Samsung has launched two new DSLR lenses, the D-XENON 18-250mm F3.5-F6.3 and 18-55mm II F3.5-F5.6, compatible with the new GX-20 and Samsung’s popular GX-10 DSLR cameras. The GX-20 and lenses are expected to be available from March 2008, price for the GX-20 with 18-55mm lens – £699 RRP (price for the 18-250mm lens is TBC).
I don’t have any specifications yet, but further informations can be found on the official website.

Pentax have introduced 5 new lenses for their DSLR cameras, including 300mm and 200mm Supersonic Motor lenses. Built-in ultrasonic motors (Supersonic Motors) in the lenses provide for extremely quiet and fast autofocusing. Both lenses are also weatherproofed and protected from penetrating dust by appropriate seals. The front lens elements of the lenses use the special Pentax SP – “Super Protect” – fluoride coating technology. This nano-technology protects the front lens against dust, finger marks or smearing, making the lenses exceptionally easy to clean. The Pentax “Quick Shift Focus System” allows the photographer to manually alter the focus point at will without having to take the camera out of the autofocus mode. Prices range from £99 for the 18-55mm to £899 for the 300mm lens.

- PENTAX-DA 300mm F4.0 ED [IF] SDM
- PENTAX-DA 200mm F2.8 ED [IF] SDM
- PENTAX-DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Limited
- PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED
- PENTAX-DA 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 AL II

Tamron is releasing a new version of their popular 70-300mm telephoto lens that’s compatible with the Nikon D40/D40x DSLRs. The revamped AF 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di LD Macro 1:2 lens will have a built-in motor AF system. Filter Diameter is Ø 62mm and it weights 458g (16.2oz). The start price of the new Tamron 70-300mm for Nikon is $189.00.
The new Sigma APO 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DG MACRO HSM lens for full-frame cameras offers improved optical performance with a minimum focusing distance of 100cm.
This lens is suitable for taking all type of subjects such as portraits, landscape, and close-up pictures. This lens incorporates HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor), which ensures a quiet and high-speed AF as well as full-time manual focusing capability. The Sigma APO 70-200mm F2.8 II EX DG MACRO HSM will cost £799.99. On the other hand, Sigma APO 50-150mm F2.8 II EX DC HSM is a large aperture telephoto zoom lens designed for digital SLR cameras with APS-C size sensors, featuring a maximum aperture of F2.8. The Sigma APO 50-150mm F2.8 II EX DC HSM will cost £549.99.

I find the idea of a GPS Photo Finder quite interesting so here’s what I found out while digging around:
CA—ATP, a leading manufacturer of DRAM and flash memory solutions, recently introduced the ATP GPS Photo Finder, which is a portable photo accessory that allows for convenient geotagging of digital photos taken by any digital camera.
From now on, to all those friends and family members that ask me where I toked that killer shot, a precise answer will be given by this cute device. The ATP GPS Picture Tracker uses SIRF Star III GPS chipset for high accuracy and positioning, has 128mb of Flash memory, and will run for about 8 hours on a decent pair of AAA batteries. It only works with JPEG files.
What is really convenient about this GPS photo finder, is the fact that unlike other new solutions on the market, is universally compatible with any digital camera using jpeg image files, allowing users to geotag pictures from multiple camera brands and models, and can also be used on the go without the need for a computer. It is designed for use with Google Earth & Google Maps. Pictures can currently be viewed also using software such as Picasa which supports geotagging. The advantage in this case is that this software has a free version.
Aside from Picasa and Google Earth, you can use Geotagged images in enabled Satellite Navigation devices, and I’d imagine it would be incredibly useful for surveyors, architects, geocachers, or anyone else who needed to know exactly where they took their images at a later date.
How it works?
Plug in your camera’s memory card into the Photo Finder’s built-in card reader or USB port, and it automatically finds and tags your images without any additional software or hardware.
How and where to purchase?
The ATP GPS Photo Finder is scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2008, price to be announced.
However, some review models were send around so here’s a nice and informative review.

The JOBO Photo Displays are available for $239 (PDJ105) and $209 (PDJ100) respectively.
The two JOBO Photo Frames PDJ105 and PDJ100 have an 10.4 inch brilliant TFT-Color-LCD displays designed to beautifully showcase digital images, big internal memories for easy access to images and many user-friendly functions: they support picture browsing, thumbnail mode and slideshow or collage with various transition effects. They also offer user-friendly functions such as Copy, Delete and Rotate photos as well as Picture Effects like “black-and-white”. These frames can also display a calendar and the time and feature an integrated alarm clock as well as remote controls for convenient operation.

These frames are designed to keep memories alive by showcasing digital pictures in an automatic slideshow presentation or collages of four pictures at one time giving precious digital memories new life. Additionally, these frames enable users to highlight their special photographic moments and easily share them with family and friends. The new JOBO digital picture frames feature a handsome Acrylic frame design and modern black trim to fit in with any décor in the home or office.

To view images on the display, users just insert their camera’s media card into the frame to transfer the images to the frame’s internal memory or they can download digital image files from their PC or USB device such as JOBO’s line of image storage units onto the JOBO PDJ105 frame via the included USB OTG cable. Both models feature USB 2.0 high speed capability and support all popular memory cards such as CF, SD, MMC, MS and xD. Easy to use buttons on the back of the frames support intuitive operation of all important functions. The 512 MB internal memory of the new JOBO PDJ105 can store up to 5,000 pictures in optimum screen resolution, and the JOBO PDJ100 offers a 128 MB internal memory capable of storing about 1,000 images.

JOBO PDJ105 Specifications
- 10.4” / 26.42 cm diagonal
- Resolution: 640 x 480 Pixel
- Contrast ratio: 300:1
- Aspect ratio: 4:3
- Internal memory: 512 MB, up to 5,000 images in optimum screen resolution
- Supported formats: JPG, BMP
- Card-slots for CF, SD, MMC, MS, MS Pro, xD
- USB OTG: compatible with USB devices, e.g. JOBO digital storage devices
- Functions: slideshows, collages, Zoom function, rotating function, calendar, time
- Accessories: Remote control, USB cable
- Languages: German, English, French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese
- Stand: integrated black plastic
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 11.8 x 9.5 x 2.4 inches (without stand)

JOBO PDJ100 Specifications
- 10.4” / 26.42 cm diagonal
- Resolution: 640 x 480 Pixel
- Contrast ratio: 300:1
- Aspect ratio: 4:3
- Internal memory: 128 MB, up to 1,000 images in optimum screen resolution
- Supported formats: JPG, BMP
- Interfaces: card-slots for CF, SD, MMC, MS, MS Pro, xD; USB OTG
- Functions: slideshows, collages, Zoom function, rotating function, calendar, time
- Accessories: Remote control, USB cable
- Languages: German, English, French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese
- Stand: integrated black plastic
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 11.8 x 9.5 x 2.4 inches (without stand)

Samsung is known to have spread it’s “tale” into the entire electronic market: telecommunication, digital media and more. The latest product under the Samsung brand is the Samsung SPF-83V 8” Digital Photo Frame.
This one has 8 inch and is very customizable. The process of image sliding inside the frame is based on the fact that users can organize and upload individual photos or albums from their PC to Windows Live Spaces and from here, via wireless connection, to the digital frame.
What I like about this frame is that it open standards such as RSS. And, what I don’t like about it, is the fact that Samsung licensed Microsoft technology for this wireless digital photo frame so I’ll be kind of pursued to use Windows Live Spaces.

“Our latest digital photo frames, based on cutting-edge technology from the Microsoft Research labs, are easy to use and are one of the few offerings in the marketplace that offer a ‘network’ approach to digital photo sharing.” said Christopher Franey, vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing at Samsung Electronics America.

I could not yet any informations on availability and price (nor more specifications except the 8 inch and Microsoft licensing).

Like I said before, I keep my eyes open for any compatible lens with my Nikon D40x SLR. I know discussions where people spoke about not buying this affordable performant camera for one single reason: there are not enough compatible lenses (lenses that have an integrated focus motor). But, the manufacturers already solved the problem:
- first it was the NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
- then there were Tamron AF18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II (Model A18N II) and AF18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF)
- and now it is the Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3

This new lens from Sigma is a 11.1x high zoom ratio lens with a built-in AF motor allowing autofocus with all Nikon APS-C DSLR cameras. (it’s exactly what I was waiting for)
The built-in motor is capable of autofocusing with all Nikon DSLR cameras. Two SLD (Special Low Dispersion) lenses and two Aspherical glass elements provide excellent correction for all types of aberration. Sigma’s super multi-layer coating reduces flare and ghosting and provides high image quality throughout the zoom range. However, vignetting will occur if the lens is used with 35mm SLR cameras, APS format film cameras or digital cameras with image sensors larger than APS-C size, including 5:4 and FX format of Nikon D3 camera.
An inner focusing system also eliminates front lens rotation, making the lens particularly suitable for using the petal lens hood and circular polarizing filters. A zoom lock switch mechanism is provided to prevent the lens from creeping due to its own weight.

THE SPECIFICATIONS
* Lens construction : 15 Elements 13 Groups
* Angle of view : 76.5°- 8.1°
* Number of blades : 7pcs
* Minimum Aperture (W) : F22
* Minimum Focusing Distance : 45cm / 17.7in.
* Maximum Magnification : 1:4.4
* Filter Size : Ø62mm
* Dimensions(Diameter x Length) : Ø70mm X 75.6mm / 2.8in. X 3.0in.
* Weight : 395g / 13.9oz

Accessories
SIGMA DG UV 62mm 00-85126-92372-3
SIGMA DG WIDE CIRCULAR PL 62mm 00-85126-92383-9
LENS HOOD LH680-01(Supplied) 00-85126-91730-2

In these days, the digital frame gadget becomes more and more interesting from two points of view:
- first, the customers demand more: they just love it
- second, the manufacturers create more and more powerful devices as the competition grows
So what is the reason why someone would purchase this?
Digital photo frame consumers and digital signage business users can display thousands of digital photos or other digital signage advertising content stored on any Windows or Apple computer, or from select RSS enabled photo sharing websites such as Picasa Web Albums or Flickr. All digital picture frames require no additional image manipulation or software installation and will display photo collections organized with the leading photo management software programs. Some of them even play music for a more enjoyable viewing environment.

As a result, PhotoVu PV1765w is a new 17” widescreen wireless digital picture frame equipped with a 1280 x 800 LCD display – 17 inch widescreen, in a 16:10 wide format.

“This is clearly a premium digital picture frame at a very affordable price, making a PhotoVu the perfect gift for the 2007 holiday season” said Mark Van Buskirk, Partner, PhotoVu. “And our new PV1765w still includes all of the industry leading features and customization options that PhotoVu is well known for.”

More information about PhotoVu digital picture frames can be found at: http://www.photovu.com/digital-frames

Olympus E410 Underwater Pro Kit
· Olympus E-410 body
· ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6 (28-84mm)
· ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50mm 1:2.0 Macro (100mm)
· FL-36 external flash (GN 36)
· Underwater cases, ports and bracket: PT-E03 Kit, PFL-E01, PPO-E03, PTBK-E01 and UCLS Longarm Set

Recommended price: £2599

Olympus E510 Medical & Macro Pro Kit
· Olympus E-510 body
· ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50mm 1:2.0 Macro (100mm)
· SRF-11 Ring Flash Set with FR-1 Flash Adapter Ring
· SBC-1 E-System Bag Compact

Recommended price: £1329

Olympus E510 Architecture Pro Kit
· Olympus E-510 body
· ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 7-14mm 1:4.0 (14-28mm)
· ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm 1:2.8-3.5 (28-108mm)
· FL-50 external flash (GN 50)
· SBC-1 E-System Bag Compact

Recommended price: £2329

Olympus E510 Travelling Pro Kit
· Olympus E-510 body
· ZUIKO DIGITAL 11-22mm 1:2.8-3.5 (22-44mm)
· ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 18-180mm 1:3.5-6.3 (36-360mm)
· FL-36 external flash (GN 36)
· SBC-1 E-System Bag Compact

Recommended price: £1529

Olympus E510 Reportage Pro Kit
· Olympus E-510 body
· ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm 1:2.8-3.5 (28-108mm)
· FL-50 external flash (GN 50)
· SBC-1 E-System Bag Compact

Recommended price: £1199

Olympus E510 Nature Pro Kit
· Olympus E-510 body
· ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 7-14mm 1:4.0 (14-28mm)
· ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm 1:2.8-3.5 (28-108mm)
· ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50-200mm 1:2.8-3.5 (100-400mm)
· ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 50mm 1:2.0 Macro (100mm)
· EC-14 Teleconverter (1.4x)
· E-System Bag

Recommended price: £3459

Olympus Evolt E510 10MP Digital SLR Camera with CCD Shift Image Stabilization and 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 and 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 Zuiko Lenses
Olympus Evolt E410 10MP Digital SLR Camera with 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 and 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 Zuiko Lenses

I’ve been asked where from can someone purchase a good lighting kit. There are many places and not even I can know them all. I suggest that you first star by looking in some local shop: it will spare you the cost of delivery.
However, here’s what I’ve recently found out:

JP Distribution announced the arrival a new All in One Umbrella Kit from award winning manufacturer Lastolite. This Kit can be used as a silver or white bounce, a silver and white bounce or shoot through, and it is available in two sizes featuring either an 80cm (34”) or 100cm (40”). This is accompanied with a 4 section stand, hotshoe flash tilthead and a padded shoulder bag for quick and simple transportation. The kit is compact, it features removable covers on the All in One Umbrella and internal pocket in shoulder bag for hotshoe tilthead.
You can buy Lastolite All in One Umbrella for £95.99 and £105.99 respectively:
All in One Umbrella Kit 80cm (34”) LAS Code: 2475 SRP £95.99 Inc vat
color temperature:5600/5450k
shoot through -0.6f
silver white bounce -0.2f
white bounce -0.1f
silver bounce -0.2f
All in One Umbrella Kit 100cm (40”) LAS Code: 2476 SRP £105.99 Inc vat
color temperature:5600/5450k
shoot through -0.6f
silver white bounce -0.2f
white bounce -0.1f
silver bounce -0.2f

If you are interested: marketing Tel: 01782 753304 and email: info@johnsons-photopia.co.uk.

Nikon D40 and D40x digital cameras are only fully compatible with AF-s and AF-I lenses. This means that the lens must have it’s own focusing motor. So far, there were not too many such lenses to choose from, but, here’s the big news:

Tamron Announces the Launch of the Popular AF18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II with Built-In Motor for Nikon (Model A18N II)

A Compact, Lightweight and Ultimate High Power Zoom Lens Boasting the 13.9X Zoom Power Designed Exclusively for APS-C Sized Digital SLRs

Mr. Morio Ono, of Tamron Co., Ltd., announced that the company will release the AF18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro, a lightweight, compact and ultra high power zoom lens designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras with APS-C sized image sensors with a built-in motor for Nikon (Model A18N II).

Product Name
AF18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II (Model A18N II) for Nikon

Date of Launch Schedule in Japan
December 13, 2007

The AF18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF) Macro is the ultimate high power zoom lens boasting the world’s greatest zoom ratio(*1) of 13.9X, a milestone that Tamron, the pioneer of high power zoom lenses, has achieved by commanding its technologies to further expand the capabilities of high power zoom lenses.

When you go on a longer photo trip and want to shoot RAW, you will need a large amount of storage. More than that, instead of creating a shelf full of DVDs with pictures, it’s more practical to have an external hard drive.
The newest and most interesting external hard drive on the market is the stylishly designed Transcend 250GB StoreJet (2.5 inch SATA external hard drive). It is supported by all operating systems and it is available in a colorful assortment of eye-catching, polished aluminum cases including: Titanium (120GB), Blue (160GB) and Silver (250GB).
This piece of accessories is capable of transfer rates up to 1.5Gb/s in the case of point to point connections. Otherwise, the StoreJet 2.5 makes use of its Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface, which provides data transfer rates up to 480Mbits per second while maintaining full compatibility with older computers that only support USB 1.1. I.

Features

Built-in 250GB 2.5” SATA HDD
Fully Hi-Speed USB 2.0 compliant with data transfer rates up to 480Mbit per second and backwards compatible with USB 1.1
OneTouch Auto-Backup function
LED indicates Power ON and data transfer activity
Includes Transcend’s “StoreJet elite” software pack:
- Backup data from a computer to StoreJet or any other storage media with advanced scheduling options
- Restore: Restore whole hard drives, folders or individual files with intelligent file-overwrite protection
- Compression: Protect files with powerful encryption
- HDD lock: Lock your hard drive to prevent unauthorized access
- OneTouch Backup: Configure the StoreJet’s OneTouch Backup button
- Power Management: Switch StoreJet to power-saving mode when idle
Plug-and-Play USB interface
Lightweight aluminum case for easy carrying
Two-year warranty
Recommended Retail Price: € 199 (250GB)