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.

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.

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.

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.

125 New Entries in Canon D-Photo Amateur Comp

Joe Hammond’s Entry to the Open Creative category

We’ve just had another 125 entries added to the Canon D-Photo Amateur Photo Competition, with some incredible submissions online already.

But theres’ still time to enter yourself!

An enormous kit bag full of gear is up for grabs, with more than $5000 worth of prizes there for the taking, including four Canon MP990 printers for category winners, and the grand prize of a Canon EOS 50D dSLR with a 17-85mm IS lens.

Along with the four category winners, an overall winner selected from all submissions will be awarded the title of D-Photo/Canon Amateur Photographer of the Year.

Besides a host of great prizes, amateur photographers will also get the chance to see their images in an exclusive exhibition, displaying the best entries from the competition.

Click here to view the galleries and find out how to submit your photo.

Canon Launches New Super Zoom

Canon unveiled a new camera in its recent raft of releases, debuting the Powershot SX210 IS. Fitted with a 28mm lens, the slim super zoom delivers 14x optical zoom and HD Video recording capabilities at 720p.

It also boasts a big 14.1 megapixel CCD sensor and ISO sensitivity up to 6400.

The SX210 uses Canon’s proprietary TruCapture technology, utilising Optical Image Stabilisation, the DiG!C 4 Image Processor for true-to-life colours, and Intelligent Auto.

Retailing at $749.95, the PowerShot SX210 IS will be available in New Zealand this March.

Introducing the Powerfully Simple Olympus PEN E-PL1

The new Olympus PEN E-PL1 is truly greater than the sum of its parts, with a surprisingly small camera body packed with technology normally found in bigger, bulkier and heavier professional DSLR cameras and HD camcorders.

Ricoh Releases CX3

Ricoh has just unveiled the new CX3 compact with a back-illuminated CMOS sensor and a 28-300mm lens.

Incorporating technology introduced in Ricoh’s 2009 GR Digital III camera, the CX3 improves low-light performance via its 10 megapixel back-lit sensor.

It also delivers 1280×720p HD movie recording capabilities, along with the addition of high & low luminance priority  settings for “dynamic range double shot mode” dynamic range expansion effects, and the addition of the “pets” scene mode.

The new camera is expected to retail somewhere around $699.