World
Press Photo invites professional photographers and photojournalists from around
the world to enter the 53rd World Press Photo contest. The web entry site is
open for uploading entries from 1 December 2009 until the deadline of 14
January 2010. The web entry site can be accessed via
href="http://www.worldpressphoto.org/contest" target="_blank">www.worldpressphoto.org/contest.
For the 2010 contest, it is no longer possible to submit entries by post on a
CD/DVD. Entries submitted by email are also not accepted.
Zeiss has introduced a new series of lenses for the semi-professional market: the
ZF.2 with F bayonet for digital SLRs. Thanks to its electronic interface (CPU),
these new ZEISS lenses support all-important operations such as the automatic
mechanisms for time, aperture setting and program. The CPU also supports manual
exposure settings, including those for camera casings that are not
AI-compatible. Since the lens now transmits the EXIF data such as manufacturer,
date, metering system and exposure to the camera, photographers no longer need
to set the parameters manually.
Leica
Camera AG, Solms presents a new, limited special edition -- the LEICA
M7 Edition ‘Hermès’. As the
successor to the ‘LEICA MP Edition Hermès’ launched in 2003, this is now the
second series of cameras created in cooperation with Hermès, the Parisian
company renowned throughout the world for its exclusive products. This
strictly limited LEICA M7 Edition ‘Hermès’ offers a total of 200 silver chrome
LEICA M7 cameras finished in exclusive calfskin leather supplied by Hermès. The
colors of this exclusive ‘Veau Swift’ leather are particularly extravagant.
Connoisseurs of items that are extraordinary in both quality and style may
choose between two eye-catching varieties in ‘Ètoupe’ and ‘Orange’. Only 100
cameras are available in each of the two leather colors.
Camtrol, a stabilizing
platform for video and DSLR cameras, is said to open a new world of balance,
support, and freedom for action shots taken by videographers and photographers.
Camtrol’s action control grip (ACG) with its anatomical articulating ergonomics
provides for natural hand positioning and control. The ACG has a hollow inside,
which accommodates any remote--putting control of the camera always under
the thumb of the shooter. Camtrol with a remote is a one-handed operation
giving the user the liberty to take any shot without restriction, and it works
for right- and left-handed shooters.
Hoodman and Trek-Tech are introducing a new toolkit for
macro photographers that makes positioning and stabilizing cameras for close up
macro photography quick and easy.
Lensbaby (www.lensbaby.com)
announced an open call for photographers to submit their best images created
using a Lensbaby lens for a chance to be published
in the new book “Lensbaby: Bending Your Perspective” by Lensbaby Guru and
author/photographer Corey Hilz. Due out from Focal Press in the summer of 2010,
“Lensbaby: Bending Your Perspective” will feature lots of “how to” and
inspirational content, along with galleries of Lensbaby photos by some of the
foremost Lensbaby photographers in the world. More information on the book can
be found at www.focalpress.com/lensbaby.
Event product developer Meese Orbitron Dunne Co. (www.propdecor.com), is offering
its complete line of colonnade arch systems in a
textured sandstone color to provide wedding
planners, photographers, banquet managers,
florists and other event professionals with a
colorful alternative to the traditional,
white arch systems for designing and
decorating their events, rooms and facilities. Ideal
for coordinating with
southwestern-themed décor, adding warmth to winter décor and blending
into the natural scenery at outdoor
events, the sandstone coloration is available
on the company’s earthy, Tuscan style
colonnade arch systems, contemporary oval
colonnade arch systems and on its traditional, Graeco-Roman colonnade arch systems with fluted columns to
coordinate with a wide range of events and
styles.
Nikon Inc. has announced two new NIKKOR optics: a fast aperture AF-S NIKKOR 300mm
f/2.8G ED VR II super telephoto lens and AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III.
The AG-1 Action Grip has been enhanced. Taking a
customer’s suggestion to heart, Kirk has added a threaded rod
and knurled locking ring to the top of the Action Grip, thus
allowing hot shoe attachments of a flash or shotgun mic.