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.

Tis the Season for New Photography Gear!

The late Summer/early Fall Photography 2010 announcement season is well under way.
So far we have seen the following:

Sony
Sony recently announced four new “Alpha” mount cameras which sport a host of innovations:

The first of the new Sony cameras, the SLT A55 and SLT A33, are the first cameras to incorporate the company's translucent mirror design. The Single Lens Translucent (SLT) technology offers live view with full-time fast phase-detection AF whether in stills or video mode. A fixed, semi-transparent mirror redirects a small amount of light onto the AF sensor while allowing the rest through onto the main imaging sensor which allows phase detection AF under all operating conditions. The A55 uses a 16.2MP sensor while the A33 has a 14.2MP sensor. Both cameras have a 3.0" articulated LCD, full HD video recording and ISO sensitivity up to 12,800. The A55 also features built-in GPS.

In terms of the more “conventional” HDSLR, Sony has announced the 16 mp A580 and the 14 mp A560 cameras (with 1.5 x crop factors). Both cameras can record 1080p full HD movies and deliver 7 fps in continuous shooting mode. They feature Sony's two-mode live view system, a 15-point phase-detection AF or a Manual Focus Check mode, a 3.0" fold-out LCDs, an enhanced Auto HDR mode, 3D Sweep Panorama mode, and sensitivity of up to ISO 25,600.

Along with the four cameras, Sony announced three Alpha-mount prime lenses: the Zeiss 24 mm F2 and the value-oriented 85 mm F2.8 lens for use on full frame and cropped sensor camera bodies , and the , 35 mm F1.8 for use on cropped sensor models. The 35 and 85 mm lenses are part of Sony’s Easy Choice range of lenses.

For more information on Sony Camera products click here.

Nikon
Nikon has announced the D3100, an entry-level digital SLR. The D3100 is the first Nikon HDSLR capable of capturing video at 1080p and offering multiple frame rate options. This camera is the first from any DSLR maker to offer continuous autofocus operation during video recording. The camera is built around a 14.2MP (1.5 crop factor) CMOS sensor, has an 11-point AF system, offers a 3 fps burst rate, and ISO range of 100-3200 (expandable to 6400 and 12,800.)

In addition to the D3100, Nikon also introduced four new Nikkor lenses, three of which are geared for use on its FX Format cameras: The AF-S 85 mm f/1.4G; the AF-S 24-120 mm f/4G ED VR; the AF-S 28-300 mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR; and the AF-S DX 55-300 mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR for cropped sensor bodies.

For More information on the new Nikon products, visit Nikon USA.

Canon

Canon announced the EOS 60D. The successor to the EOS 50D fits in between the EOS T2i and EOS 7D in Canon's lineup and incorporates many of its still and video features found in other Canon models. It has an 18 million image pixel (1.6 crop factor) CMOS sensor, shoots stills at up to 5.3 fps, sports 63-zone metering first seen in the 7D, carries over the 50D’s 9-point AF systems, can control and trigger remote Speedlite flashes, and offer multiple video resolution and frame rate choices. It's also the first Canon HDSLR featuring a tilt-and-twist rear LCD.

Canon also introduced four new EF L-series lenses: The 8-15 mm f/4L Fisheye; the EF 70-300 mm f/4-5.6L IS; the EF 300 mm f/2.8L IS II; and EF 400 mm f/2.8L IS II.

Canon has also introduced two new teleconverters; Extender EF 1.4x III and Extender EF 2x III.

Of the lenses, the Fisheye is most compelling as it marks the first time that Canon has released a zoom lens that is maximized for performance on all three sensor sized it offers in its HDSLRs/DSLRs.

For More information on the new Canon products, visit the Canon Digital Learning Center.


Micro Four-Thirds

The big new to date on the Micro 4/3s front is in lenses.

Olympus:

With the growing popularity of its Pen Line of cameras, Olympus has announced two new lenses for Micro 4/3s:

• The 75-300 F4.8-6.7 zoom lens (150-600 mm - 35 mm/full frame dslr equivalent)

• The 40-150 F4.0-5.6 zoom lens (80-300 mm - 35 mm/full frame dslr equivalent)

Both lenses offer fast silent autofocus for HD movie recording in a compact and lightweight package. For more information on Olympus cameras, visit Olympus USA.

Cosina:

Cosina Ltd has joined the Micro Four Thirds System standard. The Cosina entry in to Micro 4/3s means that the ultra-fast Nokton 25 mm F.095 lens (50 mm focal length - 35 mm/full frame dslr equivalent) will be available for use on Micro 4/3s cameras by Panasonic and Olympus. Yes that's F.095!

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As we get closer to the start of Photokina, the biennial photography trade show held in Cologne, and that will open in mid-September, expect additional product announcements.  We'll keep you updated so tell your friends and check back!

Byron Atkinson

http://www.hdslrs-n-motion.com/