By: Ricoh Imaging
Originally Published on Aug 27, 2014
Experience photography in a new light with the PENTAX K-S1. Whether you’re new to photography or a skilled enthusiast, the K-S1 offers you the ability to take your imaging to the next level. The K-S1 incorporates new elements that optimize digital innovations, such as a compact, modern design and an inventive interface system.
Learn more: http://www.us.ricoh-imaging.com/dslr/…
August 27, 2014 (http://www.us.ricoh-imaging.com/)
Pentax KS-1 Digital SLR Camera
Denver, Colorado August 27, 2014 – Focused on expanding the number of PENTAX DSLR owners, RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION is excited to announce the launch of the PENTAX K-S1 DSLR camera. By combining proven imaging technology, distinct design cues and a flat field user interface (UI) the K-S1 appeals to the next generation PENTAX owner without surrendering the performance expected in a mid-class camera.
Building on the many technologies benchmarked in the company’s popular K-3 advanced DSLR; the K-S1 incorporates a newly designed 20 megapixel image sensor, super-high sensitivity ISO 51200. In addition this model contains in-body shake reduction, an AA filter simulator, 100% field of view glass pentaprism viewfinder, and 5.4 frames per second shooting at a fast 1/6000 shutter speed. Adding to the user experience is the camera’s unique flat field user interface, which integrates a back-lit LED selection dial, four-way navigation, and a bright 3” 921,000 dot LCD that breaks tradition of the knobs and buttons found on traditional DSLR cameras.
The PENTAX K-S1 is designed to attract a mid-level customer who is accustomed to a mobile interface and is looking for a similar interaction in a DSLR. The simple UI eliminates many of the complexities of a DSLR and provides immediate feedback including shooting parameters, filter selection and effect modes, even in total darkness. The camera’s power switch, mode dial, OK button and grip all feature LED illumination; each of which indicates the current status of camera operation. This intuitive UI and design combined with category leading technology delivers a powerful imaging engine that is simple to use.
“With the K-S1 we are building on our solid reputation as a camera company and inviting new customers to experience the PENTAX advantage” said Jim Malcolm, Executive Vice President, Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation. “Our core PENTAX products provide an important foundation that the K-S1 builds upon.”
The optional Flucard for PENTAX offers additional features such as Wi-Fi transfer, wireless live view, and Remote Capture control; letting users take control of their camera settings with a smartphone, tablet, or computer and save images directly to a mobile device.
The K-S1 comes in 3 standard colors: black, blue, and white. In addition, two separate color collections are available; The Fabric Collection, containing 4 unique colors such as cotton beige and tweed gray – and the Night Sky Collection, with 5 more elegant colors like Sunset Orange, Dawn Purple, and Midnight Black.
To view our accompanying PENTAX K-S1 Lifestyle video
please click on the following link:
http://youtu.be/zva6-s8jza8
Pricing and Availability
The PENTAX K-S1 kit including an 18-55 mm lens will be available at retailers nationwide and at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com in September 2014 for a suggested retail price of $799.95. The K-S1 body only will be available for $749.95.
About Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation|
Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation is a subsidiary of Ricoh Company Ltd., a global technology company specializing in office imaging equipment, production print solutions, document management systems and IT services. Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh Group operates in about 200 countries and regions.
The company now known as Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation was originally founded in 1919, under the name Asahi Optical Joint Stock Co. and launched its first SLR camera in the 1950s under the PENTAX name. Today, Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation continues to produce the heritage-rich, award-winning line of PENTAX DSLR cameras, lenses and sport optics equipment as well as Ricoh’s offering of stylish and compact digital cameras, known for their wide-ranging, rich set of features.
For further information, please visit www.us.ricoh-imaging.com
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© 2014 Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation. All rights reserved. All referenced product names are the trademarks of their respective companies.
Contact:
Sarah Schachterle
Public Relations Manager
(303) 728-0320
Sarah.schachterle@us.ricoh-imaging.com
RICOH IMAGING AMERICAS CORPORATION www.us.ricoh-imaging.com
633 17th Street I Suite 2600 I Denver, CO 80202 I Phone: 303-799-8000
Main Features
• Illuminated Interface for intuitive camera operation
The PENTAX K-S1’s power switch, mode dial, OK button and grip all feature LED illumination; each of which indicates the current status of camera operation. The LEDs for the power switch, for instance, stay green during still-image shooting, but change color to red during movie recording. When the Face Detection function is activated, the number of LEDs illuminated on the grip corresponds with the number of faces that have been detected. The grip LEDs also act as a countdown timer during self timer operation. This LED body illumination gives a decorative illumination to the choice of distinctive body colors; furthering the look of the camera as a sophisticated digital device.
• Compact, lightweight body with distinctive design
The K-S1 camera body’s main chassis, including the grip, is designed to be compact in size and sophisticated in appearance, while the pentaprism employs a solid, time-proven design that easily matches high-grade SLR cameras. By harmonizing these dissimilar elements, the K-S1 delivers a body design that is totally original and remarkably fashionable.
Note: This product design was developed in collaboration with and under supervision for design and color of Ziba Tokyo, Co., Ltd., the Tokyo branch of a design consultant firm Ziba, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, USA, and with other branches in Munich and San Diego.
• High-resolution images produced by the 20.12 megapixel CMOS sensor with a super-high sensitivity of ISO 51200
The K-S1 is equipped with a newly developed CMOS image sensor with approximately 20.12 effective megapixels to deliver super-high-resolution images. It is also designed without an optical AA (anti-aliasing) filter to optimize the imaging power of the sensor. By coupling this image sensor with the high-performance PRIME MII imaging engine, the K-S1 delivers true-to-life, detailed images by effectively minimizing noise at all sensitivity levels, even during super-high-sensitivity shooting at ISO 51200.
• In-body shake reduction (SR) mechanism, and AA (anti-aliasing) filter simulator for effective moiré reduction
(1) In-body SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism
The K-S1 features the PENTAX-developed SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism to effectively minimize camera shake and assure sharp, blur-free images, even in camera-shake-prone conditions such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting low-light scenes with incident light only, or photographing sunset scenes.
(2) Innovative AA (anti-aliasing) filter simulator*
By applying microscopic vibrations to the image sensor unit at the sub-pixel level during image exposure, the K-S1’s AA filter simulator provides the same level of moiré-reduction effect as an optical AA filter. Unlike an optical AA filter, which always creates the same result, this innovative simulator lets the user not only switch the AA filter effect on and off, but also adjust the level of the effect
(3) ASTRO TRACER support
The K-S1’s SR unit has a flexible design that shifts the image senor horizontally (left/right), vertically (up/down), and rotationally. Taking advantage of this flexibility, the K-S1 provides a host of handy shooting functions, including ASTRO TRACER, which simplifies advanced astronomical photography in combination with the optional GPS unit, O-GPS1.
* This function is most effective with a shutter speed of 1/1000 second or slower. This function is not available during HDR (High Dynamic Range) shooting.
• Optical viewfinder with 100-percent field of view
The K-S1 is equipped with a glass pentaprism finder featuring the same optics and coatings as those used in higher-level models. It assures the highest level of viewfinder brightness in its class, with a magnification of approximately 0.95 times to provide a broad image field for easy focusing and framing.
• High-speed shutter to capture fast-moving subjects in crisp focus
The K-S1 provides a top shutter speed of 1/6000 second to capture the decisive moment. Coupled with its high-speed continuous shooting function (with a top speed of 5.4 images per second), it lets the photographer freeze once-in-a-lifetime shutter opportunities.
• High-precision AF with SAFOX IXi+ AF sensor module
The K-S1 features the SAFOX IXi+ AF sensor module, which assures responsive, high-precision autofocus operation with 11 sensors, including nine cross-type sensors. It also provides a spot beam to assist AF operation in poorly lit locations. Its select-area expansion function ensures that the sensor module keeps tracking a moving subject, even when the subject moves out of a pre-assigned auto-tracking area, by assessing the distance data collected by neighboring focus sensors. The AF hold function maintains the in-focus position, even when the AF system loses track of the subject after once capturing it in focus. These functions combine to improve the camera’s accuracy in the detection of moving subjects when its focus mode is set to AUTO, and upgrade its auto-tracking performance of these subjects when using a telephoto lens.
• A selection of image-processing tools for creative, personalized expressions
By setting the Mode dial to the EFFECT position, the user can apply the desired visual effect to an image while previewing the outcome on the LCD monitor. It provides a choice of 10 distinctive effects, including three new options: “Fresh” with a crystal-clean finishing touch; “Fade Color” for an elegant finish with subdued colors; and “Infrared” for a black-and-white finish like that of an infrared photo. The K-S1 also provides 21 digital filters (nine of them applicable during shooting), including a new “Color Replacement” filter.
• Dependable lens aberration compensation system
In addition to the effective compensation for distortion, chromatic aberration and peripheral brightness, the K-S1 also provides compensation function for diffraction, which deteriorates image resolution when a small aperture is used.
• Connected device functions**
The optional FLUCARD FOR PENTAX 16GB memory card can release the K-S1’s shutter, provide a live-view image, and browse and download the images recorded on the card using a smartphone or other wireless and web browser enabled device.
** These functions support smartphones operating iOS6 or later and Android 4.2 or later.
• 3.0-inch, high-resolution LCD monitor, and newly designed, easy-to-use interface
The K-S1 features a high-resolution, wide-view LCD monitor with approximately 921,000 dots. It also provides a status screen employing the newly-designed GUI (Graphical User Interface), which allows the user to confirm functions and settings assigned to the four-way controller and the OK button at a glance. The RICOH RT font has been used for on-screen menus to improve readability.
• Full HD movie recording with stereo audio
The K-S1 captures beautiful Full HD movie clips (1920 x 1080 pixels; 30/25/24 frame rate) in the H.264 recording format, which assures flawless, high-quality movies even with fast-moving subjects. It is also equipped with a built-in stereo microphone for recording natural sound during Full HD movie recording.
• Color Options
The K-S1 comes in 12 different colors: The standard colors: black, blue, and white. The Fabric Collection: Cotton Beige, Linen Brown, Denim Blue, and Tweed Gray. The Night Sky Collection: Sunset Orange, Dusk Gold, Moon Silver, Midnight Black, Dawn Purple.
• Other features
・ Compatible with Eye-Fi wireless LAN memory cards
・ 77-segment, multi-pattern metering system for high-precision light measurement
・ DR (Dust Removal) mechanism for effective elimination of dust on the image sensor using ultrasonic vibration
・ Digital Camera Utility 5 software (latest version) included
Note: Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
By: David Geffin 08-14-14 (http://fstoppers.com)
Our DSLRs have confused us. We obssess over the wrong things. Sharpness at 400%; bokeh characteristics of lenses produced from what-must-surely-be prancing magical unicorns; high speed burst frame rates that make cameras sound like gatling guns; 4k resolution to shoot better cat videos; 100 auto focus points that still won’t focus on what we need them to; and noise performance at 400,000 ISO. Absolutely none of these will make your photographs better. Shooting film will though, here’s why.
Wet dogs? Really? Yes!, Wet Dogs…
By: Sony
Originally Published on May 30, 2014
Whether you’re an amateur or professional photographer, each of us are looking through the lens (or screen these days) for the best moment to capture. Sophie Gamand has mastered the art of “best moments” in her amazing wet dog portraiture series. Recently the recipient of the 2014 Sony World Photography Award in Portraiture and a soon-to-be published author, the SGNL by Sony team had a chance to catch up with her to see first-hand just what makes her photos so fantastic. That day, while Sophie documented dog grooming with an Sony a99 she was testing, we documented her. Watch the video to see how the day turned out.
To learn more about Sophie’s story:
http://www.sony.com/blog
To visit Sophie’s website:
www.sophiegamand.com/wet-dog
By: DigitalRev TV
Uploaded on Oct 15, 2010
We got sent a question asking us: What would be better? A pro DSLR with a cheapo lens or a cheapo DSLR with an expensive lens? Well, we thought we’d answer that question in this video by asking two very different photographers to show us what they’re like. We tested the Canon 1D Mark IV with a Sigma 28-300mm f/something and a Canon 550D with a 24-70mm f/2.8L. What produces better results? Watch the video to find out.
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For the latest updates, visit our Blog: http://blog.digitalrev.com/
For more reviews, opinions, helps and tips visit: http://www.digitalrev.com/en/news-n-r…
High Performance Lenses Offer Optical Image Stabilizer and a Refined Compact Design; Lightweight EOS Rebel SL1 SLR Kit in White Available Soon
Canon EOS SL1 White
MELVILLE, N.Y., May 13, 2014 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is proud to announce two new wide-angle lenses and a new white color model of the EOS Rebel SL1 Digital SLR camera, just in time for summer. The introduction of the new Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM and the EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM wide-angle zoom lenses provides Canon digital SLR camera users with the ability to capture stunning photographs and videos of spacious landscapes and many other iconic scenes. The EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM lens is the first L-series wide-angle zoom lens equipped with image stabilization, providing professional photographers with expanded creative options, especially in low light. The EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM wide-angle lens is an affordable option for entry-level DSLR users looking to enhance their images and videos with unique and creative perspectives.
Since its introduction in March 2013, the EOS Rebel SL1, the world’s smallest and lightest digital SLR camerai, has provided photographers of all levels with a high-performance digital SLR in a small, compact camera body. The new white EOS Rebel SL1 Camera Kit is complemented by a matching white EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens and offers a stylish alternative for photographers who like to stand out from the crowd.
“Having just reached a milestone of producing 100 million EF lenses, Canon is dedicated more than ever before to its heritage of creating outstanding optics for photographers of all levels,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “The EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM and EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM ultra-wide zoom lenses, when paired with Canon EOS Digital SLR cameras, are powerful tools that can enhance any photographer’s creativity. And new to the U.S. market, the white EOS Rebel SL1 Digital SLR camera with its companion white lens, provides users with high-quality images in a small, compact body that is easy to bring along on all their summer adventures.”
Fully compatible with all EOS Digital SLR cameras including full-frame models like the EOS 5D Mark III and EOS 6D Digital SLR cameras, the compact and lightweight EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM ultra wide-angle zoom lens offers high image quality and an Optical Image Stabilizer (IS) for shake correction up to four shutter speed stepsii, making handheld shooting possible in dimly lit scenes where camera shake can occur. In addition, an intelligent CPU in the lens automatically selects the optimal IS mode by recognizing differences between normal handheld shots and panning. This technological advancement supports a greater range of creative expression for photographers in otherwise difficult shooting situations, such as dark indoor scenes where flash photography is prohibited, or in places where a tripod cannot be used, or when shooting at low ISO speeds.
The EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM ultra wide-angle zoom lens features newly developed, high quality Canon optics that incorporate three GMo (Glass-Molded) aspheric lens elements, including a large-diameter aspheric lens, which help improve image quality by correcting aberrations. Two additional UD lens elements help reduce chromatic aberration from edge to edge throughout the entire zoom range for excellent image quality with high resolution and contrast. The lens also features enhanced fluorine lens coatings on the front and rear lens surfaces to repel dust particles and help ensure superb color balance while minimizing ghosting. The inner focusing and ring USM offer silent, fast and accurate autofocusing. Full-time manual focus adjustment is available in autofocus (AF) mode. A nine-blade circular aperture creates beautiful, soft backgrounds. A new compact four-group zoom system provides a minimum focusing distance of 0.28m/11 inches throughout the zoom range and a maximum magnification of 0.23x at the telephoto end for outstanding performance.
Created to be a great companion lens for the Canon EOS 70D, EOS Rebel T5i, EOS Rebel SL1 and other EOS Digital SLR cameras with APS-C size image sensors, the EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM lens expands Canon’s line of Stepping Motor (STM) lenses. For entry-level users, this affordable wide-angle lens offers the ability to shoot creative, high-quality images and video in tight indoor locations such as a cozy corner table in a restaurant or unique vacation photos where the subject is close up, yet the surrounding area can still fill the frame.
The EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM ultra wide-angle zoom lens features a compact and lightweight design with an Optical Image Stabilizer for shake correction up to four shutter speed stepsiii, enabling handheld shooting in low light. The lens’ stepping motor and newly designed focus mechanism are ideal for Canon EOS Movie Servo AF (available on EOS 70D, EOS Rebel T5i and EOS Rebel SL1 cameras) to provide smooth, quiet and continuous autofocusing during video shooting, as well as when taking photos.
The EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM ultra-wide zoom lens features one UD lens element to help reduce chromatic aberration throughout the zoom range for excellent image quality with high resolution and contrast. It also features enhanced multi-layer lens coatings to help ensure superb color balance while minimizing ghosting and flare, while a seven-blade circular aperture creates beautiful, soft backgrounds.
Compared to the EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM wide-angle lens, the EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM ultra wide-angle zoom lens is nearly 20% smaller and 38% lighter. When combined with a compact digital SLR, such as the Canon EOS Rebel SL1 camera, the smaller size makes it very convenient to carry with the camera when traveling. The compact four-group zoom optical system provides a maximum magnification of 0.15x at the telephoto end. The wide-angle zoom range of the new EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM is a perfect complement to the currently available EF-S 18-55mm IS and EF-S 55-250mm IS STM zoom lenses.
The Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM and the EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM ultra-wide zoom lenses are scheduled to be available in June for estimated retail prices of $1,199.00 and $299.99, respectively. For more information about Canon EF Lenses visit: www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/ef_lens_lineup.
The Canon EOS Rebel SL1 and EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens kit in white is scheduled to be available at the end of June for an estimated retail price of $749.99. For more information about the white Canon EOS Rebel SL1 Digital SLR Camera kit and the full list of product specifications, visit www.usa.canon.com/eos.
Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. With approximately $36 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), ranks third overall in U.S. patents registered in 2013† and is one of Fortune Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies in 2014. In 2013, Canon U.S.A. has received the PCMag.com Readers’ Choice Award for Service and Reliability in the digital camera and printer categories for the tenth consecutive year, and for camcorders for the past three years. Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest level of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company’s RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss and follow us on Twitter @CanonUSA.
For media inquiries, please contact pr@cusa.canon.com.
† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.
All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.
Availability, prices, and specifications of all products are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.
i Among digital SLR cameras which use APS-C size equivalent sensors. As of March 1, 2014, based on Canon’s research.
ii Based on CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) standards. Testing performed using EOS-1D X digital SLR camera at focal length of 35mm
iii Based on CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) standards. Testing performed using the EOS 7D Digital SLR camera at a focal length of 18mm (29mm in 35mm equivalence).