Archive for Digital SLR

Introducing the D4, Nikon’s Next-generation Flagship DSLR

Nikon LogoPRESS SUMMARY – Nikon Corporation announced the release of the Nikon D4, a Nikon FX-format camera that serves as the new flagship model in Nikon’s lineup of digital-SLR cameras.

The D4 is equipped with a new Nikon FX-format CMOS image sensor (36.0 x 23.9 mm) and EXPEED 3, the latest image-processing engine specifically optimized for digital-SLR cameras, making it the next-generation flagship Nikon digital-SLR camera with the ultimate in versatility and functionality that offers superior image quality rich in detail along with excellent high-speed performance. It has an effective pixel count of 16.2-million pixels, and offers superior image quality under a broad range of lighting conditions from ISO 50 to ISO 204800.

The new 91K-pixel RGB sensor supports the Advanced Scene Recognition System, which is able to recognize human faces even when images are framed using the optical viewfinder. In addition, the Advanced Scene Recognition System offers significant improvements in AF, AE, i-TTL flash control, and auto white balance (AWB) control accuracy. The 51 focus point AF system has been improved with faster initiation of autofocusing and the ability to detect and focus on subjects with less lighting. Eleven focus points are fully functional when lenses with a maximum aperture of f/8 are used. All of this means more precise autofocusing when super-telephoto NIKKOR lenses are used with teleconverters (2.0x). The Multi-area Mode Full HD D-movie movie recording function is capable of recording full-HD movies at 30 fps, and offers three movie recording formats for selection according to recording conditions or creative intent. Read More→

Pentax K-5 DSLR for Advanced Amateur Photographers

PENTAX LogoSept 20, 2010 – PRESS SUMMARY – PENTAX Imaging Systems has announced the PENTAX K-5 digital SLR camera. The K-5 DSLR offers a true high-end prosumer design and features normally found only on the most costly of professional cameras. With exceptional reliability, user-friendly operation, and the compact, lightweight body of its predecessor, the PENTAX K-7, the new K-5 offers several important and improved features.

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Pentax K-x Wins TIPA Award for Best Entry Level DSLR

PENTAX LogoMay 15, 2010 – PRESS SUMMARY – PENTAX Imaging Company announced that the PENTAX K-x digital SLR camera, first launched in October 2009, received a Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) award for Best DSLR Entry Level in Europe 2010.  The award attributes the camera’s well-balanced combination of advanced features and exceptional basic specifications in a compact, lightweight and maneuverable digital SLR body.

Pentax K-x

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Review – GigaPan EPIC Pro: by Greg Downing

GigaPan LogoIn a recent post I introduced you to the new GigaPan EPIC Pro robotic camera mount used to create GigaPixel panoramas with your DSLR. Greg Downing from xRez Studio created a great video review of the EPIC Pro and was kind enough to share it with the CurrentPhotographer.com community. Be sure to check out Greg’s original post for more details about the EPIC Pro and to see the really cool panorama he created during the demo.

UPDATE: In the first review many people including Greg and his team, were disturbed by the lack of stablity of the gigapan. This updated video shows how things can be tightened up to improve the performance. This may break your warranty, so you should probably contact GigaPan before making the adjustment. Read More→

The GigaPan EPIC Pro

GigaPan LogoGigaPan EPIC ProMarch 20, 2010 – I’ve talked about GigaPixel Panoramas before on the blog. It’s when you combine a number of high-resolution images into a panoramic image creating one very large and very detailed “GigaPixel” image. Motorized camera mounts are used to move the camera, taking photos a predetermined intervals, then specialized software is used to create the final image.

Well this week GigaPan introduced the much-anticipated EPIC Pro robotic camera mount designed for DSLR cameras. This professional grade device is strong enough to hold a camera and lens combination of up to 10 lbs. Based on technology employed by NASA’s Mars Rover, the GigaPan EPIC Pro enables users to capture enormous panoramas with crisp, vivid detail. Combined with the included GigaPan Stitch software and GigaPan.com, users can create and upload their images for others to discover and explore.

The GigaPan EPIC Pro will be available in April for $895.


GigaPan EPIC Pro

For a great example of a GigaPixel Panorama, check out my post “The Worlds Largest Photo – 26 GigaPixels”. Read More→

Panasonic LUMIX VARIO 14-42mm Zoom Lens for G Series Digital Cameras

Panasonic Logo

March 18, 2010

PRESS RELEASE

Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical Mega O.I.SPANASONIC ANNOUNCES COMPACT AND LIGHTWEIGHT STANDARD ZOOM LENS FOR LUMIX G SERIES DIGITAL CAMERAS

SECAUCUS, NJ – Panasonic today introduces a new interchangeable lens for its LUMIX G Micro System, the ultra-compact and lightweight LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. lens offers versatile zoom range of 14-42mm (35mm camera equivalent: 28-84mm), making it suitable for a wide variety of scenes, everything from dynamic landscape to portrait.  The LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. lens will be part of the kit lens for the latest additions to the LUMIX G Series of digital cameras: the LUMIX DMC-G10 and LUMIX DMC-G2, also introduced today. Read More→