Better translation of the interviews with camera manufacturers about their future products

By PR admin | Published: December 21, 2011

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

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Posted in Canon, Fuji, Olympus, Pentax, Ricoh, Sigma, Sony| 15 Comments

Panasonic, Sony and Fujifilm may acquire newly issued Olympus stock

By PR admin | Published: December 20, 2011

Reuters reported that Olympus is going to issue new shares worth $1.28 billion (100 billion yen) in order to stabilize its finances after the recent reports of massive fraud inside the company. Panasonic, Sony and Fujifilm were listed as the companies interested to acquire portions of the shares:

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Posted in Fuji, Olympus, Panasonic, Sony| 4 Comments

SLR Magic 12-36×50 ED spotting scope for Micro Four Thirds announced

By PR admin | Published: December 19, 2011

Back in June I mentioned about the upcoming SLR Magic digital scoping solution with ED optics for Micro Four Thirds cameras. The product was delayed because of some changes in the design (adding a tripod collar). The spotting scope is now officially announced and available for sale on eBay.

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Posted in SLR Magic| 1 Comment

Recap of the Impress Japan interview with various camera manufacturers

By PR admin | Published: December 19, 2011

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):

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Posted in Canon, Fuji, Olympus, Pentax, Sigma, Sony| 26 Comments

Ubertronix Strike Finder lets you take pictures of lightnings, popping balloons and even speeding bullets

By PR admin | Published: December 19, 2011
Ubertronix Strike Finder Elite

Ubertronix Strike Finder Elite

Ubertronix is a new company that manufactures devices that can take in sound, motion, lightning or laser as inputs to trigger a camera. They have developed the technology using sophisticated sensors to send a signal to the camera to take a picture at just the right moment. The device mounts onto the hot shoe and attaches to the camera via the remote switch port. When it senses lightning, it signals the camera to take a picture. Most camera shutter speeds last between 45-60ms, and the average lightning strike lasts about 100ms. You can set the camera on a tripod, walk away, and let the device do all the work, returning later only to find several lightning images on your camera. The company has added also other features to their devices that can trigger the camera based on sound, motion, laser or time lapse which will allow to take photographs of popping balloons or even a speeding bullet.

The Strike Finder is compatible with Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus and Pentax DSLR camera. Here are some examples:

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Posted in Other| 28 Comments

How to destroy a Sony NEX FS-100 camera in 53 seconds

By PR admin | Published: December 17, 2011

If you are planning to attach your camera to a R/C helicopter, make sure you have somebody who can navigate it, otherwise you may end up only with the memory card:

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Posted in Sony| 28 Comments

Panasonic GX-1 now shipping in the US

By PR admin | Published: December 17, 2011

Panasonic GX-1 camera is now shipping in the US and is currently in stock at Adorama.

Here are the main features of the GX-1 model:

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Posted in Panasonic| Tagged | 4 Comments

Olympus is developing a brand new Micro Four Thirds camera concept, E-5 successor

By PR admin | Published: December 17, 2011

 

Digital Camera Magazine (same magazine who had the interview with the Pentax executive) published also an interview with Olympus marketing manager Mr. Ogawa who said that Olympus is working on a brand new Micro Four Thirds camera concept that will be different then the current PEN line. The key points from the interview (taken from dpreview):

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Posted in Olympus| 9 Comments

Pentax is working on a mirrorless full frame and medium format cameras?

By PR admin | Published: December 17, 2011

Mikio Tanaka (well known photographer in Japan) posted on his blog that a Japanese magazine recently interviewed Mr. Kitazawa (head of Pentax camera R&D department) who claimed that Pentax is working on a mirrorless 35mm full frame camera and is even considering a mirrorless medium format camera with the sensor used in the 645D. The magazine will be published on December 19th.

Via PentaxForum

Posted in Pentax| Tagged , | 17 Comments

Panasonic dedicated to the future of the LX line

By PR admin | Published: December 16, 2011

Some key points from a recent Eprice interview with Panasonic representatives:

  • The Panasonic Lumix LX line (LX5) will continue to exist independent of the Lumix G product line (the Panasonic LX 6 is expected to have a new 1 inch sensor).
  • Contradicting report that the upcoming 12-35mm and 35-100mm Lumix X lenses will not have power zoom. Previous reports indicated the new Lumix X lenses will be “motorized” with POWER O.I.S. The two new lenses will not have constant f/2.0 aperture in order to keep the size small.
  • Panasonic may consider adding rotating LCD screen to future GX and GF models.
Posted in Panasonic| Tagged | 4 Comments