Ricoh announced two new K- Mount lenses, namely HD PENTAX-FA 35mm F2 and HD PENTAX-DA 11-18mm F2.8 ED DC AW. The two lenses can be used in any K-mount cameras which are mostly used by Pentax.
The 35mm F2 is a compact lens. It claims to have a high-performance and being a wide-angle lens, covers the full-frame image circle of PENTAX K-mount digital SLR cameras. The new 35mm is said to have been based on the smc PENTAX-FA 35mm F2 AL. The PENTAX-FA 35mm was a very popular lens for photographers when they shot in film cameras. The new lens boasts of a high-grade, multi-layer HD Coating that is applied to the optical elements. It is said to produce high-contrast images with edge-to-edge sharpness, free of flare and ghosting. A highly stain-repellent SP Coating is also said to have been applied to the front surface. This improves the lens’ usability outdoors. The design of the new lens is reminiscent of the older model and looks almost alike.
The second lens, which is a high-performance, ultra-wide-angle, Star-series lens delivers exceptional optical performance, according to claims made by Ricoh. The lens features a constant 2.8 aperture through every focal length and is a part of the new-generation Star series of lenses from the company. Being a member of the high performance lens series, the company claims that this lens will provide high-resolution, high-contrast images without blurring at the edges.
According to Ricoh, the lens provides a Focus Clamp Mechanism to lock focus at the desired focal point. It also is said to have outstanding dustproof and weather-resistant construction. Ricoh also claims to have built the lens keeping the adverse weather conditions in mind. One of the features that accommodate adverse weather condition shooting is a space specifically designed for holding a heating device to prevent condensation. The lens also has a metallic frame structure, which more effectively transmits the heat of the device to the lens.
The price of the HD PENTAX-DA 11-18mm F2.8 ED DC AW Lens is £1,399.99 and the HD PENTAX-FA 35mm F2 will retail for £399.99.
Today, Nikon Inc. announced fast 16-80mm f/2.8-4 DX zoom, faster-focusing, lighter 500mm, 600mm f/4 lenses– a fantastic set of versatile lenses that are well suited for advanced and enthusiast photographers.
Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR
Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR
The new 16-80mm f/2.8-4E is a DX lens that offers the comparable focal range of 24-120mm in 35mm terms, so it is a flexible walk-around lens that can be used by enthusiast photographers.
It’s the first Nikon DX lens that comes with Nano Crystal Coating for lessening ghosting and flaring. It is also the first DX lens to include an Electromagnetic Diaphragm, which electronically adjusts the lens aperture for constant exposures during a high-speed shoot.
Its specs include a least focusing distance of 1.2 feet, 4-stop vibration reduction, fluorine coating on the front and rear elements, 17 elements in 13 groups, a 7-blade aperture, and Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology for fast and accurate autofocusing.
The Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4 will be available starting in July 2015 with a price tag of $1,070 (Rs 70,000 approx).
Nikkor 500mm f/4E FL ED VR and 600mm f/4E FL ED VR
Nikkor 500mm f/4E FL ED VR
The new 500mm f/4 and 600mm f/4 lenses are two FX telephoto prime lenses intended to provide high optical and focusing abilities, at the same time, weighing very less.
Nikon says the lenses are designed for sports, action, wildlife, and press photographers.
By the fourth quarter or final period, users will indeed enjoy the weight reduction of these lenses that allow for extended shooting, even into overtime.
Nikkor 600mm f/4E FL ED VR
Both lenses highlight Nikon’s latest autofocus tracking technologies for instantly and accurately locking onto fast-moving subjects. Both lenses pack Nikon’s Electromagnetic Diaphragm for snapping consistent exposures during rapid-fire bursts.
Weight wise, the new lenses are significantly lighter than their predecessors. The 500mm lost nearly 0.91kg, weighing 3kg instead of 3.86kg, and the 600mm shed almost 1.36kg, weighing 3.75kg instead of 5.22kg. This weight loss is because of the new fluorite elements that Nikon has begun included in its lenses.
Other features and specs include a magnesium alloy construction, Nano Crystal Coating, 4-stop VR image stabilization, automatic tripod detection, a SPORT VR mode for a more stable viewfinder image, weather sealing, fluorine coating,
Although Nikon India is yet to offer word on the pricing of the lenses, it is estimated that the lenses would cost around $10,299 (Rs 6.54 lacs) and $12,999 (Rs 7.81 lacs) for the 500mm and 600mm models respectively. Hence, it is clear that this is only meant for professional photographers. The company will start selling the lenses in the country starting this month, so you won’t have to wait if you’re interested in getting them.
We recently got our hands on a rather interesting accessory for the iPhone 4/4s, the 6x Zoom lens. It is available online at ChinaBuye at a price of $14, shipping included.
The package includes the zoom lens, a plastic case and a cleaning cloth.
When you hold the lens in your hand, the first thing you will notice is that it is light weight but well built. There are no loose parts but the plastic cover provided with the lens has a tendency to gather dust and scratch your phone.
Mounting the lens on the case is a bit difficult but once it’s on it stays put. The focus ring towards the front lens helps you adjust the focus while shooting a video or taking a photo. The focus range is 3m-infinity with a field of 9 degrees.
While testing it outside, we noticed that getting a steady image from the lens is a very tough task and it would be better to use it by mounting your device on a tripod stand. However, the lens does provide a very considerable zoom and is ideal for shooting far-placed objects. The only drawback we found was the shakiness of the lens.
Overall, given its cost, the zoom lens is a good purchase.
This implies that the coming generations of the iPhones could sport a removable back cover
US Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple that reveals one of their research projects involving a camera device that provides the user with configurable optic options. The unique aspect to this is the device’s removable back panel. Although Apple’s patent background mentions a mobile phone, their actual summary and patent detailing mention nothing of a phone in any traditional way. So the device could either represent a next generation iPhone or a standalone camera that Apple has been playing with since 2009. While Apple has toyed with the idea of adding various lenses to handhelds via an external accessory in the past, their concepts were never in-line with Apple’s great design ethic. Today’s design seems to properly address the need for better portable device optical options while retaining an Apple-like form factor. The only real question remaining is this: Is Apple designing this removable back panel design as part of a standalone camera or as part of the iPhone’s reinvention. Which do you think it’ll be?
The Nokia 808 PureView was launched at an event here in New Delhi today. The device is priced at Rs 33,899/- and sales are going to start today. Throughout the keynote, conducted by Mr. Vipul Mehrotra, the emphasis was on the massive, high-resolution 41 megapixel sensor with high-performance Carl Zeiss optics. The device, hailed as a “Camera SmartPhone”, has truly amazing imaging and video quality, arguably one of the best we’ve seen on smartphones till now, including 4x loss-less zoom at 1080p.
Only the white and black colours will be available for now
[quote]Vipul Mehrotra, Director and Head of smart devices, Nokia India said, “Nokia has always been known for its imaging legacy. What started off with a simple objective to create the most advanced imaging device, the Nokia 808 PureView has evolved into something extremely revolutionary.[/quote]
Vipul Mehrotra during the keynote
It was also announced that Airtel will offer a bundled data package of 500MB with the phone, which for now is available in 2 colours-Black and White. Various Apps are also available to make use of the phone’s mutli-media capabilities.
The camera on the phone was highlighted the most
However, it was made clear that this does not signal the end of Nokia’s previous flagship device, the N8.
Nokia also announced there collaboration with Dolby Worldwide, the press release of which is below :
[toggle_box title=”Press Release” width=”Width of toggle box”]
Nokia ushers in a new era in smartphone innovation
Inspired by satellite imaging, revolutionary Nokia 808 PureView now available in India
Collaborates with Dolby Laboratories to offer cinema-like entertainment on-the-go
New Delhi, June 13, 2012— Nokia India today announced the launch of much awaited Nokia 808 PureView with 41 MP sensor and the most advanced imaging innovation featuring Nokia’s award winning PureView technology. Nokia 808 PureView brings together high resolution sensors, exclusive Carl Zeiss optics and Nokia developed algorithms to offer a break through imaging experience to the consumers. Nokia also announced its collaboration with Dolby Laboratories to bring outstanding cinematic sound experience for entertainment enthusiasts – Nokia 808 PureView is the first mobile device to feature both Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby Headphones technology. The Nokia 808 PureView features a large, high-resolution 41 megapixel sensor with high-performance Carl Zeiss optics and new pixel oversampling technology which is set to revolutionize high-end imaging in the smartphone sector. With superior low-light performance and the ability to save in compact file sizes for sharing in email, MMS, and on social networks, the Nokia 808 PureView makes it possible for anyone to capture professional looking images in any conditions.
Speaking at the launch, Vipul Mehrotra, Director and Head of smart devices, Nokia India said, “Nokia has always been known for its imaging legacy. What started off with a simple objective to create the most advanced imaging device, the Nokia 808 PureView has evolved into something extremely revolutionary. Nokia 808 PureView stands for industry leading innovation – it represents Nokia’s highest level of smartphone imaging experiences and marries it effectively with Dolby’s cinematic sound experience, resulting in a smartphone that has set new standards in mobile technology. This was possible due to our long expertise in imaging, partnering with the best companies in the world such as Dolby Laboratories and Carl Zeiss, incredible craftsmanship and unwillingness to compromise on performance. We are proud of what we have jointly created, world’s first super camera phone.”
“In the past, entertainment was confined to the living room but the current trend witnesses more and more entertainment available not only at home but on the go. The Nokia PureView 808 is an amazing device and has really allowed us a platform to showcase Dolby technologies, and deliver an outstanding entertainment experience that is perfectly aligned with the device’s capabilities,” said Pankaj Kedia, Country Manager, Dolby Laboratories India. He further adds, ““The PureView 808 is the latest Nokia smartphone to showcase Dolby Digital Plus, which delivers an outstanding entertainment experience that is perfectly aligned with this groundbreaking phone’s capabilities. Meanwhile, a software upgrade for other Nokia smartphones unleashes the power of Dolby technology in those devices, enabling cinematic 5.1 surround sound for music and movies.”
Through this collaboration, both the pioneers are creating new benchmarks in smartphone technology. Nokia and Dolby will also unlock the Dolby technologies on other Nokia smartphones – specifically the Nokia 700, Nokia 701 and Nokia 603 with the latest Nokia Belle feature pack software upgrade. The inclusion of Dolby technologies in Nokia smartphones brings an extra dimension to their performance, transforming them into devices which can deliver high-definition (HD) content with Dolby Digital Plus 5.1-channel surround sound to HDTVs, audio/video receivers, and home theater systems. In addition, Dolby Headphone, available on the PureView 808, transforms content into a personal surround sound experience over headphones to create a natural, engaging, and authentic listening experience.
In addition to superior still imaging technology, the Nokia 808 PureView, also includes full HD 1080p video recording and playback with 4X lossless zoom and the world’s first use of Nokia Rich Recording. Rich Recording enables audio recording at CD-like levels of quality, previously only possible with external microphones. Dolby technology delivers rich, full-impact audio. Whether the content is video or music, Dolby technology unlocks the surround sound experience from Video content and optimizes the playback of music.
The Nokia 808 PureView will be available across Nokia retail outlets starting tomorrow. Nokia 808 PureView will be priced at Rs. 33,899/- and will be available in white and black colour.
About Nokia
Nokia is a global leader in mobile communications whose products have become an integral part of the lives of people around the world. Every day, more than 1.3 billion people use their Nokia to capture and share experiences, access information, find their way or simply to speak to one another. Nokia’s technological and design innovations have made its brand one of the most recognized in the world. For more information, visit http://www.nokia.com/about-nokia
About Dolby Laboratories
Dolby Laboratories (NYSE:DLB) is the global leader in technologies that are essential elements in the best entertainment experiences. Founded in 1965 and best known for high-quality audio and surround sound, Dolby creates innovations that enrich entertainment at the movies, at home, or on the go. For more information about Dolby Laboratories or Dolby technologies, visit www.dolby.com.
Dolby and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. All other trademarks remain the property of their respective owners. W12/25383 DLB-G
Pentax has today announced a new Weather sealed K-30 DSLR with a 16 MP APS-C CMOS sensor with an ISO range that extends up to ISO 12800 (expandable to ISO 25600). The camera body is both resistant to rain as well as to dust and temperature extremes.
According to Pentax this is one of the cheapest cameras to offer those features. The camera also features a 3-inch TFT LCD display with a resolution of 921,000 dots.
The K-30 is also capable of shooting 1080p video at 30, 25, or 24 frames per second, or 60 fps at 720p.
Available in black, white, and blue, the K-30 will go on sale in July. The body will be priced at $849.95 (Rs. 47,000) , while a $899.95 ( Rs. 50,000) kit will be available with a 18-55mm zoom lens.
[toggle_box title=”Press Release” width=”Width of toggle box”]
PENTAX Introduces New K-30 Digital SLR Camera
Featuring weather resistant capabilities, new mid-level DSLR is the perfect creative companion for active travel and outdoor photographers
Denver, CO (May 21, 2012) – PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION today announces the introduction of its new weather and dust resistant digital SLR camera – the PENTAX K-30. Ideal for photographers with active outdoor lifestyles, the new PENTAX K-30 combines a compact, lightweight body with many advanced features found only in higher end DSLR camera models, such as a weather, dust and cold resistant body, a glass prism optical finder with 100% field of view, state-of-the-art autofocusing, and full HD video recording capabilities.
“No detail was overlooked when designing the dynamic new K-30 to be weather resistant,” explains John Carlson, Sr. Manager of Sales and Marketing, PENTAX. “Every seam, every button, every hinge has been weather sealed for adventure-proof creative photography. Whether enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking in the Rocky Mountains or on vacation cruising along on the Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls, photographers can stop worrying about weather conditions and start focusing on capturing the perfect shot.”
In addition to its versatile weather-proof capabilities, the new K-30 offers features including high-speed burst shooting at a maximum speed of six images per second, a high-speed shutter unit with a top speed of 1/6000 second, and convenient dual electronic dials for quick, fingertip access to exposure control and several Auto Picture and scene modes. Coupled with an ergonomic grip that provides firm, comfortable control of the camera, and a sporty, functional design, the K-30 assures dependable, flawless performance in the field. The new K-30 is available in three body colors: Crystal White and Crystal Blue, with brilliant, glossy finishes reminiscent of the finish of an exclusive sports car; and Black, for a traditional SLR look. It is also compatible with all PENTAX K-mount lenses.
The new PENTAX K-30 will be available at retail outlets nationwide and online in July 2012 with a suggested retail price of $849.95 for body only, and $899.95 for the kit including the DA L 18-55mm zoom lens.
PENTAX Introduces smc DA 50mm f/1.8 Medium-Telephoto Lens
Compact, lightweight autofocus lens designed exclusively for PENTAX K-Mount interchangeable-lens digital cameras
Denver, CO (May 21, 2012) – PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION today announces the introduction of its new smc PENTAX-DA 50mm f/1.8 medium-telephoto autofocus lens, which is designed exclusively for use with the company’s K-mount interchangeable-lens (ILC) digital cameras. Thanks to state-of-the-art optical design technology from PENTAX, the lens’ image coverage is optimized for PENTAX K-mount ILC cameras to deliver sharp, clear images from edge to edge. With a sleek, modern look and a lightweight body, the new PENTAX-DA 50mm f/1.8 lens was designed with versatility and flexibility in mind and is ideal for photographers of varying levels, from amateurs to professionals.
The PENTAX-DA 50mm f/1.8 lens will be available July 2012 with a retail price of $249.95.
Panasonic has just announced the new GF3X, essentially the GF3 with a new X Series Lens. These new lenses are much more compact and have steel mounts as opposed to the plastic mounts found in the original Lumix G lenses. Read the Press Releases below for the full low down on these cameras and lenses.
[toggle title_open=”Collapse Press Release” title_closed=”Press Release” hide=”no” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]PANASONIC ANNOUNCES THE LUMIX GF3X, THE COMPANY’S SMALLEST COMPACT SYSTEM CAMERA COMPLETE WITH A NEW RETRACTABLE POWER ZOOM, LUMIX G X LENS
Panasonic’s New Premium LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm Lens Features a Retractable Design to Achieve Ultra-High Mobility and Stunning Photo Quality
SECAUCUS, NJ (August 26, 2011) – Panasonic today announces a newly designed and innovative LUMIX G “X” lens that retracts to help minimize its size, without compromising its focal length or image quality. Panasonic’s new premium LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./ POWER O.I.S. (H-PS14042) lens, will be available with the company’s smallest and lightest compact system camera as a lens kit option in the DMC-GF3X model. With electric-powered zoom operation, the retractable Power Zoom H-PS14042 lens is extremely compact, approximately 26.8mm in length, and weighs approximately 3.35oz, offering ultra-high portability.
Panasonic’s new premium LUMIX “X” Series of lenses, including the LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./ POWER O.I.S., offers a versatile zoom range of 14-42mm (35mm camera equivalent: 28-84mm) suitable for a wide range of scenes, such as dynamic landscape to portrait. Also announced today is another LUMIX X lens, the LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm/F4.0-5.6 ASPH./POWER O.I.S. Crystallizing Panasonic’s optical technologies, the LUMIX X lenses feature superb image rendering for lifelike textures, crisp edge-to-edge contrast, a unique Nano Surface Coating to help minimize ghosts and flaring in natural settings with remarkable transparency.
“Panasonic continues to innovate in digital photography by offering advanced features in small and compact bodies, thus addressing the consumer’s need for camera equipment to be lightweight and easy to carry,” said Darin Pepple, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “With the new LUMIX X Series of premium lenses, we do not sacrifice size for quality and Panasonic still offers top-of-the-line image quality for our G Series, but in a smaller design that makes it extremely mobile.”
With the LUMIX GF3X, the camera and lens combination can achieve Light Speed AF of approximately 0.1 second – making it an extremely quick and high-performing digital camera. The LUMIX GF3X with the new 14-42 PZ lens also features POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer), to make it easier to shoot clear photos even in low-lit situations. The convenient zoom lever on the lens barrel gives users a stable way to zoom. Manual focusing is also available with a manual focus lever for even more precise control.
The LUMIX GF3, like all the LUMIX G Series of Compact System Cameras, captures high-quality photo images with real-to-life details through excellent resolution, image rendering and color reproduction. With its stunningly small compact profile, the LUMIX GF3 boasts high-speed, precise Contrast AF system and quick response times. The LUMIX GF3 is also capable of 1920 x 1080 Full High Definition video in the AVCHD format.
The LUMIX GF3X will be available in a black body and black lens or a silver body and silver lens kits options in October 2011 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $749.99. The new LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./ POWER O.I.S. (H-PS14042) lens will also be available separately for an SRP of $399.99 and will be compatible the Panasonic LUMIX G Series. For more information about Panasonic LUMIX digital cameras, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.[/toggle]
[toggle title_open=”Collapse Press Release” title_closed=”Press Release” hide=”no” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]PANASONIC ANNOUNCES BRAND’S FIRST DIGITAL INTERCHANGEABLE POWER TELE-ZOOM LENS
Panasonic’s New Premium LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm Lens Offers State-of-the-Art Design to Achieve Increased Functionality and Spectacular Image Quality
SECAUCUS, NJ (August 26, 2011) – Today, Panasonic announced the LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm/F4.0-5.6 ASPH./POWER O.I.S. (H-PS45175), the company’s first cutting-edge digital interchangeable lens with electric-powered zoom operation. This marks the launch of the company’s premium lens brand “X” which is compatible with the Panasonic LUMIX G Series and complies with the Micro Four Thirds™ system standard. This lens introduction accompanies another LUMIX X lens announced today, the LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./ POWER O.I.S.
The new LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm/F4.0-5.6 ASPH./POWER O.I.S. lens features superb image rendering for lifelike textures and crisp, edge-to-edge contrast. A unique Nano Surface Coating technology minimizes reflections at entire visual light range (380nm-780nm) for a dramatic reduction of ghosts and light flare, resulting in outstandingly clear picture quality.
Using a Multi-Actuator Floating Inner Focus System to control three lens groups separately the LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm/F4.0-5.6 ASPH./POWER O.I.S. achieves a reduction in both size and weight without compromising picture quality. Boasting outstanding compactness, the lens is approximately 90mm in length and 7.4oz in weight, resulting in ultra-high mobility.
Offering a versatile zoom range of 45-175mm the LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm/F4.0-5.6 ASPH./POWER O.I.S. allows distant subjects to be captured sharply at the tele-end. Also notable, the lens is extremely suitable for portrait and landscape shots, as its high contrast and resolution helps images shot at the wide end maintain exceptional quality, and the zoom lever allows for quick and stable zooming, even while shooting a moving object.
The new lens system features two Extra-low Dispersion (ED) lenses which suppress chromatic aberration and contribute to high descriptive performance across the entire zoom range 45-175mm. The POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) integrated into the LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm/F4.0-5.6 ASPH./POWER O.I.S. makes it easy to shoot sharp images even in low-lit situations. With improved sensitivity of the gyro sensor, the new POWER O.I.S. also suppresses large, slow movements two times more effectively** while small, fast movements are compensated for by the conventional MEGA O.I.S.
LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm/F4.0-5.6 ASPH./POWER O.I.S. contains seven aperture blades to help produce an attractive smoothness in out-of-focus areas even while shooting at large aperture. Adopting an inner focus system driven by a stepping motor, the lens’ superior optical design supports Light Speed AF of approximately .15 seconds and fast aperture control results in a shortened shutter time lag of approximately 20% when compared to the LUMIX G VARIO 45-200mm/F4.0-5.6/MEGA O.I.S.
The Panasonic LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 45-175mm/F4.0-5.6 ASPH./POWER O.I.S. (H-PS45175) will be available in black and silver starting September 2011 with a suggested retail price of $449.99. For more information about Panasonic LUMIX digital cameras and lenses, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.[/toggle]
Are you an avid photographer? Do you keep thinking about how to get the perfect shot? Well do we have the accessory for you. Plushtography has come out with a line of pillows that are ‘pre-hugged by a team of koalas to ensure maximum huggability.’
The pillows come in various designs ranging from the Canon 50mm and 24-105mm to the Nikon 35mm. Each pillow is hand sewn and made with a secret mixture of fleece, felt and a little bit of love. They range in price from $35 to $65 each and can take upto 10 days for delivery. They won’t imbibe you with any special photography skills but they will make for an interesting conversation starter.
Japanese company Global Wave, has come up with a technology that can convert a 2D display into a 3D display. They have developed a film that can be stuck onto any display, which allows you to enjoy 3D content. The film works on all devices including smartphones, Monitors and even the iPhone and iPad.
The film is called the Pic3D and is based on a lenticular lens system which basically creates 2 serperate images, one for the left eye and one for the right, at slightly different perspectives, which creates the illusion of depth. The film was designed to be used with stereoscopic content. In case you have regular 2D content, you can download the software from the company’s website and it allows you to view the regular 2D content in 3D.
The film allows 90% of the screens brightness through with viewing angles as wide as 120o. The film will be available from the Global Wave website in August with prices ranging from $25 for the iPhone and iPod Touch to $189 for a 23″ display film.
