 | Digital Photography Review NewsletterWednesday, 26 September 2012 The most popular weekly photography newsletter, with over 300,000 subscribers |
| Welcome to the 479th Digital Photography Review newsletter. Photokina 2012 round-up
The dpreview team has just got back from the Photokina trade show in Cologne, Germany and, while the jet-lag may be waning, our heads are still spinning from typhoon of interesting products launched at the show. Unlike previous shows, where product announcements came in stages and built up to a crescendo at the show itself, Photokina 2012 was characterised by a whirlwind of activity the day before the show opened to the public. This made it easy for interesting cameras, lenses and announcements to get lost in the squall so, now the storm has passed, we thought we'd assess the post-Photokina landscape. What stands out and why do we think the next few months will be some of the most interesting we've seen for years? A flurry of full frameThe biggest news at the show for enthusiast photographers was probably the arrival of a new generation of full frame cameras. Nikon and Canon introduced less expensive models, the D600 and EOS 6D to sit below their D800 and 5D Mark III. Meanwhile Sony, which offered the first sub-$2000 full frame DSLR with the A850, created a rather more high-end affair with the SLT-A99. Bristling with features both for stills and video shooters and making the most of its full-time live-view SLT design, the A99 is a camera I think none of us will fully appreciate until we've had time to try it.
That said, the Nikon D600 is not a camera to be underestimated. Although it doesn't offer a lot in the way of new novel technologies, it has a spec sheet crammed with familiar, high-end features. It's essentially a full-frame D7000, but that means it doesn't give up much in terms of specification to the much more expensive D800. And, by comparison, Canon's EOS 6D seems a little slight. The list prices of the two cameras are similar in most territories (with the Nikon being a shade pricier in some), but the D600 offers more focus points, a viewfinder with 100% coverage, slightly faster continuous shooting, twin card slots and a built-in flash capable of controlling groups of remote flashguns. The Canon, by contrast has an AF system rated to -3EV (one quarter of the light needed by the Nikon), and built-in GPS and Wi-Fi, which the Nikon gains only via a little plug-in accessory.
But it wasn't just the mainstream brands celebrating the 36x24mm frame - Leica introduced the 'M' - a camera that is likely to be remembered in the company's history for its number of 'firsts.' It's Leica's first CMOS-based rangefinder, its first to shoot movies and its first to offer live view (even to the point of allowing a through-the-lens EVF to be added). It's also the first to abandon numbering - with the company adopting an intentionally timeless naming scheme, in the style of the Porsche 911. Not only does it stress the camera's status as part of a dynasty, it also gives the Leica-philes their own shibboleth (the cognoscenti will call this M the 'typ 240'). Alongside the M is the M-E, a slightly stripped-down M9 at a still bank-balance troubling $5,450. Mirrorless maturityThis is the second Photokina since Panasonic's DMC-G1 announced the dawn of the age of the mirrorless camera. It's taken all that time for the industry to agree on a single term for these cameras but there were signs in Cologne (including a huge '1st Mirrorless' campaign from Panasonic - one of the companies most resistent to the term), that 'mirrorless' has finally been near universally accepted.
Then there's the XE-1 (one of the stars of the show from my personal perspective - Richard). It brings the sensor and image quality from the X-Pro1 to a smaller body and adds in Sony's excellent OLED viewfinder. Combine that with an F2.8-4 18-55mm lens that seems to focus pretty quickly and, so long as it doesn't throw up any surprises, it looks like it could make a tempting camera (or second camera) for someone who might previously have bought a mid-level DSLR (it's around the same price as the Nikon D7000 was, at launch). Meanwhile Panasonic tried to cement its position in the stills/movie crossover market with the impressive-looking GH3. It's the biggest Micro Four Thirds camera yet, and the most solidly built. Panasonic promises much in the way of stills image prowess but it's the bewildering range of movie frame rates, compression types and features such as time code that show it is serious about film making. Lenses for mirrorlessThe increasing maturity of Mirrorless cameras is also reflected in the continued expansion of the lens ranges for the major systems. Panasonic and Olympus both further swelled the ranks of the Micro Four Thirds system with a selection of lenses, further bolstering its position as best-developed mirrorless system. Panasonic announced its long-awaited 35-100mm F2.8 telezoom and promised the high-end 14.2mm F1.2 and a 150mm F2.8 super-tele. Olympus, meanwhile, unveiled a 60mm F2.8 Macro lens, promised a 17mm F1.8 fast normal and created a distinctly eccentric 15mm F8 lens/body cap.
Sony also added some key lenses to the E-mount used by its NEX system, with the addition of a 10-18mm F4 ultra-wide-angle zoom, a 35mm F1.8 fast normal and a compact, retractable and rather nicely implemented 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 power zoom. Samsung debuted a rather inexpensive-feeling 45mm F1.8 (which seems a little short for its described purpose as a portrait lens) and a 12-24mm F4-5.6 wide-angle zoom. Finally, from the camera makers, were Fujilfilm's promised 18-55mm F2.8-4 OIS and its 21mm equivalent 14mm F2.8 prime.
However, a trend we found really interesting was the promise of autofocus lenses from two of the industry's most respected lens makers. Carl Zeiss has said it will make a series of AF lenses for the Sony E mount and Fujifilm X-mount, while Schneider Kreuznach showed mock-ups of three lenses for the Micro Four Thirds system. These lenses show a lot of faith that there is a market for high-end customers (we expect all these lenses to cost at least $1,000). Quality compacts continueAlongside the mirrorless refresh comes a continued surge of enthusiast compacts, which shows no sign of being abated by the emergence of the enthusiast mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. And the good news is that there seems to be a trend towards faster lenses, to make the most of their 1/1.7" sensors. In recent months we've seen the Nikon P7700 arrive with a newly fast lens (28-200mm equiv, F2.8-4), and the Samsung EX2F bring a newer sensor and Wi-Fi to the Korean giant's offering. Photokina raised the stakes still further - Canon's S110 gains Wi-Fi and a touch screen, while its PowerShot G15follows Nikon's lead by offering a brighter zoom without compromising range (28-140mm equiv. at F1.8-2.8 sounds pretty handy).
Olympus too has a promising product in the XZ-2, which appears to address many of our concerns about its predecessor while keeping the bits we liked. There's a lot more customization to be had, along with a flip-up screen, newer sensor and clever dual-mode control dial, combined with an excellent 28-112mm equiv. F1.8-2.5 lens. The only concern we have based on our limited use of the camera is the bulk it's gained over the XZ-1. Which isn't a concern we have about the undeniably pretty Fujifilm XF1. It features larger-than-average 2/3" sensor (as seen in the X10), combined with a 28-100mm equiv. F1.8-4.9 zoom. Our first impressions of its user interface are promising - further adding to our headache of which camera we need to get hold of first. Out of the blue
The move towards connectivity continued, not just with the EOS 6D and Canon S110, but also with the Samsung Galaxy Camera. The lines between camera and smartphone have never seemed so subtle, with Samsung effectively adding the sensor and processor from one of its WB series of superzooms to the back of one of its Galaxy smartphones. The Galaxy Camera takes a key step ahead of Nikon's Coolpix S800c, which also offers an Android-based camera, through its inclusion of 3G or 4G cellular connectivity. It's hard to imagine how the added convenience of full-time internet access will change the way you use a camera, but we suspect a lot of its success will depend on how the mobile contracts required end up being priced.
And finally, it would be hard to write about Photokina 2012 without mentioning the Hassleblad Lunar. The first product of a collaboration with Sony, the Lunar will offer the buyer a bespoke selection of premium materials to house a series of distinctly NEX-7-like camera components. The company stresses that it will be built in Sweden from the finest materials, but this aggressive leveraging of a brand name provoked dismay and ridicule in equal measure. We're not really in the luxury goods business, so it's probably irrelevant what we think of it as a camera. It'll be interesting to see how the Hassy/Sony collaboration pans out, though (including the 'product for the DSLR segment').
Finally, then, were the unexpected full frame cameras from Sony - the NEX-VG900, a video camera that allows the use of a wide range of full-frame and APS-C lenses, and the RX1, a super-high-end fixed lens full frame compact. The VG900's E-mount means almost any lens can be fitted using an adapter, such as the new LA-EA3 full frame E-A mount adapter. Sony has stressed that creating full frame lenses for it would essentially mean re-creating the lenses it already offers in A-mount. However, it's the $2,700 Cyber-Shot RX1 that had everyone talking. With its fixed, 35mm F2 lens (itself a wonder of design), it risks being a heroically niche product, but desirable nonetheless. And, in an odd way, it's hard not to wonder whether it would have been taken more seriously if it had said Hasselblad on the front. Richard | |
| News updates Just Posted: Hands-on Fujifilm XF1 previewPublished on Monday, September 17, 2012 5:00:00 AM GMT
Just Posted: Our Fujifilm XF1 hands-on preview. Fujifilm has starting making cameras worth taking seriously with its X-series, both at the compact camera and interchangeable lens end of the spectrum. The XF1 uses the 2/3"-type sensor from the XS1 and X10, and builds it into an attractive, retro-styled compact body with a usefully fast lens that includes a retracting mechanical zoom ring. How does it stack up against its rivals? Read our preview to find out. Read full story →Fujifilm extends X-series with XF1 12MP pocketable enthusiast compactPublished on Monday, September 17, 2012 5:00:00 AM GMT
Photokina 2012: Fujifilm has launched the XF1, a 12MP pocketable enthusiast compact camera. The XF1 features classic styling, a 25-100mm equivalent, F1.8-4.9 image-stabilized lens and a fairly large 2/3" CMOS sensor. The XF1 uses Fujifilm's EXR technology to offer improved noise or dynamic range modes at 6MP output. The camera features aluminium construction with a synthetic leather grip in one of three colors, and has a unique retracting mechanical zoom ring. Fujifilm promises fast response times and rapid focusing. Read full story →Just Posted: Hands-on Canon EOS 6D previewPublished on Monday, September 17, 2012 8:00:00 AM GMT
Just Posted: Our hands-on preview of Canon's enthusiast-grade full frame DSLR, the EOS 6D. The 6D features a newly-developed 20.2MP CMOS sensor and a magnesium alloy body. To distinguish it from the more expensive 5D Mark III, the 6D features a simpler, 11-point AF system with a single cross-type focus sensor. It also features a smaller, 97% coverage viewfinder. What do these, and a handful of other, omissions mean for the 6D and how to it match up to Nikon's D600? Read our hands-on preview to find out. Read full story →Just Posted: Canon PowerShot G15 previewPublished on Monday, September 17, 2012 8:00:00 AM GMT
Just Posted: Our Canon PowerShot G15 hands-on preview. It would have been easy to assume the small-sensor PowerShot G series was at an end when Canon introduced the 1.5" sensor G1 X, but the G15 continues the 1/1.7" sensor tradition and looks back to the series' beginnings with the addition of a bright lens. The 28-140mm equivalent, F1.8-2.8 lens offers a pretty impressive specification in anyone's book (it's over a stop brighter than the G12, all the way through the range). So is the camera to stand up to the enthusiast camera onslaught? Read our preview to find out our early thoughts. Read full story →Just posted: Canon Powershot S110 hands-on previewPublished on Monday, September 17, 2012 8:00:00 AM GMT
Just Posted: Our Canon PowerShot S110 hands-on preview. Canon's latest enthusiast 'shirt-pocket' compact looks very similar to last year's S100, but gains a touchscreen and built-in WiFi connectivity at the expense of its predecessor's GPS. But the S110 is entering a more-crowded market place, with larger-sensored rivals now available. So what does it offer to stay competitive? Read our preview to find out more about it. Read full story →Canon announces EOS 6D enthusiast-level Wi-Fi capable full-frame DSLRPublished on Monday, September 17, 2012 8:00:00 AM GMT
Photokina 2012: Canon has announced the EOS 6D, a smaller, lighter and more affordable full frame DSLR for enthusiast photographers. The 20.2MP camera uses a newly-developed sensor and features an 11-point autofocus system with a single cross-type sensor. Canon says it will focus in lower light than any of its previous cameras. The 6D becomes the company's first EOS model to include GPS and Wi-Fi, to make sharing images easier. It uses its large sensor to offer a native ISO range of 100-25,600, expandable to 50-102,400. Read full story →Canon releases PowerShot G15 with fast lens and SX50 HS 50x superzoomPublished on Monday, September 17, 2012 8:00:00 AM GMT
Photokina 2012: Canon has refreshed its G-series enthusiast compact with the G15, and created the implausible SX50 HS. The G15 is a successor to the G12 and is built around a 12MP, 1/1.7" CMOS sensor. Its lens also gets an upgrade - retaining its 28-140mm range but now with a maximum aperture of F1.8-2.8. It loses the G12's articulated screen but gains a higher-resolution, 920k dot panel. Meanwhile the SX50 HS features a remarkable 24-1200mm equivalent 50x zoom, thanks to its smaller 1/2.3" CMOS sensor. Read full story →Canon updates S series with PowerShot S110 12MP Wi-Fi enthusiast compactPublished on Monday, September 17, 2012 8:00:00 AM GMT
Photokina 2012: Canon updates its S series with the PowerShot S110. The S110 is a gentle refresh of the S100, gaining Wi-Fi capability and a touchscreen, alongside an updated 12MP CMOS sensor. It retains the stabilized 24-100mm equivalent, F2.0-5.9 zoom, Digic 5 processor and GPS capability from its predecessor. The only visual change from the S100 is the loss of the ridge grip on the camera's front. The S110 will cost around $449 and will be available in black or white. Read full story →Olympus refreshes PENS with E-PL5 and E-PM2 touch-screen 16MP mirrorless modelsPublished on Monday, September 17, 2012 9:00:00 AM GMT
Photokina 2012: Olympus has refreshed its PEN series with the PEN Lite E-PL5 and PEN Mini E-PM2 16MP touch-screen mirrorless cameras. Both models feature the 16MP sensor and TruePic VI image processor first seen in the OM-D E-M5. Both cameras also gain 460,000 dot, touch-sensitive rear LCDs, with the ability to focus and shoot by touching the screen. They can also shoot at 8 frames per second. The E-PL5 offers a mode dial, an extra button, flip-up LCD and E-P3-style screw-on front grip over the PEN Mini. The E-PL5 will cost $699 with the 14-42mm retractable zoom, while the E-PM2 will cost $599 with the same lens. Read full story →Olympus creates XZ-2 iHS fast lens, CMOS enthusiast compact cameraPublished on Monday, September 17, 2012 9:00:00 AM GMT
Photokina 2012: Olympus has unveiled the XZ-2 enthusiast compact camera with a 12MP 1/1.7" back-illumination CMOS sensor and touch-screen. The XZ-2 features the same 28-112mm equivalent F1.8-2.5 lens as the XZ-1 but adds a more modern sensor, screw-on hand grips, tilting touch-screen and a two-mode control dial around the lens. In one mode the dial features click-stops, allowing control over discrete features such as aperture or exposure compensation, but flip the switch on the front of the camera and the ring rotates smoothly, and switches to controlling zoom or manual focus. The XZ-2 will sell for around $599/£479.99. Read full story →Olympus creates 60mm F2.8 Macro and promises 17mm F1.8 for Micro Four ThirdsPublished on Monday, September 17, 2012 9:00:00 AM GMT
Photokina 2012: Olympus has launched two lenses for the Micro Four Thirds system, including the M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm 1:2.8 Macro, and announced it is developing a 17mm F1.8 fast prime. It has also made an unusual 15mm F8 'body cap lens' that's just 9mm thick. The final lens is a special edition black version of its existing high-end 12mm F2.0 prime. The 60mm Macro will cost around $499/£429, and the black 12mm F2.0 will be $1099/£849. Read full story →Just Posted: Olympus PEN E-PL5 and E-PM2 preview, with E-PL5 samplesPublished on Monday, September 17, 2012 9:07:39 AM GMT
Just Posted: Our hands-on preview of the Olympus PEN E-PL5 and PEN E-PM2. The two baby PENs, the Lite and Mini have done a good job of offering some of the least exensive mirrorless cameras on the market but have, until now, relied on an ageing 12MP sensor. Now the OM-D's 16MP sensor makes its way into both the latest PEN Lite (the E-PL5) and the PEN Mini (the E-PM2). They also gain touch screens and a series of other updates. Read our preview to find out more, which includes a small gallery of real-world samples from the E-PL5. Read full story →Just Posted: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 previewPublished on Monday, September 17, 2012 11:00:00 AM GMT
Just Posted: Our Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 preview. The GH3 builds on the success Panasonic had with its GH2. With more rugged magnesium alloy construction and a new 16MP sensor, it offers plenty for stills photographers but it's the video specifications that make it a stand-out. Panasonic has been asking video professionals what they wanted out of a camera. Is the GH3 the camera they've been asking for? Read our hands-on preview to find out. Read full story →Panasonic announces Lumix G X 35-100mm F2.8 fast telezoomPublished on Monday, September 17, 2012 11:01:09 AM GMT
Photokina 2012: Panasonic has formally announced the Lumix G X 35-100mm F2.8 lens, a fast telephoto zoom for Micro Four Thirds cameras such as the co-announced DMC-GH3. The metal body is dust- and splash-proof to match the GH3, and both zoom and focus are internal. The lens also features 'Power OIS' optical image stabilization, and uses Panasonic's Nano Surface Coating to minimize flare and ghosting. Read full story →Panasonic announces DMC-GH3 high-end movie-focused mirrorless cameraPublished on Monday, September 17, 2012 11:02:23 AM GMT
Photokina 2012: Panasonic has unveiled the DMC-GH3, its most movie-orientated Micro Four Thirds camera yet. The GH3 is built around a new 16MP sensor, which the company promises will offer improved image quality. In addition the camera, which now features a larger and weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, is packed with videographer-friendly features. These include 3.5mm mic and headphone sockets, 60p/60i/30p/24p output, All-I or IPB compression options (at up to 80 or 50 Mbps respectively) and timecode support. There will also be the option of a battery grip to allow shooting for longer periods. Read full story →Panasonic promises 42.5mm F1.2 and 150mm F2.8 lenses for 2013/2014Published on Monday, September 17, 2012 12:07:04 PM GMT
Photokina 2012: Panasonic has promised two new lenses for its Lumix G Micro Four Thirds system, a fast 42.5mm F1.2 'portrait' lens and a 150mm F2.8 telephoto. Both lenses will include optical image stabilization, but there are no further details at present. Both are slated for release in 2013-2014. Read full story →Phase One and Mamiya Leaf reveal 645DF+ autofocus medium format cameraPublished on Monday, September 17, 2012 1:00:00 PM GMT
Photokina 2012: Phase One has announced the 645DF+ camera platform and Schneider Kreuznach 28mm LS f/4.5 Aspherical lens. The 645DF+ supports more than 50 digital backs and 80 lenses and can be used both with a focal plane or leaf shutter lenses, leading Phase One to call it 'the world's more versatile camera platform for high end photography.' The 645DF+, which will also be sold under the Mamiya brand name by Mamiya Leaf, can shoot at shutter speeds of up to 1/4000th of a second and can sync with strobes at up to 1/1600th with leaf-shutter lenses such as the Schneider 28mm. The lens offers a 102° field-of-view (equivalent to around 17.5mm in 135 terms) and will focus down to 35cm. The camera and lens command prices of around $5990/€4290 each and will both be available from October 2012. Read full story →Samsung announces 12-24mm F4 and 45mm F1.8 lenses for NXPublished on Monday, September 17, 2012 3:27:24 PM GMT
Photokina 2012: Samsung has announced two lenses for its NX mirrorless camera system, a 12-24mm F4-5.6 ultra-wideangle zoom and a 45mm F1.8 short telephoto prime. With angles of view equivalent to 18.5-37mm and 69mm respectively, both are billed by Samsung as lightweight and portable, and feature the company's unique i-Function control system. The 45mm also uses a stepper motor for fast and quiet autofocus. Read full story →Sigma launches three lenses, one in each of newly branded product categoriesPublished on Monday, September 17, 2012 5:00:00 PM GMT
Photokina 2012: Sigma has announced it will brand its lenses in three categories and has introduced a new lens in each of the categories. The 'Contemporary' range will cover compact, flexible zooms, such as the new, smaller 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC OS Macro designed for APS-C DSLRs. The 'Art' range will include lenses such as primes, wide-angles and macros, and a new 35mm F1.4 DG HSM covering a full-frame imaging circle. Finally, the 'Sports' range will encompass Sigma's telephoto primes, telephoto zooms and superzooms, such as the new 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM. Read full story →Lexar announces 256GB SDXC UHS-1 cardPublished on Monday, September 17, 2012 6:16:52 PM GMT
Lexar has announced its Professional 256GB SDXC UHS-I memory card, offering the industry's highest storage capacity to date in an SDXC card. In addition to providing longer recording times for HD video capture, the Class 10 card offers a guaranteed read speed of 60MB/s, enabling faster transfers of video files and high resolution images to a computer. It will become available in October with a retail price of $899.99 in the US and £670.99 in the UK. Read full story →Leica announces 'M' 24MP live view full-frame CMOS rangefinder with moviesPublished on Monday, September 17, 2012 7:00:00 PM GMT
Photokina 2012: Leica has announced its latest M series rangefinder - the 24MP CMOS Leica M. The company says all future M models will also simply be called the 'M'. The latest model (referred to as 'Typ 240') becomes the first of its rangefinders to feature live view, and offers a choice of magnified view or focus peaking for precise through-the-lens focusing, allowing Leica to promise compatibilty with R-mount lenses. It also becomes the first M capable of movie shooting - capturing 1080p footage at 25 or 24 frames per second. It includes a 920k dot LCD with smartphone-style Gorilla Glass cover, and accepts the same plug-in EVF as used by the X2. Availability is scheduled for early 2013 with a retail price of $6,950 in the US and £5100 in the UK. Read full story →Leica announces the M-E, a stripped-down 18MP full-frame rangefinderPublished on Monday, September 17, 2012 7:00:00 PM GMT
Photokina 2012: Leica has announced a more affordable rangefinder: the Leica M-E. Built around the familiar full-frame 18MP CCD, the company describes the M-E as being a stripped-back camera, offering just the basics required for photography. Its core specifications are essentially the same as the M9's, including an ISO range of 160-2500, 0.68x magnification viewfinder, and the same 230k dot 2.5" screen. It'll be available from Leica dealers later this month with a retail price of $5,450 in the US and £3900 in the UK. Read full story →Leica reveals D-Lux 6 fast-lensed enthusiast compactPublished on Monday, September 17, 2012 7:02:38 PM GMT
Leica has announced the D-Lux 6 - a fast-lensed compact designed for enthusiast photographers. It's Leica's reworking of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7, and shares that model's key features; a super-fast F1.4-2.3 24-90mm equivalent lens in front of a 10.1MP 1/1.7" CMOS sensor. It has an aperture ring around the lens, records FullHD movies at 60fps, and accepts a high resolution plug-in electronic viewfinder, the EVF3. Read full story →Leica announces V-Lux 4 superzoom with F2.8 lensPublished on Monday, September 17, 2012 7:02:56 PM GMT
Photokina 2012: Leica has revealed the V-Lux 4 - a 24X superzoom with an impressive constant F2.8 lens and high-resolution electronic viewfinder. That fast lens means that it should be easier to capture high-quality images at the full extent of the zoom, without having to use high ISO settings. It also has a 1.3m dot equivalent electronic viewfinder and a 460k dot, 3" articulated screen. The V-Lux 4 can also shoot at 12 frames per second and can capture 1080p video at 60fps or 720p at up to 120fps. Read full story →Leica announces S-System 37MP medium format body and lensesPublished on Monday, September 17, 2012 10:59:51 PM GMT
Photokina 2012: Leica has announced its latest S series medium format camera body. The new model retains its predecessor's 37.5MP resolution but has improved image processing, a sensitivity range of ISO 100-1600, a 2GB image buffer and 166MB/s transfer rate. A new predictive AF system and 920k dot resolution rear LCD panel round out the highlights, along with an internal GPS module. The camera will be available in December for a retail price of US $21,950. Three new lenses for the system have also been announced; the Super-Elmar-S 24 mm f/3.5 ASPH, Vario-Elmar-S 30-90 mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH and TS-APO- Elmar-S 120 mm f/5.6 ASPH. tilt/shift lens. Read full story →Hasselblad announces 24MP Lunar - an 'ultimate luxury' mirrorless cameraPublished on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 1:59:46 PM GMT
Photokina 2012: Hasselblad plans to release a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera utilizing Sony's E-Mount. The Hasselblad Lunar, which is expected to cost around €5000 (~$6500) appears to share a lot of technology with Sony's recent NEX-7 model, including the same 24.3MP CMOS sensor, OLED 'True Finder' EVF, and the 'TriNavi' navigation system. The Lunar, which is set for launch in the first quarter of 2013, will be available 'in a choice of standard models plus a variety of exclusive hand grips and precious materials on special order.' [Updated with images of mockups] Read full story →Sony and Hasselblad announce partnership with DSLR on the horizonPublished on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 2:51:26 PM GMT
Sony and Hasselblad have announced a partnership that will result in an E-mount camera, a compact camera and a product for the DSLR segment. Hasselblad says the aim of the partnership is to 'cultivate new markets for photo enthusiasts and consumer digital imaging products' and will begin with an E-mount camera, called the Hasselblad Lunar. The use of the words 'DSLR segment' implicity doesn't rule-out the possibility that Hasselblad will adopt Sony's SLT system (or simply re-brand one of its models). Read full story →Google acquires Nik Software with focus on mobile usersPublished on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 5:18:17 PM GMT
Google has acquired Nik Software, the San Diego-based maker of standalone and plug-in image editing tools. While Nik has a wide portfolio of products for photographers, industry insiders agree that the impetus behind the move was to acquire Snapseed, Nik's mobile image editing and sharing app. In light of Facebook's earlier acquisition of the highly popular Instagram app, the acquisition of one of its rivals is seen as an effort to make Google+ more attractive to mobile photographers. Financial terms have not been disclosed but Google's Senior Vice President of Engineering has stated the company's committment to Nik's plugins and high-end software. Read full story →Think Tank announces 'pilot's case' and messenger-style camera bagsPublished on Tuesday, September 18, 2012 8:09:29 PM GMT
Bag maker Think Tank has announced two new products. The Airport Navigator is a rolling pilot's case that allows access to your gear from both the top and front. It is designed to hold two pro-size bodies and three to six lenses, two flash units, an iPad and laptop. The company has also announced a new line of CityWalker messenger-style shoulder bags. These come in three sizes, each capable of holding a standard-size camera body and medium range zoom. Both the Airport Navigator and CityWalker bags are to be released in November. Read full story →Photokina 2012: Interview - Jesko von Oeynhausen of LeicaPublished on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 8:44:26 AM GMT
Photokina 2012 is proving a busy show for Leica, with two new M models, the 'M', which succeeds the M9, and offers live view and movie mode, among other refinements, and the ME - a cut-down model, which offers the same functionality as the M9 at a more affordable price. Barnaby Britton caught up with M product manager Jesko von Oeynhausen at the Leica stand. Read full story →Sir Jonathan Ive to design one-of-a-kind Leica M rangefinderPublished on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 11:06:57 AM GMT
Leica has announced that it is in discussions with Sir Jonathan Ive - chief designer at Apple - about designing a unique, one-of-a-kind version of its new M rangefinder. In a statement to the British Journal of Photography, Leica has confirmed that the intention is for the resulting camera to be auctioned for charity in summer 2013. Sir Jonathan Ive is one of the most well-known industrial designers in the world, and is responsible for the design of some of Apple's most iconic products, including the iMac and iPhone. Read full story →Fujifilm improves X-Pro1 focusing with updated Firmware 2.0Published on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 1:00:00 PM GMT
Fujifilm has released firmware version 2 for the X-Pro1 mirrorless camera, that it promised before Photokina. The update improves aspects of the camera's operation that we criticised in our review, most notably focusing, both auto and manual. Firmware updates for each of the lenses are also required, and downloadable from Fujifilm's website. We've quickly tested the firmware and seen substantial improvements in both manual focus operation and autofocus speed - indeed we'd recommend all X-Pro1 owners install it. Click through for more details. Read full story →Photokina 2012: Interview - John Carson of Pentax RicohPublished on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 3:00:58 PM GMT
Pentax hasn't been idle in 2012, and just before the opening of Photokina, it refreshed its popular K-5 DSLR, releasing two new models, the K-5 II and the K-5 IIS, which lacks an anti-aliasing filter, for greater detail resolution. Barnaby Britton caught up with John Carson, Sr. Manager of Sales & Marketing at Pentax Imaging USA, and asked him about the new DSLRs, the tiny Q, and why designers love the K-01. Read full story →Article: Winter in IcelandPublished on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 6:35:00 PM GMT
Iceland is a destination filled with once-in-a-lifetime photographic opportunities. Professional photographer Erez Marom shares his experiences of shooting this remarkable landscape in all its winter glory. Read what it's like to venture into ice caves, shoot sunsets across a glacier lagoon and experience the northern lights in a locale like no other. Read full story →Hasselblad responds to Lunar criticismsPublished on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 7:45:24 PM GMT
Responding to the swift and negative reaction to its just-announced Lunar mirrorless camera, Hasselblad's business development manager, Luca Alessandrini, forcefully defended the venerable camera maker's new partnership with Sony in an interview with the British Journal of Photography. Alessandrini also says that the decision to use the NEX-7 Sony sensor for the first Lunar camera doesn't preclude the company from making sensor modifications for future models. Read full story →Apple releases version 1.1 of iPhoto for iOSPublished on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 9:34:10 PM GMT
Apple has released version 1.1 of iPhoto for iOS, with support for images up to 36.5MP (on the third-generation iPad) and full resolution photo import via iTunes File Sharing. Other additions include six new Ink Effects and the ability to create tag albums by adding custom tags to photos. You can upload video to Facebook and set location and friend tags. iPhoto for iOS v1.1 requires iOS6 and is free to existing v1 users or can be purchased for $4.99 from Apple's App Store. Read full story →Photokina 2012: Interview - Sun Hong Lim of SamsungPublished on Thursday, September 20, 2012 8:02:58 AM GMT
'Once you use the Galaxy Camera you won't be able to go back to a conventional camera,' says Samsung's VP of Sales and Marketing, Sun Hong Lim. We spoke to him to discuss Samsung's Galaxy Camera that combines the camera of its WB850F with the capabilities of its Galaxy SIII smartphone, to create one of the first true camera/smartphone hybrids. He explains why connectivity will be a keyword in the era of cloud computing and why he's not interested in low-end compact cameras. Click here to read the full interview. Read full story →Photokina 2012: Interview - Dirk Jasper of NikonPublished on Thursday, September 20, 2012 3:00:33 PM GMT
'I think Canon has a different approach to us. With the D600 we are really concentrating on the photographic features and we're trying to give the best photographic package that we can' says Dirk Jasper, product manager for professional imaging at Nikon Europe. We spoke to him about Nikon's latest full frame SLR, and he explained some of the choices that went into the creation of the D600, including who it's designed for and how it's different from the competition. Click through to read the full interview. Read full story →Adobe forecasts subscription increases and slower revenuePublished on Thursday, September 20, 2012 9:01:02 PM GMT
Adobe has reported that earnings for its current quarter will remain flat or decline as customers have signed up for its Creative Cloud subscription services at a faster than expected rate. On this basis, Adobe has predicted Q4 earnings of between 53-58 cents per share on expected revenus of between $1.075 and $1.125 billion, falling shy of analysts' estimates. This reflects an expected 25,000 additional Creative Cloud subscribers. (via Reuters) Read full story →Accessory Review: Tamrac ZipShotPublished on Friday, September 21, 2012 9:38:45 AM GMT
Low weight, portability and ease of use are not words and phrases used to describe the average mid-size tripod, but the Tamrac ZipShot is designed to satisfy all three requirements. Unlike conventional 'telescoping' leg tripods, the ZipShot is constructed of thin, circular aluminum legs that are segmented in four places and strung together via a hefty elastic band. When the two maroon safety bands are released, the tripod's legs will fall, snapping into place in an instant. Is this lightweight, easy-to-assemble tripod the answer to a travelling photographer's prayers? Read our quick review to find out. Read full story →Fujifilm shows-off zoom lens on X-Pro1 and denies XF lenses allow full framePublished on Friday, September 21, 2012 11:01:23 AM GMT
Photokina 2012: Fujifilm has been showing off the way its X-Pro1's hybrid viewfinder will behave when used with zoom lenses - which we demonstrate in a video. It has also moved to quell suggestions that its XF lenses are ready for a full-frame X-mount camera. 'It would not work - XF lenses could not be used with a full-frame sensor,' said Hiroshi Kawahara, operations manager of Fujifilm's product planning division. He also drew our attention to the way X-Pro1 users will be able to use the hybrid viewfinder with zoom lenses - a feature that will be added in a forthcoming firmware update. Read full story →Photokina 2012: Interview - Stephan Schulz of LeicaPublished on Friday, September 21, 2012 11:42:27 AM GMT
The medium format S system was 'the biggest risk Leica has ever taken,' says Stephan Schulz, the company's head of Professional Imaging. But, with the latest S 'our goal is to become market leader,' he says. We spoke to Schulz about his strategy to give professionals faith in the system and how the new Hasselblad adapter will help the company regain the professional market it lost in the 1980s. He also explains why only people with no experience of medium format see the Nikon D800 as a threat to the 37.5MP 'S.' Read full story →iFixit tears down iPhone 5, reveals new camera sensor and sapphire glass lensPublished on Friday, September 21, 2012 2:17:46 PM GMT
The tech-elves over at iFixit.com have published a complete teardown of the new iPhone 5, barely hours after the handset first became available. Obviously, we're most interested in the camera, which according to Apple, will give improved image quality over its predecessor. Although a teardown doesn't reveal much about how the new device will actually perform, it's interesting to see everything reduced to its component parts. Click through for more information and a link to the complete teardown. But be warned - the more squeamish among you may prefer to look away. Read full story →OMG Life creates Autographer - a wearable automatic cameraPublished on Monday, September 24, 2012 8:00:00 AM GMT
British newcomer OMG Life has created Autographer, an 'intelligent' wearable camera that uses an array of built-in sensors to take pictures automatically triggered by changes in its environment. It uses a semi-fisheye lens with a 136° angle of view in front of a 5MP backlit-CMOS sensor, and the shutter is triggered at key moments based on input from six internal sensors. The company thinks it should appeal to anyone interested in recording an event without having to operate a camera, or as an additional tool for documentary photographers. Images are stored in internal memory, and can be transferred to a smartphone using Bluetooth for viewing; alternatively they can be compiled into movies using the supplied software. It'll go on sale in November from the company's website for £399. Read full story →Take Better Photos offers photographer's take on iPhone 5 capabilitiesPublished on Monday, September 24, 2012 6:17:17 PM GMT
Take Better Photos has published an insightful look at the iPhone5, from a photographer's perspective. In keeping with the site's maxim that photography should be a joy, not a science exam, the article looks at how the latest handset behaves, compared to its predecessor (and compared to cameras including the Nikon D3). However, this photographic focus doesn't preclude some more technical detail about the new camera's program line and just how effective its 'dynamic low light mode' is. Click here to read more. Read full story →Adobe announces Photoshop Elements 11Published on Tuesday, September 25, 2012 4:01:00 AM GMT
Adobe has released version 11 of Photoshop Elements, its entry-level image-editing software. This latest version introduces a redesigned UI featuring a brighter background and larger type for greater readability along with easier access to commonly used tools. A Quick Edit mode offers a simplified interface for beginners while seasoned users can take advantage of new lens blur filters, tilt-shift, vignetting and contrast editing tools. It is available for $99.99, or $149.99 as a bundle with Premiere Elements 11, Adobe's video-editing software. Upgrade pricing is available for existing users. Read full story →ACD Systems issues ACDSee Pro 6 and ACDSee 15Published on Tuesday, September 25, 2012 4:00:00 PM GMT
ACD Systems has announced ACDSee Pro 6 and ACDSee 15, its image management and editing tools for Windows. Coming a year after the previous versions, the latest incarnations include a selection of tool improvements and smarter keyword handling. Both also gain improved noise reduction for working with high ISO images. On top of these, ACDSee Pro 6 gains native 64-bit support and a non-destructive adjustment brush for applying edits without affecting the underlying file, along with a list of tweaks and changes. The more basic ACDSee 15 gains color management for the first time. ACDSee Pro 6 will cost around $100 with version 15 costing half that. Read full story →Just Posted: Fujifilm X100 wide conversion lens real-world sample imagesPublished on Tuesday, September 25, 2012 5:24:11 PM GMT
Just Posted: Sample images using the Fujifilm X100 with the WCL-X100 wide-angle conversion lens. We attached the converter to a Fuji X100 and used it to take pictures around Seattle for a real world samples gallery that showcases how the camera performs with the adapter. As always original, out-of-camera, JPEGs can be downloaded for closer examination. Read full story →Photokina 2012: Interview - Dirk Jasper of Nikon (Part 2)Published on Tuesday, September 25, 2012 6:49:20 PM GMT
In this Photokina interview - the second of two with Dirk Jasper, Nikon's Product Manager for Professional Products and Product Planning - we spoke to Dirk about the development of the Nikon 1 System, as it marks its first anniversary, and the challenges of creating a hybrid 'connected camera'. In this interview, Dirk explains why the Android-powered Coolpix S800c is a more serious compact that Samsung's Galaxy Camera and how despite the fact that it was never meant to be a 'professional' system, the Nikon 1 became number one in Europe. Read full story → | |
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Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Digital Photography Review Newsletter: Wednesday, 26 September 2012
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