CameraWorld goes to Photokina
This entry was posted on September 12, 2014
.Every two years the worlds leading imaging fair, Photokina, brings together the industry, trade, professional users and end consumers with a passion for photography.
And as always, CameraWorld will be there to bring you the latest news, gossip, pictures on the latest photographic equipment.
This is a rolling news article and will be updated as soon as products are announced.
To see a full list of what has already been announced as well as exclusive kit deals and launch offers, including cashback, click here
19th September
Well, we made it back to Blighty - and a united country at that as well.
We had an amazing time in Germany seeing all the new cameras, lenses, accessories and hearing rumours of many more on the way (no, we're not going to let you know just yet, but all we're going to say is Phwoar!). With less that 100 days to go until Christmas, we've got no doubt that there is something here for everyone, and we've already started to get orders in for some of the new products from all the manufacturers.
With any new products coming out, CameraWorld will be one of the first (if not THE first) to let you know about it.
In the mean time however, this is our last post on what's been announced at Photokina. Hope you're as excited as we are about how our trade is developing.
To see a full list of what has already been announced as well as exclusive kit deals and launch offers, including cashback, click here
18th September
Also making a confirmed appearance are two new Epson All In One Printers.
The Expression Photo XP-760 and XP-860 are both ideal not only for people working from home, but for those who want the flexibility of printing off letters as well as photos. The printers take paper sized from 6x4" up to A3, and produces incredible quality prints. They also have Wi-Fi built in which means you can print directly from your phone or tablet without having to go through a computer. If previous models of this range is anything to go by, then these are going to be beyond fantastic.
For more information of the XP-760, and pre-order click here and for the XP-860, click here.
17th September
Over at the Fujifilm Stand, we've spotted a few little gems that are getting us pretty excited. Not only have we been getting our hands on the new X100T, X30 and the X-T1 Graphite Silver Version (looks gorgeous by the way), but in the XF lens display, Fujifilm have bneen showing some mock-up's of forthcoming lenses
We haven't got any specs yet, or release dates (other than "Sometime in 2015"), but we've just seen the following:
XF 16mm f1.4
XF 90mm f2
XF 140-400mm f4-5.6 LM OIS WR
XF 16-55mm f2.8 R WR
The 16-55mm is going to be the perfect lens to compliment 50-140mm f2.8. However, it doesn't look like it's going to be a replacement for any other lens, just a new high quality version within their popular range. As mentioned, we don't have prices, dates or full specs yet, but when we do, we can promise that CameraWorld will have all the information you need.
16th September
Only 100 days to Christmas. Is any of this going to make your Christmas list?
Just added is the updated Olympus OM-D E-M1 in silver. A few tweeks have appeared in this that will be made available as firmware update for black version users. It's just stunning and we already know that this camera is amazing. The new colour option is just the perfect icing on the cake. A camera, based on a classic model, truly refreshed for the digital age.
To see more and pre-order click here
Panasonic have announced the latest in the LX Range of high-end compact cameras, LX100.
The LUMIX LX100 is the 6th generation of Panasonic’s world-renowned LX high-end compact camera series, and inherits the DNA of the LUMIX LC1 – Panasonic’s first fully manual compact camera released in 2004. Featuring a 4/3-inch large High Sensitivity MOS Sensor – more than five times larger than the sensor in the LUMIX LX7.
For all the details, including a lovely launch offer, AND a chance to test drive the camera at our Chelmsford store, click here.
15th September
Lots of releases today.
Lets start with Canon...
3 new cameras were announced today. At the top of the line is the new Canon EOS 7D Mark II. The original EOS 7D has been around for a while and is still very well respected by photographers and videographers alike. The Mark II offers massive improvements for both. Due for release in November, the EOS 7D Mark II includes 20.2 Million Pixels, Dual DIGIC 6 Processor, 10Frames per second and advanced focusing. The camera is also the latest to be compatible with STM Lenses which means it focuses quickly and quietly in LiveView and Movie Modes.
We're offering some stunning Part Exchange deals when you buy the Mark II as well as some EXCLUSIVE Kit deals.
For the full run down on the EOS 7D Mark II, including the differences between this and the older model, please click here.
Canon have also announced two new compact cameras - the Powershot SX60 and the Powershot G7X
The SX60 is a new bridge-style camera taking over from the previous SX50. However, as well as boasting a 16.1 Million Pixels CMOS Sensor and DIGIC 6 Processor, the camera offers a mahoosive 65x optical zoom with a 21mm ultra wide angle. Tie this in with Full HD Movies and WiFi, this camera is a packed to the hilt with functions that make it a stunning travel companion.
The other camera from Canon to come along is the Powershot G7X. This is not a replacement for anything, but offers a new level for Canon compacts. Beautifully crafted and, again, offering tons of controls for every level of photographer, the G7X utilises a 1" CMOS Sensor. This is smaller than an APS-C sensor, but much larger than standard compact cameras. As a result, the 24-100mm zoom lens has an aperture of f1.8-2.8 making this an ideal pocket camera for those who already have a DSLR and want to retain the quality and control, but without the size.
Click here for more information on the Powershot G7X and the Powershot SX60.
In the lens department, Canon have not come up short.
The first little stunner is the 24mm f2.8 STM EF-s. This lovely little pancake lens is fantastic for video as well as stills. Offering a cracking low light quality, this lens is not one of those that weigh's you down. Nice, light and certainly nimble. The STM motor allows for smooth yet fast focusing on compatible bodies in live view and movie modes.
Continuing the STM theme, the 24-105mm f3.5-5.6 IS STM EF is a full frame lens that offers not only a handy zoom range, but quality smooth focusing. Even though there aren't any EF cameras with STM control, it does lead us to think that something might happen in the future. Even so, the zoom range is perfect for short movies, portrait shots, and general usage.
At the other end of the spectrum is the whopping 400mm f4 DO IS USM II. Surprisingly compact and lightweight, the 400mm f4 DO IS II is an amazing lens ideal for sports, paparazzi, and nature photographers give the fixed f4 aperture. The power focus technology also allows it to be a nimble lens for videographers who want to try some special effects with pull-focus techniques.
Click here for the low-down on the:
Canon 24mm f2.8 STM EF-s.
Canon 24-105mm f3.5-5.6 IS STM.
12th September
Today has seen quite a few announcements.
The biggest so far in the Photokina run-up is the new full frame Nikon D750.
Not designed as replacement to any of the current models, rather it fits between the D610 and D810. Taking specs from both, and in the case of the Autofocus system, is designed to even out-perform the D810. The current kits available to pre-order are the body only, with the 24-85mm VR or the 24-120mm f4 VR.
To get the full rundown on the D750, please click here.
Along with the D750, Nikon have also announced a beautiful wide angle lens designed for both DX and FX cameras.
The 20mm f1.8G ED also works wonderfully when used in video mode. Smooth focusing, amazing bokeh effect and nano-crystal coating on the lens, this is a MUST Have for anyone trying to get more into their pictures when space is limited.
For more information, please click here.
Finally (from Nikon at least) is the Speedlight SB500 - a budget flash with built in LED for video. A brilliant light and a fantastic addition to anyone with cameras such as the D3300 and D5300.
For more information, please click here.
Sigma have also made announced a number of products today.
The first is two telephoto zoom lenses. The Sigma 150-600mm OS is the latest in their range of telephoto lenses and could possibly see the end of the ever popular 150-500mm. I did say that there were two and this is it.
There is a SPORTS version and a COMPTEMPORARY version. Both have an aperture range of f5-6.3 and have Optical Stabilisation. So what's the difference? Sigma have said "On the one hand, the product concept of the SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sports is to achieve the best optical and action-capture performance to meet the requirements of professional photographers. On the other hand, that of the SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary is to achieve a light-weight and compact construction for higher usability with similar specifications."
For more information on the 150-600mm SPORTS Version, please click here and the 150-600mm COMTEMPORARY Version, can be found here.
The other lens from Sigma is the hotly anticipated all in one super zoom. The Sigma 18-300mm Macro OS also falls in to the CONTEMPORARY range and follows on from other super zoom lenses. Incredible quality, smooth focussing as well as a MACRO setting makes this an ideal lens for those planning on travelling and just getting one lens, instead of carrying around two or three.
For more information, please click here.
10th September
Today is all about Fujifilm as things begin to heat up before the show.
The BIG Story is the launch of a Graphite Silver Edition of the increasingly popular XT-1.
Although on paper, it sounds like its the same camera with just a different colour, it's not. There are some subtle changes to the programming of the Graphite version that WILL be available for the black version in December via a firmware update (we'll let you know as and when).
These new features include a new high-speed electronic shutter with a maximum speed of 1/32000 sec; new Classic Chrome Film Simulation Mode and an improved Live View Mode. All of these, and more, have been requested by Fujifilm's customers, and they have listened.
Yes, it's in a difference colour, but it uses a unique three-layer coating process for a high-resilient finish.
And if you pre-order now, you'll also get a FREE Vertical Battery Grip.
For a run down on the X-T1, please click here.
In addition to the X-T1, is the latest in the X100 range, the X100T.
Available in two classic colours, the X100T has some major improvements over it's predecessors.
Amoungst the new features are a NEW Advanced Hybrid viewfinder with Electronic rangefinder, Classic Chrome Simulation Mode, Full HD Movie and built in Wi-Fi.
For pre-orders, the camera also comes with a stunning brown premium leather case worth £99.
For more information, please click here.
For everyone else using X-Series camera's, there is something in store for you as well.
Fujifilm have announced the 50-140mm f2.8 WR lens, a stunning zoom lens with a fixed aperture that has a focal length equivalent of 76-213mm. This is a perfect compliment to those users who have been using prime lenses and wanted to get closer to the action. Ideal for working outdoors as the lens with weather resistant.
To get the low-down on this, please click here.
A final addition today is the 56mm f1.2 XF R APD.
An equivalent focal length of 85mm on the X-Series bodies, this lens also has an Apodisation Filter. A "what" we hear you cry?
An apodisation filter smooths the bokeh outlines. This means portraits become incredibly sharp and have a truly three-dimensional feel. If you want to get in to portraiture photography and you're using a Fujifilm X-Series camera, THIS is the lens to get.
For more on this lens, please click here.
3rd September
Just a small one...almost literally.
Today sees the announcement of two new Sony "Lens Style" Cameras.
Huh, we hear? OK...the majority of mobile phones on the market do not have an optical zoom. They can't due to the size of the optics, and the size of a sensor. But what if it could have one?
That's what these are!
The QX1i isn't a lens. It's an adaptor for anyone who has a smartphone and a Sony E-Series camera. Take your lens, attach the QX1 (which has the same sensor as the A5000), and away you go. Your phone becomes the LCD screen and storage device. Offering 20.1 Million Pixels and AVCHD movies, this offers the best of both worlds - direct connectivity of "Shoot & Share" and the quality of E-Series lenses.
For more information, please click here.
The QX30i IS a lens....and a camera.
Offering a stunning 20.4 million pixels and 30x optical zoom, shooting anything and everything as you go out could not be simpler. Lock On AF, Full HD, NFC and WiFi means your phone or table takes on a brand new life.
To read more and plce your pre-order, please click here.