News

Flickr and Vimeo Integration Coming to iOS 7

Apple is widely expected to reveal iOS 7 at this year's WWDC in early June. Besides a completely redesigned user interface, the newest iOS is likely to include built-in access to both Flickr and Vimeo according to 9to5Mac. The photo and video sharing services would join Twitter and Facebook, which were added in iOS 5 and iOS 6 respectively.

Flickr Vimeo iOS

Full integration into Apple's mobile operating system could mean millions of new users for Flickr and Vimeo practically overnight. Instead of having to open a separate app or login multiple times to an account, user information will be entered directly into the iOS Settings and accessed automatically when needed. Features to simplify uploading and sharing of content would be provided directly in stock apps, such as the Camera.

Sony A-Mount Cameras Could Go Fully Mirrorless in 2014

Sony is on track to abandon its revolutionary Single-Lens Translucent (SLT) technology in favor of completely mirrorless A-mount camera bodies sometime next year. Rumors of an end to models using the "Translucent Mirror Technology" such as the full frame Alpha SLT-A99 surfaced just a few weeks ago. Now thanks to a patent revealed by Sony Alpha Rumors it seems the move by Sony is almost certainly in the works.

Sony Alpha 57 digital SLR

The patent shows a mirrorless A-mount camera design with a phase detection autofocus system built right into the image sensor. This could mean that the Alpha SLT-A58 will be the last DSLR to feature Sony's specially designed pellicle mirror inside.

Pre-Order the Nikon 1 Nikkor 32mm f/1.2 Lens

Pre-orders are now open for the Nikon 1 Nikkor 32mm f/1.2 lens. The newest addition to the Nikon 1 system is a medium-telephoto with a fixed focal length of 32mm and a maximum aperture of f/1.2. It's equipped with a Silent Wave Motor and a manual focus ring. It also utilizes the Close-Range Correction System for high-resolution textures, and Nikon’s exclusive nano crystal coating for reducing ghosting and flare.

Nikon 1 Nikkor 32mm f/1.2 Lens

The Nikkor 32mm f/1.2 is the ninth lens in Nikon 1 lens series. It will be available in Black and Silver for $900 in June 2013. Both Adorama and B&H are currently accepting pre-orders for the new lens.

Canon Announces 200-400mm f/4 Telezoom Lens

Canon has added the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x to its high-performance L-series of lenses. The lens is geared towards professional sports and wildlife photographers who are looking for versatile telephoto.

The EF 200-400 f/4L features an internal 1.4x extender which provides an extended focal length of 280mm to 560mm. The lens includes both fluorite and Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) lens elements, Super Spectra Coating for reduced ghosting and flare, and a ring-type Ultrasonic Motor for silent auto-focusing.

Olympus Launches the Retro PEN E-P5

After several recent leaks of photos and specs the Olympus PEN E-P5 micro four thirds camera has officially been revealed. Olympus bills the E-P5 as the first camera in its class to feature a mechanical shutter capable of speeds up to 1/8000 of a second.

Olympus PEN E-P5 with viewfinder

As expected, the E-P5 features retro looks packed with the latest imaging technology. Besides a 16 megapixel Live MOS image sensor and 5-axis image stabilization, the E-P5 sports Super Spot AF, which Olympus touts as more precise than phase-difference autofocus systems.

Adobe Photoshop CC Coming in June by Subscription Only

The next version of Photoshop will be launched in June with several upgrades and a new licensing model. Adobe Creative Suite 6 will be the last time the company offers these tools without a monthly Creative Cloud (CC) subscription. When it comes to Photoshop, the new license will run $20 per month with a one-year commitment, while the complete suite of CC software can be had for $50 per month.

Photoshop subscription

In addition to software licensing, the CC model provides subscribers with 20 GB of storage and access to Adobe CC connectivity and collaborative features. For the time being, Photoshop CS6 is still available as a stand-alone download with perpetual license. For those looking for simple exposure and contrast adjustments, Adobe will continue to offer the stand-alone software Photoshop Elements for $99.

More Details on Olympus E-P5 and E-PL6 Leaked

Olympus is set to expand its retro-looking micro four thirds digital camera line with two new models. Details of both and photos have been leaked ahead of a rumored Friday, May 10 announcement. Below are the latest images of the E-PL6, possibly slated for a Japan-only release. This fact is not verified, however the camera will feature a 16 megapixel Live MOS image sensor coupled with the Truepic VI processing engine.

Olympus E-PL6 photos

ISO equivalent range is from 200-25,600 with a maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 second. The 460k-dot built-in display will tilt up 170 degrees and down 65 degrees for greater flexibility. The E-PL6 has an in-camera RAW editing function and will snap up to 8 frames per second. Full HD recording at 30p is stored in MOV format MPEG-4AVC/H.264 video.

Samsung Officially Reveals NX2000 Mirrorless Camera

After several leaks over the past few months Samsung has officially revealed the NX2000 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Besides a 3.7-inch WVGA touch screen display, the latest entry into the NX series features a Samsung 20.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor and a DRIMe IV engine to reduce noise.

Samsung NX2000 white front

Samsung is touting the NX2000 as highly capable in low light, with an ISO equivalent range of 100 to 25600 and superior color reproduction. The camera will shoot up to 8 frames per second, with a maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 of a second.

Lumix XS1 Camera Gets 10 New Custom Designs

Panasonic announced its Lumix DMC-XS1 digital camera will come in 10 different patterns in addition to the three colors already available. The new design concepts are based on the following six genres: digital, floral nature, gift wrapping, Japanese traditional, pop art, and textures. Of course, as Panasonic notes the XS1 is not just a "style statement" but a slim and capable digital camera.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-XS1

When it comes to specs, the Lumix XS1 features a 16.1 megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD image sensor coupled with a wide-angle 5x optical zoom lens (24mm to 120mm equivalent). The camera will record 720p video at 30fps thanks to a motion picture button on top of the camera. iA (Intelligent Auto) mode takes advantage of the MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) to snap quality photos automatically.

Fujifilm Launches FinePix JZ700 for $200

Fujifilm has unveiled the FinePix JZ700 compact camera with 8x optical zoom. The JZ700 is capable of 8 fps burst shooting and capturing 1080/30p video. It also ships with a 14MP CMOS sensor, a 2.7-inch 230K-dot LCD, 3200 ISO sensitivity and Optical Image Stabilization to reduce camera shake and blur.

Point and Shoot

Other features include six advanced filters, a Motion Panorama 360 mode, and the ability to create 3D shots by combining two separate images. Not bad for only $200. Read on for the complete press release.