Photo news - W/E 16th June

[Kym]

http://www.pentax.jp/english/news/2013/20130613_1.html

Pentax announce a new mid-range model K-50, 16.2 Mpx, APS-C, AUTO/100 to 51200 (EV steps can be set to 1EV, 1/2EV, or 1/3EV)


PENTAX RICOH IMAGING COMPANY, LTD. is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX K-50 digital SLR camera. Developed as the model to feature a weather-resistant, dustproof construction,* this compact, lightweight camera offers outstanding operability and maneuverability, with many of the advanced shooting features found only in upper-class models.

The PENTAX K-50 boasts outstanding basic specifications that rival many upper-class models, including high-speed continuous shooting at approximately six images per second, super-high-sensitivity shooting at ISO 51200, and high-precision AF with accurate tracking of moving subjects. This means that beginning digital SLR users and casual family photographers can enjoy high-quality digital photography with very little effort. The K-50 also features a weather-resistant, dustproof construction to assure solid performance under demanding outdoor conditions, and also to reduce the need for maintenance. It even provides a wide range of advanced shooting features, such as full HD movie recording and a selection of creative tools such as digital filters, to accommodate various shooting requirements. It can be powered by easy-to-obtain AA-size batteries,** in addition to the standard lithium-ion battery.

Launched simultaneously with the K-50 camera body, two lens kits feature simplified weather-resistant lenses — the smc PENTAX-DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6AL WR, and the smc PENTAX-DA L 50-200 F4-5.6ED WR — to enhance the reliability and dependability of the K-50 imaging system.



Pentax K-50 highlights:

Special order in one of 120 color combinations
Full weather-sealed for exceptional outdoor performance
16-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
Prime M image processor
6FPS framerate
1/6000 maximum shutter speed
ISO 100-51,200
100% viewfinder coverange with 0.92x magnification
4 optional focusing screens
1080p video at 30FPS in H.264 .MOV format
Dual control wheels for easy operation
Body-based shake reduction
Dual-axis electornic level
11-point autofocus
3-inch LCD screen with 921k dots (VGA)


More Pentax news at: http://www.pentaxforums.com/news/pentax-k-50-officially-announced.html#ixzz2W4fwF0F5

[Kym]

Also a K-500 http://www.pentaxforums.com/camerareviews/pentax-k-500.html


The Pentax K-500 introduced in June 2013 is basically a K-50 but without weather-sealing and electronic level so that it can be offered at a lower price point. The K-500 is a 16-megapixel DSLR built around a metal chassis and the body is made from polycarbonate. The camera has a good array of external buttons to make it faster to use in the field for the demanding photographer.

and

http://www.pentaxforums.com/camerareviews/pentax-q7.html

[Kym]

http://rochesterhomepage.net/fulltext?nxd_id=394722


Kodak To End Production Of Acetate Film Base

Step into Robert Shanebrook's basement, and you'll quickly realize his passion for photography.
"It's something that you know anyone can do at any level whether it be just taking snapshots or make your own photographs and do your own darkroom work," Shanebrook said.
Shanebrook has his own darkroom to develop camera film.
But even the film expert and long time photographer has turned to a digital.
"It's fast and it's easy. I get instant satisfaction making a print."
That's is a prime reason Eastman Kodak has decided to halt acetate production.
The demand for camera film has dropped significantly.
"The day of snapshot in the hands of consumer photographers using film I think has long passed."
Shanebrook worked at Kodak for 35 years before retiring in 2003.
He has also written a book called "Making Kodak Film, and says manufacturing acetate is often better in bulk.
So, he thinks Kodak's decision is smart.
"When you have a machine running, you have to keep it running continuously. It starts with a liquid, that evaporates and you're left with a plastic. You cannot start and stop the machine without totally removing all the material. Otherwise,it just turns into a big, gooey mess."
Financial expert George Conboy says the 60 jobs and manufacturing savings won't have a major financial impact on the bankrupt company.
He believes it speaks more to the future of camera film.
"Clearly, beyond the couple of years worth that they have stored, Kodak doesn't expect to need very much more film base."
A Kodak spokesman declined to go on camera but says they plan to buy acetate from other manufacturers once their supply runs out.
"It's certainly a blow for the Rochester community to have that capability go away and the jobs associated with that," Shanebrook added. - See more at: http://rochesterhomepage.net/fulltext?nxd_id=394722#sthash.4AFM13Gp.dpuf

[ricktas]

Fujifilm and Panasonic have teamed up to create a new type of sensor that could change the way sensor technology proceeds into the future:

http://www.popphoto.com/gear/2013/06/fuifilm-and-panasonic-working-new-organic-cmos-sensor

Do you use your DSLR to take video but find the built in microphone is lacking. Meet the world's first 6 track ultra portable sound recorder

http://www.popphoto.com/gear/2013/06/zoom-h6-audio-recorder-has-swappable-microphones-mounts-to-dslrs