Latest News in Photography, 06/20/08

NIKON RELEASES THE NEW CAPTURE NX2

MELVILLE, N.Y. (June 20, 2008) –Nikon Capture NX 2 image editing software is now available for purchase at authorized Nikon dealers and through the Nikon Mall online store. The latest generation of Capture NX provides photography enthusiasts with a suite of powerful tools operated by simple yet visually intuitive controls to streamline the photo editing process. Capture NX 2 utilizes revolutionary U Point® technology to give photographers access to powerful Control Points that enhance color, exposure, and other image quality settings quickly and easily.

Capture NX 2 offers users a wealth of new technologies focused on photographers, including the innovative new Selection Control Point that places a commanding suite of image editing tools at the user’s fingertips to simplify and accelerate the image editing experience. Additionally, Capture NX 2 adds an advanced Auto Retouch Brush for seamless retouching, an improved yet simple user interface, updated menus, browser functionality and an increase in performance. Read the full release here.


THE CANON PROFESSIONAL NETWORK MASTERCLASS

The Canon Professional Network is sharing video tutorials by professionals for professionals, which they call the Masterclass. Their first series of videos "concentrate on getting to know your camera better, understanding the technology and discovering how to get the best from your equipment." There's also a video on lens cleaning.


SONY ANNOUNCES HVL-F58AM FLASH FOR THE ALPHA DSLR SERIES

SAN DIEGO, Jun. 19, 2008 – Sony is expanding its a (alpha) system of accessories to include the new HVL-F58AM flash unit with exceptional features for versatile and flexible external lighting control. This new flash features a new and innovative Quick Shift Bounce system. It offers more creative ways to achieve lighting, flash and bounce angles you may not have been able to experience before.

The flash head can pivot 90 degrees left and right on a horizontal axis in addition to the conventional up and down vertical adjustment. With this system, the camera and flash unit can keep the same orientation regardless of portrait or landscape shooting. This gives a higher degree of flexibility when arranging the direction of light. Read the full release here.


FUJIFILM LAUNCHES THE FASTEST CF CARD TO DATE

18 June 2008: Fujifilm UK Ltd has announced the launch of a new 310x version of its CompactFlashTM card. The Fujifilm Professional UDMA enabled 310x CompactFlashTM card offers the fastest sustained write speed of any memory card available today. Using a specially designed controller and the latest SLC flash memory chips, the Fujifilm 310x CompactFlashTM card is available in 4GB, 8GB and 16GB capacities.

This memory card provides support for the latest generation of UDMA compatible digital SLRs and professional video cameras. With a staggering sustained write speed of 46.5MB/sec, the Fujifilm 310x CompactFlashTM card will cope with every picture a professional photographer could ever want to take and more.

*Correct at time of going to print and based on Fujifilm test matrix data.

Availability & pricing: The Fujifilm 310x CompactFlashTM card is available from UK retailers end of July 2008.

Pricing is as follows:
• 310x CompactFlashTM card 4GB – SRP £49.99
• 310x CompactFlashTM card 8GB – SRP £119.99
• 310x CompactFlashTM card 16GB – SRP £209.99

Read the full article here.

Canon Announces the New Digital Rebel XS / 1000D and Speedlite 430EX II

In a very surprising move, Canon recently unveiled the Digital Rebel XS/1000D which is its newest entry-level DSLR only four months after the release of the Rebel XSi/450D. Apparently, the 1000D was developed alongside the XSi. Canon decided to release a new lower cost model to the Rebel 450D instead of keeping the Xti/400D in the line-up.

In terms of specifications and looks, the 1000D is definitely a cross between the 400D and the 450D. Like the 400D it has a 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor but this time incorporates Live View capabilities. It uses the new DIGIC III image processor which should improve image quality specially in high ISO settings. The 1000D uses the LP-E5 battery pack which gives approximately 100 shots more than the 400D's NB-2LH. Like the the 450D, it still uses SD cards as its media. View the 1000D's full specifications here.

The suggested retail price on Canon UK's website is at 499.00 GBP. Units will start shipping by the end of July. View the complete press release here.

The Speedlite 430EX II was also recently announced which will replace the 430EX. The Speedlite 430EX II offers fast, silent recycling and full control via the menu system of compatible EOS cameras. It is ideal for both amateurs and professionals seeking a versatile, all-purpose flash.

For maximum flexibility and ease of use, the Speedlite 430EX II incorporates a number of new features. Recycle times have been reduced by approximately 20%, with the recycle process performed silently to minimise distraction. A new metal mounting foot with redesigned connection pins provides ultra-stable communication between the camera and flash; for rapid connection to the camera, a new quick release and locking mechanism is also incorporated. Unit costs 209.99 GBP and will also ship by the end of July. View the full press release here.

Latest News In Photography, 06/09/08

PENTAX ANNOUNCES THE 17-70mm f/4 AL [IF] SDM LENS

GOLDEN, CO. (June 3, 2008)…PENTAX Imaging Company has introduced the smc PENTAX DA 17-70mm f/4 AL [IF] SDM lens designed for exclusive use with PENTAX digital SLR cameras. This standard lens with extra zoom offers outstanding, well-balanced handling, and covers the most frequently used focal lengths between wide-angle and telephoto making it ideal for a variety of shots including scenery, snapshot and portraiture.

Previously shown in February at PMA 2008, this lens features a 4.1X zoom ratio covering wide-angle to moderate-telephoto ranges, and covers a focal-length range from 26mm wide angle to 107mm telephoto in the 35mm format. When mounted on a compatible* DSLR camera body, the PENTAX-original SDM system driven by a built-in supersonic motor, offers exceptionally smooth, quiet autofocus. Full press release found here.


EPSON RELEASES THE R2880 INKJET PRINTER

The R2880 is Epson's latest inkjet printer that is geared towards professional and fine-art photographers. This 13" printer uses the eight-color, pigment-based Ultrachome K3 with Vivid Magenta ink set to produce a wider color gamut for producing brilliant reds, blues and purples. The R2880 also uses Epson's Radiance technology to ensure smoother color transitions as well as an Advanced Black and White Photo Mode for precision reproduction of mono prints.

It can handle a wide variety of photo paper sizes from 4x6 to 13x19 as well as art boards as thick as 1.3". Epson also added a feature that lets you print directly to a CD or DVD for professional looking portfolio discs. Read more here.


OLYMPUS RUNS U.S. OPEN SWEEPSTAKES

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., May 14, 2008 – Olympus, sponsor of the US Open and the Olympus US Open Series, announces today its second annual national sweepstakes that will send five winners and their guests on the trip of a lifetime to the 2008 US Open Tennis Championships in Flushing Meadows, New York.

Winners will receive a weekend getaway August 29-31, 2008, which will include hotel, airfare, spending money and two tickets to the Grand Slam tennis tournament. They will also be granted exclusive access to locations normally limited to professional photographers where they can capture the on-court and behind-the-scenes drama.

Registration is open to all Olympus shooters until July 18, 2008 and can be found here.


CANON RELEASES THE NEW SELPHY CP760 AND CP770 PRINTERS

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., May 13, 2008 – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging, announces two new additions to its line of compact photo printers: the radical SELPHY CP770 and the exciting ultra-compact CP760 Photo Printers. These sensibly sized photo printers tout a fresh, unique design which simplifies printing for all users and makes it easier to print photos instantly, almost anywhere. Read more here.

Beyond Megapixels gets Google PageRank 4

Hi, Beyond Megapixels readers! We've recently discovered that Google has (finally) given us PageRank 4. We've been popping up on the first page of photography-related searches on Google since December 2007, and now it's official. We've been neglecting the blog lately, and this is just what we needed to get things going again. Ah, the wonders of external validation. Expect some major geeking out here over the next few days.

If you're new here, do browse through our articles and consider subscribing to our feed.

Another Round of Photo Contests

A while back we published some articles on interesting photo contests that were available to both amateurs and professionals. We just came across some new ones that might help you gain exposure for your work and possibly some cash to sustain your growing photography addiction. We are not getting compensated for any of these mentions, and we are in no way affiliated with any of these competitions. We are not endorsing any; we are just listing for those interested.

The National Photo Awards holds a monthly photo contest that is open to everyone over 18. The minimum entry fee is $8.95 for one picture. The overall winner of all the available categories wins $500.00 along with a gift pack from Red River Papers, a $30.00 gift certificate and from sponsor Pictocolor Corporation, a copy of the iCorrect Portrait plug-in for Photoshop which has a $99.95 value. Although the monetary value of the prizes are not as high as other monthly contests, the site has had two and a half million hits which means your work will be seen. You also retain copyright of your image and the administrators of the website will automatically watermark your photo to prevent theft. Sign up here.

Another interesting competition we found is the PhoTournament. We found this contest on Photo Compete. PhoTournament is dedicated to photo art so if messing around with Photoshop is your thing then you'll fit right in. What makes this contest unique is that you can apply as either a judge or as a participant. No fees are required and you only need to submit an application. They have two ongoing contests right now which are Trompe l'Oeil and Dreams. There is no deadline for either competition and submissions will only close once the maximum number of submissions is reached.

The best recent find however comes from The Art of Photography Show. The contest has no theme so you can basically send in your best work. Entry fee is $25.00 for the first photo and $10.00 for every succeeding photo. The first prize is a whopping $1000.00 and that's not even the best part. If you are selected as one of the winners then your work will be displayed and marketed in The Lyceum Theatre Gallery in San Diego. Deadline for submission of entries is on March 1, 2008. You can read the guidelines for submission here.

Related Post:
Getting Published on National Geographic

The Canon EOS Rebel XSi / 450D

We interrupt this mini hiatus of ours with breaking news. Canon just released an announcement regarding its new upgrade on the Digital Rebel line - the EOS Rebel XSi / 450D. Here are the features:

• 12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor
• Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System
• 3.5 frames per second
• 3.0” LCD with Live View shooting
• 9-point wide-area AF system with f/2.8 cross-type centre point
• Picture Style image processing parameters
• DIGIC III image processor
• Digital Photo Professional RAW processing software1
• Compact and Lightweight body
• Fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites

We heard rumors but we didn't think they'd push through with it this soon. Jeff, the XTi/400D user, is having a cow at the moment. I, on the other hand, am lovingly caressing my 40D. Will be updating this blog as soon as Jeff recovers.

Hewlett-Packard Online Sale

I've been a very bad blogger. Jeff's been doing most of the writing here as of late, and I feel just a wee bit guilty. Let me make amends by pointing you to this HP sale. I just read the press release, and no, we're not earning from this. They're offering free shipping for everything (offer expires today, I'm afraid), free LCD upgrades on select customizable desktop PCs, up to 30% off on select printers, cameras, etc. HP Photosmart C5280 All-in-One is selling at $99.99. If you missed out on the mad Friday sales, maybe this will do. Cheers!

Canon Releases Firmware Update for EOS 40D

The firmware update (Version 1.0.5) incorporates the following improvements and fixes.

1. When playing back images just after recovering from Auto Power Off, the display now shows the last image played back.
2. During remote shooting, images are now displayed on the camera's LCD monitor right after they are taken.
3. Corrects a warning message in Korean that appears when updating the firmware.
4. Corrects errors in the Spanish menu screens.
5. Corrects a phenomenon that prevented printing with some print systems.
6. Corrects a rare phenomenon in which file numbers or image numbers were sometimes skipped.

The Version 1.0.5 firmware being released this time is for cameras with firmware up to Version 1.0.4. If the camera's firmware is already Version 1.0.5, it is not necessary to update the firmware.

Download the update here.

Nikon Releases AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR, a new DX-NIKKOR zoom lens with built-in Silent Wave Motor and Vibration Reduction. This compact, lightweight and affordable 3x zoom NIKKOR lens offers remarkable versatility and covers the essential focal range of 18 to 55mm.

AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Major Features

• 3x zoom lens covering the most frequently used focal range of 18 to 55mm (picture angle is equivalent to focal length from 27 to 82.5mm in Nikon FX or 35mm format)
• Vibration Reduction enables sharper pictures while shooting at shutter speeds up to three stops slower than would otherwise be possible
• Optical design optimized for use with Nikon digital SLRs for superior performance
• Hybrid aspherical lens element minimizes lens aberration
• High-performance Nikon Super Integrated Coating offers superior color reproduction, while substantially reducing ghosting and flare
• Nikon’s exclusive Silent Wave Motor ensures fast, quiet autofocus operation
• Rounded seven-blade diaphragm opening makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural
• 0.28 m/0.9 ft. closest-focusing distance throughout the entire zoom range
• Accepts 52 mm filter attachments
• Ergonomic lens barrel features rugged construction with a comfortable fit; separate zoom and focus rings provide the accuracy professionals expect

You can read the full press release here. The lens should be available by Decemeber 2007.

Sigma Announces 10mm and 4.5mm Fisheye Lenses

Sigma announces the release of two new Fisheye Lenses. The 4.5mm F2.8 EX DC CIRCULAR FISHEYE HSM and the 10mm F2.8 EX DC FISHEYE HSM lens are both for exclusively designed for digital SLRs with an APS-C size sensor. Both lenses use Sigma's Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) for fast and quiet focusing and allows full time manual focus override by rotating the focus ring.

The biggest difference between the two lenses is that the 4.5mm F2.8 EX DC CIRCULAR FISHEYE HSM has a full 180 degree angle of view in all directions making it ideal for Astrophotography and Aurora photography.

The two models will be available by December 2007.

(Thanks to Brian of Epic Edits Weblog for the heads up.)

Canon USA Announces New Baby Photo Contest

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., November 13, 2007 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging technology, has announced a "New Baby Photo Contest" offering contestants the opportunity to share eligible images of new additions to their family, and possibly win a prize that will help to pay for future education costs.

"When a newborn is welcomed into the family, parents want to make sure every precious memory is captured and preserved," said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. "By entering this photo contest, parents will be able to share these joyous and once-in-a-lifetime moments with others, while also having the opportunity to win prizes that can allow them to capture more milestone events."

To kick-off the contest, Canon is teaming with renowned baby products brand, Enfamil, to include brochures and a photo book with Enfamil's diaper bag, given for free to new mothers at participating hospitals. The brochure will have more information about the contest, and even a special offer for moms who receive the diaper bag. Approximately one million of these diaper bags are expected to be distributed by April 2008.

New mothers who did not receive an Enfamil diaper bag can also enter the Canon "New Baby Photo Contest" from December 1, 2007 until May 30, 2008 by visiting www.canonestore.com/babyphoto with the ability to upload up to six eligible photos. The finalists will be announced on July 1, 2008 and the public will be able to vote for their favorite photos from among the finalists. The winner will be awarded a grand prize of $10,000, which would be applied toward the winning child's future education. In addition, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes will be awarded, which include:

First Prize (Three Winners)
# One (1) Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR Camera and
# One (1) Canon SELPHY ES2 Compact Photo Printer
(Approximate Retail Value: $1700)

Second Prize (Three Winners)
# One (1) Canon PowerShot Digital ELPH Camera and
# One (1) $200 Babies R' Us Gift Certificate
(Approximate Retail Value: $550)

Third Prize (Ten Winners)
# One (1) Canon PIXMA MP970 All-In-One Photo Printer and
# One (1) $100 Babies R' Us Gift Certificate
(Approximate Retail Value: $400)

For more information, including rules, about the Canon "New Baby Photo Contest," please visit www.canonestore.com/babyphoto.

Press release found here.

Related Post: Child Photography 101.

Epson Releases A New Affordable 4"x6" Printer

Epson recently released the PictureMate Dash. This compact 4"x6" printer has a lot of features for those looking for an affordable photo printer.

~ Large 3.6” LCD photo viewer
~ Crop, resize and remove red eye – PC-free
~ Border-free 4" x 6" Photos in as fast as 37 sec
~ Photos last 2 – 4 times longer than lab prints
~ Smudge, scratch, water and fade resistant
~ Prints sepia, B&W, wallets and more
~ Easy, one-touch printing

The PictureMate Dash is also a dye-sublimation printer. This means that it uses a heat exposed cellophane to lay down colors, as opposed to a series of dots used by inkjets, producing a more subtle gradation. Photos printed from dye-sublimation printers look like standard photo-lab prints.

~Written by Jeff

Win a D40x from Nikon World

A Nikon D40x is up for grabs! The Show Us Your Wheels contest started last October 1 and will end at 12 midnight (EST) on Decemeber 31, 2007. All you need to do to join is to submit a photo of anything with wheels. Yup, anything at all. The Nikon site even mentioned baby carriages as an example. You don't even have to be a Nikon shooter to enter.

The first place winner gets a Nikon D40x DSLR with an AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF lens. Second place gets a 2-year subscription to the Nikon World Magazine, and third place gets a 1-year subscription. All winning photos will also be featured on Nikon World starting January 7, 2008. Good luck!

~Written by Jeff

Leica To Release New Lenses

German manufacturer Leica has recently announced a release of lenses for their M system. The new line is called Leica Summarit-M, and it consists of prime lenses 35mm, 50mm, 75mm, and 90mm.

These are scheduled for delivery by the end of November 2007. "All Summarit-M lenses are shipped in velour pouches, with metal lens caps for the front and back." (And we are dying to editorialize here after that velour pouch bit, but we shall refrain because this is news.)

Read the full article here.

~Written by Jeff

Kinsgton Announces New CF Card Line-Up

Fountain Valley, CA - 10/29/07 - Kingston is beefing up their CompactFlash Elite Pro line up. The improvement was built with the serious photographer in mind by allowing 25MB/second (read) and 20MB/second (write), along with capacities up to 16GB. The whole line comes with a lifetime warranty.

The Elite Pro cards and their suggested retail prices (U.S. only):
2BG CompactFlash Elite Pro card $62.00
4GB CompactFlash Elite Pro card $77.00
8GB CompactFlash Elite Pro card $154.00
16GB Compact Flash Elite Pro card $308.00

You can read the press release here.

~Written by Jeff

The Canon EF-S 55-250mm F/4-5.6 IS

The wife has been getting a ridiculous amount of hits on her blog regarding the yet to be released Canon EF-S 55-250mm F/4-5.6 IS lens. We first heard about this from the Canon store we usually buy our stuff from almost a month ago and at that time, the only information they had was the focal length and the minimum aperture setting. Armed with those two measly things, we still went ahead and pre-ordered it.

Why? First of, it has the longest focal length in the EF-S lineup and for the price it was going for it was practically a steal. Second, it's already using Canon's latest 4-stop compensation IS technology which is supposedly four times more effective in compensating for camera shake.

It's been pretty hard to get information on this model specially it's technical specs but I was finally able to get something substantial from Canon's UK website.

You can read the full article here.

You will probably notice that it was supposed to be released last October, but our Canon Dealer still does not have their stocks in. The anticipation is killing us. See our review here.

~Written by Jeff

Canon Europe Recalls EOS-1D Mark III

There have been reported problems concerning the Auto Focus function of the new Canon EOS-1D Mark III. Apparently, the camera has problems tracking moving objects while using the AI Servo continuous shooting mode under high temperatures. Canon released a statement saying that the problem was caused by a faulty AF mirror in some units. You can read the full statement here and type in case ID: 72525.

The funny thing about the recall is that Canon is not going to replace the faulty units already bought, even though they are pulling out unsold units from their retailers. The only thing they're offering is free repairs. I don't know about you but I would need to work about a year and not eat in order to get one of these bad boys. That is 365 days of starvation and quite possibly homelessness, and the only thing I'd have left to my name is this camera. The fact that they are unwilling to replace the faulty units is beyond unacceptable. We're talking about Canon's flagship model here!

If you are one of the unlucky owners of the EOS-1D Mark III with a serial number between 501001 and 546561 then rest assured you are in our prayers.

~Written by Jeff