Think Tank Photo introduces Restrospective camera and lens bag, which are simple looking bags with soft and flexible interior, allow you to be blend into environment seamlessly. It is designed for digital SLR camera users, especially photojournalists, wedding photographers, street photographers and travel photographers in mind.

It has various size and two color, black and brown. The smallest size will accomodate DSLR camera with battery grip, plus two to three short lenses. The bigger one will accommodate up to 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. Price: From $99 to $179

Think Tank Restrospective 20 Pinestone color

This collection is a blend of old style photography bag (DOMKE) with typical ThinkTank attention to detail and quality.

Competitors:

Boda Bag – Lens bag that is very popular among wedding photographer and portrait shooters. It’s ergonomic is excellent and the latest version is weather sealed.

Domke – Classic old school photography bag

Shootsac – Fashionable lens bag

Recently, Panasonic announces Panasonic G2, successor to revolutionary Panasonic G1, which is the first micro four thirds camera in the market. Panasonic G2 has the same body design with additional movie recording button. At the same time, Panasonic also announces Panasonic G10.

Along the way, Panasonic has released Panasonic GH1. I think GH1, and G10 are transitional or filler products. It is created to give consumers more choices and also an effort to compete in certain price point. Panasonic GF1, an ultra compact camera is another transitional/experimental product which is very successful. We can expect Panasonic introduces GF successor sooner or later.

The improvement from G1 and G2 is more about convenience and movie recording. Image quality for still photography is less likely to be improved since they use the same sensor, however, the processing algorithm are getting better so the G2 is confident to introduce ISO 6400.

Panasonic G2 is available in three eyecatching color

With Panasonic G2 touchscreen LCD, you can easily:
1. Instruct the camera to focus to certain point in the screen
2. Track a subject
3. Adjust exposure and other settings
4. Playback your picture by touch and slide (like iPhone/iPod touch)

Therefore, G2 wil be a perfect camera for beginners or users that looking for a step up camera because G2 is so easy to use (thanks to touch screen and intelligent auto mode). For enthusiasts and pro, you might not interested as much because this camera  is not as responsive as digital SLR system yet. By the time I wrote this, Panasonic hasn’t announce the price yet. It might be around $900 for G2 and 700 for G10. Both with 14-42mm, a new standard kit lens.

I still have some questions though, like how easy is that to use touchscreen while holding the camera and how easy and good the movie recording feature in G2. Hopefully some reviews will come out and shed some light about it.

A quite funny video I found the other day when browsing Photography Bay website. This video is about a professional wedding photographers got sued by the couple because they feel the quality of the photos are not good enough. Furthermore, the judge brings up that the alleged pro photographer was using Canon Rebel XTi, an entry level camera with kit lens. What is the result? please watch it yourself.

At PMA, Ricoh announces two new lens block thats might keep Ricoh fans from jumping to another system such as micro four third system.

Here is an excerpt from Ricoh press release:

Camera unit RICOH LENS P10 28-300 mm F3.5-5.6 VC* (name tentative)

• With an original Ricoh noise reduction function and a back-illuminated CMOS sensor, this camera unit expands the photographer’s range of expression by making it possible to shoot high-quality images in scenes ranging from low light to bright light.
• Featuring a high-magnification 10.7x (28-300 mm) optical wide-angle zoom, this unit has 120 frame/second high-speed continuous shooting ability plus a wide range of other functional capabilities such as RAW image recording, image settings adjustable to nine levels, multi-target AF, and much more.
• Start of sales planned for the summer of 2010.

Camera unit GR LENS A12 28 mm F2.5 (name tentative)

• Featuring a newly developed 28 mm fixed-focal-length GR LENS, this camera unit achieves high resolution and high imaging power.
• A 23.6 mm × 15.7 mm (APS-C size) CMOS sensor is used. The combination of this sensor with the GR ENGINE Ⅲ image processing engine enables the camera unit to shoot high-quality images with smooth tone gradations as well as high definition and low noise.
• There is a manual focus ring that can be used for precise focus adjustments.
• Start of sales planned for the winter of 2010.

Ricoh decision to launch P10 lens block is a bit weird because they recently release Ricoh CX10 with exactly the same sensor and capability with only $399 price tag. However, the 28mm f/2.5 lens block with DSLR quality sensor will be highly anticipated by fans due to the popular Ricoh GRD series.

Ricoh GXR with A12 50mm f/2.5 macro lens block has been criticized because of Auto Focus performance in low light. It is also criticized for its price. I don’t think it is overpriced because the built quality and user interface are the best in the class.

I also hope Ricoh could surprise the fans once more by improving AF and introducing more lens block in the near future.

More about Ricoh GXR

• Ricoh GXR system
• Ricoh GXR pro and cons
• Ricoh GXR impression by three photographers

I read an interesting interview with Kazuto Yamaki, Sigma Chief Operating Officer via Imaging Resource and I find it is very interesting, especially because I used several Sigma lenses (Read Reviews).

Before, Sigma lenses are regarded as inferior lenses to manufacturer lenses. Their business strategy is to produce very cheap lens and let the retailer bundled it with DSLR camera body.

However, time has changed. Manufacturers began to bundle their DSLR camera with kit lens. Through the time, kit lenses have been improved in quality significantly. So, many DSLR users will probably stick with their kit lens for a longer period of time.

To respond to this phenomenon, several years ago, Sigma started to produce many high quality and specialized lenses. Some of the lenses are unique, such as Sigma 50-500mm. Recently, Sigma America launches a new interactive website to make lens finding easier. [Read: Sigma vs Canon lenses]

This year, Sigma brings out another five high quality lens to compete for your attention. It is generally cheaper but their performance are as good if not better than manufacturers lenses.

SIGMA cameras

Sigma also produces compact and DSLR camera. Sigma uses FOVEON sensor, which is almost the same size as an average DSLR sensor. However, it fall short because of the processing speed is very slow.

Via PMA 2010 trade shows, Sigma upgrades some of their enthusiasts compact cameras such as Sigma DP1x and DP2s. Sigma claims that the operating speed and user interface are improved from their predecessor. but we will need to wait until the review is out.

In the same time, Sigma also reintroduces SD15, a successor of SD14, a DSLR with the same FOVEON sensor. However, we don’t know exactly when it will be available. SD15 rumor has been up for a while.

PMA 2010, the great photography exhibition has just finished. From the show, we can get an idea of how the digital camera trend for 2010. From reading news and photographic equipments that has been launched, I noticed some trends for digital cameras this year. Some of them is continuing trend from 2009.

1. Mirrorless camera steals the show

Following micro four third system initiated by Olympus and Panasonic, other companies are joining in mirrorless camera. Mirrorless camera is thinner and smaller than a digital SLR camera. Samsung has launched the NX series, Ricoh launches GXR system, Sony has demonstrated the design concept / prototype of their mirrorless camera. Now only Canon, Nikon and Pentax are not taking the plunge. Due to increasing popularity and technology development, it might be inevitable that Canon, Nikon will take the plunge next year.

2. Video Feature

Continuing the trend from last year, video feature seems to be standard feature in the digital SLR camera. Even Sony, which the only DSLR producer that don’t have video feature in their DSLR camera up to date, will introduce two new digital SLR that will have video feature.

3. Sensor technology

Sensor technology for digital cameras both for SLR and compact cameras is growing. As a result the image quality is increasingly improved, especially in low light situation. Many compact cameras use backlit technology, and digital SLR camera has been able to take pictures in very dim places very well. Thanks to the development of sensors and image processing algorithms.

4. Lenses

Lenses  are growing in number and in quality. Many compact cameras launched in 2010 has a wide lens (24mm equivalent). For DSLR camera, prime lens is increasingly popular because many people want to create image that has shallow depth of field (blur in the background). Macro lens is also became popular for a variety of purposes, for example, food photography.

5. Digital SLR camera and Fashion

Today,digital SLR camera is not only owned by pro photographer or enthusiasts. Interested with image quality and falling price, many people are getting DSLR camera. Like mobile phone or compact camera, it starts to become lifestyle item. Some camera manufacturers  grasp this opportunity and produce cameras with variety of colors to attract buyers. An example is Pentax k-x. In addition, micro four thirds cameras also comes with different color choice.

Maybe there are trends that apart from my observations, therefore I invite all friends to share your opinion here.

Samsung EX1 / TL500 is advanced camera designed for serius amateur photographer in mind. However, casual shooters will also benefited by the qualities of this digital compact camera.

When I look at EX1 picture  and spec, I can’t help impressed with it. It is a step up from the popular Panasonic LX3. LX3 is famous for its wide angle lens with big maximum aperture and full manual control. Samsung EX1 surpasses LX3’s qualities and took it a step further.

Its lens has even bigger maximum aperture and more flexible lens : 24-72mm f/1.8-2.4. Furthermore, it has better control with 2 round dials, 1 finger dials and 2 mode dials. It also has swiveling 3″ AMOLED LCD screen. One important feature Samsung EX1 lack is ability to record HD video. But this might not concern most amateur photographers who places emphasis on photography rather than videography.

Compare to another popular advanced compact camera, Canon S90, it has a hotshoe for flash or external viewfinder. But Canon S90 IS is highly pocketable, Samsung EX1 is not. It is even bigger than Panasonic LX3.

Overall, Samsung EX1 / TL500 sets a new standard in this category. It will be a tough challenge for Panasonic who is also planning to release Panasonic LX4 this year.

Here is the specs comparison between the three of them:

Sigma just announces five new lenses for Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Pentax DSLR cameras. Three of them are high-quality and compatible with full frame camera. Two other are compatible with crop frame camera.

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 OS

The original Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 is popular among sports and portrait photographer, and now it just getting better with OS (optical stabilization) built-in. Manufacturers 70-200mm are very expensive and out of reach from amateurs and many professionals folks and this lens will provide a nice alternative. I’ve used the original Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8  II, and I like it. Generally, the image quality is very good  and auto focus tracking is very reliable.

Sigma 70-200mm OS

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 HSM

This lens is a specialized lens for portrait and it is a great alternative to Nikon 85mm f/1.4. Nikon 85mm has been out for 13-14 years now and needed an upgrade. Sigma is smart to take advantage of Nikon sluggishness in updating their prime lenses. For Canon users, this will provide another alternatives, but generally Canon 85mm f/1.8  USM is already an excellent lens.

Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5 – 6.3 OS HSM

This lens is very popular and versatile amongst nature and wild llife photographer and unique to Sigma. Now it gets much needed optical stabilization.

Sigma 50-500mm OS

Note: Lenses below do not compatible with full frame camera such as Nikon D700, Canon 5D mark II and Sony A900

Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 OS HSM DC

This constant aperture standard zoom lens is great for low light and general purpose. I can shoot an entire wedding with this type of lens. Tamron, one of the Sigma biggest competitors has launched their 17-50mm f/2.8 VR last year. Comparing the two, I trust Sigma’s auto focus more than the Tamron. Currently Sigma also has 17-70mm f/2.8-4 which has more zoom length.

Sigma 8-16mm f/4.5 – 5.6 DC

This is an exciting super wide-angle lens for amateur landscape photographer. It is now even wider than best selling Sigma 10-20mm. Hopefully it is affordable too.

Generally, I am pleased that Sigma is able to bring out high quality alternative lenses for photographers to use. The OS feature in two telephoto lenses will be very helpful to combat blurry image due to camera shake.

PMA trade show this year won’t be as interesting because three major photography manufacturers: Canon, Leica and Pentax are not participating. However, there are still some new stuff that we can expect:

1. Sony and Samsung to prepares their 3D compact camera: News and rumor from Photo Rumors.

2. Will Samsung introduces their advanced compact with low light lens? This will provide alternative to Panasonic LX3 / Canon S90IS.

3. Sony mirrorless camera: Which will have APS-C sensor and compete with Samsung NX and micro four third system.

4. Nikon 24-120mm f/4 VR will be announced this year? It is a highly anticipated multi purpose lens for Nikon FX camera. Canon shooters has been enjoying their 24-105mm f/4 L IS for years.

Other rumors:

Even Canon is not participating, they will held press conference on 23th Feb 2010. Will this be a new high-end DSLR release? (1ds Mark IV)

Olympus Malaysia website put a countdown timer on their website. Is this means another product launch or just a website redesign?

Canon 50D

Canon recently releases Canon EOS T2i / 550d. It is an update on Canon popular beginner camera line. On the other hand, Canon 50D has been in the market for almost one and a half year now. But why you might still want to consider Canon 50D?

Canon 50D is an advanced Canon DSLR camera. It is designed for semi professional use. It has a bigger and tougher body, faster continuous burst rate and bigger and brighter viewfinder. However, it does not have movie mode although it has live preview mode. Regarding the price, Canon 50D is about $100-150 more expensive at the moment.

Canon T2i

Canon has improve their sensor which translate to a better  image quality. It also has movie recording mode. However, its build construction is stil plastic and it is less responsive than the 50D.

I will recommend Canon 50D if you demand a tough camera to use for work or extreme outdoor activities rather than 550D. But if you’re looking for a  lightweight camera that able to capture video, then Canon T2i should be your choice.