Sigma announces EF-530 DG SUPER & ST flash units

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of the new ELECTRONIC FLASH EF-530 DG SUPER.EF-530 DG SUPER features a powerful Guide Number of 53 and is designed to work with the latest TTL auto exposure systems of all popular manufacturers' digital SLR cameras. Among the advanced features of this flash are modeling flash function, multi pulse flash, TTL wireless flash, FP (high speed) flash, rear-curtain Synchro flash and manual flash mode which allows the photographer to set the flash power level by up to eight stops. The Auto Power-Off function automatically shuts off the LCD panel to help save battery power. When the flashgun is fully charged, a confirmation ‘ready' light will be emitted. The auto zoom function automatically sets the optimum illumination angle in accordance with the lens' focal length in a range from 24mm to 105mm. When the built-in Wide Panel is used, the flash can cover the angle of 17mm.For bounce flash, the flashgun head can be tilted up by 90 degrees, to the left by 180 degrees, or to the right by 90 degrees. It can also be tilted down by 7 degrees allowing ease of use for close-up photography.

Sigma EF-530 DG SUPER features
• Features a powerful guide number of 53.
• Designed to work with the new TTL systems of all the popular manufacturers.
• Covers a focal length from 24mm to 105mm.
• Autozoom function automatically sets the optimum illumination angle.

For Detailed visit : www.dcviews.com/press/Sigma-EF-530.htm

Fujifilm Europe announces 9 megapixel Finepix F47fd

The new FinePix F47fd is the latest in Fujifilm's range of advanced compact digital cameras. Offering a 9.0 million pixel resolution, this camera model further enhances the reputation of its predecessor the FinePix F40fd.

Featuring Fujifilm's proprietary Real Photo Processor II, Super CCD HR VI and hardware-based Face Detection, the new model continues the F series tradition of delivering sophisticated technology in a smart compact body.

In addition, the F47fd offers quality ISO 2000 sensitivity at full resolution, which delivers detailed, versatile images that can be cropped or printed at large sizes. The 3.0x optical zoom lens and long life battery are just two other stunning features that make this the ideal take-anywhere-digital camera.

Real Photo Technology

Fujifilm's Real Photo Technology brings together CCD, processor and lens to deliver images of optimum quality that are rich in colour, detail and sharpness and low in noise.

Fujifilm's proprietary Super CCD HR VI is a unique octagonal shape, which means it has a larger surface area than traditional sensors, making it more sensitive to light.

This gives Fujifilm's FinePix cameras their high ISO sensitivity ratings, which mean faster shutter speeds and a reduction of image blur. The Real Photo Processor II has a unique double 'noise' reduction algorithm, which is highly effective at reducing the grain that can ruin pictures in low light. The FinePix F47fd achieves ISO 2000 (1600 selectable) at full resolution, which allows you to capture priceless memories with every gradation of light and colour, even in low-light situations without flash.

For detailed visit www.dcviews.com/press/Fuji-F47fd.htm

Canon PowerShot S5 IS

The Canon PowerShot S5 IS ($499) is the follow-up to the incredibly popular PowerShot S3, which was introduced in February of last year. The S5 takes an already excellent camera and improves up on it, adding these new features:

• 8 Megapixel CCD (versus 6MP on the S3)
• DIGIC III image processor
• Large LCD display (2.5" vs 2.0")
• Hot shoe for external flash
• Higher top sensitivity (ISO 1600 vs 800)
• In-camera redeye reduction
• Face detection AF
• Ability to record longer movie clips

What hasn't changed since the S3? The S5 IS still has a 12X optical zoom lens, optical image stabilization, full manual controls, a rotating LCD display, and a top-notch movie mode. A few things have changed for the worse, though, including the continuous shooting rate and battery life.

The PowerShot S3 (along with its two predecessors) was one of my top picks in the ultra zoom category. Does the new S5 continue the tradition? Find out now in our review!

What's in the Box?

The PowerShot S5 IS has an average bundle. Inside the box, you'll find:

• The 8.0 effective Megapixel PowerShot S5 camera
• 32MB Secure Digital memory card
• Four AA alkaline batteries
• Neck strap
• USB cable
• A/V output cable
• CD-ROM featuring Canon Digital Camera Solution
• 33 page basic + 201 page advanced + 84 page software manuals (all printed)

Source : www.dcresource.com

Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD2

After I reviewed the Canon PowerShot TX1, I received several requests to review the Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD2 ($699 list price). Now, I've never used a Sanyo camera before, but I was game for trying the HD2, since it sounded pretty interesting -- at least on the surface.

The VPC-HD2 features a 7.1 Megapixel CCD, 10X optical zoom lens, a 2.2" rotating LCD display, full manual controls, and HDMI output. And did I mention the 720p movie mode that records stereo sound? If that sounds a lot like the PowerShot TX1, you're right. The main differences are size (the TX1 is smaller) and image stabilization (the TX1's is optical, the HD2's is digital and only for videos).

I'm yet to be won over by any of the camera/camcorder hybrids, which include the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-M1/M2 and the PowerShot TX1 that I already mentioned. Will the Sanyo HD2 break the mold? Find out now in our review!

What's in the Box?

The VPC-HD2 has an excellent bundle. Inside the box, you'll find:

* The 7.1 effective Megapixel Xacti VPC-H2 digital camera
* DB-L40 lithium-ion rechargeable battery
* Camera dock
* AC adapter
* Lens cap w/retaining strap
* Wireless remote control
* Soft camera case
* Cable adapter
* Microphone connection cable
* USB cable
* Component video cable
* A/V output cable
* CD-ROMs featuring Photo Explorer and DVD MovieFactory
* 212 page camera manual (printed)

Source : www.dcresource.com

Camera Lens Olympus ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm 1:4.0-5.6

This autumn, Olympus introduces the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm 1:4.0-5.6. Designed for the specific demands of digital photography, this extreme telephoto lens delivers 4.28x zoom power – up to a phenomenal focal length equivalent of 300mm (600mm on a 35mm camera system). Despite such high-performance attributes, this ultra-compact model only weighs in at around half as much as its competition. This makes it the ideal travel lens to accompany any Four Thirds Standard digital SLR.

With magnification muscle extending to 300mm (600mm in 35mm equivalent terms), the ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm 1:4.0-5.6 is remarkably powerful yet remains astoundingly portable: The lens measures a mere 127mm and weighs just 620g. Naturally, being based on the Four Thirds Standard, image quality is never compromised.

Three ED lens elements are integrated to ensure razor-sharp results across the entire zoom range by minimising chromatic aberration that can otherwise occur at long focal lengths. Furthermore, multicoated lenses have also been incorporated to reduce ghosting and flaring against backlight, while a circular iris helps to achieve smooth, soft background defocusing.

Telephoto macro shots from a minimum distance of 96cm in manual mode and 1.2m in autofocus are possible across the entire breadth of the focal range, giving the photographer plenty of working space for close-ups of difficult subjects. Moreover, full-on macro shooting with maximum magnification of 0.5x (equivalent to 1x on a conventional 35mm camera system) is possible, while the zoom range gives the photographer control over framing and composition without the need to change position.

The ultra-compact, lightweight super telephoto lens is a perfect complement for the recently-launched Olympus E-510. Thanks to an image stabiliser built directly into the camera itself, it protects shots against the effects of camera shake – even at the extreme zoom levels this remarkable lens enables.

The ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 70-300mm 1:4.0-5.6 will be available from late October 2007.

Source : www.dpreview.com/news