Although Sony has been busy smashing the paradigm with its new transluscent mirror technology, it hasn’t quite given up on the old dSLR just yet. The α580 is it’s new 16.2 megapixel dSLR, which boasts a redesigned Exmor APS HD CMOS Sensor processor and a 15-point phase-detection autofocus system for rapid, accurate AF tracking.

Capable of shooting at 7 frames per second in Speed Priority Continuous Advance mode, the new model also claims to have improved its autofocus capabilities during live view.

The α580 also offers Full HD video shooting, with a dedicated movie button, and a choice of AVCHD 1080i or web-friendly MP4 formats.

The new camera also joins a growing number of dSLRs to include an articulating LCD screen which can be turned up and down.

Like its new friends, the α55 and α33, the α580 uses built-in image stabilisation, refined automatic HDR, integrated GPS and the 3D sweep panorama function.

An entirely new breed of camera has just been unveiled by Sony, using an innovative hybrid system known as Transluscent Mirror Technology.

While the α55 and α33 resembles a dSLR, using a 16.2 and 14.2 megapixel sensor respectively, instead of requiring the traditional reflex mirror that swings upwards,  the new cameras utilize a fixed, translucent mirror that ‘splits’ the optical pathway between the main image sensor and a separate phase-detection autofocus sensor.

Sony reckons the new system has a number of advantages; for instance, the removal of the reflex mirror means the cameras can achieve super-fast shooting speeds, up to a blistering 10 frames per second, comparable only with Canon’s pro-level 1D Mark IV.

It also allow the camera to operate in live view mode while still running accurate phase detection autofocus via its 7.5cm screen or its electronic viewfinder.

The other obvious benefit is that by removing the mirror, Sony has shrunk the camera’s size while still utilizing an APS-C EXMOR sensor.

The α55 and α33 also mark the debut of Quick AF Full HD movie shooting. Translucent Mirror Technology enables AVCHD 1080i footage with phase detection AF tracking of moving subjects. Real-time video image ...full story

New Zealand Geographic magazine is currently inviting amateurs, professionals and students alike to demonstrate their skills with a camera in this country’s most prestigious photographic competition.

The quality and volume of entries received in last year’s inaugural New Zealand Geographic Photographer of the Year competition impressed both the judges and the organizers,” said editor and convenor of judges, James Frankham. “From amateurs to seasoned professionals the winning entries were of a very high calibre befitting the magazine’s high editorial standards. “

There are 3 categories in the 2010 awards, each offering $1000 in cash and other prizes;

• Wildlife (sponsored by Lowepro)

• Landscape (sponsored by BioPaints)

• Society and Culture (sponsored by Auckland Airport)

A New Zealand Geographic Young Photographer of the Year, (sponsored by Getty Images) will be awarded $1000 cash and invaluable mentoring and coaching as part of the New Zealand Geographic Trust Young Guns program (entrants under 21 years on September 30, 2010 are eligible).

The overall New Zealand Geographic Photographer of the Year 2010 (sponsored by Nikon) will win $2000 cash and be offered a creative contract with Getty Images. The winners will be announced in the magazine’s November/December issue (issue 106), out ...full story

One of the highlights of this year’s photography calendar, the inaugural Nikon AIPP Event will kick off on Sunday 11th of October on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Known rather grandiosely as  ’The Event,’ it’s set to be the biggest photography forum ever held in the Asia Pacific region.

The forum is sponsored by Nikon and hosted by Australian Institute of Professional Photography, and will feature 23 speakers who are some of Australia’s most respected industry professionals, including Ken Duncan, Jim Fiscus and Marcus Bell. It will also offer workshops to attendees, some of which are already selling out.

The five-day forum is designed to highlight future directions for and challenges faced by all aspects of the photographic industry.

‘Over the last ten to fifteen years, particularly through the introduction of digital photography, we have experienced massive changes to our profession,’ said AIPP Executive Officer, Peter Myers.

‘The Nikon AIPP Event offers all professional and amateur photographers as well as those working in creative industries to be at the forefront of the journey we face into the next decade.’

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