Articles from November 2009

SilkypixUK has launched the full release version of Silkypix Developer Studio v4 (4.0.27.2) and Pro (4.1.27.2) with full support for the Sigma SD14, DP1, DP1s and DP2. These version also add support for Sony's recently launched A500 and A550 DSLRs. UK customers can obtain updates from the company's website. The updates should be available from US distributor Shortcut Software very soon.

Nikon has updated its Capture NX and Camera Control Pro software to support the D3S. The Camera Control Pro update includes Windows 7 support though users of Capture NX will have to keep waiting.

Apple has released an update for its iPhoto image management software. Version 8.1.1 addresses issues affecting face recognition performance and accuracy, and fixes other minor errors. The latest version is available for immediate download from Apple's website.

Lensbaby has invited photographers to submit images taken with one of its products for a chance to be published in an upcoming book. Photographers have until December 31, 2009 to submit up to two images via the company's website. Successful entries will be announced on Lensbaby's website on January 15, 2010.

All the major DSLR makers have responded to the launch of Windows 7 and we've collected together the links with more information on compatibility. Meanwhile, Nikon has said it will offer compatible versions of its Transfer and ViewNX software by the end of January 2010 (although it claims there are currently no problems with 'basic' operations).

PocketWizard has released beta firmware updates for its ControlTL, MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 radio flashgun triggers for Canon DSLRs. Firmware v4.374 enables fully automatic camera detection and fixes minor bugs. It also adds the Metz 58 AF-1 flashgun to the list of compitible flash units for MiniTT1 and FlexTT5 triggers.

Hasselblad has announced a Multi-Shot (MS) version of its H3DII-50 medium format camera. First shown in the H3DII-39 MS in 2008, the system captures four shots in a row, moving the sensor by one pixel between each shot to record full RGB values at each position. THe H3DII-50 MS costs €23,000 with less expensive trade-in prices and a trade-up route for Hasselblad owners.

Casio has unveiled the world's slimmest 'rugged' compact in the shape of Exliim EX-G1 - its thinnest side measures just 20mm (0.78"). The first in the company's new 'Exilim G' series of weatherproof cameras, named in reference to the company's well-known G-Shock series of watches. The G1 is designed to be dustproof, waterproof up to 3 meters for an hour, coldproof down to -10°C (14°F) and shock-resistant for drops of up to 2.13 meters. It incorporates a 38-114mm equivalent lens, 2.5" LCD, 12.1MP sensor and includes features such as Intelligent AF, Best Shot shooting mode and Interval shooting. Priced at US $299 and £279 GBP, the camera will start shipping from December 2009.

Bryce Bayer, inventor of the color filter array used to determine color in virtually every modern digital camera has been given the UK Royal Photographic Society's Progress Award. Commonly known as the Bayer filter or Bayer pattern, his invention of a pattern of red, green and blue filters allows a light (but not color) sensitive sensor to record a broad range of colors in similar proportions to the sensitivity of the human eye. The work, conducted while working for Kodak, was patented in 1975 and originally described a system intended for recording video.

Just Posted: Our in-depth review of the D300S. By adding 720p HD video recording with contrast-detection AF and upping the continuous shooting rate to 7 frames per second, Nikon has made only subtle changes for its latest flagship APS-C DSLR, the D300S. However, its predecessor was an excellent camera and one that has proven hard to beat. So, has Nikon done enough to face up to Canon's rather impressive EOS 7D? Read our 30 page review to find out.

Panasonic has introduced the DMW-TA1 tripod adaptor for its Lumix DMC-GF1 Micro Four Thirds camera. The design of the adaptor makes it easier to use tripods when large-diameter lenses such as Lumix G Vario 45-200mm or the HD 14-140mm are attached to the camera.

Bibble labs has released a preview version 3 of its Bibble 5 RAW workflow software. This latest version extends support to 50 new cameras and offers faster RAW file conversion, selective non-destructive editing tools and better photo organization options than its previous versions. It is available for immediate download from the Bibble Labs website.

Just posted! Our lens review of the Canon EF 100mm F2.8 L IS USM. A few months ago Canon announced a new optical image stabilisation technology, dubbed 'Hybrid IS', that promises greater effectiveness at close distances for which conventional IS systems tend to be ineffective. The first lens to feature this has duly arrived in the shape of Canon's latest 100mm Macro, which alongside image stabilisation has also gained the added attraction of the premium 'L' designation. We take a close look to see if it's worth the premium over the older EF 100mm F2.8 USM Macro, which remains in Canon's range.

Just Added: Our samples galleries of the Ricoh GXR camera system. We've been given a chance to get out and about with both the lens modules the company announced this morning. So here are a selection of Beta samples from both the A12 APS-C 50mm equiv. prime and the S10 1/1.7" 24-72mm zoom modules. We've prepared 52 shots taken at a range of ISOs, apertures and (where appropriate) focal lengths, including a mixture of camera JPEGs and RAW conversions.

Pentax Europe has said its forthcoming online store will provide wider access to accessories, rather than cameras as previously reported. The move will allow the company to directly sell a wider range of products to consumers in UK, Germany France, Switzerland and Hungary. A statement from the company corrects an earlier press release from online shopping specialist Digital River about an online store that will be established before the end of the year. Pentax has struggled to achieve widespread distribution of its full product range in some European markets in recent years.

Just Posted: Our in-depth review of the Canon EOS 7D. With a new 18 MP sensor, a 100% viewfinder, weather-sealed body, a new 19 point AF system and Dual Digic 4 imaging processors the EOS 7D is clearly aiming for the top spot in the semi-pro/enthusiast bracket of the market. What does the competition have to say about that? How does the camera fare in our studio tests? Read our in-depth review and find out.

Sony has released firmware v1.10 for its DSLR-A380, DSLR-A330 and DSLR-A230 digital SLRs. The latest firmware for all three cameras locks exposure on the focused subject, when the metering mode is set to Center Weighted or Spot. The firmware is available for immediate download from Sony's website.

Dpreview.com is recruiting again. We've got grand ideas and grander ambitions but achieving them will really require another web development engineer. This is an opportunity to join our growing web development team as they enhance the web's foremost camera resource.

Camera bag maker Kata has launched the 'Dream Bag Challenge' with the opportunity to win the perfect camera bag. The person submitting the best 'dream' camera bag design will win their bag, packed with $5000 worth of photographic gear including a Canon EOS 5D Mark II body + two lenses, a Gitzo tripod kit and a Metz flash. Winners of the second and third prize categories will win a Kata bag packed with gear worth $4000 and $3000 respectively. Entries close on March 1st, 2010.