Tokina UK announce AT-X 17-35mm f/4

After the announcement in September last year by the manufacturer Kenko Tokina, Kenro, the official UK distributor for Tokina has announced the introduction of the AT-X 17-35mm f/4 in the UK. The new lens has an RRP of £829.99 (inc VAT) and is available now (UPDATE it has been delayed in the UK, but it will be available in March 2012).

Buy from:

Amazon $719

Adorama $719

Press release:

 

New Tokina AT-X 17-35mm lens - widening photographers' options

Designed for full-frame cameras, Tokina's new AT-X 17-35mm F/4 lens adds a whole new meaning to the phrase "a wide choice."

With a focal length of 17mm at its widest, the lens opens up a spectacular 103.9 degree field of view which is great for shooting in tight situations but it's just as effective at taking in wide expanses of space when used at 35mm.

Image quality is ensured with the use of two Super-Low Dispersion glass and one aspheric glass elements for excellent contrast and sharpness as well as chromatic aberration control while Tokina's exclusive One-touch Focus Clutch Mechanism allows the photographer to switch between AF and MF simply by snapping the focus ring forward for AF and back toward the lens mount for manual focusing.

It's also designed to stand up to the rigours of daily use in a wide variety of shooting conditions and environments. Additionally the lens has been fitted with better seals around moving parts and although it's not waterproof it's much more water resistant than previous lenses.

This compact wide-angle zoom has a bright constant F/4 aperture which makes viewing and auto focus possible in lower light situations, it weighs in at just 600g and will fit Canon EOS or Nikon-D cameras.

Said Paul Kench, MD of Tokina UK Distributors Kenro: "If photographers have to choose which lens to put in their bag along with the camera, this must come pretty close to the top of the list. With a minimum focus distance of just 11 inches (28cm) it gives photographers the wherewithal to capture a flower, an insect, a piece of jewellery or anything else which calls for really close up photography but at the other end of its focal range it will just as successfully help capture a wide expanse of landscape which needs to be shown in all its glory."

For more information on Kenro's range of products go to www.kenro.co.uk or call Kenro's head office on 01793 615836.

Technical Features:

· Focal length 17-35mm
· Aperture F4
· Minimum aperture F22
· Format – 24x36mm / Full size exclusive for digital cameras
· Optical structure (Elements/Groups) -13-12
· Coating – multi coating
· Angle of view – 103.96 – 64.74 degrees
· Filter size – 82mm
· Minimum Focus Distance – 0.28m
· Maximum macro magnification – 1 : 4.82
· Focusing system – front inner focusing
· Number of aperture diaphragms – 9
· Maximum lens diameter 0 89mm
· Overall length – 94.5mm
· Weight – 600gms
· Hood – BH-821 – (included)

Related posts

Tokina roll out AT-X 17-35mm f/4 Pro FX

Ricoh reveals GXR 24-85mm camera unit

Pre CP+ in Japan, Ricoh has announced a new 24-85mm equivalent camera unit (complete with 16.2-megapixel CMOS sensor) for the GXR camera body. The A16 24-85mmF3.5-5.5 will be available at £449.99, inc VAT. A kit will also be available for £599.99, inc VAT, that will include the GXR body (normally £299, inc VAT).

For more information in the UK, please follow the link to Alpha Digital Services.

Please help support the DJP by visiting our affiliates; Jessops, Warehouse Express, Adorama Camera and Amazon. Note; sales through these links may benefit this site.

Press release:

A new GXR camera unit featuring a 3.5x optical zoom lens (24-85 mm) and an APS-C size CMOS sensor
Tokyo, Japan, February 2, 2012—Ricoh Co., Ltd. today announced the development and release of RICOH LENS A16 24-85mm F3.5-5.5, the fifth camera unit in the GXR interchangeable unit camera system.

First introduced in December 2009, the GXR is a revolutionary interchangeable unit camera system in which lenses can be changed by mounting camera units that integrate lens, image sensor, and image processing engine into a single unit.

The new RICOH LENS A16 24-85mm F3.5-5.5 brings together a newly developed 24-85 mm wide-angle zoom lens, an APS-C size CMOS sensor, and the proven Smooth Imaging Engine IV to create a unit with high image quality, high power of expression, and high flexibility.

The A16 24-85mmF3.5-5.5 will be available at £449.99. A kit will also be available for £599.99 which will include the GXR body and the new lens.

Main features of RICOH LENS A16 24-85mm F3.5-5.5

1) Newly developed 24-85 mm wide-angle zoom lens with an APS-C size CMOS sensor with approximately 16.20 million pixels
・    This newly developed lens features a 9-group, 11-element configuration. The utilization of three double-sided aspherical lenses as well as high-refraction lenses effectively reduces various types of distortion across the entire zoom range. The result is high resolution and imaging power from edge to edge.
・    The configuration of nine rounded aperture blades enables both highly precise aperture settings and beautiful bokeh.
・    This camera unit features a 23.6 mm×15.7 mm (APS-C size) 16M CMOS sensor. In combination with the image processing engine Smooth Imaging Engine IV, this image sensor makes it possible to shoot high-quality images with smooth tonal gradations, as well as low noise and high-resolution.

2) Diverse shooting functions and high operability
・    Dynamic range compensation reduces overexposure of highlights and underexposure of dark areas. For backlit and high-contrast scenes that cannot be handled with exposure compensation, doing the dynamic range compensation in specific portions of the image makes it possible to shoot the subject at a brightness level close to that seen by the naked eye.
・    ISO sensitivity can be set in 1EV or 1/3EV steps.
・    With the new ISO bracketing function, the photographer can shoot and record three images with different ISO sensitivities.
・    When the new function for maintaining the same shooting settings is set on, by keeping the shutter release button pressed halfway after taking a picture, the photographer can continue to shoot with the same settings (focus, exposure, white balance, etc.).
・    The function for recording a JPEG image simultaneously with the RAW image has been expanded so that it is now possible to record only the RAW image. This is suitable for a work flow based on the premise that image finishing is to be done on a PC after shooting. Since a JPEG file is not simultaneously recorded, this option is also useful when the photographer wants to increase the number of images which can be recorded on the memory card.
・    It is now possible to turn ON/OFF the white saturation display that shows areas where bright portions will be rendered white and where color shade gradations will be lost.
・    The tilt indicator function has been enhanced. In addition to the conventional horizontal indicator, this function can now also detect camera movement direction tilting.
・    Copyright information such as the photographer’s name can be entered and written to the image Exif data. The recorded information can be checked on the playback screen detailed information display.

3) Highly precise focusing
・    For the AF area size for spot AF, either normal or pinpoint can be selected.
A focus-assist function has been included in an effort to raise the accuracy of manual focusing. The photographer can select from two modes and check the focus by strengthening outlines and contrast.
・    The shooting screen can be magnified for convenience in focusing. The magnified area can be displayed in the center or across the entire screen. In addition, the image quality for 4x and 8x magnification has been further enhanced. The area to be magnified can be moved using the direction pad.

4) The power of expression that is a hallmark of the GXR series
・    Picture settings for image quality and color can be customized with nine levels for easy creation of a diverse range of images.
・    My Settings enables the settings for a wide range of shooting functions to be recorded in advance and specified in an instant when needed. For the setting storage, now six patterns can be stored in the body’s My Settings Box and six patterns can be stored in the SD card. This expands the world of photo expression by enabling GXR users to exchange their shooting settings.
・    B (bulb) and T (time) can now be selected as the shutter speed in manual exposure mode. With “B,” the exposure continues while the shutter release button is pressed, and with “T,” the shutter release button is pressed to start and end the exposure. For both, the exposure is forcibly ended when 180 seconds have elapsed.
・    New scene mode options have been added for the easy enjoyment of a wide range of photo expression. The five new options are soft focus, cross process, toy camera, miniaturize, and high contrast B&W. The photographer can create a unique image by just pressing the shutter release button.
・    An image flag function has been added to enable the quick display of specific images from among those in the camera. Up to 20 images can be flagged.
It is possible to shoot 1280 × 720 pixel HD movies.
* Note: When shooting movies of 1280×720 size, the use of an SD/SDHC memory card with an SD speed class of Class 6 or higher is recommended.

5) New options added
・    A newly designed lens hood (LH-2) especially for this camera unit.
・    A lens cap (LC-3) that opens and closes simultaneously with the movement of the lens. It does not need to be removed when shooting.
・    A wrapping sheet (WS-1) that can wrap the GXR when the camera unit, external viewfinder, and other options are attached.

Contact

For more information in the UK, please follow the link to Alpha Digital Services.

Nikon UK start Nikon 1 promotion

Nikon announced a new promotion on the Nikon 1 system yesterday, with mail in rebate worth up to £50 / Euro 60 on any Nikon 1 J1 or V1 camera or lens combination.

Press release:

NIKON’S NUMBER 1 NEW CASHBACK OFFER

London, UK, 1st February 2012: Nikon UK today launches a new Nikon 1 promotion offering cashback on Nikon 1 J1 and V1 kits from 2nd February – 2nd April 2012 (inclusive).

Customers are entitled to claim up to £50/ Euro 60 cashback on any Nikon 1 J1 or V1 camera or lens combination. The promotion will run from 2nd February – 2nd April 2012 inclusive and all claims must be received by the 30th April 2012 in order to qualify.

Simon Iddon, Product Manager for Nikon 1 says: “I am excited to introduce a new cashback offer on the innovatively designed Nikon 1 system. These lightweight and portable cameras, which have been designed to think and act fast, are perfect for capturing high quality stills and movies whilst on the move”.

The ultra-portable Nikon 1 interchangeable lens system camera has been designed to bring new levels of speed, simplicity and enjoyment to the way you capture your world. It offers all you need to shoot great photos and movies, with astonishingly fast autofocus system, strong low-light performance and clever shooting modes.

For more information on the promotion, and how to submit your claim, please visit: www.nikon.co.uk/cashback.

Terms and conditions apply. Offer is subject to availability.

Sales

Buy from Amazon UK
Buy From Warehouse Express (UK)
Buy from Jessops online only (price not available in store)

Related Posts

Read our Nikon 1 V1 review

Fuji X-Pro1 body and lenses available for pre-order

US retailers B&H, Adorama and Amazon have started taking pre-orders for the recently announced and eagerly anticipated Fuji X-Pro1 body and lenses.

Please follow the links below to pre-order:

Amazon ($1699.95 body only) (link now corrected)
Amazon - 18mm (28 mm) f/2.0 $599.95
Amazon 35mm (50mm) f/1.4 $599.95
Amazon - 60mm (90mm) f/2.4 $649.95

Adorama (prices as above)
B&H. (prices as above)

UK retailers:
Warehouseexpress (£1429 body only)
18mm (28 mm) f/2.0 £549
35mm (50mm) f/1.4 £549
60mm (90mm) f/2.4 £599

Jessops are now showing the Fuji X-Pro1 body at £1,429.95, though not the lenses.

 

Thank you for ordering through this site's links.

Related Posts

Fuji X10 concise review
Fujifilm X100 concise review

Apple updates Final Cut Pro X

Apple has addressed some of the earlier criticisms leveled at FCP X by adding new functionality. The update adds multi-cam editing, multi-monitor support using either Thunderbolt or traditional PCIe cards (i.e. DisplayPort and DVI variants) while additional controls including color sampling, edge adjustment and light wrap have been added for chroma keying. The press release also mentions a new $9.99 / £6.99 7toX app that allows FCP 7 projects to be imported into FCP X - one of the major shortcomings of previous versions, but it's still odd Apple didn't build this functionality into the utility, relying on a third-party developer instead.

 

Press release:

Apple Updates Final Cut Pro X 

CUPERTINO, California—January 31, 2012—Apple today released Final Cut Pro X v10.0.3, a significant update to its revolutionary professional video editing application, which introduces multicam editing that automatically syncs up to 64 angles of video and photos; advanced chroma keying for handling complex adjustments right in the app; and enhanced XML for a richer interchange with third party apps and plug-ins that support the fast growing Final Cut Pro X ecosystem. Available today as a free update from the Mac App Store, Final Cut Pro X v10.0.3 also includes a beta of broadcast monitoring that supports Thunderbolt devices as well as PCIe cards.

Final Cut Pro X v10.0.3 includes a collection of groundbreaking new tools for editing multicam projects. Final Cut Pro X automatically syncs clips from your shoot using audio waveforms, time and date, or timecode to create a Multicam Clip with up to 64 angles of video, which can include mixed formats, frame sizes and frame rates. The powerful Angle Editor allows you to dive into your Multicam Clip to make precise adjustments, and the Angle Viewer lets you play back multiple angles at the same time and seamlessly cut between them. 

Final Cut Pro X builds upon its robust, one-step chroma key with the addition of advanced controls including color sampling, edge adjustment and light wrap. You can tackle complex keying challenges right in Final Cut Pro X, without having to export to a motion graphics application, and view your results instantly with realtime playback. 

In the seven months since launch, the third party ecosystem around Final Cut Pro X has expanded dramatically. XML-compatible software like DaVinci Resolve and CatDV provide tight integration for tasks such as color correction and media management. The new 7toX app from Intelligent Assistance uses XML to import Final Cut Pro 7 projects into Final Cut Pro X. In addition, some of the industry’s largest visual effects developers, including GenArts and Red Giant, have developed motion graphics plug-ins that take advantage of the speed and real-time preview capabilities of Final Cut Pro X.

Broadcast monitoring in Final Cut Pro X is currently in beta and allows you to connect to waveform displays, vectorscopes, and calibrated, high-quality monitors to ensure that your project meets broadcast specifications. Final Cut Pro X supports monitoring of video and audio through Thunderbolt I/O devices, as well as through third party PCIe cards.

Pricing & Availability 
Final Cut Pro X v10.0.3 is available from the Mac App Store for £199 to new users, or as a free update for existing Final Cut Pro X customers. A 30-day free trial of Final Cut Pro X is available at www.apple.com/finalcutpro/trial. Full system requirements and more information on Final Cut Pro X can be found at www.apple.com/finalcutpro. 

Hasselblad UK offers day's studio time with purchase of H4D

Hasselblad's Pro Centre is offering a day's studio facility normally worth £650 ex VAT, plus all-day access to a professional digital operator for any photographer buying H4D-40, H4D-50 and H4D-60 models bought before June 30, 2012. The offer is not applicable to the 'entry-level' H4D-31.



Press release:

Buy a Hasselblad camera and get central London photo-studio hire free for a full day

Photographers who buy a new Hasselblad camera at London’s E2-based Pro Centre will automatically qualify for a full day’s studio time worth hundreds of pounds, plus all-day access to a professional digital operator.
The Pro Centre exclusive offer applies to H4D-40, H4D-50 and H4D-60 models bought before June 30, 2012.
Explained Pro Centre general manager Renny Lee: “There has never been a better time to buy a new Hasselblad – and with this unique offer photographers will also gain access to a full-day’s free shoot at Hasselblad’s popular, fully equipped studio at Fanshaw Street N1. This alone is worth hundreds of pounds – but as part of this deal we are also offering free access to an experienced digital operator all through the day of the shoot, to enable the photographer to familiarise himself/ herself with the Hasselblad platform.”

He added: “And there’s a further bonus for buyers. They will automatically be eligible for all future Hasselblad studio sessions at highly discounted rates – from just £260 a day (excl. VAT) - and that’s a huge saving against the rates of other London studios. Hasselblad’s studio hire offer extends to any registered Hasselblad owner; photographers hiring a Hasselblad camera, or even those using a Hasselblad body with a third party digital back.”

For more in formation please visit, www.hasselbladstudio.com

Related Posts

Hasselblad set to launch Hasselblad TV
Hasselblad Europe offer half-price lens deal
Hasselblad announces H4x
Hasselblad H4D-60 review

Tokina to release new AT-X 116 Pro DX II

Kenko Tokina Japan has announced an update to the popular 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro. The new model adopts a high speed and silent DC motor (SDM) as well as a GMR sensor (to improve AF accuracy from wear over time), first seen on the full-frame AT-X Pro 16-28mm f/2.8. The company says the optical construction has been improved with the inclusion of an asphere in the front group (in addition to the second at the rear) and the inclusion of two low dispersion glass elements (denoted as SD/ FK03 in the image below). Interestingly, the new lens also adopts a new multi-coating process that delivers smoother gradation of the shadows, the company adds. The lens retains the 77mm filter diameter of the original.

With no direct equivalent from Canon or Nikon, it's the equivalent to a 17-24mm f/2.8 on a APS-C camera, the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 is very popular with press photographers and HD filmmakers. The new model will be available in Nikon first (as it has the longer focal flange distance) in March 2012, followed by a Canon mount version in late July. Both are priced initially at 90,000 Yen ($1,173), excluding Tax. A Sony mount version hasn't been mentioned but it's perhaps unlikely, given the tie-up with Tamron.
The current version is available for $659 after a $40 mail-in-rebate from Adorama, please follow the link here.

The above MTF chart shows some curvature of field and the resolution and contrast falls off at the edge, presumably this is at maximum aperture.

Better edge performance at 16mm is hardly surprising. Resolution appears high, centrally at least, though it's difficult to tell at what spatial frequencies the lens has been tested (unless you can read Japanese, that is). I'm assuming 10 and 30 lp/mm, respectively.

Related Posts

Manufacturer rebate available on Tokina 16-28mm f/2.8
Tokina AT-X 16-28mm f/2.8 Pro FX review
Tokina roll out AT-X 17-35mm f/4 Pro FX for home market

Fuji X-Pro 1 user manual available online

Fuji USA has posted a copy online of the user manual for the eagerly awaited X-Pro 1. To download a copy please follow the link from here (Safari appears to have an issue, though).

Related Posts

Fuji announces X-Pro 1
Fuji X-Pro1 body and lenses available for pre-order

Gitzo discontinue current Systematic tripod range

A firm favorite of professional photographers, the Systematic range of tripods has been discontinued and won't be replaced until mid-Feb, a spokesperson for Gitzo told the DJP today. There are no details of the new range, and how they might differ, but those left on dealers shelves are likely to be the last of the current models.

Related Posts

How to choose a Gitzo tripod.

Adobe offer 50-percent off Lightroom 3

UPDATE; extended through to 02 March, 2012.

For a limited period, Adobe are offering 50-percent off Lightroom 3. Please follow the link here to find out more or to buy. The offer only applies to customers in Europe and finishes was 05 February 2012.

Update: Amazon UK are offering Lightroom 3 for just £95.00 inc VAT (£98.30 inc p&p for the boxed version), and cheaper than the above offer from Adobe.

Lightroom Beta 4 is available to try for free, but will expire when version 4 is formerly released. You will be able to update from v3 to v4 for a fee.

Kodak files for bankruptcy protection

According to Press Association reports earlier today, Eastman Kodak has filled for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as it seeks to bolster its finances and stay in business. According to the report, Kodak say it has secured 950 million US dollars in financing from Citigroup during the inevitable reorganization period. Kodak has struggled during the changeover from film to digital and despite some encouraging signs earlier in the year, the Rochester, New York based company has seen its share price plummet over the last quarter.

Taschen unwraps Architecture Now! volume 8

Press release:

Architecture Now! 8
Philip Jodidio
Flexicover with flaps
7.7 x 9.8 in., 480 pages
£ 24.99 / € 29.99
DKK 299.90
ISBN 978-3-8365-2681-4
Multilingual Edition:
English, French, German

 

Currents in architecture around the world

Architecture Now! 8 reviews new and exciting projects completed and under construction in the whole world. No style, no building type is ignored, making this volume a true compendium of what anybody interested in buildings today needs to know. From well-known figures such as Zaha Hadid, Ryue Nishizawa of SANAA fame and Thom Mayne of Morphosis, to rising stars like Joshua Prince-Ramus (REX) and Sou Fujimoto and on to less-known architects who are the “stars” of tomorrow, like the Indians of Studio Mumbai, the Norwegian Todd Saunders, the Burkinabe Diébédo Francis Kéré, and the Colombian Giancarlo Mazzanti, or the Chinese architect Li Xiaodong, they are all here and many more as well. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the best of what architecture has to offer… Now!

For anyone interested in the zeitgeist and building design in the 21st century, the Architecture Now! series is an essential work of reference. Easy-to-navigate illustrated A–Z entries include current and recent projects, biographies, contact information, and websites

Contact

For more information, please visit Taschen at www.taschen.com

Sales

Buy from Amazon here.

New OConnor 1030 fluid heads used in filming endangered tigers

Indian cinematographer Sabyasachi Patra films tigers and relies on the smooth panning of OConnor's 1030HDs fluid head during filming. © Sabyasachi Patra / www.indiawilds.com

 

PRESS RELEASE

TIGER DOCUMENTARY IN INDIA

OConnor 1030 Helps Capture Rare Shots in the Rainforest

Burbank, January 2012 – Indian cinematographer Sabyasachi Patra is a passionate animal rights and environmental activist. He campaigns, in particular, for the rescue of tigers and the conservation of their habitat. For this reason he founded the website India Wilds (www.indiawilds.com) where, as a nature and wilderness photographer, he contributes to the protection of this threatened species by providing spectacular pictures and information. A blog and a member forum supplement the website and offer a platform on which more than 1,800 people discuss environmental protection in India. In addition, Sabyasachi films adventurous documentaries. During the making of his newest film "A Call in the Rainforest", he worked with the 1030HDs fluid head from OConnor, a Vitec Group brand, for the first time.

Equipped with a Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, the OConnor 1030HDs fluid head, and large telephoto lenses, he set off for the Anamalai Tiger reservation in the Western Ghats to shoot his film. Deep in the rainforest where the endangered Macaca Silenus tigers live, Sabyasachi documents the reasons for their threatened existence: in particular the fast growth of the nearby city of Valparai. Tea plantations, increasing tourism, and street construction are destroying the rain forest and, consequently, the natural habitat of the tigers.

Reliable support in adverse conditions
Filming was done in intense sunlight as well as during heavy rainfall. "Despite the frequent fog and light drizzle in the rain forest, the fluid head worked flawlessly in every situation," says Sabyasachi. "Filming in the wilderness also means struggling on difficult-to-access terrain. That's why I prefer light DSLR cameras to save space. In contrast to many products the OConnor fluid head is perfectly suited for use with light camera set-ups. This makes it an ideal companion for me." Featuring a counterbalance of 0 to 18.6 kg (0 to 41 lbs), the 1030 range of products offer maximum versatility for filming with a wide variety of lenses, cameras and accessories.

Smooth movement thanks to professional camera support
The quality of the camera support is absolutely crucial for capturing clean shots. "At the beginning of my career I often worked with photo tripods. However, after filming more and more often with large and heavy telephoto lenses on DSLR cameras, I discovered the lenses were too heavy for conventional photo tripods and I couldn’t achieve the smooth movement I required. With the OConnor 1030HDs, I am now able to use larger lenses to follow a tiger walking stealthily through the rain forest. While doing so I can perform completely smooth pans horizontally and vertically with the OConnor," says Sabyasachi. "The robust construction and the solid legs of the tripod complement the precision work of the head perfectly."

The investment has paid off for Sabyasachi: "OConnor allows for the best shots at an optimal price/performance ratio," says the cinematographer when summing up his first project with OConnor.

For more information, go to www.ocon.com

Contact and Sales

For more information, go to www.ocon.com

To buy (from B&H Photo) please follow the link here. Thank you for ordering through this site's links.

Panasonic announces firmware update for Lumix GX1

Although the camera has only been on dealer's shelves for a few weeks, Panasonic has issued an update to the firmware of the Lumix GX1. The update is said to enhance AWB, AAF (AF Flexible) and AFC modes and adds a step zoom option in the customizable Fn menu, as well as addressing other, more minor, issues with the UI. The update also is said to improve the image stabilizer function of the LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm f/4.0-5.6 zoom.

Press release:

Panasonic Announces the Firmware Update Program for DMC-GX1 and LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm / F4.0-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS100300) to Enhance Performance and Usability
 
Panasonic announces the new firmware update program for the digital interchangeable lens system camera DMC-GX1 and LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm / F4.0-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS100300) of LUMIX G Micro System. The firmware will be released to enhance the performance and usability in its control.
 
The following functions will be available with the new firmware:

DMC-GX1
-Enhancement in the performance of AWB
-Enhancement in the performance of [AFF] (AF Flexible) and [AFC] (AF Continuous)
-Improved stability when used with the SD Memory Card complying with UHS-I
-Addition of [STEP ZOOM] and [ZOOM SPEED] in the setting of [Fn] (Function) button and [Q.MENU]
-Reflection of [DRIVE MODE] settings to [CUSTOM SETTING]
-[MENU RESUME] in each menu tab
-Page flip in the menu tab with [DISP.] (Display) button
 
LUMIX G VARIO 100-300mm / F4.0-5.6 / MEGA O.I.S. (H-FS100300)
-Improved performance of O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer)
 
 
The firmware program will be available in the end of January at Panasonic’s Customer Support Site http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/.

B&H accepting pre-orders on Canon EOS C300

B&H Photo are accepting pre-orders on the EOS C300 and Cinema lenses, Canon's latest Cinema Super 35mm-Size CMOS sensor camera. The price is listed at $15,999. Please follow the link here to pre-order. B&H say the camera and lenses will ship after Monday, January 30th.

Related Posts

Canon rolls out new cinema EF lens range

Canon rolls out mirrorless EOS camera with EF mount

Leica Oskar Barnack Award 2012 competition open

German camera maker Leica has announced the Leica Oskar Barnack competition is open. Entry submissions must be a standalone sequence of 10-12 images where the photographer "perceives and documents the interaction between man and the environment with acute vision and contemporary visual style – creative, groundbreaking and unintrusive".The winner of the prestigious award receives a Leica M9-P camera and a lens worth 10.000 Euros in addition to a cash prize of 5,000 Euros.

Press release:

 

Leica Oskar Barnack Award 2012 competition now open
 
Entries now being accepted for annual Leica photography competition
 
16 January 2012: Leica Camera AG has announced that entries are now being accepted for the 2012 Oskar Barnack Award. Photographers interested in submitting entries can apply from now until 1 March 2012. Full details, entry criteria and terms and conditions can be found at www.leica-oskar-barnack-award.com
 
The Leica Oskar Barnack Award will be presented for the 33rd time this year. The winner will receive a Leica M9-P camera with lens worth approximately Eur 10,000 in addition to a cash prize of Eur 5,000. A further prize will be awarded – the ‘Leica Oskar Barnack Newcomer Award’ – for (prospective) professional photographers aged 25 and under. The winner of this section will also be awarded a Leica M9-P complete with lens.
 
The members of this year’s international jury include: Bruce Gilden, Magnum photographer, Stephan Erfurt, Director of C/O Berlin, Valérie Fougeirol, Creative Director of the Magnum Gallery in Paris, Karin Rehn-Kaufmann, Artistic Director of the Leica Galerie in Salzburg and Brigitte Schaller, Art Director of Leica Fotografie International magazine.
 
The awards will be presented in the course of the Rencontres Internationales de la Photographie photography festival to be held in Arles, France from 2 to 8 July 2012.

Related Posts

Leica Oskar Barnack Award 2011 winner announced

The Leica Oskar Barnack Award 2011 Competition Is Now Open

Mamiya, Leaf make it official

Japanese camera maker Mamiya has officially 'tied the knot' with Leaf, the digital back makers once owned by Kodak. Leaf is already a Phase One company and is believed to have shares in Mamiya. It looks likely that Mamiya branded cameras will use Leaf backs, while the Phase One branded (Mamiya-made) 645D will continue to use P1 backs. I'd expect to see a new Phase camera this year, but I can't see Mamiya adopting the same body, strictly due to differentiation.

Press release:

Mamiya Digital Imaging, a trusted manufacturer and developer of medium-format cameras and optics, and Leaf Imaging Ltd., a leading manufacturer and developer of digital backs for the medium and large-format photography markets, today announced that they have created a new, worldwide Mamiya Leaf brand that integrates both companies’ product lines into one complete medium-format digital camera system offering, streamlines new product development and establishes more efficient customer sales and support.

The new Mamiya Leaf brand represents a synergy of the best that these two companies can offer as highly competent suppliers of comprehensive, fully-integrated high-end digital photography systems comprising digital camera backs, bodies and lenses. Together, the companies are focusing on delivering new Mamiya Leaf camera systems. Unified support from worldwide Mamiya Leaf partners/distributors is also expected to be a major advantage for photographers; they will now be able to enjoy one-stop expert service for all of the various components of a Mamiya Leaf medium format digital camera system.

“Creating a new Mamiya Leaf brand represents a win-win situation for photographers” said Dov Kalinksi, Leaf General Manager. “Not only will photographers be able to immediately benefit from a highly advanced, fully-integrated medium format system from the industry’s leading suppliers, but they will also be able to enjoy powerful new products emerging from a unified R&D effort.”

“We are aligning our resources to ensure that customers will benefit from the extensive expertise residing in both Tokyo and Tel Aviv,” said Mamiya Digital Imaging President Toshio Midorikawa. “We are confident that the synergy created and the efficiency gained by simplifying our operations will enable us to serve our customers faster and better.”

Mamiya Leaf medium format digital systems comprise a broad range of equipment -- from 22 to 80 megapixels. Camera bodies are manufactured by Mamiya; digital backs are manufactured by Leaf. Also available are Mamiya focal plane shutter lenses and Schneider Kreuznach-designed leaf shutter lenses. Cameras, lenses and backs will retain their respective Mamiya and Leaf labels and they will still be sold as individual components.

Included with all Mamiya Leaf systems are two native software options: the award winning Phase One Capture One and Leaf Capture.

Contact

For more information, please visit www.mamiyaleaf.com

Related Posts

Mamiya DM33 review

Berlebach Report 3042 tripod in for review

Wooden tripods are said to be extremely resistant to vibration, and so should be high on the list of priorities for serious photographers, but how many makes do you know? I searched and found Berlebach, a German tripod maker who are practically unknown in the UK and I suspect also the US, though I noticed Adorama stock them.

They're made from renewable ash, which has been stored for two years prior to processing to eliminate tension (and thereby reduce splitting and fracturing during manufacture). I asked a spokesperson for the company which tripod they recomended for stability and general professional use and they recommended and sent me the 3042 for review. The quality and finish is excellent (without it being unaffordable, though that is relative - it costs $279.95). It has just two sections, making it extremely stable (a pro DSLR with a 300mm f/2.8 is about it's maximum) but not terribly compact. Three section versions are available, however. The 3042 Report also has a centre column with a leveling feature and spirit level. I'll be adding a review in due course, but I can say vibration levels are extremely low, possibly the lowest I've ever encoutered.

For more infomation, please visit www.berlebach.de.

Sales

To buy please follow the links at Adorama and B&H Photo.You can also find them for sale new on eBay UK, here. Thank you for buying through this site's links.

Nikon revises pricing on WT-5 for new pro D4 DSLR

Nikon UK has revised the price on the WT-5 wireless transmitter, announced alongside the new pro D4 DSLR. The price has been revised upwards, unfortunately, from £499 to £649 (inc. VAT).

Pre-order at Adorama (US) here at $877.00. Thank you for buying through this site's links.

Related Posts

Nikon announces new flagship D4 DSLR.

Nikon D4 available to pre-order at Jessops (UK)

Canon PowerShot G1 X available to pre-order at Jessops

Announced only yesterday, the intriguing* PowerShot G1 X is available to pre-order at Jessops (UK) for £699.95 (inc VAT). Please follow the link here to order.

North American readers can pre-order through Adorama Camera ($799.00). Amazon are also taking pre-orders at $799.00 (with an estimate of 31st March 2012 delivery).

Thank you for ordering through this site's links.

* It's intriguing because I think we'll see more cameras from Canon using this sensor size, which is, for all intents and purposes, the same as Micro Four Thirds.

Related Posts

Canon announces PowerShot G1 X