Category:
More than 110,000 people have lost their lives in East Africa and South Asia in the aftermath of the earthquake and resulting tsunamis on December 26. The American Red Cross reports that emergency assessment and first-aid teams were on the ground quickly and are already working with local groups to support relief efforts. If you would like to help, you can make a financial donation to the American Red Cross using the Amazon Honor System. One hundred percent of donations made will go to the American Red Cross disaster relief efforts.
More than 110,000 people have lost their lives in East Africa and South Asia in the aftermath of the earthquake and resulting tsunamis on December 26. The American Red Cross reports that emergency assessment and first-aid teams were on the ground quickly and are already working with local groups to…
I haven’t posted too many of my own pictures lately - been experiencing a little photographer’s block here in Paris. But an inspirational Christmas present (The Great LIFE Photographers, 600 pages read on Christmas Day) and a visit to the Robert Capa exhibition today at the Bibliotheque nationale de france have hopefully made me turn a corner. I have been taking some photos, just not as many or with the quality that I would have liked. This is one of the ones that I am pleased with - taken in the Samaritaine restaurant on the 5th floor, looking out over the Seine, against the light, with my Canon G3 resting on the table. I was also slightly drunk at the time after one too many lunchtime aperitifs - maybe this is a tactic that I could adopt for the future? (not that I’m advocating alcohol you understand…).
Click on the image to view a larger version in a new window.
I haven’t posted too many of my own pictures lately - been experiencing a little photographer’s block here in Paris. But an inspirational Christmas present (The Great LIFE Photographers, 600 pages read on Christmas Day) and a visit to the Robert Capa exhibition today at the Bibliotheque nationale de france…
“Troubleshooting Your Images” is PCMagazines in-depth guide to solving some of the common issues that affect new diigcam owners in particular; blurry and grainy images, over and under-exposed, dodgy colour. It might just stop you actually tearing your hair out in frustration (no guarantees though…).
“Nothing is more frustrating than looking at a photo you took of a once-in-a-lifetime event only to find that it didn’t turn out. Maybe it is blurry, dark, or “noisy.” Many new digital-camera owners become so frustrated that they give up entirely, or keep replacing their cameras, hoping to find one that magically takes the photo they want every time.
Instead of throwing your hands up, if you spend a little time looking at your problem images, thinking about what might have happened, and practicing with your camera on your pets, children, or garden, you’ll be ready to grab those images of a lifetime when it really matters. In this article we discuss a variety of common causes of poor digital images, and present some tips on diagnosing and correcting the problems.”
“Troubleshooting Your Images” is PCMagazines in-depth guide to solving some of the common issues that affect new diigcam owners in particular; blurry and grainy images, over and under-exposed, dodgy colour. It might just stop you actually tearing your hair out in frustration (no guarantees though…). “Nothing is more frustrating than…
DCResource have published their review of the 4 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-L1.
“Overall I’d rank the L1’s image quality as just okay. While my real world photos were well-exposed with accurate colors, details in the pictures seemed soft and fuzzy. Even the sky seemed unusually blotchy. In addition, there was vignetting to be found in many of my photos. I’ve seen this before on other ultra-compact cameras (the Minolta DiMAGE X-series comes to mind), and I think it’s just one of the tradeoffs that comes with a tiny camera like this. Still, you’ll be able to get nice small prints or web-sized photos from the L1. Those with larger print needs or higher expectations should look elsewhere.”
DCResource have published their review of the 4 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-L1. “Overall I’d rank the L1’s image quality as just okay. While my real world photos were well-exposed with accurate colors, details in the pictures seemed soft and fuzzy. Even the sky seemed unusually blotchy. In addition, there was…
Every photographer has been confused by the subject of digital image sizes - pixels, resolution, ppi, dpi - what are they and how on earth do they relate to each other? Bob Atkins has a handy guide which answers all of these questions:
“The way you control how large an image appears on someone’s monitor screen when viewing your images on the web is by changing the height and width in pixels If your original image is 1600x1200 pixels it will probably be too large to see all at once on 95% of the video monitors out there. It will also be slow to load since it will be a large file. If you want someone using an 800x600 display to be able to see your image clearly, you need to change the size to, say, 600x400 pixels (remember the browser window is smaller than the full monitor display).”
Website: Bob Atkins - Digital Image Resizing
Every photographer has been confused by the subject of digital image sizes - pixels, resolution, ppi, dpi - what are they and how on earth do they relate to each other? Bob Atkins has a handy guide which answers all of these questions: “The way you control how large an…
Concord Camera Corp. Press Release
CONCORD CAMERA CORP. WINS AMERICAN PHOTO MAGAZINE’S EDITOR’S CHOICE AWARD
5 Megapixel Digital Camera Wins for the Most Pixels for the Price
Hollywood, FL, December 29, 2004 - Concord Camera Corp. (“Concord”) (Nasdaq:LENSE), a leader in award-winning, high-quality, affordably-priced cameras, announced today that the Concord Eye-Q 5062 has won the coveted American Photo “Editor’s Choice” Award.
In awarding the Concord Eye-Q 5062 with their prestigious Editor’s Choice, American Photo stated, “In terms of pixels per penny, it’s hard to beat this five-megapixel single-focal-length entry – and you also get 16MB of internal memory to back up your SD card, continuous shooting and macro modes, and 30fps video at QVGA, with sound.”
Concord Camera Corp. Press Release CONCORD CAMERA CORP. WINS AMERICAN PHOTO MAGAZINE’S EDITOR’S CHOICE AWARD 5 Megapixel Digital Camera Wins for the Most Pixels for the Price Hollywood, FL, December 29, 2004 - Concord Camera Corp. (“Concord”) (Nasdaq:LENSE), a leader in award-winning, high-quality, affordably-priced cameras, announced today that the Concord…
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES), held in Las Vegas, US, starts on January 6th. DIWA member website LetsGoDigital will be there to cover all the new photography announcements from the show floor - they even have a website dedicated to the show.
Website: LetsGoDigital - CES 2005
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES), held in Las Vegas, US, starts on January 6th. DIWA member website LetsGoDigital will be there to cover all the new photography announcements from the show floor - they even have a website dedicated to the show. Website: LetsGoDigital - CES 2005
PhotoScala are reporting that Kyocera Japan will be discontinuing some of its 35mm film cameras and lenses. The affected cameras are: 35mm SLRs Contax RX2, Aria, Aria-D, and 35mm view finder cameras T3 and TVS III. The affected lenses are Distagon 2.8/16mm, 2.8/25mm, 1.4/35mm, 2.8/35mm and the Macro Planar 2.8/60mm.
Website: Photoscala - Kyocera to reduce analogue Contax model range
PhotoScala are reporting that Kyocera Japan will be discontinuing some of its 35mm film cameras and lenses. The affected cameras are: 35mm SLRs Contax RX2, Aria, Aria-D, and 35mm view finder cameras T3 and TVS III. The affected lenses are Distagon 2.8/16mm, 2.8/25mm, 1.4/35mm, 2.8/35mm and the Macro Planar 2.8/60mm…
Canon have had a busy Christmas - they’ve also just released Zoom Browser 5 for Windows.
“ZoomBrowser EX 5.0, as well as managing images shot using a digital camera, also enables you to take full advantage of your camera’s built-in functions. Not only does ZoomBrowser EX 5.0 provide a simple straightforward procedure for everything from downloading, organizing and editing images through to printing your images or sending them as e-mail attachments, it also offers a range of features specifically designed to combine with and make the most of your camera’s functions. Some of these features are RAW image processing, panorama image composition, and a remote shooting function that lets you control the camera from your PC. ZoomBrowser EX 5.0—software that knows your camera and will change your total digital camera experience.”
Website: Canon - ZoomBrowser 5.0 for Windows
Canon have had a busy Christmas - they’ve also just released Zoom Browser 5 for Windows. “ZoomBrowser EX 5.0, as well as managing images shot using a digital camera, also enables you to take full advantage of your camera’s built-in functions. Not only does ZoomBrowser EX 5.0 provide a simple…
Luminous Landscape have followed up their review of the Epson RD-1 digital rangefinder camera with a look at the lenses that are available for it.
“All of the lenses in this test look and feel much better built than typical consumer SLR lenses. Many of them are also extremely compact, as the dimensions information below will demonstrate. They have a wonderful mechanical feel to them that is very refreshing to me after several years of working with well-performing but lightly-built plastic Canon primes such as the 24/2.8, 35/2.0 and 50/1.8 Mk1. (In all fairness, most of the Canon L lenses are very well built but they are generally much larger and heavier than the rangefinder lenses in this test.) The Leica lenses have the best overall build quality and feel of this bunch but the Voigtlanders aren’t far behind. In fact, the aperture rings on some of the Voigtlanders feel more solid and precise than those on the Leicas. The Leicas’ focus damping is buttery smooth; the best of any lens I’ve tested or used.”
Website: Luminous Landscape - 35mm and Wider Lenses for the Epson R-D1
Luminous Landscape have followed up their review of the Epson RD-1 digital rangefinder camera with a look at the lenses that are available for it. “All of the lenses in this test look and feel much better built than typical consumer SLR lenses. Many of them are also extremely compact…
Imaging Resource are reporting that Sony USA are set to introduce a black version of their 1Gb Memory Stick PRO. In addition to being a different colour, the new version will also have an increased operating temperature (good news for cold weather photographers). Price is $150.
Website: Imaging Resource - Sony readies black 1GB Memory Stick PRO
Imaging Resource are reporting that Sony USA are set to introduce a black version of their 1Gb Memory Stick PRO. In addition to being a different colour, the new version will also have an increased operating temperature (good news for cold weather photographers). Price is $150. Website: Imaging Resource -…
Technology website I4U are reporting that Sony are introducing a new version of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T3 digital camera in Asia. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T33 is basically the same camera in a slighty re-styled form (curvier corners). Who knows why Sony seem to think that certain Asian countries like their camera corners to be more rounded? I agree with I4U - to me Sony seems to be muddying the global waters by introducing subtly changed variants of the same basic model.
Technology website I4U are reporting that Sony are introducing a new version of the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T3 digital camera in Asia. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T33 is basically the same camera in a slighty re-styled form (curvier corners). Who knows why Sony seem to think that certain Asian countries like their…
Digital Outback Photo have published their review of the 22-megapixel Phase One P25 medium format digital back, used in conjunction with the Hasselblad H1 camera.
“You can learn the P25 interface in about 10-15 minutes if you understand digital cameras a bit. The user interface is really fun and easy to use. There are no cables and the P25 feels very well integrated with the H1 camera. After the initial setup we could concentrate on using the camera itself.”
Website: Digital Outback Photo - Hasselblad H1/Phase One P25 Review
Digital Outback Photo have published their review of the 22-megapixel Phase One P25 medium format digital back, used in conjunction with the Hasselblad H1 camera. “You can learn the P25 interface in about 10-15 minutes if you understand digital cameras a bit. The user interface is really fun and easy…
Pocket-Lint have just posted their review of the 4 megapixel, 8.3 optical zoom Nikon Coolpix 4800.
“Benefiting from a year’s worth of development, in the overall Coolpix range, the 4800 includes a lot of the features designed for more professional models. Nikon’s best shot selector (BSS) and auto exposure best shot selector have been included to automate the picture taking process. The BSS causes a number of shots to be taken in rapid succession and the best one selected. With the AE version of BSS, the shots can be graduated on exposure, with highlight, shadow or histogram, and the best is automatically selected.”
Pocket-Lint have just posted their review of the 4 megapixel, 8.3 optical zoom Nikon Coolpix 4800. “Benefiting from a year’s worth of development, in the overall Coolpix range, the 4800 includes a lot of the features designed for more professional models. Nikon’s best shot selector (BSS) and auto exposure best…
Canon have just released Image Browser 5 for Mac OS X, which is apparently “software that knows your camera and will change your total digital camera experience”. Must be worth downloading then.
“ImageBrowser 5.0 provide a simple straightforward procedure for everything from downloading, organizing and editing images through to printing your images or sending them as e-mail attachments, it also offers a range of features specifically designed to combine with and make the most of your camera’s functions. Some of these features are RAW image processing, panorama image composition, and a remote shooting function that lets you control the camera from your Mac.”
Canon have just released Image Browser 5 for Mac OS X, which is apparently “software that knows your camera and will change your total digital camera experience”. Must be worth downloading then. “ImageBrowser 5.0 provide a simple straightforward procedure for everything from downloading, organizing and editing images through to printing…
PCWorld have published a brief but still fairly useful guide to using your digital camera in cold conditions. Unfortunately they fail to mention anything about keeping the actual photographer warm, a working camera is not much use without a warm and functional photographer!
“When you bring the camera back indoors, odds are good that you’ll get some condensation on the lens. Be patient. It’s a bad idea to wipe the lens off to take more pictures: You can scratch the lens in the process. Also, if you wipe the lens and the condensation pools up around the edges, it can leak into the inside of the lens assembly. That’s a really bad thing. So let the condensation evaporate on its own; it shouldn’t take long.”
PCWorld have published a brief but still fairly useful guide to using your digital camera in cold conditions. Unfortunately they fail to mention anything about keeping the actual photographer warm, a working camera is not much use without a warm and functional photographer! “When you bring the camera back indoors…
The Danish website Akamera.dk have posted their review of the new 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 8800.
The Danish website Akamera.dk have posted their review of the new 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 8800. Website: Akamera.dk - Nikon Coolpix 8800 Review Check the Latest Prices for the Nikon Coolpix 8800
Possibly the last new camera of 2004, Ricoh have today announced a successor to the Capio R1 digital camera (read my review). The R1V has the same 28mm lens and compact body as the R1 - the main upgrade is the new 5 megapixel sensor (the R1 had 4 megapixels). I will be receiving an R1V soon for review, so stay tuned…
Ricoh Press Release
Successor to the popular Caplio R1, the Caplio R1V is a powerful 5.0 megapixel digital camera with a 28mm wide-angle, 4.8x optical zoom in an exceptionally slim 25mm body
Tokyo, December 28th, 2004. Ricoh is extremely proud to announce the launch of the Caplio R1V 5.0 megapixel digital camera, the successor to the award winning Caplio R1. The Caplio R1V features the innovative lens retracting system that enables an amazing 4.8x optical zoom lens with 28mm wide-angle shooting capacity housed in a 25mm ultra slim, aluminum body. The lens generates the finest quality images capable of being offered by this class of compact digital cameras. Moreover, with extremely fast shutter response and Ricoh’s exceptional 1cm wide macro technology, the Caplio R1V incorporates all the latest high-end features to satisfy even the most discerning professional. At the same time, it offers user-friendly functionality that everyone who enjoys taking pictures will love. All the more incredible is that the Caplio R1V’s powerful features are encased in a sleek body weighing just 150 grams.
Possibly the last new camera of 2004, Ricoh have today announced a successor to the Capio R1 digital camera (read my review). The R1V has the same 28mm lens and compact body as the R1 - the main upgrade is the new 5 megapixel sensor (the R1 had 4 megapixels)…
PCMagazine have posted their review of the 4 megapixel Canon PowerShot A85.
“In Canon’s ever-growing arsenal of consumer-level compact digital cameras, the 4-megapixel Canon PowerShot A85 replaces the popular PowerShot A70. Unfortunately, the A85’s images suffer from a lack of sharpness. If you can find it cheap enough (it usually sells for under $300) it’s still a decent buy, but we recommend the Kodak EasyShare LS743 for its smaller size and sharper images.”
PCMagazine have posted their review of the 4 megapixel Canon PowerShot A85. “In Canon’s ever-growing arsenal of consumer-level compact digital cameras, the 4-megapixel Canon PowerShot A85 replaces the popular PowerShot A70. Unfortunately, the A85’s images suffer from a lack of sharpness. If you can find it cheap enough (it usually…
The Spanish website Quesabesde have just reviewed the new 7 megapixel Sony DSC-P150 digital compact camera.
Website: Quesabesde - Sony DSC-P150 Review
The Spanish website Quesabesde have just reviewed the new 7 megapixel Sony DSC-P150 digital compact camera. Website: Quesabesde - Sony DSC-P150 Review Check the Latest Prices for the Sony DSC-P150