Adorama has the 35mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH in stock at $3,195. Please click here to buy. Looks like some stock is beginning to trickle in from Germany, now the price increases have taken effect.
Leica M8.2 review (inc 35mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH samples)
Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd has announced the suggested retail price of the new (updated) 50-150mm f2.8 DC OS HSM is £949.99 and will be available in the UK in mid April for Canon fit and mid May for Nikon and Sigma fit. The new re-designed lens adapts image stabilisation and is designed for APS-C cameras, providing a field of view equivalent to 75-225mm f/2.8.
Press release:
50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC APO OS HSM
Large aperture telephoto zoom lens designed specifically for digital SLRs
Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd is pleased to announce that the suggested retail price of the new 50-150mm f2.8 DC OS HSM is £949.99. This new lens will be available in the UK in mid April for Canon fit and mid May for Nikon and Sigma fit.
Sigma’s proprietary OS (Optical Stabiliser) system enables hand held tele-photography by allowing the use of shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower than would otherwise be possible.
Six SLD glass elements compensate for chromatic aberrations and provide high image quality throughout the zoom range. The Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting and ensures sharp and high contrast images even at the maximum apertures.
The lens design adopts an inner focusing and inner zooming system to provide convenient handling and the HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) ensures quiet and high speed autofocus while allowing full-time manual focus override.
This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 80cm (31.5”) and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:6.3. The rounded 9 blade diaphragm creates an attractive blur to the out of focus areas of the image. The addition of Sigma’s TELE CONVERTER 1.4x EX DG APO or 2x EX DG APO produces a 70-210 F4 AF telephoto zoom lens or 100-300 F5.6 AF telephoto zoom respectively.
For more information, please visit: www.sigma-imaging-uk.com
Please help support the DJP by visiting our affiliates; Jessops, Warehouse Express, and Amazon. Note; sales through these links may benefit this site.
UPDATE: Amazon.de is back to pre-orders.
Amazon Germany is showing the Nikon D800 in stock at EUR 2,899 (£2,399, straight conversion), including VAT. Please click here to buy. Amazon France are showing the D800 shipping in 1 to 3 weeks, but at EUR 3,399 inc VAT.
I do not know if it can be shipped to the UK, but if anyone orders one and is not prevented in doing so at the time, please let me know so I can pass it on.
From the press release:
NIKON’S NEW BUMPER CASHBACK OFFER
London, UK: Nikon UK launches a new bumper D-SLR promotion offering up to £100 cashback on selected Nikon D-SLR cameras until 30th May 2012 inclusive.
Cashback is available on the Nikon D3100, D5100 and D7000; full cashback amounts can be found below.
All claims must be received by the 30th June 2012 in order to qualify. For more information on the promotion, and how to submit your claim, please visit: www.nikon.co.uk/cashback.
Please help support the DJP by visiting our affiliates; Jessops, Warehouse Express, and Amazon. Note; sales through these links may benefit this site.
Press release:
Canon announces its latest Cashback scheme: Power to celebrate
Canon has launched their latest Cashback with offers on selected DSLRs, lenses, accessories, compact cameras and inkjet printers.
The Cashback will run from Thursday 29th March until Tuesday 5th June 2012.
The last claim date for the promotion will be 31st July 2012.
EOS
EOS 600D body only and with lens kit £50 / euro 60 cash back value
EOS 550D + Kits body only and with lens kit £30 / euro 35 cash back value
EF Zoom - Standard
EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM £25 / euro 30 cash back value
EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM £60 / euro 70 cash back value
EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM £90 / euro 100 cash back value
EF Zoom - Telephoto
EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS £45 / euro 50 cash back value
EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM £45 / euro 50 cash back value
EF 70-200mm f/4L USM £45 / euro 50 cash back value
EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM £90 / euro 100 cash back value
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM £90 / euro 100 cash back value
EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM £90 / euro 100 cash back value
EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM £90 / euro 100 cash back value
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM £175 / euro 200 cash back value
EF Zoom - Wide
EF 17-40mm f/4L USM £60 / euro 70 cash back value
EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM £60 / euro 70 cash back value
EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM £60 / euro 70 cash back value
EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM £90 / euro 100 cash back value
Macro
EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM £25 / euro 30 cash back value
EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM £45 / euro 50 cash back value
EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM £60 / euro 70 cash back value
Accessories
Speedlite 270EX II £25 / euro 30 cash back value
Speedlite 320EX £25 / euro 30 cash back value
Speedlite 430EX II £25 / euro 30 cash back value
Extender EF 2.0x III £25 / euro 30 cash back value
Extender EF 1.4x III £25 / euro 30 cash back value
PIXMA
PIXMA MG5350 £30 / euro 35 cash back value
PIXMA MG6250 £30 / euro 35 cash back value
PowerShot
PowerShot SX220 HS £30 / euro 35 cash back value
PwerShot SX230 HS £30 / euro 35 cash back value
PowerShot SX240 HS £30 / euro 35 cash back value
PowerShot SX260 HS £30 / euro 35 cash back value
Please help support the DJP by visiting our affiliates; Jessops, Warehouse Express, and Amazon. Note; sales through these links may benefit this site.
Sigma UK has announced the new 19mm and 30mm f/2.8 lenses for Sony and Micro Four Thirds cameras are to carry a SRP of £169.99 inc. VAT and will be available immediately.
That's interesting not only for their intended market but also because it has been suggested that these two lenses (or perhaps a slight variation) are to be adopted on the forthcoming (and hugely anticipated) 46MP DP1 and DP2 Merrill compacts. However, a spokesperson for Sigma told the DJP that the company was still some time off having working cameras (prototypes), so we're unlikely to see an announcement confirming the price or availability anytime soon.
Press Release:
19mm F2.8 EX DN and 30mm F2.8 EX DN now available in the UK
Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd is pleased to announce that the new Sigma 19mm F2.8 EX DN and 30mm F2.8 EX DN are now available in the UK in both Sony E-mount and Micro Four Thirds fittings.
Both lenses have a UK SRP of £169.99 including VAT and are designed exclusively for mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras.
Glass mold aspherical lenses provide excellent correction for distortion, colour aberration and field curvature. The inner focusing system corrects the fluctuation of aberration to maintain image quality regardless of the focus distance. Sigma’s Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting and provides sharp and high contrast images even at the maximum aperture. The superior telecentric optical design improves image quality throughout the frame. Both lenses benefit from a newly developed linear AF motor which moves the lens elements directly without the need for gears or the drive of other mechanical parts. This system ensures accurate and quiet autofocusing, making the lenses suitable for video recording as well as still photos.
For more information please visit www.sigma-imaging-uk.com
Canon USA are offerring up to 20-percent off refurbished products, including 15-per-cent off DSLRs and EF lenses. Unfortunately, it looks as if all the those reduced Canon EOS 5D Mk IIs have gone already. Pity.
Please click here to buy.
NIKON UK Press Statement 26-March-2012
Nikon UK can confirm a correction to the originally published recommended retail prices (RRP) on the D800, D800E and D4 products.
Due to a local internal systems error, the incorrect RRPs on the D800, D800E and D4 products were communicated in the UK and Irish markets at the time of announcement. The correct RRPs for the products should have been D4: £5289.99, D800: £2,599.99 and D800E: £2,899.99. We would like to apologise sincerely to our customers for this unfortunate mistake, which has been corrected with immediate effect. We know that there has been strong consumer interest in these products and a high level of pre-orders placed with retailers; Nikon will be honouring the original prices to retailers on all customer pre-orders placed before March 24th 2012.
Research Station, 2,8/21 Distagon T* 1/200sec at f/5.6.
I recently had the opportunity to review the Carl Zeiss 2.8/21 Distagon T* for a well-known UK photo magazine, and I hope to be able to post a in-depth review here in the future. In the meantime, however, with all the interest in finding lenses to pair with the 36MP D800 and D800E, this lens (which is also available in Canon mount) is the finest retrofocus wide-angle lens money can buy. It has high resolving power even at maximum aperture, outstanding colour purity, superb micro contrast and an attractive drawing style that's typical of Carl Zeiss. If there's a slight downside it exhibits slight complex (moustache) shaped distortion, like its Contax mount predecessor. It is very slight though.
Buy the Zeiss 2,8/21 from;
UPDATE (26th March): Nikon has today issued a statement confirming the price increases. However, Nikon add they will be honouring the original prices to retailers on all customer pre-orders placed before March 24th 2012.
UPDATE (24th March): Jessops are now showing the increase on the Nikon D800 (£2599) and Nikon D800E (£2899).
UPDATE: Jessops are now showing the price of the D4 at £5,289, Wex still at £4,799. The prices of the D800 (£2,399) and D800E (£2,689) remain unchanged at the time of posting. Amazon UK have the Nikon D800 at £2,399 but have not shown the Nikon D4 available for pre-order, unlike other dealers. Interestingly, Jersey-based Play.com has the D800 listed at just £2,099.99 - though it's not clear if that price includes VAT. They have a 'Pre-Order Price Promise', but it's based on the price dropping (so you pay the lower price), not on it increasing.
According to a contributor* to the Pixiq site, John Walsh, General Manager, Nikon UK has emailed dealers this evening to inform them that due to a "systems error" the RRP (recommended retail price) of the D4 is to be increased by £500 ($800 USD), while the RRP of the D800 is to be raised £200 ($320 USD). Back ordered cameras won't escape the the price hike, it's claimed. We expect a press release from Nikon UK on Monday confirming the story.
At the time of posting, Wex and Jessops are still showing prices of the D4 at £4,799, though that could change as soon as tomorrow morning.
* Pixiq contributor Simon Stafford is the technical editor of Nikon Owner magazine, a publication of the highly-regarded Nikon only UK retailer, Grays of Westminster.
via Pixiq
It has ben reported on various sites and intent communities that invites have gone out to publishers for an event in Berlin on May 10th for a range of new products. Rumors are circulating about an M9 variant with a black and white sensor (no color filter array), which I think is plausible though I was expecting that announcement at this year's Photokina. The date is significant. May 10th is too good an opportunity to pass up for the introduction of a new M10, I really can't believe Leica would miss this date to launch a new X2 and a mirrorless solution. I expect to see all three, maybe even a new S3 (which is due a refresh) with the M10 B&W announced at Photokina.
Don't miss this very rare hour long interview with one of the pioneers of photojournalism. Cartier-Bresson helped developed the 'street photography' style that has influenced generations of photographers and mobile photographers who have followed...
Pentax has today confirmed the previously announced smc DA645 25mm f/4 AW will be available from mid-April 2012, at the RRP of £3999.99 (GBP) or $4,999 (USD). The lens is the equivalent to 20mm in full-frame 35mm terms and boasts several interesting features/benefits including a built-in pull-out filter holder (supplied with a 40.5mm polarizer filter), new Aero Bright (nano - tech) coating to reduce flare and weatherproofing.
Pre-order from B&H Photo ($4,999.95).
Press release:
smc PENTAX-DA645 25mm F4AL [IF] SDM AW
A high-performance, unifocal lens, exclusively designed for the PENTAX 645D to produce breathtaking ultra-wide-angle images
PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX-DA645 25mm F4AL [IF] SDM AW.
Designed for exclusive use with the PENTAX 645D, this unifocal, ultra-wide-angle lens features PENTAX-original optics optimized for high-quality digital photography to ensure exceptional high resolution images. The sturdy construction of the lens, which is dustproof and weather-resistant, makes it ideal for outdoors photography.
Major Features
1. Unifocal, ultra-wide-angle lens
When mounted on the PENTAX 645D medium-format digital SLR camera body, this ultra-wide-angle lens offers a focal length of approximately 19.5mm in the 35mm format, providing the widest perspective of all the lenses compatible with the PENTAX 645D. Creating visual effects unique to ultra-wide-angle lenses, such as exaggerated perspective and extra-wide depth of field, it can be effectively used for a wide range of subjects and situations, including spectacular landscapes and indoor shooting within a confined space. This lens gives the PENTAX 645D greater photographic freedom and flexibility.
2. State-of-the-art optics
Incorporating two high-performance a-spherical optical elements within its optics, this ultra-wide-angle lens provides exceptional image-resolving power with outstanding brightness levels even at the edges, whilst keeping any aberrations to a minimum. All lens characteristics are optimized for digital photography, for instance - exclusive lens coatings are applied to optical elements, while anti-reflection materials are applied to the interior of the lens barrel. The result is a lens that brings out the full potential of the PENTAX 645D medium-format digital SLR camera.
3. Aero Bright Coating to dramatically improve transmittance
This lens is treated with a PENTAX-original Aero Bright Coating, which ensures outstanding anti-reflection performance over a broader wavelength range to deliver images that are brighter and of higher quality. Created using PENTAX’s advanced nanotechnology, this exclusive coating reduces lens reflections and greatly improves light transmittance by forming a silica aerogel layer with uniform pores on the surface of the optical elements.
4. Dependable dustproof, weather-resistant construction
As the newest model of the dependable AW (All Weather) series, the lens comes in a highly dependable dustproof, weather-resistant construction with 11 special seals to effectively prevent the intrusion of dust and water into the lens interior. By coupling this lens with the PENTAX 645D camera body, the user is assured of a durable, reliable digital imaging system that performs superbly in demanding outdoor settings — even in rain and mist, or locations prone to water splashes or spray.
5. Mountable circular polarizing filter
The lens features a built-in, pull-out-type filter holder in its barrel. By placing the C-PL (circular polarizing) filter (40.5mm in diameter; included as an exclusive accessory) on this holder, the user can easily rotate the filter to obtain the desired polarizing effect.
6. Smooth, quiet SDM autofocus operation
The advanced SDM (Supersonic Direct-drive Motor) autofocus mechanism has a supersonic motor installed inside the lens barrel which ensures a smooth, quiet autofocus operation.
7. Other features
・ High-quality machined aluminum parts, including the lens barrel, hood and cap
・ The built-in lens hood is optimally shaped for the angle of view when the lens is mounted on the PENTAX 645D camera body
・ Quick-Shift Focus system for instant switching to manual-focus operation, after the subject is captured in focus by the AF system
・ Rounded diaphragm to produce a smooth, beautiful “bokeh” (out-of-focus rendition), while minimizing the streaking effect of point light sources
・ SP (Special Protect) coating applied to the front surface of the lens to effectively repel dust, water and grease
We've had the Canon EOS 5D Mk III c/w 24-105mm f/4L parfocal in stock here in the UK for a week or so, but B&H Photo has just received their first deliveries - but they won't last long.
Press release:
Petrol Bags Intros Audio, DSLR, Monitor bags and more at 2012 NAB Show
Tel Aviv, Israel: March 22, 2012 – Petrol Bags, part of Vitec Videocom, a Vitec Group company, announces a diverse range of new camera and audio equipment bags to be introduced at 2012 NAB Show, April 16–19 at the LVCC in booth #C6034.
New for Audio
Petrol Bags premieres four new products for audio. The Deca Audio Bag (PS614) is an ultra-lightweight carrier designed to securely transport sound equipment and keep it safe, organized, and accessible while working. It accommodates a Zaxcom Nomad or Sound Devices SD 788 mixer with a CL8 controller and offers easy access to the SD522 mixer’s SD card slot. Users will also appreciate the new Portable Digital Recorder Pouch to hold the Zoom H4N, Tascam DR-100 and DR-40 or similar size portable digital recorders. Its top flap is constructed of Transparent Polyurethane (TPU) for maximum visibility while shielding the recorder’s front panel and top external microphones. The lightweight yet rugged Deca Wireless Case employs an internal honeycomb frame for extra strength and extreme protection when transporting wireless system devices and other equipment. The upgraded Deca Sound Man Rain Poncho comfortably covers and protects a user carrying a mixer and fully loaded Petrol Eargonizer bag. It now features black ripstop nylon and TPU coating for greater elasticity and water protection in addition to keeping the user cooler and more comfortable.
New for Lighting
Petrol Bags will introduce the Liteporter professional carrier especially designed to transport and protect a Litepanels 1x1 LED light fixture. Liteporter has room to comfortably hold a Litepanels 1x1 LED fixture or similar size light, detachable mounting yoke, AC power supply with cord, power cable, an Anton/Bauer battery, and color/conversion diffusion gels. Constructed of rugged, water-resistant black 900D polyester and nylon, this lightweight, semi-hard case features an internal one-piece ABS honeycomb frame for extra strength and protection.
New for Video-enabled DSLRs
The new Rolling DigiSuite DSLR Camera Case is a carry-on size roll-away camera bag designed especially for the DSLR shooter on the go. It glides smoothly and effortlessly on a built-in wheel and tote assembly, and its front lid unzips quickly to reveal a central compartment contoured to comfortably fit up to two DSLR cameras with lens attached. Detachable internal dividers help secure contents and create pockets for storing spare lenses, a mattebox, camera base plate, follow focus, camera light, viewfinder, cables and more.
New LCD Monitor Bags
Petrol Bags will showcase two new LCD monitor bags. The Deca 5” Monitor Bag is uniquely designed to safely transport auxiliary LCD camera monitors up to 5” in size. The bag’s top flap opens envelope-style into a sturdy four-sided hood to ease viewing. The Deca 21.5” LCD Monitor Bag is custom designed for a Flanders Scientific LM-2140W or similar size LCD monitor. Both Monitor Bags offer multiple working benefits on location.
Vitec Group Live Event Area
The Vitec Group will host some of the most renowned figures in the broadcast and filmmaking industry in its dedicated Live Event Area at this year’s 2012 NAB Show on April 16–19. For example director and Pulitzer Prize winning photographer, Vincent Laforet, will discuss “Emerging Technology and Digital Storytelling” on Monday April 16. The complete event itinerary can be found at www.vitecliveevent.com.
Canon's new top of the range Speedlite, the 600EX-RT (wireless version), which was unveiled alongside the Canon EOS 5D MkIII, is now in stock at the following retailers:
Please note, buying through these links won't cost you anything extra and may benefit this site.
Adobe has today announced Photoshop CS6 beta, which is available as a free download from Adobe Labs. Although you can download the beta, it's hoped you'll provide feedback to the product team.
Photoshop CS6 beta is available for the Mac OS and Microsoft Windows platforms. The final release is expected in the first half of 2012.
Press release
Photoshop CS6 Beta Now Available on Adobe Labs
First Major Release since April 2010 Packed with New Features and Huge Performance Enhancements
LONDON, UK. — March 22, 2012 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced Adobe® Photoshop® CS6 beta, a preview of what’s to come in the next release of the industry standard in digital imaging, is available as a free download from Adobe Labs. Customers can download the beta, try out the experience and provide feedback to the product team. Packed with groundbreaking new innovations, features and incredible performance enhancements, Photoshop CS6 beta is available for the Mac OS and Microsoft® Windows® platforms. The final release is expected in the first half of 2012.
“Photoshop CS6 will be a milestone release that pushes the boundaries of imaging innovation with incredible speed and performance,” said Winston Hendrickson, vice president products, Creative Media Solutions, Adobe. “We couldn’t wait to share this beta of Photoshop CS6 with our customers and are looking forward to hearing from them and seeing the ways they are incorporating the beta into their daily creative workflows.”
New Features in Photoshop CS6 Beta
Photoshop CS6 beta demonstrates Adobe’s focus on huge performance enhancements, imaging magic and creativity tools that offer customers a new experience in digital imaging. Key features include new additions to the Content-Aware tools: Content-Aware Patch allows greater control by letting users select and duplicate an area of an image to fill in or “patch” another, and Content-Aware Move lets users select and magically move an object to a new place in the image.
Customers will experience incredible performance, powered by the new Adobe Mercury Graphics Engine*, enabling near-instant results from popular editing tools including Liquify, Puppet Warp, Transform and Lighting Effects; and a refined, modern interface featuring dark UI options to make images pop. New and re-engineered design tools make creating designs faster and more efficient. Vector layers allow users to apply dashed lines and gradient strokes, searchable layers quickly zero in on any layer, and new type styles let designers swiftly apply type treatments to their designs.
In addition, the Photoshop CS6 beta offers all the features of Adobe Photoshop CS6 and Adobe Photoshop CS6 Extended, such as new 3D editing features and quantitative imaging analysis capabilities. These features will be included in the shipping version of Photoshop CS6 Extended when it becomes available.
Pricing and Availability
The Photoshop CS6 beta is available immediately as a free download in English and Japanese. At installation, users will be required to provide an Adobe ID to complete a one-time login and online product activation. For information on how to install Photoshop CS6 beta, visit www.adobe.com/go/photoshopcs6. Customers can submit feedback via the Photoshop CS6 beta forum. Users can also connect with the Photoshop team via the community-powered site; on Facebook; YouTube; Photoshop.com blog; or via Twitter
After the price reductions of SanDisk and Lexar memory cards in the US, SanDisk has repositioned their SD range in the UK (expect Lexar to follow suit shortly). The fastest currently available are the 95MB/s* (633x speed rated equivalent) cards under the Extreme Pro branding (note there are some slower variants around, but this maybe older stock.) These cards are UHS-1 (class 1) UDMA-6 compatible but use a different controller - the same as the CF Exteme Pro series. Previously available at £79, the 16GB card, for instance, can now be had from Amazon UK at just £43.50.
Wex are retailing the 16GB Extreme Pro card at £59
Jessops are still retailing the same card at £71.96 (was £90).
UK dealer, Jessops, has the eagerly awaited Fujifilm X-Pro1 in stock at £1,429.95 body only. We'll update this page with links to the lenses as soon as we have the details.
UPDATE: Jessops are now displaying the lenses in stock:
XF 18mm f/2R at £549.95
XF 35mm f/1.4R at £549.95
XF 60mm f/2.4R Macro at £599.95
Welcome to our exciting new column on DJP, this section is entitled ‘A day in the life of …’ and we’ll be taking a look some hugely influential and interesting people in the photography world. Ones that we think you will love to learn more about. We have a similar new section on our sister site, theappwhisperer.com, where we talk to influential people in the mobile app world, here's an example of that.
This is our first installment of our new series on DJP and kicking us off today is Shawn Barnett. Shawn is the Senior Editor at Imaging-Resource.com. He lives near Atlanta, Georgia with his wife and four children and is the author of two books and scores of camera reviews.
Shawn recently received the Nikon D800 for testing purposes and in this interview he provides us with some great insights into this awesome camera including comparisons with the Nikon D4 and even the Canon EOS 5D Mark III that he has also just reviewed. He also talks about his favorite lenses and locations for shooting.
Above all, throughout this interview and just knowing more and more about Shawn, it is clear to see what a truly great genuine guy he really is. Shawn has been taking photographs for over 37 years and hasn't stopped but his priorities have changed somewhat, his wife, two daughters and two sons now take first place, despite photography being his first love, helping others find and explore his love is his passion.
Check out the full interview below...
Copyright Image, Shawn Barnett 2012, with Nikon J1. "This was captured at night while walking with the Nikon J1. I thought it summed up Times Square quite well in one shot".
JC - Let’s start at the beginning of the day, how does your day start?
SB - On a day when I’m not up until three am. working, I get up at 6:30 am with my wife and kids, and get my two boys on the bus. My oldest gets herself ready, and my wife readies my youngest daughter, and I usually make coffee or tea and sit down at the computer to read and tweet the news of the day.
JC - Do you like to head out and take photographs early on or when is the best time of the day for you, photographically speaking?
SB - If Georgia didn’t have such huge trees everywhere, I would go morning shooting more often, but there’s hardly a vista not littered with 50-foot trees, rooftops, or power-lines, so sunrise shots are out, and much of the rest is scattered with shadows. Coming from California where the trees are fewer and the sunrises and sunsets routinely stunning, I was discouraged when I drove around in search of that golden light. There are shots to be had, surely, but I’ve been discouraged enough by the terrain that I don’t do it much. If I lived in the city, I would certainly shoot more in the morning. I shoot in the late afternoon or evening, most days. That way I can get some work done in the office, and then head out afterward when the light’s better.
Copyright image, Shawn Barnett, 2012.
JC - How did your photographic passion develop (pardon the pun)
SB - My first Kodak Instamatic 110 camera was my constant companion from 10 years old onward. My father was killed in a plane crash when I was 10, and I think my mother got it for me as a diversion. A year or so later she had his Fujica SLR repaired, whose mirrors had broken in the crash, and I used that for some of my teen years. I annoyed a lot of teachers with my cameras, because I saw pictures everywhere, usually of my classmates, and never let one get away.
JC - So, the Nikon D800 has arrived this week for review for you, any first impressions?
SB - The Nikon D800 is extremely responsive. Since I spend most of my time looking through the viewfinder, I love a short mirror blackout time, and this one is so fast I wouldn’t venture a guess just how fast. Apparently Nikon doesn’t publish that information. It’s easily equal to a pro SLR.
The grip is great, the controls are right where I want them to keep me out of the menu system. My only complaint about Nikon’s menus is that they’re still too numerous and hard to browse quickly, so external controls that allow me to avoid the menus altogether are welcome.
I went out and shot with the Nikon D4 today, and had to wonder which I preferred. I started to think I’d rather own and learn a D4 by heart, as it might offer the most complete set of controls a photographer could want. I shoot Canon, mostly, and I still tend to prefer the color and quality I’ve come to expect from Canon images, but every time I shoot a Nikon, I’m drawn to them just as strongly. So adding to the madness is the Canon 5D Mark III I shot with last week. Yes, I’m having fun right now.
Copyright Image, Shawn Barnett, 2012
JC - The D800 is a serious investment but comes packed with great features including the newly-developed CMOS that Nikon claims ‘is capable of delivering comparably clean shots at high ISO sensitivities in spite of the huge increase in resolution that the D800’s 36.3 FX sensor represents’ – what are your thoughts, have you had a chance to demonstrate this?
SB - We’ve looked at ISO quality up to 6,400, and are about to post our crops for our Still Life images at default JPEG noise reduction settings, and it seems pretty clear that the greater resolution offers significantly more detail with a comparable level of noise when compared to the Nikon D3S. We’ve also posted down-sampled images to compare quality at 12-megapixels. (We’d have liked to compare the D700, but we changed the light levels on the Still Life target such that we think the comparison wouldn’t be valid.) We have yet to do our RAW ISO comparisons, which is where the rubber meets the road for most pros, but expect to see even greater quality and detail.
JC - The D800 is slightly slower than the D700 but the upside is you get a lot more pixels on the sensor. Is speed an issue?
SB - If you’re referring to frame rate, then yes, I think it is an issue. Though they’re cameras in the same series, their resolution, video features, and frame rates make them very different cameras, suited to different purposes. Nikon was behind Canon in sensor quality in the early ‘00s, and I don’t think they want to let that happen again, hence the high resolution, accompanied by very high quality. But that’s a lot of data to move and it seems like Nikon sped it up as much as possible with the available technology while maintaining this price level.
Those wanting higher frame rates should indeed look at the Nikon D700 with a battery grip, D3S, or D4.
JC - What about the full HD movie mode, now that’s something else with the D800, would you agree?
SB - Yes, very cool. We’re looking forward to seeing how well it does compared to other cameras in this class, but with the recent onslaught of important cameras, we’ve focused on still image quality.
Copyright Image, Shawn Barnett, 2012
JC - What are your favorite lenses?
SB - My Canon 70-200 f/4 is an essential piece of glass. I’m in love with the EF-S 60mm f/2.8 lens for its close-focusing and super-sharp detail. The new Olympus 45mm has proven particularly sweet for portraits, and the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 is almost cliche to mention, but no less excellent. I have to admit, though, that some of my best family photographs I made with the rather primitive Canon 28-135mm IS zoom. Finally, this new Nikon 85mm f/1.8 has a unique quality of its own, and seems able to stand up to the Nikon D800’s keen vision.
JC - Would you buy one?
SB - Absolutely. Were I not a reviewer constantly changing cameras and systems, I’d buy either a D800, 5D Mark II or 5D Mark III. Or just chuck it all and buy the D4.
Copyright Image, Shawn Barnett 2012. "I knew that I liked the couple on the bench, all I needed was someone to walk under the bridge, so I waited. It was good fortune that another couple walked under the bridge".
JC - Where’s your favorite place in the world for a shoot?
SB - Wherever I am at the time. Some of my favorite portrait shoots have been at the beach, but the mountains offer equal opportunity, as does my basement with my studio lights. Some of my favorite locations for portraits are old towns with old buildings and lots of varying architecture where I can pose my subjects. I also have a particular affinity for shooting candids of people I know involved in some activity. Weddings, rafting, hiking, biking, just enjoying a party together. I enjoy capturing the various nuances of crowd dynamics and one-on-one interaction. As I traveled through India in the 1990s I nearly broke my neck twisting to capture all the photographic opportunities I saw: hundreds of thousands of stories I longed to tell.
JC - Do you have any thoughts on the future of mobile photography?
SB - It’s here to stay. I think we’ll see someone hit the right combo and make most pocket cameras as connected as cell phones. Programs like Instagram are helping people create impressive art: It’s great to see people learn to zoom with their feet and rediscover the square format for a change. Wearable Bluetooth cameras may be the next wave. Something ridiculous is about to happen with all these cheap, ever-higher resolution cameras becoming available for integration everywhere. I’m hoping the line between video and still photography doesn’t blur, as we’ve seen Sony, Casio, and Nikon try to do with little success, but as frame rates rise, high-megapixel 60-frame per-second cameras have the potential to change everything, from mobile phones to SLRs.
JC - Do you ever use iPhone photography tool apps, such as The Photographers Ephermis to help you plan a shoot?
SB - I have not tried those, but I’ll give them a look.
JC - The new generation iPad comes with a stunning retina display, would you consider purchasing one to view/edit images on location?
SB - I will consider one, but I’m pretty pleased with the iPad 2. As an iPod touch 4 owner, I see the value of a retina display, but I’m not clamoring to get an iPad 3 (I refuse to call it The New iPad). I may just wait for iPad 4 (The New New iPad). The iPad 3’s most compelling feature may be its ability to tether its LTE connection to a computer, as iPhone 4s are able to do now. In the US, only Verizon supports that now.
I have investigated using my Eye-Fi cards to feed images to my iPad, but it’s not the main reason I bought it. With the size and volume of images I move on a regular basis, I still need a MacBook Pro.
JC - Where do you like to upload your photographs? Flickr, Instagram?
SB - I toyed with Instagram and Hipstamatic, and had a bit of fun, but I still only post photos to Facebook, where I have the largest audience. I researched a lot of sites for Pro Photographer magazine a few years back, and there are a lot of great photo sharing sites for pros or amateur photographers; but if I share photos it’s either for friends and family, or for our readers on Imaging Resource.
I love that Flickr and Instagram apps exist, and if I had an iPhone, I’d surely use them more often. But the fact is that the iPad 2’s camera isn’t nearly as good as those cameras, nor is the iPod touch 4, so I’m limited in that area. Also, I’m almost always carrying a review camera or my S95, so I have that going for me. I am completely allergic to smartphone contracts, and so even though I once reviewed Palm OS computers and phones for a living, I no longer own a smartphone. I have an iPad and a stupidphone.
Copyright Image, Shawn Barnett 2012. "While shooting the Nikon J1 in window light, I noticed they ballerina posing in the background. I quickly switched to the pink J1 and got the right shot for the camera".
JC -Do you take photographs everyday?
SB - Not religiously, but probably 350 days out of the year, yes.
JC - What are your favorite subjects?
SB - People. I don’t think I’ve ever had more fun than when interacting with a person in a multi-set outdoor portrait shoot. There’s an incredible intimacy that builds up after an hour or so, and before long you’re thinking each other’s thoughts, finally seeing the person as they are. So often I’ve captured the best shot of the day in the walk back to the car. “Wait. Stop right there. Sit down, just like that. Look right here. The light is just right.” Snap. I know them now. Suddenly the light was just right, and that’s the shot we use, making all the other tries worth the time spent.
Copyright Image, Shawn Barnett 2012.
JC - What are you top five tips for photographers?
SB - Today, too many people think that buying an expensive camera makes them a photographer. They jump in, shooting in Auto mode, and don’t know what they’re doing. So with that in mind, I think there are a few basics that are so important for new photographers; I won’t pretend to know what working photographers need in terms of tips from me, so consider these my top five tips for new photographers.
1. Get over thinking you know everything and will get good pictures because you own a new camera, and start to learn as much as you can. There’s a lot to learn, and a whole lot of people to teach you. Be open. Check out books, videos, blogs, even friends.
2. Carry your camera everywhere. Even if you forget it, when you see a shot, stop and look at it. Take a mental picture and think about it. Why do you like it? Is it the light? The object? Or both? It’s the light you see, so if you had brought your camera, what would you do to capture the light that attracted you?
3. Spend time with your camera, working its controls. Look into the lens. Take a picture. Watch what happens. Take off the lens (if possible) and trip the shutter. Learn what it’s doing.
4. Compare your best images to those in magazines, on photo blogs in photography books at the library or bookstore. Why are theirs better? How can you improve your reflexes for capturing such moments yourself? (See tip 2.)
5. Watch your background and wait for the moment. Especially when photographing people in motion, I take my time. It’s only a moment, and sometimes it happens so quickly only the swift will get it, but if you take your time, you can wait for just the right moment to come along. I wait for a head to pass by a window, or for a couple to walk under a bridge at just the right time. This is easiest in big cities, where lots of people are in constant motion. This can be very rewarding, because it sometimes feels like you’re orchestrating a symphony when it all unfolds just as you’ve hoped.
JC - Do you have any favorite photographers?
SB - There are too many greats to choose. Some of the best photography is viewed and tossed in the garbage or lost in the buffer, produced by news photographers around the world. Some of it surfaces to be featured in a big paper’s photo websites, but I like those photographers most because they shoot what I like to shoot, people in action.
JC - So, Shawn we have to ask, what do you think of Kevin and I and our DJP and theappwhisperer.com sites?
SB - I think you’re both smart, creative folks who have the right focus on your sites and your responsiveness to breaking news is sometimes shocking. Both sites are well-designed and easy to read, highly recommended.
JC - Thank you so much Shawn for this stunning interview, we think this is going to prove very popular and help a lot of people.
UPDATE: The lens has been, inexplicably, removed from sale.
One of Nikon's most esoteric and desireable lenses, the 13mm f/5.6, can be found on eBay currently. Designed by Ikuo Mori and boasting an angle of view of 118-degrees it was, at the time of introduction (1976), the widest rectilinear lens made for 35mm camera and an ideal lens for architecture. It was also one of Nikon's most expensive lenses, built to order only less than 400 were made in total. The lens for sale looks like the first version which has been factory modified for the AI mount. The second version starting at 175501 was made with a AI mount and the third version from serial number 175901 was modified for AIS.
UPDATE: The links are back to pre-orders only.
Nikon's eagerly awaited top-of-the-range Nikon D4 is in stock in several UK retailers. Please follow the links to buy (not pre-order!)
Jessops £4,799.95 (with free EN-EL8 battery worth £130)
Amazon UK are not showing the D4 in stock, but we'll update this post as soon as it is.
Amazon US are still showing pre-orders (at USD $5,999).
Warehouse Express have the Canon EOS 5D Mk III in stock at £3689 (with the 24-105mm f4L - not body only). Please click here to buy.
As we reported Thursday, Jessops has the 5D Mk III and 24-105mm lens in stock at £3690. Please click here to buy.
Please note, buying through links may benefit this site.
Phase One Makes Superior Image Quality More Accessible
Company Launches New Web Site; Lowers Price of Capture One and Increases Its Trial Period to 60 days
COPENHAGEN, March 17, 2012 — Phase One, the world’s leading pro photography equipment provider, today launched a new web site dedicated to the user experience of its customers and new visitors. The site’s greatly improved usability offers easier access to information and tools to help professionals and other discerning photographers achieve the highest image quality results.
As part of this new user-experience focus, Phase One has extended the trial period for its Capture One 6 raw converter and photo editing software from 30 to 60 days and reduced its price. This gives more people the opportunity to experience the distinctive image quality available only with Capture One -- including its renowned raw rendering engine that produces photographs with the feel of film, superior control, true skin tones and robust support for very large files.
Capture One comes in three versions. Capture One Pro supports virtually every professional DSLR and most popular camera models and includes powerful tools to enhance the capture and editing processes. Capture One Express features the same high quality processing engine as Capture One Pro, but is without some of the more advanced tools. Capture One DB ships with all Phase One medium format camera systems, including the powerful IQ180 systems.
Capture One Pro supports the Capture Pilot iPad app that allows an iOS device to remotely view, zoom, rate, tag, and pan high resolution images during a shoot. An available 'Camera Control' in-app purchase adds a virtual camera display to an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch to remotely fire your camera and control the most important capture settings.
Availability and pricing
Capture One Pro is available for USD299 and EUR229; Capture One Express is now priced at USD99 and EUR69. The software is available for purchase at: http://www.phaseone.com/store. The software is available for download at: www.phaseone.com/downloads. More information is available at: http://www.phaseone.com/capture-one
Beth Tweddle b.1985 Beth Tweddle (third from left), Hannah Whelan (left), Jenni Pinches (second left) Rebecca Tunney (right). Photographed by Anderson & Low, 17th November 2011, Liverpool. © Anderson & Low - National Portrait Gallery/BT Road to 2012 project
Press release:
The National Portrait Gallery in collaboration with BT, a premier partner of London 2012, is proud to present BT Road to 2012: Aiming High, a major summer exhibition of London Olympic photographs.
BT Road to 2012: Aiming High is the extraordinary final culmination of a three year exhibition project, National Portrait Gallery/BT Road to 2012.
As part of a major gallery commission of over 100 works, around forty new portraits by the highly acclaimed and newly commissioned photographers were announced today: Anderson & Low, Nadav Kander and Jillian Edelstein. The new photographs will go on show at the National Portrait Gallery on 19 July.
The first three portraits, released today, are of champion gymnast Beth Tweddle by Anderson & Low, rising track and field star Jodie Williams by Nadav Kander and Jan Matthews, the lady responsible for the world's largest peacetime catering operation, by Jillian Edelstein. New sitters are to be confirmed and released in due course.
These new portraits will be shown alongside the key works from the previous two exhibitions by photographers Brian Griffin, Bettina von Zwehl, Finlay McKay and Emma Hardy. These could include some well known faces such as Seb Coe, Stella McCartney, Danny Boyle, Philips Idowu and Pippa Funnell, amongst others.
In addition, thanks to BT funding, highlights from the previous two exhibitions, Setting Out (2010) and Changing Pace (2011) as well as a selection of the new photographs, will go on a free regional outdoor UK tour. Launching in Cardiff on 30 March, moving to Edinburgh on 1 June and on to Birmingham on 13 July.
ROAD TO 2012: AIMING HIGH
19 July - 23 September 2012, National Portrait Gallery www.npg.org.uk/roadto2012
- Made possible by BT, Premier Partner of the London 2012 Festival
- Part of the London 2012 Festival
Jan Matthews b.1961 Photographed by Jillian Edelstein, 8th November 2011, Smithfield Market, London. © Jillian Edelstein - National Portrait Gallery/BT Road to 2012 Project
Jodie Williams b.1993 Photographed by Nadav Kander, 15th December 2011, London. © Nadav Kander - National Portrait Gallery/BT Road to 2012 project
David Honl, the photojournalist behind the popular light modifiers of the same name will be in the UK appearing at several events to talk about his work as a photographer and demonstrate his unique range of light-shaping products for portable, battery operated flash units or speedlites.
Schedule of events:
Thursday 29 March: Calumet Drummond Street
Friday 30 March: special event for Nikon Owners Club members in Kensington, contact Mike Eleftheriades of the NOC
Tuesday 3 April: meet 11 am at The Flash Centre London
Wednesday 4 April: Phototraining 4 U Cardiff, or email news@phototraining4u.com
Thursday 5 April: Robert White Photographic Poole, or email info@robertwhite.co.uk
Buy Honl Photo gear from Amazon (USA), or Amazon UK. Please note, buying through these links may benefit this site.
As expected, Carl Zeiss has today announced the new Distagon T* 2,8/15 or in more common parlance, a 15mm f/2.8 ultra-wide lens with a 110 degree angle of view. The lens features anomalous partial dispersion glass (to reduce chromatic aberration) and is the first in the Zeiss range to feature aspherical lens surfaces. The new manual focus lens will be available in May in both Nikon and Canon mounts and will have a retail price of US$2,948 or 2,148 euros, £1786 (excluding VAT)*
Pre-order from:
Carl Zeiss presents the new Distagon T* 2,8/15 super wide angle lens
Carl Zeiss brings out a new super wide angle lens in May 2012. The super wide angle Distagon T* 2,8/15 will be available with an EF (ZE) or F bayonet (ZF.2). With an extra-large angle of view of 110 degrees in combination with a fast f/2.8 aperture, the lens enables the features for dramatic perspectives and performance demanded by the most ambitious landscape and architectural photographers. With a unique ability to capture events in a natural and extraordinary manner, it is also an ideal companion for advertising, journalism and commercial photography.
For more information, please visit www.zeiss.com, or visit the Zeiss US blog.
Please help support the DJP by visiting our affiliates; Jessops, Warehouse Express, B&H Photo, Adorama Camera and Amazon. Note; sales through these links may benefit this site.
UK retailer, Jessops, are saying on their site that the first stock of the new Canon EOS 5D Mk III (complete with 24-105mm L lens) is arriving tomorrow (March 16). That's almost a week ahead of the March 22 the retailer quoted earlier. However, they're still saying to pre-order to secure.
Please follow the link here to buy.
Although the EOS-1 DX has been available to pre-order in the UK, that's not been the case in the US as dealers have had to wait for the pricing. However, the delay is over at least for customers of B&H Photo. Adorama and Amazon are sure to follow, and we'll update this post when that happens.
Pre-order the EOS 1DX body at B&H Photo ($6,799.00)
UPDATE: Adorama has been taking pre-orders for the EOS-1 DX from before Christmas, so they tell me (thanks, Helen). Please follow the link here ($6,799).
Test Drive one of Think Tank Photo’s new Modular Rotation Systems free for 28 days. If you like it, keep it and your credit card will be charged. If not, return it to Think Tank no charge. The Modular Rotation System is the choice of working professionals who shoot sports, weddings, nature or any situation where the need to stay mobile and rapid gear changes are essential.
The Modular Component Set™ V2.0 consists of two individual lens changer pouches, a flash pouch and an accessory pouch that lock to or slide around any Think Tank Photo belt. Since the pouches are modular, the carrying system can be reconfigured to match any assignment, under any condition.
The Modular Skin Set V2.0 consists of two individual lens changer pouches, a flash pouch and an accessory pouch that lock to or slide around a Think Tank Photo belt. Components are lightweight, compressible and easily collapsible. Perfect for traveling.The "Sound Silencer" feature adds stealth by eliminating hook-and-loop tearing noises.
This offer ends on March 31, 2012 or when100 of each modular set has been reserved for the Test Drive program.
* This offer is only available within the United States because of the shipping costs of delivering the product from and to the U.S.
To participate, please click here.
