So, we also have this Twitter thing, which we’ve not really had a good idea what to do with. Luckily, now we do. For those of you who want the real inside beat: site changes, new ideas, new products, stock changes, and even more, be sure to check us out on Twitter, @robertsimaging. Just one more way we’re working to make this whole online experience more personal, tear down a few walls between us and you. Because, really, this is all about us being there for you.

Panasonic DMC-G2

So, not having any apparent consideration for us 9-5 types, Panasonic announced its new products this past Sunday. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m something of a tech junkie, so while I was still clearing the sleep from my eyes I read about them in my feed reader. But, then, see, I slept again after that. So, I just remembered them again this morning, just in time for them to be old news, but better late than never, I suppose.

So, first up let’s tackle the G2. The G2 is clearly positioned as the replacement to Panasonic’s first m4/3 shooter, the G1. The nitty-gritty? Well, it’s mostly the same, same form factor (mini-DSLR-style with an electronic viewfinder of some repute), 12 megapixels, 3″ swivel LCD. New? Well, that swiveling LCD screen is now a 3″ swiveling LCD touchscreen. So, that pushes this to the first interchangeable lens device I’ve ever heard of with a touch interface (and for all you nay-sayers, there’re still buttons too), so it’ll be interesting to see what that adds to the experience.

Oh, and they added video, in the form of 720p MPEG. Not their fanciest showing for HD recording, but I reckon they don’t want to step on their GH1’s toes, especially since it’s so well-designed for video anyway.

Panasonic DMC-G10

Up second is the G10, which maybe we should call by it’s full name of DMC-G10 to help decrease confusion between it and Canon’s infamous PowerShot G10. The DMC-G10 is kinda like the G2, but without the swively touchy screen. It instead opts for the more pedestrian fixed LCD. It will also be available in red, black, and blue, making it the new go-to kid at the bottom of Panasonic’s m4/3 line-up.

Panasonic 14 - 42 mm f3.5-5.6 Lumix G Vario

What? Not enough news you say? OK, fine. How about an update to the standard kit lens? Will that do? Good, ’cause Panasonic also announced a new 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 lens with Mega OIS, which is pictured on both of the new bodies. Previously Panasonic had debuted a 14-45mm, and 14-42mm is a classic focal length for Olympus, who’s offering shares the same mount, so I will admit to a little confusion as to this lens ‘existence, but, when it comes to lens line-ups the more the merrier, I say.

Anyway, Canon yesterday mentioned it’s going to grace your 5D Mark II’s with even better controls for video, such as adding 24fps (well, 23.976 fps) and 25fps options, changing the 30fps to the NTSC-standard 29.97fps, adding levels on the screen, sound sampling is being bumped from 44.1KHz to 48KHz, new histograms, and more.

So, “mid-March” seems to be the drop-date, nice and specific. I don’t own a 5D Mark II, nor do I shoot video, but I still think this is a very solid set of promises, and well worth spending the next couple weeks eagerly awaiting.

More as it comes…

OK, now we’ll talk about their interchangeable lens compact/EVIL concepts. Or, we would, except that’s really all there is to say. Sony joins the Panasonic-Olympus tag-team and Samsung in the fray for compact digital rangefinders. And, Sony’s mouthpiece at PMA mentioned an Exmor-R sensor being the highlight here. So, there you go, in case you missed it everywhere else, you now know to expect more and more competition in the so-called “Micro Four Thirds” arena.

Yes. Harley Davidson.

From the press release:

“Olympus consumers live active lifestyles and demand quality products,” said Nadine Clark, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “Whether you’re a two-wheeled novice, a seasoned road warrior or just enjoy the look, the new Harley-Davidson accessory cases are for you.”

Well, can’t argue that, can you? Me, I still hold out hope for the leather-chain-stud treatment on an actual camera.

So, just in time for me to be done with a bunch of new revisions to the site, Sony announces two more models to it’s line-up this season. And, I gotta admit, they’re attractive additions. Maybe not as attractive as everyone’s favorite Roberts webmaster, of course, but what can you do?

Up to bat first we’ll tackle the DSC-H55, seen in both available colors above. This particular model sports a 14 megapixel sensor, though it’s just of the typical CCD and not the new backlit CMOS variety. It apologizes for that by bolting in a 10x G-series lens covering an effective focal range of 25mm – 250mm, which ain’t anything to scoff at. It shoots 720p video at 30 frames per second, and otherwise deviates little from Sony’s stock features, which, again, is nothing to scoff at.

Outstaging the H55 is it’s new stablemate, the DSC-TX5. Another entry into the now burgeoning “tough” market (anyone remember when Olympus was the only game in town for that?), the TX5 maintains its “TX” series lineage by being all slim with a slide down power button/lens cover and a backside containing nothing more than a touchscreen LCD. Then it slams back a few protein shakes, does a few extra reps, and shows up to the party being waterproof to 10 feet, shockproof to 5 feet, freezepreoof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit, and it’s dust resistant to boot. Also in keeping with Sony’s “if it can come in a color it can come in many colors” philosophy, the TX5 will be available in silver, black, pink, green, and red.

Word is the H55 will be 250ish, and the TX5 around 350ish when they hit, which will be… sometime.

EOS 1D Mark IV is available for download from Canon immediately.

What’s the update do you ask?

This firmware update (Version 1.0.6) incorporates the
following enhancement:
Firmware Version 1.0.6 enhances the AF tracking performance.*
*AF performance has been enhances[sic] for receding subjects and for subjects that are approaching at a low speed.

Right on, Canon.

Lake Success, N.Y., January 7, 2010 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, is announcing a step forward in the digital integration of professional photography workflows with the introduction of three new Wireless File Transmitter units to accompany each of the Company’s three professional Digital SLR Camera models. The new WFT-E2 II A Wireless File Transmitter, WFT-E4 II A Wireless File Transmitter and WFT-E5A Wireless File Transmitter for the EOS-1D Mark IV, EOS 5D Mark II and EOS 7D, respectively, provide professional photographers with a range of innovative wireless connectivity options for all photographic disciplines.

For example, by coupling each compatible camera with one of the new WFT units, professionals can fire up to 10 cameras simultaneously with Canon’s new Camera Linking function, which is perfect for getting that split-second shot from multiple angles. The new WFT units also enable the roaming photojournalist or back-country nature photographer to geotag images easily through hard-wired or Bluetooth-connected GPS devices and append coordinates to the image’s EXIF data. Additionally, reliable file transfer options such as FTP Mode provide wedding and event photographers with the ability to send images in real-time to a computer for instant prints or projection onto event screens while allowing the photographer to operate wirelessly.

Hit the link below to read the full thing.