News

Sigma Corporation has announced the launch of the new 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC MACRO
lens, an ideal large aperture standard zoom lens for digital SLR cameras featuring
an APS-C size image sensor. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 20cm
(7.9") throughout the entire zoom range. Maximum magnification of 1:2.3
enables close-up photography like a macro lens. The new lens design and multi
layer lens coating reduces flare and ghosting. A Special Low Dispersion (SLD)
lens and two aspherical lens elements provide excellent correction for all types
of aberrations and produce a high level of optical performance throughout the
entire zoom range.

...

SanDisk Corporation announced the addition of new card capacities to its Extreme
III line of flash cards for professional digital cameras that are double the
highest capacity points currently available. The new cards include the 8-gigabyte
(GB) CompactFlash, 2GB SD and 2GB Memory Stick PRO Duo digital film cards.

...

Novoflex has added two mini ballheads to their line of three Magic Balls, four
Class Balls and Two Neiger ball heads bringing the total lineup of Novoflex
ball heads to eleven models.



The new Ball 19 and Ball 19P models are ideal for table top tripods like the
Novoflex Micropod and can support cameras up to medium format SLRs.



Despite their small size they are remarkably strong and vibration free! The
Ball 19 measures just 1.75" high and is just over 1" in diameter.
The Ball 19P adds a separate pan lock and is just over 2" tall. Both have
a 1/4" camera screw and a 3/8" tripod socket with a 1/4" reducing
bushing. Both are made by Novoflex in Germany. The Ball 19 has a M.S.R.P. of
$43.00 and the Ball 19P is $48.00. Both models are now available.

...

In recognition of the centenary of Victor Hasselblad's birth on March 8, 2006,
Hasselblad has announced the Hasselblad 503CWD Anniversary Kit, a prestigious
high-end photographic system that offers state-of-the-art digital capture technology
elegantly integrated with a classically designed Hasselblad 503CW body.



Combining the rugged reliability of the black and chrome V System body, with its
range of high performance, central shutter-based lenses, and the technology of
Hasselblad's new CFV digital back, the exclusive Hasselblad 503CWD perfectly melds
the heritage of the old Hasselblad with the focus of the new Hasselblad on digital
high-end photography to create a new digital workhorse. Of undoubted appeal to
the Hasselblad connoisseur, the camera delivers the perfect blend of versatility
and simplicity in a compact, professional tool that gives the user complete control
over digital image capture and is a pleasure to operate.



The 503CWD Anniversary kit will be supplied as a limited edition of 500 cameras,
each one numbered and engraved with Victor Hasselblad's signature. Reassuringly
solid, the kit comprises a 503CWD body with waist-level finder, specially marked
focusing screen and chrome winding lever, a Zeiss Planar CFE 2.8/80mm lens and
a CFV digital back, and will be supplied with a beautifully produced book marking
Victor's anniversary.



For existing Hasselblad V System users, the new CFV digital back, the successor
of the V96C back, will also be available separately. Built to match the design
and functionality of the Hasselblad V System cameras, it can be easily and elegantly
integrated into an existing Hasselblad system, enabling the photographer to work
in exactly the same manner and with their preferred equipment, but with the productivity
benefits of digital photography over film.



MSRP Pricing: Hasselblad 503CWD

Anniversary Kit: $12,995

CFV: $9,995



Product availability will be the end of March. The Hasselblad website has been
updated with new product details.

www.hasselblad.com.
...

Opus Pro has introduced the L300 AC/DC Travel Kit, a set of two monolights and
a battery pack with three power source options for the studio or on-location.
The system uses a rechargeable battery that can fire two 300ws monolight heads
at full power for 180 flashes. In addition, the unit can also be plugged into
either a standard 120-volt household outlet or a 12V car outlet.

...

Fujifilm U.S.A. has announced a new, lower price for the FinePix S3 Pro professional
D-SLR camera: $1,699. This new price carries additional value as it includes
an AC adapter and the HS-V2 Hyper Utility software. Both were optional accessories.

...