Friday, 24 February 2012
Thursday, 23 February 2012
Is Canon about to unleash the EOS 5D X? UPDATED
UPDATED 2 March, 2012: Canon has launched the EOS 5D MkIII.
Rumours of the replacement for the EOS 5D Mk II have been circulating the internet for ages, indeed with a three year product cycle, the camera is well overdue. Nikon has launched the low-light D4 and hi-res D800, but my impression is that Canon will change-the-game with a new hi-res, low-light camera.
I've heard from various sources that we'll see a full-frame DSLR with a 22MP CMOS sensor, 61-point AF system (like that of the EOS-1D X) and 3.2-inch 1,040K dot LCD, dual SD/CF card and 5fps continuous shooting. There's no word on the video spec, but it seems unlikely not to have 1080p at 30/25/24 fps unless Canon are using that to differentiate between the EOS 1D X. I say that, as I think the new camera will have similar low light performance up to ISO 51,200 (maybe even expandable to ISO 204,800, like the 1DX). We'll know soon enough.
Lately, we've seen internet sites owned by the print publishers talk of rumours surrounding the release of new cameras when they've been in possession of, if not the cameras full spec with accompanying demo and advertising material by the maker's PR people, at the very least an invite to the press launch. It's at odds with the maker's stipulation that the invitation may not be published anywhere, so I'm guessing they're playing word games ...
It will be interesting to see if they start talking about a new Canon DSLR released at the end of this month, or maybe early next. My guess is we'll see these stories appear soon, now that the rumour sites have started the chatter. This is largely generated by retailers, and can't be quietened by the makers, because ...well they're their customers and besides it's good (viral) marketing...
The price of the Canon EOS 5D Mk II has been dropping recently, I suspect in anticipation of the new camera. Please follow the links to buy at Jesspos (UK) £1,669.95 inc VAT (was £1,799.95) and Adorama (US) at $2,399.00 after an instant $100 rebate.
Thank you for buying through this site's links.
Additional Images
Is this the Canon EOS 5D Mk III? Time will tell.
Sales
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Wednesday, 22 February 2012
Sigma UK reduces price on stabilised 105mm f/2.8 macro
Sigma UK has reduced the retail price on the 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro lens to £649.99 (inc VAT) from the previous suggested price of £799.99
Please follow the link to buy at our affiliate Wex (formerly Warehouse Express, Norwich) at £599.00 inc VAT. Jessops are still showing the old price (£699.95 inc VAT), at the time of posting.
Press release:
Great savings on Sigma’s 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro lens.
Sigma UK is pleased to announce a reduction in the suggested retail price of the 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM lens to £649.99 including VAT. The previous suggested retail price was £799.99.
This lens has been very well received by the photo/imaging industry since its launch in August 2011 and now offers exceptional value for money. The medium telephoto macro offers Sigma’s optical stabilisation along with high speed autofocus, internal focusing, SLD glass and a 1:1 macro reproduction ratio.
For more information on these and other Sigma products, please visit www.sigma-imaging-uk.com or contact your local photographic retailer.
New products available for pre-orders via Jessops
With CES in Las Vegas last month and and then CP+ in Yokohama, Japan earlier this month plenty of new and exciting cameras have been announced aimed at enthusiasts and professionals. I thought I would recap what's available for pre-order through Jessops for UK readers - thank you for buying through this site's links
Canon EOS-1DX - £5,299.95
Canon G1 X £699.95
Nikon D4 - £4,799.95
Nikon D800 - £2399.95
Nikon D800E (with out AA filter) - £2689.95
Olympus OM-D E-M5 - £999.95
Fuji X-Pro1 - £1429.95
Tuesday, 21 February 2012
Win a Canon EOS 7D plus 75-300mm L with Wex
Wex Photographic, formerly Warehouse Express, are celebrating their re-branding by giving away a Canon EOS 7D and EF 75-300mm L worth over £2,000. Please follow the link here to enter the competition (you'll be entered automatically after signing up to their newsletter). You'll have to be quick, the competition closes 28 Feb, 2012.
Monday, 20 February 2012
PocketWizard announces new Plus III remote
UPDATE 23 Feb, 2012: The PocketWizard PLUS III Transceiver will be available from 1st April 2012 and will retail at £129.99 Inc VAT. A twin set will also be available, comprising two PLUS III units and will retail at £249.99 Inc VAT.
UPDATE: The Plus III is available to pre-order at B&H Photo at $139.00. Thank-you for buying through this site's links.
Press Release:
So. Burlington, VT – February 20, 2012 – LPA Design, manufacturers of PocketWizard Photo Products, the world leader in reliable wireless control of cameras, flash lighting and light meters, announces the new PocketWizard Plus III – a feature-packed, easy-to-use solution for remote flash and camera triggering. This new simple but powerful radio provides professional and serious amateur photographers with the most reliable triggering system which they will never outgrow and never want to be without.
“Our goals in designing the new Plus III were simple: It needed to do more, cost less and offer the same reliability and simplicity as the legendary Plus II. We believe the Plus III achieves all of this and more in its sleek new design,” said Dave Schmidt, LPA Designs VP of Marketing. “Photographers need tools that will help them create images they couldn’t before and with less hassle and lower cost. The Plus III is exactly that tool.”
The new Plus III Transceiver features 32 channels and Selective Quad-Zone Triggering that enables photographers to remotely trigger flash and/or cameras in groups or individually all wirelessly from hundreds of feet away. Performance enhancing features include Long Range Mode and Repeater Mode to help photographers tackle the most challenging shooting environments and open the door for never-attempted image ideas. All features, channels and zones can be easily set using the soft-touch keypad and are clearly displayed on the backlit LCD display. *
The versatile new PocketWizard Plus III is compatible with all other PocketWizard radios and virtually every popular flash and professional digital SLR camera system. It also communicates with all PocketWizard-enabled photo gear including select Profoto, Dynalite, Norman and Photogenic flash systems and Sekonic light meters.
The new Plus III will be demonstrated at the PocketWizard WPPI 2012 Booth #621 in Las Vegas, NV, February 20-23, 2012 as well as in the JP Distribution booth at Focus on Imaging Show in Birmingham, UK, March 4-7, 2012.
For more information please visit www.pocketwizard.com
Saturday, 18 February 2012
UK retailer Wex starts pre-orders on Sigma SD1 Merrill
Online retailer Wex Photographic in UK has started taking pre-orders on the controversial Sigma SD1 Merrill DSLR at £1839.00 including VAT (at 20-percent), or £1,565.11 ex VAT / $2,477.00. Please follow the link here to pre-order. Thank you for buying through this site's links.
US retailer Adorama has started taking pre-orders at $2,299.00 on the 46MP SD-1 Merrill. Please follow the link here to buy.
The 46MP SD1 Merrill was the cause of some controversy when it was announced earlier this month as the company, citing reductions in the production costs of the Foveon sensor, stated the new model would be heavily reduced in price while the original SD1model was still on sale at £5,499.00.
Sigma's new CEO, Kazuto Yamaki, was forced to make a statement defending the company's decision to revise the price of the new camera, which is essentially unchanged over the original model. The Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor in the SD1 uses technology originally developed by the late Dick Merrill (1949-2008) and the company has named the new generation sensor in his memory.
Nikon D800, D800E technical guide released
Nikon started producing technical guides, in-depth sales brochures, alongside the regular brochure as far back as 1980 for the F3 and then for every successive pro film SLR since up to the F5. The format has since changed for digital cameras, with the guides concentrating on how to maximise performance of certain features. Nikon USA has released a guide in pdf of the forthcoming D800 and D800E models with guidance on how to achieve optimal resolution from the 36MP sensor, while taking care to avoid, or correct for colour artifacts, including moire.
Please follow the link here to download.
Friday, 17 February 2012
Canon ambassador Ziv Koren talks about EOS-1D X at CPN
Canon continues their discussion of the EOS-1D X on the CPN site with Ziv Koren, a photojournalist for Polaris Images. There are several sample photos taken on a pre-production camera including a couple of 100-percent crops of the 'original photos', presumably out-of-camera JPEGs (none higher than ISO1600 unfortunately, and close-ups only shown taken with Canon's better optics - 24mm f/1.4L II and 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II). It's still impossible to judge the quality from these images but Koren's impressions are encouraging.
To read the article, please follow the link here.
Canon EOS C300 models available to pre-order via WEX at £12k
Wex Photographic, formerly Warehouse Express, based in Norwich have both models of the Canon EOS C300 listed on their site for special order at a whisker under £12,000 inc VAT, a saving of £800 on the last listed price. The site says March for delivery.
Canon finally deliver the ergonomics that we've been looking for (it can take various add-ons) but have priced it out of the reach for most of us freelancers (it needs to be £5,000 or £6,000 at the most). However, I expect we'll see photographers at agencies such as Reuters, AP et al using these alongside their EOS-1D's.
Please follow the links below to order.
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Thursday, 16 February 2012
New Canon lenses available to pre-order at WEX
Wex Photographic UK (formerly Warehouse Express) has the recently announced trio of lenses from Canon available to pre-order. Wex are sweetening the deal by offering a free Kenko Pro1 Digital UV filter with each purchase. Please follow the links below to buy.
Canon EF 28mm f2.8 IS USM at £729.00
Canon EF 24mm f2.8 IS USM at £749.00
Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM at £2,299.00
Thank you for buying from this site's links.
Related Posts
Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Olympus instant rebates available at Adorama
Adorama has a raft of Olympus kit with instant rebates available. For example, the M.Zuiko 9-18mm (18-36mm-e) f/4-5.6 (shown above) has an instant rebate of $50, bringing the price at checkout down from $699 to $649. There are combinations on offer as well. Please follow this link to peruse and buy.
Thank you for buying though this site's links.
Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.8 G starts to ship
Although slated for a mid-March release the AF-S 85mm f/1.8 G has already started to appear on dealer's shelves (we received ours for testing only yesterday). We hope to post some example shots later in the day.
To buy from Jessops UK at £469.95, please follow the link here. US readers can buy from Adorama at $499.95, please follow the link here.
Thank you for buying from this site's links.
Related Posts
Android & iOS - FUJIFILM Photo Receiver - New App
If your digital camera is equipped for connection to a wireless network, this new photo receiver app by FUJIFILM will make uploading images to your iOS or Android smartphones and tablets very simple. Once the shots have been uploaded you then have the facility to share them via Facebook or Twitter.
This is a free app and looks like it will prove to be very useful,
Supported Cameras
At present you're limited to the FujiFilm Finepix Z1000EXR and the Z1010EXR cameras.
How To Use This App
1 Start FUJIFILM Photo Receiver.
2 On the camera, select playback mode and display a picture you want to upload.
3 Simultaneously tap Connect on the smartphone and on the camera.
4 When the camera locates the smartphone, its name will appear in the camera display (you can enter a new name for the smartphone in the “Name” field at any time).
5 Confirm that the name of the destination smartphone is correct and tap START SENDING on the camera.
6 To upload additional pictures, display them on the camera and tap . Up to 30 pictures can be uploaded in a single session.
7 To end the session, tap End on the smartphone or BACK on the camera.
Viewing The Images
8 To view the pictures, tap Photos (iOS) or Gallery (Android).
9 The app can be also be launched by pressing the SNS (iOS) or share button (Android).
Tuesday, 14 February 2012
Fujifilm X-Pro1 available to pre-order at Jessops
One of the most eagerly awaited cameras of the year, the Fujifilm X-Pro1, is now available to pre-orders through Jessops. Please follow the links below to buy. Thank you for buying though this site's links.
Fuji X-Pro1 body at £1,429.95
The lenses are not showing on the site presently, though they're likely to be added shortly. Please check back later.
Sunday, 12 February 2012
Saturday, 11 February 2012
UK retailers taking pre-orders on Canon EOS-1D X
UK retailers Jessops and Warehouse Express are taking pre-orders on the EOS-1D X. Please follow the links below:
Jessops (£5,299.95)
Warehouse Express (£5,299.00)
Jessops are also showing all four of the new super-teles are available with a 'exclusive online discount' (albeit on special order):
Canon EF 600mm f/4.0 IS II USM at £11,099.95
Canon EF 500mm f/4.0 IS II USM at £8,449.95
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 IS II USM at £8,868.95
Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 IS II USM at £5,549.95
US readers can order the Canon super-teles from Adorama (on a first come, first served basis) by following these links.
Canon EF 600mm f/4.0 IS II USM at $12,999.00
Canon EF 500mm f/4.0 IS II USM at $10,499.00
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 IS II USM at $11,499.00
Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 IS II USM at $7,299.00
Thank you for buying through this site's links.
Sony announces 500mm f/4 super telephoto
Sony has officially announced the long awaited 500mm f/4 at Japan's CP+ show, which was shown as a prototype at CES last year, alongside mock ups of the SLT-A77 and SLT-A33. There's no mention of the price in the press release (see below), though some sites are quoting $13,000 / 13,000 Euros.
For those that just can't wait (or afford) the Sony lens, Sigma's 500mm f/4.5 EX DG (not HSM unfortunately) could be a serious alternative at a fraction of the price, just £3,779.95 (Jessops online price).
Press release:
Closer encounters with new 500mm super-telephoto 08 February 2012
Rugged, pro-focused SAL500F40G lens from Sony for A-mount SLT and DSLR cameras
Longest-ever focal length G Lens from Sony
Bright F4.0 aperture for superior light gathering
Nano AR Coating on optical surfaces for flawless still images and HD video
Compatible with SteadyShot INSIDE featured in all α cameras
New SSM drive circuit for quick, accurate autofocus
Rugged dust- and moisture-resistant design: ideal partner for SLT-A77
Enhanced handling and operability
Serious photographers can pull distant subjects closer with a powerful new 500mm (equivalent to 750mm with APS-C camera) super-telephoto lens from Sony.
The SAL500F40G is ideal for sports, wildlife and demanding imaging applications that require extreme magnification with uncompromised optical performance.
The SAL500F40G is the longest fixed focal length G Lens from Sony to date. Whether you’re shooting detail-packed stills or Full HD video, you’ll enjoy frame-filling close-ups with flawless resolution. With a bright F4.0 maximum aperture, its excellent light gathering power allows the use of faster shutter speeds to broaden shooting opportunities.
The ruggedly-engineered SAL500F40G copes effortlessly with tough photo assignments. Focusing ring and front/rear joints are protected by interlocking seals that shrug off dust and moisture, even when you’re shooting outdoors in driving rain or arid desert conditions. This weather-resistant design makes the SAL500F40G a perfect partner for the SLT-A77 (α77) Translucent Mirror camera that offers serious photographers similarly ruggedized performance.
Like all other A-mount lenses, the SAL500F40G is compatible with the SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilisation system that’s featured in every α Translucent Mirror and DSLR camera from Sony. Depending on shooting conditions, camera model and settings, you’ll enjoy camera-shake blur compensation that’s equivalent to approximately 4.5 stops (max.) in shutter speed.
Inside, the advanced optical design of the SAL500F40G includes 11 elements in 10 groups, including three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements. It’s also the first G Lens from Sony to feature advanced new coating process that ensures crisper, clearer images. Exclusive to Sony, the ground-breaking Nano AR Coating process cuts internal reflections by up to 80% compared with previous models. Resulting images are brilliantly crisp and clear, with dramatically reduced lens flare and ghosting. Flare is reduced still further by the carbon fibre lens hood that’s lined with black velvet fibres to absorb incident light.
Razor-sharp autofocus performance makes the SAL500F40G ideal for capturing an athlete’s explosive movements or the unpredictable flutter of wild birds. The high-torque SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) features a new drive circuit, ensures rapid, responsive AF with up to 4x faster object tracking than conventional Sony lenses.
Serious enthusiasts will also welcome a strong emphasis on enhanced handling and ergonomics. Four focus hold buttons are spaced around the lens barrel for easy operation in any position. They’re complemented by a two-way DMF (Direct Manual Focus) mode button and focus range switch for positive, fumble-free operation when you’re shooting under pressure.
Built to order, the SAL500F40G super-telephoto lens from Sony is available in Europe from late March2012.
Jessops reduce price on Pentax 645D
Jessops' online store has lowered the price of the 40-megapixel medium format Pentax 645D kit (with FA 55mm f/2.8) by a cool £1,000, from £9,999.95 to £8,999.95. It makes a compelling alternative to the Nikon D3X and Canon EOS 1DX models, though the new D800 / D800E may come close with the right lens choice. Please follow the link here to buy.
Thank you for buying from this site's links.
Related Posts
Read our review of the Pentax 645D here.
Friday, 10 February 2012
Gitzo officially announces new Systematic tripod range
As we reported here a week ago, Gitzo has launched a new range of Systematic tripods, substantially updating the top casting and providing greater security of the removable top-plate. Please check back later for availability and prices, as we'll be updating this post throughout the day.
From the Gitzo Newsletter:
Systematic is Gitzo’s top of the range tripod family, the choice of exacting professional photographers who use long lenses and heavy cameras. Not only are Systematic Gitzo’s strongest and most stable tripods, they’re also modular, with a top casting element that opens and closes to allow each tripod to be configured with a flat disk, geared or sliding centre column, video half-ball adaptor, leveling unit or other specialized centre component.
Now, Systematic has been refined, with significant improvements across strength, stability and rigidity; safety and security; set-up speed, ease of use and ergonomics. New construction and bonding techniques have almost doubled maximum payloads by distributing weight more efficiently to the 6X carbon fibre legs, which also feature the G-Lock system for greater power and ease of leg section locking.
For further information please go to the Gitzo Systematic Collection page.
Press release:
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