Canon filed a patent for a tilt-shift lens with image stabilization (IS). Currently there are no other tilt-shift lenses with IS on the market. The lens design reveals two different IS systems - one for the tilt and one for the shift. What is even more intersting: the technical documentation even describes zoom and macro capabilities (!?). Focal length and aperture were not listed in the patent application.
Via Egami
The last Sigma SD1 DSLR camera
In a recent interview, Sigma's CEO Kazuto Yamaki mentioned that they are planning to use the new Foveon X3 Quattro Direct sensor from the DP2 Quattro compact camera in a future Sigma DSLR body:
First, we started with the sensor development. We had already been discussing what kind of sensor we make with the Foveon, Inc. and we as SIGMA wanted to improve image quality (resolution) by increasing the number of pixels. The Quattro image sensor was born to deal with the increased data. As the first camera to have the new sensor, we chose the dp because of the shockless body and the dedicated lens optimized for the ultra high-resolution capturing. Of course, we're planning to use the sensor for the SLR SD body.
Here is more info on the new Foveon “Quattro” Direct Image sensor (from Sigma's press release):
→ The Topaz Simplify plugin is 30% off (reducing the price to $27.99) for the month of May with coupon code MAYSIMP. More info is available here.
→ Rocky Nook is running a 40% off all eBooks sales this week - use coupon code PHOTOMONTH at checkout.
→ May 31st is also your last chance to enter the Adobe Lightroom CC book giveaway.
Here are few other ongoing deals:
Lomography got a new Petzval 58mm Bokeh Control Art lens for various mounts - read all about it here.
The new Pentax K-3 II DSLR camera is now in stock at B&H. Additional information on the K-3 II can be found here.
Pentax also released a firmware update version 1.21 for the previous K-3 model.
Terry White published a sneak peek video on a new "Dehaze" feature that will come to Adobe Lightroom CC in the future: "The Dehaze tool helps you easily reduce or remove haze, common in many outdoor photos like landscapes". Here is the video:
Last year I reported a rumor about GoPro working on a consumer drone with HD camera. Here are few updates on this story:
→ Pentax/Ricoh filed a patent for a new AF system where the AF points will cover a wide area of the frame. This is probably linked to one of the rumors that the new Pentax full frame DSLR camera will have a new "groundbreaking AF function".
→ Tamron filed a patent for a 85mm f/1.8 VC designed for a full fame mirrorless camera. As Egami noted in their post, the patented lens design looks very similar to the new Zeiss Batis Sonnar 85mm f/1.8 lens. Few months ago Tamron and Sony filed a join patent for a 35mm f/2.8 full frame lens.
→ Olympus also filed a patent for a 2-layers RGBCMY sensor.
The Latest Nikon Rumors