Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Firmware Friday: Nikon Compacts, Pentax K-5, Panasonic G2 & Zoom H4n

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Camera Firmware Update

Below you will find this week’s firmware updates.  Hit the manufacturer website links for more details and download instructions for the firmware.

Nikon Coolpix S6000 version 1.1 – “When the self-timer, flash mode or macro mode setting was accessed but then closed without adjusting the setting after applying exposure compensation, the exposure compensation setting was reset to 0.0. This issue has been resolved.” [Nikon Website]

Nikon Coolpix S8000 version 1.1 – “When the self-timer, flash mode or macro mode setting was accessed but then closed without adjusting the setting after applying exposure compensation, the exposure compensation setting was reset to 0.0. This issue has been resolved.” [Nikon Website]

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 version 1.1 – “added a function for recording 3D pictures. added a function for playing back 3D pictures. Improved operability of AE lock by maintaining the setting even when touch shutter function is used.” [Panasonic Website]

Pentax K-5 version 1.01 – “Increases the number of continuous shot at RAW format and High sensitivity shooting. # Improved stability for general performance such as exposure range on HyP mode.” [Pentax Website]

Zoom H4n Handy Recorder version 1.70 – “Added the function that recording level of INPUT1 and 2 can be set individually.” [Zoom Website]

 

The Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 Book for Digital Photographers – New Book

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The Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 Book for Digital Photographers is a new book from Scott Kelby and Matt Kloskowski that takes a photographer’s approach to Photoshop Elements 9.

Kelby’s book for Photoshop CS was the first book that I ever bought for Photoshop, and it really helped me get off the ground with the rather intimidating software.  If you are a photographer struggling with Photoshop Elements (or any version for that matter), you could do a lot worse than picking up a book penned by Kelby.

The Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 Book for Digital Photographers carries a retail price tag of $39.99; however, you can pre-order it now on Amazon.com for $31.49.

Sony NXCAM HD Camcorder in Development, Uses NEX E-Mount

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Sony is teasing the development of a new pro-level NXCAM camcorder that uses the same E-Mount lenses found on the popular NEX-series of cameras, like the 18-200mm lens packaged with the Sony NEX-VG10.

Because the NXCAM uses features the E-Mount system, it can accept Sony Alpha mount lenses like the 70-400mm with the aid of the LA-EA1 adapter, which appears to be attached in the above screenshots.

Good news on the recording format front – it looks like the NXCAM will feature full 1920 x 1080 resolution in AVCHD format at a variety of frame rates, including 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p and the all-important 24p.  Check out the video below for the rest of the teaser. [Read more…]

Olympus E-PL1s Announced, But Only for Japan

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Olympus Japan has announced a new E-PL1s Micro Four Thirds camera as a slight tweak to the popular E-PL1.  The E-PL1s adds an ISO 6400 sensitivity setting and now comes in a red body.

Along with the E-PL1s, Olympus announced a new 14-42mm II f/3.5-5.6 kit lens with improved internal focusing for faster and quieter AF.

[Olympus Japan via Photo Rumors]

Nikon D7000 Availability Update

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Speaking of the Nikon D7000 . . . .  B&H Photo now has the D7000 “available for pre-order,” which (as many of you may know) means B&H will have real stock of this camera very soon.

B&H doesn’t do long lists of pre-orders that take months to fill.  Instead, they only open up the pre-order list when stock is confirmed and then shut it down when stock runs out.

Here’s the link while it lasts:  Nikon D7000 w/ 18-105mm lens at B&H

Think Tank Photo Urban Disguise 40 V2.0 Review

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Think Tank Photo’s new Urban Disguise series camera bags are a versatile line of shoulder-carry bags that make it possible to carry a lot of gear in a compact and inconspicuous manner.

Think Tank Photo offers several different versions of the Urban Disguise bags, which lets find a bag that serves your own needs. At the bottom end, you’ve got the Urban Disguise 10, which holds a DSLR with lens attached (along with some extra space in the front pocket), to the Urban Disguise 70, which holds 2 pro-sized DSLRs with up to 70-200 f/2.8 lenses attached, plus several lenses and a couple of additional bodies.  Additionally, the Urban Disguise series features bags like the Urban Disguise 60, which holds pro-sized DSLRs, lenses and offers a 17″ widescreen laptop compartment.

The Urban Disguise 40 V2.0 has been on my shoulder for the past few weeks with a number of different gear arrangements inside.  For a lot of folks, the Urban Disguise 40 V2.0 will serve as the perfect single-shoot bag.  It’s also a fantastic photo walk or day trip bag.

The Urban Disguise 40 V2.0 looks and feels like a professional briefcase.  It doesn’t stick out in a crowd and draw attention to you like “Hey, I’m carrying a few grand in camera gear.”  This is a camera bag that just lets you blend into the crowd, but still functions like a sexy camera bag. [Read more…]

Nauticam NA-D7000 Takes the Nikon D7000 Underwater

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The newly announced Nauticam NA-D7000 is an underwater housing for the Nikon D7000, which allows you to take the 16MP DSLR down to a depth of 100M.  It will set you back a bit on top of the D7000 sticker price though.  The Nauticam NA-D7000 carries a retail price tag of $3100 and should be available at the end of this month (just in time to make it on your wish list).

[via Nikon Rumors]