Sigma announces availability of DP2

Sigma has announced the availability in the UK of the new DP2 high end compact.

Sigma Imaging UK press release:

Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd is pleased to announce that the DP2 compact digital camera is now available from retailers in the UK with an SRP of £599.99.

The DP2 will be selling alongside the Sigma DP1 and offers new features such as a 41mm (35mm equivalent) f/2.8 lens and a faster, TRUE II, processing engine.

Since the DP2’s announcement at Photokina 2008, several new features have been added to the camera including 3200 ISO and a Quick Set button allowing users to quickly access the eight most commonly used options in the camera. A new, improved version of Sigma PhotoPro software is bundled with the camera which will also open Foveon’s RAW images from previous Sigma digital cameras.

Two new dedicated accessories for the DP2 are also available. These are the VF-21 Viewfinder what carries a suggested retail price of £114.99, and the HA-21 Hood adapter with a SRP of £19.99.

The DP1 and DP2 are still the only compact digital cameras to feature an APS-C sized Foveon image sensor allowing SLR quality images from a pocket size camera.

Full details on the DP2 can be found at www.sigma-dp.com/DP2

Cokin adds X-Pro filter holder for Nikkor AFS 14-24mm f/2.8

Cokin has added a filter holder kit (complete with circular polarizer and lens adaptor) to the range that fits the superb Nikkor AFS 14-24mm f/2.8. While this sounds promising for landscape photographers, don't get too excited. For one the price is $625, and two, the maker warns of vignetting below 18mm (on a FX body). Still, if you simply must have one, check out Adorama at this link.

As a side note, Cokin won't allow the photo-press (and presumably members of the public) to view around the factory, as it's owned by the French government. All the more reason to take a look I say. How about you?

Review of Voigtlander Color Skopar 20mm f/3.5

The UK distributor has kindly agreed to send a Voigtlander Color Skopar 20mm f/3.5 announced here to review in the DJP, please check back here in the next couple of weeks for the results of this extremely interesting (and hugely popular) new addition.

UK link: Robert White

USA link: B&H Nikon fit, Pentax fit.

New Richard Martin Workshops announced

UPDATE: New Workshops

Richard will be collaborating with Charlene Kenna for his next location workshops.
The dates are June 26-30, 2009 and will take place in Niagara on the Lake, Ontario—a quaint 19th century village nestled in the heart of the Niagara wine region.

This two-part workshop beginning on Friday evening with a traditional Vision and Discovery weekend workshop followed by The Digital Darkroom, two days in the classroom utilizing a intuitive right-brain approach to digital workflow.

Participants may register for a single workshop or combine the two as a package.
For details download PDF Brochures or visit website links from Richard’s home page or workshop page link. http://www.richardmartinphoto.com

Vision & Discovery PDF Brochure link:
http://www.richardmartinphoto.com/tours_workshops/documents/NOTL_workshop_June09.pdf

The Digital Darkroom PDF Brochure link:
http://www.richardmartinphoto.com/tours_workshops/documents/NOTL_Digital_Workshop_June09.pdf

Link to workshop page
http://www.richardmartinphoto.com/tours_workshops/index.html

Bogen Imaging UK announce special on monopods during May and June

Bogen Imaging UK has a special offer running through May and June 2009, that allows purchasers buying any one of the following Manfrotto Photo monopods; 334B, 679B, 680B, 681B, 682B, 685B to get a Manfrotto 234 head worth £16.95 free of charge.

In addition, consumers that purchase either the Manfrotto 694CX or 695CX Photo monopod can claim a Manfrotto 234RC head worth £26.95 free of charge.

The offer does not include the video monopods or the 776YB and 790B Monopod and is available at participating dealers only. Please visit www.bogenimaging.co.uk for participating dealers.

Magix unwrap Xtreme PhotoStory

Magix press release:

MAGIX AG, one of the leading international providers of software, online services, and digital content, announces the launch of Xtreme PhotoStory on CD & DVD 8. Get started in the world of living images! In just three steps, you can liven up your pictures: Import images and video, add effects, text, and music, and present it all in cinema-quality! With the help of practical wizards, numerous templates, and 1-clickautomations, you can create multimedia slideshows quickly and easily. Slideshows can be burned not only as DVDs with decorative menus, but also uploaded directly from within the program to YouTube to share with everyone.

1. Select photos & videos
Import your photos and videos from camera phones, digital cameras, memory cards, the Internet,
and other sources – simply at the touch of a button.
2. Add effects & music
Edit your projects yourself or let the software do it automatically for you – you have the choice!
Practical wizards turn your photos and videos into cinema-quality shows almost without any work,
including interactive, custom DVD menus!
3. The result: A moving photo experience!
Enjoy the show with your whole family, friends, and acquaintances: You can experience your
memories once again using a DVD player or present it to the world by uploading it directly from the program to YouTube. ™

MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD Deluxe is available at £29.99 inc from all major UK retailers and online partners including Amazon and PC World.

Links:

Amazon UK :Magix Xtreme PhotoStory on CD & DVD 8 (PC DVD)
Amazon US :Xtreme Photostory On CD & DVD V8

Military M-series Leica on eBay

Olive drab Leica M models were made specifically for the military, and not always for the German army (Bundeswehr). I saw an auction on eBay recently for one, an M4.2 made for the Italian army - Tank division. This one, with matching olive finish lens, currently on eBay is said to have been made for the Israeli army, but is without factory documentation.

Of course, spending $6,000 or more on a camera only to put it on display, in a private collection, isn't what it's all about, to my mind. If I had one, I would want to use it. And that goes for the latest iterations, now limited editions; the olive M8.2 Safari and the forthcoming white version. While the new pimped models might not have the same appeal, if you're fortunate enough to have the money to buy one, go take some pictures with it.

Sony site leaks new Alpha DSLRs; A230, A330 and A380

Source Photoclub Alpha

The Sony Style site in Russia has leaked some details of the new A230, A330 and A380. For a brief look including translation, please visit the site here.

Transcend buck the trend

Transcend, the Taiwan based manufacturer of flash drives and memory cards, continues to thrive under the economic downturn. As well as being one of the leading brands in terms of sales in Asia, they've recently picked up prestigious Red Dot and Good Design awards for their Rugged StoreJet 25M portable hard drive.

Fore more information, including stockists please visit the maker's site here.

David Noton unveils evening roadshows

Copyright David Noton Photography 2009

British landscape photographer, David Noton, has announced the first in a series of evening roadshows. Themed Chasing the Light, the first event is to be held in Bristol, England during September.

For more info and to book tickets please visit Noton's website.

Panasonic UK announce price of Lumix GH1

Panasonic has today confirmed the price of the Lumix GH1 in the UK at £1299.99. There's no word as yet on the price of the optionally availble directional mic.

Magenta announce Flash Forward 2009 winners

The Magenta Foundation has announced the winners of the Flash Forward 2009, Emerging Photographers project here. As well as an initial exhibition Magenta will also publish a book of the project at Lennox Contemporary in Toronto, in October 2009.

L-Camera TV tours Leica factory

Leica User Forum's L-Camera TV has a behind-the-scenes look at the maker's facility in Solms and reveals some of the (labour intensive) production methods behind the 35mm M7 and MP rangefinders. Perhaps part II will show the M8.2 or the S2? I'm hoping, anyway.

L-Camera TV #1 - Does Leica still make MP and M7? from Andreas Jürgensen on Vimeo.

Multimedia training with MediaStorm, Brooklyn, New York

What with the tough economic climate and the critical need for multimedia training, MediaStorm will be holding a one-time, tuition-free Advanced Multimedia Reporting Workshop, in Brooklyn, NY from June 20-26, 2009.

Fore more details visit MediaStorm here.

Capturing stunning shots in the Lake District with Tom Mackie

Tom Mackie Images has announced an intensive four-day event designed to give just five photographers the energy and information required to take their love of landscape photography to new heights.

Taking place in the Lake District from 18th October - 22nd October 2009 attendees will have the opportunity to explore some of the most picturesque parts of the Lakes from towering mountains, glass-like lakes and gushing waterfalls to classic stone-built cottages.

For more information, including how to book, visit www.tommackie.com

Ricoh launches website for the CX1

I like the CX1, not only is it well made and responsive, the picture quality is up there with the best of them. So it comes as little surprise to see Ricoh have announced the launch of the CX1 website. Go take a look here.

Help support this site and buy from:

Amazon.com are not displaying the CX1 at this time.

Hahnemühle announce sponsorship of Redman-Holmes Exhibition.

Hahnemühle UK are sponsoring the forthcoming Redman-Holmes Exhibition in Mayfair, read the press release (in full):

Redman-Holmes Exhibition.

A fascinating exhibition is about to open in a top gallery in London’s fashionable Pall Mall, which will feature the collaborative work of photographer Paul Redman and artist David Holmes.

When they devised the concept several years ago, Paul and David had already decided that one of the main aims was to intrigue and, hopefully, to enchant the beholder with immaculately executed, but often enigmatic, images of the world around us.

This combination of talents allows a broad spectrum of work to be tackled, almost without limit other than to the extent of the imagination. That which you would think you could paint but can’t, and that which you would think you could photograph but can’t, has now been combined into an effect only achievable by combining the two skills.

Subjects range from flowers and insects through affectionate twists to familiar landscapes, together with occasional amiable inclusions of the kind of additions which might have been made by other favourite painters such as Cecil Collings and Alfred Wallis, this purely as an act of respect and homage to their talents

Redman and Holmes have coined the neologism ‘Photo-Peinture’ to describe this technique.

The work is based around very carefully discussed, selected and photographed subjects. These are inkjet printed using an Epson Photo R1900 printer onto Hanemuehle FineArt paper. The extra dimension being added through the use of acrylic, oil and water- colour paints applied directly to the surface of the print.

The result is then re-scanned to a large file size by master digital printer Ted Chau and printed onto Hahnemuehle museum quality paper or canvas.

All of this instantly moves the original idea on to a new level in terms of technique and clarity.

The exhibition opens on 7th May 2009 and closes on 17th May and is at La Galleria, 30 Royal Opera Arcade, Pall Mall, London SW1Y 4UY.

The weekend of 15-17 May coincides with the experimental all night opening of most of the State galleries for that weekend only, entitled ‘Museums du Nuit’


PAUL REDMAN

The middle one of five sons, Paul Redman was born in Lancashire, England.

After leaving Grammar School Paul decided to pursue a career as a photographer having recently won a category in ‘The Weekend Telegraph’ photographic competition. Formal training in photography in those days was limited to studying for a City and Guilds certificate, the syllabus at that time being so out of date as to be completely irrelevant to the newly emergent demands of the publishing and advertising industries.

Paul then assisted the very best photographers he could find in London to learn his craft, which is still the best way of doing it.

Early editorial commissions were quickly followed by a long career in advertising during which he has been commissioned by Waitrose, The French and English Tourist Boards, Amex, Intercontinental Hotels, Ideal Standard, Sony, Getty Images, Nissan, Bae Systems, Dulux and Graham’s Port.

He has won numerous national and international awards and has most recently photographed a Pan-European retail advertising campaign for Sony.


DAVID HOLMES

After leaving art college, David Holmes straightaway joined the advertising agency Colman Prentis and Varley.
Eventually becoming founder and creative director of another advertising agency, Holmes Knight Richie.

David has always worked as a painter, illustrator, designer and art director and has won numerous poster and design awards in the UK and worldwide. He currently works out of his studio, reached through a Japanese walled garden in Primrose Hill.

David’s paintings and illustrations are in collections in the UK and abroad. His work is in the V&A’s collection of contemporary illustrations and he has been commissioned by Penguin Books, Marks & Spencer,

Singapore Airlines, The Royal Mail, Duchy Originals, Graham’s Port and the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

He has just designed a new postage stamp for the Royal Mail.

Latest exhibitions:
Home House Gallery, London……2002
The Mall Gallery, London…………2005
Brick Lane Gallery, London……….2006
The Dover Street Arts Club……. 2008


PHOTO – PEINTURE IN MORE DETAIL.

Having discussed an idea between themselves Paul Redman, the photographer, and David Holmes, the artist, agree on a subject and an approach.

Paul finds or creates the subject matter and photographs it, making allowances within the composition for the areas which are to be painted, and digitally prints onto an A3 inkjet paper which must also have the ability to react perfectly with acrylic or watercolour paints.

After considerable research it was found that by far the most suitable paper was 308gsm Hahnemuehle Photo Rag Fine Art paper, with the best printer being an Epson Photo R1900 with its dedicated multiple inks system.

David paints directly onto the print.

The print is then re-scanned to a very large file size and printed in limited editions of 8 using an Epson Digital Ink Pigment process and printer onto either Hahnemuehle Museum Quality Canvas, which is then stretched, or onto Museum quality Fine Art paper and displayed under glass. The colour management and printing is done by Ted Chau at Chau Digital.

These large limited edition prints, signed and numbered, are part of a collaboration between the photographer and the artist, for which they have coined the descriptive term ‘photo-peinture’ and are for sale at the exhibition.

Phase One releases Capture One 4.8

As well as formally introducing the P 40+ digital back tomorrow, Phase One will also be announcing the availability of Capture One 4.8 (note the update will not be available until tomorrow 10 am EST):

COPENHAGEN, April 30, 2009 – The latest update to Phase One Capture One 4 is localized for Chinese (simplified), Czech, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish and Swedish languages. This version supports the new Phase One P 40+ announced today (including tethered support) and also the Olympus E-620.

Image quality improvements include: enhancements for the Phase One P 65+, the Leica D-LUX 4; color enhancements for Olympus E-30 and generally improved colors for editing JPEG and TIFF files.

Availability
Capture One 4.8 is available now and comes in three versions: 4.8, 4.8 PRO and 4.8 DB. Capture One 4.8 is a free service release to existing Capture One 4.x owners.
Existing customers with a Capture One 3.x license can upgrade to a similar version of Capture One 4.8 at no extra cost. For more information please go to http://www.phaseone.com/4.

Phase One Launches P 40+ with Sensor+

Although the official launch is tomorrow and the Phase One web site will be live at 10 am EST with the details, the DJP has been given an advanced preview of the new P40+ specs:

Medium format camera quality plus hand-held flexibility in one system

COPENHAGEN, April 30, 2009 -- Phase One, the leader in open-platform based medium format camera systems and solutions, today announced immediate availability of the Phase One P 40+ -- the company’s second Sensor+ enabled digital camera back/camera system.

Like the P 65+ introduced last year, this new system offers two separate image-capture modes. In normal mode, the P 40+ delivers full 40 megapixel captures for high-quality image details. And when shooting conditions demand, a photographer can push a button and instantly switch from 40 megapixels to 10 megapixels, gaining a four-fold increase in light sensitivity (ISO to 3200), and a capture rate of up to 1.8 frames per second --an ideal performance for hand-held and/or low-light conditions.

“Our second Sensor+ enabled system has been designed to deliver the fastest capture rate of any high-end medium format camera system on the market today,” said Jan H. Christiansen, marketing director for Phase One. “Our relentless innovation is inspired by the needs of quality- conscious professional photographers who seek flexible and reliable camera systems that can work as hard as they do.”

The versatility of the P 40+ system is important for those who seek quality medium-format 16-bit capture under a variety of working conditions. Both modes feature a 12.5 f-stop dynamic range. From high-end wedding, fashion and fine-art photographers to photojournalists, the choice of capture modes in a single camera system frees photographers to focus on the job at hand rather than worry over equipment.

Best results of Sensor+ technology are available by processing images using Phase One Capture One software version 4.8 or higher.

Technical specifications:
P 40+ full resolution capture mode:
Resolution: 40 megapixels
Pixel size: 6 x 6 micron
RAW file compression: (IIQ large: 40 MB) (IIQ small: 26 MB)
ISO: 50, 100, 200, 400, 800
Capture rate: Up to 1.2 frames per second

P 40+ Sensor+ capture mode:
Resolution: 10 megapixels
Pixel size: 12 x 12 micron
RAW file compression: (IIQ large: 10 MB) (IIQ small: 7 MB)
ISO: 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Capture rate: up to 1.8 frames per second

Phase One P+ camera back mounts:
Phase One 645 AF, Mamiya 645AFDII/ AFDIII, Mamiya RZ67 PRO IID via adaptor, Hasselblad H1 and H2, Hasselblad 555ELD, 553ELX, 503CW and 501CM, Contax 645.

Wide angle & technical cameras: 4 x 5" via FlexAdaptor: Arca Swiss, Cambo, Linhof, Toyo, Sinar, Plaubel, Horseman.

Pricing & Availability
The P 40+ digital back starts at €14,990; the P 40+ camera system starts at €16,990. All products are available now.

More information

For full technical specs, please read more here.

For pricing and more information please contact a local Phase One dealer.

Canon EOS 5D MkII back in stock at B&H

Anyone having trouble finding the Canon EOS 5D Mk II in stock could do worse than run New York dealer B&H by for a price. They're quoting $2,699.95 plus free shipping (in the US). Follow this (shameless) link to order yours and support this site at the same time.