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Fujifilm announces FinePix S3 Pro UVIR Digital SLR
Fujifilm has announced the FinePix S3 Pro UVIR Digital SLR, a production digital camera capable of capturing both ultraviolet and infrared images. Although they claim to be the first to release a production camera that captures both UV and IR, enthusiasts have been using production cameras to capture digital images in both spectrums since the birth of digital cameras. However, the S3 Pro UVIR should be considerably more sensitive in those spectra than other (unmodified) cameras, and has features designed around dark filter shooting. Like the Canon 20Da, the new Fuji offers a Live Preview feature that locks up the mirror and gives a real-time preview image via the LCD on the back—fantastic for focusing while visible-light-blocking filters are attached to the front of the lens.
Although the S3 Pro UVIR is being marketed at the forensics, law-enforcement, technical/scientific, and fine arts communities, photographers interested in photographing underwater fluorescence may also be interested.
Nikon announces the 10.2mp D80
Nikon today announced a new dSLR, the D80. According to Nikon:
The D80 features a new 10.2 effective megapixel DX Format CCD image sensor, bringing a new level of high resolution and sharp detail to the class while also providing plenty of freedom to crop creatively and print impressive enlargements.
Adopting a refined version of Nikon’s advanced Multi-CAM 1000 AF Sensor Module, this new 11-area AF system adds effective new focusing options that will instill greater confidence in getting the desired shot.
The D80 features a large and bright viewfinder with large 0.94x magnification to ensure the clearest view possible for precise composition.
A large new 2.5-inch 230,000-dot high-resolution LCD provides an ultra-wide 170-degree viewing angle from all directions.
ShootUnderwater: Mike Veitch’s Photo Workshop
Please join photo pros Tim Rock, Wetpixel moderator Mike Veitch, and Simon Buxton at either Puerto Galera in the Philippines or Yap, Micronesia in June 2007 (workshops will run in both locations) and enjoy some of the world’s best diving while learning to improve your photography skills at the same time. We have lined up a great bunch of sponsors such as Aquatica, PADI, Magic Filters, Ikelite, Think Tank Photo, and Cressi Sub. We look forward to meeting lots of eager photographers, having a great time, and taking some incredible photos.
For details about prices and bookings, please visit www.shootunderwater.com
Pentax announces the Optio W20 waterproof camera
Pentax has announced the Optio W20 waterproof digital camera, an update to the older W10. The W20 meets the JIS Class 8 waterproof standard and Class 5 dustproof standard, enabling it to be submerged in water for 30 minutes at depths up to 1.5 meters. New features include a 7-megapixel sensor, Blur Reduction Mode, 2.5” LCD, Face Recognition AF, SDHC memory card support, and 21.9 MB of built-in memory.
Divester’s first photo contest enters voting
Judges at Divester’s First-Ever Photo Contest have gone through more than 1200 images and have picked out 10 finalists. The winning image will be selected by public vote, so head on over to Divester’s voting page before midnight, August 10 and pick your favorite one!
San Diego Undersea Film Festival 2006 Final Call
Steve Douglas reminds us that the San Diego Undersea Film Exhibition’s entry deadline is August 15, 2006! Here’s a quick reminder of what to submit:
* We are accepting only mini-DV NTSC tapes.
* No film should be longer than five minutes max and at least 50% of the footage must be underwater.
* Please ensure that you have all rights, to any media that is used in your film(s) (music, visual footage, personal, copyright, or any other legal right.
See the SDUFEX website for full details.
X-Ray Magazine #12 is available for download
X-Ray, a fantastic, free, online magazine, has just announced the availability of issue #12:
From cool blue wilderness of the Canadian high Arctic to the red hot deserts of Jordan - from Beluga whales close to magnificent wrecks. Also in this issue lots of Ocean Art including Chihulys Seaforms. Vi have a talk with photographer Kurt Amsler and AP Valves Martin Parker. Dives: 200m on CCR in Thailand and explore caves in Bosnia. Technique: Leigh Cunningham tells why we should watch our partial pressure and Jason Heller and Dan Beecham explains how we can rig your photogear.
Lots of other news and new gear too - as always.
Canon announces HV10 HDV camcorder
Canon has announced the HV10, its first consumer-oriented HDV camcorder. It features optical image stabilization, a 10x optical zoom, a CMOS sensor, manual exposure, custom white balance, simultaneous stills (2MP) and video, and a vertical grip orientation. It looks *very* small, and should compete will with the Sony HC3. MSRP is estimated to be USD $1299.
All of Canon’s newly-announced HDV camcorders use “Instant AF,” which incorporates external sensors as a first step toward fast autofocus. It remains to be seen whether these sensors will even work underwater, and whether manufacturers will take them into account when designing underwater housings.