Canon EOS 1DX: 10 things you need to know

Canon EOS 1DX: 10 things you need to know:

We'd been waiting for an upgrade to Canon's professional cameras for some time, and last week we were finally rewarded with the Canon EOS 1DX. The camera, which now sits at the very top of the Canon pile will be available to buy from March 2012. But, before you get your pre-order in, here's ten vital things you need to know about the 1DX.

1. The 1DX replaces both the 1D Mark IV and the 1Ds Mark III

We were unsure whether or not the new professional model from Canon would be an update to the 1D Mark IV, or the 1Ds Mark III. In the past, it has always been a question of choosing whether you need speedy shooting, for press and sports photographers, something which the 1D Mark IV provided, or whether you need high resolution where speed wasn't an issue, such as for portrait work, which is where the 1Ds Mark III traditionally found its home.

With the new 1DX however, both these models have been replaced and amalgamated into one camera, which Canon claims means you no longer have to choose, and you can instead have both high quality and high speed.

However, while this does replace both cameras, the 1D Mark IV will still be available to buy.

2. Sensor size

Some may be surprised to find "only" an 18 million effective pixel sensor on board the 1DX, especially considering its predecessor sports 21 megapixels, and rival Nikon's D3x features a 24.5 megapixel sensor.

Canon told us that that the decision to limit the pixel count was made to allow better image quality at high sensitivity settings. The sensor on board has, for the first time in a full-frame Canon SLR, gapless microlenses. These help to improve the light gathering potential of each photodiode for pushing sensitivity settings higher.

It's also worth noting that 1D Mark IV users choosing to upgrade may miss the 1.3x crop factor, as the 1DX uses a full frame sensor.

3. New AF system

The 1DX features a whopping 61 AF points, to help provide better coverage of a scene and catch those moving subjects.

The points are clustered around the centre of the frame, but offer more coverage than previous Canon cameras.

41 cross-type (and 5 dual cross type) points have been included, while new AF presets can be saved for shooting challenging subjects.

4. New EOS iTR AF

The new EOS iTR AF (Intelligent Tracking and Recognition Autofocus), Canon claims, is ideal for wedding and event photography, along with sports and photojournalism. The default AF mode uses phase detection AF, while a new second option uses Face Detection technology to track recognised faces and/or colour information. This makes it ideal for shooting sports, where facial recognition of the original subject will help keep that person in focus throughout the scene.

EOS iTR AF will work both in AI Servo with AF selection or zone AF.

5. Continuous shooting speeds

The new EOS iTR AF (Intelligent Tracking and Recognition Autofocus), Canon claims, is ideal for wedding and event photography, along with sports and photojournalism. The default AF mode uses phase detection AF, while a new second option uses Face Detection technology to track recognised faces and/or colour information, making it ideal for shooting sports, where facial recognition of the original subject will help keep that person in focus throughout the scene.

6. New layout

Extra features and buttons have been added to the design of the 1DX, which make it much easier to use when shooting in portrait format.

An extra mini-joystick multi controller provides an easy way to navigate the menu and select AF points when the camera is rotated.

Canon has also added extra buttons to the top of the camera, including a dedicated white balance button.

7. The new generation metering system has its own processor

The newly designed RGB metering system on board the camera is powered by its own Digic 4 processor.

This means that the metering system can work quicker than on previous models, and is akin to having a processor that you might find in an SLR or compact camera as an extra feature on board the camera.

The metering sensor is also linked to the AF system and allows for face and colour detection.

8. Improved AE performance

AE performance on the 1DX has been improved to the extent that Canon yesterday claimed that it was "like having an inbuilt greycard", that is, exposure and white balance should be much improved on from previous models.

9. Improved user interface

Canon has spent a lot of time improving the menu interface of the 1DX, one of the key new features is the addition of a dedicated AF tab which groups together of the AF options for quick access.

Clearer terms have been used to make each option more understandable, while a help menu has been included to explain more complicated features.

The Quick menu (Q) button can also be used to cycle between the tabs, while the multi controllers or main dial can be used to scroll through the various options.

10. Multiple exposures

During a seminar at Canon's Pro Solutions show on 26th October, landscape photographer Charlie Waite expressed his concern about a lack of multiple exposure capability in any Canon camera to date.

The 1DX answers that, with the ability to shoot up to 9 exposures in one frame, which will be a great bonus for creative photographers wanting to push the limits of their camera.

For a more in-depth look at the features of the new camera, have a look at our Hands On: Canon EOS 1DX review, and stay tuned for a full review in due course.

Source: Google Reader

Olympus chief resigns, shares surge

Olympus chief resigns, shares surge:

Shares in Olympus have risen after its CEO, Tsuyoshi Kikukawa resigned from his job on Wednesday in a bid to restore confidence in the company.

It's been a rough couple of weeks for Olympus, which fired Michael Woodford, its former CEO, less than two weeks into the role. Although it initially claimed that the firing was due to a "culture clash", Woodford very publicly claimed that it was down to his questioning a $687 million advisory fee paid in relation to a takeover in 2008.

Since then, Olympus shares plummeted by around 50% since the sacking, but yesterday rose by 13% as Kikukawa stepped down.

Pressure had been mounting on the firm to disclose more information about the money deals, with top shareholders calling for an investigation.

Investigations

Japan's Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission has been looking into the company since as far back as August, while Woodford sent details to the Serious Fraud Office in London.

Critics of the company say that the Olympus scandal is indicative of a deep-seated weakness in Japanese management styles.

Woodford has also been talking to the FBI about his claims, and has identified the advisory firms involved in the takeover as being based in New York and the Cayman Islands.

The new President of Olympus has been named at Shuichi Takayama, who has denied any wrongdoing at the company and has been there since 1970.

Keep following for more updates on the Olympus story as it happens.

Source: Google Reader

Is the best camera the one you have on you?

Is the best camera the one you have on you?:

There seems to be two main schools of thought when it comes to camera technology and photography. One suggests that it's all down to the photographer holding the kit, while the other suggests that the more money you plough into your system the better your results will be.

In actuality, of course, it's probably a mixture of the two. It's pretty fair to say that even the best photographer in the world will be met by limitations when using a compact camera.

But, there are occasions when a compact is the only realistic option. Press photographers are increasingly coming to rely upon compact cameras, and in some extreme cases, mobile phones, to get pictures.

Choice

Speaking during a seminar at the recent Canon Pro Solutions show in Islington, Peter McDiarmid, a senior news photographer for Getty, and Neil Turner, from the British Press Photographers Association talked about shooting the recent London riots using nothing more than a Canon G11, a high-end compact camera.

The G11 used to sit right at the very top of Canon's compact line-up until it was replaced by the G12 last year, and actually costs more than some of its very low-end DSLRs, so it's not to say that Peter was shooting with a budget snapper. However, considering that Peter would normally head out tooled up with at least three professional DSLR bodies, an array of lenses and a backpack full of other accessories, shooting with just the compact is seriously pared down.

Both McDiarmid and Turner pointed out that they always carry a compact camera with them "just in case", with McDiarmid also using the smaller Canon PowerShot S95.

During the recent riots, we heard many stories about photographers on the scene not being allowed near the action by the police, or worse, having their personal safety (and expensive gear) threatened by rioters. So, says, McDiarmid, shooting with a compact gave him "amazing freedom."

He wasn't discreet about shooting, instead trying his level best to look like an non-threatening amateur, holding the camera out straight in front of him, using the screen to compose images.

The G11 uses a 10 million pixel sensor. For newspaper images, which print at an equivalent of 150dpi, an image with a resolution of 1.48 megapixels will suffice for a 6x4 inch print, while even a full page only requires an image of 3.6 megapixels. This meant that McDiarmid was able to shoot freely, knowing that his images could be cropped later if necessary.

Cons

McDiarmid said that the biggest problems he faced when using the compact was low light shooting and the inability to track a moving subject, such as he would be able to do with his usual camera. However, he was able to get into a position that none of his press colleagues could manage, and ended up with cover shots on The Mirror, the Independent, The Metro and the Telegraph. One of his pictures was also used as a double page spread in Time Magazine.

The G11's 1/1.7 inch CCD sensor is significantly smaller than a DSLR, so is likely to bring about noise issues with it. However, even professional landscape photographers, such as Joe Cornish, has referenced creating saleable prints with the camera.

Pros

While there are obvious limitations to working with a compact camera, there are certain technological advantages that can help in a few situations. As light levels were falling, McDiarmid needed to keep the aperture as wide as possible to reduce noise levels. The G11 can reach a maximum aperture of f/2.8. One of the most iconic images of the riots, the very image that graced the front pages of the aforementioned newspapers, features a burning van in the background, with a person walking in front of the van.

McDiarmid pre-focused on the van and waited for someone to walk into shot for the perfect composition. Shooting at f/2.8 on a camera with a small sensor will give you a far wider depth of field than shooting on a full-frame camera. If this picture had been photographed with a DSLR, it's likely that the person would have been so out of focus as to render the picture unusable.

It almost goes without saying that in these days of 24/7 rolling headlines, it's likely that we'll see more and more press photographers turning to compact cameras to get their images in difficult situations, so it will be interesting to see how camera manufacturers respond to increasing demands.

Let us know what you think in the comments box below, via our Twitter feed or on our Facebook page.

Source: Google Reader

Leica gets new backer for expansion plans

Leica gets new backer for expansion plans:

Private equity company Blackstone has bought a 44% stake in Germany's Leica Camera in a bid to help the company expand abroad.

Chairman Andreas Kaufmann said in a statement, "After the successful turnaround and record sales last year, we are concentrating on further developing the brand and its products as well as on entering new markets in Asia, Latin America and the Middle East."

Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed. Leica posted sales of €248.8m (c. £218m) in its financial year to the end of March, marking a 57.2% increase from the previous year. It also produced a net profit of €36.3m (c. £32m), paying its first dividend since 1997.

History

Leica is one of the most prestigious photography brands in the world with a rich manufacturing history, having launched its first 35mm camera in 1925 and now boasting a line-up which includes the world's smallest full-frame interchangeable lens camera, the £5,000 Leica M9.

Based in Solms in Germany, the company faced financial difficulty in 2005, but managed a turnaround after raising capital and replacing its chief executive.

The main shareholder in Leica, Austrian investor family Kaufmann's holding company ACM Projectentwicklung GmbH keeps a majority stake in the company, and has no plans to sell further shares, according to Leica.

Source: Google Reader

Canon IXUS 1100 HS review: TechRadar labs data

Canon IXUS 1100 HS review: TechRadar labs data:

Our full Canon IXUS 1100 HS review is on the way, but in the meantime we would like to share the resolution chart images and the noise and dynamic range results.

The Canon IXUS 1100 HS was announced back in August and features a 12x optical zoom, a larger 3.2" touch rear LCD screen and is equipped with a 12.1 megapixel CMOS sensor.

Initial results from the labs data show that the Canon IXUS handles noise well at the low to mid sensitivity range, although it does become an issue above ISO 1600. However, when it comes to dynamic range the results are impressive with dynamic range beating the Samsung WB700 and Olympus XZ-1 at all sensitivities.

The Canon IXUS 1100 HS is available to buy now, with prices starting around £342

Resolution charts

As part of our image quality testing for the Canon IXUS 1100 HS, we've shot our resolution chart.

If you view our crops of the resolution chart's central section at 100% (or Actual Pixels) you will see that, for example, at ISO 100 the Canon IXUS 1100 HS is capable of resolving up to around 22 (line widths per picture height x100) in its highest quality JPEG files.

Examining images of the chart taken at each sensitivity setting reveals the following resolution scores in line widths per picture height x100:

ISO 100, score: 22 (see full image)

ISO 200, score: 22 (see full image)

ISO 400, score: 20 (see full image)

ISO 800, score: 20 (see full image)

ISO 1600, score: 18 (see full image)

ISO 3200, score: 16 (see full image)

Noise and dynamic range

These graphs were produced using data generated by DXO Analyzer.

We shoot a specially designed chart in carefully controlled conditions and the resulting images are analysed using the DXO software.

Signal to noise ratio

A high signal to noise ratio (SNR) indicates a cleaner and better quality image.

JPEG images from the Canon IXUS 1100 HS are on a par with those from the Samsung WB700 but show marginally more noise that both the Nikon Coolpix S9100 and Olympus XZ-1

For a full explanation of what our resolution charts mean, and how to read them please click here to read the full article.

Dynamic range

This chart indicates that the Canon IXUS 1100 HS's JPEGs have a consistently high dynamic range across the sensitivity range, only overtaken by the Nikon Coolpix S9100 at ISO 1600.

For more more details on how to interpret our test data, check out our full explanation of our noise and dynamic range tests.

Source: Google Reader

Canon IXUS 230 HS review: TechRadar labs data

Canon IXUS 230 HS review: TechRadar labs data:

Our Canon IXUS 230 HS review is on the way, but in the meantime we would like to share the resolution chart images and the noise and dynamic range results.

The Canon IXUS 230 HS was announced back in August alongside the Canon IXUS 1100 HS and is the upgrade to the Canon IXUS 220 HS. The major updates have been an increase in optical zoom from 5x to 8x, and a larger 3" rear LCD screen.

Initial results from the labs data show that the Canon IXUS 230 HS handles noise well across the sensitivity range, with results better both the Samsung PL170 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS22. As with the Canon IXUS 1100 HS dynamic range results are high, outperforming the Samsung PL170, Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS22 and Nikon Coolpix S8200.

The Canon IXUS 230 HS is available to buy now, with prices starting around £229.

Resolution charts

As part of our image quality testing for the Canon IXUS 230 HS, we've shot our resolution chart.

If you view our crops of the resolution chart's central section at 100% (or Actual Pixels) you will see that, for example, at ISO 100 the Canon IXUS 230 HSis capable of resolving up to around 22 (line widths per picture height x100) in its highest quality JPEG files.

Examining images of the chart taken at each sensitivity setting reveals the following resolution scores in line widths per picture height x100:

ISO 100, score: 22 (see full image)

ISO 200, score: 22 (see full image)

ISO 400, score: 20 (see full image)

ISO 800, score: 20 (see full image)

ISO 1600, score: 18 (see full image)

ISO 3200, score: 16 (see full image)

Noise and dynamic range

These graphs were produced using data generated by DXO Analyzer.

We shoot a specially designed chart in carefully controlled conditions and the resulting images are analysed using the DXO software.

Signal to noise ratio

A high signal to noise ratio (SNR) indicates a cleaner and better quality image.

JPEG images from the Canon IXUS 230 HS signal to noise ratio results show a good consistent result throughout the sensitivity range, with the results closely relating to the Nikon Coolpix S8200 upto ISO 1600.

For a full explanation of what our resolution charts mean, and how to read them please click here to read the full article.

Dynamic range

This chart indicates that the Canon IXUS 230 HS's JPEGs dynamic range results are consistently high beating the Samsung PL170, Nikon Coolpix S8200 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS22. This shows that the Canon IXUS 230 HS is capible of resolving a higher than average amount of shadow and highlight detail across the sensitivity range.

For more more details on how to interpret our test data, check out our full explanation of our noise and dynamic range tests.

Source: Google Reader

Review Roundup: This week's hottest reviews on TechRadar

Review Roundup: This week's hottest reviews on TechRadar:

This week's hottest reviews on TechRadar

This week the tech headlines have somewhat been overshadowed by the death of Steve Jobs. But that wasn't the only reason Apple were in the headlines this week.

We were one of the first sites to get hands on with the new iPhone 4S. We've also taken an in-depth look at the new OnLive cloud gaming system, as well as Windows Phone 7.5 Mango - an updated version of Microsoft's smartphone OS.

Check out all this week's reviews below.

Hands on: iPhone 4S review

While many of us were expecting the launch of the iPhone 5 this week, what we actually got was a refreshed and super-powered iPhone 4 in the shape of the iPhone 4S. It's faster, comes packing iOS 5and features other minor tweaks and refinements which combine to make this the best iPhone ever. The 4S also comes with Siri – the hot new feature that allows you to interact with the handset using just your voice.

So it's not a phone that'll have all iPhone 4 users queuing to upgrade – physically it looks the same – but mark our words, there will still be queues. And this handset will still be lurking near the top of our 'best mobile phones' chart come launch day.

OnLive review

OnLive could, in theory at least, pave the way for how we consume and play videogames in the future. It works rather differently to a traditional games console stuffed full of various high-end components and screeching heat fans, instead it streams all of the actual computing tasks from one of the company's faraway servers, which it says it upgrades every month with the latest graphics cards and RAM sticks.

Basically, you're playing a game remotely via the internet. When you aim your silenced pistol at a nasty henchman's bonce and pull the trigger, the command is sent over to OnLive's server den, which does all the computer work and then sends back the result of your gunshot via images down your broadband pipe.

LG 55LW980T review

LG clearly wants to send out a message with its 55LW980T. And that message is that if anyone still clings on to a belief that the Korean brand is only interested in the budget end of the market, they're very sorely mistaken.

The LG 55LW980T's specs read like a bucket list of stuff a modern home entertainment enthusiast would want from a TV. It packs direct LED lighting, and it's simply a very attractively and gorgeously built TV which comes packed with connections and multimedia ambitions that include a feature-packed online Smart TV platform, and playback of most types of video, photo and music files from DLNA PCs or USB flash drives.

Nikon Coolpix S4150 review

At £140 the Nikon Coolpix S4150 is a good camera to sling into a bag or to quickly pack away for the beach, coping well in most ordinary, every-day situations. However, using the touchscreen is frustrating for those used to the ease of something like the iPhone, which will be enough to put some off, But if you can live with the stylus this is a good all round camera.

Windows Phone 7.5 Mango review

Windows Phone 7.5 Mango is definitely an upgrade for the mobile operating system. The 500 new features don't make the system cluttered or confusing, despite adding improvements, fixes and new features in almost every area. Instead they fit in with the existing user experience and enhance it.

This week's other reviews

Compact cameras

Nikon Coolpix S6150 review

Ricoh PX review

Lenses

Kenko Teleplus Pro 300 AF DGX 1.4x review review

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM review

Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS II USM review

Monitors

Eizo Foris FS2332 review

AOC i2353FH review

Iiyama Prolite B2712HDS review

Asus PA238Q review

ViewSonic V3D245 review

Software

Adobe Premiere Elements 10 review

Speakers

Orbitsound T12v3 review

Tablets

Sony Tablet S review

Tripods

Benro A297EX FlexPod and BH2-M review

TVs

LG 50PZ950T review

Hands ons

Mobile phones

Hands on: HTC Sensation XL review

Source: Google Reader

Lastolite announces New Quad Bracket and Ezybox Quad

Lastolite announces New Quad Bracket and Ezybox Quad:

Lastolite has announced the launch of the new Quad Bracket and Ezybox Quad.

The Quad Bracket is a flashgun bracket that mounts up to four flashguns so they can all be fired at once, to enable either more power or faster recycling times.

The bracket enables you to mount up to four flashguns, then attach up to two 8mm or 10mm shaft size umbrellas to diffuse the light. The Quad Bracket can be used in conjunction with various flash trigger systems using one of the accompanying PC cables to connect the flashguns to a single receiver (PC or 3.5mm jack connection).

The Quad Bracket is Nikon SB-900 compatible, and is available now for £60.

The Ezybox Quad combines the Quad Bracket with a device for attaching an Ezybox Studio Softbox. It's available separately for £108, or as part of an Ezybox Studio kit:

• Ezybox Quad Kit with 45cm Ezybox Studio (£160)
• Ezybox Quad Kit with 60cm Ezybox Studio (£190)
• Ezybox Quad Kit with 90cm Ezybox Studio (£220)

Visit the Lastolite website for more information.

Source: Google Reader

Canon PowerShot S100 review: TechRadar labs data

Canon PowerShot S100 review: TechRadar labs data:

Our test of the Canon PowerShot S100 is on the way, but in the meantime we would like to share the resolution chart images and the noise and dynamic range results.

The Canon PowerShot S100 was announced back in September and is the direct update to the Canon PowerShot S95. The major updates have been the inclusion of the new Digic 5 processor and GPS.

Initial results from the labs data show that the Canon PowerShot S100 handles noise exceptionally well for a compact camera, with results better than the Nikon Coolpix P7100, Canon PowerShot G12 and Olympus XZ-1. Dynamic range performance is also good and while marginally behind the Nikon Coolpix P7100, Canon PowerShot G12 and Olympus XZ-1 the results are still good for this size of camera.

The Canon PowerShot S100 will be available in November, with an RRP of £439

Resolution charts

As part of our image quality testing for the Canon PowerShot S100, we've shot our resolution chart.

If you view our crops of the resolution chart's central section at 100% (or Actual Pixels) you will see that, for example, at ISO 100 the Canon PowerShot S100 is capable of resolving up to around 22 (line widths per picture height x100) in its highest quality JPEG files.

Examining images of the chart taken at each sensitivity setting reveals the following resolution scores in line widths per picture height x100:

ISO 80, score: 22 (see full image)

ISO 100, score: 22 (see full image)

ISO 200, score: 22 (see full image)

ISO 400, score: 22 (see full image)

ISO 800, score: 22 (see full image)

ISO 1600, score: 20 (see full image)

ISO 3200, score: 18 (see full image)

ISO 6400, score: 16 (see full image)

Noise and dynamic range

These graphs were produced using data generated by DXO Analyzer.

We shoot a specially designed chart in carefully controlled conditions and the resulting images are analysed using the DXO software.

Signal to noise ratio

A high signal to noise ratio (SNR) indicates a cleaner and better quality image.

JPEG images from the Canon PowerShot S100 show good results for signal to noise ratio, beating those produced by the Nikon Coolpix P7100, Olympus XZ-1 and the Canon PowerShot G12. This graph shows that even at the top end of the sensitivity range noise is kept under control.

For a full explanation of what our resolution charts mean, and how to read them please click here to read the full article.

Dynamic range

This chart indicates that the Canon PowerShot S100's JPEGs compare well against the Nikon Coolpix P7100, Olympus XZ-1 and Canon PowerShot G12. The graph illustrates a similar jump in dynamic range as the Canon PowerShot G12 which shares the same sensor.

For more more details on how to interpret our test data, check out our full explanation of our noise and dynamic range tests.

Source: Google Reader

Panasonic Launches Lumix competition

Panasonic Launches Lumix competition:

Panasonic has announced the launch of the 2011/12 LUMIX Award digital photo competition, with the theme, 'Life is a stage'.

Amateur and semi-professional digital photographers are invited to submit funny, heart-warming, or colourful photos of people, places, and events that dramatise the world around them. The most exceptional and creative entries will win LUMIX cameras, and the overall winner will be displayed at one of Panasonic's top European events next year.

Participants may enter one photo per month between now and 31 March, 2012. Visitors to the LUMIX Award website will have the opportunity to vote for their favourite images of the month. The most popular of these will be passed to the LUMIX Award's jury, an independent panel of professional photographers, filmmakers and creative directors, which will include Robert Grischek, Sodja Zupanc Lotker and Enrico Martino. The jury will select the monthly winners and the overall Grand Prize winners, which will be announced at the end of the competition.

LUMIX Award prizes

Grand Prize winner

The best single digital photo will win the photographer a LUMIX DMC-GF3, Panasonic's smallest and lightest interchangeable lens LUMIX G system camera, with a LUMIX G X VARIO 14-42mm lens. In addition, the photo will be displayed at a future Panasonic event.

Second place

The second best digital photo will win the photographer a LUMIX DMC-TZ20, Panasonic's versatile compact camera with Full HD video recording and built-in GPS.

Third place

The third best digital photo will win the photographer a LUMIX DMC-FT3, Panasonic's shockproof, waterproof and dustproof compact camera with Full HD video recording and built-in GPS.

Monthly winner

The monthly winners will receive a quality Plexiglass print of their entry

Visit the LUMIX Award competition website for more information.

Source: Google Reader

Canon EOS 1DX: first impressions

Canon EOS 1DX: first impressions:

Canon has announced the latest camera to sit in its professional 1D line-up, the Canon EOS 1DX, here are our initial impressions on what this new camera has to offer by our photography portfolio head of testing, Angela Nicholson.

"It's interesting that Canon has settled on a full-frame 18 million pixel sensor for the EOS-1D X. This has a lower pixel count than the EOS-1Ds Mark III (21Mp), but a larger sensor size than the 16.1Mp EOS-1D Mark IV, which uses an APS-H (27.9mm x 18.6mm) sized sensor. This means that EOS-1D Mark IV users who upgrade to the EOS-1D X will lose the 1.3x focal length magnification which helps them get closer to the action. However, they gain almost 2 million more pixels if they want to crop images, so what they gain on the swings...

Action

"In the run up to the Olympics, sports and action photographers will be especially excited by the increase in the number of AF points (61 vs 45 on the EOS-1D Mark IV) and the increased maximum continuous shooting speed (12fps – or 14fps if shooting JPEG only vs 10fps with the EOS-1D Mark IV).

"I'm pleased to see that Canon has added a new AF tab to the EOS-1D X's menu to make access to the controls quicker. The EOS-1D series AF options are complex and getting the best from them demands a good understanding of both them and the subject. Hopefully, the new preset AF modes will enable more photographers to get the best from their camera.

"Clearly Canon sees video as an important part of the professional photographer's work these days. The new touch-sensitive controls on the EOS-1D X should make it easier for settings adjustments to be made silently.

"It sounds like a very impressive camera and one that I'm looking forward to putting through its paces."

The camera is likely to be available for a first look at Canon's Pro Solutions Imaging show, taking place next Tuesday and Wednesday (25th and 26th October) at the Business Design Centre in Islington. Stay tuned for more updates on the camera as they emerge.

Source: Google Reader

Olympus chief sacking - update

Olympus chief sacking - update:

Olympus CEO Michael Woodford was sacked on Friday due to a "culture clash", but Woodford claims serious wrongdoing.

Speaking to Channel 4 news last night, Woodford claimed that excessive payments had been made to a company in the Cayman Islands, something which Hisashi Mori, executive vice-president at Olympus denies.

Meanwhile, Olympus shares have been tumbling following the announcements, falling by 42% since Friday. This is an equivalent of $3.2bn from the market value.

It had only been two weeks since Woodford was promoted from President to CEO, though he had been working at the company for 30 years.

After the sacking on Friday, Olympus stated that Woodford had "largely diverted from the rest of the management team in regard to the management direction and method and it is now causing problems for decision making by the management team."

Questions

Woodford claims that he was sacked after raising questions over $700million worth of payments made between 2006 and 2008 as Olympus acquired other companies.

Olympus now says that it may bring legal action against Woodford for his claims, something which he told Channel 4 he would welcome.

"If they would like to come to London, to the High Court, and go through this, then I'd be more than delighted, I'd relish it, please serve the papers on me tomorrow, please do it, I would love that," he said.

Yesterday afternoon, Woodford handed a file of allegations to the Serious Fraud Office in London.

Woodford remains as a Director for the company, as only shareholders can strip him of this title at the Annual General Meeting next year.

Stay tuned for more updates on this story as it unfolds.

Source: Google Reader

Lytro unveils 'living pictures' camera

Lytro unveils 'living pictures' camera:

Lytro has finally unveiled the world's first "light field" cameras, which are capable of focusing after a shot has been taken.

The development of the light field technology was first revealed in June, and captures all the rays of light in a scene.

Pocket sized and packing an 8x optical zoom and f/2.0 lens, the pictures that the new Lytro camera is capable of producing are being dubbed "living pictures" as they can be endlessly refocused by clicking on different elements of the scene.

Lytro cameras feature a "light field sensor" to capture the colour, intensity and direction of every light ray flowing into the camera. To process the information, the cameras also contain a light field engine that allows users to focus the image in-camera after it has been captured.

When sharing pictures online, the light field engine "travels" with each picture so that anyone can refocus the images on web browsers, mobile phones and tablets.

Simplicity

Featuring just two buttons, power and shutter, along with a glass touchscreen, the camera has been designed for simplicity of use.

The camera body is made from aliminium, and features an 8x optical zoom lens and constant f/2 aperture. With no need to autofocus, the Lytro camera promises to have no shutter delays. Lytro also claims that by using all of the available light in a scene, the camera can perform well in low-light conditions, without need for a flash.

Available in 8GB and 16GB models, the first people to buy the camera will also get free storage for their pictures on Lytro.com.

From 2012, light field pictures will be viewable in 3D, thanks to algorithms currently in development.

A desktop application, which is a free software download, allows people to view, organise and share their pictures. Images can be uploaded to the Lytro website and shared via Facebook, Twitter, blogs, or as links in emails.

The Lytro Camera price for the 8GB (350 pictures) model is $399 , while the 16GB (750 pictures) will be available for $499. Both will start shipping from early 2012. Initially, the desktop application will only be available for Mac users, with a Windows version coming later in 2012.

Source: Google Reader

Jessops giveaway for Nikon 1 customers

Jessops giveaway for Nikon 1 customers:

Nikon's new "Advanced Compact, Interchangeable Lens" cameras will be available to buy in the UK from Thursday, and to celebrate, the Jessops store on the Strand is opening early and giving away prizes.

The store will open at 8am, with the first 20 people to buy a Nikon 1 and standard kit lens receiving a £200 voucher to spend in Jessops, a £100 voucher to spend on Nikon's in-house training scheme and a Sandisk 8 GB extreme HD SDHC memory card.

One person in the queue will also be picked at random to win back the full value of a Nikon 1 kit, worth up to £1500.

Suzi Perry from Channel 5's The Gadget Show will also be present at the event, along with Nikon product experts who will be talking about the technology in the camera.

New system

The Nikon 1 system, which comprises of the Nikon J1 and Nikon V1 was announced on September 21st. The first compact system cameras from Nikon, the cameras also use a new 1 mount, though Nikkor F-mount lenses are compatible via a special adapter. Four new Nikkor lenses are also available for the Nikon 1 system, a 10mm pancake lens, a 10-30mm kit lens, a 30-110mm telephoto lens and a 10-100mm lens which is designed especially for video.

Using a smaller sensor than other compact system cameras on the market, Nikon claims that the 1 system are the fastest cameras in the world, with features including Smart Photo Selector and Motion Snapshot.

Source: Google Reader

Leica unveils 'Titanium' D-Lux 5

Leica unveils 'Titanium' D-Lux 5:

Leica has announced a new Titanium 'Special Edition' version of the compact D-Lux 5 camera, which will be available from the end of the month.

The Leica D-Lux 5 Titanium comes with an anodised silver-grey finish and will be presented in a special set with a premium grey leather case with shoulder strap.

Equipped with the same specifications as the standard Leica D-Lux 5 model, the camera includes a 5.1-19.2mm f/2-3.3 ASPH zoom lens, which is an equivalent of 24-90mm in 35mm format.

The camera also features a 1/1.63 inch 10.1 million pixel CCD image sensor, which is larger than sensors found on many other compact cameras.

Also capable of shooting images in a 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 and 1:1 format, the camera has a 3 inch 460,000 pixel resolution screen and can shoot 720p HD videos.

Lightroom

The D-Lux 5 comes packaged with Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, which allows for photographers to convert raw image files shot on the camera, and apply image processing.

The Leica D-Lux 5 Titanium price is £855 suggested retail price, and will be available in the UK at the end of October. Other accessories including a black handgrip, electronic viewfinder and a flash unit are available.

Source: Google Reader