It looks and handles just like a miniaturised M9, with all of the controls you need right at your fingertips. The innovative analog-style dials you use to set the shutter speed and aperture make shooting with the X1 an incredibly simple affair. If you want to just get on with the business of taking pictures, without worrying about the technial side of things, you can set both dials to A (Auto) instead.

It’s light but robust, quick and quiet in use and boasts some excellent features – not least a superb fixed 35mm (equivalent) f2.8 lens and a DSLR-sized sensor. The results the X1 produces are nothing short of excellent: clean, crisp, wonderfully detailed with natural colours, and imbued with that ubiquitous Leica quality that’s difficult to describe, but always easy to identify on sight.

To give you an idea of what I mean, take a look at the photos from a shoot I did yesterday with our lovely Staff Writer/model, Jodie Tyley. Be sure to check out our upcoming 100th issue – on sale 9th September – for my full review and further test shots!

PANASONIC INTRODUCES COMPANY’S FIRST HIGH DEFINITION POCKET-SIZED MOBILE VIDEO CAMERA THAT CAN DOUBLE AS A WEB CAM WHEN CONNECTED TO COMPUTER

Compact Panasonic HM-TA1 is the Ideal Video Camera for On-the-Go HD Video Shooting; Plus Software Allows Seamless Transition for Use as a Web Camera

Panasonic  introduced the Panasonic HM-TA1, a new Full High Definition (HD), 1920 x 1080 pixels-capable mobile video camera with pocket-sized dimensions for ultimate portability and ideal for on-the-go shooting opportunities. With an easy-to-use design intended for intuitive operation, the TA1 features an integrated USB terminal and software that allows for easy PC connection and uploading videos to online sharing sites such as YouTube™ and Facebook®. The TA1 also supports the Apple© iFrame video format (960 x 540/30p), which is optimal for Mac® users to import quickly and maintain small file sizes.  When using iMovie®, the iFrame video data in the video camera is the same format as the one that is used to edit.

Beyond its HD video-capturing capabilities, the TA1 can also double as a Web camera and microphone, working with IP-based video chat programs, such as Skype*, by simply connecting the video camera to a computer via an included USB port. Thanks to integrated software, using the TA1 with video chatting services is seamless – an easy way to enjoy face-to-face communication with long-distance family or friends.

“The new Panasonic TA1 is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, extremely easy and intuitive to use, and yet it is still powerful enough to shoot full-HD video and high-quality photos,” said Chris Rice, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “Designed to integrate easily with popular online social networks to quickly share videos, the TA1 can also be used as a Web camera, allowing users to make video chat calls – making this extremely portable video camera a truly versatile gadget.”

Measuring a mere 2.09 inch (w) x 0.70 inch (d) x 4.09 inch (h), and weighing just 0.25lb (with battery and SD card), the Panasonic TA1 is a compact and lightweight HD mobile video camera that records high-quality videos and photos. Complete with a wrist strap, making it ideal for carrying, the TA1 is perfect for shooting spontaneous videos and snapping photos. With an easy-to-use design, the TA1’s single-function buttons include: Power, Play, Record, Still Photo, LED Light (on/off) and Delete.  In addition, there is a center keypad for selecting additional settings.

The Panasonic TA1 can record still photos with up to eight Megapixels.  This high-resolution capability helps ensure clear, vivid images with sharp details and all data records to an SDXC/SDHC/SD Memory Card. The TA1 can also cut still images out of a video clip during editing. There is no need to connect any other device or to load the video into a PC for editing. To cut out and save a still image, simply press the Still Picture button when the desired image appears on the TA1’s 2.0” LCD monitor. A unique feature for mobile video cameras, the Panasonic TA1 includes a built-in LED light**, which comes in handy when shooting in dimly-lit situations, such as indoors.

The TA1 has an integrated USB terminal with pre-loaded software that allows recorded video clips and still images to be easily loaded into a PC, edited, and then uploaded to popular sharing websites. When the TA1 is connected to the PC’s USB slot, its built-in software, HD Writer PE 1.0, automatically launches, enabling one-touch loading of data into the PC for editing.  The TA1 records MPEG-4 AVC file format (MP4), which offers excellent PC compatibility and is ideal for viewing clear, high-resolution images on a PC or distributing them over a network.

Other features of the Panasonic HM-TA1 include:

* E.I.S. (Electrical Image Stabilization) to minimize hand-shake issues.
* Digital zoom up to 4x, helping to expand the user’s shooting range.
* Color effects enabling creative shooting, including Sepia, Monochrome, and Soft Skin. Sepia mode adds warmth to the captured images; SoftSkin produces realistic skin tones; and Monochrome mode transforms the appearance to create a cool ambience.
* USB-capable charging by connected the TA1’s USB cord to a PC***, eliminating the need to carry a separate cord or charger.

The Panasonic HM-TA1 will be available in three different color options, purple, dark grey and red in August 2010 with a suggested retail price of $169.95.

*The use of a high-performance CPU is recommended for video conferencing with high-quality images.
** The LED light does not go on when operating as a Web camera.
*** Do not use any USB extension cord other than the supplied one (Operation is not guaranteed with any other USB extension cord.).

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.
Facebook is a registered trademark of Facebook, Inc.
Mac, iMovie, iFrame are trademarks of Apple Inc.

A Unique Photography Exhibition
26 August – 9 October 2010
www.gettyimagesgallery.com
Getty Images Gallery, 46 Eastcastle Street, London W1W

American singers and actors Dean Martin (1917 - 1995) (centre) and Frank Sinatra (right) arriving at London airport, their friend and famed Beverly Hills restauranteur Mike Romanoff is with them. (Photo by J Wilds/Getty Images)

Love from London: A City of Stars from Getty Images Gallery and Film London is a stunning exhibition of photographs featuring renowned film stars in the legendary city of London which will be in residence at the Getty Images Gallery from 26 August – 9 October 2010.

Love from London: A City of Stars captures stars from the golden age of cinema in one of the worlds most popular and recognisable cities. From Audrey Hepburn in Richmond Park, Elizabeth Taylor feeding the pigeons inTrafalgar Square, Brigitte Bardot travelling on the tube and Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin arriving in London in 1961, the exhibition showcases a collection of stars at work and at play in various London locations.

In addition to featuring stars of the silver screen, over 50 black and white images also feature iconic landmarks across the British capital. These locations range from Diana Dors visiting the historic Billingsgate Market, a London market dating back to the 14th Century, to Alfred Hitchcock posing outside the British Museum, the worlds first national public museum founded in 1753, to Marilyn Monroe at the iconic Savoy Hotel which opened in 1889.

Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of Film London said: The exhibition houses a collection of outstanding images of renowned film-makers and movie stars which demonstrates what a rich, dynamic and popular city London is. London has always been a cultural hub and these images celebrate the citys historical filmic credentials. The work of Film London, promoting film-making and film as an art form, will ensure the British capital remains one of the worlds most popular and culturally important cities.

Louise Garczewska, Director, Getty Images Gallery said: Im absolutely thrilled at how our research experts have delved into the depths of our world famous Hulton Archive and have yet again produced a stunning collection of iconic images.  This wonderful photographic exhibition show-cases not only our beloved icons but also cherished landmarks across our capital. Love from London is a wonderful celebration of why this amazing city is so beloved by stars of stage and screen, highlighting the favourite places they visited whilst filming in the capital.

All of the images in the exhibition were chosen from the Getty Images Hulton Archive, the worlds finest photographic archive representing key photographers across all genres, occupying a unique position in photographic history. Many of the photographs, which span six decades, have never been seen before.

Love from London: A City of Stars is also supported by the London Underground Film Office.

Love from London is Film Londons film tourism banner which also includes an online movie-mapwww.filmlondon.org.uk/lovefromlondon. The map is a comprehensive resource featuring over 100 films shot in the capital which invites people to take a new look at the city by exploring the capitals hot spots of celluloid magic and create their own film-inspired tours of the city.

To coincide with the Love from London: A City of Stars exhibition, a new layer will be added to the map called Stars which will show the unexpected places where legendary actors and directors lived and where born, from Hitchcock in Waltham Forest to Dudley Moore in Barking and Dagenham. Another addition will be a Cinemas layer which will show where your nearest cinema is and tell you more about it. Also to mark the exhibition, Film London will release collectable packs of postcards featuring images from the exhibition.

Film-makers have always been attracted to London, as both a historic and contemporary location. Since Film London was launched in 2004 the number of films shot in London has risen by almost a third as provision for film-makers in the capital has improved beyond recognition. It is therefore unsurprising that the worlds biggest film stars and directors continue to choose London and that the city is more popular than ever before.

Upcoming notable releases which will feature London on screen include Inception starring Leonardo DiCaprio,Gulliver’s Travels starring Jack Black and Clint Eastwoods Hereafter starring Matt Damon plus the final instalments of the Harry Potter franchise.

We are now inviting entries from photography students studying degree-level courses around the world.

Up to 60 entrants will be selected to have a sequence of work included in the shots Directory 2010, along with their contact and college details.

Of these, ten outstanding entries will be chosen for extended coverage in the book. Four exemplary photographers will, in addition, be profiled, and the overall winner will have his or her work featured on the cover. The winner will also receive a cash prize of £500.

Published in December 2010, the shots Directory is highly respected and used every day by the world’s leading creative companies and advertising agencies. This provides finalists outstanding exposure to senior creatives, art directors, art buyers and commissioners throughout the year.

Prizes
Up to 60 finalists will be featured in the Directory, from which ten outstanding entries will be chosen for extended coverage. This includes three runners-up and one eventual winner, who will each be profiled in the book. In addition, one image from the overall’s winner’s entry will be used for the Directory’s cover. The winner will also receive a cash prize of £500.

Further sponsorship and/or prizes may be announced later.

The competition closes on 31st July 2010, so there’s not long left to enter - visit their website by clicking here to find out more!

1. Do your research. Don’t just travel to a destination without having done your homework before hand otherwise you could end up missing some great photo opportunities. I will start to do my research weeks, maybe months in advance in order to plan the best itinerary and the best time of year to get there. More often than not the best festivals to photograph are at the worst possible time of year to visit the country, but this will be a test of your dedication to your craft.

2. Decide on what market you aim to sell to. This will dramatically influence what you shoot and when. If you are shooting stock photography then you can afford to be less selective of what you shoot and when. For example, many picture buyers are happy with images taken in the middle of the day, whereas if you are thinking of exhibiting your work, or selling it through fine art photography outlets, then you need to be highly selective of the subject matter and shoot it in the best light possible.

3. Try not to shoot on the first day you arrive. Settle in to your surroundings, go out for a walk and make mental notes of potential scenes to photograph, look at postcards, books ect.. to get an idea of what has been shot before and try to improve on it, then return when the light is at it’s best – you all know when that is right?

4. The 3 day rule. I generally try to stay in each location for a minimum of 3 days. This will give you time to scout for photogenic locations, wait for the right light, and feel relaxed and comfortable enough to shoot some great portraits, street scenes ect..

5. Get up close. As Robert Capa famously said “If your pictures aren’t good enough, you aren’t close enough”. Use a telephoto lens for portraits and interesting details. My 70-200mm lens is my most used lens on the road, because of the narrow field of view and the way it drops the background out of focus at it’s largest aperture. However, if you have built up enough of a rapport with your subject then you could get up close and use a wider focal length, but remember the closer you are to the subject, the more accurate your focusing skills need to be.

6. Carry release forms. If you plan on selling your images to advertising agencies or through images libraries like Getty Images, then you will need to ensure you have a model release form signed by the person/s in the picture, otherwise you could potentially have a lawsuit on your hands. Likewise, a property release for will need to be signed before you can use images of certain properties for advertising.

7. Backup regularly. If you intend to make money from your travel images, the last thing you want is to lose valuable shots. Backup as soon as you have a productive shoot, which will obviously vary from day to day. My backup system on the road consists of 2 portable backup devices (1 for each bag) which I backup my images to via my mini laptop. This also means I can have a third copy of all the images on the laptop. When I know for sure I have some winners, then I will even copy them to a spare 8GB memory card, which I keep on me at all times.

8. Be respectful. Always try to respect the people you photograph and don’t force your lens in their face. If they do not want you to take a picture and a bit of friendly banter does not help the situation, then leave them alone. Remember you are a visitor in their country and it is not fair to them or fellow travel photographers to shoot them anyway just for a picture, whether you are on a commission/assignment or not.

9. Keep up the research. Even after doing my research prior to hitting the road, I will always use any down time to trawl the internet in search of great pictures of my current destination. The higher the quality of images for can find, the higher your standards will be for your own photography.

10. Passion and dedication. To get the best shots you will need to be up before sunrise and out until after sunset. This requires a high level of passion and dedication for your travel photography, but will reward you with quality images.

To check out more of Andrew Newey’s photographs and advice, head over to www.travelphotography.org.uk

The images exhibited were captured with equipment, including Nikon D3S digital-SLR cameras, NIKKOR lenses, Speedlights and other accessories, kept aboard the ISS. To date, NASA has captured more than 700,000 images with Nikon equipment carried into space. Among these many images, those rare and precious photos that can only be captured from space, as well as those captured under the extremely low-light conditions of space that exhibit the superior image quality of D3S noise suppression features are introduced.

Nikon has spent many years contributing to NASA’s study of space through the development and manufacture of advanced and extremely durable cameras and NIKKOR lenses. Production of NIKKOR lenses, which make the most of Nikon’s optical technologies, reached fifty million units last September. Nikon’s history with NASA began with the Nikon Photomic FTN※, a modified Nikon F camera that was used aboard the Apollo 15 in 1971. Nikon’s relationship with NASA continued even with the transition to digital when NASA placed orders for Nikon D2XS digital-SLR cameras in 2008. These cameras are still being used in space today. In 2009, NASA ordered eleven D3S cameras and seven AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lenses for use in recording activities aboard the Space Shuttle and International Space Station. The D3S cameras were the same products available to consumers with no special modifications, and they were delivered to the ISS via the Space Shuttle Discovery launched on April 5, 2010.

In addition to the extreme environment of space, Nikon also provides official observation equipment used in exploring the Antarctic. Nikon equipment contributes to observation and research of these little explored regions with durability, reliability and technical capabilities that stand up to even the most severe environments.

•Nikon products kept aboard the ISS
・   1 Nikon D3S digital-SLR camera: Delivered to the ISS via the Discovery with Space Shuttle mission STS-131, which returned on April 20, 2010. Images are primarily those of the surface of the earth and nighttime scenes. Standard consumer product (no modifications).
・   8 Nikon D2XS digital-SLR cameras: Modified according to NASA specifications for recording extravehicular activities (EVA)
・   36 NIKKOR lenses (including three teleconverters)
・   7 SB-800 Speedlights
・   4 D2XS eyepieces: Eyepieces made exclusively for NASA
Special eyepiece viewfinders that enable image framing and verification through a space helmet with extravehicular activities.
・   Miscellaneous (filters, cables, etc.)

Photos:NASA

•Nikon’s history with NASA
•1971:     Nikon Photomic FTN* (NASA specifications) was used on Apollo 15
•1980:     The “Small Camera”, based on the Nikon F3 and equipped with a motor drive, and the F3 “Big Camera”, which utilized long film, were delivered to NASA. The “Small Camera” was used aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia launched the following year.
•1991:     The Nikon F4 and F4S were delivered to NASA
•1999:     The Nikon F5 and AI AF Nikkor lens were carried aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery to photograph extravehicular activities (EVA)
•2008:     D2XS digital-SLR cameras were delivered to NASA. Eight D2XS cameras are still used in space to document activities such as inspections and maintenance operations.
•In addition, approximately 15 types of lenses, more than 35 all together, are kept aboard the International Space Station for intra- and extravehicular photography that supports NASA’s space activities.

*Nikon F equipped with Photomic FTN viewfinder that supports TTL center-weighted metering.

SAMSUNG INTRODUCES POCKET-SIZED, FULL-HD CAMCORDER WITH SWIVELING LENS

HMX-E10 Adds Style and Flexibility to Samsung’s Growing Camcorder Family, Allowing Consumers to Picture Themselves in the Fun

Ridgefield Park, NJ (July 28, 2010) –  Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today added to its point-and-shoot camcorder lineup with the introduction of the innovative HMX-E10. Offering full-HD resolution, the Samsung HMX-E10 is highlighted by a versatile, 270-degree swiveling lens that enhances consumers’ creativity and allows them to add their own unique views to their video by being able to record from just about any angle. The HMX-E10’s swiveling lens also brings a new sense of fun to recording video, and gives consumers the ability to step out from behind the camcorder and put themselves in the frame with their friends and family.

Samsung has also strived to simplify the way consumers share content with others through the HMX-E10, with the innovative built-in USB port function. The USB feature enables users to connect the camcorder directly to any computer without added attachments like a USB cable, allowing consumers to share important moments wherever they are. The USB connection can also be used to charge the battery.

“Samsung is focused on introducing features to its camcorders which address unmet needs and take the video recording experience to new levels for consumers,” said Sangjin Park, President of the Digital Imaging Business, Samsung Electronics. “The HMX-E10 offers the image quality, ultra-compact design and built-in USB technology that consumers expect from this class of camcorder, but goes a step beyond, offering features such as a swiveling lens, versatile LCD screen and a range of smart filters, which give users the ability to do more and express their creativity.”

Easy Connectivity and Sharing
Samsung designed the HMX-E10 to help simplify the way consumers share their content with others. The camcorder features a built-in USB connection that gives users the ability to connect the camcorder to any computer without having to worry about always carrying around a separate USB cable. In addition, the HMX-E10 is also loaded with Samsung’s play edit sharing program, called intelli studio. This intuitive program gives users the ability to edit and play their video from any computer without having to install supporting software. This is extremely useful when traveling or when consumers are away from the own personal computers.

An interactive and onscreen “upload” button on the HMX-E10 also makes uploading footage to the Web effortless. When connected to a computer with an internet connection, the one-touch “upload” button links directly to a specified content sharing Web site, such as YouTube™, and reduces the number of steps needed to successfully upload and share video.

High-Performance Sensor and Versatile Display
At the heart of the HMX-E10 is a large, high-performance 1/3.2 inch CMOS sensor that captures impressive 1920×1080 full HD resolution video (30p / H.264) as well as eight mega pixel digital still images. On the back of the camcorder is a versatile, 2.7-inch wide, touch screen LCD that is set vertically. When recording video, the HMX-E10’s LCD screen is divided into two sections; the top displays the live view showing what is currently in the frame and the bottom displays a series of touch-screen controls, including record, stop and play. Consumers can even rotate the swivel lens to utilize this screen to put themselves in the frame, allowing them to step out from behind the camcorder and become part of the action. When reviewing footage, consumers hold the HMX-E10 horizontally, so that they can leverage the entire display to view their video in widescreen.

Creative Controls
The HMX-E10 is packed with a full range of fun controls which encourage consumers to get creative with their videos. Consumers can take advantage of several Smart Filters which adjust the HMX-E10 to produce unique lens and color effects. The camcorder’s lens effects include miniature, which produces the tilt and lens shift effect, and vignetting, which produces the lomo effect. Color effects include defog, which mimics the use of a CPL filter, and sketch, which gives video a pencil drawing feel.

Samsung today unveiled the ST80, a 14.2 mega-pixel point-and-shoot camera that joins Samsung’s growing line of Wi-Fi enabled digital cameras. With wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi and Samsung’s AllShare™ (DNLA) connectivity, the ST80 makes it easy to share images on the move and keep friends and family updated from anywhere at any time.

“We want to let people share their favourite pictures quickly while they’re on the move, and the ST80 does just that,” said Steve Mitchell, General Manager, Samsung Digital Imaging. “Connectivity is everywhere, and at Samsung we are committed to bringing these wireless capabilities to the digital imaging world by developing innovative cameras that satisfy the distinct needs of our consumers. The innovative and stylish design of the ST80 is also a testament to the strong vision of Samsung’s design engineers. It’s the perfect digital imaging solution for today’s well-connected consumer.”

The unique style of the ST80 immediately makes it stand out from the crowd. Consumers will be drawn to the ST80’s slim and rounded design, which houses a 3x optical zoom as well as a large, 3.0-inch wide touch‑screen on the back of the camera. The ST80 will be available in four stylish colours including charcoal black, white, fuchsia pink and mint blue.

Consumers will also enjoy the smart features found within the camera. The ST80 comes equipped with Samsung’s new ‘Smart Crop’ feature, a unique editing tool which takes place directly on the camera. With ‘Smart Crop,’ users can crop images taken at any angle or slant, such as banners or signs, and then straighten them as if they were originally taken straight on. The ST80 also makes it easy to capture great images with Samsung’s Smart Auto (Still & Movie) scene recognition technology. Smart Auto (Still & Movie) automatically recognises the user’s current shooting environment and selects the appropriate settings to achieve the best results possible.

In addition to the impressive 14.2 mega-pixel resolution for digital still images, the ST80 offers HD video recording. At 30 frames-per-second, the ST80 allows consumers to record high-quality, 720p HD video utilising the H.264 format, which provides up to three times more recording capacity than the MJPEG video format.

The ST80’s wireless connectivity makes it easy for users to upload or share digital images or videos with others directly from the camera without the need to be connected to a computer. By leveraging an available Wi-Fi internet connection, consumers have the option to email their digital images and video to individual email addresses or to those stored in the camera’s address book. In addition to email, consumers can also effortlessly upload images and videos directly to social networking sites such as Facebook®, Picasa™, YouTube®, Photo Bucket or even Samsung’s own website (www.samsungimaging.com). The ST80 range also comes equipped with an account with mobile hotspot provider Boingo, delivering broadband speeds in the palm of your hands at more than 120,000 Wi-Fi hotspots across the world.

The ST80’s wireless connectivity is further enhanced by Samsung’s AllShare™ technology. Thanks to AllShare, users can effortlessly sync the ST80 to popular DLNA-compliant (Digital Living Network Alliance) electronics found throughout the home, such as HDTVs and digital photo frames, and wirelessly connect and share content between each device.

For more information, please visit www.samsungcamera.co.uk.

Encased in a stylish, shimmering design and weighing just 2.5kg the seriously slim CR630 notebook is the ideal solution to your everyday computer needs with a large15.6″ LCD screen with 16:9 aspect ratio,1.3 million pixel webcam, AMD Athlon™ II processor and ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4270 integrated graphics card. As MSI Marketing Director Sam Chern points out, “The CR630 delivers high performance, low power consumption, and exceptional graphics processing”

Superb for gaming, watching films and editing videos the versatile CR630 notebook is Powered by AMD’s latest Danube platform with ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4270 graphics card for stunning visuals. Simply switch to MSI’s exclusive Eco Engine Power Management Systemto extend the battery running time while performing different tasks; including Gaming, Movie, Presentation, Office and Turbo Battery mode,ideal for working or watching movies on the go!Offering stunning images the CR630 boasts a large 15.6” LED backlit display with cinematic 16:9 aspect ratio providing the optimum environment for film viewing ,irradicating the issue of annoying black strips at the top and bottom of the screen when enjoying your favourite DVD.

Available in classic black, the chic exterior is complimented by smooth, lines, DVD or Blu-Ray player, I/O slot, and heat dissipation vents on the sides to give a clean, aerodynamic feel. The battery integrates seamlessly into the chassis adding to the minimalist design. What’s more, it is weighs in at less than 2.5kg.
Ensuring this lightweight, multipurpose notebook’s place as the ideal travel companion, the CR630 comes fully equipped with a full network and I/O interface ensemble, including 802.11 b/g/n high speed wireless and the latest V2.1+EDR Bluetooth module, enabling you to connect with anyone anywhere in the world anytime.
With an internal eSATA port which transfers data at 3Gb/s—six times faster than the conventional USB2.0 the CR630 offers unparalleled connectivity. Adding to its rich list of features the CR630 also includes a 1.3 million pixel webcam supported by MSI’s own Webcam Companion and Visual Effect2 applications, so you can record and share priceless moments with friends and family anywhere in the world.

This lightweight, multi-functional notebook is the perfect solution to your everyday computing needs on the go! The CR630 is available from Argos for £449.99 including VAT with DVD player or £499.99 including VAT with Blu-ray player.
For more product information please go to http://uk.msi.com/

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the APS-C Hood Adapter HA1030-01 for the Sigma APO 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM.

This hood adapter extends the length of the lens hood and provides more effective shading when used with digital cameras with an APS-C size image sensor.

At PMA 2010 in Las Vegas, Sigma announced and exhibited dedicated APS-C Hood Adapters for the APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM and 85mm F1.4 EX DG HSM.  After this announcement, many demands have been received for development of a similar APS-C Hood Adapter for the APO 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM.

As of July 2010, this APS-C Hood Adapter HA1030-01 will be supplied with all APO 50-500mm DG OS HSM lenses.

For UK customers who have already purchased the APO 50-500mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM, the hood adapter will be available free of charge through Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd. For further details, contact Sigma on 01707 329 999 or sales@sigma-imaging-uk.com.

*When using the APS-C Hood Adapter HA1030-01 with digital cameras with a full frame image sensor, vignetting will occur.  Please remove the hood adapter if you are using full frame cameras.