The carbon
055CX series is the latest addition to Manfrotto’s ‘X’ range of
tripods. The 055CX carbon tripod range includes three models, the
CXPRO3, CXPRO4 and CX3. The PRO versions offer a choice of 3 or 4
section models, both with a tri-faceted carbon fibre central column.
The standard version of the 055CX3 is available in 3 sections. The
055CX3 costs £249.95, the 055CXPRO3 £289.95, and the 055CXPRO4 £299.95.
Press Release
October 2008 - Bogen Imaging, leaders in photographic accessories
for the professional and enthusiast photographer is pleased to announce
the launch of Manfrotto’s new 055CX carbon tripod range.
The 055CX series is the latest addition to the award winning ‘X’
range of tripods, Manfrotto’s premium range designed to be the best in
terms of performance and quality. The 055CX carbon tripod range
includes three models: CXPRO3, CXPRO4 and CX3.
An extremely versatile tripod with an eye-catching, ergonomic design,
it features outstanding qualities in terms of height, rigidity, payload
and setup speed whilst offering extreme lightness thanks to its carbon
fibre structure.
The PRO versions offer a choice of 3 or 4 section models and are
both equipped with a tri-faceted carbon fibre central column, magnesium
top spider die casting and levelling bubble integrated on the magnesium
top plate. Both models feature the renowned patented Q90° Quick Centre
Column System that allows positioning the central column horizontally
without having to remove the head or the column itself.
The standard version of the 055CX3 is available in 3 sections;
featuring aluminium top spider die casting and an aluminium top plate.
The new Manfrotto 055CX Carbon tripods will be available from November at the following RRP’s:
About Bogen Imaging UK Ltd
Bogen Imaging is the Sales and Marketing operation for the Groups
prestigious range of own manufactured brands such as Manfrotto, Kata,
Gitzo and National Geographic. Part of the global Vitec Group’s Imaging
and Staging division, the Vitec Group itself being headquartered and
listed on the UK stock exchange. Bogen Imaging operates in the US,
Germany, France Italy and Japan with the UK its latest addition. The
objectives of the Bogen companies is to bring the manufacturer closer
to the consumer ensuring that they are able to develop the right
products for tomorrow’s image maker today.
Pretec Releases 64GB and 100GB CF Card
Lens Review Blog
Wednesday, 24 September 2008
Pretec Releases 64GB and 100GB CF Card - Highest Capacity in the World
Pretec,
creator of the highest capacity CompactFlash card in the world (48GB)
and the fastest CF card in the world (333X) will demonstrate even
higher capacities including a 64GB CF card, in the Leaf booth (West
Hall 4.2, B009) and CFA (Hall 5.1, G-019) at Photokina 2008.
Continuing the revolution in the field of flash memory card speed
and capacity, Pretec today releases 64GB and 100GB, 233X CF cards with
access speed of up to 35MB/s, overtaking the Pretec 48GB CF card, the
previous world’s record holder for highest capacity CF card; and super
high speed 333X 32GB and 50GB CF cards capable of running up to 50 MB
per second of Read/Write speed, the highest speed CF card in the world.
Pretec CF 233X and 333X CF cards use metal housing and ruggedized
construction to provide extensive ruggedness making the card resistant
to impact and shock – at least 10 times more durable than a typical CF
card. With the green concept of reuse, recycle and reduce in mind,
Pretec 64GB CF cards can be configured or reused to make a 256GB SATA
or IDE SSD, the highest capacity 2.5” SSD in the world so far, by using
Pretec Q-SATA, a patent-pending technology of flexible, scalable and
modular SATA/PATA design based on up to 4 CF cards. This technology
provides ultimate flexibility and ease of use, especially for those
needing both CF cards and SSDs.
Pretec 233X and 333X CF cards will be demonstrated together with
high performance digital cameras from Leaf, a business unit of Eastman
Kodak and a world-renowned industry leader in providing cutting edge
digital photography solutions, whose AFi professional camera was
recently awarded “Product of the Year” at the Photoforum exhibition in
Russia. The new Leaf AFi-II system delivers the fastest shooting speeds
of any camera in its class, with a practically unlimited burst depth.
These speeds are enabled by advanced communication and CF technologies
and Leaf Capture software. “Leaf and Pretec share a similar vision –to
offer cutting edge technologies and unique products with unparalleled
performance and to provide our customers with exceptional quality and
satisfaction,” said Seth Greenberg, Leaf Marketing Director. “We are
pleased to have chosen Pretec as our exclusive storage partner at
Photokina 2008 and to witness the excitement as Pretec breaks the CF
card speed and capacity world records.”
Pretec 233X 64GB and 333X 32GB CF cards with suggested retail price
of 9 and 0 are slated to start delivery by Photokina 2008, and
233X 100GB and 333X 50GB are expected to start shipping by the end of
2008.
About Pretec Pretec™ (http://www.pretec.com)
offers a complete spectrum of small form factor memory cards and card
readers such as CF, SD/MMC, USB Flash Drive, and wireless communication
devices for digital imaging, mobile communication, and industrial flash
markets. As the 2nd
company in the world to offer CF cards since 1995 and the company to
create CF I/O and SD I/O cards since 1998, Pretec has consistently
demonstrated the highest capacity flash cards in the world: such as CF 3GB, 6GB, 12GB, 16GB, 24GB, 48GB and SD 4GB, SDHC 8GB and 16GB; the fastest
flash card in the world: such as CF 80X and 333X, SD 133X, USB 166X,
and SSD (IDE/SATA) 400X. With more than 200 patents granted or filed,
Pretec has also been offering the smallest USB
flash drive in the world with unique technology: such as i-Disk Tiny
(“Best Gear of 2003” by TIME Magazine) and i-Disk Diamond; the most reliable
flash card in the world: such as rugged PCMCIA, rugged CF card, and
i-Disk Bulletproof, a water-proof, fire-proof, and bullet-proof USB
flash drive.
SanDisk announces 16gb and 32gb CF cards
Lens Review Blog
Wednesday, 24 September 2008
SanDisk announces 16gb and 32gb CF cards
SanDisk
has today introduced new Compact Flash cards which offer increased
storage capacity and faster read/write speeds. The Extreme III
CompactFlash card now comes in a 32GB version with a speed of 30MB/s,
and the Extreme IV CompactFlash card now comes in a 16GB version with a
speed of 45 MB/s. In addition, the rest of the Extreme IV range has
been upgraded to a read/write speed of 45MB/s.
Press Release:
SANDISK EXTREME IV COMPACTFLASH CARD SHIPS AT DOUBLE CAPACITY AND INCREASED SPEED
Improved Performance Helps Professional Digital Photographers
Spend More Time Taking Pictures and Less Time in Post-Production
COLOGNE, GERMANY September 23, 2008 -SanDisk
today announced that it is now shipping an upgraded family of SanDisk
Extreme® IV CompactFlash®(CF) memory cards to better meet the needs of
professional digital photographers. The entireseries
of SanDisk Extreme IV high-performance memory cards has received a
12.5-percent speed boost up to 45 megabytes per second (MB/s) 1 and the
newly-released 16-gigabyte (GB) 2 card is twice as large as previous
capacities. The announcement was made at the Photokina trade show where
SanDisk is demonstrating products in Hall 5.1, Stand A20.
SanDisk
Extreme IV CompactFlash 45MB/s (300X) memory cards offer advanced
technologies that are fully compatible with all CompactFlash cameras
including the latest UDMA-enabled cameras. SanDisk Extreme IV CF cards
have undergone internal testing with many leading manufacturers’
cameras and DSLRs, such as Canon’s EOS series, Nikon’s D300 and D3
cameras, the Sony Alpha A700, and the Olympus E500 and E3 cameras.
Depending on the camera used, the increased performance of the SanDisk
Extreme IV memory card line may help reduce the delay between shots,
enabling photographers to take more photos overall. The high-speed
cards let all photographers save time and improve their workflow with
faster card-to-computer data transfer speeds.
Rob
Galbraith, a professional photographer and an independent digital
imaging reviewer, tested the 16GB SanDisk Extreme IV memory card and
released his review on www.robgalbraith.com. Following performance
testing with the Nikon D700 and Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III digital cameras,
Rob states that the 16GB SanDisk Extreme IV card offers the fastest
write speed of any card at the 16GB capacity. He adds that such
top-line performance can be expected when using the card with most or
all current Canon and Nikon digital SLRs.
The new high-capacity, high-performance SanDisk Extreme IV CompactFlash cards are
ideal for professional photographers who typically shoot in RAW or RAW
+ JPG formats, which require up to ten times more card capacity than
JPG images. In addition, photographers who regularly use burst or
continuous shooting mode during high-action situations such as
sporting, wildlife or fashion photography can also benefit from the
increased capacity and performance.
“The
new 16GB SanDisk Extreme IV CompactFlash card at 45MB/s demonstrates
SanDisk’s commitment to providing serious photographers with the high
performance they require,” said Susan Park, director of consumer
product marketing for SanDisk’s performance cards. “Our goal is to help
photographers maximize their productive output by equipping them with
cards that offer ample storage space and fast data transfer rates.”
“Hasselblad
and SanDisk have a long working relationship in advancing digital
photography,” said Christian Poulsen, the CEO of Hasselblad. “The 16GB
SanDisk Extreme IV card’s increased storage capacity and high speed
deliver the performance required to optimize our Hasselblad digital
backs and H3D digital cameras for professional-grade uses.”
SanDisk
Extreme IV cards carry a lifetime limited warranty and hold the
industry’s widest guaranteed operating temperature range, from 13F
(minus 25C) to 185F (plus 85C). Finally, Extreme IV CF cards can
transfer data from card to computer using a SanDisk Extreme FireWire
reader (sold separately), which helps speed up workflow by transferring
large image files through the computer’s FireWire port at a speed of up
to 45MB/s.
Pricing and Availability The
16GB SanDisk Extreme IV CompactFlash memory card is available now and
it carries a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of 9.99 in the
United States.
32-GIGABYTE SANDISK EXTREME III COMPACTFLASH CARDS IDEAL FOR NEW DIGITAL SLR CAMERAS WITH FULL HD VIDEO CAPTURE
COLOGNE, GERMANY. September 23, 2008
–The recent release of Canon’s EOS 5D Mark II DSLR camera represents an
emerging trend in digital imaging: the convergence of high-megapixel
still photograph and High Definition (HD) video capture in a single
digital single-reflex lens (DSLR) camera and the need for
large-capacity memory cards to support these added capabilities. With
flickr.com now allowing users to post 90 second videos, or “long
photos” as they are called, the DSLR video movement has definitely
arrived. Canon’s new DSLR camera enables enthusiasts to take
professional-grade photos and video, while SanDisk (NASDAQ:SNDK) memory
cards provide the robust capacity required to store the resulting data.
The groundbreaking addition of HD video capturing
capabilities in a DSLR camera opens up whole new avenues of creative
expression for users. Point and shoot digital cameras have been able to
shoot video for some time, but HD video-enabled DSLRs take such
innovation to another level. DSLR cameras offer users increased
versatility with the ability to film using a wide variety of lenses.
Now video enthusiasts can use a fisheye lens during one shot in order
to capture wide hemispherical images, and a telephoto lens during
another shot for close ups.
RAW images consume up to 10
times as much space as regular JPGs, making an afternoon’s worth of
wedding photos or using Burst mode at sporting events a
memory-intensive affair. The new 32-gigabyte1 (GB) SanDisk Extreme® III
CompactFlash® (CF) card enables photographers to shoot in RAW for
extended periods of time without worrying about running out of storage
space.
Featuring 16:9 Full HD video capture at 1920 x
1080 pixels and 30 frames-per-second (fps), Canon’s EOS-5D Mark II DSLR
demands a memory card with the storage capacity required to make such
filming both possible and enjoyable. At a whopping 32GB, the latest
addition to the award-winning SanDisk Extreme III Compact Flash line
can store over an hour and a half of video at full HD Resolution. With
a 30 megabyte-per-second2 (MB/s) write speed, SanDisk’s card can
transfer 32GB of content to a computer in a little over 15 minutes.
“The
Canon EOS-5D Mark II highlights the newest trend in DSLRs which is to
combine high-quality still photography with full HD video,” said Susan
Park, director of product marketing at SanDisk. “This is truly a
remarkable camera that takes full advantage of the SanDisk Extreme
family of high-performance and large-capacity memory cards.”
The
SanDisk Extreme III family includes CompactFlash cards that range from
4GB to 32GB as well as the new SanDisk Extreme III SDHC™ and SanDisk
Extreme III Memory Stick PRO HG DUO™ cards that recently received a 50
percent speed increase from 20MB/s to 30MB/s. Renowned for their
world-class durability, SanDisk Extreme III CF cards possess the
industry’s widest guaranteed operating temperature, ranging from minus
13F (minus 25C) to 185F (plus 85C)
Lensbaby annonce three new lenses
Lens Review Blog
Wednesday, 24 September 2008
Three new lenses from Lensbaby
Lensbaby
has introduced three new lenses for selective focusing, and has named
them the Composer, the Muse and the Control Freak. The Muse and Control
Freak replace the current Lensbaby Original, 2.0 and 3G lenses. The
Composer is first of its kind and is based on a ball and socket
assembly, offering greater precision and ease of use. All the lenses
feature a new Optic Swap System allowing the user to choose from four
interchangeable optics (double glass, single glass, plastic and
Pinhole).
Press Release:
Lensbaby Introduces New Line of Lenses for Creative Photography
Three new lenses - The Composer™, The Muse™, and
The Control Freak™ - feature the Lensbaby Optic Swap System
On September 23, 2008, Lensbaby,
LLC (formerly known as Lensbabies, LLC) is launching an entire new
system of selective focus lenses at the Photokina tradeshow in Cologne,
Germany (Hall 5.2 C021).
Three new Lensbaby lenses
– The Composer™, The Muse™ and The Control Freak™, – make up the new
line of products. Each features the new Lensbaby Optic Swap system.
The new Muse and the new Control Freak replace the current Original,
Lensbaby 2.0, and Lensbaby 3G lenses, which will be phased out
immediately. With the Composer, Lensbaby introduces a completely new
lens, based on a ball and socket configuration that delivers smooth
selective focus photography with unparalleled ease of use and greater
precision.
All Lensbaby lenses provide
photographers with a new way to control Depth of field by bringing one
area of a photo into sharpest focus with that Sweet Spot™ surrounded by
graduated Blur. By bending the Lensbaby lens, the photographer moves
the sharp area around the photo for customized creative effects.
The
new Composer retains its position after being bent and is easy to use
even with one hand. Photographers do not squeeze the lens to focus,
but can simply tilt the lens to a desired angle and then focus with a
barrel focusing ring. The Composer stays in the desired bent position
without requiring a locking mechanism and features the new Lensbaby
Optic Swap System. The Composer’s barrel focusing ring has a unique
design that becomes more sensitive (requiring greater rotation to move
the optic in and out) as you approach infinity, making it easer to
focus on subjects from 10 feet to infinity.
“The
Composer introduces a new level of ease and precision to selective
focus photography,” said Craig Strong, Lensbaby president and
co-founder. “We developed the Composer because our photographers are
interested above all in creating powerful, interesting photos. With its
greatly enhanced ease of use and more reliable results, the Composer
will make it more intuitive for photographers to realize their personal
creative visions.”
The Muse replaces the
Original Lensbaby and Lensbaby 2.0 lenses while being very similar in
appearance and functionality. Photographers will still focus by
compressing the lens and move the sweet spot by bending the flexible
lens tubing. The key update for the Muse is its new Lensbaby Optic
Swap System.
The
Control Freak updates the Lensbaby 3G by adding the Lensbaby Optic Swap
System. With The Control Freak, photographers compress to focus, bend
to move the sweet spot, and then push a button to lock the lens in
place. Once locked, photographers can adjust the fine focus with a
barrel focusing ring and fine tune the tilt by rotating its three metal
posts.
“While we expect the new Composer, with
its smooth and precise operation, to be our most popular lens, we
continue to offer the Muse and the Control Freak because each
photographer has their own shooting style. The Muse is for
photographers who shoot fast and loose and The Control Freak is best
for shooters who have a step-by-step approach,” said Strong.
All
three lenses - the Composer, Muse, and Control Freak – feature the
Lensbaby Optic Swap System and will ship with one optic installed.
Additional optics are available as optional accessories. When a
photographer wants to change the optic in their Lensbaby, they will
simply pop the optic out and drop in a different optic using an Optic
Swap Tool supplied with the new optic. Each optic has different
features and image qualities, allowing photographers to choose the look
that fits their creative style.
At launch, the Lensbaby Optic Swap System will include four interchangeable optic options:
Double
Glass: A 50mm multi-coated optical glass doublet that is the same optic
that was in the Lensbaby 2.0 and Lensbaby 3G lenses. Retail price:
US.00
Single Glass: a 50 mm, updated,
uncoated optical glass singlet similar to the optic that was used in
the Original Lensbaby. At f/2, the Single Glass Optic is one full stop
brighter (2x as bright) than the previous Original Lensbaby Optic.
Retail price: US.00
Plastic: a 50 mm f/2
plastic singlet that maximizes blur and diffusion in a dreamy way that
Holga™ and Diana™ camera lovers will especially appreciate. Retail
price: US.00
The Pinhole/Zone plate: an
optic cup with an f/177 aperture hole to allow for pinhole photography
and an f/19 Zone plate opening. Users can slide a toggle inside the
optic to change to back and forth between Pinhole and Zone plate mode,
allowing further artistic exploration. Retail price: US.00
The
first three optics listed above are all 50mm fixed Focal length. They
all feature magnetically levitating interchangeable aperture disks that
allow aperture settings from f/2 to f/22.
The
Single Glass, Plastic, and Pinhole/Zone plate optics will be sold
individually as well as in an Optic Boxed Set to retail for .00.
Lensbaby
President and Co-Founder, Craig Strong, stated, “Lensbaby photographers
tend to be very creative. The new Lensbaby Optic Swap system will give
photographers greater freedom to take photos that reflect their unique
visions.”
Strong continued, “With the new
Composer lens and the Lensbaby Optic Swap System, photographers will be
able to choose a lens body that fits their bending style: fast and
loose, smooth and precise, or step by step. Then photographers can
choose an optic that expresses their individual artistic vision.”
Product Pricing and Features:
The Composer – Smooth and Precise
The Composer – Smooth and Precise
Ships with the Double Glass optic installed (a multi-coated optical glass doublet)
Features the Lensbaby Optic Swap system
Focal Length: 50mm
Focus Type: Manual
Features
a unique barrel focusing ring that becomes more sensitive (requiring
greater rotation to move the optic in and out) as you approach
infinity, making it easier to focus on subjects from 10 feet to
infinity.
Minimum Focus: approximately 12” (30 cm) / Maximum Focus: Infinity
Size/Weight: 3" (7.62cm) high x 3" (7.62cm) wide / 5.7 oz. (161.6 grams)
Leica announce 37Megapixel S2
Lens Review Blog
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
Leica announce 37Megapixel S2
Leica S2 digital SLR camera : Due to a leak on the internet we got our hands on some information about a new Leica DSLR camera.
And it not only concerns a new SLR, it includes a brand-new digital
photographic system as well, the Leica S-system. The Leica S2 will be
the first DSLR camera in the new S-system, boosting 37 Megapixel of
Resolution. The sensor used is 56% larger than those used in a 35mm
full-frame SLR. With the Leica S2 SLR camera Leica will aim at the
top-end professional photographer shooting advertising, fashion and
other commercial work. Furthermore, a line-up of nine lenses can be
used with the Leica S2 digital SLR.
Leica L2 SLR with premium AF objectives
Leica has once again revolutionized the world of photography with a
digital S-System that's perfect for professional use. The Leica S2,
with its premium AF objectives including everything from ultra wide to
super telephoto, is an absolute photographic highlight. The digital SLR
camera has a special new sensor with 30 x 45 mm and 37.5 megapixels.
The S2's metal body is appreciably smaller and easier to carry than
similar models from other camera brands, and yet it's also nearly twice
as fast thanks to ultra modern processor technology.
Totally new Leica S-sytem - Leica L2 camera
With the Leica S2, Leica has created an entirely new class of
camera - technically innovative but incredibly flexible thanks to a
wide selection of accessories. It’s a must for every professional
photographer who is looking to upgrade from standard 35mm SLR systems.
Fujifilm's new revolutionary Super CCD EXR image sensor
Lens Review Blog
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
Fujifilm's new revolutionary Super CCD EXR image sensor
Fuji launches its next generation Super CCD EXR image sensor. In the past Fujifilm has developed high Resolution sensors through its 'HR' CCD technology and high sensitivity / wide dynamic range through 'SR' CCD sensors. Fujifilm now combines the HR and SR technology into one sensor suitable for all high quality photography.
The Super CCD EXR will offer three main changes:
1. A new arrangement of the mosaic colour filter
2. A complete revision of the electronic charge control
3. A new method of pixel binning...
PRESS SUMMARY
A 'three-in-one' sensor for high resolution, high sensitivity and wide dynamic range
Made by photographic specialists for photographic specialists
FUJIFILM
Corporation, on the anniversary of 10 years of FinePix cameras, has
developed "Super CCD EXR," a revolutionary new sensor developed in the
rigorous pursuit of high image quality.
There is strong demand
in the digital camera market to increase the number of pixels on a
sensor, which, all too often, is used as a convenient yardstick for
image quality. While introducing excellent 12-megapixel cameras such as
the FinePix F50fd and the FinePix F100fd, Fujifilm has had great
success in increasing pixel density while at the same time controlling
noise and optimising sensitivity. Fujifilm's campaign to improve
overall image quality, while at the same time increasing sensor
resolution, has been coordinated under the program of 'Real Photo
Technology.'
'Real Photo Technology' is underpinned by the
belief that experienced photographers, many brought up using famous
reversal films like FUJICHROME Velvia or PROVIA, understand that true
image quality is about a combination of many factors like tone, hue,
colour fidelity, dynamic range, sharpness, and resolution. It is well
known that increasing the pixel count on a sensor actually makes it
more difficult to achieve high sensitivity and wide dynamic range. As
the photodiode gets smaller, the problems of increased noise, Blooming
and clipping increase.
It is widely believed that 'high
resolution' and 'high sensitivity' are irreconcilable opposites, and
impossible to optimise on the same sensor, particularly for compact
cameras, where sensors are necessarily smaller.
High quality
pictures are dependent on the subject. Excellent low light pictures
need high sensitivity; high Contrast pictures need wide dynamic range,
while fine details, like the leaves of a tree or strands of a model's
hair, depend on high resolution.
Fujifilm engineers set about
the task of building a flexible sensor to match the demands of the
photographer. The end-goal is to produce a sensor that works as close
to that of the human eye as possible. Whatever nuance of colour or
sensitivity of tone that makes the scene so special to the photographer
should be the continual challenge of the sensor engineer. The EXR
sensor is essentially a switchable sensor; changing its complex
electronic behavior to suit the subject, changing its characteristics
as the photographer demands, and producing the very best picture
without making compromises.
"Super CCD EXR" is the latest new
generation of Super CCD to be produced by Fujifilm. Over the years,
Fujifilm has excelled in high resolution sensors through 'HR'
technology (F50fd, F100fd) and high sensitivity/wide dynamic range
through 'SR' sensors (S3 Pro, S5 Pro). The direction in the future will
be to combine HR and SR technology together to produce one universal
sensor suitable for all high quality photography.
Sigma EM-140 DG Macro Flash
Lens Review Blog
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
Sigma EM-140 DG Macro Flash
The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new Electronic Flash
Macro EM-140 DG for Sony and Pentax cameras. Electronic Flash Macro
EM-140 DG is designed to work with both AF 35mm film and Digital SLR
cameras. The Sigma EM-140 DG Macro Flash is ideal for photographing
subjects in fine detail when the shadowless mode is used and is
extremely effective for scientific and medical applications. Dual flash
tubes can fire simultaneously or separately. Using only one flashtube
creates shadow, which can give a three-dimensional feeling to the
subject. The flash features a guide number of 14 w/ISO 100. The
Modeling Flash function makes it possible to check for reflections and
shadows before actually taking the flash picture.
Sigma EM-140 DG wireless flash function
A wireless
flash function is also available, when the EM-140 DG is used as master
and the EF-530 DG SUPER as a slave unit for creating fine shadow
details. High speed Synchro and Exposure compensation functions are also available for advanced flash photography.
Sigma Macro Flash EM-140 DG features
• Power Source : 4pcs AA Alkaline Battery or AA NiCd Battery or AA Ni-Mh Battery
• Angle of Coverage : Vertical / Horizontal 80 degrees
• Weight (without batteries) : 430g / 15.2oz.
• Dimensions (Controller) : 76.7mmx136.2mmx82.4mm / 3.0in x 5.4in x 3.2in
• Dimensions (Flash Unit) : 126.6mmx128.8mmx30.5mm / 5.0in x 5.1in x 1.2in
Sony AF compatibility
• TTL auto : ADI/DI(P-TTL)/TTL
• Right/left power ratio : 1:8-8:1
• Exposure compensation : Settable by camera body
• Manual flash
• Multiple flash
• Modeling flash
• Rear-curtain synchro flash
• High-speed synchro (FP)
Sony AF Wireless Flash
• TTL auto : only controller
• Right/left power ratio : 1:8
• Exposure compensation : Settable by camera body
• High-speed synchro (FP)
• Channel setting
Pentax AF compatibility
• TTL auto : P-TTL/TTL
• Right/left power ratio : 1:8-8:1
• Exposure compensation : 1/2step -3.0 - +1.0EV
• Manual flash
• Multiple flash
• Modeling flash
• Rear-curtain synchro flash
• High-speed synchro (FP)
Pentax Wireless Flash
• TTL auto
• Right/left power ratio : 1:8
• Exposure compensation : 1/2step -3.0 - +1.0EV
• High-speed synchro (FP)
• Channel setting
Sigma announce the DP2
Lens Review Blog
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
Sigma announce the DP2
14 Megapixel Sigma DP2 digital camera :
Sigma announces the new Sigma DP2 compact digital camera featuring a 14
megapixel FOVEON X3 direct image sensor (2,652 × 1,768 × 3 layers) as
used in the Sigma SD14 digital SLR. Sigma introduced the DP1 with a
direct image sensor as used in the Sigma SD14 digital SLR to the market
in March 2008 as a “unique, groundbreaking, compact digital camera with
all the power of a digital SLR”. The multi award winning DP1 has
established strong support from a wide range of photographers both
amateur and professional. Building on this success, the Sigma DP2 is
equipped with a 24.2mm F2.8 lens, equivalent to 41mm on a 35mm SLR
camera, for increasing creative possibilities and superior image
quality, improving handling and performance.
Sigma DP2 features a SLR-sized image sensor
The size of the image sensor used in the Sigma DP2 camera is 20.7mm
x 13.8mm. It is approximately seven to twelve times larger than the
1/1.8inch to 1/2.5inch image sensors used in ordinary compact digital
cameras. The pixel size of the image sensor is 7.8μm. The large
photodiodes deployed at a large pixel pitch capture pure, rich light
efficiently and give the Sigma DP2 its high Resolution and
richly-graduated tones.
Full-color image sensor incorporated in the DP2
The Sigma DP2 uses the same 14 megapixel (2,652×1,768×3 layers)
direct image sensor as the Sigma SD14 and Sigma DP1. Utilizing the
special features of silicon, which is penetrated to different depths by
different wavelengths of light, this direct image sensor succeeds in
full-color capture with the full RGB in a single-pixel location. Since
the moiré is not generated, use of a low-pass filter is not needed
because full information of light and color can be captured with
three-dimensional feeling.
Sigma TRUE II image processing engine
The DP2 incorporates “TRUE II” which is an improved version of
“TRUE” (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine), the world’s first
image processing engine suited for the three silicon embedded layer
direct image sensor. The unique image-processing algorithm, which has
been developed throughout the development of the SD series digital SLR
cameras and DP1, is incorporated into “TRUE II”.
Sigma 24.2mm F2.8 lens exclusively for the DP2
The Sigma DP2 is equipped with a 24.2mm F2.8 lens, equivalent to
41mm on a 35mm SLR camera, which has been designed exclusively for DP2.
Two molded glass aspherical lenses provide superior image quality. The
Super Multi Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting. This lens and
SLR-sized image sensor combination provides natural shallow
depth-of-field and attractive bokeh effect.
Sigma DP2 offers RAW format recording
The Sigma DP2 includes a RAW recording mode for retaining full
image capture detail of the utmost quality plus a JPEG recording format
for convenience. The RAW data format uses lossless compression for more
compact, yet uncompromised, data files. The RAW data format of the
Sigma DP2 keeps Brightness and color data in a 1:1 ratio without
relying on interpolation. Each pixel location captures the full color
of RGB data which, when processed in Sigma Photo Pro, will preserve the
balance of the natural data for the best photos with the best image
quality.
Sigma Photo Pro Software
The Sigma DP2 comes complete with Sigma Photo Pro software, a RAW
image developer that converts all RAW data quickly and easily.
Adjustments can be made in three separate modes. The X3F Mode stores
the original settings of the image at the point of capture. In the Auto
Adjustment Mode, the software analyzes and automatically makes
adjustments to the RAW data. The Custom Mode allows the photographer to
make individual adjustments. The photographer can make changes easily
and quickly by simply adjusting the slider controls within the
software.
Metering modes and exposure compensation
The Sigma DP2 has compact dimensions of 113.3mm/4.5in (W) x
59.5mm/2.3in (H) x 54.6mm/2.1in (D). Its compact body and lightweight
design makes it easy to carry everywhere. The DP2 has three metering
modes, Evaluative Metering, Center Weighted Average Metering and Spot
Metering. It is also possible to select the exposure mode from Program
AE, Shutter Priority AE, Aperture Priority AE or Manual. Exposure
compensation can be set in 1/3 stop increments from +3.0 to -3.0 stops
and an Auto bracketing function is also available.
Sigma DP2 includes a pop up built-in flash
The Sigma DP2 is equipped with a pop up (manual) built-in flash. It
is possible to use Normal Flash, Red-Eye Reduction Flash and Slow
Synchro Mode. It also features flash exposure compensation in 1/3 stops
increments.bManual Focus is available for use when autofocus or focus lock is not effective. It is also possible to magnify the display to ensure precise focusing.
TFT Color LCD Monitor of the Sigma DP2
The Sigma DP2 camera features large 2.5 inch TFT color LCD monitor.
The LCD monitor displays 100% of the images, allowing the photographer
to easily and accurately confirm the image compensation.
Sigma DP2 equipped with a hot Shoe
The Sigma DP2 camera is equipped with a hot shoe, allowing use of
the dedicated external flashgun EF-140 DG (optional) as well as Sigma
electronic flashguns for SD series such as EF-500 DG and EF-530 DG.
This hot shoe is also used to attach high performance view finder VF-21
(optional). It is possible to attach the dedicated lens hood (HA-21) to
block out extraneous light. It also functions as an adapter, designed
to accept the 46mm Close-up Lens and 46mm filters.
Sigma announce the SD15
Lens Review Blog
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
Sigma announce the SD15
14 Megapixel Sigma SD15 digital SLR camera :
The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new the new Sigma SD15
digital SLR camera. This digital camera is the latest model in Sigma’s
digital SLR camera SD series, powered by the 14 megapixel Foveon X3
direct-image-sensor it can capture all primary RGB colors at each and
every pixel location arranged in three layers. The developing Sigma
SD15 incorporates the “TRUE II” new image processing engine. The SD15
camera provides high Resolution power and reproduces high definition
images rich in gradation and impressive three-dimensional detail.
Incorporation of the large 3.0 inch LCD monitor and improved processing
speed provide ease of operation of the camera.
Development of the Sigma SD15
Since October 2002, Sigma has introduced three digital SLR cameras,
the SD9, SD10 and SD14 to the market. In March 2008 Sigma also
introduced a high-end compact digital camera, the DP1 which uses the
same large image sensor as is featured in Sigma’s digital SLR cameras.
They have established a strong following from a wide range of
photographers, both amateur and professional. Photographers expressed a
desire to incorporate the image processing engine “TRUE”, which is used
in the DP1, into a digital SLR camera. In order to meet this demand,
the Sigma SD15, with high resolution direct image sensor, has been
designed around the new “TRUE II” image processing engine. This
combination delivers superior image quality as well as improved
processing speed, operation and performance.
Sigma Converters for Sony SLR cameras : Sigma announces the new APO Tele Converter 1.4x EX DG and APO Tele Converter 2x EX DG for Sony
mount. The new tele converters are capable of maintaining the HSM
function of such telephoto lenses as Sigma’s APO 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DG
MACRO HSM and APO 50-150mm F2.8 II EX DC HSM whilst increasing the
Focal length by a factor of 1.4x or 2x. Of course, the HSM AF
compatibility depends on the capability of the Sony SLR camera to
support this function and on the maximum F number of the attached lens.
The Super Multi Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting and the
exclusive design maintains the master lens’ high level performance
while extending its focal length. Compact and lightweight, these tele
converters are a convenient way of increasing the focal length of HSM
telephoto lenses.
Sigma APO Tele Converter 1.4x EX DG
• Lens Construction : 5 Elements, 3 Groups
• Focal Length : 1.4 times of master lens
• Aperture Range : F2.8-32
• Magnification : 1.4 times of master lens
• Dimension : 68.5mm x 19.5mm/2.7in x 0.8in
• Weight : 165g / 5.8oz
Sigma APO Tele Converter 2x EX DG
• Lens Construction : 6 Elements, 5 Groups
• Focal Length : 2 times of master lens
• Aperture Range : F2.8-32
• Magnification : 2 time
Leica S2 digital SLR camera : Due to a leak on the internet we got our hands on some information about a new Leica DSLR camera.
And it not only concerns a new SLR, it includes a brand-new digital
photographic system as well, the Leica S-system. The Leica S2 will be
the first DSLR camera in the new S-system, boosting 37 Megapixel of
cameras. Electronic Flash Macro
EM-140 DG is designed to work with both AF 35mm film and Digital SLR
cameras. The Sigma EM-140 DG Macro Flash is ideal for photographing
subjects in fine detail when the shadowless mode is used and is
extremely effective for scientific and medical applications. Dual flash
tubes can fire simultaneously or separately. Using only one flashtube
creates shadow, which can give a three-dimensional feeling to the
subject. The flash features a guide number of 14 w/ISO 100. The
Modeling Flash function makes it possible to check for reflections and
shadows before actually taking the flash picture. 
