Canon launch two new TS-E lenses

United Kingdom / Republic of Ireland, 18 February, 2009: Canon today announces the launch of two new tilt and shift lenses, the Ultra-Wide angle TS-E 17mm f/4L and the TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II, an upgrade to the popular TS-E 24mm f/3.5L.

At 17mm, the TS-E 17mm f/4L has the widest view angle of any tilt and shift lens currently available; coupled with outstanding image quality across the whole frame, it is an ideal choice for architectural or landscape photography. Building on the success of its predecessor, the TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II, like the TS-E 17mm f/4L, now includes Canon’s sub-wavelength structure coating (SWC). Canon’s patented lens coating is specifically designed to minimise ghosting and flare caused by internal reflections to help deliver crisp, clear images.

Canon was the first company to offer 35mm camera users a combined tilt and shift lens, With 36 years experience in this field, Canon has now added a new unique functionality to the TS-E 17mm f/4L and TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II, allowing users to rotate the direction of the tilt and shift independently of each other. This affords greater control over the focal plane, replicating the movements of a large format view camera. Canon’s revolutionary tilt and shift revolving mechanism is particularly useful when shooting product shots from a perspective where specific framing and focal plane is required.

The new lenses, influenced by feedback from professional photographers, have been created to produce the best image quality with high resolution, high contrast and low distortion. The use of high-precision asphercial front elements keeps distortion, common in wide angle lenses, to an absolute minimum, even at the edges of the frame. The TS-E 17mm f/4L and TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II also feature multiple UD elements to reduce chromatic aberration and optimised focus mechanisms.

Canon today has also introduced a new range (52mm to 72mm) of versatile, multi-functional PL-C B polarizing filters to help reduce reflections from glass or water or darken blue skies. The PL-C B’s, which are now available in 52mm, 58mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm and 82mm filter thread sizes, also allows the lens cap to be attached to the lens to prevent damage to the filter if left attached when not in use.

Key features of the TS-E 17mm f/4L and TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II include:

Tilt and shift lenses compatible with all Canon EOS cameras
Ultra Wide 17mm / wide 24mm focal length, ideal for architecture and landscapes
High precision lens elements for low distortion and high resolution to the edge of the image
± 6.5° Tilt and ±12mm Shift (TS-E 17mm f/4L) ± 8.5° Tilt and ±12mm Shift
(TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II)
Tilt and shift mechanism rotates +/-90° allowing shift in any direction
Tilt mechanism rotates +/-90° allowing tilt in any direction relative to the shift
Aspherical and UD lens elements minimise chromatic aberration
Sub-wavelength structure and super-spectra coatings minimise ghosting and flare
Circular aperture for creative, blurred highlights
TS-E 17mm f/4L has a floating internal focus mechanism delivers high image quality throughout focus range.

Pricing and Availability:

The TS-E 17mm f/4L is available from May 2009 priced at £2749.99 / €3049.99 RRP inc. VAT.

The TS-E 24mm f/3.5L II is available from May 2009 priced at £2399.99 / €2659.99 RRP inc. VAT.

Samsung launches the PL50 and PL65

13:00 (GMT) 17th February 2009 Samsung, leaders in innovation and digital imaging, today announced the release of the 10 megapixel PL50 and 12 megapixel PL65; two cameras perfect for photography enthusiasts and those looking for clever technology to help capture and enjoy all their memories and experiences.

Smart Auto (Scene Recognition)
Both cameras feature Samsung's new "Smart Auto” (Scene Recognition) technology which has 11 optimized picture pre-settings such as Portrait, Night portrait, Macro, Macro Colour etc - helping people take the perfect shot regardless of the conditions. You can also use these settings when sorting through your photos - making it quick and easy to find all the portraits, outdoor or macro shots you've taken.

Smart Album
The cameras also feature Samsung’s new unique ‘Smart Album’ Digital Contents Management system; a program within the camera that significantly reduces the time it takes to find your favourite photos – so it’s quicker and easier to store and manage your photo collection. The clever navigation program automatically organizes photos based on the date they were taken, their contents, colour, or themes – so you’ll never have an excuse for losing a photo again.

Face Detection
Samsung’s Perfect Portrait System comes as standard in the new range; “Face Detection” locates the subject’s face within the frame and automatically adjusts auto focus and auto exposure to ensure better composition and image quality for portraits; in “Blink Detection Mode” the camera will take a series of shots when closed eyes are detected so friends and family are always captured with their eyes open; in “Smile Mode” a picture is automatically taken when smiles are detected and, in "Beauty Shot" mode, facial skin is retouched for a brighter and smoother skin tone. Samsung’s Self Portrait is also included within the PL50 and PL65 – a beep sounds when faces are positioned centrally so you don’t have to be behind the camera to take the perfect shot.

The PL50 showcases Samsung’s latest Digital Image Stabilisation technology to prevent blurring from handshake when shooting without flash in low light conditions. The PL65 features Samsung’s Dual Image Stabilization technology – it combines Digital and Optical image stabilisation to ensure outstanding photos without handshake blur, even in low light conditions. Couple these image stabilisation technologies with a highly sensitive ISO 3200 setting that offers a faster response to light, and you can capture great low light shots without needing any flash.

Frame Guide
The PL50 and PL65 both feature Samsung’s new Frame guide feature which means you no longer need to rely on the technological capabilities of strangers for perfect holiday snaps. When you use the setting, the camera takes a ghost picture of your desired shot and displays a template when you pass the camera over to someone else - ensuring they take the picture you want them to take.

The PL50 will retail at £119 and is available in four stunning colours – Candy Pink, Black and Silver. The PL65 will retail at £179 and comes in Black, Pink, Silver and Dark Grey. Both will be available from March 2009 from leading high street and online retailers.
Customers requiring further information should visit www.samsungcamera.co.uk or call 0845 726 7864

Samsung announces 28mm wide angle 5x optical zoom digital compact

13:00 (GMT) 17th February 2009 Samsung, leaders in innovation and digital imaging, today announced the release of the 5x optical zoom, 28mm Wide Angle IT100; a compact camera which combines innovative technology and user-friendly features to deliver optimum image quality in a streamlined, stylish package.

HD Movie Experience
The 12 mega pixel IT100 includes HD movie capture so you can ‘Pause and Re-record’ high definition videos and super sharp movie-quality recordings in one movie clip - a Samsung patented function.

Smart Auto (Scene Recognition)
The IT100 features a 3.0” (230K) TFT LCD screen and Samsung's new "Smart Auto” (Scene Recognition) technology which has 11 optimized picture pre-settings such as Portrait, Night portrait, Macro, Macro Colour - helping people take the perfect shot regardless of the conditions. You can also use these settings when sorting through your photos - making it quick and easy to find all the portraits, outdoor or macro shots you've taken.

Smart Album
The IT100 includes Samsung’s unique “Smart Album” Digital Contents Management system; a program built into the camera that significantly reduces the time it takes to find your favourite photos – so it’s quicker and easier to store and manage your photo collection. The clever navigation program automatically organizes photos based on the date they were taken, their contents, colour, or themes – so you’ll never have an excuse for losing a photo again.

Face Detection
Samsung’s Perfect Portrait System is also included in the IT100; “Face Detection” locates the subject’s face within the frame and automatically adjusts focus and exposure to ensure better composition and image quality for portraits; in “Blink Detection Mode” the camera takes a series of shots when closed eyes are detected so friends and family are always captured with their eyes open; in “Smile Mode” a picture is automatically taken when smiles are detected and, in "Beauty Shot" mode, facial skin is retouched for a brighter and smoother skin tone. Samsung’s Self Portrait is also included within the IT100 – a beep sounds when faces are positioned centrally so you don’t have to be behind the camera to take the perfect shot.

Samsung’s Dual Image Stabilization technology combines Digital and Optical image stabilisation to ensure outstanding photos without blur – even in low light conditions. Couple this with a highly sensitive ISO 3200 that offers a faster response to light, you can capture great low light shots without needing any flash.

Frame Guide
The IT100 features Samsung’s new Frame guide feature so you no longer need rely on the technological capabilities of strangers for perfect holiday snaps. When you use the setting, the camera takes a ghost picture of your desired shot and displays a template when you pass the camera over to someone else - ensuring they take the picture you want them to take.

The IT100 is available in a range of colours including silver, black, and red and will retail at £229 (TBC) from leading high street and online retailers from April 2009. Customers requiring further information should visit www.samsungcamera.co.uk or call 0845 726 7864.

Kodak now offers its new EKTAR 100 --World’s finest-grain colour negative film -- in 120 format

LONDON, February 17 – Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) continues to expand the options available to photographers by offering its new KODAK PROFESSIONAL EKTAR 100 Film in 120 format. Announced at Photokina in October 2008 and currently available in 35mm format, EKTAR 100 Film offers the finest, smoothest grain of any colour negative film available today.

“The response to the introduction of EKTAR 100 Film has been amazing, with many requests to make the new film available in medium format. 120-size roll film is widely used for a broad range of photographic applications including ultra high-resolution photography” said Carolyn Walsh, Product Sales Director, CDG, FPG, UK & Ireland, Eastman Kodak Company. “Whether you’re a professional photographer or an advanced amateur, the pursuit of the perfect picture is a never-ending quest. By offering the world’s finest-grain colour negative film in 120 format, Kodak continues its long-standing history of providing the tools and selection for photographers who want images with the best quality and highest detail.”

EKTAR 100 Film is the ideal choice for commercial photographers and advanced amateurs for applications such as nature, travel, fashion and product photography, where the emphasis is often on colour. The ISO 100 speed film features high saturation and ultra-vivid colour, incorporating KODAK VISION Motion Picture Film technology to achieve its unparalleled fine grain. It is ideal for photographers who want the superior resolution of medium-format film and look for extraordinary enlargement capability when scanning and printing.

The new KODAK EKTAR Film in 120 format will be available in the UK from April 2009.

Sony announce five new Cyber-shots

Smarter shooting with five new Sony Cyber-shot models
Slim, colourful new cameras which shoot HD movie clips

Cyber-shot T900 and T90
Chic, ultra-slim design (15.1mm* T900, 13.9mm* T90)
12.1 effective megapixels
3.5-inch wide Xtra Fine LCD touchscreen (T900) / 3.0-inch wide Clear Photo LCD Plus touchscreen (T90)
Carl Zeiss 4x optical zoom lens
Record 720p HD movie clips
Optical SteadyShot for clearer handheld shooting
Enhanced Face Detection and Smile Shutter technology
Intelligent Scene Recognition, adjusting exposure and other settings to give the best picture

Cyber-shot W270 (Cyber-shot W290 in USA)
12.1 effective megapixels
Carl Zeiss 5x optical zoom with 28mm wide angle lens
Record 720p HD movie clips
Optical SteadyShot for clearer handheld shooting
Enhanced Face Detection and Smile Shutter technology
Intelligent Scene Recognition, adjusting exposure and other settings to give the best picture

Cyber-shot H20
10.1 effective megapixels
Carl Zeiss 10x optical zoom lens
Record 720p HD movie clips
Optical SteadyShot for clearer handheld shooting
Enhanced Face Detection and Smile Shutter technology
Intelligent Scene Recognition, adjusting exposure and other settings to give the best picture

Cyber-shot S930
12.1 effective megapixels (10.1 megapixels S930)
4x optical zoom lens (3x optical zoom S930)
SteadyShot for clearer handheld shooting
Face Detection technology

*at thinnest point

The latest additions to the Sony Cyber-shot range of digital cameras look as good as the sensational images they produce.

If you’re passionate about colourful, high-fashion styling and smart technology, look no further than the Cyber-shot T900 and T90. With slim, good looks, super-size touchscreens and new 720p HD movie recording, there’s no better way to show you’re serious about great images.

The intelligent, compact Cyber-shot W series gains a new range-topping model. The W270 (W290 in USA) offer HD movie recording, plus a powerful Carl Zeiss 5x optical zoom with 28mm wide angle lens to fit more into the scene.

If you need high performance in a compact, go-anywhere package, the Cyber-shot H20 teams a powerful 10x optical zoom range and HD movie recording with purposeful styling.

The easy-to-use S930 offers a great value introduction to the Cyber-shot experience. Available in a choice of silver, black and pink colour options, they’re packed with features like Face Detection and SteadyShot image stabilisation to make sure great images are taken effortlessly

Cyber-shot™ T900 and T90
Ultra-slim looks, breathtaking styling and attention seeking colour choices instantly mark out Cyber-shot T series from other digital cameras.

Just 15.1mm* slim, the T900 is available in a choice of silver and black colour finishes. Even slimmer at just 13.9mm*, the T90 offers silver, black, bronze, pink and blue colour options.

Both T series models are incredibly easy to operate. The 3.5”-inch wide Xtra Fine LCD touchscreen (T900) gives a detail-packed view of your pictures, as well as fingertip control of camera settings. There’s a new Intelligent Auto mode that makes operation simpler than ever. The camera automatically analyses the scene and sets the appropriate settings for the subject, for the best results with any scene.

The powerful BIONZ processor ensures flawless, low-noise images in any shooting situation – from holidays and fun-filled family moments to atmospheric interiors and low-light scenes.

Optical SteadyShot keeps things crisp and clear when you’re shooting handheld in low light, while enhanced Face Detection and Smile Shutter help you get more great smiling portraits without fuss.

Left your camcorder behind? No problem. New 720p HD movie recording captures detail-packed video clips at a smooth 30 frames per second. Up to 60 mins of crisp HD video and stereo sound can be stored on a 4GB MemoryStick™: that’s plenty of time to grab the highlights of a day out or short break. Even movie capture in low light isn’t a problem. The T90 and T900 both offer a high sensitivity movie mode that automatically adjusts exposure for low light movies.

Hook up the Cyber-shot T900 or T90 to any High Definition TV and enjoy the results at home. BRAVIA Sync makes it easy to control big-screen playback of movies and still photos with your BRAVIA TV’s remote.

Cyber-shot™ W270 (Cyber-shot™W290 in USA)
The new compact Cyber-shot W270 puts even more shooting power in your pocket.

Available in a choice of eye-catching colours, Cyber-shot W series is all about uncompromising picture quality and practical, easy to use functions.

With a generous 5x optical zoom range and 28mm wide angle, the Carl Zeiss lens broadens shooting possibilities – from detailed close-ups to panoramic landscapes and fun-filled group shots at parties.

The powerful BIONZ processor ensures pristine, low-noise 12.1 megapixel images plus responsive shooting performance. Coupled with high sensitivity (ISO3200), Optical SteadyShot reduces the effects of camera shake when you’re shooting handheld, especially at dusk or in dimly-lit interiors.

Enhanced Face Detection and Smile Shutter make it easy to capture natural, spontaneous portraits and group shots. 720p HD movie mode shoots smooth HD video clips and stereo sound to enjoy on your HD TV.

The 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD Plus screen gives a crystal clear, high-contrast view of your pictures and HD video clips, even in bright viewing conditions. Ease of use is enhanced with Intelligent Auto mode that takes care of optimising camera settings to suit any scene.

All new Cyber-shot models include Picture Motion Browser 4.0. The latest version of Sony’s image management application simplifies sorting, viewing and searching through photos and video clips stored on your PC’s hard drive. There’s also a wide range of optional accessories available to help you get even more from your Cyber-shot.

There have been three new designs of soft carry cases introduced to protect the main unit against scratches and dust. The first, a leather case is available in four colours (Black, Red, Brown & White) – LCS-CSVA. The second, a pressed leather case in a different design is also available in four colours (Black, Blue, Green & Pink) – LCS-CSVB and lastly a casual soft carrying case with six colour variations (Black, Green, Silver, Pink, Brown & Blue) – LCS-CSVC.

A newly developed GPS unit kit GPS-CS3KA can put geotag data to pictures taken by Cyber-shot™ , these can then be viewed on maps with Google Earth™ software and uploaded on major web sharing services. The key benefits over the previous model are higher sensitivity, built-in memory card and SD slots and an LCD display for enhanced usage.

The Cyber-shot™ S930 is available from April 2009 at £99. The W270 is available from mid-March 2009 at £239, the T900 and T90 are available from April 2009 at £369 and £289, respectively, and the H20 will also be available from April 2009 at £269.

New MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 from the maker of PocketWizard

Details of the new wireless triggers from LPA Design, the maker of PocketWizard can be found on their website. These ultra-compact transmitters and transceivers support Canon E-TTL II data as well as sync with the usual PW's; Plus II's and MultiMAX. Nikon compatible units will follow later in the year, but I doubt it can be long before the camera makers respond with their own systems.

Review: Nikon D700 DSLR

With the dust barely settling from Nikon’s D3 and D300 double-whammy the re-invigorated maker’s latest addition to the range is the compact size 35mm full-frame D700 aimed squarely at arch-rival Canon’s Eos 5D. Although it has taken three-years for the maker to mount a challenge to Canon’s dominance in the pro-arena, Nikon appear to be taking the matter very seriously.

As the D700 packs the same 12-million pixel CMOS sensor and similar image-processing pipeline to that found on the maker’s top-flight D3, you’re literally getting D3 image quality at two-thirds of the ticket price. Nikon hasn’t artificially disabled the sensor’s performance in any way, so, with a native ISO6400 maximum sensitivity expandable to the equivalent of ISO25600, you get the same extraordinary low-light capabilities. If you’re unfamiliar with the D3’s performance, the D700 delivers a perfectly usable file at ISO3200 and possibly ISO6400 if pushed, but above that images are pretty gritty. Detail is surprisingly high from a Raw file especially, but can’t match the outright resolution of Canon’s 1Ds Mk III.

Where there is a slight difference between the two Nikon models is in the processing power, but the D700 can make 14-bit Raw captures at up to a respectable 4fps, or 5fps at 12-bit. Add the optional vertical grip and frame rates increase dramatically up to 8fps at 12-bit. One big plus over the D3, other than the smaller body size, is the inclusion of automated sensor cleaning. It was a bit of an oversight on the D3 considering the adoption by Canon on its full-frame 1Ds Mk III but the addition on the D700 means the 100-percent viewfinder is cropped slightly to 95-percent.

Some other shortcomings, compared with the D3 include a slightly tardier auto-focus system, despite the claims that it’s the same module and there’s a slight hesitancy in displaying images during playback or info on the data panel. You can’t expect the twin CF card slots either but the 3-inch LCD screen is the same high-quality 920k dot panel found on both the D3 and D300. And while the D700 shares much of the body design of the D300, rather than the D3, it has the larger prism and protruding ocular that makes composition and focusing a much more satisfying and positive experience. A viewfinder blind is a nice touch too. The slight increase in weight, and bulk, over the D300 helps balance lenses such as Nikon’s mind-boggling and very well corrected 14-24mm f/2.8 zoom and a real must have for this camera.

But, while the ergonomics and balance of the body is truly something of beauty, we weren’t happy with a somewhat flimsy pop-up flash, poorly fitting rubber cover over the I/O sockets and simple sliding mechanism of the CF door. Yep, there’s no lock on the CF card cover. But these really are small gripes as both the camera and the files it produces have the feeling of being touched by magic. Nikon seem determined now to beat Canon at its own game, rather than following a different path. If we must have a whinge though, where are the AF-S primes to replace the now discontinued 58mm f/1.2 Noct-Nikkor, 35mm f/1.4, 28mm f/1.4 and 105mm f/1.8? My guess is, now we have the ideal platform, we will see them sooner rather than later.

Please click on the links to buy from B&H Photo, Adorama, or Jessops UK. To buy from Amazon please click on the banners below.

New PocketWizard?

As is customary now with product announcements these days, the maker of PocketWizard has a taster on their site. All will be revealed Monday.

Robert White Digital Day 21st March 2009 - The Study Gallery Poole

Robert White Digital Open Day - Study Gallery Poole
Saturday 21st March 2009

The Study Gallery of Modern Art
North Road
Poole
BH14 0LS

Entry to venue and all seminars are FREE but please contact them by email salesatrobertwhite.co.uk (replace at with @) or by calling 01202 723046 to book places on seminars.

DSLRs: The end of the road?

In the days of film, the size of a camera was largely determined by the size of the medium it used. The larger the film, the larger the camera, and, generally speaking, the better the picture quality but the consumer is often willing to trade size for convenience. That’s not meant to be disparaging in any way, but there will always be those with unrealistic expectations. The diminutive 110 format cameras (do you remember those?) from the late 70‘s could never equal 135 (35mm) format for quality enlargements, but it was never really meant to.

Back in the late 50’s and early 60’s, rangefinder cameras using 35mm film were being replaced by SLRs. While this convenience actually added to the size and weight, the advances in technology derived from the viewing through the taking lens, such as zoom lenses, improved accuracy in metering and the addition of auto-exposure and later auto-focus, were all to follow. The switch by Japanese camera manufacturers to the SLR moved a whole generation of photographers away from rangefinders.

Similarly the change from film to digital cameras by the press with the introduction of high-priced digital SLRs, ironically by Kodak, in the late 90’s signified the beginnings of a paradigm shift in photography that would eventually see the yellow giant sadly shrink unrecognisably in stature in a few short years.

Those early DSLRs were based on 35mm film bodies from Canon and Nikon adopting the photographers’ (and news-gathering agencies) not insignificant investment in existing lenses. But while the camera companies were supplying SLR components to Kodak, both Canon and Nikon quickly recognised the long-term importance of developing their own digital SLRs.

That they did with great success. Witness the popularity of Canon’s EOS 300D, the first digital SLR to break the sub £1000 barrier and later the Nikon D70. At the same time, Kodak withdrew from DSLR manufacturing, but remain today as a supplier of imaging sensors to high-end makers, such as the M8 digital rangefinder from Leica, and medium-format Hasselblads.

Like film, the quality of digital images relies heavily on the size and design of the sensor and its image-processing pipeline. But price is a determining factor in the size used for DSLRs. A sensor the same size as a single frame of 35mm film is, according to Canon, one of the main makers of cameras and sensors, as much as 20x more expensive to produce than the smaller APS-S sensor. And at least twice as dear as APS-H, the size used by Canon’s EOS 1D without the S press models.

There’s something comforting about the familiarity of using the 35mm lenses as they were originally intended and all the signs are that full-frame sensors, like APS-C before them, may well eventually find their way into consumer level cameras. This familiarity with 'baby-boomers' isn’t the most likely determining factor, though. We’ve recently seen DSLRs offer live previewing on the integrated LCD monitor, like a digital compact camera.



This is all very fine, but in turn this has led to Nikon, and now Canon, recording this live image as an optional video clip in addition to stills. Nikon’s latest APS-C D90 is the first DSLR to record HD video at 720p for up to 5-minutes at time, while the slightly slower to market Canon EOS 5D Mk II, a full-frame (35mm) model, achieves full HD 1080p.

With the prospect of interchangeable lenses, some with large apertures for selective focus techniques and exceptional low-light performance, these new hybrid SLRs are a fraction of the cost of dedicated professional equipment and video enthusiasts and independent film-makers are falling over themselves to take advantage.

Seeing Red

The founder of the Red One HD digital video camera, Jim Jannard, the gifted designer and entrepreneur originally behind Oakley sunglasses, is seeing a similar level of interest with the announcement of their Epic and Scarlet cameras. Although originally intended for professional video capture, these compact modular cameras boast stills capability and compatibility with professional cinematography lenses as well as Nikon and Canon still lenses.

Jim Jannard’s client list for the Red One includes Hollywood luminaries such as Doug Liman, the Director of The Bourne Identity, Mr & Mrs Smith, as well as Peter Jackson, the Director of King Kong and The Lord of the Rings. Jackson shot a short WWI feature Crossing the Line in New Zealand back in 2007 with two prototype Red One cameras and the clips I’ve seen are impressive. Red One cameras have also been used on Liman’s Jumper, and Alex Proyas’ soon-to-be-released drama, Knowing, starring Nicolas Cage.

Although the Red One cameras aren’t targeting the average consumer, the Scarlet model may be configured to come closer in price to the Canon EOS 5D Mk II. But that is already in the hands of a wide-range of customers, including The Guardian’s staff photographers, news agencies and other imaging professionals.

The general consensus is the Canon produces the better video quality than the more affordable Nikon D90, but it’s early days and others with a vested interest in video, such as Sony and Panasonic, have yet to respond. What’s more, while the quality is high there’s little of the convenience found on the latest HD camcorders for the consumer.



One promising sensor format for the consumer has been available now for a couple of months. Dubbed Micro Four Thirds by Panasonic, the latest development in DSLR style cameras is the diminutive 12-megapixel G1. Like the original Four Thirds DSLRs from Olympus, Leica and Panasonic’s own Lumix L1 and L10 models, the Lumix G1 uses the same size sensor (slightly smaller again than APS-C) but, ironically, forgoes the traditional but bulky reflex mirror and pentaprism in favour of an electronic viewfinder. While not dissimilar to so-called bridge cameras, the G1 is the first of its kind to feature interchangeable lenses, and, without the camera mirror, they can be made so much smaller too.

Well known for their small 35mm SLRs in the 70’s and 80’s and more recently with models like the Four Thirds E-420 Olympus has shown a prototype compact camera based on the same format. It too will have a range of high-quality lenses, but will also share the same lens mount allowing compatibility with Panasonic’s mFT lenses.

Despite the economic meltdown, new models based on the format are eagerly anticipated by the retail trade. Both the Olympus and the G1 are aimed at the compact digital camera user who wants better (DSLR) quality from a larger sensor and because it works so well we’re likely to see other names enter the fray, using APS-C sensors perhaps. Unfortunately, the G1 doesn’t feature HD video but Panasonic say it will be a feature of new models to come this year.

For the past fifty years or so then, 35mm SLRs and more recently digital SLRs have offered enthusiasts and professionals alike a good balance between portability and picture quality that’s unlikely to change anytime soon. But for the consumer, the next step may simply be around the corner.