Unveiled for the first time at the Photokina 2008 trade show in Germany, Leica is pleased to announce the first shipments of the S2 will be delivered in October 2009. This new system product will set the standard in professional digital photography.
A perfect synthesis
The LEICA S2's excellence is based not only on its high-resolution image sensor but also the unique S format and full range of features, such as autofocus, high-speed MAESTRO image processor, highly durable design and optimal size and ease-of-use for the professional photographer. The S2 achieves a perfect synthesis, combining the highest image quality in a camera with incomparable ease-of-use. It breaks new ground in every way, ensuring that photographers will enjoy perfect results from a camera that is truly easy to handle. The Leica S-system is the only professional camera system to make a clean break from legacy categories such as the "35mm" or "medium format" and was developed solely for the digital domain. This means the S2 has established its own format focused primarily on ease-of-use and optimal image quality - the Leica S format. This format pioneers the optimal quality of all components and embodies easy handling, giving photographers the creative scope they require. The decisive advantage of the LEICA S2 is the sum of its features: flexibility, durability and easy operation combined with industry- leading resolution and image quality. The S2 outperforms other camera systems in the medium-format category, setting a completely new standard for quality.
A unique image sensor design for unparalleled quality
The S2's image sensor was developed especially for the S system by Kodak. With a resolution of 37.5 megapixels, the 30 x 45mm CCD sensor features an aspect ratio of 3:2 and an area nearly 60% larger than that of a traditional 35mm camera, resulting in stunning image quality. In the interest of preserving image sharpness, the camera disregards the standard low-pass filter. Instead, Moiré effects are detected and eliminated by the camera's internal signal processing, thus taking full advantage of the system's high-resolution lenses. A special micro-lens pattern allows complete capture of angled light rays on the image periphery for optimal use of available light. With a sensitivity of up to ISO 1250, low-noise images can be captured under limited lighting conditions.
Compact design and familiar feel
The LEICA S2 has the look and feel of traditional 35mm SLR cameras, preserving the handling qualities that have long been appreciated by professional photographers. The integration of electronic components and the very latest design methods have made the S2 remarkably smaller than other medium-format cameras. The number of controls was kept to a bare minimum without limiting the camera's many features and options. Operation of the S2 becomes intuitive after minimal operation of the camera. The result is a finely balanced camera with a pleasant weight that allows photographers to work fluidly and spontaneously.
The size and weight are far lower than comparable medium-format systems in a camera that features a high-resolution CCD as well as high-speed operation. The LEICA S2 is not only the right choice for the studio, but also for working on location and capturing images without the use of a tripod.
Faster results with a high-speed system
The S2's high-speed MAESTRO image processor chip and supplemental camera control processor deliver exceptional processing power. Fast signal processing by the MAESTRO chip allows up to 1.5 images per second at maximum resolution. The powerful MAESTRO dual processor allows high-quality JPEG files to be created in the camera, the only medium-format to have this feature. The LEICA S2 has slots for both Compact Flash and SD, with an option for saving RAW format Adobe DNG data onto Compact Flash and JPEG to the SD card, simultaneously. This allows for easy image viewing on the camera while streamlining post-processing. Using Adobe DNG for raw imaging data gives photographers the ultimate flexibility because this open-source data format is supported by almost all major graphic-editing and workflow solutions. Leica supplies the universal Adobe Lightroom workflow solution as part of the camera's equipment. Leica's proprietary Image Shuttle software allows all of the S2 features to be controlled remotely from a computer, and image files are written directly onto the hard drive for immediate processing. An HDMI interface allows images to be presented and checked directly on monitors, television sets, and projectors.
Reference-class lenses
The highest priority during development of the Leica S lenses was image quality. Their sophisticated design features special grades of glass and aspherical surfaces rarely found in optics of this size. In addition, lenses manufactured to extremely narrow tolerances, with each lens centered by hand, guarantees superior quality and optical performance. The maximum performance of each lens is available even at full aperture setting, or when shooting from a distance or capturing close-up images. Vignetting, distortion and chromatic aberrations have been reduced to the point of imperceptibility, eliminating the need for quality-degrading image corrections and simplifying digital post-processing considerably. The newly developed S-bayonet mount ensures rapid and precise digital exchange of data and commands between the camera and lens.
Four S series lenses will be launched for the key focal lengths by the end of 2009, including the classic LEICA SUMMARIT-S 70mm F/2.5 ASPH and the LEICA APO-TELE- ELMAR-S F/180mm telephoto lens. The LEICA APO-MACRO-SUMMARIT-S 120mm F/2.5, the solution for close-ups and portraits, and the wide-angle LEICA SUMMARIT-S 35mm F/2.5 ASPH are set to follow in late 2009. By multiplying the listed focal distances by 0.8, the user is given a comparison to corresponding 35mm-format lenses. A selection of the S lenses will also be available in a CS variant with an integrated focal-plane shutter. Leica is planning to prioritize the expansion of its range of S lenses in the near future.
Dual shutter system
The LEICA S2 allows photographers to choose the shutter system which best matches the task at hand. The S2 is equipped with a metal focal-plane shutter with the fastest shutter speed of 1/4000 of a second and a flash synch time of 1/125 of a second. Lenses of key focal lengths will be available in the future with integrated leaf shutters designed by Leica engineers that photographers can activate via the camera's main switch. The integrated leaf shutter allows flash units to be used at the fastest shutter speed of 1/500 second, giving photographers more options for suppressing unwanted ambient light. Several patents are pending for the Leica leaf shutter, which features an electronically-controlled drive guaranteeing reliable, fast exposure times and low energy consumption.
Precise, high-speed autofocus
The autofocus developed by Leica for the S2 is based on a centrally positioned cross-hair sensor for high precision focusing. Each S lens has its own Leica-designed microprocessor for precise autofocus and iris diaphragm control. The integrated focusing drive is a proprietary Leica design that features silent gearing. All S lenses have a generous focus ring with just the right amount of drag, letting the photographer override the autofocus at any time.
Rugged, durable design
The camera's body is made of robust die-cast magnesium with a leather-grain finish for maximum grip. The S2 and all S lenses are extensively weatherproofed and can withstand exposure to rain and dust, and the USB and remote control ports feature rugged bayonet locks with strain relief. The S2 can also be supplied with a highly scratch-resistant LEICA S2-P sapphire glass display cover for the most extreme and demanding conditions.
Authorized sales and service network
The LEICA S2 is only sold through authorized dealers who also offer specialized consultation and support. This network of dealers is part of the extended S system service package.
The S system has its own customer care team with a dedicated helpline, making immediate service accessible for any questions that may arise. Professional photographers who demand absolute reliability from their camera systems can choose from additional service package upgrades to enhance the generous standard warranty coverage. The Platinum service package includes free maintenance in addition to offering loaner equipment for the duration of the service work. Please review the attached warranty table for more details.
Pricing and availability
At the end of September 2009, LEICA S2 will be available for $22,995 at select photography dealers. At $27,995 the LEICA S2-P with sapphire display includes the Platinum service package. The LEICA SUMMARIT-S 70 mm f/2.5 ASPH. for $4,495 and the LEICA APO-TELE-ELMAR-S 180 mm f/3.5 for $6,495will also be available when the S2 is launched. The LEICA APO-MACRO-SUMMARIT-S 120 mm f/2.5, also priced at $6,495, and the LEICA SUMMARIT-S 35 mm f/2.5 ASPH, priced at $5,295, will reach the market in late 2009. The CS variant models of the S lenses will be introduced successively over time. The first CS models to reach dealers will be the LEICA SUMMARIT-S 70 mm f/2.5 ASPH. CS ($5,995), the LEICA APO-MACRO- SUMMARIT-S 120 mm f/2.5 CS and the LEICA APO-TELE-ELMAR-S 180 mm f/3,5 CS (the macro and telephoto selling for $7,495 each). The LEICA SUMMARIT-S 35 mm f/2.5 ASPH. CS will follow for $5,995. Many of accessories will also become available with the market launch, including the professional S charging unit that recharges two batteries simultaneously ($399) as well as various components such as alternative viewfinder screens. Specialist dealers will also have many other accessories such as lens caps, cable releases and the LEICA SF 58 flash unit. An S all-purpose grip will be available starting in early 2010 for $1,295. Prices include taxes where applicable.
Leica has today revealed that we will know about 'the next generation of Leica Cameras' in just over a weeks time. According to an official video (presented by Rudi Spiller, CEO) there will be a live webcast at 9.00 AM EST on 09/09/09, there could be some numerical hint there. We will of course be reporting this live and bringing you full details on the day. Click through to watch the video below.
Sony has released a full-frame 28-75mm F2.8 SAM lens to accompany its new Alpha DSLR-A850 digital SLR. The constant F2.8 lens offers a less expensive alternative to the Sony Zeiss 24-70mm F2.8 ZA for A850 and A900 owners looks for a fast standard zoom. Construction is made up of 14 elements in 16 groups, including four aspherical elements. It features the SAM (Smooth Autofocus Motor) in-lens autofocus technology, rather than the SSM system used in the ZA lens. Priced approximately at around $800 USD, it will start shipping from November 2009.
The company has also announced a little more detail about its SAL30M28 30mm F2.8 Macro DT (APS-C format) lens. It will be launched at the same time and has a minimum focusing distance of 0.129mm, giving 1:1 reproduction.
Bright Lens
The choice of full-frame lenses to complement the α850 model is enhanced with the new SAL2875 28-75mm F2.8 SAM lens. This compact, easy-to-carry lens is ideal for photo enthusiasts looking to add a bright, general purpose zoom to their collection of full-frame optics.
Delivering excellent imaging quality at an accessible price, it offers a wide F2.8 aperture over its entire zoom range. Ideal for day-to-day shooting tasks, its bright constant aperture makes the 28-75mm F2.8 SAM particularly valuable for depth-of-field control and available-light portraits.
The SAL2875 lens will be available in November for about $800.
Sony unveiled its second full-frame digital SLR in the shape of DSLR-A850. It offers almost all features of the company's flagship full frame DSLR A900, but at a more affordable price. It is built around the same 24.6MP CMOS sensor and incorporates A900's 3.0 inch 921k LCD, sensor-shift image-stabilization and Dual Bionz processors. The only compromise is a 98% viewfinder coverage against A900's 100% and slower continuous shooting. To complement the A850, Sony has also announced a mid-priced 28-75mm constant F2.8 SAM lens to fit with the A850's affordable full-frame ethos. The A850 will start shipping from September 2009 with the 28-75mm lens available from November 2009.
Description:
The α850 camera is designed to deliver ultra-fine picture quality with a high resolution, 24.6-megapixel, 35-mm full-frame Exmor™ CMOS sensor and fast image processing with dual BIONZ™ processing engines. It also offers high-speed continuous shooting of 24.6 megapixel images at up to three frames per second.
Ultra-Fine Images
The camera's Exmor CMOS sensor delivers the photographic expressive power of wide angles and perspective that only a 35 mm full-frame sensor can offer, and is designed to take advantage of the resolving power of high-precision alpha lenses. Its high pixel count and large size provide enhanced image detail and a wider dynamic range for natural color reproduction and subtle tonal gradations. Image processing gets a boost in speed and power from two BIONZ processing engines. Large amounts of data captured by the 24.6-megapixel sensor can be quickly processed to achieve a fast shooting response. Additionally, this dual BIONZ system applies advanced noise reduction algorithms producing images of exceptional quality and detail, especially at high ISO sensitivities.
Capture the Right Shot the First Time
The camera's innovative intelligent preview function takes the guesswork out of setting up a shot and the hassle of taking multiple shots to achieve a desired effect. After pressing the depth of field preview button, the camera "grabs" a RAW preview image which is processed and displayed on the LCD screen. You can then fine tune white balance, determine the best level and effect of dynamic range optimization, adjust exposure compensation and check histogram data, all before you actually take the picture. Preview images are not recorded on the camera's memory card, thus saving capacity.
The camera's autofocus system features nine sensors with 10 assist points for improved tracking of moving subjects. A center dual cross sensor comprised of two horizontal and two vertical line sensors as well as a dedicated f/2.8 sensor are included to achieve greater precision, especially when using fast-aperture lenses.
Ultra-Bright Viewfinder with 98 Percent Coverage
The ultra-bright viewfinder with 98 percent field of view coverage and 0.74x magnification enables accurate framing and preview. It features a high-power condenser lens, an eyepiece with high reflective-index glass, and a multi-layer, anti-reflective coating on optical surfaces to deliver its extraordinarily bright view. A mirror box features a parallel-link mirror mechanism that moves on two horizontal axes to accommodate both the large full frame mirror and the body-integrated image stabilization system without increasing the camera's size.
Anti-Shake System for a Full-Frame Sensor
With its body-integrated SteadyShot INSIDE™ image stabilization, the camera achieves an anti-shake effect equivalent to shutter speeds faster by 2.5 to 4 stops. The anti-shake system stabilizes all Sony, Minolta and Konica-Minolta compatible lenses even wide angle or large aperture lenses.
Versatility to Unleash Creative Possibilities
Other key features aimed to expand creative options include the Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO) with five levels of user-selectable correction as well as DRO bracketing for enhanced scene analysis and graduation optimization. EV bracketing with +/-2EV range makes it easy to create high dynamic range composite images. With the camera's HDMI™ output and Photo TV HD mode, your creative output can be enjoyed on a compatible HD television. This mode brings the look of actual printed photography to the television, by fine-tuning such image parameters as sharpness, gradation, and color reproduction.
The a850 model features a 3-inch (diagonally), Xtra Fine LCD™ screen (921K) making it possible to check focus and image quality with accuracy. It incorporates an easy-to-see display with a quick navigation menu to easily access common functions without interrupting your creative flow. A backlit LCD panel sits on top of the camera and displays key settings.
The camera includes dedicated slots for high-capacity Memory Stick PRO Duo™, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™, HX series and CompactFlash® media.
Bright Lens
The choice of full-frame lenses to complement the α850 model is enhanced with the new SAL2875 28-75mm F2.8 SAM lens. This compact, easy-to-carry lens is ideal for photo enthusiasts looking to add a bright, general purpose zoom to their collection of full-frame optics.
Delivering excellent imaging quality at an accessible price, it offers a wide F2.8 aperture over its entire zoom range. Ideal for day-to-day shooting tasks, its bright constant aperture makes the 28-75mm F2.8 SAM particularly valuable for depth-of-field control and available-light portraits.
Pricing and Availability
The A850 (model DSLR-A850) will be available in September for about $2,000 (body only) along with related accessories. All a900 accessories are compatible with the A850 camera, including the dedicated vertical grip (model VG-C90AM). The SAL2875 lens will be available in November for about $800.
Today we have digital cameras everywhere and suddenly everyone thinks they are a professional photographer. The cameras come in small and very convenient gadgets like phones, DS’s etc. Everyone is taking digital pictures not everyone is taking the pictures the right way, anyone can take a digital photo but not everyone can take a good digital photo. Here are a few things to consider before take digital photos to impress at least a casual observer.
• Before Shooting – Before you start taking digital pictures a decision has to be made on what type of photos you want to take and most important you need to consider what type of camera you want to purchase. Buying a digital camera today can be a bit over whelming given that there are numerous options to choose from but this is where what kind of photos you want to take comes in, if you are thinking of becoming a serious photographer a Sinlgle Lens Reflex [SLR] Camera is probably your best bet. SLR cameras uses a semi-automatic moving mirror system that allows the photographer to sometimes see exactly what will be captured by the digital imaging system. Lenses are an internal part of the digital camera because they are what allow the camera to focus on the world. Lenses can be defined by their focal length and aperture, the focal length tells what the angle of the view is and how far it magnifies while the aperture determines how much light the camera lens gets. A UV filter is also a good addition to purchase with your camera, it helps protect the lens from fingerprints, scratches, moisture, dust and others as well as reducing the UV light getting into the lens.
• Exposure – This is the amount of light collected by the sensor of your digital camera during a single shot. If the shot is too exposed the picture will be washed and if the exposure is not enough the picture will be dark. Digital cameras come with an automatic light meter which sets the light parameters for the hot if you learn how to control your exposure manually you may end up taking better photos. Digital cameras uses two controls for exposure, the shutter speed and aperture • Using Macro Mode – Today, digital cameras come with various options, one of those is the macro mode. Taking photos in macro mode lets you move close to the subject of your digital photograph. This option works best when taking photographs of insects, small animals and flowers. Digital cameras do not come with the same macro modes, different cameras come with different macro modes with different capabilities which include focusing distances. Also a tripod is an invaluable tool when using the macro mode, since the depth of field very small. Moving towards and away from your subject can take one subject out of focus, in this case keeping the camera stationary helps. **An article on Macro photography will be written at a later date**
• Composition – This is the composition of distance elements to form a whole and it is the most important aspect of taking a good digital photograph. There are guidelines that can help improve the creativity of your work. Before you take a digital photograph consider what the main subject is going to be, what angle the light should hit the picture etc. There are some guidelines to help improve you photographs
i. Rule of Thirds – This is a very old technique, in this process the frames can be divided into 3 horizontal and 3 vertical sections, where the lines intersect indicates the most important part of the photo. Putting this simply it means if you take the picture and it is divided as instructed above the most important parts of the photograph will be right smack in the middle of the intersections
ii. Simplicity – This is a method for keeping the photo as simple as possible, this just means if the main subject is close avoid distractions like elaborate background that may take attention away from the main subject.
iii. Texture – This is important and creates interest in the photograph, it makes viewers imagine what the subject of the photograph feels like to touch it. This technique is good to use when taking photographs of rocks, walls, surfaces, water and other like surfaces.
iv. Colors – Certain color combinations attract people to take a second look at photographs instead of just a passing glance. Good use of color adds accents and effects but be careful to remember the simplicity rule, do not do too much to distract from the subject of your picture.
• Tweek ISO Options – ISO determines how sensitive the image sensor is to the amount of the light present. The higher the ISO the more the sensitive the image sensor and therefore the possibility to take pictures in low light situations. ISO speed affects the shutter/aperture combination which can be used to obtain correct exposure.
• Memory Expansion – Digital cameras come with internal memory but not enough to hold hundreds of photographs, so digital memory cards are a very good idea. There are various types of memory cards with different storage capabilities which all depends on what type of memory card your camera holds and how much storage space you require.
