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New “Mamiya Leaf” Brand Delivers Strong Worldwide Synergy

Carlos Echenique — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:35:22 +0000

TOKYO and TEL AVIV, January 16, 2012– Mamiya Digital Imaging, a trusted manufacturer and developer of medium-format cameras and optics, and Leaf Imaging Ltd., a leading manufacturer and developer of digital backs for the medium and large-format photography markets, today announced that they have created a new, worldwide Mamiya Leaf brand that integrates both companies’ product lines into one complete medium-format digital camera system offering, streamlines new product development and establishes more efficient customer sales and support. The new Mamiya Leaf brand represents a synergy of the best that these two companies can offer as highly competent suppliers of comprehensive, fully-integrated high-end digital photography systems comprising digital camera backs, bodies and lenses. Together, the companies are focusing on delivering new Mamiya Leaf camera systems. Unified support from worldwide Mamiya Leaf partners/distributors is also expected to be a major advantage for photographers; they will now be able to enjoy one-stop expert service for all of the various components of a Mamiya Leaf medium format digital camera system. “Creating a new Mamiya Leaf brand represents a win-win situation for photographers” said Dov Kalinksi, Leaf General Manager. “Not only will photographers be able to immediately benefit from a highly advanced, fully-integrated medium format [...]

Olympus Introduces New Micro Four Thirds Lens

Carlos Echenique — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:42:01 +0000

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., December 14, 2011 – Olympus adds to its powerfully simple and growing PEN family with the first fully-compatible interchangeable Micro Four Thirds lens to incorporate an electronic motorized zoom. The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm F3.5-6.3 EZ (35mm equivalent 24–100mm) delivers smooth, quiet zooming that gives you versatility, portability and maximizes the performance of the Olympus PEN® compact system cameras. The sophisticated new lens has a zoom ratio of approximately 4.2x, allowing photographers to capture anything from detailed, wide-angle group shots to medium telephoto-range images so you can get up close and personal for intimate portraits of children and pets – even indoors. The photographer can control the zooming speed by turning the barrel – slowly for drama, quickly for performance, or at an intermediate rate. Manual zooming is also available for those looking to take full control. In macro mode, which can be set by pushing the zoom ring forward while depressing the macro button on the side of the lens, focusing is possible between 8 and 20 inches for close-up shooting with a maximum image magnification of 0.72X (35mm camera equivalent). The L-Fn (Lens Function) button suspends the autofocusing operation temporarily to avoid unintended focusing on [...]

Sony NEX-7 Deliveries in USA this month – Limited Availability

Carlos Echenique — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 19:56:01 +0000

Sony USA today issued a statement that they would begin limited shipment of the flood-delayed NEX-7 mirror less camera. Those who pre-ordered the camera will be attended to first. Sony USA statement: “Sony USA is happy to announce that limited quantities of the new NEX-7 camera will begin shipping to pre-order customers this month. Overall production capacity remains restrained as a result of the recent floods in Thailand, but we’ve made significant progress recovering our manufacturing capabilities and supply chain. We’re continuing to aggressively pursue all efforts to restore full production capability of the NEX-7 and other affected models.”

Tamron Announces the 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III VC for Sony NEX

Carlos Echenique — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:47:43 +0000

December 8, 2011, Saitama, Japan – Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Morio Ono; Headquarters: Saitama City), a leading manufacturer of optical equipment, announced the introduction of an exciting new lens, the 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III** VC (Model B011). The new high-power zoom lens is designed for the Sony E-mount system of its NEX series interchangeable-lens, lightweight and compact digital cameras. Sales in Japan will commence from December 15, 2011. Product Features High-power 18-200mm(*1) lightweight and compact zoom lens weighing 460g with a 62mm filter is designed for the E-mount system of Sony’s NEX series mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras. Equipped with Tamron’s acclaimed VC (Vibration Compensation), the lens enables easy handheld shooting from 18mm wide angle to 200mm full telephoto. Striking appearance worthy of the NEX series design. The metallic lens barrel exterior is available in two colors: black and silver. Stepping motor adopted for the AF drive, a construction that accommodates Contrast-detection AF and shooting video. * “Mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras” are also known as “Compact System Cameras.” **Di III (Digitally integrated design): A designation Tamron gives to lenses engineered specifically for mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras with no internal mirror box or pentaprism, adopting an optical design that matches the characteristics of [...]

LEICA CAMERA OFFERS FIRMWARE UPDATE 1.176 FOR THE LEICA M9 AND M9-P

Carlos Echenique — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:33:32 +0000

Allendale, NJ (December 6, 2011) – Leica Camera, Inc. announces the latest firmware update, 1.176, for the Leica M9 and M9-P, the world’s smallest, full-frame digital system cameras. Users wishing to benefit from the new offerings can download the firmware update from the Leica Camera website. Firmware update 1.176 eliminates a rare fault occurring during the formatting of SanDisk cards, ensuring compatibility with the Leica M9 and M9-P in accordance with the cameras’ respective standards. All card types available from SanDisk have been fully tested by Leica’s expert technical team and firmware version 1.176 guarantees their proper function, resulting in the previous constrictions on the cards being revoked. Leica Camera is dedicated to providing products that exhibit mastery in optics and mechanics, high-quality design and outstanding craftsmanship, resulting in an uncompromised customer experience. The company thanks all affected customers for their patience and support in searching for the cause of the compatibility issues as well as SanDisk for their intensive technical assistance. For installation instructions and to download firmware update 1.176, please visit: http://en.leica-camera.com/service/downloads/rangefinder_cameras/m9_m9-p/index.html. About the Leica M9 and M9-P: As the world’s first digital rangefinder camera with a 24 x 36 sensor, the Leica M9 carries the proud heritage [...]

Leica Camera and Seedlight Workshops Host “Preserving Patagonia” Conservation and Travel Photography Workshop

Carlos Echenique — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:21:13 +0000

Allendale, NJ (November 29, 2011) – Leica Camera, Inc., the legendary German camera manufacturer, is collaborating with Seedlight Workshops, developer of environmental photography workshops, to host “Preserving Patagonia: Conservation Photography with the Patagonia Sur Foundation.” Taking place March 3-10, 2012 in Chilean Patagonia, this experiential workshop is led by Conservation Photojournalist Bridget Besaw. Throughout the week, participants learn documentary and travel photography techniques and capture all aspects of the story of Patagonia conservation in breathtaking quality with Leica Camera’s flagship M9 and M9-P digital rangefinder cameras as well as the entire portfolio of lenses. “We are very excited to partner with Bridget Besaw for this incomparable travel experience,” said Christian Erhardt, Vice President of Marketing at Leica Camera, Inc. “A Leica in hand, participants interpret and capture fleeting moments to document the planet’s natural resources and the people who work, play and steward Patagonia’s impressive and irreplaceable landscape.” Workshop participants spend the week with Bridget Besaw amidst her six month project of documenting the preservation and stewardship of the Aysén region of Patagonia in conjunction with the Patagonia Sur Foundation. After learning relevant photographic techniques during informative lectures, participants put them into practice in the field. The result is a [...]

Hasselblad gets festive with half-price lens deal

Carlos Echenique — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:59:34 +0000

Hasselblad is offering customers who buy a new H4D-40 camera with an 80mm lens the chance to buy a second HC/HCD lens of their choice at a massive 50% discount. The exclusive Christmas/New Year deal means that a photographer opting for an HCD 4-5.6/35-90mm zoom lens could save up to GBP 2,397 / USD 3,747 overall on the purchase. Explained Chris Russell-Fish, Hasselblad Global Sales and Marketing Director: “There has never been a better time to invest in the cutting edge Hasselblad H4D-40. We have just announced excellent free firmware upgrades on all new H4D-40 and H4D-50 cameras including: one-click instant digital focus check, two directional electronic spirit level, an improved high resolution display and a brand new rear display with grip info on the back And from now until the end of January photographers buying an H4D-40 with an 80mm lens can get half price discounts on any H line lens from the HCD 4/28mm wide angle upwards.” Any photographer keen to take advantage of this promotion should visit the Hasselblad website at www.hasselblad.com/h4d-40-lenscampaign or contact their local dealer for more information.

LEICA CAMERA OFFERS FIRMWARE UPDATE 1.174 FOR THE LEICA M9 AND M9-P

Carlos Echenique — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:23:40 +0000

Allendale, NJ (November 14, 2011) - Leica Camera, Inc. is pleased to announce the latest firmware update, 1.174, for the Leica M9 and M9-P, the world’s smallest, full-frame digital system cameras. Users wishing to benefit from the new offerings can now download the firmware update from the Leica Camera website and take advantage of new, improved features. Firmware update 1.174 features an update of the SD card driver, fixing a bug that led to faulty behavior and allowing for a more stable general performance with most SD card types. Supporting Leica’s commitment to an uncompromised customer experience, these latest improvements come as the result of feedback from M9 and M9-P users who served as beta testers in a broad based field test. At this time, Leica does not recommend utilizing the San Disk Extreme Pro UHS-1 (all card sizes) and San Disk Extreme HD Video SDHC 1 (all card sizes) as a 100% error free status has not been achieved. Support for these cards continues to be developed by Leica’s dedicated technical team and will be made available after successful testing compatibility. For installation instructions and to download firmware update 1.174, please visit: http://en.leica-camera.com/service/downloads/software-_firmwareupdates/m9/index.html. About the Leica M9 and M9-P: As [...]

Lytro, Inc. Unveils the World’s First Consumer Light Field Camera

Carlos Echenique — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:20:11 +0000

Groundbreaking new camera instantly captures interactive, living pictures to share with friends and family online

Canon U.S.A. Introduces The New Canon EOS-1D X Digital SLR Camera, Re-Designed From The Inside Out

Carlos Echenique — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 06:01:06 +0000

Featuring a Completely New 61-Point Autofocus, Fast Shooting up to 12 fps, 18-Megapixel Full-Frame CMOS Sensor, Full HD Video Recording and Much More

Sigma Corporation Announces Availability and Pricing for Updated Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 II DC OS HSM

Carlos Echenique — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:10:33 +0000

New, stabilized, multipurpose, high-zoom lens offers higher performing glass for landscape, portrait shooters

Phase One and Schneider Kreuznach Announce Innovative New Lens Designs

Carlos Echenique — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:14:27 +0000

Phase One, medium format market leader and precision lens maker Schneider Kreuznach today announced a series of new lenses. Building on two years of intense collaboration including delivering four new lenses to market, the companies have now designed another four superior quality lenses for professional photographers.

Phase One Opens Enrollment for PODAS New Zealand Photography Workshop

Carlos Echenique — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:51:09 +0000

PODAS New Zealand Workshop is for Serious Photographers Who Want to Have Fun. Phase One Digital Artist Series Worskshops are Designed to Help You Broaden Your Horizons and Perfect Your Vision .

Seagate is the First Manufacturer to Break the Capacity Ceiling with a New 4TB GoFlex Desk Drive

Carlos Echenique — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 06:16:14 +0000

CUPERTINO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Seagate (NASDAQ:STX) today announced it is shipping a new 4TB GoFlex® Desk external hard drive – the highest capacity hard drive in the industry. This latest addition to the GoFlex Family of external hard drives showcases Seagate’s new desktop design. The streamlined industrial design delivers a smaller footprint and better reflects the aesthetic of today’s modern offices while still providing all of the benefits of previous generations of the GoFlex drives. The new 4TB GoFlex Desk drive is now available from www.seagate.com and will be available from select online retailers within the month for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $249.99 USD. The entire line of GoFlex Desk products will also adopt the new industrial design in the coming weeks. The GoFlex Desk for Mac external drive featuring both FireWire 800 and USB 2.0 will be available in Apple stores by the end of the month. “Yet another industry first for Seagate, we have reached a new high-capacity in the 3.5-inch hard drive form factor. At Seagate, we are committed to pushing the limits for our customers and will continue to adapt and innovate our products based on customer needs” said Patrick Connolly, vice president and general manager of Retail products for Seagate. “This latest GoFlex® Desk drive offering, with its new industry-leading capacity point, [...]

Fujifilm Unveils the X10 Premium Compact Camera

Carlos Echenique — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:47:16 +0000

FUJIFILM Corporation (President and CEO: Shigetaka Komori) is proud to announce the addition of a new premium compact camera to its digital camera line up for Autumn 2011. The X10 features a large 2/3″ 12 megapixel EXR CMOS sensor and a high-definition F2.0 wide-angle and F2.8 telephoto FUJINON 4x manual zoom lens (28-112mm)*1 that is characterised by its brightness and superb picture quality right up to the edge of an image. The X10 is a highly advanced compact camera with specifications that follow in the footsteps of the sought after multi award-winning FinePix X100 (released in March 2011): the ultimate in refined design, components, functions and specification. Featuring a bright optical zoom viewfinder with a wide viewing angle, the X10 allows users to enjoy the pleasure of photography via a traditional viewfinder, providing all the benefits and ease of composition that this brings. Thorough attention to detail is evident as soon as you take hold of the X10′s stunning body. With its upper control deck and base manufactured from lightweight, yet ultra strong, die-cast magnesium alloy; and mode dials and lens ring featuring their quality, aluminium milled, textured finish. The intuitive operability of the various dials and [...]

Hasselblad announces free firmware update that brings the H4D-60’s features to the H4D-40 and H4D-50

Carlos Echenique — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 19:43:22 +0000

A recent firmware update for the H4D-60 brought Hasselblad’s flagship camera to a new level of sophistication with added features and functionality. Now, H4D-40 and H4D-50 users can benefit from the same advancements thanks to the free user-installable firmware. Hasselblad is supporting this exciting news with a campaign that sends photographers an extraordinary message: “You’ve got a brand new camera (You just don’t know it yet)”. So let’s take a quick look at some of the advanced features that turn existing H4D-40, H4D-50, H4D-50MS and H4D-200MS into a brand new camera and make them even more valuable to professional photographers: One click focus check that zooms into 100% and takes advantage of the camera’s updated ability to utilize every pixel of the monitor’s resolution. A bi-directional spirit level that puts an end to skewed horizons. Quick access to a new rear info screen to display top panel information on the rear display. Live video view mode via Phocus when working with the camera connected to a computer. Schneider and Rollei electronic shutters are supported by H4D-40, H4D-50 and H4D-60 for accurate work on technical cameras. Providing this update to the listed members of the H4D family is part of Hasselblad’s commitment to ensure that its customers [...]

Sony’s NEX-7 a Credible Competitor to Leica M Digital?

Carlos Echenique — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 15:24:40 +0000

Pro photographers (myself included) looking for a more cost effective alternative to Leica’s M Digital cameras may have an answer in Sony’s new top-end NEX-7 camera. Built to professional specifications and available Carl Zeiss optics makes this camera an attractive offering for the street shooter and travel photographer. Can the NEX-7 beat Leica at their own game? It is rumored that the Leica M10 (expected to be announced at Photokina 2012) will sport features like live view, hybrid viewfinder, and many more. 24.3 effective megapixels Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor Quick, responsive autofocus and world’s fastest (0.02 sec) release time lag Quick, versatile new TRINAVI control High-resolution XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ and built-in flash Full HD Movie with 50p/25p, manual focus, full P/A/S/M exposure control and improved audio 10fps continuous shooting (Speed priority mode) Sony takes pro-quality imaging and creative options to new extremes with the easy-to-use NEX-7. Styled in magnesium alloy for strength and premium looks, the NEX-7 weighs a travel-friendly 291g (camera body only). The NEX-7 features a newly-developed Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor with 24.3 effective megapixel resolution that’s teamed with the latest revision of Sony’s BIONZ image processing engine. This unique combination of sensor and processor assures [...]

PENTAX 645D Medium Format Digital SLR Camera Wins EISA

Carlos Echenique — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 20:17:15 +0000

645D IS EISA European Professional Camera 2011-2012 GOLDEN, CO. (August 15, 2011)…PENTAX Imaging Systems Division is pleased to announce that the PENTAX 645D medium-format digital SLR camera, first launched in June 2010, was selected as the EISA European Professional Camera 2011-2012 by the prestigious European Imaging and Sound Association. The award was presented in recognition of the camera’s super-fine image quality assured by approximately 40 effective megapixels, exceptional reliability and superb operability. The European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) is an organization comprised of 50 leading Photo, Video, Audio & Home Theater, In-car Electronics and Mobile Devices magazines from 19 European countries. Each year, EISA selects the outstanding representatives from all of the products introduced to the European market in the previous year, and awards a prize to the winners of the different categories. “With the introduction of the PENTAX 645D, the medium-format market has gained a much anticipated and highly competitive member that offers exceptional image-quality and handling,” the EISA jury noted in its award citation. “The 645D is a joy to use in the field, and although it is big and somewhat heavy, its ergonomic grip, large viewfinder, fast and accurate autofocus, and well-made controls make it perfectly [...]

Sony Unveils the SLT-A77 and SLT-A65

Carlos Echenique — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 05:16:08 +0000

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 24, 2011 – Blazing speed, enhanced image quality, high resolution and incredible performance are just some of the features advanced amateurs and photo enthusiasts will find in Sony’s newest alpha cameras, models SLT-A77 (α77) and SLT-A65 (α65). Sony’s latest refinements to its Translucent Mirror Technology make these new cameras the fastest, most responsive interchangeable lens cameras in their class, as well as set new performance benchmarks that even professional DSLRs have yet to achieve. The α77 and α65 both feature a newly developed Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor with 24.3 effective megapixel resolution, as well as the world’s first XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ viewfinder. The sensor teams with the next generation of Sony’s BIONZ® image processing engine to handle huge amounts of high speed data from the camera sensor, enabling unprecedented response times and flawless image quality with ultra-low noise when shooting still images or Full HD video. “We feel that these cameras are not only a significant evolution of our breakthrough Translucent Mirror Technology,” said Mike Kahn, director of the alpha camera business group for Sony Electronics. “They’re also a revolution in terms of redefining how this unique technology can be put to use by enthusiasts.” The much anticipated [...]

Sigma Corporation’s 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM lens named the “European Lens for 2011-2012”

Carlos Echenique — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:52:56 +0000

Sigma Corporation’s 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM lens named the “European Lens for 2011-2012” by the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA) Photo Awards. In April of this year, Sigma’s 70-200mm also won the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) “Best Expert Lens” award for its Optic Stabilization (OS) system, and its HSM function that provides smooth and silent auto focusing. KEY LENS FEATURES EISA honored Sigma’s large aperture, telephoto zoom lens for its outstanding image quality, light weight and ease of operation. Two FLD glass elements, super multi-layer lens coating, and it is extremely compact, measuring only 7.8 inches in length. Sold by authorized Sigma dealers for a MSRP of $2,470.00. SUPPORTING QUOTES According to EISA, “Sigma has produced a telephoto zoom lens that offers professional features and exceptionally good image quality at a very reasonable price … this lens is a perfect choice for both demanding amateurs and professional photographers.” Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America: “The 70-200MM F/2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM lens is very versatile, and is popular among photographers of all skill levels. The 70-200mm focal range is often the second most important lens to own after a strong standard lens or mid-range [...]