The Canon 100mm f/2.8 USM macro lens is a wonderful tool in the right hands, and macro photography itself can often be very emotive. I don’t really use the lens or try macro photography very often, but at the weekend we visited my girlfriend’s parents, whose garden at this time of year is full of brightly coloured flowers. I’ve also started to use a Photoshop plugin called ColorWasher (full review coming soon), which makes it easier to achieve more accurate, punchier images than using Photoshop alone. So these 3 images are the combination of a great lens, vibrant subject matter, ColorWasher, and last but not least, my roving photographer’s eye :-)

Fujifilm UK Press Release 28/07/04

Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro: the vital statistics unveiled

Adjustable dynamic range and film simulation modes raise the standard for digital SLRs

With excitement building towards the retail availability of the FinePix S3 Pro digital SLR, Fujifilm today announced that the camera of choice for many enthusiast and professional photographers will be available in late October 2004, with a number of previously unannounced features, including adjustable dynamic range and film simulation modes.

The FinePix S3 Pro is the culmination of Fujifilm’s professional photography heritage and imaging know-how. The FinePix S3 Pro sets itself apart from its competitors by using Fujifilm’s proprietary Super CCD SR II sensor ? a new and advanced image processor ? and a number of professional controls developed exclusively for this camera. The combination of Nikon lens mount and Fujifilm image capture is one that has been highly regarded by photographers for years.

With knowledge gained from years of dedication to the professional photography community, Fujifilm understands that a quality image is about more than just resolution, and therefore created the FinePix S3 Pro to bring the digital picture closer to film standards than ever before. Photographers shooting with the FinePix S3 Pro will experience greater dynamic range, improved tonal capabilities, exceptional colour balance, and better signal-to-noise ratios: all factors that contribute to a colourful, clear and detail-rich picture.

Fujifilm UK Press Release 28/07/04

Fujifilm FinePix F810 Zoom: Super CCD performance hits new heights

Super CCD HR technology takes further steps forward with key sensitivity improvement

Fujifilm’s obsession with improving digital image quality has hit a new level with the launch of the FinePix F810 Zoom. This compact digital camera introduces a refinement in the construction of Fujifilm’s Super CCD HR sensor, enhanced processor technology and a new sensitivity rating of ISO 80. These enhancements translate into something very simple - purer, clearer, sharper pictures.

The newly-designed Super CCD HR sensor featured in the FinePix F810 Zoom improves the storage capacity for electric charge held by each of its six million photodiodes (pixels). Along with the trademark Super CCD high sensitivity of ISO 800, this sensor refinement translates into a new lower sensitivity of ISO 80, greatly improved signal to noise ratio, along with an attendant increase in image quality. In other words, the FinePix F810 Zoom is capable of storing more electric charge in the sensor to generate a higher quality image.

Looking at the photographic results, followed by the specifications, any observer the user would be forgiven for coming to the same conclusion that this is a high-end , enthusiast camera . Manual exposure control, flash compensation, RAW mode, manual focus and JPEG compression options are all features that are at home on much bigger , enthusiast-level , bulkier cameras. This is a camera for those who know about photography, but don’t require over-sized photographic equipment to prove it!

Fujifilm UK Press Release 28/07/04

Fujifilm’s FinePix S5500 Zoom: get ready for a closer examination

Introducing the FinePix S5500 Zoom with 10x optical zoom and four megapixel resolution; successor to the popular FinePix S5000 Zoom

Fujifilm today announces the FinePix S5500 Zoom, a digital camera that combines impressive focal strength with increased sensor resolution.

Building on the success of the best-selling FinePix S5000 Zoom, the S5500 Zoom maintains the SLR-inspired design and incredible 10x optical zoom Fujinon lens of its predecessor, the equivalent of 37-370 mm on a 35 mm camera. It also adds an extra megapixel of effective resolution, perfect for extracting additional detail from distant shots.

Whilst retaining the ergonomic design and layout of the FinePix S5000 Zoom, the S5500 Zoom also adds full VGA 30fps movie recording, custom white balance control, histogram playback and 100% frame coverage in the LCD and electronic viewfinder.

Photographers will find this an ideal camera to have at hand at any sporting event thanks to 10x optical zoom and continuous shooting mode. For example, any football fan wanting to capture some fast-moving action from the stands can simply switch modes to ensure they get their shot. This versatile camera is also perfect for travellers ? for example, those going on safari, where they are unable to (or may not wish to!) get too close to the subject.

Fujifilm UK Press Release 28/07/04

Fujifilm FinePix S3500 Zoom: power and pixels packed in

Fujifilm launches four megapixel successor to popular FinePix S3000 Zoom

Fujifilm today unveils the FinePix S3500 Zoom, an affordable SLR-shape digital camera that weds smooth metallic looks and super-zoom technology with an ultra user-friendly format.

Retaining the desirable features of its predecessor, the acclaimed FinePix S3000 Zoom, the introduction of a four megapixel sensor means images can be reproduced to a larger size than before. The addition of PictBridge compatibility also allows for printing without the need for a PC or Mac.

While the enhanced pixel count means users can capture the minute detail of your composition, the powerful six times optical zoom lens (equivalent to 39 - 234mm on a 35mm camera) allows photographers to home in on the action.

Furthermore, this versatile camera offers intuitive handling for manoeuvres such as switching from LCD display to electronic viewfinder, or taking advantage of the six flash modes ? allowing optimum results to be achieved in any conditions. No matter what your level of expertise, the contemporary ergonomic exterior and metal-look housing of this SLR-style camera conjure up an unmistakably professional look, with results to match.

Fujifilm UK Press Release 28/07/04

Fujifilm’s new FinePix E550 Zoom: the perfect combination of form and function

The most advanced camera in Fujifilm’s new E range balances ease of use with exceptional sensor performance

Fujifilm today announces the launch of the FinePix E550 Zoom, which heads up the company’s new, no-nonsense ‘E’ range of digital cameras. Featuring manual controls and boasting major sensor refinements, the 6.3 megapixel FinePix E550 Zoom is a competitively-priced digital camera with tremendous hidden strength, giving the ideal balance of form and function.

Fujifilm has made great strides to develop its celebrated Super CCD HR sensor and processor technology for the FinePix E550 Zoom. This latest sensor enhancement gives the camera the capability of low sensitivity and a higher signal-to-noise ratio, both contributing to superb image quality.

Alongside powerful sensor improvements, the FinePix E550 Zoom features a 4x zoom lens, which gives a focal length equivalent to 32.5mm - 130mm on a 35mm camera, and a 6.3 million effective (12.3 million recorded output) pixel count. The high pixel output ensures that picture enlargements maintain exceptional sharpness and detail.

Fujifilm UK Press Release 28/07/04

Fujifilm FinePix E500 Zoom and FinePix E510 Zoom: refreshingly candid cameras

Fujifilm takes a wide angle on things with no-nonsense ‘E’ range duo

Fujifilm today announces the launch of the FinePix E500 Zoom and FinePix E510 Zoom: compact digital cameras that are dependable in design and straightforward in operation. The cameras are the first models in Fujifilm’s newly-launched E series, which is characterised by wide zooms, large LCD screens and useful features, allowing photographic creativity to be explored, all at a competitive price.

The sturdily-built FinePix E500 Zoom and FinePix E510 Zoom are a pleasure to use. With a durable chassis featuring a solid ?grip’, they are more comfortable to operate than smaller lifestyle cameras, and will bring even the most hardened sceptic round to digital photography.

The FinePix E500 and E510 Zoom deliver 4.1 million effective pixels and 5.2 million effective pixels respectively. Each has a Fujinon 3.2x zoom lens, boasting a wider-than-average equivalent of 28mm on a 35mm camera. With a starting sensitivity of ISO 80, both models have a pleasingly high signal to noise ratio and an accompanying increase in image quality. The generous 2” LCDs on the rear ensure clear playback and confident picture-taking.

Imatest is shaping up to be an interesting development for the photographer who likes to know everything about their equipment. It is a suite of programs for testing the sharpness and image quality of lenses, digital cameras, and digitized film images using inexpensive, widely available targets. Imatest will be released in August 2004.

“With Imatest you can:
 
- test lens performance at different focal lengths and apertures to learn where each lens works best; 
- examine the effects of camera and post-processing settings, such as mirror lock, ISO speed, white balance, RAW converter, and sharpening; 
- compare the performance of different cameras, even if they have different amounts of built-in sharpening; 
- compare your camera and lenses with results derived from websites such as imaging-resource.com, dpreview.com and others. This is important because quality control is far from perfect. Even premium lenses from reputable manufacturers may fail to meet expectations. With Imatest you can find out fast and return them if they are substandard. “

Website: Imatest

Michael Reichmann explains the thinking and execution behind two of his most recent images in a new article entitled “Abstracting The Landscape”.

“Each of the above photographs are straightforward photographic records of a particular situation. Neither has been enhanced using Photoshop or any other techniques. The only controls applied were those of traditional darkroom work, including brightness, contrast and saturation. Taken with a square format digital back on a 645 format camera, both frames have been cropped only slightly from what was photographed.

What elevates them from being snapshots or postcards? In both cases it is emotion. These scenes spoke to me, and because of what they said caused me to want to record them and share them with others. Each is an abstraction of the reality in which they were found. A wider view would have shown the context in which they were situated, but would have also included much that wasn’t relevant to the story being told.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Abstracting The Landscape

Imaging Resource have just reviewed Optipix 3, a suite of software applications for improving your digital images from Reindeer Graphics.

“If you think Optipix is a little too exotic to add to your software suite, think of it as the nicest thing you can do for your digicam. We’ve been able to get dynamic range out of images captured by our old Average digicam that just wasn’t built into it. And the tweaks you can now perform range from important edits like JPEG Cleaner to rewarding effects like Grain Maker. You really can’t lose with Optipix. These are tools written by someone who not only knows about pocket protectors but who loves taking pictures, too.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Optipix 3 Review

Peering inside another photographer’s camera-bag is always an interesting experience, and a look inside Uwe Steinmueller’s collection of Canon lenses is no exception.

“In our work we most often use zoom lenses. 30 years ago we did not even think of touching a zoom lens (we used mainly two Nikon F2s and owned (still have them) prime lenses from 20-200mm). Why zooms today?

- Zooms improved a lot over the last 30 years
- We try to minimize lens changes as this may introduce dust into out DSLRs
- Zooms are flexible
- We may be a bit lazy :-)

But we try to stay away from zoom lenses with a huge focal range as this means that these lenses are either heavy and expensive or of inferior quality.”

Website: Digital Outback Photo - Uwe’s Canon Lenses

DPReview have posted a hands-on preview of the new 7 megapixel Sony DSC-P150 digital compact camera.

“The P150 is obviously based on the current P100; the body design and control layout appears to be identical, though the new model sports a natty brushed metal finish on the front. As with the P100 the lens retracts fully into the body, meaning the camera is - at around an inch thick - easily pocketable. The new ‘Real Image Processor’ (RIP) is claimed to speed up startup, focus and other important functions, and we certainly found this pre-production sample to be no slouch.”

Website: DPReview - Sony DSC-P150 Preview

DCResource have reviewed the new 5 megapixel Sony DSC-F88 digital camera.

“Overall, image quality on the DSC-F88 was good but not great. Color and exposure were both accurate, and purple fringing levels were quite low. What bothered me the most were the muddy/fuzzy details and above average noise levels. Things like grass and trees look like they’ve been grabbed from a video camera, with fine details washed away (giving images a “soft” look). For small prints this will not be an issue, but I printed gallery photo #9 at 8 x 10 and some of the foliage detail was lost, so you’ve been warned. Noise levels seemed a bit high as well, most notably in shadow areas.”

Website: DCResource - Sony DSC-F88 Review

Photobird have just reviewed the 5 megapixel Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1 digital camera.

“The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1 is extremely easy to use to take photos. It’s very self-explanatory. I didn’t even need to read the instructions. I did need some help getting the photos out of the camera and onto my Windows computer though. Sony should make that step easier, perhaps with a quick start guide.”

Website: Photobird - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1 Review

The 34th Photo of the Week contest is now closed.

I have choosen what I think are the best photographs in my opinion. Now it’s your turn to vote for the overall winner of the contest. A Public Poll has been setup on the PhotographyBLOG Forums and you have 7 days during which you can vote for your favourite photo from the ones that I have chosen. Voting will end on Monday 2nd August. The Poll will then be closed and the overall winner announced.

Vote now for your favourite image from the Photo Of The Week 19th-25th July 2004 contest

According to the website PhotoScala, Mamiya are releasing a digital version of its popular professional medium format camera, the RZ67 Pro. The new model, called the RZ67 Pro IID, features a MSCE (Mamiya Serial Communication for Exchange) connection to allow any MSCE compatible digital back to be used with the camera. The RZ-67 Pro IID will be available in August, costing around ?1300 / 2000 Euros.

Thanks to Giallauk for sending me the link :-)

Website: PhotoScala - Mamiya RZ67 Pro IID

Yakumo Press Release 21/07/04

More camera highlights from Yakumo  

Braunschweig, 21st July 2004 - Two new digital camera bargains are set to put Yakumo in the digital camera market spotlight. The new Mega-Image 47sx joins the Yakumo camera line up at entry-level with a price tag of 99 euros. And, with an unbeatable recommended retail price of 199 euros, the Mega-Image 67x targets creative hobby photographers.

Yakumo Mega-Image 47sx
The Mega-Image 47sx comes equipped with a technical profile that - up to now - was only available in much more expensive camera models. It has a CCD chip with effective 4.10 megapixel resolution, 3x optical (small picture format: 34-102 mm) and 2x digital zoom. For memory expansion, the camera has a slot for Compact Flash cards. All in all, the Mega-Image 47sx is destined to be an ideal camera for good quality, holiday snapshots.

Yakumo Mega-Image 67x
The Mega-Image 67x is Yakumo’s new top model. It has a CCD chip with an effective resolution of 6.36 megapixels, 3x optical (small picture format: 37-111 mm) and 2x digital zoom and also provides an extension slot for SD cards. This Yakumo model offers manual exposure control, manual white balance and focus settings - allowing the hobby photographer to produce individual and creative photo results. Two rechargeable AA batteries, charger and power supply are supplied with the new Yakumo camera.

Both models are available now at all Yakumo dealers.

http://www.yakumo.com

Olympus Japan have released a new firmware version (1.3) for their 5-megapixel Olympus E-1 DSLR, which fixes the following issue:

- A communication error rarely occurred when the lens opening value of E-1 was changed using the Camera Control Function of OLYMPUS Studio installed on a personal computer. This problem was solved.

Website: Olympus E-1 Firmware

Olympus Japan have released a new firmware version for the 8-megapixel Olympus C-8080 Wide Zoom digital camera. It fixes the following issues:

- By taking certain type of route in camera operation, malfunction of AF or the camera not accepting any button operation occurs.
- In Exif Viewer, CAMEDIA Master and Olympus Studio software, information of the focal length (Exif-information) in 35mm photography appears to be incorrect. 

Website: Olympus C-8080 Wide Zoom Firmware

Website: Read my review of the Olympus C-8080 Wide Zoom

Steves Digicams have just reviewed the new Pentax OptioMX digital digital camera, which features 3.2 effective megapixels and 10X optical zoom to capture still images and high resolution (VGA) full-motion movies on MPEG-4 format with zoom capability.

“Pentax touts the OptioMX as both a still and movie camera. It records compressed MPEG4 movies at 30 frames per second, and allows the use of the optical zoom and autofocus during recording without introducing camera noise into the audio. But I was disappointed with the jumpiness of the results - it fell far short of the smoothness expected of a 30fps recording. I was also disappointed with shutter lag during movie recording; I measured a consistent delay of 2.2 seconds between depressing the movie button and recording the first frame.”

Website: Steves Digicams - Pentax OptioMX Review