Olympus released a new batch of point and shoot cameras:
Olympus SZ-10 model
Sigma announced four new lenses and DP2x camera in Japan:
Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 II DG HSM
Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 II DG HSM
One SLD and four FLD glass elements compensate for color aberration and provide high image quality.Three glass mold elements and one hybrid aspherical lens give advanced performance and compact and lightweight construction. The Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting. This lens has superior peripheral brightness and provides sharp and high contrast images even at the maximum apertures. Incorporation of HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) ensures quiet and high speed auto focus, while allowing full-time manual focus override. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 28cm (11.0″) throughout the entire zoom range and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:6.4. In addition, this lens features splash proof design for use in harsh conditions.
Sony officially announced today that it will disclose the specifications of the E-mount (Sony NEX product line) to other lens manufacturer without a licensing fee. This will make the competition in the mirrorless market even more interesting.
Full press release after the break:
The previously rumored Pentax K-5 Silver, 645 25mm f/4 lens and Optio WG-1 got released today. The only still missing camera is the Pentax RZ-18 Optio.
Full press releases after the break:
Komamura Corporation also announced today that they are joining the Micro Four Thirds System Standard Group. Komamura was founded in 1947 and was the original designer of the Horseman professional camera system (see corporate profile). Their current product line can be seen here. Komamura also imports photo equipment from Europe and the USA and are the exclusive distributor in Japan for the following brands:
Full press release after the break:
Just 3 days after Schneider-Kreuznach, Carl Zeiss also announced that they are joining the Micro Four Thirds system standard group. Back in September of 2009 Zeiss announced a Micro 4/3 versions of their Compact Prime CP.2 lenses.
Maybe after all, the m4/3 standard will survive even without the backing of the heavyweight category (Nikon & Canon). What do you think?
Full press release after the break:
Canon is the first to start a series of announcements before the CP+ show starts next week:
The price of the Pentax D FA 645 25mm f/4 lens will be $4999.95 according to an online store product listing. The lens is expected to be released next week for the CP+ Camera and Photo Imaging Show in Japan (February 9-12, 2011) together with the Pentax RZ-18 Optio and probably few other Pentax compact cameras. At least one of the new P&S cameras will be waterproof and will have a built-in GPS.
Recently Voigtlander discontinued their Nokton 35mm f/1.2 Aspherical lens and the rumor is that a new 35mm f/1.1 version will be added to their current Color-Skopar f/2.5 PII and the Nokton Classic f/1.4 models. A second 50mm f/1.4 lens is also in development to compliment the Nokton f/1.1
It has been a month since I posted the poll for your favorite camera of 2010. Almost 3000 readers voted and here are the top 3 cameras for 2010:
Update: Nikon has done something similar in the past.
Pentax filed a patent for a telephoto lens that can be disassembled into two or more pieces for easy transportation:
“Since lens barrel length is long and the whole weight of the lens barrel of super telephoto lenses is large, if it really which cannot separate such a lens barrel manufactures as a thing, carrying at the time of un-taking a photograph will become inconvenient. Then, after dividing a lens barrel with such a long overall length into two or more removable cylinder members, The moving mechanism for moving a moving lens group (focus lens group) and a moving lens group to the cylinder member by the side of front, If the focus ring for operating this moving mechanism is provided and the cylinder member on the backside is used as what is called an extension tube (cylinder member which does not build in a taking lens), carrying of the lens barrel at the time of un-taking a photograph will become easy.
Schneider-Kreuznach, a produced of photographic lenses and other optical products announced today that they have joined the Micro Four Thirds system standard group. The CEO of the company mentioned that they are already “working intensively on a corresponding series of lenses” for the m4/3 format.
Full press release after the break:
