Phottix Atlas II Wireless Trigger

The new Phottix Atlas II system can be used to trigger cameras, flashes and studio lights over distances of up to 350 metres. Being a transceiver, the Phottix Atlas II can either transmit or receive signals, and you can toggle between the two functions with a flick of a switch. Fitting in with Phottix’s existing line-up, the Atlas II is compatible with Phottix Strato and Odin series TTL triggers (but incompatible with the original Atlas). Now featuring a two-stage shutter button, it can also be used, with Phottix Accessory Cables, as a wired or wireless shutter release. The Phottix Atlas II will be available in single or twin packs with MSRPs of $84.99 and $149.00, respectively.
Phottix Press Release
PHOTTIX AND OMEGABRANDESS ARE PROUD TO LAUNCH THE NEW ATLAS II WIRELESS TRIGGER
Hampstead, Maryland – August 22, 2012 - The Phottix Atlas II Wireless Trigger
Back and better than ever!
The Phottix Atlas II is the professional choice for reliable wireless flash triggering. Say goodbye to transmitters and receivers to trigger flashes, studio lights, and cameras – one remote will do it all. The Atlas II triggers flashes at sync speeds of up to 1/250 sec.* The system will trigger cameras, flashes and studio lights at distances of 350 meters or more.

The Phottix Atlas II is a transceiver. With the simple change of a switch the Atlas II is ready to either transmit or receive signals. Simplify your off-camera flash triggering – one unit can be used as a transmitter or receiver.

The Atlas II is compatible with Phottix Strato and Odin series TTL triggers. It fits in perfectly with Phottix’s existing line-up, allowing the power and freedom of a long-range transceiver.

Triggering flashes is only one of the Phottix Atlas II functions. It can also be used, with Phottix Accessory Cables, as a wired or wireless shutter release. It now features a two stage shutter button – a half-press will autofocus, a full press takes a photo.

With a hot shoe on the receiver and two 3.5mm sync ports the Phottix Atlas II can be used to easily trigger hot shoe flashes and studio lights.*
Features:
- Long Range
- High Sync Speed
- Transmitter and receiver modes
- 4 channels
- Triggers hot shoe flashes and studio lights.
- A hot shoe port and two sync ports for attaching flashes and strobes.
- Wired and wireless shutter release functions
- Digital IC
- Two-color status LED
- Uses AA Batteries or DC power port
Pricing
The Atlas II is not compatible with original Atlas triggers and will be available in single or twin packs with a MSRP of $84.99 and $149.00 USD respectively.
About Phottix
Phottix is an international company specializing in photography accessories, committed to developing an expanding line of original and innovative products for photographers. Phottix has established a high level of brand name recognition with retailers and customers because of the design, quality, and pricing of their unique accessories.
About OmegaBrandess
OmegaBrandess has manufactured and distributed photographic and imaging products for over 75 years. A privately held company, OmegaBrandess supplies the photography industry with over ten thousand products from dozens of branded lines. For more information about OmegaBrandess and its represented brands, call 410-374-3250 or visit http://www.omegabrandes.com

Nikon 1 Nikkor VR 10-30mm & 30-110mm Firmware Update 1.10

Nikon has released a firmware update for two of its 1 System lenses, including the 1 Nikkor VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 L and the 1 NIKKOR VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6 L. Version 1.10 adds the following feature: when these lenses are used with Nikon 1 cameras released in, or after, August 2012, the camera can be turned off by locking the lens barrel (retractable lens barrel button), even if the monitor has turned off and the camera has entered standby mode.
Website: 1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 L Firmware Update 1.10
Website: 1 NIKKOR VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6 L Firmware Update 1.10

Canon 1D X Firmware Version 1.0.6

Canon has issued a firmware update for the 1D X.  The new firmware version 1.0.6 includes the following updates:

1. Fixes a phenomenon in which the AF Microadjustment cannot be correctly carried out.
2. Fixes a phenomenon such that when using the camera with combinations of certain lens*1) and extender*2), the images captured become back-focused.
1. *1) EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM or EF200mm f/2L IS USM
2. When used with*2) Extender EF 1.4x III or Extender EF 2x III
3. Fixes a phenomenon in which, when the camera is powered on in very dark environments (including instances when the lens cap or the body cap is attached), Error 80 appears on the camera.
4. Fixes the following phenomenon: if two CF cards are inserted into the camera and the “Standard” or “Auto switch card” setting is selected for the recording method for [Record func+card/folder sel.], and then one of the CF cards is removed and then reinserted into the card slot, the card selected for recording and playing back images may be switched to the other CF Card.
5. Fixes a phenomenon in which the AF microadjustment value is not correctly displayed in the EXIF information of the images captured.
6. Displays a “O” or “X” result to indicate whether images have been successfully transferred through the FTP protocol when using the WFT-E6 Wireless File Transmitter.

You can download the update from Canon USA’s website.
www.canon.it/Support/System/Search.aspx?TcmUri=tcm:80-965987 Mac
www.canon.it/Support/System/Search.aspx?TcmUri=tcm:80-965985 Win 

Nikon D600 is Coming Soon…

Nikon D600 Mockup via Outdoormac

The Nikon D600 is a highly anticipated FX format DSLR and, according to Nikon Rumors, it is coming soon – possibly on or around September 13, 2012.  Shortly after the Nikon D800 was announcedearlier this year, buzz of a more affordable (rumors are in the $1500-$2000 range) full frame camera started to grow.  And, it looks like the official launch is almost upon us.

Photokina 2012 kicks off September 18, so a launch on the 13th would give Nikon plenty of buzz heading into the biggest camera trade show of the year.

Nikon D600 Spec Rumors

• 24.7MP FX format sensor
• Weight: 760g (850g with battery and memory cards), the D800 weights 900g
• 3.2″ LCD with 921K dot with ambient sensor control
• HDMI output
• Video compression: H264/MPEG-4
• Full HD with 30p, 25p, 24p, HD with 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p
• Viewfinder coverage: 100% for FX , 97% for Dx
• Built-in AF motor
• Probably weather sealed
• No built-in GPS as initially reported
• ISO range: 100-6400 (with Lo-1 ISO 50 and Hi-2 ISO 25,600)
• 39 AF points (with an option of 11 AF points), 9 cross-type AF points
• AF face detection
• Exposure compensation: ±5 EV (same as the D800)
• EN-EL15 rechargeable Li-ion battery

[Image mockup via Outdoormac]

Quikdraw Gets Rid of Bags, Puts Lenses on Your Belt

Quikdraw is a new Kickstarter project aiming to develop lens holsters that lock your lenses on a belt using the bayonet mount – as opposed to a bag or pouch.

Quikdraw is hoping to launch with units for Canon and Nikon lenses if they can meet their $150,000 fund raising goal.  They’ve raised nearly $60k thus far with funding ending on September 17, 2012.

A belt and a single Quikdraw unit runs $80.  Two units is $170 and three units is $260.  Some limited deals are still available with better prices.

Check out the video below for a walkthrough of the Quikdraw lens management system.

Is Quikdraw something you need? Is the price right? 
[thanks Dean]

Tokina 300mm f/6.3 Now Available in UK

Kenro has announced the UK availability of the Tokina Reflex 300mm f/6.3 mirror lens. The 600mm equivalent Micro Four Thirds lens measures only 66x66mm (length x diameter) and weighs in at less than 300 grams, making it remarkably small and lightweight for a super-telephoto optic. Like the vast majority of mirror lenses, the Tokina Reflex 300mm f/6.3 is a manual-focus lens with a fixed aperture. The lens takes 55mm filters, focuses down to 0.8m and offers a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:2. In the UK, the Tokina 300mm f/6.3 Compact Super Telephoto lens is available for an RRP of £339.00 (excluding VAT).
Kenro Press Release
New compact super telephoto lens from Tokina
Kenro, the official UK distributor of Tokina lenses, has launched a new model, the Tokina 300mm F/6.3 Compact Super Telephoto Lens for Micro 4/3rds Mount.
The 300mm focal length of the lens gives an effective 600mm of zoom (in 35mm terms) when placed on a mirrorless camera body making it a super-telephoto lens, allowing photographers to bring distant subjects into much closer detail. Despite its powerful focal length, the lens is incredibly compact to match the size of the compact cameras it is intended to be used with.
This latest addition to the acclaimed Tokina range has all metal lens barrels and very high quality glass optics to yield the best optical performance. Beautifully built, the lens has a fixed f/6.3 aperture and is ideal for shooting wildlife and general outdoor/nature photography.
The telephoto mirror lens is designed specifically for mirrorless compact cameras using the micro 4/3rds mount. It comes with a wide grip area on the manual focusing ring and smooth movement to assist in focusing.
Paul Kench, managing director at Kenro made this comment: “Kenro are delighted to announce this new lens from Tokina. It’s a beautifully designed piece of kit and its performance matches up to its distinctive looks. As the lens isn’t auto-focus it gives the photographer greater creative freedom and its telephoto capabilities provide exceptionally sharp images from distance. With a weight of less than 300g it makes it incredibly light for a super-telephoto mirror lens; perfect for the photographers on the move - it really is a compact lens for compact-sized cameras.”
Available to UK photographers in early September, the ultra-compact lens will have an RRP of £339.00 (excluding VAT).
For more information on Kenro’s range of products go to http://www.kenro.co.uk or call Kenro’s head office on 01793 615836.

Fotodiox WonderPana 145 & WonderPana 66 Filter Systems

Fotodiox has launched its new PRO line of ten neutral density filters and the WonderPana 145 and WonderPana 66 Filter Systems. Claimed to be ideal for panorama, nature, architectural, fashion and event photographers as well as analogue and digital filmmakers, Fotodiox’s WonderPana lens hood systems are designed for Super Wide Angle (SWA) and Ultra Wide Angle (UWA) lenses. “By introducing the WonderPana Systems, we are offering photographers and cinematographers the ability to capture images with the right lighting balance and skip the HDR software post production process,” said Drew Strickland, vice president of Fotodiox. “With the new Wonder line, we are bringing more innovative, quality products to the market and giving photographers the tools they need to capture amazing shots.” Click through / read on for a list of compatible lenses.
Fotodiox Press Release
Fotodiox Introduces Two WonderPana Filter Systems, and its own Signature Line of High-Quality Filters for Professional Photographers

Leading photography distributor expands offering, manufactures its own line of camera filters for professional photographers and videographers

Waukegan, Ill. Aug. 22, 2012 – Fotodiox (http://www.fotodioxpro.com), a leading lens adapter and accessories manufacturer and distributor, today introduces the WonderPana 145 and WonderPana 66 Filter Systems. Designed to work flawlessly with the WonderPana Systems and compatible with others on the market, Fotodiox also introduces its new PRO line of ten neutral density filters. These ingenious lens filter systems represent the first products in the new “Wonder” line of original products planned for release by Fotodiox in the coming year.

Fotodiox’s WonderPana Systems are ideal for panorama, nature, architectural, fashion and event photographers, as well as analog and digital filmmakers who are looking to better manage lighting balance. A lens hood filter system designed for Super Wide Angle (SWA) and Ultra Wide Angle (UWA) lenses, they are compatible with the following lenses:

·      Nikon: 14-24mm FX, 14mm FX
·      Canon: 14mm Full Frame, 17mm TS Full Frame
·      Tokina: 16-28mm Full Frame, 10-17mm APS-C
·      Sigma: 12-24mm Full Frame, 12-24mm II Full Frame, 8-16mm APS-C, 14mm
·      Panasonic: Lumix 7-14mm, micro 4/3 format
·      Olympus: 7-14mm, 4/3 format
·      Korea Lens (Samyang and various private label versions): 14mm Full Frame
Both WonderPana Systems allow the use of Fotodiox PRO 145mm round filters including UV, Polarizer and Neutral Density (ND) filters. The large circular filter design prevents the typical glare and unwanted reflection issues often found in other designs.

“By introducing the WonderPana Systems, we are offering photographers and cinematographers the ability to capture images with the right lighting balance and skip the HDR software post production process,” said Drew Strickland, vice president of Fotodiox. “With the new Wonder line, we are bringing more innovative, quality products to the market and giving photographers the tools they need to capture amazing shots.”

WonderPana 145 Filter System
The WonderPana 145 Filter System includes a metal adapter hood that accommodates the Fotodiox PRO 145mm round filter format. It is compatible with all Fotodiox PRO 145mm filters, including the new 145mm PRO filters. It is also easily upgradeable to the WonderPana 66, allowing the use of industry standard 6.6” rectangular filters. The WonderPana 145 System holder is available with several different filter kit options.

WonderPana 66 Filter System
The WonderPana 66 Filter System will accept all Fotodiox PRO 145 filters, in addition to industry standard rectangular 6.6” filters from Schneider Optics. The WonderPana 66 System can accommodate two filters at the same time: either two rectangular filters, or one circular and one rectangular filter. Similar rectangular filter systems compatible with LEE (150mm) and Cokin X-Pro (130mm) rectangular filters are also slated for release in 2013.
PRO Filters
Six of the new PRO filters are available in Fotodiox’s exclusive 145mm round format, similar to a traditional round screw-in filter, only much larger in size. These 145mm filters, in concert with the holding system, enable full coverage of the protruding front-lens elements inherent in SWA and UWA lenses in the following filter types: Multi-Coated UV, Circular Polarizer and 4, 8, 16, and 32 ND filters.

Fotodiox is also releasing four 6.6” x 8.6” 4mm thick, rectangular-shaped Graduated Neutral Density filters in the following grades: ND .6 Soft and Hard Edges; and ND .9 Soft and Hard Edges. These CR-39 based ND filters can weather almost any environment, as they are practically unbreakable and scratch resistant. Fotodiox’s revolutionary new filter offerings will enable photographers and filmmakers to achieve balanced horizon shots in camera, eliminating the need for tedious post-production editing.

Availability & Pricing
The WonderPana Systems are available for pre-order starting today on the Fotodiox website and will be released October 15. The WonderPana 66 System starts at $350 and the WonderPana 145 System starts at $200.

As a complement to the WonderPana System, Fotodiox is now taking pre-orders on the WonderBurst HSS-8000, a 1/8000 high-speed sync wireless remote flash trigger compatible with any camera flash or strobe. The WonderBurst HSS-8000 kit includes the receiver and transmitter, and is priced at $79.95. A Sony NEX version, without high-speed sync, is also available for pre-order now for $49.95. The WonderBurst NEX allows the Sony NEX 3 & 5 Series cameras, with proprietary NEX hot-shoe, to remotely trigger a flash with a standard hot-shoe. The WonderBurst Systems will also be released October 15.

For more information and to place an order, visit http://www.fotodioxpro.com.

About Fotodiox
Fotodiox is a leading manufacturer and distributor of professional photography and videography accessories at wholesale prices. Serving the photo and video market since 2004, Fotodiox carries a full line of professional photography accessories and lighting equipment, including: flash strobes and wedding photography kits, daylight fluorescent lighting, tungsten lighting and video lighting kits. Fotodiox’s first product in its new flagship “Wonder” line, WonderPana, is a unique lens hood filter system designed to achieve balanced lighting. Fotodiox continues to be the leading manufacturer of lens mount adapters, large format adapters for 35mm and medium format digital backs.

Canon EOS 3D Rumored as 46MP Resolution King

Rumors of a high megapixel DSLR from Canon have really been heating up since the 1D X launched with “only” 18.1MP.  The rumors persisted after the 5D Mark III rolled in at roughly the same resolution as its predecessor.
Now comes a spec list from Canon Rumors for a Canon EOS 3D rumored to weigh in at a whopping 46MP . . . that’s 10MP more than the current resolution king – the Nikon D800.

Canon EOS 3D Spec Rumors

• 46 MP
• 3.7 frame per second
• Dual DIGIC 5+
• ISO: (25) 50-6400 (12800)
• AF: Same as 1DX
• USB 3
• CF+SD

Even though I used to joke about cameras with resolution at 40MP, Canon has plenty more room to work with on a full frame image sensor given that it developed a 120MP APS-H sensor more than two years ago.  And we just thought the megapixel wars were over . . . .
Who would pick up a 46MP Canon DSLR?  What price would you be willing to pay for this camera?

Inspiring Photographer Talks @Google

On of the neat things about working at Google is the fact that the company loves letting its employees hear from the world’s best minds through the AtGoogleTalks. Through the series of lectures, Google invites well-known individuals to share on their area of expertise for 40-70 minutes. In addition to the thousands of politicians, musicians, and entertainers who have shared so far, there have also been a number of photographers invited for Photographers@Google presentations. The video above shows a lecture given by HDR landscape photographer Trey Ratcliff last year. It’s actually the second time he spoke at @Google. The first time was a year earlier as part of the Authors@Google series, when he talked about his new book on HDR and the photos that went into it:

Here are some other ones that are freely available online: Thomas Hawk Thomas Hawk spoke about tricks, techniques, and art.

Catherine Hall Catherine Hall‘s talk was on generating photographic opportunities.

Moose Peterson Moose Peterson was invited to share about his latest work, his passion for aviation, and his recent conservation trips.

Rick Sammon Rick Sammon has given two talks. In 2010 he shared thoughts and musings on lighting, HDR photography, and being a Canon “Painter of Light.” The next year he turned to talk about travel photography.

Michael Clark Michael Clark spoke about the various tools and strategies used in capturing adventure sports.

Joe McNally Joe McNally was invited as part of the Authors@Google series to share his book, “The Moment It Clicks.”

Time running out for Masters Applications

20/08/2012 Photographers who want their images to be considered for the prestigious 2014 Hasselblad Masters Awards have until August 31 to get their entries in. In all there are 12 categories you can enter, and the title of Master will be awarded to the photographer judged to have submitted the best picture in that section, the criteria being creativity, composition, conceptual strength and technical skill.

New this year is an underwater category for images that have been captured using a professional housing, while the 'Up & Coming' category has been renamed 'Project//21' and is open to amateurs, students, assistants and young professionals who are 21 years old or younger.

In a big change to the format, which will see the competition open to more photographers than ever before, the decision has been made to allow entries from both medium format and 35mm-style DSLRs providing that whatever camera is used is delivering a minimum resolution of 16 megapixels. Those shooting with film are also eligible to enter, and by throwing the competition open in this way the hope is that it will encourage the largest entry ever and encourage still more of the world's great photographers to take part.

Applicants are invited to submit three images in one or more of the following categories: Fine Art, Landscapes/Nature, Wedding/Social, Portrait, Fashion/Beauty, Editorial, Products, Architecture, General, Wildlife, Project//21 and Underwater.

To qualify for categories other than Project//21, the competition is open to all photographers who have been active professionals for at least three years.

Submissions may be captured with digital or analogue medium, large format or 35mm system. All images must be submitted digitally (including full EXIF data) regardless of capture format.

For full details on competition Rules & Regulations visit: www.hasselblad.com/member/masters/rulesregulations

Il computer nell'impugnatura

Il computer nell\'impugnatura Per chi scatta in digitale avere dietro con sé un computer è estremamente comodo: può servire per fare il backup, per georeferenziare le foto, per inviarle tramite Wi-Fi e per tante altre ragioni. Ovviamente il rovescio della medaglia è che un computer è pesante ed ingombrante. Il fotografo irlandese David Hunt ha risolto in maniera creativa il problema inserendo un computer nell’impugnatura verticale della sua reflex. È riuscito nell’intento sfruttanto il Raspberry Pi, una scheda integrata delle dimensioni di una carta di credito ma completa di prese USB, di presa di rete e di uscita video HDMI. David Hunt ha inserito la scheda dentro un’impugnatura verticale della Meike dedicata alla sua Canon 5D Mark II, sfruttando un adattatore di tensione in modo che una batteria della Canon fornisca l’alimentazione alla scheda. Tramite un cavetto USB la scheda comunica con la fotocamera. Al momento David Hunt ha sviluppato una sola funzione, tramite la quale trasferire le immagini appena scattate all’iPad. Nell’attesa che sperimenti le mille potenzialità del suo computer integrato nell’impugnatura verticale, potete vederlo in funzione nel video.

Canon EOS 7D Mark II Specs?

The 7D Mark II a go?
Below is a purported spec list for an upcoming EOS 7D Mark II.
Specifications

• 24MP – an all new sensor with phase AF on chip and noticeably lower noise than the current 18MP.
• 1Dx/5D3 based AF system.
• 10 FPS.
• ISO 100-25600.
• High speed video, with still capture.
• Improved durability and sealing.
• Available this year.

I tend to agree with the source, I am not convinced such a camera is on the horizon. We’ve heard for a while that the 70D would move up a level and the 7D would be left alone. With the recent major firmware update for the 7D, replacing the camera directly this soon seems like a stretch.

Apple Rumors: iPhone 5 in arrivo per Settembre, immediate scattano le prevendite

Da giorni ormai non si parla d’altro e soprattutto su media e blog tematici vicini al mondo Apple le indiscrezioni riguardanti il lancio-a prevendita del nuovissimo iPhone 5 si susseguono a ruota. Il cosiddetto “preorder”, infatti, starebbe spopolando negli States dove il suo esordio sarebbe previsto in coincidenza con la presentazione ufficiale del prodotto. Ecco allora in anteprima,per la gioia dei fan piu’ sfegatati della mela morsicata, tutte le date internazionali piu’ importanti che accompagneranno il lancio del nuovo iPhone 5 :

12 Settembre 2012: arriverà in preorder l’iPhone 5 che verrà presentato al “keynote”,la data ufficiale di uscita però, almeno negli USA, sembrerebbe prevista intorno al 21 Settembre 2012. Una seconda ondata di vendite, invece, sarebbe prevista per la prima settimana di Ottobre, quando forse arriverà anche in Italia. Rumors e indiscrezioni però, rispetto al lancio del nuovo gioiellino ipertech Apple, azzardano una data davvero unica, indimenticabile: l’anniversario della morte di Steve Jobs.

Apple inoltre, sempre secondo fonti attendibili, nei prossimi giorni dovrebbe rendere noto qualcosa in più sia riguardo al lancio del suo nuovo sistema operativo iOS 6 che del connettore dock di dimensioni ridotte, oltre che della la gamma di iDevice e il preziosissimo iPad Mini, che da tempo incuriosisce davvero molti. E’ possibile infatti, come avvenuto passato, che l’uscita dei successivi prodotti di casa Apple come l’iPad Mini, l’ aggiornamenti di iPod Touch e iPad avvenga qualche mese dopo il lancio ufficiale dell’iPhone 5.

Per quanto riguarda invece il design dell’iPhone 5, che secondo fonti attendibili non dovrebbe discostarsi molto dal suo predecessore, monterà un display da ben 4 pollici che sfiorerà i bordi del telefono. Secondo rumors attendibili ecco, in anteprima,  alcune delle principali caratteristiche tecniche di quello che presto sarà il nuovissimo gioiellino di casa Apple: l’iPhone 5-

Dimesioni invariate e forma che ricorda l’iPhone 4
Cover posteriore in alluminio (liquid metal)
Processore dual-core Apple A5
Nuovo processore grafico
Display di dimensioni più grande, presumibilmente da 4″
Modello da 64 GB
Disponibile da subito sia bianco che nero

Via:  www.fotografia30.it

Photo Mechanic 5 Now Available

Photo Mechanic 5 is finally available as a full release.  Photo Mechanic has been the industry standard for image management in the photo journalist world for years.  Version 5 adds “significantly improved metadata handing capabilities” with all major IPTC fields supported.
Additionally, Camera Bits claims that it has made Photo Mechanic even faster, which sounds amazing given just how fast the prior version of Photo Mechanic is.
Photo Mechanic 5 is available for new users for $150.  Existing users can snag the upgrade for $90.  Additional sale prices are available at launch through August 20, 2012.  More details on Photo Mechanic’s website.

PowerShot SX160 IS & PowerShot SX500 IS

Two New PowerShot Cameras
Below are a couple of images of upcoming PowerShot superzooms. We have the 16x zoom PowerShot SX160 IS and the 30x zoom PowerShot SX500 IS. Both cameras  will be arriving soon.

Canon SX160 IS in Red

Canon SX160 IS

Canon SX500 IS

More from canonrumors.com

New Wide Angle Zoom Discussion & Opinion

From POTN
A forum thread on POTN talks about a replacement for the EF 16-35 f/2.8L II being due based on past history..

Quote from the thread

• FD -> new FD = 6.2 years
• new FD -> EF = 5.5 years
• EF -> EF USM = 6.5 years
• 17-35 -> 16-35 = 5.7 years
• 16-35 -> 16-35 II = 5.3 years
• As of today (August 2012) we are 5.4 years from the release of the 16-35L II

There has been lots of talk about an EF 14-24 f/2.8L since Nikon launched such a lens. I wouldn’t think this would be a replacement for the 16-35 f/2.8L II, as I can’t see how it can be easily filterable (without large and expensive third party solutions).
If a 14-24 does indeed become the new f/2.8 ultrawide zoom in the Canon lineup, then I expect a 16-40 f/4L IS type of lens to come quickly for the landscape world and for people that need an easy filterable ultrawide. However, the Nikon 14-24 is a monster of a lens, and would be an awkward replacement for a 16-35 at weddings if you currently shoot with one (just my opinion). The widest screw-on filter lens I have seen is the still to be released Carl Zeiss Distagon T* ZE 15mm f/2.8, which has a 95mm filter thread.
There’s enough chatter about a new wide angle zoom, I think we can start to expect one sooner than later.
Source: [POTN] via [NL]

Manfrotto ML840H LED Light

The Manfrotto ML840H is the largest and most powerful LED light in the range. The ML840H incorporates a ‘‘ball head to hotshoe’’ system that allows it to be pivoted, angled and turned to direct the light as required. The new Manfrotto ML840H is available now and retails at £249.95.
Manfrotto UK Press Release
Manfrotto launches the ML840H, expanding its existing LED light range
London, July 2012 – Manfrotto, the leading global developer of imaging accessories and supports, is proud to announce the launch of the new Manfrotto ML840H as part of its innovative range of LED lights. This new model expands the extraordinary range of lights and aims to introduce a new and bold way to experience photography and videography, based on advanced technology and with special attention to design.
The Manfrotto ML840H adds a fresh new dimension to the existing Manfrotto lighting systems; it is the largest and most powerful in the range, and incorporates a ‘‘ball head to hotshoe’’ system that allows it to be pivoted, angled and turned to direct the light as required. It can be mounted on a flash hotshoe either horizontally or vertically thanks to the DUO feature with its two shoe attachments, allowing multiple ML series lights to be stacked together to give an even stronger light.
The Manfrotto ML840H also has a flash setting, triggered by a sync cable, that emits a pulse of light four times brighter than the maximum continuous light it can produce. The presence of a variable dimmer allows for precise control over light output and exposure. In addition to this, it also includes useful light modifying accessories - a diffusor and two gels.
This LED light has an in-built rechargeable lithium battery which will keep it lit at full brightness for approximately 1.5 hours and retails at £249.95. It allows professional photographers and enthusiastic social recorders alike to enjoy full control over the areas that should be illuminated and those where it should be dark.

Samyang 14mm, 24mm, 35mm VDSLR Cine Lenses

Samyang have announced three new VDSLR lenses designed specifically for shooting video. The new Samyang 14mm T3.1 ED AS IF UMC, 24mm T1.5 ED AS IF UMC and 35mm T1.5 AS UMC lenses all include follow-focus gearing and decoupled aperture which allow the focus and aperture to be quietly changed whist filming. Initially available in Canon and Nikon mounts, the new lenses are due for release in August / September 2012, priced from £329.99 to £529.99.
Samyang UK Press Release
AUGUST 9th 2012
Samyang 14mm T3.1 ED AS IF UMC Lens
Samyang 24mm T1.5 ED AS IF UMC Lens
Samyang 35mm T1.5 AS UMC Lens
United Kingdom, August 9th 2012 - Samyang Optics is delighted to announce three new additions to the popular Samyang family, all of which are dedicated for cine purposes.
Lenses with focal length of 14mm, 24mm and 35mm will be available over the coming months.
These lenses are based on the existing types dedicated for digital photography. The new VDSLR lenses differ with the inclusion of follow-focus gearing and decoupled aperture. Such alterations allow the user to smoothly and quietly change focus and aperture / depth of field whist filming. Another feature is the visibility of the aperture and focus scale on the side of the lens.
Initially available in Canon and Nikon mounts. Due for release August / September 2012.  Expected street prices will be:
14mm T3.1 ED AS UMC - £329.99 / Euros 409.99
24mm T1.5 ED AS UMC - £529.99 / Euros 649.99
35mm T1.5 ED AS UMC - £419.99 / Euros 519.99
To find out more about Samyang products visit our website:
http://www.samyang.co.uk

Liquid Image Ego

The Liquid Image Ego is a mountable HD video camera with built-in Wi-Fi. Designed with extreme sports enthusiasts in mind, the Ego includes a multi-directional mounting system with a quick release lever, tripod mount. It records in four modes: Full HD 1080p video at 30 fps; a ‘High Action’ HD 720p video at 60 fps (for capturing fast action with less blurring); 12-megapixel still photo; and a continuous Photo mode. The lens itself is a 136 degrees wide unit, enabling the camera to shoot at a wider angle. The Ego is Wi-Fi enabled allowing users to view footage in real time and stream to their smart phones, tablets, or computers.
The Ego is available in five colours, Black, Red, Blue, White and Yellow and has an RRP of £159.99. It will be available in the UK from August 2012.
Liquid Image Press Release
London, 14th July 2012 Liquid Image, a leader in wearable technology, has announced the launch of its new Ego camera, a small (4.1 x 3 x 6.4cm) mountable HD video camera with built-in Wi-Fi that can be clipped on to various sports equipment.
Following on from the company’s wide range of goggle-mounted cameras that capture footage from the shooter’s point of view only, the new Ego camera can be mounted on bikes, boards and other sports equipment and angled to take photos or video of the user during sporting activity as well - hence the name ‘Ego’.
Designed with extreme sports enthusiasts in mind, the Ego includes a multi-directional mounting system with a quick release lever, tripod mount. It is shower proof down to 10 feet and underwater housing is available to purchase as an accessory that is waterproof down to 100m making it flexible enough for even the most challenging sports environments.
It records in four modes: Full HD 1080p video at 30 fps; a ‘High Action’ HD 720p video at 60 fps (for capturing fast action with less blurring); 12-megapixel still photo; and a continuous Photo mode. The lens itself is a 136 degrees wide unit, enabling the camera to shoot at a wider angle. Unlike many small action cams, it also features an LCD viewfinder/playback screen.
The Ego is Wi-Fi enabled allowing users to view footage in real time and stream to their smart phones, tablets, or computers. No external Wi-Fi attachments are required. Users who download the appropriate app can also control the camera using their smart phone, which could come in handy when the Ego is mounted in hard-to-reach places. Conventional hands-on control is also possible, using two buttons on the camera.
The Ego can take a Micro SDHC card up to 32GB (memory cards are not included), which records thousands of photos and hours of HD video. Files can then be downloaded to a computer with the high speed USB cable provided or with the SD card and the Ego’s internal battery provides over two hours of life before needing recharging.
The Ego is available in five colours, Black, Red, Blue, White and Yellow and has an RRP of £159.99. It will be available in the UK from August 2012.

Multiblitz XLITE

The Multiblitz XLITE is a new extremely versatile monolight for the modern photo studio. Flash output can be controlled over 5 f-stops in 1/10 increments from 30 to 500 Ws, features a built-in radio receiver, and is equipped with the larger V-type bayonet. Pricing for the Multiblitz XLITE starts at 749,00 €.
Multiblitz Press Release
The new XLITE merges modern technology with the principles of the legendary Mini Studio & Variolite systems. The XLITE is an extreme versatile monolight, developed for the demanding daily workload in a modern photo studio. Like all Multiblitz units, the XLITE features a rugged and robust construction, and guarantees peak precision and powerful output.
Flash output can be controlled over 5 f-stops in 1/10 increments from 30 to 500 Ws, which enables possibilities to follow modern photographic trends such as open aperture photography. In the case you are currently working with an older generation Multiblitz unit like the Mini Studio* or Variolite, you will be able to use all your current light shapers on the V-type bayonet featuring XLITE.
The XLITE is equipped with the larger V-type bayonet, enabling the use of the vast amount of Multiblitz V-type light modifiers for all types of lighting preferences and styles of the photographer.
Our newest studio flash system features a built-in radio receiver and can be triggered with the Multiblitz RS2 radio trigger up to distances of 30 m/100 ft. The featured IR slave cell can be switched off and the halogen modeling tube has a lifetime of 2,000 operating hours.
The XLITE provides a new generation of professional photographers with cutting-edge Multiblitz quality at very reasonable terms, and presents to the „more experienced” portraiture photographers an adequate substitute or a complementary alternative for their Mini-Studio or Variolite units (which are usually fully functional after more than 20 years of usage).
*Does not apply to MINI-STUDIO 202 flashes.
Pricing
XLITE 910950-EU XLite 500 Ws w/ integrated wireless receiver. Incl. flash tube, halogen tube 205 W, mains lead, sync lead, protection cap 4046807010039 749,00 €
XLITE-KIT 910953-EU Xlite Kit, 2x500Ws, 2 x 60x100cm softbox, wireless trigger, w/o light stand kit 4046807010046 1.784,00 €
XLITE-KIT-STA 910954-EU Xlite Kit, 2x500Ws, 2 x 60x100cm softbox, wireless trigger, w/ light stand kit 4046807010053 1.964,00 €
XLITE-KOM 910956-EU Xlite Kit, 3x500Ws, 2 x 60x100cm softbox, 1xhoneycomb-reflector, wireless trigger, w/o light stand kit 4046807010060 2.674,00 €
XLITE-KOM-STA 910957-EU Xlite Kit, 3x500Ws, 2 x 60x100cm softbox, 1xhoneycomb-reflector, wireless trigger, w/ light stand kit 4046807010077 2.854,00 €

2012-2013 EISA Awards

The EISA Awards for 2012-2013 have just been announced, with 16 products selected in the Photo category.
From Canon, the EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR has been awarded “European Advanced SLR Camera”, the PowerShot G1 X “European Compact Camera”, and the PIXMA PRO-1 has been awarded the “European Photo Printer”. Nikon take the prizes for “European Professional Camera” for the D4 and “European Camera” for the D800.
The Fujifilm X-Pro1 has been crowned “European Professional Compact System Camera”, while the Olympus TOUGH TG-1 won the award for “European All Weather Camera” and the OM-D won the “European Compact System Camera” award. The Samsung NX20 won “European Advanced Compact System Camera”
The Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD claimed the “European Lens” award and Panasonic’s LUMIX G X VARIO 12-35mm F2.8 ASPH POWER O.I.S. lens won “European Compact System Lens”, with the Sigma APO Macro 150mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM named the “European Macro Lens” award.
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V is the “European Travel Camera” of the year, while the RX100 wins “European Advanced Compact Camera” and the SLT-A57 “European SLR Camera”.
Finally Adobe joined in the fun with Lightroom 4 winning “European Photo Software”.
Website: EISA Awards - Photo

Canon Recalls 68,200 EOS Rebel T4i Cameras

Canon USA has recalled 68,200 EOS Rebel T4i DSLR cameras. Canon have previously stated that the front rubber grips of some units of the Rebel T4i may change color (turn white) after a short period of time. Now the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission have asserted that a chemical used in the camera’s rubber grips can result in a reaction that changes the grips from black to white and poses a risk of skin irritation to the consumer. Canon USA has received one report of a consumer who developed a minor rash after contact with a surface where the camera had been. This recall involves EOS Rebel T4i digital SLR cameras with a 12-digit serial number that contain a second digit that is a “3” or “4” and a sixth digit that is a “1.” Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cameras and contact Canon U.S.A. to have replacement rubber grips installed free of charge.

Tamron How-to Video Series

Tamron has launched a new video series which profiles pro photographers as they shoot on location and present tips for viewers to capture better images. The videos are approximately 6 minutes in length and follow the photographers as they explain their approach to capturing images in their signature style.
Tamron Press Release
TAMRON LAUNCHES NEW HOW-TO VIDEO SERIES  
New video series profiles pro photographers as they shoot on location and present tips for viewers to capture better images  
August 15, 2012, Commack, New York - Tamron USA Inc. announces the launch of a new series of how-to videos to be released on a monthly basis through December 2012. The six videos, aimed at beginners and photo enthusiasts, cover a variety of topics from travel and macro to pet and child portraiture. The videos are approximately 6 minutes in length and follow the photographers as they explain their approach to capturing images in their signature style. Each photographer provides useful tips to help the viewer to create better photographs. The videos will be posted on the company’s YouTube™ channel at http://www.youtube.com/tamronvids.
The How-to Video Series Line-Up
Two of the six videos are available for immediate viewing on Tamron’s YouTube™ channel:
• Tamron How-To Travel Photography: Nature And Scenics featuring Ian Plant (http://youtu.be/cE53VeoAstU)
• Tamron How-To Macro Photography: Equipment, Lighting Tips & More featuring David Maynard (http://youtu.be/bX9Niwg2zbY)
Four more videos will be posted September through December:
• Tamron How-To Pet Photography: Capture Pet Personality in Natural Light and In Their Own Environment featuring Brittany Croft
• Tamron How-To Child Photography: Candid & Posed Natural Light Moments with Your Children featuring Angie Arthur
• Tamron How-To Child Photography: Photographing Babies in the Studio featuring Jami Saunders
• Tamron How-To Child Photography: Painting with Light featuring Andre Costantini
Tamron Channel On YouTube™
Tamron has posted 56 videos to date in a variety of categories that are featured in five playlists: Choosing and Using Lenses; Tamron Technology; A Closer Look At Tamron Lenses; New Lenses; and Tamron 1-Minute DSLR Know-How, a series of videos designed to help new DSLR users get familiar with the features of their camera and how to use the features to make better photographs. There are 12 one-minute videos in part one, and 6 longer videos in part two. Nearly 3,000 people are subscribed to the TamronVids channel.
About Tamron
Tamron is a recognized leader in the manufacture of precision optics, offering a broad selection of meticulously engineered interchangeable lenses for professional photographers and photo enthusiasts. Founded in 1950, Tamron’s passion for innovation brought forth the ground-breaking development of mass-produced hybrid Aspherical elements, giving way to enormously popular compact, wide-range zoom lenses. Dynamic research and development, committed to advanced optical engineering, has produced a stream of award-winning Tamron lenses and defined the All-in-One zoom lens category, exemplified by 2010’s EISA award-winning 18-270mm Di II VC PZD. Astonishingly compact and lightweight, this 15X zoom features proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) technology, effectively counteracting image-degrading blur caused by camera shake along with a fast, quiet PZD (Piezo Drive) autofocus mechanism. Tamron lenses deliver a superb fusion of performance and value, enabling today’s high-resolution digital SLR cameras to perform at their peak.

Photoshop CS6 Unlocked: 101 Tips, Tricks, and Techniques

Photoshop CS6 Unlocked is the must-have handbook for web designers wanting to learn Photoshop CS6. It takes readers through everything they need to get started and then master Photoshop CS6 for their web projects.
Photoshop CS6 Unlocked, 2nd Edition—New from SitePoint
101 Tips, Tricks, and Techniques
Sebastopol, CA—SitePoint, the technology training resources publisher for web professionals, has just launched the 2nd edition of its best-selling book, Photoshop CS6 Unlocked: 101 Tips, Tricks, and Techniques (SitePoint, $39.95) by Corrie Haffly. An impressive 448 pages, it takes readers through everything they need to get started and then master Photoshop CS6 for their web projects.
Photoshop CS6 is the latest version of Adobe’s industry-leading image editor, and includes a series of new creative design tools (such as Content-Aware), as well as a fully redesigned interface.
“Photoshop CS6 Unlocked is the must-have handbook for web designers wanting to learn Photoshop CS6,” explained SitePoint Co-founder Matt Mickiewicz. “In this 2012 edition, readers receive all they need to unlock the power of Photoshop and greatly increase their web design productivity.”
Readers of the book will learn how to:
• Get started with Photoshop
• Manipulate and make text stand out
• Enhance, combine, and adjust web images
• Design a full website layout in Photoshop
• Use Photoshop’s new video editing features
“In Photoshop CS6 Unlocked: 101 Tips, Tricks, and Techniques, author Corrie Haffly demonstrates how to use Photoshop to quickly and easily develop website backgrounds and buttons,” said Mr. Mickiewicz. “The updates in this 2nd edition include creating and using sprites, as well as tons of time-saving tips.”
For review copies or more information please email sitepointpr@oreilly.com. Please include your delivery address and contact information.
About the Author
Corrie Haffly graduated from UC Davis with a degree in mathematics. She created her first simple HTML page in 1998, after which she began working for Advantrics LLC in 2000. Here she brought its PixelMill and John Galt’s Templates brands to the top of the website template market. Corrie went freelance from 2004 to 2010, before joining Synteractive as their lead designer. She lives in Davis with her husband and two sons.
View Corrie Haffly’s full profile page.
Additional Resources
Photoshop CS6 Unlocked is available right now in printed and ebook formats. To download free sample chapters and view the table of contents, visit:
http://www.sitepoint.com/photoshop-cs6-unlocked
Photoshop CS6 Unlocked, 2nd Edition
Publisher: SitePoint
By Corrie Haffly
Print ISBN: 9780987247872   Ebook ISBN: 9780987247889  
Pages: 350
Print Price: $39.95   Ebook Price: $29.00  
order@oreilly.com
1-800-998-9938
1-707-827-7000
About SitePoint
SitePoint’s titles are distributed to bookstores internationally by O’Reilly Media.
SitePoint specializes in publishing fun, practical, and easy-to-understand content for web professionals. Its popular online magazine, blogs, newsletters, and print books teach best practices to web developers and designers worldwide.
SitePoint also runs the #1 Marketplace on the Web for buying and selling web sites, blogs, and forums.
About O’Reilly
O’Reilly Media spreads the knowledge of innovators through its books, online services, magazines, and conferences. Since 1978, O’Reilly Media has been a chronicler and catalyst of cutting-edge development, homing in on the technology trends that really matter and spurring their adoption by amplifying “faint signals” from the alpha geeks who are creating the future. An active participant in the technology community, the company has a long history of advocacy, meme-making, and evangelism

Olympus E-5 Successor at Photokina?

Olympus have issued a vague press release that hints at a successor for the E-5 pro DSLR camera. The head of Olympus’ SLR planning team has said that the company is working on a new body for use with its best “Top Pro” lenses, like the 90-250mm f2.8 zoom. Akira Watanabe “emphasise(s) that Olympus is actively developing a solution and will announce more details in due course” - on the back of that statement, we’d expect to see at least an early mockup of the Olympus E-5 successor at the bi-annual Photokina show next month…
Press Release
Olympus working on new body for top-pro lenses
Akira Watanabe, manager of Olympus Imaging’s SLR planning department, confirmed today that the company is definitely working on a body to deliver the focusing performance expected by users of the Top Pro lens series like the ground breaking 90-250mm f2.8 fixed aperture zoom.
Watanabe has been delighted with the success of the OM-D which has pushed the boundaries of performance for system cameras but acknowledged that it did not deliver with the legacy high end lenses from the E-System. Whilst further information wasn’t forthcoming, he was keen to emphasise that Olympus is actively developing a solution and will announce more details in due course.

Old Film SLR Converted into a Slit-Scan “Photo Finish” Camera

Slit-scan cameras are used to shoot finish line photos due to the fact that recording a moving subject along a strip of film makes it impossible to miss any frames. Engineer and photographer James Guerin was interested in the distinctive look, so he went about building his own slit-scan film camera using an old Pentax SLR.
He ended up with the heavily modified camera seen above: a Pentax ME Super SLR that’s equipped with a special winding system that automatically moves film across a narrow slit as the photos are being exposed.

The camera features a fancy electronic speed control system wired into the Pentax film winder. It has an LED readout of the power level — a setting Guerin sets based on focal length, speed of subject, and distance to subject.
Guerin tells us,

The resulting images are unique and surprising. I love the look of the subjects frozen in motion against the clean candy stripe background. I love the motion artifacts such as the elongation of a subject’s foot planted on the ground.

Here are some photographs shot using the camera:




You can find more of Guerin’s slit-scan photos in this Flickr set. He also has a longer writeup detailing this project on his blog.

Sony’s New HVL60 Speedlight to Include Built-In LED for Video?

This just makes sense.  With all the HDSLR cameras that have been introduced over the past few years, I sort of expected to see more of this sooner (I think Canon’s 320EX is the only first-party unit so far).
Thus far, third party manufacturers have been killing it with hot shoe mounted LED units (see, e.g., LitePanels and ikan).  Since camera manufacturers are charging $200-$600 for speedlights, why not make the units a little more attractive for those shooting both photos and video?
According to SonyAlphaRumors.com, that’s what we’ll see when the Sony HVL60 lands alongside the full frame Sony A99 this September.  Additionally, rumors suggest that the A99 will feature a standard ISO hot shoe (as opposed to Sony’s own funky hot shoe we’ve seen in other recent Sony models), which will make the A99 compatible with a wider range of third-party accessories.
Expect to see more on the Sony A99 and HVL60 speedlight/LED combo as we approach Photokina 2012.

A Small Sigma 180 f/2.8 OS Macro Issue

Issue with the new Sigma Macro
An issue with the Sigma 180mm f/2.8 OS Macro on the 5D Mark III and EOS-1D X has been discovered by LensRentals.com. If this has caused anyone to pull their hair out, the solution is pretty simple, just turn off illumination correction.
Below is an image taken by LensRentals.com showing the phenomenon.

Sigma 180 f/2.8 OS Macro Issue – Click for larger

The Findings

1. The phenomenon shows up on Canon 5D Mk III and 1Dx cameras only. T4i and 7D bodies with firmware upgrade do NOT do this, nor do any other older cameras we could test.
2. The Sigma 180 OS and Sigma 150 OS macro lenses both show the effect and it’s identical. No other Sigma lenses that we stock showed the effect, nor did any Tamron or Tokina lenses. Obviously I can’t test what we don’t carry.
3. If you turn off Illumination Correction in the menu the effect goes away. To repeat, though, Illumination Correction in the 7D and T4i, on or off, doesn’t cause the effect.

The issue probably doesn’t show up on the APS_C cameras because of the image is about the same size as the circular anomaly in the center of the above image.
Read More at LensRentals.com

Canon EF 35 f/1.4L II

The next 35mm…
The oft rumored EF 35 f/1.4L II is being talked about again. We’re told an announcement for the new “L” prime will only happen once the new EF 24-70 f/2.8L II begun shipping in decent quantity.
That would put the announcement sometime in 2012 with availability probably being in early 2013. One patent for the optical forumla has been around for a while.
I’m told as many as 3 prototypes exist, though they have only made it to a very select few photographers.
CRs Take
I’m pretty confident this lens will be announced sooner than later, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see it paired with a new high megapixel camera.

Nikon 1 J1 / V1 Firmware Update 1.20

Nikon has posted firmware updates for the Nikon 1 J1 and Nikon 1 V1 compact system cameras. Version 1.20 (for both models) incorporates the following modifications and fixes:

• The exposure control program used with shooting in Smart Photo Selector mode, or still image shooting mode with Exposure mode set to P Programmed auto or Scene auto selector, has been revised for faster shutter speeds to prevent blurred subjects.
• Auto white balance performance has been increased.
• Exposure accuracy with ISO sensitivity set to Auto 100–3200, Auto 100–800, or Auto 100–400 has been increased with shooting using the optional Speedlight SB-N5 to photograph subjects at close distances.
• The following issues have been resolved.
  - An error message was sometimes displayed during interval timer shooting, preventing capture of the specified number of shots.
  - When the camera was turned on by releasing the retractable lens barrel lock on applicable lenses, there was sometimes a slight delay before the shutter could be released.

Website: Nikon 1 V1 Firmware Update 1.20
Website: Nikon 1 J1 Firmware Update 1.20

Bloomingdale’s to Carry Pentax K-01

Pentax Ricoh Imaging Americas have announced that Bloomingdale’s will carry the Marc Newson designed Pentax K-01 compact system camera. Through August and September 2012, the K-01 will be featured for sale in Bloomingdale’s “Check it Out” national catalogue series and will also be available for purchase online. And beginning October 2012, the K-01 will also be available at 11 different Bloomingdale’s locations across the U.S.A.
Pentax Press Release
Marc Newson Designed PENTAX K-01 Digital Camera to be Sold at Upscale Retailer
Bloomingdale’s to feature the K-01 in catalogues, online, and in stores nationwide
DENVER, CO (August 7, 2012) — PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION (PENTAX), announces today that Bloomingdale’s, America’s only nationwide, full-line, upscale department store, will carry the Marc Newson designed PENTAX K-01 interchangeable lens (ILC) digital camera. Through August and September 2012, the K-01 will be featured for sale in Bloomingdale’s “Check it Out” national catalogue series and will also be available for purchase online at http://www.bloomingdales.com . And beginning October 2012, the K-01 will also be available at 11 different Bloomingdale’s locations across the country. The nationwide locations include:

59th Street - New York
Aventura - Florida
Bergen County - New Jersey
Short Hills - New Jersey
North Michigan - Chicago
San Francisco - California
Roosevelt Field - New York
Century City - California
SoHo - New York
Santa Monica - California
South Coast Plaza - California
“A premier and upscale department store such as Bloomingdale’s is the ideal retail location for the high-style K-01 digital camera,” said Mark Sherengo, Director of Digital Sales & Marketing for PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION. “Bloomingdales’ design-savvy, trend-setting and fashion-forward customers will appreciate the K-01 not only for its high quality image capturing and wide feature set, but also for its unique design elements.”
With a contemporary yet classic style, The PENTAX K-01 mirrorless digital camera features a 16 megapixel APS-C sized CMOS image sensor with low noise image capture and multiple aspect ratios. Additionally, it includes a bright, high-resolution 3-inch LCD with 920,000 dots and full HD 1080p video capture at 30 fps with h.264 compression (60 fps at 720p) for outstanding video capture capabilities.
Internationally known for designing a wide range of furniture and household items such as bicycles, cars, aircraft and yachts, various Marc Newson collections have been on display in The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City as well as many other major museums.
The Yellow K-01 digital camera kit including smc PENTAX-DA 40mm F2.8 XS lens is available for $799.95 USD and includes Marc Newson-designed packaging and the Marc Newson-designed camera strap.
Additional information is available here: http://www.pentaximaging.com/news and product images are available here: http://www.pentaximaging.com/press/pressfiles.html. A video interview with Mark Newson regarding the K-01 design may be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/pentaxian1
About Bloomingdale’s
Bloomingdale’s is America’s only nationwide, full-line, upscale department store and a division of Macy’s, Inc. It was founded in 1872 and currently operates 41 Bloomingdale’s stores and 7 Bloomingdale’s, The Outlet Stores in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Illinois, Minnesota, Georgia, Florida, Nevada, and California. In addition, Bloomingdale’s has an international presence with a location in Dubai. For more information visit http://www.bloomingdales.com .
About PENTAX
PENTAX is a leader in the production of a variety of adventure ready digital cameras including weather-resistant digital SLRs and stylish, compact, waterproof cameras, as well as lenses, flash units, binoculars, scopes, and eyepieces. For more than 90 years, PENTAX has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of adventurous consumers and businesses. With new headquarters in Denver, Colorado, PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION is a subsidiary of PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. effective October 1, 2011. Additional details may be found here: http://www.pentaximaging.com/news

Nikon Coolpix L610

The Nikon Coolpix L610 is a new AA battery powered, 16-megapixel travelzoom camera with 14x optical zoom and Full HD video recording capabilities. Featuring a back-illuminated CMOS sensor, 25-350mm equivalent lens with two ED glass elements and Vibration Reduction, the Nikon Coolpix L610 comes with a dedicated movie record button, mini HDMI port and a 3-inch rear screen boasting a resolution of 460,000 dots. Priced at $249.95/£199.99/€249.00, the Nikon Coolpix L610 will be available in red, black and silver beginning September 2012.
Nikon Press Release
Nikon’s New COOLPIX L610 Compact Camera with Incredible Zoom Lens Makes it Easy to Capture a Family’s Active, Always On-the-Go Lifestyle
The New COOLPIX L610 Provides Users with a Powerful 14x Zoom and a 16-Megapixel CMOS Sensor to Document Any Excursion with Amazing Photos and Full HD Video
MELVILLE, N.Y. – Today, Nikon Inc. introduced the new COOLPIX L610, an affordable compact digital camera featuring an impressive 14x optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens and an Easy Auto Mode to help ensure the capture of stunning photos and Full HD (1080p) video. Whether shooting on vacation in the tropical sun or capturing a night game from the stands, the 16-megapixel backside illuminated CMOS sensor helps conquer challenging lighting conditions for picture-perfect memories. 

The COOLPIX L610 offers performance and versatility not commonly found among affordable super zoom cameras. Featuring a precise autofocus system, a large 3-inch LCD monitor that provides a bright display with faithful color reproduction, and the convenience of AA-size battery support, the L610 ensures a memorable shooting experience to capture memories with great images and HD video.

“The new COOLPIX L610’s 14x zoom lens and CMOS sensor give consumers the boost they need to capture their favorite moments wherever life takes them,” said Bo Kajiwara, Vice President of Marketing, Planning and Customer Experience, Nikon Inc. “Lightweight and compact, the L610 is the essential camera for any family activity.”

Versatile Performance for Everyday Adventures
Photographers can experience amazing depth and sharpness in their photos thanks to the 14x optical zoom that covers from a wide-angle 25mm to a distant 350mm (35mm format equivalent), making this an ideal camera to cover near, far and everything in between. This high-performance NIKKOR lens has two ED glass elements and lens construction consisting of 11 elements in 10 groups. For photographing close-up subjects, macro shooting is possible from as close as approximately 0.4 in/1 cm (at wide-angle setting). Additionally, optical VR image stabilization minimizes the effects of camera shake to help users create sharp, clear photos and videos in challenging light or while handheld.  With a 16.0-megapixel backside illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor, image details can be beautifully reproduced even in low-light.

Easy to Capture Memories Through Photo and HD Video
To create consistently great images, Nikon’s Easy Auto Mode automatically selects from among six Scene Modes including Portrait, Landscape, Night Portrait, Night landscape, Close-up and Backlighting to fit the most common challenging scenes. By simply framing the subject, the most appropriate Scene Mode is automatically selected according to the shooting situation. This allows the photographer to be ready for any possible occasion, whether it is a flattering portrait of a friend in front of a nighttime city skyline, or a subject that is backlit from the sun. What’s more, the COOLPIX L610 adds the convenience of easily accessible AA battery power, so at home or far away, power will always be within reach even if an outlet is not.

Furthermore, users can enjoy recording impressive movies in Full HD 1080p with stereo sound. The conveniently located Movie-Record button enables one-touch recording at anytime. To make sharing simple, the HDMI mini connector and USB/audio video connector make it quick and easy to upload videos and photos.

Price and Availability
The Nikon COOLPIX L610 will be available in September 2012 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $249.95* in a variety of colors including Red, Black and Silver. For more information about this COOLPIX camera or other Nikon products, please visit http://www.nikonusa.com.
About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics as well as the new Nikon 1 advanced camera with interchangeable lens system. In 2012, production of NIKKOR lenses surpassed 70 million, creating a new milestone in Nikon’s heritage of superior optics. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web’s most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon and other photographers on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nikon and get the latest news and information from Twitter by following @NikonUSA.
*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
Specifications, equipment and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.
Nikon UK Press Release
Simply perfect: the compact COOLPIX L610 with 14x zoom
RRP:  £199.99 / €249.00
Sales start date: Thursday 23rd August 2012

London, UK, 9th August 2012: Nikon today introduces the COOLPIX L610, an easy-to-use, intuitive compact camera with a premium design. With a 16-megapixel backlit CMOS image sensor, Full HD movie recording, Lens-Shift Vibration Reduction and Easy Auto mode with an intelligent AF control system, important moments with family and friends will be captured effortlessly and beautifully. A NIKKOR 14x optical zoom lens also opens up creative possibilities, making the COOLPIX L610 the perfect companion for any holiday or special occasion.

James Loader, Product Manager for Consumer Products at Nikon UK, comments: “The COOLPIX L610 is as easy to use as it is to handle, with intuitive functions and a compact design that features an ergonomic grip to help you capture special moments with ease.

He adds: “Beginners to photography will benefit from the Easy Auto Mode, Scene Auto Selector and a smart autofocus system, leaving you to concentrate solely composing your shot with your friends or family.”
See the bigger picture
Packing a powerful 14x NIKKOR optical zoom lens, the COOLPIX L610 offers outstanding precision and sharp resolution even when taking wide-angle holiday shots or capturing a shot of a large group of friends. Meanwhile, the 16-megapixel backlit CMOS sensor ensures natural looking colours, even if you shoot in a low light situation such as a candle-lit dinner.
Easy Panorama mode extends your view even further by offering 360° and 180° photos. While you pan vertically or horizontally across a scene, the camera’s CMOS sensor takes a rapid burst of frames which are merged to instantly create a beautiful panoramic view.

Making memorable photos easy
The COOLPIX L610 is the camera that takes care of everything, ensuring you can enjoy perfect images every time. Select one of the 19 scene modes to best match your shooting situation, or shoot in Easy Auto Mode and let Scene Auto Selector choose the optimum setup for you. The intelligent autofocus control system can also automatically select the best focus area for sharp results whatever your subject is, and wherever it’s positioned in the frame.

Full HD (1080p) movie recording with stereo sound
Now you can get Full HD filming on demand, with a dedicated movie-record button which instantly switches from photos to video. 14x optical zoom and autofocus are available during recording and enable you to get closer to the action.

Take creative control
The COOLPIX L610 makes it simple to get creative with your images and movies. The Quick Retouch Menu lets you enhance the photos you have taken without the need for a computer, offering a range of filter effects such as Selective Colour, which converts your image to monochrome and adds a splash of colour to an area of your choice, or Cross Screen, which adds a starry effect to bright objects.

The COOLPIX L610 comes in three colours: red, black and silver.

Nikon 1 Nikkor 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6

The Nikon 1 Nikkor11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 is a new compact standard zoom for the Nikon 1 system. Constructed of 8 elements in 6 groups, the Nikon 1 Nikkor 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 lens has an angle-of-view range of 72° to 32°20’‘, equivalent to that of a 30-75mm lens in a 35mm system. Available from September 2012 for £179.99/€217.00/$189.95, Nikon’s new 11-27.5mm lens will be offered in back and white, and will be compatible with the Nikon 1 J2 as well as the Nikon 1 V1 and Nikon 1 J1.

Nikon 1 J2

The Nikon 1 J2 is a new, 10.1-megapixel compact system camera offering a novel Creative Mode, a metallic body and high-resolution LCD screen. Retaining the headline features of its predecessor, the Nikon 1 J2 comes with a CX-format CMOS sensor, Advanced Hybrid Autofocus system, EXPEED 3 image processing engine, 10fps continuous shooting with AF (and 60fps without), plus Full HD movie recording. Priced at $549.95 including a 10-30mm kit lens, the Nikon 1 J2 will be available in white, black, silver, pink, red and orange starting September 2012.
Nikon Press Release
Nikon Expands Its Popular Nikon 1 System with the Addition of the New Nikon 1 J2 Camera and 1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm F/3.5-5.6 Lens
Nikon’s Dedication to the Growing Nikon 1 System Provides Users with Even More Creative Freedom and Outlets for Self Expression
MELVILLE, N.Y. – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the expansion of the popular Nikon 1 Advanced Camera with Interchangeable Lens System with the addition of the Nikon 1 J2 camera and the 1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 lens to provide users with amazing image quality and stunning 1080p HD video in a portable, powerful package. The Nikon 1 System, including the new Nikon 1 J2 and the 1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm lens, is engineered from the ground up to give users the freedom to capture and connect with others to share life experiences.

The Nikon 1 J2 improves upon the Nikon 1 J1 with new features such as a Creative Mode that provides a variety of photo effects to users, a metallic body, a higher resolution LCD screen and the addition of stylish new color offerings. Made for those seeking portability without compromising stunning image quality and quick performance, the J2 is the camera designed to empower users to capture their world like never before with stunning and sharp image and HD video quality. In addition to the camera, the 11-27.5mm lens is a super-compact zoom lens that offers a helpful 2.5x zoom range in an easily pocketable size.

“Building on the success and popularity of the Nikon 1 cameras and lenses, the new J2 and 11-27.5mm lens are welcomed additions to the ever growing Nikon 1 System,” said Bo Kajiwara, Vice President of Marketing, Planning and Customer Experience, Nikon Inc. “Expanding the Nikon 1 System demonstrates Nikon’s continued dedication to creating compact and portable advanced cameras with interchangeable lenses that are easy-to-use and allow users to explore and redefine their creativity.”

Expanding the Nikon 1 System: The New Nikon 1 J2 Camera
The new Nikon 1 J2 offers a new Creative Mode accessible from the Mode Dial of the camera to let users express themselves in new creative ways. When in Creative Mode, photographers will be able to take advantage of several shooting modes including Panorama, Selective Color, Miniature, Soft, Night Landscape, Backlighting and Night Portraits. By selecting these modes, the camera will automatically adjust the settings for optimal results when capturing an image, yielding fun photos for a variety of conditions. The Creative Mode will also provide fast access to manual exposure controls (P,S,A,M), similar to those found on Nikon D-SLR cameras, for the ultimate in creative control and flexibility.

In addition to the new Creative Mode, the J2 will sport a metallic camera body and Mode Dial giving the camera a sharp look and comfortable feel in hand. To match users’ varying styles and color preferences, the camera will come in a variety of fashionable colors including White, Black, Silver and Pink, as well as two new colors, a deep Red and Orange. The Red and Pink varieties of the J2 will have a textured grip to complement their vibrant color schemes. What’s more, the camera’s new high-resolution 3.0-inch, 921,000 dot LCD monitor provides sharper detail when sharing and composing images and HD videos.

True to the Nikon 1 promise, the J2 is the ultimate marriage of performance and ease-of-use wrapped in an attractive package. The new Nikon 1 J2 features a 10.1-megapixel CX-format CMOS sensor and the EXPEED 3 image processing engine to give users images and HD video with amazing fidelity and color, along with the ability to capture images in challenging lighting situations. The highly responsive Advanced Hybrid Autofocus (AF) system gives users a superfast shooting speed, allowing them to capture fast action with stunning clarity while the camera’s 73 point AF array will ensure accuracy and super precise focus, even on moving subjects.

The Nikon 1 J2 retains user-friendly features such as Full HD video recording, and a reputation for blazing fast speed with the ability to capture rapidly moving subjects at an astounding 10 frames-per-second (fps) with AF, or up to 60 fps with AF locked on the first frame. For even more creative freedom and to capture fleeting moments, Motion Snapshot Mode gives the ability to capture a spontaneous moment as a still image and combines it with a slow motion movie vignette. To help ensure the best shot every time, Smart Photo Selector captures multiple shots and lets the camera select the best one automatically.

Expanding the 1 NIKKOR Lens Lineup: The New 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens
Alongside the new Nikon 1 J2, the versatile 1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm lens will inspire shooters to take their creative expression on-the-go with an extremely versatile yet compact and lightweight lens. With a 2.5x zoom (30-74mm equivalent), this is an ideal lens for general shooting including landscapes, portraiture or even as the go-to lens on the next family vacation. The 11-27.5mm lens will be offered in Black and White, and will be compatible with the Nikon J2 as well as the Nikon 1 V1 and Nikon 1 J1.

New Underwater Case for the Nikon 1 J2 and J1
Nikon has also announced the addition of a new accessory to the Nikon 1 System, one that will allow users to use their Nikon 1 cameras during water-based adventures and vacations for even more creative freedom and expression. The new WP-N1 is an underwater case that can house either the Nikon 1 J1 or new J2 in addition to the versatile 1 NIKKOR 10-30mm lens. The WP-N1 is ideal for users that enjoy the versatility of their Nikon 1 cameras but seek a way to protect their camera during their active lifestyle. The WP-N1 will allow users to bring their Nikon 1 camera on a beach vacation or water sport adventure like kayaking, jet skiing, snorkeling and surfing without having to worry about damage from the water. The case is waterproof up to 40 meters (approx. 131 feet), allowing consumers to enjoy the sun and surf while bringing back stunning photos and HD videos to share with their family and friends.

Price and Availability
The Nikon 1 J2 camera with the 10-30mm lens will be available in September 2012 for the suggested retail price (SRP) of $549.95*. The 1 NIKKOR 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 lens will also be available in late September 2012 and will have a suggested retail price (SRP) of $189.95*. Additionally, the new WP-N1, the underwater case for either the Nikon 1 J1 or the Nikon 1 J2, will be available in September 2012 and will have a suggested retail price (SRP) of $749.95*. For more information on these new Nikon 1 series products and other Nikon products, please visit http://www.nikonusa.com.

About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics as well as the new Nikon 1 advanced camera with interchangeable lens system. In 2012, production of NIKKOR lenses surpassed 70 million, creating a new milestone in Nikon’s heritage of superior optics. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web’s most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon and other photographers on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nikon and get the latest news and information from Twitter by following @NikonUSA.
*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
Specifications, equipment and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.