Posts Tagged ‘PMA’
February 24th, 2010 by Allison Gibson Posted in Blog, Cameras, PMA
Announced this weekend at PMA in Anaheim, the new Samsung TL500 has been creating a good amount of buzz for the past few days. Samsung’s new flagship compact fits right into that increasingly popular “prosumer” category, making it an ideal step-up camera for those looking to move into more advanced equipment without jumping straight to D-SLR, and for those pro shooters who like to keep a more compact camera on-hand alongside their D-SLR.
The TL500 has a 24mm ultra‑wide angle Schneider KREUZNACH f/1.8 lens, and as shown above, can be paired with an optional wide-angle adapter that takes the lens from 24mm to 18mm. It has a super bright 3-inch swiveling AMOLED screen that shows deep blacks and really rich colors. The camera has a sturdy, pro-like feeling when it’s in-hand, and I anticipate this high end compact—with full manual shooting modes—will be giving others in its category a run for their money. Samsung is definitely emerging as the dark horse in the digital camera game, thanks especially to their new CES announcement, the NX10, and now the TL500.
February 24th, 2010 by Allison Gibson Posted in Blog, Cameras, PMA
Besides the optics they announced at PMA in Anaheim, Sigma introduced three new cameras, including a new large sensor, compact camera—the DP1x. The DP1x is a successor to the DP1 and shares features with the DP2 (which we reviewed in the magazine last year, and which also got an upgrade at PMA in the new DP2s). It utilizes the same large, 14MP Foveon CMOS image sensor that is found in Sigma’s D-SLRs, and which as you can see in the image below, is massive compared to the typical compact camera’s image sensor. “It is approximately seven to twelve times larger than the 1/1.8inch to 1/2.5inch image sensors used in ordinary compact digital cameras,” according to Sigma.
The DP1x uses the “TRUE II” image processing engine found in the DP2 as well as a new AF algorithm that is supposed to provide super high speed auto focusing. The camera feels very sturdy in-hand and looks good too. The series has developed a cult following due to its stylish, professional look and D-SLR-like image quality, all in a compact body. There isn’t pricing available yet for the camera—or for the other two announced (DP2s and the SD15 D-SLR)—but a good indicator is that the DP1 currently goes for $819 (MSRP) and the DP2 for $870 (MSRP).
February 22nd, 2010 by Allison Gibson Posted in Blog, PMA
This weekend at PMA in Anaheim, Sigma announced a whopping new lineup of lenses, including the 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 DC HSM—the first ultra wide zoom lens with a minimum focal length of 8mm, designed specifically for APS-C size image sensors. The first thing you think when you see this compact lens is, “Hey, look at that Fisheye lens,” but you’re absolutely wrong (as I was). In fact, the curved glass is actually the “hybrid aspherical lens” with two “glass mold elements [to] give excellent correction for distortion and astigmatism.” Sigma’s David Metz even joked that the unofficial name of this 8-16mm lens was the “Not a Fisheye Lens.”
Also introduced by Sigma was the 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM, which is being marketed as the perfect upgrade to the standard 18-50mm F11 kit lens of so many entry-level D-SLRs. Besides these two mentioned, Sigma introduced three other lenses. There is no official pricing for the new optics, mainly because they are so new that they haven’t even gotten a chance to really shoot with them to see what price points they should be at, but they will be available at the upcoming WPPI show in Las Vegas for people to check out in person.
February 22nd, 2010 by Allison Gibson Posted in Blog, Cameras, PMA
Three weeks ago, Olympus announced their new Micro Four-Thirds format, interchangeable lens E-PL1 camera, and now we’ve gotten a chance here at PMA to get a closer look at it—and to compare it to its predecessors in the PEN line, the E-P1 and E-P2. The E-PL1 is much lighter than the E-P2 (and costs half as much—$599 to the E-P2’s $1099). It also offers some more entry-level features for people just moving into the format from a point-and-shoot. Intelligent Auto (IA) Mode offers a plain-speak menu of “Live Guide Control” options for easy enhancements, such as “brighten subject” or “blur background.” The E-PL1 also lacks more accessible manual controls and dials on the body, as seen below compared to the E-P2, though it still features full Manual shooting modes.
Olympus PEN E-P2 (left) and PEN E-PL1 (right)
A standout feature that appears in the E-PL1 that was lacking in the E-P2 is a built-in flash. Neither camera has a viewfinder—which is unfortunate especially at $1099 for a more advanced camera like the E-P2—but they sell a separate electronic viewfinder that can be mounted to the accessory port. As you can see, Olympus offered us a bright pile of random objects—feathers and action figures—to test shoot with the E-PL1, and the resultant images were impressively sharp and bright. Olympus says the E-PL1 will be available within the next couple of weeks.
February 22nd, 2010 by Allison Gibson Posted in Blog, News, PMA
Here at PMA in Anaheim, SanDisk has just announced that they’ve begun shipping the 64GB Ultra SDXC card—the company’s highest capacity SD card ever, and the successor to the SDHC format cards. For video folks, the 64GB capacity SDXC, with up to 15MB/sec read speed2 and Class 4 speed rating, is ideal for capturing and storing massive 1080p HD video files and then transferring them quickly to a computer. But, as SanDisk says, “Because the SD 3.0 specification was recently released, only a handful of devices may be immediately available that support SDXC cards. However, the pace of new camera model introduction supporting the SDXC format is accelerating. Canon announced at CES that all of its new VIXIA camcorder models and PowerShot cameras are compatible with SDXC cards.” The 64GB Ultra SDXC card is priced at $349.99.
February 22nd, 2010 by Allison Gibson Posted in Blog, PMA
Tomorrow marks the sixth birthday of Lensbaby, maker of that amazing Optic Swap System for capturing stunning selective focus images. To celebrate their birthday here at PMA in Anaheim, Lensbaby is “throwing a big social media bash,” as they’re calling it, and giving away a ton of gifts that have been donated by their friends in the photo industry. Here’s the info on how to win, below. And make sure to stop by the Lensbaby booth if you’re at PMA at 1:00pm tomorrow, 2/22, when they celebrate with cupcakes! You know the DP team will be there.
From Lensbaby:
The Grand Prize will be a Lensbaby Composer plus all 6 Optic Swap Optics – one for each year of our life. In addition, lucky participants will get fabulous photo gifts donated by our friends including Bay Photo, Digital Photo Academy, Focal Press, Hoodman, Joby, Kubota Image Tools, Lenspen, Plywerk, Nasty Clamps, SmugMug, Tamrac, Trek-Tech and others.
There are 7 ways to enter, and you get one raffle ticket for each way you enter giving you many chances to score a birthday present. Enter now through March 5th. We’ll announce winners in mid March.
The seven ways to win:
February 21st, 2010 by Allison Gibson Posted in Blog, PMA
Joby’s original, bendable Gorillapod tripod now has magnetic feet, allowing you to attach it to metal surfaces (such as toolboxes, apparently, as seen on their display here at PMA) so that you always get that steady shot or self portrait. This thing’s strong enough to hold up to 11.5 oz. (enough for most any compact camera), and has a lock ring to give you extra confidence that your camera will stay put as it hangs from an upside-down golf club head (another example at Joby’s PMA booth.)
Their recently introduced Ball X—designed for the Gorillapod Focus—supports 11 oz. of weight in equipment, cantilevered, to position your camera at pretty much any angle. It allows smooth movement for 360-degree panning and 90-degree tilt, an has a universal quick-release plate, which stays connected to your camera so that you can switch between cams efficiently.
February 21st, 2010 by Allison Gibson Posted in Blog, Cameras, News, PMA
Here at PMA in Anaheim, Casio has announced two new compact point-and-shoots in their EXILIM line—the 12MP EX-S7 and the 12MP EX-Z35, which both offer Casio’s “Best Shot” shooting modes for no-confusion scene selection. We also got to see the rugged G-1, which can sustain a drop of 6-feet and be submerged under water (up to 10-feet) for an hour. See the full press release from Casio below.
Also on display in Casio’s booth is a concept camera with built-in “hybrid” GPS technology, which would allow for photographers to get positioning even when they can’t get a GPS signal—either inside a building or in a remote area outdoors.
From Casio:
ANAHEIM, CA —FEBRUARY 21, 2010 — Adding to a rich tradition of digital cameras that balance technology and style, Casio America, Inc. and its parent company, Casio Computer Co., Ltd., introduced two new compact models to their popular EXILIM line. The EX-S7 and the EX-Z35 boast intelligent automated features found in a slim and stylish compact design allowing users to capture moments effortlessly. Earlier this month, Casio America, Inc. began shipping the popular EX-FC150 featuring Casio’s exclusive shutter lag eliminating High Speed BEST SHOT Continuous Modes. The new EXILIM models will be on display at Photo Marketing Association (PMA) 2010 in Anaheim, CA, Casio Booth #2241.
The EX-S7 and EX-Z35 embody the sophistication and innovation of Casio’s EXILIM line. Offering modernized features and improved image processing capabilities through BEST SHOT, Easy-Mode and Face Detection, the new cameras deliver quality images that can be shared on a variety of social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube™. Whether on-the-go or spending quality time with friends and family, the photo taking and sharing experience is fun and occurs at the touch of a button. Complementing any style, the cameras come in a variety of dazzling colors.
Developed with Casio’s latest EXILIM Engine 5.0, which delivers higher image quality and lower power consumption, the EX-S7 is a 12.1 effective megapixel digital camera with a 3X optical zoom lens and a 2.7 inch, high-quality LCD screen. With a quick-access dedicated movie button, users can record memorable moments in 720p high-definition (HD). Additionally, the EX-S7 is compatible with SD memory cards.
The camera also features Casio’s celebrated Dynamic Photo, a Hollywood-like green-screen effect which adds animated graphics into still photos where users can create unique e-greetings to share with friends and family. Dynamic Photo gives the power to create original and artistic visuals that can be emailed, posted on social networks and even printed out at home.
With the EX-Z35, Casio adds to the exciting new line-up designed for the photographer that seeks a high-performance digital camera without intimidating controls and settings. Featuring Casio’s easy Mode function, a simplified menu screen that offers seamless navigation, the EX-Z35 is also equipped with Face Detection. The camera produces images at a 12.1 effective megapixel resolution and is equipped with a 3X optical zoom lens. The EX-Z35 comes in an eye-catching compact body for active lifestyles.
With much excitement, Casio’s highly anticipated EX-FC150, featuring 10.1MP, 5X optical zoom lens and Casio’s exclusive High Speed capture technologies, has arrived to North America. The new EX-FC150 makes using High Speed capture easier. By combining two popular modes found in its predecessor, the EX-FC100, the EX-FC150 is equipped with easy-to-use shutter-lag eliminating BEST SHOT scene modes. By automating Casio’s High Speed Pre-Recording and lightning-fast Continuous Burst modes into five simple BEST SHOT modes, The EXILIM EX-FC150 ensures the shot is never missed.
“Casio is committed to delivering high quality digital cameras that produce crisp images that capture life’s vibrant colors in detail. Our goal is to create easy-to-use cameras for any lifestyle,” says Toshiyuki Iguchi, senior general manager of Casio’s Digital Imaging Division at Casio America, Inc. “We are thrilled to expand the popular EXILIM lineup with the additions of the EX-S7 and EX-Z35.”
The EX-S7 will be available in the spring with an MSRP of $139.99 and is available in fashionable colors such as black and purple. The EX-Z35, available this March, will have an MSRP of $109.99 and will be offered in black, silver, pink, red and blue body colors. The EX-FC-150 will be available for $349 in two colors, black and a cabernet wine.
February 21st, 2010 by Allison Gibson Posted in Blog, Cameras, News, PMA
At Sony’s press conference, minutes ago at PMA here in Anaheim, they introduced a mock-up model of a new camera concept—an ultra compact a (Alpha) D-SLR model with interchangeable lenses. We also got to see the newly announced Cyber-shot DSC-TX5 and H55 in person.
February 20th, 2010 by Allison Gibson Posted in Blog, Cameras, News, PMA
A day before the PMA show officially opens here in Anaheim, the press gets a “sneak peek” at an eponymously named event. Today, at that event, I got to see a lot of the cameras that have been recently announced by Pentax, Nikon, Samsung and Olympus, and several new PMA announcements from the likes of HP and GE. This is also the venue where I get the time to check out gear like bags and innovative new ideas from smaller companies, such as PhotoFramed.com.
I got to get my hands on newly announced Pentax cameras, including the teeny tiny, adorably retro-looking Optio I-10; the brand new Samsung TL350, which was just announced this morning; and the Nikon COOLPIX S8000, with its ultra bright 3-inch LCD screen that’s similar to that of the pro level D3s D-SLR—which I also got to check out.
New from GE (General Imaging) is a line of super automatic point-and-shoot digicams—meaning they leave almost nothing to the photographer other than to press the shutter release. The memory is all built-in, as well as the battery, but General Imaging says that’s what consumers asked for. Point. And. Shoot. The most important feature of these cameras, for the fashionistas they’re geared toward, anyway, is that they were co-designed by Jason Wu, an exciting young New York fashion designer, and feature an assortment of color choices and leather finishes.
New from HP is a lineup of affordable point-and-shoots, including the 12.2MP PW550 with 5x optical zoom and the 12MP CW450 with a 2.7-inch touch LDC.
The just announced Lowepro SlingShot AW series was the most exciting bag selection I saw today. Lowepro’s SlingShots have been wildly popular with photographers since they first came out five years ago because of the way they allow for rapid access to cameras and gear. For this new generation, they’ve made a few upgrades based on consumer feedback from the field to further enhance that experience, including the ability to carry a smaller tripod on the outside, and interior space for personal items besides camera gear.
Check back for more in-depth, hands-on looks at new cameras and gear over the next couple of days, as we traverse the crowded landscape of the PMA show floor.
Tags: announcements, bags, Cameras, D-SLR, GE, General Imaging, HP, Lowepro, News, Nikon, Nikon S8000, NikonD3S, Olympus, Pentax, Pentax Optio I-10, PhotoFramed.com, PMA, point-and-shoot, Samsung, Samsung TL350 | No Comments »
