There was time when those seeking super-wide lenses for APS-C size sensor cameras didn’t have much choice, but new light gathering systems that distribute light evenly from lens to sensor, as well as new optical formulas from camera makers and independent lens manufacturers, have changed that point of view. The latest in this welcome new class of glass is from Tamron, with their 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 offering. Priced at around $500 (street) and weighing in at about 14 oz., the Tamron 10-24mm is useable for cameras that require “motor in the lens” operation, such as the Nikon D40X, on which this lens was tested. The DiII designation tells you that this lens is for digital SLRs with APS-C sensors.
Lensbaby announces a new 0.42x Super Wide Lens for use with their new line of selective focus lenses – The Composer, The Muse, The Control Freak and their companion Lensbaby Optic Swap System consisting of Double Glass, Single Glass, Plastic, and Pinhole/Zone plate interchangeable optics.
If we’re to believe what it says on the energystar.gov website, breaking a Compact Fluorescent Light bulb is a scary proposition. CFLs contain mercury, the same stuff that’s in the fish we’re not supposed to eat. The gov’s FAQ suggests that if a mishap should occur, the first steps include ordering people and pets to vacate the area, airing out the room by opening a window for 15 minutes or longer, and shutting down the central forced-air heating system.
JOBO AG announced two new portable image storage devices – the GIGA Vu SONIC and the GIGA one SONIC. For professionals that need high-end secure back-up of their digital images, the new GIGA Vu SONIC portable image storage device features an ultra quick download speed of up to 1 GB of data in 30 seconds, TRUE RAW decoding of numerous RAW image files, four hard disc capacities up to 250 GB, a large high resolution 3.2” color display and numerous picture functions.
For the more budget-minded digital photographer, the affordable new JOBO GIGA one SONIC features extremely fast picture storage (transfers up to 1GB of data in less than one minute), a long-lasting battery, four hard disc capacities up to 200 GB, a 1.8” LCD display and convenient operation via five easy-to-use buttons.
Wacom today unveils the long anticipated Intuos4, a revolutionary new professional pen tablet that delivers new features and unparalleled performance to photographers, designers and artists seeking optimal control and improved productivity. Inspired by members of Wacom’s professional community, the next generation.
Like cameras in cell phones (and vice versa) and MP3 players in everything, the new Canon EOS 5D Mark II can be thought of as another item in the multimedia trend.