New water-resistant lenses from Pentax

Pentax has announced two new entry-level WR (water-resistant) series lenses: the DA 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 AL WR and the DA 50-200mm AL WR. They coincide with the launch of the company's new K-7 dSLR body, which has a dust- and water-resistant lens mount.

Both lenses offer water and dust resistance when used with a complementary water-resistant K series body, such as the K-7 or the K-20. The lenses feature weather-resistant seals for damp and inclement conditions. The DA 18-55mm WR replaces the existing model while adding the water-resistance. The DA 50-200mm WR also replaces the existing model while adding water-resistance and an ED (extra-low dispersion) lens element.

The lenses will be available in July 2009, with the DA 18-55mm WR priced at US$199.95, and the DA 50-200mm WR priced at US$249.95.

Via Crave CNET

Thanko's penlight underwater vidcam

Once again, another Japanese product lost in translation. The "video water" is actually a penlight-looking device that everyone's favorite geek Homer Simpson would love to get his perv paws on. This 22g underwater camcorder (12,800 yen; US$133) will clip onto any strap, and be unobtrusive enough not to get you busted by the pool supervisor. Though why this Thanko minicam would float anyone's boat is questionable since the resolution is about the same as a mobile phone camera's, which, in plain English, sucks. Thanko says this is fine for depths of up to 20m, though that sounds way too good for something that doesn't look rugged enough to get past the deep end of a pool.

The rear cap unscrews to reveal a mini-USB port for file transfer and charging the built-in battery, but note that this is USB 1.1, so you don't want to be offloading reams of video. For charge time, every hour gets you an hour's use, with a full charge maxing out at 3 hours. The 2GB memory claims to hold up to 6 hours, though by that time you'll either be all pruney from being submerged so long, or suffering a chlorine rash. Doh!
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Be a gunslinger with BlackRapid's Double Strap

BlackRapid R-Strap won the hearts of many photographers by offering a quick and easy way to access a camera slung across the body. Now the US-based company has devised the RS DR-1 Double Strap which lets you sling two shooters just like the cowboys of the Wild West.

The harness sits on the user's shoulders and the camera straps extend to both sides of the body. You'll have to use the FastenR-2 module (which is provided) to hook your cameras to the strap.

For photojournalists who shoot with two dSLRs with different lenses attached, the Double Strap is probably a godsend. But if you're just a casual shutterbug, you're going to raise a few eyebrows if seen wearing this harness down the street.

The Double Strap will ship internationally from mid-June for US$130 on BlackRapid's Web site.

Via PDN

Alpha DSLR-A380 hands-on photos

We got our mitts on a Sony DSLR-A380 which came with two of the new lenses. This camera is one of the three dSLRs the Japanese company announced today. Sony said its new shooters are targeted at first-time dSLR users, so the focus was on making the snappers easier to operate.

Here's our first impression of the DSLR-A380, the highest-end model among the three models.
Read more »

Four new DT series Alpha lenses from Sony

To go with Sony's new compact and lightweight Alpha DSLR's announced today are four new DT series lenses. Designed for use with APS-C sized sensors, the new entry-level DT lenses feature built-in-lens autofocus (AF) motors, the Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM), for quiet, smooth AF with the new compact Alpha bodies.

A pair of new compact, lightweight kit zoom lenses. The DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 standard zoom lens featuring aspherical and ED (extra-low dispersion) lens elements. The DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 telephoto zoom lens features an ED lens element, its long range make it good for sports. They are available separately or in camera kits.

There are also two new compact DT series constant aperture prime lenses providing more creative control. The DT 50mm F1.8, a fast 50mm lens, long a favorite in traditional photography. A good portrait lens with its fast 75mm f1.8 35mm equivalent and shallow depth of field. Also the 30mm F2.8 macro lens for getting the close-up shots. Both lenses feature the built-in Smooth Autofocus Motor and are compact and lightweight.

The lenses will be available in July 2009 with the 18-55mm going for about US$200, the 55-200mm for about US$230, and the 50mm f1.8 for about US$150. No pricing yet on the 30mm macro.

Via Crave CNET

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