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Rangefinder Magazine
November 2001/Departments
New Products
Specifications in these listings are condensed from
information provided by manufacturers and suppliers. For more information
about these new products or processes, use the Direct Response Cards provided
elsewhere in this issue. When contacting the companies direct, please
mention Rangefinder.
As we were going to press, Canon announced the introduction
of the EOS-1D, a 4.15 megapixel professional digital SLR. The camera is
touted as providing ultrafast shooting speeds and autofocusing. The EOS
1-D is built to provide strength, durability, and weather-resistance.
The camera uses shutter speeds from 1ž16,000 to 30 seconds in 1ž3-stop
increments and features useful features like simplified control of images
and folder creation in-camera. Significant advances in large-volume data
processing technology, a completely new imaging engine, and advancements
in mirror speed technology learned during development of the 35mm EOS-1v
have all contributed to the EOS-1D’s speed and responsiveness. Its
body is built of cast magnesium-alloy and combines strength, rigidity
and effective magnetic shielding of the electronic components. The EOS
1-D has also been engineered to withstand extremes in temperatures. Image-wise,
the camera is said to offer superior highlights and shadow tonalities,
with a wider range of contrast. The EOS-1D’s newly developed 4.48
million pixel CCD sensor (4.15 million effective pixels) is a full 28.7x
19.1mm in size. With its larger CCD sensor, the lens focal length factor
is only 1.3X. www.usa.canon.com/EOS-1D.
Nikon has added a new dimension to its popular Coolpix
digital camera line with the introduction of the Coolpix 5000, a digital
camera featuring a 5.24 megapixel CCD (5.0 effective), 3X optical
Zoom-Nikkor lens and a top shutter speed of 1ž4000 second and shooting
speed of up to three fps at full resolution.
The Coolpix 5000 takes the unique Coolpix swivel design to the next
level with its 1.8-inch LCD monitor that swivels in virtually any
direction for easy subject framing. The Coolpix 5000 also packs a
Macro shooting mode to capture images as close as 3ž4 inch and a Movie
mode that shoots up to 40 seconds of video with audio, into a compact
magnesium alloy body weighing a mere 12.6 ounces. Information: www.nikonusa.com |
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SnapShare™, a complete digital photo studio-in-a-box
that allows consumers to shoot and share their photos over the Internet,
has been launched by Konica Photo Imaging. SnapShare includes a full
complement of easy-to-use, components, such as a versatile Konica
digital camera with MP3 player, audio recorder and PC cam capability,
Hewlett-Packard scanner, Corel software, SanDisk memory card, Konica
inkjet paper—plus one free month of Internet access from AT&T
WorldNet Service. SnapShare is available through the Konica Online
Store, www.konicaonlinestore.com. Information: (718) 398-4009. |
| Tamron Co. has developed a fourth-generation 28–200mm
zoom lens, AO3, that is the most compact, lightweight lens in its
class. With a filter size of 62mm, a maximum diameter of 71mm, an
overall length of 75.2mm and weight of only 12.5 oz., it’s the
world’s smallest and lightest 28–200mm zoom lens available.
In addition, the AO3 features: a new optical system employing XR (Extra
Refractive Index) glass and complex aspherical elements; a moving
triple cam to enable a more compact barrel to accommodate more complex
mechanisms; a minimum shooting distance of 49cm and a zoom lock feature
for enhanced portability. Information: www.tamron.com, (631) 858-8409. |
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The new Wobble Wedge Prop Shims are versatile shims for making precise
prop adjustments quickly and easily. The shims can be used to level,
tilt, lift or stabilize props of any shape or weight to achieve the
perfect photo layout or capture the perfect lighting. They can also
be used to make quick positioning adjustments of lighting equipment,
to slant a table surface or to instantly tighten clamps. The shims
are available in black or clear from Calumet (www.calumetphoto.com).
Information: (800) 635-4494, www.wobblewedge.com. |
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MultiDisc 5’nl™ has been introduced by Photoflex as a
reflector system offering translucent and reflective surfaces for
studio and on-location photography. Aimed at traditional and digital
photography as well as video, the MultiDisc uses Photoflex’s
proprietary double-laminated fabric. Reflectors come in gold, soft
gold, white, silver and translucent surfaces housed in an easy-to-use
zippered and handled carry bag. The new system comes in three sizes:
small (22-inch); medium (32-inch) and large (42-inch). Information:
(800) 486-2674, (831) 786-1370, www.photoflex.com. |
TDK has introduced an advanced line of inkjet photo paper with excellent
color purity, razor-sharp image detail and superior stability and
durability. The paper utilizes a new multi-layer coating technology
atop a durable resin-coated backing stock. Key to the paper’s
superior image-producing capability is a special Inkset Micro-Porous
Coating Layer that ensures maximum ink absorption and minimal paper
swelling. The paper is available in two grades: heavyweight Reference
(11.8 mil, 305 g/m) and Professional (10.2 mil, 260 g/m). Information:
(212) 388-1400,
www.tdk.com. |
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Porter Case has announced a smaller airline carry-on size designed
to roll under the seat. The new 1504 ELITE has softer 4" ball
bearing wheels, padded 43" triple extension handle, combination
lock, the patented rolling tote to cart feature and more. The case
is initially available in four models: a Standard ELITE, Computer
ELITE, LCD/AV Elite and Foam Elite. Information: (219) 289-2616, www.portercase.com. |
| Epson America has announced the EPSON Stylus Photo 785EPX inkjet
printer. Developed for digital camera owners, the printer delivers
convenient photo printing with and without a computer, compatibility
with popular digital camera memory cards and Epson’s BorderFree
photo printing. The 785EPX features up to 2880x720 dpi and Epson’s
Advanced Micro Piezo inkjet technology, a six-color photo ink system,
an ultra-wide color range and four-picoliter droplets for continuous
skin tone. Information: (562) 290-4026, www.epson.com. |
| Sinar AG’s Sinarback System is being expanded with the addition
of the Sinarback HR. Utilizing the patented double piezo chip that
advances the sensor in half-pixel steps with reproducible precision,
the resolution of the image is increased for additional sharpness.
In combination with the Sinar Macroscan, it can even achieve a resolution
of more than 75 million pixels—the highest resolution of a camera
with an area sensor. Sinar also introduced its Sinaron Digital HR
lenses for greater brilliance and detail rendition. Information: +41
(0)52/647 07 56, www.sinarcameras.com. |
| Saunders/LPL, distributed solely in the U.S. by the Tiffen Company,
has added the VC6700 Variable Contrast/Constant Exposure (VCCE) Enlarger
to its 6000 Series, designed mainly for school and college darkroom.
The VC6700, calibrated for Ilford Multigrade III RC, Kodak Polymax
II RC and compatible papers, delivers the desired level of contrast
at any setting without changing exposure time. Tiffen has also developed
a series of wide-angle, telephoto and close-up lenses specifically
for the newer megapixel digital cameras. The nine new MegaPlus lenses
are available in 30mm, 37mm and 43mm. Information: (716) 328-7800,
www.tiffen.com. |
| Backdrop Outlet has introduced a new value line of solid color muslin
backgrounds in an assortment of colors: jet black, gray, white, red,
blue, orange, green, tan, pink, wine, lilac, eggplant and many others.
The backgrounds are available in two sizes, 8x16-foot seamless ($69)
or 16x16-foot ($139), and include a carry bag and sewn rod pocket
for easy hanging. Information: (312) 842-6550, www.backdropoutlet.com. |
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