Versatile new 8x zoom lens from Tokina

Tokina has announced a versatile new 8x zoom lens, the Tokina AT-X 16.5mm-135mm F3.5-5.6 DX lens. A digital-only lens, featuring a wide focal length range, it will be available for Canon and Nikon lens mounts. It has a 35mm-equivalent focal length of 26mm to 216mm on a Canon DSLR, and a 35mm equivalent focal length range of 25mm to 203mm on a Nikon dSLR. The lens has a close-focusing distance of about 18 inches. No pricing or availability information was available, but it is said to be shipping early in 2009.

Via CNET Crave

AgfaPhoto's new film-based point-and-shoots at Photokina

Kids these day probably won't know of AgfaPhoto, but this company was a force to be reckoned with in the 1980s. It was almost on par with Kodak and Fujifilm in manufacturing negatives, and held on to a good portion of the market share. But the firm's sales took a downslide when digital photography became more prominent. Today it has only a handful of digital cameras under its belt.

But at Photokina, AgfaPhoto made an unprecedented move. It showcased two film-based point-and-shoots amid all the new digital snappers. The Compact FF and Compact AF are the German company's answer to what it sees as an "established market segment". These affordable shooters are available now at very favorable prices, according to the press release.

With digital point-and-shoots getting so affordable these days, it is hard to imagine buying a film camera again. But the two cameras will probably sell well in third-world countries where computers are not so accessible.

Adobe extends Photoshop to mobile phones

Adobe Systems has gradually extended its Photoshop brand from its beginnings as high-end image-editing tool to its Elements consumer-oriented photo software and its Express online photo-editing site.

Now, the company has begun taking the next step with Photoshop.com Mobile. The software is the "easiest way to upload, view, and share photos online from your Windows Mobile phone", according to Adobe.

This software lets people upload photos from their phones to Photoshop.com and view photo albums stored online, according to the site. The beta software, a free download for people in the United States, works on several Windows Mobile-based handsets.

If your device isn't supported, Adobe recommends using Shozu mobile phone software, which lets people upload photos, among other things.

Personally, I'd like to see a mobile phone app that could perform some really basic adjustments--cropping or auto-fixing exposure, for example. But, so far at least, this isn't that application. However, Photoshop itself is about to enter its 11th major version, CS4, and mobile phones are getting more powerful all the time, so the possibility is there.
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Legendary F1 photographer in town to capture speed demons

Race photographer Paul Henri Cahier has been capturing the drama of F1 Grand Prix since he was a teenager, and his memory of those days was: "The word 'security' hasn't been invented yet." Back then, he and his late father, Bernard Cahier, worked as a team and roamed the tracks to snap some of the most memorable shots of the high octane competition. Nowadays, photographers are allowed access only certain areas. But that's not stopping the spritely 56-year old from chasing the action with his lens.

Cahier is very excited about the first F1 night race that will rev off in a few days. Being the inaugural race to be held after sunset, the photographer is hoping to take plenty of interesting shots that would not be possible in a day race. With the weather station forecasting a 50 percent chance of rain during the competition, Cahier is expecting his job to be even more challenging.
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Camera Armor Seattle Sling bag for soggy photogs

What price are you willing to pay to keep your camera and equipment protected from weather, water, or your own misfortune? Camera Armor's Seattle Sling waterproof bag tagged at US$149.95 seems very fair, especially for those who carry thousands of dollars worth of gear.

The bag's zipper-free design includes a sealed, air-tight dry bag inside along with strong clips so the bag stays put, but still gives you easy access.

The waterproof dry bag also features four adjustable dividers to keep your lenses, batteries, flashes, etc., all safe and cozy, regardless of what's going on outside. Speaking of the outside, the exterior of the bag has straps for larger equipment, like tripods.

The Seattle Sling is available now.

Via Crave CNET

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