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This week’s Gary’s Parries topics are:
1. CMOS Image Sensors Explained
2. How To Include Yourself In Your Own Photos
3. Fashion Model Seeks Fun-Loving Digital Camera With Long Zoom
Introducing Gary’s Parries. Everything you’ve always wanted to know about digital cameras but were afraid to ask. No question is too difficult, or too easy. As a Principal Software Engineer, and a former Assistant Professor of Computer Information Systems, as well as a recording studio owner/operator, and now, a digital camera enthusiast, GARY has more digital camera knowledge in his entire brain than most people would have in their little finger. And, in the unlikely event GARY does not know the answer to your question, he will answer it anyway, true to the spirit of the word “Parries”, a fencing term which, in this context, means “cleverly evasive answers”. So let your imaginations go wild. Email all of your nagging questions to: [email protected], and then, En Garde!
The best question of the week will receive a small prize from the PhotographyBLOG goody bag, so send your questions now. If you would like your name, location, email address, and/or website included in the column with your question, please expressly give your permission in the email, along with the information you would like included. No private information will be included without your consent.
This week’s Gary’s Parries topics are: 1. CMOS Image Sensors Explained 2. How To Include Yourself In Your Own Photos 3. Fashion Model Seeks Fun-Loving Digital Camera With Long Zoom Introducing Gary’s Parries. Everything you’ve always wanted to know about digital cameras but were afraid to ask. No question is…
With the PMA show and the inevitable deluge of shiny new products just a couple of weeks away, it seems fitting to, well, step back and reflect for a moment on exactly why we’re all so interested. So in this week’s Saturday Shout, I want you all to pause, gaze down at your navel and contemplate how, why, when and where you first became interested in the great world of Photography. My own personal story is one of jealousy and rage (I’ll save that for a rainy day…) - what made you pick up a camera for the very first time? Shout out now...
With the PMA show and the inevitable deluge of shiny new products just a couple of weeks away, it seems fitting to, well, step back and reflect for a moment on exactly why we’re all so interested. So in this week’s Saturday Shout, I want you all to pause, gaze…
Here are the stand-out news stories from the last 7 days:
New Cameras
Samsung Pro815 Wins DIWA Gold Award
New Accessories
Samsung 1 GB MMC Micro Memory Card
StorVision PSC-100 Portable Storage Device
Digital Foci Picture Porter Elite
Sony 8GB Microvault Pro
Sony Memory Stick Micro
New Software
SoftColor Photo Sledgehammer
iView MediaPro v3.0.2
Other Headlines
New Pentax DSLRs at Photokina 2006
Getty Images Buy iStockphoto for $50 Million
Highest Ever Digicam Sales in Canada
Pentax Increases DSLR Camera Lens Output
Comparing APS-C and Fullframe Sensors
Here are the stand-out news stories from the last 7 days: New CamerasSamsung Pro815 Wins DIWA Gold Award New AccessoriesSamsung 1 GB MMC Micro Memory CardStorVision PSC-100 Portable Storage DeviceDigital Foci Picture Porter EliteSony 8GB Microvault ProSony Memory Stick Micro New SoftwareSoftColor Photo SledgehammeriView MediaPro v3.0.2 Other HeadlinesNew Pentax DSLRs…
Ricoh have released a new firmware version, 1.09, for the Ricoh GR Digital, an 8 megapixel compact digicam based on the GR Series of 35mm compact film cameras.
- Revised the exposure level when in use the recommended external flashes. (EF-500 DG SUPER/EF-500 DG ST from SIGMA)
Ricoh have released a new firmware version, 1.09, for the Ricoh GR Digital, an 8 megapixel compact digicam based on the GR Series of 35mm compact film cameras. - Revised the exposure level when in use the recommended external flashes. (EF-500 DG SUPER/EF-500 DG ST from SIGMA) Website: Ricoh GR…
Ricoh have released a new firmware update, v1.29, for the Ricoh Caplio R3, a 5 megapixel compact camera with a 7x optical zoom lens equivalent to 28-200mm and vibration correction of the CCD.
- Improved stability at turning on the camera.
Ricoh have released a new firmware update, v1.29, for the Ricoh Caplio R3, a 5 megapixel compact camera with a 7x optical zoom lens equivalent to 28-200mm and vibration correction of the CCD. - Improved stability at turning on the camera. Website: Ricoh Caplio R3 v1.29 Firmware Update (Windows) Website…
The January 2006 Giveaway has now ended - here are the 4 lucky winners who each win a prize kindly donated by ACDSee Systems:
Ben Lings has won a copy of the brand new ACDSee Pro (worth $129.99).
Eric Smith, Gregory Cherin and Julian Tomlinson have all won a copy of ACDSee 8 (worth $49.99).
All prizes kindly donated by ACDSee Systems.
http://www.acdsystems.com/
A brand new contest for February will be starting very soon!
The January 2006 Giveaway has now ended - here are the 4 lucky winners who each win a prize kindly donated by ACDSee Systems: Ben Lings has won a copy of the brand new ACDSee Pro (worth $129.99). Eric Smith, Gregory Cherin and Julian Tomlinson have all won a copy…
Here are the sample photos from my upcoming review of the new 6 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ5, a couple of days before the full review is online. The Panasonic LZ5 is a fairly compact digital camera with a long 6x optical zoom lens equivalent to 37mm to 222mm on a 35mm film camera, optical image stabilzer and and a 2.5 inch LCD screen. I’ve also included the sample movie. Enjoy…
Website: Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ5 Photos
Here are the sample photos from my upcoming review of the new 6 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ5, a couple of days before the full review is online. The Panasonic LZ5 is a fairly compact digital camera with a long 6x optical zoom lens equivalent to 37mm to 222mm on a…
Both Nikon Europe and Nikon USA have issued an FAQ about the banding issue that has affected the new 10.2 megapixel Nikon D200 digital SLR camera. Here’s a quote from Nikon USA:
“Nikon has discovered that a limited number of early-production D200 cameras may, in specific and uncommon shooting conditions, record images that can present an excessive pattern of fine pitch lines throughout (long banding). If you experience this, Nikon will, without charge, evaluate your camera to determine if adjustment to the camera’s image output level is required. Adjustment, if required, will optimize the camera’s image output level, thereby reducing visible banding to a minimal level.”
Website: Nikon USA - What is banding? FAQ
Both Nikon Europe and Nikon USA have issued an FAQ about the banding issue that has affected the new 10.2 megapixel Nikon D200 digital SLR camera. Here’s a quote from Nikon USA: “Nikon has discovered that a limited number of early-production D200 cameras may, in specific and uncommon shooting conditions…
In an interview with the British Journal of Photography, Pentax UK have revealed that they intend to unveil a number of new DSLR cameras at Photokina in September, along with some new lenses and the much-awaited Pentax 645D medium format camera.
“Asked whether the new DSLRs would be a new range, or additions to the current ist range, Dickins answered: ‘They will be a mixture of both.’ And will that include a professional model? ‘From BJP readers’ point of view, they will regard it as a high-end amateur camera. However, that’s not to say it won’t be able to stand up to the rigours of everyday use that a professional would put it through.’”
Website: BJP - Pentax on the bounce back
In an interview with the British Journal of Photography, Pentax UK have revealed that they intend to unveil a number of new DSLR cameras at Photokina in September, along with some new lenses and the much-awaited Pentax 645D medium format camera. “Asked whether the new DSLRs would be a new…
iStockphoto Press Release
iStockphoto Joins Getty Images as Explosive Growth Continues; Expansion into Social Media Opens New Markets for Industry Leader
CALGARY, Alberta—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Feb. 9, 2006 iStockphoto, the world’s leading stock photography community, today announced that it has been acquired by Getty Images, Inc. (NYSE:GYI), the world’s leading creator and distributor of visual content. The acquisition underscores the growing importance of social media and places Getty Images at the forefront of the explosive growth of the imagery industry’s value segment. “We took a look at where we wanted to go and found Getty Images singularly capable of helping us get there,” said Bruce Livingstone, iStockphoto founder, CEO and president. “This new relationship will greatly extend the reach of our contributors, exposing their work to untapped global markets. By joining Getty Images, we see tremendous room for growth and a chance to bring even more photographers and image buyers together. It’s a very exciting time.”
iStockphoto Press Release iStockphoto Joins Getty Images as Explosive Growth Continues; Expansion into Social Media Opens New Markets for Industry Leader CALGARY, Alberta—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Feb. 9, 2006 iStockphoto, the world’s leading stock photography community, today announced that it has been acquired by Getty Images, Inc. (NYSE:GYI), the world’s leading creator and…
Fotolog Press Release
Founded in 2002 as way for a small group of friends to share photos, Fotolog now has more than 2 million members in 200 countries. To meet the increased demand, Fotolog implemented a major hardware upgrade and code overhaul over the past few months that has greatly enhanced the Fotolog experience. If you haven’t visited Fotolog in a while, the first thing you’ll notice is speed – the site is now averaging less than 2.5 seconds for page delivery and 230,000 photo uploads daily (vs. 180,000 in November).
Fotolog Press Release Founded in 2002 as way for a small group of friends to share photos, Fotolog now has more than 2 million members in 200 countries. To meet the increased demand, Fotolog implemented a major hardware upgrade and code overhaul over the past few months that has greatly…
Photoshop Elements Techniques Press Release
New Three-Hour Mini-Seminar Starts a Six City Tour in Orlando
Tampa, FL – Feb. 09, 2006 – Adobe and the Photoshop Elements Techniques newsletter have teamed up to show people interested in photography, scrapbooking and video the fantastic new features of Photoshop® Elements and Premiere® Elements and the wonderful projects you can create with them. Summit Attendees can look forward to three free hours of tips and tricks for the popular Adobe photo- and video-editing programs.
Photoshop Elements Techniques Press Release New Three-Hour Mini-Seminar Starts a Six City Tour in Orlando Tampa, FL – Feb. 09, 2006 – Adobe and the Photoshop Elements Techniques newsletter have teamed up to show people interested in photography, scrapbooking and video the fantastic new features of Photoshop® Elements and Premiere®…
Epson America Press Release
Memories Captured in Epson StoryTeller(TM) Photo Book Last Much Longer Than Flowers, Candy This Valentine’s Day - For as Little as $20, Easily Turn Your Cherished Photos Into a Hardcover Gift Book That Will Last for Generations
LONG BEACH, Calif., Feb. 9—Cupid can give a gift that will be treasured long after the flowers have wilted or chocolates have been eaten this Valentine’s Day. Whether you relive your first date, the day you said “I do,” or your child’s first steps, the Epson StoryTeller(TM) Photo Book Creator will help you or your Valentine tell a personal story and create a one-of-a-kind keepsake. The StoryTeller kit gives you everything you need to turn your digital photos into a beautiful, hardbound glossy photo book. Starting at $20, the kit includes either a 5"x7” or 8"x10” hardbound book, a glossy book cover, and glossy pages that you easily assemble into the book at home, as well as easy-to-use software that allows you to enhance and place dozens of photos on up to 20 pages per book. And, StoryTeller works with letter-size printers made by all major printer manufacturers.
Epson America Press Release Memories Captured in Epson StoryTeller(TM) Photo Book Last Much Longer Than Flowers, Candy This Valentine’s Day - For as Little as $20, Easily Turn Your Cherished Photos Into a Hardcover Gift Book That Will Last for Generations LONG BEACH, Calif., Feb. 9—Cupid can give a gift…
The-Digital-Picture have a short review of the BG-E4, a new battery grip designed especially for the Canon EOS 5D DSLR camera.
“The Canon BG-E4 Battery Grip costs significantly more than its Canon battery grip predecessors, but it is more ruggedly built. Like the EOS 5D, the BG-E4 body construction has magnesium alloy incorporated into it for strength. The only attribute I don’t like about the BG-E4 is the too-square grip. Although others didn’t seem to mind it (or really liked it), I found the too-squared edges to be slightly uncomfortable. But not as uncomfortable as holding the 5D in portrait orientation without the grip installed.”
The-Digital-Picture have a short review of the BG-E4, a new battery grip designed especially for the Canon EOS 5D DSLR camera. “The Canon BG-E4 Battery Grip costs significantly more than its Canon battery grip predecessors, but it is more ruggedly built. Like the EOS 5D, the BG-E4 body construction has…
TrustedReviews have published a review of the new Canon BubbleJet i9950 printer.
“Print quality is very good. The two extra colours in the ink-set do produce richer greens and reds, so you get more saturated colours for both landscapes and portraits. The very fine drop size means there’s a high degree of detail in photo reproductions, too, and the light tones of the photo-cyan and photo-magenta inks – one sixth of the density of the standard cyan and magenta inks – keep skies light and smoothly gradated.”
TrustedReviews have published a review of the new Canon BubbleJet i9950 printer. “Print quality is very good. The two extra colours in the ink-set do produce richer greens and reds, so you get more saturated colours for both landscapes and portraits. The very fine drop size means there’s a high…
Shutterbug have published a review of the 12.8 megapixel Canon EOS 5D digital SLR.
“Although there is much that is new and improved in the features and performance controls in this new 5D digital SLR, like the EOS lens mount, there is much that has become standard over the years. This makes this Canon EOS familiar, and easy to learn and use. Probably the most striking feature is its size and weight, much closer to that of an EOS 20D. I found the feel of the camera similar to the Canon EOS A2 35mm SLR I enjoyed using for a number of years. About the only thing that’s bigger rather than smaller than the big brother Canon EOS-1Ds is the 5D’s 2.5” LCD display on the back of the camera.”
Website: Shutterbug - Canon EOS 5D Review
Shutterbug have published a review of the 12.8 megapixel Canon EOS 5D digital SLR. “Although there is much that is new and improved in the features and performance controls in this new 5D digital SLR, like the EOS lens mount, there is much that has become standard over the years…
Shutterbug have published a review of the 12.8 megapixel Canon EOS 5D digital SLR.
“Although there is much that is new and improved in the features and performance controls in this new 5D digital SLR, like the EOS lens mount, there is much that has become standard over the years. This makes this Canon EOS familiar, and easy to learn and use. Probably the most striking feature is its size and weight, much closer to that of an EOS 20D. I found the feel of the camera similar to the Canon EOS A2 35mm SLR I enjoyed using for a number of years. About the only thing that’s bigger rather than smaller than the big brother Canon EOS-1Ds is the 5D’s 2.5” LCD display on the back of the camera.”
Website: Shutterbug - Canon EOS 5D Review
Shutterbug have published a review of the 12.8 megapixel Canon EOS 5D digital SLR. “Although there is much that is new and improved in the features and performance controls in this new 5D digital SLR, like the EOS lens mount, there is much that has become standard over the years…
TrustedReviews have revewed the Pentax Optio WPi digital camera, an updated version of the waterproof Optio WP camera with a larger 2 inch LCD screen and 6 megapixel sensor.
“You know, I think Pentax’s UK marketing department might be trying to kill me, but they’re going to make it look like an accident. This is the second year in a row that Pentax has launched a camera that can take photographs underwater, and once again my review sample has been sent in the middle of winter. Pentax knows that I’d get into a lot of trouble if I tried taking pictures in my local swimming bath, so the only way I can get any underwater sample shots is to risk an extremely unpleasant death from hypothermia and frostbite by braving the near-zero water temperatures in a river or the sea. As murder plots go, it’s both fiendish and almost foolproof.”
TrustedReviews have revewed the Pentax Optio WPi digital camera, an updated version of the waterproof Optio WP camera with a larger 2 inch LCD screen and 6 megapixel sensor. “You know, I think Pentax’s UK marketing department might be trying to kill me, but they’re going to make it look…
Norwegian website Akam.no have reviewed the Olympus E-500, an 8 megapixel DSLR with a 2.5 inch LCD screen in a body with a classic penta-prism design.
Website: Akam.no - Olympus E-500 Review
Norwegian website Akam.no have reviewed the Olympus E-500, an 8 megapixel DSLR with a 2.5 inch LCD screen in a body with a classic penta-prism design. Website: Akam.no - Olympus E-500 Review Latest Prices / User Reviews
There are some fantastic prizes on offer in our January 2006 Giveaway, courtesy of ACDSee Systems, but hurry, the contest ends tomorrow!
- One person will win a copy of the brand new ACDSee Pro (worth $129.99).
- Three people will each win a copy of ACDSee 8 (worth $49.99).
Kindly donated by ACDSee Systems.
http://www.acdsystems.com/
On Friday February 10th 2006, 4 names will be randomly selected from the list of PhotographyBLOG Newsletter subscribers.
All you have to do to enter is subscribe to the PhotographyBLOG Newsletter before February 10th.
There are some fantastic prizes on offer in our January 2006 Giveaway, courtesy of ACDSee Systems, but hurry, the contest ends tomorrow! - One person will win a copy of the brand new ACDSee Pro (worth $129.99). - Three people will each win a copy of ACDSee 8 (worth $49.99)…