Epson to resurrect R-D1 rangefinder with new R-D1x?

Epson Japan has announced the R-D1x, but while there are some improvements including a 2.5-inch LCD screen and compatibility with SD-HC, the maker has stayed with the 6.1MP resolution CCD of the original R-D1 and R-D1s. 

As you can see from the photo above, there's an optional handgrip but what you can't see is that the fold-out and twisting screen of the orginal is now fixed in position. 

According to the Epson Japan site, the new model will be available from the 09 April. No word as yet whether it will be available in Europe or the US.

Nikon set to announce new D5000 DSLR?

There are plenty of rumors circulating the web about Nikon introducing a new entry-level DSLR in time for PMA 09 next week, tentatively called the D5000. 

We've just had the Focus on Imaging show here in the UK, and while the D60 and D300 are likely to be replaced this year, there were no signs of an impending release. 

All the same, Nikon usually introduce DSLRs at the beginning of the month, so there's still time.

Olympus reveal 12.3-megapixel E-620 DSLR with free-angle LCD

European press release:

Hamburg, 24 February 2009 – The world’s smallest and lightest creative D-SLR with built-in image stabilisation has finally arrived! The new Olympus E-620 combines the technical sophistication required by pros with easy-to-use functions desired by hobbyists. As a result, ambitious photographers everywhere can now take creativity to a whole new level. Outfitted with a custom 7-point Twin autofocus system, the E-620 provides consistent focus, as well as a generous 12.3 Megapixel High-Speed Live MOS. Additionally, the Live View technology as well as the 6.9cm/2.7” free-angle HyperCrystal III LCD make framing every shot a cinch. In-camera Art Filters entice users to be artistic by allowing them to apply stylish effects at the touch of a button. Indeed, the E-620 is everything that makes Olympus Four Thirds Standard D-SLR cameras great. The latest addition to the E-System range offers creative and technological power – all rolled into one. The new model will be available for purchase at the end of April 2009 and retail between E520 and E-30 with exact pricing to be confirmed

A license for creativity
Designed to stimulate creativity, the E-620 brings out the artist in anyone. This D-SLR comes packed with features that will give a different look to the shot that’s being captured, all without the need for a computer or special software. Effects can even be viewed in real time. Familiar from the
E-30, the Art Filters enable a selection from one of six exciting themes. With this function, photos can for example be given striking colours in order to create a more intense, joyful feel by applying the Pop Art filter. This confers images a completely new artistic flair. Other fantastic effects include Pin Hole, Soft Focus, Pale & Light Colour, Light Tone and Grainy Film. On top of that, there’s the option to utilise the Live View display to overlay two stored RAW images in order to create amazing new Multi Exposure masterpieces, all in real time. Plus, users can always frame their shot in a way that suits their fancy. All they have to do is choose between five different aspect ratios – from 4:3 (standard) to 6:6 (medium-format) to 16:9 (cinematic) – and the picture is theirs.

The E-620’s elegant body promotes creativity as much as the state-of-the-art technology packed inside. Guaranteeing pictures are a success no matter what the conditions or how far the subject is, a built-in image stabilisation corrects camera shake up to four steps, assuring steadiness and making tripods unnecessary in most instances. Then there’s the free-angle 6.9cm/2.7” HyperCrystal III LCD with 176° viewing angle, which means shots can be taken from almost any perspective. This way, you can even capture a field of daisies from a bee’s point of view! Working in terrific harmony with the camera’s contrast AF* capabilities, the Live View functionality allows you to comfortably judge results even before they are shot: what you see is what you get. Perfect light is a guarantee with the ability to use up to three separate, camera controlled, Wireless Flash groups – an option first introduced with the E-3. And with the attachable HLD-5 Power Grip, taking vertical photos becomes a breeze while the extra battery performance enables shooting for longer hours. With such an impressive array of functions, the potential of the E-620 can be stretched as far as the photographer’s imagination.

A camera with the works
A camera that inspires creativity needs to be extraordinarily functional as well, and the E-620 doesn’t disappoint. One of the D-SLR’s most exciting facets is the new 7-point Twin AF which features seven distance-measuring points, five of which are cross-points. This Olympus autofocus technology was developed for the professional E-3 after the comprehensive analysis of thousands of photographs and interviews with professional photographers. It has now been tailored to hobbyist needs: the five cross-points work by using horizontal and vertical sensor lines to supply data that determines the ideal focal points of each shot. This ensures every snap of the shutter produces blur-free results. In addition, the AF was specifically designed to work easily and rapidly with SWD lenses. With the E-620, being out of focus becomes a thing of the past.

Aside from the amazing AF, the E-620 also packs the one-two punch of a 12.3 Megapixel high-speed Live MOS sensor and the latest-generation TruePic III+ processor so that every picture is as clear as the real thing – even when shot at a blazing fast 4fps. If users aren’t taking advantage of the LCD to do their framing, they can employ the exceptional viewfinder which magnifies up to 0.96x and provides 95% viewing coverage. An Auto White Balance also helps reproduce vivid and true to life colours.

Goes where you go, does what you want it to do
One of the advantages of Four Thirds technology is perfectly incorporated into the E-620: it is so compact and light that it can be taken anywhere. And thanks to a design that provides a handy ergonomic grip, this model always feels comfortable to hold. It’s also equipped with Olympus’ exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter dust protection system – the most effective dust protection system on the market. In addition, the camera’s buttons illuminate to provide valuable aid when shooting at night.

The Olympus E-620 can be enjoyed with nearly all E-System accessories, such as 33 lenses and different flash systems. New robust Olympus Flash Brackets, like the FL-BK04, ensure maximum flexibility and good light in any situation where a flash may be needed. And two flashes are also not a problem with the practical FL-BKM03 Flash Bracket, on which any standard flash or the twin flash set STF-22 can be mounted. As for those who like to take a dive, Olympus’ new PT-E06 Underwater Case has you covered to depths of up to 40m.

Boasting all of Olympus’ technological knowhow, this camera delivers everything creative types want in a digital SLR. It offers the ultimate in E-System features such as the Supersonic Wave Filter and Live View as well as artistic options like Art Filters in one innovative package. Look for the new E-620 in stores as of the end of April 2009 at a retail price of €TBC.

onOne unwraps PhotoTools 2 plug-in

From the onOne press release;

onOne Software, Inc., a leading developer of time-saving software solutions for professional and advanced amateur photographers, today announced the immediate availability of PhotoTools 2 Standard and Professional Edition. PhotoTools 2 is a flexible yet powerful plug-in for Adobe® Photoshop® CS2, CS3 and CS4 that utilizes the power of Photoshop Actions to provide a range of imaging tools including effects, corrections and production automation in a full-featured interface. The new features in PhotoTools 2 include:

• An expanded range of photographic effects
• A significantly improved effects library
• New masking capabilities directly within PhotoTools 2
• The ability to apply the hundreds of PhotoTools 2 effects to video files within Photoshop CS3 Extended and Photoshop CS4 Extended
• A new Export plug-in for Lightroom 2 and Aperture 2.1 within PhotoTools 2 Professional Edition
• Quick access to the onOne Exchange community site for downloading new effect presets

PhotoTools 2 Professional Edition is also a key component of Plug-In Suite 4.5, the latest version of onOne Software’s award-winning Photoshop plug-in collection, which also includes PhotoFrame 4 Professional Edition, Genuine Fractals 6 Professional Edition, Mask Pro 4, PhotoTune 2.2 and FocalPoint 1.1.

"PhotoTools 2 brings the power of Photoshop within reach for more photographers,” says Craig Keudell, president of onOne Software. “With the comprehensive collection of photographic effects, Photoshop users of all skill levels will instantly be able to harness the complete power of Photoshop to make their images look their best.”

"What makes a great plug-in? Easy-to-use, effective and fun effects!" said Photoshop Guru, Instructor and Photographer Kevin Kubota. "With PhotoTools 2 Professional Edition, I can combine any of the hundreds of artistic effects into my own preferred combo, thereby creating something unique to me that I quickly access from a simple menu. Awesome!"

“I've spent the last 20 years creating and teaching techniques and effects that strengthen, extend and accelerate the digital creative process," said Photoshop Guru and Instructor Jack Davis. "PhotoTools 2 is the culmination of that time and energy. The power of Photoshop – distilled for high octane, streamlined productivity! That's what you call WOW!"


Availability and Pricing

PhotoTools 2 comes in two editions – a Professional Edition and a Standard Edition, available for $259.95  (£199.99) and $159.95  (£129.99) respectively. PhotoTools 2 may be ordered immediately from onOne Software at www.ononesoftware.com. Full versions of the product are also available through a worldwide network of authorized resellers, distributed from Colour Confidence: www.colourconfidence.com 08000 735 845