Wetpixel/Under The Jungle Cenote Workshop 2021
Articles
Call for entries: South East Florida Underwater Photo contest.
The Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative (SEFCRI) is calling for entries to its Underwater Photography competition. All entries must have been taken on southeast Florida reefs north of Biscayne National Park into Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Martin counties. The contest offers three entry categories: Reef inhabitants, coral and reefscapes and historical reef photos.
Full entry and prize details can be downloaded in a pdf document. The deadline for entries is 6 September.
Firmware updates for LUMIX LX5, G3, GF3 and GF2
In conjunction with the release of other products, Panasonic has announced a series of firmware updates for the LUMIX LX5, G3, GF3 and GF2. Firmware version 1.1 for the G and GF series EVIL cameras will be available at the beginning of September and allows the cameras to use the functions in the new X series of zoom lenses.
Firmware version 2.0 for LX-5 speeds up AF performance, adds improved high ISO settings, improves shutter button operation and allows for manual adjustment of LCD settings amongst other functions. It will be available from 13 September via the Panasonic support site.
Panasonic releases 14-42mm pancake zoom
Panasonic has announced two new lenses for the LUMIX G EVIL micro system. One is a 45-75mm zoom, but the other, the LUMIX G X VARIO PZ 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / POWER O.I.S has some potential for underwater use. It has built-in optical image stabilization (O.I.S.) and is exceptionally small and compact. It also features inner focusing driven by a stepping motor, making it suitable for inclusion into underwater housings and ports.
However, the lens has a minimum focus distance of 20cm (14-20mm) and 30cm (21-42mm).
Raja Ampat Tag Design contest deadline extended
The 2012 Raja Ampat Entrance Tag design contest’s deadline for entries has been extended until Tuesday 30 August. The shortlisted entries will be available to vote on until 15 September and the winner announced on 20 September. The designs will be on every divers BCD when they visit Raja Ampat and the winners stand to win an all-inclusive, minimum 8-day dive trip at a resort or liveaboards in Raja Ampat.
Designs should be a photographic or graphic design that capture the spirit of Raja Ampat diving. Please see the contest’s page for more details and how to enter.
Sony launches the NEX-7 EVIL camera
In addition to the A77 SLT detailed in an earlier post, Sony also launched the NEX-7 EVIL camera yesterday. In a recent editorial, reposted on the Wetpixel forum, the team at DivePhotoGuide were critical of the NEX-7’s predecessor, the NEX-5, due to its poor control layout, and shutter lag. It is interesting to note that the NEX-7 has completely redesigned controls and claims a:
“shutter release lag of just 0.02 seconds – the fastest of any interchangeable lens digital camera in the world.”
Lens choice may still present a challenge, particularly for underwater use.
Full details of Sony A77 SLT camera
Sony announced the release of the A77 SLT (single lens translucent) camera yesterday, and it is apparent that this is an important camera. dpreview has posted a hands-on preview of it already, and it seems that it has the potential to be a serious competitor to the established brand leaders.
Specs include 12 fps burst shooting, 19 point AF, 24.3 megapixel Exmor sensor, HD movie capability at 50p/25p and an ISO sensitivity range from 50 to 16000. In video mode, the camera allows for manual focusing and P/A/S/M exposure modes.
When the specifications of this camera were leaked, it was noted that this is a camera that housing manufacturers should be including in their plans.
Sony launches NEX-VG20E camcorder
Sony has released the NEX-VG20E camcorder, which has been billed as the first consumer camcorder with an interchangeable lens. The camera will shoot in HD with an AVCHD format with 50p and 25p frame rate options and will take Sony E mount lenses. It has an effective 16 megapixel resolution via a Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor, with a BIONS image processor. Lastly it outputs to an SD memory card.
Prices are still to be announced and the expected release date is in November 2011.
Nikon announces compact camera models.
Nikon has announced the release of six new compact cameras, including a new flagship model, the P7100 and a rugged model, the AW100. The P7100 features an effective pixel count of 10.1-million pixels and is equipped with a 1/1.7-inch primary color filter CCD image sensor and a 7.1x optical zoom NIKKOR lens. The P7100 claims to offer faster image processing with increased noise-reduction processing capabilities.
The AW100/AW100s was touted (by some) to be a replacement for the venerable and iconic Nikonos series. It is Nikon’s first compact digital camera with waterproof, shock-proof and cold-resistant specifications and has an effective pixel count of 16.0-million pixels. As it is only waterproof to 10 meters (33 feet) it is of limited importance for underwater photography per se, but it does mark a new line of AW series compacts from Nikon that may yet hold some promise. It is available in orange!