Leica M7 Edition Hermes

 We've coveted many a Leica in the past, and when the company pulls out the stops for a limited edition you can bet that it will be quite lust-worthy -- and quite expensive. The M7 Edition Hermes sees the classic M7 35mm camera get a silver chrome finish and a choice of either orange or etoupe calfskin leather. On top of that, your purchase includes a Leica SUMMILUX-M 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH wide-angle lens, a matching classic round lens hood, a LEICAVIT M rapid winder and a leather carrying strap, and will arrive at your doorstep in a linen-covered, silk-lined box. But you'd better jump now, 'cos only 100 of each color will be produced. Available in the UK this December from authorized Leica dealers and at the Mayfair Leica Store for a mere £8,550 (about $14,250). PR after the break.

Limited Edition Pentax K-x Robo

 For beginners, handling a digital SLR can be a daunting task. To ease the green horns into the art and complexities of photography, the Pentax K-x Robo might be of help. Announced just last month, the Pentax K-x was deemed a reliable and decent entry level digital SLR. Operating at 12.4 megapixels with HD video capability, the camera also comes with other features and functions such as PENTAX auto pictures and scene mode. All specs aside, the K-x is due to be released in a variety of colorways, and the latest K-x Robo is a colorful piece inspired by Kore Ja Nai robot toy. The camera is dressed up in the same shades as its figurine counterpart and also has the same penned in face. The camera is limited to just 100 units and is available exclusively at the Pentax online store.

Sigma f/2.8 24-70mm IF EX DG HSM

Sigma’s F2.8/24-70mm IF EX DG HSM lens offers first rate image quality in a lightweight and affordable body. Designed for use with full frame and APS-C sensor digital SLRs, as well as 35mm film cameras, this fixed aperture zoom exhibits consistently high detail resolution at all focal lengths and performs well right across the image frame – essential in a full frame lens. The Hypersonic Motor (HSM) boosts the camera’s own autofocusing system, to ensure fast reactions and that subjects are focused and tracked quickly, while high refractive index glasses in three elements allow a compact design and well controlled chromatic aberrations, even at the corners of the frame. Covering an extremely useful range of focal lengths, the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM is an excellent lens for the professional and high end amateur alike.

EISA - European Imaging and Sound Association

As a member of the EX series of lenses this 3rd generation Sigma lens is designed with the highest level of optical technology and augments its predecessor with the addition of the Hyper-Sonic Motor (HSM) ensuring a quiet, high speed AF as well as full-time manual focusing capability. Housed in compact construction, the Sigma 24-70mm is a large aperture standard zoom lens ideal for all general photography including portraiture and landscapes. Physically, the shortest lens in the category, its overall length is 3.7 inches/94.7mm. With excellent optics, this could be the foremost performing lens in the category with stunning speed, clarity and color. Intricate lens construction includes Super Multi Layer Coating reducing flare and ghosting; the combination of ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) and two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements and three Aspherical lenses provide excellent correction of all types of aberrations. Superior optical performance is ensured throughout the entire zoom range with the minimum focusing distance being 15in/38cm and maximum magnification ratio being 1:5.3. The rounded 9 blade diaphragm gives a natural look to backgrounds and foregrounds. Mark Amir, Sigma’s General Manager, says, "This new 24-70mm lens demonstrates Sigma’s commitment to producing lenses that offer the elusive combination of exceptional quality and high value and adds to the already wide range of critical lens selection."

FOTO TESTE

Kodak OLED Wireless Frame

Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) has introduced the world’s first consumer-available wireless picture frame featuring innovative Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) technology, a Kodak invention that produces exceptionally sharp and vivid image quality. OLED technology generates greater color depth and saturation than other displays, on panels that are substantially thinner, resulting in a sleek, low-profile design.

The new KODAK OLED Wireless Frame features built-in Wi-Fi technology that enables the display of pictures as well as access to videos and music stored on a PC elsewhere in the home. The wireless feature also enables connectivity to online photo and video sharing sites and Internet content portals for news, weather, sports and more.

At the heart of the new KODAK OLED Wireless Frame is an ultra-thin, 7.6-inch diagonal digital panel that produces stunning image detail regardless of viewing angle. The viewing experience is further enhanced by Kodak Perfect Touch Technology, which automatically processes images to improve exposure, brightness and color, and KODAK Image Science, which optimizes image quality for display on OLED panels.

The KODAK OLED Wireless Frame requires no backlighting, and incorporates an ambient light sensor that optimizes the viewing experience by adjusting display brightness based on the surrounding light. Kodak has also designed a premium audio system into the frame, providing outstanding sound reproduction for videos, digital music and online content.

Benefits delivered by the KODAK OLED Wireless Frame:

* Enjoy spectacularly crisp images and videos on a 7.6-inch diagonal OLED screen, with 180° viewing angle.

* Experience extraordinary color, rich details and vivid image depth from the high-contrast luminous display (white to black ratio = >30,000:1).

* Achieve high-quality, lifelike video playback with sharp, seamless motion.

* Upload images and videos to the frame from digital cameras, memory cards, USB drives, or wirelessly from personal computers and the Internet via built-in Wi-Fi capability.

* Transfer pictures from a PC to a KODAK OLED Wireless Frame effortlessly with the new KODAK EASYSHARE Digital Display Software. In addition to organizing and editing pictures, this software makes it easy to move favorite pictures, slideshows, videos and music wirelessly from a computer directly to the frame. Digital Display Software also enables access to exciting Internet content available at KODAK Gallery and Kodak partners Flickr and FrameChannel.

* Store up to 10,000 images on the frame’s 2 GB of built-in internal memory (actual storage capacity will vary based on image content).

* Enjoy pictures and videos from many sources with built-in memory card reader and USB port.

* Wide screen display with 16:9 aspect ratio and 800x480 resolution.

About Kodak

As the world's foremost imaging innovator, Kodak helps consumers, businesses, and creative professionals unleash the power of pictures and printing to enrich their lives.
To learn more, visit http://www.kodak.com/, and our blogs: 1000words.kodak.com, PluggedIn.kodak.com, and GrowYourBiz.kodak.com.

Nikon COOLPIX S1000pj

Nikon COOLPIX S1000pj Digital Camera with Mini Projector [Innovation] 

The just-announced Nikon Coolpix S1000pj digicam / pico projector has been blowin' up the Interwebs this morning, and we have the video to prove it. First of all, there is a hands-on provided by What Digital Camera over in the UK, and aside from the projector they've uncovered a pretty straight forward digital shooter: 12 megapixel, 5x optical zoom, pretty standard dimensions, and a 2.7-inch LCD. However, the projector itself seems to do the job quite admirably. Sure, it's not an extensive demo, but the image looks clear and crisp. The reviewer deems it "a very, very clever party trick." And if the straight ahead tech demo doesn't get you in the mood to snap pictures and project them onto something, advertisers have offered us two visions of the future: take your pick from a spirited get together choc full o' photogenic American actors, or a somewhat subdued, more elegant affair in the presence of photogenic French actors. All that fun (and more) is to be had after the break.

A new breed of digital camera which brings mini projector to personal digital cameras. The inbuilt mini projector can project images and videos upto 40" in size. It also comes with a projector stand and a remote to control the projector operation.

Features of Nikon COOLPIX S1000pj:

• 12.1 Megapixel Resolution
• Personal theatre on the go with inbuilt projector
• 5x Wide Angle Zoom-NIKKOR Lens
• ISO range from 64-6400
• 2.7-inch Wide Angle LCD display
• 5-way VR Image Stabilization System
• Subject Tracking; Scene Auto Selector Mode
• Nikon’s Smart Portrait System and movie mode

The camera will retail for $429.95 when it launches in September 2009.

Watch the VIDEO

Canon 7D - A Whole New Class of EOS

With a host of brand new features designed to enhance every facet of the photographic process, from still images to video, the new EOS 7D represents a whole new class of camera.

Made to be the tool of choice for serious photographers and semi-professionals, the EOS 7D features an all-new 18.0 Megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors, capturing tremendous images at up to ISO 12800 and speeds of up to 8 fps. The EOS 7D has a new all cross-type 19-point AF system with improved AI Servo II AF subject tracking and user-selectable AF area selection modes for sharp focus no matter the situation. The EOS 7D's Intelligent Viewfinder, an entirely newly-designed technology, provides 100% coverage and displays user-selected AF modes as well as a spot metering circle and on demand grid lines. New iFCL Metering with 63-zone dual-layer metering system uses both focus and color information to provide accurate exposure even in difficult lighting. The EOS 7D also captures Full HD video at 30p (29.97 fps), 24p (23.976 fps) and 25p with an array of manual controls, including manual exposure during movie shooting and ISO speed selection. The EOS 7D features a magnesium alloy body that is dust- and weather-resistant and shutter durability of up to 150,000 cycles. Compatible with over 60 EF and EF-S lenses as well as with EOS System accessories, the creative opportunities - not just with stills but also with video - are beyond amazement.

Source: www.usa.canon.com