Sigma increases the price of the 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II lens

By PR admin | Published: March 9, 2011

Sigma officially confirmed to Froknowsphoto that the price of the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 II EX DG APO Macro HSM AF lens was increased from to $799 to $949:

“The price increase on the 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II was due to an increase in manufacturing costs and the current poor exchange rate. However, please note that the price of the OS version was decreased based on the anticipated high sales volume and in order to remain competitive in this category. That being said, the difference in price between the two versions is now only $450.00 where in the past it was nearly $800.00.”

If you were planning on buying this lens, Amazon still has 6 left in stock at $749.

Posted in Sigma| 7 Comments

Pentax announces firmware updates: v1.03 for K-5 and v1.02 for 645D

By PR admin | Published: March 9, 2011

Pentax just announced the long awaited firmware update v1.03 for the K-5 DSLR model that will fix the front-focusing issues in low light. The new firmware can be downloaded here.

Pentax also release a new firmware update v1.02 for the 645D medium format camera.

Via PentaxForum

Posted in Pentax| 3 Comments

Canon working on a new codec for the 5D Mark III?

By PR admin | Published: March 9, 2011

EOSHD reports that Canon is working on a new codec for the 5D Mark III based on the MPEG format:

“It will feature a 4-2-2 colour space and a variable bit rate, up to 50mbit. The move is necessary to avoid paying AVCHD / H.264 licensing fees to Panasonic and Sony.

The codec will basically be a slightly improved version of the XF codec, first developed for the XF300 and XF305 professional camcorders which are based on MPEG-2.”

Posted in Canon| 8 Comments

Focus on Imaging 2011 recap

By PR admin | Published: March 9, 2011

Today is the last day of the Focus on Imaging show in the UK. The only major new product announcement came from Samyang. A new prototype of a portable flash system from MagneFlash also caught my attention: it has a built-in rechargeable batteries in the flash head, the unit is sealed and can be used outdoors without cables.

As expected, the Fuji X100 was the most covered camera of the show. Here are two Fuji X100 videos:

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Posted in Fuji| Tagged | 7 Comments

Sony’s 3 sensors mirrorless camera again (A-mount, ISO up to 819,200)

By PR admin | Published: March 9, 2011

Back in January of 2011 PhotoRumors reported about a possibility that Sony will release a new mirrorless camera (A-mount) with 3 sensors and ISO up to 819 200:

“Three – 1/4″ ClearVID™ CMOS Sensors with 1,120K (effective) pixels provides stunning detail and clarity with exceptional video (up to 1080 lines of resolution – HD) and still image performance. The Megapixel technology enhances your digital videos and digital still (1037K – 16:9 mode) photography performance.”

Today several websites picked that news again and it seems that a similar camera could be announced in the next few weeks.

Posted in Sony| 10 Comments

Pentax RZ-18 Optio compact camera will have a swivel screen

By PR admin | Published: March 8, 2011

This is the drawing of the rumored Pentax RZ-18 Optio compact camera that was used either in a recent patent or a Trade Mark/Design office filing (I do not have any details on the origin of this image). I was expecting this camera to be announced at the CP+ show in Japan last month, but it seems that the new date will be around June 2011.

In addition to the RZ-18 Optio, Pentax is expected to release its new mirrorless NC-1 camera in May 2011.

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Posted in Pentax| Tagged , | 2 Comments

Panasonic confirms the release of a new 25mm f/1.4 lens for Micro Four Thirds

By PR admin | Published: March 8, 2011

In an interview with AP, Panasonic representative today confirmed the release of a new 25mm f/1.4 lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras. The announcement is scheduled for this summer.

This lens was listed on the Panasonic’s roadmap from last year as “under consideration”:

Panasonic roadmap

credit: dc.watch

Posted in Panasonic| Tagged | 6 Comments

FujiFilm acknowledges delays in X100 shipments, promises urgent production capacity Increase

By PR admin | Published: March 8, 2011

FujiFilm X100 accessories (credit: FujiFilm)

Today FujiFilm Japan posted an official statement about a potential delay with the shipments of the FinePix X100 camera, the LC-X100 leather case and the dedicated lens hood LH-X100. FujiFilm promises urgent increase in their production capacity in order to meet the demand that has significantly surpassed their initial plans.

Google translation of Fuji’s statement:

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Posted in Fuji| Tagged | 15 Comments

And the winner is…

By PR admin | Published: March 8, 2011

The winner of the PhotoRumors giveaway for three education DVDs from Blue Crane Digital is Hyenas03. Congratulations!

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Posted in Other| Tagged | 3 Comments

Samyang shows 7.5mm f/3.5 UMC Fish-eye lens prototype for Micro Four Thirds

By PR admin | Published: March 7, 2011

Samyang showed a new 7.5mm f/3.5 UMC fish-eye lens prototype for Micro Four Thirds at Focus on Imaging Show (UK). The lens provides a viewing angle of 180°.

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Posted in Samyang| 8 Comments