Category: General
Ever fancied testing your camera using a professional test target? Well, DPNow are reporting that you can download an accurate replica of a resolution target for free:
“Have you ever wished you could test your own camera like the professionals? Here at dpnow when we test digital cameras we use a variety of test targets, including the standard ISO 12233 resolution target for testing electronic cameras. It’s a pretty standard test used by a lot of reviewers. Our target cost us over ?100 (approx US$180 or EU?150) but is vital to our battery of camera tests.
Stephen H. Westin, a research project leader at the Cornell University’s Light Measurement laboratory, appears to have created a replica ISO 12233 test target using ISO specifications and made a pdf version of it available for free download.”
Ever fancied testing your camera using a professional test target? Well, DPNow are reporting that you can download an accurate replica of a resolution target for free: “Have you ever wished you could test your own camera like the professionals? Here at dpnow when we test digital cameras we use…
Kodak UK Press Release 28/09/04
Share The Magic of Aladdin
September 2004 - Kodak has teamed up with Disney for its new nationwide winter film promotion, which is timed to coincide with the first ever release worldwide on DVD of Aladdin on 4th October 2004.
Kodak and Disney ran a similar successful venture last year around The Lion King, which resulted in significant increases of KODAK film and single-use cameras in the run-up to Christmas. Two fantastic 1st prizes of family holidays to Disneyland Resort Paris are on offer, five 2nd prizes of DVD Players, 50 3rd prizes of Aladdin special edition DVDs and mouse mats for 150 runners-up.
Entry couldn’t be simpler. Consumers just pick up an entry leaflet from the special merchandisers when they purchase Kodak films or single-use cameras. They complete the form, which includes questions plus a tie-breaker, and send it to the promotion address together with proof of purchase. Closing date for receipt of entries is 1st March 2005.
Kodak UK Press Release 28/09/04 Share The Magic of Aladdin September 2004 - Kodak has teamed up with Disney for its new nationwide winter film promotion, which is timed to coincide with the first ever release worldwide on DVD of Aladdin on 4th October 2004. Kodak and Disney ran a…
Compact and ultra lightweight, featuring Velbon’s patented simple & quick “twist lock” leg system. The ULTRA and LUXi tripods are the ULTIMATE travel tripods.
ULTRA MAXI F
The Velbon Ultra Maxi F is the new tripod for photographers on the move. The F model folds to a very compact size of just 36cm. - small enough to fit into most outfit bags or backpacks. Using a very compact, but highly refined, pan and tilt head, this tripod extends to a full height of 152.5cm.
It features the unique, patented, Velbon “Twist Lock” leg system - a simple, quick twist and pull allows you to extend each leg in one movement. Another twist locks the legs. This tripod also features a splittable centre column and multi angle legs allowing a low level operational height of just 16.5cm.
Compact and ultra lightweight, featuring Velbon’s patented simple & quick “twist lock” leg system. The ULTRA and LUXi tripods are the ULTIMATE travel tripods. ULTRA MAXI F The Velbon Ultra Maxi F is the new tripod for photographers on the move. The F model folds to a very compact size…
Walk into your photo retailer and ask for a Ben’s pizza!Australian bag manufacturer CRUMPLER has just launched four new photo/ digital/video bags named BEN’S PIZZAS!
Ben’s Pizzas are manufactured from Crumpler’s original 1000d Chicken Tex hyper performance accessory fabric and feature waterproof ripstop lining. Each model has an adjustable shoulder strap and easy access front pocket with an extra mesh pocket for accessories.
The three larger bags have adjustable and removable padded internal divider and the Large & Extra Large bags have a removable, padded shoulder pad.
Walk into your photo retailer and ask for a Ben’s pizza!Australian bag manufacturer CRUMPLER has just launched four new photo/ digital/video bags named BEN’S PIZZAS! Ben’s Pizzas are manufactured from Crumpler’s original 1000d Chicken Tex hyper performance accessory fabric and feature waterproof ripstop lining. Each model has an adjustable shoulder…
Landscape photographer Steve Kossack shares his camera equipment experiences in the latest Luminous Landscape article.
“As a landscape photographer, workshop instructor and guide I do a lot of work in the field. And a lot of shooting. As a matter of fact, I do so almost constantly. Although I’m not what one might call an equipment junkie, I have to admit that I don’t do a lot of searching or thinking about new equipment. I do realize though that these are my tools, and if new and better are out there, I need to know about them. That’s what this wonderful website you are reading now does for me. I can see what’s new and hot, and most importantly how it handles in the field.”
Website: Luminous Landscape - What Works? What Breaks? What Then?
Landscape photographer Steve Kossack shares his camera equipment experiences in the latest Luminous Landscape article. “As a landscape photographer, workshop instructor and guide I do a lot of work in the field. And a lot of shooting. As a matter of fact, I do so almost constantly. Although I’m not…
This press release isn’t really photography-related, except that Epson have published it, but it is quite interesting reading nevertheless…
“Epson Press Release 09/12/03”
EPSON Family Report reveals how typical British family life is changing
The typical British family of 2003 falls into one of five categories
Anyone who thinks that the typical British family has 2.4 children, two parents and a dog called Rover, would be wrong. Independent research commissioned by leading digital imaging company, EPSON in conjunction with leading psychologist, Dr Chris Steele, today sees the launch of the EPSON Family Report. The findings indicate that the typical British family now in fact consists of 1.6 children, has a family income of #24,793 per annum and an annual spend of #1,875 on family holidays.
The report was commissioned as part of a unique social experiment called The EPSON Family. EPSON commissioned the report to learn more about the ‘typical’ British family, their interests, and the kind of purchases that the typical family makes. EPSON is now currently searching the country for a typical British family to star in their very own web based project that will see them go from anonymity to stardom as it follows the families every move for 100 days.
This press release isn’t really photography-related, except that Epson have published it, but it is quite interesting reading nevertheless… “Epson Press Release 09/12/03” EPSON Family Report reveals how typical British family life is changing The typical British family of 2003 falls into one of five categories Anyone who thinks that…
Photo.net have published an extremely comprehensive and useful overview of underwater housings for various film and digital cameras - essential reading if you ever intend to take your camera diving with you.
“Every housing works fundamentally the same way. It’s a metal or plastic case, usually molded to fit a specific camera, and uses silicone O-rings to create a watertight seal at the joints. Trusting a $5 O- ring to preserve your $2000 camera seems like madness, but the simplicity is what makes it work. Unless the O-ring is damaged or contaminated, it can work remarkably well. Ironically, as you dive deeper, the O-ring compresses under pressure and the housing becomes even more watertight.”
Website: Photo.net - Underwater Housings
Photo.net have published an extremely comprehensive and useful overview of underwater housings for various film and digital cameras - essential reading if you ever intend to take your camera diving with you. “Every housing works fundamentally the same way. It’s a metal or plastic case, usually molded to fit a…
Luminous Landscape editor and professional photographer Michael Reichmann has recommended a few of his favourite photography books from the last year, just in time for your Christmas lists…
“With the holidays almost upon us this is a good time to survey some of the photography books that are worth giving, or getting, this holiday season. Each of the books listed below has made its way onto my bookshelf during the past six months, and each comes with my strong recommendation. These aren’t so much reviews as they are simply advisories of what’s out there, and what’s worthy of your attention.”
Website: Michael Reichmann’s Books of 2003
Luminous Landscape editor and professional photographer Michael Reichmann has recommended a few of his favourite photography books from the last year, just in time for your Christmas lists… “With the holidays almost upon us this is a good time to survey some of the photography books that are worth giving…
Digital Outback Photo have just reviewed the camera bag that they use - the Lowepro Nature Trekker AW II backpack. Personally, I use a cheap Hama backpack bought for ?25 from 7DayShop.co.uk, which is surprisingly comfortable to use and holds 2 SLR bodies and a few lenses. If you want to spend a large amount of money on a camera bag, then LowePro would be a good choice.
“For a nature photographer I think the only option is a backpack. End of 2000 we faced the decision which backpack and we opted for the previous model of the Nature Trekker. Whether you like a backpack or not only experience can tell. The Nature Trekker easily withstands the test of time. We have even a definition for our equipment to carry. If it does not fit into the Nature Trekker it has to stay home or in the car.”
Website: Digital Outback Photo - Lowepro Nature Trekker AW II Review
Website: Lowepro Nature Trekker AW II
Digital Outback Photo have just reviewed the camera bag that they use - the Lowepro Nature Trekker AW II backpack. Personally, I use a cheap Hama backpack bought for ?25 from 7DayShop.co.uk, which is surprisingly comfortable to use and holds 2 SLR bodies and a few lenses. If you want…
PhotographyBLOG visitor has let me know about a very useful resource that he runs which will be of interest to everyone in the USA (and according to my web stats, that’s 25% of you). Oleg maintains an overview of the prices of online printing services, with monthly updates so that the information is always current. 37 different services are listed so there’s plenty of choice when you next look for somewhere to do your prints.
PhotographyBLOG visitor has let me know about a very useful resource that he runs which will be of interest to everyone in the USA (and according to my web stats, that’s 25% of you). Oleg maintains an overview of the prices of online printing services, with monthly updates so that…
Minolta have today announced 4 new digital cameras and a new flash unit.
The new flash unit is called the Program Flash 2500 (D) and is compatible with both Minolta film and digital cameras.
“Minolta is pleased to introduce the latest addition to its series of powerful flash units, the Minolta Program Flash 2500 (D). This flash is characterized by powerful, automatic performance enclosed in a compact, affordable unit. The Program Flash 2500 (D) is compatible with the Dynax SLR film cameras, the DiMAGE 7 series digital cameras, as well as the new DiMAGE A1.”
Price and availability are still to be announced.
Website: Minolta Press Release
Minolta have today announced 4 new digital cameras and a new flash unit. The new flash unit is called the Program Flash 2500 (D) and is compatible with both Minolta film and digital cameras. “Minolta is pleased to introduce the latest addition to its series of powerful flash units, the…
Digital Camera Magazine is running a feature about British landmarks in it’s next issue (September), and is asking its readers to submit their photographs. There are no prizes for submitting, but you could get to see your photograph in print. Here’s the details:
“This week, we’re giving you the chance to feature your photographs in the magazine. Our next Top 10 feature is all about great British landmarks - and we want to see your best efforts! They could be shots of Big Ben, Stonehenge, The Angel of the North or the BioDomes at The Eden Project - whatever’s your favourite landmark.”
Website: www.dcmag.co.uk
Digital Camera Magazine is running a feature about British landmarks in it’s next issue (September), and is asking its readers to submit their photographs. There are no prizes for submitting, but you could get to see your photograph in print. Here’s the details: “This week, we’re giving you the chance…
I spent about an hour yesterday calibrating my monitor (exciting or what!), so that I could more accurately judge the images that I will send to Peak Imaging to create prints for me. One of the first things that their calibration instructions tells you to do is change the Kelvin rating of your mointor from 9300K, which apparently is the usual factory default, to 6500K, which is the temperature of daylight. After following the instructions I decided to check a few sample images and noticed that they were rather “warm” in appearance (as you would expect with the temperature change).
Now I’m wondering whether or not most people are unaware of what their monitors are set to - if they’re all set to 9300K, then my online images will all look fine. They will look a little different on the 6500K setting though - not neccesarily worse, but definitely different.
I realise that I can’t control how people set up their monitors, but I can try and find out which is the most common temperature setting. So do you know what your monitor is set to? Drop me an email to let me know…
I spent about an hour yesterday calibrating my monitor (exciting or what!), so that I could more accurately judge the images that I will send to Peak Imaging to create prints for me. One of the first things that their calibration instructions tells you to do is change the Kelvin…
The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) have just announced their awards for “The Best Photo Products in Europe, 2003-2004”.
Why should you be interested? Well, in TIPA’s own words “When the TIPA Awards logo appears in an advertisment, a leaflet or on a product packaging, you can be sure that it deserves it. TIPA editors judge on quality, performance and value criteria that are very important to the end user. Buy a product distinguished by a TIPA Awards logo and you can be sure you are buying the very best.”
Here are some notable winnners:
Pentax *ist: Best 35mm SLR Camera
Olympus 4/3 Digital System: Best Innovative Technology
Sony Cybershot DSC-V1: Best Digital Prosumer Camera
Canon EOS 1Ds: Best Digital SLR System Camera
Epson Perfection 3200 Photo: Best Flatbed Scanner
Minolta Dimage Scan 5400: Best Film Scanner
Epson Stylus Photo 900: Best Photo Printer
To see the full list, visit this URL:
Website: TIPA Award Winners - 2003/4
The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) have just announced their awards for “The Best Photo Products in Europe, 2003-2004”. Why should you be interested? Well, in TIPA’s own words “When the TIPA Awards logo appears in an advertisment, a leaflet or on a product packaging, you can be sure that…
Apparently “Jessops National Photography Week 2003” has just started here in the UK. Personally I try to avoid Jessops as they tend to be a lot more expensive than other stores. As the UK’s largest photographic retailer, though, I guess they must be doing something right…
“Beginning on 14th July, Jessops National Photography Week is a festival of photography that celebrates the nation’s love affair with the camera and aims to help everyone get the most from their picture taking. A series of events are taking place across the UK - including seminars and digital demonstration days, as well as week-long special offers at all Jessops stores. We’re also launching a range of initiatives during the week, including sponsorship of the Scouts Photography badge.”
Talking Pictures 03 - a Photographic Seminar featuring photographers Nick Meers and Charlie Waite - looks like the most interesting event, with tickets priced ?25. Full details can be found on the website below.
Website: Jessops
Apparently “Jessops National Photography Week 2003” has just started here in the UK. Personally I try to avoid Jessops as they tend to be a lot more expensive than other stores. As the UK’s largest photographic retailer, though, I guess they must be doing something right… “Beginning on 14th July…
A report by the InfoTrends Research Group predicts that digital camera sales will completely replace sales of film cameras in North America by the year 2008. Digital camera unit sales are forecast to reach 14.3 million units in 2003. The report also rather conservatively comments “Additionally, within the five-year forecast, digital camera vendors are expected to deliver sub-$1,000 amateur digital SLRs that support interchangeable lenses, which will also cut into film camera sales.” I would have thought and hoped that a sub-$1,000 amateur digital SLR would be released well before 2008…
Website: InfoTrends
A report by the InfoTrends Research Group predicts that digital camera sales will completely replace sales of film cameras in North America by the year 2008. Digital camera unit sales are forecast to reach 14.3 million units in 2003. The report also rather conservatively comments “Additionally, within the five-year forecast…
Michael Reichmann has posted a new article called “Levels of Abstraction - Are Your Photographs “Real”?”, which explores the boundaries between so-called straight photography and manipulation.
“For some reason there are photographers who believe that photographs and the real world have more than a passing relationship to each other. When they see a photograph that has been in some visible way altered, modified or manipulated they cry “foul” ? taking on the mantle of protectors of the sanctity of the inviolate image. Sorry folks, but there ain’t no such thing as a “real” photograph. Every photographic image that you have ever seen is but a pale reflection of reality, and a distorted one at that…”
Michael Reichmann has posted a new article called “Levels of Abstraction - Are Your Photographs “Real”?”, which explores the boundaries between so-called straight photography and manipulation. “For some reason there are photographers who believe that photographs and the real world have more than a passing relationship to each other. When…
...or some photography training? David Prakel has let me know about his new photography training and holiday business, the Centre of Britain PhotoWorkshops Partnership, which is based near the border of England and Scotland. They run a wide range of training courses that cover digital, traditional and general photography.
...or some photography training? David Prakel has let me know about his new photography training and holiday business, the Centre of Britain PhotoWorkshops Partnership, which is based near the border of England and Scotland. They run a wide range of training courses that cover digital, traditional and general photography. Website…