RIP Bryce Bayer we learn from Imaging Resource. Bryce Bayer invented in 1975 the colour filter array, known as bayer filter, when at Kodak. This invention, widely in used in most digital cameras allowed to have RGB colour reproduction on a single sensor, allowing for a much more compact form of sensors. Very little has changed since.
Category: News
News (industry, events)
Bye bye Fuji Reala 100 in 120
Fujifilm Reala 100 Discontinued in 120 Format:
It is with great sadness that I have to report the announcement of the discontinuation of Fujifilm’s Reala C-41 colour film in 120 format.
Thanks to the phoblographer.
X-E1: one more thing
Concerning the Fuji X-E1 announcement, I have one more thing to say:
They added an audio input jack – which the X-Pro1 didn’t have, sadly.
While this doesn’t matter for the still photographer, the videographers will really appreciate. And hybrid still / movie cameras are the future. And I have that pet peeve about Youtube videos with awful sound.
Fujifilm X-E1 and al.
Fujifilm just announced the X-E1. Simply put, it is a cheaper version of the X-Pro1, without the optical-hybrid viewfinder, slightly shrunk down, albeit with a very similar design. In addition it has a popup flash next to the EVF. Engadget has a preview of the X-E1. The camera body only will be around $1000. Comes in silver or black.
As previously announced in the XF lens roadmap, the 18-55mm f/2.8-4 OIS zoom for the X- series will be available at the same time in November, standalone for $900 or as a kit with the X-E1 for $1400. The 14mm f/2.8 will also be available in November for $700.
The speed improvements in the X-E1 seems to have been rolled into the firmware 2.0 update that will be released September 18 for the X-Pro1 ; DPReview had the privilege to get their hands on the update.
While the X-E1 isn’t really for me, as I own a X-Pro1, it is very nice to see that Fujifilm seems to be committed to the system and release more than just one camera. By lowering the price point of the body, and catering to zoom users, they really want to expand their market. And this is good news.
Efke and ADOX to be discontinued
Fotokemika Ceases Production, Affects Efke/ADOX:
Fotokemika in Croatia has effectively ceased production of their films and papers, affecting Efke and ADOX products. Efke films and papers are completely shut down, but there’s some hope for ADOX films.
This is sad. Less choice of black and white film.
Kodak to sell film division?
It has been rumored that Kodak is trying to sell its still profitable film division.
What worries is that beside Kodak and Fujifilm, who makes colour film? I like film photography in colour. I do love colour. If I can’t buy anymore film, I’ll be very sad.
Time to stock up, and hope that whoever buys Kodak film business, does it to keep it alive, or license the technology left to one that want to do it.
Price hike on Kodak film
After the discontinuation of Ektachrome, Kodak is hiking the price of film, 15% across the board. (via Amateur Photographer)
That was expected I guess. It is also the price hike of 2004 on Fujifilm slide film that made me buy a 20D.
Goodbye Ektachrome
In Kodak bankruptcy reorganisation, the announcement of Ektachrome being discountinued mark the end of the Kodak slide film, after discontinuing Kodachrome in 2009 and stopping development at the end of 2010. The won’t stop producing E-6 chemistry though.
This is very hard on slide film shooters. Now the only source for colour reversible film is Fujifilm. Time to stock up.
Kodak to abandon cameras
After inventing the digital camera in 1975, and resisting it heavily, now Kodak is abandoning the digital camera market all together during their bankruptcy, to reorganize, refocus in order to exit as smaller company. They won’t stop making disposable film cameras though, which is part of the film division.
Source Kodak press release and C|Net.
While this seems to be saddening, it is the reality of the business, and I understand this one.
Kodak was in the low-end of the market, their camera weren’t really great, albeit sufficient in the consumer market. But with the declining market for consumer compact digital camera, totally taken over by cell-phones, it seems to be the logical decision. Even the Japanese makers saw a serious fall this year, but most have a higher-end product line to sustain the business.
My only hope is that they don’t end up getting out of the film business ; the current press release does clearly state they continue. The end of Kodachrome was an unfortunate decision they had to make, and consolidating their film product line seemed to be sane ; they still make good products and it would be very sad if they discontinued them.
We’ll see.
Olympus OM-D
This is just out, Olympus officially announced the long rumored OM-D (or E-M5), their new high-end m4/3 camera.
Quick hands-on by DPReview:
Longer presentation by Photography Review, with a size comparison with the E-P3:
The short specs (from DPReview):
- 16Mpix m4/3 sensor
- EVF 1.44M dot
- Swivel LCD touch screen
- 5 axis IS
- High ISO 25600 – whether it will be good or not is a different question
- Supposedly fast everything
- Weather sealed
As the DPReview preview shows, it looks like the same size as a Panasonic G, slightly bigger than the E-P3.
There is also an optional grip.
The price will be $999.
Olympus also announced a 75mm f1.8, a 60mm f2.8 Macro 1:1 and a flash. They are really getting more serious, and it is a prelude to the death of the Four-Third standard as m4/3 is taking over.
Update (Feb 9): OM-D is the product line, like Pen Digital, and E-M5 is the camera name. It seems clear that they might have more OM-D cameras.