Thursday, 9 April 2009
Olympus releases firmware update for E-3 DSLR
Olympus has released a firmware update for its top-of-the-range digital SLR, the E-3. The update notes specify that Version 1.4 improves the autofocus performance of the camera. As usual, users can download and install the latest firmware using Olympus Master or Studio software. (08:35 GMT)Wednesday, 8 April 2009
Nik Software announces Silver Efex Pro for Lightroom
Nik Software has announced the availability of the Silver Efex Pro, its advanced Black and White conversion plug-in for Adobe Photoshop Lightroom. Silver Efex Pro is the third of Nik's plug-ins that it has developed for Photoshop Lightroom. The plug-in is compatible with Lightroom v2.3 and higher and is available for immediate download for a suggested retail price of $199.95 or free to existing users. (17:05 GMT)Monday, 6 April 2009
Just posted! Tokina 12-24mm lens review
Just posted! Our new lens review featuring the Tokina AT-X PRO SD 12-24mm F4 ED (IF). Continuing our series examining ultra-wideangle zooms, we take a look at Tokina's five year old offering in this popular category. Can it still compete with newer designs, or does its relatively narrow angle of view compared to 10mm zooms rule it out of serious contention? (12:00 GMT)Friday, 3 April 2009
Phase One releases Capture One 4.7
Phase One has announced an updated version of its Capture One 4, PRO and DB RAW workflow software. Version 4.7 introduces a new Enhanced Image Package (.EIP) file format that combines Capture One changes with lens calibration data and the original RAW data in a single file. Furthermore, JPEG and TIFF files can now be edited directly in Capture One. It also supports tethered shooting with Canon EOS 5D Mark II and Nikon D3x DSLRs. (08:15 GMT)Thursday, 2 April 2009
Olympus posts firmware update for E-30 DSLR
Olympus has released a firmware update for the E-30 digital SLR. Version 1.1 rectifies minor issues with image playback and quietens operation of the Image Stabilizer when used with Imager AF and Hybrid AF modes of the camera. The latest firmware can be installed via Olympus Master or Studio software. (13:50 GMT)Wednesday, 1 April 2009
Play a part: community-generated challenges are here
The latest phase of our Challenges system is underway - community-generated challenges. Following a successful roll-out, bug-fixing and lesson-learning phase, we're starting to open the Challenges system up so that you can create new series of challenges to test your peers' visions and creativity. The first community-generated challenges begin accepting entries from tomorrow and there's a page for you to volunteer as a series host. (10:30 GMT)Tuesday, 31 March 2009
Olympus launches E-450 compact DSLR
Olympus has announced the E-450, an upgraded version of the E-420 compact DSLR. The new E-450 is essentially identical to the E-420 apart from the addition of 3 Art Filters, a new processor and an improved LCD display. Priced at £450 for the standard lens kit, it will start shipping from May 2009. (08:00 GMT)Friday, 27 March 2009
Zeiss to make 18mm F3.5 for Canon
Carl Zeiss has said it will produce a Canon-mount version of its 18mm F3.5 lens. The Distagon T* 3.5/18 super-wide angle lens has previously only been available in the ZF and ZK mounts for Nikon and Pentax cameras, respectively. A Canon-mount version of the lens is being shown at the Photo Imaging Expo 2009 show in Tokyo and will be available 'towards the end of the year,' the company said. (17:00 GMT)
Panasonic has announced the addition of three new compact cameras to its Lumix FS series. The 12MP FS12 with 4x (31-124mm equiv.) optical zoom and a 2.7" LCD incorporates Intelligent Auto mode, Optical Image Stabilization and Face Detection. The FS42 and image-stabilized FS62 are both packed with 10 megapixel sensors, 2.5" LCDs, 4x (33-132mm equiv.) zoom lenses and include features such as Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector and Face Detection. We expect the FS62 to be widely available, the other two models through select retailers. 
Nikon has released a firmware update for its D40 and D40x DSLRs. Version 1.12 for the D40 and Version 1.01 for the D40x improve compatibility of both cameras with Nikon's new EN-EL9a batteries. With the updated firmware, the D40 should deliver approximately 510 shots in single-frame shooting mode using the EN-EL9a, according to CIPA standard tests, rather than 470 with the original EN-EL9 pack. 
Apple has released an updated version of its Aperture image processing software. Version 2.1.3 fixes minor issues related to the image library and improves the overall functioning of the software. The update also rectifies an error in thumbnail display of Nikon camera files when the camera is connected directly to the computer. 
We've posted samples images from the Nikon D5000 DSLR. We borrowed a production specification version of Nikon's latest digital camera and made the best of the London weather. Most of the shots have been taken using the Nikkor 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 VR and at default settings. However, we've tried to use a range of the camera's ISO settings, two of its scene modes (including the new Silhouette mode) and even tried turning Active D-Lighting off for some of the low-light samples. We've added these samples to the end of our hands-on preview. 
Pentax has released a firmware update for its K20D digital SLR. Version 1.03 improves operation of the Shake Reduction (SR) function of the camera. K20D users can download and install the latest firmware from the Pentax website. 
Nikon has unveiled the D5000 upper-entry-level DSLR and we've prepared a full preview of the camera and its features. Sitting between the D60 and D90, the D5000 appears to go head-to-head with Canon's EOS 500D, aiming at upgrading DSLR owners and experienced compact users. It combines many of the features of the D90 in a slightly smaller, simpler body and includes a 12.3 MP CMOS sensor, live view, 720p movies and a 2.7 inch, 180 degree Tilt/Swivel LCD. 
Nikon has announced the AF-S DX Nikkor 10-24mm F3.5-4.5G ED, an ultra-wideangle zoom for DX format DSLRs. This mid-range optic offers a minimum focus distance of 0.24m through the entire zoom range, and includes a built-in AF-S motor that enables autofocus on entry-level Nikon bodies (including the D5000 also announced today). The optical formula consists of 14 elements in 9 groups, including 3 aspherical elements and 2 ED glass elements to combat aberrations. It will be available from May at a cost of €849.