Nikon News: new D3S firmware

New firmware (v1.01) has been launched for the Nikon D3S - Windows and Mac versions available.

Nikon News: new lenses - AF-S 24mm f/1.4 G ED and 16-35mm f/4 G ED VR

Nikon have introduced a couple of new lenses:

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED (more details)

• Professional ultra-fast aperture wide-angle lens
• 24 mm focal length (DX equivalent 36 mm).
• Bright viewfinder image
• 9-blade rounded aperture produces soft and pleasing blur characteristics.
• Nano Crystal coat reduces ghost and flare.
• ED (Extra low Dispersion) glass and aspherical lens elements ensure high resolution and superior contrast.
• SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for fast, quiet autofocus.
• Durable magnesium body with rubber mount seal.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR (more details)

• Ultra- wide-angle zoom lens with constant f/4 aperture.
• 16-35mm zoom range (DX equivalent: 24-52mm).
• Vibration Reduction II (VR II) stabilization system. Lets you use shutter speeds that are up to 4 stops slower.
• Exceptionally high optical performance.
• Nano Crystal coat reduces ghost and flare.
• ED (Extra low Dispersion) glass and aspherical lens elements ensure high resolution and superior contrast.
• SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for fast, quiet autofocus.
• Durable magnesium body with rubber mount seal.

Canon News: New EOS 550D / Rebel T2i DSLR

Canon have released details about their new DSLR, updating the popular xxxD line-up. The headlines are:

• 18Mp
• Full 1080p HD recording
• iFCL metering (first seen in 7D)
• 3.7fps shooting

Full details can be found here, with the UK site update here.

Available to pre-order in the UK via Amazon (for Feb 28th release):



Helps set expectations high for any upcoming 60D, if there's still room in the lineup between the 550D and the 7D...

Microstock News: DepositPhotos launches paying photographers to upload!

DepositPhotos* is a recently-launched player in the microstock market and is marketing hard to attract photographers to sign-up, with a tempting package:

• Attractive commission rates
• Being paid up to $100 ($0.20 per photo) just for uploading approved photos
• FTP upload
  

All good news for buyers of course, as it should mean the library of RF images available will grow quickly.

Microstock News: Fotolia launch microstock plugin for Wordpress

Fotolia have launched an innovative new plugin for Wordpress bloggers - allowing users to easily license relevant images for their blog postings. Not only that, it also offers affiliation options, so bloggers can earn additional income. More information at MicrostockPhotoPlugin.com

Microstock News: Goodbye to StockXpert

Hot on the heels of Getty's announcement of a new subscription microstock site Thinkstockphotos.com, they have announced that they will be shortly moth-balling StockXpert.

For purchasers of microstock, credits can be transferred over to iStockphoto. Getty also have their free microstock site, Stock.Xchng.com which may serve your needs.

(Yes - it's complicated!)

Microstock News: New Getty microstock subscription site

Getty Images have launched a new subscription microstock site - thinkstockphotos.com. It will source its images from the sister sites iStockphoto, Jupiterimages and Getty itself. You can find Thinkstock here and specifically my images (sourced from iStockphoto) here.

Canon News: Updated EOS 1D Mark IV firmware

Canon have updated the firmware for the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV - to version 1.06. It improves AF performance for approaching and receding subjects.