Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Leica S is a 37.5MP Medium Format DSLR

By

Leica S

Leica introduced the new Leica S medium format camera alongside the Leica Super-Elmar-S 24 mm f/3.5 ASPH. super-wide, the Leica Vario-Elmar-S 30-90 mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. and the Leica TS-APO- Elmar-S 120 mm f/5.6 ASPH. tilt/shift lens. at Photokina 2012.

The new Leica S features a medium format 37.5MP image sensor (that’s 30 x 45mm in physical size) and an improved sensitivity range over the Leica S2, now at ISO 100-1600.  When used with Leica CS lenses the Leica S offers a flash sync speed of 1/1000s

The Leica S also has an upgraded AF system with predictive AF in tracking mode, as well as built-in GPS. Additional features include a 3-inch LCD at 920k-dot res and full sRGB color space and includes Lightroom 4 for processing its RAW files.

The Leica S should be available in December 2012 for $21,950.  Check availability here at B&H Photo.

 

Leica V-Lux 4, a New 24x Superzoom Point-and-Shoot Camera

By

Leica V-Lux 4

Leica has unveiled its new V-Lux 4 with a 24x zoom lens (25-600mm equivalent) and a 12.1MP CMOS sensor.  The V-Lux 4 captures 1080p HD video and includes a 3-inch articulating LCD, as well as a 1.3MP EVF.

The Leica V-Lux 4 is essentially a rebranded Panasonic FZ200, which is about $300 or so cheaper without the Leica nameplate.

Lecia V-Lux 4 Key Features

  • 12.1MP CMOS Sensor
  • Leica DC Vario-Elmarit f/2.8 Lens
  • 25-600mm Equivalent, 24x Zoom Lens
  • 3.0″ Tilt and Rotate LCD
  • EVF with 1.3 Million Pixels
  • Full HD 1080p AVCHD and MP4 Video
  • Less than 1 Second Start-up Time
  • Fast Auto-focus and High Speed Burst
  • Panorama Feature
  • Lightroom 4 Download Included
The Leica V-Lux 4 should be available in November for $899.  You can get the V-Lux 4 here at B&H Photo.

X-Rite ColorMunki Smile is a New Entry-Level Color Calibration Solution

By

ColorMunki Smile

X-Rite’s new ColorMunki Smile is a new calibration too geared toward photo enthusiasts and others looking for a more affordable way to color calibrate their monitors.

ColorMunki Smile includes color measurement hardware and simple software that has a “wizard-based” user interface.  Following on-screen instructions will guide users through the calibration process with no need for an underlying knowledge of color science.

ColorMunki Smile is available for both Mac and PC and will work in dual monitor setups.  ColorMunki Smile retails for $99 and is available now at Amazon.com.

More details on X-Rite’s website.

Sigma Announces 3 New Lenses

By

Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM

Sigma announced the following three new lenses at Photokina 2012.

17-70mm F2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM – This new Contemporary lens is designed for cameras with an APS-C sensor and covers a range equivalent to 25.5 to 105mm on a 35mm camera. An upgrade to its predecessor, which was released in December 2009, this general purpose lens offers a new design and a more compact build.

35mm F1.4 DG HSM – This Art lens provides photographers with a state-of-the-art alternative to the more conventional 50mm. This lens’ axial chromatic aberration is minimized, which renders a cool and smooth out-of-focus image. At low apertures, it can perform like a wide-angle lens; when opened up to F1.4, it will provide background bokeh and make the subject pop like a mid-range telephoto lens.

120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM – With redesigned mechanics and performance, this Sports lens is an update from its predecessor released in February 2011. This high-performance lens eases difficult shooting conditions by offering a maximum focal length of 300mm and a wide-open aperture of F2.8. This lens, like the other Sports category lenses to come, is dust and moisture resistant, and allows users to adjust the focus speed and the focus limiter via a button on the lens.

Canon 6D Pre-Orders Now Available

By

Canon 6D

The Canon 6D full frame DSLR is available for pre-order at most online retailers now.  Check out several of the options from trustworthy retailers below.

Canon 6D (body only) at B&H Photo

Canon 6D w/ 24-105mm f/4L IS lens at B&H Photo

Canon 6D (body only) at Amazon

Canon 6D w/ 24-105mm f/4L IS lens at Amazon

Canon 6D (body only) at Adorama

Canon 6D w/ 24-105mm f/4L IS lens at Adorama

Think Tank Photo Unveils CityWalker and Airport Navigator Camera Bags

By

Airport Navigator

Think Tank Photo unveiled its new Airport Navigator bag and CityWalker line of bags today at Photokina 2012.  Details from Think Tank Photo:

The CityWalker™ messenger bag series are designed with the urban photographer in mind.  Extremely lightweight, the bags have a sound silencer on the main flap, extra flaps for smaller lenses with a fully lined velex insert for maximum customization, internal pockets that fit a pro-size flash, and a removable padded insert.  Check out the CityWalker here at Think Tank Photo.

CityWalker Series

Airport Navigator™, the photography industry’s first rolling pilot’s case, allows photographers to access gear from the top and the front.  It holds two pro-size bodies, plus three to six extra lenses and most 15.4” laptops, iPads and documents. Check out the Airport Navigator here at Think Tank Photo.

Hasselblad Lunar Mirrorless Camera w/ Sony E-Mount

By

Hasselblad-Lunar-Leather-Grip

Hasselblad has unveiled plans to launch a high-end mirrorless camera with a Sony E-mount.  Dubbed the “Lunar”, the camera will sport a 24.3MP APS-C sensor and capture full HD video.

The Hasselblad Lunar appears to be a rebadged Sony NEX-7 with lots of Hasselblad fluff on the outside.  The body and grip of the Lunar will feature carbon fiber, titanium, wood, leather and precious metals, including gold, to help drive up the price to around €5000 (no word yet on US pricing).

The Hasselblad Lunar should arrive in the first quarter of 2013.

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

Leica M-E Unveiled as Lower Priced Rangefinder

By

Leica M-E

While the new Leica M cruises in at $7k for its full frame 24MP and 1080p video shooting, the Leica M-E isn’t quite the bargain basement price at $5450.  But still, it’s a step down with an 18MP CCD sensor that is close to the same camera as the prior generation Leica M9.

The Leica M-E features a sensitivity range of ISO 160-2500, a 0.68x magnification viewfinder and a 230k-dot res 2.5″ LCD.  The Leica M-E should be available packaged with Lightroom 4 later this month from Leica retailers.  Check availability here at B&H Photo.

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