Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
Canon Europe has announced a new firmware update that will be coming soon for the EOS 1D Mark IV. The firmware version 1.0.6 will address the following issues:
AF performance has been enhanced for receding subjects and for subjects that are approaching at a low speed.
Stay tuned for more details on the availability of the firmware update.
[via Canon Europe]
The PMA 2010 International Convention and Trade Show is scheduled to take place February 21-23, 2010, at the Anaheim Convention Center in Southern California. PMA is the largest photographic trade show in the world. Surrounding PMA are a number of new product announcements from camera, lens and accessory manufacturers. Each year, we all watch these announcements to see what the next best thing in the digital imaging realm might be.
While we saw many product announcements from photo-industry manufacturers at CES 2010, the biggest announcements generally come in the days leading up to the PMA show. I’ll be reporting live from PMA this year and you may find some up-to-the-minute updates from Photography Bay’s Twitter account before it goes live on the homepage. So, if you’re that kind of gearhead, follow Photography Bay on Twitter.
This preview will showcase news and developments categorized by manufacturer and will be updated as new information comes in. Consider bookmarking this page through PMA to have access to the latest info at your fingertips.
If you have something to contribute or would like to discuss this topic further, please join the Photography Bay Forum and post your comments there. I’ll stay on top of the discussions and relay relevant information on this post.
Canon will not be attending PMA 2010; however, due to the proximity of Canon’s new camera releases to the event, I have included them in this report.
Canon EOS Rebel T2i: 18MP DSLR that serves as a replacement to the popular Rebel T1i. The Rebel T2i offers a number of advancements, including an improved metering system and a number of HD video recording options.
Canon PowerShot SX210 IS: 14.1MP point and shoot camera with a 14x optical zoom lens with image stabilization, 3-inch LCD and the ability to capture 720p HD video with stereo sound.
Canon PowerShot SD3500 IS: 14.1MP point and shoot camera with a stabilized 5x optical zoom lens, 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD and 720p HD video capture.
Canon PowerShot SD1400 IS: Ultra-compact 14.1MP point and shoot camera with a stabilized 4x optical zoom lens and 720p HD video capture.
Canon PowerShot SD1300 IS: Basic 12.1MP point and shoot camera with a stabilized 4x optical zoom lens and a 2.7-inch LCD.
Casio EX-10HG: Introduced at CES 2010, the concept camera has received an estimated price tag of $400 and expect availability in October 2010.
Casio EX-FC150: 10.1MP point and shoot camera with a 5X optical zoom and Casio’s popular high-speed video and image capture.
Casio EX-S7: 12.1MP point and shoot camera with a 3x optical zoom, 720p HD video capture and a 2.7-inch LCD.
Casio EX-Z35: 12.1MP point and shoot camera with a 3x optical zoom, VGA video capture and a 2.5-inch LCD.
Fuji AV100: 12MP point and shoot camera with a 2.7-inch LCD, a 3x optical zoom lens and 720p HD video capture.
Fuji AX200: 12MP point and shoot camera with a 2.7-inch LCD, a 5x optical zoom lens and 720p HD video capture.
Fuji F80EXR: 12MP point and shoot camera featuring Fuji’s popular EXR sensor technology with a 10x optical zoom lens (27-270mm equivalent), 3-inch LCD and 720p HD movie capture.
Fuji GF670 Professional Medium Format Camera: Offers 6×6 and 6×7 format shooting with 120 and 220 roll film. The GF670 features an 80mm lens, rangefinder, aperture-priority mode for auto exposure, as well as manual exposure mode.
Fuji HS10: 10MP superzoom camera with CMOS sensor and 30x zoom lens, which offers a zoom range equivalent to 24-720mm. Also captures 1080p HD video.
Fuji JV100: 12MP point and shoot camera with a 2.7-inch LCD, a 3x optical zoom lens and 720p HD movie capture.
Fuji JX250: 14MP point and shoot camera with a 2.7-inch LCD, a 5x optical zoom lens and 720p HD movie capture.
Fuji JZ300: 12MP point and shoot camera with sensor-shift image stabilization, 2.7-inch LCD, a 10x optical zoom lens and 720p HD movie capture.
Fuji JZ500: 14MP point and shoot camera with sensor-shift image stabilization, a 2.7-inch LCD, a 10x optical zoom lens and 720p HD video capture.
Fuji S1800: 12MP superzoom camera with 18x optical zoom lenses for an equivalent zoom range of 28-504mm, 3-inch LCD, an electronic viewfinder and 720pHD video capture.
Fuji S2550HD: 12MP superzoom camera with 18x optical zoom lenses for an equivalent zoom range of 28-504mm, 3-inch LCD, an electronic viewfinder and 720pHD video capture.
Fuji XP10: Rugged 12MP point and shoot camera with a 2.7-inch LCD and 5x optical zoom lens. The X10 is shockproof, waterproof, freezeproof and dustproof.
Fuji Z70: 12MP point and shoot camera with a 2.7-inch LCD, 5x optical zoom lens and 720p HD video capture.
Fuji Z700EXR: 12MP point and shoot camera featuring Fuji’s popular EXR sensor technology with a 3.5? wide touch screen display in 16:9 format, a 5x optical zoom and 720p video capture.
Hasselblad H4D-40: 40MP medium format camera with 80mm lens and Phocus 2.0 software. Geared toward high-end 35mm format photographers.
HP CW450: 12MP point and shoot camera with a 4x optical zoom and 2.7″ LCD.
HP CW450t: Touchscreen version of HP CW450.
HP SW450: 12MP point and shoot camera with a 4x optical zoom and 2.7″ LCD.
HP PW550z: 12.2MP point and shoot camera with 5x optical zoom and 2.7″ LCD.
HP PW460t: 12.2MP point and shoot camera with 4x optical zoom and 3″ touchscreen LCD.
Gorillapod Magnetic: A Gorillapod with magnetic feet, which allows it to attach to any magnetic surface.
Ballhead X: Supports up to 11.1lbs and allows you to pan, tilt and rotate the attached camera atop the Gorillapod or other tripod.
Leaf Aptus-II 8: 40MP medium format digital back with a sensor size of 44×33mm and is capable of capturing images at a rate of 0.8 seconds per frame and a burst of 60 full-res images per minute.
Fisheye and Soft Focus Optics: New optics for Lensbaby Composer, Muse and Control Freak lenses.
Lowepro Slingshot AW Camera Bags: Updated version of the popular Slingshot series of camera bags, which rotate from back to front for fast and easy access to gear.
Nikon L110: 12.1MP superzoom camera featuring a 15x optical zoom lens (28-420mm equivalent) with optical VR image stabilization, a 3-inch LCD screen and the ability to capture 720p HD video.
Nikon L22: 12MP point and shoot camera with a 3.6x optical zoom lens, a 3-inch LCD and is powered by AA batteries.
Nikon P100: 10.3MP superzoom camera with a 26x optical zoom lens and optical VR image stabilization. The P100 can capture 1080p HD video, features in-camera HDR image merge and a 3-inch LCD.
Nikon S3000: Budget-friendly, 12MP point and shoot camera with a 4x optical zoom lens and a 2.7-inch LCD.
Nikon S4000: 12MP point and shoot camera with a 4x optical zoom lens, a 3-inch (460k dot) touch-panel LCD and the ability to capture 720p HD video.
Nikon S6000: 14.2MP point and shoot camera with a 7x optical zoom lens, a 2.7-inch LCD panel and the ability to capture 720p HD video.
Nikon S8000: 14.2MP point and shoot cameras with a 10x optical zoom, a high resolution (920k dot) 3-inch LCD screen and the ability to capture 720p HD video and stereo audio.
Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR Lens: Nikon’s first ultra-wide zoom with VR for FX format cameras. The 16-35mm lens features Nikon’s Silent Wave Autofocus Motor and VR II stabilization technology.
Nikon AF-S 24mm f/1.4G ED Lens: A wide angle prime, compatible with both FX and DX-format DSLRs.
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm F4.0-5.6 Lens: Wide-angle zoom lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras.
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-150mm F4.0-5.6 Lens: Wide-to-telephoto zoom lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras.
Olympus PEN E-PL1: 3rd-generation Micro Four Thirds camera with 12.3MP sensor, HD video capture and 14-42mm kit lens.
Olympus SP-600UZ: 12MP point and shoot camera with 15x optical zoom and 720p HD video capture.
Olympus SP-800UZ: 14MP superzoom “bridge” camera with 30x optical zoom and 720p HD video capture.
Pentax E90: Budget-friendly 10MP point and shoot camera with 3x optical zoom.
Pentax H90: Stylish 12.1MP point and shoot camera with 5x optical zoom and 720p HD video capture.
Pentax I-10: Retro-style 12.1MP point and shoot camera with 5x optical zoom, 720p HD video capture and 16:9 format LCD.
See my quick hands-on report of the Pentax Optio E90, H90 and I-10 here.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS7: 12.1MP point and shoot camera with 12x zoom, HD video recording and GPS capabilities.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS2: 14.1MP rugged point and shoot camera that is waterproof, shockproof etc. Records HD video.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3: 14.1MP point and shoot camera with 8x zoom and HD video recording.
Ricoh CX3: 10MP point and shoot camera with a back-illuminated CMOS sensor, a 10.7x optical zoom (28-300mm equivalent) and has the ability to capture HD video.
Samsung TL500: 10MP point and shoot camera with a 1/1.7-inch CCD image sensor, a 3x zoom f/1.8 lens and a 3-inch AMOLED swivel display. The TL500 supports RAW file capture and offers optical image stabilization.
Samsung TL350: 10.2MP point and shoot camera which features a CMOS sensor and 1080p video capture, as well as a number of high-speed video capture modes up to 1000 fps. The TL350 offers RAW file capture, a 5x optical zoom lens, optical image stabilization, full manual control and 3-inch AMOLED display.
Samsung AQ100: 12MP point and shoot camera that is waterproof up to 10 feet and features a 5x optical zoom, 720p HD video capture and a 2.7-inch LCD.
Samsung SL605: 12MP point and shoot camera that is durable and dustproof, and features VGA video capture, along with a 2.7-inch LCD.
Samsung HZ35W and HZ30W: 12MP point and shoot cameras with 15x zoom and 720p video recording. The HZ35W offers GPS features.
Samsung TL110 and TL105: 14MP and 12MP, respectively, point and shoot cameras that record 720p video.
Samsung SL630: 12MP and budget friendly point and shoot with a 5x optical zoom and VGA-quality video recording.
Samsung NX Lenses: Samsung unveiled 5 new lenses for the NX10 and future NX-series cameras. The new lenses include the following:
SanDisk 64GB SDXC Card: Capable of 15MB/s read speeds and 9Mbps write speeds. For use with new SDXC-compatible devices.
Sigma SD15: DSLR with a 14MP Foveon X3 CMOS sensor that captures 12-bit RAW files, and has a continuous shooting speed of 3 fps and 5-point AF system.
Sigma DP2s: A slightly refreshed version of the DP2 and features a 14MP Foveon X3 CMOS image sensor, RAW image capture and a 24mm f/2.8 lens.
Sigma DP1x: A refreshed version of the original DP1, freaturing the large CMOS sensor and the TRUE II image processing engine found in the DP2 and upcoming SD15.
Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 Macro OS HSM: Previously available in other mounts, Sigma has announced availability of this lens with Pentax and Sony DSLR mounts.
Sony Alpha DLSRs: Sony unveiled 2 Alpha DSLR concept models featuring AVCHD video capture, which should be out later in 2010.
Sony Alpha Compact Interchangealble Lens Camera: Sony unveiled a mirrorless Alpha mount camera featuring an APS-sized sensor, along with plans for additional compact Alpha mount lenses.
Sony Cyber-shot TX5: 10.2MP compact waterproof camera up to 10 feet deep with optical image stabilization and 720p video capture, and is also dustproof, shockproof and freezeproof.
Sony Cyber-shot H55: 14.1MP point and shoot camera with a 10x optical zoom (25-250mm equivalent), optical image stabilization, Sweep Panorama mode, 720p video capture and a 3-inch LCD.
As noted above, this PMA 2010 coverage is a work in progress, which will be updated on a rolling basis. If you’ve got something to say, please share it with the rest of us in the Photography Bay Forum. If you’re not already a member, you can join here for free.
Canon is holding a new contest for aspiring filmmakers that gives you a chance to win a Canon 7D, 5D Mark II or some Canon lenses. Vincent Laforet has created a new short film, Cabbie (seen above), but you have to pick up with the subsequent chapters based on the still image provided by Laforet at the end of Cabbie. Laforet and other all star film makers will pick the winning chapters after Cabbie for a total of seven chapters (six winners).
The deadline for chapter 2 is February 11.
You can get details in the press release below and over on the Vimeo group, Beyond the Still. [Read more…]
Canon’s Instant Rebate program for DSLRs and lenses, which has been running for a few months, is set to expire on Saturday, January 16, 2010. For more details on which products are currently discounted, hit the links below.
The Canon BG-E6 battery grip serves a couple of different purposes for the 5D Mark II. As the name implies, it holds batteries – either two LP-E6 lithium-ion batteries or 6 AA batteries in the included battery holder. Likewise, the BG-E6 serves as a grip for handling the camera in portrait orientation, featuring controls for the shutter release, scroll wheel, and focus point adjustments, among others.
The BG-E6 is a nice accessory to have; however, it runs $250. For some, that’s a little steep for a battery grip. Third party grips are much more affordable at less than $100, but are they worth the compromise? This question comes up on forums quite a bit and finds its way in my inbox now and then.
In this little exercise, we are going to take a look at the Canon BG-E6 grip and see how a couple of third party grips from Vivitar and Zeikos stack up against it.
[UPDATE: I’ve supplemented this review with a review of the Vello BG-C2 and BG-C4 grips for the Canon 5D Mark II and 7D.]
B&H Photo currently has a deal on the Rebel XS and two Canon lenses that shows $669 on the product page; however, when you add it to the cart, it drops to $509.
I’m not sure how long it will last, but since the Canon DSLR and lens rebates expire later this week, I wouldn’t expect it to last past that. If you’re interested, here’s the link.
Canon had the new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens on hand at CES 2010. I had the chance to get my hands on it for a few minutes. [Read more…]
Yesterday, Canon introduced Wireless File Transmitter units for 3 of its DSLRs – the 1D Mark IV, 5D Mark II and 7D.
The Canon 1D Mark IV will use the WFT-E2 II A unit.
The Canon 5D Mark II will use the WFT-E4 II A unit.
The Canon 7D will use the WFT-E5A.
All models offer 802.11a/b/g connectivity, FTP mode for transfer even remotely over the Internet, camera linking for firing up to 11 cameras simultaneously, and several other features.
The E4 II A and E5A is currently available at an initial retail price of $699.99.
The E2 II A should be available in the first quarter of 2010 at a yet to be announced price.
More details in the press release below. [Read more…]
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens is an update to the former 70-200mm f/2.8 IS lens, one of Canon’s most popular professional lenses. In the updated lens, the internal elements have been redesigned and a flourite and fifth UD element have been incorporated to the lens. According to Canon, a new autofocusing algorithm should increase AF acquisition speed. Additionally, the minimum focus distance has been reduced to under 4 feet. Finally, the Image Stabilization system has been upgraded to a claimed shake-correction of 4-stops, which is a 1-stop improvement over the previous model.
The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II lens comes with a tripod collar, lens hood and pouch. It should be available in April 2010. Canon has yet to disclose the initial retail price; however, I would speculate the price to be around $2000 or more given Canon’s recent trend of increasing prices.
More details in the press release below. [Read more…]
Canon’s A-series lineup has been refreshed at CES 2010 with the A3100 IS, A3000 IS, A490 and A495.
The A3100 IS features a 12.1MP sensor, while the A3000 IS offers a 10MP sensor. Both cameras feature a 4x optical zoom lens with image stabilization built in. The A3100 IS and A3000 IS should be available in February 2010 at initial retail prices of $179.99 and $149.99, respectively. Check out the Canon A3100 IS Review.
The A490 and A495 cameras feature a 10MP sensor, 3.3x optical zoom and a 2.5″ LCD. The A495 offers a number of auto shooting modes for different effects to images, as well as the ability to upload videos to YouTube. The A495 and A490 should be available in February 2010 at an initial retail price of $129.99 and $109.99, respectively.
Check availability for these PowerShot models on Amazon.com:
Lake Success, N.Y., January 5, 2010 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today unveiled four new PowerShot A-Series digital cameras offering entry-level consumers the opportunity to step-up their shooting experience with exciting new creative effects. In addition, for the first time, Canon offers a new rechargeable lithium-ion battery in two A-Series models, extending the battery lives of the cameras. The A-Series lineup, comprised of the PowerShot A3100 IS, A3000 IS, A495 and A490 Digital cameras, offer consumers enhanced photo-taking capabilities through an array of creative modes to help shape one’s personal photographic style.
“With the introduction of the new PowerShot A-Series cameras, Canon brings a new aesthetic design to our entry-level line and new features that enhance the camera’s overall performance and functionality,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “The new creative modes are designed to offer consumers the ability to customize their captured images and add personalization to the time-honored art of photography.”
Whether creating a holiday card to share with friends and family or updating a Facebook page in a fun and unique way, the new PowerShot cameras will help expand a user’s imagination with the introduction of two creative scene modes – Poster Effect and Super Vivid. The Poster Effect scene mode alters the look of a captured image by changing the contrast of the image. Similarly, the Super Vivid Mode creates an enhanced color effect by increasing the hue and saturation of the captured image.
Achieving a clear shot in low-light situations, such as when a child blows out birthday candles, is no easy task. With Canon’s Low-Light Mode, the A-Series line now provides a wider ISO range (up to 3200), allowing more light to be captured creating sharper, more vivid images. For situations that require a flash, but where one cannot be used, such as a night game or concert, Canon’s Low-Light Mode will help improve the captured image. The A-Series also includes Canon’s Smart FE (Flash Exposure) which improves image quality by automatically adding the optimum level of flash illumination, aperture, shutter speed and ISO.
Canon has made it even easier to upload images and videos to YouTube, via CameraWindow. What’s more, starting this year, all new compact digital cameras will support the high-spec SDXC memory cards with a maximum storage capacity of two terabytes (TB) in SDA standard, making it even easier to capture additional images and videos with PowerShot cameras.
The Canon PowerShot A3100 IS Digital camera is available in vibrant red, blue and silver colors while the PowerShot A3000 IS is offered in a stunning, two-toned black and silver casing, ideal for the color-conscious consumer. Both cameras boast features such as 12.1-Megapixel and 10-Megapixel resolution, respectfully; a 4x Optical Zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilization; a large 2.7-inch LCD screen; and Smart AUTO mode, which takes the guesswork out of shooting. New modes such as Low-Light, Super Vivid and Poster Effect mode are also available, as well as Smart FE and the ability to upload video to YouTube. The PowerShot A3100 IS and A3000 IS Digital Cameras are scheduled to be available in late February for an estimated retail price of $179.99 and $149.99, respectively.
Offering a broad array of consumer-friendly features and 10.0-Megapixel resolution, 3.3x Optical Zoom and a 2.5-inch LCD screen, the Canon PowerShot A495 and A490 Digital cameras are ideal for the budget-conscious consumer. Available in two-tone colors, such as red, blue and silver, the PowerShot A495 Digital camera offers a multitude of new modes such as Low-Light, Super Vivid and Poster Effect mode, as well as Smart FE and the ability to upload video to YouTube. Available in a metallic two-toned silver and black, the PowerShot A490 Digital camera comes equipped with scene modes such as Low-Light Mode, Smart FE and the ability to upload video to YouTube. The PowerShot A495 and A490 Digital Cameras are scheduled to be available in late February for an estimated retail price of $129.99 and $109.99, respectively.