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Hasselblad CFV-50 adds 50MP digital sensor to your V-System camera
We know you're a hardy crowd and aren't impressed by mere megapixels, but how about this: the 50MP sensor inside Hasselblad's new CFV-50 digital back is physically twice as large as a full-frame imager. Yeah, now we've got your attention. Intended as the attachment that finally makes film shooters break down and go digital, the CFV-50 comes with Hasselblad's DAC lens correction features that'll hunt down and ruthlessly obliterate any distortion, vignetting, lateral chromatic aberrations, or stray feelings of buyer's remorse. Yours for only €11,990 ($15,750) plus whatever taxes your local bureaucrat elects to slap on top. Full press release and a closeup of the CFV-50 await after the break. Update: We managed to stop by the outfit's booth here at Photokina and snag a quick hands-on. Man, does this thing feel retro.
Hasselblad H4D-31 cuts the entry price for medium format excellence to $13k
It might cost as much as a small car at €9,995 ($13,132) before tax, but believe it or not, the H4D-31 represents one of Hasselblad's most affordable offerings to date. Promising to bring all the goodness of the H4D-40, but at a more reasonable price point, this new shooter offers 31 megapixels of resolution and a choice of either an 80mm prime lens or a CF-lens adapter to let you attach V-System gear you've already got in your inventory. As such, it's attempting to perform the fine balancing act of appealing to both system stalwarts looking to go digital and DSLR enthusiasts tempted to step up to a larger sensor. We're still in love with Nikon's D3S, but you've got to admit, that H-embossed focusing ring sure looks sexy.
Leaf Aptus-II 12 snaps 80 megapixels of awesome on the back of your pro shooter
You ever wonder how CSI sleuths can keep enhancing their images all the way until they see what brand sneakers the perp is wearing? Well, they probably had a pre-release version of one of these Aptus-II 12s from Leaf. This new digital back can fill a staggering 80 million pixels with imaging data, thanks to its 53.7mm x 40.3mm-sized CCD sensor. It comes strapped with a 3.5-inch touchscreen on the back, 80 to 800 ISO range, 1.5 0.6fps capture rate, and a mind-boggling 480MB max file size per image. Should you have the imaging gear to match up to such might, you'll want to know that the Aptus-II 12 is shipping now from Leaf Partners worldwide with a price tag just under €24,000 ($31,387), or you could grab the 12R version -- which features a rotating sensor allowing you to shoot portrait shots without having to turn your camera sideways -- for €31,995 ($41,850). That's actually pretty decent value for your money, considering you'd have had to spend the same amount on the Aptus-II 10 only six months ago -- and that only had a measly 56 megapixel sensor!
Mamiya churns out 33 megapixel RZ33 digital camera: yours for $18k
It's sort of affordable by Mamiya standards, but the $17,990 asking price affixed to the outfit's new RZ33 large-sensor digital camera kit is still apt to detract all but the most professional of professionals. Boasting a 33 megapixel CCD sensor, CompactFlash support and a promise to produce mind-blowing images, this beast-of-a-digicam is said to offer "cable-free digital operation [that's] just as smooth and trouble-free as shooting with film." As you'd expect, it's fully compatible with all RZ system lenses, viewfinders and (most) accessories, and you'll also find rack and pinion bellows focusing, inbuilt vertical-horizontal rotation and an optional interchangeable power winder. Hit the source link for the nitty-gritty, but only if you've got the cheddar to cover the biggest impulse buy of your life.
Pentax's medium-format 645D previewed, is a lot of camera to love (video)
It's been a long, long time coming for Pentax lovers with big hands, but the medium format 645D is finally nearing completion. Announced way back in March of 2007, the former 30 megapixel concept is now a 40 megapixel monster, relying on a Kodak-sourced 44 x 33mm sensor that's more than twice as large as those found on your average DSLR. To make room, the camera itself is naturally bulky, but the control layout is said to be very similar to the K7, so users should be able to get up to speed quickly -- after performing the requisite number of bicep curls and bench presses to prepare, of course. There's an overview video of this $10,000 studio-bound beast after the break, and plenty more photos at the source link.
High-speed, medium-format DM40 DSLR puts Mamiya back in the money again
The last time we heard from Mamiya it was doing something rather shocking: selling a camera for less than $10k! For a moment we were worried that this medium-format camera company with large-format MSRPs was letting the economy dictate its designs, but its latest entrant quashes those fears, priced at a solid $19,990 ($21,990 if you want the 80mm lens). It's the DM40, a 40 megapixel medium-format body that can manage 60fps frames per minute, making it the fastest in this class of sensor. As per usual for Mamiya it sports CompactFlash storage along with FireWire output for those doing it live from the studio. Bodies are shipping soon, so get ready to sign that mortgage over. Update: As many commenters pointed out, that's 60 frames per minute, not per second. Still the fastest, believe it or not.
Hasselblad creates 40 megapixel H4D-40 medium format camera, wants $20k for it
Tough though it may be to believe, Hasselblad's 39 megapixel H3D II actually came out in 2007. Yeah, last decade. In other words, it's about time we saw a true successor hit the market, and with PMA just about ready to get going in Anaheim, the bold and beautiful H4D-40 is making its grand entrance. Boasting a 40 megapixel sensor, this medium format behemoth -- which we spotted in a leak late last month -- also features a "True Focus" AF system and ships with an 80mm lens and a viewfinder. The kit is said to be shipping now across the globe for $19,995 (or €13,995 / £12,995 on that side of the pond), which should make choosing between a new shooter and a public college education remarkably difficult.
Mamiya's DM22 is a medium format digital camera for the Walmart type at sub-$10k pricepoint
It can't be easy being the cost-cutter in a game as insanely expensive as digital medium format cameras, but after teaming up with Phase One for a $5990 medium format shooter (without lens), Mamiya is taking its own crack at the market with the $9,995 DM22. It comes with a Mamiya 80mm f/2.8 D Series lens, has a 22 megapixel sensor and can pump images straight out over FireWire if you think your RAW files are too good for a lowly CompactFlash card. It's also being introduced with a $14,990 sibling, the DM28, which has a 28 megapixel sensor and handles higher ISO shots. [Via Gear Diary]
Phase One 645DF medium format unveiled, its invasion set for Q4 2009
To think, it's been the better part of five months since Phase One teased us with some professional-grade photography equipment, and here to satiate our cravings yet again is the new 645DF medium format camera. Along with perennial partner Mamiya Digital, the pair created what they're claiming is flash sync speeds of up to 1/1600th of a second, as well as the option to dial between predefined modes. Additionally, three new leaf shutter lenses will be released alongside, available in 55mm, 80mm, and 110mm varieties and all f/2.8. Both are available for order now but not shipping until Q4 2009, with the camera body starting at $5990 and the lenses at $2490 each -- the perfect stocking stuffer for you and your very, very much loved ones [warning: read link is a PDF]. Show full PR text Announcing the PHASE ONE 645DF Medium Format CAMERA The Perfect Body for your Perfect Back COPENHAGEN, September 28, 2009 – Phase One, the world's leader in open-platform medium format camera systems and solutions, today announced the Phase One 645DF camera. Engineered in partnership with Mamiya Digital Imaging for superior quality image capture and ease of handling, it sets a new standard for high flash sync speeds – up to 1/1600 of a second. Also today, Phase One announced the availability of three new high performance leaf shutter lenses, 55mm, 80mm and 110mm, all f/2.8 and all designed with the Phase One 645DF camera in mind. The lenses are a result of close collaboration with Mamiya Digital Imaging and Schneider Kreuznach (see today's related announcement). "Our patent-pending flash sync breakthrough eases working with wide open apertures and fill-in flash on location," said Jan H. Christiansen, Phase One marketing director. "We already offer the most flexible exposure times ranging from 1/4000 of a second to one full hour. Setting new performance standards is all about expanding creative options for photographers." The 645DF camera is the only 645 medium format camera which supports both focal plane and leaf shutters, expanding photographers' innovative possibilities by leveraging the two shutter technologies seamlessly for world class photography, whether this involves ultra-fast flash sync speeds or extremely flexible exposure times. The new camera introduces many performance improvements over its predecessor. Capture responsiveness and autofocus speed is highly improved giving photographers up to 5 times faster performance in a typical fashion set up. The 645DF also offers a breakthrough workflow improvement -- custom-shooting modes. For the first time in a medium-format camera, photographers can "dial up" a pre-defined mode, where the camera is instantly set up for a given shooting scenario, e.g. product, portrait or landscape photography. Other workflow enhancements include new tactile buttons, a fully sealed eye-cup eliminating ambient light, improved viewfinder masks, and customizable audio feedback e.g. on focus lock. Several custom functions have been enhanced, without compromising simple navigation. Freedom to choose the best back for you Phase One builds flexible, open photographic systems to support a professional's style, needs and working preference. The Phase One 645DF camera supports the world's finest digital backs, ensuring freedom of choice and investment protection for years to come. It is compatible with digital backs designed for the Phase One / Mamiya AFD mount, including backs from Phase One, Leaf, Mamiya and others. Pricing and Availability The Phase One 645DF camera body starts at $5990/€4290 and is expected to ship Q4, 2009. The new leaf shutter lenses start at $2490/€1790 and are expected to start shipping Q4, 2009. All equipment can be ordered now from Phase One and Leaf dealers (for the dealer near you, please see: http://www.phaseone.com/partners and http://www.leaf-photography.com/dealers.asp). About Phase One Phase One is the world's leader in open-platform based medium format camera systems and solutions. Phase One medium format cameras, digital backs and lenses are designed to deliver superior quality image capture and investment value. Phase One's Capture One software helps streamline capture and post-production processes for both medium format and DSLR cameras. Phase One products are known for their quality, flexibility and speed enabling pro photographers shooting in a wide range of formats to achieve their creative visions without compromise. Phase One is an employee-owned company based in Copenhagen with offices in New York, London, Tokyo, Cologne and Shanghai. For more information about the products, visit the Phase One web site on www.phaseone.com. Phase One is a registered trademark of Phase One A/S. All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. [Via Photography Blog]
Microsoft's Vexcel Imaging announces 92-megapixel UltraCamLp
Microsoft's Vexcel Imaging division hasn't exactly caused a whole lot of fanfare during its short time in existence, but it has managed to carved out a nice little niche for itself in the field of aerial cameras, and it's just kicked out its latest model in the form of the 92-megapixel UltraCamLp. Apart from that boost in megapixels, this one looks to be mostly identical to the medium-format UltraCamL that it's based on (pictured above), although it does make use of a smaller 6 μm CCD array that makes that increase in image format possible. Otherwise, you can expect a 1:2.2 pan sharpen ratio, and the ability to collect RGB and NIR in parallel with forward motion compensation by TDI, which will let you use the camera in a whole host of applications ranging from orthophoto production to corridor mapping to lidar integration. No word on price just yet, but it looks like existing UltraCamL users will be eligible for a free upgrade when the UltraCamLp rolls out in November.[Via GIM International, thanks Thijs]
Pentax's 30 megapixel 645 Digital on track for 2010 release
Got an itch that only a 30 megapixel shooter can scratch? Not really kosher on anything offered up by Hassleblad? For those odd, eccentric souls who somehow managed to answer "yes" to both of those inquiries, you'll be elated to know that Pentax's long awaited 645 Digital -- which was once rumored as canceled altogether -- is on track to be released next year. According to an update on the company's Japanese website, the device will boast 30 megapixels and will play quite nicely with the FA645 55mm f/2.8 lens that should launch simultaneously. Start saving those tax credits right about now -- we can say with absolutely certainty that you'll need every spare dollar you can find to afford this sucker.[Via DigitalCameraInfo]
Mamiya announces DL33 for those who need more than 28 megapixels
Facing a little bit of competition from the hands of Nikon, and finding its earlier 28 megapixel DL28 to be something of a success (despite its $15,000 price tag), medium format master Mamiya is introducing a new model set to drive the megapixel wars to new heights. The DL33 sports similar specs to the DL28, including a 3.5-inch touchscreen on the back, but bests its successor with a 36 x 44-millimeter, 33 megapixel sensor. That means 16-bit capture, 12-stop dynamic range, and ISO settings from 50 to 800. Other tweaks include a faster autofocus motor and an improved UI, but with image files clocking in at 67 - 190MB you'll probably need some improved storage, too. The camera will be available starting next month for $19,999 including a 55mm f2.8 or 150mm f3.5 lens -- but only if you act now.[Via Topix]
Mamiya's DL28 digital camera system is slightly cheaper than you'd think
We know you want a pro-friendly medium format digital camera -- so do we -- but they're awfully expensive, aren't they? You might have to think about dropping as much as $30,000 one of these babies if you're the discerning type, but Mamiya is trying to convince you that you can save a few thousand dollars and still get results. Enter the DL28 digital camera system, which combines the body of the well-established 645 with Leaf's Aptus-II 6 digital back. It's got 16-bit capture, a 12-stop dynamic range, an ISO range of 50 - 800, and a fancy 3.5-inch touch screen at price of $15,000, appropriate for cash-strapped professionals and financially comfortable hobbyists -- unless Nikon has something to say about it.
Hasselblad bringing 60-megapixel H3DII-60 in April 2009
Hasselblad's doing a fine job of pimping its mildly fresh 50-megapixel H3DII-50 at Photokina 2008, but being that we're hardly ever satisfied with the here and now, we've latched onto a few juicy tidbits flowing from the lips of CEO Christian Poulsen. Reportedly, the exec made clear at the show that a 60-megapixel version of the camera (H3DII-60) would be made available in April of 2009, and while it would demand a £4,000 ($7,393) premium over the £14,750 ($27,261) H3DII-50, that increase would pay for a sensor that provides 94% full-frame coverage. It's okay, your D40 is still bombastic in its own right.
Kodak rolls out new image sensors at Photokina, one for Leica's S2
We noticed that the writeup for Leica's newly unveiled S2 made mention of a new Kodak sensor, but we'll leave it to Kodak to do the boasting. Sure enough, the outfit responsible for this atrocity has rolled out a few new image sensors at Photokina 2008, one of which -- the KAF-37500 -- proudly resides in the aforementioned S2. The company is showcasing sensors for medium format rigs such as the Sinar HY6-65 (KAF-31600) and Hasselblad H3DII-50 (KAF-50100), though quite honestly, it spends more time gloating about what manufacturers it's partnering with than describing the technology. Oh well, so long as it keeps Kodak from focusing on its pathetic point-and-shoot lineup, we'll keep smiling.
Leica debuts S-system, 37-megapixel flagship S2 camera
Is it Photokina time, or what? Joining the host of other camera manufacturers with sparkly fresh announcements this week is none other than Leica, which just announced a trio of new cams a few days back. This introduction, however, stands alone, and Leica's making some pretty remarkably bold statements about its new S-system. The first device to take advantage is the 37-frickin'-megapixel S2, which sits between Canon's EOS 5D and EOS 1Ds MkIII in terms of body size. The company designed the camera to provide "the quality of medium format and the handling and flexibility of 35mm," and the outfit also has nine S-system lenses on tap. As for expectations? Leica says it'll perform "twice as fast as Hasselblad H-series cameras," and if that wasn't straight-up enough, the firm's David Bell proclaimed that "[Leica] thinks it has the best professional camera system in the world with this."[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Hasselblad introduces the 50 megapixel H3DII-50
We haven't heard much from Hasselblad lately, but whenever the high-end cameramaker does make a peep, it's usually pretty impressive -- like the new 50 megapixel H3DII-50 back it just announced. Building on the H3DII-39 back, the 50 features a 36 X 48mm Kodak sensor twice the size of other full-frame DSLR sensors that generates 300MB files at 1FPS. Pricing hasn't been announced, but don't expect this bad boy to come in under the $37K pricetag of the 39 when it launches in October -- especially since Hasselblad says anyone who buys a 39 now can trade up to the 50 later for the difference in price and instructions on how to properly sleep on beds made of money.[Thanks, Douglas]
Phase One introduces elusive 645 medium format camera platform
It's been a solid tick since we've heard any rustling in the bushes from Phase One, but the company's striking back with a vengeance with the 645 (also known as the Mamiya 645AFDIII). Hailed as the "world's most flexible, open medium format digital camera platform," the unit plays nice with a smorgasbord of high-end lenses (Mamiya's 645 family, Hasselblad V-lenses and Pentacon Six lenses, for starters), and can achieve shutter speeds from 1/4000 second to 60 minutes. Unfortunately, that's about all the details we're given for now, and while pre-production units are sneaking out at this week's Photo Imaging Expo, we'll be forced to hang tight until Q2 before indulging in full technical specifications. No worries -- we figure most folks will need a quarter or so to save up, anyway. [Warning: PDF read link][Thanks, Harsh A.]
Pentax canceling the 645 Digital to focus on K-series DSLRs?
Pentax's 31.6 megapixel medium-format 645 Digital has been announced for over a year now -- we've even seen one in the flesh -- but it's never actually shipped, and now it looks like it never will. According to Impress, Pentax is killing off its digital medium format cameras to focus on K-series DSLRs, but the 645's film versions will live on. Considering the ever-more-competitive field of excellent prosumer cams out there, we can't say we fault the decision, but if there are any engineering samples lying around, we'll be happy to take 'em off Pentax's hands.
Hasselblad discontinues the H2 product line
We don't foresee too many tears being shed over this news, but the Hasselblad faithful will probably want to know that the tried and true H2 product line has been nixed. Not surprisingly, the company reported that "demand simply no longer justified the dedicated manufacturing line required for its production," and that it would be shifting those resources to the H3DII. On a more positive note, the outfit is introducing the H2F, which is being billed as a "greatly simplified film-only version of the H2," so those (still) sticking with film can look here to get their fix. Lastly, the firm reassured H1 / H2 owners that it would continue to support those products "for a minimum of 10 years from the date of purchase." So long, H2, it's been a good run.[Via CNET]
