“This item is in high demand and supplies from the manufacturer are limited” one retailer warns. “Its availability will fluctuate, and if the item is not currently in stock, we cannot guarantee that we will receive additional quantities in a timely manner.”

That’s despite serious pricing for both cameras. The Nikon D800 has an RRP of $2,999 body-only, while the D800E is $3,299. Your money gets you Full HD video recording, ISO 100 to 6,400 (expanded up to 25,600) support, a 51-point AF system with 15 Cross Type AF sensors, and a 3.2-inch 921k dot preview display, among other talents.

Those specs come together to produce some seriously impressive stills and video, though the cameras are focused more on landscape and portrait photographers than out-and-about shooters. More details on the D800 here.

[via GottaBeMobile]

There’s also a behind-the-scenes clip showing how the D800 showcase was put together. It’s an altogether impressive piece of work, with the DSLR showing its strengths not only in capturing smooth high-speed footage but also in low-light situations and under harsh indoor lighting which can often spell death for flesh-tones.

Nikon is positioning the D800/D800E as ideal for portrait and landscape photographers, as well as those who do plenty of studio work, though the camera is slightly lighter (albeit a little bulkier) than the D700 and so might make for a solid mobile setup. You’ll need reasonably deep pockets, though: the D800 will be $3k when it drops late next month, while the D800E – which gains more detail at the increased risk of moire – will be $300 more.

Note: the sample video is somewhat graphic, showing scenes of childbirth (think a little blood rather than anything too gruesome or NSFW).

Deleting the low-pass filter comes with some compromises, Nikon warns – an increase in aliasing and moiré patterns, for instance, depending on shooting conditions and subject – though they should be relatively straightforward to tweak out in post-processing. However the benefit is higher resolution and clearer definition, ideal for landscape photographers among others.

What remains to be seen is whether the D800 is quite small enough to satisfy would-be buyers, who were looking forward to a compact full-frame Nikon. The camera is certainly smaller than the Nikon D4, launched at CES last month, though not as bag-friendly as might have been expected.

There’s more detail in the new online guide to the cameras, available here. The Nikon D800 will go on sale in late March, priced at $2,999.99 body-only, while the D800E will arrive in mid-April, priced at $3,299.99.

The 24-70mm zoom lens is a popular size, though not a cheap one if you go with first-party glass. Neither the Canon L-series F/2.8 lens ($1300 street) or Nikkor F/2.8 ($1900 street) comes with anti-vibration technology, which the two companies have focused on longer telephoto lenses thus far. Considering that Tamron’s budget competitor Sigma sells their copy of the 24-70mm lens for about $900, expect the SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD to come at or near that price. There is no previous generation in this size for Tamron.

The company claims that its new image stabilization improved on the original VC design by using a reverse-mounted magnet and coil system, which attached the lens element directly to the coil. The lighter coil and magnet allows for a considerably more compact lens than other 24-70mm options, a design choice that Tamron employs in other models as well. Two extra refractive index elements help to keep chromatic aberration low.

For those without budgets that extend into five digits, Tamron makes some solid lenses. Typically they can’t quite match the clarity and definition on Canon and Nikon’s high-grade glass (even if Tamron claims “resolution at the top of its class”). They excell at cheap all-in-one zooms typified by their 18-270mm range, which I can personally report is quite satisfactory. Canon shooters looking for a top-end alternative might want to hold on to their wallets, though: the camera maker is rumored to have its own 24-70mm with anti-vibration technology in the pipeline.

[via Cnet]

Beyond the massive sensor resolution and full frame, the Nikon D800 also offers superior video quality, up to 1080p/30/25/24 with the option of shooting at 720p/60/30/25/24. Footage can be stored on both CF and SD cards as both slots are provided. Autofocus is expected to be identical to the D700 and D3, which means a 51-point AF with 3D Focus Tracking.

The Nikon D800 will begin shipping a few weeks after it’s announced on February 7. Also gearing up for an unveiling are Nikon’s new Coolpix cameras, which will be announced on February 2. The Nikon D4 will and two new DX lenses will likely be introduced later on in February or March.

In “normal” mode, the Nikon1Dx rapid-fire shutter sounds rather similar to my 1D Mark IV. It’s loud and intriguing while the Canon 1Dx is slightly toned down from its predecessor. With pictures captured in largest jpeg format, we were told the Canon tipped 412 images before hitting the buffer while Nikon managed just half of that.

Nikon D4 D-SLR

Canon 1DX D-SLR

We aren’t certain of the buffer pipeline, and the factor of CF, as both storage compartments are locked and sealed. The reps have no knowledge of what cards are being used for the demo, but with a Dual Digic 5 image processor dedicated for image processing and a Digic 4 for AF and metering as opposed to a single EXPEED 3, despite higher pixel count, the 1Dx is clearly a winner here.

The new cameras will certainly be the benchmark for London 2012 Summer Olympics sport photographers.

The D4 is everything you’d expect out of a super high-end camera: big, solid and heavy, with a pro array of controls and configurations. The controls have changed a bit since the D3 series, but dedicated photographers (essentially the only target market for this beast) will adapt quickly enough. The connections along the left side of the camera are now including more dedicated video functions, with audio both in and out, so you can listen to your recording levels via headphones like a full-sized video camera. The HDMI port can stream directly to an external source.

There’s one major new video feature: an adaptive crop that allows the video recording to only use a portion of the full-frame camera’s sensor. The crop matches the level of a cheaper DX or 2.7 camera/lens combination, but still uses enough of the sensor to record in full 1080p. This is useful for taking video with lenses that might not be ideal for it, like a wide-angle prime, essentially making a “virtual zoom” without losing any image quality.

As far as hardware goes, the D4 uses a 16.2 megapixel sensor ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects. The camera captures 11 frames a second, with an ideal ISO range of an incredibly low 50 to as high as 12,500, with boosts of up to 204,800. 51 points of auto-focus help you get your target sharp, and the D4 supports standard CF and the new QXD cards for photo storage. The Nikon D4 has a suggested retail price of $6000, and will be available in February.

The new 85mm F1.8 lens falls squarely into the “prosumer” category: compared to Nikkor’s other lenses, it’s a bargain. That said, you get what you pay for: there’s definitely a lot more plastic than we’re used to seeing on a prime lens this fast. The 85mm lens will debut with the D4 in February.

It comes down to sensor size, initially, and then all the accompanying aspects that make a decent camera. The D4 has a full-frame CMOS sensor – measuring 36.0 x 23.9 mm – a more expensive, and larger, sensor than you’d find in most cameras out there. Cheaper models use APS-C sized sensors, considerably smaller, where fitting more pixels into the array means each pixel is smaller.

Smaller pixels adds up to less light making it through, while the cropped down frame means the field of view is also reduced. In effect, you get less in-picture from your lens than you would with a full-frame sensor. APS-C sensors also suffer more noise, especially when you get into the low-light situations Nikon is positioning the D4 as ideal for.

It takes a lot of processing power to crunch a full-frame image, and even more when you’re delivering 10fps continuous shooting like the D4 can manage (11fps if you lock off AF/AE). That’s when things like your image processor comes in – in Nikon’s case the EXPEED 3 – but it’s also about how quickly the sensor can churn out data to that processor. Nikon reckons the new D4 sensor spits out info faster than the D3S, despite packing more pixels.

Megapixel chasing came around because shoppers prefer simplicity. Rather than balancing the merits of a half-dozen different specs, it’s far easier and quicker to cast your eye down a list and say “oh, this has more, so it’s obviously better.” In smartphones – where most people probably play the spec-sheet bingo game today – that’s resulted in phones with cameras that promise plenty but actually deliver mediocre stills and video, whereas rival devices with lower pixel counts but better performance are overlooked.

We’ll have to wait for the first reviews to see exactly how well the Nikon D4 performs in the real world. The company’s own sample images certainly look impressive. What it’s useful for today, though, is hammering home how just one number tells you so very little about a device’s capabilities in general. Whether you’re shopping for a $6,000 DSLR or a cheap smartphone, that’s something worth bearing in mind.

Nikon hurriedly removed the D800 from its line-up, but not before Nikon Rumors could grab a screenshot and blow it up to this pixelated giveaway. We don’t know any specs, of course, at least not officially, since there’s no sign of a premature product page.

Still, previous rumors have given us a little to go on. The D800 is expected to have three times the sensor resolution and a bigger display than the D700 it will replace, as well as 1080p/30/25/24 video recording and the same autofocus system as in the D3.

Impressive stuff, though having seen the Nikon D4 earlier we’re still all-aflutter at the flagship’s ISO 100 – 204,800 range and 91,000-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix metering system. The $6k purchase price is going to put off a lot of would-be buyers, however, something the D800 should alleviate somewhat.

[via Nikon Rumors]

A new 91,000-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix metering system monitors brightness and color and uses a huge on-board database of color and exposure settings, and there’s 16 face auto-detection even when using the optical viewfinder. Low-light performance is another area Nikon is particularly proud of, thanks to comparatively large 7.3µ pixels in the CMOS sensor, and that Hi-4 204,800 ISO is even supported during video recording.

Video itself can be shot in H.264 or MPEG-4 AVC format, up to 20 minutes per clip, with a choice of 1080/30p or 720/60p resolution. Increased sensor read rates adds up to less rolling shutter effect visible in the final footage, Nikon says, and there’s full manual exposure control and the ability to preview it all via uncompressed output through the HDMI port in addition to recording to CF or XQD memory card.

Generally, though, you’ll be using the 921k dot 3.2-inch LCD preview display rather than an HDMI output, with 46x digital zoom for checking details, and which is surrounded by backlit buttons for easy low-light use. Alternatively you can go remote control, with an ethernet port for tethered shots and data transfers.

Nikon also has a new lens out, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Prime, with a seven-blade diaphragm for more circular bokeh. It also promises to be good for video use, thanks to a new “whisper quiet” AF motor.

None of this, as you might expect, comes cheap. The Nikon D4 will arrive in late February, priced at $5,999.95. As for the new 85mm lens, that will drop in March for $499.95.

You can expect a fixed 26x manual zoom lens with a range of 24-624mm and an aperture range of f/2.8 to f/5.6, and a large 12 megapixel EXR CMOS sensor. With an impressive wide angle, long zoom and super macro capabilities all from a single lens, the X-S1 mimics a DSLR camera but in a single camera and lens body. The characteristics of the long zoom and macro capabilities will make for an incredible photographic experience. With a zoom ranging from 7cm to 1cm in Super Macro Mode you, too, can easily capture a single droplet of water falling off a leaf.

With a late-January ship date you will have adequate time getting to know the ins-and-outs of Fujifilm’s X-S1 in time for your favorite spring or summer sports. At 7 frames-per-second (fps) at full resolution you can expect high speed continuous shooting with minimal shutter lag. No more worrying about missing those heart-stopping moments. Priced at $799.95 seems rather steep, but keep in mind, no extra lenses will be necessary, unlike traditional DSLR cameras.

[via Engadget]

Rumors are continuing to mount for Nikon’s latest DSLR monster, christened the D4. The last we heard it was going to be unveiled at the event in Hong Kong this Friday, along with a spiffy new 85mm f/1.8 lens. Now some financial press cables spotted by Nikon Rumors suggest that the camera will go on sale sometime in February. An exact date wasn’t provided, but the suggested retail price is listed at a whopping $6000. THat puts the D4 in between the current D3x and D3s models.

For that kind of money you’d expect top-notch specs, and sure enough, that’s what you get. The Nikon D4 is said to use a 16.2 megapixel full frame sensor with a lightning-fast 10 frames per second shooting speed, and an ISO range from 100 to 102,400. On the video side of things, the D4 gets the standard 1080p recording at up to 30fps, with the added benefit of H264 B frame compression. The viewfinder uses the sought-after pentaprism design with 100% coverage of the shooting target, and photographers can use 51 separate points of autofocus. Other little touches include illuminated buttons and face detection.

If you’re not interested in the new camera body there’s a Nikkor AF-S 85mm f/1.8G lens to look forward to, which will cost around $500 separately. There’s still no actual photos of the uber-camera floating around, but we shouldn’t have long to wait. You’ve got between now and February to finalize a second mortgage to finance your newest piece of photographic excess.

[via The Verge]

Specs on the Nikon D4 leaked back in December, revealing that the new full-framed DSLR will feature a 16.2 megapixel sensor, 11fps shooting, and 102,400 native ISO, expandable to 50 and 204,800. The camera will get new storage capability with a CF card slot and a XQD memory card slot. These details aren’t confirmed, but we certainly won’t have to wait long to find out.

The event for this Friday, January 6, in Hong Kong is limited to the press with an actual public viewing likely to happen later. For folks in the US, an official press release with all the details should hit by midnight EST on January 5. The new products introduced at this event could start shipping in about 30 days after the announcement.

The specs came by way of several sources according to Nikonrumors and the site thinks these are 90% accurate. The camera’s ISO range is expandable to 50 and 204,800. The camera will also get some new storage capability with the CF card slot and a XQD memory card slot. There will be Ethernet connectivity integrated into the camera, and it will rock face detection and recognition supposedly working in the viewfinder.

Other things the camera is said to be able to do include shooting uncompressed video out through the HDMI port. It will also rock 51 autofocus points, the ability to assign two buttons to the front of the camera to smooth aperture control and a new autofocus system with nine cross-type sensors up to f/8. It’s worth noting that the rumor that surfaced back in January had this camera rocking a Thunderbolt port, that port isn’t listed in the specs here.

[via Nikonrumor]

Have a peek at the video below to see how the whole thing comes together, and note that we’ve got a review of both the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S and a bit more information on the GoPro if you’d like to take a peek, but that essentially any DSLR will work as well. Plug any kind of camera you’ve got in there if it’s attachable, and enjoy yourself a healthy helping of stable views in all your videos from here on out. Also take note that although the images you see here all have a bright blue bar, they’ll offering up a black option eventually too.

The whole unit has a massive breakdown in prices for those of you wishing to get in on the ground floor before it leaves KickStarter to venture out on its own. You’ll find that the least expensive setup will run you $255 after shipping costs are included, and you can get up to $325 if you want everything they offer, including the larger Heavy Steady, counterweight, and Glif. This seem like your next solution for image stabilization in a hurry, complete with bright blue sheen?

[via KickStarter]

A 720p/60/30/25/24 option is also on the cards, and there are both CF and SD memory card slots to store that footage to. The autofocus system is said to be identical to the D700 and D3, which presumably means 51-point AF with 3D Focus Tracking, though it’s unclear whether the scene recognition engine – controlling AF, AE, i-TTL flash control and auto white balance – of the older cameras has also been carried across.

The images show the D800 with what’s presumably an optional battery-grip fitted, giving the camera the illusion of extra bulk. Going by the bevy of physical controls, Nikon has resisted the urge to squeeze everything into a touchscreen UI. That’s assuming the photos are legitimate, of course, something which the Nikon-faithful are already arguing over.

This little device comes from a company called Edelkrone and the Pocket Rig connects to the bottom of your camera using the tripod attachment. It’s specifically intended to help stabilize the camera when you are shooting video with your DSLR. The Pocket Rig is no larger than a battery grip and is made from machined aluminum and stainless steel. The weight of the device is 1.25 pounds.

The Pocket Rig has a pair of industry standard 15mm RODS that fold inside. In two seconds they can be deployed and ready to use with follow focus, matte box, and handles for ease of use. Check out the gallery to see some of the ways the Pocket Rig can be used. Pricing and availability are unknown.

The H1, H2, and H2F bodies were introduced between 2002 and 2007 and since then Hasselblad has come out with the H4D integrated camera system. To encourage users to upgrade, Hasselblad is making the H4X available only through a trade-in program. The H4X camera will work with most digital and film backs as well as third-party lenses. It will also sport the new features introduced with H3D and H4D, such as the True Focus technology.

The H4X is built on the H4D camera body, but features a DRIVE button instead of the ISO/WB button. Those trading in their H1, H2, or H2F camera bodies will be able to purchase the H4X starting at around €3,995 ($5650). Once they purchase the H4X, they also get a special offer to get the €3,995 credited to them if they upgrade to the H4D system within 12 months of purchasing the H4X.

[via BJP]

What we’ve got here is an LCD display from a Dell laptop computer connected to an actual Nikon D3 camera which is mounted on the inside of the barrel that makes up the camera costume’s front. Not only has Tyler created a video to show you how it works, he’s made a making-of video that also includes quite a few photos he’s already taken at a pre-Halloween Halloween party with the costume itself. First have a look at the costume in action here:

Also note that at the top of the camera costume, above Tyler’s head, are some Alienbees strobe lights which act as a flash, also controlled by a Paul C. Buff Cyber Commander controller. This costume open up your mind to the possibilities of the bust apart and rebuild culture before your eyes? While we’ve not yet heard any word from Nikon if they’ve got any plans to officially license this costume for the future, we’ve got our fingers crossed. Meanwhile we’ll just have to make our own!

[via Tyler Card's Tumblr]

Canon says that the EOS series hit the 10 million mark in 1997 for its tenth anniversary. The 30 million mark was reached in 2007, and the 40 million mark in May of 2010. Along with the milestone for SLR, camera production also comes a milestone for production of interchangeable EF lenses. The 10 million produced mark came back in 1995. By 2001, production had hit 20 million, and by 2006, production had hit 30 million.

In 2008, Canon produced its 40 millionth lens, and 50 million came the next year in 2009. In January 2011, production hit 60 million and then by this month production had reached another 10 million produced at a total of 70 million. That is a lot of lenses and digital cameras. Canon has just today unveiled its latest EOS DSLR called the EOS-1D X.

There’s also a new Multiple Exposure feature, which captures up to nine shots and combines them into a composite image with the best elements of each, all in-camera. It’s also possible to use the same system with a previously-taken RAW image file. Phase detection AF and face-detection are both supported, and exposure is controlled using a huge 252 zones for general metering or 35 zones for low-light metering.

The regular ISO range is 100 to 51,200, but the EOS-1D X offers ISO 50 and 102,400 at H1 and 204,800 at H2 for specialist use. Canon has reworked the UI, including shifting some of the physical controls around and streamlining the menus; for instance, the AF functions now get their own tabs.

Connectivity includes an integrated gigabit ethernet port, HDMI, dual CF card slots, USB and audio input. However there are also two new accessory dongles, the Canon WFT-E6A Wireless File Transmitter for adding a WiFi b/g/n connection to the camera for wirelessly offloading new images, and the Canon GP-E1 GPS Receiver, which adds latitude, longitude, elevation, UTC and camera direction information to each shot.

The Canon EOS-1D X will go on sale in March 2012, priced at $6,800. The Wireless File Transmitter will arrive at the same time, at around $600, while the GPS Receiver will follow on in April 2012, priced at around $300.

These new lenses that Canon is working on, feature the typical focus ring and zoom ring, but add a third ring for controlling the aperture. However, unlike old school cameras, this aperture ring controls the setting electronically rather than through a mechanical iris.

It’s not clear whether the new aperture ring would allow for smooth adjustments or 1/3-stop clicks. But judging from the filing, which indicates that there are two separate aperture adjustment options for movie capture and still images, it’s highly likely to adjust smoothly. The new aperture ring is used in movie capture mode, while the common controls on the camera body are used in still image mode.

[via TechCrunch]

The video you’re about to watch is quite loud, so make sure you’ve got your headphones turned down somewhat, then get your sharp listening ears out because there’s a massive amount of what I’d call “bonus” noise going on here because everyone is so excited to see all the new gadgets – ravenous fans, I tell you! What you’re going to get a look at here is the NX200, a camera capable of an ISO range of 100-12,800 and the recording of Full HD movies.

Lenses of all sorts come capable of working with this device, all of them part of the Samsung i-Function family, each of them putting the controls for camera settings on the lens itself so you’re able to access them without taking your hands off the controls. Additionally, i-Function 2.0 lenses allow the control of smart filters amongst other functions directly from the lens in Lens Priority mode.

You’ll be getting a quick journey through the device through its rear-facing 3-inch AMOLED display while our Samsung presenter flips the hardware around with great ease. An interchangeable lens compact camera with great potential!

According to Sony Alpha Rumors, these photos were leaked from a publisher in Germany who may well have let the photos loose before we was supposed to be allowed to do so – more than likely he is in big trouble at the moment, meanwhile we get to see the following: the A77, A65, 16-50 f/2.8 lens, vertical grip for the A77, NEX-7, NEX-5N, BG20, Zeiss 24mm f/1.8 for E-mount, 50mm f/1.8 OSS for E-mount, external EVF for the NEX-5N, and the 55-210mm OSS for E-mount. Again according to the same source, information on these bits of gear will all be released on the 24th of August, 2011, that being two days from now.

What we know about this camera thus far is that it totes a fantastically futuristic 24.3 MP Exmor HD CMOS sensor, it works at ISO 100-16000, with expandable ISO 50 option, can capture at 12 fps, works at 1/8000 shutter speed, and has a 19 points AF sensor with 11 cross sensors. Sound just splendid to you already? That’s just the beginning. With a camera like this you’ll be blasting photos all night long and all day long for the rest of your life just having a gay ol’ time.

Inside this device there’s a brand newly developed Bionz processor, you’ve got P/A/S/M manual controls while you’re recording video, take photos utterly sweetly quick with 50ms minimum release time lag and do so for a very long time with a battery that’s good for over 500 shots on a single charge, and see it all in brilliant sharp color with your TrueBlack 921k 3-way tilt LCD display on the back. There’s also a 3 million dot OLED viewfinder, built-in flash and built-in GPS, magnesium allow body with both dust and moisture proofing, and all this for right around $1000-$1200 for the body.

These cameras work with SD cards only, a body plus a 16-50mm f/2.8 SSM Kit will be priced between $1600 and $1800, and both models are said to maybe be releasing inside the 17th-20th of October in the USA.

What this will get you is a teeny tiny mirrorless camera with a brand new mirror, SLR-speed focussing, and an overall sweet result. Contrast detection in AF used in cameras that normally have no mirror is quite slow at the moment, especially when you’re considering you’re using lenses made to rock and roll. Now you’ve got a small gun messing with the big guns, if you know what I mean. Does this mean the device you’re rolling with is still a mirrorless camera? You be the judge of that – we’re calling it an advanced frankenstein.

This type of new mirror is called a “pellicle mirror”, and isn’t actually all that new when you consider it’s been being used for more than 40 years by the Pellix 45 made by Canon in 1965. This camera was the first to use such a mirror and it’s been used sparsely since – of course you can see the mirror type in action again in the Sony A55 and A33 DSLRs of 2010, too. Why on earth this solution hadn’t been used in lens adapters up until now – we cannot say. It’s sort of like pop art – it seems so obvious, but the first person to do it gets credit!

[via PhotoRumors]

The video is an artsy job with a beach and a person finding what appears to be the A77 half buried in the sand. The person that finds the camera picks it up and shoots a photo of the beach using the live view mode of the camera. It’s interesting to see the camera in the hands of a person though to get an idea of the scale of the A77.

The camera looks very large and substantial. I’m not sure of the image in the closing scenes of the video is supposed to be a still shot with the A77 or not. Either way the DSLR looks really cook and should prove to be popular with fans of Sony digital cameras. You can see the short video for yourself below.

[via Arturo Fukuda on Google+]

With a clever little gear system in place on this invention comes a simple twist to open, a flower that reveals the lens in a series of transformermers. So simple it’s hard to believe that such a thing hasn’t already been created for the good of humanity. Imagine using such a worm gear system and Thermoplastic Elastomer to block the sun while you take your ultra high-quality photographs and videos without needing the super expensive equipment that the super pros use.

This design is a winner of one of the 2011 Spark Awards and has been featured on Yanko Design and soon quite a few other sites now that we’ve published it – how would you like to own such a contraption as this? The first step to getting anything produced is convincing someone to invest in it. Show the world you’re interested and said items will come to you! This device again is just a concept at the moment but we’re sure its designers Rhie Hyi Joong & Lee Sang Hwa would be overjoyed to have it made and sold.

[via Yanko Design]

If you thought, the price of the cap was ridiculous and wondered what justified the price, check out the video below that shows the LockCircle cap being made. The video follows the creation of one of the caps from its start as a round disc of solid billet aluminum. The thing spins in a computer controlled lathing machine and little slivers of aluminum fly as the cap takes shape.

Some of the parts of the video you can’t see well thanks to the cooling fluid being sprayed on the cap. The coolest part to me is the end when the laser is zapping the knurled handgrip and marking it with the letters. I always wondered what laser etching looked like when it was being applied and now I know. This is a really cool video so check it out.

[via PetaPixel]

Those purchasing this early version will be upgraded to the final version for free, while the full v1.0 will cost more than this $8.51 price spot. Before we go any further, it’s important to note the following requirements of this application: you must have an Android device with USB host support – this is not just ANY Android device mind you, and only the Samsung Galaxy S II with KG1 firmware and the Motorola XOOM have been tested thus far. Next you need a Canon EOS DSLR – such a sweet camera deserves such a sweet app to go along with it, yes? Finally you’ll need what’s called the OTG cable, aka On-The-Go cable for your device, this being a converter for USB full size down to microUSB for your Android device.

At the moment, there is only ONE handset with USB host capabilities, that being the Samsung Galaxy S II once its got its firmware upgraded to KG1 or newer. On the other hand, all tablets running Android 3.1 or higher have this capability built in. The USB cable you get is just as important as having the correct device to work with. You will need, specifically, the OTG cable, and as Chainfire says, “rolling your own cable” will not work. As stated earlier, the Samsung Galaxy S II and the Motorola XOOM are the only devices with which this app has been tested thus far, as far as the Canon EOS goes, the following versions have been confirmed to work: 550D, 50D, 7D, 5D mk II, and 1D mk IV. Check out the demo video here:

Find the app on the Android Market via Chainfire: [DSLR Controller] and once you’ve downloaded and tested it out, let us know how it goes!

[thanks for the tip Rawat!]

The folks over at PopPhoto were curious about the photo you see here of astronaut Rex Walheim using a fancy camera rig in training for STS-135. I have seen photos of the astronauts using these odd white clad cameras before and wondered what they were. Apparently, under the white thermal blankets the gear is slightly modified version of the cameras you could go buy right now. The enclosure over the Nikon SB-800 flash is to keep air-pressure inside so the flash will function property.

The thermal blanketing is to keep the touch temperatures more stable in the harsh climate of space. The bit on top of the camera that sort of looks like an additional viewfinder is a Nikon SB-29 sync cord that is needed for the autofocus to work in low light. The camera is a slightly modified Nikon D2X with a different firmware and lubricant to survive in space. The cameras are returned to earth as needed and inspected and could go up again if they pass inspection. Apparently, the radiation in space tends to mess the cameras up.

[via PopPhoto]

They decided to break out the tiles and made a chess board and then used all the lenses for the chess pieces. I don’t know anything about chess other than it looks rather boring to me. The lenses in white are Canon offerings and the ones in black are Nikon. If you are a photo geek, you can even rent the giant chess set for your next party.

The downside is that the cost of renting the thing is $9,221 per week. Lenses are expensive. I wonder if you bought all those lenses what it would cost you. Shipping will pucker your sphincter, $1,100 to $2,400 round trip. You do get a free t-shirt though.

The new kits are the Portrait kit and the Ultimate Portrait Kit. The smaller Portrait kit includes several things inside with the Composer with Double Glass Optic, the Soft Focus optic, Wide angle/Telephoto Kit, Creative Aperture Kit 2, and a Lensbaby System Bag. This kit sells for $470. The Ultimate portrait Kit sells for $590.

The more expensive kit has all the same components inside and adds a Lensbaby Scout to the mix as well. The hardware lets you play with focus and make some very cool photos. This might be great for the pro or amateur photographer looking to add something extra to the portraits they shoot. The kits are both available right now.

SonyAlphaRumors says that it has confirmed with sources that these are in fact the real images of the camera. The camera has all sorts of buttons on the back and has extra buttons on the battery grip. Some of the buttons on the grip appear to be mirrored controls from the DSLR so they are closer to the user’s hand.

I wonder how much the A77 will weigh with the battery grip installed, it looks huge. The specs of the camera are still not official. It is believe to use a 24MP sensor and have a very wide ISO range. It will record HD movies and the body only is expected to be about $1000.

[via SonyAlphaRumors]

The LockCircle may well be the most robust locking body cap on the market. The LockCircle is made from solid billet aluminum and will seal your camera off from the elements. It has a large knurled grab handle that makes it easy to get your hands on the cap and remove or install it even if you are wearing thick winter gloves.

I could have used this thing when we got one of the rare winter snows in Texas earlier this year. I had to take my gloves off to remove the cover and it was cold. You can get the cap in silver, titanium, and black colors. The company will soon have the cap for Nikon cameras too. The big downside is that each of the caps is $99.

[via PetaPixel]

The AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G lens has a minimum focusing distance of just 0.53 feet or about 6.4 inches. This allows you to really get up close for both still photos and HD video with a life-size 1:1 reproduction ratio. To ensure great lens performance while up close, Nikon’s Close-Rance Correction System is used to to achieve critical focus.

The lens is very compact and weighs only nine ounces. It’s also super quiet with Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor technology that lets you get closer without disturbing your subject. A great travel companion for your DX-format DLSR, this compact, versatile, and affordable lens is priced at $279.95. For more information visit the product page.

We’ve seen accessories in the past that attempt to bring DSLR features to the iPhone 4, such as with the Photojojo 8X Telephoto lens for the iPhone. What makes this iPhone SLR Mount better is that it allows you to attach any of your existing SLR lenses, giving great flexibility in attaching wide angle, telephoto, macro or whatever you have in your lens collection.

The iPhone 4 has only a 5-megapixel camera, but it’s been the most popular camera among Flickr users. Now with the iPhone SLR Mount, your iPhone images will surprise others with the depth of field control and bokeh. The iPhone SLR Mount consists of an aluminum case, an SLR lens adapter, and a UV filter. Two loopholes on the case lets you attach a camera strap. There are separate kits for Canon and Nikon lenses and each cost $190.

[via Photojojo]

The A77 uses a 24MP sensor that is supposed to offer very impressive ISO performance. Apparently, the specs aren’t final, but rumors are that the ISO range will be 100 to 102,400. The A77 also sports a double Bionz processor and a 3M dot OLED EVF. The camera can shoot ten frames per second and is said to have an 11 cross point AF system. It can also record full HD video and has USB 3.0 connectivity. The A77 in body only is expected to be about $1,000.

The specs on the A65 aren’t mentioned, but we know it will replace the A55 and is very similar to the A77. The difference is said to be no magnesium alloy body for the A65 and no top LCD. These sound like nice cameras at a decent price. We will watch for more details like official pricing and availability.

The Canon EOS Rebel T3 was recently refreshed with a 12-megapixel sensor, Live View, and a 720p HD movie capture mode along with a revamped image-stabilizer for its 18-55mm IS II kit lens. Canon today unveiled three new body colors for the camera and lens kit in addition to the conventional black. The colors include Red, Brown, and Metallic Gray and are available exclusively through Canon’s online store.

Other features to note about the Canon EOS Rebel T3 include a new 9-point AF system, 63 zone dual-layer metering system, 3.0 fps continuous shooting, a 2.7-inch wide TFT LCD with Live View mode, and compatibility with the full line of Canon EF and EF-S lenses. The Rebet T3 with 18-55mm IS II Kit retails for $549.

That system, which debuted on the A33, means the A35 can fire off shots while the autofocus system is still operating, rather than locking the focus and then shooting burst photography. It’s joined here with Tele-zoom High Speed Shooting, where a center portion of the image is magnified by 1.4x with up to 7fps continuous rates. Full-resolution burst speed is 5.5fps.

There’s the same Picture Effect in-camera editing system as on the NEX-C3, a battery good for up to 440 shots on a full charge, and compatibility with Sony’s 32-strong A-mount interchangeable lens line-up. A 3-inch preview display and both Memory Stick and SD card support round out the key specs.

The Sony Alpha A35 will go on sale in August 2011, priced at $599 body-only or $699 with Sony’s 18-55mm lens.

Press Release:

Sony introduces α35 (SLT-A35) with Full-time Continuous AF powered by Translucent Mirror Technology

Light, compact camera with 16.2 effective megapixels and new in-camera ‘Picture Effect’

16.2 effective megapixels Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor
Exclusive Translucent Mirror Technology by Sony for high- speed, full-time continuous AF with stills and AVCHD movies
Up to 7fps in Tele-zoom High Speed Shooting mode with approximately 1.4x magnification
Ultra-high quality, low noise images with up to ISO 12800
In-camera ‘Picture Effect’ enhances stills or HD video

Light, compact and easy to use, the new α35 (SLT-A35) by Sony brings pro-style shooting speeds and generous creative options to photographers of all abilities.

As introduced on the acclaimed α33 and α55, Translucent Mirror Technology by Sony allows high-speed shooting with responsive, accurate continuous autofocus – whether you’re shooting stills or Full HD movies.

Making its debut on the α35, Tele-zoom High Speed Shooting magnifies a central portion of the image area to give an effective approximately 1.4x magnification while you shoot at up to 7 fps. Providing continuous tracking autofocus of still or moving objects, it’s ideal for capturing fast-moving sports, children’s faces or distant subjects with a high-speed burst of frames. There’s also a rapid 5.5 fps drive mode that offers full-resolution continuous shooting with tracking AF.

With a resolution of 16.2 effective megapixels, the newly-developed Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor delivers stunningly detailed, low-noise still and HD video images. Complementing the sensor’s extremely high resolution and sensitivity, the powerful BIONZ processor cleans and optimises image data to assure flawless images with rich, natural colour reproduction. With a maximum sensitivity of ISO 12800, it’s possible to capture beautifully natural still images and HD video in low light where other cameras struggle.

Advanced Quick AF Live View continuously displays a real-time output from the main image sensor during still- or Full HD video shooting. Light is partially directed from the translucent mirror to an AF sensor to permit non-stop precision TTL phase-detection autofocus – a benefit that’s not possible with traditional DSLR cameras.

Whether you’re shooting stills or AVCHD video, you’ll enjoy a superbly detailed view on the high-quality Xtra Fine LCD. TruBlack technology assures high-contrast images with rich, deep blacks – even if you’re shooting outside.

The high-resolution Tru-Finder offers a precision alternative to framing shots on the camera’s LCD. Offering an extremely detailed, high contrast image with full 100% field coverage, it’s ideal for live preview of picture effects and exposure adjustments. Accurate composition of landscapes, architecture and other scenes is enhanced by switchable grid lines.

Aside from its powerful imaging possibilities, the α35 is refreshingly accessible, even for photographers stepping up to their first interchangeable lens camera. The on-screen Help Guide gives a clear explanation of selected functions and how they’re used.

More advanced photographers, meanwhile, will welcome the top panel-mounted customisable button that allows instant recall of any of 14 frequently-used functions.

The α35 offers a new in-camera ‘Picture Effect’ setting that lets users add extra impact to stills or HD video during shooting, without the worry of editing images afterwards. Effects can be previewed on the camera screen, allowing photographers to see the result of a chosen effect instantly rather than post-shooting. The inspiring palette of artistic treatments includes Retro Photo, High-key, Toy Camera and Posterisation.

It’s also easy to produce dramatic Partial Colour effects, with a single colour picked out against the rest of the image in monochrome. This popular effect normally takes a series of painstaking steps to achieve with photo editing software: with the α35 it’s both automatic and instant.

Refinements in power consumption now boost the camera’s shooting stamina to a generous 440 still shots (approx. when using the rear LCD panel) between battery charges – that’s a 30% increase over its predecessor. The α35 is compatible with the full range of 32 A-mount interchangeable lenses from Sony that includes six Carl Zeiss lenses.

Version 2.00 firmware update for α33, α55
Available from June 20th, a firmware upgrade for existing α33 and α55 cameras by Sony adds several creative and operational enhancements.

Support for the ‘Picture Effect’ function featured on the new α35 is now offered. High-Speed Synch is supported during wireless operation with a compatible external flash (only α55). Ergonomics are further improved with revised menus and a new mode that lets users switch off shooting parameters overlaid on screen for clear, uncluttered composition. The camera’s Digital Level Gauge can also be displayed when shooting via the optional CLM-V55 external LCD monitor. Frequently used features can now be custom-assigned to the D-RANGE button for rapid, menu-free access.

Available free to registered users, from the 20th of June the latest Version 2.00 firmware update for α33 and α55 can be downloaded from:
A33
Windows:
http://support.sony-europe.com/dime/downloads/downloads.aspx?f=FW_A33_V2_WIN&site=odw_en_GB
MAC OS:
http://support.sony-europe.com/dime/downloads/downloads.aspx?f=FW_A33_V2_MAC&site=odw_en_GB
A55
Windows:
http://support.sony-europe.com/dime/downloads/downloads.aspx?f=FW_A55_V2_WIN&site=odw_en_GB
MAC OS:
http://support.sony-europe.com/dime/downloads/downloads.aspx?f=FW_A55_V2_MAC&site=odw_en_GB

Memory Stick™ PRO-HG Duo HX

Available from May in capacities up to 32GB, the range-topping Memory Stick™ PRO-HG Duo HX now boasts blazing data transfer speeds of up to 50MB/second. The fastest-ever Memory Stick is optimised for sustained burst shooting with today’s A-mount and E-mount cameras from Sony. New HX Engine technology by Sony ensures stable, ultra-rapid read/write performance, especially with large files.

The new α35 digital camera with Translucent Mirror Technology by Sony is available from August 2011.

The product is simply called Camera Lens Cap Holder by Mark Stevenson. The holder is a small plastic thing that slips onto your camera neck strap. The holder has a circular area the size of the lens on your camera that you can attach your lens cap to when you are shooting photos. There are versions of the holder offered for Nikon, Pentax, Canon, Sony, and several other camera types.

The lens cap holders are made from plastic and the project is seeking $3,900 to get started. The money is to produce the molds needed to make the plastic parts. Right now, the project has $2,175 pledged and 14 more days to go before it funds. This sounds like an easy fix for lost lens caps to me.