This is an update list of the current rebates on photo equipment, now including up to $200 off Sigma lenses:

Tamron:

Sigma:

Sony:

Canon:

Nikon:

Quantum:

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After a long delay, Sigma finally announced the price and availability of their new 50-150mm f/2.8 APO EX DC OS HSM lens: $1,099; shipping will start in early May. B&H is now taking pre-orders for the different versions of this lens.

Press release:

RONKONKOMA, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sigma Corporation of America, a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider of some of the world's most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, is pleased to announce that its newly upgraded 50-150mm F2.8 APO EX DC OS HSM telephoto lens is now available for the street price of $1,099.

The 50-150mm F2.8 APO EX DC OS HSM telephoto lens is the successor to the 50-150mm F2.8 APO EX DC II HSM. The updated lens now features Sigma’s own proprietary Optical Stabilizer (OS) technology, which offers the use of shutter speeds approximately four stops slower than would otherwise be possible. The lens design utilizes an inner-focusing and inner-zooming system that provides convenient handling and this, along with the OS feature, makes it favorable for high-performance, handheld, close-up photography. Additionally, the Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ensures quiet and high-speed auto focusing, while allowing full-time manual focus capability.

The Sigma 50-150mm F2.8 APO EX DC OS HSM Canon mounts will be available next week, while the Nikon and Sigma mounts are expected to be available by the end of April.

“This lens is a great addition to our lineup of telephoto lenses, and will be a fantastic tool for portrait, landscape and nature photography,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “This is our tenth telephoto lens with Optical Stabilizer technology and provides another option for photographers looking to produce high-quality images.”

Six SLD glass elements provide exceptional corrections for all types of aberrations and provide high-quality imagery throughout the zoom range. It also has a rounded, nine-blade diaphragm that creates an attractive blur to the out-of-focus areas of the image.

The lens’ Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting and ensures sharp and high contrast images even at the maximum apertures. The addition of Sigma’s 1.4x EX DG APO and 2x EX DG APO teleconverters produce a 70-210mm F4 autofocus telephoto zoom lens and a 100-300mm F5.6 autofocus telephoto lens, respectively.

For information about Sigma Corporation of America, visit www.sigmaphoto.com. For more information about Sigma’s lenses, visit http://www.sigmaphoto.com/shop/lenses.

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When Sigma UK announced their reward points program, they actually provided a monetary value of JPY400,000 (around $4800) that will be distributed to existing SD1 owners. The US press release from last month did not specify the exact value of the rewards plan. The initial SD1 price was $6,899, the new price is $2,299 - a $4,600 difference.

From Sigma UK press release:

We will be offering a “SIGMA SD1 Point Support Program” for current SIGMA SD1 owners.

This “SIGMA SD1 Point Support Program” will provide points that can be exchanged for a selection of our products worth up to approximately JPY400,000-.
*Points for each product were allocated based on the current market price as of February 8th, 2012.

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Sigma is offering reward points to existing SD1 owners who paid the original $6899 price tag. The new Sigma SD1 Merril is currently available for pre-order for the new price of $2,299.00.

Program compensates current SD1 owners for price reduction with additional photography gear

Ronkonkoma, NY, Feb. 23, 2012 — Sigma Corporation of America today announced the SD1 Point Support Program, which is designed to compensate loyal SD1 users who purchased the 46-megapixel DSLR camera at its original price, prior to the price reduction that was announced Feb. 8.

Each SD1 owner who registers and qualifies for the SD1 Point Support Program prior to May 31, 2012 will be given a total of 40 points to be redeemed for new Sigma products. Eligible products are allocated points toward this system based on the product's market price as of Feb. 8, 2012. A list of products and point designations will be supplied to SD1 owners once registration is complete.

To register for the SD1 Point Support Program, SD1 owners who purchased the camera before Feb. 23, 2012 at the price of $6,899 should contact their nearest Sigma subsidiary or distributor for more information. It does not matter if the camera was originally purchased in another country.

Sigma SD1 owners in the United States may contact Sigma Corporation of America Marketing Director Christine Moossmann starting on Monday, Feb. 27 by emailing Cmoossmann@sigmaphoto.com or by calling (631) 227-2017. SD1 Merrill users are not eligible for the SD1 Point Support Program. For information about the program or to register, contact Christine Moossmann at Cmoossmann@sigmaphoto.com or by calling (631) 227-2017. Visit Sigma Corporation of America on the web at www.sigmaphoto.com.

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Sigma announced the price of their 30mm f/2.8 EX DN lens for mirrorless cameras - $280 (MSRP). Expect the street price to be lower - B&H is currently taking pre-orders for $199. The Sigma 30mm f/2.8 EX DN lens was announced during CES and is available in E and m4/3 mounts. The price of the 19mm f/2.8 EX DN lens is not yet announced.

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Jeff Chen (left), Kazuto Yamaki (right)

Interview with Sigma's New CEO Kazuto Yamaki at 2012 CP+

Interview conducted by Jeff Chen, co-founder of xitek.com.

Jeff Chen: Yamaki San, I am sorry to hear the passing of your father, he has been instrumental not only to Sigma but also to the Japan photographic equipment industry. We wish you well in your new position to lead the company.

Mr. Yamaki: I will never be as good as him.

JC: I am sure you will. Let's turn our attention to the CP+ event. Just yesterday I read that Sigma will cut the price of the SD1 dramatically with the new model SD1 Merrill. Could you tell us how you are able to achieve that?

KY: Well, the new price is actually what we were aiming at when we launched the SD1 but due to low yield of the sensor we knew we wouldn't be able to meet our price target. In the past year engineers from Sigma and Foveon have been trying very hard to improve the yield of the sensor. Now we are confident that we will be able to meet our original price target, hence the price reduction.

JC: What about the customers who have bought the SD1 already?

KY: We consider these loyal customers very important to us. They are truly behind us and bought the camera regardless the price. We will have a program to compensate the price difference and the details of the compensation will be announced later this month.

JC: I also learn that there will be two DP series cameras using the same sensor from SD1. Could you tell us more that the two new cameras?

KY: Now that we are able to reduce the cost the sensor, we want to put that into the hands of more customers. The two new DP cameras not only will have the new 46mp sensor but also a dual CPU processor to handle the huge amount of data generated by the sensor. They will also have the 92k dot 3" TFT LCD screen and new lenses will be also resigned.

JC: With the dual CPU processor will users be able to experience faster interface?

KY: The amount of data created by the 46mp sensor is huge and will tax the the processor heavily.

JC: Let's change subject a little bit and talk about lenses, specifically Sigma lenses recently introduced for the Micro 4/3 and Sony NEX mirrorless cameras. Could you share your thought on what new lenses will be for mirrorless cameras?

KY: Obviously I can't get into the specific details as we are still in the process of putting together a final plan for the mirrorless market. What I can say is that our philosophy of lens development has been always to fill the gap of the camera manufacturers like Canon, Nikon and Sony, so we will keep continue doing the same in the mirrorless market. What we are committed to right now are the Micro 4/3 which we are a member of and the Sony NEX. We probably won't offer products for the Pentax Q and we are not sure about the Nikon 1 yet.

JC: It's interesting to note that Sigma is a company that has a long line of lens products and also camera products like the SD and DP series. One would wonder when Sigma is going to enter the mirrorless camera market by offering its own camera as well as lenses, either in the Micro 4/3 mount or other mount?

KY: I am personally very much interested in this market and obviously we have the know-how. It's all about the timing. Right now we want to serve our SD series customers the most as they are our early adopters and the DP customers as they are the customers helping us to broaden the market. When we are ready to enter the mirrorless market, we want to make sure that we serve these two camps of customers well before we go after the third one.

JC: That's very nice of you to value your customers. Thank you very much for spending time with us and we wish you good luck.

KY: Thank you!

PS: A senior Sigma executive points out the similarity the lens specification of the two new DP1's and the two mirrorless lenses, namely the 19mm/2.8 and 30mm/2.8. It's not a coincident obviously.

Special thanks to Jeff Chen, co-founder of xitek.com, for providing us with a coverage of the CP+ show in Japan.

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This weekend I will have multiple posts, mainly pictures, from the 2012 CP+ show in Yokohama, Japan. First is Sigma Corporation:

Images credit: Jeff Chen

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Those are latest instant rebates from Sigma - up to $200 on selected lenses.

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Sigma DP1 Merrill

Sigma DP2 Merrill

In addition to the SD1 price reduction, Sigma also announced the DP1 Merrill and DP2 Merrill compact cameras that will have the same 46MP APS-C X3 sensor from the SD1. Now, this is something interesting. Pricing was not announced.

The DP1 has a 19mm f/2.8 lens (equivalent to 28mm), the DP2 has a 30mm f/2.8 lens (45mm equivalent).

Press release:

Sigma Corporation announces next-generation compact cameras named in honor of Foveon innovator
DP1 Merrill and DP2 Merrill now incorporate 46-megapixel, full-color image sensor

Ronkonkoma, NY, Feb. 8, 2012 – Sigma Corporation of America (www.sigmaphoto.com), a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider for some of the world's most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, today announced the new Merrill series of digital cameras with the introduction of the DP1 Merrill and DP2 Merrill. The Merrill series is named in honor of Richard “Dick” Merrill, the co-creator of the Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor technology that powers Sigma’s unique lineup of cameras.

These upgraded, high resolution, fixed lens compact digital cameras now incorporate the same APS-C sized 46-megapixel X3 image sensor found in the company’s flagship SD1 SLR, now also known as the Sigma SD1 Merrill. This name change not only pays homage to Merrill, but it also reflects new production efficiencies that will result in a substantial reduction in the camera’s market price starting next month.

Merrill (1949-2008) was a brilliant engineer, talented photographer and Foveon co-founder. He tapped into his passion for electronics to build an innovative pixel structure that uniquely demonstrated the ability to capture RGB information in each pixel location. This revolutionary discovery led the Foveon team to the development of the X3 Direct Image Sensor and, ultimately, to the creation of some of the most vibrantly colored and detailed imagery the photography industry has ever seen. Sigma acquired Foveon in late 2008.

“This revolutionary image capture system reflects both the artistic and technological sides of Merrill’s personality,” said Kazuto Yamaki, CEO of Sigma Corporation. “As an expression of Sigma’s passion for photography and in honor of Dick Merrill’s genius, we have named the latest generation of the Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor the Foveon Merrill.”

The Sigma DP1 Merrill and DP2 Merrill each boast exclusively-designed, high-performance telecentric fixed lenses. The DP1 Merrill features a wide, 19mm F2.8 lens, which is the equivalent to a 28mm lens on a 35mm SLR camera. The DP2 Merrill, however, offers a 30mm F2.8 lens, which is the equivalent to a 45mm lens on a 35mm camera. Both cameras are compact and lightweight, and feature Sigma’s own “F” Low Dispersion (FLD) glass, which performs like fluorite glass and significantly improves lens performance, as well as Super Multi Layer Coating to reduce flare and ghosting. With the 46-megapixel, full-color Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor, the new DP cameras capture all primary RGB colors at each pixel location with three layers, which results in incredibly detailed images with a three-dimensional feel.

The Sigma DP Merrill cameras also include the following features:

• A dual, three-layer responsive ultimate (TRUE II) engine now incorporates two TRUE II processors toimprove the processing speed and overall quality of the final image. Sigma’s unique image-processing algorithm also provides high-resolution power and reproduces high-definition images with richly graduated tones that offer a three-dimensional feel.
• RAW and JPEG format recording retains the full image detail of the utmost quality captured through the direct image sensor, as well as a JPEG recording format for convenience. The RAW data format provides pure data for high-resolution images, and uses lossless compression for more compact, yet uncompromised, data files. The RAW data format of the DP Merrill series keep brightness and color data in a 1:1 ratio without relying on interpolation. When the image is processed in Sigma Photo Pro, it will preserve the balance of the natural data for the best photos with the best image quality.
• Sigma Photo Pro processing software converts RAW data quickly and easily. It incorporates functions such as a loupe, exposure picker, print, JPEG conversion, and batch white balance settings.
• Manual focus is available for use when autofocus or focus-lock is not desired.
• An advanced user interface is complete with acustom Quick Set (QS) menu and the metallic command dial to improve usability. The diaphragm, shutter speed and menu can be changed quickly using the command dial. The QS menu consists of the most commonly used functions and can be easily displayed by pressing the QS button, allowing photographers to change the menu content and the order depending on preferences.
• A large, highly visible three-inch TFT color LCD monitor ensures great visibility even outdoors in the daytime. This approximately 920,000 pixel resolution LCD monitor benefits from a wide viewing angle, making it easy to capture details and check focusing and composition.
• A hot shoe allows the use of the dedicated external flashgun EF-140 DG (optional) as well as Sigma electronic flashguns for SD series such as EF-610 DG Super (optional) and EF-610 DG ST (optional).
• Movie mode enables movie recording with VGA (640×480) size, with 30 shooting frames per second.

Pricing and availability of the Sigma DP1 Merrill and DP2 Merrill are pending.

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1. No word on the 46MP Sigma SD1 camera
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3. Sigma slashes the price of the SD1 to $3,300, I still doubt someone will buy it

When Sigma announced the $9700 price tag of their 46MP SD1 DSLR camera in 2011, many people didn't get the joke. Well, there was no joke, the SD1 street price was set at $6899. Even their "limited edition" did not help and now Sigma is reducing the price of the SD1 to $3,300 MSRP in the US. This means that you will probably be able to buy it for less than $3k in few days. You can thank Nikon and their 36MP D800 later.

Ronkonkoma, NY, Feb. 8, 2012 – In a personal letter to the company’s loyal customers, Sigma Corporation CEO Kazuto Yamaki today announced that, starting next month, Sigma’s 46-megapixel SD1 DSLR will be renamed the SD1 Merrill in honor Richard “Dick” Merrill, the late co-creator of the Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor technology. The otherwise unchanged DSLR will also be sold at a lower price that reflects new efficiencies in the camera’s production. The SD1 Merrill will be sold for approximately $3,300 MSRP in the United States.

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Sigma "confirmed" on Twitter that their APO 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM lens will be available this Spring. Any believers?

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Shinzo Fukui (Brand director at Sigma Corp.) posted this on Twitter:

"Announcement of new models will be presented at the CP + scheduled for 4:00 tomorrow afternoon."

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You will get some extra savings on the Canon EOS-7D if you use coupon code S1234567 (expires 02/15/2012):

• Canon EOS-7D for $1299 (regular price: $1,699.00)
• Canon EOS-7D with EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens kit for $1469 (regular price: $1,999)
• Canon EOS-7D with EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens kit for $1579 (regular price:$1,899)

And three more deals on Sigma lenses (no discount code needed):

• Instant $200 savings on Sigma 105mm lenses - now $769
• Instant $100 Savings on Sigma 18-200mm lenses - now $399
• Instant $75 Savings on Sigma 17-50mm Lenses - now $594

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In addition to the APO Macro 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM lens for DSLR cameras, for CES Sigma also announced the previously rumored 30mm f/2.8 EX DN and the 19mm f/2.8 EX DN lenses for mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras:

Sigma Corporation of America announces prime lenses for mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras at CES 2012

New lenses and product line designed for Micro Four Thirds, E-mount systems

LAS VEGAS, NV, Jan. 9, 2012 – Sigma Corporation of America today announced the launch of its new line of Micro Four Thirds system and E-mount lenses for mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras from the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2012 in Las Vegas, NV.

The leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider of some of the world’s most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes,hasmade its entrée into the mirrorless interchangeable lens category with the introduction of its Digital Neo (DN) line, which will first include the 30mm F2.8 EX DN and the 19mm F2.8 EX DN lenses in Micro Four Thirds mounts for Olympus and Panasonic, and E-mount for Sony NEX-series cameras. Pricing and availability are pending.

“The launch of our DN series with two fast prime lenses demonstrates our commitment to being a leader in innovation and quality, and providing photographers with excellent choices for lenses in this exciting new camera category," said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “Sigma lenses empower photographers to be more creative with their photography, and we’re absolutely thrilled to be embarking on this new journey with products for mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras for Micro Four Thirds and NEX mount systems."

The Sigma DN line of high-performance lenses is designed exclusively for mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. This lens design and technology ensures high optical performance and compact, lightweight construction. The DN lenses’ superior telecentric optical design also assures sharp- and high-resolution image quality across the entire image plane.

The 30mm F2.8 EX DN and the 19mm F2.8 EX DN lenses are both equipped with Sigma’s Super Multi-Layer Coating to reduce flare and ghosting, while providing sharp and high-contrast images, even at the maximum aperture. The lenses also benefit from a newly developed linear autofocus (AF) motor, which moves the lens unit directly without the need for gears or the drive of other mechanical parts. This system ensures accurate and quiet autofocusing, making both the 30mm F2.8 EX DN and the 19mm F2.8 EX DN suitable for video recording as well as still photos.

• The Sigma 30mm F2.8 EX DN has the equivalent angle of view of a 60mm lens (35mm equivalent focal length) on the Micro Four Thirds system and 45mm (35mm equivalent focal length) on the E-mount system. It has a minimum focusing distance of 11.8 inches and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:8.1. The 30mm F2.8 EX DN has two glass mold aspherical lenses, including a double-sided aspherical lens, to provide excellent correction for all types of aberration, as well as an inner focusing system that corrects the fluctuation of aberration to maintain image quality regardless of the focal distance. It also features a rounded, seven-blade diaphragm to deliver a smooth rendering of the out-of-focus areas of the image.

• The Sigma 19mm F2.8 EX DN is a wide angle lens with the equivalent angle of view of a 38mm (35mm equivalent focal length) on the Micro Four Thirds system and 28.5mm (35mm equivalent focal length) on the E-mount system. It has a minimum focusing distance of 7.9 inches and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:7.4. Three glass mold aspherical lenses provide excellent correction for distortion, color aberration and field curvature, and an inner focusing system corrects the fluctuation of aberration to maintain image quality regardless of the focal length. The 19mm F2.8 EX DN lens features a rounded, seven-blade diaphragm, which ensures smooth rendering of the out-of-focus areas of the image.

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Two new Micro Four Thirds lenses from Sigma will be announced tomorrow:

Sigma 19mm f/2.8 EX DN: When used on a Micro Four Thirds format mirrorless camera, Sigma’s new 19mm f/2.8 EX DN has the effective FOV of a 38mm lens on a full-frame DSLR, which should appeal to street photographers and photojournalists.  Regardless of your choice of camera, the Sigma 19mm f/2.8 EX DN features eight elements in six groups that include three aspheric lens surfaces to correct optical distortions, color aberration and unwanted field curvature. The new lens also sports an internal focusing system and Super Multi-layer coating to reduce flare and ghosting while maintaining high contrast levels even when set at wider apertures. Other features include a new linear AF motor that eliminates mechanical gears or drives for quicker, near-silent focusing, seven rounded diaphragm blades for an attractive blur in out-of-focus areas, a 46mm filter thread, and a minimum focusing distance of 7.9″ (20cm).

Sigma 30mm f/2.8 EX DN: Extending a mere 1.5″ (38.6mm) from the front of the camera is Sigma’s new 30mm f/2.8 EX DN. This lens has a full-frame equivalent FOV of a 60mm lens when used on a Micro Four Thirds format mirrorless camera. The new Sigma 30mm f/2.8 EX DN features seven elements in five groups including dual aspheric lenses and a double-sided aspheric lens that help control edge sharpness and chromatic aberration. As with Sigma’s new 19mm f/2.8 EX DN lens, the new 30mm f/2.8 EX DN lens includes Sigma’s newly developed linear AF system for smoother and quieter operation, Super Multi-Layer coating for optimized contrast levels and reduced flare, a 46mm filter thread, internal focusing and a minimum focusing distance of 11.8″ (30cm).

Via B&H inDepth, 43rumors

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Sigma has a banner on their website promising new products being unveiled on January 10th, 2012, which is also the first day of the PMA/CES 2012 show in Las Vegas.

In a recent interview, Sigma Japan mentioned that in their future products they will concentrate on:

• Expanding the DP-series line-up of cameras
• SD-series cameras with APS-C sensors
• Mirrorless camera lenses

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Here is a better translation of the key points from the interviews with several camera manufacturers about their future plans (thanks Erik):

Olympus

• Working on a new mirrorless camera that is very “Olympus-like”, but not PEN.
• The viewfinder is the key.
• E-5 replacement is in the works.

Canon

• Does a mirrorless camera really need exchangeable lenses?
• Can we make a compact or DSLR that can beat the mirrorless cameras? (they believe they have it)
• Higher sensitivity rather than high resolution (probably refers to quality over megapixels)

Sigma

• Expanding the DP-series line-up of cameras
• SD-series cameras will use APS-C sensors
• Mirrorless camera lenses in the works

Sony

• Smaller E-mount lenses coming
• One hundred mega pixels not a strange thing soon
• Everyone will use electronic shutters

Nikon

• Replacements for D3 and D700 coming
• Specialize on High sensitivity, High resolution and high speed
• Compact camera focused on how you use it to fight the smart-phone camera usage

Fujifilm

• We will win with high-end cameras like the X100 and X10
• Much faster autofocus and entry-level camera is coming
• A mirrorless that beats full-frame cameras

Pentax

• Once you have tasted high-resolution you can’t go back
• 100% viewfinders for low-end cameras too
• Mirrorless for full-frame and 645

Ricoh

• Sensor unit that can use Pentax lenses
• GR digital with zoom lens
• Compact made for black/white photography

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A Xitek forum member translated he key points from the Impress Japan interviews with various camera manufacturers about their future plans - see previous post about Olympus, Pentax and Nikon (Google translation):

Olympus

Olympus Imaging Marketing Division manager Ogawa Haruo topics: attention to the viewfinder of a single preparation of new micro-, E-5's successor is also made (see also this related article):

• is doing with the new Olympus features a single micro-
• lies in the form of the viewfinder
• E-5's successor models are developed

Canon

Canon Imaging Rong Tian Ya manager: 2012 to launch micro-single, but also a powerful and portable digital SLR camera:

• No anti-camera lens you really need to exchange
• can be without the anti-camera SLR and compact cameras
• The last year of high pixels to a high sensitivity

Sigma

Sigma Corporation President: being developed M43 mount lenses, Foveon in the APS-C format:

• DP series lineup will be expanded
• SD series of future development in the APS-C format
• will launch a micro-single-lens

Sony

Sony's Tian Hong: E research and discussion is a small lens mount, there will be a half-mirror camera (see a detailed translation here):

• NEX with a small lens
• Even if there is a million pixels is not surprising
• to manufacturers of electronic shutter will eventually be commercialized

Nikon

Nikon Imaging Marketing manager: D700's successor as the solution for high-pixel high-strength, D3 successor machine for high-speed sense:

• D3, D700's successor
• optimized for "high sense of high-power high-speed as the solution."
• optimize the use of a portable camera

Fujifilm

Fujifilm electronic image business Higuchi Minister Wu Subject: new single will use micro APS-C sensor, the power level will be exceeded as the solution of the whole site:

• the same with the X100 and X10, will take the high road to showdown
• AF speed is quite fast, and future plans are low-end models
• the level of force as the solution will exceed the full-size

Pentax

Pentax Ricoh Imaging Technology: study of 645 full-size and non-anti-air, the vision of the future rate of SLR models will be 100% (see detailed translation here):

• as long as the once high-definition experience will no longer go back
• The entry-level field of view would also like to be around 100%
• no anti-full-frame camera will take into account and 645

Ricoh

Ricoh's Tomohiro Nagano: boot speed, battery, solid and, as a tool of the GR will be more evolution:

• Pentax lens unit can be used
• The zoom lens of the GRD
• black and white photographs a dedicated compact camera

Does anyone have a better translation?

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New power grip PG-31 for Sigma SD1 DSLR:

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the Power Grip PG-31, specially designed for Sigma’s SD1 digital SLR, the camera that ensures high resolution and breathtaking image quality.
The PG-31 is a specially designed battery grip which upgrades the battery power of the SIGMA SD1 by holding two dedicated BP-21 battery packs. This caters for large-volume photography and photography in field. The PG-31 also incorporates a shutter button and therefore becomes a grip for vertical photography when attached to the SD1, providing a more assured grip.

New BenQ GH700 camera: 21x super zoom with BSI CMOS Sensor:

TAIPEI, TAIWAN, October 31, 2011 – Today, BenQ, an internationally renowned provider of digital lifestyle innovations, announces the launch of its first 1080p FullHD bridge-type digital camera – GH700. Possessing a 21x Super Zoom, with BSI CMOS Sensor for superior low-light performance, and numerous features, it is the ultimate choice for photography enthusiasts who want to venture into higher-end models from a point-and-shoot camera.

The designers decided with a luminous golden ring around the lens to symbolize BenQ's relentless passion for photography excellence. The powerful 21x optical zoom lens satisfies the users by effortlessly capturing sharp, steady shots at a brilliant speed from a great distance.

Combine high quality material with the innovative technology, High Performance Optical Zoom Lens, the GH700 is able to produce exceptionally realistic photos. The aspherical lens enhances the focus providing sharp, high-resolution images; while having high-transmission, low-dispersion material with nano-scale anti-reflection coating – users can get shots with dramatically true-to-life colours.

Most digital cameras' biggest challenge is when shooting in a low-light environment. Built with the BSI CMOS-enabled Handheld Night Shot Mode, the GH700 delivers clear pictures even when using a high zoom ratio. The camera will take several exposures automatically and combine them into one single photo – vivid clarity, each and every time.

GH700 records your life's greatest moments at 60 frames per second in 1080p Full HD resolution with zoom, with outstanding surround sound audio to complement the clear video. Furthermore, GH700 has a built-in wind cut function so audio recorded can have minimum unwanted background noise. On GH700, there is also an interdependent recording button that provides a quick access to start recording instantaneously so nothing will be missed; while pressing the shutter button during recording will capture a still shot. Truly an exceptional camera whether the user is an aspiring photographer or videographer.

The GH700 further enhances the users' shooting experience with the 25mm wide-angled lens; a large 3" 460k LCD screen; OIS function; 1cm super-macro function; HDR III Enhancement technology and the continuous shooting mode.

The BenQ GH700 will debut worldwide in November, 2011. For more information, please visit www.BenQ.com

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Related posts:

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3. Sigma announced four new lenses and DP2x camera in Japan

The Sigma APO 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM lens was announced back in February, 2011. The lens was initially supposed to start shipping in October, 2011 but then it was further delayed till 2012.

In September the Sigma APO 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM was still listed on Sigma's website:

Currently the lens is completely removed from Sigma's website:

and it's not even included in the telephoto zoom section:

The older version Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 EX DC APO HSM II is listed as discontinued:

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Related posts:

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