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Pentax makes a splash with WG series updates Two new Pentax waterproof cameras – the WG-1000 and WG-8 – join the WG series of durable, all-weather adventure cameras, featuring robust designs which are also dustproof and shock-resistant. The Pentax WG-1000 is aimed at enthusiasts for use in casual underwater photography, offering water resistance up to 15m for a continuous hour. The WG-1000 is also engineered to withstand harsh conditions on land, with dustproofing and shock protection from up to 2m. It features a back-side illuminated 16.35-megapixel CMOS sensor and a 4x optical zoom lens ranging from 4.9mm to 19.6mm (a full-frame equivalent of 27mm to 108mm). The higher-end Pentax WG-8 will replace the WG-6 and claim the title of the toughest model in the WG series. It is waterproof up
Canon sees double Canon has added the RF-S 3.9mm f/3.5 STM Dual Fisheye APS-C VR lens to the EOS R System. It joins the existing RF 5.2mm f/2.8 VR lens and is designed to enable high- quality 3D VR content creation for both experienced users and newcomers. It is further evidence of Canon’s push into the VR content creation market. The lens incorporates dual fisheye optics placed side by side to simulate human binocular vision. Each lens captures an image from a slightly different perspective, creating two separate images which correspond to the views from the left and right eyes. This set-up generates a stereoscopic effect, enabling depth perception in VR for an immersive experience. A 144° recording angle provides a narrower field of view compared to VR180 shooting, but when viewed through a compatible headset, Canon claims that this viewing angle and 60mm interpupillary distance combine to offer a natural, forward-facing view. The set-up closely mimics human vision, delivering a realistic 3D effect. The RF-S 3.9mm f/3.5 is also the first Canon 3D lens with AF, featuring a One Shot AF setting to streamline the shooting process. It is available for pre-order at a price of £1249. canon.co.uk
to a depth of 20m, shockproof from falls up to 2.1m and works in temperatures as low as -10°C. The WG-8 can capture 20 megapixels of stills resolution and 4K video with a 1/2.3- inch CMOS sensor. Its 5x optical zoom lens covers 5mm to 25mm (full-frame equivalent of 28mm to 140mm).
The WG-1000 will be available in grey or olive and is expected to ship mid-July 2024 for £249. The WG-8 will be available in black or green and is expected to ship in late July 2024 for £479. pentax.eu
Canon tees off in the golfing industry Canon has unveiled the Canon Powershot Golf, a compact laser rangefinder with a built-in camera. The device aims to combine rangefinding technology with a digital camera to help golfers perform accurate course assessments and document their round. When providing distance readings, the Powershot Golf uses high-precision laser and pin-locking functions, which target the
The newest addition to Leica’s line-up, the D-Lux 8, continues the legacy of the brand’s premium compact camera series, which first debuted in 2003. The D-Lux 8 has a 4/3-inch CMOS sensor providing 22-megapixel (17-megapixel effective) resolution. It boasts the Leica DC Vario-Summilux 10.9-34mm f/1.7-2.8 ASPH lens, giving a versatile full-frame equivalent of 24-75mm. Leica said it has focused on enhancing user comfort with simplified controls and an updated control layout. The user interface is inspired by the Leica Q series and is designed to be more intuitive, making the camera accessible to photographers of all levels. The Leica D-Lux 8 is available in-store and online with a recommended retail price of £1450. leica-camera.com Leica launches D-Lux 8
making informed club selections based on the terrain. Additionally, an image stabiliser ensures a steady view. The camera captures 11-megapixel stills and Full HD videos with superimposed distance information. It also allows golfers to record voice memos so they can create a personal course diary, documenting shot analysis and game improvement. canon.co.uk
closest object even when multiple subjects are detected. The device includes optics with a 6x optical and 12x digital magnification, enabling detailed course assessment. It is very small in size, fits easily into a pocket and is water resistant to IPX4 standard. It even includes an optional Slope Mode that adjusts for elevation changes, providing ‘plays-like’ distances to assist golfers in
Issue 116 | Photography News 7
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