May 17, 2009 - 08:20 GMTCanon releases a service notice for the EOS-1D / 1Ds Mark III digital SLR cameras. It appears that images taken by some cameras may exhibit ring-shaped spots. The cause for these ring-shaped spots are the images of oil lubricant on the surface of the low pass filter which is located in front of the CMOS sensor. This oil is used inside the Mirror Box to lubricate some of the camera's moving parts. If the oil is applied too liberally when the camera is manufactured, it can become scattered onto the surface of the low pass filter.
May 17, 2009 - 07:20 GMTSony unveils 3 new easy-to-use alpha cameras, the A380, A330 and A230. The 10.2 Mp α230 is the lightest, most compact alpha DSLR camera body ever at 15.9 ounces. The 10.2 Mp α330 and the 14.2 Mp α380 are also smaller and lighter than their predecessor models (A300 and A350). The α380L, α330L and α230L will cost about $850, $650 and $550, respectively. The L series one-lens kit comes with the SAL-1855 standard zoom lens. At the same time Sony introduces four new lenses, a flash and accessories.
May 16, 2009 - 14:00 GMTPanasonic announces a new color option to the DMC-TZ7 digital camera: Striking red. Offering all the features of the Panasonic TZ range, the TZ7 offers a 12x optical zoom, 25mm ultra wide angle lens in a compact, stylish body, and AVCHD Lite motion picture recording. Red turned out to be the favored choice for a compact camera according to recent international research by Panasonic. The Panasonic DMC-TZ7 red version is available now for a limited period, and is the perfect accompaniment this summer.
May 15, 2009 - 08:10 GMTBenQ Europe introduces the model DC C1020 and the DC C1220 compact, Classic design (hence C-series) digital cameras. The model C1020 offers 10 megapixel resolution and a 2.5-inch LCD in a silver body. The model C1220 offers 12 megapixel resolution and a 2.7-inch LCD in a black body. Both cameras feature a 3x optical zoom lens, Super-Shake-Free mode with high-ISO supported, Smile Catch mode and video recording with optical zoom at a resolution of 16:9 (720x400) with 30 frames per second.
May 12, 2009 - 07:10 GMTSamsung Europe announces the WB1000, a 24mm ultra wide angle, 5x optical zoom digital camera with a 3.0 inch AMOLED monitor. The AMOLED screen consumes less power and offers a higher contrast ratio of 10,000:1, producing darker black levels, more vibrant colors, and a brighter display which can easily be viewed outdoors, and even in direct sunlight. With this announcement Samsung continues its confusing naming scheme as the camera has been already been announced as the WB100 and the TL320 (US).
May 18, 2009 - 06:50 GMTSony announces 4 new compact lenses. The DT 50mm F1.8 SAM is a light, bright portrait lens. The DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM lens is for everyday shooting, and the DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM has a maximum focal length equivalent to 300mm. The new DT 30mm F2.8 SAM macro lens is still under development. Sony also announces a new HVL-F20AM flash unit - weighing less than 100g - that folds down to keep a low profile when not being used, and a Handbag-style carry case, wrap cloth, hand strap and lens cap holder.
May 16, 2009 - 14:30 GMTFujifilm introduces several new accessories for their FinePix digital camera line for this spring. For the F200EXR you can get a Chic leather case, Underwater housing for depths up to 130 feet of water, and a HD Component Cable to view images on an HDTV. Owners of a Z33WP can get a Silicone camera case for an extra layer of protection, a Sport Case with rubberized edging and a carabineer clasp for portability or a Weatherproof Case with weatherproof zipper. A new stylish case for the A-Series digital cameras is available too.
May 15, 2009 - 08:50 GMTSLIK introduces the new 515QF, a heavy duty tripod for cameras up to 11 lbs or 5 kg. The 515QF comes with an all-metal Digital Balance Pro head with long slide quick release plate. The plate remains attached to the camera and slides into a locking groove making mounting and dismounting the camera fast and simple. The tripod is equipped with rugged all-metal 515 legs that feature an adjustable and lockable mid-level spreader to keep all legs at the same angle. The SLIK 515QF comes with a 3 years warranty and a list price of $299.95.
May 12, 2009 - 09:10 GMTSanyo introduces the high-speed, wireless Wide XGA LCD projector, the LP-WXU700. This projector is able to stream video via its "Video Streaming Function" across the wireless LAN. With its embedded Windows CE 6.0, it allows easier projection utilizing Windows Vista Network Projector Function. While compact and lightweight, it boasts the brightest projection of its class at 3,800 lumens through a new 3LCD Optical Engine. The projector and a host of other models will be on display in Orlando at "InfoComm 2009", to be held from June 17 to 19.
May 12, 2009 - 09:30 GMT - Update -BenQ will launch its new Joybee GP1 Mini Projector in June in the U.S. The BenQ Joybee GP1 is world's first pocket projector with lamp-free LED technology and an integrated USB video reader. The tiny 1.4lb (640g) Joybee features a variety of multimedia applications, and the 15-80 inch image is adjustable with digital zoom and preset picture PC and A / V modes. The Joybee GP1 will be available for $499. Note that the looks of the GP1 differ from the images that have been circulating on the Internet. BenQ Europe now announces the GP1 too.