Eric Reagan

Over the past several months we’ve really seen the Nikon D3 rumors heating up. While we know that they go back to 2003 or so, PMA really stirred the pot this year with the now infamous Jim Seaholm rumor.

I’m not reporting any further rumors today. In fact, it’s been rather quiet on the rumor mill this week. Hmm….does that mean something? ;)

I just wanted to pass along some impressive renditions of Norm Olsen’s Nikon D3x Concept. Norm originally posted these shots in the forums over at DPReview.com. Someone actually suggested to Norm that these we’ll end up as the next “leaked” evidence for the D3. I contacted Norm to see if he would allow me to feature these concept renditions here. I thought it would be cool to feature these renditions here for a couple of reasons.

First, as much as I love a good rumor or two, if I can track down something bogus and keep it from propagating more rumors, then all the better. Second, and perhaps more importantly, I think Norm’s work here is really cool. He has obviously spent a lot of time making this look great. Norm’s disclaimer:

I am a digital graphic artist coming from a decade-long run in the electronic gaming industry. I never worked for Nikon, nor am I some top secret tester having possession of any D3 prototypes.

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I really dig this LCD screen. I think it’s got a lot of great potential. I’m really big on getting info quick and clear. I think Norm’s onto something here.

Here, we get a glimpse into the amount of detail and effort that went into this impressive rendition.

Norm welcomes any feedback. Feel free to comment here or join the forum discussion over at DPReview.com.

Finally, do Norm and the rest of us a favor. If you see these shots accompanying some rumor mill on the Nikon D3, let us know. In the mean time, dream on.

UPDATE 6/8/07: Just when I thought things were quiet this week, Norm’s renderings found there way into the rumor mill. Also, you can find them on Cnet (with the disclosure that they really are fictitious renderings).

[tags]nikon, d3, d3x, artist, rendition, concept, rumors[/tags]

Photo of the Day

June 8, 2007 By Eric Reagan

Aftermath

Originally uploaded by Cesar R..

A very pleasingly sharp capture!

Captured with a Nikon D50.

[tags]photo of the day, Nikon, D50, flower, pic, photo, dew[/tags]

Underwater Photography Rocks, Olympus Rolls

June 8, 2007 By Eric Reagan

PRESS RELEASE:

Olympus Embraces Underwater, Dive Community With New Camera Housings
Recreational Scuba Divers, Outdoor Enthusiasts and Poolside Families Enjoy Underwater Photography Thanks to Olympus

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., June 4, 2007 – Olympus gears-up for summer with new underwater housings and accessories for its digital cameras — from point-and-shoot to D-SLR (digital single lens reflex). For millions, the peak travel season of June through August means fun in the ocean, lake or pool. Weekend sun worshipers to serious divers can easily capture their adventures beneath the surface (down to depths of 40 meters / approximately 133 feet) using the new Olympus housings.

New Olympus Underwater Housings and Accessories Include: D-SLR – The new PT-E03 housing is made specifically for Olympus’ newly available, portable EVOLT E-410 D-SLR camera. Scuba divers agree that the E-410’s full-time Live View LCD makes taking photographs underwater more natural, enabling them to hold the camera away from their face and allowing them to see their vast surroundings. Most other D-SLRs only offer a traditional optical viewfinder — peering through this when wearing a dive mask is extremely cumbersome and offers very limited views. The E-410’s housing is compatible with many of the Olympus Zuiko Digital-Specific lenses and their respective underwater lens ports.

D-SLR Lenses – Wide angle and macro lenses are the most common for underwater photography. The new PPO-E05 underwater lens port is designed for the lightweight 14-42mm Zuiko Digital-Specific lens, which is the perfect complement to the portable E-410 and its underwater housing when diving. The versatile 14-42mm lens offers the most common focal lengths, including wide angle and close focusing, making it an essential tool for those recreational divers who want to capture images of their explorations. Additionally, all other Olympus PPO Series underwater lens ports (including macro) are compatible with Olympus’ E-Series underwater housings.

Digital Compact Cameras – New underwater housings have been created specifically for Olympus’ recently announced point-and-shoot cameras, including the SP-550 UZ, Stylus 770 SW, Stylus 760 and FE-230. These cameras also offer underwater scene modes, which when coupled with the underwater housings enable even the most novice photographer to take beautiful underwater images.

Underwater Flash – For the first time, Olympus is offering an underwater flash (UFL-1) for use with all new SP and Stylus camera housings introduced in 2007 as well as a majority of its preexisting digital compact camera housings. The new slave flash requires no cables and enables divers to capture stunning images even in the darkest waters.

Other Underwater Accessories – The adjustable float strap, created specifically for the Stylus SW Series, enables the camera to float at the water’s surface and provides surfers, kayakers and other active swimmers with the ability to strap the camera to their arm, freeing their hands when not taking photos. The float strap boasts a vibrant red color for high visibility.

New silicone skins are also available for the Stylus 770 SW. While the camera can reach depths of 10 meters (approximately 33 feet) without a skin or housing, the silicone skin provides a variety of stylish looks, offers improved handling in the water and is perfect for avoiding scratches on the camera’s body from rocks or other rough surfaces. The new skins are available in three trendy colors: orange, blue and clear.

The new Olympus underwater housings and accessories will be available at retailers in June 2007. The new housings — both compact and D-SLRs — are for use in depths down to 40 meters (approximately 133 feet). Comprehensive information on the complete family of Olympus’ underwater housings and accessories is available at www.olympusamerica.com/underwater.

[tags]olympus, digital camera, underwater, housing, dslr, stylus, evolt, news[/tags]

Olympus P-1 Coming Soon . . .

June 7, 2007 By Eric Reagan

I love it when manufacturers tease us like Olympus is doing now. It’s only a matter of time now. You can check out some photos of the P-1 from PMA 2007 over at DPReview.com.

[tags]olympus, p-1, dslr, rumors, news, teaser, pma, release, digital camera[/tags]

(Affordable?) Mamiya 22MP Digital Back Announced

June 7, 2007 By Eric Reagan

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PRESS RELEASE:

Mamiya Introduces the First 22 Megapixel Digital Camera System for Under $10,000

Elmsford NY, June 1, 2007 – Mamiya Digital announced an exciting new product – the Mamiya ZD 645AFD II Digital System. The System consists of the Mamiya 645AFD II Medium Format Camera with 80mm f/2.8 AF lens and the newlyintroduced Mamiya ZD 22 Megapixel Digital Back. At a retail price of $9,999, the digital system marks a new era in the high-end digital market.

“Mamiya has always been a manufacturer of high quality, professional products at reasonable prices,” states Jeff Karp, Mamiya Product Marketing Manager, “By offering this incredible system for under $10,000, we expect to see a broad range of photographers who have been waiting for the right combination of quality and price, to finally step into the medium format digital world.”

The platform for the system is the highly acclaimed Mamiya 645AFD II autofocus medium format camera with 80mm f/2.8 AF lens. With an excellent range of high quality lenses, precise auto-focusing and fast handling, the 645AFD II has become the choice of professional photographers.

The Mamiya ZD Digital Back offers all the features serious photographers demand. “Mamiya’s communication protocol MSCE (Mamiya Serial Communication for External) has optimized two-way communication between the 645AFD II and the ZD Digital Back,” says Karp, “producing an operating experience identical to using a one-piece digital camera.”

To further enhance the results of the ZD Digital Back, Mamiya is including Adobe® Photoshop® LightroomTM software with all ZD Backs. Mamiya is the first camera manufacturer to include Lightroom software with every Mamiya ZD Digital Back sold. Lightroom is an all-new digital imaging solution for serious and professional photographers. Its ease of operation and ability to read Mamiya RAW digital files makes it the perfect choice for photographers looking for a modular, task-based and streamlined program that delivers a complete photographic workflow solution.

Also introduced were two new digital lenses – the Mamiya Sekor AF 75-150mm f/4.5 D and a full-frame 28mm f/4.5 D Aspherical – that are designed to work on the 645AFD II with both film and digital backs.

You can check out all the goodness of the new Mamiya toys here.

[tags]mamiya, 22mp, digital back, medium format, news, 645, afd, system, digital camera[/tags]

The Mega-Pixel Push – Canon Hits 50MP

June 4, 2007 By Eric Reagan

So much for the 2MP incremental steps we’ve been so used to.

Canon has built a 50 megapixel CMOS monstrosity, which is reportedly almost twice the resolution of its nearest competition, and is prepping it as a sort of large format surveillance camera for monitoring large, busy areas such as parking lots and theme parks, along with detailed work like factory part inspections. Despite the sensor’s clear industrial-end aims, Canon has managed to build its prototype at 19 x 28mm in size, the same dimensions of the sensors in its DSLR cameras, so who knows where this tech could end up in the long run.

(via Engadget)

Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III anyone?

[tags]canon, eos, 1ds, iii, mark, mk, dslr, 50, mp, megapixel, news, digital camera, cmos, sensor[/tags]

Nikon Coolpix 360

June 2, 2007 By Eric Reagan

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What is it?

It’s a concept of a point and shoot camera from Nikon. Seems like they’ve got all the cool toys here lately (see last few posts).

A panoramic view is ‘an unbroken view of an entire surrounding area’. Often, this means one has to turn around 360 degrees, to receive this unbroken view. As we translate this to an image captured in print, the concept of Nikon 360 is the solution. Based on an ergonomic cylindrical form lens, the 360 is a camera that allows you take an all-round picture. An angle indicator provides a gauge on the direction of the rotating head and is also an additional detail to provide the camera with a stronger and steadier feel while in operation. A built-in inclinometer indicates the horizontality of position prior to execution. The 360 is designed with much emphasis on the user interface, with the main operating function designed as a touch sensor, thereby maintaining a flushed surface on the exterior. 360 is an innovation that captures all that meets the eye, and more. (via Yanko Design)

[tags]nikon, coolpix, 360, panoramic, panorama, design, concept, digital camera, point and shoot[/tags]