Pentax Actually Releases 645D

Pentax has been talking about it for five years, but it’s finally revealed its medium format digital, the 645D, to be released in May.

Utilising a Kodak-built 44×33mm 40-megapixel sensor, about 1.7 times larger than a dSLR’s, the 645D manages to produce particularly high-resolution images.

Creating a medium format camera at an affordable price was reportedly high on Pentax’s list. Going on sale for around $US9,400, the 654D is actually relatively affordable for a medium format model, at least  when compared to its competitors.

The camera features a new Real Image Engine and a SAFOX IX+ autofocus system with 11 sensor points, all built in-house at Pentax, which might explain the wait.

Curiously, Pentax has decided to include dual SD/SDHC cards rather than CF, which can be used to backup one to the other. The 654D ships with a Pentax D-FA 645 55mm f/2.8 AL [IF] SDM AW lens, equivalent to 43.5mm in the 35mm format, with assurances that new lenses will be made available. In the meantime, it’s compatible with 645 Pentax system lenses.

The company told the British Journal of Photographer that its plans for release outside of Japan are as yet unclear, so until further notice. it’s a good excuse to head to Tokyo (if you need one).

Panasonic Sneaks in Two Micro Four Thirds!

Panasonic has cheekily snuck out another two mirrorless micro four-thirds cameras with interchangeable lenses, the Lumix G2 and the G10, both featuring a 12.1 megapixel Live MOS sensor and a redesigned ‘Venus Engine HD II,’ which reportedly provides top-quality signal processing.

The G2 is an update on the G1 and GH1 models released last year, the first examples of a new breed of camera, challenging the assumption that bigger means better. By abandoning the mirror and physical viewfinder, Panasonic (in a joint venture with Olympus) were able to develop a compact camera with a sizeable sensor and the ability to change lenses.

The G2 uses a swivelling 3-inch LCD touch-screen interface that allows users to press on a subject to focus. Once a subject is selected, the camera locks onto its target and automatically tracks it movements. There’s also a high-res electronic viewfinder built in for those who prefer the traditional method.

The G10 abandons the tilting touchscreen and the high-res viewfinder for the sake of size, which keeps it neat.

Both cameras also record 720p video footage in AVCHD lite format designed to rival the quality of dSLRs while maintaining a compact size.

Redesigned processing separates chromatic noise from luminance noise to improve image quality, while utilising ‘intelligent resolution’ to enhance outlines, edges, detailed textures and soft gradation.

Both cameras ship with a 14-42mm F/3.5-56 kit lens, and while there’s no word on a local release date, we’ll keep you posted when this baby drops.

Stylish Pentax Range Released

Retro-styling is all the rage, particularly at Pentax, who’ve just released two new ranges borrowing from the schmick designs of days gone by.

The H90 series features a simple design in a two-tone trim, but despite the antique look, sports a 12.1-megapixel sensor and 720p video capabilities. It’s also got a 28-140mm equivalent lens, ISO up to 6400 and all the face-detection gadgets we’ve come to expect in the modern compact.

Also due for release is the rather sharp Optio I-10, a 12.1-megapixel compact in the mould of a little SLR. Available in pearl white and classic black, the I-10 features a focal range of between 28-140mm. There’s built-in ‘triple anti-shake’ and wireless remote shooting capabilities. Apparently, its face detection technology will recognise grinning cats and dogs, too.

Four EXFILMs from Casio

Casio recently added to its compact camera range, releasing four new EXFILM products, the EX-FH100, EX-H15, EXZ2000 and the EX-Z550.

The EX-FH100 uses a 10.1 megapixel sensor and a 24mm 10x zoom lens. Speeds of up to 40 shots per second and 1,000fps video recordingcapabilities are also a boon. 1280×720 HD video capabilities are included in the EX-FH100, as is a HDMI terminal and stereo microphone.

The EX-H15, EX-Z200 and EX-Z550 all use 14.1 megapixel sensors and a newly developed processor, the EXFILM Engine 5.0, which not only increases processing speed and colour and noise performance, but allows users to cut and paste parts of one photograph to another in camera.

All three cameras concentrate on being easy-to-use for the amateur photographer, featuring premium auto modes and simple processes to upload images and movies to social networking sites such as YouTube.

Camera Attachment for iPad

Surprisingly, Apple’s iPad might not be completely useless for photographers after all.

Apple itself is releasing a camera accessory kit for the much-hyped tablet device that allows users either stick an SD card right into your iPad, or connect a digital camera directly.

While it’s still unclear as to exactly what users will be able to do with images once they’re on the iPad, it’s likely that photo-editing apps are already in development. Photoshop already has a photo-editing app available on the iPhone.

Two adapters come with the $US30 accessory, one for SD, and another for mini-USB.

Five New EVIL lenses from Samsung

While Samsung has been working on its compact range, it hasn’t been slacking off on its interchangeable lens lineup either, with the company unveiling no less than five new lenses for its NX system.

The first camera using Samsung’s EVIL system, which uses interchangeable lenses and large sensors like dSLR’s, but forgoing a mirror and viewfinder for compact size, the NX10 originally launched with a standard zoom (18-55mm OIS / F3.5-5.6), tele zoom (50-200mm OIS / F4.0-5.6) and pancake lens (30mm / F2.0). The new lenses include an 18-55mm ƒ3.5-5.6, 20mm ƒ2.8 pancake, 60mm ƒ2.7 macro, 20-50mm ƒ3.5-5.6, and an enormous 18-200mm OIS ƒ3.5-6.3.

The company also hinted that the recently announced NX10 won’t be the only EVIL product Samsung will be introducing this year.

“We know from our detailed research that what consumers want from their cameras is evolving – they’re looking for compact and stylish products of a high performance, while retaining a focus on value,” said .S J Park, CEO of Samsung Digital Imaging.  “We’ve reflected these demands throughout the development of our lens technology for the NX10 and forthcoming NX range.”

Sony Reveals 2010 Strategy

While most camera manufacturers like to play their cards close to their chest, Sony recently gave the game away, revealing its digital imaging strategy at PMA.

The company plans to take burgeoning ‘Micro Four Thirds’ market head on, with Sony’s own iteration of a compact camera with

interchangeable lenses already in production. Using a newly developed Exmor APS-C HD CMOS sensor, which at 24mm x 16mm is larger than the Micro Four Thirds format, Sony exhibited a mock-up model at the show. Along with a range of dedicated lenses, the new compact would shoot HD video using AVCHD format.

Less surprisingly, Sony plans to continue rolling out its range of Alpha dSLRs, integrating the new Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor and HD video. A follow-up to the mid-range a700 is also in the works.

New lenses are also on the cards, with a Distagon T* 24mm f/2 ZA SSM Carl Zeiss wide angle lens and a Super Telephoto 500mm f/4 G on show at PMA.

Samsung Launches Fast Flagship Compact

Samsung have thrown its hat in the ring with a new high-end compact camera, the TL500, a 10 megapixel camera capable of shooting RAW.

Its real drawcard is that the new shooter’s 24-70mm equivalent Schneider KREUZNACH lens has an aperture of f/1.8 to f/2.4 when fully extended, which actually makes it faster than Canon’s closest competitor, the G11.

Sporting a 10 megapixel 1/1.7” CCD sensor, ISO sensitivity runs to 3200.

The TL500 also features more advanced camera features such as a hot-shoe, dual image stabilisation and an articulated 3-inch AMOLED LCD screen.  Details regarding the camera’s shooting modes are scarce as yet, although on initial inspection it appears as though full manual modes are available.

While the new compact shoots video, its capabilities are limited to 640 x 480 – read: no HD.

“With the TL500, Samsung further differentiates its lineup from the competition and achieves yet another milestone in the industry,” said Mr. SJ Park, CEO of Samsung Digital Imaging Company. “With ultra-wide angle capability and unparalleled speed, the TL500’s lens offers a new level of versatility allowing the user to be more creative and take better pictures.”

Dropping in April this year, the TL500 looks set to give the big guys a run for their money.

Hasselblad’s ‘Entry Level’ H4D40

Hasselblad has just announced the introduction of a new ‘entry-level’ medium format camera, the 40 megapixel H4D40, which features a 33 X 44mm CCD sensor and ‘true focus’ autofocus system, all for the affordable price of $US20,000.

Budding medium format photographer will get their money’s worth, however, as the H4D40 comes complete with an 80mm lens, a viewfinder and Hasselblad’s Phocus 2.0 imaging software.

The sensor has been designed with a new low noise colour filter, and digital lens correction technology removes distortion vignetting and chromatic aberration in HC/HCD lenses.

There’s no word yet on the local release date, but New Zealand’s C.R. Kennedy is responsible for local distribution. More news as it comes to hand.

Two New Lenses in Nikon Stable

Nikon has unveiled two new additions to its lens lineup, introducing both the NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR, and the fixed-length 24mm f/1.4G ED.

The 16-35mm is the first ultra-wide angle lens of its kind with built-in vibration reduction, which suppresses camera shake to an equivalent of

up to four stops.  ‘Nano Crystal Coat’ technology and ED and aspherical lens elements have been utilised in its design. As an FX format lens, the 16-35mm zoom is intended to be used with Nikon’s D3-series and the D700 dSLRs, targeting sports, press and landscape shooters.

The new 24mm prime, also an FX format lens, has been created with photojournalists, architecture and landscape photographers in mind. It also uses Nano Crystal Coat technology on 12 elements in 10 groups, with two ED glass and two aspherical lenses for less distortion and aberration. It uses Nikon’s ‘silent wave motor’ for discreet autofocus, and boasts a fast maximum aperture of f/1.4.