Zeiss has introduced a new series of lenses for the semi-professional market: the
ZF.2 with F bayonet for digital SLRs. Thanks to its electronic interface (CPU),
these new ZEISS lenses support all-important operations such as the automatic
mechanisms for time, aperture setting and program. The CPU also supports manual
exposure settings, including those for camera casings that are not
AI-compatible. Since the lens now transmits the EXIF data such as manufacturer,
date, metering system and exposure to the camera, photographers no longer need
to set the parameters manually.
Leica
Camera AG, Solms presents a new, limited special edition -- the LEICA
M7 Edition ‘Hermès’. As the
successor to the ‘LEICA MP Edition Hermès’ launched in 2003, this is now the
second series of cameras created in cooperation with Hermès, the Parisian
company renowned throughout the world for its exclusive products. This
strictly limited LEICA M7 Edition ‘Hermès’ offers a total of 200 silver chrome
LEICA M7 cameras finished in exclusive calfskin leather supplied by Hermès. The
colors of this exclusive ‘Veau Swift’ leather are particularly extravagant.
Connoisseurs of items that are extraordinary in both quality and style may
choose between two eye-catching varieties in ‘Ètoupe’ and ‘Orange’. Only 100
cameras are available in each of the two leather colors.
Camtrol, a stabilizing
platform for video and DSLR cameras, is said to open a new world of balance,
support, and freedom for action shots taken by videographers and photographers.
Camtrol’s action control grip (ACG) with its anatomical articulating ergonomics
provides for natural hand positioning and control. The ACG has a hollow inside,
which accommodates any remote--putting control of the camera always under
the thumb of the shooter. Camtrol with a remote is a one-handed operation
giving the user the liberty to take any shot without restriction, and it works
for right- and left-handed shooters.
The Fujifilm Finepix 200 EXR (list: $599; street, under $500) sports a 12 megapixel sensor and a 14.3X optical zoom lens that is equivalent to 30.5-436mm (!) It takes stills and high-quality video and has a built in mic that delivers quality sound without much if any whirring from the camera. Having that much zoom capability means that you never will want on the tele side with this integral lens camera, and even 30mm is not bad on the wide side.
Looking like a small D-SLR with a moderate zoom lens, the S200EXR actually sports a 30.5-436mm optical zoom, an incredible range in a lens this small, though smaller sensor size is part of the reason they could attain the smaller size.
The Panasonic is a very compact camera with an interchangeable lens system based on the Micro Four Thirds system. It offers 12 MP resolution, easy handling for beginners and professional users, a large LCD on the back as electronic viewfinder and HD-video capabilities.
Hoodman and Trek-Tech are introducing a new toolkit for
macro photographers that makes positioning and stabilizing cameras for close up
macro photography quick and easy.
Lensbaby (www.lensbaby.com)
announced an open call for photographers to submit their best images created
using a Lensbaby lens for a chance to be published
in the new book “Lensbaby: Bending Your Perspective” by Lensbaby Guru and
author/photographer Corey Hilz. Due out from Focal Press in the summer of 2010,
“Lensbaby: Bending Your Perspective” will feature lots of “how to” and
inspirational content, along with galleries of Lensbaby photos by some of the
foremost Lensbaby photographers in the world. More information on the book can
be found at www.focalpress.com/lensbaby.
Event product developer Meese Orbitron Dunne Co. (www.propdecor.com), is offering
its complete line of colonnade arch systems in a
textured sandstone color to provide wedding
planners, photographers, banquet managers,
florists and other event professionals with a
colorful alternative to the traditional,
white arch systems for designing and
decorating their events, rooms and facilities. Ideal
for coordinating with
southwestern-themed décor, adding warmth to winter décor and blending
into the natural scenery at outdoor
events, the sandstone coloration is available
on the company’s earthy, Tuscan style
colonnade arch systems, contemporary oval
colonnade arch systems and on its traditional, Graeco-Roman colonnade arch systems with fluted columns to
coordinate with a wide range of events and
styles.
Brightscreen USA has announced a new recently
patented product "Nondeteriorating Mirror
Cushion" which targets the elimination of the
majority of in camera particles in the form of dust
or black
spots. www.brightscreen.com/mirrorcushion.html
In the coming year, photokina will further intensify its strong support for
imaging professionals. The supporting program, which is targeted at
professional trade visitors, will also have a new concept.
Tamron USA, Inc. has announced a free new learning program that’s specifically targeted at
first-time Digital SLR owners, but also likely to appeal to a broad spectrum of shooters including
experienced enthusiasts, and those who simply want to get a better handle on all the exciting
features built into their new Digital SLR cameras.
Nikon Inc. has announced two new NIKKOR optics: a fast aperture AF-S NIKKOR 300mm
f/2.8G ED VR II super telephoto lens and AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III.
X-Rite (NASDAQ: XRIT), Incorporated announced ColorChecker Passport (www.xritephoto.com), an all-new solution for digital photographers working in a Raw workflow to quickly and easily capture accurate color, instantly enhance portraits and landscapes, and maintain color control from capture to edit. For more info: www.cjcstrategists.com/resources/xrite/X-Rite_Passport_Press_Brief.pdf
The AG-1 Action Grip has been enhanced. Taking a
customer’s suggestion to heart, Kirk has added a threaded rod
and knurled locking ring to the top of the Action Grip, thus
allowing hot shoe attachments of a flash or shotgun mic.