Gear - New Product Announcements | Picture Soup

Photodex Corporation Releases ProShow Producer 4.5

September 27, 2010 By PictureSoup Leave a Comment

ProShow Producer is slideshow creation software on steroids. From the first version I was hooked (and that’s saying a lot because I’m a Mac person but the software is only available for Windows-based PCs).

The latest iteration, version 4.5 has been packed with hundreds of new transitions and slide style effects, along with an all new wizard to help you create fabulous slideshows.

The ProShow Producer wizard mixes photos, videos and music together for a dynamic slideshow—for those users who want a slideshow created automatically. As always, you can get as involved as you want, choosing each transition and effect, adjusting the energy level of the slideshow and customizing the themes to your liking.

A new Create Transition tool lets you build your own transitions. The company also redesigned the transitions interface to make it easier to browse among the hundreds of effects. The software also supports ProShow Transition Packs, optional collections of transitions that can be incorporated into your digital slideshows.

ProShow Producer 4.5 is available now, in download and boxed editions. The full version price is $249.95, and upgrades are $89.95. Go to www.photodex.com for more information.

— Diane Berkenfeld

Filed Under Gear - New Product Announcements Tagged With gear, new product announcement, Photodex Corporation, ProShow Producer, slideshow creation software, Windows-based PC

Hasselblad Announces New Gear at photokina

September 22, 2010 By PictureSoup Leave a Comment

The 31MP H4D-31 will come bundled with an 80mm lens.

Hasselblad added a new camera and lenses to its line of medium format digital cameras, announcing the new products at photokina, in Cologne, Germany this week.

31MP H4D Series Camera

The H4D-31 joins H4D series models with 50 and 60 megapixel sensors as well as Hasselblad’s multi-shot H4D-50MS. The new model is available in two configurations.

The first is bundled with an 80mm lens and Hasselblad’s Phocus 2.6 software. the other bundle includes the H4D-31, a CF-lens adapter and Phocus 2.6 software. The H4D-31 offers 31MP of resolution, and compatibility with Hasselblad HC/HCD lenses. The CD-lens adapter allows photographers who already own Hasselblad’s V-system camera equipment with a solution for them to utilize their current lenses with the new digital camera.

CFV-50 is a 50MP digital back for Hasselblad V-system cameras.

Digital Back for Hasse V-System Cameras

The CFV-50 is a new 50MP digital back for Hasselblad V-system cameras. Earlier models included the CFV-16 and CFV-39. The new digital back is compatible with virtually all V-cameras including the 202FA, 203FE and 205GCC models.

Lenses

The company also added to its line of HC lenses, with the new HC 50-II, that offers a 35mm-equivalent focal length of 31.4mm; minimum focusing distance of .6 meters; rear focusing mechanism; and aperture range of f/3.5 – f/32.

Also new is the HC Macro 120mm-II, with a 35mm focal length equivalent of 73.5mm; maximum image scale of 1:1; and aperture range of f/4 – f/45.

The HC 50-II Lens.

The HC Macro 120mm-II lens.

Firmware Upgrade for the H4D

Hasselblad also announced a firmware update that will be made available to H4D camera system owners by the end of the year. The update provides new functionality including: a 3D virtual electronic spirit level that will be displayed on the rear LCD for ease in composition; preview capability when shooting tethered; information display on the rear LCD with the push of a button (featuring a new graphic interface); and full support for the Hasselblad Global Image Positioning GPS device to the H4D-60. The GPS device functionality is supported on all other H4D, H3D and H2D cameras.

For more information, go to www.hasselblad.com.

— Diane Berkenfeld

Filed Under Gear - New Product Announcements Tagged With Diane Berkenfeld, digital back, Hasse, Hasselblad, medium format, Phocus, photokina

Lensbaby Unveils Lens Compatible with Micro Four Thirds Cameras

September 22, 2010 By PictureSoup Leave a Comment

Lensbaby Tilt Transformer

By Diane Berkenfeld

Lensbaby today announced the newest addition to its product line-up, the Composer with Tilt Transformer available immediately for the Panasonic Lumix G Micro System and Olympus PEN digital cameras; and for Sony Alpha NEX cameras in Q4.

The Tilt Transformer will allow photographers to mount any Nikon mount lens onto their Micro Four Thirds or Sony NEX camera and tilt up to twice the amount of standard tilt-shift lenses, delivering photos that have a slice of focus through the image, bordered by a soft blur.

The Tilt Transformer also serves as the foundation for the Composer Focus Front. When used together, they become the Composer with Tilt Transformer, for use on Micro Four Thirds or Sony NEX cameras.

The Lensbaby Focus Front (top) combines with the Tilt Transformer (bottom) to form the Composer with Tilt Transformer.

This provides photographers using these cameras with access to the limitless creativity offered by the Lensbaby Optic Swap system.

The Tilt Transformer’s swivel ball is based on the design of the Lensbaby Composer DSLR camera lens. Tilting a Nikon mount lens on the Tilt Transformer will place the slice of focus in different orientations within the image. Vertical, horizontal, and diagonal slices are possible depending on the direction the lens is tilted. Objects in both the foreground and background can be in focus within that slice. For those photographers who have had experience with large format, tilt-shift lenses are similar to the tilt/shift possible when using a view camera.

For example, a photographer can focus on one person close up in the left portion of the frame while also focusing on someone standing much further away from the camera on the right side of the frame. The ability to focus on several items at once (while blurring out the rest of the image) when each item is placed at a different distance from the camera, is typically possible only with traditional tilt-shift lenses or view cameras. The size of the slice of focus is dependent upon the aperture used.

Because the Lensbaby Tilt Transformer lets you tilt the lens at more of an extreme angle, up to twice as far as a standard tilt-shift lens; which will produce a more extreme angled slice of focus than possible with standard tilt-shift lenses.

A built-in mechanism allows Nikon G lenses to function properly at all apertures. Nikon G lenses do not have an aperture ring on the lens itself. This mechanism allows the aperture to open and close by manually rotating the lens.

Tilt Transformer with Nikon Lens on camera

The Tilt Transformer with a Nikon lens on camera.

The Composer with Tilt Transformer is compatible with the Lensbaby Optic Swap System and ships with a Double Glass Optic installed. Additional optics can be swapped in and out, providing photographers with a range of creative effects including: Single Glass, Plastic, Pinhole/Zone Plate, and Soft Focus.

I asked Jessica Darrican, PR spokesperson for Lensbaby why the company chose to make the Tilt Transformer compatible with Nikon lenses, She explained that there were a number of reasons that made Nikon lenses ideal for use with the Tilt Transformer and these interchangeable lens digitals. In addition to Nikon’s lenses being known for their high quality, there are plenty of Nikon lenses in the Nikon F-mount available on the used equipment market. Also, the backfocus distance of Nikon lenses is the longest of all the SLR systems, allowing the most amount of tilt in the Tilt Transformer.

For those Canon shooters wondering why Lensbaby isn’t offering a Canon compatible mount Tilt Transformer, one major reason is that Canon, uses an electronic aperture system, eliminating any possibility of controlling the aperture with the Lensbaby system, limiting photographers to only being able to shoot wide open with a Canon lens.

For more information, go to www.lensbaby.com.

Filed Under Gear - New Product Announcements Tagged With Diane Berkenfeld, gear, Lensbaby, Lensbaby Composer, new product announcement, Nikon F mount lenses, Olympus PEN, Panasonic Lumix G Micro, Sony Alpha NEX, Tilt Transformer, tilt-shift

Nikon Announces D7000 DSLR, Two Lenses & a Speedlight

September 15, 2010 By PictureSoup 1 Comment

By Diane Berkenfeld

You know a big trade show is close when every day brings announcements from another camera maker about their latest new innovations. With photokina just a week away, Nikon today announced the D7000 DSLR, two prime lenses and a Speedlight. The D7000 is positioned above the D3000 and below the D90—both cameras will remain in Nikon’s product line.

Nikon D7000 DSLR

The Nikon D7000 with optional vertical grip attached.

The D7000 uses a newly designed 16.2MP CMOS sensor (APS-C size) and EXPEED 2 TM image processing engine, with 14-bit A/D conversion, along with both a new metering system and new AF system.

The company describes the metering system as “groundbreaking”—it is a 2,016 pixel RGB 3D Matrix Metering System. Another Nikon first, this system interprets scene data for improved control of light metering and i-TTL flash output. Additionally there is now a new Ambient white balance setting which gives images a warm rendering in Automatic White Balance.

The 39-point AF system includes nine center cross-type sensors that operate with more than 60 Nikkor lenses. The system is designed to acquire the autofocus of the subject faster and track it better. Additionally, photographers can activate dynamic or single point AF, configurable in varying combinations of AF points to match a variety of shooting situations. Photographers can also activate 3D tracking, which continuously follows moving subjects within the 39 AF points.

The D7000 can capture full 1080p HD video, with full-time autofocus, giving photographers the ability to produce sharp movie footage without having to manually focus during capture. Photographers also now have manual exposure control while shooting video. The camera can even track up to 35 faces for critical HD focus. Frame rates include 24 fps at 1080p, or 720p recording at either 24 or 30 fps for up to 20 minutes a clip. And, video clips can be trimmed and edited in-camera to save post-production time.

The camera utilizes dual SD media card slots.

Exciting new features of the D7000 include the ability to process RAW images in-camera, and add special effects via the retouch menu. The ISO range of the camera is 100 – 6400, expandable up to 25,600. The camera has the ability to shoot six fps for a burst of 100 images. Other features include a dual SD media card slot, compatible with SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards; a built-in iTTL Speedlight and wireless commander support; a 3-inch LCD, Live View, and a brand new battery designed to offer more shooting on a full charge.

Nikon’s D7000 is durable; the body is built from magnesium-alloy and incorporates a 150,000 cycle-rated shutter system. Additionally, the DSLR is dust and moisture sealed and features Nikon’s dust reduction system. A new Mode Dial eschews traditional Scene Mode icons for more advanced manual functions and two user-defined settings. Placed under the control wheel is a Release Mode dial, which allows access to the burst modes, timer, and Quiet Shutter.

While the D7000 is priced at the enthusiast level, we definitely see pros using this camera, and can only assume that some of the groundbreaking new technologies incorporated into the D7000 will be making their way into new pro level models soon!

AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.4G lens

The D7000 DSLR is scheduled for mid-October delivery with an MSRP of $1,199.95 for the body only and $1,499.95 for body/lens kit including the AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens.

Two Nikkor Prime Lenses

Nikon also announced the AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.4G and AF-S Nikkor 200mm f/2 ED VR II professional lenses.

Both are fast prime lenses, featuring Nikon’s famous glass, and hefty price tags. The fast apertures of both lenses make them ideal for low-light shooting and movie capture.

The 35mm lens can be used on Nikon DSLRs with both the full-frame FX format image sensors as well as the smaller DX format sensors, such as the brand new D7000. When used on a camera with a DX sensor or on an FX format camera in DX Crop Mode, the lens has an effective focal length of 52.5mm.

AF-S NIKKOR 200mm f/2G ED VR II lens

The AF-S NIKKOR 200mm f/2G ED VR II, like its 200mm f/2 predecessor, is incredibly fast. The VR system provides up to four stops of correction. Because the lens uses an Internal Focusing (IF) system, the lens barrel doesn’t extend when focusing. There are three focus modes on this lens, the conventional M/A and M modes, and an A/M mode. The lens also features a Tripod Detection Mode, which automatically compensates for minute vibrations when mounted on a tripod and allows users to keep VR image stabilization on and active.

The AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G lens will be available in mid-November with an MSRP of $1,799.95. The AF-S NIKKOR 200mm f/2G ED VR II will be available early October for an MSRP of $5,999.95.

SB-700 Speedlight

Today, Nikon also introduced the SB-700 Speedlight, designed for a range of photographers. The flash incorporates a wide zoom range and FX/DX-format identification system that optimizes the flash based on the camera body used. The SB-700 can be used as an on-camera flash or wireless flash (set up as a Commander or a Remote) for use in multiple flash set-ups. An improved user interface includes a large easy-to-read LCD panel. The flash can recycle in approximately 2.5 seconds for full power with NiMH batteries and 3 seconds with AA Alkaline batteries.

SB-700 Speedlight

For improved durability, heat-resistance and ease-of-use, the SB-700 uses new hard plastic-type color filters for fluorescent or incandescent color temperature balancing. When using the supplied filters, the flash automatically recognizes which filter is being used and adjusts white balance accordingly on select Nikon DSLRs.

Similar to the Nikon SB-900 Speedlight, three illumination patterns (standard, center-weighted and even) can be selected in SB-700 to match each shooting situation. And, like the SB-900, when the SB-700 is mounted on a camera compatible with user firmware updates, the SB-700 firmware can be updated using the same procedure as with a Nikon DSLR camera.

To enhance the weatherproof capability of the flash/camera, optional water guards will be available for select cameras to protect the connection between the flash and camera.

The Nikon SB-700 Speedlight is scheduled to be available in mid-November 2010, and will have an MSRP of $329.95. The SB-700 comes bundled with the Speedlight Stand, Bounce Adapter, Color Filter Holder, Intelligent Color Filter Kit, Diffuser Dome and soft case.

For more information, go to www.nikonusa.com.

Filed Under Gear - New Product Announcements Tagged With 200mm lens, 35mm lens, Diane Berkenfeld, flash, gear, new product announcement, Nikkor lenses, Nikon D7000 DSLR, prime lenses, SB-700 Speedlight

Olympus Introduces Flagship E-5 DSLR

September 14, 2010 By PictureSoup Leave a Comment

Today Olympus announced the E-5, the new flagship E series DSLR. The camera uses a 12.3MP High-Speed Live MOS Sensor with Olympus’ proprietary TruePic V+ image processing engine for crisp images that display greater detail than previously available. The E-5 also incorporates the capability to shoot 720p HD video, at 30 frames per second.

Other features of the camera include a 3-inch, 270 degree swivel LCD for flexibility when shooting isn’t straight on, and 10 creative in-camera Art Filters that can be applied to both still and video.

The art filters are an example of features that first appeared on enthusiast level DSLRs and have migrated to the pro level. The Art Filters can be used in all shooting modes. ISO range is 100 to 6400, and the top shutter speed is 1/8000 of a second. The camera can capture up to four multiple exposures to be combined in either real time or in the camera at a later time.

The E-5 employs an in-body Mechanical Image Stabilization system to compensate for camera movement, up to 5 EV steps. Now the full line of compatible Olympus Zuiko Digital lenses become image stabilized.

The new Dramatic Tone art filter represents real space in a more imaginary way by applying unrealistic tones of light and darkness based on local changes in contrast. This new filter joins the Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pale & Light Color, Light Tone, Grainy Film, Pin Hole, Diorama, Cross Process and Gentle Sepia filters previously available on the E-30, E-620 and PEN series cameras.

Rear of the E-5 with optional vertical grip attached.

Like its predecessor, the E-3, the E-5 is completely splashproof and dustproof. The camera also uses a built-in Dust Reduction System with a Supersonic Wave Filter. The shutter is expected to withstand 150,000 exposures.

The Olympus E-5 is compatible with a range of external flashes and can wirelessly control both the Olympus FL-36R and FL-50R flashes with its commander function incorporated into its built-in flash.

The E-5 has a built-in microphone and also features a microphone jack so you can use external microphones for even greater quality audio capture while recording video. The E-5 can accept both CompactFlash Type I UDMA and SD (SDHC/SDXC) media cards.

Olympus is scheduled to ship the E-5 DSLR in October. Street pricing for the E-5 body is $1,699.99.

For more information, go to: www.olympusamerica.com.

— Diane Berkenfeld

Filed Under Gear - New Product Announcements Tagged With Art Filters, Diane Berkenfeld, DSLR, gear, new product announcement, Olympus E-5, professional photography

Canon Introduces PowerShot G12

September 14, 2010 By PictureSoup Leave a Comment

Canon’s PowerShot G12 is one of those P&S cameras that is so much more than a P&S, and that’s why we’re including it here. Just introduced today, the camera’s predecessors have been a popular choice by professional photographers as their “carry around anytime/all the time” camera, and we’re sure the new G12 will be just as hot.

The PowerShot G12 is packed with many of the features that were found in the PowerShot G11, the camera that it replaces, with the addition of High Def video capture and Canon’s HS (High Sensitivity) system. The G12 utilizes a 10MP High Sensitivity CCD sensor and Canon’s proprietary DIGIC 4 image processor to reduce noise.

Other features of the camera include 720p HD video recording, a full range of shooting and recording modes, a 5x optical zoom with image stabilization, a 2.8-inch LCD, and now, an HDR (high dynamic range) scene mode. Optional accessories include Canon Speedlite flashes, an underwater housing, and a tele-converter lens.

Canon is scheduled to ship the G12 in early October for an estimated price of $499.99. For more info, go to www.usa.canon.com.

Incidentally, the Canon PowerShot G series of cameras is one of those often chosen for Infrared conversion, as we found out when we researched a recent article on the 100th Anniversary of Infrared Photography. To read that article, click here.

— Diane Berkenfeld

Filed Under Gear - New Product Announcements Tagged With Amherst Media, Canon PowerShot G12, gear, new product announcement, P&S camera, point and shoot camera, professional photography

New Camera Gear from Pentax

September 9, 2010 By PictureSoup Leave a Comment

Pentax today announced a new DSLR camera, lens and two P&S cameras, one of which we’ll be discussing later. Now onto the DSLR body and interchangeable lens.

K-r DSLR

New on the DSLR front is the Pentax K-r DSLR offering a wide range of automatic and manual features sure to appeal to most DSLR shooters. This 12.4MP camera is being offered in three colors: traditional black, classic white and Pentax red.

The K-r is the newest DSLR introduced by Pentax. It will be available in black, white and red.

Features of the K-r include a large 3-inch LCD, widescreen HD video capture (720p HD video at 25fps), maximum 1/6000 of a second shutter speed, large ISO range of 100 – 25600, and 6 fps framerate that can capture 25 images in a single sequence. Other features of the camera include a viewfinder focus point indicator, improved in-camera HDR mode including a Night Scene HDR mode, and improved noise performance.

Pentax offers two options to power the camera: a rechargeable lithium-ion battery or four AA-size batteries which means that if you’ve forgotten your charger or suddenly find yourself with a dead battery on vacation, you will be able to power the camera with four AA batteries using the optional AA Battery Holder (D-BH109).

The K-r also features infrared data transfer compatible with the IrSimple high-speed IR data transmission system for transfer to the web or other IrSimple-compatible devices. The K-r DSLR is packed with features. The K-r utilizes Pentax’s own shake reduction mechanism and dust removal mechanism.

The new smc Pentax DA 35mm f/2.4 AL lens.

Creative types will love the addition of a wide-range of in-camera image processing and special effects filters. These include custom image functions, digital filters and cross processing modes. The camera ships with the Pentax Digital Camera Utility 4 software package that includes a RAW processor.

Pentax will be shipping the K-r in October. MSRP for the K-r body is $799.95, MSRP for the K-r with the 18-55mm lens kit is $849.95, MSRP for the K-r double lens kit including the 18-55mm lens and 50-200mm lens is $899.95, and the MSRP for the K-r double lens kit with the 18-55mm lens and 55-300mm lens is $999.95.

35mm Lens

Pentax also announced the smc Pentax DA 35mm f/2.4 AL standard lens. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 0.3 meters. The new 35mm lens is also expected to ship in October with an MSRP of $219.95.

Optio RS1000

Although we usually feature DSLRs here on the Picture-soup.com blog we wanted to mention the new 14MP Pentax Optio RS1000 P&S camera.

The Pentax Optio RS1000 on the left and some of the included skins on the right (note, skins are not to scale).

This compact P&S model is unique in that it comes with 11 different skins that allow users to customize the camera to their own personality. In addition to the included skins, Pentax is also including a Skinit gift card so users can order a high quality, pre-cut 3M vinyl skin from www.skinit.com. Other ways to personalize these compact cameras include using the included stencil on printed photos or other unique printed pieces to use as skins; or download the Pentax personal skin designer software that lets you import a photo and save the skin as a PDF for printing.

For more information, go to www.pentaximaging.com.

Filed Under Gear - New Product Announcements Tagged With customizable skins, Diane Berkenfeld, DSLR, gear, new product announcement, Pentax Imaging Company, Pentax Optio P&S camera, photography, point and shoot, Skinit

Sony Adds New Alpha DSLRs & Lenses to Line

September 3, 2010 By PictureSoup Leave a Comment

Alpha a55 and a33 DSLRs

The Sony Alpha a33 DSLR

Late last month Sony added to its Alpha DSLR line with new camera bodies and lenses. The products include cameras that feature Sony’s newly-developed Translucent Mirror Technology. This technology means the cameras can continuously and quickly focus while shooting stills and video, even full HD.

The new 16.2MP Alpha a55 can capture up to 10 fps, and the 14.2MP a33 can capture up to seven fps. Both cameras utilize Sony’s proprietary Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor, BIONZ high-speed image processing engine and 100% Tru-Finder electronic viewfinder.

The Translucent Mirror technology enables light to pass through the lens, and simultaneously be received by the image sensor and AF sensor, so there’s no need to raise and lower the mirror, hence the cameras are significantly more compact than traditional DSLRs.

Rear of the Sony Alpha a55 DSLR with its LCD folded out

Other features include: a newly developed 15-point AF system with continuous Phase Detect AF. While shooting video, the cameras can maintain continuous focus, which means it will be easier than ever to get great video footage; full-time Live View, using either the viewfinder or LCD; large 3-inch, fully articulated LCDs; and an ISO range from 100-12,800.

Also new is the Auto HDR feature which gives photographers the ability to capture High Dynamic Range photographs with ease; 3D Sweep Panorama technology that creates two images from a single frame, for viewing in 3D on compatible 3D systems and other devices that support 3D technology; and Sony’s Multi-Frame Noise Reduction The Alpha a55 also incorporates a built-in GPS.

Alpha A560 DSLR

Sony Alpha a560 with its built-in flash popped-up

In addition to the Alpha 55 and 33 cameras, Sony also added the A560 to its line. This new DSLR features a number of proprietary Sony technologies include Sony’s Exmor APS HD CMOS Sensor, BIONZ image processor, Multi-frame Noise Reduction, Sweep Panorama, 3D Sweep Panorama and full HD video capture.

At 14.2MP, the A560 also features Quick AF Live View, seven fps continuous shooting and Auto HDR. The camera features a 3-inch LCD that tilts 90 degrees up/down. In addition to the regular Quick AF Live View, the camera utilizes a Focus Check Live View for critical framing and focusing. The camera also has a wide ISO range up to 25600.

All three DSLR cameras accept Memory Stick PRO Duo (including Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo) and SD (including both SDHC and SDXC formats) media.

While these are not necessarily pro-level DSLR bodies, we do expect to see them in the gear bags of pro photographers who are Sony shooters as back-up cameras; as well as with semi-pros and enthusiasts looking for a more affordable camera.

Camera Pricing and Availability

The a55 and a33 cameras will cost about $750 and $650 (respectively) for the body only and about $850 and $750 (respectively) for the body and kit 18-55mm zoom lens. The a33 is expected to hit store shelves in September and the a55 in October

The a560 model with the camera body and 18-55mm kit lens has an MSRP of $750 and will be available in October. Body only MSRP is $650.

Three New A-Mount Lenses

(l. to r.) Sony's three new A-mount prime lenses: Carl Zeiss Distagon T*24mm f/2 ZA SSM, DT 35mm f/1.8 SAM, and 85mm f/2.8 SAM lenses. (Images are not to scale.)

Sony is expanding its A-mount lens line with three new prime lenses including the Carl Zeiss Distagon T*24mm f/2 ZA SSM, DT 35mm f/1.8 SAM, and 85mm f/2.8 SAM lenses. MSRP for the three new lenses are $1,250, $200, $250 respectively. The lenses will be available in October.

— Diane Berkenfeld

Filed Under Gear - New Product Announcements Tagged With 3D Sweep Panorama, BIONZ image processor Exmor Sensor, Carl Zeiss, Diane Berkenfeld, gear, lenses, new product announcement, photography, Sony Alpha DSLR, Sweep Panorama

Canon Announces New DSLR, Pro Lenses & Extenders

August 26, 2010 By PictureSoup Leave a Comment

By Diane Berkenfeld

With Canon Expo happening next week in New York City, one had to wonder whether or not there would be any photography announcements coming this week from the company. The answer is a definite yes! Canon today introduced the EOS 60D DSLR, a replacement to the EOS 50D. The camera is designed for advanced amateurs but we’re sure to see it show up in the gear bags of pro shooters too. Canon also introduced four pro lenses and two tele-extenders. The lenses include new 300mm f/2.8 and 400mm f/2.8 prime telephoto lenses—pro glass for sure, with hefty price tags.

eos60d_hand product shot for picture-soup.com announcement article

The 18MP EOS 60D is Canon's first DSLR to utilize a vari-angle LCD.

The EOS 60D is Canon’s first DSLR that utilizes a vari-angle LCD. The 3-inch LCD can be tilted up or down for ease of use when shooting stills or video. Ideal for capturing very low-angle or overhead shots that would otherwise be hard to compose.

The EOS 60D offers 18MP of resolution, utilizing an APS-C sized image sensor, and utilizes Canon’s proprietary DIGIC 4 image processor. Other features include a new 9-point AF system, Canon’s pro-level iFCL Metering System, and a frame rate of full resolution images up to 5.3 frames per second. ISO range is 100-6400 expandable to 12,800. Images are recorded to SD media, and the camera can utilize the newer SDHC and SDXC media cards. The camera also features a built-in pop-up flash with integrated Speedlite Transmitter that can control up to two groups of off-camera Speedlights.

The camera also features a number of EOS “firsts” including a new Multi-Control Dial which offers streamlined camera navigation. Responding to customer requests, the EOS 60D also features a locking mode dial, which makes camera operation more secure by preventing inadvertent changes to the photographer’s selected shooting mode. In-camera RAW image processing features let you edit in-camera, producing optimized JPG files without effecting the RAW data. This feature lets you process Picture Style, White Balance, Color Space, High-ISO Noise Reduction, and more. The EOS 60D also offers a new image resizing function which lets you downsize full resolution JPGs for display on HDTVs or for quick uploading to the web. The downsized image file is saved along with the original high-resolution file.

Canon also added new creative filters, which have been incorporated into the Canon PowerShot point and shoot cameras for some time. These artistic filters let you create a second “filtered” JPG file leaving the original RAW or JPG file unaffected when used applied to a captured still image. The four creative looks include soft focus, grainy B&W, “Toy Camera” and Canon’s Miniature Effect which simulates the look of a tilt-shift lens.

In addition to its new still capture capabilities, the EOS 60D features Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution with selectable frame rates of 24p, 25p or 30p. Native 24p recording helps videographers achieve a more cinema-style look for their footage without the need for post-processing. The EOS 60D camera’s movie mode also includes manual controls for exposure as well as manual audio levels in 64 steps, much like the latest firmware update for the EOS 5D Mark II HD-SLR. Standard Def. video can also be captured

An in-camera movie editing feature has also been added to the camera. The EOS 60D also includes Canon’s Movie Crop mode, which allows you to achieve 7x magnification when shooting SD video. When using this mode, the camera crops the image directly from the CMOS sensor at full SD resolution.

The Canon EOS 60D DSLR camera is scheduled to hit store shelves in late September. MSRP for the body-only is $1,099. The camera will also be offered in a kit version with the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $1,399. The Canon BG-E9 battery grip accessory is expected to ship at the same time with an estimated price of $270.

New Pro Lenses and Tele-Extenders

Canon also introduced four new L-series lenses and two tele-extenders for the pro. They are the EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM lens, EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM lens, and two fast prime lenses: EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM and EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM super-telephoto lenses; and two new tele-extenders: Canon Extender EF 1.4x III and Extender EF 2x III.

Immediately noticeable to Canon shooters is the fact that these new L-series lenses feature a more neutral white tone than earlier lenses. This new shade of white will be used for all future Canon L-series lenses.

Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM lens

According to Canon, the EF 8-15mm f/4L USM is the world’s widest fisheye zoom lens. It delivers 180º diagonal angle of view images for all EOS DSLR cameras whether they utilize a full-frame image sensor or the smaller APS-C sensor. The lens provides 180º circular fisheye images for full-frame EOS cameras. Both still photographers and cinematographers are sure to love this new lens.

The Canon EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye USM lens is expected to be available in January 2011 for an approximate retail price of $1,400.

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM lens

The EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM lens is the ideal telephoto zoom lens for advanced amateurs. An updated optical image stabilization system compensates for camera shake up to an equivalent of four full shutter-speed steps, a full step improvement compared to earlier EF 70-300mm lenses.

The Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM lens is expected to be available toward the end of October for an approximate retail price of $1,500.

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens

The Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM is the sixth generation of the Canon 300mm f/2.8 lenses that first appeared in 1974. This lens features a lighter weight, improved Image Stabilization, and enhanced durability. The Image Stabilizer provides an equivalent of approximately four full shutter speed steps of shake compensation. Canon has enhanced the durability of this lens by using more magnesium alloy and titanium for lens barrel components, together with weather sealing for all exterior joints and switches. Additionally, a new security slot attachment has been included on this lens to allow a wire-type security lock to be easily affixed, a great safety feature for professionals shooting from high vantage points above arenas and crowds.

The Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM lens is expected to be available in December for an approximate retail price of $7,000.

Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens

Ideal for the professional sports photographer, Canon’s EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM is the fifth generation in Canon’s 400mm f/2.8 series and the successor to the current EF 400mm introduced in 1999. The new lens is lighter than its predecessor. The Image Stabilizer provides an equivalent of approximately four full shutter speed steps of shake compensation. Canon has enhanced the durability of this lens by using more magnesium alloy and titanium for lens barrel components, together with weather sealing for all exterior joints and switches. The new security slot attachment has also been included on this lens as well.

The Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM lens is expected to be available in December for an approximate retail price of $11,000.

Canon Extender EF 1.4x III & Canon Extender EF 2x III

The Canon Extender EF 1.4x III & Canon Extender EF 2x III are direct replacements of the current extenders offered by Canon. They have been designed to provide faster autofocusing and improved AF precision with compatible EF lenses. Each extender features a newly developed microcomputer that increases AF precision when the extenders are used with a IS Series II EF super-telephoto lens. Both extenders are equipped with rubber gaskets and seals to enhance weather resistance.

The Canon Extender EF 1.4x III & Canon Extender EF 2x III are expected to be available in December for an approximate retail price of $500 each.

For more information, go to www.cusa.canon.com.

Filed Under Gear - New Product Announcements Tagged With Canon, Canon EOS 60D DSLR, Canon Expo, Canon professional L-series lenses, Diane Berkenfeld, gear, new product announcement, professional photography

Kubota Imaging Tools Bows “Vintage Delish” Lightroom Presets

August 25, 2010 By PictureSoup Leave a Comment

vintagedelishpresets for picture-soup.com article Kubota Image Tools today announced the immediate availability of its latest package of Adobe Photoshop Lightroom presets—Vintage Delish—which includes 42 custom develop presets that will let you give your photographs the look of aged or faded films, funky cross-processing, deep vignettes, color-toned black and whites, and much more. The presets are fully compatible with Lightroom 3 for the Mac and PC. (You can use them with Lightroom 2, but not all presets may offer full functionality.)