM
EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM
EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM
EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM
EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM
EF 17-40mm f/4L USM
EF-S 17-85MM f4-5.6 IS USM
EF 70-200mm f/4L USM
EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM
EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM
EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM
EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM
EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

EOS Digital SLR Cameras Instant Rebate

Save up to $300 when you purchase a select EOS Digital SLR and lens combination between May 3, 2009 - July 11, 2009. Download .pdf for complete details.

Rebate Valid Dates: 05-03-2009 -- 07-11-2009

Download Coupon PDF

Qualifying Products:
EOS 50D
EOS Rebel XSi EF-S 18-55IS Kit
EOS Rebel XS 18-55IS Kit

Flashes Instant Rebate

Save up to $70 on select Canon Speedlites and accessories when you purchase between May 3, 2009 - July 11, 2009. Download .pdf for complete details.

Rebate Valid Dates:05-03-2009 -- 07-11-2009

Download Coupon PDF

Qualifying Products:
Speedlite 580EX II
Speedlite 430EX II
Speedlite 220EX
Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX
Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX

Samyang 8 mm f/3.5 Aspherical IF MC fisheye lens

Samyang 8 mm f/3.5 Aspherical IF MC Fish-eye lens is designed for APS-C image sensor. This model fits Nikon mounts. It creates images with an expanded perpective, including images with a creatively deformed outlook and a sharp pan focus that extends throughout the entire frame. By offering 180 degree angle of view, this fisheye lens ca be used to create amazing image expressions that cannot be seen with the human eye, such as exaggerated perpective and disortion. The minimum shooting distance and large depth of field gives new meaning to close-up shots.

Sprecification:

Brand: Samyang

Model: 8 mm f/3.5 Aspherical IF MC

Lens type: Fish-eye

Focal lenght: 8 mm

Angle of View: 180 degrees

Minimum Focusing Distance: 0,3 m

Number of diaphragm blades: 6

Autofocus: none

Optical Construction: 10 Elements in 7 Groups

Fitler thread: none

Available mounting: Canon, Nikon, KM/Sony, Pentax/Samsung

Dimensions: 75 x 74,8 mm

Extra feature: 1 aspherical lens, build-in lens hood

This lens will be available in May 2009.

Price: EUR 256.22 (around US$ 338)

Via http://photorumors.com/

Sigma extends warranty on all non-EX lenses

All Sigma Corporation lenses are covered by a one-year international warranty. This new extended warranty will now cover all non-EX lenses purchased through an authorized US dealer for another two years beyond the one-year international warranty, for a total of three years. Customers purchasing Sigma’s EX lenses through authorized US dealers will continue to receive an extended, three-year warranty.

Via photorumors.com

Revenue From DSLR sales Dropped 43.6% between January and February

Pretty bad news coming from Japan, check this out. DSLR companies trying to push new models to lure more customers, while the market keeps shrinking from month to month.

DSLR manufacturers rushing to put out new models as camera market takes a beating

The digital single-lens reflex camera's market is getting tough. There are signs that the once-thriving market for digital single-lens reflex cameras (DSLRs) may be slowing down, according to newest market research data.

While pricing for DSLRs is less aggressive than that of compact digital cameras, manufacturers are still striving to boost sales, in hopes of additional sales of lenses and accessories.

However, according to the Camera and Imaging Products Association, revenue from DSLR sales has dropped 43.6 percent between January and February.

Also, according to market research firm BCN, while unit sales for March are up 29.3 percent, successive price drops mean that revenue has only gone up by 5.9 percent.

While BCN says there are various factors causing the disparity, it explained: "Between November and February, while sales did increase, these were for cheaper products, such as older models, causing the phenomenon of negative growth for the same month the previous year. Sales in the DSLR market are not progressing as well as they did before."

Manufacturers are now rushing to add new features to their cameras in order to pump up sales further. Panasonic's Lumix DMC-GH1K, a beginner-oriented camera with the ability to shoot high-definition video, goes on sale this month, with a similar offering from Nikon next month.

Canon has said that in the current economic environment, it doesn't expect a major surge in sales but recognizes underlying demand for the cameras and hopes to attract customers with new products.

Via Mainichi Daily

Nikkor AF-S DX 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR reviewed

Gordon Laing at cameralabs.com has posted a review of the Nikkor AF-S DX 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR general purpose wide angle telephoto zoom DSLR lens, make sure you also check out the full details and his other reviews, great stuff over there.

The DX 16-85mm VR is clearly a well-featured general-purpose lens, but the Nikkor range is not short of alternatives for DX-format bodies. Beyond the existing DX 18-70mm, the standard D80 and D90 kits came with good quality 18-135mm and 18-105mm lenses, while the DX 18-200mm VR remains one of the best super-zoom options around; even the DX 18-55mm kit lenses deliver respectable quality. None may boast the 24mm equivalent coverage of the DX 16-85mm VR, but the question is whether there’s sufficiently compelling reasons for owners of DX-format Nikon bodies to switch to this model instead?

Buy a Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX ED VR Nikkor Wide Angle Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras

Read the full Nikkor AF-S DX 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR review at cameralabs.com.

Tamron SP AF60mm F/2.0 Di II MACRO 1:1 lens

SPECIFICATIONS
Model Name G005
Focal Length 60mm
Maximum Aperture F/2.0
Angle of View (diagonal) 26 degrees and 35 minutes (APS-C size equivalent)
Optical Construction 14 elements in 10 groups
Minimum Focusing Distance 0.23m (9.1in.)
Max. Magnification Ratio 1 : 1
Minimum Working Distance 100mm (3.94in.)
Filter Diameter 55mm
Overall Length 80mm (3.15in.)*
Maximum Diameter 73mm (2.9in.)
Weight 400g (14.1oz.)*
Diaphragm Blade Number 7
Minimum Aperture F/22
Standard Accessory Lens Hood
Compatible Mount For Canon, Nikon (with built-in AF motor) and Sony

Via Nikon Rumors

Panasonic Announced Two New Micro Four Thirds Lenses

On March 3, 2009 Panasonic launched two new lenses for its LUMIX G Micro System – the innovative digital interchangeable lens camera system – the LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. and the LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm/F4.0 ASPH. Both lenses are compatible with the newly announced LUMIX DMC-GH1 digital camera, which can record High Definition (HD) AVCHD 1080/24p video, and its award-winning sister camera, the LUMIX DMC-G1 digital camera.

The new LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S., available as part of the kit with the DMC-GH1, or separately, incorporates an inner focus direct-drive linear motor for focusing. This allows fast and accurate contrast auto focus (AF) to operate smoothly and silently – a necessity for video recording. Adopting the Micro Four Thirds System standard, the new LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. offers a long zoom of 14-140mm (35mm camera equivalent: 28-280mm), suitable for a wide range of shooting situations – from scenery to portraits to telephoto shots – all possible with a compact and lightweight lens.

The LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. uses four aspherical lenses and two ED lenses to achieves dramatic downsizing – despite its powerful 10x optical zoom – and still minimizes distortion and chromatic aberration. Panasonic's Mega O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) is incorporated in the lens, making it easy to shoot clear shots even in telephoto shooting or in low-light situations – as this feature minimizes blur caused by hand shake.

Panasonic's other new lens, the ultra-wide-angle zoom interchangeable lens LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm/F4.0 ASPH features an astonishingly wide-angle zoom range of 7-14mm (35mm camera equivalent; 14-28mm). Its compact and lightweight size makes it easy for users to carry while they are on the go. Taking advantage of its 114-degree wide-angle view, users can fit more subjects in a frame – even when the shooting distance is limited, for example, while shooting indoors. This expansive view gives users great flexibility and a rich perspective when shooting photos or video.

The high-performing, yet lightweight LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm/F4.0 ASPH. achieves its compact size by incorporating two aspherical lenses and four ED lenses in a unit of 16 elements in 12 groups. The resolution of the images is high, even at its wide-end and features F4.0 brightness through its entire zoom range thanks to a large diameter glass-molded lens embedded within the body.

When both of these news lenses are mounted on the LUMIX DMC-GH1, users can take advantage of the advanced contrast AF system including Face Recognition, offering a variety of convenient and fun shooting. Seven aperture blades give the aperture a rounded shape that, when shooting at a larger aperture, produces an attractive smoothness in out-of-focus areas. Featuring highly-durable metal mounts, the new lenses use multicoated lens elements to reduce ghosting and flares, helping to deliver a positive user-experience – whether shooting HD videos or taking beautiful digital photos.

Via Panasonic press release

Buy a Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 12.1MP Digital SLR Camera with Lumix G Vario 14-45 mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH Mega OIS Lens (Black)

Tokina AT-X 16.5-135mm f/3.5-5.6 DX Wide-Range Lens

THK Photo Products, Inc., announced 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.

Via Nikon Rumors

Sigma 10-20mm F3.5 EX DC HSM launched

This super-wide angle lens has a maximum aperture of F3.5 throughout the entire zoom range.

With its wide angle view from 102.4 degrees it can produce striking images with exaggerated perspective. The maximum aperture of F3.5 is ideal for indoor shooting and it enables photographers to emphasize the subject. Two ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) glass elements and a SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass element provide excellent correction of color aberration. Four aspherical lenses provide correction for distortion and allow compact and lightweight construction. The Super Multi-Layer coating reduces flare and ghosting. High image quality is assured throughout the entire zoom range. The incorporation of HSM (Hyper-Sonic Motor) ensures a quiet and high-speed auto focus as well as full-time manual focusing capability. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 9.4 inches (24cm) throughout the entire zoom range and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:6.6. The lens design incorporates an inner focusing system which eliminates front lens rotation, making the lens particularly suitable for using the Petal-type hood and polarizing filter. The Petal-type hood blocks extraneous light and reduces internal reflection.

Via Sigma News

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX available in the US

NikonRumors says that B&H is now accepting orders for the new Nikon lens called Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/606792-USA/Nikon_2183_35mm_f_1_8G_NIKKOR_DX.html

Via NikonRumors

Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm/F4.0 ASPH. Ultra Wide Angle

Taking advantage of its wide, 114-degree angle of view, users can easily fit subjects into the frame even when shooting indoors where the distance is limited. The world looks extraordinary when viewed through the new lens, allowing photos and movies to be recorded with a uniquely rich perspective.

This high-performance lens system achieves outstanding compactness by combining 16 lens elements in 12 groups, including two aspherical lenses and four ED lenses. Image resolution is high from corner-to-corner even at the wide-angle setting. It also features F4.0 brightness over the entire zoom range thanks to its large-diameter glass moulded lens elements.

When mounted on the DMC-GH1 Lumix G Micro System Camera, the new lens allows use of the advanced contrast AF system, which includes a Face Recognition function, for more convenient, more enjoyable shooting. Seven blades give the aperture a rounded shape that produces an attractively smooth effect in out-of-focus areas when shooting at larger aperture settings. The LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm/F4.0 ASPH lens also features a highly reliable metal mount, and uses multi-coated lens elements that minimize ghosts and flare to further enhance its optical performance. The optimally designed lens hood enables use even under strong sunlight.

From Panasonic press release/web

Panasonic today introduces two new lenses for its LUMIX G Micro System

Panasonic introduced two new lenses for its LUMIX G Micro System – the innovative digital interchangeable lens camera system – the LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. and the LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm/F4.0 ASPH. Both lenses are compatible with the newly announced LUMIX DMC-GH1 digital camera, which can record High Definition (HD) AVCHD 1080/24p video, and its award-winning sister camera, the LUMIX DMC-G1 digital camera.

“Panasonic is excited and proud to expand our LUMIX G Micro System – with the addition of these two new Micro Four Thirds lenses, as well as the LUMIX DMC-GH1, which can record superb High Definition video, “said David Briganti, National Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “We firmly believe that consumers of all skill levels can benefit from the advanced features we are able to pack into these new compact lenses and camera bodies.”

Click photo to download hi-res version

The new LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S., available as part of the kit with the DMC-GH1, or separately, incorporates an inner focus direct-drive linear motor for focusing. This allows fast and accurate contrast auto focus (AF) to operate smoothly and silently – a necessity for video recording. Adopting the Micro Four Thirds System standard, the new LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. offers a long zoom of 14-140mm (35mm camera equivalent: 28-280mm), suitable for a wide range of shooting situations – from scenery to portraits to telephoto shots – all possible with a compact and lightweight lens.

The LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. uses four aspherical lenses and two ED lenses to achieves dramatic downsizing – despite its powerful 10x optical zoom – and still minimizes distortion and chromatic aberration. Panasonic's Mega O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) is incorporated in the lens, making it easy to shoot clear shots even in telephoto shooting or in low-light situations – as this feature minimizes blur caused by hand shake.

Click photo to download hi-res version.

Panasonic’s other new lens, the ultra-wide-angle zoom interchangeable lens LUMIX G VARIO

7-14mm/F4.0 ASPH features an astonishingly wide-angle zoom range of 7-14mm (35mm camera equivalent; 14-28mm). Its compact and lightweight size makes it easy for users to carry while they are on the go. Taking advantage of its 114-degree wide-angle view, users can fit more subjects in a frame – even when the shooting distance is limited, for example, while shooting indoors. This expansive view gives users great flexibility and a rich perspective when shooting photos or video.

The high-performing, yet lightweight LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm/F4.0 ASPH. achieves its compact size by incorporating two aspherical lenses and four ED lenses in a unit of 16 elements in 12 groups. The resolution of the images is high, even at its wide-end and features F4.0 brightness through its entire zoom range thanks to a large diameter glass-molded lens embedded within the body.

When both of these news lenses are mounted on the LUMIX DMC-GH1, users can take advantage of the advanced contrast AF system including Face Recognition, offering a variety of convenient and fun shooting. Seven aperture blades give the aperture a rounded shape that, when shooting at a larger aperture, produces an attractive smoothness in out-of-focus areas. Featuring highly-durable metal mounts, the new lenses use multicoated lens elements to reduce ghosting and flares, helping to deliver a positive user-experience – whether shooting HD videos or taking beautiful digital photos. For more information, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.

From Panasonic press release

Step-by-step guide to taking the perfect image by PCAdvisor

From the article:

Until recently, the prohibitive cost of digital SLR (dSLR) cameras meant that many amateur photographers settled for budget-friendly point-and-click compacts. This is a shame, since dSLRs offer a great deal of manual control over settings such as aperture, shutter speed and white balance, helping you get the best picture in a wide range of conditions.

Today's dSLRs can be divided into two groups: entry-level cameras, and more advanced pro and semi-pro models. The visual similarities hide a huge disparity in features, which is reflected in their pricing. The entry-level Canon EOS 1000D costs around £400, for example, while the professional EOS-1Ds Mark III costs up to £7,000. But the latter offers far more than merely improved build quality and a higher pixel count.

Read the full article here.