Sigma 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 DG MACRO Lens
Sigma has recently announced their new lens for Pentax mount DSLR Camera. The new 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 DG MACRO is digitally optimized lens covers all the focal lengths from 28mm wide angle to 300mm telephoto with 10.7:1 high zoom ratio as well as macro capability.
The new multi layer lens coating and lens design reduce flare and ghost, which is a common problem with digital cameras and also creates an optimum color balance through the entire zoom range. This lens features two Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements and four aspherical lenses for excellent correction of all types of aberration and displays a high level of optical ability. The use of aspherical lenses in the construction of this lens not only corrects aberrations but also produces a very compact and lightweight lens design.
The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 50cm at all focal lengths and is equipped with a macro mechanism for close-up photography at 300mm telephoto, allowing a reproduction ratio of 1:3. Moreover, the lens has internal focussing means that it has the advantage of a non-rotating front lens assembly, which is of great benefit when using polarizing filter and Petal-type hood.
Camera Phone Vs. Digital Camera
Avecmobile.com has an interesting article comparing the image quality of a 2 megapixel Nokia N90 to a compact digital camera. In conclusion they write:
” Photos taken outdoors on the Nokia N90 proved to be very nice. You can see plenty of detail at the front of the picture where we locked the auto-focus. In fact, the auto-focus system found the the hay at the front, while we couldn’t lock the digital camera on the small object at all. That’s why both photos above are focused a little bit further and not on the nearest hay. In any case, the digital camera image shows more details and its color balance is better.
… If you want to be absolutely sure you always have a camera with you, go for a high-end camera phone – the image quality is good, especially in outdoors pictures. Many holiday photographers only need a product like the N90 for keeping their sunny memories. For indoors or sports photography, capturing distant objects with a zoom, or if you believe you’ll be getting serious with photography, consider a dedicated digital camera and a phone.”
Nikon Capture Software Update
Nikon has recently announced the latest version of their image capture software which is now available for download. The Nikon Capture version 4.4.0 (windows) and 4.4.1 (Mac) updates add support for D200 RAW images and the color mode item in the advanced RAW tool palette.
Download Nikon Capture Software Version 4.4.0 (Windows) & 4.4.1 (Mac)
RELEASE NOTES
Nikon Capture version 4.4.0 (Windows)
If Nikon Capture version 4.4.0 is to be used in combination with Nikon View, please be sure that you are using Nikon View version 6.2.7 for full compatibility of files and most functions.
Improvements:
Firmware Update v1.10 for Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1
Konica Minolta has released a new firmaware update for Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1. The v1.10 update will Shortened shutter-release time lag (time period from when the shutter-release button is pressed down fully to when exposure begins) and shortened operation time lag (time period from zooming lever is operated to when operation of any other function button is accepted).
Download Konica Minolta DiMAGE X1 Firmware Update v1.10 for PC & MAC
Installation guide for DiMAGE X1 firmware is available in English, Česky, Deutsch, Español, Français, Italiano, Russkij, and Svenska.
Nikon EN-EL3 Batteries Service Advisory
Nikon has recently issued a service advisory for EN-EL3 rechargeable lithium ion battery packs due to the possibility of a short circuit causing the battery to overheat and possibly melt, posing a potential hazard to consumers.
The Nikon EN-EL3 battery pack is provided as a supplied accessory with the purchase of Nikon’s digital SLR D100, D70, and D50 cameras. It is also sold separately at retail under Nikon’s model number 26265. The EN-EL3 battery pack involved in this recall was first distributed by Nikon in May 2004 and is still being sold at retail.
Service Advisory: Nikon USA | Nikon Europe
Nikon D2X & D2Hs Firmware v1.0
Nikon Japan has recently updated their firmware for Nikon D2X and D2Hs DSLR.
Issues addressed with D2X Firmware Ver. 1.01
- Autofocus performance has been increased.
- An issue that prevented the AF-assist illuminator from firing when the Speedlights listed below were used has been corrected. SB-29S, SB-29, SB-23, SB-22S, SB-22, SB-20.
- In images captured at a shutter speed of 1/250 s with a Speedlight SB-800, set to Distance-priority manual flash (GN), or Manual flash (M) with flash output set to full (M1/1) mounted on the camera, the top portion was often dark. This issue has been addressed. However, under the circumstances described above only, the guide number is reduced from that of full flash output level by approximately 0.6 EV.
- Images captured at white-balance settings of Incandescent, Direct sunlight, Cloudy, Shade, and Choose color temp. tended to have a reddish tint. This issue has been addressed.
- Errors in Dutch menus have been corrected.
Shoot First, Focus Later
Scientist from Stanford University invents “Fourier Slice Photography” and “Light Field Photography”. It gives the ability to focus an out-of-focus shot afterwards.
The article points out that especially microscopy and medicine are fascinated by its potentials. Taking pictures of cells and tissue and then gradually focussing in different depths. By focussing in increments you can even create a small “film” that allows you to travel inside the picture.
Kodak One Galleries Open in New York & San Fransisco
Eastman Kodak Company has opened digital photography galleries at 102 Wooster St, NY and 1823 Union St, SF. The open galleries will be showcasing the new Easyshare One zoom digital camera - the world’s first Wi-Fi consumer digital camera. It’s open from November 1st through November 27th.
“The One Gallery is a place where people can come to explore the world of cutting-edge digital photography, take in exhibits by renowned and up-and-coming professional photographers, and personally experience the most innovative products and services from Kodak,” said Pierre Schaeffer, director of worldwide marketing services, Digital & Film Imaging Systems, Eastman Kodak Company. “Kodak is known around the globe for making picture taking and sharing highly accessible, easy, and enjoyable. These galleries illuminate the next major wave in photography—the shift from simply taking digital pictures to helping people immediately connect in new, engaging ways, thanks to our groundbreaking picture sharing devices and services.”
Photoshop TV is Now Available
On Monday, October 24, the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) launched a new video podcast - Photoshop TV.
Hosted by the “Photoshop Guys” (Scott Kelby, Dave Cross and Matt Kloskowski), Photoshop TV immediately began climbing the charts of Apple’s iTunes podcasts to hit number 2 on October 28, leaving heavyweights such as NPR, Al Franken and ESPN in their dust. The cast saw over 6,200 subscribers in its first 72 hours.
DSLR Tutorial Website by Canon
Canon has launched a new website for DSLR photographers to learn to use their DSLR camera. The website has five parts covering almost everything about the very basic of digital photography.
1. About the DSLR Camera
2. Ways to Shoot
3. Quick and Easy Great Shot
4. Using Camera Features
5. Printing Photos
You will need a flash plugin installed to be able to access the website
