Electronista reports that images of the soon–to–be–released Nikon D300s have now been making the rounds in photogaphy blogs and forums. The update to the D300 will now have HD 720p video recording just like the Nikon D90. Also expected in an SD slot for storage and maybe an increase in continuous shooting to 8 frames per second. Of course all these are pretty much just rumors for now.
A Q&A with a veteran newsroom editor. Insightful.
How to Be a Better Photographer When on Vacation — because a lot of us tend to forget.
Canon reportedly working on a G–Series compact point&shoot camera with an APS–C CMOS sensor? A reaction to the Olympus E-P1 perhaps? What do you think?
Do the updated MacBook Pros really have better screens? Or not?
What underwater camera should you be buying? DPReview is running a comparison of this quarter’s trend of compact underwater cameras, putting the Canon PowerShot D10, the Fuji FinePix Z33WP, the Olympus Stylus Tough 8000 (mju Tough 8000 in Europe), the Olympus Stylus Tough 6000 (mju Tough 6000 in Europe), and the Pentax Optio W60 against each other. Spoiler: the Canon D10 is the best of the lot.
The Flipbac is an angle viewfinder hack that you can use for your digital SLR or your favorite point and shoot that allows you to take photos in weird positions without having to second–guess your framing and composition. Then again, a little mirror in your pocket will do the same. In Manila, you can get this through Eilis/Silie/SilieNation.
Hack your Canon EOS–5D Mark II firmware and make it do more! Though not for the faint of heart, indie film–makers will like the audio enhancements made available by this one hell of a hack. In effect, this is much like the CHDK project for Canon point&shoots.
Firmware updates for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 and DMC-GH1 are now available.
Dubbed by DPReview as the “worst kept secret in the photography industry,” the Olympus E–P1 Digital PEN is finally here to be the compact camera that rivals digital SLRs in quality yet just being as big rangefinder–styled point&shoots like the Canon G10 and the bestselling Panasonic Lumix LX3. Since you’ve probably heard about this from everybody else, I’ll just give you the brief specs of this camera:
Interesting indeed. I have a feeling that this camera is as much a threat to digital SLRs as it is to the LX3, G10, and similar compacts. Unfortunately, buying the E–P1 would require similar investments as if you bought an SLR: lenses will not come cheap and will certainly be a factor in how good your photos can be. It’s a good thing that Olympus intends to release a bunch of fast–aperture primes to complement the Digital PEN, it will surely allow for creative growth for those eyeing this camera. For now, we have to wait for real world sample photos to actually gauge how good it can be, but judging on DPReview’s sample gallery, the Olympus E–P1 might just be this year’s favorite camera.
Olympus PEN Digital? As Olympus celebrates the 50th anniversary of the original Olympus PEN SLR camera, rumors are circulating that they’ll be coming with a digital version of the PEN utilizing the Micro FourThird sensors, almost a perfect match with its 2X crop factor that’s similar to the PEN’s half–frame shooting. Exciting!
Lumix LX3 firmware version 1.3 is now available, be sure to get it to make the most out of your wondercam.
… but it really is digital. The Digital Harinezumi is the first digital camera from Superheadz, a Japanese camera maker specializing in analog cameras very much like nostalgic toy cams that are so popular nowadays. What makes this camera really special is the washed out analog look it produces. Occasionally, light leaks will appear on the images as well as some color shift similar to what’s typically seen in cross–processed film. You’ve got to see photos from the Digital Harinezumi, they definitely look surreal without messing with analog film.
The camera outputs 2 megapixel images and also shoots video that look like 8mm clips, and without sound. The most modern features on this camera are the microSD slot and the rear LCD that can only be used for reviewing your shots—you can’t do live–view with it. You compose and frame your shots using a fold–out optical viewfinder on top of the camera.
Now here’s the bad news: the Digital Harinezumi is only available in Japan, at least officially. And it is sold out. Converting its price in Japan comes out to around $150 USD, not exactly cheap but still reasonable enough for such a fun camera. If only we can get it here in the Philippines.
The latest firmware update for the Canon EOS–5D Mark II enables manual exposure control for video. NO need for the mounting hacks to get the most out of your bokeh!
Cosina is planning to release a Voigtländer branded 50mm f/1.1 lens for the Leica M mount. The Voigtländer Nokton commemorates the 10th anniversary of the launch of the Bessa series of M mount 35mm rangefinder cameras.
Ugly cameras help deter theft, especially if they look analog–ugly. So how do you protect that digital walkaround P&S of yours? Make it just as ugly!
The Canon SD960 point and shoot seems to be a great camera that does well in photos and videos as this review says.
Sigma Corporation of America has just announced that it is now extending warranties for non-EX lenses. Unfortunately, I’m not sure if this applies to us here in the Philippines since we always get the raw side of things anyway. Here’s the complete press release:
Sigma Corporation Extends Warranty on All Non-EX Lenses Sold by Authorized Dealers
Manufacturer’s New Agreement Lengthens the Total Protection to Three Years Highlighted Links
RONKONKOMA, NY–(Marketwire – May 4, 2009) – Sigma Corporation of America (www.sigmaphoto.com), a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider for some of the world’s most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, has enhanced its warranty on all non-EX lenses purchased through an authorized Sigma dealer in the United States from one to three years.
All Sigma Corporation lenses are covered by a one-year international warranty. This new extended warranty will now cover all non-EX lenses purchased through an authorized US dealer for another two years beyond the one-year international warranty, for a total of three years. Customers purchasing Sigma’s EX lenses through authorized US dealers will continue to receive an extended, three-year warranty.
“We select only the most reputable and knowledgeable partners as Sigma authorized dealers, so their customers are already used to getting unmatched support,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, general manager of Sigma Corporation of America. “This exclusive, extended warranty makes our dealers the only choice for discerning photographers looking to purchase Sigma products.”
Sigma Corporation has an array of EX and non-EX lenses that have been developed through a combination of experience and advanced technology to provide the best optical performance and smooth handling available. The design and precise engineering of the company’s award-winning lenses, which are compatible with most manufacturers, including Canon, Minolta, Sony, Nikon, Olympus and Pentax, are aimed at helping photographers maximize their true creativity while realizing the full potential of their cameras.
To locate one of Sigma Corporation’s authorized dealers nearest your hometown, visit http://www.sigmaphoto.com/where/where.asp. For information about Sigma Corporation of America, visit www.sigmaphoto.com.
About Sigma Corporation of America
For 50 years, Sigma Corporation’s expertise and innovation has driven the company’s core philosophy of “knowledge, plus experience, plus imagination,” producing high-quality, high-performance photographic technology at moderate prices. This family-owned organization is the largest, independent SLR lens manufacturer in the world, producing more than 40 lenses that are compatible with most manufacturers, including Canon, Minolta, Sony, Nikon, Olympus and Pentax. Sigma Corporation also produces digital SLR cameras and high-definition digital compact cameras. The company is headquartered in Japan, with offices strategically located throughout Europe and North America. For information, please visit www.sigmaphoto.com.