PhotographySavvy

Olympus Introduces New PEN Camera

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:21:05 -0500

Olympus has introduced the E-P2, the latest in their line of Micro Four-Thirds cameras. The E-P2 has many of the same features as the E-P1 (read our hands-on here) but adds an accessory port for viewfinders or microphones, new Art Filters, better AF tracking, manual control in the HD movie function, and a black paint job. The E-P2 will be available in a kit with the new VF-2 and either the 17mm Pancake lens, or 14-42mm lens. Both kits will have an estimated selling price of $1099.99 and are expected to be available in January 2010. It's not clear if it will sell alongside the E-P1 or will be a full replacement - I'd imagine the former because of the price difference.

Also announced were two new Micro Four-Thirds lenses: the ultra-wide M.Zuikon Digital ED 9-18mm f/4-5.6 and superzoom M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-150mm f/4-5.6. No pricing was discussed but the lenses are expected to be released sometime in the beginning of 2010.

Lightroom 3 Public Beta

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:28:31 -0500

Adobe has once again announced a public beta for its upcoming version of Lightroom. The beta contains some of the new features tapped for the full release including new performance architecture, improved noise reduction, improved watermarking, film grain simulation, and improved custom printing.

Canon Announces EOS-1D Mark IV

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 07:42:34 -0500

Canon has announced the highly-anticipated replacement to their EOS-1D line with the EOS-1D Mark IV. The EOS-1D Mark IV sticks with the 1D series' 1.3x APS-H sized sensor, but now bumps the resolution up to 16.1 Megapixels. Not to be outdone by last week's D3s announcement, the 1D Mark IV also features an astounding ISO range of 100-12,800, with a H3 expansion equivalent to ISO 102,400. The EOS-1D Mark IV also features an extensive video mode with resolution up to 1080p, selectable frame rates, and manual exposure control. Other features include an all-new 45-point AF system (with 39 cross-type points), 3.0-inch high resolution LCD, 10 FPS with a buffer up to 121 Large JPEG images, and dual DIGIC IV processors.

The EOS-1D Mark IV should make waves when it hits dealers this December at an estimated price of $4999.00.

D3 Gets the "S" Treatment

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:38:51 -0500

Nikon has updated their flagship D3 with the new D3s. The new body utilizes a re-designed version of the Nikon 12.1 Megapixel FX-format CMOS sensor that integrates a wider ISO range, making the D3s capable of shooting from ISO-200-12,800, with a new Hi 3 setting equivalent to ISO-102,400(!). It is also the first FX-format camera to integrate HD video capture, with 720p at 24 frames per second with aperture control from f/1.4-f/16. The camera also features a new 1.2x crop mode, giving a slight boost in magnification without sacrificing too much resolution (down to 8.4 megapixels). The continuous shooting buffer has also been doubled from the original D3's factory default, but is roughly the same as one with the Memory Expansion (48-NEF frames). Other highlight features include improved Live-View AF, dust-reduction, Silent-shutter mode, and improved Active D-Lighting.

The Nikon D3s will be available late-November with an estimated selling price of $5199.99.

Nikon Unveils New Micro Nikkor for DX

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:19:29 -0500

In a somewhat surprising move, Nikon has announced the first Micro Nikkor made specifically for DX sensors. The AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 85mm f/3.5G ED VR features 14 groups in 10 elements and a closest-focus capability of 0.9ft with 1:1 reproduction. It also features all of the latest technology you would expect from recent Nikkors, such as a Silent Wave Motor, Extra Low Dispersion Glass, Internal Focusing, and Vibration Reduction II. When mounted on a DX format sensor, the lens provides a field of view of about a 128mm lens in a 35mm format. The AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 85mm f/3.5G ED VR will be available this December with an estimated selling price of $529.99.

Hands On: Olympus PEN E-P1

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:36:35 -0500

The Olympus PEN E-P1 is a camera that many photo enthusiasts have been dreaming about for a long time. It's a relatively small camera with a decent sized sensor and interchangeable lenses. The question on everyone's mind is how does it stack up? I had the chance to get some hands-on experience with the PEN E-P1; continue reading to find out how it handles.

Olympus PEN System

Body

Just by looking at the E-P1, one thing is very clear: it is a very slick looking camera. It has a brushed metal finish and a very "retro" look like cameras from the 1960s and 70s (the time period when the original Olympus PEN was very popular). In my opinion, the E-P1 even feels a little like cameras of that period.

The camera itself feels very comfortable in your hand. While some people claim the camera feels "cheap," I think that's absolutely false. It definitely feels lighter than you would expect (which isn't necessarily a bad thing) but is still very solid. It's very easy to grip, even over long periods of time.

Leica 09-09-09 Webcast Recap

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:28:55 -0500

The conference starts at about 9:15 with Rudi Spiller, CEO of Leica Camera AG, welcoming everyone. He talks a bit about how Leica aspires to create the best photographic equipment and spares no expense. He informs the audience that a Leica rangefinder has over 1000 parts and each one takes 7 hours to make. They make roughly 700 in a month and they are largely hand-assembled.

Spiller then moves on and discusses the history of Leica camera. He talks a bit about the Leitz cameras in the early 1900s and the original M released in 1954. Leica's worldwide repair facilities can repair almost any lens or camera Leica has ever produced.

Leica Announces Full-Frame M9

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 08:21:13 -0500

After much internet speculation and many teasers, Leica has announced the M9 - the world's first full-frame digital rangefinder. The M9 boasts a 35mm full-frame 18.5 megapixel CCD sensor with an ISO range of 80 up to 2500. The sensor itself utilizes a micro lens array in order to optimize light sensitivity. The camera itself features the same simplistic and intuitive controls of the M8. In a very interesting move, the M9 features a new glass cover over the sensor that no longer requires the use of UV-IR filters over the front of the lens. The M9 will also utilize most of the accessories from the M8 including the battery, grip, cases, and flashes.

The M9 is expected to be available at the end of September in black or steel grey with an estimated selling price of $6999.99. Just like the newly announced X1, it will come bundled with Adobe Photoshop Lightroom as its RAW (DNG format) workflow software.

Leica Announces X1

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 07:56:48 -0500

Today Leica has announced the X1, a high performance compact camera with a fixed focal-length lens. The X1 features a 12 megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor and a Leica Elmarit 24mm f/2.8 ASPH Lens (equivalent to a 36mm in 35mm format). It also offers an 11-point autofocus system, built-in pop-up flash, image stabilization, ISO range from 100-3200, and 3 frames per second shooting speed in both RAW (DNG format!) and JPEG. The X1 is developed in Germany by Leica, and certainly captures the look and feel of a classic Leica with its aluminum top and bottom plates and magnesium body.

The Leica X1 is expected to be available this December with an estimated selling price of $1999.99. Like any Leica system camera, there will be a range of accessories available including a bright line viewfinder, hand grip, external flashes, and several cases. Very interestingly, it will come bundled with Adobe Photoshop Lightroom as its RAW workflow software.

Tamron Announces VC Equipped 17-50mm f/2.8

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 08:27:13 -0500

Tamron has announced the release of the SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II VC LD Aspherical [IF]. The new lens adds Tamron's Vibration Control mechanism while maintaining the very popular focal range. It has also been re-designed over the previous (and still current) AF17-50mm F/2.8 Di-II LD Aspherical, making it slightly larger, and heavier. The Nikon version of the lens will be available first around mid-late September, with the Canon version to follow shortly after. Pricing was not available at this time.

Canon Unveils EOS 7D

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 09:06:02 -0500

As expected, Canon has announced the EOS 7D APS-C Digital SLR. This all new 18-Megapixel camera seems to be a complete overhaul of the EOS 40/50D series camera. With highlight features such as eight fps continuous shooting, Dual DIGIC 4 processors, a new 19-point AF-system, 100% viewfinder with 1.0x magnification, and an ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to 12,800), this should provide a lot of versatility for many different types of shooters. Also added is Full HD movie capture at 1920 x 1080 with selectable frame-rates and manual exposure control.

Canon also seemed to have taken user feedback into consideration and provided a lot of new features such as on-demand grid lines and overlays on the focus screen, virtual horizon, and wireless Speedlight control integrated into the built-in pop-up flash.

The EOS 7D will be available at the end of September with a body-only price of $1699.99, or kitted with the EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM for $1899.99

Canon's Lens Lineup Gets Stable

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 08:30:14 -0500

Canon has unveiled three new lenses today to their lineup of EF and EF-S lenses. First up is the EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM Macro, the first lens to utilize Canon's new Hybrid Image Stabilization system. Traditional stabilization systems only compensate for angular camera shake. The new Hybrid IS system compensations for both acceleration (shift) and angular camera shake. This is especially critical for macro photography where even the smallest amount of shake can ruin the image. The new lens has what you would come to expect from an L lens and also features an optional tripod collar. It is supposed to complement the existing 100mm f/2.8 Macro lens.

Canon Unveils High Sensitivity System Cameras

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:51:29 -0500

Canon has unveiled a new 10-Megapixel High Sensitivity System in two of their high-end compact cameras. This new system is supposed to improve image quality in low-light and high ISO settings, a typical achilles heel of compact cameras. First up is the Powershot G11, the latest addition to their popular G-series. Features include a 5x Image Stabilized zoom (28-140mm f/2.8-4.5), RAW image capture, ISO 80-3200, a 2.8-inch tilt/swivel LCD screen, optical viewfinder and compatibility with Canon EX-series speedlights. The Powershot G11 will be available this October with an estimated selling price of $499.99.

Next is the return of the S-series with the all new Powershot S90. The camera features an impressive 3.8x Image Stabilized USM zoom with a 35mm equivalent to 28-105mm f/2.0-4.9. Other features include a customizable control ring, RAW image capture, 3.0-inch LCD screen, and a compact design. The Powershot S90 will also be available this October with an estimated selling price of $429.99

Fixed D5000s in the Wild

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 21:48:59 -0500

If you are planning on purchasing a D5000 but are afraid of getting a bad one, you might not have to wait much longer. Nikon has shipped out D5000 bodies and kits that do not fall under the service advisory. These newer cameras can be distinguished by the red dot next to the UPC code. It also appears that the new cameras have some of the specs and accessories listed on the outside of the box are listed in both English and Spanish. You can see the difference between a new shipment and the service advisory batch below:

Nikon Announces D300s

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 09:27:55 -0500

Nikon has announced an update to the popular D300 DSLR with the D300s. While most of the core features of the original D300 remain the same, updated features include HD Video capture (720p at 24fps), 7fps continuous shooting, and quiet shutter release. The D300s is also the first Nikon DSLR that accepts both CF and SD cards simultaneously. Users will be able to configure the camera to shoot different file formats to both cards, use the second card as an overflow, or shoot video to one and still to the other. The D300s will be available late August with an estimated selling price of $1799.99. There will also be kits with the new AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f3.5-5.6 ED VR II or AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR, however, pricing was not available at this time.