Monday, October 26, 2009

Nikon D3s is the first Nikon FX format DSLR to feature HD Movie mode



Nikon’s first FX format camera to feature high-definition movie recording offers photographers a whole new level of creative flexibility. The D3S features a highly sensitive 12.1 megapixel FX format CMOS sensor that boasts an ISO range of 200 to 12800. The D-movie function offers superior movie capture in stereo* sound and features a Save Selected frame option to speed up productivity.

Nikon’s acclaimed 51-point AF system offers high sensitivity in low-light and superb performance when tracking fast moving subjects. An advanced image sensor cleaning function reduces the impact of dust spots and three alternative crop modes enhance shooting flexibility. The EXPEED image processing engine and expansive buffer enables you to shoot up to 9 fps for extended bursts. Protected by a tough, environmentally-sealed magnesium alloy body, the D3S redraws the boundaries for professional action photography.

*Compatible stereo microphone required.

Features:
  • 12.1 megapixel FX (full-frame) CMOS sensor with high signal-to-noise ratio, wide dynamic range and 12-channel readout.
  • ISO 200 – 12800: extendable up to 102,400 (equivalent) with the Hi-3 setting and down to ISO 100 (equivalent) with the Lo-1 setting.
  • 9fps consecutive shooting (11fps in DX Crop mode).
  • D-Movie records high-definition (HD) movie clips in stereo sound (Compatible stereo microphone required). Features Edit start/stop and Save selected frame functions, as well as AF support in Tripod mode.
  • Multi-CAM3500FX 51-point AF system: individually selectable or configurable in 9-point, 21-point and 51-point coverage settings.
  • EXPEED image processing engine with 14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit image processing for superb tonal gradation.
  • 920,000 dot 3-inch VGA LCD monitor with wide, 170-degree viewing angle.
  • Three Crop Modes: DX format 5:4 ratio and 1.2x. The DX crop mode can be automatically enabled when a DX lens is attached.
  • In-camera RAW processing saves time in post-production by enabling JPEG compression, Size, White Balance, Exposure Compensation, Picture Control, Noise Reduction, Color space and Vignette Control image settings to be applied to RAW (NEF) files in the camera.
  • Quiet shooting mode: perfect for discrete photography, the sound of the camera’s mirror return mechanism is noticeably reduced.
  • Highly accurate, durable Kevlar/carbon fibre-composite shutter unit: standard rating of 300, 000 cycles, with a maximum shutter speed of 1/8,000 sec and flash synchronization at up to 1/250 sec.
  • HDMI video output interface enables connection to high-definition video systems.
  • Durable Magnesium alloy body built to withstand the rigors of the harshest of environments.
  • Wireless LAN and Ethernet support via optional Wireless Transmitter WT-4.
More info on Nikon site here: http://www.europe-nikon.com/product/en_GB/products/broad/1862/overview.html




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Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Canon announce EOS-1D Mark IV




Introducing the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV – fast, powerful, high resolution performance for professional photographers




EOS-1D Mark IV
United Kingdom / Republic of Ireland, 20 October 2009 – Canon today announces the launch of the new EOS 1D MARK IV – a high-speed, professional Digital SLR (DSLR) camera designed to empower photographers to capture split-second moments in high resolution, under the most challenging of conditions. Ideal for shooting action, sports, news events and wildlife photography, the Canon EOS 1D MARK IV delivers speed, power and high-resolution images, creating the perfect camera for photographers who require reliability in fast-paced, high-pressure situations.


Developed incorporating feedback from professional photographers, the EOS-1D Mark IV features a new Canon 16.1MP APS-H CMOS sensor and a brand new 45-point Auto Focus (AF) system with 39 f/2.8 sensitive cross-type points, providing a wide selection of precise focus areas across the frame.  Dual “DIGIC 4” processors provide the power to shoot continuous, high-resolution images at up to 10 frames per second (fps), as well as delivering the widest ISO range ever to feature in a Canon camera.

“Throughout the EOS-1D Mark IV’s development, we’ve carefully studied feedback from our photographers and developed a camera to meet their specific requirements” said Mr. Shinbori, Senior General Manager of Camera Development Center, Canon Inc. “With a brand new, high-quality CMOS sensor and Dual “DIGIC 4” processors, the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV allows photographers to be the first to get the highest quality images to picture desks in what is becoming an increasingly competitive market.”

Highly sensitive, cross-type focusing – capture every detail at speed
The Canon EOS-1D Mark IV features a completely new 45-point AF system, with 39 f/2.8 sensitive cross-type points located across the frame, providing consistent AF on static or moving subjects, no matter which AF point is being used.  All 45 AF points are user selectable and now more sensitive, with the AF points towards the edge of the frame offering identical levels of performance to those in the centre.

The entire AF system is managed by a dedicated microprocessor, providing fast, accurate focusing – even when shooting continuously at 10fps.  Canon’s newly-evolved AI Servo II AF offers more precision when tracking moving objects, utilising the power provided by the dedicated microprocessor to improve overall tracking accuracy and increasing focus reliability in low-contrast and extremely bright conditions.

To provide increased flexibility, a vast range of manual and automatic AF control options are available including - with lenses featuring an AF Stop button - Canon’s new Spot AF feature.  Spot AF offers a more precise focus area to meet the needs of photographers that require pinpoint focusing.  A 63-zone metering system enables the use of multiple metering modes, with the dedicated sensor linked to the 45 AF points, providing AF point-linked and multiple spot metering options.

The EOS-1D Mark IV also features orientation-linked AF points, an orientation sensor controlled feature that enables photographers to store separate AF points for different camera positions.  Covering both horizontal and vertical shooting positions (both grip up and grip down), orientation linked AF points offers the flexibility to quickly change camera orientation when shooting with the AF settings switching to suit the subject.  AF point registration enables the photographer to store an alternate AF point that can be used at the touch of a button.

The power and performance of Dual “DIGIC 4” and CMOS
The combination of a custom-designed, high resolution 16.1MP APS-H CMOS sensor and Dual “DIGIC 4” processors ensures that detailed, crisp images are delivered at high speeds.
The inclusion of an APS-H sensor combines a high pixel-count with an effective field of view measuring 1.3x the focal length of the lens.  This provides immediate benefits for sports, news and wildlife photojournalists, who operate on-the-move and need to get closer to their subjects and maintain fast apertures without resorting to longer focal-length lenses – which are typically heavier.

Continuous shooting is facilitated by the sensor’s eight-channel data read out, which provides a rapid read sequence and makes full use of the Dual “DIGIC 4” processors to enable high-speed 10fps shooting at full 16.1MP resolution, while maintaining image colours through 14-bit analogue to digital (A/D) conversion.

The ability to shoot images at 10fps, without any drop in resolution, means the EOS-1D Mark IV features the fastest continuous shooting with Auto Focus currently available from a Canon DSLR.  The increased processing capacity of Dual “DIGIC 4” processors manages the increased data created by the 60% rise in image resolution, while still enabling the EOS-1D Mark IV to deliver a continuous burst of up to 121 large JPEGS, or 28 RAW images using a UDMA 6 card – ideal for fast-moving sporting action or news events where scenes are unfolding quickly.

The EOS-1D Mark IV also includes updated Picture Styles and the first ever integration of ALO (Auto Lighting Optimizer) in a professional EOS body, automatically correcting the contrast and brightness of images as they are recorded.  These features combine to provide a faster workflow for those requiring press-ready images direct from the camera without the need for retouching, enabling photographers to concentrate solely on capturing that once-in-a-lifetime shot.

Full compatibility with the latest UDMA 6 standard Flash memory cards also ensures that image data is rapidly written to the EOS-1D Mark IV’s CF memory card.  In addition, the flexibility to also record to a Secure Digital/SDHC memory card allows photographers to keep shooting for longer until they get the shot they need.

Advanced performance in low-light
The EOS-1D Mark IV also delivers extreme low-light performance. Standard ISO on the EOS-1D Mark IV ranges from 100-12,800, while extended ISO ranges from a low of 50 to 102,400 – the highest ISO ever offered by a Canon SLR.  This extreme low-light performance makes the EOS-1D Mark IV ideal for night shots or shooting at evening events, where the lack of light would normally make shooting impossible.
Intelligent noise reduction techniques keep chroma and luminance noise to a minimum, while maintaining colour balance, but never take control of the overall image quality away from the photographer.  The architecture of the new 16.1MP APS-H CMOS sensor, featuring gapless microlenses with less surrounding circuitry and more sensitive, high-capacity photodiodes, also ensures that all available light is used as efficiently as possible to maximise ISO performance in low light conditions.

Built for extreme use – robust, weatherproof and portable
Light for its category, the EOS-1D Mark IV features a full magnesium alloy body, providing protection against knocks and bumps.  The EOS-1D Mark IV has also been the subject of some subtle ergonomic redesigns, with the buttons reshaped and given a more defined ‘click’ when pressed, to make life easier for photographers operating in more extreme weather conditions where gloves may be necessary.

The EOS-1D Mark IV is protected by a total of 76 rubber seals fitted around the controls and cover seams, making the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV dust and water resistant when used in tandem with Canon’s range of weather-resistant EF lenses and Speedlite EX flash units.

The 920,000 dot, VGA resolution, Clear View II LCD makes it easy to instantly review images and video in the most challenging conditions.  By filling the gap between the LCD panel and the protective cover screen with a photo-elastic material, Canon has been able to reduce light reflection, resulting in the clear display of images.  The previously acrylic cover has also been replaced by reinforced glass, providing strong, scratch-resistant protection for the screen.

The EOS-1D Mark IV also features the EOS integrated cleaning system, which automatically eliminates dust on the sensor – ensuring reliable image quality when shooting in testing outdoor environments.

Cinematic, High Definition video
In addition to providing high-quality still image performance, the Canon EOS-1D Mark IV features EOS Movie function, providing the ability to capture 1080p High Definition (HD) video at 30, 25 and 24fps and 720p footage at 60 and 50fps.  As well as complete compatibility with PAL, NTSC and native 1080/24p cinematic frame rates, the EOS-1D Mark IV offers full manual exposure, providing film makers and photographers with control over depth of field.

The EOS-1D Mark IV features a programmable button to enable quick movie shooting, allowing photographers to record HD video instantly at the touch of a single button.  The EOS-1D Mark IV also features a mini HDMI output, enabling video and images to be viewed directly on compatible HD-ready TVs.

Advanced customisation to suit you
Canon’s EOS-1D Mark IV is highly customisable, allowing photographers to take complete control of the camera’s features.  Auto Exposure (AE) and Flash Exposure (FE) micro-adjustments allow photographers to fine tune the exposure for any given purpose, enabling them to perfectly match two separate cameras for consistent results or simply adjust the settings to meet specific personal requirements and tastes.  Preferred user profiles can also be stored to memory card and subsequently transferred to other EOS-1D Mark IV bodies, so that photographers can seamlessly transfer their profile to another body if required.

Further customisable features include the ability to add copyright information directly in the camera.  This enables photographers to embed their details within each shot as standard, removing the need for retrospective data insertion, and allowing news photographers to get shots to picture desks in the shortest time possible.  An integrated microphone also allows the recording of audio notes to accompany each image, which will directly benefit photographers who wish to keep a record of the content of each image as they shoot.

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV – key features:
  • New 16.1 Megapixel APS-H CMOS sensor
  • 10 frames per second continuous shooting
  • Up to 121 large JPEG images in a single burst
  • New 45-point wide area AF with 39 cross-type sensors with f/2.8 sensitivity
  • High-speed Dual “DIGIC 4” processors for superb image quality
  • 12,800 high ISO expandable up to 102,400
  • Full HD movie recording at 30, 25 and 24 frames per second
  • 3.0” Clear View II LCD with Live View mode
  • Durable dust and water resistant body with 76 rubber seals
  • Compatible with all Canon EF lenses, and Speedlite EX flashes
  • Also available - new EOS-1D Mark IV Wireless Transmitter WFT-E2 II (also compatible with existing Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2)
Accessories
EOS system compatibility
The EOS-1D Mark IV is compatible with all existing EOS-1D Mark III accessories, EF lenses (excluding EF-S lenses) and EX Series Speedlite flash units.  Untethered shooting and image transfer are available with the optional Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2 II.  New EOS-1D Mark IV accessories will also be backwards compatible with EOS-1D Mark III bodies, subject to a firmware upgrade.

Pricing & Availability
The EOS 1D Mark IV is available from the end of December 2009 priced at £4499.00 / €5499.00 RRP inc. VAT.

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Saturday, October 17, 2009

I am now the proud owner of my own Ltd Company!

It has been a long time in the making and its early days yet, but I have just set up my own Ltd Company here in the UK. I have been running a business (on and off) since 1989, when I left the NHS to follow my dream to be a photojournalist. Over the years I have provided photography, bookkeeping and IT services in the periods between jobs and in my spare time.

However, due to changing circumstances I felt now was the right time to make the leap and set up a 'proper' company and so I did!

You will find it here: http://www.newbeltane-techmedia.co.uk/

My first product is the fantastic piece of kit, the hfeld Wi-Fire wireless USB adapter. I have just become the only reseller of the kit in the UK! Its a fantastic product and you can read all about on my e-store at the above address.



Check it out.
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Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Mamiya announces its 645DF system in partnership with Phase One



The Japanese medium format camera maker Mamiya has introduced its version of the 645DF system it developed alongside Phase One.
The Mamiya 645ZDb Digital System consists of the Mamiya 645AFD III Medium Format Camera with Sekor AF 80mm f/2.8 D lens and the newly introduced Mamiya ZDb 22 Megapixel Digital Back.
At a retail price of $10,999, this digital system marks a new era in the high-end digital market. By offering this incredibly priced high quality digital system, a broad range of photographers who have been waiting for the right combination of quality and price, can finally step into the medium format digital world.

The platform for the Mamiya 645ZDb Digital System is the highly acclaimed Mamiya 645AFD III autofocus medium format camera with Sekor AF 80mm f/2.8 D lens. With an excellent range of high quality lenses, precise auto-focusing and fast handling, the 645AFD III has become the choice of professional photographers.
The Mamiya ZDb Digital Back offers all the features serious photographers demand, plus Mamiya’s communication protocol MSCE (Mamiya Serial Communication for External) has optimized two-way communication between the 645AFD III and the ZDb Digital Back. This produces an operating experience identical to using a one-piece digital camera.
Specifications:
Type
6x4.5cm format (actual image size 56x41.5mm)
Electronically controlled focal-plane shutter
TTL multiple mode AE
AF single lens reflex
Film Type
120 roll film (16 exposures)
220 roll film (32 exposures)
Polaroid Land Pack Film (100 & 600 series)
Lens Mount
Mamiya 645 AF Mount
Compatible with M645 mount (manual focus confirmation, focus aid, stop-down exposure metering)
Also compatible with Hasselblad V series lenses (manual focus confirmation, focus aid, stop-down exposure metering). Requires optional Lens Mount Adapter #310-244 (Black) or #310-245 (Silver)
Viewfinder
Fixed prism viewfinder magnification x0.71
Built-in Diopter adjustment -2.5 to +0.5 (separate diopter correction lenses provide adjustment ranges of -5 to -2 and 0 to +3)
Built-in eyepiece shutter
Focusing Screen
Interchangeable:
Matte (supplied with camera)
Grid (Checker)
Manual Focus Microprism for M645 lenses
Field of View
94% of actual image
Viewfinder Information
Focus mark
Out-of-focus direction marks
Aperture value
Shutter speed
Metering mode (A, S, A/S AUTO)
Exposure compensation value (difference between set value and actual value)
AE Lock
Bracketing Position
Battery Checker
AF System
TTL phase-difference detection type, user-selectable focusing point (center, left, right or auto)
Detecting Device
4 CCD line sensors in a | + | shape (area indicated on the focusing screen, 10.8 x 3.6mm)
Infrared AF Sub-Beam
Activates automatically under low light, low contrast in Single (S) AF Mode
Switchable On/Off.
Range: 29.5 ft. with 80mm f/2.8 AF lens
Automatic switching to flash unit’s built-in sub-beam when Metz flash unit is attached with SCA 3952 adapter
AF Lock
Half-press on shutter release and AF Lock Button
Exposure Control Modes
Manual (M)
Flash Sync (X)
Aperture priority AE (Av)
Shutter priority AE (Tv)
Programmed AE (P) with program shift: PH and PL settings possible
Metering Method 
5-segment evaluative center-weighted average (AV) with bright point elimination
Spot (S)
Variable Ratio Auto-Shift (A-S AUTO)
Setting Steps 
Shutter speed and aperture both can be set in 1/3 or 1/2 steps
Electronic dial lock (in X, M, Av and Tv exposure modes)
Light Metering
TTL metering; center-weighted average (AV), spot (S) and auto A-S variable ration
Metering Range
EV 2 to EV 19 (with ISO 100 film, f/2.8 lens)
Exposure Compensation
+/-3 EV or +/- 5EV (1/3, 1/2 or 1 steps)
Film Speed
ISO 25 to 6400
AE Lock 
With AEL button; released by re-pressing or power switch off; light metering value differentiation in viewfinder exposure compensation display when AEL button is held down; +/-6 EV (1/3 step); shift from set to metered value in M metering mode
Shutter 
Electronically controlled vertical metal focal-plane shutter
Shutter Speeds
AE: 30 to 1/4000 sec. (1/8 step)
Manual: 30 to 1/4000 sec. (1/2 step)
X (locks shutter speed to 1/125th sec. while allowing for full control of aperture values)
B (Bulb, electronically controlled)
Automatic shutter curtain open mechanism (opens when film magazine, Polaroid holder or digital back is removed, automatically closed when re-attached)
Auto-Bracketing
Enabled with Auto-Bracketing button (2 or 3 frames selectable) , 0.3, 05, 0.7, 1EV step units selectable
Flash Synchronization 
1/125 sec. or slower, automatically sets to 1/125 when shutter speed dial is set to higher speeds (when Metz flash unit is used).  In P mode, the shutter speeds are controlled to 1/125 ~ 1/60 sec.
Flash Control
TTL direct metering, supports Metz SCA3002 system (SCA 3952 adapter required), and SCA 3000 and SCA 300 series (300 series requires both SCA 3952 and SCA 3000C converter)
Film Transport
Automatic via built-in motor, single or continuous exposures 2 frames per second (with new HM402 Roll Film Magazine).
Film Loading 
Automatic advance to first frame when shutter release button is pressed (Easy Loading)
Multiple Exposure
Enabled with Multiple Exposure Button (2 to 6 exposures or unlimited); can be cancelled. More exposures may be dialed in before exposure set is complete
Mirror-Up
Electronically-activated by Mirror-Up switch on grip
External LCD
On camera body:
Aperture value
Shutter speed value
AEL
Battery check
Programmed AE 
Programmed AE shift value
Data imprinting mode
Flash Compensation Indicator (Over/Under)
Auto-Bracketing indicator
Multiple Exposure indicator
Self-Timer indicator
On Interchangeable Film Magazine:
ISO speed
Type of film (120 or 220)
Exposure number
On Interchangeable Film Magazine:
ISO speed
Type of film (120 or 220)
Exposure number
Data Imprinting 
7 segment dot matrix
DATA mode imprints:
Exposure mode
Aperture value
Shutter speed value
Exposure compensation
Bracketing position (normal, over, under)
Metering mode
ID number
Lens Focal Length
DAY mode imprints:
Year
Month
Date
Time
ID number (switchable between enabled and disabled)
Sync Terminal
X contact (sync speed 1/125th sec. and slower)
Cable Release
On shutter button
Remote-Control
Terminal On side of body (works with remote triggering devices and electromagnetic cable releases)
Self-Timer
With shutter release mode selector 2 to 60 sec. (default setting: 10 sec., can be set in 1 sec. steps between 2 and 10 sec., and in 10 sec steps between 10 and 60 sec.)
Depth-of-Field Preview
Preview button on front of camera, aperture can be changed during DOF check
Tripod Socket
1/4 inch and 3/8 inch included
Power Requirements
6 AA batteries (alkaline-magnesium or rechargeable Nickel-metal hydride)
Size
6"(W) x 5"(H) x 7.2"(D) (153 x 128 x 184mm)
Weight
61oz. (1730g). w/o batteries / 1730g
Custom Functions
36 custom settings
Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Read more here: http://www.mamiya.com/mamiya-645zdb.html#Overview

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