The current Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD Aspherical IF Macro Zoom lens
Tamron is working on a new version of its current AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC lens that should be released soon. Initially this lens was scheduled to be released at Photokina, but then it was delayed. The new lens is expected to be significantly smaller than its predecessor (the current model weights 550g|19.4oz).
The device above was recently submitted to the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) for approval. Engadget speculates that this could be a GPS unit or file transfer device for the Olympus PEN system, since it matches its accessory port located below the hot shoe. For comparison, here is an external PEN microphone:
Panasonic GF2 camera (replacement of the GF1) will be announced this week. The new GF2 should be the smallest mirrorless camera to date and will use the Panasonic G2 12MP sensor (Panasonic already confirmed that they will not use the 16MP sensor form the GF2). Korean Radio Research Agency already has an entry for a “Panasonic PKL-DMC-GF2” camera:
Steve Jobs hinted recently that Apple could make a very strategic acquisition:
“We strongly believe that one or more very strategic opportunities may come along, that we can take, that we’re in a unique position to take advantage of because of our strong cash position”
“We would like to continue to keep our powder dry, because we do feel that there are one or more strategic opportunities in the future.”
And the rumor is that this strategic opportunity could be Sony. As a result of that, Sony stock went up but it seems that today the dust is settling down and everything is getting back to normal.
Read more on this story at Macrumors and Crunchgear.
New wide angle pinhole cap for Micro 4/3 cameras is now available – see the sample photographs after the break:
The Pinwide is the worlds widest digital pinhole cap! Because the Micro 4/3 systems have no mirror, we were able to recess the cap into the body of the camera. This allows us to get a super wide angle of 11mm – equivalent of 22mm on a 35mm camera. This super wide angle creates a beautiful natural vignette.
Update: this just in – it seems that the person holding the camera is associated with Canon.
Those pictures were taken today in New York City – they show an unidentified Canon camera housed in a sound blimp. Now, using a sound blimp (used to reduce the sound of the camera’s mirror and shutter) makes a lot of sense if you are shooting at a golf game or a theatrical performance, but on the streets of New York? Maybe they used the blimp to cover up a new Canon camera?
For comparison, this is how the back of the Canon EOS 1d Mark III and 1d Mark IV looks like:
What do you think? Is this a new Canon camera?
Full size pictures after the break. Thanks to Vlad from the PurseBlog for sending those in.
Adobe today announced Lightroom 3.3 and Camera Raw 6.3 release candidates. The new versions include support for some of the latest cameras:
New lens profile added for:
The new Samyang AE 14 mm f/2,8 ED AS IF UMC lens for Nikon F mount, will be available for sale in two months (December 2010 – January 2011). Recommended retail price is €329 (around $450). In the US, Samyang products can be purchased on eBay.
This picture appeared in National Geographic and according to the snippet, it was captured with Samsung NX10 and 18-55mm f/2.8 lens. Samsung currently has only a 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 lens in their lineup. Samsung NX10 roadmap for 2011 mentions only a new 16mm /f2.8 and a 60mm f/2.8 lenses. Maybe a typo?
Via dpreview
US patent 7725016 from Samsung is for a liquid zoom lens. The idea behind this patent is to reduce the size and power consumption of a conventional lens. This technology could potentially be used in mobile devices:
“Consequently, the zoom camera of the disclosure has a disadvantage in that it requires a large space for the zoom operation within the camera.”
“In addition, since the motor of the camera is inevitably operated in such a way so as to push the inner and outer barrels having the plural lenses received therein to an outside of the zoom camera, loss of power during driving of the motor causes an increase in power consumption of a battery.”
“In order to solve the problems as mentioned above, a liquid lens has been developed, which occupies a small space within the mobile terminal and does not suffer from power consumption. The liquid lens comprises a electrolyte and an insulating liquid in a single lens barrel to form an interface there between, of which curvature is changed by application of voltage to the electrolyte through the lens barrel, in order to embody the zoom function.”
cross-sectional view of a liquid lens
