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.
Leica M8.2 review (inc 35mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH samples)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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;
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.
Don't miss this very rare hour long interview with one of the pioneers of photojournalism. Cartier-Bresson helped developed the 'street photography' style that has influenced generations of photographers and mobile photographers who have followed...
Pentax has today confirmed the previously announced smc DA645 25mm f/4 AW will be available from mid-April 2012, at the RRP of £3999.99 (GBP) or $4,999 (USD). The lens is the equivalent to 20mm in full-frame 35mm terms and boasts several interesting features/benefits including a built-in pull-out filter holder (supplied with a 40.5mm polarizer filter), new Aero Bright (nano - tech) coating to reduce flare and weatherproofing.
Pre-order from B&H Photo ($4,999.95).
Press release:
smc PENTAX-DA645 25mm F4AL [IF] SDM AW
A high-performance, unifocal lens, exclusively designed for the PENTAX 645D to produce breathtaking ultra-wide-angle images
PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX-DA645 25mm F4AL [IF] SDM AW.
Designed for exclusive use with the PENTAX 645D, this unifocal, ultra-wide-angle lens features PENTAX-original optics optimized for high-quality digital photography to ensure exceptional high resolution images. The sturdy construction of the lens, which is dustproof and weather-resistant, makes it ideal for outdoors photography.
Major Features
1. Unifocal, ultra-wide-angle lens
When mounted on the PENTAX 645D medium-format digital SLR camera body, this ultra-wide-angle lens offers a focal length of approximately 19.5mm in the 35mm format, providing the widest perspective of all the lenses compatible with the PENTAX 645D. Creating visual effects unique to ultra-wide-angle lenses, such as exaggerated perspective and extra-wide depth of field, it can be effectively used for a wide range of subjects and situations, including spectacular landscapes and indoor shooting within a confined space. This lens gives the PENTAX 645D greater photographic freedom and flexibility.
2. State-of-the-art optics
Incorporating two high-performance a-spherical optical elements within its optics, this ultra-wide-angle lens provides exceptional image-resolving power with outstanding brightness levels even at the edges, whilst keeping any aberrations to a minimum. All lens characteristics are optimized for digital photography, for instance - exclusive lens coatings are applied to optical elements, while anti-reflection materials are applied to the interior of the lens barrel. The result is a lens that brings out the full potential of the PENTAX 645D medium-format digital SLR camera.
3. Aero Bright Coating to dramatically improve transmittance
This lens is treated with a PENTAX-original Aero Bright Coating, which ensures outstanding anti-reflection performance over a broader wavelength range to deliver images that are brighter and of higher quality. Created using PENTAX’s advanced nanotechnology, this exclusive coating reduces lens reflections and greatly improves light transmittance by forming a silica aerogel layer with uniform pores on the surface of the optical elements.
4. Dependable dustproof, weather-resistant construction
As the newest model of the dependable AW (All Weather) series, the lens comes in a highly dependable dustproof, weather-resistant construction with 11 special seals to effectively prevent the intrusion of dust and water into the lens interior. By coupling this lens with the PENTAX 645D camera body, the user is assured of a durable, reliable digital imaging system that performs superbly in demanding outdoor settings — even in rain and mist, or locations prone to water splashes or spray.
5. Mountable circular polarizing filter
The lens features a built-in, pull-out-type filter holder in its barrel. By placing the C-PL (circular polarizing) filter (40.5mm in diameter; included as an exclusive accessory) on this holder, the user can easily rotate the filter to obtain the desired polarizing effect.
6. Smooth, quiet SDM autofocus operation
The advanced SDM (Supersonic Direct-drive Motor) autofocus mechanism has a supersonic motor installed inside the lens barrel which ensures a smooth, quiet autofocus operation.
7. Other features
・ High-quality machined aluminum parts, including the lens barrel, hood and cap
・ The built-in lens hood is optimally shaped for the angle of view when the lens is mounted on the PENTAX 645D camera body
・ Quick-Shift Focus system for instant switching to manual-focus operation, after the subject is captured in focus by the AF system
・ Rounded diaphragm to produce a smooth, beautiful “bokeh” (out-of-focus rendition), while minimizing the streaking effect of point light sources
・ SP (Special Protect) coating applied to the front surface of the lens to effectively repel dust, water and grease
We've had the Canon EOS 5D Mk III c/w 24-105mm f/4L parfocal in stock here in the UK for a week or so, but B&H Photo has just received their first deliveries - but they won't last long.
Press release:
Petrol Bags Intros Audio, DSLR, Monitor bags and more at 2012 NAB Show
Tel Aviv, Israel: March 22, 2012 – Petrol Bags, part of Vitec Videocom, a Vitec Group company, announces a diverse range of new camera and audio equipment bags to be introduced at 2012 NAB Show, April 16–19 at the LVCC in booth #C6034.
New for Audio
Petrol Bags premieres four new products for audio. The Deca Audio Bag (PS614) is an ultra-lightweight carrier designed to securely transport sound equipment and keep it safe, organized, and accessible while working. It accommodates a Zaxcom Nomad or Sound Devices SD 788 mixer with a CL8 controller and offers easy access to the SD522 mixer’s SD card slot. Users will also appreciate the new Portable Digital Recorder Pouch to hold the Zoom H4N, Tascam DR-100 and DR-40 or similar size portable digital recorders. Its top flap is constructed of Transparent Polyurethane (TPU) for maximum visibility while shielding the recorder’s front panel and top external microphones. The lightweight yet rugged Deca Wireless Case employs an internal honeycomb frame for extra strength and extreme protection when transporting wireless system devices and other equipment. The upgraded Deca Sound Man Rain Poncho comfortably covers and protects a user carrying a mixer and fully loaded Petrol Eargonizer bag. It now features black ripstop nylon and TPU coating for greater elasticity and water protection in addition to keeping the user cooler and more comfortable.
New for Lighting
Petrol Bags will introduce the Liteporter professional carrier especially designed to transport and protect a Litepanels 1x1 LED light fixture. Liteporter has room to comfortably hold a Litepanels 1x1 LED fixture or similar size light, detachable mounting yoke, AC power supply with cord, power cable, an Anton/Bauer battery, and color/conversion diffusion gels. Constructed of rugged, water-resistant black 900D polyester and nylon, this lightweight, semi-hard case features an internal one-piece ABS honeycomb frame for extra strength and protection.
New for Video-enabled DSLRs
The new Rolling DigiSuite DSLR Camera Case is a carry-on size roll-away camera bag designed especially for the DSLR shooter on the go. It glides smoothly and effortlessly on a built-in wheel and tote assembly, and its front lid unzips quickly to reveal a central compartment contoured to comfortably fit up to two DSLR cameras with lens attached. Detachable internal dividers help secure contents and create pockets for storing spare lenses, a mattebox, camera base plate, follow focus, camera light, viewfinder, cables and more.
New LCD Monitor Bags
Petrol Bags will showcase two new LCD monitor bags. The Deca 5” Monitor Bag is uniquely designed to safely transport auxiliary LCD camera monitors up to 5” in size. The bag’s top flap opens envelope-style into a sturdy four-sided hood to ease viewing. The Deca 21.5” LCD Monitor Bag is custom designed for a Flanders Scientific LM-2140W or similar size LCD monitor. Both Monitor Bags offer multiple working benefits on location.
Vitec Group Live Event Area
The Vitec Group will host some of the most renowned figures in the broadcast and filmmaking industry in its dedicated Live Event Area at this year’s 2012 NAB Show on April 16–19. For example director and Pulitzer Prize winning photographer, Vincent Laforet, will discuss “Emerging Technology and Digital Storytelling” on Monday April 16. The complete event itinerary can be found at www.vitecliveevent.com.
Canon's new top of the range Speedlite, the 600EX-RT (wireless version), which was unveiled alongside the Canon EOS 5D MkIII, is now in stock at the following retailers:
Please note, buying through these links won't cost you anything extra and may benefit this site.
Adobe has today announced Photoshop CS6 beta, which is available as a free download from Adobe Labs. Although you can download the beta, it's hoped you'll provide feedback to the product team.
Photoshop CS6 beta is available for the Mac OS and Microsoft Windows platforms. The final release is expected in the first half of 2012.
Press release
Photoshop CS6 Beta Now Available on Adobe Labs
First Major Release since April 2010 Packed with New Features and Huge Performance Enhancements
LONDON, UK. — March 22, 2012 — Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced Adobe® Photoshop® CS6 beta, a preview of what’s to come in the next release of the industry standard in digital imaging, is available as a free download from Adobe Labs. Customers can download the beta, try out the experience and provide feedback to the product team. Packed with groundbreaking new innovations, features and incredible performance enhancements, Photoshop CS6 beta is available for the Mac OS and Microsoft® Windows® platforms. The final release is expected in the first half of 2012.
“Photoshop CS6 will be a milestone release that pushes the boundaries of imaging innovation with incredible speed and performance,” said Winston Hendrickson, vice president products, Creative Media Solutions, Adobe. “We couldn’t wait to share this beta of Photoshop CS6 with our customers and are looking forward to hearing from them and seeing the ways they are incorporating the beta into their daily creative workflows.”
New Features in Photoshop CS6 Beta
Photoshop CS6 beta demonstrates Adobe’s focus on huge performance enhancements, imaging magic and creativity tools that offer customers a new experience in digital imaging. Key features include new additions to the Content-Aware tools: Content-Aware Patch allows greater control by letting users select and duplicate an area of an image to fill in or “patch” another, and Content-Aware Move lets users select and magically move an object to a new place in the image.
Customers will experience incredible performance, powered by the new Adobe Mercury Graphics Engine*, enabling near-instant results from popular editing tools including Liquify, Puppet Warp, Transform and Lighting Effects; and a refined, modern interface featuring dark UI options to make images pop. New and re-engineered design tools make creating designs faster and more efficient. Vector layers allow users to apply dashed lines and gradient strokes, searchable layers quickly zero in on any layer, and new type styles let designers swiftly apply type treatments to their designs.
In addition, the Photoshop CS6 beta offers all the features of Adobe Photoshop CS6 and Adobe Photoshop CS6 Extended, such as new 3D editing features and quantitative imaging analysis capabilities. These features will be included in the shipping version of Photoshop CS6 Extended when it becomes available.
Pricing and Availability
The Photoshop CS6 beta is available immediately as a free download in English and Japanese. At installation, users will be required to provide an Adobe ID to complete a one-time login and online product activation. For information on how to install Photoshop CS6 beta, visit www.adobe.com/go/photoshopcs6. Customers can submit feedback via the Photoshop CS6 beta forum. Users can also connect with the Photoshop team via the community-powered site; on Facebook; YouTube; Photoshop.com blog; or via Twitter
After the price reductions of SanDisk and Lexar memory cards in the US, SanDisk has repositioned their SD range in the UK (expect Lexar to follow suit shortly). The fastest currently available are the 95MB/s* (633x speed rated equivalent) cards under the Extreme Pro branding (note there are some slower variants around, but this maybe older stock.) These cards are UHS-1 (class 1) UDMA-6 compatible but use a different controller - the same as the CF Exteme Pro series. Previously available at £79, the 16GB card, for instance, can now be had from Amazon UK at just £43.50.
Wex are retailing the 16GB Extreme Pro card at £59
Jessops are still retailing the same card at £71.96 (was £90).
UK dealer, Jessops, has the eagerly awaited Fujifilm X-Pro1 in stock at £1,429.95 body only. We'll update this page with links to the lenses as soon as we have the details.
UPDATE: Jessops are now displaying the lenses in stock:
XF 18mm f/2R at £549.95
XF 35mm f/1.4R at £549.95
XF 60mm f/2.4R Macro at £599.95
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