Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

 

Firmware Friday: Nikon D90, D5000, Ricoh GXR

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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 D90 Distortion Control Data upgrade – “The Distortion Control Data firmware upgrade is available for Nikon D90 and D5000 cameras only. This is used to correct barrel and pincushion distortion during shooting and editing. This may be loaded into cameras that support distortion control.” [Nikon website]

Nikon D5000 Distortion Control Data upgrade – “The Distortion Control Data firmware upgrade is available for Nikon D90 and D5000 cameras only. This is used to correct barrel and pincushion distortion during shooting and editing. This may be loaded into cameras that support distortion control.” [Nikon website]

Ricoh GXR version 1.13 – “In [A] mode, with configured AE lock and AE bracket; the shutter speed recorded in the captured image may be different from the actual shutter speed.  Corrected the phenomenon when an Eye-Fi card is inserted in the camera and it turns on the power, it will take time to start up, or the camera will not start.  Only with Simplified Chinese (language setting in the camera) :  When you adjust exposure, a number shown in the right side of the exposure compensation slider in the screen may not show a proper number. High-speed movement of the Focus Ring. While pressing down the Macro button in the MF, the Focus Ring movement will become faster.” [Ricoh website]

Sony Alpha Instant Rebates

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Sony has a number of Alpha models (both DSLR and NEX) on special through March 5, 2011.  Most of the instant rebates are $50 off and include the new Sony A33 and NEX-3.  Additionally, the A900 has a $200 instant rebate; however, those are apparently in short supply at the moment.

See the full list of available Sony instant rebates over here at B&H Photo.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2: The Unofficial Quintessential Guide – New Book

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The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2: The Unofficial Quintessential Guide is a new book from Brian Matsumoto and Carol F. Roullard.  As you may know, the Panasonic G2 is an entry-level Micro Four Thirds camera.

This new book retails for $29.95; however, it can currently be found for $19.29 on Amazon.com.

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

Tenba Vector Camera Bags

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Tenba has announced its new Vector collection of colorful camera bags.  The Vector series bags are geared toward the consumer and prosumer audio, with an emphasis on design and function.

There are a variety of bag types, such as compact camera pouches, DSLR bags, shoulder bags and large daypacks, which allow for all sorts of camera arrangements.  The new bags range in price from $12.95 to $79.95.  Check availability at B&H Photo.

Canon EF 500mm F/4L IS II USM and EF 600mm F/4L IS II USM Announced

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Refreshed versions of Canon’s popular 500mm and 600mm super-telephoto lenses will be available, respectively, in May and June 2011.

The Canon EF 500mm F/4L IS II USM and EF 600mm F/4L IS II USM offer reduced weight and greater durability over their predecessors.  The addition of two fluorite lens elements should also provide better image quality over the older lenses as well.

In addition to other features, the new lenses offer a feature aimed at HDSLR shooters, which Canon calls “Power Focus.”  According to Canon, “This mode allows manual rack focusing to be operated smoothly by turning a playback ring that is normally used for the focus preset function.  Both low-speed and high-speed focus shifting are available.”

All these improvements come at a price though.

The EF 500mm F/4L IS USM will retail for $9,499.00 (check availability at B&H Photo and Amazon), while the 600mm F/4L IS USM will retail for $11,999.00 (check availability at B&H Photo and Amazon).

Complete details and more images for the new lenses are below. [Read more…]

Schneider-Kreuznach to Make Micro Four Thirds Lenses

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Schneider-Kreuznach has announced that it will develop lenses compatible with the Micro Four Thirds system (e.g., Panasonic GH2, Olympus E-PL2, etc.).  No word on when the first batch of lenses for these cameras will be announced or what the prices might be, but one would expect that we’ll see something (at least a concept) by CliQ 2011.

Panasonic Announces Prices for Lumix GF2 and New Compact Cameras

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Panasonic has announced pricing on some of its recently-introduced Lumix digital cameras.

The Panasonic Lumix GF2 will carry a retail price of $499.95 for the body only.  The GF2 and 14-42mm lens kit will retail for $599.95, while the GF2 and 14mm prime lens kit will retail for $699.95.  The Lumix GF2 should be available later this month.

You can check on availability for the Panasonic Lumix GF2 at B&H Photo, Adorama and Amazon.com.

All of the new Lumix compact cameras will be available in March 2011, with prices and retailer availability links below. [Read more…]

Panasonic Lumix FX78

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The Panasonic Lumix FX78 is a new 12.1MP compact camera with a 5x optical zoom lens and a 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD.  The FX78 captures 1920 x 1080 AVCHD video and shoots still images at up to 3.7 fps for up to 7 frames.

The Lumix FX78 should be available in March with no announced price as of today.

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