Carl Zeiss to expand HDSLR lens range, end Pentax ZK

Carl Zeiss has issued a statement this morning promising more DSLR and CP (Compact Prime) cine lenses. Although the latter feature the same optical train as their DSLR system lenses, the CPs are optimised for full-frame HDSLRs. However, the Lens Division at Carl Zeiss say they will continue to focus their efforts on the popular ZE (Canon) and ZF.2 (chipped Nikon) lines, while the production of ZK (Pentax fit) range are scheduled to end over the next month or so (this fall). The remaining ZK lenses will continue to be offered at regular prices while stocks last.

Hasselblad's V-System Cameras Get 50 Megapixel Digital Back Option

Following the releases of the CFV-16 and the CFV-39 digital backs, Hasselblad is now offering another option for photographers looking to transition from film to digital. The new back offers a maximum resolution of 50 megapixels – twice the size of the best 35mm full-frame DSLRs on the market today.

Peter Stig-Nielsen of Hasselblad issued a statement at a press conference at Photokina and explained that the launch of the CFV-50 was sparked by the huge success of its 39 megapixels predecessor. “It took us by surprise when we received tons of positive response from customers around the world,” he explains. “This success was not just because it was a new digital back, but also because it offered compatibility with the Carl Zeiss lenses, which took the platform to another level.”

The CFV-50 has been custom built to match the design and functionality of the V-cameras, says the firm. It is compatible with most V-Cameras such as the 202FA, 203FE, 205FCC, and all members of the 500 and 900 series.

It also offers Hasselblad’s DAC lens correction technology for the majority of V-System Carl Zeiss lenses. The technology corrects for distortion, lateral chromatic aberration and vignetting in the same way as it does for the H-System lenses, claims Hasselblad.

The CFV-50 has a sensitivity range of ISO 50 to ISO 800, has an exposure time of up to 64s and offers both normal capture at full resolution or classic square capture at 38 megapixels. It also features a 2.5-inch LCD screen and take CF memory cards.

The CFV-50 is available now retailing at $15,750/€11,990.

Hasselblad H4D-31 Now At $13k

Hasselblad have reduced the entry price to join their exclusive club, the H4D-31 is one of the most affordable cameras the company have produced. Retailing for $13,132 complete with lens albeit an 80 mm or you do have the option of a CF-lens adapter that allows you to attach V-System gear, if you already have some of course.

Billed by Hasselblad as 'the perfect digital medium format alternative for 35mm DSLR photographers and for V-customers who are ready to transition to digital'. They might just be right about that.

'Man of the Moment' Elliot Erwitt - New Photography Exhibition in London

Elliot Erwitt the renowned Magnum Photographer is celebrated at a new exhbition at the Magnum Print Room in London, EC1 until 13 November 2010.
For much of the past 60 years he and his trusty Leica camera have criss-crossed the world documenting the touching, the crucial and the downright bizarre. Erwitt, now 82, witnessed and documented some of the most important moments of the 20th century. But it was often the photographs he took for his own personal pleasure – the snatched shots of people caught unawares – that have produced his most memorable work.
Resident in the USA, Elliot Erwitt was born in Paris in 1928. His family emigrated to America in 1939 after spending some years in Italy, firstly to New York and soon afterwards to Los Angeles. At high school he became interested in photography and worked part time as a printer and processor for a company providing publicity stills for the Hollywood film studios.

Completely unblinkered by fame, Erwitt one famously said, "The famous and the non-famous are the same, the advantage of taking pictures of the famous is that they get published."

Ricoh New Product Announcements

Ricoh’s rugged G700 digital camera gets an upgrade with the G700SE, a 12-megapixel camera with the same waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof body as the G700, with the addition of Bluetooth 2.1+EDR and wifi (b/g) antennas (and a WPS button for easy wifi connectivity). Also for the G700SE are two optional addon modules: a GPS unit with digital compass for geotagging images (also water-, dust-, and shock-proof), and a laser barcode scanner unit.

On sale November 12th for 120,000 JPY (1,410 USD, 1,065 EUR).

Also announced is a new camera unit for the GXR, a wide-field GR LENS A1228mm F2.5, with a 23.6×15.7mm CMOS sensor and a high-end GR Engine III. Available from the 29th of October for an estimated retail price of 70,000 JPY (823 USD, 621 EUR)

 

Robert Mapplethorpe: Sexual Revolutionary - On Tour

Born in 1946, Robert Mapplethorpe produced some of the most iconic images of the last 50 years. His work includes intimate pictures of friends and acquaintances, acclaimed studies of the male and female nudes, delicate flora still lifes, and celebrity portraits. Known faces include Patti Smith, Grace Jones, Andy Warhol and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Towner will present the work of American artist Robert Mapplethorpe who pushed the boundaries of photography in both his subject choice and technique.

The exhibition will run alongside New Documents, Brighton Photo Biennial 2010, in which all the work will be new and on the cutting edge of photography. Mapplethorpe’s work will provide a historical context whilst fuelling the contemporary debates around photography.

Robert Mapplethorpe, Dominick and Elliot, 1979 © The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation. Courtesy Art + Commerce.

Olympus 'Back Tracks' Over End To Four Thirds Commitment

Following the published interview yesterday by QUESABESDE.COM, 43Cameras have reportedly been contacted by Olympus to clarify some ideas explained in the interview. The translation to different languages seems to have distorted the original meaning – at least according to Olympus.

Adobe announce Photoshop Elements 9.0

After only less than a year after the release of version 8, Adobe has today announced Photoshop Elements 9 for Windows and Mac. It's available now for £77.

Enlight Photo make Frio official

Enlight Photo, makers of the hugely popular Orbis ring-flash, has unveiled the Frio, a coldshoe that allows you to attach your portable flash-gun to anything with a 1/4-inch screw: light stand, tripod head, clamp, and the rest. There's no word yet on pricing or availability.

Update 1/28/11: It's available now and from here.

Leica takes wraps off new cameras, answer rumored R solution

Leica has rolled out three new cameras, but has no R-solution that was heavily rumored to be announced at this year's Photokina show. The new cameras include a M9 derived rangefinder designed by VW/Audi, featuring a titanium outer. The expected D-Lux 5 was also announced. For more details including pricing and availability please see the press releases below.

VW/Audi designed Leica M9 Titanium

Leica releases M9 ‘Titanium’ designed by Walter de’Silva

In collaboration with the chief designer of the Volkswagen Group, Leica Camera AG presents a unique special edition

21 September 2010: Leica Camera AG has announced the LEICA M9 ‘Titanium’, an exclusive special edition, and the result of a collaboration with Walter de’Silva, the prominent automobile designer. Responsible for groundbreaking design concepts for the latest models from the Volkswagen Group, the chief designer and his Audi Design Team have re-interpreted the design of the LEICA M9 just as he envisaged it.

The outcome is a unique camera with a new interpretation of the characteristic features of Leica rangefinder cameras, which lends precision engineering, unique style and solid titanium to extraordinary formal design. As a result, the LEICA M9 ‘Titanium’ is an especially desirable object for both Leica connoisseurs and aficionados of outstanding design. This special edition is strictly limited to just 500 cameras worldwide, and is offered as a set together with a LEICA SUMMILUX-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. lens, whose exterior metal components are also manufactured from solid titanium.

Walter de’Silva has given the Leica M camera an ergonomic, precise and logical ‘look and feel’, without changing the intrinsic character of the rangefinder. Thus, the compact construction and technical features of the LEICA M9 ‘Titanium’ retain the distinctive style of a true Leica M camera.

Walter de’Silva addressed not only the design of the camera, but also focused on its handling and technical specifications. New features include the LED illumination of the bright-line frames in the viewfinder, removing the necessity for a standard illuminating window, and making the front aspect of the camera more balanced. Also entirely new in the history of camera technology is the M9 Titanium’s carrying concept. Instead of the traditional strap lugs of standard cameras, the chief designer and Leica engineers developed an innovative carrying concept that is reduced to just one single mounting point on the camera body. The metal finger loop, covered with fine Nappa leather, ensures a secure, steady and ergonomic grip when shooting or carrying the camera with one hand. Also new is the specially designed, stylish shoulder holster that holds and safely protects the camera and lens in transport, and keeps it ready to shoot at a moment’s notice.

The LEICA SUMMILUX-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. lens supplied with this special edition also features a new, focused design concept, in which the essential elements harmonise perfectly with the style of the camera. Its round, screw-mount lens hood is constructed with four slits around its circumference to prevent obstruction of the view through the finder.

The LEICA M9 ‘Titanium’ is constructed exclusively with premium quality materials. For instance, all visible metal elements of the camera body are made from solid titanium, a particularly light but extremely strong and durable metal that can only be manufactured with special tools. In addition, the exposed surfaces are also treated with a hard coating applied by a specialised company in Switzerland. Scratch-resistant, sapphire-crystal glass is employed as a protective cover for the camera monitor, and further enhances the exclusive and rugged character of the product. The camera’s trim, which uses leather typically reserved for the interiors of Audi’s premium automobiles, fits perfectly with the body’s titanium surface and provides outstanding grip. The grip characteristics are also enhanced by a specially designed and embossed diamond pattern. Furthermore, the Leica logo has been restyled and is elaborately hand-engraved in pure resin, inlaid with white enamel, sealed with a clear varnish and then polished.

In addition to the camera and lens, the LEICA M9 ‘Titanium’ special edition set includes a distinctive shoulder holster, a carrying strap and finger loops in two different sizes, made from the same premium Audi leather used on the camera body. Also part of the set is a book devoted to the design process leading to the creation of this high quality, special titanium edition and which also includes an interview with Walter de’Silva. The unique set is presented in an elaborately handcrafted black presentation case with recesses for the camera and lens, and lined with Alcantara microsuede in Leica red.

Pricing and availability

The LEICA M9 Titanium will be available in the UK from the end of November 2010 from authorised Leica dealers including the Leica Store Mayfair: www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk, tel: 020 7629 1351. A full list of authorised UK Leica dealers is available at www.leica-camera.co.uk. The UK suggested retail price of the LEICA M9 Titanium set is £19,800 including VAT.

Leica D-LUX 5

Leica announces the LEICA D-LUX 5: Versatile compact camera with full creative control for the discerning photographer

21 September 2010: Leica Camera AG has announced the LEICA D-LUX 5 – a high-performance compact digital camera with full creative control.

Successor to the acclaimed D-LUX 4, the LEICA D-LUX 5 offers a faster LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON 5.1 - 19.2mm f/2 - 3.3 ASPH. lens with an extended range of focal lengths equivalent to 24 to 90mm in 35mm format. Together with its comprehensive range of features and manual settings, the versatile LEICA D-LUX 5 offers a broader spectrum of photographic options – from macro and wide-angle architecture and landscape photography to reportage and portrait photography. The camera’s 1,280 x 720 pixel HD video function in memory-saving AVCHD-Lite format, and a full range of optional accessories, open up a world of photographic opportunities for the discerning photographer.

Peter Kruschewski, product manager for Digital Compact Cameras at Leica Camera AG, said, “Thanks to its ultra-fast image processing, simple handling and compact form, the LEICA D-LUX 5 is a truly unique compact camera with system character. It offers users endless opportunities for creative photography and allows photographers to capture the most spontaneous, fleeting moments as unforgettable pictures.”

The LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON 5.1 - 19.2mm f/2 - 3.3 ASPH. zoom lens offers an extremely practical range of focal lengths. In addition, its exceptionally fast maximum aperture makes it an ideal camera for ‘available light’ photography. Whether in difficult lighting conditions, or for conscious manipulation of depth of field, the LEICA D-LUX 5 is the perfect camera for capturing truly distinctive images.

Featuring a particularly large CCD for a compact camera, the D-Lux 5’s 1/1.63” sensor is finely tuned to produce the highest quality images from the LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON 5.1 - 19.2 mm f/2 - 3.3 ASPH. lens. Combined with the camera’s electronics and firmware, it guarantees brilliant high-contrast images with natural colour rendition and superb sharpness. Also contributing to its exceptional image quality, the D-LUX 5’s pixels are considerably larger than that of other compacts.

The D-LUX 5 delivers images in 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 formats as well as 1:1, a particularly interesting format for creative composition, in both capture and review mode. The camera’s 3” LCD monitor has a wide viewing angle and a resolution of 460,000 pixels, displaying images in superb detail, and allowing photographers to assess images precisely both during composition and after capture.
The LEICA D-LUX 5 is characterised by clear lines and a stylish, uncomplicated design in an elegant black matt finish. Its formal simplicity, clear and intuitive controls, and a focus on essential features, are typical of all Leica cameras.

Users can enter manual settings quickly and easily using the D-LUX 5’s innovative ‘clickwheel’ located at the back of the camera. It also offers numerous automatic functions for effortless photography that guarantee the user perfectly exposed and sharp images by simply pressing the shutter release. The camera’s automatic functions control the O.I.S. image stabiliser, automatic ISO selection, face recognition, automatic contrast compensation and automatic scene mode. The 1280 x 720 pixel HD video function is started simply by pressing a button on the top of the camera.

Software and accessories

The LEICA D-LUX 5 is supplied with the Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® 3, professional image processing software that allows photographers to ‘develop’ RAW image files from the CCD, to obtain the highest image quality and maintain complete control over the development process applied to their images.

A full range of optional accessories is available for the D-LUX 5, including a LEICA EVF1 electronic viewfinder, which is particularly useful when shooting under extreme lighting conditions. Mounted on the accessory shoe, it enables ‘Live-View’, allowing the photographer to view the subject through the lens and assess the precise composition of an image. The LEICA CF 22 flash unit provides photographers with additional options for flash exposure and fill-in flash, while a handgrip helps to ensure steady and safe handling of the camera. A choice of optional bags and cases is also available, ranging from an elegant leather case with shoulder strap, a stylish, soft leather pouch, and an ever-ready camera case with a grip and a viewfinder case attached to the carrying strap.

Pricing and availability

The LEICA D-LUX 5 will be available in the UK from October 2010 from authorised Leica dealers including the Leica Store Mayfair: www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk, tel: 020 7629 1351. A full list of authorised UK Leica dealers is available at www.leica-camera.co.uk. The suggested retail price of the LEICA D-LUX 5 is £630 including VAT. Accessories are priced as follows (SRP including VAT):

Leica D-Lux 5 EVF1 electronic viewfinder - £270
Leica D-Lux 5 ever-ready case - £135
Leica D-Lux 5 brown leather case - £90
Leica D-Lux 5 soft leather pouch - £62
Leica D-Lux 5 handgrip - £62
Leica CF 22 flash unit - £225

The LEICA D-LUX 5 comes with a two-year warranty and a one-year Leica ‘Passport’ (accidental damage cover).

Leica V-Lux 2

Leica announces the LEICA V-LUX 2: The super-zoom compact for travel and nature photography

21 September 2010: Leica Camera AG has announced the LEICA V-LUX 2, combining a high-performance 24x super-zoom lens and outstanding image quality with a sleek and compact body. Equipped with a LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 4.5 - 108 mm f/2.8 - 5.2 ASPH. lens, a 3’’ rotating LCD display and a wide variety of video functions in 1080i-AVCHD Full HD, the V-LUX 2 is ideal for almost any photographic situation.

The V-LUX 2’s 24x optical super-zoom lens offers an enormous range of focal lengths equivalent to 25–600 mm in 35mm format. Whether shooting expansive landscapes, finely detailed macro studies at short distances, or far-away objects, people or animals with a super-telephoto setting, the Leica lens captures them all in breathtaking quality.

Peter Kruschewski, product manager for Digital Compact Cameras at Leica Camera AG, said, “The V-Lux 2’s versatile lens and compact form make it the ideal camera for the ambitious travel and wildlife photographer. In certain shooting situations, having to change lenses can be frustrating, especially when a quick reaction is required. Thanks to the V-LUX 2’s large range of focal lengths, this compact camera has the ability to capture almost all moments of life. The V-LUX 2 is an interesting alternative to comparable SLR systems. Compact and lighter, it also significantly reduces the weight and volume of photographic equipment when travelling.”

A newly developed 14.1 MP CMOS image sensor tuned to perfection enhances the high-performance LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 4.5 - 108 mm f/2.8 - 5.2 ASPH. zoom lens. In combination with the camera’s electronics and firmware, the sensor guarantees brilliant, high-contrast images with natural colour rendition and superb sharpness.

The LEICA V-LUX 2’s 3” LCD display has a resolution of 460,000 pixels and can be twisted and turned in almost any direction, making it easy for photographers to compose pictures from even the most unusual or challenging angles. When shooting stills or videos from over their heads or close to the ground, photographers using the V-LUX 2 are always in full control.

In addition to offering an integrated stereo microphone with an electronic wind noise filter that guarantees a crystal-clear soundtrack, the entire 24x zoom range is available during video recording. The LEICA V-LUX 2 is the first Leica digital compact to feature video capture in 1080i-AVCHD Full HD.

One of the world’s fastest consecutive-shooting cameras, the LEICA V-LUX 2 features high-speed burst shooting capability: bursts of 11 frames per second at the full resolution of 14.1 MP, or 60 frames per second with a resolution of 2.8 MP.

Characterised by a compact design and extremely simple handling, the V-LUX 2’s integrated handgrip and light weight allows photographers to shoot one-handed. The camera controls are clearly laid out, ensuring fast and simple operation. For instance, video recording can be started quickly and easily at the touch of a button on the top plate of the camera.

Software

The LEICA V-LUX 2 is supplied with a comprehensive suite of software. Adobe® Photoshop® Elements® 8 provides users with a comprehensive and versatile image editing solution that offers viewing, organisation, administration and a wide range of processing options for still images and video recordings. Also included is Adobe® Premiere® Elements® 8, an easy-to-use package offering video processing for movies recorded by the V-LUX 2 in AVCHD format, and also enabling the creation of professional audio and video effects.

Pricing and availability

The LEICA V-LUX 2 will be available in the UK from October 2010 from authorised Leica dealers including the Leica Store Mayfair: www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk, tel: 020 7629 1351. A full list of authorised UK Leica dealers is available at www.leica-camera.co.uk. The suggested retail price of the LEICA V-LUX 2 is £675 including VAT. An outdoor case will be available for the V-LUX 2 at an SRP of £135 including VAT.

The LEICA V-LUX 2 comes with a two-year warranty and a one-year Leica ‘Passport’ (accidental damage cover).

Epson announce Stylus Pro 4900 wide format printer, launches Signature Worthy media

Epson's latest photo-printer to add the impressive 11-colour UltraChrome HDR ink-set is the 17-inch (A2+) large format SP 4900. The new printer will have a price of £2295 (inc tax) and will be available from November 2010. The company has also announced a new range of media to support Epson's Digigraphie initiative. Please see below for further details.

Ricoh out 12.3MP 28mm-e F/2.5 module for GXR

Ricoh has unwrapped a new lens and sensor module (confusingly referred to as a "camera unit" in the press release and sales literature) for the GXR camera body. The module comprises of a 12.3-megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor and matched 28mm-e f/2.5 prime. It will be available in November, but there's no word on pricing.

Fujifilm's FinePix X100 Retailing for $1,000

With Engadget currently at Photokina, it is interesting to view their 'hands on' post with the Fujifilm FinePix X100. Take a look at the link below. Also, note that Endgadet report that the X100 will be shipping in March 2011 and will retail for $1,000 - now that is a very competitve price.

Read more here/Engadget

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

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.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 unveils d4 and d4m pan and tilt heads

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.