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Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Sigma 4.5mm and 10mm Fisheye Lenses for Sony and Pentax Mounts

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The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the 4.5mm F2.8 EX DC CIRCULAR FISHEYE HSM the first Circular Fisheye lens exclusively for use with APS-C size digital SLR cameras and 10mm F2.8 EX DC FISHEYE HSM diagonal fisheye lens exclusively for use with APS-C size digital SLR cameras for Sony and Pentax fitting cameras.

The first Circular Fisheye Lens exclusively for use with APS-C size digital SLR cameras

This autofocus circular fisheye lens has an angle of view of 180 degrees in all directions. It is exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras with the APS-C size image sensor. When used in conjunction with digital SLRs with APS-C size image sensor, it produces circular image within the frame. The minimum focusing distance of 13.5cm/5.3inch and maximum magnification of 1:6 make it particularly useful for close-up photography. SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass, Super Multi Layer Coating and inner focusing system provides superior image quality. HSM ensures fast and quiet autofocusing and includes full-time manual focus.

* AF will not function if the camera bodies do not support Supersonic Direct-drive Motor or Super Sonic Motor.

Specifications (For Sony mount)

  • Lens Construction:13Elements 9Groups
  • Angle of view:180 degrees
  • Number of blades:6pcs
  • Minimum Aperture:F22
  • Minimum Focusing Distance:13.5cm/5.3in
  • Maximum Magnification:1:6
  • Filter:Insertion-type gelatin filter into rear of the lens
  • Dimensions:Ø76.2mm×77.2mm/3in×3in
  • Weight:480g/16.9oz

Fisheye lens with close up ability designed exclusively for use with APS-C size digital SLR camera

This diagonal fisheye lens is designed for use with digital SLR cameras equipped with an APS-C size image sensor. It produces a diagonal angle of view of 180 degrees. The diagonal field of view of this fisheye lens produces striking images with exaggerated perspective and distortion. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 13.5cm/5.3inch, and maximum magnification 1:3.3. It allows subjects to be as close as 1.8cm/0.7inch from the lens’ front element. The exclusively designed integral hood and the Super Multi-Layer Coating minimize flare and ghosting and create superior image quality.

* AF will not function if the camera bodies do not support Supersonic Direct-drive Motor or Super Sonic Motor.

Specifications (For Sony mount)

  • Lens Construction:12Elements 7Groups
  • Angle of view:180 degrees
  • Number of blades:7pcs
  • Minimum Aperture:F22
  • Minimum Focusing Distance:13.5cm/5.3in
  • Maximum Magnification:1 : 3.3
  • Filter:Insertion-type gelatin filter into rear of the lens
  • Dimensions:Ø75.8mm×82.6m/3in x 3.3in
  • Weight:500g/17.6oz
 

Sigma EM-140 DG Macro Flash for Sony and Pentax

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The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new ELECTRONIC FLASH MACRO EM-140 DG for Sony and Pentax cameras.
ELECTRONIC FLASH MACRO EM-140 DG is designed to work with both AF 35mm film and Digital SLR cameras. The EM-140 DG Macro Flash is ideal for photographing subjects in fine detail when the shadowless mode is used and is extremely effective for scientific and medical applications. Dual flash tubes can fire simultaneously or separately. Using only one flashtube creates shadow, which can give a three-dimensional feeling to the subject. The flash features a guide number of 14 w/ISO 100. The Modeling Flash function makes it possible to check for reflections and shadows before actually taking the flash picture. A wireless flash function is also available, when the EM-140 DG is used as master and the EF-530 DG SUPER as a slave unit for creating fine shadow details. High Speed Synchro and Exposure compensation functions are also available for advanced flash photography.

Features

  • Ideal for Close-up photography, especially medical and scientific applications
  • Fully dedicated with the latest TTL auto exposure systems
  • Flash tubes can be switched on or off for creative flash control
  • Wireless Flash Control
  • High Speed Synchro Flash

Sigma Teleconverters for Sony Now Support HSM

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The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new APO TELE CONVERTER 1.4x EX DG and APO TELE CONVERTER 2x EX DG for Sony mount. The new tele converters are capable of maintaining the HSM function of such telephoto lenses as Sigma’s APO 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DG MACRO HSM and APO 50-150mm F2.8 II EX DC HSM whilst increasing the focal length by a factor of 1.4x or 2x. Of course, the HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) AF compatibility depends on the capability of the Sony SLR camera to support this function and on the maximum F number of the attached lens. The Super Multi Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting and the exclusive design maintains the master lens’ high level performance while extending its focal length. Compact and lightweight, these tele converters are a convenient way of increasing the focal length of HSM telephoto lenses.

* If non-HSM lenses are used, focusing can be achieved in manual mode only.
* AF function will not be supported when Sigma’s earlier non HSM Sony fitting tele converters are used.

Features

  • Dedicated tele converter for telephoto lenses incorporating HSM
  • Exclusive design maintains the master lens’ high level performance
  • Super Multi Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting

HP Digital Imaging News from Photokina

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HP today announced the newest additions to its digital photography portfolio, designed to empower customers to do more with their digital assets across the printing ecosystem at retail, online or at home.

The technologies are being demonstrated in the HP booth in Hall 4.1 at Photokina 2008, one of the world’s largest photography tradeshows for consumers, professionals and retailers. [Read more…]

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Sigma SD15

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The Sigma Corporation (COO: Kazuto Yamaki) is pleased to announce the new SIGMA SD15 digital SLR camera. This camera is the latest model in Sigma’s digital SLR camera SD series, powered by the 14 megapixel Foveon X3 direct-image-sensor it can capture all primary RGB colors at each and every pixel location arranged in three layers. The developing SD15 incorporates the “TRUE II” new image processing engine. It provides high resolution power and reproduces high definition images rich in gradation and impressive three-dimensional detail. Incorporation of the large 3.0 inch LCD monitor and improved processing speed provide ease of operation of the camera. [Read more…]

Sigma DP2 Reviews and Resources

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The Sigma DP2 is a 14-megapixel compact, yet powerful digital camera.  The DP2 features a 24.2mm f/2.8 fixed lens, which is equivalent to a 41mm lens on a full frame camera.

Sigma DP2 Availability

Amazon

B&H Photo

Adorama

Sigma DP2 Reviews

Photo.net

Great images can come from the DP2. The lens is wonderful and the Foveon X3 sensor lives up to much (if not quite all) of the hype surrounding it. But the fact of the matter is that issues like the abysmal AF speed will cause many photographers to stay away from this camera.

Trusted Reviews

Picture quality at low ISO settings is simply breathtaking, especially when viewing the X3 Raw files using the supplied Sigma Photo Pro software.

The Online Photographer

True to Sigma’s marketing claims the DP2 is capable of producing a high-quality low-to-moderate-ISO image file very comparable to that of a DSLR with an APS-C sensor. Indeed the DP2’s images can often best those of other cameras in the DP2’s size/price class.

Photo Review

Low-light performance was only marginally better than we found with the DP1, with a severe loss of colour in long exposures that was reflected in both JPEG and raw files. Noise and colour shifts became increasingly obvious from ISO 400 on and 15-second exposures shot at ISO 800 were almost unusable.

Gizmodo

Push aside all of the uncool characteristics, focus on what it can do—shooting relatively still objects at relatively close range—and you get some seriously attractive photo work.

Sigma DP2 News Release

The Sigma Corporation (COO: Kazuto Yamaki) is pleased to announce the new Sigma DP2 compact digital camera featuring a 14 megapixel FOVEON X3 direct image sensor (2,652 × 1,768 × 3 layers) as used in the Sigma SD14 digital SLR.

Sigma introduced the DP1 with a direct image sensor as used in the Sigma SD14 digital SLR to the market in March 2008 as a “unique, groundbreaking, compact digital camera with all the power of a digital SLR”. The multi award winning DP1 has established strong support from a wide range of photographers both amateur and professional. Building on this success, the DP2 is equipped with a 24.2mm F2.8 lens, equivalent to 41mm on a 35mm SLR camera, for increasing creative possibilities and superior image quality, improving handling and performance.

This product is showcased at Photokina 2008 in Koln, Germany.

Main features

SLR-sized image sensor

The size of the image sensor used in the DP2 camera is 20.7mm x 13.8mm. It is approximately seven to twelve times larger than the 1/1.8inch to 1/2.5inch image sensors used in ordinary compact digital cameras. The pixel size of the image sensor is 7.8?m. The large photodiodes deployed at a large pixel pitch capture pure, rich light efficiently and give the DP2 its high resolution and richly-graduated tones.

Full-color image sensor

The DP2 uses the same 14 megapixel (2,652×1,768×3 layers) direct image sensor as the SD14 and DP1. Utilizing the special features of silicon, which is penetrated to different depths by different wavelengths of light, this direct image sensor succeeds in full-color capture with the full RGB in a single-pixel location. Since the moiré is not generated, use of a low-pass filter is not needed because full information of light and color can be captured with three-dimensional feeling.

“TRUE II” image processing engine

The DP2 incorporates “TRUE II” which is an improved version of “TRUE” (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine), the world’s first image processing engine suited for the three silicon embedded layer direct image sensor. The unique image-processing algorithm, which has been developed throughout the development of the SD series digital SLR cameras and DP1, is incorporated into “TRUE II”.

24.2mm F2.8 lens designed exclusively for the DP2

The DP2 is equipped with a 24.2mm F2.8 lens, equivalent to 41mm on a 35mm SLR camera, which has been designed exclusively for DP2. Two molded glass aspherical lenses provide superior image quality. The Super Multi Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting. This lens and SLR-sized image sensor combination provides natural shallow depth-of-field and attractive bokeh effect.

RAW format recording

The DP2 includes a RAW recording mode for retaining full image capture detail of the utmost quality plus a JPEG recording format for convenience. The RAW data format uses lossless compression for more compact, yet uncompromised, data files. The RAW data format of the DP2 keeps brightness and color data in a 1:1 ratio without relying on interpolation. Each pixel location captures the full color of RGB data which, when processed in Sigma Photo Pro, will preserve the balance of the natural data for the best photos with the best image quality.

Exclusive Sigma Photo Pro Software (Supplied with the DP2)

The DP2 comes complete with SIGMA Photo Pro software, a RAW image developer that converts all RAW data quickly and easily. djustments can be made in three separate modes. The X3F Mode stores the original settings of the image at the point of capture. In the Auto Adjustment Mode, the software analyzes and automatically makes adjustments to the RAW data. The Custom Mode allows the photographer to make individual adjustments. The photographer can make changes easily and quickly by simply adjusting the slider controls within the software.

Compact and lightweight body

The DP2 has compact dimensions of 113.3mm/4.5in(W)x59.5mm/2.3in(H)x54.6mm/2.1in(D). Its compact body and lightweight design makes it easy to carry everywhere.

Three metering modes and four exposure modes

The DP2 has three metering modes, Evaluative Metering, Center Weighted Average Metering and Spot Metering. It is also possible to select the exposure mode from Program AE, Shutter Priority AE, Aperture Priority AE or Manual. Exposure compensation can be set in 1/3 stop increments from +3.0 to -3.0 stops and an auto bracketing function is also available.

Pop up (manual) built-in flash

The DP2 is equipped with a pop up (manual) built-in flash. It is possible to use Normal Flash, Red-Eye Reduction Flash and Slow Synchro Mode. It also features flash exposure compensation in 1/3 stops increments.

Manual Focus

Manual Focus is available for use when autofocus or focus lock is not effective. It is also possible to magnify the display to ensure precise focusing.

Large 2.5″ TFT Color LCD Monitor

The DP2 camera features large 2.5 inch TFT color LCD monitor. The LCD monitor displays 100% of the images, allowing the photographer to easily and accurately confirm the image compensation.

Hot Shoe

The DP2 camera is equipped with a hot shoe, allowing use of the dedicated external flashgun EF-140 DG (optional) as well as Sigma electronic flashguns for SD series such as EF-500 DG and EF-530 DG. This hot shoe is also used to attach high performance view finder VF-21 (optional).
* EF-500 DG and EF-530 DG flashgun series can be used in manual mode only.

Dedicated lens hood (HA-21)

It is possible to attach the dedicated lens hood to block out extraneous light. It also functions as an adapter, designed to accept the 46mm Close-up Lens and 46mm filters.
* A hood adapter HA-21 is sold separately

Adobe Introduces Photoshop CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended

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Landmark Release Packs Powerful Editing Punch and Harnesses the Creative Potential of 3D

SAN JOSE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced Adobe® Photoshop® CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended, the highly anticipated, new editions of the professional industry standard software for digital imaging. Providing a fluid user experience, complete creative control and higher efficiency, Photoshop CS4 leverages the power of the latest hardware to extend imaging possibilities and offer faster, more flexible ways to accomplish core tasks like image adjustments and masks. All of these features and more can be found in Photoshop CS4 Extended, which serves users with advanced motion graphics functions, dramatically expanded 3D visualization capabilities and precise image analysis.

Photoshop CS4 and Photoshop CS4 Extended will be available as stand-alone applications or key components of the Adobe Creative Suite® 4 family (see separate releases).

“Photoshop is about delivering cutting-edge innovation that really pushes the boundaries of digital image editing,” said Kevin Connor, vice president of product management for professional digital imaging at Adobe. “This version is no exception with some stunning new imaging technology that complements our work to bring more control, simplicity and speed to everyday tasks. By streamlining the most popular workflows for the professional, technical or home user, Photoshop CS4 brings new levels of accessibility to the gold standard in digital imaging software.” [Read more…]

Sony at Photokina

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This year, Sony has the largest stand at Photokina and will showcase Sony’s latest products from its digital imaging range. This is the first official public showcasing of the new flagship model – the Alpha A900, Sony’s 24.6 megapixel DSLR with full frame sensor – in Europe since its announcement. There will also be a selection of Sony’s new DSLR lenses with seminars held by professional photographers in the professional photo studio.

There will also be a chance to experience ‘Foam City’ – the Sony digital imaging ad which appeared across Europe earlier this year. A giant installation, a replica of Dade Courthouse in Miami (where the ad was filmed) with surrounding buildings, monorail train and terminal, has been built for the event. It will have five bubble machines and is designed by HotHouse IWG, a company which has previously worked on movie sets such as Batman and Nightmare Before Christmas.