DxOMark published their test results for the Pentax K-5 II ($1,196.95) and the camera received the highest score in the APS-C category (including DSLR and mirrorless):
"With an overall score of 82 the Pentax K-5 II (and its predecessor the K-5) are at the same level as the likes of the Canon EOS 5D MKIII, which scored 81. At the time of writing, it is actually eleventh out of ALL current cameras, only trailing behind offerings from Phase One and Nikon, each costing many times as much.
Ned Namura, President of Sony Hawaii (why is there a Sony Hawaii division anyway?) said in an interview with Hawaii News Now that Sony will announce new Alpha products during the 2013 CES show in Las Vegas (January 8-11, 2013):
The Hong Kong based company Jackar announced a new 34mm f/1.8 lens for MFT and NEX cameras. The lens has manual focus and will cost around $190 (check for availability on eBay). The rest of the specs are:
Think Tank Photo have just announced that for the first time in their history they are offering free FedEx Ground Shipping on all of their gear. This special holiday offer runs through December 31, 2012. Think Tank is also releasing a whole new slate of gear, including the Airport Navigator, the photography industry’s first rolling pilot’s case, the Glass Limo, the photo industry’s slimmest profile backpack for carrying “Big Glass,” such as a 600mm f/4, and the CityWalker messenger bag series. In addition to the free shipping, you will also receive a free gift with any purchase over $50. To partake of this special offer, click here.
Panasonic 25mm f/1.4 lens patent
Panasonic filed a patent 2012-226309 for a new 25mm f/1.4 Summilux lens for Micro Fourth Thirds cameras. For comparison, here is the lens design of the current Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 25mm f/1.4 ASPH model:
Here are few interesting Black Friday deals on the latest Samsung cameras:
Another action cam was recently released: the Drift HD Ghost ($399) supports 1080p, 960p, 720p video recording and can capture high-resolution still image. The camcorder has built-in Wi-Fi and can communicate with iOS and Android mobile devices via the Drift Mobile App. Here are the main features:
f/8
Sigma published several sample images taken with the SD1 and their new 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM lens ($899). The full size sample can be downloaded here.
Update: more Sigma 35mm f/1.4 sample images taken with a Canon 5D are available here, here and here (last set taken with Canon EOS M).
100% crop, f/6.3
f/3.2
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