From Tamron:
Incorporates PZD (Piezo Drive) and Tamron's exclusive VC (Vibration Compensation) system to further enhance the real-world performance of this next-generation "all-around lens", which makes taking photographs more convenient and enjoyable.
April 11, 2014, Commack, NY - Tamron USA, Inc.announced today the release date of its new advanced All-In-One zoom lens, designed exclusively for DSLRs with APS-C size image sensors, that provides an amazing 18.8X zoom ratio. The lens will be on sale in the USA starting May 15, 2014 at a street price of $629. The Canon and Nikon mount models will be launched simultaneously. The launch date of the Sony mount model will be announced at a later date.
Since the launch in 1992 of the 28-200mm (Model 71D) high-power zoom lens - which featured a revolutionary compact, lightweight design - Tamron has been continually expanding its portfolio of world-class optics to benefit consumers.
Tamron previously launched an 18-270mm (Model B008) All-In-One zoom lens exclusively for digital SLR cameras with APS-C size image sensors that features a 15X zoom ratio, superior image quality, swift, quiet AF, and Tamron's acclaimed VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism, in an ultra-compact package. This ground-breaking lens has won major plaudits throughout the world.
Responding to consumers' demand for expanded focal lengths both at the wide-angle end of the zoom range and the telephoto end, Tamron developed a completely new All-In-One zoom lens design that provides an impressive focal length range extending from 16mm true wide-angle to 300mm super-telephoto.
B&H has the Tamron 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD MACRO Lens available for preorder.
From Sigma:
New, prime Art lens on US shelves for $949 in late April
RONKONKOMA– April 11, 2014 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider of some of the world's most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, is pleased to announce that the newest addition to its Global Vision Art camera lens lineup, the 50mm F1.4 DG HSM Art, will be available late April for the street price of $949.
The much anticipated 50mm F1.4 DG HSM Art is a pro-level performer for full-frame DSLRs and is ideal for many types of videography and photography, including portraits, landscapes, studio work and still-life. It has been redesigned and re-engineered with SLD glass and has been optimized for rich peripheral brightness, with improved large aperture performance by positioning wide elements into the front groups.
Other updates to this new lens include an optimized autofocus algorithm for smoother focusing and a floating focusing system to reduce lens movement while focusing. Under the Global Vision line, it features a new matte finish, an updated AF algorithm and every lens undergoes Sigma’s proprietary modulation transfer function (MTF) “A1” testing before being shipped. It has 13 elements in eight groups, compared to the previous eight elements in six groups, and it also has improved close focusing at 15.7 inches and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:5.6.
“Our Art lenses, such as the 35mm F1.4, 24-105mm F4 and 18-35mm F1.8 have been incredibly well received to date, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the excitement around the news of this upgraded 50mm F1.4,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “Clearly, the industry is hungry for reasonably priced, powerful, high-quality, multi-purpose lenses – and they’ve seen the image quality that’s being produced by our new Global Vision lenses. There are no sacrifices with these products, and the new 50mm F1.4 is sure to be another star in our lineup.”
The 50mm F1.4 was first announced at the Consumer Electronics Show this year. It incorporates Sigma’s Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) system to produce quiet, high-speed auto focus. In addition, it includes Super Multi-Layer Coating to reduce flare and ghosting, and to ensure the highest-quality images. The 50mm F1.4 DG HSM lens is also compatible with Sigma’s USB dock and the company’s Mount Conversion Service.
The Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG will be available in Sigma, Sony (D), Nikon (D), and Canon mounts.
B&H has the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens available for preorder. I submitted my preorder at 2:15am CDT. ;-) [Sean]
From B&H:
Our NYC SuperStore and Offices will close in observance of the Passover Holiday from Monday, April 14 through Tuesday, April 22. We will reopen on Wednesday, April 23 at 9:00 am EDT.
Place your order by Sunday, April 13 by 12:00 pm Noon EDT in order to ship before the Holiday. Orders placed after this time will be processed when we reopen.
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patronage.
From Sigma:
Along with the launch of SIGMA 50mm F1.4 DG HSM, the Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce that we are going to update SIGMA Optimization Pro very shortly.
The version will be 1.2.0, and it will offer following additional customization when it is used with the SIGMA 50mm F1.4 DG HSM.
[Setting Full-time MF Function]
It is possible to select the Full-time MF Function ON / OFF.
* This customization of Full-time MF function is only available for the SIGMA 50mm F1.4 DG HSM.
* There may be limitations in the function depending on cameras.
Expected Date of Service:
From April 18, 2014
SIGMA Optimization Pro Download
B&H has the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens available for preorder. They also carry the Sigma USB Dock (review).
B&H has the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Lens available for preorder for $949.00 with free shipping. Preorder now to get one of the first available copies!
From Tamron:
A high-performance, high-power zoom lens that delivers focal lengths extending from an unprecedented 16mm at the wide-angle end up to a long-range telephoto 300mm! Incorporates PZD (Piezo Drive) and Tamron's exclusive VC (Vibration Compensation) system to further enhance the real-world performance of this next-generation "all-round lens", which makes taking photographs more convenient and enjoyable.
April 10, 2014, Saitama, Japan – Tamron Co., Ltd. (President & CEO: Morio Ono), a leading manufacturer of precision optics, has announced the release of an advanced new all-in-one zoom lens exclusively for digital SLR cameras with APS-C size image sensors that provides an amazing 18.8x zoom ratio.
Since the launch in 1992 of the 28-200mm (Model 71D) high-power zoom lens – which featured a revolutionary compact, lightweight design – Tamron has been continually expanding its portfolio of world-class optics to benefit consumers.
Tamron previously launched an 18-270mm (Model B008) all-in-one zoom lens exclusively for digital SLR cameras with APS-C size image sensors that features a 15x zoom ratio, superior image quality, swift, quiet AF, and Tamron's acclaimed VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism, in an ultra-compact package. This ground-breaking lens has been winning plaudits throughout the world.
Responding to consumers' demand for expanded focal lengths both at the wide-angle end of the zoom range and the telephoto end, Tamron has now developed a completely new all-in-one zoom lens design that provides an impressive focal length range extending from 16mm true wide-angle to 300mm super-telephoto.
The Canon and Nikon mount models will be first simultaneously launched in the Japanese market on April 24, 2014, with overseas launches to follow in mid-May. The launch date of the Sony mount model will be announced at a later date.
Product Highlights:
B&H has the product pages created for the new Tamron 16-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD MACRO Lens, but the preorders are not yet available.
Lensbaby has announced a new 5.8mm Circular Fisheye Lens for Canon and Nikon systems.
Overview:
Lensbaby's 5.8mm Circular Fisheye lens gives photographers a fun and affordable way to create circular images that transform the world around them.
This Circular Fisheye lens is great for capturing the scale of endless landscapes and big events, fun self-portraits, quirky shots of pets or friends, creating extreme perspective, and experimenting with unique lens flare. It is capable of capturing a 185° angle of view and focusing from 1/4 inch in front of the lens to infinity. That extreme close-focus paired with the incredibly wide 5.8mm focal length produces other-worldly distortion with exceptional sharpness throughout.
The Circular Fisheye is optimized for APS-C sensor DSLRs, while producing a smaller image circle on full frame DSLRs.
Specs:
Product Highlights:
Sample Photos:
B&H has the Lensbaby 5.8mm f/3.5 Circular Fisheye Lens available for preorder.
From Nikon:
A stylish, compact, and lightweight camera offering superior performance with tracking of moving subjects with the world's fastest continuous shooting with AF tracking, and excellent image quality that makes full-scale photography possible
TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the new Nikon 1 J4, the latestaddition to the J series of Nikon 1 advanced cameras with interchangeable lenses that propose new forms of imaging expression.
The Nikon 1 J4 is a model with which performance with tracking of moving subjects that exceeds that of digital SLR cameras, and advanced shooting functions with excellent image quality that makes full-scale photography possible, have been incorporated in a compact and lightweight body.
It offers 105 focus points with phase-detection AF and 171 focus points with contrast-detect AF. 105 densely packed focus points positioned over a broad range of the frame ensure precise acquisition of moving subjects. The NIKON 1 J4 supports high-speed continuous shooting at the world's fastest* continuous shooting rate of approximately 20 fps with AF tracking, and up to 60 fps when focus is locked. Ultra high-speed AF capable of capturing the perfect moment, ultra high-speed continuous shooting, and Best Moment Capture mode useful when it is difficult to gauge the best time to press the shutter-release button enable optimal response for capturing subject movement or fleeting expressions.
Equipped with 18.4-million pixels, a super high-speed AF CMOS sensor with no low-pass filter, and the latest EXPEED 4A image-processing engine, the NIKON 1 J4 offers superior image quality.
It is also equipped with a number of advanced features that allow users to easily capture images as intended. Among these are a TFT LCD touch screen that enables intuitive operation, built-in Wi-Fi for simple transfer and sharing of high-quality images, and a variety of functions for recording 1920 x 1080/60p full-HD movies, including Fast Motion, Jump Cut, and 4-second Movie.
What's more, two new dedicated Nikon 1 accessories will also be released at the same time as the NIKON 1 J4: the WP-N3 Waterproof Case, and the full-scale Underwater SB-N10 Speedlight that allows users to fully enjoy the new values of the Nikon 1 system with underwater photography.
NIKON 1 J4 Primary Features
WP-N3 Waterproof Case Primary Features
SB-N10 Underwater Speedlight Primary Features
From Nikon:
Incorporating Proven NIKKOR Lens Technology, The New NIKKOR AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR Telephoto Zoom Lens Will Help Users Capture Amazing Action and Far Away Fun
April 10, 2014 – MELVILLE, NY – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the latest addition to its legendary NIKKOR lineup, the new AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR telephoto zoom lens. Designed for the DX-format photographer looking to get more out of their D-SLR camera, the versatile NIKKOR 18-300mm is a compact and lightweight 16.7X all-in-one telephoto zoom lens that delivers high performance and superior image quality. Whether capturing still images or HD video, the 18-300mm lens is built to help users capture content with vibrant colors and sharp details, plus shoot sports, vacations and wildlife with confidence.
“With the addition of the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR to the NIKKOR lens line-up, DX-format photographers have a compact and lightweight all-in-one telephoto zoom that can handle any photo or video challenge,” said Masahiro Horie, Director of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. “With the 18-300mm lens, DX-format photographers will be able to capture sharp images and video with incredible detail. Additionally, the lens incorporates renowned NIKKOR optics and technology like a Silent Wave Motor (SWM), three Aspherical and three Extra-low Dispersion glass elements, as well as innovative features like Vibration Reduction image stabilization.”
An All-In-One Telephoto Zoom Lens
With the introduction of the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR lens, DX-format photographers have a compact and lightweight telephoto zoom lens, over 30 percent lighter than the acclaimed AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens, that produces the incredible results users have come to expect from Nikon’s NIKKOR lens lineup. The 18-300mm lens boasts an impressive 16.7X ultrahigh-ratio zoom range, offering a focal range from wide-angle 18mm to super-telephoto 300mm (27mm to 450mm equivalent in FX/35mm format). The new lens provides photographers with compositional freedom that is ideal for everyday use, whether capturing close-ups, sweeping landscapes, portraits, architecture, nature, sports and fast moving action. When recording HD videos, users will have the ability to capture wide establishing shots, medium close-up shots or extreme telephoto sequences that best complement their creative vision. With the new 18-300mm, photographers that currently use DX-format D-SLR cameras, like the Nikon D3000 and D5000 series, now have a versatile telephoto zoom lens to upgrade their current lens arsenal or complement their kit lens.
Delivering Superior Performance and Image Quality
Incorporating proven NIKKOR lens optics and technology, the new AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR lens offers an extensive feature set that produces vibrant color, sharp detail with minimal distortion, whether capturing still images or recording HD video. Helping to ensure sharp photos and video even in low-light situations while also combatting the effects of camera shake, the 18-300mm comes equipped with Nikon’s renowned Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization, providing the lens with four stops* of stabilization to help make shooting a blur-free experience, even while handheld.
Weighing a mere 19.4 ounces, the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR is remarkably compact and lightweight, making it a lens that is comfortable to carry regardless of the photo excursion. The construction of the 18-300mm lens contains 16 optical elements in 12 groups and includes three Aspherical (AS) and three Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements to produce maximum contrast while minimizing lens flare and ghosting. Its three Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements effectively minimize chromatic aberration at even the widest aperture settings. Also, the new lens incorporates a seven rounded-blade diaphragm, which helps achieve a beautiful and natural background blur. Like many of Nikon’s newest NIKKOR lenses, the 18-300mm has a Silent Wave Motor (SWM), designed to deliver fast, accurate and quiet autofocusing (AF) performance, plus Internal Focusing (IF), which gives it a more compact, streamlined lens design.
Price and Availability
The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR lens will be available in May 2014 for suggested retail price (SRP) of $899.95.
B&H has the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR Lens available for preorder.
From Nikon:
The Next Generation Full-Featured Social Camera Helps Users Step Up Their Photo Sharing With Stunning Images and Instant Access to Their Favorite Apps
April 10, 2014 – MELVILLE, NY – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the new COOLPIX S810c, which combines Nikon’s powerful camera imaging technologies and the vast capabilities of the Android Operating System (OS). Whether photographing friends dancing into the night or fast-action sports, the 16.0-megapixel COOLPIX S810c helps users never again settle for sharing a sub-par cell phone photo to their social networks.
“The COOLPIX S810c combines the best parts of a Nikon camera and the limitless possibilities of the Android Operating System, so users can seamlessly integrate their digital lives with their creative passions,” said Masahiro Horie, Director of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. “Nikon COOLPIX S810c users will be able to stay connected and share everyday moments with ease through Full HD video and amazing stills.”
Capture and Share Photos, Without Sacrificing Image Quality
The new Nikon COOLPIX S810c provides users with the power to capture high quality images in low-light or from a distance, delivering the results that would otherwise be a challenge to capture with a smartphone. The COOLPIX S810c features a 16.0-megapixel, backside illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor for excellent low-light ability, and a 12x optical zoom NIKKOR lens (with24x Dynamic Fine Zoom) to get the sharp shots from up close or far away. Further bolstering the low-light capability of the S810c, the camera has an ISO range up to 3200, as well as Lens-Shift Vibration Reduction (VR) to help banish blurry photos, even while shooting handheld. To capture those special moments, the camera also has a fast continuous shooting mode.
Stay Connected, Share Effortlessly With Built-in Wi-Fi
Whether liking a status or tagging a photo, COOLPIX S810c users can seamlessly share their most memorable moments with friends and family with the Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean Operating System. When accessing Google Play, users have access to endless apps including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and many other apps where they can share photos and stay connected. With the Android OS, users can surf the web, read their latest emails, browse through their friends’ photos and videos, navigate with maps as well as many other functions offered by Android apps. The built-in Wi-Fi capabilities of the S810c provide a simple way to directly share photos instantly with friends and family. When no external Wi-Fi network is available, users can also connect to a compatible smartphone or tablet via the dedicated “Connect to S810c” app*(1) in order to transfer, share and view their images on that smart device. Additionally, the COOLPIX S810c has built-in GPS for location-based apps, as well as a stereo headphone jack, which allows users to operate their camera as a mobile media player device. With the COOLPIX S810c users can easily navigate to their dinner date, while listening to their favorite playlist, and then shoot and share their entrée as well as the night’s details with friends, all with the same device.
Proven Nikon Technologies and Features
Whether sharing, swiping, composing or navigating, users will appreciate the wide and bright 3.7-in. touch-screen LCD monitor with 1.2 million-dot resolution, as well as the ability to capture Full 1080p HD video. Additionally, COOLPIX S810c photographers can explore their creativity with a variety of special and creative effects including user-friendly modes and features like Easy Panorama, which lets the user simply sweep the camera to create an ultra-wide panoramic image. Furthermore, the camera also features a new enhanced battery, allowing users to stay connected longer.
Price and Availability
The Nikon COOLPIX S810c will be available in early May 2014 in Black or White for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $349.95.
B&H has the Nikon COOLPIX 810c Digital Camera available for preorder.
From Canon:
Canon has released a firmware update for the Canon VIXIA mini Camcorder.
Details
Firmware Version 1.0.1.0 incorporates the following improvements:
Firmware Version 1.0.1.0 is for camcorders with firmware Version 1.0.0.0. If the camcorder's firmware is already Version 1.0.1.0, it is not necessary to update the firmware.
Once you have updated your camcorder’s firmware, it cannot be downgraded to a previous version.
Support
Download Firmware Version 1.0.1.0 for the Canon VIXIA mini.
Download the Instruction Manual and Getting Started guide for the Canon VIXIA mini.
This information is for residents of the United States and Puerto Rico only. If you do not reside in the USA or Puerto Rico, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.
B&H carries the Canon Vixia mini camcorder.
From Barcroft TV YouTube Channel:
Cute Meerkats Use Photographer As A Lookout Post
Check out all the delightful Meerkat images at Burrard-Lucas's Blog.
From Photoshelter:
Use Twitter to get people excited about your work!
In our latest guide, "The Photographer’s Guide to Twitter," we’ve partnered up with the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) to give you tips to get your name out there, engage with potential customers, and advance your photo career.
In this guide, you’ll also learn:
Also get a list of Twitter FAQs to address specific questions you might have, plus a glossary to stay on top of commonly used Twitter jargon.
Just Posted: Sigma 150mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens Review
With excellent image quality and a moderate price, the Sigma 150 OS is a great option for a long focal length macro lens.
From Adobe:
Photoshop Lightroom 5.4
The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.4 update includes these enhancements:
Download:
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.4 - Windows | Macintosh
DNG Converter 8.4
This update contains the Adobe DNG Converter 8.4.
The Adobe DNG Converter is a free utility that enables you to easily convert camera-specific raw files from more than 350 cameras to the more universal DNG raw format.
Digital Negative was developed to address the lack of an open standard for the proprietary and unique raw files created by each digital camera. DNG allows photographers to archive their raw camera files in a single format for easy cataloging and access in the future. With the format specification freely available, any developer can build software that supports and takes advantage of DNG. For more information, visit the Digital Negative page.
Support for the following cameras has been added. Visit the Camera Raw page for a complete list of supported cameras.
(*) Preliminary support
Download:
Adobe DNG Converter 8.4 - Windows | Macintosh
B&H carries Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.