Wednesday, September 15, 2010

More Photography-related Product Announcements (Updated 9-15)

The Fall Photography announcement season continues, and at this point we find ourselves between two significant events—the IBC* conference which was held in the Netherlands this week, and the biennial Photokina Show which  begins next week.  Among the round of announcements that have been made since the last post are the following:
Camcorders
Panasonic
Panasonic has confirmed that the AG-AF100 Professional Camcorder series which uses the same 4: 3 sensors used in some DSLRs will be available in December.  The interchangeable lens camcorder will be able to accommodate the range of Four Thirds lenses available for DSLRs, as well as cinematic lenses (which may require an adapter.) The camera puts the DOF advantages of the DSLR sized sensor and lens interchangeability into a form factor more familiar to cinematographers and videographers.  
For more information on the AG-AF100 Series cameras click here.

HDSLR/DSLR Cameras
Nikon
Nikon raises the mid level HDSLR bar with the addition of the D7000 to its camera line-up. Sporting a 16 megapixel ASP-C sized Sensor, the D7000 offers continuous Auto Focus during video capture, full HD video capture at 24P, and dual SD card slots.  The camera also features a new 39 point auto-focus system with several configuration options as well as a new 3D metering system.  ISO range is expandable to 25,600.  The MSRP of the D7000 is $1199 for the body and $1499 for the body and lens outfit which includes the 18-105 DX zoom.
Nikon also announced the SB700 Speedlight (a replacement for the SB600,)  the long awaited 35 MM F1.4 AF-G lens and a revised 200 MM F2 AF-G VRII lens, with MSRPs of  $329,$1799, and $5999 respectively.
For more information on the new Nikon offerings click here.

Olympus
Olympus recently announced the E5 Professional HDSLR Camera.  The camera sports a 12.3 megapixel (Four-Thirds System) Sensor, in-body image stabilization, a 3.0-inch dual axis swivel LCD with 920,000 dots making it easier to frame High Definition (HD) videos and still images at any angle, in a splash and dustproof magnesium alloy body.  The camera is capable of capturing 720P video at 30 FPS.  The camera will be available in late October, and sports an estimated MSRP of $1699.  For more information on Olympus E-system and Pen system cameras, click here.

Mirror-less, Interchangeable Lens Cameras
Samsung
Samsung has announced the NX100 camera.  The NX100 uses the same 14.6 megapixel APS-C sensor found in the larger, more DSLR-like shaped NX10.  The NX100 offers a slim, lightweight design with no compromise in image quality.  The NX100 includes Samsung's newly developed i-Function lens which allows users to control multiple camera functions and settings through the lens.  The NX100 is capable of shooting both stills and 720P HD video.  The MSRP of the NX100 is $599.
Samsung also announced two companion lenses; a 20 MM F2.8 pancake lens and a 20-50 MM F3.5-5.6 normal zoom lens.  For more information on the NX100, click here.

Advanced Compacts
Nikon
Nikon recently announced the addition of the P7000 to its Coolpix range of advanced compact cameras.  The P7000 boasts a 10.1 mp CCD sensor, a 7.1X zoom which provides a 35 mm focal length equivalent range from 28 to 200 mm, optical based image stabilization, and 720P HD video capability.  The Camera has a MSRP of $499.  For more information on the P7000, click here.
Canon
Canon has announced the G12, the successor to the popular G11 series advanced digital camera.  The camera offers a 10 megapixel CCD, a 5X zoom range which provides a 35 mm focal length equivalent range from 28 to 140 mm, Hybrid Image Stabilization, and 720P HD video capture,.  The G12 has a MSRP of $499.  For more information on the G12, click here.


 * The IBC annual conference and exhibition is for professionals engaged in the creation, management and delivery of entertainment and media content worldwide. For more information on IBC, click here.