Industry News

Quick post about a sexy looking new camera – Fujifilm x100

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Here’s an interesting announcement from an unlikely place.  Fujifilm just released a press release for a new compact camera featuring a 12MP APS-C sized sensor,720p video recording and a fixed 23mm (35mm equivalent) f2.0 lens.  The styling of the camera is what caught my eye.  It looks more like a Leica than a Fujifilm!  Magnesium top and bottom plates wrapped in a leather grip with mechanical metallic dials on top for shutter speed and ISO and what even seems to be an aperture ring on the lens!  The camera is not due for public release until January 2011 but it looks to be a great competitor to something like the Leica X1 or Sigma DP-2.  No news on MSRP yet but I will update with more info when available.

Full press release after the break and more photos!

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Nikon annoucement roundup

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Nikon launched a stack of new gear today in the run up to Photokina.  Click the images to be taken to more information for that product. UPDATE: D7000 Now available for pre-order at Amazon And now available at B&H Pre Order this lens from B&H 200mm f2.0 now up for pre-order at B&H Pre order this Flash now from B&H photo

Nikon unveils a new AF-S 200mm f2.0 G EF-ID VRII

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The second lens announcement for today is an update to the 200mm f2.0 lens. Full press release and more images after the break. Nikon UK, 15 September 2010 – Nikon today announces a completely new professional telephoto lens AF-S NIKKOR 200mm f/2G ED VR II to replace AF-S VR NIKKOR 200mm f/2G IF-ED. The new lens features Nano Crystal Coat, the new generation of Vibration Reduction technology (VR II) and a new A/M focus mode, making it the ideal lens for serious photographers seeking uncompromised performance. The lens retains the optical construction of its predecessor and delivers outstanding image quality …

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Meet the Nikon D7000

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The big news of the day is the launch of another camera in Nikons prosumer lineup.  Nikon’s popular D90 will live on in its current form, the D7000 is just joining the ranks.  Standout features include dual SD card slots and a 100% viefinder.  At the price point they are aiming it, this will be going head to head with the new Canon 60D.  The 60D has a swivel screen and the D7000 does not, but the D7000 has a 100% viewfinder while the 60D only has 96%.  The 6oD is 18MP and the D7000 is 16MP.  Its going to be tough to chose between the two. UPDATE: Now available for pre-order at Amazon.  And also pre-order from B&H

Main Features:

  • 100% viewfinder
  • 39 Point AF system
  • Dual SD memory card slots
  • Magnesium-alloy body
  • 16.2MP CMOS sensor (DX)
  • Expeed 2
  • 1080 HD video @24p | 720 @30,24,25p , 640 x 424 pixels at 25/30fps.
  • 20 min video recording
  • Save images from video
  • AF during video
  • Stereo mic input for video
  • 6 fps
  • Virtual horizon
  • One touch video and/or live view
  • Improved ISO range: 100-25600
  • 39 AF points
  • Wireless flash
  • Weather proof
  • New battery system
  • Expected price: $1199 for body only and it will be ready to ship in October

More photos and full press release after the break.

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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 …

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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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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 …

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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 …

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Canon 60D Vs 7D

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Browsing some websites and forums this morning I noticed a lot of discussion about the new Canon 60D and how it compares with the 7D.  I can understand this, at first glance it might seem like the 60D has made the 7D somewhat obsolete but that really is not the case.  A closer look at the specs reveals a camera that more carefully fits into the “advanced amateur” category than previous XXD line cameras because of course the 7D did not exist when the 50D was released.  The camera that is best for you will depend partly on your budget …

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Canon annouces 60D and 4 new lenses – The wrap up

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Today is a pretty huge day for Canon shooters with the announcement of the new 60D and 4 new lenses as well as new teleconverters and information on even more lenses to come in the future!  I have posted detailed information and my thoughts on all these announcements but as there were so many I am doing a summary here for those who just want to bare minimum info.  If you want to read the full posts then scroll down or click the links!  Whew!  Big day and also new traffic record for my website so thanks to all those …

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