Update: Now It Is Official! – Sigma DP3 Merrill Full Specifications Leaked

Update: Sigma officially announced the DP3 Merrill. Click here to read the press release.

 

January 07, 2013

The Sigma DP3 Merrill, the latest in the series of compact cameras incorporating the 46 megapixel Foveon X3 direct image sensor.

SIGMA DP3 Merrill

Sigma Corporation (CEO: Kazuto Yamaki) is pleased to announce the new SIGMA DP3 Merrill, featuring a 50mm F2.8 lens, will join the lineup of the “SIGMA DP Merrill” series. The SIGMA DP3 Merrill is the next generation of high image quality compact digital cameras. Equipped with the Foveon X3 image sensor, the DP3 Merrill ensures outstanding resolution and natural rendering with rich gradation as well as a three-dimensional feel.
Featuring a high performance 50mm F2.8 lens (a focal range equivalent to 75mm on a 35mm SLR camera), the SIGMA DP3 Merrill offers incredibly high levels of optical performance and takes in every detail of the subject’s information. This state of the art lens also offers enhanced macro functionality as well.
The SIGMA DP3 Merrill completes this series of compact cameras by satisfying the mid-telephoto and macro range shooting. The SIGMA DP1 Merrill is designed for wide angle images, the SIGMA DP2 Merrill is for standard range, while the DP3 Merrill rounds out the series with a camera for all shooting situations.

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Nikon Announces Nikon 1 J3 And Nikon 1 S1 Mirrorless Cameras

Two new mirrorless cameras by Nikon, just announced. The Nikon 1 J3 ($599.95) and Nikon 1 S1 ($499.95). The former has 14.2MP, the latter 10.1MP. Both have a highly accurate 73 point AF system and a 15fps burst rate. Read more about the specifications in the press release below.

Nikon’s press release:

NIKON EXPANDS THE NIKON 1 SYSTEM WITH THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE NIKON 1 J3 AND NIKON 1 S1 AS WELL AS THE NEW 1 NIKKOR VR 6.7-13MM F/3.5-5.6 AND VR 10-100MM F/4-5.6 LENSES

New Nikon 1 System Cameras and Lenses Demonstrate Nikon’s Commitment to Providing Shooters with New Ways to be Creative, Expressive and Connected through Images and Video

Las Vegas, CES Booth #8643 (January 7, 2013) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the new Nikon 1 J3 and Nikon 1 S1, the latest additions to the ever growing Nikon 1 Advanced Camera with Interchangeable Lens System. Designed for consumers looking for a camera that offers the compact size and portability of a point-and-shoot camera along with advanced controls and features found in high-end digital cameras, the new J3 and S1 cameras offer enhanced speed and performance, high image quality and new easy-to-use creative shooting modes. Furthermore, users will be able to easily share and transfer images to smart devices instantly when connected to the optional WU-1b Wireless Mobile Adapter1.

Nikon also announced new accessories for the Nikon 1 System, including two new additions to the 1 NIKKOR lenses lineup, the VR 6.7-13mm f/3.5-5.6 and the VR 10-100mm f/4-5.6, ideal lenses for capturing amazing images and HD video with incredible detail. The 6.7-13mm is the first 1 NIKKOR lens to offer a wide, 100-degree angle of view, and the compact and lightweight 10-100mm is a 10x zoom lens that is ultra-portable, perfect for taking on any type of trip or excursion. Nikon has also announced the new WP-N2 underwater case, specifically designed for the adventurous user looking to take their photography on water-based excursions like snorkeling or surfing without the fear of water damaging their camera.

“With today’s announcement of the Nikon 1 J3, Nikon 1 S1, 1 NIKKOR VR 6.7-13mm lens and 1 NIKKOR VR 10-100mm lens, Nikon continues to demonstrate our commitment to developing and expanding the Nikon 1 System for creative shooters looking to step up from their compact digital cameras,” said Bo Kajiwara, Vice President of Marketing, Planning and Customer Experience, Nikon Inc. “Similar to previous Nikon 1 System cameras, the compact yet powerful J3 and S1 offer stunning image quality, quick performance, incredibly fast shooting speeds, user-friendly modes and controls, as well as the ability to wirelessly share and transfer images when paired with the WU-1b Wireless Mobile Adapter.”

Built to Capture and Deliver Stunning Results: The New Nikon 1 J3 and Nikon 1 S1

Though new additions to the Nikon 1 System, both the J3 and S1 feature many proven and trusted Nikon technologies commonly found in other Nikon camera models. The Nikon 1 J3 features a 14.2-megapixel CX-format CMOS sensor, while the Nikon 1 S1 sports a 10.1-megapixel CX-format CMOS sensor. Paired together with Nikon’s powerful EXPEED 3A image processing engine, these CMOS sensors deliver stunning high-quality images and HD video even in challenging lighting situations with rich detail. For complete shooting versatility, both cameras feature a wide ISO range, from 160 to 6400 in the J3 and 100 to 6400 in the S1, allowing users even more freedom and capabilities when capturing content in low-light situations. Both cameras offer wide and bright 3-inch LCD screens as well as a new integrated flash that can be setup to go off automatically or can be manually popped up based on a shooter’s desired results.

Additionally, the Nikon 1 J3 and Nikon 1 S1 offer Nikon’s Advanced Hybrid Autofocus (AF) system, which is lightning fast and highly responsive, ideal for capturing life’s split second moments. With this rapid AF system, users can take advantage of incredibly fast shooting speeds, allowing them to capture fast action that is sharp and in clear focus. The cameras also feature a 73-point AF array that helps ensure accuracy and super precise focus even when capturing fast moving subjects throughout the frame. Further, the Nikon 1 J3 and Nikon 1 S1 include the world’s shortest release time at approximately 80 milliseconds*, and the world’s fastest high-speed continuous shooting** at 15 frames-per-second with continuous AF.

Creativity Unleashed: User-Friendly Shooting Modes and Controls

Designed to take creative freedom to new heights, the Nikon 1 J3 and Nikon 1 S1 offer user-friendly shooting modes and controls that photographers can take advantage of whether capturing a family portrait or recording a video of the big hit at a ballgame. For easier control and quick access to camera features, the J3 utilizes improved menu navigation while the S1 features a graphic user interface (GUI) based mode selection, both designed to be easy-to-use and make menu navigation effortless and direct.

The new Nikon 1 System cameras both feature unique shooting modes like Auto Mode, Creative Mode, Advanced Movie, Motion Snapshot and Best Moment Capture, all of which are easily accessible and applied. When in Auto Mode, both cameras will automatically select the optimal settings for the scene, so that the shooter can concentrate on framing the photo. When in Creative Mode, shooters can utilize full manual exposure controls (P,S,A,M) as well as Selective Color, Miniature, Soft, Night Landscape, Backlighting and Night Portrait modes to help achieve the desired results that they seek. The Nikon 1 J3 also provides access to Easy Panorama Mode to provide a wide perspective for vast landscapes or interiors.

The Advanced Movie Mode is integrated into both new cameras to bolster video capabilities. When in Advanced Movie Mode, the simultaneous shooting of Full HD video and high-resolution stills of a subject or scene is achievable. Furthermore, full manual exposure controls (P,S,A,M) can be used and slow motion movies at both 400 fps and 1200 fps can also be captured when in this mode. Both cameras share the Enhanced Motion Snapshot Mode to provide users with the option of capturing a quick passing moment with a short, slow-motion movie sequence in addition to a single defining still image. When using Motion Snapshot, in-camera electronic Vibration Reduction (eVR) can be applied to assist in removing blur from images.

With Best Moment Capture Mode, Nikon 1 J3 and Nikon 1 S1 shooters can explore the benefits of two dynamic features, Slow View and Smart Photo Selector. In Slow View, the pressing of the shutter button halfway down once focus is achieved will allow users to capture live action (approx. 1.33 seconds), while the view of the subject is displayed at five times slower than normal speed (approx. 6.66 seconds) on the camera’s LCD screen. Furthermore, the slowed-down view is looped over and over until a full-press of the shutter is made. By viewing action slowed down, users have more opportunities to capture the perfect moment. When Smart Photo Selector is used, shooters can capture up to 20 shots with the J3 and 15 shots with the S1 with one press of the shutter button. The cameras will then automatically identify the five best images to keep based on exposure, focus and facial recognition factors.

Instantly and Easily Share Creative Content: Nikon 1 System Connectivity

Like the Nikon 1 V2, the Nikon 1 J3 and Nikon 1 S1 were designed to work with Nikon’s optional WU-1b Wireless Mobile Adapter. When the WU-1b is connected to the J3 or S1, users have the ability to capture high-quality images and can then easily transfer them wirelessly to a smart device. Once transferred, images can be shared with family and friends or posted to status pages on social media networks. If using the free Wireless Mobile Adapter Utility application for Android™2 platform smart devices as well as iPhone® and iPad®3 mobile digital devices, J3 and S1 users will have the ability to remotely take photos with the camera from a smartphone or tablet.

Expansion of the 1 NIKKOR Lens Lineup: The New 1 NIKKOR VR 6.7-13mm and VR 10-100mm Lenses

Alongside the new Nikon 1 System cameras, Nikon also announced the addition of two new 1 NIKKOR lenses, the 6.7-13mm f/3.5-5.6 and 10-100mm f/4-5.6. With these two lenses, Nikon 1 shooters have even more options when building a camera system that fits their shooting needs and creativity. The new compact, ultra wide-angle zoom 6.7-13mm lens (equivalent to a focal length of 18mm to 35mm in FX/35mm format) will provide photographers with new avenues to explore their creativity and expressivity in photos and videos. The lens includes Vibration Reduction (VR) and has a wide 100-degree angle of view, which makes it ideal for capturing photos and HD video of landscapes, cityscapes, interiors, and architecture. Photographers looking for some more range with their Nikon 1 System cameras will enjoy the new 10-100mm telephoto zoom lens (equivalent to a focal length of 27mm to 270mm in FX/35mm format), which also incorporates Vibration Reduction (VR). The compact and lightweight telephoto lens is portable and convenient enough to take everywhere, while providing a long focal range perfect for various types of photography including group shots and action sports.

Capturing Images Underwater: The New WP-N2 Underwater Case

Perfectly paired with the new Underwater White Balance setting found in both the Nikon 1 J3 and Nikon 1 S1, Nikon has introduced the new WP-N2 underwater case. This new underwater case can house either the J3 or the S1 in addition to the 1 NIKKOR 10-30mm lens. Moreover, the WP-N2 underwater case will allow users to zoom in and out when using the 10-30mm lens. Designed to complement the versatility of the Nikon 1 System cameras, the WP-N2 gives shooters the creative freedom to capture images and videos at the beach, the lake or during aquatic adventures such as snorkeling. The underwater case is submergible and waterproof up to approximately 131 feet (40 meters). Additionally, the new J3 and S1 feature an Underwater White Balance setting which makes adjusting white balance easy when capturing photos underwater.

Price and Availability

The Nikon 1 J3 camera with the 10-30mm lens will be available in February 2013 for the suggested retail price (SRP) of $599.95***. Additionally, the Nikon 1 S1 camera with the 11-27.5mm lens will be available in February 2013 for the suggested retail price (SRP) of $499.95***. To match consumers’ personalities and creativity, the J3 will come in a variety of stylish colors including White, Black, Silver, Burgundy and Beige, while the S1 will come in White, Black, Red, Pink and Khaki.

The two 1 NIKKOR lenses, the 1 NIKKOR VR 6.7-13mm f/3.5-5.6 and 1 NIKKOR VR 10-100mm f/4-5.6, will have suggested retail prices (SRP) of $499.95*** and $549.95***, respectively. The new WP-N2, the underwater case for either the Nikon 1 J3 or the Nikon 1 S1, will be available in February 2013 and will have a suggested retail price (SRP) of $749.95***.

1The Wireless Mobile Adapter Utility Application must be installed on the smart device before it can be used with the WU-1b Wireless Mobile Adapter connected to the Nikon 1 J3 and Nikon 1 S1. The application can be downloaded free of charge from Google Play™ or the Apple App Store. For use with Android or iOS mobile devices, please refer to mobile device compatibility and available features at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nikon.wu.wmau&hl=en (Android) or https://itunes.apple.com/en/app/wireless-mobile-adapter-utility/id554157010 (iOS).

2Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google, Inc.

3iPhone, iPad and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

*Among digital cameras with interchangeable lenses available as of December 20, 2012 as determined by Nikon performance tests; measured when using the single-point AF mode and the shortest focal length of 1 NIKKOR VR 10-30mm f/3.5-5.6 (according to research conducted by Nikon Corporation).

**Among digital cameras with interchangeable lenses available as of December 20, 2012 (according to research conducted by Nikon Corporation).

***SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time. ****Specifications, equipment and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.

[via engadget]

Pentax Q10 Available In 100 Different Colors

Pentax announced today that it will offer the in 100 different colors. They are offered from the Q10 Studio site.

[Pentax Q10 Studio via engadget]

The press release:

January 07, 2013

PENTAX Introduces Q10 in 100 Different Color Combinations Heightening Individualized Photographic Expression

Consumers now able to order custom built Q10 camera to reflect their unique taste and individuality

Las Vegas, NV (January 7, 2013) CES Booth #C15113— PENTAX RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION (PENTAX) is now offering consumers the ability to custom order the Q10, the world’s smallest, lightest mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (ILC) system,  in 100 different color combinations. This unmatched offering of color variations will enable consumers and photo enthusiasts alike to find new and limitless ways to express their individualism through photography.

Despite the complex nature that accompanies the offering of such a varied and wide ranging line of product, PENTAX will custom build each of the cameras to order per the color specifications set forth by each consumer. Once an order is placed, the specifications are sent to the PENTAX manufacturing facility where each camera will be hand built to reflect the personalized selection made by the individual who ordered it. Similar to that of a luxury good, the experience of customizing, ordering and receiving the finished product is unparalleled in the photo-imaging industry.  This level of customization will be accomplished thanks to PENTAX’s unique supply chain management process, its team of committed customer service representatives and its progressive retail partners.

“Offering the Q10 in 100 color combinations is a unique way for PENTAX to showcase its commitment to supporting photo enthusiast’s creative self- expression,” said John Carlson, Sr. Manager of Marketing, PENTAX. “Having the ability to customize your camera to match your mood, your alma mater or even your favorite sports team is an offering unequaled in the industry and we are happy to support our customers as they strive for new ways to express themselves.”
Consumers can mix and match body and grip colors by visiting the Q10 Studio at www.pentaximaging.com where they can define the perfect color combination to complement their individual style. Additionally, Adorama, a PENTAX retail partner, will display the full line up of Q10 colors in their retail location offering a seamless ordering process for each custom camera.

About the Q10

Exceptional image quality
Thanks to the incorporation of a newly designed back-illuminated CMOS image sensor with outstanding high sensitivity and low-noise characteristics, the PENTAX Q10 delivers high resolution images with approximately 12.4 effective megapixels, and a top sensitivity of ISO 6400.

Upgraded AF performance
The Q10’s upgraded AF algorithm and new high sensitivity image sensor enable faster autofocus operation even in dimly lit locations or with a telephoto lens. An AF Assist Light is provided on the camera body to optimize focusing accuracy in the dark, while the Face Recognition AF function automatically detects up to 12 faces and pinpoints the focus on a main subject.

Quick Dial for creative visual effects
By assigning the creative Smart Effect function to the easy-to-access Quick Dial positioned on the camera’s front panel, the photographer can effortlessly add the desired finishing touch to an image, while previewing the effect on the camera’s 3 inch LCD display. With four positions on the Quick Dial, the photographer can assign four of their favorite effects from the nine Smart Effect modes in advance.

Personalized images for a personalized camera

  • Custom Image function to add distinctive finishing touches.

  • Digital Filter function for artistic visual effects – a total of 19 built-in digital filters are available. Eleven filters such as Toy Camera, Invert Color and Posterization can be applied even during the shooting of still images and movie clips, while the remaining eight are applicable only during playback.

  • Smart Effect function for simple dial control of finishing touches to quickly and effortlessly add a desired finishing touch to an image, while previewing the effect on the camera’s LCD monitor. From nine Smart Effect modes, including Brilliant Color, which provides a high saturation finish, and Cross Process, with its dramatic unique-toned finish, the user can pre-select up to four favorites to the dial in advance.

High quality, Full HD movie recording of extended movie clips
The PENTAX Q10 comes equipped with a Full HD video capture function employing the H.264 recording format, allowing the user to capture high quality, extended movie clips (1920 x 1080 pixels) at a frame rate of 30 frames per second. With a push of a button, the PENTAX Q10 even offers autofocus operation during movie shooting.

Shake Reduction (SR)
The PENTAX Q10 incorporates the PENTAX-developed SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism, which automatically shifts the CMOS image sensor to offset camera shake detected by the camera’s motion sensor. As a result, the PENTAX Q10 produces sharp, blur-free images even under demanding conditions that are prone to camera shake, such as use with a telephoto lens or shooting in low-light without flash.

High speed continuous shooting at approximately five images per second
The PENTAX Q10’s high speed continuous shooting mode allows the photographer to capture up to five images (in JPEG recording format) in a single sequence, at a maximum speed of approximately five images per second. This mode comes in handy when trying to preserve the action of fast moving subjects in a series of images.

Built-in auto flash with pop-up mechanism
The PENTAX Q10 comes with a built-in auto flash (guide number 7 at ISO 200/m). The photographer is able to use it at the default position, or raise it to the pop-up position with simple operation to widen its discharge angle to cover a 28mm angle of view (in the 35mm format).

Pricing and Availability
The new PENTAX Q10 in 100 color combinations is available for custom order now via the Q10 Studio at www.pentaximaging.com as well as Adorama, with more retail partners to be announced soon. The Q10 will be offered with the 02 zoom lens at a suggested retail price of $599.95.

Additional information including product specifications is available here: www.pentaximaging.com/news and product images are available here: www.pentaximaging.com/press/pressfiles.html.

? Designs and specifications are subjects to change without notice.
? Q and Q10 are trademarks of PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD.

 

Update: Download Adobe Creative Suite 2 For Free

Update3: This comes from imaging-resource:

Here’s what Issacs wrote on Adobe’s community forum following the reports.

“On behalf of Adobe Systems Incorporated …

You have heard wrong! Adobe is absolutely not providing free copies of CS2!

What is true is that Adobe is terminating the activation servers for CS2 and that for existing licensed users of CS2 who need to reinstall their software, copies of CS2 that don’t require activation but do require valid serial numbers are available. (Special serial numbers are provided on the page for each product download.) See <http://forums.adobe.com/thread/1114930>.

You are only legally entitled to download and install with that serial number if you have a valid license to the product!”

Update2: the download link appears to be still alive. Just tried it out. Don’t know what is going on.

Update: To good to be true! According to diyphotography, which cites Adobe support forum, the download was never meant to be free. The download page was meant for photographers who bought CS2, but needed to reactivate it. The download link has now been disabled.

Adobe’s CS2 suite can be downloaded for free. Click here to download. Serial numbers are provided with the download links. You have to be registered to Adobe (it’s free) to make the download. Mac (PowerPc) and Windows versions.

[via nachbelichtet.de via 9to5toys via canonwatch]

 

Sigma DP3 Merrill Pics And Specs Leaked

Spanish site dslrmagazine (translated) posted pictures and specifications of the DP3 Merrill, the latest edition of the Merrill that Sigma is going to present at CES 2013.

The DP3 comes with a 50mm f/2.8 lens, and it is the allrounder among the three Merrills. It features an APS-C sized Foveon X3 direct image sensor, has aburst rate of 7fps, A three-inch TFT LCD with a resolution of 920,000 dots. The measures are 121.5 x 66.7 x 80.6 mm for a weight of 400 grams.

[via dslrmagazine]

 

Update – Fujifilm X-100S And X-20 Full Press Release

 

Update: The press release for the X-100S does no longer show up. But you can read the entire text at fujirumors.com.

 

Fuji UK published the press releases for their new Fujifilm X-100S and X-20.

Fujifilm X-100S press release:

Two years ago, FUJIFILM launched the prestigious X100 with a FUJINON 23mm f/2 fixed prime lens and superb image quality, in a beautifully designed compact camera body.  Its unique style and international acclaim has carved out a niche for a new genre of Premium Compact Camera, designed in pursuit of optimum operability. Today, FUJIFILM is proud to announce the launch of the FUJIFILMX100S, the successor to the FUJIFILM X100, inheriting its elegant design and high-performance lens, whilst evolving further to meet customers’ demands with the introduction of a higher-definition Hybrid Viewfinder and a new sensor and processor

… read the press release here (video provided)

Fujifilm X100S Key features list:

  • 16.3 megapixel APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor

  • EXR Processor II

  • High Definition Hybrid Viewfinder (OVF / EVF)

  • FUJINON 23mm f/2 lens

  • Intelligent Hybrid AF (with the world’s fastest AF speed of 0.08 secs (*1))

  • Start-up time of 0.5 secs (*4)

  • Shutter time lag of 0.01 secs

  • Shooting interval of 0.5 secs

  • High-contrast and wide viewing-angle 2.8-inch Premium Clear LCD (460K dots)

  • Super Intelligent Flash

  • Burst shooting rate of up to 6 frames per second at full resolution (max. 29 frames)

  • Focus Peak Highlight function

  • Digital Split Image display

  • Artistic filters

  • Full HD movie recording (60fps / 30fps)

Fujifilm X-20 press release:

FUJIFILM is proud to announce the launch of the newFUJIFILM X20 premium compact camera. Following in the footsteps of the highly acclaimed X10, the FUJIFILM X20 inherits its high-precision lens and refined design, whilst featuring substantially improved performance. With an X-Trans CMOS II sensor, EXR Processor II and a newly-developedAdvanced Optical Viewfinder, the X20 is packed full of FUJIFILM’s latest technology. The X20 is available in both all black and two-tone black and silver.

… read the press release here (video provided)

Fujifilm X-20 key features:

  • NEW Advanced Optical Viewfinder with a Digital Trans Panel

  • NEW 12 megapixel 2/3-inch X-Trans CMOS II sensor

  • Intelligent Hybrid AF in 0.06 seconds (*3)

  • Improved EXR Processor II

  • High quality fast f/2.0-2.8 lens

  • 4x FUJINON manual barrel zoom lens

  • 2.8inch High Contrast LCD monitor (460K dots)

  • Pop-up Super Intelligent Flash

  • Fast start-up time of 0.5 seconds (*?), shutter time lag of 0.01 seconds

  • Super Macro mode (1cm)

  • Motion Panorama 360

  • 8 Advanced Filters

  • Q button for frequently used menu items

  • Function (Fn) button

  • NEW GUI showing the focal distance, aperture value and shutter speed in sync with the zoom ring or command dial rotation

  • Advanced SR Auto mode with 64 shooting patterns

  • Full HD video (60fps)

  • Manual focus during video recording

  • Output for Stereo Microphone (sold separately)

  • Focus Peak Highlight function on the LCD screen

  • Available in all black or two-tone black and silver

  • 4 types of shutter sounds – Lens Shutter, Focal Plane Shutter, Mirror Up and Silent Shutter

[via fujirumors]