Schneider has revealed its iPro Series 2 lenses for iPhone. The lenses work with its iPro Lens System, which includes cases compatible with the Apple iPhone 4, 4S and separately for the iPhone 5. There are five new lenses in the series, including a new super-wide 0.45x and a macro lens. These join redesigned fisheye, wideangle and 2x telephoto lenses.
Canon has announced two new lenses for its DSLR cameras. Of the pair, the flagship is the EF 24–70mm f/4L IS USM. As its name implies the lens is a high-end L-series model, supporting apertures up to f/4 at all zoom levels. It's also equipped with an ultrasonic motor, image stabilization, and a macro mode, the last of which can be turned on with a switch. The lens should ship in December at a cost of $1,499.
Nikon's recent financial results show an improvement in net sales compared to last year. Sales of 381 billion yen ($4 billion) are up by 56.5 billion yen ($700 million), though operating income has dropped 5.6 billion yen ($70 million) to 41.8 billion yen ($520 million) compared to the same period last year.
Nikon has announced the successor to the V1 mirrorless 1 System camera. The V2 uses an upgraded 14.2-megapixel CX-format CMOS sensor with a light sensitivity of between 160 and 640 ISO. An Expeed 3A image processor is aided by the Advance Hybrid Auto Focus system, which can switch between a 73-point phase detection and a 135-point contrast-detect AF system.
Schneider Optics was one of many companies at the Macworld iWorld expo showing off its latest accessories. Electronista stopped by the lens maker's booth to check out their latest addition to the iPro interchangeable lens system for the iPhone 4 and 4S. A 2X telephoto lens now complements the company's wide angle and fisheye lenses.
Photoshop filter developer and photographer Kevin Kubota has released a new set of image filters called The Lensbaby Pak, specifically designed to enhance the artistic effects of photos created using Lensbaby's bendable, pre-soft-filtered optical lenses. The package offers 15 new Photoshop filters with names like "Dad's Old Camera" and "Bollywood Intensity" to connote the intended effect.
Panasonic has announced a second entry into its Lumix G series of Micro Four Thirds cameras, the GH1. The camera continues to use a 12.1-megapixel sensor, but introduces the ability to record in 1080p, 24fps video, echoing one of the primary features of Canon's more expensive EOS-5D Mk. II. Video is saved in AVCHD format to the camera's SDHC slot, and can additionally be scaled down to 1280x720 for 60fps recording. Shutter and aperture settings can be tweaked to produce special effects.
