Equipment

Rumours are strong that Pentax are about to release a full frame Pentax camera within the next few days.  There have been many rumours are some are suggesting five new cameras will be released this week.  However, the now infamous April Fools joke by Pentax User forum last year has many suspicious that there is nothing on the horizon.  What is certain is that many Pentaxians are desperate to believe that very soon a full frame camera will be available and they can show themselves in the locker room again.

Everyone is suggestion the new camera will be designated the K-3.  I happen to believe there will be a new full frame camera from Pentax soon but I wouldn’t like to say when.  I hope to be surprised on Wednesday but I will wait and see.  One of the reasons I was happy to move to Pentax was that I believe there will be a full frame Pentax,although  I am very happy with the quality of the K-5 11 and the lenses.

The big rumour is the camera will have a 24 MP sensor from the Sony A99 and Nikon D600.

Tokina are apparently going to be providing a 24-70 2.8 and 70-200 2.8 manufactured under the Pentax name with their coatings.

Only time will tell what we will see but I have to say I am looking forward to getting my hands on one.

Not only have Canon been busy releasing new cameras and new lenses but they have also released an new flashgun the 600 EX.  There are two versions and one come with a built in wireless transmitter (the 600 EX RT).  No doubt this will be a useful feature if you are willing to pay for it and have a Canon 5D Mk3.  Else you will have to buy the additional Canon ST-E3-RT Speedlite Transmitter.  The 580EX2 was available for £379 or less if you are willing to have a good look around.  The new version  currently begins at £639.  The Canon ST-E3-RT Speedlite Transmitter will be an additional £309.

Features

• Guide number 60 (m, ISO 100, at 200mm)
• Bounce-and-swivel control with 20-200mm zoom head
• Integrated optical slave
• White-balance correction filters
• Fast, quiet recycling

Fast, powerful operation
With a guide number of 60 (ISO 100, m), the Speedlite 600EX is powerful enough to light up large areas, even when light is bounced off walls and ceilings. Four AA/LR6 batteries provide silent recycling in as little as 0.1 sec.

Bounce, swivel and zoom functions
Direct the Speedlite 600EX’s flash head upwards or sideways to bounce flash off ceilings or walls, for a softer approach to portrait lighting. A zoom head allows the angle of coverage to match the lens in use, maximising flash efficiency

Multi-flash lighting
Use a large number of Speedlite 600EX units together for dramatic multi-flash photography – perfect when shooting large objects, interiors or portraits. Flashguns may be placed in one of three groups, which can be controlled individually or all together.

E-TTL II metering
Whether you use the Speedlite 600EX on camera or remotely, Canon’s E-TTL II flash metering will ensure accurate exposures every time.

Creative flash modes
High-speed flash sync enables the Speedlite 600EX to operate at any shutter speed – perfect for fill-in flash on sunny days. Or why not try second-curtain or stroboscopic flash for special lighting effects?

Professional features; intuitive design
The Speedlite 600EX enjoys the same degree of weatherproof sealing as Canon’s EOS-1D X professional DSLR, and a large illuminated dot matrix LCD display that provides quick and easy operation.

Well at last the long awaited Canon 5D Mk3 has been released.  Without doubt this was the most eagerly awaited camera this year.  I expect the camera forums will be buzzing about the pros and cons of this new 5D for some time until it is actually available in the shops.  Lets have a look at what it offers:

Image Quality

 22.3 Megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor
DiG!C 5+ Image Processor
ISO 100-25600 (expandable to L:50 H1:51200, H2: 102400
Full HD Movie (ISO 100-12800 (H:25600)

High Performance Operation

 61-point high-density reticular AF From the new 1Dx!!!!!!
6.0 fps for high continuous shooting
Intelligent viewfinder with approx. 100% coverage
3.2-type, approx.1.04m dot (3:2 wide) Clear View LCD II
iFCL metering with 63-zone dual-layer sensor
Shutter durability of 150,000 cycles (unchanged from the 5D it replaces)

High end features

 Silent & low vibration modes
Dual card slots (CF & SD)
High Dynamic Range (HDR) Mode
Multiple Exposures
Comparative Playback function
Improved durability & water and dust resistance

SPECIFICATIONS

 Available Colours – Black
Megapixels – 22MP
Sensor Size – 36 x 24mm
ISO/Sensitivity – 100 – 25600
Autofocus Points – 61 points
Lens Mount – Canon
LCD Size – 3.2″
Liveview – Yes
Viewfinder – Optical TTL
Min Shutter Speed – 30 sec
Max Shutter Speed – 1/8000 sec
Continuous Shooting Speed – 6 fps
Self Timer – 10 sec, 2 sec
Metering – Centre-weighted, Spot, Evaluative, Partial
Video Resolution – Full HD 1080
Memory Type – Compact Flash
Connectivity – USB 2, HDMI, Mic Input, Wireless (optional)
Battery – LP-E6
Battery Type – Lithium-ion
Charger – Includes Li-Ion Charger
File Formats – AVI, RAW, H.264, MOV, MPEG-4
Dimensions – 152 x 116 x 76mm
Box Contents – Battery Pack LP-E6 .. Battery Charger LC-E6 .. AV Cable AVC-DC400ST .. Interface Cable IFC-200U .. Eyecup Eg .. Wide Strap EWEOS5DMKIII .. CR1616 Lithium Battery+

Cost will be £3000.

Well this is all great but until we actually see some test images (and for me that means high ISO shots) from the 5D Mk3 and the new D800 we will not know who the king is.  I suspect they will both be great cameras but there can be only one winner.