AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G

Nikon has just announced a new low-light prime lens, the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G.

This latest addition to the NIKKOR lineup features a large maximum aperture of f/1.4, enabling it to be used for easy handheld shooting in dark settings, such as a dimly lit room. It also allows photographers to easily create beautiful large blur effects. The lens’ Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures quick, quiet autofocus. Autofocus shooting is made possible with SLR models that do not have a built-in motor, such as the D40 series and D60.

The AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G is a high-performance large-aperture, single-focal-length lens especially suitable for professional and advanced amateurs who use Nikon FX-format cameras such as the D3 and D700, and frequently shoot human subjects as well as night landscapes and astronomy. What’s more, when attached to a DX-format SLR, this f/1.4 lens with 75mm equivalent picture angle is capable of shooting portraits with beautiful blur effects.

HP Photosmart M437

If you’re looking for simple digital cameras that won’t hurt you match in terms of budget aspect, the HP Photosmart M437 is just right for you. In purchasing this kind of cameras, don’t expect for the best quality. But for those who really don’t care of the quality and just want to treasure the moments, its 5.0 megapixel resolution still produces a standard quality images. It has a digital zoom of 5x to give you a better look at objects at a distant. It has a shutter speed of 1ms that would be a factor to avoid blur shots.

This camera weighs 6.4 oz and measures 3.8 (W) x 1.2 (D) x 2.5 (H) inch. It uses SD memory card for storage capacity with an 16 MB integreated memory. Additional features include self timer so everybody could be included in the picture, red-eye removal feature, audio regarding, among others. View and browse images at its 2 inch LCD display.

Kodak EasyShare C743

Another of the digital cameras that comes at a very affordable price is the Kodak EasyShare C743. It weighs at 5.1 oz and measures 3.6 inch (W) x 1.3 inch (D) x 2.6 inch (H). Take quality pictures with its 7.1 megapixel resolution camera. It has a digital zoom of 5x to take clearer pictures of objects at a distant. A max shutter speed of 1/1400 sec minimizes blur effects giving you a crispier images. Has an MPEG-4 (quicktime) digital video format and JPEG still image format.

For storage aspects, it has a 32MB integrated memory and uses either MultiMediaCard (MMC) or SD Memory Card. For additional features, it includes a self timer with a delay of up to 10 seconds. The Kodak EasyShare C743 can also be used for audio recording and has an auto power save feature. It has an optical viewfinder with color support.

Full-Frame D700 Announced Today!

The rumors were all true! Today Nikon officially announced the D700, essentially a compact version of the D3, offering the same full-frame 12.1 megapixel FX-format sensor. The new D700 incorporates an extensive array of features that boast a level of performance that is in many ways comparable to the D3, and even a few features that better the D3 (such as built-in sensor cleaning). The D700 will retail for $2,995 US and should be available at the end of July.

Nikon Press Release
Digital Photography Review Preview
D700 Product Brochure
D700 Product Page with Image Samples

Nikon Announces Coolpix P6000

New Coolpix P6000

Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the new flagship model in the Nikon COOLPIX lineup. Practical new features inspired by Nikon digital SLR cameras place shooting control and optimized performance in the hands of photographers with operation that feels both comfortable and natural. Precision built to enable photo and camera enthusiasts of all levels of experience to enjoy real photography – the Nikon COOLPIX P6000. Read more…

Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH Lens

The world’s fastest aspherical lens has been announced by Leica. The new Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH offers extremely shallow depth of field at full aperture. This new lens is the successor of the famous NOCTILUX-M 50 mm f/1 marketed by Leica for over 30 years, beginning in 1975. The Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH will be available from February 2009 for £6290.

Leica Press Release

LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50 mm f/0.95 ASPH. The world’s fastest aspherical lens

ERMANY - 15 September 2008 – The new LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50 mm f/0.95 ASPH. launched by Leica Camera AG, Solms, represents a milestone in lens design. It is the successor of the famous NOCTILUX-M 50 mm f/1 marketed by Leica for over 30 years, beginning in 1975. Due to state-of-the-art optical and mechanical technology, Leica has now been able to make substantial improvements to the predecessor product. It is now possible to “break the optical sound barrier” of a lens speed of 1:1.

The LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50 mm f/0.95 ASPH. offers a unique performance spectrum: A noticeably higher lens speed has been achieved without any major alterations to the size of the lens. The characteristic rendering of the previous 50 mm f/1, valued by many users as a means of creative photography, has been retained with extremely shallow depth of field at full aperture. However, when stopped down, the lens performs comparably with the LEICA SUMMILUX-M 50 mm f/1.4 ASPH. launched in 2004 which was regarded as the best standard lens ever produced. On top of this, the vignetting and distortion values have again been improved on the predecessor model.

“The LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50 mm f/0.95 ASPH. is not only a unique high-performance lens in the M system, it also combines extremely high speed with imaging performance that can easily bear comparison with the other top lenses currently on the market. It is made of high-quality materials and intricately assembled by hand at the Solms factory to give a particularly reliable product that will retain its value for decades. The combination of state-of-the-art technology and meticulous craftsmanship based on skill and experience ensure the constant quality of every single Leica lens, once again widening the creative potential of Leica M photography”, says Stefan Daniel, Product Manager for the Leica M system at Leica Camera AG.

The new LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50 mm f/0.95 ASPH. can be used for a particularly wide range of applications. At full aperture the lens features an extremely shallow depth of field, allowing incomparably esthetic portraits or detail studies, for example. The lens is also useful for available light photography, even surpassing the speed of the human eye. In normal light, it can be unhesitatingly used as a universal lens, and the extremely natural effect of the 50 mm focal length enables a true-to-life rendition of the subject.

The LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50 mm f/0.95 ASPH. integrates eight elements arranged in a double Gauss design symmetrical to the aperture. To ensure high imaging performance, two aspherical lens surfaces are used, which, due to their size and shape, are manufactured in a complex grinding and polishing process at the Solms factory. Five of the glass elements exhibit partial anomalous dispersion, three of them are extremely highly refractive and therefore exceptionally expensive (the price per kilogram of this glass is roughly twice that of silver). An outstanding performance in the close-focus range is also guaranteed by a floating element, the last lens group of which changes its relative position to the rest of the system during focusing. Despite its higher speed and imaging performance, the LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50 mm f/0.95 ASPH. is still equipped with an E60 filter thread and a telescopic lock-on lens hood. Like the new SUMMILUX-M 21 mm and 24 mm f/1.4 ASPH. lenses, the new NOCTILUX-M 50 mm f/0.95 ASPH. has to be manufactured to extremely narrow tolerances, and new methods for centering and adjusting the lens elements were developed for this purpose.

LaCie 4big Quadra

The LaCie 4big Quadra supports seven RAID modes and offers capacities of up to 6TB. The 4big offers burst transfer rates reaching up to 200-230MB/s through eSATA 3Gbits. “The LaCie 4big Quadra definitely sets a new standard in RAID Technology for creative professionals and small sever backups,” said Arnaud Prézelin, LaCie Product manager for Creative Pro solutions. “For instance, the 4big Quadra enables digital content creators to work on multiple HD video streams or to manage RAW photos libraries with live effects.” The LaCie 4big Quadra will be available in 2TB, 4TB or 6TB in October starting at £659.00 for the 2TB.

LaCie Press Release

LaCie 4big Quadra Sets a New Standard in RAID Technology

LaCie today announced the 4big Quadra, the most complete four-bay RAID solution for small servers, creative pro workstations or offices that need large storage and backup capacity, superior speed and advanced security. Offering capacities of up to 6TB (6000GB) and a versatile hot-swap feature, the 4big Quadra supports seven RAID modes including RAID 0 and RAID 5 for optimal performance and data protection.

Thanks to its native RAID controller that conserves computer resources, the 4big offers burst transfer rates reaching up to 200-230MB/s* through eSATA 3Gbits. This solution integrates perfectly with most applications that demand high speed, such as photo processing, audio/video projects, pre-press, and even HD post-production. Compatible with Time Machine™, the 4big also comes with Genie Backup Manager Pro™ and Intego Backup Manager Pro™ for customisable backup and computer recovery.

“The LaCie 4big Quadra definitely sets a new standard in RAID Technology for creative professionals and small sever backups,” said Arnaud Prézelin, LaCie Product manager for Creative Pro solutions. “For instance, the 4big Quadra enables digital content creators to work on multiple HD video streams or to manage RAW photos libraries with live effects.”

The 4big Quadra not only sets a new standard in RAID technology and performance, but was also designed with the modern professional office in mind. Its stackable and chainable design helps to save space, and it is expandable and scalable up to four units (providing up to an amazing 24TB capacity and 600 MB/s transfer rates). The 4big Quadra’s universal connectivity (with eSATA, Firewire 400/800, and Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interfaces) helps to ensure maximum compatibility with any Mac or PC.

Compared to traditional RAID towers, it saves up to 80 percent more energy, and its revolutionary ultra-reliable cooling system is almost 50 percent quieter, making it the perfect choice for creative professionals. The technology, performance and design of the 4big Quadra make it an ideal addition to any workspace.

Availability
The LaCie 4big Quadra will be available in 2TB, 4TB or 6TB in October from LaCie direct and widely available via LaCie’s specialised dealer network at the suggested retail price starting at £659.00 (including VAT) for the 2TB. For more information, visit http://www.lacie.com/uk .

About Neil Poulton
Neil Poulton was born in Thurso, Scotland. A graduate in Industrial Design from Edinburgh University and Milan’s Domus Academy, Poulton first came into public view in 1989 as the creator of “the ageing pens,” pens made from a “living,” wearing plastic that changes colour and form with use. Today, Neil Poulton designs and develops best-selling, award-winning products for a variety of international clients including LaCie & Artemide. Since 1991, Poulton has lived and worked in Paris, France. http://www.neilpoulton.com

About LaCie
Located in the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, Europe, Singapore and Hong Kong, LaCie is the leading manufacturer of computer peripherals for Windows, Apple and Linux users. LaCie creates external storage solutions and colour monitors that help professionals and everyday people easily manage their digital lives. LaCie has differentiated its products through original designs and leading-edge technology. Established in France in 1989, LaCie is listed on Euronext under FR0000054314 (LAC). For more information, visit http://www.lacie.com/uk.

*Maximum interface transfer rate = theoretical bus bandwidth, whereas burst transfer rate = maximum drive speed. Performance depends on the RAID mode selected and burst transfer rates vary from one computer to another and may vary slightly from one drive to another. Average speed is usually lower depending on host configuration.

1TB = 1,000,000,000,000 bytes. Total accessible capacity varies depending upon operating environment (typically 5–10% less).

Capacities and performance varies depending upon RAID mode.

Casio EX-FH20

The Casio EX-FH20 camera has a continuous shooting rate of up to 40fps and records movies at 1000fps. Following on from the the world’s fastest digital camera, the EX-F1, the new Casio FH20 is a 9.1 megapixel model with a massive 20x zoom lens (equivalent to 26-520mm). The Casio EX-FH20 will be available from October for £399 / $599.

Casio Europe Press Release

CASIO Introduces New HIGH SPEED EXILIM Digital Camera with Ultra High-Speed Burst Shooting Faster Than an SLR

Camera Takes 40 shots per second and records high speed movies at 1000 fps

Norderstedt, September 16, 2008 — CASIO Computer Co., Ltd., today announced the release of its newest EXILIM® digital camera, the HIGH SPEED EXILIM EX-FH20. This remarkable new camera is capable of ultra high-speed burst shooting at 40 fps and can record high speed movies at up to 1000 fps.

In March of this year, CASIO released the EXILIM Pro EX-F1, the world’s fastest digital camera*. The EX-F1 is capable of ultra-high speed burst shooting at 60 fps and can record high speed movies at up to 1,200 fps, helping users to catch each decisive moment, and even capturing motion that the human eye cannot ordinarily perceive. These features have created a totally new genre of digital photography and won the respect and admiration of camera enthusiasts and professional photographers alike.
*As at September 16, 2008, based on a CASIO survey for consumer market digital cameras.

While maintaining the ability to perform at speeds unmatched by the world’s top digital SLRs, the new HIGH SPEED EXILIM EX-FH20 is designed to appeal to a broader range of users. In addition to simplifying controls by placing all shooting mode settings on a single dial, CASIO also gave the EX-FH20 a 20x optical zoom on a surprisingly compact body, 27% smaller and 28% lighter than the EX-F1. Its speed and ease of use truly puts this camera in a class of its own. In recognition of these unique characteristics, with today’s release of the new EX-FH20, CASIO has launched the new HIGH SPEED EXILIM series, which includes this camera and the even faster EX-F1. CASIO expects the revolutionary capabilities of its HIGH SPEED EXILIM cameras to generate entirely new applications for digital photography.

9.1 effective megapixels and a high power, wide angle zoom lens
The EX-FH20 is equipped with a 26 mm-equivalent wide angle zoom lens that can close in on subjects with a powerful 20x optical zoom. The camera also features a CMOS shift anti-shake function to support power-zoom shots.

Never miss a photographic opportunity, with high speed burst shooting up to 40 fps
The EX-FH20 can capture action in high definition, 7 megapixel (3072 x 2304 pixel) images with ultra-high speed burst shooting at up to 40 fps. Users can select from seven burst settings, allowing them to capture from 1 fps up to 40 fps in a single burst. Further, users can prerecord up to 40 still images not just at the instant they press the shutter button, but before! Even if they press the shutter a little late, they will still catch that vital moment.

High speed movie recording at up to 1,000 fps
The EX-FH20 can record high speed movie footage of motion too fast for the human eye, for ultra slow motion playback. Users can select from recording speeds of 1,000 fps, 420 fps or 210 fps and can also switch from the standard speed of 30 fps to high speed recording at 210 fps during recording at the touch of a button. The EX-FH20 makes it easy to capture critical moments on video.

High Speed Anti-Shake function
This function corrects images by automatically synthesizing multiple images captured during high speed burst shooting.

High Speed Night Scene setting
With or without a tripod, this feature ensures that high speed night shots come out clear and beautiful.

HD Movie function
The EX-FH20’s HD Movie function records at 1280 x 720 pixels, at 30 fps.

Number of Effective Pixels 9.10 million
Image Sensor 1/2.3-inch high-speed CMOS
Total Pixels 10.29 million
File Format Still Images RAW (DNG*1), JPEG (Exif Version 2.2, DCF 1.0 standard, DPOF compliant)
Movies AVI format, Motion JPEG, IMA-ADPCM (monaural)
Built-in Flash Memory (Image Area) 31.9MB
Recording Media SDHC Memory Card, SD Memory Card, MultiMediaCard, MultiMediaCardplus compatible
Number of Recorded Pixels Still Images RAW, 3456 x 2592, 3456 x 2304 (3:2), 3456 x 1944 (16:9), 3264 x 2448, 3072 x 2304, 2560 x 1920, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480
STD Movies 640 × 480 (30 fps)
HD Movies 1280 × 720 (30 fps)
Hi-Speed Movies (HS) 480 × 360 (210 fps, 30-210 fps), 224 × 168 (420 fps), 224 × 56 (1000 fps)
Recording Capacity
(With Still Image at Maximum Image Size Setting) Still Images (JPEG) Built-in Flash Memory Approx. 5 shots (Fine) / 10 shots (Normal) / 16 shots (Economy)
SD Memory Card 1GB*2 Approx. 170 shots (Fine) / 322 shots (Normal) / 478 shots (Economy)
Movies Recording Time Maximum Recording Time per File: 10 min.
Built-in Flash Memory Approx. 8 seconds (HD) / Approx. 10 seconds (HS 1000 fps)
SD Memory Card 1GB*2 Approx. 4 min. 22 seconds (HD) / Approx. 5 min. 14 seconds (HS 1000 fps)
Operating Speed Shutter Release Time Lag*3*4 Approx. 0.01 second
Image Playback Approx. 0.1 second/image
Shot to Shot Time*4*5 Approx. 0.8 second
High-speed Continuous Shutter Maximum 40 frames per second at 3072 x 2304 pixels
Maximum 30 frames per second at 3264 x 2448 pixels
Flash Continuous Shutter Maximum 5 frames per second (up to 10 images) at 3264 x 2448
Lens Construction 14 lenses in 11 groups, including aspherical lens
F-number F2.8 (W) to 4.5 (T)
Focal Length f=4.6 to 92.0mm
35mm Film Equivalent Approx. 26 to 520mm
Zoom Optical Zoom 20X
Digital Zoom 4X (80X in combination with optical zoom)
HD Zoom 108.0X (image size: 640 x 480 pixels)
Focusing Focus Type Contrast Detection Auto Focus
Focus Modes Auto Focus, Macro Mode, Super Macro, Manual Focus
AF Area Spot, Free or Tracking
AF Assist Lamp Yes
Focus Range*6 (From Lens Surface) Auto Focus Approx. 40cm to ∞ (W)
Macro Approx. 12cm to 50cm (W)
Super Macro Approx. 1cm to 12cm
Manual Focus Approx. 12cm to ∞ (W), Approx. 1cm to ∞ (zoom lens position: super macro)
Exposure Exposure Metering Multi-pattern, center weighted, spot by imaging element
Exposure Control Program AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Speed Priority AE, Manual Exposure
Exposure Compensation -2EV to +2EV (in 1/3EV steps)
Shutter Type CMOS electronic shutter, mechanical shutter
Shutter Speed*7 Auto 1 to 1/2000 second
Aperture Priority AE 1 to 1/2000 second
Shutter Speed Priority AE 30 to 1/2000 second (high-speed continuous shutter: up to 1/40000 second)
Manual Exposure 30 to 1/2000 second (high-speed continuous shutter: up to 1/40000 second)
Aperture*8 F2.8 (W) to F7.9 (W)
Aperture Priority AE/Manual Exposure F2.8 (W) to F7.9 (W)
White Balance Auto WB, Daylight, Overcast, Shade, Day white FL, Daylight FL, Tungsten, Manual WB
Sensitivity (SOS)*9 Still Images Auto, ISO100, ISO200, ISO400, ISO800, ISO1600
Movies Auto (Hi-Speed Movie when in Manual Exposure mode: ISO100,ISO200,ISO400,ISO800,ISO1600)
Other Recording Functions Image Stabilization Mechanism CMOS-shift image stabilization
Prerecord Still Images Maximum speed: 40 fps, maximum recording capacity: 40 images
Prerecord Movie Yes
YouTube™ Capture Mode Yes
BEST SHOT Yes: 18 scenes
High Speed Anti Shake Yes
High Speed Night Scene Yes
Digital Panning Yes
Multi-motion Image Yes
Move Out Continuous Shutter Yes
Move In Continuous Shutter Yes
Face Detection Yes
Self-timer 10 seconds, 2 seconds, Triple Self-timer
Built-in Flash Flash Modes Auto, Flash Off, Flash On, Red Eye Reduction
Flash Range*6 Approx. 0.4 to 7.0m (W), approx. 1.3 to 4.4m (T)
Flash continuous shutter*10: Approx. 0.6 to 2.3m (W), approx. 1.3 to 1.4m (T)
Finder Monitor Screen 3.0-inch TFT color LCD (Super Clear LCD), 230,400 dots (960 × 240)
Electronic Viewfinder 0.2-inch LCD, Equal to 201,600 dots
Timekeeping Functions Date and Time Recorded with image data
On-image Time Stamp Function Yes
Auto Calendar To 2049
World Time 162 cities in 32 time zones, city name, date, time, summer time
Input/Output Terminals USB/AV port, AC adaptor connection (DC-IN)
USB Hi-Speed USB
Microphone Monaural
Speaker Monaural
Power Requirements AA-size alkaline battery (LR6) x 4, AA-size rechargeable Ni-MH battery (HR6) x 4, AC adaptor
Battery Life Number of Shots*11
(CIPA Standards) Approx. 230 still images (alkaline battery), approx. 400 still images (rechargeable Ni-MH battery)
Continuous Playback
(Still Images) Approx 5 hr. 20 min. (alkaline battery), approx 6 hr. 20 min. (rechargeable Ni-MH battery)
Dimensions (Excluding Projections) 122.6 (W) x 81.4 (H) x 84.5 (D)mm
Weight (Excluding Battery and Accessories) Approx. 483g
Bundled Accessories AA-size alkaline battery (LR6) x 4, USB cable, AV cable, strap, lens cap, cap holder, CD-ROM
*1. DNG file format is one type of RAW image file, and it is recommended by Adobe Systems for use as a standard image file format.
*2. When using Panasonic (Matsushita) Pro High Speed 1GB SD Memory Card.
*3. When using built-in memory.
*4. With built-in flash off.
*5. When set at maximum image size and normal image quality.
*6. Range is affected by optical zoom.
*7. May differ according to camera setting.
*8. Aperture changed by optical zoom or recording mode.
*9. SOS: Standard Output Sensitivity.
*10. In 5 shot flash continuous shutter mode.
*11. Auto Mode, standard brightness monitor setting.
EXILIM and BEST SHOT are registered trademarks of CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.

Carl Zeiss 21mm Lens

Carl Zeiss have launched a new 21mm super wide angle lens for SLR cameras. The Distagon T* 2.8/21 lens will be available for SLR cameras with EF (ZE), F (ZF) and a K (ZK) bayonets. Delivery of the Distagon T* 2.8/21 is scheduled to begin by the end of this year with the ZF and ZK version. Its selling price is estimated at 1,399 euros.

Carl Zeiss Press Release

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 16.09.2008 - The legendary Distagon T* 2.8/21 is now being introduced for SLR cameras with EF, F and K bayonets. Thanks to its excellent performance, this modernized version from the former Contax system sets new standards in this focal length class. “The outstanding correction of chromatic aberration enables photos without color fringes even in high-contrast light conditions”, says Martin Klottig, Marketing Manager, Carl Zeiss Camera Lens Division. “Even at full aperture, the floating element design ensures optimum edge-to-edge image quality over the entire focusing range. And even in difficult light conditions, the new Distagon provides excellent results thanks to its T* coating, optimum reflection reduction and exceptional chromatic correction.”

The shortest possible distance setting of only 0.22 m makes the lens ideal for impressive perspectives. Typical applications include architectural, journalistic and landscape photography.

The Distagon 2.8/21 is available with an EF bayonet (ZE), F bayonet (ZF) and a K bayonet (ZK). It is suitable for both digital and analog full-format SLR cameras.

Delivery of the Distagon T* 2.8/21 is scheduled to begin by the end of this year with the ZF and ZK version. Its selling price is estimated at 1,399 euros (incl. 19% German VAT).

Digital Photo of the Day for 6th Sept

Cabo Verde by by FotoBen

Camera: Nikon D70
Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/1600)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 200 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: 0 EV

Editor's Note:
We have already featured some outstanding photography here on the Digital Photography Weblog and we are looking for more. Have a great shot? Then submit it for consideration to our Flickr Group.

Sanyo Xacti E2

The Sanyo Xacti E2 is a new waterproof camcorder and digital camera. Designed to operate with only one hand, the Sanyo E2 records MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, 60fps video and 8-megapixel stills under water to a depth of five feet for up to one hour. 8 hours of full motion video or up to 2000 8-megapixel still images can be recorded on a single 8GB SDHC memory card. The Sanyo Xacti E2 is available now in the USA in brilliant blue or pearlescent white for $399.99.

Sanyo Press Release

SANYO Debuts Second-Generation Waterproof Camcorder in U.S.A.; An Every-Season Solution for Capturing All the Fun in and Around Water

Ideal for the Ski Slopes, Beach or Backyard Pool, the Fully Submersible Xacti E2 Features ‘Face Chaser’ Technology and Sequential Shooting

CHATSWORTH, Calif., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/—SANYO has introduced its second-generation waterproof*1 camcorder to the U.S. market. The sleek and compact SANYO Xacti E2 records high-quality, MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 video and 8-megapixel stills under water*2 to a depth of five feet for up to one hour at a time, and is ideal for active lifestyles, including snow and water sports enthusiasts.

Designed to operate with only one hand, the E2 is great for taking to the slopes for skiing or snowboarding*3, or to the beach or lake for activities such as swimming, snorkeling, surfing and water-skiing. On dry land, the versatile E2 is a perfect choice for shooting video and still images of the new baby or recording all the spontaneous fun at parties, children’s school or sports events and family outings.

The SANYO Xacti E2 is available now in the U.S.A. in brilliant blue or pearlescent white at $399.99 MSRP*4. The official Xacti camcorder U.S. website, http://www.sanyodigital.com/, provides updated where-to-buy information.

The E2 shoots MPEG-4 video utilizing state-of-the-art AVC/H.264 recording. A total of 8 hours of full motion video or up to 2000 8-megapixel still images can be recorded on a single 8GB SDHC memory card; up to 4 hours of video with a 4 GB SDHC memory card; up to 2 hours with a 2GB standard SD card; and up to 1 hour with a 1GB standard SD card. Once recorded, both video and still images can be easily uploaded and viewed on a PC or Mac, personal media player such as an iPod(R), or shared on the internet via a video or photo sharing Website.

“This next-generation waterproof camcorder includes such performance enhancements as amazingly smooth 60 fps video, 8 megapixel still photos with 10 fps sequential shooting capability (5 frames per second), and Face Chaser technology for clear, crisp shots of your most important subjects,” said Tom Van Voy, Vice President and General Manager, Audio Video Division of SANYO Fisher Company. “The pocket-sized E2 does the work of both a digital still camera and a camcorder in one easy-to-use device that’s fun to use at the beach, in the pool or on the slopes.”

SANYO Xacti E2 Key Features
— Waterproof: submersible to a depth of five feet for 60 minutes
— Shoots high-quality video (advanced MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 at 640 x 480 pixels)
— Smooth movie recording and playback with 60 fps*5
— Takes 8-megapixel stills (JPEG format)
— Records onto an SD memory card or high-capacity SDHC card (memory cards sold separately)
— Bright, 2.5-inch LCD color display flips out and rotates for easy viewing
— 5x optical zoom for great close-ups
— Anti-shake digital image stabilizer*6
— Easy, one-handed operation
— Photo and Video Face Chaser technology uses a proprietary Sanyo algorithm to compensate for distracting up-and-down or side-to-side camera movement, keeping your subject steady and easy to follow
— Sequential Shooting allows high-speed continuous shooting at 5 frames per second (for up to 10 frames) in [2M] mode so you won’t miss that perfect shot. Continuous shooting at 1 frame per second (for up to 10 frames) is available in [8M] mode
— CMOS sensor: an advanced 8.0-megapixel (total) CMOS image sensor allows the E2 to capture high-resolution, 8-megapixel still images in addition to recording high-quality digital videos.
— New underwater scene mode available in scene selection menu, making colors more true and clear
— While recording video, 8-megapixel still images may also be taken simultaneously
— Easy video sharing: Video recording employs highly efficient MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 compression. This keeps high-quality files small, so you can upload videos to websites and blogs or share them via podcasts or online social networks.
— “Quick stand-by” makes it possible to start recording or playback immediately after the monitor is flipped open
— Bundled with ‘Adobe Premiere Elements 4.0’ for movie editing and original DVD authoring
— Dimensions: 2.8 x 4.4 x 1.6 (W x H x D, in inches)
— Weight: 9.1 oz. with battery and SD or SDHC memory card
— Comes in a choice of Brilliant Blue or Pearlescent White

SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. is a multi-billion dollar manufacturer and distributor of consumer and commercial electronics, including multimedia and telecommunication products. Based in Chatsworth, California, SANYO Fisher Company (a division of SANYO North America Corporation, a subsidiary of SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.) markets digital cameras and camcorders, audio systems, portable and mobile electronics, HD televisions, dictation devices, home appliances, LCD projectors and security video equipment.

For more information and additional specifications, please visit http://www.sanyodigital.com/. Visit http://www.sanyodigital.com/ and click on “Dealer Images” for downloadable hi-res product images.

All products and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Because its products are subject to continual improvement, SANYO reserves the right to modify product design and specifications without notice and without incurring any obligations.

*1: JIS IPX5, IPX8 standard. Up to 5 feet deep for up to 60 minutes.
*2: In water depth up to five feet, within a 60 minute time-frame.
*3: When using in cold or hot and humid environments use caution to prevent dew and condensation.
*4: Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.
*5: In TV-HR mode.
*6: Images may not be adjusted in the case of slow shutter speed or high level of image blurring.

About SANYO
SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. is a multi-billion-dollar global leader in providing solutions for the environment, energy and for lifestyle applications based on its Brand Vision ‘Think GAIA’. SANYO Fisher Company (a division of SANYO North America Corporation, a subsidiary of SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.), based in Chatsworth, California, markets digital still cameras, digital media camcorders, digital projectors, home appliances, security video equipment, audio systems, portable and mobile electronics and HD televisions.

New Sony DSLR on September 10th

Sony will unveil a new DSLR camera on Wednesday September 10th, according to a PCWorld/MACWorld report. Likely to be the 24.8 megapixel, full-frame professional DSLR camera that was shown in prototype form at PMA back in February (pictured), the new Alpha camera will be announced at a Sony event in Tokyo.

Website: PCWorld - Sony, Panasonic to Unveil New Digital SLRs Next Week

New Panasonic DSLR

Panasonic will unveil a new DSLR camera on Friday September 12th, according to a NetworkWorld report. Successor to the Panasonic DMC-L10 (pictured), a 10.1 megapixel DSLR camera, the third Panasonic DSLR will apparently “offer unique features to set a new trend in digital SLR photography”. The new Lumix camera will be announced at a Panasonic event in Tokyo.

Website: NetworkWorld - Panasonic to unveil new digital SLR next week

Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS ELPH Silver Digital Camera

(8.0MP, 3264x2448, 3x Opt, SD/SDHC/MMC Card Slot - MPN: 2508B001)

Description: The Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital ELPH is a feature-rich, pocket-sized, Digital Camera with 8.0 megapixel resolution, a sharp and fast 3x optical zoom lens, and features Canon's advanced Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) system .... Read More

Description: The Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital ELPH is a feature-rich, pocket-sized, Digital Camera with 8.0 megapixel resolution, a sharp and fast 3x optical zoom lens, and features Canon's advanced Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) system that significantly reduces the image-blurring effects, and helps users achieve the best possible picture quality even in low-light shooting conditions. The camera incorporates Canon's proprietary DIGIC III imaging processor that provides for the cameras' higher performance levels including faster start up, faster autofocus and quicker shutter response times. What's more, DIGIC III also improves both the image quality of the camera as well as its power consumption, thereby extending the battery life under typical shooting conditions.

Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS Blue Digital Camera

(8.0MB, 3264x2448, MMC/SD/SDHC Card Slot - MPN: 2512B001)

Description: The Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital ELPH is a pocket-sized, Digital Camera with 8.0 megapixel resolution, a sharp and fast 3x optical zoom lens. It features Canon's advanced Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) system that significantly redu.... Read More

Description: The Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital ELPH is a pocket-sized, Digital Camera with 8.0 megapixel resolution, a sharp and fast 3x optical zoom lens. It features Canon's advanced Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) system that significantly reduces the image-blurring effects, and helps users achieve the best possible picture quality even in low-light shooting conditions.

Tripod Resolution

Every now and then when the moon is almost full I grab my camera. I think it's because I love the phrase "waxing gibbous moon." Waxing is the opposite of waning; it means it's getting bigger. And gibbous is the opposite, or the complement, of crescent; it means a partial moon larger than a half moon. I've always wanted to title a picture Waxing Gibbous Moon.

Two nights ago I took the camera out by the garage and took this. I tell myself in those situations that there's no time for a tripod. For this shot, I turned on "Anti-Shake" (actually, I never turn Anti-Shake off) and jammed the camera up against the garage door.

When I saw that the exposure wasn't totally sharp and the moon was still blown out (this would be a good application for two quick exposures blended with one of those actions that combines two exposures for extended dynamic range—I'm not just imagining that those exist, am I?), I had one of those "tiny epiphanies" of which my days are full—I realized I dislike tripods on principle. That is, I don't think of myself as a tripoddy kind of person, all finicky and particular. I'm an anti-tripodite.

Real Purple: This unsharp waxing gibbous moon Kind of Blue moon
—a detail from the shot above—is also one of the few times I've ever
actually seen bonafide purple fringing from my 7D and 28–75mm lens.

I have a friend named Christopher Bailey who was once a house painter. I remember keeping him company once four stories above Georgetown. I couldn't leave the window, but Chris was scampering around on boards laid on scaffolding with nothing under him but sidewalk, dizzyingly far below. Now, I'm scared of heights, dramatically so, so just watching him had my stomach in knots. At one point I said, "Chris, aren't you afraid of falling?"

At that, he started jumping up and down on one of the boards, which flexed beneath him and then flung him upwards. He jumped on it like it was a trampoline. "Oh, I don't know," he said, "I just feel like if I fall, I'll get my hands on something."

Bingo. That's how I feel about steadying the camera. I'll use anything and everything to brace the camera on or against—mantelpieces, car windows, someone's back, whatever. I like to extemporize. More than that, I like to think of myself as someone who can extemporize. Even when I do use a tripod, I just jam the camera down on the top plate with my hands—I seldom actually attach the camera to the tripod head. What I realized the other night is that I avoid tripods just because of this self-conception I have—even when they're called for, and would be appropriate and useful. There was really no reason at all not to grab a tripod when I went inside to get the camera the other night.

So here's my resolution. The next time I shoot a waxing gibbous moon (granted, the shot above is another miss), I'm going to get the tripod out, and use it properly. In fact, I'm going to try to use my tripod more often in general. I don't care for "tripod snobs," but being an anti-tripod snob is no better.

Posted by: MIKE JOHNSTON

Featured Comment by Cliff: "Waxing Gibbous Moon—Nikon D70, Nikon 18-200 VR, 1/400 sec. F5.6:"

Featured Comment by Joe Decker: Image stabilization can save the day when tripods won't do the job. This was taken from a moving ship (Canon 300L/4 IS, f/4, 1/160, ISO 400):


Featured Comment by DMayer: "While I agree with your comments both pro and con about both tripods and VR/IS/whatever, I'd like to humbly point out that the argument would be moot (mooot?) for moon shots. To successfully photograph the moon you have to shoot at a shutter speed fast enough to freeze the moon and to make the earth's movement negligible. At usual f-stops, the proper exposure would be fast enough to freeze the moon with a 'normal' lens in a shutter speed range that would allow your IS to be effective. Shoot slower, and a tripod may yield a sharper picture of everything else, but your moon would either be blurred or grossly overexposed. Cliff's WGM looks good at screen resolution, and was presumably shot at 200mm at a high ISO (I would guess around 800?) At this shutter speed some people may not need the VR, let alone a tripod, especially if you use the stabilization method that you (Mike) used for your moon shot. And let's not talk about the need for remotes and mirror lockup while on your tripod. Sort of takes away the spontaneity a little, eh? Yes, I do have a tripod (carbon fibre of course, sniff-sniff), a remote cord, and a usable MLU function on my camera, and do from time to time use these functions, but I also have VR lenses, and in a pinch which do you think would yield a more successful moon shot? (The smarta-answer is the tripod, used a couple days before the full moon around sunset, when the difference between the sky exposure and the moon is within the dynamic range of your sensor and the moon is close to the horizon. Luck has nothing to do with making a good photo.)"

Once in a Blue Moon

Today is the Blue Moon—the second full moon in a calendar month.

Blue moons happen about seven times every nineteen years.

Posted by: MIKE JOHNSTON

Featured Comment by Doug (seconded by many other NPR listeners): "Based on a story on NPR last evening, it seems that this was not a Blue Moon and that people have been using the wrong definition since 1946 when it was incorrectly reported in Sky and Telescope magazine.

Idle Response by Mike who actually knows nothing about it: Doug, perhaps that will end up being one of those "errors" that are sanctified by popular acceptance into becoming true. For instance, there is (or was) no such word as "troops"—"troop" (or troupe) is already plural; the singular is "trooper." But I doubt you could convince many Americans, or even many lexicographers, of the non-existence and/or incorrectness of "troops" as a legitimate English word.

(I'm hoping the same thing isn't going to become true of "loose" for "lose," which I think is one of the most persistent misspellings on the internet. Or maybe it just annoys me the most.)

As for Blue Moon, we would probably need the AHED Usage Panel's scientific advisory panel to render a verdict on this one.

Further Comment by dasmb: "I've a degree in rhetoric and agree with Mike—the only definition of a term that matters in terms of effective speech is the one that your audience expects. Dictionaries are a largely academic thing—it doesn't matter if your usage is right by the dictionary, if it contradicts popular belief then it's unsuccessful speech.

"As for me, I'm going to celebrate this lunar event falsely called a Blue Moon with a nice tall glass of Blue Moon, a beer falsely called a Hefeweizen."