LEICA CAMERA ANNOUNCES LEICA STORE WASHINGTON DC

Retail concept debuts in North America with inaugural location grand opening May 2^nd - 3^rd

Allendale, NJ (March 30, 2012) – Leica Camera Inc., the legendary German camera and sport optics brand, announces the debut of its new retail concept in North America with the opening of the Leica Store Washington DC. Located at 977 F Street, NW, in the heart of downtown Washington, DC's Penn Quarter, the store will feature the entire Leica photography and sport optics product portfolio.  Serving as a gateway into the world of Leica Camera, the Leica Store Washington DC will celebrate an official grand opening on Wednesday, May 2^nd and Thursday, May 3^rd.

Mastering DSLR Exposure and Camera Settings workshop 4/22

"Mastering DSLR Exposure and Camera Settings", a new class by Leo Heppner, Professional Photographer and Instructor, will be held on Sunday, April 22nd, from 1-4PM at La Cucina Italian Restaurant, 103 North Washington St, Havre de Grace, MD 20178.
This useful class will start with a 1 hour classroom instruction, then we'll go to the Lock House area in Havre de Grace for a 2 hour "hands-on" outdoor shooting session. Topics to be covered: How to achieve proper exposure for difficult lighting situations such as high contrast scenes, backlighting, frontlighting, and more. Plus, understanding how to use a hand-held meter. In addition, we'll learn about DSLR camera settings such as ISO, White Balance, Exposure Modes, Exposure Compensation, and Spot Metering. 

Fee for the class is $35, and for Photo Club members and Readers of P3 News & Reviews only $30. Rain date is Sunday, April 29th, same time and place. Pre-registration is required.

Update for Olympus 12-50mm Lens

Today Olympus announces the release of new firmware for the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm F3.5-6.3 EZ lens that improves performance of the image stabilizer in macro mode when used with the OM-D E-M5 and supports the Zoom Resume (similar to Olympus' RESET LENS OFF) function for electric zoom lenses when used with Panasonic cameras.

 Here are the updates:  Firmware Version 1.1 for the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm F3.5-6.3 EZ

 There are two options for updating the firmware:

 1) Simply launch the included Olympus camera software and connect the camera via USB cable to an internet connected computer.

 Choose the Update function from the Camera menu in the software to apply available updates for camera bodies, lenses and accessories.

 2) Download the software updater from the following link:
 http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_downloads_updater.asp
 and follow the installer instructions.

 With each method, users can choose to display information related to what the update will apply, prior to performing the update.

The ability to update the firmware of Olympus digital camera components, bodies, lenses, accessories, and take advantage of some of the latest technologies is one of the key advantages of Olympus’ 100% digital design.

Live on Stage – Hasselblad supports student project at Melt! open-air music festival

21/03/2012 On stage the bands were rocking, but the students of the University of Art and Design (HfG) in Offenbach were letting nothing ruffle them as they continued shooting countless live performances with the Hasselblad H4D, as part of the non-profit project stage-photography.com.

"Blue Hour"; Beady at Melt! Festival 2011
Image by Geert Schäfer

What began in 2010, when Clemens Mitscher and Martin Liebscher created the non-profit project stage-photography.com, has extended beyond the university boundaries to become a recognized project. Seventeen students are part of stage-photography.com, the project from the photography teaching department at HfG. Seventeen young artists who are realizing their passion for photography and music at numerous gigs through expressive images. A work which has provided inspiration beyond the confines of the university and this year has achieved its high point to date, thanks to the cooperation with Melt! and numerous supporters from the photo industry. At the internationally acclaimed music festival in July 2011, which has been honoured with the title "Artist's Favourite European Festival" award, the students had the opportunity to document numerous musical stage performances using photography and film.

Olympus firmware for the E-5, E-P3, E-PL3, E-PM1 and E-PL2

Today Olympus announces the release of new firmware for the E-5, E-P3, E-PL3, E-PM1 and E-PL2 that stabilizes operation when using SDXC cards larger than 48 GB and, for the E-PL3 and E-PM1, improves external flash operation in RC mode.

 

Here are the updates:

 

>> Firmware Version 1.3 for the E-PL3 and E-PM1

 

>> Firmware Version 1.3 for the E-PL2, E-P3 and E-5

 

There are two options for updating the firmware:

 

1) Simply launch the included Olympus camera software and connect the camera via USB cable to an internet connected computer. Choose the Update function from the Camera menu in the software to apply available updates for camera bodies, lenses and accessories.

 

2) Download the software updater from the following link:
http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/cpg_downloads_updater.asp and follow the installer instructions.

Bron Imaging Group Announces Shoot LA, a Professional Photography Forum

 

Bron Imaging Group and Hasselblad are proud to announce that Los Angeles will be the host of Shoot LA, a professional photography forum held on April 28, 2012 at Smashbox Studios in Los Angeles.

The event, originally established in NYC, is an exciting and informative forum based on the premise of building a photographic community. In addition to a wide range of free professional photography seminars, industry leaders Broncolor and Hasselblad will help you learn how to harness and integrate the market's most advanced photographic tools into your business, improving both your photography and your bottom line. Top industry professionals will host workshops and hands-on seminars in an array of subjects, whether you’re interested in fashion, portraiture, commercial, stock or repro.

This event is ideal for professional photographers, photo assistants, advanced students, or any imaging professional that would like to learn about the latest products and techniques being used in the digital capture market.

Infinitely Wide

Carl Zeiss presents the new Distagon T* 2,8/15 super wide angle lens 

OBERKOCHEN, 16.03.2012. 

Carl Zeiss brings out a new super wide angle lens in May 2012. The super wide angle Distagon T* 2,8/15 will be available with an EF (ZE) or F bayonet (ZF.2). With an extra-large angle of view of 110 degrees in combination with a fast f/2.8 aperture, the lens enables the features for dramatic perspectives and performance demanded by the most ambitious landscape and architectural photographers. With a unique ability to capture events in a natural and extraordinary manner, it is also an ideal companion for advertising, journalism and commercial photography.

Thanks to the extreme angle of view of the lens, the fore- and background can be creatively emphasized in landscape and architecture photography. These applications will also benefit from the large depth-of-field, which provides a wide range of image sharpness from close-up up to infinity. With a close focus of 0.25m (10”) – combined with a wide angle view – photographers can work in tight spaces, while also allowing focus on close-up details. Distortion is extremely well controlled, producing naturally proportioned photographs which are not typical of many other super wide angle lenses. "With the Distagon T* 2,8/15, Carl Zeiss sets the standard in super wide angle photography," says Dr. Michael Pollmann, Consumer Lenses Program Manager in the Camera Lens Division of Carl Zeiss AG. "Even at full aperture it achieves outstanding detail rendition and opens up room for extremely imaginative design."

Olympus kicks off The Road to Whistler Contest!

Today, Olympus is calling all creators to see who has what it takes to shoot an amazing short video with some of the best Olympus gear at the TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival Olympus 72-Hour  Filmmaker Showdown (April 13-16, 2012).

You can register and submit a video that represents Your best work HERE: http://bit.ly/OlyWhistler

Two will win the Olympus PEN E-PL3^® plus accessories, and an all-expense paid, six-night, five-day trip, along with up to two crew members to Whistler in British Columbia, Canada. Once there, they will compete in the Olympus 72-Hour Filmmaker Showdown for the chance to win a Best in Show prize of an Olympus OM-D E-M5^® digital interchangeable lens camera kit and up to $15,000 in prize money!

For more info check out this call to action video.

ADOBE® PHOTOSHOP® LIGHTROOM® 4 NOW SUPPLIED WITH SELECT LEICA CAMERAS

Adobe^® Photoshop^® Lightroom^® 4, the latest version of the powerful image-processing software, is now supplied with Leica S2/S2-P, Leica M9/M9-P, Leica X1 and Leica D-Lux 5 cameras. Adobe^® Photoshop^® Lightroom^® 4 is the most professional image-processing software currently available. When used in combination with Leica cameras and lenses, Adobe^® Photoshop^® Lightroom^® 4 provides superlative picture quality. This comprehensive set of digital photography tools enables fast and efficient image organization, optimization and presentation options.

MR. RONALD MARCEL PETERS APPOINTED NEW CFO OF LEICA CAMERA AG

Solms, Germany (March 13, 2012) - The Supervisory Board of Leica Camera AG appointed Mr. Ronald Marcel Peters (49) as the new Chief Financial Officer of Leica Camera AG. Born in the Netherlands, Mr. Peters will be assuming the functions of Mr. Andreas Lobejäger (47) beginning April 1, 2012. Mr. Lobejäger has occupied this position with enormous success since September 2007 but will be leaving the company at his own request on March 31, 2012. The members of the Executive and Supervisory Boards deeply regret his decision to leave and would like to thank Mr. Lobejäger for his valuable contribution to the success of the company in recent years.

Canon 5d Mark III

Pre production model but here it is in the flesh!

FUJIFILM NOW SHIPPING LIMITED EDITION FUJIFILM X100 BLACK, INTRODUCED AT CES 2012

Valhalla, N.Y., March 8, 2012 – Following the introduction of the FUJIFILM X100 Black Premium Edition during the 2012 International CES in Las Vegas in January, FUJIFILM North America Corporation today confirmed that the camera is now shipping and available for purchase.
The FUJIFILM X100 Black Premium Edition ($1,699.95 MSRP) is a limited release all black version of the high-end compact FUJIFILM X100 digital camera that is currently available. The X100 Black Premium Edition will come with a genuine leather case, a lens hood, an adapter ring and a protective filter; and will also include a Limited Edition numbered card for product authentication.
Since debuting last spring, the FUJIFILM X100 continues to be one of the top-selling digital cameras, and it is known for delivering professional performance and unsurpassed high resolution images. The premium compact camera features the newly-developed FUJINON 23mm (135 equivalent: 35mm) F2 lens and the 12 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor to deliver those premium images. The camera is also equipped with the world's first "Hybrid Viewfinder," which switches between the optical viewfinder (OVF) and electronic viewfinder (EVF).

Hasselblad cameras will ship with Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4

Following news that Hasselblad H4D medium format cameras will ship with Adobe Photoshop Lightroom from March 12, an update announcement reveals the software will be Adobe’s latest version, Lightroom 4. Under this agreement, Hasselblad is creating new opportunities for all lovers of medium format photography as well as for aspirational 35mm professionals, advanced amateurs and enthusiasts to perfect, search, process and organize their images in a single solution regardless of their experience or skill level.
Chris Russell-Fish, Hasselblad Global Sales and Marketing Director said: "Integrating the Adobe platform with Hasselblad is a ground-breaking step. Changing platforms is always a challenge for time-starved photographers and digital operators but now all users can have the excellence of a Hasselblad image file married to the functionality and ease of use of Adobe Lightroom."

Last Call for "Mastering DSLR Exposure and Camera Settings" workshop

"Mastering DSLR Exposure and Camera Settings", a new class by Leo Heppner
This useful class will start with a 1 hour classroom instruction, then we'll go to the Lockhouse area in Havre de Grace for a 2 hour "hands-on" outdoor shooting session. Topics to be covered: How to achieve proper exposure for difficult lighting situations such as high contrast scenes, backlighting, frontlighting, and more. Plus, understanding how to use a hand-held meter. In addition, we'll learn about DSLR camera settings such as ISO, White Balance, and Exposure Compensation.


This Workshop by Leo Heppner, Professional Photographer and Instructor, will be held on Sunday, March 11th, from 1- 4PM at La Cucina Italian Restaurant, 103 North Washington St, Havre de Grace, MD 20178. We will meet at the restaurant's private Banquet Room in the back of the place.

700X CompactFlash Card Built in America for HD Video & RAW Performance

Poway, CA. – Delkin Devices announces their newest CompactFlash memory card, boasting enhanced performance features that cater to high definition video and RAW DSLR files produced in today’s high-end cameras. The “Made in the U.S.A.” 700X rated cards are unique in their impressive speed ratings, as well as their domestic origin.

Unlike standard CF memory cards that are mass-built and boated in from overseas facilities, this card is engineered and built in Delkin’s Poway, CA based facility with carefully controlled components and design. These qualities guarantee seamless compatibility with today’s leading edge imaging equipment and ensure consistently superior performance. The UDMA 6 enabled memory cards offer transfer rates up to 105MB/s and write speeds of 67MB/s, making them ideal for demanding digital SLR applications and video modes such as slow motion recording.

SHOOT WITH FREEDOM – CANON UNVEILS NEW RANGE OF PROFESSIONAL ACCESSORIES

LONDON, UK (March 2, 2012) – Canon today extends its range of acclaimed accessories, unveiling a number of new models designed to offer enhanced flexibility and new creative control to its professional and mid-range EOS Digital SLRs.

Sitting at the top of Canon's range, the Speedlite 600EX-RT is Canon's first flash unit to feature inbuilt wireless radio connectivity and replaces the advanced Speedlite 580EX II. Partnering with the new Speedlite Transmitter ST-E3-RT , this new model offers enhanced opportunities for photographers wishing to explore creative lighting techniques. In addition, Canon is also launching the BG-E11 battery grip, Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E7 and GPS Receiver GP-E2, which complement the newly-announced EOS 5D Mark III – offering increased versatility across a range of shooting situations – from studio portraits to field-based shoots – with a compact lightweight and affordable configuration.

Tamron 18-270mm Di II VC PZD 15x All-in-one zoom lens receives hot one award From Professional Photographer magazine

Annual competition judged by 22 independent professional photographers  

March 1, 2012, Commack, NY -Tamron USA, Inc. announced that it has won Professional Photographer magazine's Hot One Award for its 18-270mm Di II VC PZD (Model B008), the world's smallest and lightest 15x zoom lens, for the Telephoto Zoom Lens category.

The Tamron all-in-one 15X zoom lens produces high-quality images and is remarkably compact and lightweight even while incorporating Tamron's new Piezo Drive (PZD) autofocus drive system and a Vibration Compensation (VC) image stabilization mechanism that is even more compact than that used in the previous model B003.

 About The Hot One Awards "As one of the photo industry's biggest and most respected equipment competitions, the Hot One Awards represents the best new gear as chosen by a panel of independent professional photographers. This year's winners are a collection of innovative new products from a group of companies performing at the top of their game," said Jeff Kent, Hot One Editor, Professional Photographer magazine.

Canon U.S.A. Celebrates 25th Anniversary Of EOS System

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., March 2, 2012 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the launch of the Canon EOS camera system. This award-winning system, which has helped photographers worldwide capture memorable images, first debuted in March of 1987 with the introduction of the EOS 650 SLR camera and three interchangeable EF lenses.

Standing for "Electro Optical System," the EOS series first saw light in 1987 as the world's first fully electronic mount system, representing a new generation of AF SLR cameras. During the film-camera era, EOS SLR cameras garnered high acclaim from a wide range of users for innovative technologies and designs focused on Canon's key concepts of image quality and ease-of-use. During this period, Canon launched the top-of-the-line professional-model EOS-1 camera in 1989 and expanded its user base with the introduction of the compact, lightweight EOS Rebel in 1993.

Hasselblad Cameras Ship with Adobe Photoshop Lightroom

Hasselblad and Adobe announce an agreement to make medium format photography easier and more accessible to the world’s photographers. 

Hasselblad today announced an agreement with Adobe Systems Incorporated that, beginning on the 12th March 2012, all newly purchased medium format Hasselblad H4D cameras will include a fully functional copy of Adobe® Photoshop® Lightroom® software at no extra charge. Under this agreement, Hasselblad is creating new opportunities for all lovers of medium format photography as well as for aspirational 35mm professionals, advanced amateurs and enthusiasts to perfect, search, process and organize their images in a single solution regardless of their experience or skill level.

Chris Russell-Fish, Hasselblad Global Sales and Marketing Director said: "Integrating the Adobe platform with Hasselblad is a ground-breaking step. Changing platforms is always a challenge for time-starved photographers and digital operators but now all users can have the excellence of a Hasselblad image file married to the functionality and ease of use of Adobe Lightroom."

Hasselblad customers who buy new medium format H4D cameras will receive Lightroom software with their new camera equipment at no additional cost.

Photo Basics by Westcott PocketBox featuring Erin Manning

Take incredible pictures with the first complete educational system for flash

 Westcott is excited to introduce the PocketBox, the first-ever compact flash system combined with education. The PocketBox includes: three size modifiers, a compact carry case and educational DVD.

The Round PocketBox is 8.5” wide, perfect for providing those round catch lights in the eyes. The Square PocketBox is 6” x 7” making it that perfect box for fill light while still maintaining that compact diffusion. The Rectangular PocketBox is 8” x 12”, the largest of the three which is ideal for portrait and couples.

The PocketBox modifiers are built with top-notch components featuring an ultra-reflective silver interior maximizing light output as well as a removable inner diffusion panel. The worry-free elastic strap and soft grip panels help safely secure the PocketBox to the flash. The durable black backing prevents light spill and the heavy-duty, flexible wire framework will allow your PocketBox to withstand much abuse.

Canon 5DMK3 previews lineup with Video overview

OK, everyone has something to say... We think its a nice camera from the specs side, but will it hold up to the mark2's high quality standard for video, and will it keep its ability to make beautiful stills? Better yet how will it stack up against the Nikon D800? who knows but here are a few hands on previews I found for you

Video from Cnet:




More reviews:

• Dpreview
• CNet
• PhotographyReview
• EnGadget
• PDN
• 1001NoisyCameras

Official: Canon 5D mark III Announced, Full Specs, Photos and more

Canon U.S.A. Announces the Highly Anticipated EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR Camera

Featuring Improved Image Quality, a 61-Point High Density Reticular AF, Six fps High-Speed Continuous Shooting and Enhanced HD Video Recording Features

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., March 2, 2012 – On the 25^th anniversary of its world-renowned EOS System, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to announce its latest model, the new EOS 5D Mark III Digital SLR Camera. Positioned between the extremely popular EOS 5D Mark II and Canon's top-of-the-line professional EOS-1D X model, the EOS 5D Mark III delivers superb image quality, thanks to a new 22.3-megapixel full-frame Canon CMOS sensor, a high-performance DIGIC 5+ Imaging Processor, a 61-point High Density Reticular Autofocus (AF) System and six frames-per-second (fps) continuous shooting speed. Building upon the trailblazing success of the EOS 5D Mark II, the EOS 5D Mark III also incorporates enhanced video features for professionals in the fields of cinematography, television production and documentary filmmaking, including better noise reduction, longer recording times and a built-in headphone jack for audio monitoring. The EOS 5D Mark III is Canon's answer to hundreds of thousands of advanced amateurs and emerging professionals looking for a compact, high-quality camera system to help them achieve their artistic vision, whether it be through still or video imagery. The EOS 5D Mark III introduction coincides with Canon's 25^th anniversary celebration of the EOS camera system. Canon's award-winning EOS system first debuted in March of 1987 with the introduction of the EOS 650 SLR camera and three EF lenses.
"We are extremely excited to announce the highly anticipated follow-up to our EOS 5D Mark II, a camera which has been called a 'game-changer' in most professional photography and videography circles. The EOS 5D Mark III will carry on that tradition, delivering better and more advanced features, helping our customers achieve excellent image quality for stills and video," stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.
The EOS 5D Mark III inherits many features from Canon's recently announced flagship DSLR, the EOS-1D X, including a DIGIC 5+ Imaging Processor and a high-performance 61-point High Density Reticular AF array with up to 41 cross-type points and five dual cross-type points available, depending on the lens in use. The enhanced processing power enables fast continuous shooting of up to six fps, exceeding the speed of the EOS 5D Mark II model by more than 50 percent, and with improved weather resistance the EOS 5D Mark III is a serious option for sports and wildlife photographers.

PENTAX K-5 SILVER SPECIAL EDITION

AN EXCLUSIVE LIMITED-EDITION CAMERA PACKAGE FEATURING A MARC NEWSON-DESIGNED ULTRA-THIN LENS

DENVER, CO March 1, 2012… PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX K-5 Silver Special Edition. Available only as a limited edition of 1,500 sets worldwide, the package consists of the PENTAX K-5 digital SLR camera body matched with the new, ultra thin smc PENTAX-DA 40mm F2.8 XS lens.

The exclusive package combines the PENTAX K-5 — the flagship model of the PENTAX K series of digital SLR cameras — with the smc PENTAX-DA 40mm F2.8 XS lens — the world’s thinnest unifocal lens*. Marc Newson, one of the world’s most renowned industrial designers, masterly designed this lens. Both the camera body and the lens barrel feature the same elegant silver finish, assuring that this package is a high-performance imaging tool that also boasts maximum visual harmony. Meticulous attention has been paid to every detail of the package, including a specially designed package, while the camera’s firmware has been updated to the latest version (Ver.1.13).

Canon 5D Mark III specs (official)

EDIT: Full Official News, Specs and Press Release In THIS POST
Also Preview Lineup and Video overview of the new camera HERE

Its coming, apparently Canon jumped the gun a little bit but clever hands captured it before the release... Specs seam to be on the ball with:

• 22.3 Megapixel Full-frame CMOS Sensor
• New DIGIC 5+ Imaging Processor
• Class-leading ISO Performance with extended ISO coverage from 100 to 25,600 (expandable to 102,400).
• High Precision 61-point Auto-focus
• Quick-fire 6 fps Shooting
• iFCL 63-zone Metering Sensor that analyses focus, colour and luminance.
• Enhanced Full HD Movie Recording (1080p) and finer image control
• Weather-resistant Construction

Canon EOS 5D Mark II captures U.S. Navy SEALs in Act of Valor

Canon EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR Cameras Take Moviegoers Deep Into the Daring Operations of Active-Duty U.S. Navy SEALs in Relativity Media's Act of Valor

In an unprecedented blend of real-life heroism and original filmmaking, Act of Valor stars a group of active-duty U.S. Navy SEALs in a film like no other in Hollywood's history. A fictionalized account of real life Navy SEAL operations, Act of Valor blazes into theatres nationwide on February 24^th and features a gripping story that takes audiences on an adrenaline-fueled, edge-of-their-seat journey. This fast-paced, depiction of daring covert operations delivers a thrilling mix of stealthy tension, intense human drama, and sudden fierce combat waged by lethal heroes armed with the world's best training and firepower. Act of Valor is a Bandito Brothers film produced and directed by Mike "Mouse" McCoy and Scott Waugh and written by Kurt Johnstad. Crucial to capturing the film's absorbing up-close-and-personal action was its use of lightweight, highly mobile EOS 5D Mark II Digital SLR cameras from Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions. As director of photography, and now member of Canon's Explorer of Light program, Shane Hurlbut explained, the film could not have been made with any other camera system.

5D Mark III Full Spec List?

Canon Rumors (www.canonrumors.com) posted a possible full spec list for the upcoming Canon 5d Mark III. You can follow this link (Canon Rumors) , or for your convenience, we posted what they posted here on P3 News and Reviews.

Unsurpassed Image Quality 
22.3 Megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor
 DiG!C 5+ Image Processor I
SO 100-25600 (expandable to L:50 H1:51200, H2: 102400
Full HD Movie (ISO 100-12800 (H:25600)

NEW NOVOFLEX LENS ADAPTERS – GIVE YOUR OLD LENSES NEW LIFE!

Mirrorless system cameras are among the top sellers in the camera market today. Nikon and Pentax have recently followed Sony, Panasonic, Olympus and Samsung with the introduction of their first models of these new types of cameras that are appealing to both amateurs and professionals alike. To ease switching to these new camera systems Novoflex Präzisionstechnik GmbH of Memmingen Germany is now introducing adapters to allow the photographer to easily use their older lenses on the Pentax Q and Nikon1. A broad variety of lenses are thus available right from the beginning.

As usual, the “Made in Germany” Novoflex adapters are manufactured to the highest quality standards. They offer highly precise correction of the flange focal distance to ensure focusing to infinity. In addition the following Nikon versions: Minolta AF/Sony Alpha, Nikon and Pentax K feature an integrated aperture control and can be used with lenses with or without a manual aperture ring.