Month: September 2010

Meet the new Nikon SB-700 flash

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As well as the camera and lens announcements, Nikon has also released a new flash, the SB700. More photos and full press release after the break. Nikon UK, 15 September 2010 – Nikon today is pleased to announce a new Speedlight – the SB-700. Packed with features, this is an easy-to-use, yet sophisticated flash in a compact body. It will be a welcome addition to anyone looking to develop their lighting skills and explore the options of the Nikon Creative Lighting system. Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager Lenses, Accessories and Software, Nikon Europe BV says: “SB-700 offers users the opportunity to

Canon G12 becomes official

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We have know the specs of this camera for quite some time after technology website CNET accidentally leaked them during the launch of some other Canon products.  Today Canon have finally made it official.  Due to their ability to shoot RAW images, lots of pro photogs carry the G series cameras around when they need something a little smaller for everyday use.  The new G12 keeps the same form factor of the G11, but adds HD video recording at 720p.  Last week Nikon launched the similarly equipped P7000 point and shoot camera which looks set to be the G12’s main competitor alongside the Canon S95 and the Panasonic LX-5.  Scheduled to land in stores in October for $499.

Canon PowerShot G12 – key features:

  • HS System
  • High-sensitivity 10 MP CCD
  • 28mm wide, 5x zoom lens, Hybrid IS
  • 7.0 cm (2.8″) Vari-Angle LCD, Electronic Level, OVF
  • Front Dial, Full Manual & RAW
  • HD movies, HDMI
  • High Dynamic Range mode
  • Smart Auto
  • Multi-Aspect Shooting
  • Extensive accessory system

Full press release and specs after the break.

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Elinchrom Quadra review and comparison to Ranger RX

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For the last three years I have been using the Elinchrom Ranger RX for the majority of my strobed work.  Sometimes I use some Nikon speedlights for fill, but the Ranger is my key light.  I have used it in the rain, in blizzards, in -32 degrees Celsius and it has traveled around the world to Alaska, Japan, New Zealand twice and everywhere in between.  I can depend on this strobe, and it has never let me down.  I have the RX version which is slightly lighter weight than the RX Speed.  For me, recycling time is not such a

Panasonic finally launches the AG-AF105 (AF100) Four Thirds video camera

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Panasonic launched the AG-AF105 Four Thirds video camera today in Japan.  Originally the camera was show as a prototype at NAB.  What we do know is that it is coming in December . Pricing was initially rumored to be about $10,000 but now it seems that it could be as little as half that.  I will update when more info is available.

Confusingly it seems in Japan it will be called the AF105 , in Europe the AF101 and in N.America the AF100.

  • Frame rates are 720/60p, 720/50p, 720/24p (Native), 720/25p(over 50i),720/30p (over 60i), 1080/60i, 1080/50i,1080/30p (over 60i), 1080/25p (over 50i),  1080/24p (Native)
  • 2 x XLR inputs with +48v phantom power
  • 1 HDMI output
  • 1 HD/SDI BNC output
  • SD Card
  • Built in ND grad (1/4, 1/16, 1/64, OFF)
  • 4/3 sensor with Micro Four Thirds mount
  • weight of 1.2 KG
  • dimensions W163mm x L209.4mm x H195mm
  • Focus-assist function: edge coloration, focus bar display.
  • Variable recording bitrates selectable for quality Vs. file size.

European product video

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The F-Stop Loka backpack is nearly here!

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Just a quick note today to say that the long awaited F-Stop Loka backpack is now on its way.  The first shipment is in transit from the factory and those that pre-ordered early enough will be getting theirs shipped out to them very soon!  I have been a part of F-Stops pro Faction team for a few years now and alongside the designers, permanent staff members and other pro team members we have spent a long time pooling our ideas and experiences to get this pack together.  I am posting a few photos of the black Loka below and I

Did the iPad just become a viable travel tool for photographers ?

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A few months back I wrote an article about how the Aple iPad can be used by photographers.  The biggest disadvantage of the iPad has always been it’s limited internal storage and inability to connect external drives for additional storage.  Today though, Sanho has announced a new version of their excellent Hyperdrive UDMA (which I reviewed last year) which can successfully be used as an external drive on the iPad when connected via the camera connection kit. This is some pretty huge news for photographers that want to travel with the absolute minimum of gear.  You can download your images

Canon 70-200 f2.8 L IS II review & comparison to 70-200 f4 L IS

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The 70-200 lens is a staple in most pro photographer’s diet.  The photographic possibilities with that focal are wide ranging and Canon has a 70-200 to suit almost everyone’s needs, 4 different versions in fact.  The previous image stabilized version was brought out in 2001 and quickly became the new standard for such lenses.  In 2010 Canon introduced the new MKII version of the lens featuring an improved 4-stop image stabilization and theoretically improved image quality.  How does it stack up to the previous version and how does it compare to the 70-200 f4 L IS ?  Read on to