We’ve just posted the second in our series of rugged/underwater camera reviews. This time around, we’re taking a look at the Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS, whose main claim to fame is its 25-100mm lens, which has a maximum aperture of F2 at wide-angle. The TG-2 also boasts a fully-featured GPS, limited manual controls, wireless flash control, and a unique ‘tap control’ feature. For all the details – and our conclusions – follow the link.
Triggertrap’s new flash adapter activates any hot shoe-equipped flash from an iPhone using a specialized mobile dongle, flash adapter and iOS app – ideal for freezing high-speed action using your off-camera flash. If you’re trying to catch a bullet mid-flight, it is very difficult if the flash is connected to your camera, but Triggertrap’s sound-activated system makes it a little easier. Learn more about how it works on connect.dpreview.com.
A new Tumblr blog, SunTimes/DarkTimes is documenting the effects of the recent layoffs at the photo department of the Chicago Sun-Times. The blog is posting comparisons highlighting the difference between photo coverage in the Sun-Times to that of the Chicago Tribune. The results certainly seem to reinforce the views of many commentators who warned that the Sun-Times’ photo coverage would suffer as a result of the cost-cutting. Click through for some images and a link to the SunTimes/DarkTimes Tumblr.
We’ve all been there – your friend Carl is over by the fridge, getting some ice, and there you are with an expensive new Carl Zeiss lens, and you’re describing it to someone, and Carl keeps saying ‘What? What did you say? Do you want ice?’ It’s confusing. No wonder then that German lens manufacturer Carl Zeiss has decided to officially drop the ‘Carl’ and will henceforth be known simply as ZEISS. According to the manufacturer’s blog, the decision was taken to ‘create consistency’ across its brand communications. Click through for more details (and no more terrible Carl puns, we promise).
Panasonic has announced the Lumix G 20mm F1.7 II ASPH, a revised version of its classic fast pancake lens for Micro Four Thirds. The H-HS020A, as Panasonic likes to call it, features a metallic exterior and slightly reduced weight, and will come in a choice of silver or black finishes. The optical design appears to be unchanged, with 7 elements in 5 groups including 2 aspheric elements; not a bad thing as its predecessor is one of our favourite lenses. The 20mm F1.7 II will be available from 29th July at an RRP of £349 (US pricing and availability has not been confirmed).
Sony today announced its new HVL-F43M flash. This flash, which replaces the HVL-F43AM and is compatible with Sony’s Multi Interface Shoe, which can be found on the modern SLT, NEX, and R-series cameras. Another new addition is a LED video lamp for brightening up subjects for still and video recording. The HVL-F43M retains the ‘Quick Shift Bounce’ feature of its predecessor, which allows you to rotate the flash 90 degrees for portrait shooting. The flash will be available in July for $ 400.
Just posted: Sony Cyber-shot DSCRX1R hands-on preview. We’ve had a few days to try out Sony’s new Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R, the sister camera to the RX1. The only difference between these two full-frame enthusiast cameras is that the RX1R’s 24MP sensor lacks an anti-aliasing filter. We’ve created a hands-on preview of the RX1R, including a gallery of real-world samples and some preliminary studio tests, to give you an idea of how the new camera performs. Click through for our preview.
Sony has introduced the new Cyber-shot RX1R full-frame premium compact camera. In terms of operation and functionality the RX1R is exactly the same as the RX1 that’s been on sale since last Fall, the only difference being that it has no anti-aliasing (AA) filter. In theory, this means that you’ll get even better resolution than the original RX1, with the trade-off of increased moiré. Everything else remains the same as before, which means that the RX1R sports an F2, 35mm lens, 24MP CMOS sensor, 1080/60p movie recording, and much more. Click through for more details.
Just posted: Our hands-on preview of the new Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II. The RX100 II offers a host of improvements over its predecessor, including a new BSI-CMOS sensor, hot shoe, and articulating LCD. We’ve had a working sample of Sony’s new 20MP CX-format compact for a few days, and we’ve prepared a hands-on preview, including a gallery of real-world shots, showing off its improved image quality. Click through for a link to the preview.
The other big announcement from Sony today is a ‘Mark II’ version of its popular Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 compact camera. The RX100 II features a new 1-inch, 20.2 megapixel back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor, which Sony claims is 40% more sensitive in low light than its predecessor. Other improvements including a tilting rear LCD, Multi Interface hotshoe, and Wi-Fi and NFC capability. Click through for more details.