Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Canon 5D Mark II is Official Camera of the President

By

For the first time, the official photo of the President of the United States was taken with a digital camera . . . the Canon EOS 5D Mark II to be exact.  Pete Souza, the new White House photographer, is a Canon shooter.  Previously, he shot with the 5D.  Since being named the “First Photographer”, however, he picked up the 5D Mark II.  More details at Change.gov.

I found this rather ironic while working on my 5D Mark II review today that I came across this news.  I’ll have the review out next week I hope.  However, if it’s good enough for the President, it’s probably good enough for you too.

For now, stay tuned to Photography Bay’s Canon 5D Mark II Reviews and Resources for the latest.

 

Ray Flash from ExpoImaging Gets Cheaper

By

ExpoImaging recently dropped the price of its $300 Ray Flash to $200. It’s a pretty cool device if you haven’t seen it before (although I have yet to get my hands on one). Basically, it attaches to your on-camera flash and allows to you keep both hands on your camera and lens while you get the benefit of a lightweight ring flash. The Ray Flash is supposed to be pretty efficient with the light from your on-camera flash, so you don’t lose as much light as I do with my DIY Ring Flash.

David Hobby over at Strobist is pretty impressed with it, and so is Scott Kelby.   Although, it’s gotten some mixed reviews among purchasers over at B&H Photo.

Check out the press release below for further details. [Read more…]

Nikon D65 Rumor

By

You can bet that Nikon will be refreshing the D60 line soon.  Will the new camera be called the Nikon D65?  I don’t know; however, Nikon Rumors got some info from an unknown source on a possible D65 with the following specs:

  • 12mp CMOS
  • 3fps
  • 9 AF-points CAM 850, 1 Cross type
  • 720p video
  • Live view
  • Dust reduction
  • PMA 2009 release

[source]

Frankly, I think anyone could take a guess at those features and end up being pretty close to the real thing.  Consider this a blanket rumor for now.  I’ll keep you posted if any firms up on the Nikon D65.

Stay tuned to Photography Bay’s PMA 2009 Preview for the latest news and rumors as we get closer to PMA 2009.

UPDATE:

4/5/09 – Possible April 14, 2009 announcement. (read more)

Polaroid PoGo Instant Digital Camera

By

Polaroid’s new PoGo Instant Digital Camera may be the next big thing.  Or, then again, it may be the next big flop.  The concept is great – taking Polaroid’s history of instant photography into the digital realm (Polaroid started down this road with the PoGo Instant Printer last year).

Execution is crucial.  Depending on how the print quality and consumer impressions of this new gadget plays out is key.  I have to admit though, I kinda want one.

More details in the press release below. [Read more…]

Nikon Lens Rumors

By

Some new Nikon lens rumors have crept up this past week.  Over on a DSLR Google Group, one user has claimed to have a solid Nikon insider source that he’s known for 10 years.  Word is that Nikon is dropping 4 telephoto lenses, which will likely come at PMA 2009 if at all.

The rumored lenses are as follows:

Nikkor AF-S VR-II 200mm f1.8D

Nikkor AF-S VR-II 300mm f2D

Nikkor AF-S VR-II 400mm f2.5D

Nikkor AF-S VR-II 70-200mm f2.5D

I halfway expect an updated 70-200mm f/2.8 VR lens at PMA because there were strong hints of a replacement last year prior to Photokina.  However, the f/2.5 maximum aperture in the specs above gives me a little pause on the legitimacy of this poster’s source. Regardless of this spec, I’m still optimistic that Nikon will produce a replacement to the current 70-200mm VR lens.

Any thoughts?

Stay tuned to Photography Bay as we get closer to PMA 2009 for the latest news and rumors.

Demotix User-Generated Newswire

By

Want to be a photojournalist? Having a hard time hooking up with Getty Images? Consider Demotix.

Demotix has entered the photojournalism realm with a new take on the traditional newswire. Demotix calls it street journalism. I had a giddy feeling when I watched the above video that demonstrates a bit of the potential that Demotix can bring to photographers around the globe. I’m not saying Demotix has arrived as the next big thing, but it has some potential.

Check out the details in the press release below and let me know your thoughts as photographers. [Read more…]