Leica release background video of M9 Titan

Leica has released an interview with the italian car designer of the M9 Titan, Walter de'Silva. Unfortunately for us English-only speakers, the video is in Italian, with German subtitles.

Leica UK has kindly sent the DJP a selection of images to accompany the video.

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Previously Unseen Photographs of Marilyn Monroe

Just when you thought you had seen every possible photograph of Marilyn Monroe, some more pop up.  In this case the images have been published in a new book, Marilyn: August 1953: The Lost LOOK Photos, and it's coming out this week.

All the photographs were taken whilst the diva was actually 'resting' with a sprained ankle and unable to continue filming with Robert Mitchum in Alberta, Canada.  They were working on 'River of No Return'.

John Vachon was the photographer who took over 100 shots for the feature, commissioned by LOOK Magazine but only three were published at that time.

All the images have been digitally restored.

CIWEM Environmental Photographer of the Year 2010 Award Winners.

The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) Environmental Photographer of the Year honours amateur and professional photographers who use their ability to raise awareness of environmental and social issues. The competition encourages entries that are contemporary, creative, resonant, challenging, original and beautiful. But most of all, we want your pictures to inspire people around the world to start taking care of our environment.
Take a look at this years winning entries. For more details, click here

An amazing picture of thousands of rays swimming through the ocean in a colossal school has scooped top prize in the CIWEM Environmental Photographer of the Year 2010 awards. The group of Munkiana Devil Rays were spotted in Baja California Sur, Mexico, by German conservation photographer Florian Schulz. He described how he was able to capture his jaw-dropping image named Flight of the Rays: "During an aerial expedition I came across something I had never seen before. Not even my pilot, who has surveyed this area for 20 years, had seen anything like it. As we got closer we started to discover its nature: an unprecedented congregation of rays. The group was as thick as it was wide, all heading towards the same direction. I have asked around why this took place but no one has been able to explain it to me. After such a unique sighting, I realise there are so many marvels in the oceans that we are yet to understand"

Albert Watson Worthy Royal Photographic Society Centenary Medal Winner

Scotland's Albert Watson has made his mark as one of the most successful fashion, commercial and art photographers in the world – shooting over 200 covers for Vogue alone – and was this month honoured for his lifelong contribution to the art.

Mick Jagger, Los Angeles, 1992

Photograph: Albert Watson

Eyestorm Exhibition - Fashion In Art

Not to be repeated this rare exhibition is being hosted by Eyestorm to celebrate 'the merging boundaries between fashion and fine art'. Taking place on September 30, 2010 slotted between London Fashion Week and the Frieze Art Fair.

This exhibition is taking place in an unnamed (as yet) gallery space in Mayfair, London, W1. With work by Helmut Newton, Bob Carlos Clarke, William Klein and many more famous photographers, it is sure to be a treat.

Clare Shilland, Love from...Big Ben, 2009

© Clare Shilland, courtesy of Eyestorm

Britain From The Air - Looking Down On The UK - A New Exhibition

Britain from the Air shows you Britain as you have never seen it before. 100 huge images of our natural and built landscapes and captions tell stories of our heritage, bring alive the beauty of our environment, and challenge us all to understand the changes taking place today in our towns and cities. 

“All too often, chasing far away places, we forget just what beauty we have on our doorstep and just how rich and diverse a country we live in. I can think of no better time to celebrate Britain¹s built and natural landscapes. The scale of the hundred images that make up this spectacular street gallery is breathtaking, and I very much hope it will one day travel to every major city in Britain” - Michael Palin (RGS-IBG President).

The street gallery exhibition, featuring a large walk-on Ordnance Survey map, is being launched in Bath on 28 September by Society President Michael Palin, and will be free for everyone to view in the city centre, 24-hours a day, until early 2011.

Salmon farm in the Shetland Isles, Scotland

Photograph: Adrian Warren and Dae Sasitorn/PA

Phase One offers 40% off Capture One 5 PRO

Phase One, the high-end medium format back maker, is offering 40% off the price of the highly regarded Capture One 5 PRO raw converter. The utility has wide-ranging raw compatibility with various makes (Nikon, Canon, Leica Sony and others), not just Phase One and Mamiya cameras. The "Photokina special " is valid for all C15 Pro variants Mac and Widows (new, upgrade and multiuser) and expires at the end of the month (September 2010).

Please use the voucher code 5PRO to obtain the saving.

Ari Marcopoulos Camera/iPad Bag Plus Free Photography Book

Incase partnered with renowned photographer Ari Marcopoulos to create a camera bag that meets his exacting standards. As a veteran photographer whose work takes him across the globe to a variety of locales and climates, a durable yet comfortable bag is a must. The result of this particular design challenge is a low-profile bag with optimal weather resistance, long-wearing comfort, excellent protection and functional features that allow Ari to access his equipment as quickly as possible, never missing a shot.
The Camera Bag also comes with Now Is Forever, a limited-edition book of unpublished Ari Marcopoulos photographs.

Sony NEX lens roadmap revealed

Sony has revealed plans for the introduction of seven new lenses for the mirrorless NEX cameras during 2011 and 2012, including four primes (a macro, portrait, mid tele and one Carl Zeiss wide-angle), a high-performance G-series zoom and two further zooms; one wide, one tele. Sony also announced a firmware upgrade will be made available in October supporting AF operation with both A-mount SAM and SSM lenses when using the optional LA-EA1 Mount Adaptor.

Westcott unveil new umbrella

Westcott has introduced three new collapsible 43-inch (109cm) umbrellas for budding Strobists. Available in three different models, white satin, soft silver and a white satin with removable black cover, each weighs 1lb (454g) and collapse to just 14.5-inches (37cm). Prices are just £19 inc VAT for the white and silver varients, while the shoot through (white) umbrella is £22 inc tax.

Hasselblad announce limited edition H4d Ferrari

Not to be out done by Leica's VAG designed M9 Titan, Hasselblad has introduced the limited edition H4D Ferrari. Just 499 units will be made in Ferrari red "rosso fuoco", bearing the the car maker's distinctive 'prancing horse' racing shield. Details on pricing and availability have yet to be released.

22/09/2010


Two worldwide renowned companies born from the passion of two men now collaborate in the creation of the H4D Ferrari, a limited edition of Hasselblad’s latest flagship camera. This brand new model is dedicated to the new generation of photographers looking for the ultimate image quality, and will be produced in 499 units. A winning combination, the Hasselblad H4D Ferrari Limited Edition camera will have appeal to Ferrari and Hasselblad fans who appreciate the innovation, quality and design that symbolize both brands.

Leica release background video of M9 Titan

Leica has released an interview with the italian car designer of the M9 Titan, Walter de'Silva. Unfortunately for us English-only speakers, the video is in Italian, with German subtitles.

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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