We've recently had a chance to look at the wide-gamut 30-inch SpectraView Reference monitor (also known as the MultiSync PA301 with SpectraView II in North America). The SpectraView Reference monitors are outstanding choices for the professional photographer, but so too are the MultiSync offerings. We will be posting a review here explaining the differences between them and the European MultiSync PA301 version.
Tokina's updated AT-X Pro DX II 11-16mm f/2.8 has started shipping in Nikon mount (it's the hardest to design for and is usually the first). It's intended for APS-C format cameras and as it is the equivalent of a 17-24mm this lens is a favorite with photojournalists for both stills and video. This new lens has improved coatings and is said to include a new silent focusing AF motor (though take that with a grain of salt, if previous claims are anything to go by).
Olympus has today issued a statement saying it intends to continue to support the DSLR based (retrofocus) Four Thirds lenses with a new body, presumably aimed at semi-professionals like the E-5 and E-3 before it. Although this statement is understandably brief, reading between the lines, I think we'll see a departure from the current E-5 body (some kind of hybrid mirrorless camera, perhaps).
Press Release
Olympus working on new body for top-pro lenses
Akira Watenabe, manager of Olympus Imaging's SLR planning department, confirmed today that the company is definitely working on a body to deliver the focusing performance expected by users of the Top Pro (aka Super High Grade) lens series like the ground breaking 90-250mm f2.8 fixed aperture zoom.
Watenabe has been delighted with the success of the OM-D which has pushed the boundaries of performance for system cameras but acknowledged that it did not deliver with the legacy high end lenses from the E-System. Whilst further information wasn't forthcoming, he was keen to emphasise that Olympus is actively developing a solution and will announce more details in due course.
PocketWizard, the popular (industry standard) brand of wireless flash trigger products, has today announced a cashback promotion on a select number of accessories. For one month starting today, Wednesday 15th August customers purchasing any of the following PocketWizard products, from authorised UK resellers, will be entitled to claim up to £20 cash back by redemption of a voucher and valid proof of purchase.
MiniTT1 - £15 Cash Back
FlexTT5 - £20 Cash Back
AC3 ZoneController - £5 Cash Back
Promotion ends Saturday 15th September 2012
For more information please visit here.
Fujifilm has announced an official guide to the Fuji X-Pro1 as an app for the iPad (requires iOS 5.0 or later). It can be downloaded (here) for free.
Via Fuji rumors
Please read our review of the X-Pro1 here;
L-758 Series Promotion
For a limited time only, Sekonic will be offering a FREE Sekonic Exposure Profile Target worth £124.99 Inc VAT with any meter purchased from the L-758 Series. The offer applies to UK sourced meters only, and runs from the 1st August and will be available whilst stocks last. In addition all UK light-meters now come with a 5 year warranty. To register your please follow the link (here).
I've had the new 24mm f/2.8 IS lens in for about a week or so and have decided to give a few first impressions prior to a in-depth review (maybe not here, on this site, as lens reviewing is time consuming). At $849 or £749 (inc 20-percent VAT) this new lens and its sibling, the similarly priced 28mm f/2.8 IS, is not inexpensive*. Indeed, it is nearly twice the price of the old version. But that could be offset by the optical quality, or imaging aesthetic.
The beauty of this lens, of course, is the Image Stabilization (IS) option, which allowed this critically sharp image at f/8 using a handheld shutter-speed of just 1/40sec, lower than I would normally like even when using a 24mm wide-angle. The picture was taken with a Canon EOS 5D Mk III at ISO1250.
I'll reserve judgement on the optical quality for now until I've taken more images and performed my usual tests. Although this is pure speculation on my part, I don't think this lens was made for the EOS 5D Mk II or MK III (or the EOS 1D series either). Are we going to see a smaller, lighter, cheaper full-frame body in the near future? I think so.
* Also, bear in mind that the lens is delivered without a lens hood nor a soft case.
From Left: The Green Legacy - Daniel Townsend by Joe Bullock © Joe Bullock – National Portrait Gallery/BT Road to 2012 project; The Coffee Shop Experience – Jessica Collins by Lucas Seidenfaden © Lucas Seidenfaden – National Portrait Gallery/BT Road to 2012 project
The NPG in association with BT and the University of East London has today announced what promises to be an intriguing exhibition of 65 new photographs of East Londoners, documenting the impact of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games on their communities. The exhibtion titled ROAD TO 2012: FACING EAST is to open at Four Corners, Bethnal Green on 9 August 2012 until 9 September 2012. Admission is free.
ROAD TO 2012: FACING EAST
A London 2012 Festival Project
In partnership with BT and the University of East London
Four Corners, 121 Roman Road, Bethnal Green E2 0QN
9 August until 9 September 2012 Admission Free www.npg.org.uk/roadto2012
An exhibition of 65 new photographs of East Londoners that document the impact of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games on their communities is to open at Four Corners, Bethnal Green on 9 August 2012.
Using a range of photographic styles and techniques, fine art and photography students from the University of East London have created Facing East, an exhibition resulting from a twelve-week project which focused on themes or groups of sitters in the build-up to London 2012. These include local Games volunteers, people working for the Green Legacy in the Lee Valley, commuters, swimming club members, coffee shop baristas, landlords renting out their rooms, locals on Hackney Marshes and allotment owners.
As well as curating and staging the exhibition under the guidance of National Portrait Gallery staff, the students developed their practice over a ten-week course of master classes and critique sessions led by internationally renowned photographers Anderson & Low, Jillian Edelstein, Brian Griffin, Emma Hardy, Nadav Kander and Bettina von Zwehl.
Over the last three years, these photographers have been commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery as part of the National Portrait Gallery/BT Road to 2012 Cultural Olympiad project. Their own work can be seen in Road to 2012: Aiming High at the National Portrait Gallery, London, until 23 September, as part of the London 2012 Festival.
Liz Smith, Director of Participation and Learning, National Portrait Gallery, London, says: ‘The National Portrait Gallery is delighted to have collaborated with students from the University of East London. Their documentary portraiture provides a thought-provoking insight into local communities during the build up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and adds texture and vibrancy to the overall Road to 2012 project.’
Professor Catherine Harper, Dean of the School of Arts & Digital Industries, University of East London, says:
‘This project has given the students a wonderful opportunity to explore contemporary photography and hone their professional skills through working alongside the truly inspirational Road to 2012 photographers.’
Sarah Dimmock, student, University of East London, says: ‘Being part of the Road to 2012 project has been a great privilege and I feel honoured to have met some of the worlds’ greatest photographers. It‘s been an unbelievable journey.’
Road to 2012: Facing East is part of the London 2012 Festival, the spectacular 12-week nationwide celebration running from 21 June until 9 September 2012 bringing together leading artists from across the world with the very best from the UK.
The exhibition can be seen at Four Corners, an organisation committed to promoting artistic participation and inspiring work that wouldn’t otherwise happen. London’s centre for film and photography, it enables people to achieve their potential through their unique facilities.
EXHIBITION
Road to 2012: Facing East
Four Corners, 121 Roman Road E2 0QN
10.00-18.00 Mon-Sat, Admission Free
Tube: Bethnal Green
WEBSITE
www.npg.org.uk/roadto2012
I have a Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster, a superb flash and ambient-meter, which has a built-in radio transmitter for triggering PocketWizard (Plus and MultiMax and PW partner) enabled flashguns or strobes. I use it with Plus II's attached to various flashguns and a Profoto Pro-B2 1200, though that has now been replaced by the Pro-B3 AirS (which, can be bought with the PocketWizard receiver module built-in as well as Profoto Air wireless syncing as the Pro-B3 AirS/R. Bought in the UK (or Europe), the Sekonic L-758DR will come supplied with the RT-32CE or in the US with the RT-32FCC region specific transmitter**. However, I've recently only discovered Sekonic make an "all-region" module, the $69.95 RT-32N.
This can be used in any FCC or CE certified L-758 series or even the relatively affordable (and equally outstanding) L-358 model. Unfortunately, if traveling with a CE or FCC meter you can't swap them for an FCC or CE transmitter respectively, the only options are to rent or buy a new meter. That was until now. If you buy the RT-32N (and sell on the old transmitter) you can use it in any FCC or CE certified Sekonic meter and use it anywhere. The moral of the story is to buy the L-758D* and then upgrade it, or if you're in the market to add the transmitter to a L358 or L758Cine make sure you buy the RT-32N.
*Note the new pricier $149.95 RT-32CTL (press release available here) is to allow triggering with the PocketWizard FlexTT5, ST4 and MC2 using the ControlTL system as well as the Plus and MultiMax series but are not all-region. **According to the PR, new L-758DR models will start shipping with the RT-32CTL.
B&H Photo have the Schneider Optics iPro lenses in stock, at $99 for the x2 tele and $189 for the system (doesn't include the x2 tele lens), they're a compelling addition to the iPhone 4 and 4s. Please see our expert review at our sister-site, theappwhisperer.com.
Buy from B&H Photo (they ship worldwide).
After leaks via the rumor sites (presumably the soure is the affiliate retailers (not Amazon)) Canon has indeed announced their first mirroless EOS-M model as expected. Unfortunately, there is little in the way of innovation, though, like, Nikon they now have a platform to compete with the likes of Panasonic/Olympus and Sony, should they ever decide to do so.
All of the system can be pre-ordered at Amazon.
From this picture, the new mount adaptor appears not to have rubber sealing, suggesting no pro-level EOS-M model for sometime. Olympus recently upgraded theirs (MMF-3) for use with the introduction of OM-D and SHG lenses.
UPDATE: Images of the camera body (without lens attached) have surfaced on the net with what looks a 3:2 aspect ratio sensor (providing they're not photoshopped), suggesting Canon has chosen APS-C instead. If that is the case, it's almost certain to be the same sensor as found in the EOS T4i / 650D (though the camera will be without phase detection AF). Another image shows an 18-55mm EF-M lens, more-or-less confirming Canon has adopted the APS-C format for its mirrorless range.
Canon are set to launch a new mirrorless range next week, according to reports on the web, the first in the EOS M range is believed to be the camera shown above. The model shown features an interchangeable 22mm f/2 STM pancake lens. The STM lens uses a stepper motor for 'smoother' focusing operation (though by all accounts in its current form it's not noiseless, thus at odds with the intended video market). AF is performed by contrast detection (CD) sensors embedded in the CMOS imaging sensor, and was debuted in the recently announced EOS Rebel T4i / EOS 650D. As for for the size of the imaging sensor, we believe it will be smaller than APS-C, most likely a 4:3 aspect ratio 14.3 megapixel CMOS measuring 18.7x14mm, as used by the current G1 X. If so, the 22mm lens shown above would be the equivalent to a 40mm. At this moment in time it's all conjecture, however the new camera system is said to be revealed next week, most likely as early as Monday.
Via Digicame-info
I'm currently reviewing the new Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28mm f/1.8G and one of the first tasks with any new lens is to check focus accuracy and to test for focus-shift. This particular lens and camera, a Nikon D800, showed consistent front-focus using AF and the combination also revealed focus shift. Both are problematic, though focus shift is the more difficult to deal with (requires conscious effort). To my knowledge there are no Canon or Nikon cameras that make any attempt to compensate for the effects of focus shift (unlike some MF cameras I could mention).
I've used the Michael Tapes Design Lens Align Mk II to demonstrate the focus shift - it's a first class focus calibration tool which was originally designed to highlight issues with DSLRs and AF lenses but it's perfectly suited for this particular purpose. The following images are unretouched JPEGs displayed at 1:1 in Adobe Lightroom 4.
This photo, taken at maximum aperture and focused manually using Live View on the targets (left) at a distance of 1m, shows the zone of focus to be over +6 to -2. This is, arguably, front-focused but it's nothing like the obvious front focus when using AF (the same targets are clearly out-of-focus).
There's no real difference at f/2.0, as you might expect.
Neither is there much difference at f/2.8 save for an increase in DOF; the zone of focus extends from +12 to -4.
By f/4.0 things are starting to get interesting, as there's a shift rearwards (back-focus). The zone of focus covers +14 to -11
It is at f/5.6 that focus shift is most noticeable, with the zone of focus covering +16 to -20. In fairness, the DOF is masking the issue.
At f/8.0 the effects of the rearward focus shift are quite apparent, with the focus zone covering +24 to -36
At f/11 the depth of field masks the focus shift on this scale, although the Lens Align moniker on the scale is clearly out.
At the minimum the DOF extends rearwards so that the chart behind is practically in focus while the front of the ruler/scale is barely in.
These results aren't quite as severe as the focus shift on the Voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 CRF lens tested last month but there is clear evidence of focus shift - we can see the plane of focus move rearwards indicating back focus (under-correction of spherical aberration). This could negatively impact on sharpness with high-resolution cameras, such as the Nikon D800 but I wouldn't call it 'severe', as other internet sites have, as it's mainly masked by DOF. I suspect one of those sites were seeing the effects of focus-inaccuracy rather than focus shift.
In all other respects, the lens performs well. I'll have more to say in a rolling review.
The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28mm f/1.8G can be bought from Amazon in exchange for $699.
Olympus have released a firmware update for the OM-D E-M5.
The update will be available on the OIMC website from today.
Compared to the firmware version 1.1 the new version 1.2 has following improvements:
• Improved sleep recovery operation
• AF target is indicated while using C-AF+TR in sequential shooting mode L
• M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm 1:3.5-6.3 underwater support has been added when using underwater macro or underwater wide mode the lens will move automatically in tele or wide setting
Bowens, the UK lighting manufacturer, has announced a new daylight only LED panel for videographers (and stills photographers).The 30x30cm panel provides 4200 Lux of high quality, brilliant 5600°K daylight and retails at £714.00 (inc. VAT). There's no word on availability and the Limelite website is showing the panels and accessories as currently 'out-of-stock'.
Bowens’ Limelite launches new ‘three times brighter’ LED panel for videographers
Bowens has launched Mosaic Daylight - a new high specification, lightweight LED panel for both studio and location video lighting and photography.
The company, which is marketing the unit under its new Limelite videography subdivision, says the panel is capable of producing output three times brighter than more expensive lights of similar size.
The rugged 30x30cm panel provides 4200 Lux of high quality, brilliant 5600°K daylight and retails at £714.00 (inc. VAT).
Robert Cook, Bowens marketing director said: “This new panel with its multiple power, control, mounting and usage options, together with the renowned Bowens build quality, is one of the most versatile, reliable and value for money LED panels on the market. It features 576 ultra-bright LEDs, dimmable from 100-0% - providing output around three times as bright as more expensive, similar-sized lights. The difference can be clearly seen in the amount of usable light projected over greater distances.
The Mosaic, with its mains power and industry standard V-lock battery operation available out of the box is ready to go when you are – anytime and anywhere.
The unique intuitive onboard digital control panel with its bright, clear digital display makes operating the Mosaic quick and easy and with full DMX ‘in and out’ control, remote functionality is equally simple.”
He added: “LED panels are traditionally seen as video lighting but the new Mosaic Daylight features a unique f/stop mode which converts the display to show light output in f/stops – making this panel equally practical for photographers.”
MOSAIC FEATURES:
• Compact, lightweight, 30x30cm daylight LED panel.
• Strong metal construction designed to withstand professional handling.
• Ultra-bright 576 LED configuration provides 4200Lux at 1m.
• Stable 5600K daylight output to +/- 200K.
• Bright LED control display provides clear indication of light output and DMX settings.
• Option to display output in numeric increments of f-stop.
• RJ45 DMX in and out on-board as standard.
• Kit includes V-mount battery adaptor plus multi-voltage AC mains adaptor.
• Optional Anton Bauer battery adaptor available.
• Mounts to any 5/8" support devices including stands, booms and HiGlide fittings.
• 2 and 4-panel mounting kits available for building larger banks of light.
* A complete range of accessories including barn doors, colour control filters and battery mounts is also available for the Mosaic. And UK, Euro and USA power cables are available separately to allow videographers and photographers to use the Mosaic Daylight LED panel anywhere in the world.
The new LED panel is available from video and photographic dealers. More information is available on the Limelite website at www.limelite.uk.com
Lexar has announced that it will support the XQD™ memory card specification for compatibility with Nikon D4 and future XQD-based camera models. The first cards are expected to be available in the third quarter of 2012.
Apart from the obvious adavantages of increased data transfer, this design is a significant step forward from the delicate pin-connector system used on CF cards (and readers).
Lexar Announces Support for XQD Memory Card Specification
Lexar XQD Memory Cards to be Compatible with Nikon D4 and Future XQD-based Camera Models
Fremont, CA, 11 July, 2012 – Lexar, a leading global brand of flash memory products, today announced its support of the XQD™ memory card specification for compatibility with Nikon D4 and future XQD-based camera models. Expected to be available in the third quarter of 2012, Lexar® XQD memory cards will offer high-speed performance in a range of capacities to effectively capture and store high-quality images, 1080p full high-definition (HD) video, and 3D video content.
“By collaborating with Lexar, we’re reinforcing the fact that the XQD specification represents one of the futures of high-performance memory cards,” said Nobuaki Sasagaki, General Manager of marketing department, Imaging Company, Nikon Corporation. “Our cooperation efforts demonstrate the vision shared by Nikon and Lexar to continue advancing the photography and imaging market with innovative technology and extremely high performance.”
“We are committed to offering innovative and industry-leading photography solutions, which is why we’re working with Nikon to offer and co-market XQD memory cards. We view the XQD standard as one of the most logical ways to increase interface speed beyond that of existing CompactFlash technology with the capability of offering performance up to 5Gb per second, in time,” said Wes Brewer, vice president of products and technology, Lexar. “This collaboration provides assured compatibility with Lexar XQD memory cards and Nikon D4 and makes this technology available to the entire photo industry.”
XQD memory cards are based on the PCI Express® specification, which offers 2.5Gb per second performance today with plans for 5Gb per second performance in the future.
Your chance to ‘drop in’ on the new Canon EOS-1D X
Calumet is offering photographers a unique opportunity to ‘test drive’ the new Canon EOS-1D X, dubbed ‘the next generation camera for professionals’.
The photographic retailer has scheduled a series of special ‘Drop In’ and ‘Mentor Me’ days nationwide during July and August.
Explained Sian Hamer, Calumet marketing executive: “This is a chance for photographers to book a free and bespoke thirty minute session with a Canon expert to get hands on with this flagship Canon DSLR for professionals. At ‘Drop In’ days photographers can get expert advice on the 1D X with its 18.1 MP full-frame CMOS sensor; 12 frames per second shooting capability; high resolution solution’ in the darkest conditions and an Ethernet port for fast image transfer.”
She added: “ The ‘Mentor Me’ programme is the option photographers can choose if they are seeking help and advice with any product in the Canon portfolio and looking to improve their overall levels of skill using Canon equipment generally.”
‘Drop In’ and ‘Mentor Me’ days: summer schedule
July 23: Calumet Drummond Street, London (1D X Drop In day)
July 24: Drummond Street (Mentor Me day)
July 25: Calumet Bristol: (1D X & Mentor Me day)
July 26: Calumet Manchester (1D X Drop In day)
July 27: Calumet Manchester (Mentor Me day)
July 30: Calumet Birmingham (1D X Drop In day)
July 31: Calumet Birmingham (Mentor Me day)
August 1: Calumet Edinburgh (1D X & Mentor Me day)
August 2: Calumet Glasgow (1D X & Mentor Me day)
August 3: Calumet Belfast (1D X & Mentor Me day)
Interested photographers can reserve their 1-2-1 appointments with a Canon specialist at any of these events by registering at www.calumetphoto.co.uk/eng/pages/canonevents.cfm
[Update] -The general consensus is that the OM-D E-M5 uses a Sony made sensor, and that is interesting for a number of reasons. When I attended the launch of the Pen E-P3 in Vienna, Austria the rumor beforehand was that sensor was made by a rival to Panasonic, but when it was subsequently announced at 12-megapixel, everyone (me included) assumed the sensor was from the same source. But what if it wasn't? And what if the sensor used a four-colour filter array; R, Gr, B and Gb (emerald)? Who might have made that?
At first I discounted reports that the Olympus OM-D E-M5 carried a Sony made sensor, simply because it requires a huge investment to fabricate a new format like this for a single camera manufacturer, let alone a single model. But the Japan based site, DC Watch are reporting the comments made about Sony as the fab-maker by the Olympus President were directed towards the camera and not a microscope, which was apparently the subject being discussed at that time. Sony is a supplier of sensors for the maker's digital compact cameras, as well as their microscopes it seems, but we're still really none the wiser concerning the origins of the sensor in the OM-D EM-5. A spokesperson for Olympus UK declined to comment.
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