Ikelite just announced an underwater camera housing for Canon EOS 600D/T3i. The housing made of heavy-duty clear polycarbonate that can provide clear view to camera’s functions and controls. It has depth rating of 200 feet ( 60m ). With their standard SLR-Port , the housing can support almost Nikon lenses from ultra-wide to macro .
Suggested retail price is $1400 and Adorama have it in-stock ( check )
More specs and dealer info on Ikelite website
According to CNET Asia, General Electrics (GE) is planning to announce its first micro four third-like camera before end of this year. This statement comes directly from GE spokeperson in Singapore to CNET Asia. GE already entered compact digital camera market in 2007 by introducing eight cameras ranging from entry level to ‘prosumer’ level. Their latest camera, GE X5 , is superzoom 15x and a 14Mp resolution, all packed up in a bridge-style camera for under £130.
GE X5 camera
No further info about its release date or specifications yet. I think GE will adopt the micro four-third format for the camera. Dont reinvent the wheel :) And for us , users, it’s always good to know that we have another choice for mirrorless camera.
According to MirrorlessRumors source, Pentax will announce Pentax NC-1 on May/June this year. If you look at the photo the camera is pretty similar to Pentax Auto 110 , small single-lens reflex cameras that released in 1978. Pretty old huh.
Pentax NC-1 ?
pentax 110
Specifications
- small sensor : 1/2.3″ ( common on compacts )
- 5.6x crop factor
- 14 megapixels
- record HD movie , support H.264
Pentax also going to release two lenses : 8.5mm f/1.9 and 5-15mm f/2.8-4.5. Other interesting news is that Pentax will also going to release another mirrorless camera with bigger sensor ( APS-C ?? ) . Could be a Fuji X100 killer ? it’s good to have another choice :)
Canon just published firmware update for Canon EOS 60D , their latest semipro DSLR. Version 1.0.9 does not add new functions to the camera but will fix several problems.
List of updates:
- Changes the name of the feature called “Art Filters” to “Creative Filters” (which is used in markets other than Japan) in the Japanese version to make the terms consistent. (This change only applies to the Japanese version and does not apply to other language versions.)
- Fixes a phenomenon where the camera may operate abnormally when it is set to Quick Mode AF during Live View shooting immediately after capturing an image with the C.Fn II-1 Long exposure noise reduction setting set to [2: On] and a shutter speed setting of 5 seconds or more.
- Fixes a phenomenon where the camera may operate abnormally when after Live View shooting, the remote switch on the EOS Utility screen is pressed to immediately start movie-shooting. This phenomenon only occurs when the camera is connected to a compatible personal computer and the Remote Live View function of EOS Utility software is being used.
Update available for Windows and Mac.
Download here
According to SAR, the Sony A77 will soon be announced by Sony . The camera will replace Sony A700, the company’s DSLR camera with transparent mirror technology. Sony already displayed the camera prototype at CES show earlier this year so the camera is likely going to released this year. Other SAR’s source mentioned October 6th as the exact date for shipping availability.
some specs:
- new 24mp APS-C sensor
- 3 Million dots OLED viewfinder
- better viewfinder but no hybrid mode like Fuji X100
- dual memory slot , support CF+SD+MS memory card
- better autofocus
- better body built , magnesium allow
- no flip-up mode
- full HD
- high ISO , up to hundreds of thousands ( 102.400 ?? )
- long battery capacity able to shoot 1000 pictures per charge
- on level with Canon EOS 60D
Latest Nikon D5100 rumors from various sources , mainly from NR
- Release date could be April 4th . Nikon has scheduled press event on several countries on that date
- multiple people reported that the camera is being shipped to Canada
- no news about its detail specs yet
Firmware update for Leica X1 is just released. Version 2.0 will improve camera’s performances and add several new functions.
- improved image quality
- improved AF response, especially in low-light conditions and in the case of low contrast subjects
- improved MF setting accuracy due to monitor image now always based on wide open aperture
- shorter time lag between exposures
more details on firmware download page : here
DPReview just finished its full in-depth review on Lumix GH2, Panasonic’s already popular ‘video optimized’ micro four-third camera. With impressive overall score: 79% , just one point below the Nikon D7000 but equal with Canon 60D , makes this camera is worth to consider . Especially if you’re looking for great ‘video’ camera:
The GH2 is easily the best video-equipped stills camera that we’ve ever used. The depth of its feature set is impressive, but more importantly, it creates great looking video
DPReview conclusion:
In summary, we really like the GH2. It offers a highly competitive specification, including (crucially) greatly improved AF compared to previous G-series cameras, and in most respects it is at least a match for the best of its DSLR competitors when it comes to still imaging. It wouldn’t be our first choice for shooting fast action, and we wish that Panasonic’s JPEG color and tone curve more closely resembled that used by certain other manufacturers (we’re thinking specifically of Olympus)) but these are relatively minor grumbles. As far as video is concerned of course, for the time being the GH2 is in a class of its own.
Read the full review at DPReview
Recsea has announced new camera housing designed specifically for Lumix GF2 , Panasonic’ latest touchscreen micro four-third camera. The housing support several Lumix lenses (45mm macro, 14-45mm, 7-14mm, 8mm etc ) and has depth rating of 60m/200 feet. With a clever design , the housing will still allow us to use all functions on the camera. nice! The housing available for order from Recsea dealers around the world and the price is US 1499. Not cheap.. but so far currently it is the only housing available for GF2
- Sturdy precision machined corrosion resistant aluminum and polycarbonate body.
- Compact and lightweight with depth rating of 60 meters (200 feet).
- Dual Back Cover O-rings and dual Port to Lens Port O-ring system.
- Wide range of Lens Ports, Focus Gears, and supported optional accessories.
- The housing allows complete control over all camera functions
- Mount adapters are available for 67mm and ST mounts
- All ports sold separately and are not included with the housing
Read more about the housing here
