Sony Handycam NEX-VG10

Last month Sony released details on the NEX-5, their Micro Four Thirds camera. The point-n-shoot style body is praised for mirrorless setup and APS-C sized sensor. And now, the NEX line is looking even more promising with a look at the Handycam, marked the NEX-VG10. They wisely tag the camera as the "worlds first interchangeable lens HD consumer camcorder. Just as the rest of the NEX series, it accepts Sony's new "E series" lenses. The camcorder shoots 1080i to it's 14.6MP Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor. Sorry film-makers, no 24P.

Suggested Retail: $2000USD - Press Release

FREE Professional Photographer Magazine

Professional Photographer Magazine is a great place for the amateur and professional alike. They offer insight on business plans, tutorials and technical details to suit almost any aspect of the craft. Not only is it a great site to visit for a refresh, but they also give you the option to sign up for their newsletter, and offer a free online magazine. Click here to download this months issue. This organization should be on every Photographer's email list. For more, visit: http://www.ppmag.com/.

Solar Eclipse 2010

img courtesy cbc.ca

If you are in Easter Island, you are in for a treat this Sunday, July 11. There will be a total solar eclipse prominently visible from the island, also darkening the skies of the Cook Islands and part of Chile. On this day, the population of the remote island will likely double. Earlier this year, India saw what was this centuries longest solar eclipse lasting over 11 minutes. The eclipse this Sunday will be visible for close to 5 minutes, so have your cameras ready. For more info, visit FromTheOld [non-photography related site].

iPhone Fashion Shoot

We constantly embrace new technology, and that new technology is part of a digital revolution that has been taking place since the release of the not so popular Contax N Digital. Right now we are living through what will be in the History books of the next century. More specifically, we are talking about Digital Cameras. Film has always been king, and only recently has digital become a noteworthy rival. Motion film cameras can still be found on most Hollywood sets, but the still camera has been digital for some time.

This sort of "digital awakening" has further extended the notion that each piece of equipment is a tool. A tool that will complete a certain task and deliver a specific look. Sometimes, it's just to have some fun. This may be what Photographer Lee Morris [F-Stoppers] had in mind when he decided to do a shoot solely with the iPhone 3Gs.

For more check out FStoppers

Tokina 16-28mm f2.8 Press Release

Tokina has announced the release of it's AT-X 16-28 f2.8 Pro FX lens. The full frame lens features a new AF system and a weather-sealed body. Third parties are really starting to get it, each year Tokina and Sigma release better and better glass. Even Tamron is becoming a key player. Of course, this will be reflected in the price. The 16-28 will begin shipping this Fall with a $1400USD price tag, which is about $49 cheaper than the Canon 16-35 II [however $450 cheaper than the Nikon 17-35]. An obvious advantage to the Canon would be the extra 7mm of reach, this is a big deal on short focal lengths. It will be interesting to see how these do in the market.

PRESS RELEASE [JAP]

T2i Firmware update v1.0.8

Download

From Canon.jp:

What's new in Version 1.0.8?

The following fixes have been incorporated.

1. Fixes a phenomenon in which the set aperture moves unexpectedly when shooting movies in manual exposure mode using some Canon lenses (such as macro lenses).

Supplemental Information: This phenomenon involves the aperture of the lens moving unexpectedly when the focusing ring moves (during focusing). Please note that aperture values also change when operating the zoom ring of a zoom lens that has variable maximum aperture values; however, this is a normal operation because the camera controls aperture values properly depending on the focal length (zoom position).

Michael Bay using the ARRI Alexa on Transformers 3

If you remember back in March, we introduced you to the new digital line of cinema cameras by ARRI, the worlds leading supplier of film equipment. The new platform is already being put to use. Michael Bay is currently shooting the new sequal to Transofmers using a 3D version the Alexa.