Just published a detailed review of the Canon EOS 5D Mark III.  This is the latest Canon full-frame DSLR with a 22 megapixels CMOS sensor capable of shooting 16270 images at 6 FPS and full 1080p HD video with manual controls and external audio. The 5D Mark III also includes the new 61-point autofocus system with 5 double-cross and up to 41 cross-type points. This is the most advanced autofocus system yet and Neocamera takes a close look at it.

This DSLR is aimed at professionals and features a large 100% coverage viewfinder, a weather-sealed body and  - just as expected – dual control-dials. It supports the entire range of Canon full-frame EF lenses like the TS-E 17mm F/4 tilt-shift lens pictured above and used in a number of Canon 5D Mark III sample images. Read the review to find out how it performs.

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Today Olympus unveiled the new flagship of their Tough series of rugged ultra-compacts and this one is their toughest ever. The new Tough TG-1 iHS is waterproof to depths of 12m (40′), shockproof to drops of 2m (6.6′), crushproof to 100kg (220lbs) and obviously completely dustproof and moistureproof.

The new Tough features a 12 megapixels CMOS sensor capable of continuous shooting at 5 FPS and capturing full 1080p HD video. This sensor is paired the the brightest lens among rugged cameras, an 25-100mm F/2-4.9 optical zoom lens which also supports conversion optics. At the time of launch these include a fisheye and telephoto extender. As a bonus, the central position of the lens required to support conversion optics makes for improved handling.

Inline with its going everywhere build, the Tough TG-1 iHS features a GPS with digital compass and manometer to record position, direction and elevation to show off exactly where you took it.

This rugged camera will be available in June for $399 USD or CDN. The fisheye accessory will go for $119 while the teleconverter $109. An adapter required by either of these will go for $19. To go beyond 12m underwater, Olympus is preparing an underwater housing to be available in July for $309 which can reach depths of 45m (135′).

Neocamera Blog  © Cybernium

Today DxO Labs is making available an upgraded version of their DxO Optics Pro product. This is version 7.2.3 which adds supports for the Canon EOS 5D Mark III and Pentax K-01. This were calibrated with 70 and 26 lenses respectively, meaning that there are direct high-quality profiles to correct distortions and aberrations with the precise combination of camera and lens. More details just below in the press release.

May 2, 2012 – DxO Labs announces the immediate availability of DxO Optics Pro v7.2.3 for Mac and Windows, its image processing software of reference for all serious photographers. This update allows DxO Optics Pro to offer support for the Canon EOS 5D Mark III and for the Pentax K-01, the latest in the Pentax hybrid camera lineup.

AN EXCLUSIVE CALIBRATION PROCESS

DxO Optics Pro v7.2.3 has already integrated 70 DxO Optics Modules for the Canon EOS 5D Mark III and 26 Modules for the Pentax K-01.

DxO Optics Modules are developed through a calibration process exclusive to DxO Labs, based on careful analysis of each camera and lens combination under different shooting conditions. This means that DxO Optics Pro automatically applies optical corrections for such problems as distortion, vignetting, chromatic aberrations, and lack of sharpness in a way that is perfectly adapted to each user’s equipment.

Camera and lens performance analyses are available on DxOMark, the reference site for image quality measurements. The Canon EOS 5D Mark III has achieved the best score among all Canon digital cameras.

AVAILABILITY AND PRICES

The Standard and Elite editions of DxO Optics Pro for Mac and Windows are available for purchase in DxO Labs’ online store and at photo resellers, at the following prices:

USD:

• DxO Optics Pro 7 Standard Edition: $ 169
• DxO Optics Pro 7 Elite Edition: $ 299

EUR:

• DxO Optics Pro 7 Standard Edition: 149 €
• DxO Optics Pro 7 Elite Edition: 299 €
  (Suggested retail prices, including VAT)

BGP:

• DxO Optics Pro 7 Standard Edition: £135
• DxO Optics Pro 7 Elite Edition: £ 269
  (Suggested retail prices, including VAT)

This upgrade is free for all owners of DxO Optics Pro 7, as well as for photographers who acquired a license for DxO Optics Pro 6 after September 1, 2011. A fully-functional trial version of DxO Optics Pro v7.2.3, good for one month, is available on the DxO Labs website.

Neocamera Blog  © Cybernium

Think Tank Photo just launched the first 4-wheel photographic carry-on size camera bag. The new Airport 4-Sight provides a lighter and more convenient design than previous generation airport roller bags. As always, Think Tank has designed this one to  meet international airline carry-on standards.

With professional photography gear not getting any lighter, Think Tank set out to design a more ergonomic roller to reduce fatigue and strain on traveling photographers.  Walking a four-wheeler alongside one’s self is easier than pulling it behind or carrying it over a shoulder. Putting the bags weight on four-wheels eliminates arm strain and makes rolling effortless.

Four-wheelers are superior on many smooth surfaces. On thick carpet, the Airport 4-Sight leans over to perform as a traditional two-wheel roller. It has the added benefit of rolling sideways on two wheels to easily navigate tight spaces, such as airline aisles.

Features Include:

• High capacity. Holds Pro DSLRs with four to five lenses.
• Integrated removable Think Tank Cable Management organizer.
• Side hinged lid opens bag completely for quick and unencumbered access to gear.
• Two-position locking handle for comfort and ergonomics.
• Zippered top pocket for boarding pass.
• Lockable zipper sliders on main compartment.
• Reinforced bottom panel for increased durability.
• User replaceable handle and wheels.
• Seam sealed rain cover included.
• YKK RC-fused™ zippers.

This Airport 4-Sight measures 14” W x 19.5” H x 8” D (35.6 x 49.5 x 20.3 cm) on the outside with the main insight compartment being 12.3” W x 16” H x 5–6.7” D (31.2 x 40.6 x 12.7–17 cm). It weighs 7–8.9 lbs (3.2–4 kg) – depending on the configuration and should be available next month for a suggested price of $299 USD.

Neocamera Blog  © Cybernium

Getty Images has just launched an exciting photography competition for Canada. Here is an extract from the press release:

Getty Images’ “this is Canada” photography competition invites

Canadians to capture authentic Canada

“this is Canada” competition encourages photographers to showcase what makes Canadian life unique

Toronto, April 23, 2012 – Getty Images today announced the launch of “this is Canada”, a photography competition that gives enthusiasts the opportunity to become Getty Images contributors through the Flickr Collection and the chance win a brand new Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR Kit and 2,000 AIR MILES® reward miles.  Starting today and running until May 19, anyone with a camera can participate in Getty Images’ search for authentic Canadian imagery. “this is Canada” provides a platform for the country’s outstanding creative talent to show off their visual definition of Canada.

Whether it’s the sun setting on the lake at a cottage or the first snowfall of the winter or a dynamic urban scene, Getty Images is asking Canadians to submit up to ten of their best images that convey a snapshot of everyday life in Canada. The competition is open to those who find inspiration in the world around them and can capture this through the compelling medium of photography. Since launching the Flickr Collection on Getty Images in 2009, Getty Images has already licensed a range of images from Canadian contributors that include everything from glimpses of everyday life to the special moments that make Canada such a unique place to live.

The images submitted to the “this is Canada” photo competition will be judged by a panel of some of Canada’s foremost photographers and industry experts based on the  quality, creativity and artistic merit as well as representation of Canada.

Aspiring photographers are invited to show off their Canada and submit up to ten of their favourite images at www.showusyourcanada.caon or before midnight on May 19, 2012. All submissions to the competition will be eligible for the following prizing and inclusion in a private exhibit in Toronto in June 2012:

• First place: A brand new Canon EOS 7D Digital SLR Kit (approximately $3,000 value), a potential opportunity to partner with Getty Images to offer content through the Flickr Collection on Getty Images’ website, and 2,000 AIR MILES® reward miles.
• Runner up: A potential opportunity to partner with Getty Images to offer content through the Flickr Collection on Getty Images’ website, and 2,000 AIR MILES® reward miles.
• People’s Choice Award hands the decision-making over to the public, who will be invited to vote for their favourite image, via the Getty Images Facebook page, from May 26 through June 14. The winner will receive 500 AIR MILES® reward miles.

For more information on the “this is Canada” competition, including the competition’s rules and regulations, please visitwww.showusyourcanada.ca. To view the competition entries, please visit the Flickr Collection at http://www.flickr.com/groups/1905436@N24.

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