Photo Club

Sigma has used Photokina to showcase four new lenses.

First up is the 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG which is equipped with a built-in HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor).

The 14-element-in-12 group lens includes Extraordinary Low Dispersion (ELD) and Special Low Dispersion (SLD) elements.

It will come in Sigma, Nikon, Canon, Pentax and Sony AF fits at a price yet to be announced.

Also new is a 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM lens designed for use on Four Thirds digital SLRs. Features include a minimum focusing distance of 45cm, maximum magnification of 1:7.4 and full-time manual focus override. It will cost £379.99.

Sigma has also unveiled 10mm and 4.5mm fisheye lenses for Pentax and Sony digital SLRs with an APS-C size imaging sensor. Both include a maximum aperture of f/2.8 and HSM.

The 4.5mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM, priced £599.99, has an angle of view of 180 degrees ‘in all directions’, producing a circular image within the frame (when used with a DSLR with an APS-C size sensor).

‘The minimum focusing distance is 13.5cm and maximum magnification of 1:6 make it particularly useful for close-up photography,’ according to the firm.

While, the 10mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM will cost £449.99 and is said to deliver a diagonal angle of view of 180 degrees.

SLD glass helps to minimise colour aberration on both lenses.

Olympus Four Thirds standard digital SLR camera : Olympus Imaging Corporation (President: Masaharu Okubo) is developing a new interchangeable-lens digital SLR (single lens reflex) within the Olympus E-System. This new Four Thirds-compliant camera reinforces the company’s commitment to the standard. Positioned as a mid-level model, this new interchangeable-lens digital SLR camera is intended for anyone who wants to express their creativity through photography, whether they are an amateur just starting out or a profession with years of experience behind them. Introduction of the new camera is expected in the first quarter of the year 2009. The developed camera will be exhibited as a reference product at Photokina 2008.
Olympus E-system digital SLR camera
At the last Photokina in the autumn of 2006, Olympus declared in 2007, the second chapter in the story of the Olympus E-System would begin. One of the highlights of this chapter was the incorporation of “Full-Time Live View” function as a standard function for the first time in the industry, adding to the excitement already generated by other distinctive features of the E-System such as the “100% Digital-Dedicated Design” and “Dust Reduction System.” At present, the E-System camera lineup includes popular models such as the E-420 and E-520, as well as the flagship E-3. All of these cameras provide digital SLR camera users with the high picture quality, superior reliability and exceptional portability they need.

New Olympus SLR positioned between the E-520 and E-3
The camera announced today is being developed as an advanced amateur model that will be positioned between the E-520 and E-3. In terms of quality and performance, however, there is nothing mid-level about this model. It will inherit all the outstanding features of the E-3 such as the high-speed AF system using 11-points-full twin cross sensor and the built-in image stabilization mechanism with a correction effect of max. 5 EV steps. Other features include a new and updated feature to replace the current splash- and dust-proof function. Olympus hopes to release this new camera in the first quarter of the year 2009.

Olympus E-system Four Thirds DSLR camera
With the introduction of this new camera, Olympus will expand its line of Four Thirds System-compliant digital SLR cameras, providing a wider range of choices to a wider range of users from serious amateurs to professionals.

Olympus has confirmed plans to launch a Micro Four Thirds camera and a new mid-range Four Thirds model.

Details to follow shortly.

Leica C-LUX 3 digital camera : The Leica C-LUX 3 by Leica Camera AG, Solms, is a new elegant and high-performance digital camera from the Leica C-Lux line. The slimline compact Leica C-LUX 3 offers super easy operation and a clearly structured menu for carefree photography. The Leica C-LUX 3 has a strikingly clear design that concentrates on the essentials: capturing and reproducing images. This means that the Leica C-LUX 3 can be used more quickly and flexibly than many other models in those all-decisive moments. The user is not distracted by elaborate menus and is free to react much more spontaneously. The stylish digital camera Leica C-LUX 3 is available in the timelessly elegant colors black and white.

Leica LUX 3 camera lens
The color-coordinated cases of high-quality leather are a fashionable accessory that make the camera a stylish companion. Compared to the predecessor model, the C-LUX 2, the 10.1 pixel Leica C-LUX 3 offers many technical improvements. Its powerful zoom lens Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT 4.4-22 mm f/2.8-5.9 ASPH provides a wide focal length range from 25 to 125 mm (35 mm format), delivering stunning photos in true-to-nature color from wide-angle to telephoto. Starting at a focal length of 25 mm, the high-speed optics offer a virtually unique wide angle for this class of camera which is particularly useful for space-grabbing shots.

Leica C-LUX 3 offers optical image stabilizer
Whether for landscapes, architecture photography, interior views or group photos, the Leica C-LUX 3 can capture the whole spread of the subject due to its double-sized image field. Another new feature is the 5x optical zoom that significantly enlarges the camera’s telephoto range. The Leica C-LUX 3 also integrates innovative automatic functions. When they are switched on, the user just has to press the shutter release button to obtain a perfectly exposed and focused picture. In automatic mode, the camera automatically combines the many individual functions to suit the subject and the photographic conditions, controlling the O.I.S. image stabilizer, the automatic ISO control, the face recognition, automatic contrast compensation and automatic choice of scene mode. Improvements have been made to the face recognition function, for example, with which focus and exposure values are automatically adjusted to the faces in the picture. As for the automatic choice of scene mode, the camera selects the most suitable for the particular exposure.

Leica C-LUX3 features high performance optics
“The Leica C-LUX 3 sets new standards in the ultra compact camera segment, offering an unbeatable combination of superlative technology, high-performance optics and an extra stylish exterior – available for the first time ever in the trend color white for people who like fashionable accessories. The C-Lux 3 is therefore an absolute must-have for all those who enjoy spontaneous photography and are looking for a camera that is just as flexible as they are,“ says Stefan Trippe, Vice President Production and Engineering at Leica Camera AG.

Leica C-LUX 3 digital camera display and viewing angle
With a resolution of 230,000 pixels, the 2.5“ camera display of the Leica C-LUX 3 shows a brilliant image which helps the photographer compose the picture and accurately assess the result. Due to its generous size, the display can be viewed by several people at the same time. In wide-angle mode, the display can still be optimally seen even at a difficult viewing angle such as over a crowd of people, and can be switched to extra bright Power LCD mode for visibility in extremely bright ambient light.

Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT provides high image quality to Leica C-LUX 3
The powerful zoom lens Leica DC VARIO-ELMARIT 4.4-22 mm f/2.8-5.9 ASPH consists of seven lens elements in six groups, of which four elements are aspherical. The optics are individually matched to the camera sensor. Thanks to the skilful combination of optics, electronics and software, the user can enjoy high color fidelity, excellent definition and vivid contrast. With respect to the matching of color, contrast and definition, Leica Camera AG has developed its own profile around the image properties familiar to customers of Leica system cameras in their use in combination with professional film material and development.

Leica LUX 3 – Automatic exposure control and Light Situations
A further key to successful photography is the integrated optical image stabilizer (O.I.S.) that can be activated for exposure only or for both exposure and the camera display. Through consistent compensation of small hand movements, the image stabilization reliably prevents camera shake in any situation. The Leica C-LUX 3 also features “Intelligent ISO“ automatic exposure control, which automatically detects movements of the subject and raises the film speed to ensure a fast exposure time. With this and the MEGA O.I.S. image stabilization, sharply focused pictures are always guaranteed – even in difficult light situations such as twilight or interiors, and in the telephoto range.

Leica C-LUX 3 accessories and availability
The Leica C-LUX 3 has a metal body and great attention has been paid to manufacturing detail. The exclusive use of high-quality materials guarantees a reliable and robust product. The Leica C-LUX 3 comes with a battery charger, a powerful battery, an AV, USB and AC cable as well as an extensive software package. Fashionable camera cases in a choice of black or white are also available as accessories. The Leica C-LUX 3 will be on sale at Leica stockists� from October 2008.

Sony-Ericsson W380i review on LetsGoMobile : The Sony Ericsson W380i is a clamshell model of the Walkman phone series, and focuses entirely on the needs of music enthusiasts. This device features a Walkman player, Radio and Track ID function. Moreover, on the front of the W380i, certain special music buttons are positioned, which save you the trouble of having to open the phone before selecting and listening to songs. The Sony Ericsson W380i comes in the following colours: Electric Purple, Magnetic Grey and Tangerine Black.

• Read the full Sony Ericsson W380i review on LetsGoMobile.

Sony Ericsson W380i Walkman phone
The Sony Ericsson W380i Walkman phone is all about music. An important component is the Walkman player, selectable through the menu. You can choose from a black, orange or white theme; all three different interfaces of the player are equally neat. Moreover, the structure of the setting menu is extremely intuitive. Select a song from your music library, press play or use the music buttons on the front of the phone to scroll through your music list. Or you can let yourself be pleasantly surprised if you select the shuffle function, or select a play list made by yourself containing all your favourite songs.

Sony-Ericsson W380 test
LetsGoMobile adds: “The built-in digital camera of the Sony Ericsson W380i has only 1.3 Megapixels at its disposal, which shows that the phone is of a slightly older generation. The megapixel race is the cause of mobile phone cameras like this getting somewhat out-dated before their time. Nor is it a camera with many setting possibilities. The only options the W380i offers are: night mode, white balance, picture quality, self-timer and some effects such as black and white and negative. When the light is extremely perfect, a sharp picture may appear in your album but in general, due to the lack of an auto focus, the quality of the captured pictures is disappointing.”

Sony Ericsson W380i review
LetsGoMobile concludes: “Whilst testing the Sony Ericsson W380i a number of important pros and cons emerged. Do not purchase this phone if you want to capture moments on a regular base with the camera function of this mobile phone. The setting possibilities are limited and the quality of the pictures rather poor. If you use your mobile phone as MP3 player, you will probably find the W380i an interesting device. The beautiful penetrating sound of the Mega Bass, the possibility to enhance the phone’s memory, the Radio and the Track ID function make this Sony Ericsson W380i the perfect phone for music enthusiasts and that is exactly the target group this Walkman phone aims at.” Do you want to know more about this Walkman phone? Read our full Sony Ericsson W380 review.

Tamron has unwrapped a 10-24mm lens designed for Canon and Nikon digital SLR cameras that have a built-in AF motor.

The firm’s president Morio Ono described the optic’s 2.4x zoom ratio as ‘unprecedented’ in its class, adding that the lens is designed for DSLRs with an APS-C size imaging sensor.

The SP AF10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) delivers the 35mm viewing angle equivalent of a 16-37mm lens.

Features include a minimum focus distance of 0.24m and aspherical elements to help reduce distortion.

The lens will go on sale in Japan on 20 September.

A UK launch date and price have yet to be announced.

Pentax and Sony compatible models will be launched at a later date.

Digital spy camera from Minox : Small, intelligent and very reliable. Minox cameras have been the dream tool of undercover agents for almost 75 years. To allow this legend to continue in the digital age, miniature optics specialists from Wetzlar have designed the Minox DSC. This is a miniature camera that features the former 8×11 dimensions and at the same time boasts state-of-the-art technology. This world premiere with cult potential is on show for the first time at the photokina 2008: This is also where Minox is presenting everything the future “private-eye” needs for capturing spontaneous, candid digital images, from belt buckle cameras to a filming fountain pen.

Minox DSC digital spy camera at Photokina 2008
The Minox booth – designed as a spy workshop – focuses on the new Minox DSC. Here the visitor can discover the possibilities offered by this new License to Shoot – the slogan of the fair presentation: fast, unobtrusive, candid photography – the new digital Minoxgraphy.

New camera category on way from Samsung В• Samsung takes wind from Micro Four Thirds with APS-C ‘hybrid’ system В• New category to short-cut Koreans to top digital position

Global giant Samsung is set to introduce a new interchangeable lens ‘Hybrid’ digital camera system in Spring 2010, in a move aimed at propelling the company to the top of world’s digital camera sales. Speaking exclusively to Amateur Photographer at the IFA show in Berlin, Samsung Techwin Executive Vice President Byung Woo Lee (pictured above with UK camera director Rob King) says the first model in the as-yet-unnamed system will carry the company’s own 14 million-pixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor and a new lens mount. ‘Many people find DSLR cameras too heavy and big to carry,’ Lee explained, ‘so Samsung will introduce a new hybrid system that will be small and light like a bridge type camera, but with interchangeable Samsung-made lenses.’

News of Samsung’s plans are sure to be met with interest by Four Thirds system members Olympus and Panasonic, coming only three weeks after the announcement of the Micro Four Thirds system which is based on similar principles. Keen to emphasis that Samsung’s system is unrelated to Micro Four Thirds, Lee told AP that the company has been working on this project for some time, and is already producing prototype lenses.

Like Micro Four Thirds, Samsung’s hybrid system will use electronic viewfinders (EVF) and a compact camera style live rear LCD screen for framing. The focusing system will use a video type automatic process, and lenses will be smaller than the company’s current GX series optics. ‘We have extensive experience in lens manufacturing from other areas of Samsung’s business, as well as from our compact camera ranges, and we have been manufacturing camera bodies since the 1970′s, so these will not be new areas for us to deal with.’ Lee explains. ‘Although we want to make the new system affordable, we are concentrating on achieving professional quality with this system. The most important point is that this is very successful in the market. A difference between Samsung’s system and Micro Four Thirds will be that Samsung will have a much bigger sensor.’

Lee admitted that competing with Nikon and Canon in the DSLR market is extremely challenging, and mentioned that all other manufacturers are finding it difficult to make an impression. ‘Samsung is still in the early stages of its DSLR project and in this field we have a long way to go to gain a good market share. With the hybrid system we will create a new camera segment which we will be able to dominate.’ Although many details are still to be decided on Lee predicts that the new system will be ready for sale in the spring of 2010.

The ‘Hybrid’ system will run alongside the current GX DSLR series.

Read news report on Micro Four Thirds system

Read forum discussion of Micro Four Thirds system

Olympus mju 1050 SW digital camera : The newly-redesigned Olympus mju 1050 SW is ready for practically any adventure: toss it about, dunk it in the pool or bury it in the snow without thinking – because you don’t have to. The incorporation of an innovative TAP control interface makes adjusting settings and reviewing shots as easy as the tap of a finger. Coming with a bundled microSD attachment, this model affords users even more flexibility when it comes to storing memories. The all new Olympus mju 1050 SW will be available in a choice of Dolphin Grey, Pacific Blue, Midnight Black or Misty Rose late September for an RRP of $480.00 USD.

Olympus mju 1050SW a shock- & waterproof camera
Do what you will to the 10.1 Megapixel Olympus mju 1050 SW: drop it, wash it or shoot with it in below-freezing temperatures. Shockproof to 1.5m, waterproof to 3m and freezeproof to -10В°C, this extension to Olympus’ most robust compact line-up sports a chic new design that makes it even more fun to take with you no matter you go. A newly-developed TAP control interface lets users trade the press of a button for the tap of a finger: adjust settings and review images on the Olympus 1050 SW’s extra large 6.9cm / 2.7” HyperCrystal II LCD by applying a simple tap or two to the exterior of the camera. The integrated 3x optical zoom (38-114mm) guarantees safety in action with its use of an inner-folded light path – one of the keys to this camera’s uniquely compact design.

Olympus mju1050 SW Camera features
• High-precision 3x optical zoom (38-114 mm) to capture everything, even in tough conditions
• Shockproof to 1.5m, waterproof to 3m and freezeproof to -10°C
• TAP Control Menu for great convenience
• Advanced Face Detection of up to 16 persons for perfectly focused and exposed faces
• 6.9cm / 2.7″ HyperCrystal II LCD for excellent previews even in direct sunlight
• 10.1 Megapixels to make poster-size prints
• Digital Image Stabilisation for less blur
• TruePic III image processor for faster image handling and higher image quality
• Liven up your memories with movie recording with sound (up to VGA resolution at 30fps)
• Pre-Capture Movie mode
• xD-Picture Card and microSD Card compatible

Olympus mju 1050SW for a creative photographic experience
With the Olympus mju 1050SW, users can concentrate on getting great shots without distractions. Dependably sharp shots are assured every time thanks to Digital Image Stabilisation which automatically adjusts ISO levels to compensate for blur at slow shutter speeds. Meanwhile, integrated Advanced Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology detect human subjects (up to 16 faces) and shadowy parts of an image to optimise the exposure and sharpness – so results come out closer to what the human eye sees. What’s more, the effect of various settings on the outcome – such as exposure compensation – can be previewed with the Perfect Shot Preview function. Incorporation of BrightCapture Technology also means that it is always easy to frame and review shots on the LCD, even in low light. And the TruePic III image processor provides triple enhancement to image results with improved noise reduction, significantly faster image processing speeds and more realistic reproduction of colours.

Olympus mju 1050 SW price & avialability
There’s a Olympus mju 1050 SW for everybody. With a unique exterior available in an array of exciting colours including Dolphin Grey, Pacific Blue, Midnight Black and Misty Rose, this model lets users express themselves like never before. Plus, the availability of menus in 39 different languages ensures that virtually anyone across the world can operate the Вµ [mju:] 1050 SW in their native tongue. What’s more, the inclusion of a bundled attachment, photographers can store their memories on microSD Card in addition to xD-Picture Card. The shockproof, waterproof and freezeproof (to -10В°C) Olympus mju 1050 SW will be available at the end of September 2008.

Organisers of a photography competition have defended their right to publish entries anywhere they like on the grounds that only amateurs – not professionals – are eligible to enter.

Launched by the Container Shipping Information Service (CSIS), the contest offers prizes totalling $1,500.

However, the rules state that submissions ‘become the property of the CSIS’ and that organisers ‘may use and display them for any defined, reasonable and lawful purposes thereafter, whether a photo is a winning photo or not’.

When confronted over the rules of the competition a spokesperson failed to dispel any concerns entrants are likely to face.

She told : ‘CSIS completely understands and respects the sensitivities surrounding copyright. For that reason, we have only allowed amateur or В“have-a-goВ” photographers to enter. Professional photographers are not eligible to enter.’

The spokesperson added: ‘This competition is only meant to raise awareness of the importance that the container shipping industry has on our everyday livesВ… If anyone is unhappy with any aspect of the terms and conditions we would encourage them not to enter the competition.’

Organisers say the aim of the contest is to ‘improve the image of the container shipping industry’.