Apple releases Aperture 3

Just in time before the release of the rumored Aperture 3 book in Europe, Apple announced today the latest version of its photo management software – Aperture 3.

Amazon is now taking Aperture 3 pre-orders.

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Pentax W90 to be announced

Apparently Pentax has one more camera to announce for PMA this year – the Pentax W90.

The camera is expected to be waterproof (update: the web page was removed):

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Canon EOS Rebel T2i (EOS 550D)

Canon EOS Rebel T2i - click for larger view

Canon PowerShot SX210 (click for larger view)

Update #4: pre-order options: body only | lens kit | new PowerShots.

Update #3: New Canon PowerShots also released.

Update #2: ok,  it is official now – dpreview has the details.

Update #1: In Europe the new Canon is called EOS 550D.

Canon EOS Rebel T2i feature summary:

  • It produces 17.92 million pixel photos from a self-cleaning CMOS sensor that is nearly identical to that of the EOS 7D. The key difference is the number of readout channels: the 7D’s sensor has eight, while the T2i has four. The focal length cropping factor is 1.6x, relative to a full frame camera. The Rebel T2i accepts both EF and EF-S lenses.
  • The body is a compact 5.1 x 3.8 x 3.0in (129.5 x 96.5 x 76.2mm). It weighs 18.7oz (530g).
  • It shoots continuously at up to 3.7fps for a Canon-specified 34 Large Fine JPEG or 6 RAW frames. The T2i accepts either SD/SDHC or SDXC memory cards.
  • The sensitivity range is ISO 100-6400 in 1/3 step increments, plus H (ISO 12,800).
  • The 9-point AF system in the T2i is derived from the EOS 30D and features a single cross-type sensor at the centre plus eight single-line sensitive outer points. If an f/2.8 or faster lens is used, the centre AF point detects focus with greater precision than with slower aperture lenses.
  • Ambient and TTL flash metering is handled by the same 63-zone, dual colour layer meter found in the 7D. Exposure calculations incorporate data from the new metering sensor as well as all 9 AF points.
  • Unlike the 7D, the T2i’s built-in flash is not a wireless TTL controller for remote Speedlites.
  • The T2i’s exposure compensation range is ±5 stops.
  • Video features and options closely match those of the 7D. The T2i offers up to 1920 x 1080 pixel (1080p) video capture at 30fps with the option of connecting an external stereo mic (via a 3.5mm miniphone jack) plus both manual and automatic exposure modes. It creates H.264-encoded movie files with a .mov extension and has a 4GB clip length limit. The resolution and frame rate options are:
  • 1080p: 1920 x 1080 pixels at 30fps (actually 29.97fps)
  • 1080p: 1920 x 1080 pixels at 25fps
  • 1080p: 1920 x 1080 pixels at 24fps (actually 23.976fps)
  • 720p: 1280 x 720 pixels at 60fps (actually 59.94fps)
  • 720p: 1280 x 720 pixels at 50fps
  • SD: 640 x 480 pixels at 60fps (actually 59.94fps)
  • SD: 640 x 480 pixels at 50fps
  • There is also a movie crop mode which captures 640 x 480 video from a small area at the centre of the image sensor. Canon projects that the typical maximum clip duration for 1080p and 720p video will be about 12 minutes.
  • The rear LCD is a three inch (diagonal), 3:2 ratio, 1.04 million dot TFT.
  • Power is courtesy of the new Lithium Ion Battery Pack LP-E8.
  • Optional accessories include the new Battery Grip BG-E8 and Wireless Remote Controller RC-6.
  • The Canon EOS Rebel T2i has an expected street price of US$799 in the U.S. In a kit with the EF-S 18-55mm IS, the expected street price is US$899. A ship date for the new camera has not been set. Going forward, the Rebel line will be comprised of three models: the EOS Rebel T2i, EOS Rebel T1i and EOS Rebel XS. The XSi is discontinued.

Full press releases after the break:

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Adobe CS5 updates

Some updates on Adobe CS5:
  • CS5 will support 64bit, however it will not support PPC anymore
  • It will be faster and will therefore require more RAM
  • It will also have a programing interface for Adobe Flex and it will support Java script & shell script.
  • It will have a module system for ad-ons just like Lightroom
  • It will be easy for developers to create additional plugins.

Here is an old video on CS5:

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Samsung camera/lenses rumors

The same dpreview user that gave us some accurate rumors in the past is now saying that Samsung will release a new line of point and shoot camera with a Samsung 1/1.8″ image sensor and a fast (f/1.8) lens. This camera is expected to be in direct competition with the Panasonic LX3 and should be released this year.

Going through this user’s dpreview history, there is also some information on the upcoming lenses for the Samsung NX10 for 2010:

  • A super zoom lens for video like Panasonic 14-140
  • Another zoom lens in very special concept
  • 60mm MACRO lens.
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Panasonic LX series remains in 2010 lineup

Panasonic still lists the LX series in their 2010 lineup:

Rumors for a Panasonic LX3 replacement has been floating around for a year, but nothing credible has been reported so far.

Via Cnet

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What’s on Sony’s mind for PMA?

After the leaked Sony DSC-TX5 waterproof p&s camera, I don’t really have any reliable information on what Sony will release for PMA. A replacement for the Sony α700 DSLR is expected, but it is really unusual that there hasn’t been any leaks so far.

There is a very low chance that Sony will release an EVIL camera for PMA.

Sony plans to design and develop laser-beam-steering based pico-projector modules to be used in their digital cameras. LBS projectors (such as the Microvision Show-WX) uses lasers as the light source, and a scanning-mirror to direct the light. Nikon were the first to introduce a digital camera with built-in projector (Coolpix S1000pj) and seems that Sony wants to the second in line.

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Canon will have an announcement on February 8th

It is not clear if the announcement will be for a camcorder or a DSLR with video:

The camera company is holding an event at the BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) awards in London on the 8 February titled “Canon at the movies”.

The initial report was for a press conference on February 9th – there is a possibility that more than one announcement could be coming next week.

Via Pocket-lint

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Hasselblad H4D-40 released prematurely

Hasselblad had to release the H4D-40 earlier because “certain websites leaked the details” (the official release was scheduled for February 9/10).  I would like to think that they did not have PhotoRumors in mind, since I did not really have anything to “leak” – I just reported on what I saw on the Internets (with the help of some friends).

Full press release after the break:

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Ricoh CX3, Olympus PEN E-PL1 officialized today

The new Ricoh CX3 with 720p video capabilities is not really a surprise (already reported here). Full press release after the break.

The Ricoh CX3 can be pre-ordered from Amazon for $399.00.

Olympus PEN E-PL1 also got officially announced few hours ago.


Amazon is taking pre-orders for the Olympus PEN E-PL1 and the two new lenses: Olympus ED 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6 micro Four Thirds Lens, Olympus ED 14-150mm f/4.0-5.6 micro Four Thirds Lens. B&H is also ready to take your money.

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