, 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).
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.
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.
Fuji has announced the development of a new rangefinder styled compact with a 12MP APS-C CMOS sensor (with what looks like offset micro-lenses to improve peripheral illumination), fixed 35mm-equivalent f/2 Fujinon lens, HD movie option and hybrid optical viewfinder. It's expected to be released early in 2011, but there's no word yet on price. In case you're wondering, no, that's not a Nikon compatible hotshoe.
PHOTOKINA 2010, COLOGNE, GERMANY, September 20, 2010 - FUJIFILM Corporation is pleased to announce the new FinePix X100, a high-grade digital compact camera featuring an APS-C CMOS sensor, a Fujinon 23mm fixed focal length lens and a newly developed Hybrid Viewfinder, due for commercial release in early 2011.
The FinePix X100 is aimed at the professional photographer or keen enthusiast looking for exceptional quality pictures from a compact camera. It is designed to appeal to the millions of DSLR users who need a slim back-up camera for high quality in-fill shots when the use of a bigger SLR system is either inconvenient or impractical. Or, of course, it can be used as a professional's only top-end camera, if size and versatility are the primary considerations.
Fujifilm has closely studied the current line-up of professional cameras and feels that there is a strong need for a compact high-quality (APS-C based) camera as a counterpoint to an SLR. Using the experience of working with generations of photographers using famous emulsions like Velvia, Provia, Astia etc., Fujifilm engineers distilled this knowledge into months of careful study to create the perfect compact-sized professional camera.
The priority for this model is picture quality, so it was decided to make the highest quality possible lens and sensor combination, built from the ground-up. The lens chosen is a fixed, prime F2 lens, made by Fujinon, manufactured to perfectly match the APS-C custom sensor. Added to this is the newly-developed EXR Processor, which combines all the latest image processing technology Fujifilm has technology built up over the years.
Other cameras on the market look to fill the need for the ultimate ‘compact’ professional camera, but the Fujifilm development team believe that, having listened to the marketplace, the FinePix X100 offers a number of technical developments that will set this camera apart from other contenders. The main technologies employed in this camera are as follows:
Hybrid Viewfinder (New Development)
The Hybrid Viewfinder on the FinePix X100 combines the window-type “bright frame” optical viewfinder found in high-end film cameras such as 35mm or medium-format cameras, and the electronic viewfinder system incorporated in fixed single lens or mirrorless digital cameras.
By using integrating a prism for the 1,440,000 dot LCD panel image on the viewing screen in the reverse-Galilean optical finder, the Hybrid Viewfinder can show both the shooting frame and a variety of shooting data. Of course, it can also be used as a high-quality electronic viewfinder to compose or playback shots. With this ability to instantly switch between optical and electronic viewfinder images with simple “one touch” control. The new Hybrid Viewfinder offers users expanded freedom in the composition and enjoyment of photography in a range of challenging shooting conditions.
While digital compact cameras have become ever slimmer and more compact in recent years, composing and viewing shots on large, higher resolution LCD panels on the back of the camera has become the mainstream practice for today's users. On the other hand, shooting with an optical viewfinder is the standard practice for conventional film cameras and the preferred method for large numbers of digital camera owners. Many prefer the finder to be as close as possible to the eye so the user can focus attention exclusively on photo composition to get a clear view of the subject without distraction.
While traditionalists prefer the clear, sharp view of an ‘optical’ finder, modern electronic displays, giving data like shutter speed, aperture, white balance, exposure correction and sensitivity can aid the photographer tremendously. The new Hybrid Viewfinder on the FinePix X100 aims to give the user the ‘best of both worlds’
Further specifications for the Hybrid Viewfinder are as follows:
The reverse Galilean optical finder with a 0.5x magnification features all-glass elements made from high-refractive index glass and demonstrates low chromatic aberration and distortion.
In optical viewfinder mode, the brightness of both the “bright frame” and text data is automatically adjusted according to the brightness of scene area, ensuring that shooting information is always easily and clearly viewable.
Displayed shooting data is constantly updated according to changes in shutter speed, exposure, sensitivity and other settings.
In electronic viewfinder mode, the photographer can preview the picture or playback the result with the “through the sensor” image review. Available with one-touch switching ease, this capability enables the user to preview and confirm exposure settings, depth-of-field effects, white balance, and macro shots.
12.3 Megapixel APS-C CMOS Sensor
The FinePix X100 features a custom CMOS high-performance sensor, internally optimized and developed exclusively for this model. Optimization of the angle-of-incidence in conjunction with the specially developed lens maximizes light gathering efficiency extending to the perimeter of the sensor for a sharper image with exceptional clarity.
When shooting HD movies, the combination of the large-sized sensor and the large aperture F2 lens, lets users shoot a soft out-of-focus touch (bokeh) - a capability not available in conventional compact cameras.
The ideal combination of a fixed focal length lens, high-sensitivity sensor (approx. 10 times the sensitivity of a conventional compact*1) and a high-performance image processor captures exceptionally high-quality images over the entire sensitivity range from low to high ISO settings.
The high-speed CMOS sensor read-out and the EXR Processor's enhanced focusing system contributes to the high-speed AF performance, while the combination of the optical viewfinder and extremely low shutter time lag enhance the pleasure of every shot.
*1 Comparison with other FinePix compact camera models.
23mm F2 Fujinon (Aspherical) Lens
The newly-developed lens offers a focal length of 23mm (135 equivalent: 35mm) and a widest aperture of F2. Made from molded glass, the lens contains 8 elements in 6 groups.
The adoption of the non-collapsible lens structure with minimized lens length not only contributes to the compact size but also eliminates telescoping of the lens when the power is on. It's ready to start shooting the moment you turn it on.
Exploiting the merits of fixed focal length lens, this lens delivers sharp resolution of the total image from the center to the corners. In addition, the lens features not only the large F2 aperture value, but also an optical architecture that maintains a high degree of resolution even when closed by 1 to 2 stops.
The lens uses a 9-blade aperture diaphragm. A large F2 aperture and high-quality optics let users take beautiful photos with a soft out-of-focus (bokeh) effect. The lens enables macro shooting as close as 10 cm. Featuring a built-in ND filter (equivalent f-stop reduction of 3), the lens can enhance depth-of-field even in bright shooting conditions by enabling the aperture to be kept wide open. Shutter speed can also be reduced to capture waterfalls, or any shot where intentional blur is required.
EXR Processor (Newly Developed)
When combined with the high-performance lens and high-sensitivity sensor, the newly developed EXR Processor achieves the highest definition, sensitivity and wide dynamic range image quality of any digital camera produced by Fujifilm.
Throughout development of the processor, Fujifilm has re-examined every aspect from response to the circuit structure, and achieved a significant leap in signal processing performance for a more responsive and faithful reproduction of the image.
The graphical interface (style and rendering of the LCD information) has been upgraded in the newly developed LSI to enhance the user experience and to improve the clarity of the information presented.
Design
Inspired by the beauty and form of classic cameras from the past, the FinePix X100 combines all the latest technical digital innovations in a beautiful, traditional chassis which oozes class and prestige.
The ergonomics of the design offer the perfect balance between compact convenience and user-friendly operation.
The camera controls have been carefully thought out to give the photographer simple and speedy access to aperture, shutter speed, ISO etc, to allow maximum creative expression with minimum hassle. Custom modes can also be used for a one-touch change in settings.
The upper control deck/bottom surface has been cast from magnesium alloy (semi-solid metal casting) to contribute to a high-precision camera body with high rigidity. All dials on the upper control deck are fabricated from metal. Adoption of traditional ’manual‘ dials lets the user confirm the position of the settings without turning on the power. Premium quality is evident in every detail. The chassis has been finished with high-quality leather accents and is a delight to use and a pleasure to hold.
More information can be found at the special X100 site here.
Pre-order yours here at Adorama.
Pre-order at B&H Photo
Pre-order at Amazon UK
UPDATE: Read our review of the Fuji Finepix X100 here.
Parallels Mobile is an application that allows to control Parallels Desktop for Mac with an Apple mobile device, including iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Parallels Mobile allows you to connect to Parallels Desktop running on a remote Mac via the Internet or local network and work with the virtual machines installed on it. With Parallels Mobile, you have full control over your virtual machines. You can remotely start, stop, suspend, and pause a virtual machine. When a virtual machine is running, Parallels Mobile gives you mouse and keyboard control over it and shows in real time everything that happens on your virtual machine desktop. In other words, you can work with a virtual machine running on a remote Mac the same way as if you were sitting at your desk at home or in the office. Parallels Mobile is free and it can be downloaded from the App Store, right here.
If you're a Mac user and running the newly released Parallels Desktop 6 for Mac, now you have a great system with this Mobile version that will allow you to access any vitrual Windows computer running on a Mac that's using Parallels Desktop 6. The Desktop version of this application will cost you a hefty $80 but the mobile version is free.
To read the complete pdf set up gide for Parallels Mobile, click here to download it.
EBay seller Photo-arsenal-worldwide is flogging this mint-in-package NASA Hasselblad camera; bidding now stands at nearly $34,000 but is accepting offers......
] until micro cameras can do what other products can,” and “All cameras will be mirrorless in the future.”
Today is a good day, if you've been waiting to get your hands on RED's next generation Mysterium X camera. It is now widely available for purchase after originally being released only to exisiting RED One owners seven months ago, as an upgrade.
The camera uses a typical P/L mount for lenses and has full pro connections through mini XLR, HD-SDI, Genlock and timecode ports. It revolves around a modular system that can add a CompactFlash card module, specialized viewfinders and stands, and other extras to customize it to a particular form of moviemaking. Videos are still produced in the native Redcode format used in Apple's Final Cut Studio and other pro editing apps.
The RED One MX costs $25,000 for the body so you need to be serious about this bad boy. Payment needs a 10 percent deposit and is backlogged by seven to 10 days due to demand. Old models using the original Mysterium sensor aren't available except for those who already have a deposit down and intend to continue through the process.
This is what you get when you place your deposit:
Camera body
P/L Mount including BODY CAP
Accessories: (1) SD CARD, (1) mini-BNC to DIN 1.0/2.3 cable, (1) mini-XLR to mini-XLR cable, (1) mini-XLR to XLR adaptor, and BOLT SET
Highly recommend that a CF MODULE is purchased along with each RED ONE
To place your deposit - click here
RED PRO T1.8 PRIME SET (I):
Includes: 25mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, 100mm
Uses standard PL mount included with RED ONE
Imperial lens measurement version
RED PRO 300mm can be purchased for $4000 (normally $5950) if purchased and delivered on the same order as a RED PRO PRIME SET. The $1950 credit will be calculated at time of order invoicing for RED PRO PRIME SET and RED PRO 300mm
Existing owners of the RED PRO 300mm or original RED 300mm will receive a $1000 credit at time of order invoicing for RED PRO PRIME SET
To order this fine set of lenses for $19,000 - click here
Written by: Joanne Carter
, now offering a sleeker body, 14.6 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, a 3-inch VGA AMOLED display, an ISO range of 100 to 3200 (with a boost mode hitting 6400), 720p movie recording (H.264), SD / SDHC card slot, optional geo-tagging with GPS10 module and 'Sound Picture' mode that allows users to record audio when a photo is taken. 
We have moved to a new address. Please follow the link below and bookmark: www.digitaljournalofphotography.com Please continue t...
(Amazon US).