GoPro has released two new firmware updates for their HERO4 Black and Silver models. Version 02.00.00 adds a time-lapse video mode; a burst photo capture rate of 30 frames in six seconds; auto rotate mode; and HiLight Tags, which allows a user to mark key moments. HERO4 Black version cameras also get two new frame rates: 720p/240 fps and 2.7K at 60 fps.
Olympus has announced that they are developing an 8mm f1.8 fisheye lens for their micro 4/3 system cameras. It will offer the equivalent to a 16mm FOV on a 35mmm camera and the company is developing a lens port that will allow it top be used with the new OM-D E-M5 Mark II and its associated PT-EP13 housing.
Olympus has announced the OM-D E-M5 Mark II mirrorless micro 4/3 camera. It features a redesigned 16 megapixel sensor with a 40 megapixel “high-resolution shot mode” that captures 8 images simultaneously and blends them together in camera. It has 5 axis stabilization and can shoot 1080 HD video at 60fps.
The Japanese Camera and Imaging Products Association (CIPA) publishes an annual report of camera sales world wide and have just released the 2014 numbers. Of a total of 43 million units, SLR bodies accounted for 10.55 million (13.8 million in 2013) and mirrorless cameras 3.2 million (3.39 in 2013). The sales of compact cameras continues to fall rapidly, with shipments of 29 million units in 2014.
Researchers have voiced concern about a new species of neurotoxic side gilled seagull that are having a dramatic increase in population off the coast of Argentina. The new species, similar to Pleurobranchaea maculata (pictured above) which is found off Australia and New Zealand, has no predators, and is hence able to outcompete indigenous species. (Image by Heike Wägele & Annette Klussmann-Kolb)
An apparent combination of low tides and cold weather created an influx of over 300 manatees (Trichechus manatus) into Three Sisters Spring, Crystal River, Florida on Monday. This lead to the US Fish and Wildlife Service issuing a temporary closure (to the public) of Three Sisters Springs.
Nauticam has announced their Compact Macro Converter 1. The converter lens is designed specifically for fixed lens compact and mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. The retail price is $320 US.
The deadline for the 2015 Our World Underwater International Photo and Video Competition, hosted by Wetpixel and Divephotoguide is February 8th, 2015.
A rare megamouth shark was discovered in a fisherman’s net this week in the Philippines. The megamouth shark is so rare in fact, that less than 70 specimens have ever been recorded, the first being in 1976.
Sea&Sea has announced full details of their housing for the Nikon D810. The MDX-D810 is compatible with their Internal Optical YS converter and the new Fiber Optic cable II. It also features a zoom/focus gear that can be retracted in order to insert big diameter lenses.