Fujifilm S5 Pro

Fujifilm has finally announced the development release of the much awaited S5 Pro. The only problem is that you cannot get one until next year which is why the press release says it's an announcement of the development of the Fujifilm S5 Pro.

Here's what they say in the press release:

Confirming the company’s commitment to professional photographers, Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. today announces the development of the much anticipated FinePix S5 Pro digital SLR camera. The new FinePix S5 Pro is further affirmation of Fujifilm’s goal to achieve professional D-SLR image quality consistent with Fujifilm’s professional film heritage.

The FinePix S5 Pro carries a number of attributes that made its predecessor, the FinePix S3 Pro, so popular with wedding, portrait and studio photographers. One of them is increased dynamic range from the Super CCD SR double pixel technology (6.17 million S-pixels and 6.17 million R-pixels). The new FinePix S5 Pro continues this tradition of expanded dynamic range and goes a step further by coupling the new Super CCD SR Pro sensor with Fujifilm’s new RP (Real Photo) Processor Pro for even more outstanding, film-like results. Moreover, the FinePix S5 Pro will house the two technologies in a fully digital and durable metal alloy body frame. This opens the door for Fujifilm’s digital imaging technologies to expand into other applications such as outdoor and high endurance commercial photography.


Highlight features of the FinePix S5 Pro include:
Image Processing and Quality
- Real Photo Technology Pro, which combines the Super CCD SR Pro sensor and the RP Processor Pro, allows for the wide dynamic range with smoother tonality from brightest light to darkest shadow. The re-designed new Super CCD SR Pro features an optimized
low-pass filter will reduce the noise and minimize moiré. The newly developed RP Processor Pro features two cycles of noise reduction so photographers can snap pictures light sensitivities as high as ISO 3200 with less noise. Digital Camera FinePix S5 Pro 2/3

Increased Color and Dynamic Range Control
- Photographers can choose from six preset ranges for greater creative control over the FinePix S5 Pro’s expanded dynamic range between 100% and 400%.
- Three new variations of the original film simulation mode have been added (five modes in total) for improved reproduction of natural skin tones.

Face Detection Technology for post image verification
- At the push of a button, the FinePix S5 Pro’s Face Detection Technology detects up to ten faces in a scene immediately after each image is captured. Photographers can zoom in and confirm facial detail, whether eyes are open or closed, focus and exposure on the FinePix S5 Pro’s LCD monitor.

Other camera functions and features
- Nikon F-mount compatibility with all Nikkor AF-D/G and the latest AF-S optics
- RAW+JPEG (4,256 x 2,848 pixels, 3,024 x 2,016 pixels, 2,304 x 1,536 pixels) dual-save mode
- MAC and PC supported tethered shooting mode via USB 2.0 port and optional Hyper Utility software
- Robust, lightweight magnesium-alloy body
- Durable shutter unit stands up to approximately 100,000 releases
- Adoption of high-precision i-TTL flash control
- 11-point AF sensor for consistent, fast and precise focusing. This is an improvement from the FinePix S3 Pro’s 5-point AF sensor.
- Supports 1/3, ½, and 1 stop lens aperture control
- Shutter speed 30 sec. to 1/8000 sec., maximum flash sync speed of 1/250 sec.
- Remark function enables addition of comments to an image file by connecting a special bar code reader to the camera body.
- 3 levels of custom Function Locking with password protection Digital Camera FinePix S5 Pro 3/3
- 2.5 inch LCD with 235,000 pixels with 100% frame coverage featuring color or monochromatic 30 seconds, live view function to check the focusing
- Li-ion rechargeable battery
- Compact Flash ™ (CF) Card (Type I /II) and Microdrive ™ compatible

Optional Accessories
- LAN Adapter for wireless, high-speed image transfer.
- New Hyper Utility Software for precise editing control of images taken in CCD-RAW 14-bit format. Software also enables PC control of the FinePix S5 Pro.
- Rechargeable Battery
- Battery Charger
- AC Power Adapter

Leica M8 uses Kodak sensor

Leica has release the Digital Rangefinder M8 and is using a 10 megapixel CCD sensor specially developed by Kodak. This is what has been said about the new sensor:

"The notably low-noise CCD image sensor has been rigorously optimized for the special features of the Leica M lens system and offers a resolution of 10.3 million pixels.

CCD technology generates less noise than any other type of sensor and was therefore chosen as the image sensor for the LEICA M8. The speed settings of ISO 160 through to 2500 permit pictures with a greater wealth of detail than can be achieved with analog film.

The special design of the viewfinder camera with no mirror box allows the typically compact and flat shape of the LEICA M to be retained, but leads to a higher angle for entry of light beams into the sensor. Comprehensive measures have been taken so that the picture quality demanded by Leica is nevertheless achieved. The special modification of the image sensor with a micro-lens offset avoids any annoying vignetting in the corners of the picture. A particularly thin cover glass, reduced to only 0.5mm, prevents the usual undesirable refraction of light when light rays strike at an angle. High-contrast, sharp and exactly true color reproduction right into the corners of the picture is the result of these efforts.

Leica deliberately rejected a Moiré filter, which filters out fine details of the picture, so as to fully exploit the high resolution of the Leica M lens. Any Moiré fringes that occur are instead eliminated during digital signal processing within the camera.

“Whilst a focal length extension factor of 1.5 is normal for many manufacturers, the LEICA M8 uses a CCD image sensor with 18 x 27 mm recording area“says Rainer Bültert, Product Manager for the M System at Leica Camera AG: “The small focal length extension factor of 1.33 enables creative freedom even in digital Leica M photography by using selective image sharpness with an open aperture“.

The factor of 1.33 means that the equivalent focal length of the lens is shifted slightly by about one focal length step towards a telescopic focal length. So a 21 mm lens has an equivalent focal length of 28 mm. The lens range of the Leica M system is extended with the introduction of the LEICA M8 by two wide-angle lenses in the range from 16 to 28 mm focal length; these lenses are available for use on both analog and digital cameras. The new lenses are characterized by the typical Leica exceptionally high optical performance, even at fully open aperture."

Olympus E-400 DSLR

Olympus has announced the release of their smallest 10 megapixel DSLR camera, the E-400. Shown below is a side by side comparison of the size between the E-400 and the E-330. As with all E-System cameras, the E-400 is protected by a Supersonic Wave Filter which prevents dust and dirt from sticking to the CCD.

The Olympus E-400 is based on the Four Thirds Standard.

Olympus is also introducing two new ultra-compact ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses: the ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 (equiv. to 28-84mm on a 35mm camera), which is perfect for standard use and, for more magnification power, the ED 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 (equiv. to 80-300mm on a 35mm camera).

Features of the camera are as follows:

E-400 Features
10.0 million pixel
6.4cm/2.5” LCD
Supersonic Wave Filter for dust protection
Dual memory card slots (for xD-Picture Card and Compact Flash)
31 shooting modes (incl. 5 exposure, 7 creative & 19 scene modes)
Built-in pop-up flash (GN 10)
3fps with up to five images in RAW buffer
One touch white balance
TruePic TURBO image processor
AE/AF lock functionality
Depth of field preview function
Improved 49 segment digital ESP and spot metering
Exposure Bracketing function
Large beginners and advanced info screen
Detailed playback info screen with histogram
Exceptional ease of use with intuitive GUI and buttons that provide immediate access to frequently used features
JPEG & RAW recording
Based on Four Thirds Standard
Underwater Case available (PT-E03) waterproof to 40m

Contents
E-400 Body:
BLS-1 rechargeable lithium-ion battery
BCS-1 battery charger
EP-4 eyepiece cover
Shoulder Strap
USB Cable
Video cable
Olympus Master (Software CD-ROM)
Basic Manual
Advanced Manual (CD-ROM)
Warranty Card

E-400 Kit:
E-400 Body
ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens

E-400 Double Zoom Kit:
E-400 Body
ED 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 lens
ED 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 lens




Specifications of the camera are as follows:

E-400 Specifications

Image Sensor
Image Sensor 10.8 Million Pixels CCD sensor
17.3 x 13.0 mm

Effective pixels
10 Million Pixels

Aspect ratio
4:3
Filter array primary colour filter (RGB)

LCD
HyperCrystal LCD
Pixel number 215,000 pixels
Monitor size 6.4 cm / 2.5 ''
Brightness adjustment +/- 7 steps

Viewfinder
Viewfinder type Eye-level single-lens view finder
Field of view Approx. 95 %
Magnification Approx. 0.92 x with a 50mm lens set to infinity at -1 dioptres
Depth of field preview Available
Eye point 14 mm at -1 dioptres
Diopter adjustment +1.0 -3.0 diopter built-in type
Focusing Screen Fixed type (Neo Lumi-Micron Mat Screen)
Mirror Quick return mirror
Viewfinder Information AF frame (super impose), AE/AF lock, AF confirmation mark, metering mode, exposure mode, shutter speed, aperture value, white balance, exposure compensation value indicator, flash, battery check
Eye piece shutter Eye-piece cap EP-4 supplied

Focusing System
Focusing system TTL phase difference detection system
Focus areas 3 points
AF illuminator Built-in flash (external flash available)
AE/AF lock Locked by first position of shutter release button in single AF mode, AE/AF lock button (customised)
Detection range 0 EV 19 EV (ISO 100)
Focus area selection Automatic and manual selection
Focus tracking Available in continuous AF mode
Focus aid Available
Manual focus Available by rotating focus ring, available for setting manual focus operation in AF mode (customised)
AF modes Single AF
Single AF + MF
Continuous AF
Continuous AF + MF

Light metering
TTL open aperture light metering 49 zones Multi-pattern Sensing System
Detection range EV 1 to 20 (50mm 1:2, ISO 100)
Metering Modes ESP light metering
Spot metering
Centre weighted metering
Highlight based Spot Metering
Shadow based Spot Metering

Exposure modes
Auto
Programme automatic with Programme Shift
Aperture priority
Shutter priority
Manual
Scene modes

Scene modes
Portrait
Landscape
Landscape with Portrait
Night scene
Night scene with portrait
Children
Sports
High key
Low key
Image Stabilisation Mode
Macro
Nature Macro
Candle
Sunset
Fireworks
Documents
Beach and Snow
Underwater Wide
Underwater Macro

Exposure System
Exposure compensation +/-5 EV in 1/3 EV steps
Bracketing 3 frames in +/- 1, 2/3, 1/3 EV steps

Sensitivity
Auto ISO 100-1600 100 and 1600
Manual ISO 100-1600 (in each 1/3 EV steps possible).

White Balance
White balance adjustment -7 / +7 in each R-B / G-M axis (in Auto WB and preset WB mode)
AUTO WB system Advanced detection system with CCD imager
Manual White balance (One-Touch) Available (customised via function button Fn)
Selectable steps in Kelvin 7 steps (3000 - 7500 K)
Preset WB Overcast
Shade
Tungsten
Sunlight
Flourescent 1
Flourescent 2
Flourescent 3

Internal Flash
Guide number 10
Flash compensation +/- 2 EV in 1/3 EV steps
AUTO AUTO
Flash modes Red-eye reduction
Slow synchronisation
Slow synchronisation 2nd curtain
Fill in
Slow synchronisation with red-eye reduction
Off

Sequence Shooting
Sequential shooting mode 3 fps 10 frames (approx.) in HQ JPEG mode
Sequential shooting mode RAW 3 fps 5 frames

Image Processing
Colour space sRGB / AdobeRGB
Image processing TruePic TURBO
Sharpness + Contrast 5 levels in each picture mode
Saturation 5 levels in each picture mode
Contrast 5 levels in each picture mode
Black & White Filter Yellow, Orange, Red, Green
Black & White toning Sepia, Blue, Purple or Green in Black & White mode
Picture Mode Vivid, Natural, Muted, Black & White
Gradation 3 levels

Image Editing
RAW data edit
Red-eye reduction
Sepia
Black & White
Resize
Correction of saturation

View images
Histogram in playback mode
Zoom 2-14 x
Index 4, 9, 16, 25 frames
Slide show
Calendar
Shooting Information Exposure mode, metering mode, shutter speed, aperture value, exposure compensation level, ISO, colour space, white balance mode, white balance compensation level, focal length, focus area, file type, picture mode, file name, image size, recorded card type.
Exposure level view Histogram (R,G,B available), High light point warning, Shadow point warning.

Still image recording
EXIF 2.2
PIM III
DPOF
JPEG
JPEG compression 1/2.7 SHQ 1/8 HQ 1/2.7, 1/4, 1/8 or 1/12 SQ

Image size
3648 x 2736
3200 x 2400
2560 x 1920 SQ
1600 x 1200 SQ
1280 x 960 SQ
1024 x 768 SQ
640 x 480 SQ

Interface
USB 1.1
Combined V & USB output NTSC or PAL selectable

Size
Dimensions 129.5 mm (W) x 91 mm (H) x 53 mm (D) (excluding protrusions)
Weight 375 g (body only)

Pentax K10D

The new 10 mega pixel Pentax K10D has been released and here are some of the features:

• 10.2 megapixel sensor (APS-C sized)
• Hardware noise-killing processing
• Dust removal function
• 3 fps JPEG streaming
• RAW + JPEG possible
• 22 bit image processing and built-in RAW-JPEG converter (SilkyPix algorithms?)
• SDHC compatible card slot
• Li Ion battery pack, AA batteries also possible
• Li Ion battery/hand grip, AA batteries possible
• Dust and weather sealed body and battery/hand grip
• Full metal body
• KAF3 lens mount with USM motors support
• New DA 16-50 f/2.8 AL ED and 50-135 f/2.8 ED with USM motors.
• Interchangeable focusing screens
• Pentaprism viewfinder
• 11 point AF with 9 cross sensor points (same layout as the current bodies).


Further information are as follows:

1. 22-bit ADC
The K10D incorporates a high-performance A/D converter, which faithfully converts the analog data collected by the CCD image sensor into digital data. With the highest resolving power (22 bits, or 4.2 million gradations) among all existing digital cameras, it offers a digital-conversion capacity 1,024 times greater than conventional 12-bit, 4,096-gradation A/D converters.

D-BG2 Battery Grip
Developed for exclusive use with the PENTAX K10D, this battery grip can be used in combination with the camera's rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to greatly extend the battery life. With an extra shutter-release button, preview lever, electronic dial, AE-lock button and green button, it makes vertical-position shooting simple and effortless. It also features the same dust-proof, water-resistant construction as the K10D camera body.

Marketing date
(tentative): Mid October, 2006 (at the launch of the K10D)

Power source:
Exclusive lithium-ion battery (D-LI50 type)

Dimensions:
140 (W) x 43 (H) x 73.5 (D) mm (excluding protrusions)

Weight:
235g (without battery)

Compatibility with supersonic motor-driven lenses
The K10D is designed to be compatible with supersonic motor-driven autofocus lenses (currently under development), which are expected to provide smoother, quieter autofocus operation than conventional lenses.

Newly designed PRIME imaging engine:
The K10D incorporates the new PRIME (PENTAX Real Image Engine) as its imaging engine. Designed exclusively for PENTAX digital SLR cameras, this new imaging engine produces well-balanced, true-to-life images through efficient control of CCD signals, saturation, brightness, white balance, sharpness and contrast. Its new memory (DDR2: Double Data Rate 2) also serves to enhance speedy image processing and high-speed data transfer.

Dust-proof, water-resistant construction
The K10D boasts a reliable dust-proof, water-resistant construction, with special seals applied to 72 different parts of the camera body, including the shutter release button and switches/levers/dials. This dependable body makes it possible to use the K10D in the rain or at dusty locations without worries.

Powerful rechargeable batteries for extended shooting
The K10D features new, large-capacity lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, which can capture approximately 730 images** when fully recharged.
** Under testing conditions prescribed by the CIPA standards (flash illumination used in 50% of images).

Dust Removal system to keep dust off the CCD surface
The K10D features the new Dust Removal (DR) system to prevent dust from sticking to the surface of the CCD image sensor (or low-pass filter). Applied to the CCD surface through a vapor deposition process of a fluorine compound, the PENTAX-original Special Protect (SP) coating effectively removes dust and stains from the surface. In the next step, dust that still remains on the surface will be shaken off when the SR system shifts the CCD at high speed. The dust that is shaken off the CCD will fall onto an adhesive sheet positioned at the bottom of the SR unit, eliminating any possibility of its returning to the CCD surface. See diagram below.

Sensitivity-Priority mode:
The K10D features a new Sensitivity-Priority AE (Sv) mode, which is designed to automatically select the optimum combination of aperture and shutter speed for a user-selected sensitivity. The sensitivity can be shifted instantly (in 1/2 or 1/3 steps) by turning the electronic dial. Since this mode eliminates the need to recall a menu screen for sensitivity changes, the photographer can react more quickly to changing photographic conditions.

Lets wait and see if these are true.

Source 1, 2, 3

AGFA to enter the Digital Camera Age (DC-735)

AGFA, the giant and well respected German camera film manufacturer is about to enter the digital age. According to the press release, AGFA has an 83% brand awareness and is a well respected brand. As for manufacturing and marketing, it will outsource and licensed to the playa group, the same manufacturer for Polaroid Digital Cameras.

One such camera is the new 7 megapixel AGFA DC-735. Interestingly, it seems to have the same body as the existing 5 megapixel Polaroid M536 which is also manufactured and marketed by Plawa.

Here what they say in the press release:

"The digital camera specialist plawa has been granted an exclusive license for AGFAPHOTO digital cameras effective today, when the agreement came into force. The license was granted by Cologne-based AgfaPhoto Holding GmbH. Agfa has been one of the most prominent names in the
photography industry for over a century. According to a digital camera survey conducted by Stern magazine in 2004, Agfa has an 83 percent brand awareness, making it the second best known camera brand.

AgfaPhoto Holding CEO Dr. Frank Nellissen noted the following: “In plawa we’ve found a licensee that has the product and marketing acumen in this key product sector that is needed for success in this aggressive and fast moving market. The AGFAPHOTO brand is all about providing photo retailers with quality cameras at good prices. plawa has decades of marketing and manufacturing experience with cameras and is a known quantity in the industry, making them the perfect partner for us”.

“Market success will be decided in the high volume price segment ranging from 99 to 199 euros for five to ten megapixel digital cameras. We will be launching a line of cameras with features of varying scope in September. We will also be unveiling the first AGFAPHOTO digital cameras
for partners and industry professionals at photokina in Cologne,” noted Michael Roessler, CEO of plawafeinwerktechnik GmbH & Co. KG.
plawa hopes to gain a five percent market share in the medium term on the basis of outstanding products, the robust AGFAPHOTO brand and an enticing warranty and technical support package. plawa will be marketing AGFAPHOTO digital cameras in Germany, while the other European markets will be serviced by distributors. When it comes to product development, plawa has extensive experience with leading Asian production and technology partners such as Flextronics, which is already on board as the partner for the new product line. "

The Fujifilm S4 Pro must be due soon

According to Amateur Photographer, the Fujifilm S3 Pro has ceased production leading to the speculation that the much awaited S4 Pro is due to be announced soon.

They write "Fujifilm has axed production of its FinePix S3 Pro digital SLR but insists that it is not pulling out of the digital SLR market.

'We will follow it up. We are absolutely not out of the digital SLR arena,' a Fujifilm UK spokesperson told us this morning. Launched amid a blaze of publicity in 2004 the S3 Pro features a Nikon F-mount and was the first digital SLR to feature Fuji's Super CCD SR technology. It uses 6.17m pairs of photodiodes – called S and R pixels.

Fujifilm UK has confirmed to AP that it is planning to launch a replacement camera, having ceased production of the S3 earlier this year. 'There are not many around now,' the spokesperson added.

However, at the time of writing, Fujifilm UK was staying tight-lipped over details of its replacement model.

The company was not even able to confirm whether it will be unveiled at the upcoming Photokina trade show which takes place in Cologne, Germany from the end of next month.

'Watch this space,' said the spokesperson. "



Source

Nikon D80 - ISO 3200 sample

Here is an interesting site by Teru Rinshou that has numerous images taken from the Nikon D80 at various ISO levels using an AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D lens. Of real interest is the high ISO 3200 samples with the noise reduction turned on as shown below. The first is the full image whilst the second is the cropped image. It's good to see Nikon making gains in improving the noise levels in their latest DSLR.


ISO 3200



ISO 3200 Cropped.



Click here for more images

Sigma SD14

After a long 3 years, Sigma will be releasing a new DSLR called the SD14 on the 26th September 2006. The new Sigma SD14 replaces the Sigma SD10 which is the only DSLR in the world to incorporate the Foveon X3 CMOS sensor.

Rumors has it that the new Sigma SD14 will have a 14 megapixel sensor. I have always admired the Foveon X3 sensor and I'm a bit surprised it has not been used in other DSLR.

The Foveon X3 sensor is different in that it captures all RGB colours at each and every pixel. The sensor features three silicon-embedded layers of pixel sensors, stacked to take advantage of silicon's ability to absorb red, green, and blue light at different respective depths. This results in more accurate colours, sharper resolution, pixel for pixel than any conventional image sensor without the need for interpolation.

Conventional image sensors feature just a single layer of pixel sensors in a tiled mosaic pattern. Each pixel detects only one colour of light, which has been filtered through a single red or green or blue colour filter. As a result, two thirds of the colour information at each pixel is blocked out. Therefore to compensate for this, colour interpolation is used. Unfortunately, this leads to colour errors, colour artifacts and loss of image detail.

It will be really interesting to see the new specification of the SD14 and whether the new sensor can improve on the poor night performance mentioned in reviews of the SD10.