PocketWizard add AC3 ZoneController

PocketWizard has announced the AC3 ZoneController, and add-on to the on-camera Mini TT1 Transmitter or Flex TT5 Transceiver giving three zones of flash control. Whether working in E-TTL or manual mode, AC3 provides control over slaves directly from the camera’s position.

Key Features:
• Three independent zones of flash control.
• 6-stops of flash control in 1/3-stop increments.
• Works in PowerTracking E-TTL II or Manual mode.
• Turn zones On & Off remotely.
• Works with Canon Speedlites, Elinchrom RX, and Alien Bees flash. Nikon coming soon.
• Put your flashes where you want, without worrying about accessing them during a shoot.

The AC3 will ship at the end of June for $69.99 / £59.99 inc VAT.

Black Rapid add FastenR-3 to range

Black Rapid, the manufacturer of a innovative of camera-straps, has announced a new nickel-plated stainless steel securing screw, called FastenR-3 to the range. This new securing-point features enhanced locking ridges on the underside (not shown), and a highly compressible washer, to ensure a solid connection between your camera and Black Rapid strap. The FastenR-3 is designed as replacement for the standard fastener (FastenR-2) on the RS4, RS5 and RS7 and retails at £14 inc VAT. The FastenR-3 is available now.

For more information please see here.


Be sure to check back soon for our review of the Black Rapid RS-5.

Pretec outs world's fastest and largest CF card

Pretec, one of the most innovative CF card makers in the world, has today announced the world's highest capacity CF card, at 128GB. It's rated at 567x (up to 85 MB/s), however the company has also released details of a super-high speed card, rated at 667x (up to 100 MB/s) but with a lower maximum capacity of 64GB. Production will start in June this year and both cards will have a suggested retail of $699.

Rival pro-spec CF cards, such as that from both SanDisk and Lexar Media are currently rated at 600x (90MB/s) and are similarly available up to 64GB in capacity (32GB for Lexar Pro cards).

For more information please read the press release below.

Taipei, Taiwan, May 28th 2010
－
Pretec, creator of the highest capacity CompactFlash card in the world since 1998 and the fastest CF card in the world , continues today its record breaking history in the field of speed and capacity by unveiling the even higher capacity and speed CF128GB card at Computex Taipei 2010 (TWTC Nangang Exhibition Hall, Lower Exhibition Hall booth J317a).

Pretec today releases 128GB 567X CF cards with access speed approaching 100MB/s, overtaking the Pretec 233X 100GB CF card, the previous Pretec world’s highest capacity record holder; and super high speed 667X 64GB card capable of running up to 100 MB per second of Read/Write speed, the highest speed CF card in the world. Both Pretec 128GB 567X CF card and 667X 64GB CF card will be shown at the upcoming Computex Taipei 2010.

To continue the high reliability tradition of Pretec CF card series, CF 567X and 667X CF cards are constructed with unique precision metal housing to provide extensive ruggedness. Since such high speed CF cards have already exceed the access speed of USB 2.0, Pretec has provided a low cost version of IDE to CF card readers for more than 10 years, in which users can use the high speed CF card in a PC conveniently beyond the speed of USB2.0.

In order to cope with the high speed era beyond IDE/CF limitation of theoretical maximum speed of 133MB/s, Pretec has also released two super high speed products together with the CF 567X and 667X CF cards:

- Pretec’s ExpressCard CompactFlash Reader for MacBook Pro or Notebook equipped with ExpressCard 34/54 slot, capable of access 100MB/s of super high speed Pretec products now, with theoretic maximum interface speed for more than 300MB/s, this CF card reader is the highest speed in the world.

- Pretec’s CFast card, released on 2009 in CES, is the highest speed CF sized small form factor card, with access speed of more than 133MB/s, fully compliant with next generation CF specification from CFA. Even higher speed and capacity CFast cards will be released by Pretec soon.

Both Pretec 567X 128GB and 667X 64GB CF cards are sampling now, with suggested retail price of $699, mass production will start by June of 2010.

Pretec release world's fastest CF and SD card readers

Taipei, Taiwan, May 28th 2010
－
Pretec, the leader of the highest capacity CompactFlash card (128GB), fastest CompactFlash card(667X), and first SDXC card in the world, releases today a CF card reader and one SD/SDXC card reader based on ExpressCard interface, to be the fastest CF card reader in the world and fastest SD/SDXC card reader in the world. Such high performance card readers will also be shown at Pretec booth at Computex Taipei 2010 (TWTC Nangang Exhibition Hall, Lower Exhibition Hall booth J317a).

With interface speed of 2.5Gb/s and actual transfer speed up to 100MB/s working with Pretec 567X series and 667X series CF cards or other high-speed UDMA card, Pretec ExpressCard CompactFlash Reader is the world’s fastest CompactFlash card reader. The ultra high performance allows professional SLR camera users to cut down the time on file transfer and improve workflow drastically.

With interface speed of 2.5Gb/s and actual transfer speed up to 63MB/s working with Pretec 32GB/64GB SDXC cards or other high-speed SDXC card, Pretec ExpressCard SDXC Reader is the world’s fastest and first SDXC compatible reader. It supports SDXC/SDHC/SD cards, the most popular storage media for digital camera, and brings advanced technology to fulfill users’ everyday needs.

Other than much higher speed compared with today’s prevailing USB 2.0 interfaces (theoretical maximum speed is 60MB/s), ExpressCard provides users with convenient slot without intruding outside the main body of PC/Notebook, compatible with more than 95% of the current PC available in the market, is an excellent interfaces for the new generation card readers for high performance memory cards.

Pretec ExpressCard CompactFlash Reader and Pretec ExpressCard SDXC Reader are sampling now, with suggested retail price of $39.99 and $29.99 respectively. Mass production is slated to start next month. Even higher speed card readers will be released by Pretec soon.

Leica Akademie photography workshops announced

The Leica Store in Mayfair, London has announced a series of new photography workshops to be held on the premises. Guest speakers will be providing insights on a range of specialist photography topics, and training on the camera maker's M rangefinders and new digital compact cameras, including the X1 and recently announced V-Lux 20 is also being offered. For more details, please read the press release below.




Press release

Leica announces new photography workshops at London training facility, Leica Akademie

26 May 2010: Leica Akademie, the company’s London training facility, has announced a new programme of photography workshops for existing and prospective customers.

Based at 34 Bruton Place, London W1, the Leica Akademie hosts owner courses and introductory workshops, and will now be offering an extended series of workshops with experienced Leica photographers.

The Leica Akademie currently offers complimentary sessions for its range of cameras, as part of its premium service in the UK. By popular demand, the Leica Akademie will now cater for photographers who want to expand their knowledge of post-production software, black and white, film, travel and holiday photography, and photographs for publication. In addition, the Leica Akademie will run bespoke workshops, tailored specifically to meet each individual’s needs.

Leica Akademie workshops operate in small group sizes to allow attendees to get the utmost support from the experts and maximise their learning potential. There is a variety of workshops to suit the needs of every Leica photographer from practical, hands-on and ‘in the field’ workshops, to classroom and workstation based sessions.

Whether participants are brand new to Leica, more experienced or somewhere in between, Leica Akademie workshops will take their skills and knowledge to the next level.

Further information on workshops and the Leica Akademie can be found at:
www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk/leica-akademie/leica-akademie.html

Range of Leica Akademie workshops currently available

· Introduction to LEICA M9
· LEICA M9 Owner workshop
· LEICA M8 / 8.2 Owner workshop
· LEICA M Film Owner workshop
· LEICA M System Bespoke workshop
· Introduction to Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom®
· Advanced Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom®
· Pictures for Profit
· See the World in Black & White
· Holiday & Travel
· Introduction to LEICA X1 / V-Lux 20 / D-Lux 4

The Leica Akademie is constantly expanding the range of workshops available to provide a destination for photographic inspiration, learning and knowledge.

About the Leica Akademie

The Leica Akademie is a training facility, with full black-out capability, incorporating the LEICA PRADOVIT D-1200 projection system. It is fitted out with Naim high-end audio equipment to provide users with sound quality to complement the projector’s outstanding image quality.

The Leica Akademie offers participants the use of a personal Apple iMac workstation, with the latest photographic software and equipment, to ensure every attendee gets the most out of their experience.

The team of expert photographers includes: Gary Rowlands, Ian Farrell, Will Cheung and Brett, as well as a selection of world-class guest speakers.

Contact details for customers interested in booking workshops at the Leica Akademie:

Leica Akademie, Leica Store Mayfair, 34 Bruton Place, London W1J 6NR
akademie@leica-storemayfair.co.uk
Tel: 07514 539566

Phase One Offers free download of Expression Media to existing C1 license holders

Phase One, developers of Capture One, the high-quality Raw workflow utility are offering existing users the opportunity to download a free copy of the recently acquired Expression Media asset management utility, (see yesterday's news story here).

Fore more details, including the option to download the utility, see here.

Phase One buys Expression Media from Microsoft

Phase One A/S the medium format back maker and developer of the high quality Capture One raw software utility has unexpectedly acquired the Expression Media (PC, Mac) application from Microsoft Corp. Expression Media was formerly known and widely respected by imaging pros as iView Media Pro. Microsoft Corp added iView to its portfolio a number of years ago.

Read the full press release:

Phase One, a Digital Photography Leader, Acquires Microsoft’s Expression Media Product

Agreement focuses on strong customer support throughout transition.

REDMOND, Wash., and COPENHAGEN, Denmark — May 25, 2010 — Microsoft Corp. and Phase One A/S, a leader in digital photography, are announcing that Phase One acquired the Microsoft Expression Media product. This agreement is built on an existing strategic alliance between the companies forged in 2007 to improve digital imaging solutions for professional and enthusiast photographers.

Expression Media is a leading digital asset management application used to catalog and organize photos, video and music for effortless retrieval, presentation and sharing. Expression Media will join Phase One’s product lineup, which includes open-platform-based, medium- format camera systems able to render up to 60.5 megapixel resolution, and Capture One raw- conversion and image-editing software, which supports more than 170 different file formats and provides superior image quality with excellent color and detail. Phase One products are used by some of the world’s leading photographers.

“We’re excited about taking ownership of Expression Media,” said Henrik O. Håkonsson, president and CEO, Phase One. “We have worked with Microsoft for several years, during which many of our customers have chosen Expression Media for their digital asset management needs. We are now planning product developments to help meet the growing needs of current and future customers. As an immediate benefit to existing Expression Media customers who may not yet have tried it, we are offering a free copy of Capture One to help enhance their photographic workflow.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Phase One takes full ownership of the Expression Media product. To ensure a smooth transition for Expression Media customers, Microsoft will continue to provide support to retail customers for 90 days. Phase One will begin offering support for the Expression Media product after the 90-day transition period. Microsoft customers who are currently using Expression Media under an Enterprise Agreement will continue to receive support from Microsoft through the term of their agreements. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“Microsoft's sale of Expression Media to Phase One, within the context of the companies' relationship, is good news for the future of the product and for its customers,” said IDC analyst Ron Glaz. “Phase One's focus and expertise in the digital photography market make it well suited to drive product developments that will best serve the growing needs of imaging professionals.”

“Phase One is a respected and deeply committed leader in the digital photography market. With its strong experience in digital imaging software solutions, we’re thrilled that it will drive this technology forward,” said Josh Weisberg, director of Strategy and Business Development at Microsoft. “Through this agreement, we’ve made every effort to ensure that the integrity of the Expression Media technology remains intact and that our customers experience a seamless transition.”

The agreement was brokered by Microsoft’s IP Ventures program, a vehicle for Microsoft to get technologies into the hands of other businesses, spurring the economy and putting the best innovations in the hands of consumers. Microsoft will continue to develop the Expression Studio design tools for Silverlight and .Net.

Additional information about the Expression Media product and transition to Phase One is available at http://www.microsoft.com/prophoto/expressionmedia2/default.aspx and http://www.phaseone.com/expressionmedia2.

As an aside, most, if not all, of the images on this site are prepared for publication using iView Media Pro.

Lexar shipping 16GB and 32GB Pro 133x speed SDHC

Lexar Media has announced their pro-spec (133x) SDHC cards are now available* in both 16GB and 32GB capacities.

*Amazon UK are only showing the LEXAR 16 GB 133x Professional SDHC Media Card at the time of posting.

Press release:

Lexar Media Now Shipping 16GB and 32GB Professional 133x Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) Memory Cards

Increased Capacity Enables Capture of High-Quality Images and Video with SDHC-Compatible Digital SLR Cameras

May 25, 2010 – Lexar Media, a leading global provider of memory products for digital media, today announced that it is shipping Lexar® Professional 133x Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) memory cards in 16GB and 32GB capacities to retail outlets. For additional information about the 16GB and 32GB Lexar Professional 133x SDHC cards, visit www.lexar.com.

The Lexar Professional SDHC memory cards offer the maximum Class 10 speed rating, providing a blazing-fast minimum sustained write speed capability of 133x (20MB per second), while the higher capacities of the new 16GB and 32GB cards make them an excellent choice for shooting higher-resolution images and large-sized, high-definition video files with SDHC-compatible digital SLR cameras. In addition to enabling photographers to fully leverage a digital SLR’s high-speed processor, the Professional SDHC cards significantly accelerate image download times from the card to a host computer, improving the digital workflow.

“As camera manufacturers introduce new models that capture both photo and video content, photographers need memory solutions that keep up with their evolving shooting needs,” said Manisha Sharma, director of worldwide memory card product marketing, Lexar Media. “With the 16GB and 32GB capacities of the Lexar Professional SDHC cards, photographers can shoot longer without having to switch cards and potentially miss an amazing image. Photographers everywhere understand the benefits of increased capacities, and we’re pleased to be offering these cards to them through our extensive channel network.”

All Lexar memory card and card reader designs are tested in the Lexar Quality Labs, facilities with more than 800 digital cameras and memory card devices, to ensure performance, quality, compatibility, and reliability. Lexar performs this extensive testing in an effort to provide customers with the highest level of confidence, whether they are capturing once-in-a-lifetime memories, important events, or everyday occasions.

Customers can also access Lexar’s Digital Photography website, a dedicated, online resource and tips destination (http://www.lexar.com/dp/), and can leverage phone and live-chat tech support. Lexar provides these services and resources to customers to minimize the time required for troubleshooting card issues and to provide tools for photographers to optimize their shooting and focus on capturing great images.

All Lexar Professional memory cards include a limited lifetime warranty, a free downloadable copy of Image Rescue® 4 software, and exclusive, money-saving promotions from Adobe on popular photo and video editing products, including the latest versions of Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom®, Adobe Photoshop Elements, and Adobe Premiere® Elements software.

Canon announce EOS 5D MkII firmware upgrade

Canon has today announced a firmware upgrade (v2.07) for the popular full-frame Canon Digital SLR Camera EOS 5D Mark II. The firmware is said to fix irregular aperture control in manual and aperture-priority exposure modes when shooting movies, address intermittent difference in exposure level between the viewfinder and LCD panel, and fix an occasional issue with powering down the wireless file transmitters (WFT-E4 and WFT-E4II).

The firmware update can be found here.

Domke add grey Limited range

Domke has announced a Limited range of bags in a rather fetching grey canvas and black trim. Just three models of the popular bags* have been selected for the new colour; the original F-2 (above), mid-size F-10 and super-compact F-3x. Prices start at £109.99, but there's no word as yet on availability.

Press release:

LIMITED OFFER GREY VERSIONS OF TRADITIONAL DOMKE BAGS

Domke the bag of choice for demanding press men and discerning enthusiasts the world over, has produced a limited production run in grey fabric with a coordinated black trim, of the three bags that built the company's legendary reputation.

The three bags to get the grey makeover are the F-10 Medium Shoulder Bag, F-3X Super Compact and the famous F-2 Original - the first bag in the Domke line some 30 years ago!

Grey is currently additional to the other fabric colours in the range and the models will continue to be available in sand, black, olive, brown, navy and wax finish Ruggedwear.

In all other respects the grey bags encompass trademark Domke features including practical design, durable fabrics and high quality fasteners and zips.

Prices for the new special limited edition bags are as follows: Model F-10 Shoulder Bag Grey £109.99, F-3X Super Compact Bag Grey £149.99, F-2 Original Bag Grey £174.99.

Commented Daniel Waite Tiffen's International Sales Manager Domke Products: "We are not sure as yet how many bags have been produced but this initiative provides an unparalleled opportunity for photographers to acquire one of Domke's iconic bags, with a unique slant.

Details of Domke select dealers or further information on the range, can be obtained by contacting the UK distributor Swains International plc on 0845 450 4242, sales@swains.co.uk or www.swains.co.uk

*Amazon UK has the Domke F-2 DOMKE'S Original Bag - Sand listed, but not the Limited models at the time of posting.

Nikon add Lens Postioning Map

Nikon has added an intriguing Lens Postioning Map, allowing users to plan their range, add new lenses and compare coverage against the optics they have already. I'm not sure how helpful it is, but as a marketing tool it works quite well to promote their range even if it masks some of the shortcomings with their older lenses. Still, to their credit, Nikon are working they way through them, one by one.

Perhaps of more help to people is the Lenses Simulator, you can use it to see just what coverage your prospective purchase will give you.

Leica unwrap new 35mm f/1.4 Summilux

Leica has announced the long-rumoured update to the 35mm f/1.4 Summilux, optimised for the digital Leica M9. The lens has been re-computed and adds a close-range correction, or 'floating', rear design for improved imaging at closer distances. According to the press release, the new lens will be available towards the end of June (2010), an will carry a ticket of £3,375 including VAT.

More information can be found here.

Lo-Fi Friday

Olympus E-PL1, processed in Aperture 3.

Olympus E-PL1, Diorama Art Filter (no additional processing).

NEX Please

Sony NEX-5 with 16mm f/2.8 (24mm - equiv).

Sony announced the rumoured NEX-5 and NEX-3 this week, but I for one can't help but feel that, like many of Sony's cameras*, they miss the mark somehow. Perhaps not by much, but enough for them to be bypassed by those who have taken to the Olympus Pens and Panasonic GF1.

Sony NEX-3 with 18-55mm(28-90mm) f/3.5-5.6

Both NEX models are 'mirrorless' and feature a 14.2-megapixel back-illuminated Exmor R, APS-C size CMOS sensor, which Sony somewhat confusingly dub 'APS-HD' format. The NEX-5 boasts a metal shell while the more affordable NEX-3 model uses a plastic outer.

Although few have picked up on it, Sony's NEX cameras have been launched with a 16mm f/2.8 (24mm equivalent), see above. That's a smart move. It's not enough mind, but it's smart. Let's hope there's more to come. Olympus, Panasonic, Samsung and Ricoh (with their GXR) each have one prime, but we would like more choice please.

Sony NEX-5 with thumping great 28-300mm equivalent zoom.

It's not rocket science, but to my mind, to appeal to photographers looking for a camera to use discretely (who'll almost certainly have a DSLR at their disposal), there must be a range of lenses in the 24/28, 35/50 and 90/100mm focal lengths, with an f/2 maximum aperture, ideally. You only need look at the Leica M range, or perhaps the discontinued Contax G system.

Contax G1 with Carl Zeiss 45mm f/2 Planar

Just how difficult can it be for Sony, or the others, to add an electronic viewfinder that apes the coupled rangefinder, at least in body design?** Lets move away from the scaled down DSLR-style bodies and viewfinder-less compacts, that's not what's needed (nor ridiculous size 28-300mm zooms). What we're crying out for is the digital equivalent of the Contax G1 (or G2) and a few choice primes, isn't it? I know I am.

For more information including the press release, please see here.

*Not all, the Alpha A900 is is right up there, IMHO. Unfortunately, Sony have no plans to do anything worthwhile with it. According to one source within the company, there are no TS-E / PC-E type lenses planned, for instance, and they insist the lower-end of the market, the so-called "Soccer Mums" is where their priorities lie. Shame.

**Seems Sony do listen, please read our editorial here.

Canon UK announces student discount on EOS 7D and 5D Mk II

New Canon Cashback:

Canon announces a new student cashback on the award winning EOS 7D and EOS 5D Mark II


Products:
Purchase the EOS 7D before 31st August 2010 and claim £75 / €85 cashback
Purchase the EOS 5D Mk II before 31st August 2010 and claim £150 / €180 cashback

Availability:
This cashback is available on the EOS 7D and EOS 5D Mark II when purchased by photographic students, lecturers or technicians from a retailer within the EOS Professional Network.

All participants must be either a student studying a recognised university photographic course, have been accepted onto a recognised university photographic course or be a lecturer/technician working on a recognised university photographic course in the UK or Republic of Ireland.
For further details on where to buy & full terms and conditions please visit www.canon.co.uk/futurephotographer or www.canon.ie/futurephotographer
For further details about the EOS Professional Network, and how to locate your nearest Centre or Stockist please visit www.canon.co.uk/eospro-network or www.canon.ie/eospro-network

Timing:
Start: 1st May 2010
End: 31st August 2010, claims must be received by 1st October 2010

Readers enquiries:
For further details on where to buy & full terms and conditions please visit www.canon.co.uk/futurephotographer or www.canon.ie/futurephotographer

For further details about the EOS Professional Network, and how to locate your nearest Centre or Stockist please visit www.canon.co.uk/eospro-network or www.canon.ie/eospro-network

Amazon UK links:

Canon Digital SLR Camera EOS 5D Mark II

Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)

Arca-Swiss to add adjustable L-bracket

Arca-Swiss, the high-end camera maker and manufacturer of ball heads, is to release an adjustable L-bracket fitting a range of cameras. Currently, makers produce L-brackets for specific camera models, making it an expensive proposition for photographers wishing to frequently swap between cameras.

The price is expected to be in the region of €190 / £160 / $240, with tax.

Source.

Lo-fi Friday: Aperture 3, Olympus E-PL1

Olympus E-PL1 using Diorama Art-Filter, with cross-processing in Aperture 3

Olympus E-PL1 using Diorama (Tilt-Shift) Art-Filter, original (no additional processing)

I thought I would start a new category for the weekend, Lo-fi Friday, celebrating the ease with which digital imaging allows some interesting techniques.

The first picture (top) is an out-camera Jpeg with some cross-processing applied in Aperture 3. The second below is the original Jpeg before processing in Aperture. It was shot with the delightful mFT Olympus E-PL1 and Olympus 17mm (34mm-effective) f/2.8 pancake lens, using the camera's built-in Diorama Art-Filter.

As you can just about make out the filter applies blurring with quite a sharp cut-off (based on the AF point, as far as I can tell). Saturation is bumped up quite too, but it's all automatic. You don't have to do a thing, except compose and push the button.

Nikon UK adds D90 cashback, lowers price on D5000

After the earlier announcement about the D700, Nikon UK also announced a £60/€70 cashback on the popular D90 bought between the same period (1st May 2010 to 30th June inclusive), and a price reduction on the D5000 body and 18-55mm VR kit option. The new RRP of the D5000 body is now £569.99 /€675.00, and with the kit combination is £639.99/ €758.00, although quite how that changes the street price, remains to be seen.

For more details including terms and conditions, see here.

Nikon announces promo on D700

Hot on the heels of Canon's recent rebate scheme comes the announcement of a free MB-D10 grip when you buy a Nikon D700, from participating UK dealers, between the 1st May 2010 and 30th June 2010.

For more details on the D700 grip, please see here.

Nikon announce new AF-S 200-400mm f/4 VRII

Nikon has announced the upgrade to the AF-S 200-400mm f/4 ED VR, originally launched alongside the Nikon D2H in 2003. The enhancements include four-stop VR II, Nano Crystal Coat to reduce ghosting and a new A/M mode to improve handling during AF operation.

I reviewed this lens for Digital Photographer magazine in the UK and it's outstanding, indeed it's so popular Canon is introducing a similar version to stop people switching systems to buy it. Please follow the links to buy from Adoroma ($6,999.00) in the US, or Jessops (£4,987.95 inv VAT) in the UK.


Read the full press release:

ULTIMATE VERSATILITY WITH NIKON’S NEW AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II LENS

RRP: £6249.99 / €7400.00 /$6,999
Sales start date: 28th May 2010

April 27th 2010: Nikon UK today announces a new super telephoto zoom lens – the AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II. This lens replaces the highly acclaimed AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED VR and features the new generation of Vibration Reduction technology (VR II), Nano Crystal Coat and a new A/M mode, making it an ideal, versatile choice for sports and wildlife photographers.

This type of super telephoto zoom lens remains unique on the market and reflects Nikon’s continued dedication to innovation and quality in the industry. The evolution of this lens underlines Nikon’s commitment to developing a range of products tailored to photographers’ needs, and strengthens the line-up of high-performance NIKKOR lenses.

Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager Lenses, Accessories & Software, Nikon Europe says: "Rapid advancements in optical technology and Nikon’s continued dedication to provide class-leading products have resulted in recent updates of pro grade lenses. Through its additional features and improved specifications, the AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II delivers the ultimate results and enables even the most demanding of pro photographers to shoot without compromise.”

Sharper images with improved handling
The AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II features second generation built in Vibration Reduction (VRII), providing the ability to shoot at shutter speeds up to four stops slower so sharper images can be achieved.



In addition, the new A/M mode added to existing M/A and M modes enables autofocus priority even if the focus ring is being handled during shooting.

Reduced ghosting and flare
The AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II now incorporates Nikon’s exclusive anti-reflection Nano Crystal coat, which drastically reduces ghosting and flare, along with four ED glass elements to minimise internal reflections and aberrations. This delivers rich, high contrast images even under testing lighting conditions.

The new lens features an autofocus with a built-in silent wave motor to ensure fast and quiet focusing. The AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II has a tough magnesium body, incorporating weather and dust sealing and lens protective glass, to withstand the effects of dust and moisture in the toughest of shooting conditions.

Weighing in at only 3,360g, while providing great flexibility in telephoto shooting, this new lens is a practical alternative to carrying several large telephoto lenses. The lens is supplied with a high quality Ballistic, backpack style carry case, allowing for easy and safe transportation.

Leica intro new V-Lux 20

Leica has introduced a new digital compact camera. The 12.1 megapixel V-Lux 20 boasts a 12x optical zoom, the equivalent of a 25-300mm f/3.3-4.9, 3-inch 460k dot LCD and built-in GPS geo-tagging. The suggested retail price in the UK is £495 and it's expected to be available from next month (May).

More information can be found here.

As a side-note, it's always interesting to see the EXIF data from press shots. Most leave it in unintentionally. We've seen Olympus use the (Nikon) D3x recently with their E-PL1, Nikon using a Phase One P20, and now Leica using their sadly discontinued R8 with DMR digital back. At least they're using their own products...*

Canon's agency carefully strip their EXIF data, so we've no-idea what they use (Phase One, most likely), still if there's a manufacturer who'd like to know how to remove this revealing info before publication, please contact me.

* I had a spokesperson from Leica contact me today about this, and they intend to use the new S2 for future press material. However, although you can't really tell the quality from a web image like this, I can say the original files were superb quality. Times move on, but I guess, in a round-about way, I was applauding the use of the DMR.

Leica announce firmware update for S2

Leica has announced a firmware update for their ultra-high end S2 and S2P. The headline news here really is the addition of exposure correction in the viewfinder, which was an oversight, but all the other tweaks will be welcomed too.

Press release from Leica UK:

Firmware update for LEICA S2

22 April 2010: Leica Camera AG has announced a firmware update (v.1.0.0.16) for the LEICA S2 and S2-P, which will be downloadable from today under the Leica Owners’ Area on the Leica web site at:
https://owners.leica-camera.com/en/login

Below is the full list of improvements provided by this firmware update:

Extended camera functionality

· Additional HMI white balance preset added (Hydrargyrum Medium-arc Iodide lamps)
· Additional viewfinder information: exposure correction
· Custom setting for depth of field preview button
· Selectable OLED screen standby time
· Control element lock (shutter speed and aperture dials can now be locked to prevent inadvertent shifts)
· Extended user-defined button programming (the stop-down button can now also be programmed)

Improvements in existing functionality and handling

· Consistent, continuous image numbering
· Accelerated data transfer speed for computer-tethered shooting
· Increased compatibility with memory cards not formatted in the camera
· Improved handling for selection of exposure modes
· Compatibility with new Leica Summarit-S 35mm and 120mm lenses
· Improvement in JPEG image quality
· Automatic detection of interchangeable focusing screens
· Improved image viewing on the camera display
· Simplified image review selection

All new LEICA S2 and S2-P cameras will be supplied with the updated firmware.

More details are available at: http://www.s.leica-camera.com/

Lauren,

Leica S2 with Summarit 70mm f/2.5 at f/11,

processed in Aperture 3

Adobe release Lightroom 2.7

Adobe has released the final versions of Lightroom 2.7 , Photoshop Camera Raw 5.7, and DNG converter 5.7. Adding raw support for nine new cameras including the Canon EOS 550D / Rebel T2i / Kiss x4 Digital, Sony A450, Panasonic G2 and G10, and the Olympus E-PL1, the updates are available for immediate download here. The updates are free to Lightroom 2 customers.

More information on Lightroom can be found here.

Canon add further models to rebate scheme

After the news earlier in the day about the rebates on the popular PowerShot G11 and S90, Canon UK has announced the cash-back scheme will be applicable to more models in the range. Starting from today through to 22 June 2010, purchasing the PowerShot SX210IS, SX120 IS, SX20 IS and the SX1 IS (shown above) will attract rebates of £30/€35, £20/€25, £40/€45 and £50/€55 respectively.

See here (UK) or here (Ireland) for more details.

Canon offers rebates on S90 and G11

Starting from the 21 April, through to 22 June 2010, Canon UK has announced £30 / €35 rebates on their popular PowerShot G11 and S90 models .

Claims must be received by 26th July 2010.

For further details please visit here (UK), or here (Ireland).

Carl Zeiss announce primes for Canon video DSLRs

Not your usual common-or-garden SLR lenses, the newly announced Compact Primes from Carl Zeiss offer full-frame (35mm) coverage on video-DSLRs, notably Canon EF mount with Nikon F to follow. See here, for more details (look for Compact Primes).