Now shipping: the bold new PENTAX K-01‏



High design meets high technology in the PENTAX K-01, created by PENTAX and acclaimed industrial designer Marc Newson. This sleek, bold and tactile mirrorless is compatible with all PENTAX K-mount lenses, plus an insanely thin 40mm pancake lens, also designed by Newson. The refreshing K-01 is not your usual camera. Which is exactly why it might just be perfect for you.

Type

Digital Hybrid ILC

Sensor

Type: CMOS w primary color filter and integrated Shake/Dust Reduction sensor-shift system
Size: APS-C (23.7 x 15.7mm)
Color depth: 8 bits/channel JPG, 12 bits/channel RAW
Effective pixels: 16.28
Total pixels: 16.49
Recorded resolutions
Still 3:2: 16M (4928×3264), 12M (4224×2816), 8M (3456×2304), 5M (2688×1792)
Still 4:3: 14M (4352×3264), 11M (3840×2880), 7M (3072×2304), 4M (2304×1728)
Still 16:9: 13M (4928×2776), 10M (4224×2376), 6M (3456×1944), 4M (2688×1512)
Still 1:1: 10M (3264×3264), 8M (2880×2880), 5M (2304×2304), 3M (1728×1728)
Movie (resolution/FPS): 1920x1080p30/25/24, 1280x720p60/50/30/25/24, 640x480p30/25/24
Quality levels: *** Best, ** Better, * Good
Dust Removal: SP coating w ultrasonic vibration to low pass filter

Lens

Type/construction: PENTAX KAF2 bayonet stainless steel mount
Usable lenses: PENTAX KAF3, KAF2, KAF, and KA (K-mount, 35mm screwmount, 645/67 med format lenses useable w adapter and/or restrictions)
SDM function: Yes
Power zoom function: n/a

Focus System

Type: TTL Contrast Detection AF
Sensitivity range: EV 1-18 (ISO 100)
Focus modes: AF Single (w focus lock, focus/release priority selectable), Face Detection AF, Tracking AF, Manual
Focus point adjustment: Auto 81 Point, User-Selectable, Center
AF assist: LED dedicated AF assist lamp, AF Autozoom (2X, 4X, 6X), Focus Peaking

Viewfinder

Type: n/a

LCD Monitor

Type: 3.0” TFT color LCD w brightness/color adjustment
Resolution: 921,000 dots
Wide angle viewable: Yes (approx 170° horizontal/vertical)

Flash

Type: Retractable P-TTL auto popup flash
Guide number: 12m (ISO 100)
Coverage: 28mm equivalent
Flash modes: Auto, Auto + Redeye, On, On + Redeye, Slow Sync, Slow Sync + Redeye, Trailing Curtain Sync, Off
Flash exposure compensation: -2 to 1 EV

External Flash

Type: Hotshoe P-TTL, high speed sync w PENTAX dedicated flash
Synchronization speed: 1/180 sec

Storage Media

Internal memory: n/a
Removable memory: SD, SDHC, SDXC (UHS Speed Class 1 supported)

Interfaces

Ports: USB 2.0 hi-speed, AV out, HDMI out (Type C, Mini), 3.5mm stereo mic in
Video out: HD (via HDMI) NTSC, PAL
Printer interfaces: n/a

Power Supply

Power source: Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery D-LI90
Recordable images: Approx 540 (approx 500 w 50% flash, CIPA)
Playback time: Approx 320 min
Movie recording time: 25 min (max record time for a single file)
AC adapter available: Yes (optional)

Physical Specs

Body dimensions (W x H x D): 4.8 x 3.1 x 2.3”
Body weight
Without battery or removable memory: 16.9 oz
Loaded and ready: 19.8 oz
Construction material(s): Machined aluminum frame with rubber accents
Weather resistant: n/a
Operating temperature: 32-104°F

Language Support

English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Greek, Russian, Korean, Traditional/Simplified Chinese, Japanese

Image Stabilization

Type: Sensor-shift Shake Reduction (4 stops max)

Metering System

Type: TTL image sensor metering
Sensitivity range: EV -1 to 21 (ISO 100, 50mm F1.4)
Multi-segment: Yes (1024 segments)
Center weighted: Yes
Spot: Yes
Exposure compensation: +/- 3 EV (1/3 and 1/2 steps)
Exposure lock: Yes (via AF/AE-L button)
Exposure bracketing: Yes (3 frames, up to +/- 3 EV in 1/2 steps)

ISO Sensitivity

Auto: ISO 100-12800 (1, 1/2, 1/3 steps), expandable to ISO 100-25600, auto ISO range selectable
Manual: ISO 100-12800 (1, 1/2, 1/3 steps), expandable to ISO 100-25600,

White Balance

Auto preset modes: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent (D, N, W, L), Tungsten, Flash, CTE
Manual mode(s): Yes
* WB fine adjustment available in all modes

Shutter

Type: Electronically controlled focal plane shutter
Shutter speed: 1/4000 to 30 sec (1/3 or 1/2 steps), Bulb

Capture Modes

Mode selection: Auto Picture, Scene (SCN), HDR (JPG only), Flash Off, Bulb (B), Metered Manual (M), Aperture Priority (Av), Shutter Priority (TV), Program (P), Movie
Auto Picture modes: Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Moving Object, Night Scene Portrait, Night Scene, Blue Sky, Forest
Scene modes: Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Moving Object, Night Scene Portrait, Sunset, Blue Sky, Forest, Night Scene, Night Scene HDR (JPG only), Night Snap, Food, Quick Macro, Pet, Kids, Surf & Snow, Backlight Silhouette, Candlelight, Stage Lighting, Museum
Custom Image modes (including fine adjustment): Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, Radiant, Muted, Bleach Bypass, Reversal Film, Monochrome (including film filters, infrared, sepia toning), Cross Processing (creative random effect generation)
Green simplified mode available: Yes
Face detection available: Yes
P/A/S/M/B: P, A, S, M, B
Date stamp: n/a
Digital filters (capture): Extract Color, Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Color, Color
Dynamic Range adjustment: Yes (highlight and shadow correction)
Digital level: n/a
File/Folder customization: Folder name (standard, date), embed copyright

Drive Modes

Mode selection: Single, Continuous (Hi, Lo), Self Timer (12s, 2s), Infrared Remote (0s, 3s), Auto Bracketing (3 frames, up to +/- 3 EV in 1/2 steps)
Continuous FPS: Approx 6 FPS (JPG, Continuous Hi), Approx 3 FPS (JPG, Continuous Lo)
Multi-exposure: Yes (2-9 shots, auto exposure adjustment selectable)
Interval: Yes (1s to 24h, up to 999 shots, delayed start available)
HDR: Auto, HDR1, HDR2, HDR3, (HDR blended images saved as JPG only)

Playback Modes

Mode selection: One Shot (no data, standard data, detailed data, histogram, color channel histogram), Multi Image Display (4, 9, 16, 36, 81 thumbnails), Magnification (up to 16X, scrollable, quick zoom), Movie Playback (no data, standard data, detailed data), Image Rotation, Bright/Dark Indication, Copyright Info, Calendar Filmstrip, Folder, Save RAW Data From JPG (if available in buffer memory), Select & Delete, Slideshow
Mode pallet: Image Rotation, Digital Filter, Resize, Cropping, Index, Protect, Slideshow, Cross Processing, RAW Development, Movie Edit, DPOF
Digital filters (playback): Monochrome, Extract Color, Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Color, Color, Tone Expansion, Sketch Filter, Watercolor, Pastel, Posterization, Miniature, Soft, Starburst, Fisheye, Slim, Base Parameter Adj
Movie edit: Movie Divide, Delete Frames, Save JPG

File Formats

Still: RAW (DNG), JPG (EXIF 2.3), DCF 2.0 compliant, DPOF, PIM III
Movie (compression): MP4 (AVC h.264), AVI/MJPG for Interval Movie

Custom Functions

Functions available: 16

Computer Requirements

*For direct device connectivity. Bundled software requirements may vary.
Windows: Windows XP (SP3), Vista, 7, USB port
Mac: 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, 10.7, USB port

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Canon EOS system celebrates 25th anniversary


TOKYO, March 2012—Canon Inc. and Canon Marketing Japan Inc. announced today the celebration this month of the 25th anniversary of the launch of Canon’s EOS system, which includes the EOS series of single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras and a diverse range of accessories for the system beginning with the company’s rich lineup of interchangeable EF lenses.

Canon’s EOS system made its debut in March 1987 with the launch of the EOS 650 SLR camera and three interchangeable EF lenses, including the EF35-70mm f/3.5-4.5. This month, the system will commemorate its long, rich history with the celebration of its 25th anniversary.

Standing for “Electro Optical System” while also carrying the name of the Greek goddess of the dawn, the EOS series saw first light in 1987 as the world’s first fully electronic mount system, representing a new generation of AF SLR cameras. During the film-camera era, EOS SLR cameras garnered high acclaim from a wide range of users for their innovative technologies and designs focused on Canon’s key concepts of high speed and ease of use. During this period, the company launched the top-of-the-line professional-model EOS-1 in 1989 and, with the introduction of the compact, lightweight EOS Kiss (EOS Rebel XS and EOS 500 in other regions) in 1993, succeeded in expanding its user base.

Following the introduction of the EOS D30 in 2000, when the popularization of digital SLR cameras was in full swing, Canon developed such advanced technologies as its proprietary CMOS sensors and high-performance DIGIC digital image processors in an effort to offer products that fulfilled the company’s new key concepts of high speed, ease of use and high image quality.

With the flagship EOS-1D X at the apex and the newly introduced EOS 5D Mark III, boasting excellent image quality and video functionality, Canon’s rich digital SLR camera lineup serves the needs of all levels of users, from professional photographers to entry-level photo enthusiasts.

Additionally, Canon’s interchangeable EF lens series, introduced together with the EOS SLR camera system, has come to lead the industry. With Canon’s optical technologies at its core, EF lenses incorporate such innovative technologies as the Ultrasonic Motor (USM), Image Stabilization (IS), Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC) anti-reflection technology, and multi-layered diffractive optical (DO) elements. The current EF-lens lineup comprises over 60 models, making possible a diverse range of imaging-expression possibilities.

Furthermore, with the recent launch of the Cinema EOS System of professional digital cinematography products, Canon’s EOS system now supports motion picture production and other high-end video capture applications.

Canon will continue to refine it diverse imaging technologies based on its core optical technologies, striving to produce exceptional and reliable cameras and lenses that cater to the varying needs of users while contributing to expanding the culture of photographic and video imaging.

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Felicia Chin headlines Olympus’ booth at IT Show 2012 !

Date    :           8 – 11 March 2012 (Thursday to Sunday)

Time   :           12 noon – 9 pm

Venue :           Suntec International Convention and Exhibition Centre 
                  
          Level 4, Hall 404

Booth No:      8205

Olympus Imaging Singapore is pleased to announce that its latest range of PEN series mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras, compact cameras, voice recorders and wide range of fashionable camera accessories will be available at IT Show 2012 for shoppers looking for the latest gadgets or attractive promotions.

“Felicia Chin & XZ-1” Campaign Rolls Into IT Show 2012  

As part of the “Felicia Chin & XZ-1” campaign, Felicia Chin will be making a special appearance at the show for a photo-taking session with selectedOlympus customers. The first 88 customers who purchase an Olympus XZ-1 between 1 February and 10 March 2012 will be entitled to a redemption of an exclusive Feli-XZ-1 mystery gift set and have their photo taken with Felicia Chin at Olympus’ IT Show booth with the official receipt and warranty card.

Note: Felicia Chin will meet the 88 Olympus customers on 10 March 2012, Saturday, between 3pm – 5pm.

Olympus IT SHOW 2012 Star Buys Highlights

(1) Olympus PEN mini E-PM1 (Single Lens Kit) New Generation System Cameras

Retail Price: S$868

IT Show 2012 Promotional Price Bundle: S$598 + Free Gifts worth S$275

Total Savings: S$270 cash discount + S$275 worth of free gifts = S$545

Launched in June 2011, the Olympus PEN mini E-PM1 is the first in this new line of new generation system cameras. With the new “PEN mini” series,Olympusbrings the concepts of ultra-compactness, simplicity and stylishness to SLR photography, aimed directly at first-time interchangeable lens digital camera users. Packed with Live Guide, six Art Filters, and six body color variations, the E-PM1 is the product of the pursuit of simplicity and stylishness.

(2) Olympus μTOUGH-6020 – The Must Have Perfect TOUGH Companion for Every School Excursion!

Retail Price: S$498

IT Show 2012 Promotional Price Bundle: S$198 + Free Gifts worth S$206 + S$20 Fair Price Gift Vouchers (first 88 customers). Customers with cut-out coupon from The Straits Times, The New Paper and/or TODAY can redeem additional S$20 Fair Price Gift Vouchers (while stocks last).

Total Savings: S$300 cash discount + S$246 worth of free gifts = S$546

Olympus’s µTOUGH series of compact digital cameras feature a waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof design that assures reliable, high-quality shooting under conditions that ordinary cameras would be unable to endure, such as underwater or in cold winter conditions. From the tranquil to the turbulent, whatever the conditions, whatever the situation, this camera assures great results, giving users the opportunity to expand their enjoyment of photography. The Olympus TOUGH TG-6020 is the must have perfect TOUGH camera for every school excursion!

(3) Olympus XZ-1 – Flagship Compact Digital Camera

Retail Price: S$748

IT Show 2012 Promotional Price Bundle: S$598 + Free Gifts worth S$145

Total Savings: S$150 cash discount + S$279 worth of free gifts = S$429

The Olympus XZ-1 is the flagship model in the brand’s compact digital camera line-up, featuring outstanding picture performance that comes close to SLR quality in a slim profile and high-quality finish. In April 2011, the outstanding qualities of the Olympus XZ-1 were formally recognised as the “Best Expert Compact Camera” at the TIPA Awards 2011 and also won the prestigious Red Dot Design award 2011.

(4) Olympus VG-110 – Simple to Use Camera Even for Novices

Retail Price: S$198

IT Show 2012 Promotional Price Bundle: S$88 + Free Gifts worth S$145

Total Savings: S$110 cash discount + S$145 worth of free gifts = S$245

The Olympus VG-110 is equipped with 4x zoom lens from wide angle of 27mm in a slim, stylish body. Equipped with an abundant array of easy-to-use automatic functions like iAUTO which enables any user to easily take beautiful pictures, and automatic tracking AF for face detection, it is simple to use even for novices.

(5) Olympus VR-310 – 10x Optical Zoom using Lithium Battery

Retail Price: S$328

IT Show 2012 Promotional Price Bundle: S$188 + Free Gifts worth S$231 + S$20 Fair Price Gift Vouchers (first 88 customers)

Total Savings: S$140 cash discount + S$251 worth of free gifts = S$391

Equipped with 10x zoom lens from wide angle of 24mm to 240mm in a slim, stylish body, Olympus VR-310 is perfect for weddings, trips, and other events when you need a “small and powerful zoom”. It also features the high-level image stabilization DUAL IS function, an abundant array of easy-to-use, automatic functions like iAUTO which enables any user to easily take beautiful pictures and automatic tracking AF for face detection in a slim body. Moreover, HD movies with AVI Motion JPEG format are available by the dedicated Movie REC button without selecting Movie mode from the menu.

About Olympus Imaging Singapore

Olympus Imaging Singapore is the unparalleled industry leader in opto-digital technologies, delivering award-winning digital imaging products for the consumer and professional markets in Singapore. Driven by a strong commitment in providing innovative products and solutions of the highest quality, Olympus Imaging Singapore works closely with industry partners, customers and other Olympus business units in producing leading-edge products. These include analogue and digital cameras, professional SLR imaging systems, and voice recorders, amongst others. Olympus Imaging Singapore’s unrelenting efforts in superior customer service also bear testimony to its brand promise of delivering the best user experience to all consumers and professional users in the imaging field. For more information, please visit http://www.olympusimage.com.sg.

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Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM – Wise Business Decision

The words “Fast F2.8 Standard Zoom” describing a lens may not have the same instant mystique and cachet as say,  “ultrawide” and “supertelephoto.” But for many a breed of photographer–wedding and location portrait specialists, for example–there’s no mistaking the importance of this workhorse lens. For APS-C shooters, the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM is a gigantic leap upwards in terms of overall performance compared to the variable aperture standard zoom kit lenses shipped with so many DSLRs.

Kit lenses are a great way to get started and learn, but when it comes to professional-quality results to satisfy the most discriminating photographers–not to mention their paying clients–the fast, constant-aperture standard zoom is the way to go. At first, it might seem redundant to purchase glass like the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM when there’s likely already a variable aperture kit lens in the bag that covers virtually the same focal range. And yes, the desire to add a longer, or wider, specialty lens is a strong urge, and maybe you’ll add one of those to your kit first. But whenever you do decide to swap the kit lens for a fast F2.8 standard zoom, you’ll immediately notice the advantages. You might say the difference between a variable aperture kit and a fast constant-aperture standard zoom is night and day; but I’ll choose to say it in terms of F/stops and bokeh.

The Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM (fullframe equivalency: approximately 28-80mm on 1.6x APS-C cameras) zooms a bit wider, and a bit longer, than normal perspective while keeping the maximum aperture at a fast F2.8 all the while. And it captures this focal range for exceptional, professional-quality results. In fact, the testing lab, DXOMark.com states that its  “tests tend to prove that the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM Nikon is so good that it even surpasses its competitors from Nikon and Canon which are twice as expensive.”

This is a few stops slower than a fixed F1.4 standard prime, but what you gain in terms of compositional versatility without having to physically relocate to reframe is very well worth it when you are not in total control of the situation. In other words, with a quick rack of the zoom, you can quickly and easily frame much tighter or looser as a wedding ceremony unfolds without having to swap lenses, or shooting position. And this very well may make the difference between missing a key moment as you juggle gear, or causing a bit of ruckus as you race through the chapel to recompose!

Variable aperture zooms always lose light-gathering ability as you zoom to longer focal lengths–that’s just how it works with optical physics. And the difference between F5.6 and F2.8 at maximum zoom is the difference between ISO 1600 and ISO 400, or between 1/15 second and 1/60 second. And that may very well be the difference between sharp, low-noise images, and motion-blurred shots with ugly shadow artifacts in the captured memories of a client.  (Remember, Optical Stabilizer can only minimize camera motions during capture, as explained in great depth here.)

Another key benefit of a constant-aperture zoom is that there’s no shift of exposure or overriding of settings as you zoom, which happens with variable aperture lenses. So, if you are in metered manual mode, and you’ve locked in an exposure off a bride’s blushing cheek, you can easily zoom in or out without seriously impacting your creative decisions. If you’ve decided on 1/100 @ F2.8 at 17mm and then want to quickly zoom in for a magic expression, you’ll still get 1/100 @ F2.8 at 50mm. Try the same thing with an 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 kit lens @ 1/80 at 18mm and zoom in to 55mm @ F5.6 and your shutter speed is going to have to drop a few stops, or the ISO will have to climb. Or depending on your particular camera settings, you may wind up underexposing the shot by a few stops if you zoom in and it keeps with your manual decisions.  There’s a workaround, which is to limit your maximum aperture to the variable aperture maximum, but this isn’t necessarily a great way to go.

And of course, the same holds true with lighting. If you’ve got a couple of non-TTL studio heads on light stands, you’re going to want to lock in your exposure settings on your camera. And if you’ve got a kit variable aperture standard zoom on your camera, that limits you to making sure you’re stopped down to the maximum value at telephoto to make sure you don’t seriously blow out the exposures as you go wider. (In other words, when shooting with studio strobes with a variable aperture zoom, you’ve got to make the lens act as though it is only capable of it maximum telephoto aperture at all focal lengths…to make it act like a much slower constant-aperture zoom!)

The focal range of the standard zoom lens is great for capturing people in the environment. You can go wider to make it more of an overall scene-setting shot, and then zoom in to tighten the composition and soften the bokeh even more while still painting the environment’s signature elements in the background–soft, with lovely separation, but still recognizable. Sometimes turning the background to pure abstractions is a good thing, but, many clients will actually want to be able to recognize the location they selected for their shoot!  And while the 28mm equivalent widest angle might not be the widest lens out there by a wide margin, there’s very little body image distortion at the 17mm focal length, even when the subject is very close to the edge of the frame and near the camera. Serious subject distortion may work well for skateboard action shots, but when there’s brides involved, not so much!

The Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM is a top-quality tool for working pros, as well as enthusiasts who demand the utmost in image quality in a fast standard zoom lens.

The Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM is also a fantastic lens for landscape and documentary photography, too! Check out the fantastic images Sigma Pro David Fitzsimmons created with this fast standard zoom in this Lens Exploration blog posting.

Originally Posted on: http://blog.sigmaphoto.com/2012/why-upgrading-to-the-sigma-17-50mmf2-8-ex-dc-os-hsm-is-a-wise-business-decision/

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Sigma Corporation of America announces new name, pricing for flagship SD1 camera

– World’s first full color image sensor: Foveon X3 46 Megapixel image sensor
– Splash proof design prevents dust and water from getting inside the camera body
– 46 megapixel
– True II Image processing engine
– CFcard
– A lightweight yet solid magnesium alloy body designed to withstand rough use and shocks in harsh conditions.
– Large, highly visible 3.0′ TFT color LCD Monitor
– Housed in solid magnesium alloy body

2012 – In a personal letter to the company’s loyal customers, Sigma Corporation CEO Kazuto Yamaki today announced that, starting next month, Sigma’s 46-megapixel SD1 DSLR will be renamed the SD1 Merrill in honor Richard “Dick” Merrill, the late co-creator of the Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor technology. The otherwise unchanged DSLR will also be sold at a lower price that reflects new efficiencies in the camera’s production. 

 
The SD1 Merrill will be sold for approximately $3,300 MSRP in the United States.
 
Today Yamaki wrote:
 
 
To our valued customers,
 
We would like to express our appreciation for your loyal patronage of Sigma products.
 
Today, we announced our new digital single lens reflex camera, the Sigma SD1 Merrill. This product has the same features, performance, and specifications as the Sigma SD1, however, the price is substantially revised. We are gearing up for its release in March 2012, and the market price is expected to be approximately $3,300 MSRP.
 
At the time of its introduction, the Sigma SD1 was a revolutionary product incorporating a 46MP* direct image sensor which provided the highest resolution in a digital SLR camera. As the world’s only full-color sensor capturing all three primary color components (R, G, and B) within each pixel location, the Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor made it possible for the image quality of SD1 to not only demonstrate improved resolution, but also to obtain richer expressions of gradation, as well as to enhance the three-dimensional impression which is specific to Foveon sensors. *Resolution equivalent to 30MP on a color filter array sensor
 
However, even with this revolutionary image sensor, we could not solve issues related to some of the manufacturing methods before the start of mass production, and the production cost ended up substantially exceeding our originally expected price. As a result, we had no choice but to set the price of the SigmaSD1 high. This caused great discouragement to all of you who looked forward to its release, and wished to experience the very unique image quality of the Sigma SD1 in person; this has become our biggest disappointment and pain.
 
Since then, overcoming this situation has become the first priority for us and Foveon, and we have together made improvements to reduce production cost substantially. Even though this effort took nearly a year, at last, we achieved a reduction target close to the price we originally planned. Therefore, we decided to release Sigma SD1 as a new product, and were able to make our recent announcement.
 
The Sigma SD1 Merrill keeps the best image quality of the Sigma SD1, which has a unique identity, but comes with a substantially revised price. Although some of the manufacturing methods have been enhanced, the performance and characteristics of the sensor itself have not changed. There is nothing more pleasurable for us than enabling our valued customers to experience the Sigma SD1 Merrill in person, as a digital SLR camera of a new era which inspires photographers’ inner artistic sensitivity, providing “high image quality” and changing current perceptions of what is possible.
 
On the other hand, we fully understand that it is not acceptable to current Sigma SD1 users that a new product with exactly the same specifications as their camera is being released with a substantially revised price a year later. After all, those customers committed to purchasing the Sigma SD1 with great expectations.
 
During this period, we have seriously considered how we can express our appreciation for our Sigma SD1 customers. Currently, we have a plan to offer a support program for current Sigma SD1 owners. This support program will provide points that can be exchanged for our products. This program is expected to be valid after the release of Sigma SD1 Merrill and it will last until the end of this year, 2012. It will be applicable for all Sigma products including both current and new products to be released this year. More details will be available soon; we appreciate your kind understanding as we finalize this program.
 
We would like to once again express our appreciation to current Sigma SD1 owners, and other customers who are looking forward to our next DSLR camera, for your loyal patronage to Sigma. We will continue doing our best with the aim to design and manufacture ideal photographic equipment that inspires the artistic hearts of photographers everywhere. We sincerely value your continued support.
 
Kazuto Yamaki
Chief Executive Officer
SIGMA CORPORATION
 
Sigma Corporation of America will soon contact current Sigma SD1 owners in the United States to discuss the support program and the redemption of points with the company as a result of this pricing change. In the meantime, SD1 owners in the United States may contact Director of Marketing Christine Moossmann by emailing Cmoossmann@sigmaphoto.com with questions or concerns about this announcement.
 
To locate an authorized Sigma dealer nearest to you, visit www.sigmaphoto.com/where/where.asp. For information about Sigma Corporation of America, visit www.sigmaphoto.com.
 
About Sigma Corporation
For more than 50 years, Sigma Corporation’s expertise and innovation has driven the company’s core philosophy of “knowledge, plus experience, plus imagination,”with anemphasis on producing high-quality, high-performance photographic technology at moderate prices. This family-owned organization is the largest, independent SLR lens manufacturer in the world, producing more than 40 lenses that are compatible with most manufacturers, including Sigma, Canon, Sony, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic and Pentax. Sigma Corporation also produces digital SLR cameras and high-definition digital compact cameras. The company is headquartered in Japan, with offices strategically located throughout Europe, Asia and North America. For information, please visit www.sigmaphoto.com
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iStockphoto Featured in New Selection of Immersive Full-Page iGoogle Themes

Singapore: March 6, 2012 — iStockphoto today announced a partnership with iGoogle to bring users a new selection of attractive, immersive full-page themes.  In addition, iGoogle users will receive a 20-percent iStockphoto discount when they visit www.istockphoto.com/igoogle.php.

In addition to adding gadgets for Gmail, news, photos, weather and more, users can now further personalize their iGoogle pages with background themes featuring iStockphoto, including their favourite themes from Gmail.

iStock is the original microstock and is the web’s favored source for user-generated, royalty-free stock photos, illustrations, video, audio and Flash ™ and offers more than 10 million files.  Offering the best search tools in the microstock industry, iStock makes it easy for people to find the perfect image quickly.

“iGoogle provides tens of millions of people around the world with a personalized Google experience and the new themes featuring iStock imagery will help users make their pages more engaging,” said Rebecca Rockafellar, Senior Vice President of E-Commerce at Getty Images and General Manager of iStockphoto. “Since Google began incorporating our imagery into template designs for Blogger.com and most recently, themes for Gmail, we’ve received more than 10 million new visitors to iStock. We are thrilled about this next phase and making our content available to the vast iGoogle audience base.”

The collection of new themes featuring iStock imagery is available globally and can be seen in the iGoogle theme directory. Favorite themes and gadgets can be shared on Google+ by clicking the +1 button.

 

 

About iStockphoto
iStockphoto offers easy, affordable inspiration with millions of vetted, royalty-free photos, illustrations, video, audio and Flash® files. Using the most advanced search in the business, customers download a file every second from a collection of more than ten million files for business, marketing and personal projects. iStockphoto started in 2000, pioneering the micropayment photography business model, and has become one of the most successful and profitable user-generated content sites in the world. iStockphoto is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Getty Images.

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REDEFINING CULTURE AND HERITAGE THROUGH THE LENSES OF THE YOUTH

Aspiring youth to gain first-hand tips from internationally renowned National Geographic photographer

February 2012 Photographs speak beyond a thousand words, and provide perspectives of the world we normally would not see. National Geographic Channel (NGC) and Canon are calling for fresh viewpoints from budding photographers aged 13 to 25 years old to observe our youths’ definition of culture and heritage through the National Geographic Channel Young Photographer Awards Photography Competition. Aspiring young photographers will also gain first-hand tips from internationally renowned National Geographic photographer Ira Block and on-site photography experience with CanonSingapore resident photography instructor Jino Lee.

The National Geographic Channel Young Photographer Awards Photography Competition now welcomes students aged 13 to 25 years old to submit their best entries that capture the essence of Culture and Heritage, a topic that rings close to home. It could be photographs of a colourful festival, photographs of people engaged in cultural activities, or it could be a fond memory held close to your heart. More information of the competition can be found on the microsite, www.natgeotv.com/asia/awards. Entries for submission will close on 25 March 2012.


A rich trove of awards awaits winners and lucky members of the public. Eight grand prize winners – four fromSingaporeand four fromMalaysia– will win a Canon EOS 600D Digital SLR camera, a photo expedition toBaliwith Canon’s resident photography instructor Jino Lee with accommodation and return air-tickets fully paid for, as well as a place with National Geographic photographer Ira Block in his photography seminar.   

Other photography enthusiasts can also sign up on the microsite for an exclusive Photography Seminar with Ira Block, an expert in his field who has shot ancient artifacts inGreece to dinosaur fossils in Gobi desert and documenting Moche mummies inPeru. Taking place in May 2012 inSingapore andMalaysia, Ira Block will provide inspiration for hobbyists as well as students aspiring to pursue photography as a professional career and even consider being National Geographic photographers.

Members of the public can also play their part by voting for their favorite shortlisted photos from 29 March onwards, – one fromSingaporeand one fromMalaysia- standing a chance to win attractive prizes including a complimentary night’s stay at resorts inBalieach. Determined by the highest number of votes in each country, the Voter’s Choice entries – one fromSingaporeand one fromMalaysia– will walk home with a Canon PIXMA Photo printer and a complimentary night’s stay at resorts,Balieach.

More information, as well as Terms and Conditions of the contests can be found on www.natgeotv.com/asia/awards


National Geographic Channels International (NGCI)
National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) inspires viewers through its smart, innovative programming that questions what we know, how we view the world and what drives us forward.  A business enterprise owned by National Geographic Ventures and FOX Entertainment Group, NGCI contributes to the National Geographic Society’s commitment to exploration, conservation and education through its six channels: National Geographic Channel, National Geographic Channel HD, Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo Wild HD, Nat Geo Adventure and Nat Geo Music.

Globally, National Geographic Channel (including NGCU.S., which is a joint venture of NGV and Fox Cable Networks Group) is available in more than 380 million homes in 165 countries and 38 languages.

For more information, please visit www.natgeotv.com.

 

About Canon Singapore Pte Ltd
Canon is a global leader in photographic and digital imaging solutions. Canon Singapore Pte Ltd is the headquarters for South & Southeast Asia driving sales, marketing and service strategies. Besides handling the domestic market, the company leads 18 other countries including subsidiaries in India, Malaysia, Thailandand a representative office in Vietnam. The parent company Canon Inc has a global network of close to 300 companies and employs close to 200,000 people worldwide. It is dedicated to the advancement in technology and innovation and commits about 10% of its total revenue each year to R&D. Canon is consistently one of the top few companies to earn the most number of patents over the last 19 years. As a Fortune Global 500 company, Canon is guided by its kyosei philosophy that focuses on living and working together for the common good.

More information is available at. www.canon.com.sg

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Olympus PEN E-PL2 vs PEN E-PL3

The Olympus Pen Lite Mark III or better known as E-PL3 was launched in August 2011. The “L” in the model code stands for Lite – a “detuned” version of the flagship E-P3. The E-PL3 sits in between the high end E-P3 and the entry-level E-PM3 (“M” for Mini). This camera was targeted at upgraders who wish to have a better quality photos from the usual point & shoot, with interchangeable lens flexibility and in a stylish, compact package.

Since the E-PL2 (Jan 2010), there’s been many practical & (I call them) “sensible” improvements made available to the E-PL3. A quick check with the regular camera stores reveals that both versions are still selling side by side today. Although there is a “slight” price difference, the different shapes from the 2 Pens attracted different group of users. (The Olympus Pen Series makes good fashion statement too with its selection of colors and its compactness.)

I was pretty happy when I received the E-PL3 review unit (together with the E-PL2) from the localOlympus guys. They sent the E-PL3 in my favorite metallic red color too. 🙂

So what has changed? As usual, I shall not state all the technical specs here which might bore you out. Instead, I shall highlight its important changes here. For the full specs, you can always google it for yourself. My style remains, layman style without all the technical stuff, but from the view of a user. As a professional photographer, (and as usual) I feel “strange” to be seen with these 2 Pens, but as I set out to test them, I realized these Micro 4/3 from Olympus are a joy to use – especially those days when I really feel like dumping the “heavy weights” at home for a weekend.

Main Differences between the 2 Pens.

E-PL2:
11 AF Points/ ISO100-6400/ Bigger Body/ White Balance 7 Steps/
Plastic Body/ TruePic IV Processor/ 4 image aspect ratio/ 4 recording formats/
No AF Assist lamp/ 22 scene modes/ 9 pop filters/ 3 fps/ No Tilt Screen/ 317 g

E-PL3: 
35 AF Points/ ISO200-12800/ Smaller Body/ White Balance 7 Steps + Kelvin Settable/ Metal Body/  TruePic V Processor/ 5 image aspect ratio/ 6 recording formats/
AF Assist lamp added/ 23 scene modes/ 6 pop filters/ 5.5 fps/ Tilt Screen/ 265 g

To be fair, both cameras were mounted on a Manfrotto Tripod Rig with ballheads sitting on strong Gitzo legs. This is how the set up looks like.

I decided to test out the Pens at Lower Peirce Reservoir at a shooting event. As the Sun was extremely bright and hot this morning, this makes it perfect for me to put the camera through a few pace for direct comparisons.

Test 1: Reservoir View, Lower Peirce Reservoir, Singapore with direct Sun light from back right.
Both cameras set to 1/180, F8, ISO 200, FR 14mm, Centre Weighted Average Metering, AWB, Spot Focus on Centre AF, Manual Exposure.

I picked this scene because this scene will be great to test the metering as there are mixed shaded areas with sections that are overwhelmed by the strong & bright sunlight. Both Pens read the scene quite accurately however I would sway towards the E-PL2 for this case as the details on the clouds retained most its details while the E-PL3 sort of over-exposed the sky causing details lost on the clouds. The area below the bridge on the shot by E-PL2 has somewhat more illumination than the shot recorded by the E-PL3. Now look at the vegetations on the far left. The E-PL3 did an excellent job by balancing the overall exposure quite well, but the E-PL2 produced a darker shade of vegetation. So my take is, E-PL2: 1/ E-PL3: 0

Test 2: Bank View, Lower Peirce Reservoir, Singapore with direct Sun light from back of camera.
Both cameras set to 1/250, F16, ISO 200, FR 25mm, Centre Weighted Average Metering, AWB, Spot Focus on Centre AF, Manual Exposure.

This low shot was done to test the sensitivity of the metering system and also how the camera fares in rendering colors in a mix scene of various contrasting colors. On the E-PL2 shot, the sky rendered a nice shade of blue but the rocks turned a little pinkish. On the E-PL3, the rocks are in the exact color that my eye saw, the sky’s blue is slightly paled as compared to the E-PL2 shot, but the green on the foliages were rich and exact. With this, I will vote towards the E-PL3 as going by the percentage of accuracy, I will prefer to have my photo in a balanced exposure with accurate colors and only needing to adjust minimally on the sections that needs tweaking, On overall, the E-PL3’s shot gives a 80% accuracy which outperformed the E-PL2 that I rated about 60%.
So my take is, E-PL2: 0/ E-PL3: 1

Test 3: Snap shot of friends against the sun.
Both cameras set to 1/1250, F8, ISO 200, FR 35mm, Centre Weighted Average Metering, AWB, Spot Focus on Centre AF, Manual Exposure.

Interestingly, this shot was a random shot. I was resting and enjoying the breeze when I decided to shot both my friends. The sun was at their back and I tried out this shot to see how the cameras will fare when shooting backlighted subjects without a flash. From the shots, the E-PL2 tried to balance the exposure however making the face pale and lifeless, the E-PL3 managed to captured the scene correctly by lighting the faces correctly without having to suffer a color loss and the background colors are also well rendered and precise. It’s obvious that I will pick the E-PL3 over the E-PL2 in this aspect. E-PL2: 0/ E-PL3:1.

Test 4: Reservoir View, this time when the sun is about 45 degree to the horizon (the 10.30am sun as some landscape photographers will described).
Both cameras set to 1/1000, F22, ISO 400, FR 18mm, Centre Weighted Average Metering, AWB, Spot Focus on Centre AF, Manual Exposure.

First look had me attracted to the E-PL3 shot as the colors were very nicely reproduced and I love the details captured on the sky, the clouds, the green vegetations on the far back. The E-PL2 produced a slightly “gloomy” photo but certainly acceptable by most standards. For some strange reasons, this shot taken by both Pens sort of pulls each other apart. Although from the same product range, the shot from the E-PL2 is expected “to be like this” but the shot from the E-PL3 looks like it was shot from a Professional DSLR. 
Needless to say, my take will be, E-PL2: 0/ E-PL3: 1.

Test 5: Multi Burst, testing on its AF Accuracy, the speed of Continous AF (C-AF).
Both cameras set to 1/200, F18, ISO 400, FR 25mm, Evaluative Metering, AWB, Spot Focus on Centre AF, Manual Exposure, C-AF, Multiple Shot..

I pressed the shutter for about 2 seconds on both cameras. The E-PL2 captured about 7 shots and if you are wondering why there are only 4 shots above, well, these are the only 4 shots that are sharp enough to be posted. The E-PL3 managed really well in this aspect as a total of 14 shots were recorded at the same time and 12 sharp photos were produced as seen below.

Both cameras were fired at the same time and ended at the same time. From the above, it is very obvious that the E-PL3 has my vote for this round.
So, E-PL2: 0/ E-PL3:1.

The test shots above had the E-PL3 beating the E-PL2  4:1. Let’s see how both cameras fared in other areas.

Based on the score sheet & pre-set testing criteria, the E-PL2 scored 30/50 while the E-PL3 scored an impressive 42/50.

My view, the E-PL3 is much closer to the flagship E-P3 than the E-PM3 is to the E-PL3. The image quality from the E-PL3 belongs to the “DSLR” class and packaged to lure upgraders from point & shoot prosumers who wants exceptional quality photos, flexibility with manual modes and interchangeable lens. Although I feel that the sleeker body is a little too small for my hands, I believed this body will fit perfectly into the hands of a million ladies. Light weight, well built and small enough to be placed anywhere, I am willing to ignore my oversized hands and have one E-PL3 as a back up body or a leisure camera whenever I am not working with my “larger DSLRs”.

If you considering to move from prosumer compact to a DSLR camera but hate the weight and size, the Olympus E-PL3 is an excellent choice – to start.


Visit http://www.olympus.com.sg/

Below are some “Behind the Scene” photos – Courtesy of Connie Yeo (Shutter Journey)

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Getty Images Announces Innovative Industry Leading API Platform

Connect by Getty Images enables businesses to seamlessly integrate with Getty Images’ content, metadata and search technologies

 

Singapore– February 23, 2012Getty Images, a leading creator and distributor of visual content and other media, today announced the release of Connect by Getty Images, an innovative new content distribution service that allows customers and business partners to integrate Getty Images’ core functionality and robust content and metadata directly within their publishing tools, products and services through use of the company’s powerful and flexible API. Through Connect by Getty Images, companies can enhance and expand their offerings to further serve their customers’ needs, more efficiently manage workflows and costs, and generate revenue through constantly refreshed content.

“Connect makes it easy for customers and partners to integrate Getty Images’ tremendous breadth of content, our rich-set of metadata and industry leading search within their platform, products, services, and applications,” said Jonathan Klein, Co-Founder and CEO of Getty Images. “The platform is a comprehensive, customizable and scalable solution that enables businesses to improve their products, streamline workflows, reduce storage costs and launch compelling new services.”

 

A global company offering the broadest selection and highest quality creative and editorial content to well over one million customers, Getty Images designed Connect to be customizable and scalable for a wide variety of customer needs. By utilising Connect, customers and partners gain direct and immediate access to constantly refreshed and updated content in real-time, as well as Getty Images’ advanced metadata and search functionality – only available previously by visiting www.gettyimages.com – to enable new uses and avoid internal development and hosting costs. 

Currently, over 40 companies, including media companies, digital media and advertising services, print-on-demand services and mobile and web-based applications, are leveraging Connect to yield value within their products and offerings.  Connect by Getty Images is now available to all Getty Images customers and partners. To learn more about Connect and its advanced capabilities, please visit https://api.gettyimages.com/.


About Getty Images
Getty Images is one of the world’s leading creators and distributors of still imagery, video and multimedia products, as well as a recognised provider of other forms of premium digital content, including music.  Getty Images serves business customers in more than 100 countries and is the first place creative and media professionals turn to discover purchase and manage images and other digital content.  Its award-winning photographers and imagery help customers produce inspiring work which appears every day in the world’s most influential newspapers, magazines, advertising campaigns, films, television programs, books and Web sites.  Visit Getty Images at www.gettyimages.com.au to learn more about how the company is advancing the unique role of digital media in communications and business, and enabling creative ideas to come to life.

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Olympus Announced 4 NEW Cameras

Presenting OLYMPUS SZ-14, OLYMPUS VG-150, OLYMPUS VG-170 and OLYMPUS VR-350

In briefs:
New SZ-Series:

·         OLYMPUS SZ-14


1.     The latest star of Olympus’ compact SZ ‘Super Zoom’ Series, Olympus SZ-14 comes with Multi-motion Movie Image Stabilisation (Movie IS) and massive wide optical zoom lenses.

2.     The Olympus SZ-14 is available for S$398 (with GST) from end-January 2012 in black, silver or red at Olympus authorised retailers.

New VG-Series:

·         OLYMPUS VG-150

1.     The super-slender Olympus VG-150 offers outstanding value for money. Like all Olympus cameras, the new VG-150 makes it quick and easy to record high-quality still photos and movies in everyday situations.

2.     The Olympus VG-150 is available for S$138 (with GST) from March 2012 in black and silver at Olympus authorised retailers.

·         OLYMPUS VG-170

1.     Compact, convenient and fantastic value for money, the top-of-the-range VG-170 is the perfect choice for anyone who just wants to point and shoot.

2.     The Olympus VG-170 is available for S$198 (with GST) from February 2012 in black, white or red at Olympus authorised retailers.

New VR-Series:
 

·         OLYMPUS VR-350
1.     The new VR-350 keeps the exquisite, all-metal design of its predecessor – and benefit from a new, slightly retro ‘smart grip’ at the front.  

2.     The Olympus VR-350 is available from June 2012 onwards in black, purple, silver, white or red at Olympus authorised retailers

Thirsty for the specifications? Well too bad, please Olympus’s website. (See Below Note)
NOTE on Olympus Singapore.
*Despite my continual request to have Press Releases in Word Format, Olympus Singapore’s PR Agemcy still prefer to send me PDF File. So, I am not going to post up the full specs here as it will be as good as retyping – waste of time. Go google for it or visit Olympus’s website for the full details.

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Just in Time for Valentine’s Day, iStockphoto Launches Free E-Card App for Facebook Users

iStockphoto today announced a new app that lets anyone create fast, fun and free e-cards for use on Facebook.

The iStock e-card App can be accessed via any existing iStockphoto Facebook page or http://apps.facebook.com/istockecard/. In a matter of seconds, a user can create, customise and personalise a card that can be posted to a friend’s wall or sent privately via Facebook message. With over 50 free images, illustrations and videos representing major holidays, celebrations and milestones, iStock’s e-card app makes it easy to customise an electronic greeting for virtually any occasion.

“One of the greatest things about Facebook is that it lets you stay in touch with a wide range of people simultaneously,” said Rebecca Rockafellar, general manager of iStockphoto. “If you’re one of the more than 800 million people who frequent Facebook, chances are on any given day at least one of your friends is celebrating something special. The iStock e-card app makes it easy to mark the occasion with something more meaningful than a simple comment or wall post.”

The iStock e-card App is available immediately. International versions of the Facebook app have been created in German, Italian, French, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese and English. The application is free and available to anyone with a Facebook profile. 


About iStockphoto
iStockphoto offers easy, affordable inspiration with millions of vetted, royalty-free photos, illustrations, video, audio and Flash® files. Using the most advanced search in the business, customers download a file every second from a collection of more than ten million files for business, marketing and personal projects. iStockphoto started in 2000, pioneering the micropayment photography business model, and has become one of the most successful and profitable user-generated content sites in the world. iStockphoto is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Getty Images.

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Getty Images Announces the Re-launch of Grants for Good

as Getty Images Creative Grants

-Getty Images Calls for Entries for 2012 Creative Grants-


Getty Images today announced the rebranding of the Grants for Good as Getty Images Creative Grants, with an increased emphasis on the innovative use of creative and conceptual imagery and film. 

Fostering the collaboration between photographers and filmmakers with agency creatives and nonprofits, the Getty Images Creative Grants will award two grants of $15,000, each year, to fund the creation of a compelling visual campaign that promotes positive change.  In addition to the cash prize, the winning photographer-agency or filmmaker-agency team will have the opportunity to leverage the expertise of Getty Images’ art directors, photo editors and producers to execute the project. Grant applications will be accepted from February 1 to March 1, each year, on Getty Images Grants’ site at www.gettyimages.com/grants.

“Nonprofits need compelling creative content to effectively tell their stories and stand out from the documentary style traditionally associated with the nonprofit sector,” said Andrew Saunders, Senior Vice President of Creative Content for Getty Images. “Together with creative agencies and content creators these organizations can leverage innovative conceptual imagery to raise awareness around critical world issues.”

“Nonprofits work tirelessly to bring about positive change and our Creative Grant is designed to help them communicate more effectively to their supporters,” said Peggy Willet, Senior Director of Citizenship for Getty Images. “The goal of Getty Images Creative Grants is to provide the means and resource to generate new ways of using visual content that can create positive awareness for their philanthropic endeavors.”

The grants will be awarded by independent judges, each selected by Getty Images based on their  industry standing and experience.  Applications will be evaluated against criteria which include the strength and concept of the portfolio imagery as well as the level of collaboration between the creative communications agency and the nonprofit, to create a compelling visual narrative. The 2012 Grants for Good judging panel will consist of:

  • Nick Law, EVP, Chief Creative Officer of North America, R/GA
  • Jonny Bauer, Head of Strategy, Droga5
  • Karl Heiselman, CEO, Wolff Olins

Winners will be announced in June at the 2012 Cannes Lions Advertising Festival. For further information on Getty Images’ grants program, including previous recipients visit: www.gettyimages.com/grants.

 

About Getty Images

Getty Images is one of the world’s leading creators and distributors of still imagery, video and multimedia products, as well as a recognized provider of other forms of premium digital content, including music.  Getty Images serves business customers in more than 100 countries and is the first place creative and media professionals turn to discover, purchase and manage images and other digital content.  Its award-winning photographers and imagery help customers produce inspiring work which appears every day in the world’s most influential newspapers, magazines, advertising campaigns, films, television programs, books and Web sites.  Visit Getty Images at www.gettyimages.com/ to learn more about how the company is advancing the unique role of digital media in communications and business, and enabling creative ideas to come to life.

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New Zuikos Announced – 75mm F1.8 & 60mm F2.8 Macro from Olympus

2 New Zuiko lens for Olympus’s Micro 4/3 System Announced. Pending its launch in the 2nd half of 2012, both (mock up) lenses will be exhibited at CP+ in Yokohama, Japan, February 9-12, 2012.

They are OLYMPUS M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm F1.8 and OLYMPUS M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 60mm F2.8 Macro.

The 75mm F1.8 (Portrait Lens) will feature a full metal construction while the 60mm F2.8 Macro (a 1:1 Macro lens) is developed for elements-proofed. Final design of the lenses will be expected to be different slightly. Right Now, I only have the prototype photos. I will be back with more updates once Olympus Singapore alert me again.

The OLYMPUS M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 60mm F2.8 Macro

The OLYMPUS M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm F1.8

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New Olympus SZ-31 MR – The Sexy Flagship Compact.

Remember Olympus SZ-10 & SZ-11? Or the sexy SZ-30 MR?

Olympus updates the SZ Series with the NEW SZ-31 MR, a flagship compact that was touted as the “Light Traveller’s Camera”. Being the “lightest & cutest” ( as claimed by Olympus) compact in the “Super Zoom” class (20X Optical Zoom), the SZ-31 MR offers the user a superb zoom range of 25-600mm (35mm eqv), the 25mm at ultra wide will be great for landscape photography and the telephoto end of 600mm allows good wildlife range while managing every other genre in between nicely.

Featuring the company’s TruPic image processors, 2 of them to be exact, this gives the camera a faster response rate, better low-light performance and better focusing and it uses a dual-IS system (image stablization) best for shooting telephoto range to ensure sharp photos. Coupled with Olympus’ iHS technology, travelling with the SZ-31 MR will be stress-free.

As expected from all Olympus imaging products, the brand offers lots of built-in creative filters, shooting functions, full HD Videos and many more goodies. The SZ-31 MR comes in Silver or Black, look out for it when it hit the stores in May 2012.

* Despite my continual request to have Press Releases in Word Format, Olympus still prefer to send me PDF File.
So, I am not going to post up the full specs here as it will be as good as retyping – waste of time. Go google for it or visit Olympus’s website for the full details

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“Indestructible Compacts” – Olympus Renews TOUGH with TG-620.

Olympus claims “DSLR” Picture Quality and new iHS Technologies ups the forte against the competition.

For those who worshipped TG-310, TG-615 and even the older TOUGH series like the TG-8010 etc, the TG-620 come as a new camera more than just an update.


The TruPic VI Image Processor is by far, the smartest. The ability to recognize a huge variety of shooting scenes, faster response and even good for low-light performance. Originally developed for the brand’s flagship DSLRs (E- series), Olympus just gave its competitors a run for their money by having this in the new TG0620. Those who are new to TOUGH, these are the incarnations from the 35mm MU series which had underwent a series of powerful improvements and enhancements till today’s “element proofed” version.

TOUGH is known for its use in freezing condition, underwater shooting and can take falls. Not just knocks mind you. This little compact is truly the adventurer’s best gear and a must to have. The TG-620 has the equivalent zoom range of 28-140mm (35mm eqv.) so this is also a useable “everyday” camera. From wide to telephoto, this range covers almost every genre of photography. To sweeten the deal, the TG-620 takes Full HD Videos and offers a scratch-proofed 3 inch LCD, now that is what I call a true outdoor compact.

Standard offerings like an array of creative filters, better ISO range and control, Eye-fi Card and a host of built-on functions just round up the TG-620 as the next TOUGH compact to consider for purchase.

Think TOUGH?  Think Olympus.

* Despite my continual request to have Press Releases in Word Format, Olympus still prefer to send me PDF File.
So, I am not going to post up the full specs here as it will be as good as retyping – waste of time. Go google for it or visit Olympus’s website for the full details.

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Pentax Optio WG-2 – The Tough Guy Just Got Tougher

LET THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES…
While the World marvels over Nikon’s recent announcement of the Nikon D4 and the Nikon D800, PENTAX pushes the PENTAX WG adventure camera series to the edge for the 13th time with the PENTAX Optio WG-2 digital compact camera.  

  • Waterproof to 40 feet

    Waterproof to a depth of 40 feet is perfect for use when submerged in a pool, lake, or ocean, or simply when caught in a sudden downpour.

  • Crushproof

    Crushproof construction withstands weights up to 220 LBF (pound-force), preventing damage at the bottom of a backpack or handbag, or when accidentally wedged between a body and a solid object.

  • Dustproof

    Dustproof design protects the camera from dry, dusty environments from the beach to the desert.

  • 3” LCD

    Large 3 inch LCD features a wide angle viewable HVGA resolution screen (460,000 dots), while anti-reflective coating on the screen’s protective acrylic panel greatly enhances visibility in brightly lit shooting conditions.

  • Durable lens cover

    Tough mineral crystal cover protects internal lens elements, and an easy-to-clean SP coating helps water sheet off the optical surface, minimizing blur due to water droplets.

  • PENTAX Shake Reduction

    Pixel Track, Digital, and Movie Shake Reduction ensure sharp, blur-free images and video, even in dim lighting.

  • Autofocus assist lamp

    An autofocus assist lamp helps to quickly and accurately focus, even in the most challenging of lighting conditions.

  • Green Button

    Flexible multi-purpose Green Button allows for quick access to many common camera settings, including Movie Mode, Voice Recording, and other functions.

  • 16 megapixel backlit CMOS sensor

    Backlit 16 megapixel CMOS sensor offers superior high resolution imaging with no-compromise in image quality, color accuracy, and noise performance.

  • Shockproof

    Shockproof, ruggedized design protects from drops up to 5 feet, ensuring stable operation during rigorous activity or for life’s everyday mishaps.

  • Coldproof

    Coldproof to sub-freezing temperatures of minus 10 degrees C (14 degrees F) is ideal for use in cold, snowy, wet conditions from skiing to snowmobiling, snowshoeing to sledding, or just building a snowman in the front yard.

  • 5X optical zoom

    Wide angle 5X internal optical zoom lens (28-140mm equivalent) provides flexible capture of subjects near or far without sacrificing any bit of the camera’s rugged design.

  • Full 1080p Video

    Capture full HD video in widescreen 1080p resolution (1920×1080) with efficient, high quality h.264 compression at 30 frames per second.

  • HDMI port

    An HDMI port (Micro, Type-D) plays back beautiful, high definition images and video on HDTVs.

  • Face Detection

    Capture perfect portraits with fast Face Detection technology, including Smile Capture and Blink Detection functions, as well as exposure modes specifically designed for portrait photography.

  • Extended Dynamic range

    Extended dynamic range functions help bring out extra detail in shadow and/or highlight areas of an image to prevent exposure clipping.

  • Optional infrared remote

    Take pictures remotely using an optional PENTAX infrared remote control, perfect for self-portraits or group shots, small subject photography, or rock steady exposures.

 

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Olympus Announces M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ

4.2X motorised zoom lens with 24mm (35mm equivalent) wide angle capability and
Micro Four Thirds System standard compatibility – The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ
(equivalent to 24-100mm of 35mm equivalent)

 

Main Features

1.     4.2X (approx.) zoom starting from a wide angle of 24mm (35mm camera equivalent) – ideal for wide shots even indoors

2.     Motorised zoom mechanism for stable zooming at a constant rate

3.     MSC mechanism enhanced by linear motor drive for faster, quieter AF control

4.     Convenient features including macro mode for close-up shooting at 0.72X magnification (35mm camera equivalent) and the L-Fn (Lens Function) button with focus stop function

5.     Dust/splash-proof mechanism

Olympus Imaging Singapore (General Manager: Jimmy Loh) is pleased to announce the release of the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ, a Micro Four Thirds System standard-compliant zoom lens featuring a motorised zoom mechanism with zoom ratio of 4.2X starting from a wide angle of 24mm (35mm camera equivalent).

This zoom lens has a zoom ratio of approximately 4.2X, covering a range that extends from a wide angle of 24mm (35mm camera equivalent) – ideal for taking wide shots even indoors – to a medium telephoto focal length of 100mm (35mm camera equivalent), which is optimal for portraits. It is the first Olympus interchangeable lens to incorporate a motorised zoom mechanism, which is especially useful in movie shooting, thanks to the smooth, quiet zooming. The AF system is based on the MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) mechanism enhanced by a newly developed linear motor drive that enables faster, quieter focusing.

To assure the best possible image quality, this sophisticated lens comprises 9 lens groups with 10 elements, including three aspherical elements. Special glass materials are used extensively to correct various aberrations and all lens surfaces are multi-coated to ensure high transmittance and clear imaging performance.

The lens also features a macro mode for close-up shooting with a closest focusing distance of 0.2 meters and maximum image magnification of 0.72X (35mm camera equivalent). In addition, an L-Fn (Lens Function) button is also provided to allow the user to stop autofocusing temporarily.

Finally, as befits a lens designed for the highly mobile Micro Four Thirds System, this new lens employs the proven dust-/splash-proof mechanism originally featured in the ZUIKO DIGITAL SHG (Super High Grade) series lenses. The result is a versatile zoom lens usable in the toughest conditions and capable of everything from close-up wide angle shooting to medium range telephoto shooting of both still images and movies.

Main Feature Details

1.  4.2X (approx.) zoom starting from a wide angle of 24mm (35mm camera equivalent) – ideal for wide shots even indoors
The M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ is a zoom lens with a zoom ratio of approximately 4.2X, covering a range that extends from a wide angle of 24mm (35mm camera equivalent) – ideal for taking wide shots even indoors – to a medium telephoto focal length of 100mm (35mm camera equivalent), which is optimal for portraits.

To enable a wide 84-degree angle of view to be captured at 24mm wide-angle, this zoom lens uses a DSA (Dual Super Aspherical) element that requires high-precision manufacturing because of the extremely large ratio between the thickness of the lens center and periphery, as well as double-sided aspherical elements located at an intermediate position between the lenses to correct spherical and comatic aberrations that can accompany changes in the zoom ratio.

In addition, an HR (High Refractive index) element and ED (Extra-low Dispersion) element are combined for optimum correction of color aberrations. Thanks to the extensive use of special glass materials, the 9-group, 10-element lens construction of the zoom lens ensures high imaging performance throughout the zooming range. In addition, all lens surfaces are multi-coated to ensure high transmittance and clear imaging performance even under unfavourable conditions such as shooting against light.

The use of an inner zooming system means that there is no variation in overall lens length during zooming, ensuring that stability can be maintained during handheld shooting.

2.  Motorised zoom mechanism for stable zooming at a constant rate
This zoom lens is our first interchangeable lens to use a motorised zoom mechanism. This mechanism enables smooth, quiet, stable zooming at a constant rate, which is especially convenient for movie shooting.

This mechanism drives the zoom lens at one of three selectable speeds and allows the user to control zooming as desired, including slow zooming during movie shooting, detailed composition setting, and quick zooming when required.

– Manual zooming is also available, allowing the user to take full control over zooming if desired.

3.  MSC mechanism enhanced by linear motor drive for faster, quieter AF control
Developed independently by Olympus, the MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) mechanism features advanced optical design technology developed for fast, quiet focusing. The new M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ enhances the MSC mechanism by a new linear motor drive. Driving the coil linearly with a direct electromagnetic force without using a gear that would produce noise, the new lens can drive autofocusing with swift start-up and faster, quieter and smoother operation. The smooth autofocusing enables comfortable, stress-free shooting with both movies and still images.

4.  Convenient features including macro mode for close-up shooting at 0.72X magnification (35mm camera equivalent) and the L-Fn (Lens Function) button with focus stop function

The macro mode can be set by pushing the zoom ring forward, while depressing the macro button on the side of the lens. In this mode, focusing is possible between 50 and 20 cm for close-up shooting with a maximum image magnification of 0.72X (35mm camera equivalent). Another new feature is the L-Fn (Lens Function) button, which can activate the focus stop function that stops the autofocusing operation temporarily. This makes it possible to avoid unintended focusing on an obstacle that may appear suddenly between the camera and the subject.

5.  Dust/splash-proof mechanism
Already proven with the SHG (Super High Grade)/HG (High Grade) series of ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses, our highly reliable dust/splash-proof mechanism is now incorporated for the first time in a product compliant with the Micro Four Thirds System. This mechanism uses multiple sealing rings fitted in key positions of the lens to prevent water splashes and dust from penetrating the lens.

Main Specifications

M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ

Mount type Micro Four Thirds System standard
Focal length 12mm – 50mm
35mm equivalent 24mm – 100mm equivalent
Lens construction 10 elements in 9 groups (DSA element x 1, aspherical element x 2, HR element x 1, ED element x 1, etc.)
Angle of view 84° – 24°
AF system High Speed Imager AF (MSC: Linear motor drive)
Closest focusing distance 0.2 m*
Maximum image magnification 0.36X*
35mm equivalent 0.72X equivalent
Maximum field size 36 × 48 mm²*
Number of blades 5 blades (Circular diaphragm)
Maximum aperture f3.5 (12mm) – f 6.3 (50mm)
Minimum aperture f22
Filter size Φ52 mm
Dimensions (Max. diameter x Overall length) Diameter 57 x 83mm
Weight 211g
Provided accessories Lens cap (LC-52C), lens rear cap (LR-2),

Instruction manual, Olympus International Warranty Card

* in the macro mode.

Pricing and Availability
The OLYMPUS M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ is available at a suggested retail price of S$698 (with GST) and is available at Olympus authorised retailers. For more information, please visit http://home.olympusimage.com.sg/contactus/authorised_retailers.asp

 

 

About Olympus Imaging Singapore
Olympus Imaging Singapore is the unparalleled industry leader in opto-digital technologies, delivering award-winning digital imaging products for the consumer and professional markets in Singapore. Driven by a strong commitment in providing innovative products and solutions of the highest quality, Olympus Imaging Singapore works closely with industry partners, customers and other Olympus business units in producing leading-edge products. These include analogue and digital cameras, professional SLR imaging systems, and voice recorders, amongst others. Olympus Imaging Singapore’s unrelenting efforts in superior customer service also bear testimony to its brand promise of delivering the best user experience to all consumers and professional users in the imaging field. For more information, please visit http://www.olympusimage.com.sg.

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CALLING ALL FILM AND MUSIC CREATIVES!

Open for entries: Getty Images announces annual global ‘Mishmash’ remix challenge


Singapore– 17 January 2012: Getty Images has today announced the launch of its Mishmash music video remix competition for 2012, helping to inspire and foster video creatives of the future. This unique competition offers film and music creatives from around the world complete creative freedom to produce their own short video, using a wealth of Getty Images’ content, receiving critical acclaim from leading industry professionals in the process.

Renowned for both its leading collections of still imagery and first-class media content, Getty Images has more than 825,000 commercial quality, creative and editorial video clips, as well as an extensive music catalogue, which contains a growing collection of over 140,000 pre-cleared original music tracks by some of the world’s best independent artists.

Entrants are invited to enter one of three categories: short story, music video or video art, constructing a video of between one and three minutes long.  Participants have access to content from across the entire Getty Images collection, such as Universal Studios, Warner Brothers Film and Barcroft Media, as well as iStockFootage and Archive Films. Once completed, all videos will be uploaded to the Mishmash  website for creatives from around the world to view and rate the videos, ahead of the jury’s deliberations.  

“We are thrilled to announce that Mishmash is back for its third year and are  looking forward to seeing how creatives from all over the world use Getty Images’ content, to produce such fresh and innovative work,” says Andrew Saunders, Senior Vice President, Creative Content, Getty Images. “This year’s Mishmash competition will once again enable some of the worlds up and coming creative talent to showcase their talent and also demonstrate why the evolution of online video and multimedia is still a growing and highly engaging communication platform.”

Mishmash is open to entries from around the globe, with the competition being run across three regions: Asia-Pacific, EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) and theAmericas. A global grand prix prize of US$5000 will be awarded, as well as a first place prize package in each of the regions which includes US$2000. In addition, there will also be an Apple voucher to the value of USD$1,000 awarded to the best entry inSouth-East Asia. The public will also have a chance to have their say, with a cash prize being awarded to the entrant who picks up the most public votes through the Mishmash website.

The competition, which is open until 29 February 2012, will be judged by some ofSouth-East Asia’s leading music and film production professionals, including:

Ben Moss, Head of Broadcast HK, Hogarth Worldwide Limited  

Jasper Donat, President, Music Matters and CEO, Branded Asia

Ed Bean, CEO, Siren Films

The judging panel will select winners from each of the three regions, as well as a global grand prix winner. Entrants are invited to upload their submission to the Mishmash website before 29 February 2012. Judging and public voting will take place in March, with the winners announced on 19 March. For more information on the Mishmash competition, the judging panel or competition criteria, visit: www.gettyimages.com/mishmash

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New KENKO LENS2SCOPE Adapter


Picture: The New Kenko Len2scope adaptor fitted with a Tamron SP-90mm F2.8 Macro.

The new KENKO LENS2SCOPE adapter is an accessory that can change any lens into a spotting scope. The LENS2SCOPE adapter’s light-weight composite body houses a high quality roof prism, optics and an eyepiece just like a traditional spotting scope. When the lens is attached it becomes a spotting scope to use for viewing. The lens mount and housing for the optics are made from metal while some external barrels are polycarbonate.

The optics in the LENS2SCOPE magnify the image by a factor of 10x so that a 100mm lens would have the same magnification as a 1,000mm lens when viewing. Focus is easily achieved by using the lens’ manual focus ring.

There are two versions of the LENS2SCOPE, a straight eyepiece (pictured) and a version where the eyepiece is angled up. They are both available in Canon EOS, Nikon, Pentax and Sony.

The LENS2SCOPE has a removable tripod adapter for mounting onto a tripod for more comfortable viewing for extended periods of time.

This small accessory comes with its own carrying case and takes up about as much room in a camera bag as a normal lens.

Specifications
Optical Construction: 5E/3G
Prism Type: Roof
Eyepiece Focal Length: 10mm
Magnification: Lens focal length x1/10 (ie a 100mm focal length lens would have a 10x magnification)
Eye Relief: 20mm
Eyepiece Aperture: F/4 (maximum, dependent on lens)
Dimensions: 3.54 in. H x 5.32 in. W (90mmH x 135mmW)
Weight: 6.53 oz. (185g)
Tripod Mount: U1/4-20
Availability: Current
List Price: USD $279.90

Stock Number and Mount Availability:
K-LS10-CEAB Canon Angled
K-LS10-CESB Canon Straight
K-LS10-NFAB Nikon Angled
K-LS10-NFSB Nikon Straight
K-LS10-PKAB Pentax Angled
K-LS10-PKSB Pentax Straight
K-LS10-SAAB Sony Angled
K-LS10-SASB Sony Straight

About THK Photo Products, Inc.
THK Photo Products, Inc. is the US distributor for Tokina lenses, HOYA filters, Kenko photo accessories and SLIK camera support systems. THK provides marketing, sales, distribution, and technical/consumer service and support. THK is located in Long Beach, CA and on the Web at http://www.thkphoto.com.

Posted in Brand: Others (Cosina, Carl Zeiss, Leica, Mamiya, Samyang, Vivitar, Zenitar,etc), Photography Articles & Videos, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Sony Unveils New, High-Speed XQD™ Memory Cards

1Gbps high-speed and superb reliability create new possibilities for advanced shooters

 
PARK RIDGE,N.J., Jan 5, 2012 — Giving photo enthusiasts and professional photographers a new level of speed and performance, the new Sony XQD™ memory cards support the recently adopted XQD specification for high-speed, high-performance digital image capture.

Using the XQD memory cards, XQD compatible high-end DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera users can capture up to approximately 100 frames in RAW format in continuous shooting mode. In addition to outstanding high-speed data transfer capability, the new cards are highly reliable to protect users’ data and images.

             “Advanced shooters want to capture the moment in the highest quality possible, and that often means dealing with massive files like RAW images,” said Viviano Cantu, Director of Consumer Media for Sony Electronics. “Memory card technology has done a great job of keeping pace, but these new cards give an entirely new meaning to speed and performance.”

The new Sony cards are based on the XQD memory card specification, which the CompactFlash Association recently approved and licensed as an open format. With its ultra high write-speed performance, and when using Nikon’s new DSLR “D4,” the XQD memory card can record up to approximately 100 frames in RAW format in continuous shooting mode*.

The Sony XQD memory card achieves stable continuous shooting of RAW images and blazing fast data transfer rates of up to 1Gbps/125MB/s write and read (based on Sony tests and dependent on host hardware) through the PCIe interface, a computer expansion card standard for serial interfaces.

A unique controller and optimized flash memory enables high-speed data processing, resulting in speed and performance that can’t be achieved by conventional compact flash cards.

Sony is also introducing a USB 2.0/3.0 compatible XQD card reader (model MRW-E80) so users can quickly and easily transfer large quantities of very high capacity data to their PC. Also, an XQD ExpressCard Adapter (QDA-EX1)

will be available for use with computers with an ExpressCard™ 34 card slot.

             “As users’ needs continue to evolve,” Cantu added, “Sony will also continue to enhance the XQD memory card line-up to meet the future requirements of the high-end digital imaging market.”

The new Sony products are planned to be available in February and are estimated to sell at the following retail prices:

QD-H16 card, 16 GB, USD $129.99

QD-H32 card, 32 GB, USD $229.99

Card Reader, MRW-E80, USD $44.99

ExpressCard Adapter, QDA-EX1, USD $44.99

For information, visit http://www.sony.net/Products/memorycard/en_us/xqd/index.html.

*When used with Nikon “D4,” with capture of compressed 12-bit NEF (RAW) images; based on Nikon research.

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