Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Archives for 2008

The Bowler – Camera Bag/Purse

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Acme Made has announced a new fashion-minded camera bag geared toward women.  The Bowler is a top-load DSLR camera bag, which offers a double-flip top flap and accessory pouches for memory cards and other small items.

With women making up the fastest-growing segment of digital SLR (single lens reflex) camera buyers,there is clearly demand for camera bags that not only look great but also provide superior performance.  The Bowler, new from Acme Made, does both, whether used as a camera bag or a cute handbag to tote other essentials.

You can pick one up for around $40 MSRP in November at Best Buy and online at www.acmemade.com. (Update: I’ve been advised by Acme Made that Best Buy will not be carrying the bag.)

 

Pentax: In-Depth Interview at PhotographyBLOG

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PhotographyBLOG has published a summary of a round-table interview from Photokina regarding Pentax.

Pentax’s Sales & Marketing Director of Imaging Systems, Mr. Toshiaki Iue, who recently joined the company in July, has stated that “Pentax’s relationship with Samsung is not perfect – there are some issues”, but went on to say that the two companies would continue their technology partnership for at least the near future. In a wide-ranging round-table interview held at Photokina, Mr Iue candidly answered questions on a wide range of topics, including Pentax’s future plans for their long-delayed digital 645 medium format camera, the potential impact of Micro Four Thirds, and their relationship with parent company Hoya.

Microsoft Discusses Digital Photography

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While at Photokina, Microsoft’s Kostas Mallios took a moment to discuss the company’s efforts to help photographers solve problems. According to Mallios, Microsoft has been focusing on providing applications that help pros and advanced amateurs, such as Expression Media 2 (a professional asset management tool that comes bundled with Capture One).

Mallios also pointed to the investments Micorsoft is making to new ideas, such as Photosynth. He also discussed the Metadata Working Group:

The Metadata Working Group is dedicated to the preservation and seamless interoperability of digital media metadata and to interoperability and availability to all applications, devices, and services. When we started looking into some of the leading technology problems that digital photographers faced, we realized we needed to address the interoperability issues that still exist with metadata. For example, you may use metadata tags to rate your photos in Expression Media but if you use different applications, devices or services to process or share photos, that information may not be preserved. We knew we couldn’t solve the problem alone, so about a year ago Microsoft assembled leaders in the industry, including Adobe, Apple, Canon and Nikon to form a group with broad expertise. I’m pleased to say that Sony also recently joined us and that the group, led by Chairman Josh Weisberg of Microsoft, has already delivered its first metadata specifications.

Panasonic G1 at $799

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I don’t about you, but I sure thought that smaller would mean cheaper.  Even though Panasonic kept it under wraps in their press release, it appears that the new Micro Four Thirds system G1 will come in at $799 retail in the US.

Other things you could by for $799:

Canon Rebel XSi w/ 18-55mm IS lens + Manfrotto 190XDB Tripod = $790.89

Nikon D60 w/ 18-55mm AF-S DX VR Lens + Nikon SB-600 = $752.15

Refurbished Canon 30D w/ 18-55mm lens + Canon 75-300mm III lens (also refurb) = $799.90

I understand that Panasonic is the first to market with a Micro Four Thirds camera, but 800 bones is a lot for a camera that doesn’t do anything more than an entry-level DSLR – other than “be smaller.”

Pentax K2000 Review at Digital Camera Info

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Digital Camera Info has posted a first impressions review of the new Pentax K2000.

The focusing on the lens felt quick, the body was well crafted, and there are many helpful features designed with new users in mind. The K2000 strikes us as a strong introductory camera for someone considering the jump from point-and-shoot to SLR.

For the latest news and reviews on this camera, stay tuned to Photography Bay’s Pentax K2000 Reviews and Resources.

Nikon MX Update

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New rumors have surfaced over at Nikon Rumors regarding the Nikon MX Format.  Although no sources or specific information has been revealed, NR is reporting that they’ve heard some things through the grapevine about the MX Format’s arrival.

The biggest rumor of the bunch is a possible March 2009 announcement and availability date.  Also news on the sensor development and the shocker that the Leica S2 gave to Nikon’s MX dev team.

Oh yeah, NR says they may have a photo coming soon as well.

Nikon Updates D80 Firmware

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Nikon has released version 1.11 of the firmware for the D80. The firmware update resolves an issue with the battery indicator: in certain circumstances, the battery indicator light blinks regardless of the actual battery charge. If you did not update to version 1.10, that firmware update is included in the new version.

You can download the update from the following pages if you are in the U.S:

If you are located in the E.U, updates are available on the following pages:

Gorillapod Focus

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Gorilla has announced their new Focus, which is a flexible tripod (like all their others) and supports a whopping 11 pounds of DSLR and big zoom fun.  It’s price tag weighs in at about $150 and should be available immediately.

Gorillapod Focus Press Release

San Francisco, CA – September 24, 2008 – Joby, Inc. is pleased to announce the arrival of the Gorillapod Focus™, a unique, bendable tripod engineered to support SLR cameras with larger telephoto lenses or digital video cameras. Designed with professionals and motivated amateurs in mind, the Gorillapod Focus is the biggest, strongest Gorillapod® yet and is the fifth addition to the growing and award-winning Gorillapod family.

The Gorillapod Focus provides the stability of a standard tripod at a fraction of the size and weight – only 1.1 pounds (500g). Sturdy machined aluminum sockets, debuting in an anodized gunmetal finish, offer incredible flexibility while ensuring a rock-solid hold in almost any environment. The Gorillapod Focus uses a stainless steel screw for maximum strength to support an amazing 11 pounds (5kg) of gear. It’s shipped with a 3/8” adapter screw in place and can be used with or without a professional tripod head. [Read more…]