Leaf Imaging enter new phase

Phase One, makers of medium-format digital backs, announced today the intention to purchase specific assets of rival back maker, Leaf , while forming a new company: Leaf Imaging Ltd.

Leaf Systems Inc of Massachusetts USA, was formed in 1984, but was subsequently acquired by Scitex in 1997 while operations moved to Tel Aviv. Shortly after, in 2000, Leaf changed ownership again when Creo Inc acquired Scitex. However that wasn't to last when Eastman Kodak acquired Creo Inc during 2005.

In the same week that Kodak announced the end of Kodachrome, the latest announcement sees the imaging giant shedding certain assets of Leaf, while entering into a intellectual property license with Phase One.

However as Kodak are the main, if not sole, manufacturer of image sensors for Phase One as well as Leaf, this acquisition was not entirely unexpected. As the number of rival digital camera back makers contract, Phase One are emerging as the dominant player in the medium format market.

Press release:

Leaf Imaging -- a new Phase One company

COPENHAGEN and TEL AVIV, June 25, 2009 -- Phase One A/S, in
conjunction with senior management employees of Leaf, today announced that they have created a new entity, Leaf Imaging Ltd., to purchase certain assets of the Leaf camera business. The assets include the “Leaf” brand product names, engineering design and production tools. The new entity will also enter into an intellectual property license with Eastman Kodak Company
that is royalty-bearing to Kodak. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

In collaboration with Phase One, high end Leaf digital camera equipment will continue to be developed in Israel and marketed under the “Leaf” brand through a global network of specialized and dedicated value added resellers.

Leaf high quality digital camera backs with up to 56 Mega pixels and superior resolution and image quality can interface to all leading medium and large format cameras.

“We are committed to exciting future developments for the Leaf brand of products through innovative engineering, worldwide marketing and customer service, said Henrik O. Håkonsson President and CEO, Phase One. “Leaf customers will benefit from the many synergies with Phase One.”

“Since introducing the world’s first digital camera back in 1992, Leaf has been recognized as a worldwide leader in the professional photography market. Our extensive digital imaging and color management knowledge, combined with Phase One’s software and hardware capabilities creates a unique opportunity for the world’s leading photographers,” said Dov Kalinski, General Manager, Leaf.

Pentax out Optio W80

Pentax today announce the Optio W80 the latest iteration of a long line of waterproof digital compact cameras. Indeed Pentax were one of the first makers to market a compact for challenging environmental conditions, so it comes as little surprise to see features that would you normally associate with unprotected cameras such as a x5 optical zoom and 12-megapixel CCD. Note the wording of HD-proportioned video clips, suggesting a lower resolution. We will post an update when we have the video spec confirmed.



UK Press release:

PENTAX UK is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX Optio W80 digital compact camera. The W80 boasts outstanding dustproof (IPX 6 or JIS Class 6) and waterproof (IPX 8 or JIS Class 8) capabilities - for up to two hours underwater at a depth of five metres and can operate in temperatures as cold as -10°C. The new W80 is also shockproof and can withstand a fall from a height of one metre, making it the ideal choice for any outdoor pursuit including holidays and extreme sports.



Major Features

1. Optical 5X zoom lens for excellent zoom coverage from wide angle to telephoto
Despite its compact dimensions, the Optio W80 features an optical 5X zoom lens covering focal lengths from 5mm to 25mm (equivalent in the 35mm format to approximately 28mm wide angle to 140mm telephoto). Thanks to this wide zoom range, the W80 can be used with a wide variety of subjects and scenes, from spectacular landscape, majestic architecture and group shots to tight snapshots from a distance. Coupled with the Intelligent Zoom function, which allows even tighter zooming in on the subject, the zoom range can be extended to approximately 31.3 times.

2. High-quality HD-proportioned movie recording
The Optio W80 captures beautiful, flawless movie clips at 16:9 high-definition TV proportions at a frame rate of 30 frames per second. It also comes equipped with advanced, user-friendly features designed to facilitate movie recording: Movie SR (Shake Reduction) mode, which automatically compensates camera shake during movie shooting; and Underwater Movie mode, which automatically optimises all camera settings for underwater movie shooting.

3. High image quality
Combining approximately 12.1 effective megapixels with the PENTAX-developed imaging engine and high-performance PENTAX zoom lens, the Optio W80 delivers brilliant, high-quality images with well-defined details. Even when images are increased to larger sizes, the user is assured of sharp, high-resolution prints with edge-to-edge sharpness.

4. Triple anti-shake protection to prevent different types of camera shake
(1) Pixel Track SR mode
When recording still images, the Optio W80’s new Digital SR (Shake Reduction) mode effectively compensates for camera shake by processing affected images.
(2) High-Sensitivity SR mode***
When it detects low-lighting conditions in still-image shooting, the W80 automatically raises its sensitivity to as high as ISO 6400, making it possible to use a higher shutter speed. This effectively minimises the adverse effects of camera shake under poor lighting conditions.
(3) Movie SR mode****
During movie recording, the W80 prevents blurry images by effectively minimising annoying camera shake through the use of exclusive software.
*** When the High-Sensitivity SR mode is selected, the recorded size is fixed to 5M (2592 x 1944 pixels).
**** When the Movie SR mode is selected, the angle of view becomes narrower than in normal shooting.

5. Auto Picture mode for automatic selection of eight different shooting modes
The Optio W80 features the PENTAX-original Auto Picture mode, which automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene by detecting the subject’s lighting and other conditions. This user-friendly feature provides the photographer with Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, Night Scene Portrait, Flower, Sport, Standard and Candlelight modes, and also features an auto macro mode, which automatically switches the camera’s focus range to macro in close-up applications.

6. Automatic recognition of up to 32 faces in a mere 0.03 seconds
The Optio W80 features the advanced Face Recognition AF & AE function, which automatically detects up to 32 faces in the image field, then optimises their focus and exposure settings in as little as 0.03 seconds. The Optio W80 is also equipped with the Smile Capture mode, which automatically releases the shutter the moment the camera detects the subject’s smile, as well as the Blink Detection function, which warns the photographer when the subject’s eyes close at the time of shutter release.



7. Large LCD monitor for effortless outdoor viewing
The Optio W80 features a large 2.5-inch high-resolution colour LCD monitor (approximately 230,000 dots) which is finished with a special AR (Anti-Reflection) coating that cuts glare from reflections of external light while being bright enough to be viewed easily even in bright sunlight.

8. Other features
1) Macro mode to record dramatic close-up images of a subject from as close as one centimetre
2) Digital Wide function to compose extra-wide-angle images (equivalent to an image taken with an approx. 21mm lens in 35mm format) from two images
3) 20 digital filters, including Toy Camera and Retro, to add distinctive visual effects to recorded images
4) SP (Super Protect) coating applied to the front surface of the zoom lens to repel water, grime and finger marks
5) O-CC932 Protector Jacket (available as an optional accessory) to protect the camera body from scratches and grime
6) AF-assisting spot beam projector (ON/OFF switchable) to assist autofocusing operation in the dark
7) New D-Range setting to prevent whitewashed (overexposed) and blacked-out (underexposed) areas in an image
8) Frame composite function (with 90 frames stored in the camera) to shoot or compose images with decorative photo frames
9) ACDSee for PENTAX 3.0 image viewing, editing and filing software included (compatible with Windows VistaTM)
♦PENTAX and Optio are trademarks of HOYA CORPORATION.
♦All other brands or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
♦This product supports PRINT Image Matching III. PRINT Image Matching enabled digital still cameras, printers and software help photographers to produce images more faithful to their intentions. Some functions are not available on printers that are not PRINT Image Matching III compliant.
Copyright 2001 Seiko Epson Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Print Image Matching is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
The PRINT Image Matching logo is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
♦Design and Specifications are subject to change without notice.

…………
PENTAX U.K. Limited was formed in 1979 and is a subsidiary of HOYA CORPORATION. The Imaging Systems Division successfully distributes its products through a number of channels, including independent camera shops and national retailers. The product range is extensive and includes state of the art digital SLR and zoom compact cameras. There is also a superb range of binoculars, suitable for a variety of leisure activities. Today, Pentax is a leading supplier of recreational cameras and photographic equipment world-wide.

Adobe updates Photoshop Lightroom, Camera Raw and DNG specification

This update replaces the final release candidate announced earlier in the month.

Adobe today released the final Photoshop Lightroom 2.4 and Camera Raw 5.4 updates, available for immediate download at www.adobe.com/downloads/updates/. Both updates bring additional raw file support to 31camera and camera back models including the Canon EOS 500D, Nikon D5000 and 18 Hasselblad models. A full list of the newly supported camera and camera back models is below.

In addition, Adobe released an update to its Digital Negative specification (DNG), the public archival format for digital camera raw data. DNG addresses the lack of an open standard for raw files created by individual camera models, helping to ensure that photographers will be able to access their files in the future.

DNG 1.3 now includes opcodes, a defined list of operations and their parameters for performing complex activities in the raw file conversion process. These activities include corrections and enhancements that are beneficial when performed prior to the demosaic process but are difficult due to a camera’s limited processing power. They also include corrections and enhancements that can only be performed after the demosaic process such as lens correction. By utilising opcodes, photographers can maintain the advantages of raw mosaic data, giving them increased opportunity to improve their photographs with the maximum amount of image data preserved. The DNG SDK has also been updated to reflect the changes to the specification.

Pricing and Availability

The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2.4 update is available as a free download for existing Lightroom 2 customers and Camera Raw 5.4 is available as a free download for existing customers of Photoshop CS4, Photoshop Elements 7, Premiere Elements 7 and Photoshop Elements 6 for Mac. For more information and to download the updates visit: www.adobe.com/downloads/updates/. Details on the updated DNG Specification and SDK are available on www.adobe.com/dng.

Additional Supported Camera and Camera Back Models
Canon EOS 500D (Digital Rebel T1i /Kiss X3 Digital)
Canon PowerShot SX1 IS
Epson R-D1x
Hasselblad (3FR files only) CF-22, CF-22MS, CF-39, CF-39MS, CFH-22, CFH-39, CFV, 503CWD, H2D-22, H2D-39, H3D-22, H3D-31, H3D-39, H3DII-22, H3DII-31, H3DII-39, H3DII-39MS, H3DII-50
Kodak EasyShare Z980
Nikon D5000
Olympus E-450
Olympus E-620
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1
Pentax K-7
Sigma DP2
Sony A230
Sony A330
Sony A380

Canon announces PowerShot SX200 IS cashback offer

From Thursday 25th June, Canon is launching a cashback offer on the PowerShot SX 200 IS.

Cashback is only available to UK and European readers.

PowerShot SX200 IS Cashback £40 / €45
RRP £359.00 / €429.00 RRP inc. VAT
Colours Black / Blue / Red

Valid from Thursday 25th June 2009 until Monday 31st August 2009.

Readers enquiries:
For further details and full terms and conditions please visit www.canon.co.uk/powershotcashback

Update 24/06/09 Canon has confirmed the above link will go live tonight at 12.00am

Amazon UK link: Canon PowerShot SX200 Digital Camera - Black (12.1 MP, 12x Optical Zoom) 3.0" LCD

Vote for Hasselblad Masters

Partnered by Hahnemuelle, Broncolor, and HP, the top 100 finalists for this years Hasselblad Masters Awards competition is online now. And this year, for the first time, the competition is open to voting from members of the public. Click here to register and vote for the 10 finalists.

Tokina update AT-X 12-24mm Pro DX

Release Date: 22 June 2009

New version of leading Tokina lens hits the shops

Kenro (the official distributor in the UK) has announced the Tokina AT-X 12-24 PRO DX II, the new version of the acclaimed AT-X 12-24 PRO DX .

The Nikon mount AT-X 12-24 PRO DX II features a built-in AF motor drive that operates smoothly and quietly due to a DC motor that uses a new AF control gear assembly. With the built-in motor, the lens can be used in AF mode with the Nikon D60 and D40 and other silent wave bodies. The Canon version of the lens already has a built-in AF motor.

The optical system of the original lens won awards for its sharpness and the new version has been improved further by the introduction of a new multi-coating system. This new coating helps reduce reflections that can cause flare and ghosting.

Like its predecessor , the AT-X 12-24 PRO DX II features the one-touch focus clutch mechanism. To use this feature the user simply moves the focus ring forward, towards the front of the lens, for AF or back for MF. This allows for a fast and easy manual over-ride in difficult lighting situations.

Further features include:
Focal length: 12-24mm
Maximum Aperture: F/4
Minimum Aperture: F/22
Optical Construction: 13 Elements / 11Groups
Angle of view: 99 - 61°
Minimum Focus Distance: 11.8 in. (30cm)
Macro Ratio: 1:8
Aperture blades: 9
Filter Size: 77mm
Lens diameter: 3.46 in. (84mm)
Total length: 3.5 in. (89.5mm)
Weight: 19.0 oz. (540g)
Included Accessories: BH-777 Star bayonet hood

An online forum for Tokina users can be found at, www.tokinausers.co.uk, this free-to-use online community allows all Tokina lens users to share their experience using the lenses and offer tips to their peers. There is also the facility for users to upload their photographs taken with Tokina lenses.

Kenro are the official UK distributors for Tokina lenses. See www.kenro.co.uk for details of your nearest stockist, or call Kenro on 01793 615836 for more details.

US links: AT-X 12-24 PRO DX II (new model), ( AT-X 12-24 PRO DX - old model)

Kodak pulls plug on Kodachrome

This isn't going to lie down, I suspect. And it's a sad day for me (and I suspect a lot of others too), for sure. I have to say, I feel like I've just been given the news of the death of a relative or close friend.

Kevin

Kodak Retires KODACHROME Film;

Celebrates Life of Oldest Film Icon in its Portfolio

Newer KODAK Films and Digital Cameras are Preferred Choice for Today’s Photographers

LONDON UK, June 22, 2009 – Eastman Kodak Company announced today that it will retire KODACHROME colour film this year, concluding its 74-year run as a photography icon.

Sales of KODACHROME Film, which became the world’s first commercially successful colour film in 1935, have declined dramatically in recent years as photographers turned to other, newer KODAK films or to the digital imaging technologies that Kodak pioneered. Today, KODACHROME Film represents just a fraction of one percent of Kodak’s total sales of still-picture films.

“KODACHROME Film is an iconic product and a testament to Kodak’s long and continuing leadership in imaging technology,” said Mary Jane Hellyar, President of Kodak’s Film, Photofinishing and Entertainment Group. "It was certainly a difficult decision to retire it, given its rich history. However, the majority of today's photographers have voiced their preference to capture images with newer technology – both film and digital. Kodak remains committed to providing the highest-performing products – both film and digital – to meet those needs."

While Kodak now derives about 70% of its revenues from commercial and consumer digital businesses, it is the global leader in the film business. Kodak has continued to bring innovative new film products to market, including seven new professional still films and several new VISION2 and VISION3 motion picture films in the last three years. These new still film products are among those that have become the dominant choice for those professional and advanced amateur photographers who use KODAK Films.

Among the well-known professional photographers who used KODACHROME Film is Steve McCurry, whose picture of a young Afghan girl captured the hearts of millions of people around the world as she peered hauntingly from the cover of National Geographic Magazine in 1985.

As part of a tribute to KODACHROME Film, Kodak will donate the last rolls of the film to George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film in Rochester, N.Y., which houses the world’s largest collection of cameras and related artefacts. McCurry will shoot one of those last rolls and the images will be donated to Eastman House.

“The early part of my career was dominated by KODACHROME Film, and I reached for that film to shoot some of my most memorable images,” said McCurry. “While KODACHROME Film was very good to me, I have since moved on to other films and digital to create my images. In fact, when I returned to shoot the ‘Afghan Girl’ 17 years later, I used KODAK PROFESSIONAL EKTACHROME Film E100VS to create that image, rather than KODACHROME Film as with the original.”

For all of its magic, KODACHROME is a complex film to manufacture and an even more complex film to process. There is only one remaining photofinishing lab in the world – Dwayne’s Photo in Parsons, Kansas – that processes KODACHROME Film, precisely because of the difficulty of processing. This lack of widespread processing availability, as well as the features of newer films introduced by Kodak over the years, has accelerated the decline of demand for KODACHROME Film.

During its run, KODACHROME Film filled a special niche in the annals of the imaging world. It was used to capture some of the best-known photographs in history, while also being the film of choice for family slide shows of the Baby Boom generation.

To celebrate the film’s storied history, Kodak has created a gallery of iconic images, including the Afghan girl and other McCurry photos, as well as others from professional photographers Eric Meola and Peter Guttman on its website: www.kodak.com/go/kodachrometribute. Special podcasts featuring McCurry and Guttman will also be featured on the website.

Kodak estimates that current supplies of KODACHROME Film will last until early this autumn at the current sales pace. Dwayne’s Photo has indicated it will continue to offer processing for the film through 2010. Current KODACHROME Film users are encouraged to try other KODAK Films, such as KODAK PROFESSIONAL EKTACHROME E100G and EKTAR 100 Film. These films both feature extremely fine grain. For more information, please visit www.kodak.com/go/professional.

Panasonic updates firmware for DMC-GH1,G1 and Vario 14-140mm

Release Date: June 2009

Panasonic updates firmware for DMC-GH1,G1

and LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm / F4.0-5.8 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (H-VS014140)

A new firmware is released for Panasonic LUMIX G Micro System cameras and a lens. The firmware Version 1.1 for DMC-GH1 allows faster burst shooting and improves control of shutter speed and stability of AF in movie recording. It also enhances performance and compatibility of the camera in other points. The firmware Version 1.3 for DMC-G1 improves the compatibility of Micro Four Thirds lens. The firmware Version 1.1 for LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm / F4.0-5.8 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (H-VS014140) improves O.I.S. in movie recording mode and compatibility of Micro Four Thirds camera.

Panasonic invites all users of DMC-GH1, G1 and LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm / F4.0-5.8 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S.(H-VS014140) to apply the updated firmware. The new firmware and detailed information will be available worldwide at http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/, at GMT 6:00 on 22nd of June, 2009.

-ends-

[UK] Reader enquiry number: 0844 844 3852

US Readers B&H Links: DMC-GH1, DMC-G1

Think Tank Photo Multimedia Wired Up collection

Thought I would post the video snippet I was sent by ThinkTank Photo of their forthcoming Multimedia Wired Up collection; a new range of bags expressly designed for the multimedia journalist carrying either a Canon EOS 5D MkII or Nikon D90.

Of course it's not just designed to carry a DSLR and lenses, or camcorder even, but all the associated paraphernalia (field recorder, headphones, shotgun mic and the rest). The range isn't available till July.

Op/Tech USA Super Classic c/w pro-loop & quick disconnects

Camera straps are a notoriously difficult thing to get right. Those bundled with the camera aren't usually comfortable and they stand-out a mile; making you and your camera an easy target for even the most clueless of villains.

ThinkTank Photo make a decent webbing strap, and they even bundle one with the Rotation 360 backpack but while strong and secure, it's not as comfortable over a day.

The most comfortable I've come across and use for all the camera reviews, as well as our own cameras, is the Op/Tech USA Super Classic with pro-loops (for effortless changing between cameras) and quick disconnects.

The latter feature, a pair of Fastex quick-release buckles, takes some getting used to, especially when you have a Canon 1Ds MkIII and suitably expensive L-series lens dangling from it. But for all that, we've never had an accidental spill and they come in handy when you want to remove the neoprene pad, for example, when setting the camera up on a tripod.

I would probably like it more without the disconnects, but even with them the Super Classic is the most comfortable strap I've ever seen, and I've seen plenty.

Op/Tech USA Super Classic

Induro C414; first impressions

I have some Induro carbon fibre tripods in for review, and my first impressions are very favourable. The top-of-the-range model, the C414, is a bit of monster, but every bit as impressive as the Gitzo equivalent.

Unlike Gitzo though, the naming convention makes a lot of sense; you can tell it's a carbon fibre model with series 4 tubing (the largest and greatest load bearing), has a centre column and 4-leg sections for a smaller pack-down size. Quoted load is 12kg, somewhat conservative in my view but I would imagine easily bearing that load when fully extended.

Body castings are magnesium alloy, though you wouldn't really know it from looking. Maybe the marketing guys need to do more there with the guys at the factory. If that wasn't enough, the Induro retail for a good deal less than the price of the Gitzo equivalents, come complete with a decent (padded) bag, tool kit and steel spikes.

I can see how they could be improved (a subject for another post, or maybe a proposal to the manufacturer, if they're interested) but what's not to like?

We didn't have a Carbonflex 8x CX214 (pictured above) when we wrote the macro tripod feature, as it was being redesigned at the time but we have one now, and may well post a specific review.

Links: Induro

Olympus E-P1; two more

With all the interest in the E-P1, I thought I would add a couple more images from the firm's press centre. Note the chrome finish zoom, previously only shown in black. I rather like it, but I suspect the black finish zoom will be paired with future, as yet unannounced, camera models.

Maybe those will be furnished with EVFs (electronic viewfinders), but you're unlikely to see one with an OVF (optical viewfinder). To do well, they add a lot in terms of size and weight, not to mention the additional cost, but they're also restrictive in scope. Olympus, no doubt, have other lenses to add to the range.



So while it's a shame the E-P1 doesn't have a built-in viewfinder, it really wasn't ever going to have one. If it was to undercut the Panasonic Lumix G1 and GH1 on price, there's simply no point in offering another 'me too' product. Instead what we have now is a neat compact with a large sensor and interchangeable lenses; something akin to the Sigma DP2, only more versatile. Now all we need is the option to order it in a stealthy black finish and we're good to go.

In case you're wondering, this is the distinctly unstealthy 'white' version. Although the two are being suggested as 'his' and 'hers', I suspect the white variant was originally intended for the home market (Japan), adding to such oddities as the white Leica M8.2 and Pentax K-m (K2000). And before you email, I know the M8.2 is made in Europe, well Portugal and Germany that is. Still, they know which side their bread is buttered.

Read our taster for the Olympus mFT E-P1, DSLRs: The end of the road?, published earlier in the year.

Olympus E-P1; more images

I was trawling the Olympus press centre for a few more images of the new mFT E-P1 and I've found a couple that haven't been shown elsewhere on the net, least not that I've seen. I may post a couple more later too. That's if you're interested?

Price confirmed for Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM

Press release:

Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd is pleased to announce that the new SIGMA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM is now available in Sony and Pentax mounts.

This lens incorporates a Hybrid Optical Stabilisation system which allows photographers to us the lens’ OS function even if the camera has a built in anti-shake system. If the photographer chooses to use the lens’ OS function, they must ensure that the camera’s built in stabiliser is switched off.

This lens has only been available in Sigma, Canon and Nikon fit for two months and has already won two international awards including the 2009 TIPA Best Entry Level Lens award.

Four Special Low Dispersion glass elements and three aspherical lens elements provide excellent image quality throughout the entire zoom range. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 45cm (17.7 inches) at all focal lengths and a maximum magnification ratio of 1: 3.4, making it ideal for close-up photography. The lens incorporates super multi-layer coating to reduce ghosting during backlight photography.

An inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making it suitable for use with circular polarising filters and the supplied petal-type hood.

Sigma confirms price of new 10-20mm f/3.5 zoom

UK press release:

Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd is pleased to announce that the suggested retail price of the new SIGMA 10-20mm F3.5 EX DC HSM will be £649.99. This new lens will run alongside the current Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM and is expected to be available in the UK in July for Sigma, Canon and Nikon fit, with Sony and Pentax fit arriving in August.

This super wide-angle lens has a maximum aperture of F3.5 throughout the entire zoon range. Its wide angle of view from 102.4 degrees produces striking images with exaggerated perspective. The maximum aperture of F3.5 is ideal for indoor shooting and it enables photographers to emphasise the subject.

Two ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) glass elements and one SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass element provide excellent correction of colour aberrations. Four aspherical lenses provide correction for distortion and allow its compact and lightweight construction. The Super Multi-Layer coating reduces flare and ghosting ensuring high image quality throughout the entire zoom range.

The incorporation of HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) enables quiet and high-speed auto focus as well as full-time manual focusing capability. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 24cm (9.4 inches) throughout the entire zoom range and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:6.6.

The lens design incorporates an inner focusing system which eliminates front lens rotation, making the lens particularly suitable for using the Petal-type hood. The, included, Petal-type hood blocks extraneous light and reduce internal reflection.

Olympus rewrite history with digital PEN

Olympus has officially released the mFT Digital Pen, we'll have more details later. However, in the meantime head over to the Olympus USA site for sample videos and stills.

UK press release :

The Olympus Pen: a legend returns

London, 16 June 2009

In 1959, Olympus changed the face of photography by pursuing one simple idea: create a camera as easy to use and carry as a pen. Designed by renowned style guru Yoshihisa Maitani, the Olympus Pen triggered a camera boom that would last through the end of the 1970s. Today the legend comes alive again in digital form with the release of the E-P1. This first groundbreaking Olympus Micro Four Thirds model comes at a time when mirrors are no longer a necessary component for digital cameras with interchangeable lenses. Incredibly small size, retro style, and ease of use are a nod to the Pen’s past. However, D-SLR quality and a host of new features place the E-P1 at the leading edge as Olympus innovative technologies reimagine the future. Now everyone can have the best of both worlds: high-end design and D-SLR performance. The E-P1 will be available for purchase in July 2009 at a retail price of £699.99

When he originally designed the first of many Pen cameras, Maitani could not have suspected that he was starting a revolution. Selling over 17 million units, the Pen became one of the most trusted, popular, and successful camera series ever. The removal of the mirror box in the 21st century has brought the legendary series back. Mirror-less construction is the foundation for both the Olympus Pen E-P1’s stunning new design and its remarkably compact size. Everyone will fall in love with the camera’s irresistible retro-look. It is reminiscent of the classic Olympus Pens, which were cherished for their compactness, usability, and affordable price.

Five decades later, the E-P1 promises to honour the memory of its famous forefathers. It hails the beginning of the next generation of the digital era. In addition to all the advantages of Olympus imaging technology, the new ultra-compact hybrid device can even record HD quality movies with sound and stunning creative effects familiar from still photography. In addition to the application of Art Filters, it includes the ability to vary depth of field, angle of view, and autofocus during recording.

The Olympus Pen E-P1 reinvents high-end stylish photography for the new millennium. The new model and its two accompanying Micro Four Thirds lenses will hit stores in July 2009. The E-P1 will be available for a retail price of €TBC.

The Olympus Pen E-P1 – main features:
Small & stylish design
• Extremely small and light-weight Micro Four Thirds System
• Stylish design with metal finish
• Two colours

SLR image quality
• 12.3 Megapixel Live MOS Sensor
• TruePic V image processor
• Built-in IS with max. 4 EV steps efficiency
• Adapter for all ZUIKO DIGITAL & OM lenses

Easy operation
• New developed GUI for easiest operation via Live Control
• Automatic recognition of common scenes possible with i-Auto
• Clear skin with e-Portrait
• Two dials for easy handling
• Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology
• 20 shooting modes (5 exposure modes, i-Auto mode, 14 scene modes)

Creativity & HD Movie
• HD Movie with stereo sound featuring depth of field and Art Filters
• Art Filters, Multi-Aspect ratios
• Multi Exposure function
• Art Filters can be applied to previously taken RAW images in the camera and with Olympus software
• Enhanced creativity with special lenses e.g. fisheye is available via Four Thirds lens adapter


Additional features of the Olympus Pen:
• HDMI TV interface
• Linear PCM sound recording
• Level gauge
• Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface
• Three frames per second with sequential shooting (max 14 in RAW mode)
• ISO 100-6400 for wide-ranging sensitivity
• Versatile bracketing functions for white balance and exposure
• Reliable Supersonic Wave Filter dust reduction system
• Based on the Micro Four Thirds Standard
• Wide dynamic range in highly lit areas
• Simultaneous writing of RAW and JPEG
• SD memory card (SDHC compatible)
• High-speed data writing and lossless RAW compression for quick processing
• Large 7.6cm/3.0” HyperCrystal LCD
• AE/AF lock functionality for individual customisation
• Auto gradation adjustment to prevent blown highlights and
blocked-in shadows
• Remote release possible via the optional remote cable RM-UC1


The Olympus Pen E-P1 is available in the following configurations:
• E-P1 Kit Silver/Black
(E-P1 body silver & M. ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens black)
• E-P1 Kit Silver/Silver
(E-P1 body silver & M. ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens silver)
• E-P1 Kit White/Silver
(E-P1 body white & M. ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens silver)
• E-P1 Pancake Kit Silver
(E-P1 body silver & M. ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm 1:2.8 Pancake lens silver & VF-1)
• E-P1 Pancake Kit White
(E-P1 body white & M. ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm 1:2.8 Pancake lens silver & VF-1)
• E-P1 Double Lens Kit
(E-P1 body silver & M. ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens silver & M. ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm 1:2.8 Pancake lens silver &
VF-1)


New accessories:
• M. ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens
• M. ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm 1:2.8 Pancake lens
• MMF-1 adapter for all Four Thirds lenses
• MF-2 adapter for all OM lenses
• FL-14 flash
• VF-1 external optical view finder
• Leather strap in white and brown
• Leather body jacket in white and brown

* 35mm equivalent

Hahnemühle Anniversary Photo Award: Reminder for entries

3 Weeks to go: Deadline 30th June

Hahnemühle celebrates its 425th Anniversary this year: join in by entering the Anniversary Photo Award competition - an exciting opportunity to feature in a worldwide travelling exhibition, receive the Hahnemühle Anniversary Photo Award and win valuable prizes (total prize giveaway worth €36,000 for winners and universities/colleges of entrants in the student category). The winners will be showcased in the photo capitals of Europe, America and Asia.

Info at http://www.hahnemuehle.com or email ukmarketing(at)hahnemuehle.de

Light and Land opens doors...

Press release:

9 June 2009

Light & Land - the UK’s leading photographic tour company - has opened the doors for its 2009 Discovery Day. The event is to be held on 6th December, at Wokefield Park Executive Centre near Reading.

Tickets for Light & Land’s inspirational celebration of landscape photography normally sell fast - with the unique opportunity to meet some of the finest outdoor photographers in the UK.
This year, there’s an exciting line-up of speakers already confirmed, including Charlie Waite, David Ward, Joe Cornish, Niall Benvie, Ben Osborne and a brand new guest speaker – William Cheung – ex editor of Photography Monthly magazine.

Will has many years of experience as a photographer himself, as well as having been editor of some of the biggest photography mags in the industry and will be giving invaluable insight on how to get your work published.

There’s also a brand new event for the afternoon; Charlie Waite, Joe Cornish and David Ward have set themselves a compact camera challenge! They will make six new landscape images on a compact camera and present them for the first time on the afternoon of the Discovery Day. Each will critique the others’ work and invite questions from the audience. This section will be chaired by the acclaimed photographer Eddie Ephraums and promises to be both lively and inspirational!

Guests will also have the opportunity to gain constructive critique on their own work (pre bookable sessions) from some of the top landscape photographers in the UK.
There will be some great retail therapy on offer, with some of the latest equipment on show, to try and buy.

Tickets for the day are priced at £59, or £65 (to include a one-2-one critique session with one of the tour leaders) and by attending the event guests are entitled to a £25 discount on Light & Land UK courses (excluding one day workshops) and a £50 discount for each overseas tour booked on the day.

The day runs from 9.30am to around 6.30pm, with lunch and refreshments included in the ticket price. For full details visit www.lightandland.co.uk Or, to book a place on this fantastic day, simply contact the Light & Land office on 01432 839111 or email info(at)lightandland.co.uk.

Sigma DP2 samples

Sigma DP2, 1/15 sec at f/2.8. ISO200. Converted from X3F file in Photo Pro v3.3

According to several review sites and price comparison websites the Sigma DP2 has been out in the USA for a while, but that's not the case here in Blighty. In fact it's not on retailers shelves as yet. Still, we've had a DP2 for a few days, courtesy of Sigma UK and thought we would post the first of a few sample shots.

Although we have some mighty impressive samples to share, the DP2 is not without its faults. We've chosen this particular shot for its striking green cast in the corners of the frame, and it is, by all accounts, a pretty common event when taking high-key scenes wide-open.

Olympus Micro FourThirds camera leaked?

Is this the Olympus mFT camera we're all expecting later this month? This site seems to think so, and while I don't read Chinese, they could well be right. Looks like it's called the E-P1.

That lens is a 17mm f/2.8, the equivalent to a 35mm f/2.8. Finally looks like the Sigma DP1 and DP2 has some competition. Time will tell. Expect the official announcement in ten days time or so.