Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Leica V-Lux 4, a New 24x Superzoom Point-and-Shoot Camera

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Leica V-Lux 4

Leica has unveiled its new V-Lux 4 with a 24x zoom lens (25-600mm equivalent) and a 12.1MP CMOS sensor.  The V-Lux 4 captures 1080p HD video and includes a 3-inch articulating LCD, as well as a 1.3MP EVF.

The Leica V-Lux 4 is essentially a rebranded Panasonic FZ200, which is about $300 or so cheaper without the Leica nameplate.

Lecia V-Lux 4 Key Features

  • 12.1MP CMOS Sensor
  • Leica DC Vario-Elmarit f/2.8 Lens
  • 25-600mm Equivalent, 24x Zoom Lens
  • 3.0″ Tilt and Rotate LCD
  • EVF with 1.3 Million Pixels
  • Full HD 1080p AVCHD and MP4 Video
  • Less than 1 Second Start-up Time
  • Fast Auto-focus and High Speed Burst
  • Panorama Feature
  • Lightroom 4 Download Included
The Leica V-Lux 4 should be available in November for $899.  You can get the V-Lux 4 here at B&H Photo.
 

ioSafe N2 Aims to Be a Disaster Proof Private Cloud NAS

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ioSafe N2

ioSafe has launched an indiegogo campaign to help build its next disaster proof storage device – the N2.

The N2 will provide up to 8TB of storage along with a 2GHz Marvel CPU and 512MB memory.  The N2 will be able to withstand fire damage up to 1550° F and submersion in fresh or salt water up to 10′ for 3 days.  (Read my ioSafe Extreme Rugged Hard Drive Review.)

Aside from the robust build, the N2 will be able to serve as a personal cloud drive that allows you to access content from anywhere you’ve got an Internet connection, including the ability to operate as an iTunes server.

The N2 should begin shipping in January 2013, starting at $600 for a diskless version.  For more details, check out the indiegogo intro video below. [Read more…]

X-Rite ColorMunki Smile is a New Entry-Level Color Calibration Solution

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ColorMunki Smile

X-Rite’s new ColorMunki Smile is a new calibration too geared toward photo enthusiasts and others looking for a more affordable way to color calibrate their monitors.

ColorMunki Smile includes color measurement hardware and simple software that has a “wizard-based” user interface.  Following on-screen instructions will guide users through the calibration process with no need for an underlying knowledge of color science.

ColorMunki Smile is available for both Mac and PC and will work in dual monitor setups.  ColorMunki Smile retails for $99 and is available now at Amazon.com.

More details on X-Rite’s website.

Sigma Announces 3 New Lenses

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Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM

Sigma announced the following three new lenses at Photokina 2012.

17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM – This new Contemporary lens is designed for cameras with an APS-C sensor and covers a range equivalent to 25.5 to 105mm on a 35mm camera. An upgrade to its predecessor, which was released in December 2009, this general purpose lens offers a new design and a more compact build.

35mm F1.4 DG HSM – This Art lens provides photographers with a state-of-the-art alternative to the more conventional 50mm. This lens’ axial chromatic aberration is minimized, which renders a cool and smooth out-of-focus image. At low apertures, it can perform like a wide-angle lens; when opened up to F1.4, it will provide background bokeh and make the subject pop like a mid-range telephoto lens.

120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM – With redesigned mechanics and performance, this Sports lens is an update from its predecessor released in February 2011. This high-performance lens eases difficult shooting conditions by offering a maximum focal length of 300mm and a wide-open aperture of F2.8. This lens, like the other Sports category lenses to come, is dust and moisture resistant, and allows users to adjust the focus speed and the focus limiter via a button on the lens.

Canon 6D Pre-Orders Now Available

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Canon 6D

The Canon 6D full frame DSLR is available for pre-order at most online retailers now.  Check out several of the options from trustworthy retailers below.

Canon 6D (body only) at B&H Photo

Canon 6D w/ 24-105mm f/4L IS lens at B&H Photo

Canon 6D (body only) at Amazon

Canon 6D w/ 24-105mm f/4L IS lens at Amazon

Canon 6D (body only) at Adorama

Canon 6D w/ 24-105mm f/4L IS lens at Adorama

Topaz Simplify 4 Released, Plus 30% Off Simplify 4 or Topaz Bundle

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Topaz Simplify

Topaz Labs has just released Simplify 4, which offers a number of improvements, including:

  • New Adjustment Sliders. Instantly add depth and tonality to create realistic artistic effects using Dynamics, structure and structure boost sliders.
  • Instant Transformations with over 100 new presets to help stimulate your creative juices.
  • Preset Organization via convenient effect categories – so you can easily find and apply the perfect look in seconds.
  • Intuitive 4-in-1 selective brush to dodge, burn, smooth, and brush out adjustments.
    Plus advanced edge-aware technology for precise selections every time!
  • Integration of the Apply button – so you can stack multiple presets during the same workflow and build your own style.
  • Finishing Touches tab with options for vignette, toning and transparency.

Along with the launch of Simplify 4, Topaz is offering a 30% discount that applies to Simplify 4 and the Topaz Bundle or Bundle Upgrade.  Just use the coupon code GETSIMPLIFIED when checking out here on Topaz Labs’ website.

Think Tank Photo Unveils CityWalker and Airport Navigator Camera Bags

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Airport Navigator

Think Tank Photo unveiled its new Airport Navigator bag and CityWalker line of bags today at Photokina 2012.  Details from Think Tank Photo:

The CityWalker™ messenger bag series are designed with the urban photographer in mind.  Extremely lightweight, the bags have a sound silencer on the main flap, extra flaps for smaller lenses with a fully lined velex insert for maximum customization, internal pockets that fit a pro-size flash, and a removable padded insert.  Check out the CityWalker here at Think Tank Photo.

CityWalker Series

Airport Navigator™, the photography industry’s first rolling pilot’s case, allows photographers to access gear from the top and the front.  It holds two pro-size bodies, plus three to six extra lenses and most 15.4” laptops, iPads and documents. Check out the Airport Navigator here at Think Tank Photo.