Adorama special on Fuji IS Pro UV-IR DSLR

Adorama in NYC has a special on the Fujifilm IS Pro body. Save 25% on the regular price $799.95 (Sale Price $599.95), plus free shipping.

Follow this link to buy (it won't cost you extra).

Read our review of the Fuji ISO Pro camera here.

Leica announces firmware update v2.0 for Leica D-Lux 5

Press release:

Leica announces firmware update 2.0 for Leica D-Lux 5
 
16 December 2011: Leica Camera AG has announced the release of a new firmware update (version 2.0) for the Leica D-Lux 5. The firmware update can be downloaded, with an installation guide, from the Downloads area of the Leica D-Lux 5 page on the Leica Camera web site.
 
This new firmware offers D-Lux 5 users the following updates:
 
    •    Improved autofocus speed within the wide-angle range
    •    Simpler operation of fine adjustments in manual focusing mode
    •    Improved automatic white-balance precision in low light conditions
    •    High-ISO noise reduction at ISO 1600 and ISO 3200
    •    Incorporation of an ‘Active mode’, which reduces blur in movie recording when in motion
    •    A new ‘Miniature effect’ in the ‘My Colour Mode’ (available in photo and video modes)
    •    Improved AF/AE Lock with shutter button half depressed
    •    Long exposure time increased in manual mode from 60 to 250 seconds
    •    Addition of manual adjustment of the LCD monitor and external viewfinder to the camera settings menu
 
A detailed description of the new and improved functions is also available at: http://d-lux5.leica-camera.com

NEC announces SpectraView Profiler version 5

NEC Display solutions, the makers of the outstanding SpectraView pro-level monitors has announced version 5 of the SpectraView profiler software. The upgrade allows users to perform hardware calibration via USB or DDC/CI as well as providing full support of 3D LUT functionality. Also included is support for the latest basICColor DISCUS and X-Rite i1Display Pro colorimeters. Version 5 is immediately available as a free download for existing SpectraView® users on the Mac and PC platforms, including Apple OS X Lion and Microsoft Windows 7.

NEC launches SpectraView® Profiler 5 Software

Updated colour-calibration software package brings host of new features to SpectraView users
 
London, 16 December 2011 – NEC Display Solutions Europe has announced the launch of SpectraView® Profiler 5, the latest version of its sophisticated colour calibration software.
 
Designed for reference display users that require highly accurate display calibration and profiling for colour critical applications, the update delivers a host of new features all wrapped in a brand new interface with application preset and express calibration buttons easily accessible.
 
This latest version builds on the powerful existing functionality of the Profiler application, and now allows users to perform hardware calibration via USB or DDC/CI as well as providing full support of 3D LUT functionality. Also included is support for the latest basICColor DISCUS and X-Rite i1Display Pro colorimeters.
 
SpectraView® Profiler 5 is compatible with all NEC SpectraView® displays, including the NEC SpectraView® 231 and NEC SpectraView® Reference 241, 271 and 301 displays.
 
“NEC prides itself on providing a range of best-in-class, colour-critical displays for the pre-press, soft-proofing, professional photo and creative professional, and for these people the SpectraView® Reference range is the benchmark,” said Christopher Parker, Product Line Manager Professional Displays at NEC Display Solutions Europe. “This update to the SpectraView® Profiler 5 Software enhances our capability for providing perfectly calibrated image quality that is reliably maintained over the display lifetime.”
 
Availability
The SpectraView® Profiler 5 Software is immediately available as a free download for existing SpectraView® users on the Mac and PC platforms, including Apple OS X Lion and Microsoft Windows7 from: www.spectraview.nec-display-solutions.com

NEC SpectraView® displays will ship with the Profiler 5 Software from January 2012 onwards.

Related posts

NEC SpectraView Reference 271 concise review

Fujifilm IS Pro UV-IR DSLR review

This review is now available at our new site: https://digitaljournalofphotography.com/

Contact


For more information on the IS Pro, visit Fuji at www.fujifilm.co.uk or www.fujifilmusa.com

For information regarding the outstanding Nikon UV-105mm f/4.5, visit www.invisiblevision.com

Carl Zeiss lenses are distributed in the UK by Robert White, www.robertwhite.co.uk

B+W Filters are distributed in the UK by DayMen International, www.daymen.co.uk

Peca Filters are distributed in the UK by Bob Rigby, www.bobrigby.com

Sales


Adorama currently have a special promotion on the Fuji IS Pro here (was $799.95, now $599.95). Buy Carl Zeiss lenses from Adorama.

Adorama Canon EOS-5D Mk II specials

Canon EOS-5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera Body Kit,- USA Warranty - Slinger Camera Bag - FREE: Red Giant Adorama Production Bundle for PC/Mac a $599.00 Retail Value
Save 20%
Regular Price $2499
Sale Price $1999
FREE SHIPPING
Please follow this link to buy

Canon EOS-5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera Body Kit with Canon EF 24-105L Image Stabilized Lens
Save 15%
Regular Price $3299
Sale Price $2799
Add to cart for price Expires 12/31/11
FREE SHIPPING
Please follow this link to buy

Life 75 - New iPad App To Celebrate 75th Anniversary Of Life Magazine

To celebrate its 75th anniversary, LIFE's editors have drawn on its extraordinarily rich photo collection to produce the LIFE 75 App, a selection of the very best of LIFE. Offering a unique viewing experience, the LIFE 75 App features more than 200 photos and related magazine covers, along with video and audio clips that tell the story of how LIFE was made.

Seventy-five years ago, TIME publisher Henry Luce launched a new weekly magazine that he called "the biggest picture show on earth." The magazine, LIFE, was an instant hit and became the gold standard for photojournalism. LIFE has covered war and celebrity, heroes and villains, nature and society, along the way amassing millions of powerful images. Today, LIFE's tradition carries on as a line of richly illustrated books, the popular website LIFE.com, as well as LIFE apps. 



This app retails for $12.99/£8.99 and you can download it here.

Features Include

 

•A unique interactive layout, presenting LIFE's greatest photos in landscape view and related covers in portrait mode


•Numerous audio clips featuring LIFE’s past and present editors and photographers, providing exclusive insight on their time at LIFE


•Video clips in which LIFE's most brilliant photographers tell how they got their shots


•An interactive game, Editor’s Choice: Can you choose the photo that made the cut?


•Galleries of rarely seen photos, available only in LIFE 75
•Multiple navigation points, including a "decades bar" that sorts the photos from the 1930s to the 2000s.


Topics Include

 

•Up Close with the Stars: Hollywood's brightest lights gave unfettered access to their lives. The result: special pictures of the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor.


•Memorable Moments: LIFE; was always present to capture the crucial instant, from Gen. Douglas MacArthur landing in the Philippines to Martin Luther King Jr. launching his civil-rights crusade.


•In the Wild: LIFE offers a menagerie of the exotic and domestic, the cute and the terrifying.


•At War: LIFE's intrepid photographers brought home the horror and the heroism, including images that helped changed how Americans felt about Vietnam.


•Heroes and Villains: LIFE made unforgettable portraits of some of the most admired and reviled people of our time.


•LIFE Classics: The sailor kissing the nurse. The Marlboro Man. LIFE published images that became nothing short of iconic.


•Magical Places: The Taj Mahal by moonlight, Mt. Everest in sharpest daylight. Witness some of the world’s greatest scenic and architectural wonders.

Olympus announces 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 EZ

UPDATE 25 Feb, 2012: Amazon US has just eight of the new Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 EZ in stock (sold by H and B Digital, fulfilled by Amazon). All other retailers are taking pre-orders at this time.

Olympus has introduced a new 12-50mm zoom (24-100mm equivalent) and has several new features besides the focal length and ratio. It's the first from the maker to feature power-zoom intended primarily for video shooters but it also boasts a focus-hold button (to avoid re-focusing) and the same level of weatherproofing as the Top Pro lens range for their DSLRs. We were told by a spokesperson that the new lens will be available late January or early February with an RRP of £349.99 inc. VAT.

Pre-order the 12-50mm at Adorama Camera (US) at $499.99, UK readers can pre-order from Wex Photographic at £369.99 inc VAT.

Thank you for buying through this site's links.

PRESS INFORMATION

Olympus makes zooming even smoother

A new zoom lens for a new PEN generation

The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm 1:3.5-6.3 EZ

London, 14 December 2011 – Olympus’s new generation of multi- talented PEN cameras can enjoy a new Standard Zoom, the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm 1:3.5-6.3 EZ. It comes with a new ultra-smooth, near-silent electromagnetic zoom mechanism that powers the lens on its own – no potentially jerky wristwork required. This makes it easy for anyone to make great home movies. Add in variable zoom speed and blazing quick auto focus, and it’s the perfect zoom lens for recording movies and portraits. It’s also ideal for high-quality macros and wide- angle shots. With an 84° max. angle of view, 24-100mm* focal range and manual zoom mode, this exceptional lens gives PEN owners all the options. The PEN line-up has a multi-talented standard zoom lens to match. It goes on sale from end of January 2012, for £349.99.

Smoother and quieter
The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm 1:3.5-6.3 EZ takes the movie zoom lens to a new level. An electromagnetically powered zoom mechanism lets you zoom in and out smoothly and quietly, at a constant rate. This avoids the camera-shake that often occurs when you zoom by hand and cuts out the noise of motor gears in the background, which can potentially ruin your movie. You can set the motor to zoom at one of three set speeds. The ‘slow’ setting allows time to concentrate on composing while ‘fast’ makes sure no shot is missed.

Faster and closer
The new lens delivers 4.2x standard magnification and is very quick. The electromagnetic motor makes for near-instant response and, in combination
1with Olympus’ proprietary MSC (Movie and Still Compatible) technology, ensures fast and near-silent autofocus. For this lens, Olympus enhanced MSC by adding a Linear Motor Drive that makes use of the electromagnetic motor to make focussing even faster, quieter – and better for recording movies.
Automatic and manual

As you’d expect from an Olympus PEN lens, the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12- 50mm 1:3.5-6.3 EZ delivers superb image quality, thanks not least to a multi-layer coating on all the lenses and two aspherical lenses that correct common zoom aberrations. The pristine quality is particularly evident in Macro mode, which offers 0.72x* magnification at 20 to 50cm. Less familiar is the new L-Fn button (a first on a PEN lens), which prevents the camera focussing on the wrong subject by mistake. Should something suddenly come between the lens and your intended subject, you simply push this button to temporarily suspend autofocus until it’s moved out of the way. For fans of hands-on shooting, the lens offers another rare treat – the option to suspend autofocus altogether and switch to the manual zoom ring.

The Micro Four Thirds standard makes PEN cameras especially compact and portable, which allows PEN owners to shoot in all kinds of places and conditions. So it’s comforting to know this lens is fitted with the same top- notch dust- and splash-proof mechanism originally developed for high-end ZUIKO DIGITAL Top Pro Series lenses. Now, wherever you go with your PEN you’ve got a zoom lens that’s tough enough to go too.

The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm 1:3.5-6.3 EZ will sell separately and as part of a kit with one of the three newest PEN cameras: the PEN Lite (E- PL3), PEN Mini (E-PM1) and the flagship PEN E-P3. A matching protection filter, lens case and hood are also available.
* 35mm equivalent.
2
For a full list of features, please go to www.olympus.co.uk

Custom Brackets announces Nodal Slide

Flaghead Photographic the distributor for Custom Brackets in the UK has announced the immediate availability of the Nodal Slide. The device is used to position the lens' entrance pupil over the centre of a panoramic head. With an RRP of £69 plus VAT (£82 inc. VAT), the Nodal Slide is made from machined aluminum and is compatible with Arca Swiss clamps.

Press release:

 

Flaghead Photographic, the exclusive UK & Ireland distributor for US manufacturer Custom Brackets, are pleased to announce a new product: The Nodal Slide.

The Nodal Slide is used to position a lens so that its “nodal point” is over the center of rotation on a panoramic or ball head. It can also be used to mount a camera directly onto a “gimbal head” (used as a perpendicular plate).

The Nodal Slide makes it possible for you to adjust your camera's position, front to back, to position the lens nodal point over the centre of rotation for accurately stitched panoramic images.
Benefits
• Double dovetail for added versatility
• Precision machined aluminum
• Compatible with Arca Swiss, Acratech, Kirk, Arca, R.R.S., and many other QR plates
• Beautiful black anodized finish
• Laser-engraved scale markings

Custom Brackets is a long established and well known US manufacturer of high quality camera brackets, camera rotating mounts and flash mounting accessories.

For more information please visit the Custom Brackets site at www.custombrackets.com or visit Flaghead Photographic at www.flaghead.co.uk.

Sigma announces availability of PG-31 grip for SD1 DSLR

Sigma has announced the PG-31 grip for the SD1 DSLR will be available in January, but the price (which could be high, given the price of the camera) has yet to be confirmed.

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the PG-31 Power Grip, specially designed for Sigma’s SD1 digital SLR, the camera that ensures high resolution and breathtaking image quality.

The PG-31 is a specially designed battery grip which upgrades the battery power of the SIGMA SD1 by holding two dedicated BP-21 battery packs. This caters for large-volume photography and photography in field.

The PG-31 also incorporates a shutter button and therefore becomes a grip for vertical photography when attached to the SD1, providing a more assured grip.

THE SPECIFICATIONS
Power             Lithium-ion battery BP-21 (1 or 2)            
Weight          300g (excluding battery)
Dimensions        Width 156mm× Height 72mm× Depth 77mm
SRP             TBA
Availability         January 2012

X-Rite announces updates for i1 profiler software

X-Rite has released a raft of updates for their popular calibration devices. The updates include support for Mac OS 10.7 Lion and new features for the i1 Profiler software, as well as adding ADC (Automatic Display Control) functionality for the ColorMunki Display software.
Press release:

ColorMunki Display, i1Profiler and i1Profiler D2 Lion Edition software now available as free downloads

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., December 12, 2011 – X-Rite, Incorporated (NASDAQ: XRIT), the world leader in color management, measurement and communication technologies, today announces the availability of several free downloadable software updates including ColorMunki Display software, i1Profiler software and i1Profiler D2LionEdition software for i1Display LT and i1Display 2 Color Calibration Devices.
 
“Today’s announcement of free software updates underscores X-Rite’s on going commitment to delivering the highest quality color management solutions.  We are committed to continually improve and enhance our software in order to deliver the world class solutions our customers expect,” said Thomas Kunz, X-Rite’s Market Manager, Imaging.  
 
i1Profiler Software v.1.2 is the latest i1Profiler update offering several new functions and improvements including:

Display Profiling Updates
·         Ability to balance RGB controls during display calibration
·         Reporting of target and measured values for luminance, white point and contrast ratio during display profiling
·         Direct control of EIZO ColorEdge displays using X-Rite ADC (Automatic Display Control)
·         Improved ADC functionality and connectivity for all platforms
Printer Profiling Updates
·         Selection of M0 or M2 measurements for profile creation when used with an i1iSis
·         User ability to customize exported CGATS data for multiple uses
·         Improved reading of chromatic black ink on printer test charts
 
Updates for Japan Market
·         Support of Japan Color in Printer QA
 
The i1Profiler software v1.2 operates with the X-Rite i1Display Pro colorimeter, i1Pro spectrophotometer and i1iSis spectrophotometer. Currently installed i1Profiler software will automatically detects the update if the user has this function turned on. If not, users can download directly from either www.xritephoto.com or www.xrite.com .

ColorMunki Display Software v 1.0.2.
This new update provides improvements for ColorMunki Display device connectivity, ADC (Automatic Display Control) functionality and color accuracy. To download the new software version, current users can access “Check for updates” located in their ColorMunki Display Help menu or visit: www.xritephoto.com or www.xrite.com to directly download ColorMunki Display v1.0.2 software from the Support section.  
 
i1Profiler D2Lion Edition, a MAC OSX 10.7 Lion compatible software update for registered i1Display LT and i1Display 2 users, is now available. These currently retired devices, which run on i1Match software, now have the benefit of utilizing this limited special edition version of the new X-Rite i1Profiler software. This software update is designed for MAC OSX Lion users to utilize their i1Display LT or i1Display 2 device on the latest Mac OS until they are ready to upgrade to one of X-Rite’s newest display products – i1Display Pro and ColorMunki Display. Both new solutions allow users to get the most out of their monitors and projectors, adding unprecedented functionality and fully support Mac OSX 10.7 Lion. Registered owners will be provided a software download link via email.  Owners can register at any time.
 
Availabilty
Each update – i1Profiler 1.2, ColorMunki 1.0.2 and i1Profiler D2Lion Edition – is available for immediate download. For more information on these software updates, please visit www.xrite.com, www.xritephoto.com or www.pantone.com.

Hasselblad H4D-60 review

Please note this review is now available at our new site: https://digitaljournalofphotography.com/from-the-past-hasselblad-h4d-60-review/

Adobe announce saving on Lightroom 3

Adobe Europe has announced a 30-percent saving on their popular raw-workflow solution Lightroom when purchased from the Adobe store. As well as the saving off the retail price, making the price £166.32 (inc VAT) there's free shipping for a limited time (ends 8 January 2012).

Please follow the link here for the offer.

For other special offers from Adobe please follow the link here.

Nikon Pro magazine available as an app

Nikon Pro magazine, the official magazine of Nikon Pro Services (NPS) in Europe is now available as an app for the iPad. The publisher claims the iPad edition will include extra content over the tri-yearly printed version, including movies, extended interviews and behind the scenes footage. The magazine was once exclusively available to NPS members but has been more widely available recently through registration of Nikon equipment at the Nikon Europe BV site.

The app which is free is to download is available from here (US iTunes Store).

Please use this link for UK iTunes Store.

Please note while the app is free, each issue costs $2.99 / £1.99. We spoke with the editor of the magazine, Lawrence Akers, and he confirmed the app is not neccessarily intended for NPS/NPU members (who already receive the printed edition free of charge), 'but more for people who want it instead of the printed version or are in areas where the printed issue isn't available'. It's sure to attact the interest of US readers, for instance. We think that's a small pice to pay for the quality of the content.

UPDATE: 12 December 2011. It also appears to be available a few days before the print copy (though I'm sure the post varies in different regions) - we've only just received ours in the post.

Iridient Digital announces Raw Developer v1.9.3, support for Nikon 1 V1

Iridient Digital, the software company behind the excellent Raw Developer utility has announced a maintenance release (v1.9.3) adding support for several new cameras, including the Nikon 1 V1* and J1, Canon PowerShot S100, Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Fuji X10 among others. The utility now supports over 400 camera models, including many medium format cameras such as the Pentax 645D, Leaf Aptus-II 12 and 12R and Phase One ACHROMATIC+ AND IQ180.

Raw Developer costs $125 / £84.36 but is the update is free to registered users. A free demo can be downloaded from www.iridientdigital.com.

1.9.3 - November 26, 2011 (Maintenance Release)

New Features:
Support added for Nikon P7100, J1 and V1.
Support added for Canon PowerShot S100.
Support added for Olympus E-PM1.
Support added for Panasonic DMC-FZ150.
Support added for Sony NEX-7.
Support added for Samsung NX200.
Support added for Ricoh GR Digital IV.
Support added for Fuji X10 and F600EXR.
Support added for Seitz 6x17 Digital, Roundshot D2x and Roundshot D3.
Improvements:
Performance improvements for lossless JPEG decompression which is used by numerous camera models for RAW data compression.

Bug Fixes:
A couple bug fixes to allow for support of RAW files larger than 140 megapixels in size!

* AMENDED: I've been waiting for this update to check to see if distortion correction is being applied to RAW files by the Nikon 1 V1 with the 1 Nikkor 10mm f/2.8. After running the files through Imatest I can conclude the camera's not correcting RAW files or JPEGs. There's some slight discrepancy between the two but at -1.72 and -1.65 respectively, it's negligible.

NEC to sponsor colour management courses for users of SpectraView monitors

NEC Display Solutions is running a series of half day workshops to assist users in getting the very best from their colour workflow Colour Management Course for Professional users of NEC SpectraView Displays
 
London, 2 December 2011 – NEC Display Solutions, manufacturer of SpectraView professional ‘Reference’ colour displays, is offering colour management courses for users of its SpectraView displays. Headed by leading UK colour consultant Paul Sherfield of the Missing Horse Consultancy, attendees will learn how to increase the efficiency of digital colour workflows.
 
The half-day courses are aimed at professional users within the graphic arts industries, photographers, image libraries, designers, pre-press and printing companies who use, or are going to use, NEC SpectraView displays to view images and pages for colour viewing and editing. The courses start in early 2012 at NEC’s West London offices and will cover many aspects of colour management from colour theory, display calibration best practice, colour management within common desktop applications, colour management policies and PDFs.
 
The demands on the creative and printing industries have changed considerably in recent years, with an increasing recognition and protective attitude of leading corporates towards their brand colours, such that no serious individual or company in this area can afford to not have a colour managed workflow and colour managed policy.
 
NEC SpectraView displays offer calibrated colour accuracy with long term colour and uniformity consistency. A range of displays with screen sizes from 23 to 30 inches and resolutions up to 2560 x 1600 pixels are all backed by the NEC 3 year on-site warranty extendable up to 5 years.
 
The first course take place on Thursday 26th January 2012 at NEC’s offices in West London. Each course will last approx. 2.5 hours with a maximum attendance of 6 people. A small charge of £50 +VAT will be payable. Anyone interested in attending should contact Anne Boreham on anne.boreham (at) emea.nec.com or call 0208 752 3777.

Read our review of the outstanding NEC SpectraView Reference 271 monitor for imaging pros.

Canon Europe announces Lens Cashback promotion

Canon announces a new Lens Cashback promotion

Change your lens, change your story

Canon has launched their latest Lens Cashback promotion with offers on 14 products across the EF and EF-S lens range when purchasing an EOS 60D, EOS 7D or EOS 5D Mark II.

Lenses available in the Lens Cashback promotion:

EF 50mm f/1.4 USM                        £10/12 euro RRP £449.99
EF 85mm f/1.8 USM                        £10/12 euro RRP £469.99
EF 50mm f/1.2L USM                       £55/60 euro RRP £1909.99
EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM                 £75/85 euro RRP £2639.99

EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM               £15/20 euro RRP £649.99
EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM        £30/35 euro RRP £1059.99

EF 17-40mm f/4L USM                 £25/30 euro RRP £939.99
EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM                £40/45 euro RRP £1409.99
EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM                £40/45 euro RRP £1449.99
EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM                 £45/50 euro RRP £1539.99
EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM                 £50/60 euro RRP £1789.99
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM         £80/90 euro RRP £2799.99

EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS                 £15/20 euro RRP £629.99
EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM                £30/35 euro RRP £1209.99

 

 

To be eligible for the Lens Cashback:
    •    Customers must purchase one of the selected DSLR products by 28th February 2012.
    •    Customers must purchase one of the selected lenses by 31st May 2012.
 
    •    The deadline for claims will be 30th June 2012.

For further details and full terms and conditions please visit www.canon.co.uk/lenscashback or www.canon.ie/lenscashback

Canon Cashback offers at Warehouse Express and Jessops (not showing the lens rebate yet)

 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 review

Launched two years ago ahead of collaborator and rival Olympus, the micro four-thirds format Lumix DMC-G1 was largely dismissed by imaging professionals. With a small body, a usable electronic viewfinder and interchangeable lenses the concept broke new ground, but the appeal wasn't understood until some months later when Olympus launched the Pen EP-1 to critical acclaim.

Since then, Sony and Samsung, the other 'big two' consumer electronics companies, have introduced their own iterations using a larger APS-C sensor. But while the camera bodies continue to shrink in size, the lenses aren't going to be any smaller than those already made for APS-C DSLRs.

In contrast, the smaller imaging circle required for the Panasonic Lumix G-series and Olympus Pens models means that lenses are genuinely small. Panasonic understood this from the beginning and has continued to expand the range with a couple of genuinely small and useful 'pancakes' and some very versatile zoom lenses.

But Panasonic wouldn't be one of the world's largest consumer electronics company without grasping the potential of these cameras for video. Oddly, this was missing from the original DMC-G1 but it has been a core feature of every model since, and the still current Lumix DMC-GH2 is widely acclaimed for its pro-level video capabilities.

The Lumix DMC-G3 is the first of a new generation to feature the company's latest advances in both hardware and software. Although it's not a true multi-aspect format imaging device like that used in GH2, it's the first to feature a new 16-megapixel sensor up from the 12-megapixel units that were first introduced with the G1.

Like the GH2's sensor the new Live MOS unit has readout speed of 120HZ, double that of the earlier G2 model and that brings with it a number of advantages. Auto-focus in these 'mirrorless' is achieved using a contrast detection system that's a part of the imager itself. The faster readout reduces the detection time, by half in this instance, doubling the drive speed.

Auto-focus operation isn't improved across all the lenses though, just the some of the more recent additions, including the versatile 14-140mm and bundled 14-42mm (28-84mm equivalent) zoom. The 14-42mm is near silent in operation and is fast to focus in stills mode, faster than current Olympus offerings* but, despite the claims, still not quite swift enough for following action and sports.

Autofocus is much slower during video, but G3 and kit lens allows the subject to be kept in focus in any part of the image right up to the edge. Distance adjustments are mostly smooth and, after experimentation with the various AF point options, the G3 is largely successful at keeping the subject in focus.

The faster readout also means the G3 acquires the finderless GF2's full HD 1080i video. That's captured at 30/25fps but output as 60/50i as per NTSC/PAL specifications, and up from the G2's 720p. Unfortunately, unlike the GH2, there's not much in the way of control.

You can set exposure compensation before video capture begins as well as choose between a few colour settings but that's about it. The 3-inch (460k dot) pressure sensitive screen, the same found on the earlier G2, allows you to change the point of focus during capture simply by dragging.

A 'defocus control' option is another useful option, using an on-screen slider, but would work better still if the screen was more sensitive. And, these features are redundant if you’re using the camera's built-in EVF. Panasonic hasn't changed the finder, it's the same 1.4m dot resolution screen found on the G2 but they're removed the proximity sensor to switch between that the rear vari-angle panel, which is a shortcoming.

As a component of the image-processing chip the G3 also inherits the Venus Engine FHD from the GH2. Not only is this responsible for JPEG processing including noise reduction, but also for tone curves and colour rendering in stills and video. In camera JPEGs and video are very clean, but noise reduction is being applied quite heavily when compared to RAW files. And Panasonic still has a way to go with colour rendition, it's not up to that of the rival Olympus Pens.

So far, Panasonic has innovated in market with its electronic viewfinder-based mirrorless cameras and advanced video options but the G3 isn't much more than a GF2 with an EVF and new sensor. It excels for occasional video and visual note taking but it's not the ultra-compact pro-video camera it could have been. Evidently, Panasonic don't want to cannibalize the sales of the outstanding Lumix GH2.

* Please note this article appeared in print before the introduction of the Olympus EP-3.



Contact

For more information please visit www.panasonic.co.uk, or www.panasonic.com.

Sales


Adorama Camera are selling at $639.00 c/w 14-42mm kit lens.

Jessops are selling the camera at £446.95 inc VAT (online special price) c/w 14-42mm kit zoom.

Wex Photographic (formerly Warehouse Express) is selling at £469.00 inc VAT c/w 14-42mm kit zoom.

Related posts


Leica DG Summilux 25mm f/1.4 intial impressions.

Olympus PEN E-P3 and 12mm f/2.0 samples.

B&H Photo accepting pre-orders on Nikon SB-910

B&H Photo are accepting pre-orders for the new Nikon SB--910 Speedlight, announced only yesterday. The New York based store is listing the top-of-the-range flashgun at $549.95. According to Nikon sales start mid December, so it shouldn't be too long to wait. Please follow the link here to pre-order.

Carl Zeiss announces UV filter offer

Carl Zeiss are offering a free 58mm UV filter worth 49 Euro excl. VAT with the purchase of the full-frame Carl Zeiss Planar T* 1,4/50 lens. The offer is valid until the 13th January 2012.

UK readers can purchase the lens and qualify for the free filter directly from the Dorset based, pro-retailer Robert White.

 

Press Release

 

The Perfect Match for Optimal Image Quality Carl Zeiss Planar T* 1,4/50 with matching UV filter included

For those who have not yet decided which present to get for Christmas will get lucky at their local Carl Zeiss dealer as of December 1st:

With each purchase of a lens type Planar T* 1,4/50 with ZE or ZF.2 mount you will receive the matching T* UV filter 58mm, worth 49 Euro excl. VAT, free of charge.

The high quality T* UV filter is adapted to the ZEISS lenses in an optimal way. In combination with premium lenses you will succeed in taking pictures with absolute brilliance, unaltered color display and maintaining a consistent shutter speed. Additionally, the crystal clear glass UV filter with T* anti-reflective coating provide optimal protection without any influence on the optical performance. Carl Zeiss T* UV and POL filter can be purchased in diameters of 43 to 95 mm.

Our offer is valid until the 13th January 2012. Dealers throughout Germany, Austria and Switzerland as well as many other European countries will participate. The recommended retail price for the Planar T* 1,4/50 is 545 Euro (excl. VAT).

Please find your local official Carl Zeiss Camera Lens Dealer under: www.zeiss.com/photo/dealer

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Nikon announces SB-910 Speedlight

Nikon has announced the new SB-910 Speedlight, the replacement for the earlier top-of-the-range SB-900. The new model has redesigned controls and clearer UI (user interface) as well as a redesigned thermal protection system. The new model will be available from 15th December with an RRP of £449.95 / 522.00 Euros (inc VAT).

Buy from Jessops online at £369.95 inc VAT. US readers can buy via Adorama Camera for $546.95. Thank you for buying through this site's links.

More information can be found at the Nikon website.

Nikon say the SB-910 has a new, clearer user interface.

Press release:

London, UK, 30 November 2011: Nikon today introduces a brand-new flagship i-TTL Speedlight; the Nikon SB-910 that replaces the highly regarded SB-900.
 
Fast, versatile and powerful, with re-designed menus and controls, the SB-910 offers extensive opportunities for on-camera or wireless flash photography. A powerful tool for professionals who demand studio quality lighting, the new model combines enhanced operation with an extended zoom range of 17-200mm and three illumination patterns for total control over flash coverage.
 
“The SB-900 cemented its position as a class-leading flash”, says Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager, Lenses, Accessories & Software, Nikon Europe. He goes on: “and now the new SB-910 is set to continue this legacy, taking operability to the next level with improved ergonomics and more intuitive control.”
 
Light Control
The SB-910 is a powerful portable light source that delivers precise flash exposures and seamless fill-flash performance—even in challenging lighting situations. Perfect for professionals seeking complete control over the quality of light, it offers Centre-weighted, Even and Standard illumination patterns to accommodate any shooting environment and can cover a zoom range of 17-200mm while maintaining an even light distribution. Bounce flash capability is provided through a head that can be tilted up to 90º, down to 7º and rotated horizontally through 180º to the right and to the left. The thermal protection system has been improved allowing more optimal heat detection and recycling time management.

Smooth Operator
The SB-910 boasts refined ergonomics and re-designed menus for more intuitive control, with the same reliability as its predecessor. Menus are clearer and the selector dial incorporates a groove so you can feel when you change settings. Illuminated buttons offer better visibility in the dark and the SB-910 includes hard cover (plastic) colour filters that are more durable and easier to attach.
 
Part of the acclaimed Nikon Creative Lighting System, the SB-910 is easily incorporated into multiple-flash lighting set-ups.
 
Major Features
 
·         Professional i-TTL (intelligent TTL) Speedlight: compatible with FX- and DX-format SLR cameras. Part of the Nikon Creative Lighting System, it offers total control over flash coverage.
·         Guide number: 34 (STD)/39 (CW)/31 (EVEN) (FX-format, ISO 100, m, at 35 mm)
Maximum guide number: 54.5 (CW, FX-format, ISO 100, m, at 135 mm)
·         Centre-weighted, Even and Standard illumination patterns: Centre-weighted mode concentrates illumination to the centre of the frame, useful when using a telephoto lens. Even mode diffuses light evenly across the frame, useful when taking group shots. Standard mode offers a standard balance of power and light distribution.
·         Multi-step auto zoom covers wide 17-200mm zoom range.
·         Refined ergonomics for intuitive operation. Boasts a large LCD screen, clear menu systems, conveniently placed controls and illuminated buttons that offer more comfortable operation in low light.
·         Automatic detection of sensor format: automatically recognizes FX- or DX-format cameras.
·         High-speed recycling time of 2.3 seconds when using LR6 NiMH batteries.
·         AF-Assist illumination: compatible with Multi-CAM 3500 FX/DX AF sensor module.
·         Bounce capability: rotates 180º horizontally to the right and to the left; tilts up to 90º and down to 7º.
·         Thermal protection system: warns of excessive heat buildup during high intensity firing.
·         Hard-type incandescent and fluorescent colour filters included.
·         Automatic filter detection: Speedlight automatically adjusts the attached camera’s colour temperature settings according to the colour of the filter being used.
·         Firmware can be upgraded via the storage media in the attached camera.

More information can be found at the Nikon website.

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