• World's most compact D-SLR*
• Exceptional ease of use
• Comfortable viewing with Autofocus Live View
• 100% D-SLR quality
• 6.9cm / 2.7'' HyperCrystal II LCD
• 10 Megapixel Live MOS sensor
• Face Detection for perfectly focused and exposed faces
• Shadow Adjustment Technology
• Excellent dust reduction system
• Built-In flash and wireless flash control
• 3.5fps with up to 9 images in RAW buffer
• Four Thirds Standard
• 28 shooting modes
• ISO 100-1600
• TruePic III image processor
• One-touch white balance
• AF / AE lock functionality
• Depth of field preview
• Anti-shock (Mirror lock) function
• Beginners’ and advanced info screen
• 100% field of view via LCD
• Detailed playback info screen with histogram
• Bracketing functions
• Perfect image control
• Hi-speed USB 2.0

The New Grip Pen

Designing and drawing with the Grip Pen is as natural as it is with a conventional pen. The pen's 1024 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt sensitivity, and the tablet's 5080 lpi resolution can meet every photo retouching requirement. No other input device provides this kind of smooth handling and produces such natural results. Moreover, navigating through applications and large documents is greatly simplified through the pen's pixel-precise, absolute positioning.

Use Dual screen capability with Intuos 3!*

Cintiq 21ux in conjunction with a Intuos 3 tablet can turn your computer into a dual screen creation station. Not only can you work directly on screen on your project, but you navigate the second screen using an Intuos 3 tablet with the same pen!. This is perfect for 2D or 3D work, CAD, Animation, Video, Illustration, Photo retouching, the list is endless!!

Pre-press and Print

On the digital paper that just happens to be your computer screen. Now you can navigate effortlessly around menus, hand-draw text and picture boxes, arrange and layout documents, brochures, packaging, directly on screen in no time. Make full use of the ability to colour calibrate the Cintiq 21ux (software and hardware sold separately) for perfect colour matching throughout your digital workflow. Watch your creativity and productivity come alive when the pen is in your hands.

Friday 1st February 2008

Manufacturers at this year's PMA show in Las Vegas have announced new additions to their lens ranges. These include Canon, Nikon, Samsung and Pentax, as well as new lenses from third-party manufacturer Tamron.

Canon has announced two telephoto lenses in its L series. The 200mm f/2 L IS USM and 800mm f/5.6 L IS USM both boast Image Stabilisation and L series construction, with the latter lens replacing the EF 600mm f/4 L IS USM as the longest lens in Canon's EF range.

Nikon has furnished its AF-S range of lenses, with the AF-S DX Nikkor 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR and the AF-S Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED. The company has also announced a new Perspective Control lens, the PC-E Nikkor 24mm f/3.5D ED, as well as confirming the development of two further PC-E lenses, the PC-E Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED and PC-E Micro Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D ED.

Pentax's DA lens range sees the introduction of five new models. The DA* 200mm f/2.8 ED [IF] SDM and DA* 300mm f/4.0 ED [IF] SDM add to the company's telephoto range, with both incorporating aspherical and Extra Low Dispersion elements, as well as a 'Quick Shift Focus System'. Two further zooms have also been announced – the DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL II and the DA 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED – while the DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Limited optic completes the new release and joins Pentax's macro lens range.

Samsung had earlier announced two new lenses alongside the launch of its GX-20 DSLR. The D-XENON 18-250mm f/3.5-F6.3 and 18-55mm II F3.5-F5.6 will be available in March, with the 18-55mm lens included in the GX-20 kit option.

Tamron has also unveiled three new lenses. The 17-50mm f/2.8 is now to be made available in a Pentax mount, while the 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 has been designed with both full-frame and APS-C users in mind. A third optic – the SP AF70-200MM F/2.8 Di LD (IF) Macro – has been developed for full-frame sensors and features a wide, constant aperture of f/2.8, an internal focusing mechanism and a magnification ratio of 1:3.1. The lens sits in Tamron's 'Super Performance' range and will be available first in a Canon mount, before Nikon, Pentax and Sony become available.

The company has also announced the development of three further lenses with built-in motors in the Nikon mount. These are the AF18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di II and SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II, as well as the full-frame 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di. Details of pricing and availability are yet to be announced.

Leica Camera AG is proud to announce the introduction of the LEICA M8 Upgrade Programme at PMA, Las Vegas (31 January – 2 February 2008), an innovative concept adding lifelong value retention to the digital LEICA M8.

The first upgrades are due to be available from August 2008 (orders can be placed on www.leica-camera.co.uk from March 2008) and the programme will include a further reduced shutter sound, a scratch-proof sapphire glass cover for the LCD monitor, the installation of latest firmware and a fresh two-year warranty.  A series of further upgrades are planned for the future, ensuring that Leica continues to offer the latest digital refinements and developments, whilst maintaining the camera’s status as a unique long-term investment.

Leica Camera will collect and return all LEICA M8s direct from customers who order the upgrade package, and camera functions will also be checked whilst the camera is in Leica’s care.   From August 2008, the upgraded LEICA M8 is due to be available as a finished product option to compliment the current M8.

Throughout the years, Leica M photographers have come to rely on superb picture quality, a special handling experience, and most importantly, a camera that will span generations.  The M8 Upgrade Programme ensures that this won’t change in the continually developing digital industry.

“While other digital cameras quickly become outdated and are replaced by newer models, our new concept extends the value retention that stands for the Leica brand.  Over time, we will gradually offer new product features and developments as upgrade options.” Comments Steven K. Lee, CEO of Leica Camera AG. “Our customers can therefore still invest in the photographic tools they need without worrying that they will miss out on improvement and technological developments along the way.  We are confident that this is the right approach for ensuring customer satisfaction and allowing them to continue to sharpen their vision and refine their skills with the Leica M8.”

Features

• 12.2 MP CMOS sensor
• 3.5fps
• 9-point wide-area AF
• EOS Integrated Cleaning System
• 3.0” LCD with Live View mode
• DIGIC III processor
• Large, bright viewfinder
• Total image control
• Compact and lightweight
• Compatible with EF/EF-S lenses and EX Speedlites

Let’s play.

12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor
The 12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor gives you plenty of detail for poster-size prints and extra flexibility when cropping. Sensitive in low light and virtually noise-free, Canon’s CMOS sensors are also remarkably power-efficient.

3.5 fps shooting
The EOS 450D captures up to 3.5 frames per second for a continuous burst of up to 53 large JPEG images (6 in RAW).

9-point wide-area AF
The 9 AF points are spread out across the frame to better accommodate off-centre subjects. The central AF point is a high sensitivity cross type sensor for quick, accurate focusing with f/2.8 and faster lenses.

EOS Integrated Cleaning System
Canon’s built-in dust prevention system uses three methods to keep images blemish-free. (1) Specialised materials reduce dust generation within the camera. (2) A Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit shakes dust from the sensor each time the camera is turned on or off. (3) Stubborn dust spots are mapped for easy removal in Digital Photo Professional.

3.0” LCD with Live View mode
The bright 3.0” LCD provides sharp definition for checking focus and composition, with 10x magnification for finer details. When shooting from awkward positions, Live View mode gives you the option of framing the image from the LCD, and a choice of focussing modes.

DIGIC III processor
Renowned for its white balance accuracy, DIGIC III renders colours with brilliant, true-to-life precision. Captured images are processed in 14-bit colour depth for finer tonal gradations. DIGIC III works efficiently to minimise power consumption while maintaining ultra-fast response times.

Large, bright viewfinder
A large viewfinder gives a bright and clear view for easy composition of the scene.

Total image control
Gain easy control over image processing parameters with Picture Style presets. Contrast, sharpness and saturation can be customized in-camera or through the supplied Picture Style Editor software. After the shoot, Canon’s RAW processing software Digital Photo Professional provides everything you need to manage and process your RAW images.

Compact and lightweight
Ergonomically designed for natural and intuitive handling, the EOS 450 is housed in a compact body that weighs in at just 475 grams.

EF lenses and accessories
The EOS 450D is compatible with over 60 EF/EF-S lenses and all EX Series Speedlite flash units.

Tuesday 18th December 2007

Panasonic has released a firmware update for its latest DSLR, the L10.

The update addresses autofocusing problems with certain Panasonic lenses, as well Auto Exposure accuracy using the Night Scene mode and a general improvement for when using the Auto White Balance.

A further update is said to improve the minimum shooting interval time between shots taken on a single shot mode. For more information and to download the update visit http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/download/L10K/