Pentax announces K2000 in white
Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008Pentax has announced a limited edition of the K2000 (K-m in Europe) in white, bundled as a double zoom kit with the camera body and two kit lenses. Both Pentax DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL and Pentax DA L 50-200mm F4-5.6 AL lenses and the K2000 body sport a white finish with black trim. The kit will be made available on a limited basis in February 2009. UK MSRP is £50 above the recommended selling price of the standard K-m.
In addition, Pentax has also released an online game for prospective K2000/K-m users to learn more about the camera and have a little fun.
UK MSRP: £449 with 18-55mm kit lens, £549 with both 18-55mm and 50-200mm lenses.
Press Release:
Pentax announces limited edition white K2000
Double Zoom Digital SLR System
Golden, CO, December 16, 2008 - Pentax Imaging Company has announced a limited edition, white PENTAX K2000 DSLR system with a double zoom kit. This new model replicates the original K2000 design that launched in September 2008 for consumers who are ready to make the transition from a point-and-shoot digital camera to digital SLR photography. The new camera body and both lenses* feature a brilliant white color with black trim.
The white Pentax K2000 is an entry-level system consisting of the new Pentax K2000 body, a white smc Pentax DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL lens, and a white smc Pentax DA L 50-200mm F4-5.6 AL lens.
Bundled as a complete kit for the convenience of the customer, the Pentax K2000 system offers uncomplicated operation for new digital SLR users and family photographers seeking high-quality digital SLR photography for the first time.
Combining Pentax-developed, easy-to-use Auto Picture modes as well as powerful learning functions all housed in one of the smallest, lightest camera bodies in its class, the Pentax K2000 system is ideal for digital SLR beginners.
Additional features on the newest digital K2000 SLR body include a 10.2 megapixel CCD, a 2.7 inch, 230,000 dot high resolution, wide-view LCD panel, and an ultra compact design that facilitates one handed operation. The body also features the same Pentax-developed Shake Reduction technology found on more advanced K series digital SLRs. Pentax Shake Reduction is compatible with more than 25 million Pentax lenses to deliver sharp images even when handheld at slower shutter speeds.
The K2000 also features the powerful Pentax-developed Auto Picture Mode, which selects from Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Action, and Night Portrait modes to tailor the camera settings for any photographic situation.
The camera also has a comprehensive Dust Removal system to help keep images spotless. A dedicated programmable help button clearly explains current camera settings to guide and teach the user about digital SLR photography.
The lenses included with this Pentax K2000 system are the white versions of a newer series introduced with the DA L designation. This DA L series offers the same optical performance and compatibility as the current smc Pentax DA 18-55mm II and smc Pentax DA 50-200mm lenses.
This stylish, limited edition white Pentax K2000 kit will be available on a very limited basis in February 2009 at a price to be announced.
By: www.dpreview.com
Olympus rebrands Stylus SW to Stylus TOUGH
Sunday, December 21st, 2008
Olympus is rebranding its Stylus SW series of digital compacts as the Stylus TOUGH series to better promote its range of rugged cameras in a more defined category. Now to be known as Stylus TOUGH in the United States and µ TOUGH in the European Union, this new name will be introduced in early January 2009.
Press Release:
Olympus Rebrands Stylus SW Cameras To Stylus Tough Series
Company that Defined and Expanded “Tough” Camera Segment Renames Series Accordingly
Center Valley, Pa., December 2008 – Olympus, the company that introduced shockproof/waterproof digital compact cameras (Stylus 720 SW) in 2006 to mass consumers with active lifestyles, is now redefining the segment it continues to dominate. Starting with its Spring 2009 line-up in January, Olympus’ incredibly rugged cameras built to capture amazing images in aquatic adventures, harsh climates and everyday activities with kids will be rebranded “Stylus Tough.”
“Consumers’ passion and excitement for our tough cameras has continued to grow throughout the last three years, and they love the freedom of being able to capture beautiful images where other cameras wouldn’t dare to venture,” said Mark Huggins, executive director, Brand Marketing, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “Once our innovations moved beyond purely shockproof and waterproof – some Olympus cameras offer freezeproof and crushproof – the SW name became limiting. The Stylus Tough brand will be more descriptive and visual, and will provide us with greater flexibility as we grow this and other camera lines.”
The current line-up of Stylus SW cameras offers different levels of durability, providing consumers with options that best meet their needs. Cameras that are shockproof and waterproof are perfect for those who want worryproof, kidproof or lifeproof shooting. Building on these original tough features, other cameras also offer freezeproof and crushproof capabilities for those who seek adventure from the highest slopes to the most tropical depths and want to take their cameras anywhere to capture brilliant images.
The new Stylus Tough brand will enable the company to expand the line-up beyond these current tough benefits, and will be even easier for consumers to quickly understand the cameras’ unique benefits. If it is not waterproof, shockproof, and freezeproof, then by Olympus standards, it is not “Tough.” It also allows the company to offer one or more of these unique features in other Olympus camera lines. According to a recent study, many consumers looking for a new digital camera chose durable, weatherproofing as a feature they desire.
The new Stylus TOUGH cameras will be available in January 2009.
By: www.dpreview.com
Premium Compact Camera Group Test
Saturday, December 13th, 2008
The third of our group tests covers the premium ‘point and shoot’ compacts that sit at or near the top of their respective ranges. With wide lenses, up to 14.7 million pixels and stuffed to the gills with features these cameras command top dollar, but are they all worth it? Follow the link, delve into the reviews and see what we’ve found…
By: www.dpreview.com
Panasonic - new flash and firmware for DMC-LX3
Thursday, December 4th, 2008
Panasonic has announced the launch of the compact FL220 flashgun and will update the DMC-LX3’s firmware to accommodate it. Firmware v1.1 not only allows full compatibility with the DMW-FL220 flash unit, it also promises to improve Auto White Balance performance. Firmware v1.1 will be available for download on 15th December, 2008.
*
*Available from 15th December 2008
Panasonic DMW-FL220 Specifications
| DMW-FL220 specifications | |
|---|---|
| Power requirements |
DC 3.0V |
| Batteries recommended for use | • AA Alkaline dry batteries (LR6) x 2 • AA Rechargeable nickel metal hydride batteries (Ni-MH) x 2 |
|
Charging time |
• Approx. 5.5 s: AA Alkaline dry batteries • Approx. 5.0 s: AA Rechargeable nickel metal hydride batteries |
| Firing period | Approx. 1/20000 s to 1/500 s (Varies depending on the flash intensity) |
| No. of flashes (with full flash) |
• Approx. 140 flashes AA Alkaline dry batteries |
| Flash modes | TTL Auto/Manual |
| Guide Number | Automatically selected |
| Lighting angle | • 60 degrees up/down, 78 degrees left/right • View angle of 24 mm lens covered (35mm film camera equivalent) |
| Dimensions | • 61(W) x 98(H) x 46(D) mm • 2 6/16(W) x 3 7/8(H) x 1 13/16(D) in (excluding the projecting parts) |
| Weight | •Approx.111g / 3.92oz (main unit) • Approx.157g / 5.54oz (including batteries) |
By: www.dpreview.com
Canon US video and printer rebate glitch
Friday, November 28th, 2008Canon has asked US customers planning take advantage of its rebate program not to cash the checks they have received, following the company handling the rebates filing for bankruptcy protection. The problems relate to rebate checks for video and printer products dated prior to November 14th. Any customer yet to send-in rebate materials should also delay until further notice.
Canon made the following statement: "The third-party rebate processing company that implements Canon’s rebate program covering printer and camcorder products filed a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy petition on Friday, November 14. Any customer who has received a rebate check for these products dated prior to November 14, should not cash the check as it may bounce. Canon is diligently working on steps to ensure that eligible consumers receive valid rebate checks as soon as possible. More information will be available on our Web site by Friday, November 21.
"We understand this is an inconvenience to customers. We are working to resolve this issue as soon as possible. Consumers who have questions about our rebate programs should call Canon’s Customer Call Center 1-800-OK- CANON."
By: www.dpreview.com
Samsung Techwin to spin-out camera division
Friday, November 21st, 2008Samsung Techwin, the Korean manufacturer, plans to separate out its camera division into an individual entity (under the same ownership), according to news agency Reuters. Samsung Techwin is part of the Samsung Group’s machinery and heavy industry division and makes mobile artillery and gas turbines, as well as digital cameras. Tentatively named Samsung Digital Imaging, the new company will have a separate listing from Feb. 1, 2009, allowing its management to concentrate on the fast-moving consumer market into which its products are sold, without also having to also consider sales of aircraft engines.
By: www.dpreview.com
Sony Alpha 900 review
Tuesday, November 18th, 2008Sony Alpha 900 SLR camera review : We all know Sony as the huge electronics giant, active in the world of photography for many years now. If you have been around for a while, you probably remember the Mavica digital cameras. Large and bulky, however, the way of storing was very innovative for that time, namely; on a diskette. At that time, the cheapest and most frequently used storage medium for the consumer, and partly also for the industry. When the digital camera became smaller and more compact, Sony bid farewell to the Mavica concept and fully focused on the compact camera market. The Cybershot compact camera has been around for several generations now and was a real success. Sony moves on in 2006 and enters the digital consumer market; the Alpha DSLR camera is born.
Sony Alpha SLR cameras
Although being the only model in the DSLR assortment of Sony, the Alpha 100 was an amazing success. Simply ruling out all prejudice which sprung mainly from the more traditional world of photography. The consumer was ‘ready’ for a Sony digital SLR camera and its successor in 2007, the Alpha 700, that was introduced as a middle segment DSLR camera. Six months later, Sony launched a threesome new Alpha DSLR cameras (Alpha 200/300/350) with which Sony was able to deliver an entirely new line of Alpha cameras. Only one DSLR was missing in the line-up; a high resolution DSLR camera that would establish Sony as a serious DSLR manufacturer belonging to the top 3 ranking.
24 megapixel Sony A900 camera
Some weeks before the Photokina 2008 kicked off, the beginning of September to be precise, Sony introduced its top model of the Alpha assortment: the Sony Alpha 900. The Sony Alpha 900 features 24.6 megapixels of resolution, a dual BIONZ processor, 5 frames per second and a built-in SteadyShot module that make the A900 a serious candidate to demand its market share in a segment that is currently dominated by Nikon and Canon.
Sony A900 review including a DIWA Labs test
During the Photokina 2008 event, the new Sony A900 attracted a fair amount of attention. Sony offered the possibility to experience working with an A900 body and lens, with a large choice of available ZEISS lenses, to actually feel how a racing monster like this works in practice. We had the Sony DSLR-A900 in the office for a while and were able to test the camera thoroughly. In addition, a test sample of the Alpha 900 was technically extensively tested in our DIWA test lab. The results from these tests and the test in practice came together in a final conclusion that can be read in the following 
Source: www.letsgodigital.org
dpreview.com blog
Thursday, November 13th, 2008Dragged kicking and screaming into 2008 we’ve finally decided to break the code of silence which hovered over the inner workings of the dpreview beast and launch our very own blog, or blogs to be more precise. As of today we now have a more informal channel for our editorial and developer teams to communicate directly with our readership, answer some of your burning questions and give you a peek through the window into the hive of activity which occurs in our basement. It’s early days but we’ve already got a few entries, more to come!
By: www.dpreview.com
Olympus launches Zuiko Digital 14-54mm 1:2.8-3.5 II
Sunday, November 9th, 2008
Alongside the E-30, Olympus has released the Zuiko Digital 14-54mm 1:2.8-3.5 II lens; successor to the Zuiko Digital 14-54mm 1:2.8-3.5. The new lens has been redesigned to offer compatibility with the ‘High-speed imager AF’ system included in recent Four Thirds DSLRs. The lens is a 3x zoom, equivalent to 28-108mm on 35mm format.
Main features:
- High-Speed Imager AF compatibility
- A full complement of features to support creative photography
- Circular aperture diaphragm
- Closest focusing distance of 22cm throughout the zoom range
- Bright 3.9x wide angle standard zoom
- 3 Aspherical lens elements for excellent quality
- Splash and dustproof
Press Release:
New ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm 1:2.8-3.5 II with full contrast AF
London, 5 November 2008 – When it comes to sharp, high-contrast imaging, the new Olympus ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm 1:2.8-3.5 II (28-108mm)* takes the success of its popular predecessor, the ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm 1:2.8-3.5, to a new dimension.
Featuring High-Speed Imager AF to enable maximum creative freedom, a circular aperture mechanism for higher imaging performance and a minimum focusing distance of just 22cm, the Four Thirds based Olympus ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm 1:2.8-3.5 II (28-108mm) will become available in mid-January 2009.
Harness the synergies of high image quality and creative flexibility with the latest addition to Olympus’ family of top-performing lenses: the ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm 1:2.8-3.5 II (28-108mm)*. As with the entire ZUIKO DIGITAL range, this new lens is precision-engineered to maximise the performance potential of D-SLR image sensors.
This bright and flexible new zoom lens guarantees superior quality and boasts a circular aperture diaphragm to smooth out the soft focus look that is a key advantage of large-aperture lens design.
Developed as a successor to the ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm 1:2.8-3.5 – a favourite with advanced amateur and professional users – the new ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm 1:2.8–3.5 II boasts High-Speed Imager AF support to bring joy to creative photographers everywhere.
In combination with the brand new Olympus E-30 D-SLR, the new lens’ High-Speed Imager AF lets photographers preview the E-30’s new Art Filter effects in real-time with the convenience of a compact digital camera – thanks to Live View.
Compact size, high image quality, and the clarity of 1:2.8 brightness were achieved by the optimal arrangement of 3 aspherical lens elements and 4 cemented lens elements. The result is a new benchmark for sharpness and contrast, with minimal distortion for superior imaging performance over the entire zoom range.
The new lens uses a floating internal focus mechanism to focus, with excellent imaging performance from infinity right down to its minimum focusing distance. Exhibiting minimal aberration even at extremely close range, it has a minimum focusing distance of just 22cm for all focal lengths.
And no matter what the conditions, its exterior joints are sealed to provide splash and dustproof standards high enough to withstand the rigorous demands of professional use.
With its versatile zoom range, the ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm 1:2.8-3.5 II is an ideal choice for a wide range of shooting situations. For creative effect, photographers can enjoy the exaggerated perspectives that are the hallmark of wide angle shooting.
And when it comes to capturing stunning details, the new lens packs sufficient telephoto power to zoom right in for close-ups of the main subject.
The ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm 1:2.8-3.5 II (28-108mm) will become available in mid-January 2009.
• 15 elements/ 11 groups
• 3 Aspherical elements
7, rounded
0.52x
No
• Front and rear caps
• Lens hood LH-70D
• Lens Case
By: www.dpreview.com