Nikon to release 800mm telephoto lens

Nikon announced yesterday that it will add an 800mm  f5.6 supertelephoto lens to its product line, helping reduce some competition between Nikon and its rival Canon. Nikon has not mentioned how much it will cost nor when it will ship, but we are expecting somewhere around the same price as Canon's EF 800mm f/5.6 L IS USM, which comes in at $13,000.

Although this seems like an extremely high price to the average customer, it is definitely worth it for professional photographers, especially those who do nature shots such as bird watching, and obviously  paparazzi photographers (they can even have much more expensive lenses).

Nikon also mentioned that it will show off the 800mm lens at the Photokina show in Cologne, Germany this September. We'll keep you updated on the status of the 800mm supertelephoto lens as more info becomes available.

Nikon 800mm f/5.6 Super-telephoto Lens

Nikon Corporation has announced the availability of the Nikon 800mm f/5.6 super-telephoto lens. As its name suggests, the lens offers a fixed focal length of 800mm and a maximum aperture of f/5.6. The Nikon 800mm f/5.6 is compatible with Nikon's FX-format cameras. The Nikon 800mm f/5.6 super-telephoto lens is also dust- and water-resistance. [PhotographyBay]

Liquid Image Wide Angle Scuba Series HD 1080p Dive Mask Camera

Liquid Image has also launched its new Wide Angle Scuba Series HD 1080p Dive Mask Camera. This wearable video camera has a 136-degree wide angle lens, a microSD/SDHC card slot (up to 32GB), can capture both 1080p/720p HD video at 30fps/60fps and 12MP still images, and is waterproof to an impressive depth of 40m/130ft. The Wide Angle Scuba Series HD 1080p Dive Mask Camera is available now in the UK with an RRP of 329.99 GBP (about $514). [Liquid Image]

Lexar XQD memory cards announced, will duel with Sony for Nikon D4's attention

 Nikon's D4 is currently the only belle at the XQD ball, and until now, Sony was its only memory suitor. However, Lexar's just arrived with a new line of cards to compete for the D4's affections. The Fremont-based company says it collaborated with Nikon to build the PCI Express-based memory, and that they'll hit the market sometime in the third quarter of 2012 - with no mention of specs or prices so far. Unfortunately, that means we don't know how Lexar's offerings will stack up against Sony's H-series or S-series cards already on the market. That said, while you wait for more details about Lexar's new cards, feel free to check out the lovely data the D4 will be putting on 'em when they arrive.

Samsung's New Smart Camera EX2F, How Smart?

In addition to the 1x1.7x12 Megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, the EX2F also allows users to shoot in RAW mode just like the pros. Other highlights include: 3.0" Swivel AMOLED display; HDMI output; 1080x30p Full HD Movie Recording with stereo sound; Dual Capture feature,; and many more.

Polaroid Z2300 Instant Digital Camera

 
With digital cameras that now abound in the market today, it can be quite hard to choose one that has all the features that one wants. While there are many digital cameras to choose from, only quite a few offers a way to print out those captured images in an instant. You can rely on cameras like the Polaroid Z2300 Instant Digital Camera to have such features.

The Polaroid Z2300 is the newest addition to the Polaroid family of instant digital cameras. This unique camera comes with an integrated printer using Zink Technology that enables instant printing of captured images in the camera in less than a minute. It is a feature that not all digital cameras can offer.

The Polaroid Z2300 features a 10MP sensor camera capable of printing 2×3″ photos that are water resistant, smudge proof and tear resistant. The camera also comes with a 3-inch LCD for viewing photos. The Polaroid Z2300 Instant Digital Camera is available at Polaroid for US$160.

Point Grey Flea3 4K Camera

 
While 4K cameras are not that popular among consumers, they do provide videos that come with higher resolutions. This makes them quite useful for a variety of industrial uses. It also makes an able webcam for business use since they offer better hi-res videos for video conferences. It is for this reason that size counts, much like what the Point Grey Flea3 4K Camera offers.

The Point Grey Flea3 4K camera is considered as one of the smallest and fastest USB 3.0 cameras in the world today. Able to provide hi-res videos in such a small package, the Point Grey Flea3 camera comes with a Sony Exmor R sensor. Although it is capable of recording video in hi-res, it may not yet be able to offer cinema-grade videos since it only records at 21fps using full resolution. Despite this limitation, the Flea3 can offer a wide range of uses as a camera for optical inspection, interactive multimedia and broadcast.

The Point Grey Flea3 comes in several models ranging from 1.3MP to 8.8MP sensors. Its impressive features come at a steep price. The Flea3 4K Camera is available at Point Grey for up to US$945. It is not something that ordinary consumers can afford readily.

Samsung upstages Sony with f/1.4-equipped EX2F point-and-shoot for $549

Samsung's been flaunting its WiFi-equipped Smart cameras throughout the last year, but with a generally significant trade-off in image quality, we haven't been terribly impressed. This 12.4-megapixel CMOS shooter packs an f/1.4-2.7 lens — quite a feat for any point-and-shoot — along with a full-size hot shoe, dual image stabilization, a top ISO setting of 12,800 (extended), a 24-79mm 3.3x lens and a 3-inch swivel VGA-resolution AMOLED display. That's in addition to the full manual shooting mode, RAW option, 1080x30p HD video capture and the standard plethora of WiFi options, including Remote Viewfinder and Auto Backup. Accessory add-ons include an optical viewfinder, external mic and a secondary flash (a smaller pop-up model is built-in, and retracts when not in use). There's no hint of pricing or availability, but with that industry-leading f/1.4 lens, pro-level features and AMOLED display, we're certain that the EX2F won't come cheap. Samsung has confirmed that the camera will be priced at $549, and is scheduled to hit stores in August.

Nikon releases D4 firmware 1.02 with minor display, formatting, network stability improvements in tow

Have you managed to get your hands on Nikon's elusive D4 full-frame DSLR? It should be smooth sailing from here, with the occasional firmware update being your only critical acquisition going forward. D4 firmware 1.02 brings a handful of minor fixes, but if you're in need of any of the enhancements listed below, it's surely a must have:

• Format memory card can now be added to My Menu.
• Gamut for Adobe RGB images displayed in the camera's monitor has now been changed. This enables more vivid display of images.
• The stability of network connections when the FTP upload option is selected has been increased.
• When recording movies using a lens with an aperture ring in [P] or [S] exposure mode, and Aperture ring selected for Custom Setting f10: Customize command dials>Aperture setting, the minimum aperture was applied. This issue has been resolved.
• When a still image captured during movie recording with 1920 ×1080; 30 fps; crop, 1920 × 1080; 25 fps; crop, or 1920 × 1080; 24 fps; crop selected for Movie settings>Frame size/frame rate and Live frame grab selected for Custom Setting g4: Assign shutter button was displayed in Capture NX 2 or ViewNX 2, the position of the focus point displayed differed from actual recording position. This issue has been resolved.
• An issue that caused the camera to freeze when attempting to format a memory card (setup menu > Format memory card) while the camera was connected to a network in HTTP server mode has been resolved.

Extreme Sports Action Camera

 
Check out this affordable ‘Extreme Sports Action Camera' from Light In The Box. Priced at just $54.99, the camera sports a 1.3MP CMOS image sensor, a 64MB of internal memory, a microSD card slot (up to 8GB), a USB 2.0 port, a Li-ion battery and has the ability to capture 640 x 480 VGA video at 30fps. [Product Page]

Nikon debuts new 18-300mm VR lens, brings highest zoom range yet to its DSLRs

The latest telephoto zoom lens from Nikon packs in the highest zoom ratio we've seen on an APS-C or DX lens. The Nikkor 18-300mm f/3.5-5x6 G ED VR cranks up the zoom to 16.7X, but pairs this with the aperture range of its existing telephoto lenses, ready for some bokeh-heavy close-ups. You'll be paying for that superzoom privilege, however, as the lens is set to arrive later this month, commanding a $1,000 premium. It's joined by a new standard-zoom lens, the FX-compatible Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 ED VR, which also arrives later this month, priced at $600.

Canon EOS-1D X to arrive next week, just in time for dessert

So you eBayed your Canon EOS 5D back in April, all in good faith, ready for the EOS-1D X that never came. Well, that gap in your photoblog should end next week — according to updated info from the camera maker. The latest details suggest that the flagship shooter should be hitting stores on June 20th, along with a clutch of accessories. You'd better initiate that PayPal withdrawal now, though, as CNET reports that a US representative for the firm told them that, while stocks will be available, they'd initially be in limited supply. Full stocks, however, should be here in time for to shoot your own HD Olympics.

GoPro Wi-Fi BackPac and Wi-Fi Remote Combo Kit Sets your GoPro Camera Free

 
Set your GoPro Hero or Hero2 camera free with the new Wi-Fi BackPac and Wi-Fi Remote Combo Kit. The new kit gives you the ability to remotely control  up to 50 cameras at a time at up to 600 feet (180m) away. The remote control gives you full  control of the camera, including the mode and settings. The Wi-Fi BacPac includes its own built-in battery, so your camera doesn't get too much of a power hit.

Coming with a future firmware upgrade but only for the Hero2 will be the ability to control your GoPro: live preview, playback and transfer your action photos or videos with your smartphone or tablet, and also the ability to stream live to the Web (assuming you have a network connection) .

The Wi-Fi Combo Kit is $99.99, with additional Wi-Fi BackPacs being $59.99

Satechi WTR-A Wireless Timer Remote Control Shutter for Canon Cameras

The WTR-A Wireless Timer Remote Control Shutter from Satechi is designed for compatible EOS Canon cameras.  This shutter-release tool lets you set a timer to delay shooting a photo, managing exposure time, setting a shooting interval and organizing a number of shots from up to 50 feet away.  It has a beeping alert to indicate the shutter is currently active and counts down the seconds until the shutter goes off.  There's also a light to indicate when the timer has been set.   It's $59.99 at Satechi and at Amazon.com.

Pentax Q Digital Camera With 5-15mm Lens Available For Pre-Order

You can now pre-order Pentax's newest digital camera ‘Q' in the US via B&H Photo. This compact interchangeable lens camera retails for $699 and comes bundled with a 5-15mm lens. Specs-wise, the Q sports a 12.4MP 1x2.3″ Backlit CMOS sensor, a 3.0-inch (460K-dot) LCD display, an SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, DNG RAW + JPEG Images support, Q's bokeh control filter, an HDMI port and 1080p Full HD capture. [Product Page]

iSteady Shot Pro-Holder – Keep your GoPro steady

 Sick of all your GoPro videos being all shaky and unsteady? Even worse, sick of watching someone else's shaky videos? The iSteady Pro-holder is a lightweight  aircraft-grade aluminum camera mount for the GoPro camera series (see related links).  It mounts using your standard GoPro mounting system with an aluminum easy-detach clip. With three bottom tripod mounts and a top accessories/light mount, the Pro-Holder is a versatile mounting system and can be used to help take the shake and wiggle out of your videos.

Available from iSteadyshot for $49.99

Rollei Fotopro TT-1

Rollei is back with its latest product in the form of the Rollei Fotopro TT-1. It consists of a compact X4i travel tripod and a waterproof B1 bag. The X4i aluminium tripod has a maximum load capacity of 5kg and a total height of 1.44m. You can fold it down to 32mm for storage. The B1 bag can accommodate both the tripod itself and a small DSLR camera with two lenses and other accessories. The Rollei Fotopro TT-1 retails for €199.95 or around $250. [Rollei]

Canon unveils the new EOS 650D/EOS Kiss X6i - get in touch with your creative side

Canon today launches the EOS 650D - a new, easy-to-use Digital SLR (DSLR) that offers high image quality and simple touch-screen operation, allowing anyone to capture beautiful images and Full HD movies. Ideal for photography beginners, the EOS 650D combines intelligent automatic shooting modes with a range of advanced features - making it easy-to-use today, with a full range of manual modes to explore tomorrow. The EOS 650D is the first-ever EOS to feature a dual AF system, which ensures exceptional detail in stills and continuous autofocus tracking when shooting movies. At the camera's heart is an 18 megapixel (MP) Hybrid CMOS sensor and powerful DIGIC 5 processing, enabling the capture of sharp, full resolution images at up to 5 frames per second (fps). A Vari-angle capacitive touch-screen also makes camera operation quick and easy, providing instant access to an extensive range of settings and scene modes. The EOS 650D offers outstanding image quality and performance. Its newly-developed 18 MP APS-C Hybrid CMOS sensor provides super-fine resolution, capturing poster-sized images that are rich in colour and detail. Ideal for shooting in low light without flash, the camera features a native 100-12,800 ISO range, allowing the capture of natural-looking shots with minimal noise, while an expanded ISO 25,600 range also offers the ability to shoot in more extreme low-light conditions. The EOS 650D is the first entry-level EOS to be powered by Canon DIGIC 5 processing, offering greater speed, responsiveness and advanced colour rendition. DIGIC 5's 14-bit image processing provides beautiful and subtle transitions between colour tones, such as those of an evening sky, and its vastly-increased power also makes the camera ideal for capturing fast-moving action such as football or other sports. The new dual AF system makes it easy to capture sharply-focused shots of all subjects, whether capturing stills or movies. A superior 9-point all cross-type AF system provides exceptional performance during stills shooting, offering precision accuracy when capturing sports, action and wildlife. Additionally, a new Hybrid AF System offers continuous autofocusing during movie recording, and when shooting in Live View[1] mode. Getting the perfect shot has never been easier thanks to the new 7.7cm (3.0") Vari-angle Clear View LCD II Touch screen. Featuring capacitive technology, the screen is highly responsive and supports a variety of multi-touch gestures, such as pinching and swiping - making it easy to access shooting modes, alter settings and even capture a shot using the screen alone. Touch control adds a different dimension to Live View shooting. You can select AF points, track faces and objects, and fine-tune image settings via the camera's Quick Control screen. Navigation is instant and intuitive, while pinch-zooming in playback provides a great way to check the finer details of a shot. The Vari-angle hinge allows the screen to be angled and tilted to suit virtually any situation, while a super-sharp 1,040k-dot resolution ensures every detail is clearly displayed. The EOS 650D makes it easy for anyone to shoot Full HD (1920x1080p) videos. Thanks to Hybrid AF, users can focus exclusively on story-telling while the camera continuously tracks the subject. New EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM and EF 40mm f/2.8 STM lenses are also ideal for shooting videos, utilising a virtually-silent stepper motor to ensure movies are smoother and clearer than ever. With Video Snapshot mode, anyone can create fun, fast-paced videos with a professionally-edited feel. Snapshots can be recorded in two, four, or eight second segments, and then combined or reordered in-camera ahead of playback. An integrated mini-HDMI port also makes it easy to share the results on any HDTV. Two brand new shooting modes located on the mode dial help beginners to shoot confidently in difficult lighting conditions. HDR Backlight Control tackles tricky, brightly-backlit scenes by capturing three different exposures - under, correctly, and over-exposed - and combining them into one HDR image displaying both highlight and shadow detail. Handheld Night Scene, meanwhile, makes it easier to capture beautiful low-light evening shots with no tripod, rapidly shooting four different images before combining them into one detailed, blur-free picture. The camera's range of shooting modes also allows you to explore the boundaries of your creativity. Basic+ allows you to go beyond basic automatic settings, with a range of presets you can use to dramatically and instantly alter the mood of a shot. Canon's fun range of Creative Filters can now be applied to images using the Touch-screen, with new 'Art Bold Effect' and 'Water Painting Effect' offering more ways to apply a creative twist to a shot. If you simply want to point and shoot, Scene Intelligent Auto mode does the work for you - analysing the scene and automatically selecting the best settings, so you can take great shots out of the box. As part of Canon's EOS system, the EOS 650D is compatible with the world's most comprehensive selection of lenses and accessories. Over 60 EF lenses cover everything from wide-angle and macro to extreme telephoto, and countless accessories provide the tools to meet virtually any creative challenge.

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

Canon has announced a new lens for its EOS system namely the EF-S 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS STM. The lens features an intelligent optical Image Stabilizer, a new stepper motor (STM) and electromagnetic diaphragms for smooth and accurate control over aperture for video shooting. The company will release the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM later this month for $549 a pop. [Dpreview]

Sony Alpha 57 DSLR Camera with 12fps Continuous Shooting

I found the Alpha 57 with 18-55 Lens Kit at Amazon.co.uk from £587, but I'm not sure such price stays that low as Amazon.co.uk also sells the Alpha 37 with 18-55 Lens Kit from £501.79. The Alpha 57 is also suitable for beginners, thanks to the Auto Portrait Framing, a new feature that utilising face detection and the compositional 'rule of thirds'. Composition is the most important key in producing beatiful pictures, but color and tonal also play a big role. Sony Alpha 57 comes with a range of in-camera Picture Effects includes 11 effect types and 15 variations. Available since April 2012, the Sony Alpha 57 is compatible with Sony A-mount lenses. Other highlights include: ISO 100 - 16000; HDMI mini connector; 3.0″ Xtra Fine LCD; Built-in flash; Auto HDR; Shutter speed 1x4000-30sec, Bulb; Memory Stick PRO Duo/PRO-HG Duo; SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card; and many more.