Articles
3D Expansion kit for GoPro HERO cameras
Amidst all the new product releases at CES, Engadget has reported on a revised expansion kit to combine two GoPro HD HERO cameras into one housing with a synchronization cable to shoot full 1080p 3D video. The cable will make sure that both cameras are recording in sync. GoPro state that all 1080p HD HERO cameras will be compatible with the 3D Expansion kit.
it is expected to launch in the next few months, and prices have not yet been disclosed.
Registrations open for Underwater Festival Shootout 2011
The Underwater Festival 2011, tagged “the Australasia Challenge”, has announced that it is accepting early registrations for the Shootout to be held from 2 to 11 September 2011. This will take place Australasia-wide, with the proviso that any images or video submitted must have been taken during the competition period. The competition is currently offering over $150,000 worth of prizes.
As a bonus for early registration, the organizers are offering special lucky draw prizes for competitors who register before 31 March 2011.
Olympus releases full details of the PEN E-PL2 EVIL camera
At the CES show in Las Vegas, Nevada, Olympus has revealed full details of their PEN E-PL2 EVIL camera. Details and images have been widely leaked prior to the show, but highlights include a high ISO ability of up to 6400, a new 14-42mm lens and 720p HD video. Olympus has also released details of a range of accessories including fisheye, wide-angle and macro add-on lenses as well as the underwater housing reported previously.
The new camera is priced at $599.99 including the new lens, and is expected to be on sale this month.
The Secret of Pig Island published
The Secret of Pig Island, by Jennifer R. Nolan and featuring the photography of Jim Abernethy and Eric Cheng is now available to purchase. Author Jennifer R. Nolan was aboard the Shear Water in 2007, when Jim showed her his images of the wild pigs that inhabit the beaches of the Bahamas, and from this came the seeds of the idea for this book. The Secret of Pig Island centers on a little pig with a big secret. When a boy ventures out to a tropical island which is a sacred home to a herd of wild pigs, he discovers a lesson to bring back to humankind. The book features a message about protecting planet Earth that all readers, young and old, are sure to enjoy.
Sony 3D cameras announced at CES
At CES this week, Sony announced 3D-ready camcorders with glasses-free displays. The 1080p 3D Bloggie pocket camera (with 2.4” glasses-free 3D LCD) will be around $200 (MHS-FS3), and a “Double Full HD” 3D camcorder with dual image sensors and lenses will be around $1500 (HDR-TD10).
Also interesting are Sony’s new line of Cybershot cameras, most of which are “3D capable” by taking two consecutive shots at different focus positions that are combined somehow to produce a 3D effect. I’m not sure how effective 3D without parallax will be, but it’s pretty clear that Sony is taking 3D very seriously!
Canon releases XA10 camcorder
Canon has announced a new camcorder: The XA10. Designed to be compact and lightweight but still have pro features, the camera records full 1080p video using an AVCHD codec. The camera features a detachable handle, which may help housing options, a 1920 x 1080 CMOS sensor, variable frame rates, waveform monitor and peaking or magnifying focus assist options.
The camera has a 64GB internal memory and the ability to record to SDXC cards via two slots. The camera is due for release in March and will retail at $1999.
Rick Allen injured in accident
Rick Allen and his wife, Cindy Burnham, both of Nautilus Productions, have been injured by an exploding cylinder at their home. Rick is a well-known photographer and videographer, with multiple credits on both National Geographic and Discovery channels. Rick is still in a critical condition in UNC Hospitals’ Jaycee Burn Center, while Cindy has been released after having been treated for facial cuts.
I’m sure that the Wetpixel community will join in sending wishes for a speedy recovery to them.
Epson Red Sea World Shoot-Out
Epson Red Sea has announced a 6 day World Shoot-Out which will take place from 1 to 6 August, 2011, in any natural water resource found around the world. The concept is that people register for the competition and send their images taken during the week via internet upload. These are then judged with winners being announced at the Epson Red Sea Eilat event. The World Shoot-Out has numerous entry categories including: Destination, wide-angle, macro, ship/plane wreck and amateur. All entrants must be registered by 2 August, with the judging taking place from 7 to 10 August and the winners being announced in Eilat on 19 November.
Prizes, entry rules and procedures are fully explained on the Epson Red Sea site.