Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

 

TSA Anti-Terrorist Poster Depicts Photographer as Suspect

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If you have read any photography websites this week, then you have probably seen this poster already. I first saw it over at Carlos Miller’s Photography is Not a Crime blog.

Somehow, the TSA has managed to take a general warning for everyone to “be on alert” and depict photographers who photograph planes as terrorist suspects.  Newsflash to TSA: planes are fun to photograph.  Ever hear of Airliners.net?

Maybe you’ll be ok though if you don’t wear a hoodie.

Pentax K-5 Photo and Rumored Specs

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Along with above image that’s rumored to be a leaked shot of the new Pentax K-5 uncovered up by Lens Tip, additional rumors have surfaced about the Pentax K-5’s specifications. A poster over in the Pentax forums provides detailed specifications passed along from a retailer.

Pentax K-5 Rumored Specs

  • 16.2MP CMOS Sensor
  • 18-point AF
  • ISO 50-25600
  • 1920 x 1080 25p, 30p
  • External mic output
  • Magnesium body
  • Weather sealing
  • $1699 retail price

The Pentax K-5 is rumored to be announced on September 22.  Full spec list is below. [Read more…]

HDR Video is Here

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High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography has been quite controversial over the past few years.  But, if you thought HDR photos had fans and foes, just wait until HDR video catches on.

The above clip from Soviet Montage is captured using 2 Canon 5D Mark II cameras shooting the same scene simultaneously with the aid of a beam splitter.  One camera is recording at +2 EV and one camera is recording at -2 EV.

Regardless of how you feel about the HDR effect, you have to admit that these shots are interesting at least.  You can also bet that a feature like this will be built-in to a camera within a couple of years or so.

[Thanks to Dean for the tip!]

Pentax K-r Announced

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The Pentax K-r is an entry-level 12.4MP DSLR with a ton of features.  In addition to a CMOS image sensor, the Pentax K-r features a 3-inch LCD 921k-dot resolution screen, a 6 fps frame rate, built-in Shake Reduction and low light sensitivity up to ISO 25600. In addition to the still image features, the K-r can capture 720p video at 25fps.  The K-r is powered by either a rechargeable lithium-ion battery or by 4 AA batteries.

The Pentax K-r should be available in October 2010 starting at an initial retail price of $799.95.  Check availability on Amazon.com.

In addition to the K-r, Pentax also announced a new 35mm f/2.4 lens, which will be available in October 2010 at an initial retail price of $219.95.  Check availability at Amazon.com.

More details in the press release below.

[Read more…]

Pentax Optio RS1000 and RZ10 Announced

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The Pentax Optio RS1000 is a 14MP point and shoot camera with a 4x optical zoom lens.  The RS1000 is an ultra-compact caemra that is about the size of a credit card and comes with a bargain initial price point of $149.95.

The RS100 should be available in October 2010.  Check availability on Amazon.com.

The Pentax Optio RZ10 is a 14MP point and shoot camera with a 10x zoom lens, built-in image stabilization and a 2.7″ LCD screen.

The RZ10 should be available in October 2010 at an initial retail price of $219.95.  Check availability on Amazon.com.

More details in the press release below. [Read more…]

Nikon Coolpix P7000 Announced

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Nikon P7000

The P7000 is Nikon’s flagship point and shoot camera.  It is fitted with a 10MP sensor, 7.1x optical zoom, the ability to capture RAW format images (finally) and 720p video capture at 24 fps.  The P7000 also features a hotshoe for attaching an external Nikon Speedlight.

Additionally, Nikon steps up the game with an external mic input on the compact shooter, which will add to the functionality of optical zoom during video capture and full time AF.  By using an external microphone for audio capture, the P7000 allows us to avoid the problem of internal camera noise during video recording.  Of course, this feature is likely of limited use for most users, but certainly signals that Nikon is taking video customers seriously.

With the P7000, Nikon finally looks like it has the feature list to tackle Canon’s G-series (e.g., the new Canon G12) head on.

The Nikon P7000 carries an initial retail price of $499.95 and should be available in September 2010.  Check availability on Amazon.com.

Nikon P7000 Key Features

  • 10.1-megapixel, large 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor
  • 7.1x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED Glass Lens
  • 5-way VR Image Stabilization System
  • 3-inch 921k dot resolution LCD
  • RAW file function compatible with Mac and Windows
  • PSAM (Program, Shutter, Aperture, Manual) exposure control
  • ISO 6400 at full resolution

More details in the press release below. [Read more…]

Nikon Coolpix S80 Announced

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The Nikon Coolpix S80 is 14MP point and shoot camera with a 5x optical zoom lens and a touch-sensitive 3.5-inch OLED screen.  The Nikon S80 should be available soon at an initial retail price of $329.95.  Check availability on Amazon.com.

Nikon Coolpix S80 Key Features

  • 14.1-megapixel CCD sensor
  • 5x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED Glass Lens
  • 3.5-inch Ultra-High Resolution (819,000-dot) Organic LED (OLED) Clear Color Display
  • Full HD (720p) Movie with Stereo Sound and HDMI Output
  • ISO can be set as high as 6400.

More details in the press release below. [Read more…]

Nikon Coolpix S8100 Announced

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The Nikon Coolpix S8100 is a compact point and shoot camera that features a 10x optical zoom and a 12.1MP backside illuminated CMOS sensor.  The new S8100 should be available in September 2010 at an initial retail price of $299.95.  Check availability on Amazon.com.

Nikon Coolpix S8100 Key Features

  • 12.1-megapixel CMOS sensor
  • 10x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED Glass Lens
  • Full HD (1080p) Movie Recording
  • Mode Dial for quick setting of key functions.
  • ISO can be set as high as 3200

More details in the press release below. [Read more…]