Topaz released a new update on Sharpen AI. And for a limited time you save $30 (or Euro) when using our checkout code “RUMOR”. You can also try it for free for a month if you like to see if it works.

What’s new?

One of the new features will be the auto-detect masking tool to generate base masks. It can detect 20 different types of subjects, including people, cars, planes, and various animals. This feature can be accessed by clicking the “Masking” brush icon near the top of the screen by the view options and then clicking “Auto-Detect” in the bottom righthand corner.

Also we’ve added an “auto-detect mode” capability which will allow Sharpen AI to select the best processing mode for your image (from the Focus, Stabilize, and Sharpen modes). Each of those three modes tackles image blur at its root cause, but now users can let Sharpen AI choose for them. This update will allow users to take full advantage of Sharpen AI’s technology by requiring less user input to generate great results.

Those are just a couple of the new updates. You’ll find several updates to the UI design as well, new product tour and tutorial, as well as new fixes and additions throughout the product for a better experience.

You can use our checkout code “RUMOR” to get an additional 15% discount on all TOPAZ products (Click here). And you have this massive savings on the full Topaz Utility bundle ($195 off using our code “RUMOR“)

Nikon has announced the new entry level Z5 camera (preorder and info at BHphoto). They also announced new converters (info on Dpreview) the 24-50mm pancake zoom (info on Dpreview) and a new roadmap that includes the 14-24mm f/2.8 Z lens.

Here is the lens roamdap and image of the new 14-24mm Z lens:

Of course IBIS will be shit :)

Image courtesy Dpreview

So let me sum it up: After telling is for a year that they wouldn’t sell the imaging business they did exactly that. And now in a new interview released at Dpreview they literally say this:

The sale of the Imaging Division does not mean that we will withdraw from the imaging business

What??? So they sell the imaging business but they will not withdraw from it? As pointed out on 43rumors the only way this phrase makes sense is if Olympus will still retain a MAJOR stake in the new company led by JIP. Well let’s hope this is the case!

Leica announced the new M10-R which you can already preorder now at BHphoto. What’s new is the sensor:

The Leica M10-R opens up new dimensions of image quality with its high resolution of over 40 megapixels. The image sensor captures even the smallest details, so photographers can dive deeper into every scene. Defying conventional wisdom, where increased resolution means sacrificing low-light performance, the M10-R boasts a much higher megapixel count over its 24 megapixel M10 brethren while also delivering lower levels of noise – ensuring it can be used in any and all environments for a wide range of photographic disciplines.

Nikkei is picturing a dark future for the camera makers:

With the market shrinking at such speed, companies are at great risk of falling into a fixed-costs crisis. Some analysts believe the entire industry will collapse unless companies undertake major reforms, like splitting design and development from manufacturing, and consolidating production.
The impact of Olympus’ decision to quit the camera business and discard 84 years’ worth of experience, may spread.

Interesting they do NOT mention Sony or Fuji being at risk: The brand names they make are Nikon, Canon, Pentax…