domenica 30 settembre 2012

Olympus and Sony Enter into Business and Capital Alliance

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Olympus and Sony today announced that the two companies have entered into a business alliance agreement and a capital alliance agreement through a third-party allotment of Olympus’s common shares to Sony. Under the terms of the capital alliance agreement, Olympus will issue 34,387,900 common shares at a price of 1,454 yen per share. The agreements affect both the medical and the camera divisions. With respect to the latter, the two companies’ stated aim is “to enhance their competitiveness, primarily in the area of compact digital cameras, by exploring opportunities for mutually beneficial transactions and collaboration between their respective camera businesses, including the supply of Olympus technologies such as camera lenses and mirror cells to Sony, and the provision of Sony image sensors to Olympus.” As opposed to the medical field, in which Olympus and Sony have agreed to establish a business venture company with a capital ratio of 49%-51%, the two companies’ camera businesses will continue to function as separate entities.
(Pictured above is the Olympus OM-D E-M5 compact system camera, which features a 16-megapixel Sony sensor.)
Sony Press Release
Announcement of Agreements Between Olympus and Sony to Form Business and Capital Alliance
Olympus Corporation (“Olympus”) and Sony Corporation (“Sony”) today announced that the two companies have entered into a business alliance agreement (the “business alliance agreement”) and a capital alliance agreement (the “capital alliance agreement”) through a third-party allotment of Olympus’s common shares to Sony.
Comment from Hiroyuki Sasa, Representative Director and President, Olympus Corporation
“In line with its medium-term vision announced in June 2012, Olympus has been pushing to enhance its financial strength and weighing the possibility of a business and capital tie-up for greater business synergy in the core business domains of medical and imaging. In this regard, we have decided to form a business and capital alliance with Sony, which is strong in image sensors and other image-related technologies. Partnering with Sony will provide great advantage to Olympus and enable the two companies to exchange various complementary competencies. Investment from Sony will help strengthen our financial base. In addition, through this alliance, the strengths of the two companies will merge, certainly making it possible for Olympus to contribute to world medical progress by developing a variety of new medical devices that would not be possible by Olympus alone. In the field of digital cameras, we will seek to achieve collaboration in a manner that further improves the competitiveness of the two companies.”
Comment from Kazuo Hirai, President and CEO, Sony Corporation
“As part of our strategic initiatives announced in April 2012, at Sony we are aggressively pursuing the growth of our medical business, with the aim of developing it into a key pillar of our overall business portfolio. The business and capital alliances we have agreed with Olympus today will be integral to these plans. By combining Sony’s cutting-edge technologies in areas such as digital imaging, 3D and 4K* with Olympus’s long-standing experience and established foundations in the medical market, we believe that we will be able to create highly innovative and competitive products and generate new business opportunities in surgical endoscopes and other related areas where significant future growth is anticipated. We also believe there are many potential opportunities for collaboration between Olympus and Sony’s digital camera businesses, and are confident that by building on our respective strengths we can also enhance and grow our presence in this market. All of us at Sony will spare no effort to ensure that the business and capital alliances, including Sony’s investment in Olympus, will be a resounding success for both companies.”
*4K: More than four times resolution of Full HD. 4196 (H) x2160 (V)
Details of the business alliance agreement and the capital alliance agreement (collectively the “business and capital alliance agreements”) are stated below.
1.  Reasons for the Business and Capital Alliances
The business and capital alliances are expected to allow the two companies to combine Olympus’s lens and optical technologies, as well as the strength of its brand and R&D, with Sony’s broad range of technologies including digital imaging technologies and apply them in the rapidly growing medical market.  Sony and Olympus anticipate extensive opportunities to create new products and businesses and contribute to the medical industry. In addition, Olympus and Sony plan to explore opportunities for collaboration between their respective camera businesses including transactions involving core components primarily for compact digital cameras, with the aim of enhancing the corporate value of each company.
2.  Purpose of Business and Capital Alliances
The purpose of the business and capital alliances is as follows.
(1) Medical Business
The companies aim to strengthen and enhance their presence in the market for medical products such as surgical endoscopes and video microscopes through the development of new medical products and businesses. The companies aim to do this by aligning Olympus’s manufacturing and R&D expertise, brand recognition, global sales and marketing expertise in the area of medical products, and its lens and optical technologies, with Sony’s strengths in digital imaging technologies such as image sensors and image technologies including 3D and 4K. In addition, by combining the know-how and products Olympus has developed in its medical business with Sony’s strengths in audio visual solutions, the two companies aim to establish a comprehensive systems integration business that offers high value-added solutions for operating rooms and other medical arenas. In order to implement the business alliance in the medical arena as outlined above, Olympus and Sony have agreed to establish a medical business venture.
(2) Camera Business
The two companies also aim to enhance their competitiveness, primarily in the area of compact digital cameras, by exploring opportunities for mutually beneficial transactions and collaboration between their respective camera businesses, including the supply of Olympus technologies such as camera lenses and mirror cells to Sony, and the provision of Sony image sensors to Olympus.
3. Capital Alliance
In connection with the business alliance,  Olympus and Sony have entered into a capital alliance agreement, under which Olympus will issue new shares to Sony through a third-party allotment.  Under the terms of the capital alliance agreement, Olympus will issue 34,387,900 common shares to Sony through a third-party allotment (Sony’s ratio of voting rights after the third-party allotment will be 11.46%, and the ratio of shares to be issued against the total shares issued and outstanding before such 3 issuance will be 11.28%) in two tranches. The due date of payment for the first third-party allotment for 13,100,000 shares (“the first third-party allotment”) is on October 23, 2012, while the period of payment for the second third-party allotment for 21,287,900 shares (“the second third-party allotment”) is from October 23, 2012 to February 28, 2013.
The share price will be 1,454 per share.  The two companies have also agreed that Olympus will make every effort to help ensure that a candidate nominated by Sony is appointed as a member of the board of directors of Olympus.  For more information on the issuance of new shares through a third-party allotment, please refer to the related press release titled “Issuance of new shares through a third-party allotment and change in major shareholder” made by Olympus on September 28, 2012.
http://www.olympus-global.com/en/corc/ir/tes/pdf/nr120928_4.pdf

Manfrotto Launches KLYP for iPhone

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Manfrotto has just launched KLYP, a special iPhone case equipped with two adaptor clips ready to host its pocket tripods and LED video lights. KLYP will be available in-store from 1st October in John Lewis, selected Selfridges, Calumet, Dixons Travel, Warehouse Express, Amazon and will come in five distinctive kits. including 1) the case with the two adaptor clips, 2) the case complete with ML240 LED light, 3) the case complete with ML240 LED light and Manfrotto POCKET tripod, 4) the case complete with compact ML120 LED light and 5) the case complete with ML120 LED light and Manfrotto POCKET tripod. Prices for KLYP start from £24.95.
Manfrotto Press Release
Want better looking friends? KLYP IT…OR MISS IT!
Manfrotto presents KLYP, the first accessory that turns your iPhone into a professional camera
For brighter movies and pictures, just KLYP!
London, 27 September 2012 - Manfrotto, world leader in the equipment and accessories industry for photography and imaging, is proud to announce the launch of KLYP: a revolutionary and stylish solution designed to transform the iPhone 4 and 4s into a complete and professional camera.
The new product consists of a special iPhone case equipped with two adaptor clips ready to host two of the most iconic products in the Manfrotto range for social recorders: POCKET tripods and LED lights.
With the launch of KLYP, Manfrotto further reinforces the connection between photography and mobile devices, allowing photographers to capture the moment wherever they are and whenever they want, as the greatest advantage offered by smartphones is that they are ‘always on’.
A staggering 3,500 photos are uploaded to Facebook every second, equivalent to 300 million photos every day. A significant proportion of these are taken with the iPhone and now KLYP.
KLYP can help people improve the quality of the photos by optimizing light and sharpness of images.
KLYP will be available in-store from the 1st October in leading retailers including John Lewis, selected Selfridges, Calumet, Dixons Travel, Warehouse Express, Amazon and leading independent retailers and will come in five distinctive kits:
case with two adaptor clips to enable use of supports and lights;
case complete with ML240 LED light for videography, FaceTime and photography in low light;
case complete with ML240 LED light and Manfrotto POCKET tripod for support out and about;
case complete with compact ML120 LED light;
case complete with ML120 LED light and Manfrotto POCKET tripod.
Prices for KLYP start from £24.95.
The two removable “clips” can be attached to any of four different points around the case to allow both landscape and portrait images. This allows the Manfrotto LED light to be added in the optimum position to fill in shadows when shooting stills or video in low light conditions.
The KLYP case has been developed by Manfrotto with a unique rail system, which enables the case to remain sleek and have no protrusions to detract from its appearance whilst still allowing full access to all iPhone functions.
“With the launch of KLYP, Manfrotto takes its very first steps into a new industry, the one of mobile phone accessories, enriching the market with its unique heritage and expertise in the imaging field,” comments Marco Pezzana, Manfrotto CEO.
For more information, please visit: http://www.manfrotto.co.uk/klyp

Kenko Tokina’s new macro ring flash KSR-EF10 Soluis

Kenko Tokina Soluis KSR EF10 macro ring flash Kenko Tokinas new macro ring flash KSR EF10 Soluis
Kenko Tokina announced a new macro ring flash KSR-EF10 Soluis. The price in Japan is set to ¥18,300 (around $230).
 Kenko Tokinas new macro ring flash KSR EF10 Soluis
 Kenko Tokinas new macro ring flash KSR EF10 Soluis  Kenko Tokinas new macro ring flash KSR EF10 Soluis  Kenko Tokinas new macro ring flash KSR EF10 Soluis
Specifications:
Arc tubeElectric arc tube type flash ring
Guide number10 (ISO 100)
Flash modeManual (adjusted out of 5) 
1/16, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1/1
Number of flashes300-1000 times (AA alkaline batteries)
Recycling time0.1-2 seconds (with AA alkaline batteries)
Emission rate-1/5000 Sec 1/300 second
Use batteryFour AA nickel-metal hydride batteries or AA alkaline batteries
Adapter ring included(Class 5) 49mm, 52mm, 55mm, 58mm, 62mm, 67mm
Color temperature irradiation5600K ± 200K
Size(Light-emitting unit ring) 128 * 103 * 28 mm 
(control unit) 75 * 50 * 160 mm
Weight(Light-emitting portion + control unit ring) 370g

sabato 29 settembre 2012

L'obiettivo normale nelle mirrorless, una panoramica

















Quando si andava ad acquistare una reflex 35 mm di classe medio bassa (parlo della fine del XX secolo sia chiaro) si prendeva corredata da un obiettivo definito “normale” la cui focale si aggirava intorno ai 50 mm ed una luminosità pari a f/2. L’obiettivo “normale” è quello la cui lunghezza focale è pari circa alla diagonale del fotogramma-sensore. Un simile obiettivo è relativamente semplice da realizzare, ha bisogno di un numero relativamente esiguo di lenti e la non elevata luminosità consente di correggere bene le varie aberrazioni. E per finire un semplicissimo paraluce in gomma dava un ulteriore aiuto con una cifra esigua ed ha una resa prospettica simile a quella dell’occhio umano.
Anche  chi usava le fotocamere 6×6 alla fine usava il nomale 80 mm f/2.8. Chissà quanti sposi sono stati ripresi dai vari tessar, planar, zenzanon etc etc.
Ricordo le discussioni alle quali assistevo da ragazzo quando qualcuno degli amici fotoamatori di mio padre acquistava un 50 mm f/1,4 e lo sguardo, a metà tra l’eccitato e quello di chi pronto a commettere un furto, quando uno di loro arrivò con un Nikon 50 mm f/1.2. Venivano regolarmente presi in giro quelli che invece arrivavano con uno  zoom 35-105 o peggio ancora 28-70.
E a chi cercava di spiegare che lo zoom è comodo specialmente lavorando con le diapositive, in camera oscura si poteva eventualmente riparare ad un errore di inquadratura, veniva contrapposto che se il 50 mm era l’obiettivo preferito da Henri Cartier Bresson un motivo doveva pur esserci.
Vediamo cosa oggi ci offre il mercato sperando di non dimenticare nessuno
  • Sony 35 mm f/1.8 per Nex
  • Nikon 18.5 f/1.8 per Nikon 1
  • Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 25 mm f/1.4 per micro 4/3
  • Panasonic  Lumix 20 mm f/1.7 per micro 4/3
  • Fuijfilm XF R 35 mm f/1.4 per Fujifilm X-Pro-1
  • Voigtlander Nokton* 25 mm f/0.95 per micro 4/3*
  • Samsung 30 mm f/2 per Samsung EX
  • Rokinon 35 mm f/1.4 per Samsung EX*
Senza dimenticare che la neonata Canon EOS M può utilizzate il 35 mm f/1.4 o il 35 mm f/2 presenti nel corredo EOS.
Sarà che vintage ha sempre il suo fascino che ha spinto questa produzione di obiettivi “normali” per le mirrorless  oppure anche il fotodigitamatore inizia ad apprezzare le possibilità ai fini della composizione di una immagine offerte da uno sfondo più o meno sfocato? Magari invece dell’effetto TOY CAMERA  il fotodigitamatore  aprirà o chiuderà il diaframma per variare il rapporto sfondo-soggetto e capirà che scattare a 100 iso non è la stessa cosa che scattare a 400 in termini di “rumore”. E quando riuscirà a fotografare  la persona con la quale si sta dialogando usando solo la luce di una candela o della luna allora capirà che i soldi per quell’ottica sono stati ben spesi.
* obiettivo con solo messa a fuoco manuale

LensRentals.com Contest to Win a MacBook Pro w/Retina Display


From LensRentals.comA good partner of ours, LensRentals.com is running a contest to win a MacBook Pro w/Retina Display. Apparently people like the laptop and think the screen is pretty good. I might be one of those people.
I’ll say it right off the bat, the contest is for US residents only. It’s not because LensRentals.com dislikes the rest of the planet, it’s just about laws, borders and that sort of thing.
The contest info is in the graphic below (Click for larger).

giovedì 27 settembre 2012

Adobe Launches Photoshop Elements 11: New Interface, Effects, and Tools

Adobe Launches Photoshop Elements 11: New Interface, Effects, and Tools elements11
Adobe has announced Photoshop Elements 11, the latest refresh to the company’s more-affordable and easier-to-use counterpart to Photoshop, which it claims is the #1 selling consumer photo editing program.
New features in this version include a complete overhaul of the user interface to make it more straightforward, better organization of photos by people/places/events, new guided edits for semi-automatic image adjustments, new filters for giving your pictures funky looks (e.g. comic, graphic novel, pen & ink), new intelligent extraction tools for selecting specific portions of photos, and built in sharing to popular social networks such as Facebook.

Here’s a brief video that introduces the new features you’ll find in version 11:
Available for both Windows and Mac — most programs are, these days — Photoshop Elements 11 will cost $100 if purchased by itself, $80 when upgrading from a previous version, and $150 when bundled with the new Premiere Elements 11 (the counterpart program for video editing). You’ll be able to buy it through the Adobe website or through a retail outlet near you.
Photoshop Elements first appeared alongside Photoshop Version 7 a decade ago. Geared toward ordinary consumers rather than serious photographers, the program has offered an easier interface and stripped down features for a fraction of the cost (generally around 1/5 or 1/6). Last year the company unveiled an even more basic “version of Photoshop”: Photoshop Express, which is a flash based app used through the browser.

Metz 52 AF-1: The World’s First Hot-Shoe Flash with a Touchscreen Interface

Metz 52 AF 1: The Worlds First Hot Shoe Flash with a Touchscreen Interface touchflash
The world of camera gear is getting really into this whole touchscreen thing. Touchscreen interfaces appeared on a bevy of cameras at Photokina this month (especially when paired with Android OS) and even on a new light meter, the Sekonic L-478D. The latest guest to crash the party? The flash.
The new Metz 52 AF-1 is the world’s first hot-shoe mounted flash unit to offer a touchscreen interface. Granted, the screen isn’t as flashy as the touchscreens found on the devices mentioned above — it won’t be winning any beauty contests anytime soon — but it gets the job done.

The back-illuminated control panel intelligently rotates based on the orientation of your flash. Turn it sideways for a portrait photo, and the menus will rotate 90-degrees to ensure that the controls are easy to read and access.
Features include a head that rotates 90-degrees, a guide number of 52, a recycle time of 3.5 seconds at full power, a built-in reflector card, TTL metering, high speed sync, full manual mode, optical slave mode, and a metal hot-shoe foot.
Metz 52 AF 1: The Worlds First Hot Shoe Flash with a Touchscreen Interface views
It’ll be available in different models depending on the camera you need it for, and is compatible with Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Sony, and Four Thirds. While the release date hasn’t been revealed, the unit will cost around $325 when it hits store shelves.
It’ll be interesting to see whether or not photographers will give this new flash unit interface a warm reception. While it does make seeing your controls a tad bit easier when shooting at night, you lose the convenience of buttons, switches, and dials.
(via Lighting Rumors via The Photoblographer)

ACDSee Pro 6 / ACDSee 15

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ACD Systems have rekeased Version 15 of ACDSee and Version 6 of ACDSee Pro. New features in both programs include a new Smart Blur filter, new Clarity tool, an option to create unlimited keyword hierarchies, the ability to burn images to a Blu-Ray disk, native 64-bit support, improved colour management and sharpening, a dedicated black-and-white mode, and more. In addition to the enhancements that benefit both programs, ACDSee 15 also offers improved red-eye removal. ACDSee Pro 6 is available at a suggested retail price of $99.99. ACDSee 15 retails for $49.99.
Press Release
ACDSee Introduces New Version of Photo Editing and Management Products
New ACDSee Pro 6 and ACDSee 15 Products Save Time and Gives Pro and Amateur Photographers Total Photography Control and Image Enhancement
SEATTLE—(BUSINESS WIRE)—ACD Systems International Inc. today announced two photo editing and management products which provide professional and advanced amateur photographers and enthusiasts with a complete set of tools to perfect images, stay organized and save time. Both ACDSee Pro 6 and ACDSee 15 incorporate the company’s patented technology and user-focused design which have made ACDSee the product of choice for over 50 million users worldwide.
ACDSee Pro 6 and ACDSee 15 allow photographers to carry out digital asset management and all the essential tasks of their photography workflow, from import to final presentation, in one complete solution.
“Our new features allow photographers to easily manage and create stunning images,” said Doug Vanderkerkhove, Founder and CEO of ACD Systems. “With the edit brush, noticeable speed improvements, and industry-leading development tools, our latest products deliver incredible value and promise a unique photography experience.”
New features in ACDSee Pro 6 and ACDSee 15 include:
Brush on edits — Quickly brush on any editing effect or adjustment to a specific area of a photo, complete with size and feathering controls. Correct exposure, change the color, adjust details, or add a special effect.
Hierarchical keywords — Create unlimited keyword hierarchies that span from general to very specific. Assign a keyword to an image with a check of a box and it automatically gets added to any higher keyword levels. Display all of the files assigned to a keyword with one click.
Burn to Blu-Ray — Easily archive images to a Blu-Ray disc directly from ACDSee.
Smart Blur — Apply the new Smart Blur filter as a creative editing effect or to reduce the noise in an image. Smooth out the grain and noise patterns between edges while still retaining sharpness and important details.
Clarity tool — Add extra definition or soften a shot. The Clarity editing tool targets the mid-tones of photos, without affecting the highlights or shadow areas.
Improved noise reduction — Rescue high ISO photos with improved noise reduction controls for smoother and more natural results, while preserving as much edge detail as possible.
ACDSee Pro 6 offers additional workflow and development features to meet the demands of professional photographers:
Native 64-bit support — High resolution images require high amounts of handling power. Native 64-bit support on Windows operating systems allows users to speed through their image processing and workflow tasks.
Non-destructive adjustment brush — Make non-destructive edits to select areas of images using a versatile brush. Subtly or dramatically correct exposure, add clarity, boost vibrance and more.
New processing tools — Get a dreamy effect with Soft Focus, use Cross Process to add a surreal, retro look, and non-destructively reduce red-eye. Draw attention to a cropped portion of an image with Post-Crop Vignetting, complete with feathering, radius and roundness controls.
Improved color management — Reworked from the ground up, ACDSee Pro 6’s color management system resolves color matching issues that can occur between different devices with much more accurate color matching and higher quality results. Multi-monitor support is also now included.
Improved sharpening — The new Detail slider adds control over the sharpening process by feathering or softening the sharpening halos.
Black and white mode — Take monochrome images to a new level of creativity with the dedicated black and white mode. Make high-quality non-destructive hue-based brightness adjustments and experiment with saturation-based tinting that provides the ability to add a specific hue back to a black and white image.
Advanced color improvements — Adjust individual or overall color in images with improved Advanced Color tools, built on a higher quality algorithm that uses modern color models for higher quality and more perceptual color adjustments. Add in more intuitive controls, and subtly fine-tune or dramatically change the hue, saturation, and lightness, for remarkably better results.
ACDSee 15 also includes the following enhancements:
Improved red eye — Quickly eliminate red eye, with noticeably better results.
Color management — Photos in a color space outside of sRGB are now color managed correctly.
ACDSee Online is also integrated in both products. Drop images straight from ACDSee Pro 6 or ACDSee 15 to a free personal space in the ACDSee Online cloud, for safe backup, storage and sharing via email, Facebook and Twitter. ACDSee Online also recently released the free iPhone and iPad app in the iTunes App store to manage and share digital assets on the go. For more information, go to http://www.acdseeonline.com.
Pricing & Availability
ACDSee Pro 6 is available beginning September 25, 2012 online at a suggested retail price of $99.99 (US). ACDSee 15 is also available September 25, 2012 online at a suggested retail price of $49.99 (US). Full system requirements, online tutorials and more information about both products can be found online as http://www.acdsee.com.
About ACD Systems
Founded in Texas in 1993 by imaging visionary Doug Vanderkerkhove, ACD Systems is one of the largest and most respected independent digital editing and management companies in the world. Doug foresaw the importance of the convergence of analog and digital (print, photos, scans, video and metadata).
The company’s products include ACDSee Pro 5, ACDSee 14, Canvas 14 and Cavnas 14 +GIS, which helps Fortune 500 companies enhance, manage and disseminate their valuable digital assets. Customers include General Motors, Caterpillar, Boeing, The New York City Fire Department, NASA, CNN and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Today ACD holds six patents and millions of ACDSee products are in use throughout the world. In fact, ACDSee products are so popular in Asia that they are second only to Louis Vuitton in product piracy.
ACD Systems can be found online at http://www.acdsee.com, on Twitter at @acdsee, and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/acdsee.

More Big Megapixel Talk

More Big Megapixel Talk [CR1]
A bit more information
I’m told that the coming big megapixel camera is a very new sensor design/overhaul. The emphasis is in the dynamic range of the sensor. Performance is said to be on the level of medium format, even better than the impressive D800.
The same person also says the camera won’d be a “3D” or any other “D”, it will get an all new naming scheme.
EF 35 f/1.4L II
This is apparently also ready for an announcement, now that the manufacturing issues with the EF 24-70 f/2.8L II have been solved. This lens could come at PhotoPlus along with the new EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x.
Most of the information lately has been through third parties and from new sources, so keep the salt shaker beside you.

Via: http://www.canonrumors.com

Canon EOS 3D at 46.1mp Next Month?

Canon EOS 3D at 46.1mp Next Month? [CR1]
More confirmations of a big megapixel body for PhotoPlus
I have received more confirmations that the current plan is to showcase a new 46.1mp Canon EOS 3D at PhotoPlus in New York City in October. Along with the camera body, an official announcement for the EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x will be made.
It’s also suggested that 2 other lenses could be appearing for PhotoPlus, though those details have yet to be finalized.
Last year for PhotoPlus, Canon announced the EOS-1D X. It is a show Canon has been known to make a splash with.

New Sigma 300mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Slips Out at Photokina

Sigma 300mm f:2.8
It looks like Sigma will be launching a new stabilized version of its 300mm f/2.8 lens (seen above) soon based on the lens’ appearance during a slideshow at Photokina 2012.

There are no specific details about the upcoming lens other than the name designation that appeared on a slide during an official Sigma presentation.

You can watch the full presentation in the video below.

Canon 7D Mark II, 70D and Rebel T5i Rumored for 2013


Canon 7D Mark II Rumors
While Photokina came and went without the oft-rumored Canon 7D Mark II or 70D making an appearance, rumors are still kicking around about what the inevitable camera may actually become and when it will arrive.
The latest words suggests the Canon 7D Mark II will remain as the flagship APS-C camera in the EOS lineup, which seems even more likely after the introduction of the new full frame Canon 6D.  Likewise, the 7D Mark II should be accompanied by the lower-end 70D and Rebel T5i/700D, replacing the 60D and Rebel T4i, respectively.
Rumors further suggest that the 7D Mark II will sport a higher-resolution APS-C format sensor – with no further word on other specifications for the camera.  However, I would expect a sports/wildlife-oriented camera (as is the case with the current 7D) and a continued push into a dual-purpose role as a video camera.
What are you looking for in the 7D Mark II, 70D or Rebel T5i?
[via Northlight Images]

sabato 22 settembre 2012

Joby Camera Straps - Hands-On Photos

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At Photokina 2012, Joby is showing off its new UltraFit Sling Strap and 3-Way Camera Strap. We have compiled a hands-on gallery of these products for your perusal.
12 hands-on photos from the Joby booth at Photokina.

http://joby.com/camera-straps/3-way-camera-strap/

X-Rite ColorMunki Smile is a New Entry-Level Color Calibration Solution


ColorMunki Smile
X-Rite’s new ColorMunki Smile is a new calibration too geared toward photo enthusiasts and others looking for a more affordable way to color calibrate their monitors.
ColorMunki Smile includes color measurement hardware and simple software that has a “wizard-based” user interface.  Following on-screen instructions will guide users through the calibration process with no need for an underlying knowledge of color science.
ColorMunki Smile is available for both Mac and PC and will work in dual monitor setups.  ColorMunki Smile retails for $99 and is available now at Amazon.com.
More details on X-Rite’s website.

Phottix Strato TTL Flash Trigger


Strato TTL Flash Trigger
Phottix has unveiled its new Strato TTL trigger for Canon, Nikon and Sony.  The Strato TTL trigger is a 4-channel 2.4GHz transmitter and receiver set with full TTL functionality for speedlights.
The Stratto TTL features a rear LCD panel on the transmitter side that indicates battery life, channel settings, flash exposure compensation and TTL flash modes.  Additionally, quick-change buttons are located to the sides of the LCD panel for making adjustments on the fly.

In addition to functioning as a TTL trigger for speedlights, the Strato TTL will also trigger studio lights and function as a shutter release.
The Phottix Strato TTL triggers will be released late 2012 and early 2013 for Canon, Nikon and Sony.
Check out the Phottix Online StoreAmazon or Adorama for Phottix products.

Canon 7D Has Been Cracked, Magic Lantern Firmware Finally Running On It


Canon 7D Magic Lantern
The Canon 7D has been a tough nut to crack for the Magic Lantern firmware crew.  After 3 years in the process, they finally had a breakthrough and figured out how to run Magic Lantern as add-on software on the 7D.
Check out the video below for a demo of Magic Lantern running on the 7D.


The Magic Lantern team is currently working on the debug process to get the firmware in a state for release. You can read more and donate to the cause here at Magic Lantern’s website. [via Planet5D]

Rokinon Cine Lenses Now In Stock for Canon, Nikon and Sony HDSLRs


Rokinon 14mm Cine Lens
Rokinon’s new 14mm and 24mm Cine lenses are in stock and now shipping from B&H.  The 24mm T1.5 and 14mm T3.1 lenses feature standard geared focus and aperture rings, as well as a smooth “declicked” aperture.
Check them out here at B&H Photo.

Phottix Mitros TTL Flash Announced for Canon, Nikon and Sony

Phottix Mitros TTL Flash
Phottix unveiled the new Mitros TTL flash for Canon, Nikon and Sony systems.
According to Phottix, “Mitros will do everything you expect a top-of-the-line TTL flash to do. Functions include built-in IR triggering with Master and Slave modes, AF assist light, auto/manual zooming flash head, all with fast recharge times. The Phottix Mitros TTL Flash includes a USB port for firmware upgrades and a 3.5mm Sync port.”

Phottix Mitros TTL Flash Key Features

  • E-TTL, M, Multi modes
  • High Speed Sync and Rear Curtain Sync
  • Guide Number of 58
  • Auto/Manual Flash Head Zoom w/ 180° rotation and 97° tilt
  • FEC: Manual and Bracketed
  • 0.1-2.5s Recycle Times
  • IR Wireless Trigger w/ Master and Slave mode
  • Powered by 4 AA batteries
  • Port for External Battery Pack
  • 3.5mm Sync Port
  • USB Port for Updgrades
The Phottix Mitros TTL flash will be available during Q4 2012 and Q1 2013.
Check out the Phottix Online StoreAmazon or Adorama for Phottix products.

Samyang 10mm F/2.8 ED AS UMC CS Lens Announced

Samyang 10mm F:2.8 ED AS UMC CS Lens
The Samyang 10mm F/2.8 ED AS UMC CS lens is a new wide-angle prime for APS-C DSLRs.
Samyang 10mm F:2.8 ED AS UMC CS Lens
The new Samyang lens should be available by year’s end.  Check availability here at B&H Photo.
More details in the press release below.
Kraków, September 14th 2012 - Samyang Optics company is thrilled to invite all participants of Photokina fairs held in Cologne to visit our stand no. A025 located in the hall 2.1. We will introduce a prototypical version of the Samyang 10mm 1:2.8 ED AS UMC CS lens.
Samyang 10mm 1:2.8 ED AS UMC CS is a prototype of the ultra wide-angle prime lens designed for use with cameras fitted with APS-C/DX sensors. Its extremely short focus length and rectilinear imaging system ensure extra wide angle of view amounting to 110 degrees (~107 degree for Canon version). As a result the lens is a comprehensive tool for architecture and landscape shooting. New Samyang 10mm 1:2.8 ED AS UMC CS is similar to the 35mm system lens with 15mm or 16mm focal length in the case of Canon APS-C cameras.
All details concerning the optical construction of the lens and available mounts will be published at a later date. The lens will be introduced for sale either at the end of 2012 or in the first days of 2013.

Phottix Ares Flash Trigger is Your No Frills Trigger


Phottix Ares Flash Trigger
The Phottix Ares flash trigger is a new 8-channel transmitter and receiver units that have a range of 200m and feature a “fire-all” channel function. No advanced bells or whistles here.  Just a dumb transmitter and receiver that are aimed to be reliable and affordable.
Ares-Tx-on-Camera-Down-LR

Phottix Ares Key Features and Specs

  • 2.4GHz
  • 200+m range
  • 8 channels and Fire-All function
  • 1/250s max sync speed
  • 3.5mm sync port
  • Hot shoe
  • Triggers hot shoe flashes and studio lights
  • Rotating transmitter can be used in teh up or down position
  • Reliability digitally-encoded signals
  • Cold shoe and 1/4″ threaded insert on receiver
  • Cables and batteries included
No word on the final price yet, but since the Ares is replacing older units like the Tetra, Aster and Strato I, it’s reasonable expect a retail price point well under $100.
Check out the Phottix Online StoreAmazon or Adorama for Phottix products.

mercoledì 19 settembre 2012

Think Tank Photo CityWalker Bags

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Think Tank Photo has announced that in November it will release its premium CityWalker messenger bag series. The bags come in three sizes; the CityWalker 10 ($124.75) fits one standard size body with a 24-70mm lens attached, plus one to two small extra lenses, a flash, and a tablet.  The CityWalker 20 ($139.75) holds one standard size body with a 24-70mm lens attached or a 70-200mm lens detached, plus extra lenses, a flash, and a tablet. The CityWalker 30 ($159.75) holds one standard size body with a 24-70mm lens attached or a 70-200mm lens detached, plus two to four extra lenses, a flash, and a 15” laptop.
Tnink Tank Photo Press Release
Think Tank Photo to Release Soft, Lightweight CityWalker™ Premium Messenger Camera Bags
Santa Rosa, Calif. – Think Tank Photo announces that in November it will release the CityWalker™ messenger bag series.  Designed with the urban photographer in mind, the new bags will come in three models – CityWalker 10, CityWalker 20, and CityWalker 30 – and in two colorways:  Black and Blue Slate.
The CityWalkers’ design emphasizes fit and comfort, premium quality, and functional flexibility.  Extremely lightweight, the bags feature a high quality silver-toned nylon liner, RC Fuse External/YKK zippers, and antique nickel plated metal hardware.  They have a sound silencer on the main flap, extra flaps for smaller lenses with a fully lined velex insert for maximum customization, internal pockets that fit a pro-size flash, and a removable padded insert.
The CityWalker 10 fits one standard size body with a 24-70 attached, plus one to two small extra lenses, a flash, and a tablet.  The CityWalker 20 holds one standard size body with a 24-70 attached or a 70-200 detached, plus extra lenses, a flash, and a tablet.  The CityWalker 30 holds one standard size body with a 24-70 attached or a 70-200 detached, plus two to four extra lenses, a flash, and a 15” laptop.
“The CityWalkers are a classic ‘walk around’ bag,” said Doug Murdoch, Think Tank Photo CEO and Lead Designer.  “Built around the same design aesthetic as our popular StreetWalker® backpacks, their style is targeted toward casual urban environments while still focused on an active lifestyle.”
Additional features include:
15” Laptop compartment (CityWalker 30)
iPad pocket [front internal] (CityWalker 10 and CityWalker 20)
Double security on front flap closure with silence-able Hook/Loop and Dual Cross™ Buckle
Removable padded insert
Seam-sealed rain cover included
Customizable divider layout
Two internal side pockets to accommodate flash
Deluxe organizer on front panel
Water bottle pockets on each side
Large zippered pocket on front flap for accessories
Rear document pocket
Business card holder inside main flap
Top carry handle
All CityWalker fabric exterior is treated with a DWR coating while fabric underside is coated with PU for superior water resistance.  They utilize YKK® RC Fuse (abrasion resistant) zippers, 420D velocity nylon, 420D high-density nylon, 600D brushed polyester, 250D shadow rip-stop polyester, Derrington™ mesh pockets, antique nickel plated metal hardware, Dual Cross™ Buckle, 3D air mesh, mono mesh, and 3-ply bonded nylon thread.
Specifications
CityWalker 10
External Dimensions: 12.4” W x 9” H x 6.7” D (31.5 × 23 × 17cm)
Internal Dimensions: 10” W x 7.5” H x 5.3” D (25.5 × 19 × 13.5cm)
Tablet: 10.3” W x 8” H x 0.8” D (26.2 × 20.3 × 2cm)
Weight: 1.9-2.2 lbs (0.8-1.0 kg)
CityWalker 20
External Dimensions: 13.8” W x 9.8” H x 6.7” D (35 × 25 × 17cm)
Internal Dimensions: 13” W x 8.7” H x 5.3” D (33 × 22 × 13.5cm)
Tablet: 10.3” W x 8” H x 0.8” D (26.2 × 20.3 × 2cm)
Weight: 2.0-2.5 lbs (0.9-1.1 kg)
CityWalker 30
External Dimensions: 16.3” W x 11.4” H x 8.3” D (41.5 × 29 × 21cm)
Internal Dimensions: 13.4” W x 9.6” H x 6.7” D(34 × 24.5 × 17cm)
Laptop: 15” W x 11” H x 1.4” D (38 x 28 x 3.6cm)
Weight: 2.8-3.1 lbs (1.3-1.4 kg)

Think Tank Photo Airport Navigator Rolling Case

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Think Tank Photo has announced that in November it will release the Airport Navigator, billed as the photography industry’s first rolling pilot’s case. Allowing photographers to access gear from the top and the front, the Airport Navigator holds two pro-size bodies, plus three to six extra lenses and most 15.4” laptops, tablets and documents.  The two external side pockets can also accommodate pro-size flashes or water bottles. Pricing to be confirmed.
Think Tank Photo Press Release
Think Tank Photo to Release Airport Navigator™
Top- and Front-accessible Photographer Rolling Pilot’s Case
Santa Rosa, Calif. – Think Tank Photo announces that in November it will release the Airport Navigator™, the photography industry’s first rolling pilot’s case that allows photographers to access gear from the top and the front.  The new pilot’s case also includes a shoulder strap for easing past gate check attendants.
The Airport Navigator™ holds two pro-size bodies, plus three to six extra lenses and most 15.4” laptops, iPads and documents.  The two external side pockets can also accommodate pro-size flashes or water bottles.
The new roller’s lightweight design emphasizes fit and comfort, premium quality, and flexibility and function.  The custom handle extends to total of 40” for easy rolling.  The pilot’s case utilizes the highest quality YKK RC Fuse zippers, custom designed and replaceable in-line skate wheels, and antique nickel plated metal hardware.  It features a shoulder strap whose piggy-back function allows for easy attachment to other rollers.
“This project dates back many years as our designers strived to create a dual access roller,” said Doug Murdoch, Think Tank Photo CEO and Lead Designer.  “Through different revisions, we found that the most reasonable style for this case was a Pilot’s type bag.  This effort culminated in the creation of a rolling case that has top and front access for wedding, event and travel photographers. This is yet another unique first for the camera industry.”
Additional features include:
15” Laptop compartment
iPad/document pocket
Top and front access panels to photo gear
Lockable zippers on both main zippered compartments
Retractable handle slides through top lid handle to hold lid open for quick access to gear while shooting
Removable shoulder strap includes piggy-back function for attaching Airport Navigator to other TTP rollers
Two external side pockets to accommodate flashes or water bottles
Releasable front panel straps hold the laptop compartment open for quick access to electronics when attached or full access to photo gear when released. Straps also tuck-away when not in use.
Custom designed and replaceable handle and wheels
Seam-sealed rain cover included
The Airport Navigator’s all-fabric exterior is treated with a DWR coating while fabric underside is coated with PU for superior water resistance.  It utilizes YKK® RC Fuse (abrasion resistant) zippers, 420D velocity nylon, 420D high-density nylon, 600D brushed polyester, custom designed replaceable in-line skate wheels, Ultra Stretch pockets, antique nickel plated metal hardware, aluminum reinforcement, rubberized laminate, 3D air mesh, and 3-ply bonded nylon thread.
Specifications
Airport Navigator
External Dimensions: 16” W x 15.5” H x 10” D (40.6 × 39.4 × 25.4cm)
Internal Dimensions: 15” W x 13” H x 6.8” D (38.1 × 33 × 17.3cm)
Laptop: 14.8” W x 11” H x 1.5” D (37.6 × 28 × 3.8cm)
Weight: 8.1-9.2 lbs (3.7-4.2 kg)

Lexar Multi-Card 25-in-1 USB 3.0 Reader

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Lexar has launched a new 25-in-1 USB 3.0 memory card reader. The Lexar Multi-Card 25-in-1 USB 3.0 Readerprovides five slots compatible with popular card formats such as CompactFlash, Secure Digital, including newly added support for SDXC cards, Mobile, Memory Stick and xD-Picture cards. Compatible with both Mac and Windows systems, the Lexar Multi-Card 25-in-1 USB 3.0 Reader comes with a one-year limited warranty, and is available for purchase with an MSRP of £29.99.
Lexar Press Release
Lexar Multi-Card 25-in-1 USB 3.0 Reader Quickly and Reliably Transfers Files from All Popular Memory Card Formats

New Card Reader Boasts Read Speeds up to Five Times Faster than USB 2.0 While Enabling Concurrent Downloads and Card-to-Card File Transfer

Fremont, CA, Glasgow, UK, September 18, 2012 – Lexar, a leading global brand of flash memory products, today announced the new Lexar® Multi-Card 25-in-1 USB 3.0 Reader, a versatile, all-in-one solution for quick and reliable file transfers from 25 of the most popular memory card formats. The reader provides five slots compatible with popular card formats such as CompactFlash, Secure Digital, including newly added support for Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC) cards, Mobile, Memory Stick and xD-Picture cards. The reader is also backwards compatible with USB 2.0 ports, can read multiple cards simultaneously, and provides card-to-card file transfer. For additional information about the Lexar Multi-Card 25-in-1 UB 3.0 Reader, visit http://www.lexar.com.

“The Lexar Multi-Card 25-in-1 USB 3.0 Reader is an excellent choice for anyone with various memory card formats looking to quickly and easily transfer multiple files,” said Manisha Sharma, director of product marketing for cards, Lexar. “Over the years, consumers have upgraded their cameras and photography equipment, leaving them with a variety of card formats. Because this reader is compatible with multiple variations of cards, consumers can now shoot a whole holiday trip or sporting event using all of their devices knowing they’ll be able to quickly transfer and manage their photos and videos when they get home.”

The Lexar Multi-Card 25-in-1 USB 3.0 Reader leverages SuperSpeed USB 3.0 technology to offer high-speed file transfers with a USB interface read speed of up to 500MB/s, and is up to five times faster than USB 2.0.* The reader also features a convenient pop-up design mechanism to protect the card slots when the reader is not in use and comes with a USB 3.0 cable cord. A blue LED activity light lets users know when data is being transferred.

The Lexar Multi-Card 25-in-1 USB 3.0 Reader supports the following memory cards formats:
·     
CompactFlash slot: Reads CompactFlash® Type I and Type II
·      Secure Digital slot: SD™, SDHC™, SDXC™, miniSD™, miniSDHC™, MMC™, MMCplus™, and RS-MMC™
·      Mobile slot: microSD™, microSDHC™, and Memory Stick Micro™ (M2™)
·      Memory Stick slot: Memory Stick™, Memory Stick (with MagicGate™), Memory Stick PRO™, Memory Stick PRO Duo™, Memory Stick PRO Duo (with MagicGate), Memory Stick PRO Duo Mark2, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™, and Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo “HX”
·      xD-Picture Card slot: xD-Picture Card™, xD-Picture Card Type-M, xD-Picture Card Type-M+, and xD-Picture Card Type-H
The Lexar Multi-Card 25-in-1 USB 3.0 Reader comes with a one-year limited warranty,  is compatible with both PC and Mac® systems, and is available for purchase with an MSRP of £29.99 from leading retail and e-tail outlets worldwide. For additional information about Lexar products, visit http://www.lexar.com.

New EIZO ColorEdge Monitors

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EIZO has launched its new lineup of ColorEdge monitors to appeal to both its traditional core of high-end graphics professionals as well as middle and entry level users. The new lineup consists of three series and five models. The CG series is carried over from the current ColorEdge lineup and will continue to be targeted at professionals - the new models in the series include the 27” ColorEdge CG276 (pictured) and 24.1” ColorEdge CG246. The new CX series is targeted at prosumers and trade schools in photography and design. Covering most of the Adobe RGB colour space, the two models in the series -  the ColorEdge CX270 (27”) and ColorEdge CX240 (24.1”)- come with a newly designed in-built SelfCorrection sensor that maintains the calibration results after the monitor has been calibrated by an external sensor. As of now, the also-new entry-level CS series comprises one model, the ColorEdge CS230 (23”). Like the CX series, it comes with an in-built SelfCorrection sensor, but a narrower colour space covering most of sRGB.
EIZO Press Release
EIZO Announces New Lineup of ColorEdge Monitors for Graphics
Users of All Levels
EIZO Limited today launches its new lineup of ColorEdge monitors to appeal to both its traditional core of high-end graphics professionals as well as middle and entry level users requiring monitors that provide accurate colour for their creative endeavours.
The new lineup consists of three series and five models. The three series contains different feature sets, options, and price points for their intended audiences, but each retain the hallmarks common and trusted to all ColorEdge monitors such as hardware calibration, brightness uniformity, and adjusting the gamma curve of each model on the EIZO factory line before shipping.
The three product series are as follows.
CG Series
The CG series is carried over from the current ColorEdge lineup and will continue to be targeted at professionals in photography, prepress, video editing, post production, and other graphics fields requiring the most advanced monitors available. Common features include easy maintenance with an in-built SelfCalibration sensor, a wide colour space, bundled calibration software, ColorNavigator, and shading hood, and several preset modes for common broadcast standards. The new models include the 27” ColorEdge CG276 and 24.1” ColorEdge CG246.
CX Series
This new series is targeted at Mid-range series for professionals, prosumers and trade schools in photography and design. It comes with a newly designed in-built SelfCorrection sensor that maintains the calibration results after the monitor has been calibrated by an external sensor. It covers most of the Adobe RGB colour space. Calibration software and shading hood are available as options. The first models in this series include the ColorEdge CX270 (27”) and ColorEdge CX240 (24.1”).
CS Series
This series is also new to the ColorEdge lineup and is targeted at entry level users in photography and design. Like the CX series, it comes with an in-built SelfCorrection sensor, but a narrower colour space covering most of sRGB. The first CS series model is the ColorEdge CS230 (23”).
The in-built SelfCalibration sensor of the CG series is carried over from past ColorEdge monitors. Housed within the front bezel, it swings out and calibrates according to the user-determined schedule. It can calibrate any time of the day, even when the connected computer has been turned off. The in-built SelfCorrection sensor of the CX and CS series is also housed within the monitors bezel. With the optional EIZO ColorNavigator software, the sensor offers easy maintenance by adjusting the monitor to a calibration result previously obtained using ColorNavigator and an external sensor.
With the CG and CX series, EIZO has added two technological innovations to improve image stability. The first is a great reduction of more than 75% from the original 30 minutes to now just seven minutes for the brightness and chromaticity to stabilise after the monitor is powered on. The other is EIZO’s DUE (digital uniformity equaliser) function which corrects uniformity errors in brightness like in previous ColorEdge monitors, but now also keeps the monitor’s colour temperature and brightness stable in an environment with fluctuating ambient temperature changes such as an outdoor photo shoot.
All ColorEdge monitors come with one DVI-I, HDMI, and DisplayPort terminal each for connecting to different types of graphics boards. HDMI offers the additional benefit of direct connection with digital cameras. A USB hub with two upstream and two downstream ports are also included.
Additional Features
• 10-bit display1 (more than 1 billion colors simultaneously) via the DisplayPort input.
• Ergonomic stand on all models with tilt, swivel, portrait mode, and height adjustment
• 3D look-up table on all models for better additive color mixture and device emulation on CG series models.
• I/P (interlace/progressive) conversion on CG and CX series models.
• Mercury-free LED backlight with CG246, CX240, and CS230.
• Five-years manufacturer’s warranty including the LCD panel for all models and a 12-month pixel defect warranty for the CG series2.
EIZO will unveil all new models at Photokina 2012 from September 18 – 23 in Cologne, Germany. The EIZO booth will be in hall 4.1, E31/E39.
1 A graphics board and software which support 10-bit output are also necessary for 10-bit display.
2 The usage time is limited to 30,000 hours. RGB full pixel failure is zero for up to 12 months after date of purchase based on ISO9241-307 (pixel failure class I).