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Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Canon Rebel T4i Officially Unveiled Along with New Lenses

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Canon Rebel T4i

The much-rumored Canon Rebel T4i has been officially announced.

The new entry-level DSLR sports an 18MP image sensor and captures full HD video with continuous autofocus, which is a first for Canon DSLRs.  Also new is a 3-inch touchscreen LCD – another Canon DSLR first.  The sensitivity range covers ISO 100-12800 with an expansion option up to ISO 25600.

The Rebel T4i gets an upgraded AF system, now offering 9 cross-type AF points, and will capture full-res images at 5 frames per second.

Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM Lens

Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM Lens

The Rebel T4i was introduced alongside two new video-optimized lenses – the EF 40mm f/2.8 STM pancake and the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM.

The Canon Rebel T4i retails for $849.99 for the body only; $949.99 with an EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens kit and a “Movie Kit” bundle for $1199.00 with the new EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens.  The Rebel T4i should be available by the end of the month.  Check availability at B&H Photo.

The EF 40mm f/2.8 STM lens retails for $199.99, while the new EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM retails for $549.99.

More details and images below. [Read more…]

 

Olympus LS-100 Firmware Update to Fix Delay Problem

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Olympus LS100

Back in March, I published a comparison of the Olympus LS-100, Zoom H4n and Tascam DR-100 Mk II portable XLR audio recorders.  In the review, I noted that the LS-100 had the best overall audio quality when using the XLR inputs combined with an external shotgun mic like the Rode NTG-3.

One of the complaints about the LS-100 noted in the comment section was that there is a 0.2-second delay when monitoring the recording via the headphone jack.  This is a flaw that I missed since I’m not tracking anything with it and just used the monitor to get levels before rolling video; however, it’s a very critical flaw for some uses.

Olympus Audio posted in the comment thread that a fix for this delay problem is in the works and should be available via a firmware update in July. [Read more…]

Canon Rebel T4i and New Lenses This Week?

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Canon Rebel T4i Rumors

Canon Rumors is pegging Friday, June 8 as the announcement date for the Canon Rebel T4i.  Rumored specs include 18MP CMOS sensor (which is the same resolution as the Rebel T3i), 9 cross-type AF points, touchscreen LCD and full-time AF in video mode.

Additional rumored announcements include a revised 18-135mm IS lens and an EF-mount 40mm f/2.8 pancake lens.

This is consistent with last month’s rumors; however, I’m still holding my breath on whether full-time AF in video mode means full-time “functional in real world” AF in video mode.

If it launches this week, we could see the camera on store shelves this month – given the typical quick delivery of Rebel models in past product launches.

PluralEyes 3 Free Beta Now Available

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PluralEyes 3

Singular Software unveiled PluralEyes 3 back at NAB 2012.  If you aren’t familiar with PluralEyes, it is a audio syncing program that took the HDSLR video editing world by storm a couple of years ago.  Read my PluralEyes review from 2010.

Some NLEs, like FCP X, offer syncing capabilities in the box; however, it’s not near as full-featured as what you can do with PluralEyes 3. I caught a brief demo of it and the sync speed with tons of clips is remarkable.  Additionally, the interface is not near as clunky as the older versions.  If you want to give it a try, the free beta for PluralEyes 3 is now open.

Right now, it’s only available for OS X 10.7 and will work with FCP 5/6/7 and FCP X 10.0.4 and Premiere Pro CS5/5.5/6.  Media Composer is not supported in this iteration of the beta release.

You can get it on Singular Software’s website.

Induro Dual Range Hi-Hat Tripod Set

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Induro just unveiled its new Dual Range (DR) Hi-Hat Tripod Set featuring a 100mm bowl and a 100mm half ball adapter.  The new hi-hat supports up to 220 lbs. and each leg features a two section extension and three steps of variable angle adjustment.

The Induro DR Hi-Hat Tripod Set should be available in July 2012 for $279.  Check availability at B&H Photo.

Epic Paintball Warfare Captured with 5D Mark III & Contour Cameras

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[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_z2CA-o13U&w=640&h=360]

What’s better than people shooting each other with paintballs?  How about people shooting each other while jumping in a vehicle over another vehicle?

This is some epic paintball warfare captured by Devin Graham with the Canon 5D Mark III and Contour cameras. [Read more…]

Pentax K-30 Officially Unveiled

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Pentax K-30

The Pentax K-30 has been officially announced.  It features a 16MP CMOS sensor with full HD video capture at 24p and 30p, as well as 720p capture at 60fps.  The K-30 touts a weather resistant design with functionality in temperatures down to 14°F.

Additionally, the K-30 offers a new 11-point AF system with 9 cross-type AF points.  The viewfinder features 100% frame coverage at a 0.92x magnification.  The K-30 can capture 6 fps when shooting JPEG images and offers sensor-based image stabilization.

The K-30 should be available in July 2012 for $849.95 for the body only or $899.95 with an 18-55mm kit lens.  Check availability at B&H Photo.

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