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Thursday, July 31, 2003

Joe Ringham from gophoto.net has let me know that there’s a free film offer in the US magazine Popular Photography:

“The latest Popular Photography magazine has an offer from Kodak to get 5 free rolls of film with the purchase of 5 rolls of film. It has to be USA film, you have to send in your receipt and proof of purchase with the card. Limit one per address, household, etc. No copies. But it would more than cover the cost of buying a copy of the magazine.”

Website: Popular Photography

Joe Ringham from gophoto.net has let me know that there’s a free film offer in the US magazine Popular Photography: “The latest Popular Photography magazine has an offer from Kodak to get 5 free rolls of film with the purchase of 5 rolls of film. It has to be USA…

Wednesday, July 30, 2003

Adam Harvey from zoozoom.com has asked me to let everyone know about a photography project that you can all help out with.

“I’m working on a collaborative photo project, that I though you might be interested in and looking for ways to ask for help with the project. The working title is “Internet Portrait Project” and it involves using the internet as an artistic medium to create a portrait from user’s images (headshots). You can look at it at the zoozoom website where it is hosted (it is a collaborative effort between the magazine and myself).

Website: http://www.zoozoom.com/projects/main.html

Adam Harvey from zoozoom.com has asked me to let everyone know about a photography project that you can all help out with. “I’m working on a collaborative photo project, that I though you might be interested in and looking for ways to ask for help with the project. The working…

Pictographics International Corporation has just released as stand-alone version of iCorrect EditLab 4.0, which is already available as a plug-in for Photoshop. Here’s an excerpt from the press release that explains what iCorrect EditLab does:

“iCorrect EditLab offers a revolutionary, yet simple and straightforward way of color correcting any digital picture. iCorrect EditLab leads you through a simple four step process including:

- color balance - Removes unwanted color cast
- white/black point - Improves tonal range
- brightness/contrast/saturation - Corrects Exposure settings
- Hue selective editing - Refines colors on a hue selective basis including predefined Memory colors such as Skin tones, Blue sky ad Foliage green.”

iCorrect EditLab Application, version 4.0, is compatible with the following operating systems: Macintosh 9.2, and 10.1and 10.2 in both Native and Classic modes and Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, and XP. iCorrect EditLab is available for $79.95 (software download) at www.picto.com. iCorrect EditLab Plug-in for Adobe(r) Photoshop products is priced at $99.95 (software download) and is available for both Windows and Macintosh operating systems.

Website: iCorrect EditLab 4.0

Pictographics International Corporation has just released as stand-alone version of iCorrect EditLab 4.0, which is already available as a plug-in for Photoshop. Here’s an excerpt from the press release that explains what iCorrect EditLab does: “iCorrect EditLab offers a revolutionary, yet simple and straightforward way of color correcting any digital…

Michael Reichmann has posted an overview of the various digital backs that are available for medium-format cameras, which is just the start of an in-depth look at digital backs.

“As previously announced I am beginning a series of reviews of all of the major medium format digital backs. This first installment is a survey of where the marketplace stands today, what’s available, and what photographers can expect from these mega-priced megapixel marvels.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - “Medium Format Digital Backs”

Michael Reichmann has posted an overview of the various digital backs that are available for medium-format cameras, which is just the start of an in-depth look at digital backs. “As previously announced I am beginning a series of reviews of all of the major medium format digital backs. This first…

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-U60Steve’s Digicams have reviewed the Cyber-shot DSC-U60 digital camera from Sony and its non-weatherproof sibling, the DSC-U30.

“The CyberShot DSC-U60 is an entry level, weatherproof, miniature digicam that begs to go everywhere with you, even swimming! Although its waterproof body is almost toy-like in size and appearance, it is a quite capable camera within its limited range of functions.”

Website: Steve’s Digicams - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-U60 Review

Website: Steve’s Digicams - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-U30 Review

Steve’s Digicams have reviewed the Cyber-shot DSC-U60 digital camera from Sony and its non-weatherproof sibling, the DSC-U30. “The CyberShot DSC-U60 is an entry level, weatherproof, miniature digicam that begs to go everywhere with you, even swimming! Although its waterproof body is almost toy-like in size and appearance, it is a…

Tuesday, July 29, 2003
Pride Parade Portraits #1
 
Pride Parade Portraits #2
 
Pride Parade Portraits #3
 
Pride Parade Portraits #1
 
Pride Parade Portraits #2
 
Pride Parade Portraits #3
 
   
Pride Parade Portraits #1
 
Pride Parade Portraits #2
 
Pride Parade Portraits #3
 
Pride Parade Portraits #1
 
Pride Parade Portraits #2
 
Pride Parade Portraits #3
 



Following on from the dancing Supermen images that I posted a couple of days ago, here are 6 of the best portrait shots that I took at the Pride Parade 2003.




Website: Pride Parade

      Pride Parade Portraits #1   Pride Parade Portraits #2   Pride Parade Portraits #3             Pride Parade Portraits #1   Pride Parade Portraits #2   Pride Parade Portraits #3   Following on from the dancing Supermen images that I posted a couple of days ago, here are 6 of the best portrait shots that I took at the Pride Parade 2003.Website: Pride Parade

FinePix S7000The fifth and final addition to the Fuji line-up is the FinePix S7000. It is an updated version of the popular S602 Zoom camera and sits at the top of the Fuji range.

The S7000 uses Fuji’s 4th Generation Super CCD HR with 6.3 Million Effective Pixels output and 12.3 million recorded pixels. The electronic viewfinder has been upgraded from 103,000 pixels to a much-higher resolution 235,000 pixels and now uses the xD-Picture Card format instead of SmartMedia that the S602 Zoom used. DPReview has an excellent comparison of the differences between the new S7000 and the old S602 Zoom.

“The S7000 utilizes Fujifilm’s new 4th Generation Super CCD HR with 6.3 million effective pixels and 12.3 million recorded pixels (4048x3040). The FinePix S7000 has a bright F2.8 Super EBC (Electron Beam Coating) Fujinon 6X (35-210mm) optical zoom with a 13-step aperture and high speed focusing. Up to 800 ISO at 1, 2, or 3 MegaPixels is possible with minimal electronic noise, and digital movies with sound at full VGA resolution (30 fps) is also possible. A new 235,000 pixel electronic viewfinder greatly improves viewfinder performance over previous models. Other features include: Dual media slots for xD Picture Card and MicroDrive, a manual focus / zooming adjustment lens ring, full manual exposure and aperture or shutter priority, AE scene modes, custom white balance, hot shoe mount. The S7000 supports CCD-RAW and JPEG file formats and connects to your computer via USB 2. (Optional 0.79X wide angle lens adapter or a 1.5X telephoto lens adapter with 55 mm filter adapter tube is available).”

The Fuji FinePix S7000 will cost $799.99 and will be available in October.

Website: FujiFilm

Website: FinePix S7000 Specification

Website: DPReview - Fujifilm FinePix S7000 Zoom Preview

Website: DPNow - “Fujifilm digicam trio launched today”

The fifth and final addition to the Fuji line-up is the FinePix S7000. It is an updated version of the popular S602 Zoom camera and sits at the top of the Fuji range. The S7000 uses Fuji’s 4th Generation Super CCD HR with 6.3 Million Effective Pixels output and 12.…

FinePix S5000Perhaps the most exciting addition to the Fuji line-up is the FinePix S5000. It uses Fuji’s 4th Generation Super CCD HR and sports a massive 10X optical zoom that is equivalent to equivalent to 37-370mm on a 35mm camera! The S5000 looks very much like an SLR camera, and according to Fuji it is “like an SLR’s little brother - with all the enthusiast attitude, but less of the cost and complexity”.

“The FinePix S5000 offers point-and-shoot simplicity combined with advanced exposure control. It offers a super long 10X optical zoom [37-370mm, f2.8-f8(W)/f3.2-f9(T)], and uses Fujifilm’s new 4th Generation Super CCD HR with 3.1 million effective pixels and 6.0 million recorded pixels. The S5000 features continuous auto focusing and a low light focus assist lamp. You can record digital movies with sound at QVGA resolution (30fps). An 110,000 pixel electronic viewfinder provides you with a through-the-lens preview of the scene.”

The Fuji FinePix S5000 will cost $499.95 and will be available in August.

Fuji have already posted 3 sample images taken with the S5000 at a speed of ISO 200.

Website: FujiFilm

Website: FinePix S5000 Specification

Website: DPReview - Fujifilm FinePix S5000 Zoom Preview

Website: DPNow - “Fujifilm digicam trio launched today”

Perhaps the most exciting addition to the Fuji line-up is the FinePix S5000. It uses Fuji’s 4th Generation Super CCD HR and sports a massive 10X optical zoom that is equivalent to equivalent to 37-370mm on a 35mm camera! The S5000 looks very much like an SLR camera, and according…

FinePix A310 ZoomThe next camera in the new lineup is the FinePix A310 Zoom. The main difference between this model and the A205/210 models is again the megapixel count - the A310 uses Fujifilm’s new 4th Generation Super CCD HR with 3.1 million effective pixels and 6.0 million recorded pixels. It also has a 3x optical zoom and uses the new Picture Cradle.

The Fuji FinePix A310 will cost $299.95 and will be available in August.

Website: FujiFilm

Website: FinePix A310 Zoom Specification

Website: DPNow - “Fujifilm digicam trio launched today”

The next camera in the new lineup is the FinePix A310 Zoom. The main difference between this model and the A205/210 models is again the megapixel count - the A310 uses Fujifilm’s new 4th Generation Super CCD HR with 3.1 million effective pixels and 6.0 million recorded pixels. It also…

FinePix A205 ZoomThe big news today is the launch of no less than 5 new digital cameras from Fuji.

The first 2 cameras in the new lineup are the very similar FinePix A205 Zoom and FinePix A210 Zoom. The main difference between them is the megapixel count - 2 million for the A205 and 3.2 million for the A210. Interestingly both cameras use a docking cradle system, dubbed the Picture Cradle by Fuji, which is a very similar idea to Kodak’s EasyShare system. They both use conventional CCDs, rather than the SuperCCD technology that Fuji uses in it’s other cameras, and both have 3x optical zooms.

The Fuji FinePix A205 will cost $199.95 and the FinePix A210 $279.99. Both cameras will be available in August.

Website: FujiFilm

Website: FinePix A205 Zoom Specification

Website: FinePix A210 Zoom Specification

Website: DPReview - Fujifilm FinePix A205S Zoom

Website: DPNow - “Fujifilm digicam trio launched today”

The big news today is the launch of no less than 5 new digital cameras from Fuji. The first 2 cameras in the new lineup are the very similar FinePix A205 Zoom and FinePix A210 Zoom. The main difference between them is the megapixel count - 2 million for the…

Rollei dc3100Rollei, a German manufacturer who traditionally make twin-lens reflex film cameras, have announced a new compact digital camera. The Rollei dc3100 is a 3.1 megapixel digicam with a 3x optical zoom and is designed to be easy to use.

Website: Lets Go Digital - Rollei dc3100

Rollei, a German manufacturer who traditionally make twin-lens reflex film cameras, have announced a new compact digital camera. The Rollei dc3100 is a 3.1 megapixel digicam with a 3x optical zoom and is designed to be easy to use. Website: Lets Go Digital - Rollei dc3100

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-U60Imaging Resource have taken a look at the rather unique Cyber-shot DSC-U60 digital camera from Sony. Featuring a 2 megapixel CCD with a fixed 33mm lens, the DSC-U60 is waterproof down to five feet.

“The DSC-U60 is something of a departure for Sony. It extends their “ultra cute” U-series line, but this time adds a flash, two megapixels of resolution, and a completely waterproof case. The result is an extremely easy-to-use camera that snaps surprisingly good photos, and that can literally go anywhere without worries about water, mud, or dust.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Cyber-shot DSC-U60 Review

Website: Sony Press Release

Imaging Resource have taken a look at the rather unique Cyber-shot DSC-U60 digital camera from Sony. Featuring a 2 megapixel CCD with a fixed 33mm lens, the DSC-U60 is waterproof down to five feet. “The DSC-U60 is something of a departure for Sony. It extends their “ultra cute” U-series line…

Monday, July 28, 2003

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…

Tom Morris has let me know about a new photoblog that he’s just started called Photonymous. There are already some excellent images there so it’s definitely a site to add to your Favourites.

“You may be interested - I’ve just started up a weblog specifically to put photographs on. There isn’t much at the moment, but I’m hoping to add more pictures as I scan them (I’m all film!). The address is http://tom.bbcity.co.uk/photos

Tom Morris has let me know about a new photoblog that he’s just started called Photonymous. There are already some excellent images there so it’s definitely a site to add to your Favourites. “You may be interested - I’ve just started up a weblog specifically to put photographs on. There…

Nikon Coolpix 5400A-Digital-Eye have posted an extensive set of sample photographs taken with the Nikon 5400 digital camera. They’re well worth a look if you’re interested in this top-of-the-range Nikon digicam and you want to see just what the camera is capable of.

Website: A-Digital-Eye

A-Digital-Eye have posted an extensive set of sample photographs taken with the Nikon 5400 digital camera. They’re well worth a look if you’re interested in this top-of-the-range Nikon digicam and you want to see just what the camera is capable of. Website: A-Digital-Eye

Sunday, July 27, 2003
Pride Parade Supermen #1
 
Pride Parade Supermen #2
 
Pride Parade Supermen #3
 
Pride Parade Supermen #1
 
Pride Parade Supermen #2
 
Pride Parade Supermen #3
 



Yesterday afternoon’s Pride Parade throught the heart of London was a vibrant and colourful event, with 30 floats and an estimated 35,000 people taking part. Amongst all those people, this group of Supermen caught everyone’s eye as they danced the whole length of the 2 hour parade.




Website: Pride Parade

Pride Parade Supermen #1 Pride Parade Supermen #2 Pride Parade Supermen #3 Yesterday afternoon’s Pride Parade throught the heart of London was a vibrant and colourful event, with 30 floats and an estimated 35,000 people taking part. Amongst all those people, this group of Supermen caught everyone’s eye as…

Mike Johnston’s Sunday Morning Photographer column this week asks: Where the HECK is Digital B&W?!? You will be nodding your head in agreement if you consider yourself to be a black and white photographer.

“Another way this plays out these days is that the ?tyrannical? market wants color. Most clients prefer it, most consumers take it for granted. Thus, most digital cameras, and printers, and programs take color as a given.

So, okay. The only trouble with that is that a small minority of us happen to be black-and-white photographers. I came of age at the very tail end of the era in which B&W was considered the only ?serious? artistic medium. Worse, I prefer B&W. Virtually all my work is black-and-white, and, believe it or not, that?s by intention.”

Website: Sunday Morning Photographer

Mike Johnston’s Sunday Morning Photographer column this week asks: Where the HECK is Digital B&W?!? You will be nodding your head in agreement if you consider yourself to be a black and white photographer. “Another way this plays out these days is that the ?tyrannical? market wants color. Most clients…

Casio EXILIM EX-S3DCRP 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…

“The Exilim EX-S3 is a nice secondary camera that you can take anywhere. If this is your first camera, I’d probably skip it - the photo quality isn’t that great, and you’re really find yourself missing a zoom lens.”

Website: DCRP - Casio EXILIM EX-S3 Review

DCRP 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… “The Exilim EX-S3 is a nice secondary camera that you can take anywhere. If…

Canon have launched a new addition to their flatbed scanner range. The CanoScan LiDE 80 will be available from September 2003 for around ?139 inc VAT. Here’s an excerpt from the press release:

“Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the CanoScan LiDE 80, its new flagship film-capable scanner.  Canon has combined stunning design with three significant technology firsts: The world’s first film?capable Contact Image Sensor (CIS) scanner, world’s first 2400 x 4800 CIS scanner, and world’s first CIS scanner with FARE automatic film retouching technology.  Combining these technologies in a body measuring a mere 38mm in depth, the CanoScan LiDE 80 marks the beginning of a new era in scanning technology and further establishes Canon’s status as a clear market leader.”

Website: Canon UK

Canon have launched a new addition to their flatbed scanner range. The CanoScan LiDE 80 will be available from September 2003 for around ?139 inc VAT. Here’s an excerpt from the press release: “Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is pleased to announce the launch of the CanoScan LiDE…

Saturday, July 26, 2003

A new version of Cerious Software’s “ThumbsPlus” has just been released. If you haven’t heard of ThumbsPlus before then here’s a quick summary of what it is:

“ThumbsPlus is a highly customizable image database / thumbnails / graphics editor application that makes it easy to catalog, locate, maintain and modify all your graphics and multimedia files.”

I’ve not used this program before, but I’ve just installed the demo version to give it a try. I’ll let you know what I think in a few days.

Website: ThumbsPlus

A new version of Cerious Software’s “ThumbsPlus” has just been released. If you haven’t heard of ThumbsPlus before then here’s a quick summary of what it is: “ThumbsPlus is a highly customizable image database / thumbnails / graphics editor application that makes it easy to catalog, locate, maintain and modify…