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.”
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:
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.
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.
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”:
credit: dc.watch
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:
The winner of the PhotoRumors giveaway for three education DVDs from Blue Crane Digital is Hyenas03. Congratulations!
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°.
Megapixels interviewed Dominic Papenheim from Olympus Europe and published some interesting hints.
Olympus sees the PEN camera line as their future:
On the question about a future Olympus PEN Pro model that was part of the presentation, the Olympus representative answered:
