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Digital Outback Photo is the latest website to publish a review of a full-production version of the highly-anticipated Sony DSC-F828 digital camera.
“The main issue with images from the F828 is actually chromatic aberration (CA). At least with all shots at 200mm and at more contrasty scenes we get a lot CA (the contrast was not even extreme). This CA is also easily visible to the naked eye in prints at 11x14”.”
Digital Outback Photo is the latest website to publish a review of a full-production version of the highly-anticipated Sony DSC-F828 digital camera. “The main issue with images from the F828 is actually chromatic aberration (CA). At least with all shots at 200mm and at more contrasty scenes we get a…
In this week’s Sunday Morning Photographer column Mike Johnston looks at collecting photographs as a way of getting into the hobby of photography:
“Contrary to some peoples’ assumptions, there are plenty of places to acquire photographs. One of the most obvious is eBay.
I’m assuming that everybody is aware of the “Cameras & Photo” area of eBay, in the “Computers & Electronics” section, where equipment is sold; but are you also aware of the “other” eBay, the “Photographic Images"area, in the “Art” section? Typical for eBay, you can find anything there from treasure to garbage ? from original vintage prints of acknowledged masterpieces to pictures clipped from old magazines, and everything in between.”
In this week’s Sunday Morning Photographer column Mike Johnston looks at collecting photographs as a way of getting into the hobby of photography: “Contrary to some peoples’ assumptions, there are plenty of places to acquire photographs. One of the most obvious is eBay. I’m assuming that everybody is aware of…
The latest issue of the monthly online photo magazine, Vivid Light Photography, has just been published. Highlights this month include a review of the Olympus E-1 DSLR:
“The ruggedly constructed Olympus E-1 digital SLR feels and handles like a conventional film SLR. Image quality is what you would expect from a five megapixel imaging chip: great at low ISO, somewhat noisy at higher ones. Images are crisp and well resolved aided and abetted by a series of sharp digital Zuiko lenses. The E-1 is a clean slate camera that’s intended for the photographer who doesn’t already have an arsenal of lenses that can be used with another brand’s digital SLR, and one who appreciates the E-1’s purity of design and attention to detail.”
and an article called Traveling with Digital:
“Just about the time I start getting comfortable traveling with 100 rolls of x-rayable film, and a camera bag that, thanks to tightened security, is now swabbed and thoroughly inspected, along comes the digital revolution. Of course, switching from film to digital doesn’t change the fact that the security folks may still want to inspect my camera bag. But just think of the tremendous psychological burden that is lifted off your shoulders knowing that memory cards aren’t affected by the x-ray machine!”
Website: Vivid Light Photography - Issue #32
The latest issue of the monthly online photo magazine, Vivid Light Photography, has just been published. Highlights this month include a review of the Olympus E-1 DSLR: “The ruggedly constructed Olympus E-1 digital SLR feels and handles like a conventional film SLR. Image quality is what you would expect from…
Leica Press Release 24/12/03
Leica Camera AG of Solms is pleased to introduce the new LEICA SF 24D, an improved flash unit with automatic guide number control. The optimised functions offered by the LEICA SF 24D make it possible to control flash exposure directly through the camera, making this unit the perfect accessory for a wide range of Leica cameras. The LEICA SF 24D is suitable for use with Leica rangefinder and SLR cameras, and can also be connected to the LEICA CM analogue compact camera and the LEICA DIGILUX 2, which will be available from February 2004. The flash unit automatically recognises the type of camera to which it is connected, and adjusts itself to the relevant operating mode. Ease of use and compatibility with the full range of modern flash techniques are features of the LEICA SF 24D.
The LEICA SF 24D has retained all the application features of its predecessor model the LEICA SF 20, and has complemented these with new functions. For example, the range of automatic apertures has been enhanced. All apertures from 2.0 to 11 are available with this new dedicated flash unit. The LEICA SF 24D also provides improved flash compensation of +/- 3 EV.
The illumination angle of the LEICA SF 24D corresponds to a 35 mm focal length for the 35 mm system. The two ancillary screens supplied with the unit for the wide angle and telephoto range cover focal lengths of 24 mm and 85 mm respectively. The flash unit automatically recognises the two diffuser screens supplied, and immediately adjusts the range display to the new guide number.
The black/silver version of the LEICA SF 24D is suitable for Leica M and Leica R cameras, and the LEICA DIGILUX 2. The titanium colour version of the LEICA SF 24D matches the LEICA CM. Both are available from Leica stockists.
Leica Press Release 24/12/03 Leica Camera AG of Solms is pleased to introduce the new LEICA SF 24D, an improved flash unit with automatic guide number control. The optimised functions offered by the LEICA SF 24D make it possible to control flash exposure directly through the camera, making this unit…
The UK website Photo-i, run by Vincent Oliver, has updated its interactive review of the highly anticipated Epson Stylus Photo R800 printer. There are some new sections which look at both colour and black and white output. The R800 printer, which uses UltraChrome pigment inks, will cost $399 and will ship in February 2004.
Website: Photo-i - Epson Stylus Photo R800 Interactive Review
The UK website Photo-i, run by Vincent Oliver, has updated its interactive review of the highly anticipated Epson Stylus Photo R800 printer. There are some new sections which look at both colour and black and white output. The R800 printer, which uses UltraChrome pigment inks, will cost $399 and will…
Paul Caldwell has reviewed yet another product that offers a way to sharpen your images. Noel Carboni’s Fractal Sharpening actions use a version of Genuine Fractals to achieve the sharpening effect:
“I have to say; yes I am very impressed with Fractal Sharpening. If you own Genuine Fractals, it’s a no brainer, here, go to Noel’s site and buy this tool, since at 15.00 dollars it’s a deal. If you don’t own Genuine Fractals, I would strongly recommend that you go out and purchase it just so you can use this action, it’s that good.”
Paul Caldwell has reviewed yet another product that offers a way to sharpen your images. Noel Carboni’s Fractal Sharpening actions use a version of Genuine Fractals to achieve the sharpening effect: “I have to say; yes I am very impressed with Fractal Sharpening. If you own Genuine Fractals, it’s a…
Sigma have recently released a new wide-angle zoom lens which will appeal to all digital SLR owners. The Sigma 12-24/F4.5-5.6 ex DG Asph may be quite slow but it will translate to a 19-38mm lens on a Canon EOS 10D/300D, for example. An extensive review of the new lens with lots of sample photos has been posted by Petteri Sulonen.
“The Sigma EX 12-24/4.5-5.6, hereby christened “Popeye,” because of its bulgy front element, occupies a unique niche among lenses. It’s the first rectilinear 12 mm lens designed for 35 mm SLR’s (yes, it’s full frame). In fact, I believe it’s only the second 12 mm rectilinear lens for the 35 mm format. The first was the Voigtl?nder Heliar ultra-wide 12/5.6—considered remarkable enough to rejuvenate an entire lens mount (Leica M39). This is something to keep in mind for the folks who gripe that Popeye isn’t too bright. In other words, it breaks very significant new ground by the simple fact of existing.”
Sigma have recently released a new wide-angle zoom lens which will appeal to all digital SLR owners. The Sigma 12-24/F4.5-5.6 ex DG Asph may be quite slow but it will translate to a 19-38mm lens on a Canon EOS 10D/300D, for example. An extensive review of the new lens with…
A-Digital-Eye have posted sample images from 6 different digital cameras, all taken within a short time of each other. The Nikon D100, Canon Digital Rebel, Sigma SD10, Minolta DiMAGE A1, Fuji S7000, Sony F828 are all included in the test.
“The images were all taken within about 10 mins of each other standing at the same location, and shooting towards the same center point, with the zoom adjusted to be about as close as we could get them under all the circumstances. The images were shot in each camera’s Program mode, and at the lowest set ISO for each camera.”
A-Digital-Eye have posted sample images from 6 different digital cameras, all taken within a short time of each other. The Nikon D100, Canon Digital Rebel, Sigma SD10, Minolta DiMAGE A1, Fuji S7000, Sony F828 are all included in the test. “The images were all taken within about 10 mins of…
Luminous Landscape is claiming to be the first website in the world to review a full-production version of the highly-anticipated Sony DSC-F828 digital camera. Actually it’s the second website in the world to do so, as the German website PhotoWorld.de reviewed the DSC-F828 on 20th December. Even so, this review from professional photographer Michael Reichmann makes very interesting reading:
“Sony shot itself in the foot by not providing web reviewers with production samples before cameras arrived in consumer’s hands. This has meant that well meaning but uninformed amateurs have been almost hysterical in their on-line discussions about their newly delivered cameras, citing all sorts of concerns. This would not have happened in Sony had simply FedExed a dozen cameras from the first production run to the leading online review sites. This would have meant that knowledgeable reviews and properly produced and processed sample images would have been available around the time that cameras reached early buyer’s hands, and much of the sillyness would have been avoided.”
Luminous Landscape is claiming to be the first website in the world to review a full-production version of the highly-anticipated Sony DSC-F828 digital camera. Actually it’s the second website in the world to do so, as the German website PhotoWorld.de reviewed the DSC-F828 on 20th December. Even so, this review…
The projections onto the National Film Theatre are at first sight pretty unimpressive, as only a small square on top of the building is lit up. But the use of a wide-angle lens to include the projection within its wider environment makes for an interesting photograph, and quite different from the other buildings that have taken part in Brightening Up London. This particular projection is a photo of Alexander McQueen, the British designer.
The projections onto the National Film Theatre are at first sight pretty unimpressive, as only a small square on top of the building is lit up. But the use of a wide-angle lens to include the projection within its wider environment makes for an interesting photograph, and quite different from…
Somerset House ice rink in central London gets quite crowded in the evenings, making it difficult to pick out individual skaters from the crowd. This photo was the best one from around 40 frames. The look of concentration on the girl’s face and the watchful eye of the woman behind her combine to make the image what it is.
Somerset House ice rink in central London gets quite crowded in the evenings, making it difficult to pick out individual skaters from the crowd. This photo was the best one from around 40 frames. The look of concentration on the girl’s face and the watchful eye of the woman behind…
Trafalgar Square is often at the centre of many London events; carnivals, parades and more often than not protest marches. At the moment the traditional Christmas tree (donated by Norway) and the lighting up of the National Portrait Gallery has turned it into an altogether more peaceful place.
Trafalgar Square is often at the centre of many London events; carnivals, parades and more often than not protest marches. At the moment the traditional Christmas tree (donated by Norway) and the lighting up of the National Portrait Gallery has turned it into an altogether more peaceful place. View more…
As part of the Brightening Up London campaign, Evening Standard readers were asked to vote for their favourite image from 3 choice; Peace, Charity and Hope. The winning image, Hope, was projected onto the National Portrait Gallery on December 19th, and is I think a fitting image for what has been a turbulent year internationally.
As part of the Brightening Up London campaign, Evening Standard readers were asked to vote for their favourite image from 3 choice; Peace, Charity and Hope. The winning image, Hope, was projected onto the National Portrait Gallery on December 19th, and is I think a fitting image for what has…
Every year the courtyard of Somerset House in central London is turned into an ice rink, complete with floodlights and Christmas tree. The House itself forms the perfect backdrop to an enchanting winter scene. Tickets sell out fast and the small rink gets quite crowded, especially in the evenings when this shot was taken. Consequently it’s a lot easier to take wide-angle shots of the ice rink than close-ups of individual skaters.
This shot was taken using the ISO 800 setting on the Canon EOS 10D, which produces a grainy but perfectly acceptable image, and at the same time allowed me to handhold the camera and get a sharp image (no tripods are allowed without prior agreement). I used a slowish shutter speed of 1/30th second to blur the movement of the skaters and help convey a sense of speed.
Every year the courtyard of Somerset House in central London is turned into an ice rink, complete with floodlights and Christmas tree. The House itself forms the perfect backdrop to an enchanting winter scene. Tickets sell out fast and the small rink gets quite crowded, especially in the evenings when…
Picasa Press Release 23/12/03
WHO: The procrastinators who need the perfect gift for the digital camera enthusiast.
WHAT: Picasa, a photo organizer that can be used by photographers of all skill levels to easily categorize their digital photo libraries, fills a common problem faced by anyone who saves digital photos to the PC. Picasa is the most efficient and easy-to-use way to organize new and old Holiday photographs, memories and events from your life. Picasa users do not have to manually organize their digital photos; all images on the hard drive are added upon installation and new images are automatically added as they are saved.
WHY: Upon installation, all images on the hard drive are automatically organized into albums, and new images are automatically added as they are saved to a user’s hard drive. Picasa allows its users to browse quickly through the entire collection of photos on their PC by displaying thumbnails of each image. The thumbnail system removes the need to search for digital pictures using original file names, which makes it difficult for most digital camera owners to find the photo they need. Advanced features include: cropping, rotation, red-eye removal, keyword search, slideshow (with music), movie support and photo timeline display.
WHERE: Consumers can purchase Picasa for $29.00 or download a free 15-day trial at: www.picasa.net.
Picasa Press Release 23/12/03 WHO: The procrastinators who need the perfect gift for the digital camera enthusiast. WHAT: Picasa, a photo organizer that can be used by photographers of all skill levels to easily categorize their digital photo libraries, fills a common problem faced by anyone who saves digital photos…
10 Trinity Square is just behind Tower Hill tube station, near Tower Bridge and, erm, the Tower of London :-) It took me over an hour to get there, due to the usual Tube delays, and when I arrived at about 10pm the public park in front of this building was locked up for the night. Luckily the railings were wide enough to shove my camera through, balanced precariously on a tilted tripod. I also had to tie the branches of a small tree to the railings to remove it from the frame. Unfortunately I forgot to untie it so I guess it will grow a little haphazardly in future…
10 Trinity Square is just behind Tower Hill tube station, near Tower Bridge and, erm, the Tower of London :-) It took me over an hour to get there, due to the usual Tube delays, and when I arrived at about 10pm the public park in front of this building…
A new NE Asia Online article claims that the video photography option of digital cameras will rival the quality found in dedicated digital video cameras by 2006. Cameras like the Fuji Finepix M603 have tried to combine the best of both worlds by offering still and moving digital photography in one package, but at present top-end models only offer 310,000 pixels per frame at 30 frames per second (fps). Apparently that is all set to change in the next few years:
“Manufacturers have been facing numerous problems in trying to achieve higher image quality and ease-of-use within these limits, and the results of their efforts will hit the streets in 2004. The new digital cameras released then are expected to rival video cameras in terms of image quality and recording time.
But digital camera manufacturers are not likely to stop there: a look at developments in constituent technology shows that the video photography functions are going to continue to evolve. One of the most likely developments is video photography with more than a million pixels per frame in recording. Technically, it is possible that digital cameras could be out by 2006 capable of taking still images with several million pixels/frame, and video at 1.3 million pixels per frame (super extended graphics array, or SXGA format). Above the million pixels/frame threshold, this type of video photography is called megapixel video.”
Website: NE Asia Online - Video from Digital Cameras to Reach 1.3M-Pixels/Frame
A new NE Asia Online article claims that the video photography option of digital cameras will rival the quality found in dedicated digital video cameras by 2006. Cameras like the Fuji Finepix M603 have tried to combine the best of both worlds by offering still and moving digital photography in…
Just in time for Christmas, Steves Digicams have posted their full review of the Nikon D2H digital SLR.
“I have only one disappointment with the D2H I’ve been testing - Nikon wants it back. To say that I’ve been spoiled while using it is an understatement. I’ll repeat what I said earlier: The D2H was nearly transparent as I used it; it did not demand my attention or make me wait, and allowed me to concentrate my efforts on capturing images, not operating a camera. I will surely miss this camera when it’s gone, but I’ll have some fond memories.”
Website: Steves Digicams - Nikon D2H Review
Just in time for Christmas, Steves Digicams have posted their full review of the Nikon D2H digital SLR.“I have only one disappointment with the D2H I’ve been testing - Nikon wants it back. To say that I’ve been spoiled while using it is an understatement. I’ll repeat what I said…
DCResource is the latest website to post their review of the Nikon Coolpix 3700 digital camera. The Coolpix 3700 has a very different design from previous Coolpix models, with a brushed aluminium body that’s both slim and lightweight. The 3.2 megapixel 3700 features a 3x optical zoom that is equivalent to 35-105mm lens on a 35mm camera.
“The Coolpix 3700 is a very nice, compact point-and-shoot camera that addresses one of the two big issues that I’ve had with previous entry-level Nikon cameras: low light shooting. With the inclusion of an AF-assist lamp, the Coolpix can finally compete with cameras from Canon and Sony that have had this feature for years.”
DCResource is the latest website to post their review of the Nikon Coolpix 3700 digital camera. The Coolpix 3700 has a very different design from previous Coolpix models, with a brushed aluminium body that’s both slim and lightweight. The 3.2 megapixel 3700 features a 3x optical zoom that is equivalent…
CNET have reviewed Casio’s EXILIM EX-S3, a 3-megapixel digital camera that is less than 1/2 inch thick! If you’re looking for a camera that is the same size as a credit card, then look no further…
“For a 3.2-megapixel camera, this Casio returned mediocre results, but for a fixed-lens model of such a tiny size, it produced quite good images. If you want to post photos on the Web and make small snapshot prints, you’ll probably be satisfied.”
Website: CNET - Casio EXILIM EX-S3 Review
CNET have reviewed Casio’s EXILIM EX-S3, a 3-megapixel digital camera that is less than 1/2 inch thick! If you’re looking for a camera that is the same size as a credit card, then look no further… “For a 3.2-megapixel camera, this Casio returned mediocre results, but for a fixed-lens model…