Wednesday, September 12th, 2012

Sony announces the NEX-VG900 and VG30 camcorders

In addition to the still cameras released today, Sony has also released details of the NEX-VG900 full frame interchangeable lens and the NEX-VG30H APS C sized sensor camcorders. The former uses a 35mm 24.3 megapixel Exmoor sensor, features AVCHD version 2 60p (VG900E captures 50p) recording, as well as 24p and 25p with CinemaTone Gamma™ and CinemaTone Color™ presets and the XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ EVF as well as a 3” LCD panel. The camcorder is capable of taking stills in RAW format too. It will be available from November at $3,300.

The NEX-VG30 has a 16.1 megapixel APS C sensor and utilizes Sony E mount lenses. It can also capture footage at 60p (50p) or 24p (25p) as well as still images. It features the same EVF as the VG900. It will be available from November too at $1,800.

Wednesday, September 12th, 2012

Sony announces the NEX-6 EVIL camera and new lenses

Sony has updated its EVIL camera line-up with the NEX-6 camera and three new lenses. The camera features a 16.1 megapixel APS sensor, with an ISO extendable to 25600. Key features are the incorporation of the XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ EVF, as used on the NEX-7, the addition of a control dial on the top of the camera and the “Multi interface” hotshoe which supports both standard contacts and proprietary connector. AF is the Fast Hybrid combined phase and contrast detection syatstem introduced on the NEX-5R, and the camera has the wi-fi and app capabilities of this model too. The NEX-6 will be available from November for $850 (body only).

The three lenses introduced are a 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 powered zoom (from January at $350), a 35mm f/1.8 prime (from November at $450) and a 10-18mm f/4 wide-angle zoom (again November at $850). All three feature Optical SteadyShot image stabilization.

Wednesday, September 12th, 2012

Sony unveils the DSC-RX1 full-frame compact camera

Amidst a bunch of other new products, Sony has announced the release of the RX1 full-frame sensor compact camera. It features a 24.3 megapixel 35mm Exmor™ CMOS sensor with a Carl Zeiss Sonnar T 35mm F2 prime lens which incorporates an integrated macro mode allowing a 20cm minimum focusing distance. ISO sensitivity ranges from ISO 100 – 25600 and the camera has full manual controls with an aperture and focus mode dial. Video is Full HD movie footage in all lighting conditions at a choice of 60p or 24p (progressive) frame rates, and thee camera has a peaking mode to assist with focus.

The DSC-RX1 will be available from November at $2800.

Wednesday, September 12th, 2012

Sony introduces SLT-A99 full frame SLR

Sony has announced the successor to its A900 Translucent mirror SLR. The a99 features, for the first time for Sony, a full-frame 24.3 megapixel Exmor sensor. This is combined with a “multi-segment optical” low pass filter to give 14 bit RAW images. Native ISO is 100 to 6400 (extendable to 25600) and a new dual AF system boasts 19 contrast detection points and 102 phase detection points. The camera also offers full-frame full HD 50p/25p (switchable to 60p/24p) progressive video recording to AVCHD Version 2.0 specifications with an HD output via HDMI and a full-time continuous AF Movie mode.

The A99 will be available from October at a retail price of $2800.00.

Tuesday, September 11th, 2012

The Reef SET is available in ebook format

New World Publications has announced the release of their Reef SET series of fish, creature and coral identification guides by Paul Human and Ned DeLoach in an ebook format. The series is for Florida, the Caribbean and Bahamas and joins their Tropical Pacific guides that were launched in ebook format earlier this year. The ebooks feature search functions, as well as the ability to create highlights, make notes and bookmark items.

All the New World Publications guides are available now for $29.95 each on Blio. Sales are currently restricted to the U.S, U.K, Canada and Mexico.

Tuesday, September 11th, 2012

Inon announces new Z Adapter

Inon has announced the Z Adapter II. This aluminum accessory allows a 1” ball to be attached to Inon’s popular Z, D and S series strobes and also to Inon’s Grip Base system and LE focus light holders. It’s all-metal construction should ensure durability even with long and heavy arm and strobe combinations.

The Z Adapter II is available now, with prices to be determined locally.

Tuesday, September 11th, 2012

British Wildlife Photography Awards announced

The results of the 2012 British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA) have been announced. The winning image, by Dr. Matthew Doggett, is a stunning underwater image of gannets feeding. Wetpixel members are very well represented in the awards, with Wetpixel Associate Editor, Alex Mustard, winning the habitat category with an image of a grey seal in a cave. Congratulations to all the winners, who will all be featured in the BWPA book that is due to be published imminently.

Tuesday, September 11th, 2012

Article suggest lemon sharks learn from peers

An article in the journal Animal Cognition, suggests that juvenile lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris) can learn from observing the actions of other sharks. A test was devised by the researchers in which the sharks had to perform a task in order to receive a reward of food. Once habituated to the task, new sharks were introduced and paired with “demonstrators”. At the same time, other sharks were paired with sharks that had not “learnt” the task/reward process. The sharks that had been paired with the “demonstrators” were capable of faster overall task performance.

Although this is well documented in bony fishes, this is the first time that this has been studied in cartilaginous ones.

Sunday, September 9th, 2012

A tribute to Ron Taylor (1934-2012)

It is with great regret that I have to let the Wetpixel community know that underwater pioneer, Ron Taylor, passed away early on Sunday morning. Originally a spearfisherman, Ron built his first SCUBA set up from military surplus aeroplane parts in 1955, and subsequently renounced his speargun in favor of underwater cameras. His first film “Playing with Sharks” was released in 1962, and thereafter, he sought to show audiences the wonder and majesty of the underwater world, and especially, sharks. He became a passionate advocate of the oceans and their inhabitants, and his legacy is his role in the creation of a worldwide awareness and appreciation of the marine environment.

Our thoughts go out to his wife, Valerie, and family. Please follow the links to a eulogy for Ron by Douglas David Seifert, World Editor, DIVE Magazine.

Saturday, September 8th, 2012

Wetpixel at Photokina 2012

Photokina is the world’s leading imaging fair. It is held every two years in Cologne, Germany and will pay host to almost 1,000 imaging companies from 18 to 23 September this year. Rumors are already flying around about the new products that will be on show and Wetpixel Editor Adam Hanlon will be attending to ensure that the Wetpixel community is kept abreast of all the latest innovations.

Full show coverage will be posted here on the Wetpixel front page, so if you want to know what is new and exciting, please check back often.

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