News

Pentax has a long history of innovation as well as a rabid fan base that loves the company’s tradition of optical excellence and originality. In fact, this fan base is the reason I’m writing this review. If you’re not already a Pentaxian you probably didn’t know that Pentax (derived from PENTAprism refleX) built the first camera to incorporate a penta-prism viewfinder and reflex mirror system in 1957 and went on to introduce the first TTL metering system in 1964. While late to the digital SLR game, when they finally arrived it was with a series of entry-level cameras that delivered impressive image quality at affordable prices. Over time they’ve dipped their toes into the semipro market and the K-5 is the latest model with professional aspirations yet it retains all the quirky uniqueness that all Pentax cameras have and that endears them to so many photographers.

White House Custom Colour (WHCC) announced its Book and Album Sample Program to make it easier to sell books and albums to clients, as well as the availability of several new products. The new additions arrive just in time for the fall and holiday selling season, giving professional photographers more creative ways to market their businesses and expand their product selection.

“Our clients ask and we deliver. That is our standard operating procedure around here,” said Mike Hanline, owner and CEO of WHCC. “We take client feedback seriously, and our new studio sample program and product additions are a direct result of conversations we’ve had with our clients. If we can help add value to your business, we’ll not only meet your needs, we’ll exceed them.”

Delkin Devices, Inc. announced their ruggedized, waterproof CF memory cards said to be the fastest read and write speeds in the world. The new cards are available in capacities ranging from 8GB up to 64GB and are capable of transferring pictures, video, music and more at speeds up to 685X, or 103MB/s. In addition to impressive speed performance, the cards are fully compatible with advanced HD and 3D video recording modes including slow motion recording.

"Since we launched our initial CombatFlash lineup of CF cards in 2010 we've had fantastic success among professional photographers and videographers," explains Marketing Manager, Anna Lopez. "Unlike a traditional CF memory card, the CombatFlash PCB is protected with a Tekta infusion process that enables the card to achieve phenomenal reliability and performance in environments where a normal CF card would typically fail. The card is protected from underwater submersion, solid impact, corrosion, rust & more. That reliability equals a day of production that doesn't need to be reshot, or a climb up Mount Everest that is captured reliably. It equals invaluable peace of mind."

The Cotton Carrier Steady Shot is engineered to provide a rock-solid shooting platform. Made from anodized, machined 6061 aluminum with all stainless steel fittings, the Steady Shot can handle the weight and is built to last. This is the perfect accessory to the Cotton Carrier Camera Vest, as theSteady Shot easily slides into your Camera Vest’s Lexan receptacle allowing you to support your camera, whether its with a big lens or a setup for DSLR video shooting. The multi-holed mounting plate of the Steady Shot is ready to add any manufacturer’s quick release plate, or add a fluid video head to help provide an amazingly stable platform for comfortable shooting. Initial release of the Cotton Carrier Steady Shot will be limited, so pre-order yours today. Delivery scheduled for August 30, 2011.

Starting next month, the smallest, lightest, and the most portable Olympus PEN camera – the PEN E-PM1 – will be available for $499.99. The Olympus “PEN Mini” comes in six stylish colors (purple, pink, brown, white, silver and black) to suit your personal style. The “PEN Mini” is said to be the easiest PEN to use, with a new user interface that takes the guesswork out of capturing the perfect shot. A simple one-touch button enables you shoot HD video. iAuto and scene select modes enable you capture images with ease and speed, and six built-in Art Filters enable you explore your artistic side.

Nikon Inc. announced the new COOLPIX AW100, a camera that is waterproof, freeze proof and shockproof. The COOLPIX AW100 hosts a myriad of Nikon core technologies aimed at providing stunning images and Full HD 1080p movie recording as well as new GPS technologies for outdoor enthusiasts.