Carl Zeiss introduced of a new series of lenses for the semi-professional Nikon DSLR cameras: the ZF.2 with F bayonet. All of them are equipped with a built-in CPU to transmit EXIF data and support a range of photographic functions.

The new ZF.2 series are targeted at photo enthusiasts who need creative freedom and high-quality images as well as comfort of automatic settings for a change. As Martin Klottig, Marketing Manager of the Camera Lens Division at Carl Zeiss AG, says : “The ZF.2 lenses are ideal tools for photographers who want to concentrate more on the subject than on their camera equipment.”

There is a total of  8 ZF.2 lenses, with two 50mm optics in the line-up, first five of which will be available from the end of November, and the release of the last two is scheduled to Spring 2010.

• The 18mm F3,5
• The 21mm F2,8
• The 35mm F2
• The 50mm F1,4
• The 50mm F2
• The 85mm F1,4
• The Distagon T* 2/28 ZF.2
• The Planar T* 2/100 ZF.2 Macro

As you see, all of them are fixed focal length lenses that are known for their high light sensitivity and precise manual handling.

The lenses’ electronic interface (CPU) allows them to support all- important operations such as the automatic mechanisms for time, aperture setting and program. The CPU also supports manual exposure settings, including those for camera casings that are not AI-compatible.

The lenses now transmit the EXIF data such as manufacturer, date, metering system and exposure to the camera, and this results in quicker and faster handling capabilities, which is especially useful under challenging shooting conditions.

The manufacturer promises that the lenses will easily cope with situations that demand extreme photographic creativity and maximum image quality.

According to Photographyblog.

Casio Exilim Zoom EX-Z450 is a stylish digital camera featuring 12.1 megapixels, 4X optical zoom lens and a large 3.0-inch LCD monitor with 230,400 dots. It is compact and lightweight with the thinnest part measuring hust 22 millimeters.

Its lens has 28-mm wide angle capabilities and is supported by a CCD-shift image stabilization to reduce blurring caused by camera shake.

The EX-Z450 is a point-and-shoot in its essence yet it has something peculiar to offer, namely high-speed image processing with the EXILIM Engine 4.0 and Intelligent AF that in addition to the usual Face Detection applies focus to non-human photo subjects forming the composition.

The camera’s real peculiarity is its Dynamic Photo function. It enables you to cut out images of a moving subject and combine them with a different still image.

There’re also some specific shooting modes, such as Landscape Mode with the Mist Removal option for taking beautiful scenery shots, and Makeup Mode that adjusts the smoothness of skin, and softens facial shadows caused by sunlight, making the portraits to look nicer.

The camera also features an HD Movie (1280×720 pixels) function with dedicated Movie button.

Camera Reviews:

Photographyblog.com:
The camera cannot deliver best ever image quality, but it does produce well-exposed and accurate photos that will please the majority of its target audience. Though it doesn’t offer enough features or image quality to stand out from the crowd.

Sample Photo Galleries: photographyblog.com.

Casio Exilim Z450 – Specifications:

• 12.1 Megapixels
• 1/2.3-inch CCD Image Sensor
• 35.7 MB Internal Memory
• Maximum Image Size: 4000 x 3000 Pixels
• 3.0-inch TFT LCD Monitor with 230,400 dots
• Aperture Range: F2.6 (W) - F5.8 (T)
• Focal Length Equivalent : 28 to 112mm
• 4X Optical Zoom
• AF Area : Intelligent, Spot, Multi or Tracking
• Macro Focus: 10cm
• Metering: Multi-pattern, center weighted, spot by imaging element
• Shutter Speed: 4 to 1/1000 sec.
• Sensitivity: ISO64 - ISO3200
• CCD-shift image stabilization
• 10fps Continuous Shooting
• Special Shooting Modes: Landscape, Make-up, Handheld Night Scene, Dynamic Photo, Multi-motion Image
• BEST SHOT: 39 scenes
• Face Detection
• Movie Mode: 1280 x 720 (24 fps)
• Rechargeable lithium ion battery
• Dimensions: 96.9 x 57.6 x 21.4 mm

Official Information: casio-intl.com.

Canon brings enhanced wireless control and flexibility to the latest EOS-1 Series and EOS 5D Mark II with the launch of two new Wireless File Transmitters: the Canon WFT-E2 and the Canon WFT-E4. They will be available from late December.

The devices are designed for EOS-1D Mark IV and the EOS 5D Mark II, respectively and offer the capability to transfer images securely to a computer or server, control the camera remotely and connect to WiFi enabled devices to view images directly from the camera.

Transferring images from the camera to a PC, external hard drive or FTP server is made more secure. As the transmitters support high security WPA2-PSK authentication and AES encryption over wireless networks. IPsec encryption is also used as to ensure that your personal IP is protected.

The WFT-E2 II and WFT-E4 II allow you to communicate with their camera remotely using a number of different methods.

For instance, when using EOS Utility software, you can easily browse, control camera’s settings and capture images over a network connection. The EOS Utility allows photographers to control EOS cameras remotely. This is great for studio photographers or sports photographers who may view and review their images on a large screen for netter image quality.

The cameras can be controlled also from portable wireless devices such as a PDA or smartphone whilst on the move or when carrying a computer may be impractical.

Also, the new wireless file transmitters allow up to ten slave cameras can be wirelessly connected to a master unit up to 100m away, with the ability of the master camera to trigger the slaves. So now wildlife and sports photographers gain the possibility to capture a subject from a multitude of different angles.

Canon WFT-E2 and WFT-E4 Wireless File Transmitters - Features:

• File Transfer Function
• WPA2-PSK Authentication
• IPsec encryption
• Ethernet LAN Port
• Remote Control Function
• Camera Control from Smartphones
• The Possibility to Connect up to 10 Slave Cameras
• USB Port
• Prices:
  • The WFT-E4 II: £649.00 / €799.00
  • The WFT-E2 II: £699.00 / €849.00