News

Firmware for Sigma DP2

Firmware version 1.01 is now available for the Sigma DP2. The latest upgrade improves AF accuracy and decreases the issue of intermittent camera freezes under certain conditions. For more information go here.

Sigma DP2 Now Available

The Sigma DP2 is now available from retailers in the UK with an SRP of £599.99. Sigma has released two dedicated accessories for the DP2 which are the VF-21 Viewfinder (£114.99) and the HA-21 Hood adapter (£19.99).

Ricoh GR Digital II Firmware 2.30 Now Available

The Ricoh GR Digital II Firmware 2.30 can now be downloaded from here. The update brings the following changes and enhancements:

1)  It is now possible to manually set the flash amount
(2)  It is now possible to set the flash timing
(3)  It is now possible to register white balance compensation in My Settings
(4)  The TODAY’S SHOTS display function has been added

New Update for for Ricoh GR Digital II

On April 22, Ricoh will release the fourth function-enhancing firmware update for its GR DIGITAL II. The update will bring in the following changes.

Enhanced functions

1) It is now possible to manually set the flash amount.

When the flash mode is set to [Manual Flash], it is now possible to set the flash amount. For the flash amount, you can select from 12 levels ranging from full flash to 1/45.  
• This enables you to fix the flash amount so that it will not be affected by the light reflectance of the subject and background.  
• This results in a relatively short time lag since there is no need to do a pre-flash to get exposure information.  
 
2) It is now possible to set the flash timing.

The timing at which the flash fires can be selected from the choices "1st Curtain" (immediately after exposure begins) and "2nd Curtain" (immediately before exposure ends).  
• Normally it is convenient to use "1st Curtain," which fires the flash when the shutter is pushed.  
• Using "2nd Curtain" when shooting a moving subject in flash (slow) synchro can result in images with more natural light trails.  

3) It is now possible to register white balance compensation in My Settings.

You can select whether to save in My Settings the value set for white balance compensation.  
 
4) The TODAY’S SHOTS display function has been added.

The number of images recorded during the current day can be displayed on the LCD monitor when the power is turned off.

For more details go to http://www.ricoh.com/r_dc/download/firmware/grd2/
 

Sigma DP2 To Retail for $649 ?

The Sigma DP2 is now available for pre-order on all the major online retails. Both Amazon and B&H are in fact quoting $649 for the camera, which should be available by May according to B&H.

[Via Photography Blog ]

Version 1.17 Update for Ricoh R10

A new firmware update is available for the Ricoh R10 compact camera. Version 1.17 modifies the LCD color balance to reduce a reddish tint that has emerged in a number of models. For more information head over here.

Images from Sigma DP2 Posted Online

Curious about the much anticipated Sigma DP2 compact camera? Then head over here to check out the 17 sample images taken by four different photographers. Some of the images however have been “retouched” and don’t exceed ISO 200.

FujiFilm FinePix F200EXR Gets a Price Tag

The FujiFilm FinePix F200EXR, which we told you about, a couple of days ago has got a price tag. Amazon has listed this advanced compact camera for $399 which some may find quite pricy for a point and shoot.

Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR

The Fujifilm FinePix F200EXR is different from the current crop of compact cameras thanks to its new generation CCD sensor, the EXR. The sensor offers 3 selectable modes, which are; Fine Capture Mode (High Resolution), Pixel Fusion Mode (High Sensitivity and Low Noise), and Dual Capture (Wide Dynamic Range). The 12-MegaPixel camera will debut in February 2009 at a retail price of $399.95.

[Via DCI ]

Firmware Version 1.20 for Ricoh GX200

Firmware update 1.20 for the Ricoh GX200 digital camera is now available for download. The latest version includes the following bug fix:

When you playback a 1:1 image in the playback mode, the small window may not move to the right edge in the position display window that is shown in the right corner in the LCD.

Firmware update 2.20 for Ricoh GR Digital II

Firmware update 2.20 for the Ricoh GR Digital II is now available for download. The firmware adds and fixes the following bugs:

The AF target shift function can now be used in modes other than the macro mode.
• The AF target shift function can now be operated using not only the ADJ. lever, but also the Fn (Function) button.
• [Settings That Can Be Saved in My Settings Mode]
The following items can now be retained in [Reg. My Settings] on the setup menu.
- Shutter speed and aperture value for the M mode (manual exposure mode)
• [Quick Set Function for Manual Exposure Mode]
With the [M Mode Quick Set] function setting on the setup menu, you have options, Aperture, Shutter, or Program to make it available the Quick Set in the M mode.

Firmware update 1.15 for the Ricoh R10

Firmware update 1.15  for the Ricoh R10 is now available for download. The update fixes the following issues:

1.  At enlarged display in the playback mode, if you press the DISP. button to switch the position display window off, the right side frame of the window may remain.
2. When you use an 8 MB SD card that has not been formatted in a camera, if you playback the first picture in the card in a camera, the picture will not be displayed.

Photography Blog Posts Sample Images Taken by Ricoh R10

The Ricoh R10, which is a high-end compact camera, has been generating a lot of curiosity since its announcement. Photography Blog has posted a multitude of images as well as video taken from the R10, which can be accessed here. All images were taken using the 10 megapixel Fine JPEG setting with sharpness at the default level.

Sigma DP2 Unveiled at Photokina 2008

At Photokina 2008, one also got to see the Sigma DP2 compact camera. The 14 megapixel high definition digital camera uses a FOVEON X3 direct image sensor (2,652 × 1,768 × 3 layers) which is also used in the Sigma SD14 digital SLR. The Sigma SP2 s equipped with a 24.2mm F2.8 lens and also incorporates TRUE II” which is an improved version of “TRUE” (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine).

Other features found on this DP2 include; support for RAW, a 2.5 inch TFT color LCD monitor, a pop up (manual) built-in flash and three metering modes. No word on price or availability

Firmware Version 1.14 for Ricoh GX200

Ricoh GX200 users can now download a new firmware update from here. Version 1.14 offers the following fixes:

•      In the Auto shooting mode, and with the Grid Guide is displayed in the LCD, and if you turn off the camera power and then turn on in the My Setting mode, a lacked grid guide will be displayed.
•     With using AAA batteries, and in the shooting mode, if you click the Playback button to switch to the playback mode, and after the lens will be retracted automatically, if you press the shutter release to return the shooting mode, any key will not work.

Canon Ships 100 Millionthi Digital Camera

Canon in a press release announced that they have shipped their 100 millionth digital compact camera. The imaging giants from 1996 have delivered a total of 106 models Compact digital camera models (including regional models) as of August 5, 2008 around the world and some of their more popular models were; Digital IXUS I, PowerShot A70 and PowerShot S5 IS.

/o:p>“We are delighted to reach such a landmark number in camera production,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe/st1:place>. “Canon pledges to continue searching for new technologies, and new designs, that let everyone capture their most precious moments.”

Ricoh R10 Digital Camera Unveiled

The Ricoh R10 is the newest advance compact digital camera on the block. An upgrade to the Ricoh R8, this 10 megapixel shooter comes equipped with a 7.1x optical zoom lens and a 3-inch LCD screen. The R10  features the Smooth Imaging Engine III image processing engine which was also present in the R8. Other specs include; a 1cm Macro Mode, Face Correction and an Easy Shooting Mode for beginners. No word on pricing or availability but for more information head over to the Product Page.

Trusted Reviews on Ricoh GX200

Trusted Reviews tested out the newly announced GX200, which  replaces the popular and critically acclaimed GX100. Calling it a “tough little camera”, the GX200 manages to impress with its compact form factor, its black and white mode and its EVF. However when it comes to image quality, the GX200 falls short especially at higher ISOs.

Excerpt from conclusion:
“Ricoh has tried to make a camera for the enthusiast photographer, a camera that the pro or enthusiast could slip into his pocket for a day and make sure he can still get a great shot. Design-wise, the company has pulled it off. The tough little camera is a beauty to hold and a joy to use, and I couldn’t wait to see the pictures. It’s the imaging aspect that’s a disappointment though, and really lets the camera and Ricoh’s ambitions down. The 12MP sensor and processing combination is frankly poor.”

Sample Shots from Ricoh GX200 by Photography Blog

Photography Blog already has some samples shots take from the newly announced Ricoh GX200 compact camera. That was fast no doubt and head over to the GX200 Gallery to see how the camera performs.

Ricoh GX200 Unveiled

The Ricoh GX200 compact camera was officially announced by the company today. A successor to the GX100, the GX200 comes equipped with a 12 megapixel CCD sensor and a 24 mm super-wide-angle zoom lens.

This model comes in two package types with different accessories. The GX200 package contains: rechargeable lithium ion battery, battery charger, AV cable, USB cable, CD-ROM, strap, and lens cap. The GX200 VF KIT package contains all the above accessories plus the electronic viewfinder. The camera will come available as a body-only option for £349.99, as well as with the VF-1 viewfinder for £399.99