* Longest-ever focal length G Lens from Sony
  * Nano AR Coating on optical surfaces for flawless still images and HD video
  * Bright F4.0 aperture for superior light gathering
  * Compatible with SteadyShot INSIDE featured in all α cameras
  * New SSM drive circuit for quick, accurate autofocus
  * Rugged dust- and moisture-resistant design: ideal partner for SLT-A77
  * Enhanced handling and operability

Serious photographers can pull distant subjects closer with a powerful new 500mm (equivalent to 750mm with APS-C camera) super-telephoto lens from Sony.

The SAL500F40G is ideal for wildlife, sports and demanding imaging applications that require extreme magnification with uncompromised optical performance.

The SAL500F40G is the longest fixed focal length G Lens from Sony to date. Whether you're shooting detail-packed stills or Full HD video, you'll enjoy frame-filling close-ups with flawless resolution. With a bright F4.0 maximum aperture, its excellent light gathering power allows the use of faster shutter speeds to broaden shooting opportunities.

Inside, the advanced optical design of the SAL500F40G includes 11 elements in 10 groups, including three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements. It's the first G Lens from Sony to feature an advanced new coating process that ensures crisper, clearer images. Exclusive to Sony, the ground-breaking Nano AR Coating process cuts internal reflections drastically. Resulting images are brilliantly crisp and clear, with dramatically reduced lens flare and ghosting. Flare is reduced still further by the carbon fibre lens hood that's lined with black velvet fibres to absorb incident light.

The ruggedly-engineered SAL500F40G copes effortlessly with tough photo assignments. Focusing ring and front/rear joints are protected by interlocking seals that shrug off dust and moisture, even when you're shooting outdoors in driving rain or arid desert conditions. This weather-resistant design makes the SAL500F40G a perfect partner for the SLT-A77 (α77) Translucent Mirror camera that offers serious photographers similarly rugged performance.

Like all other A-mount lenses, the SAL500F40G is compatible with the SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilisation system that's featured in every α Translucent Mirror and DSLR camera from Sony. Depending on shooting conditions, camera model and settings, you'll enjoy camera-shake blur compensation that's equivalent to approximately 4.5 stops (max.) in shutter speed.

In a year that is filled with major sporting events, the razor-sharp autofocus performance of the SAL500F40G makes it ideal for capturing the true essence of athletic emotion as the worlds' eyes look on. Complemented by α systems that deliver up to 12 frames per second (fps) stills shooting and 50 fps in full HD video mode, wildlife photographers now have the tools to capture and share every nuance of their chosen subject.

The high-torque SSM (Super Sonic wave Motor) features a new drive circuit, ensures rapid, responsive AF with significantly faster object tracking than conventional Sony lenses.

Serious enthusiasts will also welcome a strong emphasis on enhanced handling and ergonomics. Four focus hold buttons are spaced around the lens barrel for easy operation in any position. They're complemented by a two-way DMF (Direct Manual Focus) mode button and focus range switch for slick operation when you're shooting under pressure.

Built to order, the SAL500F40G super-telephoto lens from Sony is available in the UK from April 2012. 

46 megapixel Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor
Dual TRUE II Image Processing Engine
Exclusively designed high performance lenses
Lens mounted manual focus ring

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new SIGMA DP1 Merrill and SIGMA DP2 Merrill. These high image quality compact digital cameras feature a 46 megapixel (4800×3200×3 layers) FOVEON X3 direct image sensor.

The SIGMA DP1 Merrill and SIGMA DP2 Merrill are the next generation of high image quality digital cameras which incorporate a newly developed 46 megapixel large image sensor in a compact body. The full-colour FOVEON X3 direct image sensor ensures outstanding resolution and natural rendering with rich gradation as well as a three-dimensional feel. The manual focus ring and custom QS (Quick Set) mode improve the user interface.

About the generation-name "Merrill"
The Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor uses technology originally developed by the late Dick Merrill (1949-2008), a brilliant engineer and talented photographer. This revolutionary image capture system reflects both the artistic and technological sides of Merrill's personality. As an expression of Sigma's passion for photography and in honour of Dick Merrill's genius, we have named the latest generation of the Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor the Foveon Merrill.

SIGMA DP Merrill Special Site ： http://www.SIGMA-DP.com/DP-Merrill

46 megapixel. 23.5×15.7mm Full-colour X3 Merrill sensor
The 23.5×15.7mm full-colour FOVEON X3 direct image sensor featured in the SIGMA DP Merrill series, incorporates 46 effective megapixels (4,800×3,200×3 layers) and 44 recording megapixels (4,704×3,136×3 layers). The FOVEON X3 direct image sensor captures all primary RGB colours at each and every pixel location with 3 layers, ensuring the capture of full and complete colour. Since colour moiré is not generated, the use of a low-pass filter is not required, meaning both light and colour is captured with a three-dimensional feel.

Dual TRUE II image processing engine
The SIGMA DP Merrill series incorporate a dual "TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) II" image processing engine dedicated to FOVEON X3 direct image sensor. This improves the processing speed and overall quality of the final image. By incorporating two TRUE II processors, Sigma's unique image-processing algorithm provides high resolution power and reproduces high definition images with richly graduated tones.

Exclusively designed high performance lenses
The exclusively designed lenses for the SIGMA DP Merill series are developed to maximise the sensor performance. For the SIGMA DP1 Merrill, a 19mm F2.8 lens, equivalent to 28mm on a 35mm SLR camera, and for SIGMA DP2 Merrill, a 30mm F2.8 lens, equivalent to 45mm on a 35mm SLR camera. FLD ("F" Low Dispersion), which has a performance equal to fluorite glass, and molded glass aspherical lenses correct aberrations. The superior telecentric optical design improves image quality throughout the frame by passing on information about subjects to the sensor. The Super Multi Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting, which makes it usable even under severe conditions such as taking photos against or towards the sun.

RAW+JPEG format recording
The SIGMA DP Merrill series obtain a RAW data recording mode for retaining full image capture detail of the utmost quality captured through the direct image sensor, plus a JPEG recording format for convenience. The RAW data format of the DP Merrill series keep brightness and colour data in a 1:1 ratio without relying on interpolation. When the image is processes in SIGMA Photo Pro, it will preserve the balance of the natural data for the best photos with the best image quality. It is also possible to record RAW data and JPEG data simultaneously to provide more convenience.

SIGMA Photo Pro
The supplied image processing software, "SIGMA Photo Pro", converts RAW data quickly and easily. While looking at photographed images, it is possible to render desired photographic expression by moving the slider from side to side. It incorporates functions such as a loupe, exposure picker, print, JPEG conversion, and batch white balance settings.

Manual Focus
Manual Focus is available for use when autofocus or focus lock is not desired. It is possible to use the focus ring for focusing just like an SLR camera. It is also possible to magnify the display to ensure precise focusing.

Advanced User Interface
The custom quick set menu and the metallic command dial are incorporated to improve usability. The diaphragm, shutter speed and menu can be changed quickly using the command dial. The Quick Set (QS) menu which consists of the most commonly used functions can be easily displayed by pressing the QS button. It allows photographers to change the menu content and the order depending on their preferences.

SD card
The DP Merrill series adopt the SD Card (SDHC compatible) which is compact and easy to carry.

Large, highly visible 3.0" TFT colour LCD Monitor
The DP Merrill series feature a 3.0 inch TFT colour monitor with approximately 920,000 pixel resolution. The monitor benefits from a wide viewing angle, making it easy to capture details and to check focusing and composition.

Hot Shoe
The DP Merrill series cameras are equipped with a hot shoe, allowing use of Sigma's optional dedicated external flashgun, the EF-140 DG as well as SIGMA electronic flashguns for SD series such as EF-610 DG Super (optional) and EF-610 DG ST (optional).

Dedicated lens hood
The optional dedicated bayonet lens hood can be attached to block out extraneous light.

Movie Mode
Movies can be recorded with VGA (640×480) size. The number of shooting frames per second is 30 frames. 

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new SIGMA SD1 Merrill, the latest high resolution and high image quality digital SLR camera featuring a 46 megapixel (4800×3200×3 layers) FOVEON X3® direct image sensor.

The SIGMA SD1 Merrill is the flagship model which incorporates a full-colour FOVEON X3® direct image sensor. It adopts a lightweight yet solid magnesium alloy body along with buttons and connected parts sealed with O-rings, enhancing the durability as well as preventing dust and water from getting inside the camera. The Dual TRUE II processing engine and DDR III buffer ensure high speed processing of images without lowering the quality. The 46 megapixel (4800×3200×3 layers) sensor ensures outstanding resolution and natural rendering with rich gradation as well as a three-dimensional feel.

About the generation-name "Merrill"
The Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor uses technology originally developed by the late Dick Merrill (1949-2008), a brilliant engineer and talented photographer. This revolutionary image capture system reflects both the artistic and technological sides of Merrill's personality. As an expression of Sigma's passion for photography and in honour of Dick Merrill's genius, we have named the latest generation of the Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor the Foveon Merrill.

46 megapixel 23.5×15.7mm full-colour X3 Merrill sensor
The 23.5×15.7mm full-colour FOVEON X3® direct image sensor featured in the SIGMA SD1 Merrill, incorporates 46 effective megapixels (4,800×3,200×3 layers) and 44 recording megapixels (4,704×3,136×3 layers). The FOVEON X3® direct image sensor captures all primary RGB colours at each and every pixel location with 3 layers, ensuring the capture of full and complete colour.

Dual TRUE II image processing engine
The SIGMA SD1 Merrill incorporates a dual "TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) II" image processing engine dedicated to the FOVEON X3® direct image sensor. This improves the processing speed and overall quality of the final image. By incorporating two TRUE II processors, Sigma's unique image-processing algorithm provides high resolution power and reproduces high definition images with richly graduated tones as well as a three-dimensional feel.

Advanced DDR III buffer
To handle large volumes of colour data at high speed, the SD1 Merrill uses DDR III buffer memory technology which delivers class-leading performance. The SD1 Merrill features a continuous shooting speed of 5 frames per second and can capture up to 7 RAW images per sequence in continuous shooting mode.

Intuitive user interface
The improved user interface provides intuitive operation. Aperture and shutter speed can be changed by their own dials. The functions such as exposure compensation button and exposure mode button are on top of the body for quick access. A Quick Set (QS) menu lets you easily change commonly used functions

CF card
The SD1 adopts the TYPE I CF Card and is compatible with UDMA enabling fast processing of large amounts of data.

Magnesium body
The Sigma SD1 Merrill adopts a lightweight yet solid magnesium alloy body designed to withstand rough use and shocks in harsh conditions. Buttons and connected parts are sealed with O-rings to prevent dust and water from getting inside the camera body.

Two-motor system
Using a two-motor system with dedicated motors for mirror-drive and shutter charge reduces the vibration of mirror movement, thereby preventing camera shake. A mirror lock-up mechanism prevents further vibration when the shutter is released. Preventing camera shake is especially important for macro photography and when using ultra-telephoto lenses.

Pentarism viewfinder
The SD1 Merrill features a pentaprism viewfinder with 98% (vertical and horizontal) coverage, 0.95x magnification and an 18mm eye point. Dioptre adjustment is provided over a range of -3 to +1.5.

11 point twin cross sensor
The autofocus system features an 11 point twin cross sensor. The shifted twin cross type sensor improves AF accuracy. The AF point can be selected automatically or manually.

Four metering modes
The SD1 features 77-segment Evaluative Metering, Centre Weighted Average Metering, Centre Area Metering and Spot Metering. When difficult lighting conditions make appropriate exposure unclear, auto bracketing lets you take a sequence of shots of the same subject at three or five different exposure levels. Bracketing can be set in 1/3EV increments up to ±3EV(3levels) or ±1.7EV(5 levels). The 77-segment AE sensor is coordinated with the 11 AF points to achieves accurate exposure even in difficult lightning conditions.

Dust Protector
Most digital SLR cameras are vulnerable to dust entering the body. If dust and dirt adhere to the image sensor, it may appear in the photos. The lens mount of the SD1 Merrill is equipped with a dust protector and the area around is sealed to prevent dust from entering the body. Even in the unlikely event of dust adhering to the image sensor, the dust protector can be removed easily for sensor cleaning.

Focal Plane shutter
The durable focal plane shutter mechanism has a life cycle of over 100,000 exposures and dramatically reduces generation of dust. The photographer can enjoy taking pictures with confidence that the image sensor is clean and protected from dust or dirt originating inside or outside the camera.

Large, highly visible 3.0" TFT colour LCD Monitor
The SD1 Merrill camera features a 3.0 inch TFT colour monitor which ensures a great visibility even outside in the daytime. This approximately 460,000 pixel resolution LCD monitor benefits from a wide viewing angle, making it easy to capture detail and to check focusing and composition.

Built-in flash with 17mm angle of coverage
The Sigma SD1 Merrill camera's built-in flash has a guide number of 11 to cover a 17mm lens angle (equivalent to 25.5mm on a 35mm camera). The built-in flash can be synchronized to a shutter speed of up to 1/180 sec. The S-TTL automatic exposure system enables control of advanced flash photography.

SIGMA Photo Pro
The supplied image processing software, "SIGMA Photo Pro", converts RAW data quickly and easily. While looking at photographed images, it is possible to render desired photographic expression by moving the slider from side to side. It incorporates functions such as a loupe, exposure picker, print, JPEG conversion, and batch white balance settings.

The SD1 Merrill will be available in the UK in mid March.

Sigma Corporation of America Press Release

Sigma Corporation of America announces new name, pricing for flagship SD1 camera
DSLR takes Foveon technology creator's name, undergoes manufacturing improvements to reduce price

Ronkonkoma, NY, Feb. 8, 2012 - In a personal letter to the company's loyal customers, Sigma Corporation CEO Kazuto Yamaki today announced that, starting next month, Sigma's 46-megapixel SD1 DSLR will be renamed the SD1 Merrill in honor Richard "Dick" Merrill, the late co-creator of the Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor technology. The otherwise unchanged DSLR will also be sold at a lower price that reflects new efficiencies in the camera's production.

The SD1 Merrill will be sold for approximately $3,300 MSRP in the United States.

Today Yamaki wrote:


To our valued customers,

We would like to express our appreciation for your loyal patronage of Sigma products.

Today, we announced our new digital single lens reflex camera, the Sigma SD1 Merrill. This product has the same features, performance, and specifications as the Sigma SD1, however, the price is substantially revised. We are gearing up for its release in March 2012, and the market price is expected to be approximately $3,300 MSRP.

At the time of its introduction, the Sigma SD1 was a revolutionary product incorporating a 46MP* direct image sensor which provided the highest resolution in a digital SLR camera. As the world's only full-color sensor capturing all three primary color components (R, G, and B) within each pixel location, the Foveon X3 Direct Image Sensor made it possible for the image quality of SD1 to not only demonstrate improved resolution, but also to obtain richer expressions of gradation, as well as to enhance the three-dimensional impression which is specific to Foveon sensors. *Resolution equivalent to 30MP on a color filter array sensor

However, even with this revolutionary image sensor, we could not solve issues related to some of the manufacturing methods before the start of mass production, and the production cost ended up substantially exceeding our originally expected price. As a result, we had no choice but to set the price of the SigmaSD1 high. This caused great discouragement to all of you who looked forward to its release, and wished to experience the very unique image quality of the Sigma SD1 in person; this has become our biggest disappointment and pain.

Since then, overcoming this situation has become the first priority for us and Foveon, and we have together made improvements to reduce production cost substantially. Even though this effort took nearly a year, at last, we achieved a reduction target close to the price we originally planned. Therefore, we decided to release Sigma SD1 as a new product, and were able to make our recent announcement.

The Sigma SD1 Merrill keeps the best image quality of the Sigma SD1, which has a unique identity, but comes with a substantially revised price. Although some of the manufacturing methods have been enhanced, the performance and characteristics of the sensor itself have not changed. There is nothing more pleasurable for us than enabling our valued customers to experience the Sigma SD1 Merrill in person, as a digital SLR camera of a new era which inspires photographers' inner artistic sensitivity, providing "high image quality" and changing current perceptions of what is possible.

On the other hand, we fully understand that it is not acceptable to current Sigma SD1 users that a new product with exactly the same specifications as their camera is being released with a substantially revised price a year later. After all, those customers committed to purchasing the Sigma SD1 with great expectations.

During this period, we have seriously considered how we can express our appreciation for our Sigma SD1 customers. Currently, we have a plan to offer a support program for current Sigma SD1 owners. This support program will provide points that can be exchanged for our products. This program is expected to be valid after the release of Sigma SD1 Merrill and it will last until the end of this year, 2012. It will be applicable for all Sigma products including both current and new products to be released this year. More details will be available soon; we appreciate your kind understanding as we finalize this program.

We would like to once again express our appreciation to current Sigma SD1 owners, and other customers who are looking forward to our next DSLR camera, for your loyal patronage to Sigma. We will continue doing our best with the aim to design and manufacture ideal photographic equipment that inspires the artistic hearts of photographers everywhere. We sincerely value your continued support.

Kazuto Yamaki
Chief Executive Officer

SIGMA CORPORATION

Sigma Corporation of America will soon contact current Sigma SD1 owners in the United States to discuss the support program and the redemption of points with the company as a result of this pricing change. In the meantime, SD1 owners in the United States may contact Director of Marketing Christine Moossmann by emailing Cmoossmann@sigmaphoto.com with questions or concerns about this announcement.

To locate an authorized Sigma dealer nearest to you, visit http://www.sigmaphoto.com/where/where.asp. For information about Sigma Corporation of America, visit http://www.sigmaphoto.com.

About Sigma Corporation
For more than 50 years, Sigma Corporation's expertise and innovation has driven the company's core philosophy of "knowledge, plus experience, plus imagination,"with anemphasis on producing high-quality, high-performance photographic technology at moderate prices. This family-owned organization is the largest, independent SLR lens manufacturer in the world, producing more than 40 lenses that are compatible with most manufacturers, including Sigma, Canon, Sony, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic and Pentax. Sigma Corporation also produces digital SLR cameras and high-definition digital compact cameras. The company is headquartered in Japan, with offices strategically located throughout Europe, Asia and North America. For information, please visit http://www.sigmaphoto.com.   

Olympus is taking the forty-year pedigree of the OM series into the next generation with the launch of the OM-D, featuring the world's first*1 5-axis image stabilisation (IS) system to eliminate blur in stills and movies.

See the blur reduction effect live via the fast electronic viewfinder, while simultaneously benefitting from the fastest*2 auto-focus of any interchangeable lens camera (including all D-SLRs) with a further refinement of the world-beating FAST AF (Frequency Acceleration Sensor Technology) also found on the popular PEN series models. The camera's innovative new 16.1 megapixel high-resolution Live MOS Sensor works in tandem with the powerful TruePic VI image processing engine to achieve outstandingly refined image quality and high sensitivity.

The integrated 1.44 million dot high-definition electronic viewfinder lets the photographer to check manual adjustments to brightness and colour tones on-screen and with a new interface for exceptionally easy viewing.

This faster, sharper, smarter camera comes attractively packaged in a durable dust-/splashproof magnesium-alloy body that ensures lets the OM-D go-anywhere.

New accessories such as the optional HDL-6 power battery holder grip, MMF-3 Four Thirds mount adapter and FL-600R electronic flash add to its adaptability, while two new lens options - the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm 1:1.8 and the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 60mm 1:2.8 macro - are under development and will extend creative applications for the user.

The OM-D (E-M5) comes in a silver or black body.

The OM-D is available from April 2012 as a kit with the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm 1:3.5-6.3 for £1149.99. Body only price to be confirmed.

Mark Thackara, National Marketing Manager, Olympus UK. ""Why can't a camera be more like a camera?" paraphrasing some much loved film dialogue. Well for all those who asked, it can. We have listened and delivered with the OM-D. Let's not talk retro, let's say classic: the logical consequence of evolution in design. A familiar, well loved shape with controls where they should be and the choice of Olympus genius in packing all this into body of a size and weight you won't mind carrying or an ingenious two part grip for those who prefer a fuller figure. Come and see us at Focus to get the full effect. OM is back."

Superior speed

Experienced camera users will appreciate the advances in camera speed on the OM-D, with the FAST (Frequency Acceleration Sensor Technology) AF system, a world-beater also featured on the PEN E-P3, driving the Live MOS Sensor at 120 fps. The speed of communications for controlling the lens action has been improved, while the MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) system has also been adopted for AF speed increase and noise reduction in the lens. In sequential shooting, the camera is capable of operating at an impressive 9 fps, and even with focus employed it can perform at a maximum speed of 4.2 fps *3. Users are also sure to appreciate the noticeable reduction in Live View return time after release. This has been achieved by using independent image-processing cores for the recorded images and Live View images, as found in the new TruePic VI engine, since the output to the rear-panel monitor or electronic viewfinder is no longer dependent on completing recording of the captured image Superior image quality and colour reproduction, plus Art Filter enhancements

The new High-Speed Live MOS Sensor on the OM-D comes with 16.1 megapixels, and allied to the TruePic VI image processing engine it offers excellent noise reduction capability and still image shooting sensitivity as high as ISO25600. There's more faithful reproduction of a wide brightness range, thanks to the expanded dynamic range. Fine Detail Processing technology, first seen on the E-5, eliminates moiré and pseudo-colours, while Real-Colour Technology is used to reproduce previously hard-torender colours such as emerald green.

The OM-D offers a new "Key Line" filter to enhance edge lines, allowing the picture to look more like an illustration; there are two variations, providing different-strength effects. Art Filter Bracketing enables the user to generate multiple pictures with different Art Filters from a single shot - all features designed to inspire the user to experiment and become more creative in their camera use.

Superior viewfinder quality

The 1.44 million dot high-definition integrated electronic viewfinder is a first on an Olympus interchangeable lens camera, and is sure to prove a strong selling point. It features a 100% field of view and max. 1.15x magnification, with an 18mm eye point. The optimised display time lag is a major benefit, particularly when shooting fast sports action, while the unique optical design means the image can be viewed clearly from the centre to the periphery with little or no vignetting. The camera's eye sensor can switch between the rear-panel monitor and electronic viewfinder automatically - a small but significant enhancement to ease-of-use. Information, including shutter speed, is displayed at the bottom of the viewfinder - allowing the user to concentrate on the framing operation. The electronic viewfinder, unlike an optical viewfinder, also assists in image composition, by allowing the user to check the effects of various manual adjustments and Art Filters.

Extended through-the-viewfinder operation is further facilitated via a new interface, EVF Creative Control, which enables separate adjustment of highlight and shadow brightness, monitored using the viewfinder image with a tone curve overlay. White balance, magnification and aspect ratio can similarly be adjusted without the eye moving away from the viewfinder.

Superior, world-first*1 5-axis image stabilisation (IS)

The previous mechanism compensated for camera shake by dealing with two kinds of rotary movement, yaw and pitch. However, camera shake is actually caused by five different kinds of motion, and the new IS mechanism now also corrects effectively for horizontal shift, vertical shift and rotary motion (rolling). Particularly when shooting at larger magnifications (macro shooting), the user will appreciate the value of being able to correct blur. The OM-D also comes equipped for shooting on the move, as multi-motion IS with wide frequency-band compatibility compensates for shake.

Superior movie functions

The camera's built-in IS has evolved into the MSC (Movie and Still Compatible) IS system, offering improved stabilisation of movie images. Users who like to perform their movie post-editing on a PC will particularly appreciate the Full-HD movie recording function which adopts the MOV format (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264). It allows a recording time of about 29 minutes. Traditional AVI (Motion JPEG) format is also available. Linear PCM audio is used for both recording modes. One-shot echo and multiecho effects can now be added to movies, adding to the user's creative options.

Superior ease-of-use and reliability

Alongside the enhancements to facilitate operation while working through the viewfinder, the OM-D also features a 3.0-inch OLED rear-panel monitor that can be tilted by max. 80° upwards or max. 50° downwards, to assist when shooting from high and low angles. It uses a special layout of 610,000 dots and can display video data equivalent to VGA, while its capacitive-type touchscreen has a high response speed that enables intuitive operation with finger-tip focussing and shutter release. In a further development facilitating ease-of-use, the Live Bulb feature updates the Live View image on the rear-panel monitor at preset intervals during bulb shooting. It also allows the user to assess the final image during the exposure and to adjust the exposure time accordingly.

The OM-D is a camera to rely on, even in demanding conditions. It makes extensive use of shields and has a tough dust-/splashproof construction. To facilitate use of interchangeable lenses, Olympus has developed the SSWF (Super-Sonic Wave Filter). Installed in front of the image sensor, it is activated as the camera is switched on to remove any dust attached to the image sensor by generating supersonic vibrations.

Superior lens options

The OM-D is compatible with all MFT Olympus lenses, which will be supplemented by two new lens options later this year: the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm 1:1.8 and the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 60mm 1:2.8 macro. The 75mm lens is in a high-quality metal design and affords fast aperture settings for portraits and indoor sports shooting, while the dustand splash proof 60mm lens features 1:1 macro and a closest shooting distance of just 0.19m. Lens prices will be announced later.

OM-D main features:

• Speed - the world's fastest*2 FAST AF auto-focusing system plus 3D tracking for improved moving object tracking performance
  16.1-megapixel new Live MOS sensor, for high resolution and excellent low-light performance
  1.44 million dot high-definition electronic viewfinder, with unique optical design to reduce vignetting, 100% field of view and very short display time lag
• Powerful TruePic VI image engine, for faster recovery time and excellent image quality (still image shooting sensitivity as high as ISO25600)
  Ultra-effective in-body image stabilisation using the world's first*1 5-axis IS, for blur-free movies and stills with any lens
  Compact, lightweight body in the tradition of the famous OM series, in magnesium alloy and enhanced with proven dust-/splashproof capability
  Fully compliant with the Micro Four Thirds System standard
  Additional lens options under development - the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm 1:1.8 and the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 60mm 1:2.8 macro

Additional features:

• Tilt LCD (3.0-inch swivel-type OLED monitor, capacitive touchscreen panel with fast response)
  Full HD (1920 x 1080), now in MPEG4
  New Echo effect for movies (one-shot echo and multi-echo)
  Live Bulb feature, updating the Live View image on the rear-panel monitor at pre-set intervals during bulb shooting
  New "Key Line" Art Filter, making the picture look more like an illustration by enhancing the edge lines; and new variations "Cross Process II" and "Dramatic Tone II"

Accessories (Prices to be announced)

• HLD-6 power battery holder grip, in the same dust-/splashproof construction as the OM-D body. This innovative, adaptable two-part grip can be used either as a landscape grip, for easier camera handling, or (with the second part attached) as a portrait grip with an additional shutter release. The portrait grip accommodates an extra lithium-ion battery to supplement the one in the OM-D, thus extending battery life. Used together, the camera can record about 650 images (CIPA test standard).
• FL-600R electronic flash (GN 50 at ISO200 or GN 36 at ISO100), with improved recharge time and enhanced flexibility and operability for movie recording, and with a wireless control option. The flash is equipped with an LED that can be used to light movies and as a brighter AF auxiliary light.
• MMF-3 four thirds mount adapter. Designed for mounting a four thirds lens on a micro four thirds camera body, the MMF-3 features the same dust-/splashproof construction as the camera. It is ideally suited for use with similarly dust-/splashproof "Pro" and "Top Pro" series lenses.

PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. is pleased to announce the exhibition of seven reference products - interchangeable lenses and camera accessories currently under development - at CP+ 2012, one of the largest and most comprehensive camera and imaging shows in Asia. This annual event will be held from February 9th to 12th at the PACIFIC YOKOHAMA convention center in Japan.

Reference Products

1 Interchangeable lens for medium-format digital SLR camera

   Model name (tentative): smc PENTAX-D FA645 90mm F2.8

• Unifocal medium-telephoto lens for use with the PENTAX 645D
• Focal length ideal for portraiture and high-quality image reproduction with beautiful bokeh (out-of-focus) effect
• Market launch scheduled for 2012

2 Interchangeable lenses for K mount digital cameras

   Model name (tentative): smc PENTAX-DA 560mm F5.6

• Unifocal super-telephoto lens for use with K mount interchangeable-lens digital cameras
• Sharp, well-defined images - particularly with distant subjects - thanks to the adoption of optics used in astronomical telescopes
• Market launch scheduled for 2012

   Model name (tentative): smc PENTAX-DA 50mm F1.8

• Unifocal standard lens for use with K mount interchangeable-lens digital cameras
• Maximum aperture of F1.8 for high-quality images with a superb rendition of depth and natural bokeh (out-of-focus) effect
• Market launch scheduled for 2012

3 Interchangeable lenses for Q mount digital camera

   Model name (tentative): TELEPHOTO ZOOM

• Telephoto zoom lens (high-performance-lens series) for use with Q mount interchangeable-lens digital camera
• Exceptional image rendition for sharp, high-contrast images, even at the edges of the image field, thanks to the state-of-the-art optical design
• Market launch scheduled for 2012

   Model name (tentative): MOUNT CAP LENS

• Unifocal standard lens (unique-lens series) for use with Q mount interchangeable-lens digital camera
• Eye-catching "body mount cap" design, along with a toy-camera-like visual effect
• Market launch scheduled for 2012

4 Interchangeable K-mount lens for the PENTAX K-01

   Model name: to be announced later

• Super-thin interchangeable lens especially designed for PENTAX K-01
• Market launch: to be decided

5 Lens adapter

   Model name: Adapter Q for K mount lens

• Lens adapter for mounting a K mount lens onto a Q mount interchangeable-lens digital camera body
• Built-in shutter unit; manual-focus operation only
• Market launch scheduled for spring 2012

Canon today unveils its new SELPHY compact photo printer, the SELPHY CP810, designed to make photo-lab quality printing on the move, or at home, quick and easy. Replacing the SELPHY CP800, the new model offers a number of improvements, boasting a slimmer, compact and more portable design, expanded creative features and improved usability.

The SELPHY CP810 is ideal for those looking for a convenient printer that delivers high quality prints in less than a minute (Applicable to postcard size-printing). The lightweight, portable design also provides a suitable option for business users who want to offer on-the-spot ID Photos or instant photo printing services.

Photos can be printed directly from a range of compatible memory cards, or from any PictBridge-compatible device, such as a camera or camcorder. The SELPHY CP810 can also print from USB flash memory sticks or from mobile phones via the integrated USB port, enabling instant output without the need for a computer.

Easy operation
For enhanced viewing and operation, a tilting 6.8 cm (2.7") colour LCD screen features at the heart of the SELPHY CP810 operation. With support for 13 languages, images can be viewed easily and printed with a simple press of a button.

Lab-quality prints, wherever you are
To produce the best prints, the improved Auto Image Optimizer function increases the quality of the print output compared to the quality of the original digital image, recognising scenes and improving the subject by making specific adjustments - for example controlling the brightness or contrast. In addition, a selectable Smooth Skin effect evens out skin blemishes for more flattering portraits, and manual brightness adjustment can be applied to fine-tune the prints produced.

By using dye sublimation technology, the SELPHY CP810 gives images superb depth and gradation of colour, providing a similar look and feel to traditional photo lab prints without the wait. Prints are dry and ready for handling the second they leave the printer, resistant to scratches, spills and fading. The SELPHY CP810 is capable of producing postcard (148 x 100mm), L (119 x 89mm), and credit card (86 x 54mm) sized prints in super-quick time, on a range of Canon photographic media. The SELPHY CP810 also offers a range of image layout options, including the ID Photo layout which enables users to print a range of standard or custom-sized ID Photo images on a single sheet of paper.

The SELPHY CP810 offers portable printing and has an optional NB-CP2L battery pack, giving the ability to print instantly whilst on the move. Ensuring that the printer is only portable when needed, a security cable, such as a Kensington lock, can also be attached to the added security slot on the printer body, while an optional Dust Protection Cover protects the printer and consumables when operating in dusty environments.

Join the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY community
Owners of the new Canon SELPHY CP810 can also join the newly updated CANON iMAGE GATEWAY, an online facility for sharing photos and video, now providing up to 10 GB of personal storage capacity, perfect for storing many photos, even in full resolution. An easy interface allows users to search for images, create combined photo and movie Albums that can receive comments from friends, and to share Albums directly via email and Social Networking Sites.

SELPHY CP810 Key features:
Stylish ultra-compact photo printer
6.8 cm (2.7") tilt LCD
Range of print sizes
Print from memory cards, PictBridge compatible cameras and USB flash drives
100 year prints (100 year figure based on accelerated tests, for further information see specifications)
Trimming function
13 display languages available

Pricing and Availability
The SELPHY CP810 is available from May 2012, priced at £99.00/€109.00 RRP incl. VAT.

X-Rite Photo Marketing announces its schedule of February 2012 Webinars that have been developed to address specific color management topics and are designed to appeal to both professional and serious amateur photographers.

Four free Webinar topics this month are sure to help photographers gain new confidence and to learn quick, easy and powerful ways to enhance their color workflow. Webinar attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions to the live trainers.

"This month, X-Rite hosts four completely new Webinars that will surely appeal to a range of photographers looking to improve their photography as well as color management skills," said Mark Rezzonico, vice president, X-Rite Photo Marketing.  "And we're especially pleased to co-sponsor with Nik Software, professional nature photographer and bird specialist Maxis Gamez's nature photography Webinar." 

February Webinar Schedule

Thursday, February 9, 2012, 11:00 AM EST and 1:00 PM EST
Editing Portraits in Photoshop & Getting Prints Back that Match Your Display!

Spend an hour with host Joe Brady learning how to edit portrait photographs to create images clients will love. In this free webinar sponsored by X-Rite, Joe will share some of his favorite techniques, tips and tricks for adding shape, direction and finish to portraits. From simple blemish removal to complex reshaping of body parts, these step-by-step tutorials will enhance your Photoshop® skills and improve your editing quality and speed.

Before starting any serious editing, it's critical that a photographer's monitor is calibrated and profiled. Joe will start with a short profiling demonstration and then dive into Photoshop edits.

Topics that will be covered include the why and how of monitor calibration and portrait edits from minor to major including: correcting color casts, exposure issues, blemish removal, body re-shaping, skin softening and "glows", layer masking for local control, light shaping, adding "pop" to flat images, image sharpening and preparing files for lab printing.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012, 11:00 AM EST and 1:00 PM EST
Image Edits and Enhancements in Lightroom 3®

While many photographers have become comfortable with the basic image edits available in Adobe® Lightroom® 3, some of the more powerful image editing capabilities remain a mystery. In this free webinar sponsored by X-Rite, host Joe Brady will explore both basic and advanced image editing techniques in a software program every photographer should have.

Joe will first discuss Lightroom's Library Module and deciding how and where to organize images. He will also discuss how to make sure a monitor is calibrated to show the most accurate color so that prints will match what is seen on screen as closely as possible. Joe will also share his favorite editing tips including retouching, creating masks for local adjustments, using the gradient tool, cropping for composition and other fine details to best prepare a file for printing.

Topics that will be covered include why monitor color is important for Lightroom 3 (and what can be expected in LR 4?) and image edits and batch processing including: global image edits, local color and light adjustments, retouching both skin and landscape "blemishes", composition, Image sharpening options, and preparing files for lab printing.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012, 1:00 PM EST
For the Birds! Nature Photography with Maxis Gamez

Nature photographer Maxis Gamez specializes in bird photography. As a self-taught photographer he views the world from a different perspective capturing powerful images that have been featured in Audubon, Shutterbug, Outdoor Photography Magazine, and Nature Photographers Magazine.

During this webinar Maxis will share his secrets for capturing amazing images of birds relying on X-Rite color management solutions and Nik Software to enhance and finish his images. Attendees will learn how the X-Rite i1Display Pro and Nik Software's Viveza 2 can give them the creative edge they need. Using live software demonstration Maxis will share some of his techniques for creating amazing bird photographs. He will demonstrate how to pull details from digital images using Nik's Control Points showing the "before and after" results.

Who should attend: amateur and enthusiast photographers, nature and wildlife photographers, bird and raptor specialists, and birders interested in photography.

Thursday, February 16, 2012, 11:00 AM EST and 1:00 PM EST
Edit & Enhance Landscape Images in Photoshop®

Photographers spending an hour with host Joe Brady will learn how to enhance landscape images using Adobe® Photoshop®. In this free webinar sponsored by X-Rite, Joe will share some of his favorite techniques and processes to bring out the beauty in landscape photography. During this Webinar, Joe will share his workflow, decision-making process and enhancement techniques to bring life into image files that just don't match the beauty and spirit of the scene the way it's remembered.
Following a short discussion about workstation color and calibration, Joe will show attendees step-by-step Photoshop edits that they can put to work right away to bring life and drama back into their landscape images.

Topics that will be covered include monitor color for consistent results and image edits from minor to major including: using Adobe Camera Raw - even with JPEGs, exposure, contrast and light shaping, global and local color adjustments, compositing new skies, composition, removing unwanted elements from an image, image sharpening options and preparing files for lab printing.
All Webinar registration can be found on XritePhoto.com.  Visit the Webinar page found under the Learning section.

About X-Rite 
X-Rite, Incorporated (NASDAQ:XRIT) is the global leader in color science and technology. The company, which now includes color industry leader Pantone LLC, develops, manufactures, markets and supports innovative color solutions through measurement systems, software, color standards and services. X-Rite's expertise in inspiring, selecting, measuring, formulating, communicating and matching color helps users get color right the first time and every time, which translates to better quality and reduced costs. X-Rite serves a range of industries, including printing, packaging, photography, graphic design, video, automotive, paints, plastics, textiles, dental and medical. For further information, please visit http://www.xrite.com .

For more information regarding this webinar program, visit http://www.XritePhoto.com. For X-Rite corporate information visit http://www.xrite.com.

The X-Rite Color Checker Passport, i1Solutions, ColorMunki Display and ColorMunki Photo are distributed by Elmsford, NY-based MAC Group http://www.MACgroupUS.com. 

Tamron has launched a 24-70mm lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 and minumumaperture of f/22.

The lens also features viibration compensation and Tamron's Ultra Sonic Drive for autofocusing making it perfect for fast shutter speeds and when taking photos of moving objects.

The Tamron 24-70mm lens will be available for Canon, Nikon and Sony cameras, although pricing and availability haven't yet been announced.

The Sony lens mount will not feature image stabilisation.

Canon today adds to its world-famous EF lens series with the launch of three new lenses for photography professionals and enthusiasts. The new EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM professional zoom lens is an update to the popular EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM, while the new EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM and EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM are the world's first (according to Canon research as of February 2012) wide-angle prime lenses to feature optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology. All three provide the highest levels of performance for modern digital photographers, combining premium image quality with durable, user-friendly designs.

EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM: the ultra-high performance standard zoom
The new EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM features completely redesigned optics to provide outstanding clarity, image quality and durability. A compact design makes it ideal for carrying on every shoot, and a range of optical enhancements provide improved performance - capturing greater detail across the frame while reducing distortion throughout the entire zoom range, particularly at the maximum 70mm focal length.

With a redesigned optical system that includes two Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) and one Super UD aspheric elements to minimise chromatic aberration and colour blurring, the lens delivers consistently sharp, high-contrast images. Each lens element also features Canon's optimised Super Spectra coatings to reduce ghosting and flare and ensure excellent colour balance. Additionally, a fluorine coating minimises the amount of dust, dirt and fingerprints that adhere to the front and rear of the lens, helping to maintain superior image quality.

The EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM also enables photographers to capture their subjects up close, with a minimum focusing distance of 0.38m at all focal lengths throughout the zoom range. A ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM) works in combination with a high-performance CPU and advanced AF algorithms to ensure accurate, silent and ultra-responsive autofocus. For those who prefer to maintain full control in every shot, full-time manual focusing allows photographers to precisely tweak or alter the focus of their shot at any time, even when AF is engaged.

Distinguished L-series design
The EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM is the latest lens from the elite L-series to offer Canon's high-grade and user-focused design enhancements. The mechanical structure of the lens has been improved to offer enhanced zoom durability and greater shake and shock resistance within the lens barrel. The size of the lens has also been reduced by 10mm compared to the previous model, providing enhanced portability and greater convenience in everyday use. A new Zoom Lock lever also enables photographers to lock the zoom position at the extreme wide end to prevent damage to the lens in transit, while a water and dustproof construction (Waterproof construction around the lens mount, switch panel, zoom ring, focusing ring and zoom lock. Weatherproof when used with weatherproof EOS bodies) enables users to continue shooting in harsh conditions.

Introducing the world's first wide-angle primes with IS
Canon today also launches the new EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM and EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM - the world's first 24mm and 28mm fixed wide-angle lenses to feature optical IS technology. Ideal for landscape and reportage, both lenses offer outstanding flexibility allowing photographers to shoot an even broader range of scenes and subjects - combining fast apertures with IS to enable sharp results when shooting handheld, even in low light conditions.

Offering an advantage of up to 4-stops over lenses without IS, both lenses are ideal for capturing more of the scene thanks to their wider focal lengths. Both feature a wide f/2.8 aperture, allowing photographers to explore shallow depth of field, or to shoot in lower-light conditions. Wide apertures and IS technology also make each lens ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects, while Canon's advanced IS technology is able to detect intentional panning movement and automatically switch from Normal IS mode to Panning IS mode - helping users to capture movement with greater accuracy.

Silent, high-speed AF performance is provided by the inclusion of a ring-type USM and additional features including optimized AF control. Full-time manual focusing also ensures adjustments can be made even when AF is engaged, while a minimum focusing distance of 0.20m (EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM) and 0.23m (EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM) allows photographers to get even closer to smaller or more detailed subjects.

Designed to perform
Both the EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM and EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM feature redesigned optics to improve image quality and reduce the need for post-production. An aspherical glass moulded (GMo) lens element is incorporated to correct aberration throughout the optical system, while Canon's optimised Super Spectra Coatings reduce ghosting and flare for stand-out image quality. Externally, both models also boast a number of design similarities with Canon's professional L-series lenses, with a similar coating on the barrel and a similar design on the focus ring. A distance scale is also included to assist with landscape photography, while the compact design makes these lenses an unobtrusive addition to any kit bag.

EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM - key features
All-new optical design delivers exceptional sharpness
Ultra-low dispersion (UD) and super UD elements
Fast f/2.8 maximum aperture
Sealed against dust and moisture
Fast, silent ultrasonic autofocus
Manual focus override
Nine-bladed circular aperture

EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM - key features
24mm wide angle lens (38mm equivalent on APS-C sized sensors)
Fast f/2.8 maximum aperture
Up to four-stop Image Stabilizer
Ultrasonic autofocus mechanism
Circular aperture for soft background blur
Super Spectra coatings reduce flare

EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM - key features
28mm wide-angle lens (45mm equivalent on APS-C sized sensors)
Fast f/2.8 maximum aperture
Up to four-stop Image Stabilizer
Ultrasonic autofocus mechanism
Circular aperture for soft background blur
Super Spectra coatings reduce flare

RRPs
D800: £2399.99 / €2829
Sales start date: 22nd March 2012 (TBC)
D800E: £2689.99 / €3171 (selected retailers only)
Sales start date: 12th April 2012 (TBC)
MB-D12: £379.99 / €448

London, UK, 7th February 2012 - Nikon today announces a groundbreaking new 36.3 megapixel FX-format professional D-SLR, the Nikon D800.

Designed to answer the needs of tomorrow's photography and video today, the masterful Nikon D800 is packed with new technology that delivers unprecedented levels of depth and detail in photography, and offers all the flexibility necessary to shoot broadcast quality video.

Firmly establishing a league of its own, the Nikon D800 offers imaging potential to rival medium format cameras, but with all of the agility of the D-SLR format - giving professionals who demand attention to detail the freedom to create monumental images.

In an industry first, this exciting launch includes a special edition of the D800 - the Nikon D800E. With a modified optical filter, the D800E offers a unique alternative for those seeking the ultimate in definition.

Kentaro Kusakari, Product Planning Manager, Nikon UK says: "The D800 sets a new benchmark for photographers shooting both still images and video. The combination of the powerful 36.3 megapixel resolution that records detail like never before, and the comprehensive video options will captivate photographers and moviemakers of all disciplines. He adds: "We're excited about the D800 and know it will help to shape the future of the way we capture images and movies."

The big picture 
The groundbreaking 36.3 megapixel FX-format (full-frame) CMOS sensor incorporates key technologies that enables unprecedented levels of detail and tonal range.

12-channel readout with 14-bit A/D conversion and high signal-to-noise ratio: delivers images of remarkable quality with low noise and wide dynamic range.

Broad ISO: offering an ISO range of 100-6400, extendable up to 25600 (equivalent) and down to 50 (equivalent), the D800 will set a new benchmark for D-SLRs with this level of resolution. The camera's intelligent noise reduction systems manage noise without sacrificing fine details, allowing superb flexibility under all lighting conditions: images are crisp and clean, even at higher ISO settings.

Peak performance  
Equipped with Nikon's next-generation EXPEED 3 image-processing engine, the D800 makes light work of data-rich tasks without sacrificing the speed and quality that professionals are accustomed to.

16-bit image processing: offering richer colours and tones than ever before, this cutting-edge image processor delivers smooth gradations with abundant detail and tone all the way up the scale to pure white, even when shooting in JPEG.

Broadcast quality video 
For professionals whose workflow demands video, the D800 offers all the flexibility required for a wide variety of movie applications.  It's large format movie shooting at its best, with a comprehensive variety of frame rates.

Frame rates: Full HD (1080p) movies can be recorded in 30p, 25p and 24p, with 60p, 50p and 25p options at 720p. Movie clips can be up to 29:59 minutes long.

Multi-Format Full HD D-Movie: as introduced with the D4, Full HD recording is possible in both FX and DX based formats, enabling exceptional freedom of expression.

High-fidelity audio control: responding to feedback from the industry, the D800 sets a new standard for D-SLR audio recording, enabling your movies to sound as good as they look. Aside from the external stereo microphone input, an audio out for external headphones lets you fine tune audio in isolation, both before and during movie recording. A line input setting for PCM linear recorders is also provided. 

Uncompressed HDMI output: for those who need the purest video output for professional quality editing, the D800 offers the possibility to output the uncompressed live view to external recorders and monitors.  As with the Nikon D4, this data is output at the designated image size and frame rate, and is clean of the information overlay that can be simultaneously displayed on the camera's TFT monitor. 

Convenient custom controls: have been implemented for live view operation. Instead of rotating the command dial, power aperture enables smoother aperture control using assigned buttons on the front of the camera. Index marking helps you tag important frames in the timeline by attaching markers during movie recording, which makes for easy location during editing.

Advanced scene recognition with 91K-pixel RGB sensor
Nikon's revolutionary Advanced Scene Recognition System now incorporates a newly designed 91,000-pixel RGB sensor that meticulously analyses each scene for outstanding accuracy. It can detect human faces with startling exactness even with exclusive use of the optical viewfinder, and recognises a scene's colours and brightness with unprecedented precision.

This level of detailed scene analysis is also utilised to support more accurate autofocus; auto exposure and i-TTL flash exposure results in a diverse range of compositional and lighting situations. For example, 3D-subject tracking is particularly improved when shooting smaller subjects.

Implementing Nikon's highly-acclaimed Multi-CAM 3500FX AF system - with individually selectable or configurable 9-, 21- and 51-point coverage settings - the autofocus sensor module and algorithms have been re-engineered to significantly improve low light acquisition sensitivity capabilities down to -2 EV (ISO 100, 20°C/68°F). The overall performance is similar to the latest flagship of Nikon, the D4: AF operation is even possible under a combined aperture value of f8 (e.g. a 600mm f/4 AF-S lens combined with 2x-teleconverter TC-20EIII) with 11 AF sensor involved, and with 15 AF sensors between f/5.6 and f/8.

Simplified AF and AF-area mode selection is now possible without taking your eye away from the viewfinder.

Responsive and intuitive  
The Nikon D800 responds as quickly as you do, with secure, conveniently placed, buttons and controls that quickly become an extension of your hand. 

Fast response: start-up is approx. 0.12 seconds , release time lag is minimized to approx. 0.042 seconds (equivalent to that of the D4), with continuous approx. 4 fps capability in FX-format and crop modes, pushed to approx. 6 fps capability in DX-format Crop mode with the optional Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D12.

Precision 8-cm (3.2-in.), approx. 921k-dot, wide-viewing-angle LCD monitor with automatic monitor brightness control: delivers bright, crisp image playback with a much wider color reproduction capacity. LCD brightness is automatically adjusted according to the viewing environment and images can be magnified up to 46x during playback, which can be a big help for spot focus confirmation.

Glass prism optical viewfinder with approximately 100% frame coverage and 0.7x magnification (50mm f/1.4 lens at infinity, -1.0m-1). 

Dual-axis electronic virtual horizon offers accurate confirmation of level shooting by letting you check the LCD monitor, or the viewfinder, for both the camera's position in relation to the horizontal plane and its pitch (forward or rear rotation).

Enhanced ergonomics: buttons and dials have been strategically laid out for fluid operation. Improvements around the shutter-release button mean your index finger can rest comfortably for longer periods of time, while the designated movie record button means you're ready to trigger movie shooting in an instant.

Release mode dial: mode visibility and operability has been improved via a four-button layout and release mode dial on the camera's top panel, along with dedicated buttons for ISO, White Balance and Image Quality. A new bracketing button has been strategically placed to aid such features as HDR.

Direct access to Picture Controls via a new, dedicated button, rather than via the menu. Picture Controls let you customise the look of your stills and videos by fine-tuning parameters such as sharpness, saturation, and hue.

Durability 
Despite its light weight and compact size, the D800 is as tough as Nikon's professional single digit cameras, with extensive weather and dust sealing throughout to ensure you can keep working when the going gets tough.

High-precision, high-durability shutter: the shutter unit has been tested to well over 200,000 cycles of release to prove durability and precision. Boasts a speed range of 1/8000 to 30s; features an intelligent self-diagnostic shutter monitor and, for the first time, a drive unit designed to reduce the demand on power when the shutter is raised for extended periods during movie shooting. 

Efficient power management: a re-working of the D800's circuits now enables approx. 850 shots of still image shooting or approx. 60 min. of movie live view . All on one charge of a Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL15.

Build quality: as reliable on the road as it is in the studio, the D800 boasts a weather- and dust-sealed magnesium alloy body that weighs in at approx. 10% lighter than the D700.

Storage media:  high-speed CF (UDMA 7) and SD (SDXC and UHS-1) dual card slots.

High-speed data transfer with USB 3.0. 

Nikon D800E - The ultimate alternative 
The Nikon D800E is a special edition of the D800, specifically designed for those seeking absolute definition.

Incorporating an optical filter with anti-aliasing properties removed in order to facilitate the sharpest images possible, this is an ideal tool for photographers who can control light, distance and their subject to the degree where they can mitigate the increased risk of moiré  and false colour.  Aside from the optical filter, all functions and features are the same as on the D800. 

Creative expansion tools 
The D800 incorporates a variety of creative and practical tools for those too busy to spend time in excessive post-production.

Time-lapse movies: the D800 extends the popular time-lapse photography function by saving images as a movie file in the camera. With playback rates from 24 to 36,000 times faster than normal.

HDR (High Dynamic Range) shoots one overexposed and one underexposed frame in a single shutter release. The range can be widened by up to 3 EV for different looks, full of saturation and tonal gradation, while the smoothness of the edge where the two exposures meet can be adjusted for a more natural appearance.

Refined colour temperature control enables minute control over white balance. The monitor hue of live view and the resulting image's white balance can be adjusted so that the two are aligned. Colour temperature can be manually set in 10-Kelvin increments, or in mired units.

Auto shutter speed control for auto ISO sensitivity control: a new auto option for minimum shutter speed, which automatically controls the balance between shutter speed and ISO sensitivity based on the focal length of the lens being used.

Four image area options: for the first time in a camera of this class, you can choose from a variety of image crop modes, all visually masked in the viewfinder. 5:4 (30.0 x 24.0 mm), 1.2x (30.0 x 19.9 mm), and DX-format (23.4 x 15.6 mm).

In-camera editing: captured images and movies can be altered and edited in camera and on the fly if required. Retouch menus include an array of useful features such as NEF (RAW) processing, resize, distortion control, fisheye, miniature effect, red-eye correction, filter effects and image overlay - as well as the ability to designate the start and end point of movie clips all at once, in order to save them more efficiently.

Accessories
Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D12 (optional) accommodates a variety of batteries (see specifications) and utilises the same integral magnesium alloy construction and weather sealing as the D800 body itself. You also get approx. 6 fps continuous shooting speed in DX-format. The MB-D12 has its own dedicated shutter-release button and command dials for vertical composition shooting.

Nikon SB-910 (optional) - unparalleled lighting performance: Nikon's SB-910 offers versatile i-TTL for on-camera or wireless flash control, refined operability and a powerful guide number of 34/112 (ISO 100, m/ft, STD, FX format, zoom 35mm). Menus and controls have been improved for more operational ease. Hard-type incandescent and fluorescent colour filters are included, which can adjust your D800‘s white balance instantly.

Capture NX 2 (optional) - Fast, powerful and creative image processing: to accommodate the imaging power of the D800's 36.3 effective megapixels, the latest Capture NX 2 is faster than before and 64-bit compatible.

Camera Control Pro 2 (optional) - Versatile remote camera controls: aside from controlling exposure mode, shutter speed, and aperture, the software now offers numerous improvements to make the D800's live view operation exceptionally smooth. New creative controls include remote start and stop for movie shooting and switching between live view for stills and movies.

ViewNX 2 (supplied) - Browse, edit, share and more: this bundled, all-in-one software implements an easy-to-use interface and an array of editing functions, including basic editing of RAW files and D-Movies. Seamlessly integrates with my Picturetown, Nikon's photo sharing and storage service.

Kenko Tokina has launched the 300mm f/6.3 Mirror Lens for Micro Four Thirds, in a compact 66x66mm size.

The lens weighs 300g and is a manual focus lens with a fixed aperture.

Unlike its bigger brother, the Kenko 400mm f/8, the 300mm will easily fit into a pocket.

The 300mm lens fits a 55mm filter and offers a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:2.

Availability and pricing information have not yet been announced.

Tamron Co., Ltd., a leading manufacturer of optical equipment, announced the development of the SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD (Model A007), a full-size high-speed standard zoom lens equipped with VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilization and USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive), with resolution at the top of its class.

The price and availability of the SP 24-70mm will be announced at a later date.   

Product Features

1. A full-size, high-speed standard zoom with built-in VC ( Vibration Compensation). Even when shooting in low-light conditions with a slow shutter speed to render sharpness, Tamron's acclaimed VC allows for stable handheld camera work, to more fully enjoy the benefits of this high-speed zoom lens.
2. Uses special high-grade glass in the three LD elements, three glass molded aspherical lenses, one hybrid aspherical lens and two XR (Extra Refractive Index) glasses, delivering top-of-the-class quality images suited to this high-grade lens. Using a rounded diaphragm, the lens achieves gorgeous blur effects. This rounded diaphragm retains a nearly circular shape even when taken two stops down from its fully open state.
3. Features Tamron proprietary USD ( Ultrasonic Silent Drive) to power a speedy AF drive together with a continuous manual mechanism.  
4. This high-speed standard zoom lens has a wide-end focal length of 24mm that expands the photographic area.
5. The lens adopts the new technology including the latest optical design, VC ( Vibration Compensation) image stabilization and USD ( Ultrasonic Silent Drive), all in a lighter and more compact package.
6. Moisture-resistant construction helps prevent water from penetrating the lens.

Lensbaby announces today the addition of its new macro photography accessories for its lens bodies and optics, the Lensbaby Macro Converters.  These Macro Converters help Lensbaby photographers create close-up, dreamy and artistic photos while blurring out distracting elements.

"We've created a product that offers even more macro options beyond our existing Lensbaby Macro Kit, and works with every lens body and optic we make," said Craig Strong, Lensbaby President and Co-Founder. "These Macro Converters offer great close-up range, and when mixed and matched with our existing Macro Kit, provide even more options for creative Lensbaby macro photography."

The Macro Converters are available as a set containing one 8mm converter and one 16mm converter, which can also be stacked together to make a 24mm converter.  The existing Lensbaby Macro Kit (which features a +4 and +10 macro filter) can also be used in conjunction with the Macro Converters with the Double Glass, Single Glass, Plastic and Soft Focus Optics for an even closer capture.

Lensbaby Macro Converters Box Contents:

  * 8mm Macro Converter
  * 16mm Macro Converter
  * Hard storage case
  * User guide

The Lensbaby Macro Converters are available now for $50 from http://www.lensbaby.com, and Lensbaby-authorized photo specialty stores worldwide. For more information on these or any other Lensbaby products, contact PR representative Jessica Darrican at 305-576-1171 x.16 orJessica@maxborgesagency.com. 

About Lensbaby
Lensbaby is a Portland, Oregon based manufacturer of award-winning Creative Effects SLR camera lenses.  Lensbaby was launched in February 2004 by Craig Strong, a professional photographer and the inventor of the patented Lensbaby Creative Effects SLR lens system.  Lensbaby sells to photographers all over the world through its website, http://www.lensbaby.com, by calling 877-536-7222 / 971-223-5662, at tradeshows, in leading photo retailers and through a growing global network of international distributors.

Designed for full-frame cameras, Tokina's new AT-X 17-35mm F/4 lens adds a whole new meaning to the phrase "a wide choice."

With a focal length of 17mm at its widest, the lens opens up a spectacular 103.9 degree field of view which is great for shooting in tight situations but it's just as effective at taking in wide expanses of space when used at 35mm.

Image quality is ensured with the use of two Super-Low Dispersion glass and one aspheric glass elements for excellent contrast and sharpness as well as chromatic aberration control while Tokina's exclusive One-touch Focus Clutch Mechanism allows the photographer to switch between AF and MF simply by snapping the focus ring forward for AF and back toward the lens mount for manual focusing.

It's also designed to stand up to the rigours of daily use in a wide variety of shooting conditions and environments. Additionally the lens has been fitted with better seals around moving parts and although it's not waterproof it's much more water resistant than previous lenses.

This compact wide-angle zoom has a bright constant F/4 aperture which makes viewing and autofocus possible in lower light situations, it weighs in at just 600g and will fit Canon EOS or Nikon-D cameras.

Said Paul Kench, MD of Tokina UK Distributors Kenro: "If photographers have to choose which lens to put in their bag along with the camera, this must come pretty close to the top of the list. With a minimum focus distance of just 11 inches (28cm) it gives photographers the wherewithal to capture a flower, an insect, a piece of jewellery or anything else which calls for really close up photography but at the other end of its focal range it will just as successfully help capture a wide expanse of landscape which needs to be shown in all its glory."

For more information on Kenro's range of products go to http://www.kenro.co.uk or call Kenro's head office on 01793 615836.

Pentax has announced a roadmap for its K lenses, alongside the launch of the K-01 camera.

The roadmap reveals Pentax will launch a telephoto lens in 2012, alongside a high magnification zoom lens and in 2013, the company will announce a wide zoom, limited zoom and telezoom lens.

For full details, click on the image below.