Lenses
A chance meeting at 35,000ft some three years ago between a movie studio executive and a Polaroid eyewear product development manager has resulted in the first Designer 3D collection of frames that are RealD approved and certified (RealD technology is used in most 3D applications). During an international flight, Rhett Adam from Look 3D Eyewear was given a “heads-up” by a studio exec about the impending 3D onslaught and quickly identified a new market. By the time he’d landed in his native Australia, the then 35-year-old had put in place plans to quit his job and embark on a new adventure. From those humble beginnings, Look 3D Eyewear was born and the company now has four series of passive 3D viewing glasses that come in a huge variety of styles. Say goodbye to looking like a nerd while viewing 3D content. Read More
All lenses have their little quirks, but anyone importing and processing huge stacks of shots at any one time will know what a pain it is to manually correct these nagging traits. Available now as a pre-release Adobe's Lens Profile Creator gives photographers the power to bulk correct lens distortions in images captured by a particular lens. Read More
With the trend for digital SLRs to include additional video capture it was only a matter of time before dedicated prime and zoom cine lenses were offered to hybrid photographers and videographers. At the NAB Show in Las Vegas this week, Carl Zeiss introduced an entire new range of cine lenses, set for launch in June. As well as being designed especially for DSLRs, all forthcoming lens models will be available with interchangeable Canon EF, Nikon F and Arri PL mounts. Read More
While it’s not quite to the level of the Esper Machine in Blade Runner, the integration of the ImmerVision 360 degree Panamorph lens into Feeling Software’s Omnipresence 3D Security System is as close as we’ve seen. Designed to serve as a visual platform for complex, critical security systems such as airports, nuclear facilities, and universities the marriage of the two technologies eliminates blind spots to provide a system that can apparently see it all. Read More
Ricoh has announced two new lens units for its unique modular GXR digital camera platform. The P10 28-300mm wide zoom and A12 28mm fast prime lens units each include the sensor and image processor built into the module. These modules slide onto the GXR body, allowing the photographer to change both the lens and sensor to accommodate different photographic situations. Read More
Sigma Corporation, known primarily for camera lenses, has re-introduced its top-end SD15 DSLR as well as five new lenses and two new compact digital cameras. The SD15 features a 14MP Foveon X3 sensor and boasts a 21 shot RAW buffer (at 3fps). The lenses feature Sigma’s new “F” low-dispersion glass, fast speeds, and image stabilization. They will be available for Canon, Nikon, and other mounts. Sigma’s new DP1x and DP2s compact cams both feature 14MP large DSLR-size sensors and new autofocus capability. Read More
Following last September's announcement of new 50 megapixel and 60 megapixel H4D medium format cameras, Hasselblad has now announced the immediate availability of the H4D-40 DSLR camera system. The 40 of course signifies the number of megapixels, but the camera also benefits from up to four minute exposure times, faster capture rates and higher ISO ratings as well as an improved auto focus mechanism. Read More
After weeks of speculation and the accidental pre-announcement release of a demonstration video, the Ricoh GXR digital camera system has finally been officially announced. Not only is it claimed to be the smallest and lightest digital camera that allows lenses to be changed, but as the lens and sensor comprise one interchangeable unit, photographers can now choose different sensor/lens combinations for different photographic conditions. Read More
Nanostructure films for more efficient solar cells and better eyeglasses
Nanotechnology applications are increasingly diverse - ranging from being used to acquire fingerprints, to their use in the field of spintronics or even to help in the fight against cancer. Now a team of chemical engineers at Oregon State University has invented new technology that allows them to coat various surfaces with “nanostructure films”, which could be used to make cheaper, more effective eyeglasses and eventually, more efficient solar cells. Read More
