Our new lens review of the Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO.  It may have a name straight out of the web-pages of Acrophobia, but it also features a mind-blowing 15 times zoom ratio that leaves its competitors trailing in its wake. This is coupled with Tamron’s own optical image stabilization system to reduce the effects of camera shake. But is longer necessarily better? Read on to find out.
Source: www.dpreview.com

Panasonic has announced the launch of the compact FL220 flashgun and will update the DMC-LX3′s firmware to accommodate it. Firmware v1.1 not only allows full compatibility with the DMW-FL220 flash unit, it also promises to improve Auto White Balance performance. Firmware v1.1 will be available for download on 15th December, 2008.   * *Available from 15th December 2008 Panasonic DMW-FL220 Specifications DMW-FL220 specifications Power requirements DC 3.0V Batteries recommended for use • AA Alkaline dry batteries (LR6) x 2 • AA Rechargeable nickel metal hydride batteries
(Read the full article about ‘Panasonic – new flash and firmware for DMC-LX3′…)

Canon has asked US customers planning take advantage of its rebate program not to cash the checks they have received, following the company handling the rebates filing for bankruptcy protection. The problems relate to rebate checks for video and printer products dated prior to November 14th. Any customer yet to send-in rebate materials should also delay until further notice. Canon made the following statement: "The third-party rebate processing company that implements Canon’s rebate program covering printer and camcorder products filed a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy petition on Friday,
(Read the full article about ‘Canon US video and printer rebate glitch’…)

Camera and lens maker Sigma has bought Foveon, the sensor technology company that develops the sensors it uses. Foveon’s technology uses three photosensitive layers to detect red, green and blue light at each pixel. Sigma says owning the company will allow the development of new types of sensors and improved integration between the sensors and its lenses. Press release: Kawasaki, Japan, November 11th, 2008 – Sigma Corporation (Location: Kawasaki, Japan) has acquired 100% of the stock of the company that developed the original three-layer image sensor, Foveon Inc. Foveon will continue its
(Read the full article about ‘Sigma buys sensor developer Foveon’…)

Samsung Techwin, the Korean manufacturer, plans to separate out its camera division into an individual entity (under the same ownership), according to news agency Reuters. Samsung Techwin is part of the Samsung Group’s machinery and heavy industry division and makes mobile artillery and gas turbines, as well as digital cameras. Tentatively named Samsung Digital Imaging, the new company will have a separate listing from Feb. 1, 2009, allowing its management to concentrate on the fast-moving consumer market into which its products are sold, without also having to also consider sales of
(Read the full article about ‘Samsung Techwin to spin-out camera division’…)