digital
March 12th, 2010 by D-Photo
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).
February 24th, 2010 by D-Photo
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.
February 8th, 2010 by D-Photo
Two slim new compacts from Nikon will be available from next month, with the Coolpix S4000 and S3000 models landing in March.
Successors to the Coolpix S230 and S220 models, the new compact digitals utilise a touch-screen panel, a 12-megapixel sensor, and a 27mm 4X zoom lens. The S4000 model also throws in HD video recording capabilities.
The touchscreen features a redesigned graphical user interface, 
which includes a touch shutter and slider adjustment for white balance. They’re also pretty compact for a compact, with the S3000 only 19mm deep.
Avaialable in eight colours, there’s still no word on local pricing and availability, but keep reading D-Photo for more details.
January 25th, 2010 by D-Photo
Samsung has renewed three lines of its compact camera range, packing big zooms into small shooters.
The SL630 budget compact features 12.2 megapixel sensor and a 28-140mm equivalent lens, along with image stabilisation, focus tracking and a ‘perfect portrait’ system.
Also released were the TL110 and TL105, which feature 14.2 and 12 megapixel sensors respectively. With 27mm equivalent lenses, the new compacts also include 720p HD video recording.
Finally, Samsung released the HZ35W and HZ30W compact superzooms, featuring a 24mm equivalent and 12.2 megapixel sensors. Awash with fancy gadgets, the new cameras use built-in GPS and also shoot in HD video.
No word yet on a local release schedule, but watch this space for further details.
January 14th, 2010 by D-Photo
Four lines in Sony’s Cyber-shot range have gotten an overhaul, with the H, T, W and S series all receiving improved imaging and movie capabilities, while the TX7 and HX5V even include AVCHD video, a feature previously only found on Handycams.
The new range also marks the first time Sony has included SD/SDHC memory card compatibility, along with Sony’s own Memory Stick cards.
Sony says its proprietary ‘Exmor R’ CMOS sensors used in cameras across the range are twice as sensitive to light compared to cameras in the same class with CCD sensors. GPS and Compass gadgets have also been built-in to the new models, allowing photographers to pinpoint wherever they took their image. The TX-7, the world’s slimmest camera with Full HD video, features a 10.2 megapixel sensor and a 25mm wide lens, and also includes Sony’s innovative Intelligent Sweep Panorama mode.
The HX5V also uses a 10.2 megapixel sensor, and comes with a 25-250mm f/3.5-5.5 lens. The four W series point-and-shoots offer a larger resolution with 14.1-megapixel sensors and 5x optical zoom ‘G lens’ at f/2.4.
The two S-series, the S2100 and the S200 offer a simpler camera with a 12.1 megapixel sensor and a 3-inch LCD. The new range will be available in New Zealand between February and March 2010.
December 15th, 2009 by D-Photo Videos
NX series was finally unveiled at PMA 09.
March 17th, 2009 by D-Photo
Christchurch professional photographer Tony Bridge talks about life with his Sony DSC-R1
I bought this in the hope it would stand in for a Leica M8. It doesn’t, but it comes as close as. Just the bees, when I can prise it off my son, who is not happy lending me “his’ camera. It’s been all over Aotearoa and the world. I broke it recently (Auckland airport baggage handlers!), and given the option to replace or repair, I had it repaired. Now my baby is home and all is well in my photographic world, gear-wise.
What’s hot?
What’s not to like? 10Mp, APS-C sensor, live histogram, silent shutter, RAW files, GORGEOUS, GORGEOUS Carl Zeiss 24-120 lens, smallish form factor, makes me look like a harmless tourist when I want to be Cartier-Bresson. And no need to clean the sensor. Woohoo!
What’s not?
The EVF (but I am getting used to it) and the buffer (what buffer?). They stopped making them so I can’t buy a second one. Or a third.
Would I buy one again?
Damn right. You know where I can get another one?
I’d really rather have a…
Leaf AFI or a Phase One. Oh well, when the Saturday night investment plan comes in…
Does it make the world a better place?
Absolutely. It keeps the Gnomes of Nagoya in gainful employment and off the streets.
Has it made me any money?
I would like to think that it has staved off world domination by the Illuminati, but I doubt it. Anyway, isn’t money the root of all evil?
January 27th, 2009 by D-Photo
Epson has been awarded seven prestigious iF design awards for products that include home and office photo printers, a large format printer, and a short throw projector, from a total of 2,808 products submitted from 39 different countries for the 2009 awards judging in Hannover, Germany.
The Epson Stylus Pro GS6000 large format printer, Epson EMP-400W short throw projector, Epson Stylus Office T40W printer, Epson Stylus Office TX600FW multifunction printer, Epson Stylus Photo TX700W multifunction printer, the Epson Stylus Photo TX800FW multifunction printer, and the Epson TM-S1000 high-accuracy cheque and coupon scanner, have all been recognised in this year’s awards which highlight Epson’s continued investment in product design and innovation.
Epson products won four iF awards in the 2008 competition.
The International Forum Design (iF) evaluates products against a number of criteria including design quality, workmanship, innovativeness, environmental compatibility, ergonomics, choice of material, universal design appeal and functionality. As an independent institution it has been rewarding design in industry, as well as providing a window on the latest design developments and trends, for more than 50 years.
December 3rd, 2008 by D-Photo
Wanaka based professional photographer Gilbert van Reenen talks about life with his Canon 1DS Mk III camera
The 22 Mp 1 DS Mk III is my third camera body since I was dragged kicking and screaming into the digital era just over four years ago. I started with the 20D and then purchased one of the first 5Ds to arrive in New Zealand. I had a 1N before that. My new BIG BLACK BOX arrived in early March.
What’s hot?
Many of its features take camera functionality to another level. Just a few that appeal to me are the automatic vibrating sensor cleaning, the user-friendly more intuitive menu programmes, the large bright screen, the crystal clear viewfinder, the phenomenal advancement in battery power, the dual CF slots. The extremely low noise at high ISO settings is stunning. How many pages do you want on this?… Nah, just kidding.
What’s not?
The 12K price tag was somewhat intimidating for someone who gets a big kick out of pinhole photography. The long wait from ordering to delivery was a real downer. All the moaning and wingeing I had to do to get to the top of Greg Bramwell’s delivery order list wasn’t very funny either. (Sorry Greg!) The experience of completely rebuilding my Photoshop-dedicated computer to cope with the large Raw files wasn’t for the faint hearted and one I could have happily done without. This camera is a big heavy sucker (heavier than my LF panorama camera) and can’t be disguised in public as anything but a big conspicuous camera.
Would I buy one again?
Yes definitely. I can already justify the price tag and it has even put a new spring in my step.
I’d really rather have a …
Machine or reliable programme that circumvented the need for me to sit for hours in front of that super computer screen to edit and optimize all of those big files coming out of the camera. (Something that would fix my arthritic knees would be great too.)
Does it make the world a better place?
Yes of course – anything that puts a new spring in my step makes the world a better place. I have already used the camera for several aerial assignments where IMHO this camera is without rival. Preliminary results have alerted me to many new exciting creative possibilities and ideas. It’s so wonderful to hear my clients say “WOW!” when they first see the proofs of work that I’ve shot with it. Yesterday, out of the blue, I received a letter from a cabinet minister, saying how much she liked the photographs I took of her with it. That’s never happened to me before.
Has it made me any money?
Making money has never been my primary objective in any pursuit, least of all photography, but receiving a realistic return for effort certainly has. That return might include a mix of personal satisfaction and money. So far the camera has delivered both of these handsomely. It has earned its keep and met all of my expectations. It’s great!
November 19th, 2008 by D-Photo
Photographer: Thierry Huet
Location: Cardrona Vintage Fair
Description: Face painting at the Cardrona Vintage Fair
Camera: Canon 5D
Settings: 1/250sec f4 ISO125
Title: Who’s going to stop me
Photographer: Henk Kwakernaat
Location: Massey East, Auckland
Description: Boy’s playing in a driveway at a pretty fast speed
Camera: Panasonic DMC-FZ50
Settings: 1/30 sec. F3.2 ISO 200
Title: Lets swing
Photographer: Connie Bicknell
Location: Kairakau Beach, Hastings
Description: Briar & Freya Bicknell ejoying the swings on Kairakau Beach of Hastings
Title: Tapper Girls
Photographer: Troy Baker
Location: Waiotahi Beach, Opotiki
Description: Neices having a ball on holiday at Waiotahi Beach out side Opotiki
Camera: Nikon D200
Settings: f4, ISO 100, 1/1250s
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