Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Sunpak’s PMA Presence

By

Sunpak hasn’t necessarily had me on the edge of my seat in anticipation of their PMA announcements; however, they’ve dropped several products into their 2008 lineup at PMA. What caught my eye first was the Sunpak PZ42X shoemount flash for Canon and Nikon with E-TTL II and i-TTL support, respectively.

Here’s the details on all the new stuff from Sunpak, starting with the PZ42X flash:

Sunpak PZ42X

As noted above, it’s compatible with the latest Canon E-TTL II or Nikon i-TTL DSLR cameras. The PZ42X has many advanced features, such as automatic zoom head from 24-105mm, bounce and swivel capabilities, built in wide angle diffuser and AF assist. It’s guide number is 138 (ISO 100/feet). It also offers an LCD display and controls for manual flash output, digital or film lens coverage and zoom head settings.

Price of admission? $150.

Consider that the Canon 430EX is priced over $240 and doesn’t offer any manual controls. If you want manual output control on a new Canon flash then you’ll be spending over $350 on the Canon 580EX II.  (*Update: Both Canon flashes have manual controls, the 430EX down to 1/64.  This is a significant upgrade from the 420EX that the 430EX replaces.  Thanks for pointing this error out labolstad.)

I’ve been using a Nikon SB-24 and SB-26 coupled with the Cactus V2s wireless triggers for my off-camera flash setup on my Canon Rebel XT. The PZ42X would be a great alternative since I could also stick it on the hotshoe and get proper metering and autoexposure. The manual controls, including the ability to adjust output down to 1/64, would also be a great addition to a wireless speedlight system for me and the other Strobist followers out there. Look for it to appear on Adorama and B&H Photo.

PRO Series Tripods and Monpod

From Sunpak:

The PRO Series carbon fiber tripods and monopod are ultra-light, full-size models that are among the lightest, most portable and affordable in their class. All leg sections are constructed of strong, durable, lightweight carbon fiber. The aluminum chassis incorporates three position leg angle adjusters for providing mid and low-angle grounder adjustment, chassis spirit level and center column tensioning adjustment. Other combined features include rubber guarded twist lock legs, leg warmers, removable center column hook, reversible anti-rotation center column, second short reversible anti-rotation center column and retractable rubber spiked feet.

The PRO 523P, 623P, 624P and 723P tripods include an aluminum 3-way pan head with quick release platform. The 723B comes with a heavy duty ball head with dual adjustable tension settings and also incorporates a quick release platform. All the PRO Series carbon fiber tripods come with a padded case with neoprene shoulder strap and include a compartment for the second short reversible anti-rotation center column.

The street prices of the PRO Series carbon fiber tripods and monopod are:
PRO 523P $199.95
PRO 623P $239.95
PRO 624P $249.95
PRO 723P $279.95
PRO 723B $304.95
PRO 724M $74.95
and all units are currently shipping. (links are to B&H Photo)

FlexPods

Sunpak also announced several new FlexPods, even one with a pan head. From Sunpak:

The Sunpak FlexPod Pro Panhead with its uniquely designed segmented legs can securely wrap around just about any suitable object to give photos a fresh new perspective when attached to one of today’s new digital SLR cameras. It can be attached to a pole, railing, chair, fence or tree branch.

The FlexPod Pro Panhead’s specially designed non-slip leg segments grip tightly and will not slip when properly wrapped around most smooth, dry surfaces. In addition, it can be used as a tabletop tripod by simply extending its legs. To make setup fast and easy the three-way panhead sets up in a snap and is perfect for today’s digital SLR cameras and camcorders.

Digital Photo Frames

Sunpak introduced a new line of Digital Photo Frames that include sizes ranging from 3.5″ to 15.1″. From Sunpak:

New features for Sunpak Digital Photo Frames in 2008 will be a built-in motion detection system for instant on when a person enters a room and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatibility. Also new for 2008 is the inclusion of wireless remote control functions for all models, while still retaining on frame controls for flexibility and ease of use. The Sunpak 15.1″ Digital Photo Frame will include one gig of memory allowing hundreds of images to be stored and displayed.

[tags]sunpak, pma 2008, flash, tripod, monopod, digital photo frame[/tags]

 

Canon 5D Mark II Rumblings from PMA

By

No, it’s not been announced. However, Gizmodo caught up with a Canon rep at PMA and had the following to say regarding the 5D:

Interesting bit just tossed our way by the Canon rep when we asked about a 5D follow-up, slightly paraphrased: The EOS-1Ds line (their full-frame pro DSLRs) is on a three-year upgrade cycle. The 1Ds Mark II came out in 2004, and the Mark III dropped in 2007. The EOS 5D came out in 2005.

Right, it’s cryptic and all, but that’s got use thinking Photokina, eh? The 5D arrived in August ’05, so we should be looking toward August ’08 on the 3-year upgrade cycle? Nice catch Giz.

For more info, stay tuned to the Canon 5D Mark II page.

[tags]canon, 5d, mark ii, rumors[/tags]

Sony A300 and A350 Officially Announced

By

While we’ve seen and heard about them for awhile now, Sony has gotten official with the new A300 and A350. The 10.2 megapixel A300 and 14.2 megapixel A350 both feature a flip-out 2.7-inch swivel screen and live preview that retains the ability to autofocus. The A300 and A350 go up to ISO 3200 and feature burst modes of 3fps and 2.5fps, respectively. Both cameras will arrive in April – at $800 for the A300 with a 18-70mm kit lens and the A350 in a $900 kit or an $800 body-only package.

______________________________ [Read more…]

Sony Develops 35mm full size CMOS Image Sensor with 24.81 Effective Megapixels

By

UPDATED: The Sony A900 has been officially unveiled. See Photography Bay’s Sony A900 Announcement and Sony A900 Reviews and Resources for more info.

Tokyo, Japan – Sony Corporation today announced the development of a 35mm full size (diagonal:43.3mm/Type 2.7) 24.81 effective megapixel, ultra-high speed high image quality CMOS image sensor designed to meet the increasing requirement for rapid image capture and advanced picture quality within digital SLR cameras.

Development background

In recent years, the demand for digital SLR cameras featuring high resolution and wide graduation ranges capable of capturing every detail of the subject matter has continued to increase, particularly among high-end amateur users. Additionally, the increasing user requirement to shoot from the same focal length and angle as 35mm film cameras using interchangeable lenses has led to significant interest in the development of 35mm, full size CMOS image sensors. [Read more…]

Tamron SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO

By

TAMRON ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF SP AF70-200MM F/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO

A Lightweight, High-Performance and Fast Tele-Zoom Realizing 37.4” (0.95m) MFD Over The Entire Zoom Range

PMA, January 31, 2008, Las Vegas, NV— Mr. Morio Ono, President of Tamron Co., Ltd., has announced the launch of SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO, a lightweight, high-performance and fast tele-zoom lens designed for DSLR cameras with 35mm full-size image sensors. The Canon mount is scheduled for spring delivery. The shipment schedule for Nikon, Pentax and Sony will be announced at a later date.

The new SP AF70-200mm Di LD (IF) MACRO (Model A001) is an F/2.8 fast tele-zoom designed for DSLRs with 35mm full-size image sensors, inheriting product concept of the existing SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di (Model A09) that is highly acclaimed as a compact and fast standard zoom lens enabling photographers to enjoy high cost performance characteristics.

While dimensional increases are confined to the absolute minimum, the new SP AF70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD (IF) MACRO zoom lens offers the best-in-class MFD (minimum focusing distance) of 37.4” (0.95m) over the entire zoom range for the maximum macro magnification ratio of 1:3.1 at f=200mm focal length, for stress-free photography, combined with the advantage of an internal focusing (IF) system. [Read more…]

Tamron SP AF10-24MM F/3.5-4.5 DI II LD ASPHERICAL (IF)

By

TAMRON DEVELOPS SP AF10-24MM F/3.5-4.5 DI II LD ASPHERICAL (IF) (MODEL AB001)

A New High Performance Zoom Lens Designed for Exclusive Use on Digital SLR Cameras Covering the Ultra Wide-Angle Range

PMA, January 31, 2008, Las Vegas, NV— Mr. Morio Ono, President of Tamron Co., Ltd., announced the development of the SP AF10-24mm F/3.5-4.5 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) (Model AB001), a new high performance ultra wide-angle zoom lens designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras with APS-C size imagers.
* “Di (Digitally-Integrated design)-II” lenses are designed for exclusive use on digital cameras with smaller-size imagers.
* This lens is not designed for use with 35mm film cameras and digital SLR cameras with image sensors larger than 24mm x 16mm.

The new SP AF10-24mm F/3.5-4.5 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) is an advanced ultra wide-angle zoom lens that is versatile and offers even higher performance and specifications than the current Tamron SP AF11-18mm F/4.5-5.6 zoom lens. [Read more…]

New Tamron Lenses Offer Built-In Motor for Nikon

By

TAMRON ANNOUNCES THE DEVELOPMENT OF THREE ZOOM LENSES WITH BUILT-IN MOTOR FOR NIKON MOUNT

PMA, January 31, 2008, Las Vegas, NV— Mr. Morio Ono, president and CEO of Tamron Co., Ltd., announced that the company has developed two zoom lenses for APS-C size format —AF18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di II (model A14NII) and SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II (model A16NII) — and one zoom for full-size format — 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di (model A17NII) — with a Built-In Motor for Nikon.

[tags]nikon, tamron, lens[/tags]

Nikon PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED

By

New wide-angle NIKKOR lens with Perspective Control

Tokyo – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the high-performance PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED, PC (Perspective Control) lens. This new lens is equipped with a tilt/shift mechanism that gives photographers the flexibility to manipulate image perspective, distortion and focus.

The lens employs a special mount that enables up to ±11.5 mm shift and ±8.5° tilt for perspective control. Shift and tilt can be adjusted via convenient side-mounted controls while referring to the scales provided with gradations at 1mm or 1° intervals. The lens optics can be rotated up to 90° right or left for perspective control adjustment, and click-stops are provided every 30°. [Read more…]