Nikon Capture NX2 Update: Version 2.2.2

This latest update takes Capture NX 2 Ver. 2.2.0 to Ver. 2.2.2.  Please note therefore that Capture NX 2 Ver. 2.2.0 must be installed before proceeding with this update.  Benefits include:

Windows:

Support for the Service Pack 2 versions of 32-bit Windows Vista Home Basic/ Home Premium/ Business/ Enterprise/ Ultimate has been added.

Support for RAW images captured with the D300S and D3000 has been added.

An issue that caused Capture NX 2 to quit unexpectedly with batch processing to save RAW images captured in portrait (“tall”) orientation, with specific enhancements applied, in JPEG or TIFF format has been resolved.


Macintosh:

Support for Mac OS X version 10.5.7 has been added.

Support for RAW images captured with the D300S and D3000 has been added.

An issue that caused Capture NX 2 to quit unexpectedly with batch processing to save RAW images captured in portrait (“tall”) orientation, with specific enhancements applied, in JPEG or TIFF format has been resolved.

Click here for update:

New Canon G11 Compact Camera

Specification Highlights:

• 10mp High Sensitivity CCD
• 5x Zoom (28-140)
• DIGIC IV
• 2.8″ Vari-Angle LCD Screen
• RAW Capability
• ISO3200 (Upto ISO 12,500)

Canon has just announced the launch of its new feature packed, rather sexy looking PowerShot G11, the successor to the multi award-winning PowerShot G10 – a deservedly favourite compact camera of many professional photographers and photo agencies around the world.

The new G11 continues the previous model's great build quality, and promises even great image quality care of its expanded dynamic range, new Dual Anti-Noise System and improved high sensitivity 10.0 Megapixel image sensor with Canon’s enhanced DIGIC 4 image processing technology. Noise performance, always a bugbear with compact cameras of this ilk, is supposedly improved by up to 2 stops compared to the PowerShot G10.

The PowerShot G11 also includes i-Contrast technology, which prevents high-light blowout whilst retaining low-light detail – ideal for difficult lighting situations.

The superb quality Canon lens it comes with delivers picture-perfect performance, offering a 5x wide angle (28mm) zoom with optical Image Stabilizer (IS) ...this allows handheld shots to be taken at much slower shutter speeds (4-stops) than conventional non-IS models – allowing perfect shooting in darker conditions or at a lower ISO.

Of course greatly reduced blur caused by camera shake, means photographers can shoot at longer focal lengths and in lower light conditions without the need for a tripod. The G11 importantly includes the ability to shoot in RAW format and is compatible with Canon’s Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software, ensuring that photo shoots can be easily integrated into a photographer’s workflow.

Alongside superb image quality, the compact size of the PowerShot G11 and a 2.8-inch vari-angle PureColor II VA LCD (461k dots) make it the ideal choice for professional photographers to use where an SLR is impractical or obtrusive.

The G11 is ergonomically designed for faster, accurate menu scrolling. Analogue style dials for ISO and exposure compensation give photographers instant, familiar access to common settings and features.

Irrespective of the new camera's low light shooting abilities Canon has increased the G11’s highest flash synchro speed to 1/2000th seconds, reducing the possibility of overexposed bright scenes. A real time histogram displays brightness levels on the PureColor II VA LCD screen, so photographers can easily view conditions and change settings when shooting.

Quick Shot mode takes images almost instantly after pressing the shutter, so fast moving objects are always captured, whilst Servo AF/ AE continuously adjusts focus and exposure to optimise settings when photographing moving subjects.

The PowerShot G11 can be used with a wide range of Canon accessories, including the Speedlite 270EX, 430EX II and 580EX II; Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX and Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX flashes for enhanced shooting options; the Speedlite Transmitter ST-E2, Speedlite Bracket BKT-DC1 and Remote Switch RS-60E3. Underwater photographers can even team the PowerShot G11 with the specially designed Waterproof Case WP-DC34 – an underwater housing allowing full control of the camera at depths down to 40m. The PowerShot G11 includes an HDMI port so users can review images on a full HD screen via an optional HDMI cable.

Coming to market in October 2009 - we hope to be getting one soon and putting it through its paces!

Hitler unhappy with Nikon and the D3x!

Video: Wim Wenders movie for Leica

News: EISA bestows its prestigious 'European Professional Camera - 2009-2010' award upon the Nikon D3x

Congratulations to Nikon and its superb D3x!

With its ultra-high 24.4 million-pixel resolution and full frame imaging sensor, the Nikon D3X is a dream for professional photographers who mix studio assignments with fast moving dynamic subjects outdoors.

The D3X is capable of an image quality that previously could only be achieved with medium format cameras fitted with digital backs, but it has much faster autofocus, continuous shooting rates plus it can be used at sensitivities of up to ISO 6400 with astonishingly good results.

With an enormous range of features the D3X is a top-class modern pro-camera that offers total control over the image, from the moment of composition in the large viewfinder to the output of a ready-to-use digital file.

Lowepro Pro Mag2 AW

You can never have enough camera bags right?!

It's rather sad but I know so many photographers who seemingly spend their entire life watching, waiting, and then updating their camera body after each and every new model release!

Likewise a fair few of them are always in search of the perfect camera bag, and of course such a beast doesn't exist - if only because there's a bag designed for each and every occasion these days. No one bag can truly do it all, but some certainly get closer than others in their attempts to perform a particular function!

The latest in my little collection is the Lowepro ProMag 2 AW. It's a slim-profile bag I use specifically for those short assignments that start with an airport and/or airline who delight in the stringency of their carry-on hand luggage restrictions. Unless I'm away for any great length of time and thus utilisingh a large hard case (i.e. Pelican) there's no way I'm risking putting my DSLR kit in the hold of an aircraft. Hence my purchase of the perfectly formed Lowepro Pro Mag2 AW.

The Pro Mag 2 AW has Lowepro's patented OverLap Zipper and All Weather Cover ...which came in very useful only just recently in snowy Prague. It utilises the requisite high-density cell foam to provide serious protection and a good divider system aids the compartmentalisation side of things - a rather nifty removable see-through filmpack completes the interior.

Inundated with many very useful pockets - accessed via strong, high quality zips - the exterior also provides straps for a light tripod (very light tripod!) and side attachment loops for Lowepro's optional SlipLock add-ons.

On top of all that it also includes a very sturdy belt and buckle, a thickly padded shoulder strap and a very comfortable padded leather carry handle.

If I had a magic wand I'd like to have made it just a tad bit bigger along the width axis ...but if I had a magic wand I wouldn't need to fly and circumvent those ever more dimension challenging Check-In rules and regulations!

Conclusion:

One of the finest constructed bags I've had the pleasure to own and very reasonably priced for something so beautifully made. Quite simply, it deserves the many awards it's won and I think it's among the very best in its class!

Specifications

Capacity: 1–2 large pro DSLRs, 3–4 lenses (up to 80–200mm f/2.8 with reversed hood), flash and accessories.

Size(Interior): 11W X 6.5D X 10H in. / 28 X 16.5 X 25.5 cm

Size(Exterior): 14W X 9D X 14H in. / 35.6 X 22.9 X 35.6 cm

Outer fabric: water-resistant 1200D ballistic TXP™ and 2000D ballistic nylon

Weight: 3.97lbs/1.8kg


R3 Rating: 9/10

Seculine Twin-1 R4N Wireless Remote Control

We've been using the Seculine Twin-1 R4N Wireless Remote Control for a couple or three months now, and generally we're very impressed with this little gadget. It's simple to use and appears well made and certainly sturdy enough for the use intended. The Seculine allows you to control your digital SLR remotely from up to 300 feet away! Presumably you need to be pretty confident of your running abilities, should you be that far away from your beloved camera and an enterprising thief strikes! LOL!

The Twin-1 R4N remote control comprises of i) a transmitter unit, and ii) a small 10-pin receiver unit which plugs directly into the shutter release port on the Nikon DSLRs such as the D3 and D700.

A short cable can be used for wired operation and is also included. It's a veritable bargain at the price and well recommended!

R3 Rating: 9/10

Leica finally announces S2 launch date!

Leica Camera AG has just confirmed that their much anticipated new monster Leica S2 camera is now due out in the UK for October 2009.

The S2 is being considered as a completely new digital SLR camera system as it offers a staggering 37 megapixel, 30x45mm sensor that’s 56% larger than full size 35mm.

Designed from the ground up in consultation with professional photographers from around thew world, the Leica S2 does not use a conventional medium format or 35mm platform. Instead the S2 instead utilises a bespoke Kodak CCD sensor that has enabled the Leica designers to produce the smallest camera in its megapixel class, sitting somewhere in physical size between the Canon EOS 5D and 1Ds Mk III DSLRs.

The Leica “MAESTRO” image processor (developed with Fujitsu specifically for the LEICA S2) allows the camera's lenses, firmware and sensor to function at their optimum, producing market leading processing time and the highest level of picture quality.

With the S2, Leica can lay claim to creating an entirely new class of camera – one that is undeniably groundbreaking and technically innovative, but also incredibly flexible thanks to a wide selection of accessories.

It’s a tempting aquisition for any professional photographer with the requisite bank account who is looking to upgrade from the current full frame DSLR systems on the market.

Several new lenses have also been developed for the new Leica S-system. These currently include the:

LEICA SUMMARIT-S 35 mm F/2.5 ASPH. CS

LEICA SUMMARIT-S 70 mm F/2.5 ASPH. CS

LEICA APO-MACRO-SUMMARIT-S 120 mm F/2.5 CS

and

LEICA APO-ELMAR-S 180 mm F/3.5 CS

Nikon unveils superb new 70-200mm zoom

Nikon has unveiled the new AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F/2.8G ED VR II, a completely redesigned version of its much loved professional telezoom. Featuring an entirely new optical formula, which is designed to deliver sharp images all the way into the corners of the frame, even on FX format cameras - it uses no fewer than 7 ED elements to minimize aberrations. Nano Crystal coating is included, as one would expect with a new pro-grade Nikkor lens to combat flare.

'VR II' Vibration Reduction technology offers a claimed four stops benefit, and a new A/M focus mode provides autofocus priority when the manual focus ring is handled during shooting. However the lens loses the AF stop buttons of the original.

Physically, it's also shorter but a tad heavier than its predecessor, and obviously incorporates extensive sealing against dust and moisture.

The AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm F/2.8G ED VR II will be available from November 2009 at a rather wallet challenging RRP of £1999 / €2430 / $2399.