The Canon 1D Mark IV is Canon's latest pro-level digital camera.

The Photo Dictionary, we must admit, has been off the ball in the last couple of weeks. This is primarily due to the redesign of ThePhotoDictionary.com.  Since Canon announced the release of the 1D Mark IV a little over a month ago, rumors on what Canon is doing next–the rumornuts seem to think it’s going to be a “60D” (I’m inclined to think that the 7D is the 60D, we shall see).

Fortunately, Canon keeps us stimulated with something to read, releasing their “white book” for the latest and greatest (and it is great) Canon 1D Mark IV.

The manual, which is located on canon’s website as a 123 page PDF file, covers many of the 1D’s upgrades and improvements including the new sensor, auto focus system, and the first ever HD video capture capability on a 1 series camera.

UPDATE 9/1/09 9:30AM CST:

Rob Galbraith has reviewed a pre-release 7D

” The 7D represents Canon’s most interesting attempt in awhile to provide working photographers with a camera that incorporates a useful complement of pro features at a midrange camera price.”

UPDATE 9/1/09 8:00AM CST:

Imaging-resource.com has gotten its hands on a 7D and has uploaded hundreds of pictures taken with the 7D. Check it out here: http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/E7D/E7DTHMB.HTM

ISO 12800 anyone? Lets just say, very clean

Dpreview.com has also posted some samples

http://www.dpreview.com/gallery/canoneos7d_preview/

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Canon has announced today the long suspected EOS 7D. The 7D appears to be the answer to many photographers request of a camera similar to the old EOS 3.  The 7D is poised to be a mid level camera body that provides near pro-body level performance.  Below is the official press release from canon

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CANON U.S.A. REDEFINES MID-RANGE DSLR CATEGORY WITH THE NEW EOS 7D DIGITAL SLR CAMERA

The EOS 7D Features Fast Eight fps Continuous Shooting, Class-Leading 18-Megapixel Resolution and Full HD Video Recording with Variable Frame Rates and Manual Exposure Control

Lake Success, N.Y., September 1, 2009 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today introduced a revolutionary camera that redefines the highly competitive mid-range DSLR product category: the Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR camera. Professional photographers and advanced amateurs have been demanding higher performance and more diverse functions in their cameras, and Canon has answered – with the new EOS 7D. Far more than a slight improvement from a previous model, the EOS 7D DSLR is a brand new product that stands on its own with new features never before seen in any Canon camera. Whether it’s shooting at eight frames per second (fps), focusing with the new Zone AF mode or recording 24p Full HD video, the EOS 7D DSLR camera satisfies the most rigorous professional requirements with durability, flexibility, high-resolution images and customizable controls. With its unprecedented out-of-the-box performance and high-end feature set, the EOS 7D is poised as the ultimate step-up camera for serious photographers or a second camera for professionals in the field.
The EOS 7D boasts significant EOS advancements including a completely new 19-point Autofocus system, a new Canon iFCL Metering System (Intelligent Focus, Color, Luminance) and a new Intelligent Viewfinder. An 18-megapixel Canon CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Imaging Processors fuel the EOS 7D’s 14-bit A/D data conversion and its ability to freeze fast motion in high-resolution with eight fps continuous shooting up to 126 Large JPEGS using a UDMA CF card, positioning this camera for the studio as well as the sideline. The EOS 7D captures beautiful low-light images with or without a flash, at occasions such as a dance recital or wedding reception, thanks to a wide range of ISO speed settings from 100-6400 (expandable to 12,800). In addition to its new still capture capabilities, the EOS 7D features Full HD video capture at 1920 x 1080 resolution with selectable frame rates of 24p, 25p or 30p. Native 24p recording helps videographers achieve a more cinema-style look for their footage without the need for post-processing.

“The EOS 7D represents a completely new chapter in digital photography and Canon product development. This camera stands alone as the most functional and innovative DSLR Canon has released to-date, bringing together all of the best professional features offered, along with numerous user requests at a price-point everyone can appreciate,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.

The Evolution of Vision, the EOS 7D’s New Autofocus System
The Canon EOS 7D boasts the most advanced AF system ever seen in an EOS SLR. The completely re-designed system includes a new multi-axis cross-type 19-point AF grid, where the focusing points are evenly spread out across the image plane and clearly displayed through Canon’s new Intelligent Viewfinder. All 19 points are f/5.6-sensitive for both horizontal and vertical cross-type focusing, while the center AF point adds high-precision diagonal cross-type sensitivity for f/2.8 and larger aperture lenses. The Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR camera is the first EOS SLR to feature 19 cross-type focusing points that remain fully functional with maximum apertures as small as f/5.6, which brings the performance of the AF system to unprecedented levels for assignments as varied as fast-moving sports action or low-light wedding ceremonies.

The Canon EOS 7D’s AF system allows numerous AF area selection modes never seen before in an EOS SLR camera. New modes include:
• Spot AF mode reduces the size of a single AF point to focus on small subjects like an animal in a cage.
• AF Point Expansion mode uses a cluster of AF points adjacent to the selected AF point to automatically assist focusing on moving subjects, such as an athlete on the run.
• Zone AF divides the 19 AF points into five selectable focusing zones and makes it easier to achieve focus with subjects that are difficult to track with Single Point AF or AF point expansion, such as birds in flight.

Additional AF improvements include a revised Automatic AF point selection sequence that allows a user to pick any one of the 19 AF points as a starting point for tracking moving subjects in AI Servo mode. (Previous EOS models required the subject to first be acquired by the center focusing point.) If the subject moves away, the camera will continue to track the movement with the remaining points and display the active focusing point in the viewfinder. Also, a time-saving feature is AF Point Switching, which allows photographers to select and register one AF point for horizontal compositions and a second AF point for vertical shooting, ideal for studio and portrait photographers.

To complement the new AF system, the exposure metering system for the EOS 7D has been completely re-designed to take color information into account, another first for an EOS system. Canon’s iFCL metering includes a 63-zone dual-layer metering sensor that reads both illumination and color for consistent results in all lighting conditions, keeping exposure levels stable from shot to shot, even as the light source changes.

Canon’s new Intelligent Viewfinder uses a liquid crystal overlay to provide clear and precise displays of focusing points and zones, on-demand grid lines and a spot metering circle. The LCD overlay can also be illuminated in extreme low-light situations or turned off completely. The EOS 7D camera’s viewfinder includes a large all-glass pentaprism with an antireflective coating to maximize clarity and provide a brighter display. The EOS 7D’s Intelligent Viewfinder features 1.0x magnification with 100 percent coverage for accurate composition and checking of detail.

EOS HD Movie: Empowering the World of Videography
Canon has blazed new trails in HD video capture with the 5D Mark II. Now, the EOS 7D takes DSLR video to new heights with Full HD capture featuring fully manual exposure control, and selectable cinematic frame rates for both NTSC (National Television System Committee) and PAL (Phase Altering Line) standards. Compatible with more than 60 Canon EF and EF-S lenses, the EOS 7D lets videographers take full advantage of the camera’s large CMOS sensor to achieve the dramatic frame composition they desire. At the heart of the EOS 7D are two key proprietary Canon technologies, Dual DIGIC 4 Imaging Processors and a large APS-C-sized CMOS sensor, helping to render stunning color reproduction, amazing depth of field and fine detail, even in low-light conditions. The Canon EOS 7D allows for three video recording modes – Full HD and HD in a 16:9 aspect ratio and Standard Definition (SD) in a 4:3 aspect ratio, all at selectable frame rates. The EOS 7D Digital SLR camera will record Full HD at 1920 x 1080 pixels in selectable frame rates of 24p (23.976), 25p, or 30p (29.97); 720p HD recording at 50p or 60p (59.94) and SD video at frame rates of 50p or 60p (59.94). The EOS 7D features a new dedicated button to initiate live view for both video and still shooting. Once engaged, the same dedicated button will start and stop video recording. Like the EOS 5D Mark II, the Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR camera provides users with the capability to use an external stereo microphone for professional audio effects or a built-in monaural microphone for convenience.

The Features You Asked For
A helpful new tool for architectural and landscape photography where angles and perspective are critical is Canon’s new built-in Dual Axis Electronic Level, featuring an artificial horizon over the image on the rear LCD screen in Live View or in the viewfinder using illuminated AF points for easy leveling while shooting. The dual axis electronic level shows both horizontal roll and vertical pitch, making it easy to identify when the camera is in a fixed level shooting position and ready to take the shot.

The EOS 7D’s pop-up flash features a built-in Integrated Speedlite Transmitter for control of multiple off-camera EOS Speedlites without the need for an external transmitter. This built-in wireless option is a compact and economical solution for studio and wedding photography with multiple flash set-ups.

A new Intelligent Macro Tracking function helps reduce blur during macro shooting by recognizing when a macro lens is attached and automatically adjusting the AI Servo sampling frequency. This AI Servo adjustment accounts for camera movement forward and back, a typical occurrence when moving in close for a macro shot as photographers rock back and forth, or a flower blows in the wind.

Once in your hands, you can immediately feel the ergonomic improvements of the Canon EOS 7D camera, starting with a new super-fluid body design with continuous curves outlining the top of the camera and a revised grip that fits better in a user’s hand. The camera has a new Quick Control Button, which opens an easy-to-navigate menu on the camera’s LCD screen. From this menu, users can adjust all camera settings including AF modes as well as set custom button functions, an insightful new feature that can easily customize each button’s function to the photographer’s preference. Another new feature is the RAW/JPEG toggle button providing quick dual-format shooting, allowing photographers to quickly add large JPEG or RAW file formats to their already selected shooting mode at the touch of a button.

The Canon EOS 7D camera also features a new large, clear 3.0-inch solid structure Clear View II LCD screen with 920,000 dot/VGA resolution for enhanced clarity and color when viewing images. The camera’s nine internal seals enhance weather resistance, and its 150,000-cycle shutter durability positions the EOS 7D as a “workhorse” for professionals in any photography discipline.

New Wireless Connectivity
Canon is announcing the availability of the new WFT-E5A wireless file transmitter (WFT) exclusively for the EOS 7D Digital SLR camera. The WFT-E5A wireless transmitter offers professional photographers a wide range of digital connectivity options including IEEE802.11a/b/g and Ethernet, ideal for commercial and studio work. The WFT-E5A wireless file transmitter opens the door to new possibilities in remote and Geotagged shooting applications. Photographers can fire up to 10 cameras simultaneously from across the room or across the country while maintaining control over camera settings and remote live view on a laptop or smart phone.i The WFT-E5A wireless transmitter can also transfer and display images on DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) compatible televisions and photo frames. Geotagging is now possible via Bluetooth, using compatible GPS devices to append coordinate data to the images.

Pricing and Availability
The Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR camera is scheduled to be delivered to U.S. dealers at the end of September, and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $1,699.00ii. It will also be offered in a kit version with Canon’s EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $1,899.00iii. The Canon WFT-E5A wireless file transmitter is scheduled to be available in early November and sell at an estimated retail price of $699.99iv.

Canon Digital Learning Center
Online visitors and Web surfers are encouraged to browse the Canon Digital Learning Center and take advantage of the various educational resources that Canon has to offer for novices and advanced photographers alike. The Canon Digital Learning Center provides a schedule for a wide variety of Live Learning classes across the country with renowned photographers as well as online resources and tips. The site also features online tutorials for beginners and professionals to learn their way around a digital SLR camera and inkjet printer and unlock the full creative control of digital photography. To learn more about each program and register, please visit: www.usa.canon.com/canonlivelearning

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked third overall in the U.S. in 2008†, with global revenues of US $45 billion, is listed as number four in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies 2009 list, and is on the 2008 BusinessWeek list of “Top 100 Brands.” At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei – “all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future” – Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives. Additional information about these programs can be found at www.usa.canon.com/kyosei. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company’s RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.

Click on the above image to see the full leak.

Last week we mentioned that Sony’s newest entry-level DSLR’s were leaked on a Russian site. Today Sony announces that the Alpha 230, 330 and 380 are official.  The three models combine a mix of small size, high image quality, and vast flexibility not found in many other camera’s that will allow entry-level photographers to get a taste of digital SLR photography but not be burdnened by the super high costs (and size) of more advanced systems.

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SAN DIEGO, May 17, 2009 – Sony is making it easy for first-time digital SLR buyers to step up from point-and-shoot digital still cameras with the introduction today of three new easy-to-use α (alpha) cameras (models DSLR-A380, DSLR-A330 and DSLR-A230), four new lenses, a flash and accessories.

Uniquely Matched to Customers’ Needs

The new cameras are designed to overcome challenges faced by many customers taking their first steps in DSLR photography. Without compromising performance and versatility, the new models are smaller, lighter, easier to use and offer innovative expansion options not found in other systems.

“Our new alpha cameras, lenses and accessories make it easier for new users to get the great photos they expect without the steep learning curve that DSLRs have traditionally required,” said Kristen Elder, senior manager for the alpha business at Sony Electronics Inc. “By overcoming the obstacles, we’ve made it much easier for newcomers to take great pictures with DSLRs.”

Light and Compact

The 10.2 megapixel α230 camera is the lightest, most compact alpha DSLR camera body ever at 15.9 ounces. The 10.2 megapixel α330 and the 14.2 megapixel α380 cameras are also smaller and lighter than their predecessor models (the DSLR-A300 and DSLR-A350, respectively). These cameras are also more compact and feature an intuitive control layout that allows for easy single-handed operation.

SteadyShot INSIDE™ in-camera image stabilization is built into each camera body, so every α-mount lens benefits from the ability to minimize blur due to camera shake.

Quick AF Live View System

Both the α380 and α330 cameras offer Sony’s Quick Autofocus (AF) Live View technology, so you can frame photos on the camera’s LCD screen as well as in the optical viewfinder. Through the use of a dedicated image sensor, Quick AF Live View maintains the rapid response of a DSLR, while avoiding the focus delay common to other live view systems.

The new cameras feature a 2.7-inch (diagonally) Clear Photo LCD™ screen that is easy to view even in bright sunlight. Additionally, the LCD on the α380 and α330 models can be tilted up or down, making it easy to frame your subject from high or low positions, otherwise difficult to see using an eye-level viewfinder. The range of adjustment has been increased from their predecessors, making it even easier to get shots from difficult angles.

By combining Quick AF Live View and an adjustable LCD, users can frame the scene without holding the camera in front of their face, allowing parents, for example, to maintain eye-contact when photographing their children for more natural expressions.

An HDMI™ terminal gives you the option of connecting your camera to a compatible HDTV and playing back your images in high definition quality (HDMI cable required, sold separately). Additionally, BRAVIA® Sync™ works with compatible Sony® BRAVIA HDTVs to let you control camera playback using the television’s remote (HDMI cable and BRAVIA Sync capable HDTV required, sold separately).

The new cameras include dedicated slots for high-capacity Memory Stick PRO Duo™, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ and SD/SDHC media (sold separately).

Built-in Help Guide

The α380, α330 and α230 models are Sony’s first DSLR cameras to feature a graphical user interface (GUI) with built-in on-screen Help Guide.

The Help Guide offers clear, concise explanations of various modes and settings, while the Graphic Display helps you understand the relationship between aperture and shutter speed, as well as the effect each has on photographic results.

Systems, Lenses and Flash

Making it easier for first-time DSLR users to get started, the new Sony cameras come in camera-and-lens packages. In addition to the two new standard zoom and telephoto lenses that are offered with the camera bodies, the company introduced new portrait and macro lenses. These purpose-built lenses make it much easier to obtain professional-looking, creative results.

Optimized for use with APS-C sized image sensors, these lenses feature a Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) that enables in-lens auto focus (AF) drive for smooth, quiet operation, and high optical performance in a compact size.

The DT 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens (model SAL-1855) incorporates aspherical and Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements to provide an all purpose lens with outstanding image quality. The DT 55-200mm F/4-5.6 telephoto zoom lens (model SAL-55200/2) features an ED glass element and helps bring distant subjects closer, ideal for capturing sports. Both the SAL-1855 and SAL-55200 lenses are available separately, or packaged as kits with the new cameras.

To make the benefits of portrait and macro photography easier and more accessible, Sony is introducing a DT 50mm F/1.8 portrait lens (model SAL-50F18) and DT 30mm F/2.8 (model SAL-30M28) macro lens. The wide aperture SAL-50F18 lens helps users capture beautiful portraits with gently defocused backgrounds while the SAL-30M28 macro lens captures intricate close-ups. Both techniques are difficult to achieve with standard lenses.

To help users take better shots with flash, Sony offers an affordable, compact external flash unit (model HVL-F20AM) that is simple to operate. Unlike a camera’s built-in flash, this external flash provides higher output (Guide Number 20), and enables users to bounce light off the ceiling to eliminate harsh shadows and achieve more even illumination when shooting indoors.

Pricing and Availability

Pre-orders will begin on May 18, 2009 at www.sonystyle.com/retail and at selected retailers nationwide. The cameras and a range of accessories will be available in July at Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), at military base exchanges and at authorized dealers nationwide.

The α380L, α330L and α230L will cost about $850, $650 and $550, respectively. The L series one-lens kit comes with the SAL-1855 standard zoom lens.

The α380Y, α330Y and α230Y will cost about $1050, $850 and $750, respectively. The Y series two-lens kit comes with both the SAL-1855 standard zoom and SAL-55200 telephoto zoom lenses.

* The SAL-1855 standard zoom lens will cost about $200.
* The SAL-55200 telephoto zoom lens will cost about $230.
* The SAL-50F18 portrait lens will cost about $150.
* The HVL-F20AM flash will cost about $130.

The 2009 Share the Experience Photo Contest will run from May 4, 2009 through December 31, 2009 and showcases the more than 500 million acres of Federal Lands, drawing entries from all across the United States.

“Our nation’s parks offer amazing experiences from the highest peaks to the most remote coasts and right in your own backyard. Photography enables you to capture and share your experiences with countless others,” said F. Mark Gumz, president, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “We continue to develop new technologies that expand the frontiers of digital photography, enabling you to be a part of the action and capture it all, and we’re proud to support the National Park Foundation’s Share the Experience contest for the second year.”

“I am honored to announce our 9th annual Share the Experience photo contest, which draws thousands of participants each year,” said Jamie Patten, Senior Vice President, the National Park Foundation. “We are grateful to Olympus for their support, and delighted to partner with them again on this successful program, which invites people to our parks and federal lands, and encourages them to share their experiences – and beautiful photographs – with each other.”

All 2009 entrants will have the opportunity to win one of six exciting prize packages, including trips to national parks. The Grand Prize winner will earn the international honor of having his/her winning image grace the cover of the 2011 “Federal Recreation Lands Pass,” an Olympus E-3 digital single lens reflex (DSLR) Camera Kit, plus a five-day, four-night trip for four to the Federal Recreation Area of your choice. The runner-up prizes are:
Second Prize — A three-day, two-night trip for two to a Federal Recreation Area, an Olympus E-620 DSLR Camera Kit, and a Federal Recreation Lands Pass.
Third Prize — A two-day, one-night trip for two to a Federal Recreation Area, an Olympus SP-590 UZ digital camera, a handheld GPS unit, and a Federal Recreation Lands Pass.
Fourth Prize — An Olympus Stylus Tough-8000 digital camera, $250 gift card for outdoor gear and apparel, and a Federal Recreation Lands Pass.
Honorable Mentions — Each of the ten Honorable Mention photos will win an Olympus Stylus Tough-6000 digital camera, $150 gift card for outdoor gear and apparel, and a Federal Recreation Lands Pass.
All winners will receive the Ken Burns The National Parks: America’s Best Idea DVD and companion book.

For an additional chance to win, this year NPF is introducing a special new category to acknowledge the PBS special by Ken Burns entitled, The National Parks: America’s Best Idea. Take a photo in any of the federal recreation lands that you believe showcases “America at Its Best.” The winner of this category will be separate from the winners from the regular contest, and will be featured in an issue of Parks magazine, in addition to winning an Olympus E-30 DSLR Camera Kit and the Ken Burns The National Parks: America’s Best Idea DVD and companion book.

The public will be able to view an online photo gallery of 2009 submissions throughout the contest period and vote on their favorites from January 17, 2010 – January 31, 2010.
Citizens and legal residents of the United States who are at least 18 years of age can enter by submitting up to three photo entries online at www.sharetheexperience.org; or via mail in a hand-written, stamped envelope to:

Share the Experience Official Federal Recreation Lands Photo Contest
c/o ePrize, LLC
PO Box 8070
Royal Oak, MI, 48068

All photographs entered must be taken in one of the Federal Recreation Agency Lands between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009, must be original creations, and must be submitted by the original photographer. PLEASE SEE OFFICIAL RULES AT www.sharetheexperience.org.

Mail-in entries must be postmarked by December 31, 2009 and received by the close of business on January 8, 2010. Each envelope must include only one entry. All photos will be judged on creativity; photographic quality; visual appeal; appropriateness; ability to show diversity and the richness of the Federal Recreation Lands.

About the National Park Foundation The National Park Foundation is an independent charitable organization chartered by Congress in 1967 to strengthen the connection between the American people and their national parks. As the official national non-profit partner of America’s National Parks, the Foundation raises private funds, makes strategic grants, creates innovative partnerships and increases public awareness about the need and opportunity for park philanthropy. In its 2008 fiscal year, the National Park Foundation distributed grants and program support of $27.3M. For more information, visit www.nationalparks.org

About Olympus Imaging America Inc.
Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its ultimate parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhances peoples’ lives every day. These include:

• Digital and Film Cameras
• Professional Digital SLR Imaging Systems
• Related Underwater Products and Accessories
• Digital and Microcassette Recorders
• Digital Media
• Binoculars

Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible for sales in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. For more information, visit: www.olympusamerica.com.
Website: http://www.nationalparks.org

Google is hosting a competition for student photographers across the world to come up with sets of images that can be used as themes for their “igoogle” page (http://www.igoogle.com).

The Google Photography Prize is a global competition for students to create themes for iGoogle. Run in collaboration with the Saatchi Gallery London, the Google Photography Prize is open to students across the world.

We have opened up iGoogle, our personalized homepage, as the digital canvas for your creativity. We invite you to submit your compelling photography and bring your art online to a global audience.

How it works

Enter your portfolio of five digital photos that together will make up the iGoogle theme.

We will also be running a leader board for the university/college with the most entrants for everyone to see, so tell your friends to enter to see your university at the top.

• The shortlist: 36 shortlisted entries will be turned into iGoogle themes, shown on Google and put to public vote.
• The finalists: 6 finalists will be exhibited at the Saatchi Gallery London, and reviewed by our independent jury.
• The winner: 1 winner will receive a £5,000 ($7500 USD) bursary and an invite to spend a day with Martin Parr.

Deadline

Submit your entry on this website by 31st May. How to enter

Click on the above image to see the full leak.

For years the digital SLR market has been dominated by two companies: Nikon and Canon.  More and more of the mainstream electronics companies are finally catching up it would seem. As we pointed out the other day, Panasonic is making some unique strides with their Micro Four Thirds System.  For years Sony has been trying to put out a viable alternative to the “big two”.  Because they have waited so long to become serious in the DSLR market (WHY?!), other companies are in some desperate need for unique and compelling changes.

Sony’s Alpha 230, 330, and 380 appear to fit that bill.  Unique ergonomics and interface seem to be a right step in the direction of luring in the entry-level DSLR crowed. No video, though, seems a mistake.

A recently posted image on a Russian site gives some advanced insight into the next Sony offering.

Nikon’s newest digital camera’s continue to dominate and impress. A few months agoI mentioned Nikon’s D3 was awarded the IF Product Design award for 2009.  In that article I discussed, brifely, Nikon’s recent impressive advances in their digital camera bodies.  The ascent to dominance appears to be continuing with two of Nikon’s other bodies, which shouldn’t be a surprise as they are all based on the same system.

Today, Nikon announced that their D3X and D90 were the recipients of the TIPA Eupropean Photo & Imaging Awards.

From Nikon

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TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce that the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) has honored two Nikon products with significant awards this year. TIPA named the Nikon D3X digital-SLR camera Best D-SLR Professional in Europe 2009 and the Nikon digital-SLR camera D90 Best D-SLR Advanced in Europe 2009.

TIPA is a non-profit, independent professional organization open to all magazines within the European photo and imaging publishing industry. Each year a group of editor members representing leading photo and imaging magazines from across Europe choose the TIPA European Photo & Imaging Award winners by vote. These prestigious awards for the best photographic and imaging products of the year are widely recognized throughout the industry.

The official TIPA announcement included the following comments on the two winning Nikon products.

The Best D-SLR Professional in Europe 2009 – D3X

The TIPA jury comments: “Modeled on the D3; the Nikon D3X with a 24.5-megapixel, full-frame, FX-format sensor size of 35.9 X 24.0 mm was made for highly skilled professional photographers. Beautifully built, with a superb, approximately 100% viewfinder and a reassuringly comfortable grip, the D3X combines very high resolution and a wide dynamic range with outstanding low-noise performance – a great feature for quality, high-end photography.”

The Best D-SLR Advanced in Europe 2009 – D90

The TIPA jury comments: “With its compact body, the Nikon D90 offers a true marriage of technology and innovation in its movie making capabilities. Its CMOS sensor offers the definition and quality of the successful D300 for a much lower price. A truly sturdy D-SLR, suitable for all terrains.”

The official awards ceremony will be held on June 10, 2009 at the Grand Hotel Schloss Bensberg near Cologne, Germany.

Nikon has always offered true enjoyment to users of Nikon products, creating links between people and generations. This year Nikon celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Nikon F mount, the lens mount that forms the link between interchangeable-lens SLR cameras and NIKKOR lenses. Adopted for the latest digital-SLR cameras as well, this mechanism acts as the foundation of photo imaging culture in this new digital age.

Throughout its 92-year history of developing and utilizing optical and other advanced technologies for use in the development and manufacture of cameras and lenses, Nikon has taken its role in the capture of “special moments,” regardless of the age or situation, very seriously. By continuing to develop attractive products equipped with the latest in state-of-the-art optical technologies, Nikon will introduce new ways to enjoy light, in the hopes of increasing the number of people who know the joy and thrill of capturing and sharing “special moments” by even one.

Nikon has launched Nikon Next (www.nikonnext.com), a new brand communications site that presents the future of digital-age photo imaging expression in a variety of formats. This site features information on Nikon digital cameras, beginning with the TIPA award winning D3X, and exhibits works by well-known artists in the digital imaging field.

The Panasonic DMC-GH1 will sell for $1500 when it is expected to debut this June.

Panasonic today announced that its second Micro four Thirds System camera, the Lumix DMC-GH1, will initially sell for $1499.95 when it is expected to debut this June.  Although the DMC-GH1 is not the first to record HD video, the kit will include a 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 lens that will enable HD video recording from the compact camera while maintaing constant focus–a first of digital SLR’s.

Below is the official press release from Panasonic
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In the U.S., the LUMIX GH1 will be available in black and has advanced photography features, such as the ability to record AVCHD 1080p/24p High Definition video, yet is easy enough for entry-level users to understand and take beautiful photos and videos. With Panasonic’s iA (Intelligent Auto) mode* – a user-friendly setting made popular in the LUMIX line of digital point-and-shoot camera products, both entry-level and more experienced DSLR users can enjoy a complete suite of technologies that allow beautiful photo-taking and engage automatically – no setting adjustments needed.

For those looking for more creative control in their digital camera, the LUMIX GH1 can adjust shutter speed during motion recording, giving the videos a special look, particularly suitable for shooting fast-moving subjects. Also, the LUMIX GH1 allows users to control the aperture, which is convenient when there are several subjects at varying distances. By adjusting the aperture, the user can focus on the foreground and blur the background – or vice versa – even during video recording.

“Since redefining the traditional DSLR category last year with the LUMIX G1 – which eliminated the internal mirror and thus dramatically reduced size of the camera body and lenses – Panasonic has been working to expand its award-winning LUMIX G Micro Four Thirds System line. Panasonic wants to offer increasingly innovative products and features that make photography fun and easy,” said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “The introduction of the LUMIX GH1, allows photographers of all levels to take superior quality photos and shoot HD video with a more compact, easy-to-use camera that provides increased creative capabilities.”

The LUMIX GH1 provides cutting-edge video recording features, including the ability to record high-resolution full HD (1920 x1080) video at 24 fps or smooth HD video (1280 x 720) at 60 fps using an AVCHD format (MPEG-4/H.264), which provides the important benefit of doubling the HD quality recording time compared with Motion JPEG. The LUMIX GH1 features a dedicated video record button on the back of the camera which lets users instantly start recording videos, even while shooting still photos – removing the fear of potentially missing a must-see video moment.

For more information about the Panasonic LUMIX G Micro Four Thirds System, including the award-winning LUMIX G1, and to place a pre-order for the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GH1, please visit www.panasonic.com/lumix

Some purists like to argue that it ruins the act of taking photo’s.  Some of them may just be getting nestolgic about the days of yesteryear when a shot wouldnt’ be seen until a few hours later as it slowly faded onto the paper as your hands dripped wet with developer (mmmm, smell those chemicals!).  There is a certain level of magic that takes place in a dark room and until you’ve done it for yourself (ideally with your own work), it’s difficult to explain. And on a certain level, digital photography has taken some of that magic away.  No matter how good a shot i’ve taken, seeing it on the computer–or more related to this topic, on the LCD of my camera– is less satisfying than had i seen it come through on photography paper.

Magic aside, there are some logistical reasons why you should and shouldn’t chimp during a shoot.

Why you should:

1. LCD screens have allowed photographers to instantly and accurately check exposure in a way that meters don’t allow for

2. Knowing if you’ve got your shot enables you to work less if you’re in a hurry

3. Seeing that your framing isn’t working allows you to adjust accordingly. Instant feedback.
Why you shouldn’t chimp:

1. Looking at your camera means you are not looking at the subject(s). I can’t tell you how many shots I’ve missed because i couldn’t resist the urge to chimp.

2. Relying on what you see on your LCD removes you from the actual process of taking photographs. Instant feedback is only good when it doesn’t limit the way you think.  Psychologists know that thinking more critically about something leads to more understanding.

3. The photographs aren’t going anywhere. Looking at it now isn’t going to change what has already been done.

4. Missing shots because you’re looking at your camera is a bad thing!

I stated one of those reasons against chimping twice, and for a reason.  Recently my LCD on my camera broke.  I haven’t been able to fix it yet and i’m in no rush because the camera still takes photographs.  And i’ve seen an increase in the quality of my photographs.  I’ve always been under the belief that constantly looking at your LCD after you take a photo removes you from the actual act of taking photographs.  If you can find a way to prevent this removal, i think your photography will improve.
I’m not advocating that you never look at the LCD. There is a reason it’s there and I’ve listed some reasons why it is useful. But there is a time and place for it.  Figure that out, and you’ll be golden.

The system is simple. A transmitter sits on the hotshoe of your camera and a receiver is plugged into your strobe. When you press the shutter, the transmitter sends a signal through the air to the receiver on your strobe and the light fires.

This allows great flexibility with strobe placement and reduces messy wires.

A recent system (one that i use) that comes in at a much smaller size and price has made some wonder why Pocket Wizards must be so large? While the Paul C. Buff (Alienbee) transmitter comes in around the size of a quarter, the Pocket Wizard is about the size of your palm. While the PW system certainly works better, the cheaper price and smaller size make the Paul C. Buff version a better choice for many.

It is time for an update. And Pocket Wizard has come through. The new system is somewhat smaller but it also has a number of improvements that can’t be matched.

As of right now, only Canon users will benefit from the changes, but Nikon systems are on the way.

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MiniTT1 Canon

The New Shape of Wireless Freedom

The smallest PocketWizard radio ever, the MiniTT1™ Transmitter locks onto the camera’s hot shoe supporting an on-camera flash with its own hot shoe while working with remote PocketWizard units. Remotes can be one or more PocketWizard FlexTT5™ Transceivers connected to Canon E-TTL II flashes or any PocketWizard Receiver for triggering flash or remote cameras.

The MiniTT1 Transmitter is easy to use; just slide in place and begin to shoot. The new PocketWizard ControlTL™ System interprets the complex E-TTL II data being sent through the camera’s hot shoe and digitally transmits it in a reliable radio signal. Change the flash compensation dial on the camera, and those commands pass seamlessly through the system to your remote flash. Adjust your shutter speed, aperture or ISO and the system corrects for those changes. A ratio command set on the flash or command unit passes through the MiniTT1 to set the remotes. PocketWizard ControlTL radio communication allows you to shoot farther, faster, around corners, through walls even at high noon in bright daylight. Now you can deploy a wireless flash system wherever you want, without infrared limitations, in seconds.

Use the MiniTT1 for standard triggering with any PocketWizard Receiver including the FlexTT5, PlusII or MultiMAX. When used this way with a digital camera, you can take advantage of PocketWizard’s HyperSync Technology that allows up to 1/500th of a second camera sync with many camera/strobe set-ups. HyperSync allows you to advance the timing of your flash trigger so that faster than X-sync speeds can be achieved.
Need more speed? Push your ControlTL system beyond 1/500th and go into FP/High-Speed sync mode automatically. No buttons to press or settings to change other than your shutter speed will give you flash sync all the way to 1/8000th.

A new PocketWizard Utility program is provided to support the MiniTT1 via a USB port. The Utility allows you to configure your channel settings, dial in your HyperSync timing, adjust your sleep-mode timers and update your product to the latest firmware.

The PocketWizard MiniTT1 Transmitter is the start of a new era in wireless trigger control.

AVAILABILITY: For Canon, March 1st. For Nikon, Q2, 2009. US & Canadian Markets. Contact your local Distributor for availability in other markets.

FlexTT5 Canon

The Most Versatile PocketWizard Ever.

The dedicated FlexTT5™ Transceiver, with its built in hot-shoe and ControlTL™ firmware, is the perfect addition to Canon E-TTL II flash systems. The FlexTT5 takes the existing benefits of Canon wireless systems beyond the boundaries of infrared technology. When paired with the Mini TT1™ Transmitter or another FlexTT5 Transceiver, a whole new world of wireless flash freedom opens up. The FlexTT5 is also the perfect Transceiver for your manual triggering needs and works with all MultiMAX channels and many of the MultiMAX advanced functions.

The FlexTT5’s simple design comes to life through its hot-shoe connection with a camera or flash. Mount a flash or command unit on the FlexTT5 to use the same zone controls and ratio commands as you would normally. The system tracks your changes in ISO, shutter speed and aperture and reacts accordingly to make sure exposures stay right on target. Use the flash compensation dial on your camera or flash just as you would normally and the changes pass seamlessly through the system.

The FlexTT5 has two channel configuration settings; C1 and C2. Each can be programmed as needed with up to 20 ControlTL channels for TTL photography, or 32 standard channels for manual flash photography. The FlexTT5 Transceiver also has a three-zone selector switch for ease of use with Canon zones and ratios.

With PocketWizard HyperSync™ Technology, the FlexTT5 can precisely advance the timing of your flash trigger so that increased flash sync speeds, up to 1/500th of a second is achievable with many strobes.

Need more speed? Push your ControlTL system beyond 1/500th and go into FP/High-Speed sync mode automatically. Simply change your shutter speed to get flash sync all the way to 1/8000th. No buttons to press or settings to change!

A PocketWizard Utility program is provided to support the FlexTT5 Transceiver via a USB port. The Utility allows you to configure your channel settings, dial in your HyperSync timing, adjust your sleep-mode timers as well as update your product to the latest firmware.

The FlexTT5 also has our Auto-Sensing Transceiver Technology that enables it to switch back and forth between Transmitter and Receiver modes as needed for greater flexibility on the job. When a hot-shoe or other trigger is detected, it automatically switches to Transmitter mode. With Auto Relay Mode you can easily trigger a remote camera in sync with remote flash. Put a camera where you can’t be and use remote TTL or non-TTL lighting at the same time. Expand your coverage and increase your creativity.

AVAILABILITY: For Canon, March 1st. For Nikon, Q2, 2009. US & Canadian Markets. Contact your local Distributor for availability in other markets.