It will be a very packed news digest this time following the PMA 2010 event in California. (PMA 2010 round-up by whatdigitralcamera.com)
Nikon releases TC-20E III 2x teleconverter
Nikon has released a new 2x AF-S teleconverter, the world’s first to include an aspherical lens element. The AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III is a completely new optical design designed to minimise its impact on image quality. When used with the 300mm F2.8 VR II lens launched today it would offer an effective 600mm reach at up to F5.6.
In Sigma’s booth, it’s making a lot of headlines in PMA this year. We have…
Sigma 17-70mm OS for Sony and Pentax
Sigma adds support for Sony and Pextax for its popular 17-70mm lens.
Sigma 70-200mm EX DG OS HSM
Sigma 70-200 EX. Now with Optical Stabilizer!
Sigma 8-16mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM
The wide has just got wider!
Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM
Redesigned and with added Optical Stabilizer to its 17-50mm fixed 2.8 aperture.
Sigma 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM
A potential contender to Canon 85mm f/1.2 L lens, the new Sigma 85mm f/1.4. Will it make success like the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 too this time?
Sigma 50-500mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM
Last but not least of the lenses, we come to Sigma’s upgrade for its popular 50-500mm ultra-telephoto zoom which now incorporates Optical Stabilisation – a hugely welcome addition to such a long lens.
Sigma SD15
More than a year after first showcasing it at the 2008 Photokina trade show, Sigma has re-announced the SD15 digital SLR. Successor to the SD14, it incorporates a 14MP Foveon X3 sensor, the same True II processor as the latest DPx models, and a larger 3.0″ 460k dot LCD. Other features include SD card compatibility, ISO 100-1600 (50-3200 extended) sensitivity, 21 shot raw buffer at 3fps and 5 frame auto bracketing for HDR-enthusiasts.
(Click here to see some videos on Sigma lenses taken at its booth)
Sony Alpha A450 [CES]
The Sony Alpha 450 slots in below the A500, offering the same 14.2 megapixel CMOS sensor as the more expensive A550 but losing the company’s clever fast-AF live view system. It also loses the tilt and flip LCD screen, instead receiveing the same rather small 6.7cm (2.6″) display as the A230. This stripped-down, lower-cost model plays the same role as the A230 does to the A3XX range, but with the improved ergonomics and larger battery of the A5XX series. The reduced feature set helps boost the battery life to over 1000 shots, using standard test methods. However, in adding a sixth sub-$1000 DSLR, Sony has made its range that bit more confusing.
Sony Super Telephoto 500mm f/4 G & wideangle Distagon T* 24mm f/2 ZA SSM lenses
The 500mm f/4.0 lens is a serious piece of sports or wildlife glass that really expands the range to new heights of super telephoto. And, with its premium G-type elements, it’s guaranteed to perform superbly.
At the opposite end of the scale a wideangle Distagon T* 24mm f/2.0 lens was also announced. This new Carl Zeiss optic has Super Sonic Motor (SSM) for near-silent use.
Tokina plans 16-28mm F2.8 for full-frame
Lens maker Tokina is set to produce a 16-28mm F2.8 ultra wide angle zoom lens for full-frame DSLRs. The lens, called the SD 16-28 F2.8 (IF) FX is being shown in mockup form on the stand of US distributor THK at the PMA show in Anaheim, California. Specifications and availability are as yet unknown.
Canon adds 24 and 25fps HD Movie recording to the EOS 5D Mark II with Firmware 2.0.3
Canon today pre-announces the release of a firmware update for the multiple award-winning EOS 5D Mark II. Originally announced in late 2009, the update adds 24* and 25 frames per second (fps) recording to the camera’s EOS MOVIE video function, and will be available as a free download from the middle of March.
Developed following feedback from photographers and cinematographers, Firmware 2.0.3 further enhances the EOS 5D Mark II’s excellent video performance. The addition of new frame rates expands the camera’s video potential, providing filmmakers with the ability to shoot 1080p Full HD footage at 24fps (actual 23.976fps) – the optimum frame rate for cinematic video. 25fps support at both 1920×1080 and 640×480 resolutions will allow users to film at the frame rate required for the PAL broadcast standard, while the new firmware will also change the 30fps option to the NTSC video standard of 29.97fps…..
