Perhaps the most important launch of Photokina 2008 thus far is the new Leica S2. The company best known for kick-starting the 35mm revolution has turned in its first large-frame camera. The S2 sports a wholly new 30x45mm CCD sensor, capable of delivering a whopping 37.5MP image. The new camera - which looks surprisingly like an over-large cross between the old R9 and even older R6 35mm SLRs - is said to process images faster than any existing medium format camera system. It's accompanied by seven fixed focal length lenses, one zoom and one wide angle tilt and shift lens. Prices… well, it's a big Leica, so expect the price tag to be substantial.
On the technology front, Fujifilm has announced a new version of its Super CCD sensor. Called Super CCD EXR, the sensor uses a new colour filter design to help combine high sensitivity, wide dynamic range and high resolution. Fujifilm also announced a new twin lens 3D system, called FinePix Real 3D System. The company claims it will also include 3D printing, too. As yet, both concepts are in the prototype stage, with no products based on the technology in the pipeline as yet. Expect things to change fast.
Also on the way, Olympus has announced it is to develop a new DSLR falling in between the E-3 and E-520. Intended for the advanced amateur use, the new camera will arrive in the Spring of 2009, will use the 11-point AF system of the E-3... but not much more detail is forthcoming. Olympus has also shown its prototype of a Micro Four Thirds camera design, which looks remarkably like the 'half-frame' Olympus Pen F from the 1960s.
Sigma has announced two new cameras, although no new sensors. The Sigma DP2 is very similar to the Sigma DP1, save for a 41mm lens and a new 'True II' processing engine. It is a running mate to the DP1, not a replacement. However, the Sigma SD15 may well replace the SD14 when it reaches release stage. The new DSLR sports a 3” LCD and the new processing engine. It's also claimed to have improved processing and operational speed over its 14megapixel Foveon X3 equipped 'predecessor'.
Sigma is, of course, best known for its lenses… and the company has announced a new lens - the 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM - and existing lenses in new mounts: the 50mm f/1.4 for Four Thirds, the 4.8mm f/2.8 and 10mm f/2.8 fisheyes (as well as the EX-140 DG macro flash) for Sony and Pentax cameras, and two APO teleconverters for Sony cameras. Other manufacturers to announce new lenses include Nikon, with its AF-S replacement to the 50mm f/1.4 standard lens, and Pentax with a slew of new lenses. These include the DA 15mm f/4 ED AL Limited superwide and DA 55mm F1.4 SDM medium-telephoto lens, as well as a 1.4x teleconverter and two new lightweight kit lenses - the 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 DA-L and 50-200mm F4-5.6 DA-L.
Kit lenses need a new camera to work with. And that comes in the shape of the new Pentax Km, a small, light and simple 10 megapixel DSLR. This is designed to be firmly in the entry-level camp. Prices on all these products are to be confirmed.
It's an exciting time for photography, but there are also casualties. One of the big names of the 1970s and 1980s - Vivitar - has gone into adminstration. "Unfortunately, the failure of the company's American parent has meant that the viability of Vivitar is no longer sustainable," claimed Eddie Kerr of accountancy firm PKF. "We are exploring strategies to minimise the significant losses to the creditors, both at home and abroad." The troubled company is said to owe £4m to its creditors. We suspect it won't be the only photographic company to struggle and fail in the current unpleasentness.
Share this article:
Del.icio.us this
