Photo Rumors

Canon 60D listing shows up on DXO

PR admin — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:33:45 +0000

Canon 60D appeared on a DXO listing today:

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Canon EVIL concept

PR admin — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:26:08 +0000

This Canon EVIL camera concept was designed by Idan Shechter of DigitalPhotographyWriter. This rendering is just an artist’s view of the camera and is not linked to Canon in any way.

The latest comments from Canon indicated that they are still not ready to completely drop the mirror and are trying to create a “small SLR” camera.

Via Photographyblog

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Four new Sony cameras rumored: A33, A55, A560, A580

PR admin — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:13:00 +0000

Details about four new APS-C based cameras from Sony have surfaced online:

A55 16MP 10FPS EVF-1.44M 1.1X magnification 95% AVCHD full HD
A33 14MP 7FPS EVF-1.44M 1.1X magnification 95% AVCHD full HD
A560 14MP 7FPS MF recording AVCHD full HD
A580 16MP 7FPS MF recording AVCHD full HD

Announcement is expected in August, in stock in September.

The A33 and A55 models are rumored to be Pellix cameras.

All new models are expected to have DOF preview, panorama/3D, ISO 100 (base), 15 AF focus points and AF during video recording. Nikon is also expected to announce an entry level D3100 with continuous AF during video recording.

Via Sonyalpharumors

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Samsung: new Wi-Fi camera and a pocket camcorder

PR admin — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:24:24 +0000

This picture from yesterday was indeed of Samsung’s new pocket camcorder – the HMX-E10. All the details can be found at:

The other camera from the picture is a new, Wi-Fi enabled, point and shoot from Samsung – the ST80. More info at:

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The Impossible Project will bring the color back to Polaroid cameras

PR admin — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 15:05:49 +0000

Tomorrow the Impossible Project is expected to announce a new color instant film for Polaroid SX 70 cameras (price: £34). Earlier this year the company announced their black and white PX 600 Silver Shade Instant film.

Via AP

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Panasonic makes a 3D move

PR admin — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 03:21:32 +0000

Panasonic officially announced their 3D camcorder HDC-SDT750. It will cost $1400 and it will be available in October. See the rest at:

Panasonic also announced plans for interchangeable 3D lens for Micro Four Thirds which should be available by the end of the year:

Two “regular” camcorders were also announced.

Samsung is preparing two new digital cameras

PR admin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 21:56:52 +0000

All I have are those two pictures. I do not know the specs or any model numbers. One of cameras looks like a cell phone (maybe it is a cell phone, or some kind of a video cam):

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New from Sony: 24mm f/2, 35mm f/1.8 and 85mm f/2.8 Alpha lenses

PR admin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:30:14 +0000

Why after I switched to white background, press photos started to come out on a black background?

Sony today announced the rumored 24mm f/2 lens and two more primes: 35mm f/1.8 and 85mm f/2.8 for the Alpha mount. This announcement comes a day after several websites (see here and here) reported the rumor that Sony may stop producing full frame sensors. What’s next from Sony? I expect an indirect response (maybe in an interview) stating that they are committed to the full frame format and will continue to produce full frame cameras and lenses (now if those will have a Sony sensor inside is a different story).

Full press release on the three new lenses after the break:

Sony is expanding its already strong line-up of over 30 A-mount lenses with new models that will appeal to seasoned photographers and those new to DSLR cameras alike

The Distagon T* 24mm F2 ZA SSM (SAL24F20Z) features the acclaimed Carl Zeiss Distagon design and rounds out the existing Planar (SAL85F14Z) and Sonnar (SAL135F18Z) models also developed in conjunction with Carl Zeiss. It is intended to appeal to experienced photographers looking for a large-aperture wide-angle lens of real distinction.

The DT 35mm F1.8 SAM (SAL35F18) adds the important 35mm focal length to the ‘Easy Choice’ series. ‘Easy Choice’ is intended to provide great value, compact and lightweight lenses that are attractive to entry-level and advanced photographers alike. Each lens in the series is selected for a specific purpose, for example portraiture or macro.

The 85mm F2.8 SAM (SAL85F28) is another ‘Easy Choice’ lens, this time offering the 85mm focal length considered the standard for portraiture because of the natural perspective it provides. True to type it is extremely compact and light, weighing just 175g.

The Distagon T* 24mm F2 SSM (SAL24F20Z)
The Distagon T* 24mm F2 SSM (SAL24F20Z) functions as a wide-angle 24mm lens on full-frame cameras with 35mm sensors, or as a 36mm equivalent lens ideal for general use on cameras with APS-C sensors. Jointly developed with Carl Zeiss, it features the highly-regarded Carl Zeiss Distagon retro-focus lens configuration designed for wide-angle lenses.

This lens is distinguished by its fast response focus and extremely quiet, very smooth operation thanks to its built-in SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor).

It offers a wide and therefore highly versatile focal range from 0.19m to infinity, and features a nine-blade circular aperture that along with the large F2 maximum aperture contributes to smooth, natural bokeh effects.

In keeping with traditional Carl Zeiss design, the all-metal lens barrel has been finished to a very high standard resulting in a visibly high-quality appearance.

The DT 35mm F1.8 SAM (SAL35F18)
Part of the ‘Easy Choice’ series, offering photographers at all levels great value, compact and lightweight lenses, the DT 35mm F1.8 SAM (SAL35F18) weighs just 170g. It can be added to a lens kit system and carried without noticeably increasing the weight of the bag.

With an approximately 50mm (35mm equivalent) focal length on an APS-C sensor, this lens is ideal for snapshots and portraits under a wide range of shooting conditions. The high-speed F1.8 maximum aperture is particularly advantageous for hand held shooting in low light.

At just 0.23 metres, the DT 35mm F1.8 SAM (SAL35F18) has the shortest minimum focus in its class, making it an excellent choice for dramatic close-ups too. Whatever the shot, the internal Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) drives the focussing group directly and ensures responsive and fluid autofocus operation.

The 85mm F2.8 SAM (SAL85F28)
This is the first full-frame lens in the ‘Easy Choice’ range, so its launch represents an important development of the line-up as a whole. The 85mm focal length is a standard for portraiture because of the natural perspective that it provides. On an APS-C sensor camera the 85mm F2.8 SAM (SAL85F28) functions as a 127.5mm (35mm equivalent) telephoto lens – and features a Sonnar-type optical design that is considered ideal for mid-range telephoto lenses.

The lens is sharp center to corner, and features smooth defocusing thanks to its large F2.8 maximum aperture and circular aperture design. At 0.6 metres, the minimum focusing distance is the shortest in its class, and SAM motor technology ensures smooth autofocus operation.

The quality optical and mechanical features of the lens mean it is suitable for serious photography and should more than satisfy intermediate to advanced users.

Key technical specifications

Model	*Distagon T 24mm F2 SSM (SAL24F20Z)**	DT 35mm F1.8 SAM (SAL35F18)	85mm F2.8 SAM (SAL85F28)
Focal-length	24mm	35mm	85mm
Lens (groups/elements)	7-9	5-6	4-5
Aspherical elements	2	0	0
ED glass	2	0	0
Min. focus distance	0.19m	0.23m	0.6m
Max. magnification	0.29	0.25	0.2
Built-in Auto focus motor	SSM	SAM	SAM
Image stabilization	Yes (body integrated)	Yes (body integrated)	Yes (Body integrated)
Filter dia.	72mm	55mm	55mm
Dimension	Φ78×76mm	φ70×52mm	φ70×52
Weight	555g	170g	175g
Accessory	Hood, case, front & rear caps	Hood, front & rear caps	Hood, front & rear caps

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Hoya Corp. filed a patent for a water-resistant, interchangeable lens camera

PR admin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 01:43:28 +0000

Hoya filed a patent back in 2007 of what appears to be a water-resistant interchangeable lens camera:

The full patent 7756405 can be found here:

“Field of the invention: The present invention relates to an interchangeable lens which is selectively mountable to a packing-compatible camera body and a packing-incompatible camera body, and also relates to a camera system which includes a packing-compatible camera body, this packing-incompatible camera body and a interchangeable lens.

Description of the related art: Conventionally, in order to provide a water-resistant camera system which is composed of at least one interchangeable lens and a camera body, the interchangeable lens is provided at the rear end thereof with an annular packing made of a resilient material. This annular packing comes into elastic contact with a body-side mount (body mount) of a camera body when the interchangeable lens is mounted to the camera body.

Camera manufacturers manufacture their own-brand camera bodies so that all these camera bodies have body-side mounts of the same shape and size to make all their own-brand interchangeable lenses compatible with all their own-brand camera bodies (note that the shape and size of the body-side mount differ according to camera manufacturers).”

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Samyang 35mm f/1.4 lens to be announced at Photokina

PR admin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 01:09:43 +0000

This is the response from Samyang regarding the upcoming 35mm f/1.4 lens:

“We would like to show a sample on Photokina.
It starts 21 September of this year.
35mm will be 1.4 we don’t plan to make it 1.2. It should be available at the end of this year.”

You can see the complete email correspondence on FredMiranda.

The Samyang 35mm f/1.4 lens will have manual focus.

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Tamron to announce the price of the SP 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di VC USD lens on July 29th

PR admin — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 22:40:36 +0000

Tamron will announce the price of the new Tamron SP 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di VC USD lens on July 29th, 2010 (+/- 1 day depending on your location). This lens was released back in March, 2010 (see full press release). The Tamron SP 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di VC USD should feel a lot like the Nikon 70-300 (similar length and weight) and should have a very fast AF. This is a full frame lens.

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Interesting links from the past week

PR admin — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 22:28:35 +0000

What you may have missed this week:

Digital Holga prototype. Why not?

Did you notice this? The uneventful announcement of the Fujifilm FinePix F300EXR point and shoot camera brought us a new Hybrid Auto Focus System – first in the world:

“Enhanced with built-in phase detection pixels, Super CCD EXR is the first sensor in the world with both contrast and phase detection auto focus. F300EXR harnesses this power with an innovative hybrid AF system that intelligently selects between the two focus systems. In most scenes and especially dark scenes, conventional Contrast AF captures beautiful results, but struggles to find a focus when shooting high-contrast subjects or with a long zoom. Only F300EXR with Hybrid Auto Focus can instantly switch to the speed and accuracy of Phase Detection AF for these scenes. Even at maximum 15x zoom when subject is moving and the moment is fleeting, you won’t miss the shot!

Phase detection sensor pairs on the EXR sensor work like the sensors of a DSLR. Unlike slower Contrast AF which continually adjusts until maximum contrast is detected. Phase Detection AF divides incoming light into image pairs, performs a single calculation of the phase difference to determine the precise direction and amount of focus adjustment achieving an incredible auto focus detection speed of 0.158* seconds.”

Samsung will launch new unbreakable AMOLED plastic panels within 2 years. Mainly targeted for the cell phone industry, but could make its way into digital cameras.

CreativeMayhem talks about a new Canon G12 being scheduled for a September announcement (before Photokina). G11 as announced in August 2009, G10 was announced in September 2008… you see the pattern.

Olympus patent hints at optical viewfinder adapter for MicroFourThirds. What? I thought the whole idea of m4/3 was to remove the mirror, not to add it as an accessory.

4D Dynamics releases a $2000 pico-projector based 3D scanner – the idea is that you can take photos around an object and the additional software turns it into a 3D model:

Rumors that Pentax may join m4/3 with a new camera and 3 lenses are still spreading around. If this happens, there should be some kind of announcement at Photokina.

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Pansonic HDC-SDT750 3D camcorder leaks out

PR admin — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 17:32:08 +0000

As previously reported the 3D effect is achieved by a 3D adapter that attaches to the front lens:

“World’s first 3D shooting camcorder”
1080p AVCHD at 60fps
proprietary Hybrid O.I.S.

The leak came from Panasonic’s own website again:

Via Engadget

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Canon “small SLR” update

PR admin — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 03:07:07 +0000

An update to the previous news from Reuters that Canon is working on a “smaller version of its upmarket single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras”. This is the statement Masaya Maeda (head of the Image Communication Products division) made to Reuters on this topic:

“It’s not a question of whether or not you have a mirror. There is a consumer need for good-quality cameras to be made smaller,” Maeda said. “We will meet this need.”

He denied this would be difficult without removing the internal mirror, adding that Canon had produced very small SLR cameras in the past.

Canon indeed made some small SLR type cameras in the past, for example this Canon EOS IX from 1996:

Canon EOS IX from 1996 - is this the camera Canon has in mind?

Image credit: flickr/Mike Caine

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Testing white background on PhotoRumors.com (please vote)

PR admin — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:32:57 +0000

This is a “sticky post” – I will leave it on top for few days to gather some feedback. Scroll down for the latest PhotoRumors updates. There is a poll embedded in this post – please vote:

I will be testing white background on PhotoRumors this weekend. I still have to make some small adjustments. I would like to know what do you think – should I keep the old (black) background or change it to white:

Update: this is how the new picture gallery will look – still dark background when displaying images in full size, while keeping the white background for text. Click on the photos to see the new gallery in action:

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Panasonic 3D camcorder

PR admin — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 18:57:33 +0000

The 3D camcorder from Panasonic that is expected to be announced next week was already introduced in few countries behind closed doors. The 3D part of the solution will involve some kind of adapter that will attach to front of the lens. Still not sure if this adapter will be compatible with older/existing models or it will be introduced together with a new video camera.

—-
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The latest Sony (and Zeiss) rumors

PR admin — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 18:31:24 +0000

Carl Zeiss posted this message on their Facebook page about a new Sony lens that is suppose to be announced next Tuesday (July 27th):

“Sony will present the new Distagon T* 24mm F2 ZA SSM next Tuesday. It is intended to appeal to experienced photographers looking for a large-aperture wide-angle lens of real distinction. The Distagon T* 24mm F2 ZA SSM (SAL24F20Z) features the acclaimed Carl Zeiss Distagon design and rounds out the existing Planar (SAL85F14Z) and Sonnar (SAL135F18Z) models also developed in conjunction with Carl Zeiss. It functions as a wide-angle 24mm lens on full-frame cameras with 35mm sensors, or as a 36mm equivalent lens ideal for general use on cameras with APS-C sensors. Jointly developed with Carl Zeiss, it features the highly-regarded Carl Zeiss Distagon retro-focus lens configuration designed for wide-angle lenses.”

On the DSLR front, the Sony A550 is listed as discontinued in Japan (this model was announced in August of 2009, Sony seems to have 12 months refresh cycle on this product line – a new version is expected at Photokina) :

Via Sonyalpharumors

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Next week: new Panasonic 3D Camcorder

PR admin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:28:39 +0000

An update from PCWord (yep, we are talking about consumer camcorder):

The camcorder, details of which are not yet available, will be shown at a Tokyo news conference scheduled for July 28, the company said Wednesday. It will be the first 3D-capable camcorder for the consumer market from a major manufacturer.

Akihabaranews reports that Panasonic will announce a new 3D camcorder next week. No further details are known at that point.

Panasonic already has a professional 3D camera - the AG-3DA1:

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Samsung NX100, 3 new lenses in September

PR admin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 12:58:27 +0000

According to the Korean site Ddaily (in English) Samsung will release a new APS-C sensor based NX100 model and three new lenses on September 14, 2010 (right before Photokina).

Last month Samsung NX100 listing made a brief appearance on Samsung Imaging website.

Via Samsunghub

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Bad timing for Samsung and Fuji

PR admin — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:04:34 +0000

Few hours after Panasonic, Samsung announced two new dual view point and shoot cameras – the ST100 and the ST600. In case you are interested:

Fuji did the same thing – two new p&s models:

Pre-orders: Z800 | F300

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