PMA 2009: Vivitar rises from the ashes
After having faded into relative obscurity, the once-prominent Vivitar brand–now owned by Sakar International–re-entered the market at PMA last week with a new line of cameras, lenses and flashes.
The company kept it modest on the camera end of the spectrum with just two point-and-shoot entries, however, one is a definite head-turner: The V8400P, an 8.1-megapixel shockproof, waterproof model capable of being submerged up to 30 feet. the V8400P will retail for $130, making it one of the most cost-effective waterproof models on the market. The other compact camera is an 8-megapixel touch-screen model that will run about $100.
Among the new lenses Sakar rolled out are an 85mm f/1.4 model, 500mm and 800mm f/8 mirror lenses, and a 650-1300mm super telephoto lens. The company also revealed two flashes that will sell for $130 and $200 and are being released for Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Pentax and Panasonic DSLRs.
Read on for Sakar’s full release and check out Vivitar’s Web site (still under a bit of construction) for more information.
Above: The new Vivitar 500mm f/8 mirror lens. (Photo courtesy of Sakar)
Sakar Debuts New Vivitar Cameras, Digital SLR Lenses & Flashes
Vivitar Quality & Affordability in New Digital, Underwater & Video Cameras
LAS VEGAS — Sakar International today unveiled a new line of Vivitar products including digital, underwater and video cameras, digital SLR camera lenses and flashes, and a battery charger that accommodates over 300 different camera and other lithium ion batteries. The products are Sakar’s Vivitar-branded SKUs since Sakar acquired the well-known brand last year in a bid to broaden its camera offerings.
Combining the strong feature set and moderate pricing that have characterized Vivitar photography products for over 70 years, the new cameras include:
- Vivitar V8400P Underwater 8.1MP Digital Camera (SRP $129.95) for taking bright, colorful, in-the-water pictures when swimming, diving or snorkeling. This compact 8.1-megapixel camera is waterproof at depths up to 30 feet and has an 8x digital zoom, 2.4” LCD, 32MB internal memory, an SD memory card slot that accommodates cards up to 8GB, and video capture. It is also shockproof and one of the most affordable underwater cameras on the market.
- Vivitar DVR840XHD Camcorder (SRP $249.95), a 5-megapixel high definition video camera featuring a 5x optical zoom, and a 3” TFT display It weighs just 14 ounces, uses SD memory cards with capacities up to 8MB, and offers image stabilization, an MP3/MP4 player and a voice recorder.
- Vivitar V8025 Digital Camera (SRP $99), a high definition 8-megapixel touch screen camera with an 8x digital zoom, 2.4” LCD, and a super-slim design. This budget-priced shooter uses SD memory cards capable of storing up to 8GB and measures just 3” wide x 2-1/4” high x .5” deep for easy stowing in a pocket, purse or briefcase. It also includes a touch screen, image stabilization and a face/smile detection and is Pictbridge-ready for direct-to-printer use without a PC.
“These new cameras cater to consumers who want excellent image quality, advanced features and easy usability at an affordable price,” said COO Ralph Sasson. “Vivitar has always filled that role, and these new products continue that tradition.”
Above: The 8-megapixel Vivitar V8025 Digital Camera. (Photo courtesy of Sakar)
Also new to the Vivitar family are Sakar’s:
- Vivitar Series 1 Lenses for Digital SLRs (SRP $149.95 to $399.9), including an 85mm F1.4A spherical lens for portraits plus 500mm and 800mm f/8.0 mirror lenses – all usable with both film and digital SLR cameras. The line also offers a 650-1300mm preset lens with a universal mounting ring (T-mt) that allows the lens to fit practically all SLR cameras manufactured since 1960, plus a 650-1300mm super telephoto lens that offers a zoom range from16 feet to infinity for both film and digital SLR cameras.
- Vivitar Ultimate Smart LCD Charger (SRP $49.95) for lithium ion batteries, including those for digital cameras, camcorders, cellphones, PDAs, GPS systems and other products. It charges a single battery in one hour, operates at either 100V or 240V for worldwide use, can be plugged into the car charger for on-the-go use, and supports over 300 batteries of different brands.
- Vivitar Series 1 Flashes for Digital SLRs (SRP $129.95 to $199.95), including the DF-283 bounce, zoom, swivel AF flash and the DF-383 power zoom LCD display flash. Both are available in models for digital SLR cameras from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Pentax and Panasonic.
All new Vivitar products will be available in spring 2009 through Sakar’s extensive worldwide distribution channels.
Above: The Vivitar 650-1300mm super telephoto lens. (Photo courtesy of Sakar)
About Sakar International
Sakar International Inc. designs and manufactures a wide range of technology, toy, and consumer electronic products. Founded in 1977, the company is the manufacturer of Vivitar camera equipment and accessories, a market leader in rechargeable batteries, and a producer of licensed products for leading consumer brands. Products range from digital cameras and camcorders with related accessories to computer, iPod, GPS and gaming accessories, binoculars, MP3 players, clock radios, gift and toy electronics. The company is privately held and headquartered in Edison, N.J. For more information, visit www.sakar.com.
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