Sigma interview
- Brand: Sigma
- Subject: Corporate
- Category: Interviews
It has been a while since we last spoke with Kazuto Yamaki, Chief Operating Officer, from Sigma Japan. I think it was since last PMA 2006 where we talked about the new FourThirds system lenses and Sigma's future in the digital SLR market. At this Photokina Sigma unveiled some very interesting products, and this time those are not only lenses. We took some time to set up a Q&A session at the booth from Sigma, and asked Kazuto Yamaki about Sigma's new digital SLR camera; the Sigma SD14 and their interesting DP1 high-end digital compact camera. Both cameras are of high interested among our readers. Unfortunately we have to wait for some time to get our hands on a full production model of the DP1 camera.
Nokia interview
- Brand: Nokia
- Subject: Corporate
- Category: Interviews
When we attended the Photokina 2006 event to work on our show report we had a short meeting with Eero Salmelin, Director Camera Unit Nokia. During our Q&A session we talked about the new Nokia N95 camera phone. In the words of Eero Salmelin, the new Nokia N95 Nokia N95 is more like an all-in-one multimedia computer with a great 2-way slide concept, integrated GPS functionality, a 5 Megapixel camera and support for high-speed networks. Nokia had a great position between the digital camera manufacturers and showed the public that they are ready to claim their share of the digital compact camera market. The Nokia N95 has a great design, feels solid and incorporates a long list of imaging and connectivity solutions.
Leaf AFi digital medium-format camera
- Brand: Leaf
- Subject: Digital Cameras
- Category: Digital Backs
Leaf, designer of digital backs for professional photographers, announced today the introduction of the Leaf AFi - a new, next generation, medium-format digital camera aimed at professional photographers. The Leaf AFi is specifically designed for high-resolution digital photography, and is seamlessly integrated with the new Leaf Aptus S-Series digital camera backs. The Leaf AFi product line will include three models: Leaf AFi -75, Leaf AFi -65 and Leaf AFi -54. Leaf solutions are based on the premise that a professional digital camera should operate intuitively, becoming an extension of the photographer's hands, while supporting maximum creative freedom and technical excellence.
Apple Aperture 1.5
- Brand: Apple
- Subject: Software
- Category: Photo Editing
Apple, who was noticeably well visited in general, introduced a new version of Aperture at its press meeting: Apple Aperture 1.5. Most of us had expected Apple to come up with a new update, but were not sure about what exactly would be improved or renewed. What was remarkable was the seamless integration with iLife '06 and iWork '06, giving permanent direct access to pictures. There was also support for XMP meta data and an integrated export-API, with which Aperture workflow can be extended with programs and applications from other manufacturers. During the Photokina there were demonstrations of all sorts of plug-ins from leading companies, including Getty Images, iStockphoto, Pictage, Flickr, PhotoShelter, DigitalFusion, Soundslides en Connected Flow. These plug-ins offer a series of print, publication and storage workflows that use this new architecture.
Zeiss ZF lenses
- Brand: Zeiss
- Subject: SLR Lenses
- Category: Zoom Lenses
At the Photokina Zeiss announced four new Zeiss ZF lenses for the Nikon F Mount. Showcased behind glass, and we almost missed them, two new wide-angle lenses with Nikon F Mount. The new Distagon T* 2/35 ZF and the Distagon T* 2,8/25 cover full 35mm frame and can be used on both analog and digital SLRs. The Zeiss Distagon T* 2/35 ZF is a versatile all-round lens with moderate wide-angle coverage and high speed, a classical standard for photojournalistic work. Due to its high performance this lens can capture very detailed scenes with high accuracy and information content. The Zeiss Distagon T* 2,8/25 is a lens with pronounced wide-angle characteristics. It excels in dynamic architecture, landscape, and travel photography. Its sharpness goes far beyond any current color film. The minimum object distance of just two inches from the front element enables unique wide-angle close-ups. The new lenses will be shipping as of end of 2006 and will both have a street price of €699.
AgfaPhoto's return to the digital world
- Brand: Agfa
- Subject: Digital Cameras
- Category: Digital Cameras
At the Photokina 2006 there were not that many surprises in way of digital camera introductions. The last couple of years we have seen several big names disappearing from the digital imaging market or merged with other manufacturers. One well-known name in the world of photography is Agfa. It is therefore quite nice to see the rebirth of this brand with a new series of digital cameras.
Pentax digital camera concepts
- Brand: Pentax
- Subject: Digital Cameras
- Category: Digital Cameras
At the Pentax booth the new Pentax K10D draw quit a lot of attention which is honestly not surprising. We believe Pentax has an interesting digital SLR that is able to conquer an impressive market share in the segment of 10 Megapixel digital SLR cameras. Although the Pentax K10 is their latest introduction, other products drew our attention. Pentax showcased some digital camera concepts which were quite interesting.
SanDisk 16GB Extreme 3 CompactFlash
- Brand: SanDisk
- Subject: Storage
- Category: Flash Memory
In Hall 6 SanDisk showcase their line-up of flash memory solutions. In just a few years the number of flash memory formats has increased dramatically and with the booming mobile imaging market the size of a flash card decreased even faster. One of the formats, like the CompactFlash, is still one the favorite format for the professional photographer. His complete workflow is created around this flash memory card. His professional digital SLR camera incorporates a CF card slot, he is working with a CF card reader, FireWire or USB 2.0 and his storage devices are used to back-up his data from the CompactFlash card.
