Copyright (c) 1998-2009 Digital Photograph Review en-us Digital Photography Review, Latest digital camera news, camera reviews, galleries, technology and comparisons. http://www.dpreview.com/ Fri, 19 Mar 2010 01:18:00 GMT http://www.dpreview.com/ http://a.img-dpreview.com/images/dprlogo_white_free.gif http://www.dpreview.com/ Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:45:00 GMT http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10031802canonfirmwareissue.asp http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1000 ]]>Canon has detected a problem with the recently released firmware for its 5D Mark II DSLR. With v2.0.3, sound recording will not work if a manual record volume is used in the C1/C2/C3 custom settings modes. The company is currently working on a firmware update to address the issue and meanwhile requests users to change the sound recording setting to Auto in the custom modes. http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10031802canonfirmwareissue.asp Thu, 18 Mar 2010 10:30:00 GMT http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10031801ricohgxrfirmware.asp http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1000 ]]>Ricoh has posted the first firmware update for its GXR system, covering the A12 50mm equiv. macro and S10 24-72mm equiv. zoom lens units. Version 1.07 fixes minor bugs and brings in a few improvements, including additional AF modes for the A12 module that offer faster autofocus. The single firmware file will make appropriate changes for each unit and is available for immediate download from Ricoh's website. http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10031801ricohgxrfirmware.asp Wed, 17 Mar 2010 17:25:00 GMT http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10031702ricohgxrs1024-72mmreview.asp http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1000 ]]>Just posted! Our in-depth review of the Ricoh GXR with the S10 24-72mm F2.5-4.4 VC lens module. After we reviewed Ricoh's A12 50mm APS-C module a couple of weeks ago it's now the more compact S10's turn. It's got a smaller 1/1.7 sensor and comes with a 3x zoom wide angle lens. Find out how the A12's sidekick performed in our comprehensive review after the link... http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10031702ricohgxrs1024-72mmreview.asp Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:12:00 GMT http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10031701lightroomplugin.asp http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1000 ]]>We've been impressed with the take-up of our galleries system, with over 120,000 images uploaded so far, but have been looking for ways to make it even more accessible to photographers. To this end, we have created an uploader plug-in for Adobe's Lightroom 2 raw processing and workflow tool. The plug-in adds to Lightroom's 'export' tab, letting you set your output specifications and configure the permissions for the images once on the site. The plug-in is a beta at present, with more functions to come. http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10031701lightroomplugin.asp Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:10:00 GMT http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10031700samsungnx10fw105.asp http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1000 ]]>Samsung has released a firmware update for its NX10 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The firmware, available from the company's website doesn't acknowledge any additional changes beyond those made in version 1.04. These include getting long-exposure noise reduction to engage for exposures longer than 1 sec (rather than 4sec), and changing the default focus point selection method in P,A,S and M modes. http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10031700samsungnx10fw105.asp Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:21:00 GMT http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10031603gigapanepicpro.asp http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1000 ]]>GigaPan has released a new version of its motorized panorama tripod mount that is designed for DSLRs. Like the company's Epic models, the Epic Pro is capable of shooting vertical and 360° horizontal panoramic images and can take camera-lens combinations weighing up to 4.5kgs. The mount will ship with the the company's image stitching software and will be available from April 2010 at a retail price of $895. http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10031603gigapanepicpro.asp Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:15:00 GMT http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10031602airstash.asp http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1000 ]]>Device maker Wearable Inc. has released the AirStash wireless card reader to share images from SD/SDHC cards to Wi-Fi devices. The battery-powered device acts as a wireless media server, allows secure sharing and previewing of images. Battery life for the $99.99 reader provides up to five hours of continuous data streaming. http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10031602airstash.asp Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:36:00 GMT http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10031601canon5dmkiifirmware.asp http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1000 ]]>Canon has finally released the video-related firmware for its 5D Mark II DSLR. Firmware v2.0.3 adds more video options and is now available for immediate download via Canon's website. http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10031601canon5dmkiifirmware.asp Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:09:00 GMT http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10031502leicam9firmware.asp http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1000 ]]>Leica has released a firmware update for its M9 digital rangefinder. Version 1.116 brings in a host of improvements including enchanced magenta color shift correction for listed wide-angle lenses and a new, ISO setting-related, vignetting correction. The firmware is available for immediate download from Leica's website. http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10031502leicam9firmware.asp Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:15:00 GMT http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10031501bibble5proupdate.asp http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1000 ]]>Bibble Labs has added support for the Canon EOS 550D and Olympus E-PL1 cameras to Bibble 5 Pro. Version 5.0.3 of the Raw processing software is available for immediate download via the Bibble Labs website. http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10031501bibble5proupdate.asp Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:21:00 GMT http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10031201pocketwizardnikon.asp http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1000 ]]>PocketWizard has tested a prototype of its radio controlled flash triggers for Nikon flashguns. The hot-shoe mounted FlexTT5 transceiver is currently available only for Canon flash systems and allows photographers to wirelessly control flashguns. The company plans to release a beta version to the public once it completes initial testing and fixes bugs of the early prototype. http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10031201pocketwizardnikon.asp Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:21:00 GMT http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10031101ricohcpplus.asp http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1000 ]]>CP+ 2010: Ricoh has exhibited prototypes of its A12 28mm equiv. prime and P10 28-300mm equiv. lens modules for the GXR system at the CP+ photographic trade show. The show report by Japanese website DC Watch includes camera writer Fumio Nakamura's mock-ups showing the potential of the system including remote modules and modules with conventional lens mounts. Ricoh has confirmed that it does not currently have any plans to make such modules. http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10031101ricohcpplus.asp Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:21:00 GMT http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10031003ukgovstatement.asp http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1000 ]]>The UK Policing and Crime Minister has reasserted that anti-terrorism should not be used to stop photographers and photojournalists. In a meeting with a Parliamentary photography group and journalists, David Hanson MP said the Sections 44 and 58A of the 2000 Terrorist Act should not be 'used to stop ordinary people taking photos or to curtail legitimate journalistic activity'. He also said guidance to that effect has been provided to the UK police forces, advising that these powers should not be used to stop innocent members of the public, tourists and journalists. http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10031003ukgovstatement.asp Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:00:00 GMT http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10031002pentax645d.asp http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1000 ]]>Five years after announcing its development, and following a month-long online campaign trailing the launch, Pentax has finally unveiled its much anticipated 645D medium format digital camera. The first digital version of the company's 645 medium format camera system, it features a 40MP, 44 x 33 CCD sensor, 921k dot 3.0" LCD and is compatible with the existing 645 system lenses. The camera will initially be available only in the Japanese market at a suggested retail price of ¥850,000 (~ US $9,400) from May 2010. http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10031002pentax645d.asp Wed, 10 Mar 2010 01:00:00 GMT http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10031001pentax55mm.asp http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1000 ]]>In conjunction with its announcement of the 645D medium format camera, Pentax has announced the smc D FA 645 55mm F2.8 AL[IF] SDM AW lens. First in the D FA 645 lens series, this weather-resistant prime lens features a Supersonic Direct-drive Motor (SDM) autofocus drive and Quick-Shift for instant AF/MF switching. It is also the company's first 645 system lens to incorporates a rounded diaphragm.The 55mm lens will be available alongside the 645D camera at a suggested retail price of ¥100,000 (~ US $1,100). http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10031001pentax55mm.asp Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:00:00 GMT http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10030901tamron70mm300mm.asp http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1000 ]]>Tamron has announced the development of a 70-300mm f/4-5.6 zoom lens featuring image stabilization and an ultrasonic auto-focus drive. The SP 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD is the company's first lens to feature its latest Ultrasonic Silent Drive (USD) autofocus motor, with full-time manual focus override. The optical design includes an element made from Extra-Low Dispersion (XLD) glass, said to have optical properties similar to fluorite. Designed for both full-frame and APS-C digital SLRs, the lens will be initially available in Nikon mount followed by Canon and Sony versions. http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10030901tamron70mm300mm.asp Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:57:00 GMT http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10030801mamiyadm40.asp http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1000 ]]>Mamiya has announced the price and availability of its new DM40 medium format camera and a digital back of the same name. Priced at $21,990 for the camera and 80mm f/2.8 lens D series lens, and $19,990 for the digital back, they will start shipping from this month onwards. Both incorporate 40MP, 44 x 33 mm sensors and feature true 16 bit/channel RAW capture, ISO range of 80-800 and capture images at 0.8 seconds per frame. The DM40 digital back can be used with compatible medium or large format cameras via an adapter. http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10030801mamiyadm40.asp Sun, 07 Mar 2010 09:00:00 GMT http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10030703panasonicg2.asp http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1000 ]]>Focus on Imaging 2010: Eighteen months after unveiling the worlds first Micro Four Thirds camera, Panasonic has introduced its successor- the Lumix DMC-G2, with touch control shooting. Built around the same body design as the G1, it records 720p HD videos in AVCHD Lite format and features a touch sensitive 460K dot 3.0" LCD. Its advanced touch features allows shooting by just tapping the subject on the LCD. Other features include AF tracking, a dedicated movie mode and a faster Venus Engine HD II processor. We've had a pre-production example in the office and have put together a hands-on preview. http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10030703panasonicg2.asp Sun, 07 Mar 2010 09:00:00 GMT http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10030702panasonicg10.asp http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1000 ]]>Focus on Imaging 2010: Panasonic has released what it calls 'the world's lightest interchangeable lens camera with a viewfinder' in the shape of Lumix DMC-G10. It features the same 12.1MP Live MOS sensor and Venus Engine HD II as the DMC-G2, also announced today. It also comes with a 460K dot 3" LCD but without the tilt/swivel and touch options of the G2 and gets a lower resolution viewfinder. The G10 can record 720p HD movie in Motion JPEG format. Both cameras can accept the high-capacity SDXC format cards and are offered with a new 14-42mm kit lens. http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10030702panasonicg10.asp Sun, 07 Mar 2010 09:00:00 GMT http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10030701pana14mm42mm.asp http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1000 ]]>Focus on Imaging 2010: Alongside the Lumix DMC-G2 and G10 Micro Four Thirds cameras, Panasonic has also released the Lumix G Vario 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH Mega O.I.S. image stabilized lens. Offering an equivalent zoom range of 28-84mm, the lens is a new optical design but offers a similar specification to the original 14-45mm G System zoom. The new lens, known as the H-FS014042, loses the image stabilization on/off switch and metal mount of its predecessor and comes in a slightly larger body. http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10030701pana14mm42mm.asp Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:06:00 GMT http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10030401gfkq4salesreport.asp http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1000 ]]>The UK has embraced the Micro Four Thirds camera format, making up over 10% of interchangeable lens camera sales (by volume) in December 2009. According to figures from market research company GfK Retail and Technology, around 6,600 Micro Four Thirds cameras were sold in the UK, accounting for more than half of the system's sales volumes in 11 major Western European countries. http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10030401gfkq4salesreport.asp Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:00:00 GMT http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10030301olyep1firmware.asp http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1000 ]]>Olympus has released a firmware update for its E-P1 Micro Four Thirds camera. Version 1.3 resolves the issue where the camera's Level Gauge display did not move when focusing manually. The firmware update can be downloaded via the Olympus Master or Studio software. http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10030301olyep1firmware.asp Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:42:00 GMT http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10030205ricohgxra1250mmreview.asp http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1000 ]]>Just posted! Our in-depth review of the Ricoh GXR with the A12 50mm F2.5 lens module. The GXR's concept of interchangeable lens modules is unique in today's digital camera world and generated a lot of interest when it was first announced four months ago. This review covers the GXR with the A12 50mm f2.5 equiv (12MP APS-C sensor) module (the S10 24-70mm module will follow soon). Find out how Ricoh's new flagship performed in our comprehensive review after the link... http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10030205ricohgxra1250mmreview.asp Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:24:00 GMT http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10030203wacomcintiq21uz.asp http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1000 ]]>Wacom has released the Cintiq 21UX, an interactive pen display that combines with the company's pressure sensitive Grip Pen to offer 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity. The 21UX comes with a tilting, rotating stand that lets users to view it from varied angles and features customizable menu options. It comes along with basic image editing software and also supports advanced programs such as Adobe Photoshop. Priced at $1999 USD, the Cintiq 21UX will start shipping from late March 2010. http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10030203wacomcintiq21uz.asp Tue, 02 Mar 2010 01:00:00 GMT http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10030201canoneos5dmkiifirmware.asp http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1000 ]]>Canon has announced that the long awaited, video-related firmware for its EOS 5D Mark II will be available from mid-March. Firmware version 2.0.3 enables full 1080p HD video recording at 24, 25 and 29.97fps to match the PAL and NTSC broadcast standards. It also adds a new histogram display while shooting movies and allows users to manually control sound recording levels. Audio sampling frequency has also been increased to match broadcast material standards. http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10030201canoneos5dmkiifirmware.asp Tue, 02 Mar 2010 11:36:00 GMT http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10030200topazadjust4.asp http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1000 ]]>Software maker Topaz Labs has released version 4 of its color management plug-in for Adobe Photoshop. The latest version features a redesigned interface, new presets and upgraded image processing algorithms. It is available as a free upgrade for existing users or $49.99 for first-time buyers. http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10030200topazadjust4.asp Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:36:00 GMT http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10030103sonysemiconductor.asp http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1000 ]]>Sony Semiconductor's latest online newsletter gives an in-depth explanation of its 10.34MP 1/2.3" type back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor. The IMX050CQK is designed for low-light photography and has been incorporated in many of the company's recent CMOS sensor equipped cameras including the Cyber-shot TX5, HX5 and the Ricoh CX3 compacts. Another paper in the issue talks about how its supporting processor can offer high speed videos, full HD video recording and decreased power consumption. http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10030103sonysemiconductor.asp Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:24:00 GMT http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10030102noktor50mmhyperprime.asp http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1000 ]]>After a brief online campaign, US-based company Noktor has announced its first product: the HyperPrime 50mm f/0.95 lens for Micro Four Thirds cameras. This ultra-fast manual focus lens with manual aperture control bears an uncanny resemblance to the Senko 50mm f/0.95 C-mount CCTV lens and shares almost all of its vital specifications. The company, that appears to be registered to a residential property in Canton, Georgia will start shipping the lens from April 15, 2010 at a retail price of $750. http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10030102noktor50mmhyperprime.asp Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:36:00 GMT http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10030101canonsoftwareupdates.asp http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1000 ]]>Canon has posted updates for several camera software programs including the 'Digital Photo Professional' Raw conversion software. The latest version of DPP extends support to the recently released EOS T2i/550D DSLR and comes with a new image rotation tool. The updated versions of the other pieces of software including EOS Utility and Picture Style Editor also extend support to the EOS 550D DSLR. The updates can be downloaded from the DSLR support pages of individual cameras from Canon's website. http://www.dpreview.com/news/1003/10030101canonsoftwareupdates.asp Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:24:00 GMT http://www.dpreview.com/news/1002/10022602sigmawebsite.asp http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1000 ]]>Sigma US has revamped its website with new interactive features. It now includes a Lens Finder section that is aimed at guiding users to select the right lens according to their camera system, price and skill level. Other features include a photo share gallery, blog and social media tools. http://www.dpreview.com/news/1002/10022602sigmawebsite.asp