Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
The Samsung TL500 (aka EX1) is a 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.
The Samsung TL500 should be available in Spring 2010 at an initial retail price of $449.99.
Sigma has announced the availability of the 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM lens for Sony and Pentax DSLRs. The lens was previously announced for Canon, Nikon and Sigma mounts. [Read more…]
Nikon has announced two new FX format lenses – the AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR and the AF-S 24mm f/1.4G ED. [Read more…]
Dear Nikon,
I think you are doing a great job with your cameras, lenses and accessories. The entry-level series that started with the smaller form-factor Nikon D40 through the current D3000 and D5000 has been a real hit. The D40 is a fantastic little camera that you have continued to build upon over the past several models in this line. The D5000 is now one of the best bang-for-your-buck DSLR cameras on the market.
I understand that you needed to pull the AF motor out of these camera bodies in order to make them smaller. I totally get that. I will also say that you have done a good job with your lens selection since the D40 was introduced. There are so many great AF-S lenses available now and you seem committed to continuing this trend. To that end, kudos to you.
That said, we are all missing one crucial AF-S lens that is not in your lineup at this time – an AF-S 50mm f/1.8 lens. [Read more…]
Lensbaby will be showing off its two latest optics for its Optic Swap System at PMA 2010. The Fisheye Optic has a 12mm focal length that covers a 160-degree angle of view. The Soft Focus Optic has a 50mm focal length and, as the name implies, offers a soft and diffused appearance.
Both new optics are compatible with the Lensbaby Composer and Muse lenses. The Soft Focus Optic is also compatible with the Lensbaby Control Freak.
The Fisheye Optic carries a retail price of $149.95. Check availability on Amazon.com.
The Soft Focus Optic carries a retail price of $89.95. Check availability on Amazon.com.
More details in the press release below. [Read more…]
Less than 2 years ago, Canon hit the 40 million mark for EF lenses manufactured. Already, Canon is celebrating the 50 million mark, which occurred during the production of the EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM lens.
Canon has announced it is celebrating a new milestone in the history of SLR photography, as production of the company’s EF lenses – which began in 1987 with the birth of Canon’s EOS SLR system – has now reached 50 million units.
This lens landmark was achieved during the manufacture of the EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM lens and means that Canon has produced over 10 million EF lenses in less than two years since the 40 million EF lens production landmark was reached.
Canon’s EF lens range dates back to 1987 when the first EF lenses rewrote the SLR rulebook with their large-diameter, fully electronic lens mount, and the incorporation of a drive motor within the lens. The 1987 EF lens range coincided with the arrival of the first camera in the EOS system, the EOS 650, and has seen many groundbreaking advances since. – Canon Europe [link]
Think Tank Photo has released the Hydrophobia 70-200 rain cover for DSLRs with smaller lenses attached than the previously released 300-600 version. The new Hydrophobia 70-200 comes in two models, one with the flash tower and one without the flash tower.
The version with the flash tower runs $145, while the one without the flash tower is $139.
The Hydrophobia 70-200 is one of the items that Photography Bay readers can purchase and qualify for a free bag from Think Tank Photo. Essentially, spend $50 or more on gear from Think Tank Photo, and during checkout, their system will automatically let you select a free camera bag (e.g., Lens Changer 50) along with your order. Go to Think Tank Photo using this link and follow the on-screen instructions to get a free bag.
Full details are in the press release below. [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.
If you got a DSLR camera for Christmas, or even if you’ve just had your eye on a new lens, now might be the time to pick up a Tamron lens. Several Tamron lenses have rebates available through December 31, 2009. [Read more…]
Nikon has announced the AF-S 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II lens and TC-20E III teleconverter. The new AF-S 300mm lens features Nikon’s VR II image stabilization and Tripod Detection Mode, which detects and compensates for tripod-specific vibrations. The new lens also features three Extra-low Dispersion glass elements for superior image quality and Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor. The TC-20E III teleconverter is a 2x focal length converter and uses an aspherical element to reduce aberrations.
The AF-S 300mm f/2.8 lens will be available in January 2010 at an initial retail price of $5899.95. Check availability on Amazon.com.
The TC-20E III will be available in January 2010 at an initial retail price of $499.95. Check availability on Amazon.com.
More details in the press release below. [Read more…]