Thursday, 12 April 2012

Canon announces new EOS-1D C DSLR

Due to a shortage of resources we're unable to provide editorial comment but provide these press releases for the benefit of our readers. Please do not copy, this material is copyrighted.

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Press Release:

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 12th April 2012 – Canon today announces the introduction of the new EOS-1D C, a digital single-lens reflex (SLR) camera targeting the motion picture, television and high-resolution production industries. Delivering outstanding video quality, advanced low light performance and film-like dynamic range, the compact and lightweight EOS-1D C supports in-camera 4K (4,096 x 2,160) video recording with 4:2:2 colour sampling, offering greater creative freedom for video professionals.

The first SLR camera of its kind, the EOS-1D C offers a unique and highly portable package optimised for high-quality video recording. Advanced creative flexibility is provided with support for a range of resolutions and variable frame rates. 4K video is recorded using 8-bit Motion JPEG compression at 24p, and Full HD (1920 x 1080) video capture is available at frame rates up to 1080/60p. The camera supports internal recording to CF cards at all resolutions up to and including 4K, offering enhanced mobility. Video can also be output to external recorders (excluding 4K video) via an integrated HDMI terminal using an uncompressed YCbCr 4:2:2 signal.

The EOS-1D C also features Canon Log Gamma, which facilitates the capture of high-quality video rich in exposure latitude and dynamic range. Ideal for video professionals who want to retain the maximum amount of information without huge file sizes, Canon Log Gamma offers a dynamic range uniquely comparable to film, minimising shadow-detail loss and highlight-detail loss to provide greater grading freedom for colourists in post-production.

“The EOS-1D C is a fantastic addition to the Cinema EOS System,” said Kieran Magee, Marketing Director, Professional Imaging, Canon Europe. “Since the introduction of Cinema EOS we’ve had an excellent response from professionals who are hugely excited by the image quality and creative freedom the system offers. The new EOS-1D C will expand those creative options further – it’s a unique camera, supporting 4K video recording in a highly compact body that can be used in a number of different ways. We’re very excited to see what the professional community can achieve with it.”  

Advanced performance meets creative flexibility
Based on the core specifications of the EOS-1D X, the EOS-1D C provides exceptional image quality and versatility, with an 18.1-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor. Optimised for high quality video capture, the sensor provides video professionals with the freedom to adjust image resolution to suit a subject or desired output.  During 4K shooting pixels are cropped to an area equivalent to an APS-H sensor, preventing the need to resize or scale the image, ensuring maximum image quality. Additionally, a Super 35mm crop in Full HD recording caters for cinematographers who typically work in the Super 35mm field of view.

The sensor provides high quality performance in all conditions, delivering advanced creative blurring and light capturing abilities when used in combination with Canon’s EF Cinema prime lenses. Its size enables professionals to achieve an extremely shallow depth of field with beautiful background blur, and sensitivity up to ISO 25,600 provides excellent quality and reduced noise in low-light situations.

In addition, support for 24, 25, 30, 50 and 60p frame rates in Full HD resolution shooting provides additional flexibility, satisfying the shooting needs of professionals across the industry. Industry-standard timecode and codec support and a choice of compression methods provides compatibility with established workflow processes, facilitating easy editing and grading immediately after shooting.

The EOS-1D C ships with an exclusive software package, including a suite that allows 4K/Motion JPEG and Full HD/60p video shot on the camera to be output on an external monitor (Requires the use of a PC equipped with an SDI port) with no loss of image quality. It also enables video shot with Canon Log Gamma to be output on a monitor with standard video gamma applied.

Additional advanced applications, including Picture Style Editor and EOS Utility, also enable adjustments to various camera settings to be conducted from a PC. Real-time procedures, such as the editing and registration of picture styles or checking results on a monitor, can be conveniently performed on-set using a PC or Mac – allowing users to promptly carry out adjustments, and ensuring efficient shooting and post-production procedures.

EF lenses and EF Cinema Lenses – freedom to explore
As part of the EOS system, the EOS-1D C is compatible with more than 60 EF lenses, all of which offer high resolutions to support 4K image capture. The EF lens series offers exceptional creative freedom, with focal length options ranging from 8mm to 800mm. Over 70 million EF lenses have been manufactured since the EOS system launched in 1987 – a measure of its unparalleled quality and popularity. As part of the Cinema EOS System, Canon has also introduced a range of 4K EF Cinema Lenses, utilising the company’s unique optical heritage to produce leading-quality lenses optimised for high-quality video capture.

Canon EOS-1D C – key features:
4k movies
1080p at 50/60fps; Canon Log Gamma
Uncompressed HDMI output
18 MP Full Frame CMOS
Up to 12fps stills; 14fps mode
61 point AF system
ISO range 100-25600
Dual DIGIC 5+ processors
Clear View II 8.1cm (3.2”) LCD
EF lens compatible

Pricing & availability:
The EOS-1D C will be available from October 2012, priced at £10,000 / EUR12,300 RRP inc VAT.

Wednesday, 11 April 2012

Nikon confirm interchangeable focusing screens on D800 DSLR

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UPDATE 8/23/12 - Apparently, this is a service modification only - please discuss the option with your local Nikon service centre.

Nikon UK has just confirmed to the DJP that the 36MP Nikon D800* has interchangeable focusing screens. While some controversy surrounds Canon's decision not to include interchangeable focusing screens on the new Canon EOS 5D Mk III, the option, either for OEM or replacement screens, is considered essential for precise focusing with MF lenses such as those from Carl Zeiss. Nikon users with older manual focus AIS lenses will also be able to benefit. If only Nikon would just re-introduce the folding AI meter coupling lever from the 35mm F3/F4 models then the majority of Nikon lenses dating back to 1959 could be used.

(*and presumably the D800E, though that's not confirmed at this time).

Olympus to reduce camera range

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According to sources in Japan, Olympus plan to reduce their camera range in the face of the investment loss scandal which has rocked the camera and medical instrument maker. Reports say the despite proposals by rivals, including Fujifilm and Sony, the company is considering plans to restructure alone possibly dropping their compact camera business and concentrating on their more profitable lines; the micro four thirds PEN series cameras and lenses. Last year Olympus was shaken by an investment loss scandal hiding 118 billion Yen dating back to the 1990s.

Tuesday, 10 April 2012

Canon EOS-1D X shipping delayed

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Although there has not been official confirmation from the camera maker, the Canon EOS-1D X is not expected to start shipping till the end of June or early July, sources said. The delay is believed to be due to an 'issue' with an dedicated accessory, most likely the WFT-E6A file transmitter, or the GPS receiver GP-E1 .

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Monday, 9 April 2012

Pro lab Loxley Colour announces ecommerce solution via US site SmugMug

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Working photographers in the UK can now take advantage of the popular US based SmugMug photo-site while offering clients online print services here in the UK via Glasgow-based Loxely Colour. The new SmugMug and Loxley Colour service is live now.

Chris MacAskill, Co-founder and president of Smugmug said: “Most photographers want to focus on their creativity. They are mainly time-poor and have little interest in the challenges of setting up and managing their online presence, or fulfilling orders for high quality prints. But they still want to capitalise on their creativity – and that is where SmugMug and Loxley Colour enter the frame. We have created a seamless solution whereby photographers, across the full range of photo-disciplines, can easily showcase, market, sell and deliver their work to their clients.”

SmugMug Pro subscriptions start from around £13 a month or £94 a year – and the new service guarantees zero ads and spam, 365 days, a year customer support, easy SEO and site stats and unlimited photo and video uploads.

Said Ian Loxley, managing director at Loxley Colour: “This partnership means that photographers will never again have to manually take and fulfil orders for high quality prints. This new ecommerce solution gives customers the ability to sell prints and digital downloads for their photo and video inventories.”

For more information, please visit www.smumugtutes.com.

 

Nikon Manual Viewer app available to download

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Not news exactly, but no less interesting for that, Nikon Corporation has an app for iOS devices allowing users to download Nikon digital camera manuals for viewing offline. Most photographers I know download manuals in pdf and import them via iTunes or Dropbox, but hopefully Nikon will address the relative shortage of camera manuals available and eventually include those for accessories (such as the MC-36) and lenses (especially PC-E, teleconverters, and extension tubes - even though the latter haven't been updated since the 80s).

In the meantime, you can download the app from here.

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Thursday, 5 April 2012

Think Tank Photo announces four accessory wallets

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Think Tank Photo are pre-announcing four new photo accessory wallets for DSLR batteries, SD cards, and gels (correction filters). The four wallets will be available in May, with prices starting from $9.50 up to $16.60.

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Think Tank Photo to Release DSLR Battery Holders

Santa Rosa, Calif. – The number one sin in photography is running out of power. To help prevent that from happening, in May, Think Tank Photo will release the DSLR Battery Holder 2 and the DSLR Battery Holder 4. These slim, collapsible, compact designs secure two or four standard size camera batteries.
Features include:
•    Compact carrier for two or four standard DSLR batteries.
•    Compress flat when not in use, easily stored.
•    Hook and loop closure with top fold design.

 

Specifications

DSLR Battery Holder 2
External Dimensions: 3.9” W x 3” H x 0.4” D (10 x 7.5 x 1 cm)
Weight: 0.02lbs (0.01kg)

For more information, please follow the link here.

DSLR Battery Holder 4
External Dimensions: 7.1” W x 3” H x 0.4” D (18 x 7.5 x 1 cm)
Weight: 0.04lbs (0.02kg)

For more information, please follow the link here.

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Think Tank Photo to Release SD Pixel Pocket Rocket

Santa Rosa, Calif. – In May, with the release of Think Tank Photo’s SD Pixel Pocket Rocket, photographers will be able to keep their most important photography storage device, their SD cards, secure and organized. The SD Pixel Pocket Rocket keeps those very small but invaluable SD cards safely stored in one place. No more lost SD cards, and no more found SD cards in the bottom of the washing machine.
Additionally, it can be tethered to bags, clothing, briefcases, and backpacks for additional security.

Features include:
•    Compact carrier for nine SD cards.
•    Clear pockets make identification easy.
•    Folds flat when not in use, easily stored.
•    Business card slot.
•    Hook and loop closure with fold-up design.
•    Tether with clips to for security attachment.

Specifications
External Dimensions: 4.5” L x 2.5” W x .5” H (11.5 x 6.5 x 1.5 cm)
Weight: 0.1lbs (0.04kg)

For more information, please follow the link here.

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Think Tank Photo to Release Strobe Gel Wallets

Santa Rosa, Calif. – For all the Strobists out there, Think Tank Photo announces that in May it will release the Strobe Gel Wallet. This wallet stores photography gels in a neat and organized manner and keeps them protected.
The wallet minimizes clutter by folding up and stashing away in photographer bags, cases, or backpacks. The five pockets have a large capacity. This enhances the ability to store and locate gels easily instead of having them mound into one big stack.
Features include:
•    Compact five-pocket carrier for Rosco Strobist™ filters.
•    Clear pockets for gels make identification easy.
•    Folds flat when not in use.
•    Business card slot.
•    Can be tethered to any Think Tank product, clothing, or belt.
•    Hook and loop closure with fold-up design.
•    Includes tether with clips for security attachment.

Specifications
External Dimensions: 4.5” L x 2.5” W x .5” H (11.5 x 6.5 x 1.5 cm)
Weight: 0.1lbs (0.04kg)

For more information, please follow the link here.

Tuesday, 3 April 2012

Canon announces EOS 60Da DSLR for astrophotography

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Canon has announced a new DSLR aimed at astrophotography. The new EOS 60Da features a new modified IR blocking filter that offers three times more Há light through to the sensor than the standard EOS 60D, on which it's based. The EOS 60Da is available from June 2012, priced at $1,499 / £1,174.99 / EUR 1,399.00 RRP incl. VAT.

The Canon EOS 60Da is avialble to pre-order from Adorama at $1,499.

Press Release

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Looking at the stars – Canon unveils the EOS 60Da

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 3rd April 2012 – Canon today expands the EOS series with the launch of the EOS 60Da – a high resolution Digital SLR (DSLR) designed for astrophotography. Based on the specifications of the EOS 60D and succeeding the EOS 20Da, the EOS 60Da is designed to capture rich red colours produced by emission nebulae, with a modified low pass filter that makes it more sensitive to hydrogen-alpha (Há) wavelengths of light.

The EOS 60Da is ideal for shooting astronomical phenomena such as diffuse nebulae – a favourite among astrophotographers due to the distinct red colour caused by the ionisation of hydrogen. In a standard DSLR, an infrared (IR) filter limits the amount of Há light that passes through to the camera sensor, reducing the transmission of red signals to prevent unwanted colour artefacts in the final image. However the EOS 60Da features a new modified filter that offers three times more transparency for Há light than the EOS 60D, combined with an 18 megapixel CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 processing and a high ISO range to capture crisp, clear images of red-coloured emission nebulae.

High resolution, high sensitivity and low noise
The EOS 60Da provides astrophotographers with high performance and creative flexibility. Its 18 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor is ideal for capturing rich detail in star clusters, and advanced performance at high ISO speeds up to ISO 6,400 (expandable to ISO 12,800) ensures images are low in noise, reducing the need for longer exposures and star tracker mounts. Working alongside powerful 14-bit DIGIC 4 processing, the sensor also provides excellent signal-to-noise ratio in final output data, producing pictures that are rich in natural colour with smooth tonal gradations – ideal for capturing the subtle colour transitions of interstellar gas clouds, for example.

Easy control
Utilising the advanced ergonomics of the EOS 60D, the EOS 60Da has been designed to be comfortable to hold and highly customisable. A curved shape features an easy-to-reach button layout, with frequent controls grouped together for easy access. Controls can be easily adjusted and reassigned to suit each user’s individual requirements, and a top LCD screen with backlight illumination provides additional flexibility to monitor and adjust image parameters mid-shoot. A dedicated Quick Control button also provides instant and convenient access to the full range of camera settings during shooting.

The EOS 60Da also features a 7.7cm (3.0”) Vari-angle wide LCD screen and Live View support – ideal for composing shots using a tripod. The screen’s Vari-angle hinge provides flexibility, while Live View mode provides convenient, precision control, allowing photographers to finely adjust composition and camera settings. The LCD’s fine 1,040k-dot resolution also provides exceptional levels of on-screen detail during and after shooting, allowing astrophotographers to compose and review their shots with confidence.

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For more flexible shooting, the EOS 60Da is compatible with the optional
Timer Remote Controller TC-80N3 (Connected via the supplied Remote Controller Adapter RA-E3) – a programmable remote shutter control that allows the adjustment of settings without disturbing the camera’s position. The TC-80N3 provides the flexibility to remotely capture images at custom-selected intervals or shoot exposures over long periods, making it ideal for shooting time lapse movies of the night skies. A supplied ACK-E6 AC Adaptor allows continued shooting using mains power – ideal for long exposures – and EOS Utility software allows users to control settings, or view the framed image from a PC or Mac connected via USB mid-shoot.

As part of the EOS System the EOS 60Da is also compatible with the world’s most comprehensive selection of interchangeable lenses, ranging from the 8mm to 800mm – providing both power and exceptional creative choice for astrophotographers.

EOS 60Da - key features:
Enhanced sensitivity to IR light
18 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
Vari-angle 7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Clear View LCD screen
ISO 100-6,400 (expandable to ISO 12,800)
Time-lapse shooting with EOS Utility or optional Timer Remote Controller TC-80N3

Pricing and Availability

The EOS 60Da is available from June 2012, priced at £1,174.99/EUR 1,399.00 RRP incl. VAT.

For more information, please visit www.canon.com, www.canon.co.uk.

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Monday, 2 April 2012

Nikon D800 in stock at Play.com, Amazon.de

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UPDATE: That didn't last long, when adding to the basket it says they're 'no longer available'.

Guernsey based dealer play.com has the eagerly-awaited Nikon D800 in stock at £2,599.99 (including free delivery). Please click any of the preceding links to buy or click here to buy (you'll have to follow the links, as there's no direct buy button from the Nikon D800 page).

Download the D800 instruction manual, here.

Saturday, 31 March 2012

Leica 35mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH in stock

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Adorama has the 35mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH in stock at $3,195. Please click here to buy. Looks like some stock is beginning to trickle in from Germany, now the price increases have taken effect.

Related Posts

Leica M8.2 review (inc 35mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH samples)

Friday, 30 March 2012

Sigma announces price and availability of new 50-150mm f/2.8 DC OS HSM

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Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd has announced the suggested retail price of the new (updated) 50-150mm f2.8 DC OS HSM is £949.99 and will be available in the UK in mid April for Canon fit and mid May for Nikon and Sigma fit. The new re-designed lens adapts image stabilisation and is designed for APS-C cameras, providing a field of view equivalent to 75-225mm f/2.8.

Press release:

50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC APO OS HSM
Large aperture telephoto zoom lens designed specifically for digital SLRs

Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd is pleased to announce that the suggested retail price of the new 50-150mm f2.8 DC OS HSM is £949.99. This new lens will be available in the UK in mid April for Canon fit and mid May for Nikon and Sigma fit.

Sigma’s proprietary OS (Optical Stabiliser) system enables hand held tele-photography by allowing the use of shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower than would otherwise be possible.

Six SLD glass elements compensate for chromatic aberrations and provide high image quality throughout the zoom range. The Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting and ensures sharp and high contrast images even at the maximum apertures.

The lens design adopts an inner focusing and inner zooming system to provide convenient handling and the HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) ensures quiet and high speed autofocus while allowing full-time manual focus override.

This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 80cm (31.5”) and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:6.3. The rounded 9 blade diaphragm creates an attractive blur to the out of focus areas of the image. The addition of Sigma’s TELE CONVERTER 1.4x EX DG APO or 2x EX DG APO produces a 70-210 F4 AF telephoto zoom lens or 100-300 F5.6 AF telephoto zoom respectively.

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For more information, please visit: www.sigma-imaging-uk.com

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

Nikon D800 in stock at Amazon Germany

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UPDATE: Amazon.de is back to pre-orders.

Amazon Germany is showing the Nikon D800 in stock at EUR 2,899 (£2,399, straight conversion), including VAT. Please click here to buy. Amazon France are showing the D800 shipping in 1 to 3 weeks, but at EUR 3,399 inc VAT.

I do not know if it can be shipped to the UK, but if anyone orders one and is not prevented in doing so at the time, please let me know so I can pass it on.

Nikon UK announces cashback on D7000

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From the press release:

NIKON’S NEW BUMPER CASHBACK OFFER
 
London, UK: Nikon UK launches a new bumper D-SLR promotion offering up to £100 cashback on selected Nikon D-SLR cameras until 30th May 2012 inclusive.
 
Cashback is available on the Nikon D3100, D5100 and D7000; full cashback amounts can be found below.

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All claims must be received by the 30th June 2012 in order to qualify.  For more information on the promotion, and how to submit your claim, please visit: www.nikon.co.uk/cashback.

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

Related Posts

Canon Europe announces cashback scheme

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Press release:

Canon announces its latest Cashback scheme: Power to celebrate

Canon has launched their latest Cashback with offers on selected DSLRs, lenses, accessories, compact cameras and inkjet printers.

The Cashback will run from Thursday 29th March until Tuesday 5th June 2012.  
The last claim date for the promotion will be 31st July 2012.

EOS
EOS 600D body only and with lens kit                £50 / euro 60 cash back value
EOS 550D + Kits body only and with lens kit         £30 / euro 35 cash back value

EF Zoom - Standard                
EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM                        £25 / euro 30 cash back value
EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM                                £60 / euro 70 cash back value
EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM                                £90 / euro 100 cash back value
EF Zoom - Telephoto                
EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS                                £45 / euro 50 cash back value
EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM                        £45 / euro 50 cash back value
EF 70-200mm f/4L USM                                £45 / euro 50 cash back value
EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM                                £90 / euro 100 cash back value
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM                                 £90 / euro 100 cash back value
EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM                        £90 / euro 100 cash back value
EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM                        £90 / euro 100 cash back value
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM                        £175 / euro 200 cash back value

EF Zoom - Wide                
EF 17-40mm f/4L USM                                £60 / euro 70 cash back value
EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM                        £60 / euro 70 cash back value
EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM                        £60 / euro 70 cash back value
EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM                                £90 / euro 100 cash back value

Macro                
EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM                                £25 / euro 30 cash back value
EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM                                £45 / euro 50 cash back value
EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM                        £60 / euro 70 cash back value

Accessories
Speedlite 270EX II                                        £25 / euro 30 cash back value
Speedlite 320EX                                        £25 / euro 30 cash back value
Speedlite 430EX II                                        £25 / euro 30 cash back value
Extender EF 2.0x III                                        £25 / euro 30 cash back value
Extender EF 1.4x III                                        £25 / euro 30 cash back value

PIXMA                
PIXMA  MG5350                                        £30 /  euro 35 cash back value
PIXMA  MG6250                                        £30 / euro 35 cash back value

PowerShot                
PowerShot SX220 HS                                        £30 / euro 35 cash back value
PwerShot  SX230 HS                                        £30 / euro 35 cash back value
PowerShot SX240 HS                                        £30 / euro 35 cash back value
PowerShot SX260 HS                                        £30 / euro 35 cash back value

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

Monday, 26 March 2012

Sigma UK confirm availibility of 19mm, 30mm EX DN lenses

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Sigma UK has announced the new 19mm and 30mm f/2.8 lenses for Sony and Micro Four Thirds cameras are to carry a SRP of £169.99 inc. VAT and will be available immediately.

That's interesting not only for their intended market but also because it has been suggested that these two lenses (or perhaps a slight variation) are to be adopted on the forthcoming (and hugely anticipated) 46MP DP1 and DP2 Merrill compacts. However, a spokesperson for Sigma told the DJP that the company was still some time off having working cameras (prototypes), so we're unlikely to see an announcement confirming the price or availability anytime soon.

Press Release:

19mm F2.8 EX DN and 30mm F2.8 EX DN now available in the UK

Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd is pleased to announce that the new Sigma 19mm F2.8 EX DN and 30mm F2.8 EX DN are now available in the UK in both Sony E-mount and Micro Four Thirds fittings.

Both lenses have a UK SRP of £169.99 including VAT and are designed exclusively for mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras.

Glass mold aspherical lenses provide excellent correction for distortion, colour aberration and field curvature. The inner focusing system corrects the fluctuation of aberration to maintain image quality regardless of the focus distance. Sigma’s Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting and provides sharp and high contrast images even at the maximum aperture. The superior telecentric optical design improves image quality throughout the frame. Both lenses benefit from a newly developed linear AF motor which moves the lens elements directly without the need for gears or the drive of other mechanical parts. This system ensures accurate and quiet autofocusing, making the lenses suitable for video recording as well as still photos.

For more information please visit www.sigma-imaging-uk.com

Canon USA announces 20pc off refurbs

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Canon USA are offerring up to 20-percent off refurbished products, including 15-per-cent off DSLRs and EF lenses. Unfortunately, it looks as if all the those reduced Canon EOS 5D Mk IIs have gone already. Pity.

Please click here to buy.

Nikon issues statement over D800, D4 price hike

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NIKON UK Press Statement 26-March-2012

Nikon UK can confirm a correction to the originally published recommended retail prices (RRP) on the D800, D800E and D4 products.
 
Due to a local internal systems error, the incorrect RRPs on the D800, D800E and D4 products were communicated in the UK and Irish markets at the time of announcement. The correct RRPs for the products should have been D4: £5289.99, D800: £2,599.99 and D800E: £2,899.99. We would like to apologise sincerely to our customers for this unfortunate mistake, which has been corrected with immediate effect. We know that there has been strong consumer interest in these products and a high level of pre-orders placed with retailers; Nikon will be honouring the original prices to retailers on all customer pre-orders placed before March 24th 2012.
 

Sunday, 25 March 2012

Lens choice for the Nikon D800, D800E

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Research Station, 2,8/21 Distagon T* 1/200sec at f/5.6.

I recently had the opportunity to review the Carl Zeiss 2.8/21 Distagon T* for a well-known UK photo magazine, and I hope to be able to post a in-depth review here in the future. In the meantime, however, with all the interest in finding lenses to pair with the 36MP D800 and D800E, this lens (which is also available in Canon mount) is the finest retrofocus wide-angle lens money can buy. It has high resolving power even at maximum aperture, outstanding colour purity, superb micro contrast and an attractive drawing style that's typical of Carl Zeiss. If there's a slight downside it exhibits slight complex (moustache) shaped distortion, like its Contax mount predecessor. It is very slight though.

Buy the Zeiss 2,8/21 from;

Amazon UK (£1,337.24)
Amazon US ($1,843)
Adorama ($1,843)

Friday, 23 March 2012

Nikon UK unexpectedly raises price on D4, D800 UPDATED

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UPDATE (26th March): Nikon has today issued a statement confirming the price increases. However, Nikon add they will be honouring the original prices to retailers on all customer pre-orders placed before March 24th 2012.
UPDATE (24th March): Jessops are now showing the increase on the Nikon D800 (£2599) and Nikon D800E (£2899).
UPDATE: Jessops are now showing the price of the D4 at £5,289, Wex still at £4,799. The prices of the D800 (£2,399) and D800E (£2,689) remain unchanged at the time of posting. Amazon UK have the Nikon D800 at £2,399 but have not shown the Nikon D4 available for pre-order, unlike other dealers. Interestingly, Jersey-based Play.com has the D800 listed at just £2,099.99 - though it's not clear if that price includes VAT. They have a 'Pre-Order Price Promise', but it's based on the price dropping (so you pay the lower price), not on it increasing.

According to a contributor* to the Pixiq site, John Walshe, General Manager, Nikon UK has emailed dealers this evening to inform them that due to a "systems error" the RRP (recommended retail price) of the D4 is to be increased by £500 ($800 USD), while the RRP of the D800 is to be raised £200 ($320 USD). Back ordered cameras won't escape the the price hike, it's claimed. We expect a press release from Nikon UK on Monday confirming the story.
At the time of posting, Wex and Jessops are still showing prices of the D4 at £4,799, though that could change as soon as tomorrow morning.
* Pixiq contributor Simon Stafford is the technical editor of Nikon Owner magazine, a publication of the highly-regarded Nikon only UK retailer, Grays of Westminster.
via Pixiq

Leica product launch May 10

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It has ben reported on various sites and intent communities that invites have gone out to publishers for an event in Berlin on May 10th for a range of new products. Rumors are circulating about an M9 variant with a black and white sensor (no color filter array), which I think is plausible though I was expecting that announcement at this year's Photokina. The date is significant. May 10th is too good an opportunity to pass up for the introduction of a new M10, I really can't believe Leica would miss this date to launch a new X2 and a mirrorless solution. I expect to see all three, maybe even a new S3 (which is due a refresh) with the M10 B&W announced at Photokina.

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