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Lensbaby Fisheye and Soft Focus Optics

February 2, 2010 By Eric Reagan

Lensbaby Fisheye Optic and Soft Focus Optic

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…]

Filed Under: Lenses Tagged With: composer, control freak, digital caemras, dslr, fisheye optic, lens, lensbaby, Lenses, muse, photography, soft focus optic

 

50 Million Canon Lenses

January 29, 2010 By Eric Reagan

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]

Filed Under: Canon Tagged With: Canon, EF, lens, Lenses, photography

Tamron Announces First Photo Contest of Its 2010 Dusk Till Dawn Series

January 25, 2010 By Eric Reagan

Tamron Dusk Till Dawn

This year, Tamron is holding four photo contests centered around the Dusk till Dawn theme.  Today, Tamron announced the first contest with entries due March 31, 2010, which gives contestants the chance to win their choice of one of the following four lenses:

Tamron SP AF60mm F2 Di-II 1:1 Macro

Tamron SP AF10-24mm F/3.5-4.5 Di-II

Tamron SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 Di-II VC

Tamron AF18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II VC

You can enter on Tamron’s website.

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

Filed Under: Contests Tagged With: Lenses, photo contest, photography, Tamron

Marumi Super DHG Lens Protect and Circular Polarizer Filters

January 22, 2010 By Eric Reagan

Marumi Super DHG Lens Protect and Circular Polarizer Filters

Photographic supplier, Aragraph, has introduced new Marumi “lens protect” and circular polarizer filters in sizes from 49mm to 82mm.

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

Filed Under: Gear Tagged With: aragraph, digital cameras, dslr, filters, lens filters, Lenses, marumi, photography

PMA 2010 Report

January 22, 2010 By Eric Reagan

PMA 2010

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

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

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

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

Hasselblad H4D-40: 40MP medium format camera with 80mm lens and Phocus 2.0 software.  Geared toward high-end 35mm format photographers.

HP

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.

Joby

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

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.

Lensbaby

Fisheye and Soft Focus Optics: New optics for Lensbaby Composer, Muse and Control Freak lenses.

Lowepro

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

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

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

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

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

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

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:

  • 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Standard Zoom
  • 20mm f/2.8 Pancake
  • 60mm f/2.7 Macro
  • 20-50mm f/3.5-5.6 Compact Zoom
  • 18-200mm OIS f/3.5-6.3 Superzoom

SanDisk

SanDisk 64GB SDXC Card: Capable of 15MB/s read speeds and 9Mbps write speeds.  For use with new SDXC-compatible devices.

Sigma

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

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.

Final Thoughts

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.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Canon, digital cameras, kodak, Lenses, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, photography, pma, Sony

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II Lens

January 5, 2010 By Eric Reagan

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II Lens

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…]

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: 70-200mm f/2.8L is ii, Canon, ces, ces 2010, ces2010, digital cameras, dslr, Lenses, photography

Top Photo Gear of 2009

January 3, 2010 By Eric Reagan

At the end of every year, a lot of people reflect back and give their opinions as to what was the camera or other product of the year.  I decided to take a look in the statistics I receive from Amazon.com to see the products that were hot with Photography Bay readers last year.  Below you’ll find a list of the cameras, lenses and more that were the most popular items among PB readers in 2009.  [Read more…]

Filed Under: Gear Tagged With: Books, Canon, digital cameras, dslr, Lenses, Nikon, photography

New Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 and 60mm f/2.8 IS Patents

December 5, 2009 By Eric Reagan

New Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 Lens Patent

It seems like during every round of product releases over the past couple of years or so there have been rumors of a refreshed version of Canon’s popular 70-200mm f/2.8 IS and non-IS lenses.  Well, we may be in luck for a replacement soon. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Canon Tagged With: 60mm, 70-200mm, Canon, digital cameras, dslr, EF, ef-s, eos, F2.8, hybrid IS, image stabilization, is, lens, Lenses, Macro

Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM

December 4, 2009 By Eric Reagan

Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM

Sigma has announced the 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM lens for Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax and Sigma mounts.  The addition of optical stabilization and HSM focus motor will make the new 17-70mm an attractive carry-around lens for crop-sensor DSLRs.

No word on price or release date yet.  Check availability on Amazon.com.

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

Filed Under: Sigma Tagged With: autofocus, Canon, digital cameras, dslr, hsm, hyper sonic motor, lens, Lenses, Nikon, optical stabilization, Pentax, photography, Sigma, Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM, Sony

Canon DSLR Rebates Expire Today

November 21, 2009 By Eric Reagan

If you were thinking about picking up a Canon DSLR package for someone for Christmas, Canon’s package rebates (up to $200) expire today (Saturday, Nov. 21).

Here’s the rundown on the deals:

Remember, this is an instant rebate, so there’s no UPC to clip and mail-in while you wait 6-8 weeks for a check to come back.  Prices should be reflected in your checkout cart.

Canon 50D Kit w/ 28-135mm IS USM lens + EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens = Save $200

Package links: B&H Photo / Adorama

Canon Rebel T1i Kit w/ 18-55mm IS lens + EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS lens = Save $200

Package links: B&H Photo / Adorama

Canon Rebel XSi Kit w/ 18-55mm IS lens + EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS lens = Save $200

Package links: B&H Photo / Adorama

Canon Rebel XS Kit w/ 18-55mm IS lens + EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III lens = Save $100

Package links: B&H Photo / Adorama

Filed Under: Canon Tagged With: Canon, canon 50d, Deals, digital cameras, dslr, Lenses, photography, Rebates, rebel t1i, rebel xs, Rebel XSi, sales

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