A digest of last week’s news is a selection of some of the news from week 48 related to the worlds of photography and video, covering multiple topics, always rounded up with a reading suggestion.
Pentax 645Z IR is not for all
Ricoh Imaging Corporation announced the development of a medium format digital SLR that can see what the human eye can not see: the Pentax 645Z IR.
Based on the proven Pentax 645Z, which features a high-performance CMOS image sensor, with an imaging area (43.8mm x 32.8mm) approximately 1.7 times larger than that of a 35mm full-size sensor, with 51.4 effective megapixels to deliver super-high resolution and exceptional depth rendition, the new model is designed to register the infrared region of the spectrum, not seen by the human eye. The camera will be useful for investigation in multiple areas, from archaeology and painting to forensics.
Due to the specific use of the Pentax 645Z IR, the camera will not be available to the general consumer, indicates Ricoh. Libraries, museums, research institutions and government agencies buying the camera will have to abode by a Pentax 645Z IR User Agreement, which defines the conditions of use upon purchase.
Samsung exits UK photo market… and others
Samsung continues to close their camera business in different European markets. The most recent news come from Amateur Photographer magazine, which quotes a Samsung representative: “We quickly adapt to market needs and demands. In the UK, we have seen a gradual and sustained decline in demand for standalone digital cameras and camcorders and related accessories. For this reason, we have taken the decision to phase out the sales and marketing of these products.
The UK statement added: “This is a local decision, based on local market conditions”. The problem is that “local market conditions” have been met in other countries, from Germany to Norway or Spain, suggesting that Samsung cameras are no more.
After a decade telling people they should buy their cameras, Samsung closes the door and leaves those that invested in their equipment thinking that there is probably a reason to invest in names that have been in the market for a long time…
The end of Holga cameras
The factory that produces Holga Cameras has ceased operations, announced the US distributor, Freestyle Photographic. Buy your Holga before it is too late!
The origins of Holga began in China in 1982. At the time, photography was skyrocketing in popularity and the 120 film format was most pervasive. Holga was introduced to the Chinese public as an inexpensive medium format camera and although 35mm format took over, the name Holga spread West and its popularity grew. Tens of thousands of cameras were sold in twenty different countries with almost no change in the original design.
Now, Holga is coming to an end. According to the factory spokesperson in China, “…all Holga tooling has already been thrown away and there is nothing available for sale.” Inventory is still available throughout the United States and around the world, but as units sell out, they will be no longer available.
So, if you’ve ever dreamt of owning one of these plastic cameras, the time is now. Maybe as a Christmas gift for you or someone you know. Buy a Holga.
Olympus: love your camera longer
Apparently Olympus is slowing down on the launch of new models of cameras and betting in something rather interesting: updating their models to offer more functions.
Under the concept “Love Your Camera Longer”, Olympus is offering owners of some of their Mirrorless models the chance to follow technology and get their models updated. Their frequent feature upgrades offer, says the company, the most innovative imaging technology available today so you can love your camera longer.
Olympus has a recent upgrade which offers multiple new and exciting options for some of their cameras, a move similar to the one from Panasonic mentioned recently here at Pro Video Coalition. For Olympus the idea is simple: Technology is evolving every day. So is the OM-D system.
Cyber Monday eBook bundles
After a Black Friday it’s time for a Cyber Monday, so the reading suggestion for this week is a bit different and is only valid until tomorrow. Rocky Nook’s eBook bundles are alive.
Landscape, portrait, bird photographers, along with followers of other themes within the vast photographic world, will find in the multiple bundles created by Rocky Nook one that fits their interests.
Those “nice pairs” of photography eBooks are on sale, until tomorrow, at a very special price of $35. No need for a code, just visit Rocky Nook’s website before the offer expires and get some reading for Christmas.