The Lomography x Zenit Petzval 85mm f/2.2 lens is the modern reinvention of a portrait lens that was highly regarded in the 19th century, and is now available and ready to ship.

The Lomography x Zenit Petzval Lens is a stunning reinvention of one of the first and greatest lenses of all time. Manufactured in Russia by Zenit, each lens is crafted from brass and features high-quality glass optics. The lens produces images with extreme sharpness, strong color saturation, artful vignetting and absolutely beautiful swirly bokeh backgrounds. For the first time ever, you can easily get the Petzval photographic look with Canon EF and Nikon F mount analogue and digital cameras.

The lens can be ordered at Lomography’s site, the price for the Canon version is $599. If you want, you can also get the first batch of the Petzval lens (black), but you have to pay $749. If you do, you will own one of the first Petzval lenses that have been produced.

The project started as a Kickstarter campaign that raised much more money than expected: the target were $100,000, but a stunning $1,396,149 was raised.

More details, pics and information after the break.

[via AP]

The Canon EOS 1200D/Rebel T5 and the Canon LEGRIA mini X camcorder have been awarded by the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA)

Canon press release:

Two Canon products honored with prestigious European Imaging and Sound Association awards

TOKYO, Japan, August 18, 2014—Canon Inc. announced today that two of the company’s photo-imaging products—a digital SLR camera and digital video camcorder—have been honored with prestigious product awards by the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA). The EOS 1200D (EOS Rebel T5 or EOS Kiss X70 in other regions) was named European Consumer DSLR Camera 2014-2015 while the LEGRIA mini X (VIXIA mini X) was crowned European Lifestyle Camcorder 2014-2015. To date, Canon products and technologies have won a total of 61 EISA titles on 29 occasions and have received awards every year over the past 26 years.

The annual EISA awards are voted for by a panel of editors representing 50 special-interest magazines from across 20 European countries. The awards celebrate products that were released in Europe during the past year that combine the most advanced technologies, covetable features, cutting-edge design and outstanding value. Started in 1982, this year marks the EISA awards’ 33rd year.

European Consumer DSLR Camera 2014-2015: EOS 1200D

Named European Consumer DSLR Camera 2014-2015, the compact, lightweight Canon EOS 1200D realizes enhanced ease of use, making it an ideal entry-level digital SLR camera for both “newcomers to photography and experienced users on a budget.” Featuring an approximately 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and Canon’s DIGIC 4 image processor, the camera delivers “high-quality images with good dynamic range and low noise up to ISO 1,600 and beyond.” About EOS Companion, the company’s free dedicated smartphone application for the European market, the EISA jury panel noted it helps users to “get the most out of the camera.” Additionally, according to the judges, the EOS 1200D offers “exceptional value for money” thanks to such additional features as a 460,000-dot LCD screen, a 63-zone dual-layer metering sensor, in-camera lens correction and a range of creative filters.

European Lifestyle Camcorder 2014-2015: LEGRIA mini X

Winner of the European Lifestyle Camcorder 2014-2015 award, the diminutive Canon LEGRIA mini X takes its predecessor’s “original innovative concept even further.” Called “multi-talented” by the EISA jury panel, the digital creative camcorder was recognized for its rotating touch screen display, “ideal for taking video ‘selfies,’” as well as its adjustable stand enabling placement on any surface and ultra-wide-angle 170-degree lens that “captures all the action.” Incorporating an f/2.8 lens and 1/2.3-type 12.8-megapixel CMOS sensor, the LEGRIA mini X delivers Full HD video in both AVCHD (50i) and MP4 (25p) codecs while an internal microphone allows the recording of uncompressed stereo LPCM audio. The camcorder enables the easy transfer of files thanks to its “generous” connectivity options, including a 3.5 mm jack for an external microphone, a headphone terminal, plus mini HDMI and mini USB, as well as support for Wi-Fi, which also enables operation from a smart device. Concluding its assessment of the LEGRIA mini X, the EISA jury said, “Genuinely flexible, this is a perfect partner for your everyday adventures.”

Canon press release:

Canon and Little League® Announces New Partnership with “The Great Wall Of Fandom” Utilizing Canon PIXMA Printers and Cloud Technology at the Little League Baseball® World Series

MELVILLE, N.Y., August 13, 2014 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the launch of a multi-year partnership with the Little League International, which kicks off with the “Print to the Little League Baseball®World Series” event in South Williamsport, PA. From today through the end of the tournament on August 24, baseball fans from around the world can utilize Canon PIXMA Printing Solutions and cloud technology to share photos and words of encouragement printed on-site to create “The Great Wall of Fandom.” With the new partnership, Canon becomes the official camera and printer sponsor of Little League Baseball and Softball, the world’s largest youth sports organization.

To celebrate the tournament and cheer on all of the competing teams, fans from around the world can submit their supportive comments and images via a custom microsite, thegreatwalloffandom.com. Canon will then print high-quality versions of the photos and messages on a Canon PIXMA MG7120 Wireless Inkjet Photo All-In-One printer, made possible via cloud connectivity, and the Canon team in Williamsport will add them to “The Great Wall of Fandom.” Series attendees will see the photos and messages posted throughout the tournament, and images of how the exhibition evolves will also be shared online daily for the enjoyment of supporters worldwide.

Brand ambassadors will also be available at the World Series sites using Canon EOS Rebel T5i Digital SLR and Wi-Fi® equipped PowerShot SX700 HS Digital Cameras to take photos of attendees and post the content directly to “The Great Wall of Fandom.” In addition, Best Buy has partnered with Canon to lend on-site support at the batting cage installation to answer any PIXMA printer or PPS questions.

Good deal by eBay seller 6ave (99.2% positive ratings).

The Canon Rebel T5i with the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens is . That’s a pretty good deal, to be sure check the the price for your country: [shopcountry 11242]

CanonAsia posted the video on Youtube. Nice to grab the differences between VGA, HD And Full HD Video in little time.