Feb 032010
 

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., February 3, 2010 – The new Olympus PEN® E-PL1 is truly greater than the sum of its parts, with a surprisingly small camera body packed with technology normally found in bigger, bulkier and heavier professional Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras and High-Definition (HD) camcorders. This third-generation PEN is built for shutterbugs who always wanted better pictures and considered a DSLR, but were intimidated by the bulky size and complex interface. The new camera’s simple design and easy interface enable consumers to easily create amazing images never dreamt possible. It will make you wonder how Olympus managed to put all of these powerful features inside such a compact camera for only $599.99.

E-PL1+14-42mmLBlk_Front_Blk

Continue reading »

Feb 022010
 

Hasselblad brings Medium Format DSLR advantages to new generation of photographers with new H4D-40 camera.hasselblad.png

The announcement of Hasselblad’s H4D line of cameras and True Focus technology heralded the beginning of a new chapter in the history of medium format DSLRs. Now, with the launch of the H4D-40, Hasselblad is announcing its intent to bring the advantages of Medium Format DSLRs to high-end 35mm photographers.

Continue reading »

Feb 012010
 

Hasselblad confuses me. I signed an NDA (which I am honoring, BTW) that restricts me from discussing their new camera product, the H4D-40. I can say the name because I have two general emails from them stating it, their website states it, and Photo Pro Magazine in the UK has a print ad with the camera name and the launch date.

topimage-firstlook-q110.jpg

OK, I’m all for product secrecy before launch and everything, but why go through the motions if the company themselves (and their PR firm) blow the NDA?

What exactly have you legally bound me to do?

Not talk about the product? – You are doing that.

Not discuss technical details? – You haven’t sent me any. I can deduce them from other press releases and guess the missing bits.

Not show any sample images? – You haven’t sent me a sample camera to shoot with. I can assume that you tapped some of the Hasselblad Masters to showcase the product and they will undoubtedly produce some truly stunning images with it, but if you are going through the motions and expense of an NDA, send those of us who agreed to your terms a camera to test on our own, not in some controlled experiment.

NDA means Non Disclosure Agreement. It’s only meaningful if there is something to disclose. It’s not a tool to let the company make announcements before anybody else.

For those of you who want to register for the event, click on the picture above.

Jan 112010
 

RED Scarlet and Bomb EVF surprise hands-on! — Engadget

The boys at Engadget got to fondle the upcoming RED Scarlet DSMC (Digital Stills and Motion Camera) thanks to “Ted from RED”. The unit in the video is a non-working prototype, but it does give you an idea of the form-factors being designed here.

Later in the video Ted mentions pricing (actually reasonable) and expected delivery dates (late Spring/early Summer for Scarlet) but stated that they are “very fluid”.

Video after the jump. Continue reading »

Oct 142009
 

Nikon Once Again Redefines Possibilities with D-SLR Photography with Six-Figure ISO Sensitivity for Stills and Video While Enhancing Overall Performance

MELVILLE, N.Y. (Oct. 14, 2009) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the FX-format D3S D-SLR, providing professional photographers with a powerful tool that redefines the boundaries of digital SLR versatility, while maintaining the strength of superior image quality and high speed performance inherited from the groundbreaking D3. The D3S enables not only new opportunities in low-light photography, but also provides photographers with added shutter speed and aperture freedom with a base ISO sensitivity range from ISO 200 to a remarkable 12,800. Additionally, expanded ISO equivalent settings up to a staggering 102,400 are available, enabling photographers to create images previously thought impossible.

The Nikon D3S builds upon the success of the Nikon D3—the professional digital SLR that set new standards for D-SLR performance and utilizes a newly designed, Nikon original 12.1-megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor that also integrates its amazing low-light ability to High Definition (HD) video, creating a uniquely capable multi-media tool to meet the needs of a changing imaging landscape.

Get Adobe Flash player

Continue reading »

Sep 282009
 

COPENHAGEN, September 28, 2009 – Phase One, the world’s leader in open-platform medium format camera systems and solutions, today announced the phase1logo.jpgPhase One 645DF camera. Engineered in partnership with Mamiya Digital Imaging for superior quality image capture and ease of handling, it sets a new standard for high flash sync speeds – up to 1/1600 of a second.

Also today, Phase One announced the availability of three new high performance leaf shutter lenses, 55mm, 80mm and 110mm, all f/2.8 and all designed with the Phase One 645DF camera in mind. The lenses are a result of close collaboration with Mamiya Digital Imaging and Schneider Kreuznach (see today’s related announcement).

[mbs slideshow=1]

Continue reading »

Sep 052009
 

Open-source camera could revolutionize photography (w/ Video): “”

Stanford computer science professor Marc Levoy and graduate student Andrew Adams with their open-source source camera. Anyone will be able to create new features for the camera by writing aps that control all the camera’s functions — focus, exposure, shutter speed, flash, etc. Cameras could be taught new tricks with downloadable apps, analogous to iPhone apps. Credit: L.A. Cicero, Stanford News Service

(Via PhysOrg.com.)

Sep 022009
 

Secaucus, NJ (September 2, 2009) – Today, Panasonic announced the new LUMIX DMC-GF1, the latest addition to the award-winning LUMIX G Series, which debuts as the world’s smallest and lightest system digital camera with a built-in flash*. The LUMIX DMC-GF1 distinguishes itself from previous models with its elegant, compact design reminiscent of classic film cameras, yet builds on Panasonic’s success with the revolutionary LUMIX G Series of digital interchangeable lens system cameras based on the Micro Four Thirds system standard. With its compact size, user-friendly design and ability to record High Definition (HD) video and take professional-quality photos, the LUMIX GF1 continues to redefine digital photography standards.GF1-web.jpg

“Panasonic changed the digital camera industry with the world’s first Micro Four Thirds digital camera, the LUMIX G1 – a compact “DSLR-like” digital camera that produces exceptional image quality. Then, as we continued to raise the innovation bar, Panasonic launched the LUMIX GH1, adding full High Definition 1080p video recording with continuous auto focus,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “The new LUMIX GF1 continues the evolution and is the perfect addition to our LUMIX G Series, as its sophisticated, small body makes it easier and more convenient to carry. The GF1 is ideal for point-and-shoot consumers looking to step-up to DSLR-quality or for current DSLR users who want greater convenience without compromising performance quality or creative flexibility.” Continue reading »

Sep 012009
 

Lake Success, N.Y., September 1, 2009 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today introduced a revolutionaryCanon EOS 7D camera that redefines the highly competitive mid-range DSLR product category: the Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR camera. Professional photographers and advanced amateurs have been demanding higher performance and more diverse functions in their cameras, and Canon has answered – with the new EOS 7D. Far more than a slight improvement from a previous model, the EOS 7D DSLR is a brand new product that stands on its own with new features never before seen in any Canon camera. Whether it’s shooting at eight frames per second (fps), focusing with the new Zone AF mode or recording 24p Full HD video, the EOS 7D DSLR camera satisfies the most rigorous professional requirements with durability, flexibility, high-resolution images and customizable controls. With its unprecedented out-of-the-box performance and high-end feature set, the EOS 7D is poised as the ultimate step-up camera for serious photographers or a second camera for professionals in the field.

The EOS 7D boasts significant EOS advancements including a completely new 19-point Autofocus system, a new Canon iFCL Metering System (Intelligent Focus, Color, Luminance) and a new Intelligent Viewfinder. An 18-megapixel Canon CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Imaging Processors fuel the EOS 7D’s 14-bit A/D data conversion and its ability to freeze fast motion in high-resolution with eight fps continuous shooting up to 126 Large JPEGS using a UDMA CF card, positioning this camera for the studio as well as the sideline. The EOS 7D captures beautiful low-light images with or without a flash, at occasions such as a dance recital or wedding reception, thanks to a wide range of ISO speed settings from 100-6400 (expandable to 12,800). In addition to its new still capture capabilities, the EOS 7D features Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution with selectable frame rates of 24p, 25p or 30p. Native 24p recording helps videographers achieve a more cinema-style look for their footage without the need for post-processing.

“The EOS 7D represents a completely new chapter in digital photography and Canon product development. This camera stands alone as the most functional and innovative DSLR Canon has released to-date, bringing together all of the best professional features offered, along with numerous user requests at a price-point everyone can appreciate,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. Continue reading »

Jun 152009
 

The Olympus E-P1, their long-awaited entry into the Micro Four-Thirds arena announced last year, is going to be formally announced tomorrow. Many images have surfaced including a tiny version of this:

Olympus E-P1

I should have full press releases on the 16th and hopefully a review sample some time thereafter. I just hope they offer it in black…

Switch to our mobile site