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Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Sony FS700 4K Firmware Update Coming Soon?

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Sony FS700

When Sony launched the FS700 cinema camera, it teased that it was capable of shooting 4K footage and that such capabilities would be unlocked via a firmware update at some, undisclosed point in the future.

Well, that time may be upon us.  Speaking with a Sony insider at the recent IFA show, EOSHD reports that Sony is prepping to launch the 4K firmware upgrade for the FS700 within a few weeks.  Noting further:

I was told that by Sony insider (not a sales rep) there are two external recorders already on the market that will work with the camera in 4K mode by Aja and Sony. Sony have no plans to restrict 4K output to their own external recorder(s), and that is the first bit of good news…Encouragingly this 4K firmware update is ‘weeks away’ according to Sony, unless that strategy changes or any unforeseen consequences occur. I asked about pricing and I am told it will be similar to the S-LOG upgrade for the Sony F3 which currently retails for £500 + VAT at CVP in the UK. It is just a firmware update.

Given that the FS700 is an $8000 camera, a reasonable price for the 4K firmware upgrade could deliver a stunning 4K camera at a sub-$10k price point – something that no one has really done yet.  (Notwithstanding the lackluster JVC HMQ10.)

[via NoFilmSchool]

 

New Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L Rumored for Photokina 2012

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Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L

Northlight Images has word that Canon may be introducing an updated version of the EF 400mm f/5.6L lens prior to Photokina 2012. This lens has been around for quite a while and it is relatively affordable for an L-series telephoto lens.  It will be interesting to see whether Canon puts an Image Stabilization system in the new version if the rumors are true and just how much the price will rise over the current version.

Nikon Press Conference on Sept. 13 – Full Frame D600 Expected

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Nikon D600

A forum poster at DPR passed along word that they received an invite for a Nikon product launch in Dubai on September 13.  The teaser from Nikon reads, “Nikon is delighted to invite you to a showcase event celebrating the launch of the latest additions to its DSLR range.”

Sounds like the oft-rumored, 24MP full frame Nikon D600 could be launching next week as an entry-level alternative to the D800.  And if the sub-$2000 price point becomes a reality, there could be a lot of happy Nikonians this holiday season.

[DPR via Nikon Rumors]

New Look at the Sony NEX-6

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Sony NEX-6

Here’s yet another leaked image of the upcoming Sony NEX-6.  Note the electronic viewfinder that can be seen on the back left corner of the camera.  Some readers had asked about it in prior posts.

The Sony NEX-6 is due to be announced on September 12 as a mid-range mirrorless camera situated between the Sony NEX-5R and NEX-7 in the lineup.  As a refresher, the expected specifications are listed below. [Read more…]

Panasonic GH3 Rumors and Specs

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Panasonic GH3 Rumors

The Panasonic GH3 is expected to arrive prior to Photokina 2012 as an update to the Panasonic GH2, one of the most popular mirrorless cameras to date.

The new model is expected to feature a new 16MP “Wide Dynamic Range” sensor and offer video capture at an impressive 72Mbit/s bit rate.  Check out the full rundown on the specs below. [Read more…]

Pentax 645D Gets $1200 Price Drop

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Pentax 645D

The 40MP medium format Pentax 645D recently got a price drop from $9,995 to $8,795, which puts it even closer to the high-end 35mm DSLR range (see, e.g., Canon 1D X at $6,800 and Nikon D4 at $6,000).

Some retailers have already updated their list pricing to reflect the price drop (Adorama), while others have not (B&H Photo).  Expect the pricing to go into effect at all Pentax retailers soon.

ioSafe Has In-Office Disaster for Unintended Product Testing

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ioSafe Offices Disaster

Around the same time I published the recent ioSafe Extreme Rugged hard drive review, ioSafe had its own in-office disaster when a sprinkler pipe broke and flooded its office.  Fortunately, they were using their own ioSafe waterproof drives throughout the offices and didn’t lose any data.

Check out their account of the rather ironic disaster below. [Read more…]