Lastolite get handle on Ezybox

Lastolite has introduced a new hand-holdable extending pole for the Ezybox, a lightweight and highly portable softbox. For more information please see the press release below:






Press release:

The new handle extends from 73cm to 221cm (2ft 5” to 7ft 3”) and weighs only 700g. Featuring two sponge grips for an extra firm hold, the extending handle offers an even greater reach for an extra firm hold, the extending handle offers an even greater reach for the photographer when positioning their off camera light source. The top of the handle includes a standard spigot connector making it easy to fit the Ezybox hotshoe, the tilthead hotshoe, the tilthead spigot or the TriFlash brackets.

More information can be found at the UK distributors site, here.

US readers can buy Lastolite products including the Exybox HS long handle, from our affiliate retailer B&H Photo, here.

Olympus Pen E-P2 Unboxing

The Third & The Seventh

If you like architecture (as I do) and enjoy the photographic art of creating moving pictures as much as stills, then your in for a treat. Kick-back, watch it in HD, full-screen and make sure you listen to the score, either with some good speakers or a decent set of headphones /earphones. I would also ignore the comments, it'll only spoil it.

Photojournalist David Honl outs New Products to Honl Photo Line

Press release:

Michigan City, IN (PRWEB) January 9, 2010 -- Photojournalist David Honl has added 3 exciting new products to his well-respected line of Honl Photo professional lighting accessories for small flash users.


The David Honl: Light DVD
The David Honl: Light DVD is an entertaining introduction to Honl's small, quick, and nimble lighting setups. Joining him is his partner, actress Claudia Christian, along with actor Bill Mumy (Lost in Space), actress Pat Tallman (Night of the Living Dead), and a 40th Anniversary portrait for the Planet of the Apes. With a total of 10 dynamic lighting setups, David takes you through each quick 5-minute session, followed by explanatory lighting diagrams in David's studio. David insists, "When it comes to lighting, I've found most people are quite intimidated by it. To spread the word that there should be no fear in studio-quality lighting, and show that it can actually be quite fun, Claudia and I filmed several of my shoots this past year . We shot everything from a gourmet food shot, a cat headshot, and a glamour shot with a Frederick's model"
David Honl: Light DVD retails for $39.95

Honl adds 2 new filter kits to his lighting system line.

The Honl Photo Autumn Filter Kit includes 5 new colors including Rust, Medium Blue-Green, Egg Yolk Yellow, Dark Salmon, and Chocolate. The Honl Photo Hollywood Filter Kit includes Steel Green, Rose Purple, Follies Pink, Pale Lavender, and Smokey Pink. Both kits attach to the Honl Photo Speed Strap and can be used in conjunction with Honl Photo Speed Grids, Speed Snoots, and Speed Gobos. "Adding a splash of color to a portrait is a great way to create drama a depth to a portrait, and I'm thrilled to offer these new filter colors to my lineup- I hand picked them from some of my favorite shoots this past year" says Honl.

Each kit contains 2 of each filter and retails for $19.95 each

Honl Photo is a family business founded by photojournalist David Honl, and is run by his brother Ryan, and father Charles. Honl Photo products are available through the company's website at www.HonlPhoto.com and through camera dealers worldwide.

David Honl is a photojournalist with over 2 decades experience, his photography published by Newsweek, Time, National Geographic, and countless others. His work has brought him to Iraq, Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Jordan and he continues to develop new products while on assignment. His photography can be seen at www.DavidHonlPhoto.com

UK readers can find out more, including prices and availability, here.

Sony add A450 DSLR to range

This was a very soft release, timed to coincide with the CES 2010, in Las Vegas.

UK Press Release


London - 5th January 2010


Simply better pictures with the α450
Sony’s new DSLR camera is a versatile easy to use choice for step-up photographers
14.2 effective megapixels Exmor™ CMOS sensor
Up to 7 fps continuous shooting
Manual Focus Check Live View
Auto HDR
1,050 shot battery stamina (CIPA measurement)
SteadyShot INSIDE

The newest addition to the Sony α family of DSLR cameras teams flawless imaging with generous creative options and is ideal for consumers new to DSLR photography who want the best possible image quality.

Powerful yet easy to use, the DSLR-A450 is a perfect all-rounder when you’re ready to take your passion for great pictures to the next level. Ideal for active shooters, it’s at home in any shooting situation, from relaxed portraits to fast-moving sports action.

Inside the α450 is a high-resolution 14.2 (approx.) effective megapixel Exmor™ CMOS sensor. It’s teamed with the powerful BIONZ processor to deliver highly detailed, ultra-low noise images. Sensitivity extends right up to ISO 12800, allowing you to capture beautifully natural handheld images in low light without flash.

With a generous 95% field of view, the bright optical viewfinder makes framing and composition a pleasure. As an extra refinement, Manual Focus Check Live View previews clear, bright full-resolution images on the 6.7cm (2.7”) Clear Photo LCD screen. With selectable 7x/14x on-screen image enlargement it’s ideal for confirming pin-sharp focus with portraits, still life, macro and architectural scenes.

The powerful BIONZ image processor enables high-speed continuous shooting at up to 5 fps (maximum – approx. figure). In Speed Priority mode (with AF and AE set at start of burst) this increases to an amazing 7 fps (maximum – actual speed depends on shooting conditions and media card). More than enough to catch sports and fast-moving action with ease.

Creative options are enhanced with Auto HDR mode that accommodates bright highlights and dark shadow details in a single frame. Two successive frames shot handheld at different exposure values are merged automatically by the camera. The result is a detail-packed High Dynamic Range image – with no need for a PC image editor and specialist skills. In addition to fully automatic operation, the exposure difference between frames can be manually set up to 3EV, in 0.5EV increments.

Featured right across the DSLR line-up by Sony, SteadyShot INSIDE™ offers up to 4 steps of anti-shake correction with the full range of 30 α lenses and two teleconvertors, as well as compatible A-mount optics by Konica-Minolta.

The α450 also offers the most impressive shooting stamina of any DSLR camera by Sony to date. The high-capacity battery allows up to 1,050 shots between charges* - plenty for a busy weekend’s sightseeing.

Slots for Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo and SD/SDHC memory cards (sold separately) are offered to suit users’ personal shooting preferences.

Connect the α450 to any HD Ready TV for a breathtaking big-screen view of your photos. PhotoTV HD optimises still image reproduction on compatible BRAVIA™ models, while BRAVIA™ Sync allows control of slideshow and other camera playback functions using your TV remote.

Supplied software includes Image Data Converter SR; Image Data Lightbox SR; and PMB (Picture Motion Browser) for easy image management. The α450 is also compatible with the wide range of high-quality DSLR accessories by Sony, including flashes, carry cases, batteries and chargers, GPS and more.

The DSLR-A450 digital SLR camera by Sony is available from the beginning of February 2010.

* when using optical viewfinder (CIPA measurement)

Canon announce new 70-200mm f/2.8 IS

As expected, pre-CES 2010, Canon has updated its professional workhorse, the 70-200mm f/2.8 IS. The new zoom now boasts a tougher construction, new improved optical formula with UD and fluorite elements (the older version had four UD elements but no fluorite glass) and an enhanced IS system. Read the press release below for the full details.

Press release:

The new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM – Canon’s essential, high-quality, telephoto zoom lens for professionals

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland 5th January 2010 – Canon today adds to its acclaimed L-series with the launch of the new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM telephoto zoom lens. This new lens launches as the successor to the immensely popular EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, offering improved performance in every area.

True to the L-series’ heritage, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM delivers optical excellence in the most challenging situations. As well as a revamp of the internal optical system, the lens has also been structurally re-developed as a direct result of user feedback, making it as robust and reliable as it is optically advanced.

“Reuters photographers have used the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM for a number of years and it allows photographers a great level of flexibility,” said Reuters Production Editor Kevin Coombs. “The focal length, fast aperture and Image Stabilizer all contribute to it being a workhorse lens and you’ll find it in many professional photographers’ camera bags. I’m very much looking forward to seeing the improvements offered by the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM.”

Premium quality, premium performance
The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM features a re-designed optical system, consisting of 23 elements in 19 groups to deliver truly impressive results. A high-performance fluorite element is used at the heart of the lens path, coupled with no fewer than five ultra-low dispersion (UD) elements, drastically reducing chromatic aberration throughout the zoom range to produce high contrast images with edge-to-edge definition.

A high-speed Auto Focus (AF) system perfectly matches the abilities of the recently-launched EOS-1D Mark IV and EOS 7D Digital SLR (DSLR) cameras. The new model also features a ring-type USM AF motor, which combines with a new high-speed CPU and an optimised AF algorithm to make auto focusing both faster and quieter.

A reduced minimum focusing distance of 1.2 metres (3.9 ft) and improved 0.21x magnification will allow photographers to get closer to subjects without needing to swap lenses – greatly benefitting time-pressured news and events photographers who require flexibility. An updated Image Stabilizer mechanism also offers a shutter speed advantage equivalent to four-stops, reducing the effect of image blur resulting from camera shake in busy shooting environments.

Enhanced design, exceptional ease of use
As well as an update to the internal construction, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM features an enhanced external appearance to improve lens operation. The thickness of protruding exterior parts and switches has been significantly reduced, guarding against accidental switching and creating an improved overall look. The rubber focusing grip has also been redesigned and widened; with finely-patterned grooves making it easier to manually focus.

Being an L-series lens, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is fully weatherproof, making it ideal for use in all weather conditions. The mount, focus mode switch and focusing ring all feature a completely dust and drip-proof structure, preventing dust or water from getting inside the camera and lens when used with accompanying weatherproof EOS bodies. The lens has been designed to stand up to the daily wear and tear of professional usage, making it a highly durable, reliable lens for use day-to-day by professional photographers.

High quality L-series accessories
The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is supplied with several accessories, including the new ET-87 Lens Hood and the Ring-Type Tripod Collar B (W). A brand new Lens Case LZ1326 is also included as standard, offering quick and easy access when users need to switch lenses in time-pressured situations.

Compatibility with a range of optional Canon accessories also allows users to pair the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM with the Lens Extender EF 1.4x II, Lens Extender EF 2x II, Extension Tube EF 12 II, Extension Tube EF 25 II, and 77mm filters.

Pricing and Availability
The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is available from the end of February 2010 priced at £2,799.99 / €3,199.99 RRP inc. VAT

Samsung officially unwrap NX

Ahead of CES, Samsung has announced the final specification of the DSLR-like NX. Following in the footsteps of the Micro FourThirds cameras from Olympus and Panasonic, the NX dispenses with the usual reflex mirror and pentaprism (in favour of an EVF), allowing for a much smaller and lighter body.

Unlike rivals though the Samsung NX is the first of its type to feature a APS-C size sensor - much larger than Pens' and little Lumix cameras, so we can expect perhaps to see improved high-ISO performance over those models.

The only real downside to this is that the NX lenses will have to have a larger image circle to cover the larger sensor, so they won't be as compact as the mFT optics. All the same the NX is is a welcome addition to the range cameras available.

More information, including the US press release, can be found at maccreate.com.