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BRIEFS: July 18

Just another 41-meg phone from Finland…New Canon business unit…Pentax Ricoh just Ricoh now…

Just another 41-meg phone from Finland
Nokia-Lumia-1020The second of Nokia’s 41-megapixel smartphones, the Lumia 1020 has been garnering lots of ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ in the tech media. One camphone fanboy even did a comparison review between the Lumia 1020 and a Canon EOS 60D!

The first 41-megapixel Nokia, the Pureview 808, seemed to slip by without a similar level of collective amazement, perhaps because cameraphones weren’t the topic of the day way back in February last year, though here at Photo Counter we were both impressed in the idea of a 1/2-inch, 41-meg sensor and disappointed the imaging breakthrough – using megapixels rather than optics to achieve a zoom range – came from a bloody phone company rather than a camera maker.

The new version uses Windows Phone 8, which could be described as a ‘courageous decision’ by Nokia when Android is where the action is at present. The Lumia 1020 boasts a total redesign but carries a very similar Zeiss (not Carl Zeiss, mind) lens. A quick squizz through the specs indicates it’s fundamentally the same technology as the Pureview 808 re-packaged and re-launched.

Nokia says that it allows users to take ‘professional quality images’ with ‘unrivalled clarity’ using a new application called Nokia Pro Camera. So I guess that’s it for Canon and Nikon – may as well shut up shop. (Actually Nokia has form for over-reaching claims – at one stage it was calling itself the largest camera company in the world.)

It will be available on a 2-year plan from AT&T in the US for US$299. Australia is not mentioned in the global launch plans.

New Canon business unit
Canon Oceania has announced a new division to focus on specialist imaging technologies. They’ve decided to call it Canon Specialised Imaging, and it will provide ‘marketing, sales and support services across Canon’s Medical Imaging, Ophthalmic Imaging, Network Camera Solutions, Projectors, Binoculars and Calculator technologies.’

This group will be led by David Klineberg, formerly general manager, Strategic Planning & Communications. In a piece of communication which could have been written by someone spoofing contemporary corporatese, ‘David will be responsible for developing solutions-oriented marketing and sales strategies to drive growth and expand Canon’s offerings in the specialised imaging arena. David will also explore alliances with complementary technology providers.’ Is that clear?

Pentax Ricoh just Ricoh now
Pentax Ricoh is changing it’s name to Ricoh Imaging, but fortunately, we will still see Pentax-branded cameras in the market. Pentax Ricoh Imaging Company was formed October 2011 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Ricoh Company Ltd. Products with both the Pentax and Ricoh brands ‘will remain in the market to reinforce the company’s commitment to the business,’ including DSLRs, interchangeable lens cameras, and binoculars.

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