Digital Journal of Photography

Tuesday, 21 September 2010

Sigma unwrap 46MP semi-pro SD1 DSLR

Sigma has announced the SD1, a semi-pro (APS-C) DSLR packing a 46MP Foveon (Sigma-owned) sensor. The 46MP resolution will be up for the usual debate, as it has 4,800x3200 photo-sites over 3x layers (one layer for each RGB colour channel). Some will say the resolution is just 15.4MP (but if you use the same argument with traditional Bayer sensors, they too could be accused of having lower resolutions. In reality, for any given pixel dimensions, the Foveon sensors resolve less detail than equivalent Bayer sensors, but just what this new 46MP sensor will equate to is anyone's guess. It's just a pity Sigma hasn't released it as full-frame (35mm) chip. Maybe that's still to come (but not at this year's Photokina).

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new SIGMA SD1 Digital SLR Camera, incorporating a 46 megapixel 24×16mm APS-C X3 direct image sensor. The SIGMA SD1 is Sigma’s flagship digital SLR model, adopting a lightweight yet solid magnesium alloy for its body and O-ring sealing connections to make a weather-resistant design throughout for use in harsh conditions.

The SIGMA SD1 incorporates a 24×16mm APS-C X3 direct image sensor and dual “TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) II” image processing engines. The combination of the 46 megapixel sensor and dual TRUE II processing engines ensure the high resolution images are processed quickly with high definition and smooth and subtle graduation of colour. The SD1 is SIGMA’s latest digital SLR camera which meets high requirements of professional and enthusiast photographers for all types of photography.

SD1 Special site: www.SIGMA-SD.com/sd1

Product Summary

46 megapixel 24×16mm APS-C X3 Full-colour image sensor
The 46 megapixel (4,800×3,200×3 layers) 24×16mm APS-C X3 direct image sensor featured in the Sigma SD1 captures all primary RGB colours at each and every pixel location, ensuring the capture of full and complete colour. Using three silicon-embedded layers of photo detectors, stacked vertically to take advantage of silicon’s ability to absorb red, green and blue light at different respective depths, it efficiently reproduces colour more accurately, and offers sharper resolution, pixel for pixel, than any conventional image sensor. Since colour moiré is not generated, the use of a low-pass filter is not required, meaning light and colour, generated by the 46 megapixel APS-C X3 direct image sensor, is captured with a three-dimensional feel.

Dual TRUE II image processing engine
The SD1 incorporates a dual “TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) II” image processing engine which improves the processing speed and overall quality of the final image. The unique image-processing algorithm provides high resolution power and reproduces high definition images with richly graduated tones.

CF card
The SD1 adopts the TYPE I CF Card. This camera is compatible with UDMA Mode6, enabling fast processing of large amounts of data.
* It is not possible to use Microdrives and TYPE II CF cards.

11 point twin cross sensor
The autofocus system features an 11 point twin cross sensor. The shifted twin cross type sensor improves AF accuracy.

Magnesium body
The Sigma SD1 adopts a lightweight yet solid magnesium alloy body designed to withstand rough use and shocks in harsh conditions.

Product Summary

CF card
The SD1 adopts the TYPE I CF Card. This camera is compatible with UDMA Mode6, enabling fast processing of large amounts of data.
* It is not possible to use Microdrives and TYPE II CF cards.

11 point twin cross sensor
The autofocus system features an 11 point twin cross sensor. The shifted twin cross type sensor improves AF accuracy.

Magnesium body
The Sigma SD1 adopts a lightweight yet solid magnesium alloy body designed to withstand rough use and shocks in harsh conditions.Weather-resistant design
Buttons and connections benefit from O-ring sealings to prevent dust and water getting inside the camera body.

Large, highly visible 3.0” TFT colour LCD Monitor
The SD1 camera features a 3.0 inch TFT colour monitor. This 460,000 pixel resolution LCD monitor benefits from a wide viewing angle, making it easy to check focusing and composition.

Optional lenses
The SD1 can be used with over 40 Sigma lenses such as ultra-wide, ultra-telephoto, macro and fisheyes which adopt the latest technology such as FLD and SLD glass, Aspherical lenses, Sigma’s unique Optical Stabiliser function, Hyper Sonic Motor and Sigma’s Super Multi Layer Coating. They meet the various and demanding requirements of all types of photographers.

Specifications

Panasonic roll out three new mFT lenses

Panasonic has added three new lenses to the maker's popular and expanding G Micro system. The standout model of the three, at least for enthusiasts, is a $400, 28mm-equivalent f/2.5 'pancake', but the maker has also announced a $600, 200-600mm-equivalent f/4-5.6 zoom (for video buffs), and officially launched the previously announced 65mm-equivalent f/12 3D lens. The latter will retail for just $250, and all three will be available from November.

Aerial Photography by Jason Hawkes - New York at Night - New Book

A new series of aerial images has been brought together in a compelling new book called New York At Night , with words by Christopher Gray. It goes on sale next month. This time Jason Hawkes spent 15 weeks hovering above New York in twilight to capture "the city that never sleeps", a perspective we see in the movies but rarely in stills. We previously previewed his earlier book, London at Night - click here.

Panasonic take wraps off Lumix GH2

As expected, Panasonic has announced the 16-megapixel Lumix DMC-GH2 today at Photokina, Cologne boasting, it's claimed, "the world's fastest level Light Speed AF of approx. 0.1 second", 24p movie clips with a bit rate of 24Mbps, ISO up to 12,800 and burst shooting of up to 5fps (at full resolution).

UPDATE 23/9/10

Although availability hasn't been confirmed, the price including the 14-42mm will be £900 (inc VAT), and £1300 for the body c/w 14-140mm (in VAT).

Press release:

Panasonic Introduce new Touch-Control, Creative, HD Compact System Camera at Photokina 2010

Introducing the DMC-GH2 featuring Full HD 1920x1080/60i Movie Recording and the World’s Fastest Level of Light Speed AF * Pursuing Intuition and Enthusiasm

Today at Photokina 2010, Panasonic announced the LUMIX DMC-GH2

as the latest member of the New Generation System Camera LUMIX G Micro System. Fully compliant with the Micro Four Thirds System standard, the LUMIX G Micro System combines a downsized body with advanced functions that achieve both high performance and operational comfort.

Featuring an intuitive touch control, the new DMC-GH2 boasts its world’s fastest* level Light Speed AF of approx. 0.1 second to capture the subject in spur-of-the-moment in sharp focus*. The key components, including the sensor and the image processing engine, are totally refined to achieve even higher performance of the camera to render a stunning image with high resolution, beautiful gradation and high sensitivity.

For the compact system camera, recording movie is no longer an additional function but a key feature for saving memories. The DMC-GH2 features full HD 1920x1080/60i smooth, high quality movie recording with powerful 60p output**. The cinema-like 24p movie with the bit rate of max. 24 Mbps provides overwhelming image quality with richly expressive afterimage. Furthermore, together with the Cinema mode, which is newly added as an option of popular Film mode, 24p movie enables the movie to have a characteristic superior gradation. The new Variable Movie mode makes it possible to record motion images in variable frame rate creating a fast/slow-feed movie. Activating the newly added EX Tele Conversion function, the user can virtually extend the zoom beyond the original limit to get even closer to the subject. This options is available in both photo and movie modes. The simultaneous HDMI output while recording images is convenient for even professional users to monitor images on a separate screen.

The intuitive touch-control shooting, which is popular with the DMC-G2 for its outstanding usability, also comes with DMC-GH2. Combined with easy-to-see free-angle Intelligent LCD and the newly developed Multi Aspect Wide Screen LVF (Live View Finder), the DMC-GH2 achieves highest ever operational comfort for users to concentrate on the shooting.

Expanding variety of interchangeable lenses is another advantage of the LUMIX G Micro System which boasts a total of 11 exclusive lenses including new single focal length lens LUMIX G 14mm / F2.5 ASPH (H-H014), telephoto zoom lens LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm / F4.0-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS100300) and 3D lens LUMIX G 12.5mm / F12 (H-FT012). The new 3D lens introduced simultaneously is the world’s first 3D interchangeable lens. Now not only seeing in 3D but also shooting in 3D is now available. The popular My Colour mode and the Film mode including new Cinema mode also adds users’ customisation to each photo and movie.

The iA (Intelligent Auto) mode is constantly evolving and the Intelligent D-range Control is newly integrated in the DMC-GH2. The Intelligent Resolution has new “EXTENDED” option for more natural looking shots when printed in large size.

Enforced by the high-performance based on the new components and advanced technologies, the creative DMC-GH2 is now offering even higher level of creative possibility and intuition for every enthusiastic user to explore realms of not only photography but also of videography at the same time.

* The time for focusing on the subject is measured with the DMC-GH2 attaching LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm / F4.0-5.8 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (H-VS014140)* to move the lens to “2m” from “infinity” position. The zoom position is in wide range. Panasonic measurement method.*The firmware must be updated to Ver. 1.3 or later.

** Full-HD (1,920 x 1,080) movies are recorded at 60i (NTSC) / 50i (PAL). HD (1,280 x 720) movies are output and recorded by the image sensor at 60p (NTSC) / 50p (PAL).

DMC-GH2 Specifications

Aerial Photography by Jason Hawkes - London at Night

"All my work is done from a twin engine helicopter flying between 800 to 1500 feet above the ground," said the 42-year-old from London. "The door is opened and I am strapped into a harness and I begin taking my pictures. The key to the strength of the pictures is the increase in quality of digital cameras and the upgrades available in stabilising mounts for the camera, which allows me to balance my shots. I use the very latest Nikon cameras. For my normal aerial work I shoot using the D3x and the D3, but have just updated to the D3S for my night work. You also have to use specially adapted gyro stabilising mounts to take away the vibration caused by the helicopter"

Leaf unwrap Aptus-II 12 80MP MF back

Leaf Imaging has today announced the world’s highest resolution, one-shot medium format (645) digital camera back, the Leaf Aptus-II 12. Boasting a 53.7 x 40.3mm CCD sensor with 80-million pixels, and a capture rate of 1.5fps (which is excellent at these file sizes), the new Aptus-II 12 is available to order now from dealers, priced at 23,995 euros / $31,995.

Pentax rolls out smc PENTAX-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6ED

Along with the new 16MP K-5 DSLR, Pentax has announced a new kit lens, the smc PENTAX-DA 18-135mm F3.5-5.6ED AL[IF] DC WR. It's the equivalent to 28-200mm on a 35mm camera, boasts an internal DC motor (Direct Current), ED glass and weatherproof construction. Pentax say it will be available from early November with a RRP of £599.99 (inc tax).

Pentax make 16MP K-5 DSLR official

Pentax has announced today the K-5 DSLR, packing a 16.3-megapixel CMOS sensor with a sensitivity ranging from ISO 80 to ISO 51,200 (with expansion), 3-inch (921k dot resolution) screen and continuous shooting up to 7fps. Based on the Pentax K-7 magnesium-alloy body with stainless steel chassis, the new model is said to boast faster autofocus, and upgraded HDR function and 1080(25p) AVI (Motion JPEG) video clips with a 25 minute record time. A 720p mode is also available with 25fps and 30fps options. Unfortunately, there's no 24p option at this time, but the K-5 has a stereo mic input for an external microphone.
The K-5 will be available from mid-late October 2010.
Recommended Retail Price:
K-5 +18-55mm WR - £1199.99
K-5 + 18-55mm WR + 50-200mm WR - £1299.99
K-5 + 18-135mm WR - £1699.99

Pentax to add medium format 645D to UK range

Pentax has announced today, at Photokina, that the 645D will be available in the UK from early December 2010. The recommended retail price will be £8999.99 (body only) and £9999.99 for the kit (inc. 55mm SDM 645 lens). Both prices include tax.

Arca Swiss, the specialist camera and tripod head maker, has introduced two new pan and tilt heads, the geared d4 and simpler d4m.The new d4 model promises micro-metric adjustment. We hope to have more information on the price and availability later.

UPDATE:

ARCA-SWISS d4: 110x90xH100 - weight: 800 gr. - price: 790 euros (excl VAT)
(price may vary according to the fastening system chosen)

ARCA-SWISS d4m: 90x70xH100 - weight: 640 gr. price: 490 euros (excl VAT)
(price may vary according to the fastening system chosen)

Press release:

ARCA-SWISS d4

With the invention of the d4 pan tilt head ARCA-SWISS has put an end to setting levers of 3d heads that extend in all directions and always get in the way. No
more uneven swiveling out of the camera. No more oversized dimensions, heavy loads and other all too well-known drawbacks to get in your way. We get straight to the point.

The innovative design of the ARCA-SWISS d4 gear-head unites the pivot points of the X and Y movements at the same point. The result of this new concept: identical and the smallest possible rotational radii. That ensures small camera movements and, as a consequence, almost no deviations in scale, which, until now, led to reduced depth of field in digital photography and all too often made tedious corrections necessary.

The self-locking, micro-metric movements in X and Y result from separate gear mechanisms, manufactured with a high-strength special alloy. Every tilt movement has its own fine tuning knob and a lockable free wheel button. That means the tilts can optionally be carried out in freewheeling-modus. The possibility of free movement in both axes using the freewheeling modus ensures free movements similar to those of a spherical head.

The ARCA-SWISS d4 has, like the cube C1 from ARCA-SWISS, a turning device on its base to align the camera as well as a panning device under the camera mount for panorama pans which maintains the swivel axis. Underneath the panorama feature are 2 bubble levels at a 90° angle to align the camera.

In addition to the tilts in X and Y and the panorama rotation, the ARCA-SWISS camera mount enables the camera back and forth movement in the exposure axis, the 4th dimension, so to speak, as the model number d4 symbolizes. The outstanding specifications of the d4 include the record-breaking weight of just 790gr. There is no d4 smaller gear-head on the market.

ARCA-SWISS d4m

The ARCA-SWISS d4m has no gears, its adjustments are made manually in all directions. Its other features are the same as the d4‘s. The ARCA-SWISS d4 gear-head joins the line of the most innovative and state-of-the-art tripod head such as the ARCA-SWISS C1cube, the ARCA-SWISS monoball® p and monoball® Z.

The d4 is especially suitable for efficient and precise work in digital studio photography and outdoors for architectural photography. The d4 is the world’s smallest, most functional and lightest gear-head.

UPDATE 23/12/10: Arca Swiss don't have an offcial website as such, but this excellent (German) site sells all their gear. UK readers should look here for the official importer.

Adorama sell some Arca Swiss gear, shop here, including the outstanding C1 Cube and P1 (we use the similar P0 but it's not listed at Adorama). Amazon sells Arca Swiss too, shop here.

Read our review of Gitizo tripods here.

Olympus reveals flagship compact at Photokina

Olympus is set to display a mock-up of their next flagship compact at Photokina, Cologne, Germany, this week, but it's not known at this stage whether it will adopt the company's FT format sensor. The unnamed compact will feature a Zuiko Digital branded zoom lens, and uses the same accessory port as the E-P2 and E-PL1 mFT cameras, allowing the option of an electronic viewfinder and stereo microphone (albeit not at the same time). Olympus are being coy as to whether the sensor is an mFT size imager, meaning it's likely not.

Fujifilm outs X100 rangefinder-esque compact

Fuji has announced the development of a new rangefinder styled compact with a 12MP APS-C CMOS sensor (with what looks like offset micro-lenses to improve peripheral illumination), fixed 35mm-equivalent f/2 Fujinon lens, HD movie option and hybrid optical viewfinder. It's expected to be released early in 2011, but there's no word yet on price. In case you're wondering, no, that's not a Nikon compatible hotshoe.

PHOTOKINA 2010, COLOGNE, GERMANY, September 20, 2010 - FUJIFILM Corporation is pleased to announce the new FinePix X100, a high-grade digital compact camera featuring an APS-C CMOS sensor, a Fujinon 23mm fixed focal length lens and a newly developed Hybrid Viewfinder, due for commercial release in early 2011.

The FinePix X100 is aimed at the professional photographer or keen enthusiast looking for exceptional quality pictures from a compact camera. It is designed to appeal to the millions of DSLR users who need a slim back-up camera for high quality in-fill shots when the use of a bigger SLR system is either inconvenient or impractical. Or, of course, it can be used as a professional's only top-end camera, if size and versatility are the primary considerations.

Fujifilm has closely studied the current line-up of professional cameras and feels that there is a strong need for a compact high-quality (APS-C based) camera as a counterpoint to an SLR. Using the experience of working with generations of photographers using famous emulsions like Velvia, Provia, Astia etc., Fujifilm engineers distilled this knowledge into months of careful study to create the perfect compact-sized professional camera.

The priority for this model is picture quality, so it was decided to make the highest quality possible lens and sensor combination, built from the ground-up. The lens chosen is a fixed, prime F2 lens, made by Fujinon, manufactured to perfectly match the APS-C custom sensor. Added to this is the newly-developed EXR Processor, which combines all the latest image processing technology Fujifilm has technology built up over the years.

Other cameras on the market look to fill the need for the ultimate ‘compact’ professional camera, but the Fujifilm development team believe that, having listened to the marketplace, the FinePix X100 offers a number of technical developments that will set this camera apart from other contenders. The main technologies employed in this camera are as follows:

Hybrid Viewfinder (New Development)

The Hybrid Viewfinder on the FinePix X100 combines the window-type “bright frame” optical viewfinder found in high-end film cameras such as 35mm or medium-format cameras, and the electronic viewfinder system incorporated in fixed single lens or mirrorless digital cameras.

By using integrating a prism for the 1,440,000 dot LCD panel image on the viewing screen in the reverse-Galilean optical finder, the Hybrid Viewfinder can show both the shooting frame and a variety of shooting data. Of course, it can also be used as a high-quality electronic viewfinder to compose or playback shots. With this ability to instantly switch between optical and electronic viewfinder images with simple “one touch” control. The new Hybrid Viewfinder offers users expanded freedom in the composition and enjoyment of photography in a range of challenging shooting conditions.

While digital compact cameras have become ever slimmer and more compact in recent years, composing and viewing shots on large, higher resolution LCD panels on the back of the camera has become the mainstream practice for today's users. On the other hand, shooting with an optical viewfinder is the standard practice for conventional film cameras and the preferred method for large numbers of digital camera owners. Many prefer the finder to be as close as possible to the eye so the user can focus attention exclusively on photo composition to get a clear view of the subject without distraction.

While traditionalists prefer the clear, sharp view of an ‘optical’ finder, modern electronic displays, giving data like shutter speed, aperture, white balance, exposure correction and sensitivity can aid the photographer tremendously. The new Hybrid Viewfinder on the FinePix X100 aims to give the user the ‘best of both worlds’

Further specifications for the Hybrid Viewfinder are as follows:

The reverse Galilean optical finder with a 0.5x magnification features all-glass elements made from high-refractive index glass and demonstrates low chromatic aberration and distortion.

In optical viewfinder mode, the brightness of both the “bright frame” and text data is automatically adjusted according to the brightness of scene area, ensuring that shooting information is always easily and clearly viewable.

Displayed shooting data is constantly updated according to changes in shutter speed, exposure, sensitivity and other settings.
In electronic viewfinder mode, the photographer can preview the picture or playback the result with the “through the sensor” image review. Available with one-touch switching ease, this capability enables the user to preview and confirm exposure settings, depth-of-field effects, white balance, and macro shots.

12.3 Megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor

The FinePix X100 features a custom CMOS high-performance sensor, internally optimized and developed exclusively for this model. Optimization of the angle-of-incidence in conjunction with the specially developed lens maximizes light gathering efficiency extending to the perimeter of the sensor for a sharper image with exceptional clarity.

When shooting HD movies, the combination of the large-sized sensor and the large aperture F2 lens, lets users shoot a soft out-of-focus touch (bokeh) - a capability not available in conventional compact cameras.

The ideal combination of a fixed focal length lens, high-sensitivity sensor (approx. 10 times the sensitivity of a conventional compact*1) and a high-performance image processor captures exceptionally high-quality images over the entire sensitivity range from low to high ISO settings.

The high-speed CMOS sensor read-out and the EXR Processor's enhanced focusing system contributes to the high-speed AF performance, while the combination of the optical viewfinder and extremely low shutter time lag enhance the pleasure of every shot.
*1 Comparison with other FinePix compact camera models.

23mm F2 Fujinon (Aspherical) Lens

The newly-developed lens offers a focal length of 23mm (135 equivalent: 35mm) and a widest aperture of F2. Made from molded glass, the lens contains 8 elements in 6 groups.

The adoption of the non-collapsible lens structure with minimized lens length not only contributes to the compact size but also eliminates telescoping of the lens when the power is on. It's ready to start shooting the moment you turn it on.

Exploiting the merits of fixed focal length lens, this lens delivers sharp resolution of the total image from the center to the corners. In addition, the lens features not only the large F2 aperture value, but also an optical architecture that maintains a high degree of resolution even when closed by 1 to 2 stops.

The lens uses a 9-blade aperture diaphragm. A large F2 aperture and high-quality optics let users take beautiful photos with a soft out-of-focus (bokeh) effect. The lens enables macro shooting as close as 10 cm. Featuring a built-in ND filter (equivalent f-stop reduction of 3), the lens can enhance depth-of-field even in bright shooting conditions by enabling the aperture to be kept wide open. Shutter speed can also be reduced to capture waterfalls, or any shot where intentional blur is required.

EXR Processor (Newly Developed)

When combined with the high-performance lens and high-sensitivity sensor, the newly developed EXR Processor achieves the highest definition, sensitivity and wide dynamic range image quality of any digital camera produced by Fujifilm.

Throughout development of the processor, Fujifilm has re-examined every aspect from response to the circuit structure, and achieved a significant leap in signal processing performance for a more responsive and faithful reproduction of the image.
The graphical interface (style and rendering of the LCD information) has been upgraded in the newly developed LSI to enhance the user experience and to improve the clarity of the information presented.

Design

Inspired by the beauty and form of classic cameras from the past, the FinePix X100 combines all the latest technical digital innovations in a beautiful, traditional chassis which oozes class and prestige.

The ergonomics of the design offer the perfect balance between compact convenience and user-friendly operation.
The camera controls have been carefully thought out to give the photographer simple and speedy access to aperture, shutter speed, ISO etc, to allow maximum creative expression with minimum hassle. Custom modes can also be used for a one-touch change in settings.

The upper control deck/bottom surface has been cast from magnesium alloy (semi-solid metal casting) to contribute to a high-precision camera body with high rigidity. All dials on the upper control deck are fabricated from metal. Adoption of traditional ’manual‘ dials lets the user confirm the position of the settings without turning on the power. Premium quality is evident in every detail. The chassis has been finished with high-quality leather accents and is a delight to use and a pleasure to hold.

Technical Specifictions

More information can be found at the special X100 site here.

Pre-order yours here at Adorama.

Pre-order at B&H Photo

Pre-order at Amazon UK

UPDATE: Read our review of the Fuji Finepix X100 here.

Interesting finds on eBay; Nikon 2000mm f/11 Reflex Nikkor

Further to our NASA specced 'blad story for sale by exotic camera specialist and retailer Photo-Arsenal, I happened on this rarity while perusing their site on eBay. I've never seen one for sale before (it's on for a reasonable $20K), but I did get a chance to play with one once, courtesy of Nikon back in '79 or '80. As a visitor to the annual Olympia (or was it the Islington Design Centre?) photo event in London*, I wasn't the only one able to peer through the Nikon EM they had attached to it.

Parellels Comes To The iPhone and iPad

Parallels Mobile is an application that allows to control Parallels Desktop for Mac with an Apple mobile device, including iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Parallels Mobile allows you to connect to Parallels Desktop running on a remote Mac via the Internet or local network and work with the virtual machines installed on it. With Parallels Mobile, you have full control over your virtual machines. You can remotely start, stop, suspend, and pause a virtual machine. When a virtual machine is running, Parallels Mobile gives you mouse and keyboard control over it and shows in real time everything that happens on your virtual machine desktop. In other words, you can work with a virtual machine running on a remote Mac the same way as if you were sitting at your desk at home or in the office. Parallels Mobile is free and it can be downloaded from the App Store, right here.

If you're a Mac user and running the newly released Parallels Desktop 6 for Mac, now you have a great system with this Mobile version that will allow you to access any vitrual Windows computer running on a Mac that's using Parallels Desktop 6. The Desktop version of this application will cost you a hefty $80 but the mobile version is free.

To read the complete pdf set up gide for Parallels Mobile, click here to download it.

NASA Hassleblad For Sale - Same Color As A Tonka Truck

EBay seller Photo-arsenal-worldwide is flogging this mint-in-package NASA Hasselblad camera; bidding now stands at nearly $34,000 but is accepting offers......

Click here to place your bid!

Black Magic by Pogus Caesar - A Book of Photographs

A book of photographs by Pogus Caesar celebrating Britain's iconic black musicians is to be published next month. The book features evocative, nostalgic and largely unpublished images of musical legends like Stevie Wonder, Grace Jones and Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry.

Most of Caesar’s photography is based around his home city of Birmingham, documenting a spectrum of well-known personalities and recording significant events including the Handsworth riots, Birmingham tornado and the regeneration of the Bullring.

Cameo

Photographic Portrait Prize 2010 Shortlist

Four photographers have been shortlisted for the £12,000 Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize, the major international photography award. Firmly established as the leading showcase for new talent in portrait photography, the prize is sponsored by international law firm Taylor Wessing.
The Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2010 will showcase the work of some of the most talented emerging young photographers, alongside that of established professionals, photography students and gifted amateurs. Selected anonymously from an open competition, the diversity of styles reflects the international mix of entrants as well as the range of approaches to the portrait genre, encompassing editorial, advertising and fine art images. The judges have selected 60 portraits for the exhibition from nearly 6,000 submissions entered by 2,401 photographers. The exhibition will run from 11 November 2010 through to 20 February 2011 at the National Portrait Gallery, London.
As well as the first-prize winner and three runners-up, the exhibition will feature the ELLE Commission. For the second year running, ELLE magazine will commission a photographer selected for the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize exhibition to shoot a feature story. The ELLE Commission was judged by the fashion magazine's editor-in-chief, Lorraine Candy, together with the art director, Tom Meredith, and picture editor, Hannah Ridley.
With its substantial prize fund and high-profile exhibition and tour, the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize continues the Gallery's long tradition of championing the very best contemporary portrait photography. The following four photographers have been shortlisted for the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2010:

Jeffrey Stockbridge for Tic Tac and Tootsie (twin sisters Carroll and Shelly McKean) from the series Nowhere but Here

Jeffrey Stockbridge, born 1982 in Woodbine, Maryland, moved to Philadelphia to study photography at Drexel University in 2002. Stockbridge's shortlisted photograph is of Tic Tac and Tootsie, 20-year-old twin sisters Carroll and Shelly McKean taken in Kensington, North Philadelphia. The twin sisters, who live on the street and suffer from insomnia, are both addicted to Xanex and have resorted to prostitution to supply their habit. Stockbridge says: ‘Enduring unthinkable pain on a daily basis, the sisters are both incredibly strong and weak at the same time. Caught in the grip of their addiction, they do whatever it takes to survive, except for getting clean.' Upon graduating in 2005, Stockbridge was placed as runner-up in the New York Times Magazine's ‘Capture the Times' photography competition for his series on abandoned houses in Philadelphia, titled Occupied. He has exhibited widely in the US since graduation and received many grants and awards for his projects documenting urban blight in Philadelphia.

Nikon mark production of 55 millionth Nikkor lens

Nikon D3x with 5cm f/2 second version & 'tick-marked' first version (right) from 1959

Nikon announced today that production of Nikkor lenses has exceeded 55 million units since the company started making lenses for the Nikon F SLR back in 1959. The milestone was achieved in August 2010. Nikon's first SLR lens delivered with the eye-level model F was the so-called "tick-marked" Nikkor-S 5cm f2 (pictured above right).
Before that, Nikkor was a trade-name to be found on the lenses of their own rangefinder cameras, but also that of rivals such as Canon and Leica. Indeed, the first Canon camera was largely made by Nikon, certainly all of the optical components, including the rangefinder and the lenses, as that's what Nikon specialised in.
As a subsidiary of Mitsubishi, one of the largest shipbuilders in Japan, Nippon Kogaku KK (Japan Optical Co, Ltd), as Nikon was then known as, was the main supplier of optical ordinance to the Imperial Japanese Navy).
According to a translator friend of mine living in Japan, the approximate English translation of "Nikkor" is sunlight, there's no exact translation.

For more information see the translated press release here.

Just in case you're wondering why the 'tick-marked' lens (notice the short lines or 'ticks', by the aperture and distance scales) isn't attached to the D3x in the above, it's because it doesn't fit! The Nikon F mount used to sit proud of the body, it doesn't now, so the first 'tick-marked" versions (2.8, 3.5, 5, 10.5 and 13.5cm) with their wide aperture ring and thus deeply recessed claw mount prevent the lens from attaching. You can see just how recessed it is in the above picture. The still very early second (and onwards) versions do fit, thanks to their modified aperture ring.

Nikon make leaked D7000, lenses and SB700 official

After a number of recent leaks on the inter-web, Nikon has today officially announced the D7000, new AF-S 35mm f/1.4G, refreshed the AF-S 200mm f/2G VR (with VR II and Nano Crystal coat) and rolled out a new SB-700 flash. Introduced initially as a replacement to the D90, my own opinion is that the D7000 will eventually replace the D300s as the semi-pro APS-C format DSLR (the D7000 has a particularly advanced spec), leaving way for new pro-level FX (full-frame) cameras. Few pros use APS-C crop DSLRs these days, as evidenced by Nikon's rush to add FX lenses.

Detailed information on the new camera and lenses can be found here.

The big news apart from the metal body, 100 percent viewfinder coverage and 16.2MP CMOS sensor is the HD movie mode. Besides now recording up to 20 mins using H.264 AVC it boasts 1080(24p), which should be attractive to pro film-makers, though at the optional 25fps / 30fps settings resolution drops to 720p. The price is attractive too at £1100 / 1303 Euros, including tax, body only. The lens to get is not the 18-105mm VR, which is available in the kit option, but the recently updated 18-200mm VR II.

Kodak rolls out Professional Portra 400 colour neg

Remember film? No, well maybe not. Kodak hasn't quite let go though, if this press release is anything to go by. They're claiming their new Professional Portra 400 is the world's finest grain 400 speed colour negative film out there. Available from November in 35 mm, 120/220, and 4x5 sheet format, Portra 400 is intended for wedding, portrait and fashion photographers, in case you couldn't guess from the name. There's no word on pricing, but it makes feel like dusting off my quaint F5 and maybe trying out that new AF-S 85mm f/1.4G. I'll have to see if Nikon (and Kodak) are feeling generous.

Olympus Statement 'All Cameras Will Be Mirrorless in the future'

News just in via 43Rumors, confirms what we have been thinking for some time, apparently, Mark Thackara, UK Product Manager for Olympus, spoke with Amateur Photographer magazine and said this “We will continue to do these [Four Thirds cameras] until micro cameras can do what other products can,” and “All cameras will be mirrorless in the future.”

A spokesperson from Olympus Europe, Franziska Jorke, went on to say, the autofocus and burst rate of DSLRs as still being superior to Micro Four Thirds models, along with the optical viewfinders. Jorke predicted that the concept of a camera ‘will change in 5-10 years’. However, in a bid to reassure photo enthusiasts, she said there will always be an Olympus camera body available – whether a DSLR or another type of camera altogether – to allow users to benefit from current Four Thirds lenses.

Written by: Joanne Carter

RED One Mysterium X cameras now widely available

Today is a good day, if you've been waiting to get your hands on RED's next generation Mysterium X camera. It is now widely available for purchase after originally being released only to exisiting RED One owners seven months ago, as an upgrade.

The camera uses a typical P/L mount for lenses and has full pro connections through mini XLR, HD-SDI, Genlock and timecode ports. It revolves around a modular system that can add a CompactFlash card module, specialized viewfinders and stands, and other extras to customize it to a particular form of moviemaking. Videos are still produced in the native Redcode format used in Apple's Final Cut Studio and other pro editing apps.

The RED One MX costs $25,000 for the body so you need to be serious about this bad boy. Payment needs a 10 percent deposit and is backlogged by seven to 10 days due to demand. Old models using the original Mysterium sensor aren't available except for those who already have a deposit down and intend to continue through the process.

This is what you get when you place your deposit:

Camera body
P/L Mount including BODY CAP
Accessories: (1) SD CARD, (1) mini-BNC to DIN 1.0/2.3 cable, (1) mini-XLR to mini-XLR cable, (1) mini-XLR to XLR adaptor, and BOLT SET
Highly recommend that a CF MODULE is purchased along with each RED ONE

To place your deposit - click here

Lenses

RED PRO T1.8 PRIME SET (I):

Includes: 25mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, 100mm
Uses standard PL mount included with RED ONE
Imperial lens measurement version
RED PRO 300mm can be purchased for $4000 (normally $5950) if purchased and delivered on the same order as a RED PRO PRIME SET. The $1950 credit will be calculated at time of order invoicing for RED PRO PRIME SET and RED PRO 300mm
Existing owners of the RED PRO 300mm or original RED 300mm will receive a $1000 credit at time of order invoicing for RED PRO PRIME SET

To order this fine set of lenses for $19,000 - click here

Written by: Joanne Carter