Canon introduce two new EF F4 L IS II USM Lenses at CP+ in Japan

Looking for a 500mm or 600mm Zoom lens for your 7D or 5D MK II? Well it seems that you are in luck, Canon has introduced today two new Zoom lens with the EF 500mm F4 L IS II USM and EF 600mm F4 L IS II USM. With the first model schedule to be available in Japan in May while you will have to wait until June for the 600mm.
Source: AkihabaraNews

"These lenses were made to be used under the harsh and challenging conditions faced by professionals in the fields of photojournalism, sports and nature photography. Utilizing valuable customer feedback, we have re-designed these lenses to create a powerful telephoto lens lineup for working professionals," stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.

Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM Lens for Wildlife and Photojournalism

The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM is the successor to the current EF 600mm IS lens first introduced in 1999. This new lens has been engineered for outstanding optical performance and durability and includes two new fluorite lens elements for improved quality and reduced chromatic aberration. Helping photographers in the field, Canon has reduced the overall weight of the lens by a substantial 27 percent from 189.1 oz to 138.3 oz. The Image Stabilizer provides an equivalent of approximately four full shutter speed steps of shake compensation and has been enhanced through the incorporation of a rolling-ball-friction system in place of sliding parts in the compensation optics barrel for a minimum-friction structure. The overall durability of the lens has also been enhanced through increased usage of magnesium alloy and titanium for lens barrel components, together with weather sealing for all exterior joints and switches and a new fluorine anti-smear coating is applied to the front and rear elements.

The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM lens is expected to be available in June for an approximate retail price of $11,999.00.

Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM Lens for Sports and Nature Photography

The Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM offers professional photographers a lighter weight option for those situations that require a long focal length with improved image quality and enhanced durability over its predecessor. Great for a wide range of applications, the EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM lens is ideal for professional photojournalism, sports photography and nature and wildlife photography. The optical formula of the new lens has been enhanced to include two fluorite lens elements for improved image quality and reduced chromatic aberration. Helping to reduce photographer fatigue and make the lens more portable, Canon has reduced the overall weight of the lens by 18 percent from 136.5 oz to 112.5 oz. 


The Image Stabilizer provides an equivalent of approximately four full shutter speed steps of shake compensation and has been enhanced through the incorporation of a rolling-ball-friction system in place of sliding parts in the compensation optics barrel for a minimum-friction structure. The overall durability of the lens has also been enhanced through increased usage of magnesium alloy and titanium for lens barrel components, together with weather sealing for all exterior joints and switches and a new fluorine anti-smear coating applied to the front and rear elements.

The Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM lens is expected to be available in May for an approximate retail price of $9,499.00.

Canon engineers succeeded not only in reducing the overall weight of these lenses but improving on their optical performance as well. The optical formula of each new lens was re-designed to include two fluorite elements instead of one fluorite and two Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) glass elements. The new lens element configuration weighs less yet performs better. Other factors contributing to the overall weight reduction include increased use of magnesium alloy, use of titanium and a smaller and lighter Image Stabilizer mechanism.


Optically, both lenses will outperform their predecessors through the use of two fluorite elements over the previous one fluorite and two UD glass elements. More fluorite results in better image quality as it reduces chromatic aberration to a greater degree than UD glass. The reduction of chromatic aberration contributes to superior resolution, contrast, and color fidelity; this is especially evident when used in conjunction with Canon's Type III EF Extenders. In addition to the fluorite lens elements, the new super-telephoto lenses also include a nine-blade circular diaphragm for a smoother appearance in areas outside the depth of field of the main subject. In addition, Canon's SWC (Subwavelength Structure Coating) is applied to four internal groups in each lens to improve resistance to flare and ghosting.


A convenient and useful feature when shooting in the often adverse conditions professionals find themselves in, these new lenses are treated with Canon's new fluorine anti-smear lens coating. The fluorine layer is highly oil- and water-repellent so that any oil smears or water droplets on the lens can be wiped off quickly and easily, without the aid of solvents, using a soft dry cloth.


The new Series II EF super-telephoto lenses can correct camera shake up to four full shutter speed steps, compared with two shutter speed steps with their predecessors. This improvement is made possible by a new low-friction stabilizer mechanism that is not only more efficient than the previous design but also smaller and lighter. Other enhancements to the IS systems of both new super-telephoto lenses have enabled quieter operation; ideal for use during video capture.


Canon has developed a third Image Stabilization mode option for its super-telephoto EF lenses. First introduced in late 2010 with the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM, and EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM lenses, and now available on the new EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM and EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM lenses, IS mode 3 is designed to provide professional sports and wildlife photographers with greater tracking flexibility. When mode 3 is selected on the lens, the Image Stabilization effect will not occur until the shutter is pressed, making the viewfinder image more natural in appearance while tracking a subject. In mode 3 when the shutter button is pressed halfway, the lens will begin detecting camera or lens movement and only during exposure, when the shutter is fully depressed, will the Image Stabilization engage.


Helping filmmakers achieve smoother and more appealing focus shifts when filming on EOS DSLR cameras, Canon has included a new Power Focus (PF) mode on the Company's new super telephoto lensesi. This mode allows manual rack focusing to be operated smoothly by turning a playback ring that is normally used for the focus preset function. Both low-speed and high-speed focus shifting are available.
Additionally, a new security slot attachment has been included on both of the new super-telephoto lenses to allow a wire-type security lock to be easily affixed, a great safety feature for professionals shooting from high vantage points above arenas and crowds.

The  EF 500mm F/4L IS II USM can be pre-ordered at Adorama here, and is currently $10,499, while the EF 600mm F/4L IS II USM, can be pre-ordered here at just $12,999.

Schneider Kreuznach joins Micro Four Thirds system group

Schneider Kreuznach, the german optical company behind many high performance lenses for medium and large format cameras, as well the popular B+W range of filters, has announced its intention to make lenses for Micro Four Thirds cameras. The optical company has officially joined the MFT System group; a consortium made up of not only Olympus and Panasonic, but also Kodak, Fujifilm and more recently Cosina, the latter recently introducing the Voigtlander 25mm f/0.95 Nokton.

- Press Release -
SCHNEIDER KREUZNACH now a member of the “Micro Four Thirds System Standard Group”

BAD KREUZNACH, 4 February 2011. Schneider-Kreuznach has joined the “Micro Four Thirds System Standard Group” – a consortium of companies with the objective of improving the possibilities and quality of compact digital cameras. Developed by Olympus and Panasonic, “Micro Four Thirds” is a standard for lens mounts that is tailored to digital system cameras. “This standard has great potential. It simplifies and improves the options for compact digital cameras and offers an excellent opportunity for the industry as a whole, as well as for us as a lens manufacturer. We are working intensively on a corresponding series of lenses,” says Dr. Josef Staub, CEO of the Schneider Group.

The standard defines the sensor size, the lens mount together with the communication protocol, the aspect ratio and the flange back distance, as well as the optical requirements for production and construction. The industry standard has been developed deliberately without taking into account conventional lenses, cameras or sensor sizes. In this way, compatibility problems with older components are avoided as is the need to compromise when designing new components.
The forum standard policy means that any member company can make and distribute accessories for the system that meet the standard. It is therefore possible to combine components from different manufacturers.

Top 10 Latest Photography Apps To Hit The iOS Store

There are some great new photography apps available for your iOS device(s). From PDN's new PhotoServe app that includes a visual database with information such as portfolios to client and award lists. The app is free and is definitely worth downloading. PhotoStudio also looks good and allows you to capture some great images on your iPhone. Take a look at this list and download a few of these apps, we're sure you will be pleased you did.

PhotoServe

PDN's PhotoServe is one of the most respected resources for finding great photography talent, industry information and the newest photo trends from around the world. This visual, searchable database includes over 1,100 updated portfolios, contact information, bios, client and award lists and social networking features. PhotoServe is designed for efficiency, with easy contact between creatives and photographers directly. Visitors build collections of favorite images
that can be e-mailed to prospective clients for fast decision making. It is a visual database of the world's best photography that continues to grow and provides free access to the latest news, trends, advertising campaigns and topical features in the industry. Art Buyers, photo editors and creatives can find the newest imagery and talent on a daily or even hourly basis.

Free/Download

PhotoStudio

PhotoStudio allows you to quickly edit images right on your phone. Adjust brightness, contrast, and color balance using an intuitive interface. You can also change the style of the image to black & white, softened, cartooned or sepia toned. Images can be quickly edited and then immediately saved to the camera roll for uploading or emailing.

$0.99/Download

PhotoLinks

PhotoLinks is a new kind of photograph organizer, by linking one picture to another. Prepare (or take) one picture, and put a marker on wherever you like. Then take a next picture. That's all you need to link pictures. It will help the problems like "I took so many photos, but I can't recognize where I took these. I wonder from which way I took them either".

$1.99/Download

muggum

How symmetrical is your face? Muggum can show you! Need a creative profile pic? Muggum can help you! This easy-to-use photography app takes images directly from the camera in your iPhone or iPod Touch and instantly creates two side-by-side symmetrical portraits, which you can fine tune using a bi-directional guide. Instantly upload to Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Flickr – or, save to Photo Album or Email. Take fun and hilarious pictures of yourself, your friends, your kids, your pets, or even celebrities in magazines! Great for profile pics and online avatars!

$0.99/Download

Photo Backup App

Photo Backup App will safely, simply, and securely backup your camera roll photos.

Most people don't realize that the photos they take with their iPhone camera (or iPod Touch 4g) are NOT synced or automatically backed up. We are used to our contacts, appointments, emails, and bookmarks being synced and/or backed up via MobileMe (or some other service), and many apps backup or sync their own data, but not your device's Camera Roll

$1.99/download

ePhotoPanel

Make some photos to one panel ePhotoPanel
ePhotoPanel makes some photos to one panel.
Just choose favorite photos from camera roll, you will make great work.
ePhotoPanel arranges photos automatically.
It’s very useful to make one panel from some snap shots of your vacation when send emails or share it.
Easy to make photo catalogs.
Check your pitching style with line sequence photos up.
Easy to record a plant observations.
Before and after the diet or go around the hair salon.
ePhotoPanel arranges so beautifully, you can easily compare photos.
The usage is various, depends on you.

$0.99/download

Feather retouch

Seamless cloning tool allows you to retouch skin defects, patch unwanted reflected light spots and duplicate image parts preserving their texture and make them looks naturally inside of paste context. You can make free shape selection just using your finger then drag and drop the selected part of the image wherever you want inside your image with both presented clone tools. You can also change the drag and drop direction to replace selected area with the content of other part of your image. Application also supports undo action. Edited images can be saved directly into your photo library so you can manage them and share with your friends as usual.

$0.99/download

Geo Album

Browse your photos on standard map or satellite map without drift issue!

★ Browser photos on maps. (support standard map and satellite map).
★ Photos taken in China can be displayed correctly on China map.
★ View GPS EXIF information.
★ Locate photo in the map.
★ Common current location drift issue in China region also can be fixed using Geo Album.

Free/Download

Photography Templates & Inspiration

This app gives you a lot of photograph templates that you can try to reproduce with your camera, allowing you understand the role of form and light in your photographs.

$0.99/Download

Crop Photo

Crop photos with no loss in image quality!

Rotate or flip your photos!

Handles extra large photos other crop apps can't!

Free/Download

National Georgraphic Expeditions Introduces New Adventure Travel Program

Grab your hiking boots and head into the wilderness with National Geographic! With their new line of active Adventures, you’ll trek through some of the world’s most legendary mountain ranges; go kayaking amid icebergs and calving glaciers; and veer far off the beaten path, discovering wild landscapes on foot or by horseback. Get to know fascinating cultures firsthand, from the Hadza bushmen of Tanzania who will welcome you into their lives, to the Bhutanese villagers you’ll visit on your hikes.

We have listed a few examples of the adventures below but there are tons more. To reserve a place or find out more, head here

Alaska by Sea Kayak: Whales, Bears and Ice

Take to the sea in a kayak in one of the wildest places on Earth. Along Alaska’s southeastern coast, little is accessible by road. Glaciers tumble down from high mountain slopes, scattering icebergs across inlets and bays. Ferns and moss carpet the floor of the ancient Tongass Forest, and waters rich with salmon and nutrients lure wildlife of every sort, from humpback whales and sea otters to brown bears. Exploring from the intimate perspective of your kayak, encounter the forests and shores of beautiful Chichagof Island close up. Venture far into Glacier Bay and spend two days paddling through this otherworldly wilderness of ice and mountains. Then head to Admiralty Island to observe brown bears and bald eagles angling for salmon at Pack Creek

Bhutan: Chomo Lhari Trek

Long isolated from the modern world, the tiny Buddhist nation of Bhutan is a mountain oasis where spirituality is a way of life and a vibrant culture remains virtually untouched by outside influences. Take to the Himalaya on an exhilarating ten-day trek that brings you through remote valleys where yaks and their herders roam, beneath snow-clad peaks that scrape the sky, and into nomadic settlements and local villages to get to know Bhutan’s gentle and gracious people. Hike in the shadow of spectacular Chomo Lhari (23,997'), Bhutan’s most sacred mountain; explore extraordinary dzongs, or fortress-monasteries; venture into age-old monasteries perched high above lush valleys populated by red-robed monks; and delve into Bhutan’s history and arts in the cultural centers of Thimphu and Paro.

Chile and Argentina: Hiking Patagonia

Patagonia’s pristine beauty is preserved in two exceptionally scenic national parks: the Torres del Paine in Chile and Argentina’s Los Glaciares. Set out to explore both on foot—from the black-tipped “horns” of Cuernos del Paine to the ice-clad pinnacles of Monte Fitz Roy. Hike along sapphire-colored lakes strewn with incandescent icebergs in Torres del Paine. In Los Glaciares, part of the third-largest ice cap in the world, walk among active glaciers and watch as they calve ice into alpine lakes. Spot wildlife from Andean condors to guanacos and eagles, and travel across the sweeping Patagonian steppe. Cap off your hiking adventure with a day in beautiful Buenos Aires.

Vice President Of Design Leaves Apple

That's the latest news from Razorainfly, apparently, Sarah Brody, Apple’s Vice President of Design (up until this week), has reportedly left the company after being hired by online mirco-payments giant PayPal. Brody had many duties at Apple, actively working on both the iPhone, original iPod nano and even MobileMe.

Perhaps the most iconic job of them all though was that Brody was also responsible for the product packaging design of software packages such as Logic Studio, Final Cut Studio, Final Cut Server and Aperture 3.

While we highly doubt this will be the end of iconic product packaging for Apple, you do have to ask yourself why someone like Brody, who has worked on products as the iPhone and iPod, would leave to work for someone like Paypal.

That said, maybe Brody will be assigned the task of making Paypal’s homepage look half decent … and that we definitely cannot argue with.

Sony unwrap new Cyber-shot HX100V, HX9V and W520

As expected, Sony has announced three new additions to the Cyber-shot range, the 16.2 MP HX100V with 30x optical zoom, HX9V with 16x high-quality G-series zoom and the 14.1 MP W520 with a wide-angle (25mm) 5x optical zoom. Prices have not confirmed at the time of posting however, the W520 will be available from March 2011. The HX100V and HX9V will be available from April 2011.

HX9V with 16x high-quality G-series zoom

Arca-Swiss announce price of D4 and D4m heads

Arca-Swiss has announced the price of the d4 and d4m geared heads. The d4 will be priced from 790 Euros (ex VAT) or around $1,100, depending on the locking system, while the d4m will start from 490 Euros (ex VAT) roughly $670. There's still no definitive date for availability, but I'm assuming now we have a price, shipping will start soon.

Press release:

To get to the point ARCA-SWISS d4 & d4m
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 d4 and d4m are 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.

Technical specifications
The innovative design of the ARCA-SWISS d4 and d4m gear heads 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. When both knobs are unlocked, the tilts can optionally be carried out in freewheeling modus. The possibility of free movement in both axes using the freewheeling modus then ensures free movements similar to those of a spherical head!

The ARCA-SWISS d4 and d4m have, 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 include the record-breaking weight of just 800g for the d4 and only 640 g for the d4m. There is no smaller gear-head on the market.

d4m
The ARCA-SWISS d4m has no gears, its adjustments are made manually in all directions. Its other features are the same as the d4‘s.

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)

Read our original coverage here

Read how to select a Gitzo tripod here.

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Anthropics announce Portrait Professional Studio version 10

Anthropics the developer behind the outstanding retouching utility, Portrait Professional, announced the expected upgrade to version 10. Along with a new interface, more presets, improved facial sculpting algorithms, child mode and improved brushes (they're much improved over LR and Aperture's healing brushes) version 10 is claimed to be a major upgrade. That maybe a bit of a stretch, although there is a lot going on in the background, still it's a welcome improvement nonetheless. Standard, Studio and Studio 64 (Windows 64-bit) editions are available now at a special time limited discounted price of £29.95, £49.95 and £79.95. If you purchased version 9 during the recent promotional period, you're entitled to a free upgrade.

I f you buy or upgrade to any edition of Portrait Professional by 31st of January (that's tomorrow), and you will automatically be entered into a $500 Prize Draw! Fore more details about that see here.

Extract taken from the press release :

Anthropics are pleased to announce the release of the latest major upgrade for Portrait Professional, Version 10.
New for Version 10:
    •    Greatly improved face enhancing function
    •    New ClearSkin®2 defect elimination and skin regeneration technology
    •    More and better face shaping and slimming controls
    •    Improved brushes
    •    Child Mode
    •    Enhance Skin Only Mode
    •    Better presets
    •    New User Interface

More information can be found here.

To buy directly see here or here

To download a free trial see here (name and email required).

US readers can buy from Amazon (although they're still showing version 9 - it will be free to upgrade to version 10).

Read our review of Portrait Professional (v 8.0) here.

Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Elements 9 deal of the day

Amazon US are enticing camera users with an $80 saving on Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Elements 9 - $50 instant saving and a $30 extra with a mail in rebate but it's just for today. If Photoshop Elements is all you're looking for see here instead.

Top 10 Photography iPad Apps Of January 2011

There have been some incredible photography apps launched this month and with February 2011 also upon us we have completed our roundup of the best photography iPad apps launched this month. Take a look at these, they are fantastic.

Folio HD

Personally connect through the "Folio" App with Models, Makeup Artists, and Hair Stylists while viewing vivid fine art image examples created in collaboration with photographer Jason Hallmark.  An ever-growing collection of exotic women and abstract art images will capture your discerning eye.  Waiting for you is a visual experience sure to amaze with its clarity, saturation, and talent.  
$4.99/Download

Panasonic reveals Lumix G market share

Panasonic UK has issued a press release in which it claims the DMC-G2 is its best selling model and, continuing in a revealing statement, that they now hold an 11.3 per-cent market share of all interchangeable lens cameras, what they call CSCs (Compact System Cameras or mirrorless cameras to the rest of us) and DSLRs. They also claim that mirrorless sales are up 194 per-cent over the previous year (but if you look closely they're comparing Dec '10 to Dec '09) - mirrorless cameras were few and far between in Dec '09. All the same, on the eve of the first deliveries of the GF2 (pictured above) it's encouraging news all round.


Please find the latest press release from Lumix G below:

Phase One updates Capture One

After the introduction of the new IQ backs the other day, the maker Phase One has updated their Capture One raw conversion utility (now at version 6.1) to include support for them and a raft of other cameras including the following models:

- Phase One IQ189, IQ160 and IQ140
- Leaf Aptus II 12 tethered
- Canon G12
- Nikon D3100 and P7000
- Panasonic DMC-GF2*, DMC-GH2*, DMC-G2*, DMC-G2, DMC-G10, DMC-FZ100 and DMC-FZ45 (*preliminary)
- Pentax K-5 and K-r

New features include:

- Local contrast and brightness adjustments
- Pen pressure and eraser support
- Getty Images metadate and import

To download Capture One follow the link here.

 

Canon PowerShot S95 in stock at B&H

If the PowerShot G12 is too bulky for you then the svelte S95 should do the trick. Not only is it pocketable but it boasts a 28-105mm f/2.04.9 IS zoom and has a Raw file shooting option too. B&H are saying it's back in stock (it's a hugely popular choice by all accounts) at $399.95.

GeoLogTag Apple iPhone App review

We're great fans of GeoLog Tag here at the Digital Journal of Photography and also at our sister site, The App Whisperer , we have reviewed it in the past and always been impressed. This review concentrates on the latest updated version 3.3 that now includes support for geotagging Samsung RAW (SRW) photos, a fix for Mac geotagging when traveling through different timezones and a fix for Mac geotagging on an ad-hoc Wi-Fi network.
We put this app through its paces as the competition is heating up in the Apple app store of this style of app. Read our extensive review here...

Love Is In The Air At The Updated Apple Store

Looks like there's love in the air at the Apple store today, the store has just updated after being down all night and Apple have put together a great collection of Valentines Apple goodies for you and your true love, take a look here

There has also been a slight redesign with the navigation bar showing cosmetic signs of being a slightly darker grey. There also appears to be a subtle background texture added to the site.

First Image Samples Taken With The FujiFilm X100

At least that's what the link said, now it seems the website has been asked to remove the test images by Fujifilm Norway. Still, the dialogue is still up, take a look at Akam.no

They Conclude...

"All in all, we are quite impressed with the image quality of the X100, especially considering that we have tested is a very early pre-production model and the image quality almost certainly will be as good or even better in the finished product. In addition, we have seen here on the JPG images, and almost without exception, a carefully processed RAW file could cause a significant increase in image quality.
X100 will be the legendary camera it is planned that it should be? Will it in its final edition to be worth the rather hefty price? It's hard to tell on the basis of the model we have seen, but unless Fujifilm really do not care for tension in one or another is the possibility certainly exists. X100 is clearly a prestige product for Fujifilm, and the enthusiastic reception it has received after the initial announcement at Photokina indicates that the interest is great. Fujifilm has many times shown that they can if they want, and when it comes to x100, they simply can not afford not wanted. If Fuji does not do his utmost to get the X100 as well as possible, shoot themselves in the foot, and we believe they are too smart to do".


Pre-order your FujiFilm X100 from Adorama.  UK readers can pre-order at Digital Depot.

Olympus XZ-1 available to pre-order

B&H Photo are accepting pre-orders on the new high-end XZ-1 (10MP) digital compact from Olympus. Seems like Olympus are trying to challenge the G12 and LX5, and with an optically imagae stabilised 28-112mm f/1.8-2.5 it's looking hopeful. Time will tell. The price is listed at $499.95 and if you order it with Lightroom 3 you'll get $100 off the price.

One feature that flew under my radar was the accessory port for an optional EVF, I'm hoping it's the same one that I'm using currently with the Olympus Pen E-PL2, it would make sense.

Last chance to buy the GF1

Panasonic's little GF-1 is being replaced by this, and while still eminently stealthy, the GF-1 has excellent manual controls lacking in the newest iteration. Amazon US are selling the GF1 body only here at $299 (via Samy's Camera), while B&H are still have some stock at $419. But after that it it's all over, so get yours now before it's too late. If you're looking for a lens, this is the one I would go for.

PhaseOne reveals IQ180

PhaseOne has announced a new range of digital backs, the first of which the IQ180 is the first to be released features a 'full-frame' 53.7x 40.4mm 80MP chip and touch-sensitive 1.15 megapixel (which we assume to mean 1.15 million dot) resolution screen. Although the back can be used tethered with a FireWire 800 cable, the IQ180 is the first to also adopt a USB3 connection - sure to be the more common of the two in the coming years. Two further models, the IQ160 and IQ140 with 60.5 and 40MP resolution sensors, respectively, will join the IQ180 and all three will available from April 2011 with prices starting from 16,990 EUR / 21,990 USD.

Unlimited creativity at your fingertips
Today, Phase One announced the IQ series of digital camera backs, setting a new standard for image quality.
The IQ series is the answer to the professional photographer’s wildest dreams and exists as the most sophisticated and capable photographic system ever engineered and built!
The first system that will ship is the Phase One IQ180 digital back. Built on the most advanced sensor ever, the IQ180 can capture images at full-frame 80 megapixel resolution with a dynamic range of 12.5 f-stops. The IQ180 also features the sharpest, most vibrant, highest-resolution camera screen ever. The large 3.2” retina type, 1.15 megapixel high resolution display delivers a pixel density so high, that your eye is unable to distinguish between individual pixels which enables you to check even very fine details instantly.
Combining a new multi touch screen and the intuitive 4-button navigation, the IQ180 makes it easier than ever to navigate between different menus and features. The multi touch screen lets you zoom, pan and browse through images or menus fast, and the unique instant zoom function allows you to zoom with the tap of a finger.
The first product of its kind to feature a USB3 connection, the IQ180 facilitates extremely fast image transfers. The IQ180 also features a FireWire 800 connection, ensuring the fastest tethered capture speeds possible today. For untethered shooting, the IQ180 digital back’s new memory card interface is so fast that it eliminates buffering delays, supporting continuous shooting until a card is filled.
More information can be found at the manufacturer's site here.

Spanish architecture photographer, Eugene Pons, shows the IQ180 on location at the Hotel Porta Fira in Barcelona.

Astronomy Photographer Of The Year 2011 Competition Now Open

The Royal Observatory, Greenwich is proud to present Astronomy Photographer of the Year, showcasing some incredible images of the sky, from within our solar system to deep space. Last years competition was a huge success and this years is set to be even greater. It is a free to enter competition, and all the details can be found below.

How To Enter

Above image - Blazing Bristlecone by Tom Lowe (USA) Competition Winner 2010

Entries to the competition open on Thursday 20 January 2011 and close at midday (BST) on 13 July 2011. To enter the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition you will first need to add your photos to the Astronomy Photographer of the Year group on the photo-sharing website, Flickr. Once you have done this, fill in the online application form on this website here. Through this form you will be able to nominate your chosen category and consideration for any of the relevant special prizes.

If you are under 16 and would like to enter your photos into the Young Astronomy Photographer of the Year category or Robotic Scope Image of the Year special prize, please complete a special online application form, found here

Submitting images and eligibility

Above Image - Siberian Totality by Anthony Aylomanmitis (Greece) - Category Winner 2010 - Our Solar System

Entrants may submit up to five photos per month to the Astronomy Photographer of the Year Flickr group and five photos in total to the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition – this includes entries via this website by Young entrant.
By adding a photo to the group on Flickr or submitting images via this website by Young entrants you confirm to the Royal Observatory Greenwich that it:

        was taken and processed by you 
        is consistent with the Flickr Community Guidelines
        is your original work
        does not infringe the copyright or any other rights of any third party
        does not contain any obscene or defamatory content or material
        was taken within two years immediately prior to the competition closing date

The following images are not eligible for entry to the Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition:

        Photos that have already been previously published or submitted to a print publication or its associated online media brand 
        Photos that have won a prize in a major competition (one receiving more than 500 photos) 
        Photos taken more than two years before the competition closing date (i.e. taken before 13 July 2009)
        Photos that use a substantial amount of data from a previously published image

Using data from before 13 July 2009 is permitted so long as a substantial portion of the image is created using data captured within the dates of the competition. If data used in an image was captured outside the competition dates, please state roughly what percentage of the total data it constitutes.

Main categories

Above image - Orion Deep Wide Field by Rogello Bernai Andreo (USA) Category Winner 2010 Deep Space

The four main competition categories are:

        Earth and Space: This is for photos that include landscape, people and other 'Earthly' things. Your picture should also include an astronomical subject – for example the stars, the Moon, or near-Earth phenomena such as aurora.

        Our Solar System: This is for photos of our Sun and its family of planets, moons, asteroids and comets.

        Deep Space: This is for photos of anything beyond our Solar System, including stars, nebulae and galaxies.

        Young Astronomy Photographer of the Year: See below for details of this category.

Each of these categories will have one overall winner, a runner up and three highly commended awards.

Special prizes

Above Image - Photon Worshippers by steven Christenson (USA) - Category Winner 2010 - People and Space

The judges will also be awarding a number of additional prizes. If you would like your photo to be considered for these prizes please indicate as appropriate on the online entry form. These prizes are:

        People and Space: For astronomy photos that include people in a creative and original way. We will also award a runner-up for this category.

        Best Newcomer: This is for photographers who've taken up the hobby in the last year and have not entered an image to the competition before. The judges will give special consideration to those using simple and inexpensive start-out kit so please update your photo’s Flickr description to say what you've used. If you’re shortlisted for this prize, the judges would also like to look at a small portfolio of your other astroimages. This will help them to better assess the overall standard of your imaging and see how you’ve progressed and improved during your first year of astrophotography.

        Robotic Scope Image of the Year: This special prize is awarded by the judges for images that have been taken by robotic/remote telescopes and that have been processed by yourself. Any age entrant may enter, however images captured remotely/robotically are not eligible for the main judging categories.

Young Astronomy Photographer of the Year category

Above image, Young Astronomy Photographer 2010 - Winner - A Perfect Circle by Dhruv Arvind Paranjpye (India) aged 14

This is the competition category for those under the age of 16 at the competition closing date. If you would like to enter this category, you can do so through the online application form. If your photo is shortlisted, your parent or guardian will need to sign a written consent form. This category will have one overall winner, a runner up and three highly commended awards.