Latest Nikon gear to land up in space

Nikon has announced a number of its products including the Nikon D3S, D3X DSLRs and telephoto lenses will be used in the Russian segment of the International Space Station. The company says that no modifications will be made to any of the products and they will join the existing Nikon film and digital cameras/lenses used by the astronauts working in the segment. In a press release the company also mentions the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) had ordered 11 D3S bodies and 7 AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lenses for use in the Space Shuttle and ISS in 2009.

Press Release:

The latest Nikon equipment to be used in the Russian segment of the International Space Station

New orders received for Nikon D3S and D3X digital-SLR cameras as well as NIKKOR interchangeable lenses

June 14, 2010: Nikon Corporation (Michio Kariya, President) is pleased to announce that orders for one Nikon D3S and two Nikon D3X digital-SLR cameras, four interchangeable lenses including AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8G ED VR, software and various accessories have been received from S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia, the general contractor of the Russian Federal Space Agency on the program operating the International Space Station(ISS). This equipment will be transported to the ISS via the Soyuz TMA-19 spacecraft, to be launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on June 16, 2010.

No special improvements or modifications will be made to these products. They will be the same products available to consumers, confirming the incredible reliability of the D3S, D3X and NIKKOR lenses. The new equipment will be used along with Nikon SLR cameras, such as the Nikon F5 film-SLR camera and D2X digital-SLR camera and a variety of NIKKOR lenses already used with on-board activities of Russian cosmonauts working in the Russian segment of ISS.

Nikolay Cherlenyak, director of operations for Energia's ISS program, has commented as follows regarding this order.
"The integration of Nikon photographic equipment in space exploration has a long history and goes back to the moment when there first arose the question of photographing research conducted in orbit. It was then when the first Nikon film cameras and NIKKOR lenses, notable for precision and reliability, were sent into space. They had been used even on the station "Mir". Since then, the range of photographic equipment has been frequently supplemented by new products and advanced developments of the Nikon Company. Now with the latest models of Nikon D3S and D3X digital cameras, photography in space will reach a new, previously unattainable level "

Nikon has spent many years contributing to the study of space through the development and manufacture of advanced and extremely durable cameras and interchangeable lenses. With total production exceeding 50 million, NIKKOR lenses make the most of Nikon’s optical technologies. In 2009, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) ordered eleven D3S cameras and seven AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lenses for use in recording activities aboard the Space Shuttle and International Space Station.

In addition to the extreme environment of space, Nikon also provides official observation equipment used in exploring the Antarctic. Nikon equipment contributes to observation and research of these little explored regions with durability, reliability and technical capabilities that stand up to even the most severe environments.

Primary Nikon products in the current order

• D3X
• D3S
• AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8G ED VR
• AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4G ED VR
• SB-900
• AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III
• AF-S Teleconverter TC-17E II
• AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E II
• Capture NX2
• Camera Control Pro 2

Nikon products already used in the ISS's Russian Segment

• D2X
• D200
• D3X
• Various NIKKOR lenses

Nikon D3S In-depth review Barnaby Britton

Based on a production Nikon D3S, firmware version 1.0, 1.0 (note: As we were finalizing this test for publication, Nikon released a firmware upgrade for the D3S to Firmware 1.0.1, which corrects some minor bugs relating to video performance. We did not experience the issues which the update is designed to fix, and all samples (and the majority of gallery images) taken for this this review were created with firmware 1.0)

When the Nikon D3 was launched in August 2007, it had an immediate impact on the DSLR market, and not only in the professional sector. The D3 was Nikon's first DSLR with an FX (full frame) CMOS sensor, but its major selling point, in the minds of many photographers at the time, was its unparalleled image quality at high ISO settings. With the D3, photographers could shoot at ISO settings up to 6400 without a significant penalty in noise, and in a pinch, even go up to ISO 25,600 (equivalent) - unheard of at the time. This versatility, coupled with a very capable AF system and rugged, weatherproof build, did much to reverse Nikon's declining fortunes in the professional DSLR market. Professional Canon users, many of whom were disillusioned by the seemingly endless problems that plagued the flagship EOS 1D Mark III at the time, flocked to the D3 in large numbers. In the process, Nikon mounted a formidable challenge to Canon in the sports and action segment of the pro marketplace.

A little over two years later, and Nikon is trying to build on the foundations laid by the D3's runaway success. Enter the D3S. Ergonomically, very little has changed. In fact the D3S and its predecessor are difficult to tell apart at a casual glance, but the D3S does offer some significant improvements, not least a new 720x1280p video capture mode, and several minor tweaks designed to make the new camera more competitive. These include a new 'Quiet' shutter release mode (first seen in the D5000), in-camera dust reduction, and a choice of four image area formats, including DX, and a new 1.2x crop option. The D3S offers the same resolution as the D3, at 12 million pixels, but its redesigned sensor can hit new heights of ISO performance, offering a 'native' range of ISO 200-12,800, expandable up to ISO 102,400. Is the promise of even better low light performance enough to answer those critics that are clamoring for higher resolution? Read our in-depth test (which includes comparisons with the new Canon EOS 1D Mark IV) to find out.

Note: Because of the similarities between the D3S and the older D3, (and to a lesser extent the D300S and D3X), especially as regards handling and certain key features, portions of this review, including some product images, are taken or adapted from from previous reviews.

Model line history

Model	Launch	Effective pixels	Auto focus	Continuous highest (JPEG)	LCD monitor	Video
D1	Jun 1999	2.6 mp	5 point	4.5 fps, 21 frames	2.0", 120K pixels	n/a
D1X	Feb 2001	5.3 mp	5 point	3.0 fps, 9 frames	2.0", 130K pixels	n/a
D1H	Feb 2001	2.7 mp	5 point	5.0 fps, 40 frames	2.0", 130K pixels	n/a
D2H	Jul 2003	4.1 mp	11 point	8.0 fps, 40 frames	2.5", 211K pixels	n/a
D2X	Sep 2004	12.2 mp	11 point	5.0 fps, 22 frames *1	2.5" 235K pixels	n/a
D2Hs	Feb 2005	4.1 mp	11 point	8.0 fps, 50 frames	2.5" 235K pixels	n/a
D2Xs	Jun 2006	12.2 mp	11 point	5.0 fps, 22 frames *1	2.5" 230K pixels	n/a
D3	Aug 2007	12.1 mp (FF)	51 point	9.0 fps, 130 frames *2	3.0" 922K pixels + Live View	n/a
D3X	Dec 2008	24.5 mp (FF)	51 point	5.0 fps, 130 frames *3	3.0" 922K pixels + Live View	n/a
D3S	Oct 2009	12.1 mp (FF)	51 point	9.0 fps, 130 frames *2	3.0" 922K pixels + Live View	720p

*1 Also 8 fps in cropped mode (6.7 MP)
*2 Up to 11 fps with DX format (5.1 MP)
*3 Up to 7 fps with DX format (10.5 MP)

Nikon D3S Key Features

• Newly redesigned 12.1 megapixel Full-Frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
• ISO 200 - 12,800 (ISO 100 - 102,400 including extension settings)
• 720p / 24 fps HD movie mode
• Eleven frames per second in continuous and DX mode
• Larger buffer for more than 30 RAW frames in one burst
• Multi-CAM3500FX Auto Focus sensor (51-point, 15 cross-type, more vertical coverage), fine-tuned for improved acquisition and tracking
• In-camera RAW processing
• Also supports DX lenses, viewfinder automatically masks (5.1 megapixels with DX lens)
• 14-bit A/D conversion, 12 channel readout
• Nikon EXPEED image processor
• Super fast operation (power-up 12 ms, shutter lag 41 ms, black-out 74 ms)
• Kevlar / carbon fibre composite shutter with 300,000 exposure durability
• Auto-focus tracking by color (using information from 1005-pixel AE sensor)
• Auto-focus calibration (fine-tuning) available (fixed body or up to 20 separate lens settings)
• Scene Recognition System (uses AE sensor, AF sensor)
• Dual Compact Flash card slots (overflow, back-up, RAW on 1 / JPEG on 2, Stills on 1 / Movies on 2, copy)
• Compact Flash UDMA support
• 3.0" 922,000 pixel LCD monitor
• Live View with either phase detect (mirror up/down) or improved (30% faster) contrast detect Auto Focus
• Virtual horizon indicates if camera is level, available on the LCD during video capture
• HDMI HD video output
• 'Active D-Lighting' 'Extra High' setting (adjusts metering as well as applying D-Lighting curve)
• Detailed 'Control Panel' type display on LCD monitor, changes in dark conditions
• Buttons sealed against moisture
• Dual battery charger as standard

Technology in Detail

12.3 megapixel self-cleaning CMOS sensor	Viewfinder pentaprism
Magnesium alloy shell with weather sealing	EXPEED processor
51-point Multi-CAM 3500FX AF sensor module	51 AF point locations in frame

Sony Announces Development of New Interchangeable Lens Camcorder

— Sony announced today the development of a new AVCHD camcorder that will feature an interchangeable lens system. Unlike Sony's current professional camcorders that offer lens mounts, this new line of camcorders will be compatible with the E Mount lens system that was developed for Sony's new NEX line of DSLR cameras. The new camcorder will also be compatible with A Mount DSLR lenses with the purchase of a mount adapter.

This announcement from Sony comes on the heels of Panasonic's announcement of the AG-AF100—the company's first camcorder to use the Micro Four Thirds lens mount system. With the announcement of these two models it is clear that the line between video-capable DSLRs and traditional camcorders is starting to blur. It seems that consumers want to have cheaper, better options when it comes to interchangeable lens systems on camcorders—and these new products are a big step in making this happen.

A conceptual "mock-up" image for Sony's new
interchangeable lens camcorder.

Both the Panasonic AG-AF100 and the new Sony E Mount camcorder are still in development so the details are very scarce. Sony has yet to announce a release date, price, or any prominent specs for its new camcorder. The only internal specs we can detail for sure is that the new Sony camcorder will be equipped with the same CMOS sensor as Sony's new digital cameras: the NEX-5 and NEX-3.

Sony launches DSLR-A390 & DSLR-A290 revised entry-level DSLRs

Sony has released the DSLR-A390 and DSLR-A290, its latest entry level digital SLRs. As suggested by the images leaked on the internet, the cameras essentially add a new grip design to the existing A230 and A380 models. The other major change is that both now get the image-stabilized 14.2MP CCD sensor seen in the A380. As with the previous models, the higher-priced A390 features the company's fast liveview system and a 2.7 tilting LCD, while the A290 has a fixed LCD, no liveview and larger viewfinder. The rest of the features are shared by both cameras including on-screen camera guides and HD outputs. The A390 and A290 will start shipping next month at a retail price of $600 and $500 in the US market and €500 and €450 in the European market.

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Press Release:

More style and value by Sony for first-time DSLR users

Easy-to-use DSLR-A390 and DSLR-A290 with 14.2 megapixels

• DSLR-A390 with 14.2 megapixels, Quick AF Live View and 6.7cm (2.7-inch) tilt LCD; DSLR-A290 with 14.2 megapixels
• Compact, stylish body with new grip design and revised button layout for comfortable handling
• Quick AF Live View with tilt LCD (α390) for live image preview with fast, accurate autofocus
• Friendly on-screen Help Guide and Graphic Display
• HDMI output and BRAVIA Sync

June 9, 2010: The α (Alpha) digital SLR range from Sony grows further with two stylish, affordable new entry-level cameras.

Ideal for first-time DSLR users, the DSLR-A390 (α390) and DSLR-A290 (α290) offer a dramatic step up in picture quality and creative options from point-and-shoot compact cameras. Just as importantly, they’re beautifully easy to use, even if you’ve never handled a DSLR before.

With a resolution of 14.2 effective megapixels for flawless, low-noise images, both cameras offer the speedy shooting responses that are prized by DSLR users. The α390 adds the extra benefit of Quick AF Live View. This unique system teams the convenience of live image preview on the tilt-angle Clear Photo LCD with speedy, accurate phase-detection autofocus.

The most affordable new DSLR from Sony, the α290 offers the same 14.2 effective megapixel resolution as the α390 in a compact body that weighs just 456g (excluding battery and media).

Both cameras feature an attractive new grip design that allows even more comfortable handling. Upper control areas of both models have also been revised with a clear, uncluttered new button layout.

Even DSLR novices will find it brilliantly simple to explore the generous creative features of both new cameras. The intuitive Graphic Display makes it easy to understand the relation between shutter speed and aperture, plus the effects of your chosen exposure settings on the final picture. The Help Guide offers clear, concise explanations of camera functions, illustrated by a sample image to show the results you’ll achieve. Quick access to shooting and playback function menus is streamlined by colourful on-screen icons.

The α390 and α290 include a mini-HDMI terminal for direct connection to any HD Ready TV (requires optional cable). Support for PhotoTV HD ensures even better-looking still image reproduction on compatible BRAVIA™ models. BRAVIA™ Sync allows control of slideshow and other camera playback functions in comfort using your TV remote.

The stylish, easy to use new α390 and α290 digital SLR cameras by Sony are available from summer 2010.

Sony DSLR-A390 & DSLR-A290 specifications

	A390	A290
Sensor	• 14.2 million effective pixels • 14.9 million effective pixels • 23.5 x 15.7 mm CCD sensor • RGB primary color filter
Anti-dust measures	• Sensor shake system • Static-free anti-dust coating
Anti-shake	• SteadyShot in-camera stabilization
Image sizes	• 4592 x 3056 (Large, 14.0 MP) • 3408 x 2272 (Medium, 7.7 MP) • 2288 x 1520 (Small, 3.5 MP) • 4592 x 2576 (Large, 12.0 MP, 16:9) • 3408 x 1920 (Medium, 6.5 MP, 16:9) • 2288 x 1280 (Small, 2.9 MP, 16:9)
Image quality	• RAW • RAW + JPEG • JPEG Fine • JPEG Normal
Color space	• sRGB • Adobe RGB
Lens mount	• Sony Alpha lenses (also compatible with Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lenses)
Autofocus	• TTL phase dectection • 9-point
Lens servo	• Single-servo AF (AF-S) • Continuous-servo AF (AF-C) • Automatic AF-S/AF-C (AF-A) • Manual focus (M)
AF Area mode	• Single-shot • Automatic • Continuous AF
AF Assist	Pop-up flash strobes
Exposure mode	• Programmed auto (P) with flexible program • Shutter-priority auto (S) • Aperture priority auto (A) • Manual (M) • Auto and 7 scene selection modes
Metering	Multi-pattern metering: • 40 Segment • Center weighted • Spot
Exposure compensation	• +/- 2.0 EV • 1/3 EV steps
AE Lock	Exposure locked at detected value with AEL button
Sensitivity	• Auto • ISO 100 • ISO 200 • ISO 400 • ISO 800 • ISO 1600 • ISO 3200
Shutter	• Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane type • 30 to 1/4000 sec (1/3 EV steps)
White balance	• Auto • Seven manual modes with 7-step fine-tuning • Daylight • Shade • Cloudy • Tungsten • Fluorescent • Flash • Custom
Image parameters	• Preset modes: Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Night view, Sunset, B&W • Contrast (–3 to +3 steps) • Saturation (–3 to +3 steps) • Sharpness (–3 to +3 steps) • D-Range Optimizer (Off, Standard, Advanced)
Viewfinder	• Optical fixed eye-level • Pentamirror type • Frame coverage 95% (approx.) • Viewfinder magnification approx. 0.74x with 50mm lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1 • Spherical Acute Matte focusing screen	• Optical fixed eye-level • Pentamirror type • Frame coverage 95% (approx.) • Viewfinder magnification approx. 0.83x with 50mm lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1 • Spherical Acute Matte focusing screen
LCD monitor	• 2.7" tilting TFT LCD • 230,400 dots	• 2.7" TFT LCD • 230,400 dots
Live View	• Pentamirror tilt system • 1200-zone evaluative metering • Frame coverage 90% (approx.) • Magnification: 1.4x or 2x selectable • Histogram display, real-time image adjustment display (Exposure compensation, white balance, Sunset/B&W of Creative Style)	No
Built-in flash	• Auto pop-up in Auto • Guide number approx. 10 at ISO 100 • ±2EV (in 0.3 EV steps)
Flash mode	• Auto • Fill-flash • Red-eye reduction • Rear flash sync • Slow sync • High speed sync • Wireless off-camera flash (with external flash HVL-F58AM, HVL-F56AM, HVL-F42AM, HVL-F36AM, HVL-F20AM)
Continuous shooting	• 2.5 fps with viewfinder 2.0 fps with Live View • JPEG: Limited only by storage • RAW: Approx. 6 frames • RAW+JPEG: Approx. 3 frames	• 2.5 fps with viewfinder • JPEG: Limited only by storage • RAW: Approx. 6 frames • RAW+JPEG: Approx. 3 frames
Self-timer	2 or 10 sec
Connectivity	• USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) • HDMI mini connector (Type C)
Power	Lithium-Ion battery pack NP-FH50
Battery life	Approx. 500 shots (CIPA standard)
Dimensions	Approx. 128.1 x 97.1 x 83.5mm	Approx. 128.1 x 97.1 x 79.6 mm
Weight (no batt)	Approx.497 g	Approx.456 g

Additional images

Panasonic unveils 8mm fisheye for Micro Four Thirds

Panasonic has announced an 8mm fisheye lens for the Micro Four Thirds system. Equivalent to 16mm on a full-frame camera, the Lumix G Fisheye 8mm F3.5 offers a diagonal angle of view of 180 degrees, and an ED glass element is designed to minimise chromatic aberration. Panasonic says the lens is the world's smallest and lightest of its type. It features a metal mount and (unlike the recently reviewed 7-14mm) can be used with gelatine filters. It will be available from July 2010, at a cost of around £729.99.

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Press Release:

The World’s Smallest and Lightest* Digital Interchangeable Fisheye Lens

LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm / F3.5 (H-F008)

Panasonic is pleased to announce a new interchangeable lens LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm / F3.5 (35 mm camera equivalent: 16 mm) for the New-Generation System Cameras LUMIX G Micro System. The new LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm / F3.5 offers a diagonal angle of view of 180-degree, bringing a distinctive perspective and unique deformation effect. It gives not only photos but also movies an extraordinary view to add an impressive scene to the story even for TV contents, films and web movies.

Comprising ten lenses in nine groups, the new lens system features an outstanding compactness, taking advantage of the Micro Four Thirds system standard to achieve dramatic downsizing to the world’s smallest and lightest size*. The adoption of an ED lens achieves a stable descriptive performance from close-up to infinity minimising chromatic aberration and distortion. The closest focusing distance is as short as 0.1m, however, the LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm / F3.5 incorporates inner focus system which enables a long working distance and users do not have to come closer to the subject even for the close-up shots.

The new LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm / F3.5 lens allows use of the high-speed and accurate contrast Auto Focus system when mounted on the LUMIX G Micro System cameras, for more comfortable and enjoyable shooting. Seven blades give the aperture a rounded shape that produces an attractively smooth effect in out-of-focus areas when shooting at larger aperture settings. Also, a sheet filter such as a gelatin filter can be inserted in the rear of the unit for free filter expression.
The inclusion of stepping motor makes the focusing action smooth and silent for use in both photo and movie recording. The lens also features a highly reliable metal mount, and uses multi-coated lens elements that minimise ghosts and flare to further enhance its optical performance. The optimally designed lens hood enables use even under strong sunlight.

The new lens will be available to purchase in the UK from July 2010, at a cost of £729.99

*For a digital interchangeable fisheye lens as of June 1, 2010.

LUMIX G FISHEYE 8mm F3.5 specifications

Lens construction	• 10 elements in 9 groups (1 ED element)
Mount	• Micro Four Thirds
Image stabilization	• No
Focal length	• 8mm (35mm equivalent 16mm)
Aperture type	• 7 diaphragm blades (circular aperture)
Aperture range	• F3.5-F22
Minimum focussing distance	• 0.1m/0.33ft
Maximum magnification	•Approx. 0.20x / 0.40x (35mm equivalent)
Diagonal angle of view	• 180°
Filter size	• NA (rear-mounting of gelatine filter possible only, Sheet filter holder 22mm / 0.86in x 22mm / 0.86in)
Dimensions	• 60.7mm x 51.7mm (2.39in x 2.04in)
Weight	• Approx 165g / 5.82oz
Accessories	• Lens cap • Rear cap • Lens storage bag

Additional images

Casio releases Exilim EX-H5 compact superzoom

Casio Europe has released the Exilim EX-H5 compact superzoom with 10x (24-240mm equiv.) zoom lens. The 12.1MP image stabilized camera comes with a 2.7 inch LCD, faster Exilim Engine 5.0 processor and features 720p HD video recording. The camera will be available from the end of this month at a suggested retail price of £149.99. The company has also announced the Exilim EX-FH25 superzoom, previously available in other markets, is now available in the Europe at an SRP of £399.99.

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Press Release:

Keep moments for eternity:
The new EXILIM EX-H5 and EXILIM EX-FH25 from CASIO

A compact hi-zoom model with 24 mm wide-angle and 10 x optical zoom as well as high-speed model with the new "high sensitivity CMOS sensor" and 20 x optical zoom

London, 31 May 2010 — Casio Electronics Co. Ltd presents two new models in the EXILIM product family. Moving scenes at a distance or difficult lighting conditions are a barrier to taking good photos for many cameras. But the perfect moment pays no attention to ideal photo conditions. The new EXILIM models successfully meet this challenge. Whereas the EX-H5 expands the successful segment of hi-zoom cameras at CASIO, the EX-FH25 combines the high-speed technology with the new "high sensitivity CMOS sensor" for high-speed photo and film sequences in a quality never seen before. Both digital cameras can also record HD videos in a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels.

EXILIM EX-H5 – hi-zoom for everyone
Thanks to a 24 mm wide-angle lens with 10 x optical zoom, mechanical image stabilizer using CCD shift technology and 12.1 effective megapixels, photographers are prepared for any scene with the
EX-H5. It is the ideal "tag along" camera as a result of its compact casing. No matter whether at family parties, out with friends or weekend trips - the EXILIM EX-H5 will capture all the great moments of life in high quality. The EXILIM EX-H5 also has a 6.9 cm (2.7 inch) TFT colour screen and such familiar functions as Landscape, Make-up or Art Short Mode as well as the new, improved Dynamic Photo function and numerous BEST SHOT scene programs.

The heart of the new digital camera is the EXILIM Engine 5.0 and this provides better quality in terms of colour brilliance, noise suppression and image editing. The camera responds to the photographer's wishes extremely quickly and offers short on/off times, optimized shutter delays and an intelligent auto focus that detects the size and contours of all the scene objects in the shortest possible time and optimizes the focus.

EXILIM EX-FH25 – with the "high sensitivity CMOS sensor" for brilliant images
Bad light, dusk or darkness? No problem for the EXILIM EX-FH25. With the new "high sensitivity CMOS sensor" each individual scene is recorded in outstanding brilliance and clarity. As a result of much higher light sensitivity compared to traditional sensors and the reduction of noise at the same time images are recorded with brilliant colours, strong contrasts and sharp details even in poor lighting conditions.

With the 20 x optical zoom with a mechanical image stabilizer, a powerful 26 mm wide-angle lens and a resolution of 10.1 megapixels, users have complete freedom to select their scene. Wide-ranging landscapes, large-scale sights and romantic sunsets are captured just as easily as distant objects zoomed up close. Even at 20 x optical zoom, the CMOS shift image stabilization significantly reduces the risk of lack of focus from shaking.

The familiar high-speed series captures special moments with up to 30 photos per second and a resolution of 9 megapixels. And those who press the shutter a little too late no longer need to get annoyed: the pre-record mode starts the recording as soon as the shutter is half pressed.

With the aid of high-speed film recording with up to 1000 images per second, the EX-FH25 can capture fast movements that the human eye cannot see. The user can choose between different recording speeds.

Ambitious hobby photographers who mainly want to take photos of fast scenes from nature or sport will really love this camera. The EX-FH25 offers a range of BEST SHOT modes for high-speed photo and film series. For high-speed lighting, for example, the camera takes three photos in a fraction of a second and each one has different light settings. These three photos are then automatically combined to make a perfect image. Other BEST SHOT modes are the High-speed Anti Shake that makes photos that tend to be unfocused due to hand movements clear and sharp.

Whether the High-speed Night Mode for better photos in the dark and very poor lighting conditions - the risk of shaky images can be reduced, even without a tripod.

The compact EXILIM EX-H5 digital camera is now available in silver, black and red.
The EXILIM EX-FH25 is also available in black.

Additional images

Panasonic Lumix G Vario 7-14mm F4 ASPH

Panasonic Lumix G Vario 7-14mm F4 ASPH review
Andy Westlake, May 2010

The Lumix G Vario 7-14mm F4 ASPH was the third lens Panasonic announced for its fledgling Micro Four Thirds system, back in March 2009. It certainly created a significant buzz on release, with the company taking advantage of the short back focus of the mirrorless mount to deliver a lens whose compact size belies its dramatically wide 114º angle of view and constant F4 maximum aperture. The 7-14mm is far and away the smallest zoom currently available to offer such a wide angle of view; compared to the Olympus equivalent for Four Thirds DSLRs its dimensions are shrunk by at least 20% each way, and it's just 40% of the weight.

Like all other zooms this wide, the 7-14mm F4 features a distinctive design, with a bulbous front element and an integrated hood to protect that large expanse of glass against stray light. The compact barrel houses no fewer than 16 pieces of glass, arranged into 12 groups, and including two aspherical and 4 extra-low dispersion glass elements to combat aberrations. However a side-effect of that large dome of glass at the front is that there's no facility to attach filters to the lens.

The 7-14mm is small and impressively spec'ed, but this does come at an eye-watering price: its $1000 tag is significantly higher than any APS-C wide zoom, and not so far off the Nikon 14-24mm F2.8, which not only covers a full frame sensor but is also a stop faster. It's also a lot more than Olympus's Micro Four Thirds wideangle - the tiny M Zuiko Digital 9-18mm F4-5.6 - which we praised for its combination of decent optics and remarkable compactness. So what extra does the Panasonic offer that might tempt you to spend all that money?

Headline features

• Super-wideangle zoom range (14-28mm equivalent)
• Compact design
• F4 constant maximum aperture
• Micro Four Thirds mount for Olympus and Panasonic cameras

Foreword / notes

If you're new to digital photography you may wish to read some of our Digital Photography Glossary before diving into this article (it may help you understand some of the terms used).

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Dpreview use calibrated monitors at the PC normal gamma 2.2, this means that on our monitors we can make out the difference between all of the grayscale blocks below. We recommend to make the most of this review you should be able to see the difference (at least) between X,Y and Z and ideally also A, B and C.

Angle of view

The pictures below illustrate the focal length range:

7mm (14mm equivalent)	14mm (28mm equivalent)

Carl Zeiss announces Distagon T* 2,8/25 ZF.2 lens for Nikon

Carl Zeiss has announced the ZF.2 version of its 25mm f/2.8 wide angle prime lens for Nikon F mount. The company's ZF.2 series of manual focus lenses comes with an electronic interface (CPU), allowing full support of automatic exposure modes and the inclusion of lens-related data to the EXIF. The Distagon T* 2,8/25 ZF.2 lens is now available at a retail price of €755.46.

Press Release:

Capture it all—the new ZEISS wide-angle lens
with electronic interface

Carl Zeiss presents the Distagon T* 2,8/25 ZF.2 for F bayonet mount

OBERKOCHEN, Germany—June 8, 2010. Wide-angle lenses capture a large depth of field: A dragonfly that lands on a water lily while you can clearly make out the numerous blossoms behind its shimmering body; rocks, moss and cracks which create designs and formations extending to the horizon.

The Distagon T* 2,8/25 lens from Carl Zeiss can create such unusual perspectives—in more than just nature photography. Now this popular and time-tested wide-angle lens is also available in a ZF.2 version for single-lens digital reflex cameras with F bayonet. With its very small focal distance, this newcomer to the ZF.2 lens series offers all the creative possibilities of manual focusing in photography. The ZF.2 has an electronic interface (CPU) that supports all exposure modes of the camera like shutter priority, aperture priority and program mode, as well as manual mode (even with camera bodies without AI-coupling lever).

The Distagon T* 2,8/25 ZF.2 is therefore ideal for photo enthusiasts who value creative, high-quality images alongside the comfort of automatic exposure control. You no longer have to manually set the data for focal length and speed in the cameras menu because the lens passes on these parameters to the camera. In addition to standard data such as lens manufacturer, date and metering mode, lens data such as the correct aperture value is also automatically saved. Thus, the ZF.2 lens is easy to use, even under tough situations. Martin Klottig, Marketing Manager for the Camera Lens Division of Carl Zeiss AG explains: “Often, you’ll find that you’re pressed for time to capture that perfect shot, for example when photographing animals. The Distagon T* 2,8/25 ZF.2 enables the photographer to hold on to just the right moment and take unique shots with confidence each time.”

The new Distagon T* 2,8/25 ZF.2 is available at a retail price of 755,46 € (excluding VAT). The ZF.2 lenses come in eight additional focal lengths, 3,5/18, 2,8/21, 2/28, 2/35, 1,4/50, 1,4/85, and the two macros 2/50 and 2/100. For more information, visit www.zeiss.com/photo.