Kodak Announces End of Kodachrome

DigitalJournal says:

Kodak has announced the withdrawal of Kodachrome after 74 years on the market. The film type was made famous by top photographers as well as the singing duo Simon and Garfunkel in their song of the same name.
Kodak announced it was pulling the film because it now only made up less than one percent of the company’s sales. The company’s website featured interviews with world famous photographers who used the classic film.
[...]
A 35 mm Kodachrome slide has the equivalent of about 20 megapixels of data, and this resolution is only found in modern Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) high-end cameras, like the Canon 5D or the Nikon D3X which have about 21 or 24 megapixels respectively. However, most affordable digital cameras today do not have the level of clarity of Kodachrome.

Pentax K-m reviewed by Digital Life

The Digital Life section of Australian site Brisbane Times has a rather short review of the Pentax K-m DSLR. Check out the full Pentax K-m article on their page.

Like: The camera continues the Pentax style of no-nonsense SLRs. There are no gimmicky concessions to customers moving up from compact cameras. Every function is a genuine photographic tool. The Pentax kit lens is particularly fine. Image quality is exceptionally good, with one caveat.

Dislike: The camera has one serious flaw. JPEG images straight from the camera are unimpressive both in sharpness and in colour. We are at a loss to understand this because the RAW images are excellent. JPEG and RAW can be recorded simultaneously, so in one sense it is not an issue but it does mean that to get the best from the K-m you must be prepared to work with RAW files. If you use a Mac and iPhoto this will not be a nuisance but PC users will have to come to terms with RAW.

Buy a Pentax K2000 DSLR Body Only Kit

Canon 1D Mark IV DSLR Camera specs rumors surface

Specs include a 1.3x crop sensor for 16-megapixel images, sRAW1 format for 8-megapixel images and an ISo sensitivity of 50 to 26,500. The supposed beta tester reveals that the camera has a burst shooting mode that’s faster than the 1D Mark III and has a super fast autofocus as well.

Other features include a 3-inch LCD screen, video recording, and ergonomically arranged buttons and controls. We already heard about an August release date for this model, so if these specs are real and there are beta models in tester’s hands, that date is looking more and more likely.

Specs:

• 1.3 crop
• Images ~16MP
• ISO 50-26500
• 8MP sRAW1 format providing images that seem to best 1D3 files in detail
• Very clean images at ISO 3200. 6400/12800 take further processing very well
• Slightly faster FPS than 1D3 in real life shooting
• AF greatly improved and very good in low light
• Liveview AF - not up to fast sports use, but very usable otherwise
• Video as with 5D2
• Screen as per 5D2
• Ergonomic improvements with grips - some buttons moved
• Feels faster and more responsive in nearly all aspects of real use

Via SlashGear, Photography Bay

iPhone DSLR Camera Remote for Nikon

A new version of the onOne will get an update to version 1.1, which includes a set of bug fixes, a new user interface and support for Nikon DSLR cameras.

Mike Wong's post on the official onOne blog says:

[...] we are still working on our 1.1 update to the DSLR Camera Remote app for the iPhone and iPod Touch. And yes, the number one feature request we are adding is support for Nikon DSLR Cameras.

One other thing we are adding is a better user interface. Here’s what you can expect to see when 1.1 comes out (estimated release date is mid-July).

I think the new user interface is much nicer than the original 1.0 version and should be much easier to read. Additionally, all of the controls that you can change are grouped together while the buttons that are more informational in nature (like the focus mode and exposure mode) are placed lower and out of the way.

The fire button gets a face lift as well and looks more like a real shutter release button on your camera.

The options menu, which previously was essentially hidden under the Fire button (which you had to press and hold to access - not the most intuitive I’ll admin) gets it’s own button on the lower left corner as well (it’s that gear icon).

Via onOne Blog

More Olympus E-P1 Micro Four Thirds photos

The Olympus E-P1 marks an innovative new era in digital imaging. Our new Micro Four Thirds camera upholds the legacy of the celebrated PEN family of cameras, with the photographic optics of an SLR and the size and simplicity of a point and shoot. Combining the still image quality of a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) with the A/V quality of both a High Definition camcorder and high-end audio recorder, the E-P1 is a virtual full-service imaging studio in one ultra-portable and stylishly retro body. With dozens of advanced features, the E-P1 makes documenting and sharing your everyday life easier and more creative than ever before.



ULTRA CONVENIENCE, MEGA FUNCTIONALITY
The E-P1 is the world's smallest 12.3-mexapixel interchangeable lens system camera, yet has the creative flexibility to give you a true professional experience with ease. A still photo, video and audio recorder in one, the E-P1 creates exceptional photos, inventive slide shows, and remarkable videos both for personal use or for posting on many of today's social networking websites. It delivers professional quality images without the bulk of a conventional DSLR, thanks to its slim body and advanced high-speed imager AF (Live View) technologies. The lens mount diameter has been reduced, enabling the use of smaller, lighter interchangeable lenses that perform at the same level as larger DSLR lenses. The camera fits easily in many pockets and purses.




Info via Olympus America, photos via zol.com.cn

Olympus E-P1 Micro Four Thirds preview

With eye-catchingly retro styling that harkens back to the company's tiny Olympus Pen camera series that launched fifty years previously, the Olympus P1 offers a lot of camera in a very small package. Readers unfamiliar with the Micro Four Thirds format may want to take a look at our earlier coverage of its announcement. Behind the E-P1's Micro Four Thirds lens mount resides a 12.3 megapixel Live MOS image sensor that's identical to that found in the existing E-30 and E-620 single-lens reflex digital cameras, coupled to a new TruePic V image processor. By placing the imager on a moveable platter, Olympus has given its tiny P1 the ability to offer in-body sensor shift image stabilization. The Olympus EP1's stainless steel body has dimensions of 4.8 x 2.8 x 1.4", and weighs just 11.8 ounces excluding lens, battery and flash card. Two versions will be offered - either silver or white, with matching lenses available.

Specs

General
Camera Type	Micro Four Thirds
Manufacturer	Olympus
Model Number	E-P1
Dimensions	4.7 x 2.8 x 1.4" 120.5 x 70.0 x 35.0mm
Weight	335.0 g 11.7 oz
Planned Price	$799.99
Planned Availability	2009
Image Capture
Sensor Type	Four Thirds Panasonic N-MOS 13.10 megapixels (total) 12.30 megapixels (effective)
Filter Type	RGBG
Focal Length Multiplier	2.00
Aspect Ratio	4:3
Image Dimensions	4032 x 3024 (12.2 megapixels) 3200 x 2400 (7.7 megapixels) 2560 x 1920 (4.9 megapixels) 1600 x 1200 (1.9 megapixels) 1280 x 960 (1.2 megapixels) 1024 x 768 (0.8 megapixels) 640 x 480 (0.3 megapixels)
Capture Speed	Continuous: 3.0 frames per second
Image Quality	4 levels
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder	No
LCD	3.0", 230,000 pixels 100% field of view
Playback Zoom	10.0x max
Lens
Lens Type	Olympus 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 ED M.Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens 3x optical zoom 41mm lens thread
Lens Mount	Micro Four Thirds mount
Image Stabilization	Yes
Focal Length	14.0 - 42.0mm (actual) 28 - 84mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range	f/3.5 (wide) / f/5.6 (tele) - f/22
Focusing System	11-point contrast detection Manual Focus possible (0) steps
Focusing Range	Normal: 10" - infinity (25 cm - infinity)
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity	Auto, 100 - 6400 (1/3, 1 EV steps)
Shutter Speed	60 - 1/4000 second
Exposure Modes	Aperture, Shutter, Manual
Metering Modes	324-zone Digital ESP, Center Weighted Average, Spot (with Highlight/Shadow mode)
Exposure Compensation	+/- 3.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White Balance	Image Sensor - Auto, Lamp, Fluorescent 1/2/3, Daylight, Flash, Cloudy, Shade, Custom WB, One-touch WB, Manual
Internal Flash	Modes: Auto, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction slow sync., Slow sync at 1st curtain, Slow sync at 2nd curtain, Fill-in, Manual (1/4, 1/16, 1/64), Off Range: Depends on lens aperture
Flash Exposure Compensation	+/- 3.0EV in 1/3EV increments
Creative
Scene Modes	19 Scene Mode, 6 Art Filters
Self Timer	Yes, 2 or 12 seconds
Movie Format	AVI (Motion JPEG) with audio
Storage
Recording Medium	SD/MMC
File System	FAT16, FAT32, complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format	CCD-RAW, RAW (.ORF), JPEG (EXIF 2.2)
Connectivity
Video	Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable
Computer	USB 2.0 High Speed
Other	Multi Connector (USB/AV), Mini HDMI
Power
Battery Type	Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor	Proprietary BLS-1
Product Bundle
Software	OLYMPUS Master 2 Software CD-ROM
Battery / Charger	1 x Proprietary BLS-1 Lithium-ion rechargeable ba ttery and charger
Flash Memory	0.0MB
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant	Yes
PictBridge Compliant	Yes
Internal Microphone	Yes
Internal Speaker	Yes
Tripod Mount	Yes, Metal
Operating System Compatibility	Windows, Mac OS

Via imaging-resource

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

Sony says: Video recording a necessity in dSLRs

Leonard Goh at Cnet Crave says:

It is ironic for Sony to comment that video-recording feature will be a necessity for dSLRs, because its recently launched Alpha DSLR-A230, A330 and A380 entry-level models don't sport this function.

The trio will face fierce competition from Canon's EOS 500D and Nikon's D5000 which offer a minimum of HD-quality movie recording. Also, the pricing of the A380 in the US (US$850) is almost similar to the Canon dSLR. So why should consumers pick the Alpha over the 500D?

Via Crave

Full-size sensor on DSLR cameras

David Einstein at SFGate answers a question about full frame sensor cameras in the Computing Q&A section of San Francisco Chronicle online.

Q: I'm in the market for a DSLR camera, and I can't decide whether to go for one with a full-size sensor. They're about $2,000 more than models with the smaller APS-C/DX sensors. What makes a larger sensor better, and why the big price difference?

read the answer at SFGate

Nikon D300S Specs and Screenshots Leaked

The D300 is Nikon’s top-level DX camera, meaning that, unless you opt for full frame, you won’t get a better camera. The D300 debuted alongside the flagship D3 back in 2007, and as the D3 has spawned the D3x, we’re not surprised to learn that there will be an upgraded D300.

Video will probably be the weird Motion JPEG found in the D90 and D5000. Here’s the relevant section:

Movie
Frame size (pixels) 1,280 x 720/24 fps, 640 x 424/24 fps, 320 x 216/24 fps
File format AVI
Compression format Motion-JPEG
Autofocus Contrast-detect AF on a desired point within a frame is possible (Tripod mode)
Audio Sound can be recorded via built-in or optional external microphone; sensitivity can be adjusted
Maximum length 5 min (1,280 x 720 pixels), 20 min (640 x 424, 320 x 216 pixels)

Interestingly, the sensor will be the same 12MP size of the current D300

Via Wired via Nikon Rumors

Tokina AT-X 116 PRO DX11-16mm f2.8 zoom lens reviewed

The only areas where the Tokina gives up on features is that the Auto-Focus isn't driven by an internal motor but relies on the focus motor in the camera body. This limits its use on some Nikon bodies that don't have an internal AF motor, like the D40. Even though the Tokina doesn't have a Silent Wave or Ultrasonic focusing motor inside I have to say that its still a fast focuser. Sometimes faster focusing in low light is better than a slower aperture lens with an internal focus motor. Final point is that some of those lenses go a little wider, down to 10mm (but 1mm isn't much of a difference) and some go a much longer, up to 24mm.

Read the Tokina AT-X 116 PRO review at camcorders.consumerelectronicsnet.com.

Budget Digital SLR shopping tips from Cnet

Older models are frequently good enough. Just make sure you're not paying last year's list price.

Buying a dSLR is more like buying a computer than a TV or an MP3 player; you're not shopping for the cheapest model you can find, you're looking for the cheapest one that can do what you need. That's why it's critical to know exactly what you expect to be shooting before you narrow down your choices. If you want to shoot your kid playing sports, saving a couple hundred dollars by opting for a too-slow model will just leave you with a "budget" doorstop. On the other hand, video support is new enough that it adds cost to the camera that you may not feel is absolutely worth it.

Buy a Canon Rebel XS 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black)

Read the guide at news.cnet.com

Olympus E-P1 Micro Four Thirds leaked

Based on the leaked Olympus E-P1 photo, the camera will be released with a 17mm, f2.8 prime lens. It will have the Art Filters introduced with the E-30 and now available on the E-620 as well, and also the Intelligent Auto mode.

Olympus’ E-P1 Micro Four Thirds camera has shown up in the wild, complete with a a 17mm f2.8 prime lens. Details regarding the camera are scant - in fact these images are pretty much all we have to go on - but it’s suggested that Olympus will release the E-P1 in July this year.

Via SlashGear, 43rumors

Micro Four Thirds vs. Four Thirds vs. dSLR - what?

Does anyone know of any P&S using any of the systems? How does a DSLR get to be compared "vs" Four Thirds?

Leonard Goh at Cnet Asia has a short comparison and some interesting notes around the Micro Four Thirds and Four Thirds lenses.


He also says "there are actually more variations between these three classes of cameras." Oh rly?

If you're tired of letting your point-and-shoot control your shots and want to upgrade to a more advanced camera, there are plenty of choices out there. You may have come across dSLRs such as the Canon EOS 500D and Nikon D5000. Then there are shooters like the Olympus E-620 which uses the Four Thirds System. Last but not least, there is the Micro Four Thirds System found on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1.

Read the article at asia.cnet.com

Nikon offers DSLR training

pocket-lint.com says:

Since 2002 camera manufacturer Nikon has been offering training courses on using its cameras, at a dedicated facility in Kingston, Surrey. The courses run the gamut from very basic introductions to zooming in on subjects as niche as "Equestrian Event Photography".

Pocket-lint went down to the "Introduction to Digital SLR Photography" course to check out what the standard of training was like, and whether or not the residents of Kingston minded being photographed as they went about their everyday lives.

First things first, you probably ought to own a Nikon camera. While the trainers don't seem to frown on bringing other companies' equipment along - one gentleman brought a Lumix at our session - everything is taught in reference to the features and menus of Nikon cameras. If you've got one, you'll have a much easier time of things.

Olympus E-620 reviewed by CameraLabs

Gordon Laing at cameralabs.com has posted his thorough review of the Olympus E-620, Make sure you check it out at the link below.
The E-620 represents a step-up from budget entry-level models for those who want a more sophisticated camera without having to invest in an upper mid-range or semi-pro body.

The E-620 inherits a number of key aspects from the higher-end E-30 including the same 12.3 Megapixel Live MOS sensor, six creative ‘art-filters’ and the articulated 2.7in / 230k monitor, allowing you to easily compose at any angle in Live View – although the screen panel itself is a newer version.

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

Read the full Olympus E-620 review and watch the video tour at cameralabs.com

Zacuto New Lightweight DSLR Gorilla Kits

Zacuto released three new DSLR Gunstock Shooter rigs and a new video Introducing DSLR Gorilla Kits. The Rapid Fire, Quick Draw, and Tactical Shooter are innovative lightweight DSLR Gunstock Shooters which are part of the new line called Gorilla Kits. The brand new rigs have been developed to be lightweight, inexpensive and infinitely adjustable. These Gorilla kits are created specifically for “on-the-go”, “run’n’gun”, “gorilla shooters like photographers, journalists, event and indie film shooters. These kits weigh virtually nothing and allow you to go from tripod to gorilla handheld in seconds.

“Many guys have been telling me that they wanted to be able to shoot super lightweight, steady and handheld for long periods of time. That in some cases they didn’t intend on using a follow focus and matte box”. Says Steve Weiss, Director – product designer, Zacuto USA

Buy Through the Eyes of a Pro: Advanced Shooting Techniques for Nikon DSLR Photographers; Volume 1

Via imaging-resource.com

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