Mac users own more DSLRs?

Taken from Macworld/PC World article Report: U.S. Mac Households Rise to 12 Percent:

72 percent of those Mac users have laptops, and are very likely to live in mixed environments--a staggering 85 percent of those Mac users surveyed also own a Windows-based PC. And 66 percent of those households contain three or more computers, compared with 29 percent for Windows households.

Those in Mac households are also greater consumers of consumer electronics. The survey found that 63 percent of Apple households own an iPod, compared to 36 percent of overall computer owners. 32 percent own a DSLR camera (versus 12 percent), while 18 percent own a 50-plus-inch LCD TV (versus 8 percent).

And we also get the reason why:

"Thirty-six percent of Apple computer owners reported household incomes greater than $100,000, compared to 21 percent of all consumers. With a higher household income, though, it's not a surprise that those consumers are making more electronics purchases."

Yeah, interesting.

Mamiya DM33 and DM56 DSLRs

The DM56 and the DM33 are professional-level cameras likely well out of the average Joe’s price range. As should be clear by the model names, the DM56 includes a 56 MP sensor and the DM 33’s sensor is 33MP.

In addition to their impressive sensors, both cameras feature high flash sync speeds up to 1/6000 of a second and three leaf-shutter digital lenses. Schneider Kreuznach helped to design the lenses, which include a 55mm f/2.8 D L/S, 80mm f/2.8 D L/S, and 110mm f/2.8 S L/S. Mamiya did the final manufacturing of them. 

Via gadgetcrave.com

Sony Alpha DSLR-A1R: Full-Frame, 35-megapixel

According to rumors posted on Spanish photo site Foto Actualidad, Sony is preparing to announce a new full-frame DSLR with the following main specs:

• 35.4MP SuperHAD CCD II sensor, 34.8MP effective
  
• dual BIONZ processors
• 3-inch LCD
• top shutter speed of 1/12,000 second
• ISO range from 25 to 3,200
• Recording media: Dual slot UDMA CompactFlash
• Recording modes: RAW, RAW+JPEG, XFine, Fine, Standard
• AF illuminator light
• 100% coverage Live View with auxiliary CMOS sensor
• Dust reduction: sensor shift technology
• Burst mode: 3fps max
• HDMI output
• Wifi 802.11g (108MB/s)
• GPS receiver
• Magnesium alloy body
• 3.0" Xtra Fine resolution LCD screen with tilt
• 0.9x pentaprism optical viewfinder, 100% coverage
• Battery: NP-FM500H Lithium-ion, 7.2V, CIPA standard: 950 pictures
• 5 year limited warranty

Supplied accessories (body only package):

Two batteries, battery charger, VG-C1AM grip, wireless remote, video cable, USB vable, HDMI cable, shoulder strap, etc.

Buy Sony Alpha A230Y 10.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with Super SteadyShot INSIDE Image Stabilization and 18-55mm and 55-200mm Lenses

Via CNet via Foto Actualidad

Zacuto Z-Finder V2 DSLR Optical Viewfinder

Zacuto introduces the Z-Finder V2, an optical viewfinder that allows DSLR cameras to have the correct form factor for video. Additional features of the Z-Finder includes: 3x focusable magnification, Schneider optics, a 40mm diameter lens, an adjustable (left or right) eye-cup preventing extraneous light leakage, and most importantly, a field of view perfectly matched to LCD screen sizes of many DSLR cameras such as: Canon 5DMKII, Canon 7D, Panasonic GH1, Nikon D300, Nikon D5000, and Pentex 7D. "This Z-finder is awesome. I am using it in Lima, Peru right now and am so glad I purchased it. I had a Hoodman but the quality of this is amazing and the eye cup is truly spectacular," says W. Ashley Maddox, DP/Director of Wam Pictures LTD.

"The Z-finder V2 is a magnificent upgrade and sharp as a tack across the whole image. The focus gearing was accurate, frictionless and backlash free." The Z-Finder can adjust to varying levels of vision correction with its diopter. It's essential for critical focus and some people will need to dial the Z-Finder focus wheel all the way in for Nearsightedness (Myopia) and fully out for Farsightedness (Hypermyopia). 

Via Ecoustics

Pentax K-x entry-level DSLR

The K-x comes in red, blue, white, or black colors, and the red looks fantastic. The cam has 12.4-megapixel resolution with sensor-shift shake reduction for both still shots and video. Yeah, the camera can shoot 720p HD video at 24 frames per second using any Pentax lens.

The camera feature HDR image capturing mode and a selection of creative filters. Bursts can be shot until your memory card is full at 4.7 frames per second. The cam also has a full array of automatic modes and uses an 11 point autofocus system. Power comes from plain old AA batteries. The camera body with an 18-55mm kit lens sells for $649.95. Add in a 50-200mm lens as well as the basic kit and the system costs $749.95. Replace that 50-200mm lens with a 50-300mm lens and the kit will set you back $849.95.

Buy the Pentax K-7 14.6 MP Digital SLR with Shake Reduction and 720p HD Video (Body Only)

Via  SlipperyBrick

Horseman DSLR Conversion Lenses

“What makes the Horseman lenses unique is that they provide wide-angle and macro photography easily and comfortably, without changing lenses,” said Richard Dischler, DSM President. “They are easily and quickly attached in front of the taking lens, much like attaching a filter. The lenses are also very portable and offer an affordable solution for the end user who is looking to extend the use-function of their DSLR.”

Street pricing is expected to range from $60-$120, depending on the model, of which there are seven.
Among the numerous models is the Horseman 0.7 Wide, which is designed exclusively for 18-55mm zoom lenses. The 0.7x wide conversion lens is thin, lightweight and can be attached in front of the taking lens of your camera, quickly and easily.

Another is the Horseman 0.6 Wide/Macro, a 0.6x wide conversion lens that also serves as a macro lens. The lens delivers crisp images without chromatic aberration in the periphery of images, enabling you to enjoy wide-angle photography over the entire focal length range of your DSLR zoom lens.

The Wide Macro lens is particularly effective in shooting wide angles from confined spaces or when you’re in a tight spot and can’t step back. Other examples would be shooting scenic vistas or towering buildings. The lens gives you perspective and allows you to capture near-by objects larger and distant subjects smaller.
The Horseman 0.25x Superwide/Macro is a 0.25x super-wide conversion lens that enables you to enjoy super-wide-angle photography just like a fish-eye lens. In addition, the lens incorporates a macro lens so you can get real close to your subjects for frame-filling impressive macro shots.

Both the Horseman 0.6x Wide and the 0.25x Superwide conversion lens turn into a macro lens when its front part is removed. Macro photography lets you take close-up shots and bring out the minutest details of the smallest subjects.

The Horseman 0.45x WIDE conversion lens serves as a wide lens when it’s used as is, but it turns into a macro lens when you remove the front portion. It’s a uniquely versatile conversion lens that enables you to enjoy wide-angle and macro photography with just one lens.
Other models include the Horseman 08x SUPERWIDE conversion lens, which lets you make the most of a fish-eye lens’ barrel distortion; the Horseman 4.0x Macro, which is designed primarily for medical applications, and the MiniDigi AF5.0, which allows you to have super-wide and macro photography on the Rollei MiniDigi AF5.0.

Horseman products are manufactured in Japan by Komamura Corporation.
The Horseman conversion lenses will be available at professional photo dealers. MSRP is expected to be in the $60-$120 range.


Via Businesswire via Horseman website

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