Panasonic demonstrates AG-AF100 Micro Four Thirds camcorder
Panasonic is showing an engineering sample of its AG-AF100 series professional Micro Four Thirds HD camcorder and has released more details. Samples are on show at the IBC 2010 trade show in The Netherlands. It is capable of recording full 1080p HD videos at various frame rates from 12 to 60 fps. It includes HD SDI and XLR connectors, twin SDXC slots and is compatible with the company's line up of Lumix G lenses, filters and adapters. Priced at ¥837,900 (~ US $10000), it will be available from December 2010. A promotional website has more detail. (09:33 GMT)DxO Optics Pro adds 99 lens correction modules
DxO Labs has updated its DxO Optics Pro raw converter software with 99 lens and cameras combinations for Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Pentax and Sony users. These new lens correction modules join the existing list of combinations. The modules are available for immediate download from the company's website. (09:36 GMT) 
Sigma is advising Sony users that its lenses are not compatible with the latest Alpha SLT-A55 and SLT-A33 'translucent mirror' cameras and it will fix them for free where possible. Specifically, the aperture may not operate correctly, giving an error message on the camera. The company says it will be offering to modify existing lenses free of charge, however this may not be possible for some lenses 'discontinued several years ago'. It advises owners affected to contact their nearest Sigma Service Station.(16:33 GMT)Pentax K-r mid-level DSLR announced with brief hands-on
Pre-Photokina 2010: Pentax has announced the K-r, its latest mid-level DSLR. Initially sitting above the K-x in the range it offers more angular, K-7-esque styling, 6 fps continuous shooting and HD movie recording. It also regains AF-point illumination in the viewfinder. It features a high-res 920k dot (VGA) LCD display and the ability to shoot at up to ISO 25600. Unusually for a Pentax at this level it uses a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery pack but can be used with AAs via an optional adapter. We've had a chance to get to grips with the K-r and have prepared a brief hands-on article discussing its features and additions. (04:00 GMT)Pentax releases inexpensive DA 35mm 1:2.4 prime
Pentax has released the SMC-DA 35mm 1:2.4 AL, a lightweight inexpensive 'normal' prime for its APS-C SLRs. With an angle of view roughly equivalent to a traditional 50mm standard lens, it becomes one of the lightest SLR lenses available at a mere 124g, and is also compact at just 45mm in length. The design includes a hybrid aspherical element to minimise aberrations, and has a minimum focus distance of 0.3m. It will be available from mid-October at a price of $219.95 / £179.99. (04:00 GMT)Pentax Optio RS1000 comes with changeable covers
Pentax has announced the Optio RS1000, a compact camera with interchangable, user designable covers. It comes with a 28-110mm equivalent unstabilized lens and is built around a 14.1 megapixel sensor. It offers all this season's standard compact camera features such as 720p HD movie recording and digital filters such as fish-eye and toy-camera. The RS1000 is available in white or black with the option to download or create your own cover that secures behind a transparent front-plate. (04:00 GMT)Pentax launches Optio RZ10 compact superzoom
Pentax has unveiled the Optio RZ10 compact superzoom digital camera. It features a 28-280mm equivalent stabilized zoom lens and 14 megapixel CCD sensor. It can shoot 720p HD video and up to 9.1 five megapixel frames per second. It also includes a 2.7" 230k dot LCD and comes in a variety of vibrant colors and is designed to be compatible with Eye-Fi wireless memory cards. (04:00 GMT)Diglloyd.com publishes guide for getting sharper images
Photogaphy technique site diglloyd.com has published an online guide entitled 'Making Sharp Images'. Billed by author Lloyd Chambers as the 'missing guide' to understanding and combating the many possible sources of blur, it covers a wide range of topics while aiming to be both accessible to beginners and technical enough for experts. It's available by subscription only at http://makingsharpimages.com, priced at $44.95 for one year.(15:00 GMT)Nikon Coolpix P7000 announced and previewed
Nikon has launched the Coolpix P7000 high-end enthusiasts' compact camera built around a 1/1.7" sensor and featuring a 28-200mm equivalent image stabilizaed lens. Coming over two years after the P6000, the P7000 is a considerably larger camera featuring bulky, faux-rangefinder styling that is more than a little reminescent of Canon's G Series. The P7000 has a 10MP CCD sensor, VGA-resolution fixed LCD and a usefully bright F2.8-5.6 aperture range. We've been able to borrow a P7000 and have prepared a hands-on preview. (04:00 GMT)Nikon releases Coolpix S80 touch-screen compact
Nikon has announced the Coolpix S80, a touch-screen card-style compact camera. It features a multi-touch OLED screen to offer both improved responsiveness and image contrast. The 17mm deep S80 is based around a 14.1MP sensor and a stabilized 5x optical zoom that offers a 35-175mm equivalent range. It also includes stereo microphones to complement its 720p movie recording capability.(04:00 GMT)Nikon launches Coolpix S8100 with back-lit CMOS sensor
Nikon USA has launched the Coolpix S8100. It closely resembles the S8000 but makes use of a 12MP back-lit CMOS sensor in the place of the 8000's 14MP CCD. In most other respects the cameras are similar, with the S8100 retaining the 30-300mm equivalent stabilized zoom lens and 3.0" LCD. The CMOS sensor helps it offer 10 fps shooting and 1080 HD movie recording. The model is currently only being released in the US. (11:24 GMT)Carl Zeiss to issue cine primes for Sony and Micro Four Thirds
Carl Zeiss has announced that its CP.2 compact cine lenses with interchangeable mounts will become available for the Micro 4/3 and Sony Alpha systems. The already announced Nikon F mount versions will be available in the fourth quarter of 2010, the company says. In addition to the seven focal lengths already publicized, Zeiss says it will introduce a 50mm T2.1 macro lens and a 100mm T2.1 in the Nikon F mount. (11:06 GMT)Sony SLT-A55 review updated with RAW and 'ghosting' assessment
Just posted: our updated review of Sony's SLT A55. Following Adobe's launch of RAW support for the SLT cameras, we've taken an in-depth look at the noise, dynamic range and image quality of the camera's RAW output. We've also conducted tests and sifted-through our 1500+ real-world images to address the much-discussed 'ghosting' phenomenon caused by the A55's innovative semi-transmissive mirror design. With this work completed we're now able to round-off the review by giving the camera a final score. (12:15 GMT)SD Association adds pins for 300MB/s cards
The SD Association has announced an extension to the format that will allow SDHC and SDXC cards with transfer rates of up to 300 MB/s - three times faster than the theoretical maximum of the UHS-I cards that are starting to appear and sixteen times quicker than conventional cards. The as yet unnamed standard will use a second row of connection pins located behind the existing ones to allow the greater transfer rates. The association says the cards will be defined by the SD 4.0 specification expected in early 2011 and will be backwards-compatible with existing SD, SDHC and SDXC devices, albeit without the speed benefits. (14:54 GMT)
Just posted! Our Sony SLT-A33 preview samples gallery. We've already treated the A33's bigger brother, the SLT-A55, to an in-depth review. Now we've had a chance to get out and shoot with the slightly lower-spec A33 as well. It lacks the GPS module of the A55 and comes with a slightly lower sensor resolution but is otherwise almost identical to Sony's top-of-the-range translucent mirror model. Have a look through our gallery and see for yourself what the Sony SLT-A33 has to offer in terms of image quality. (20:42 GMT)Toshiba to introduce world's fastest SDHC UHS-I cards
Toshiba has announced what it claims will be the world's fastest SDHC UHS-I and the world's first microSDHC UHS-I compliant memory cards. To be available in 32GB, 16GB and 8GB capacities, the SDHC cards will offer read and write speeds of up to 95MB/s and 80MB/s respectively. The microSDHC cards will be available in 4GB, 8GB and 16GB capacities with read and write speeds of up to 45MB/s and 20MB/s. The company says mass production of the SDHC UHS-I cards and sample shipments of the new microSDHC UHS-I cards will begin from November 2010. (10:21 GMT)Photoshop CS5 and Lightroom 3 to support Tamron Lens Correction
Tamron has announced that it has cooperated with Adobe in the creation of profiles for the Photoshop CS5 and Lightroom 3's Lens Correction feature. The latest version of the image-editing software will automatically fix distortion, chromatic aberration and vignetting for all currently available Tamron lenses (no word yet on the latest 70-300mm F4-5.6 VC USD though). (14:03 GMT)Datacolor announces SpyderLensCal focus calibrator
Datacolor has announced the SpyderLensCal focus calibrator. The device allows photographers to measure the AF performance of their camera/lens combinations. On DSLRs with a micro-adjustment feature, this tool can be used to help determine the best values to set in the camera's custom settings menu to correct front or back focus. SpyderLensCal will be available from September 6, 2010 at a suggested retail price of $59. (10:09 GMT)Carl Zeiss introduces Distagon T* 1,4/35 for Canon & Nikon
Carl Zeiss has introduced the Distagon T* 1,4/35 wide-angle lens in Canon EF (ZE) and Nikon F (ZF.2) mounts. This manual focus lens, with its large f/1.4 aperture, is made up of 11 elements in 9 groups. With an equivalent focal length of 50mm on APS-C cameras, it can be used on both digital and analog SLRs. Priced at €1385.71, the lens will be available in the first quarter of 2011. (09:39 GMT)Panasonic releases 8GB & 16GB UHS-I SDHC cards
Panasonic has released 8GB and 16GB SDHC cards adhering to the SD association's latest UHS-I specification. Both memory cards have maximum read speeds of up to 60MB/s and Class 10 speed specification complementing 3D and full HD video recording features of recently released cameras. Like the company's 'Gold' line of memory cards, it features protection against power failures and a Super Intelligent Controller that cleans up errors preventing data damage. The memory cards will be available from November 2010. (16:57 GMT)Sony announces Bloggie Touch MHS-TS20K pocket camcorder
Sony has announced the Bloggie Touch MHS-TS20K pocket camcorder. It is built around the company's 1/2.5" Exmor CMOS sensor, records Full HD video in MP4 format and captures 12.8Mp still images. It offers a 3 inch touchscreen LCD, 32mm F2.8 lens and a flip-out USB connecter that also charges the camera’s battery. It includes a 360 degree panorama lens adapter. Priced at $199.99, it will be available in pink, silver and black. (15:33 GMT)Sony releases S-Frame digital photo frames
Sony has introduced the S-Frame range of digital photo frames. Top of the line are the XR100 and VR100 that offer 10.2 inch screens and AVCHD video playback with stereo sound. The XR100 also includes TruBlack technology for better playback quality. The rest of the models come with screen sizes ranging from 7" up to 10.2" and offer a number of slideshow modes, clock and calendar views plus smart orientation sensors that flip images for correct viewing of portrait or landscape images. (15:33 GMT)Kodak releases ESP 9250 all-in-one printer
Kodak has announced the ESP 9250 Wi-fi-enabled all-in-one inkjet printer with print, copy, scan and fax capability. It includes the company's proprietary fade-resistant inks with what it claims the lowest total ink replacement cost in the industry. The printer features a 2.4-inch LCD, built-in templates and supports various memory card formats. The printer is now available at $249.99. (16:51 GMT)Olympus announces special edition kits for the E-P2 camera in black
Olympus has announced two special edition all-black kits for its E-P2 Micro Four Thirds camera. Both kits come with a black version of the M.Zuiko Digital 17mm 1:2.8 pancake lens and either the VF-2 electronic viewfinder or FL-14 external flash. The kits also include a retro-styled lens cap imprinted with the company's Pen F series logo which can also be purchased separately. The black EVF edition will be available for €1,079 while the black flash edition will be available for €1,049 from October 2010. (06:00 GMT)Canon develops world's largest CMOS sensor
Canon has announced it has developed the world's largest CMOS sensor measuring 202 x 205mm. Approximately 40 times the size of Canon's largest commercial CMOS sensor, it captures images with 1/100th the amount of light required by an SLR camera. Its advanced circuitry allows video recording at 60 frames per second with 0.3 lux illumination that according to the company is roughly one-half the brightness of a moonlit night. There is currently no information about the sensor's resolution. This follows last week's development announcement of Canon's 120 megapixel 29.2 x 20.2mm APS-H CMOS sensor. (10:57 GMT)
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