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Docklands Dance #1
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Docklands Dance #4
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Docklands Dance #7
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On Saturday I managed to catch the second half of a contemporary dance festival in the Docklands area of London. The acts weren’t particularly brilliant, in my humble opinion, but there were some good opportunities for candid shots.
I seem to be gravitating towards taking photos of public entertainers at the moment; this coming weekend I’m off to a local street carnival and a night procession of illuminated inflatable giraffes in Mile End park (please don’t ask for further details…!).
Docklands Dance #1 Docklands Dance #2 Docklands Dance #3 Docklands Dance #4 Docklands Dance #5 Docklands Dance #6 Docklands Dance #7 Docklands Dance #8 Docklands Dance #9 On Saturday I managed to catch the second half of a contemporary dance festival in the Docklands area of London. The acts…
Apparently “Jessops National Photography Week 2003” has just started here in the UK. Personally I try to avoid Jessops as they tend to be a lot more expensive than other stores. As the UK’s largest photographic retailer, though, I guess they must be doing something right…
“Beginning on 14th July, Jessops National Photography Week is a festival of photography that celebrates the nation’s love affair with the camera and aims to help everyone get the most from their picture taking. A series of events are taking place across the UK - including seminars and digital demonstration days, as well as week-long special offers at all Jessops stores. We’re also launching a range of initiatives during the week, including sponsorship of the Scouts Photography badge.”
Talking Pictures 03 - a Photographic Seminar featuring photographers Nick Meers and Charlie Waite - looks like the most interesting event, with tickets priced ?25. Full details can be found on the website below.
Website: Jessops
Apparently “Jessops National Photography Week 2003” has just started here in the UK. Personally I try to avoid Jessops as they tend to be a lot more expensive than other stores. As the UK’s largest photographic retailer, though, I guess they must be doing something right… “Beginning on 14th July…
Mike Johnston this week explains why he doesn’t use zoom lenses in his Sunday Morning Photographer column.
“The only reason not to shoot with a zoom lens is this: a zoom lens has no point of view. A fixed-focal length (a.k.a. ?prime?) lens imposes its point of view on you, and, consequently, you can learn to impose its point of view on the world. If you routinely photograph with a fixed-focal-length lens, sooner or later you will not need to look through your camera to know what the lens will see ? your eyes will know, your mind will know. You won’t even need your camera with you to organize pictures out of the visual chaos of the world. Your eyes and your brain will be able to visualize without aid from the viewfinder.”
Mike Johnston this week explains why he doesn’t use zoom lenses in his Sunday Morning Photographer column. “The only reason not to shoot with a zoom lens is this: a zoom lens has no point of view. A fixed-focal length (a.k.a. ?prime?) lens imposes its point of view on you…
Imaging Resource have today reviewed the 5 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 5400, which currently costs around $799/?599.
“This is an exceptionally capable camera that’s equipped to delight any enthusiast, but that also works very well for novice users when working in pure point & shoot mode, or one of its many scene modes.”
Imaging Resource have today reviewed the 5 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 5400, which currently costs around $799/?599. “This is an exceptionally capable camera that’s equipped to delight any enthusiast, but that also works very well for novice users when working in pure point & shoot mode, or one of its many…
The French photographic magazine Chasseur d’Images are reporting that Nikon will release the D2 digital SLR on 22nd July. Apparently it will be a 4 megapixel model aimed at the professional photography, with speed rather than megapixels being the main selling point. The page is in French so you will need to translate it; Google does this quite nicely - here’s a translated quote:
“But it is on next 22 July which the new numerical reflex camera professional Nikon will take really its take-off since it is on this date that famous “the D2 will be revealed” about which one speaks on all the forums since months.”
Website: Chasseur d’Images - Nikon D2H
The French photographic magazine Chasseur d’Images are reporting that Nikon will release the D2 digital SLR on 22nd July. Apparently it will be a 4 megapixel model aimed at the professional photography, with speed rather than megapixels being the main selling point. The page is in French so you will…
I’ve been spending the last day of my holiday leave (go back to work on Monday - sigh!) adding several new features to PhotographyBLOG. Here’s a summary of what’s been improved and enhanced:
- Updated Forums
The PhotographyBLOG forums have been upgraded to a new, improved version. If you find any bugs or have any comments about the new forums then please let me know.
- Visitors Currently Online
You will find this new feature at the top of each page. It shows how many Guests, Members and total number of visitors are currently browsing this website, the date on which the most people visited ever, and the names of the visiting Members with links to their online profiles.
- RSS Syndication
The number of RSS Syndication feeds has been increased from 1 to 4. PhotographyBLOG now supports the following RSS versions: 0.91, 0.92, 1.0 and 2.0.
If you have any comments about these new features, or suggestions of your own, then send an email to [email protected].
Mark
I’ve been spending the last day of my holiday leave (go back to work on Monday - sigh!) adding several new features to PhotographyBLOG. Here’s a summary of what’s been improved and enhanced: - Updated Forums The PhotographyBLOG forums have been upgraded to a new, improved version. If you find…
I don’t know, I go on holiday for a week and somebody decides to attack the server that my website is running on! Apparently there were security issues with the old version of the pMachine software that this website uses, and my web host immediately pulled the plug on my account when someone tried to access their server through my site. Unfortunately I wasn’t around to sort everything out (I was sitting on a beach in Greece at the time…!).
I think this happened on Sunday 6th July, which means that PhotographyBLOG has been offline for the last 4 days. I’ve spent this morning upgrading to the latest version of pMachine, which includes “several general security improvements”, so fingers crossed that will fix everything.
Apparently a PhotographyBLOG visitor contacted my web host provider to offer to pay any outstanding debts on my account, in order to get the site back up and running! Thanks to whoever made that very kind offer! :-) But this time it wasn’t a simple bandwidth issue…
So things should be up and running now as they were. Please email me and let me know if you encounter any issues/problems using the site - they may be caused by the pMachine upgrade.
Thanks,
Mark
I don’t know, I go on holiday for a week and somebody decides to attack the server that my website is running on! Apparently there were security issues with the old version of the pMachine software that this website uses, and my web host immediately pulled the plug on my…
Steve’s Digicams has just reviewed the Kyocera Finecam L3v, a 3 megapixel digicam with a 2.5-inch colour LCD monitor and 3x optical zoom that retails for $399.
“If you’re looking for a small, pocketable and durable camera but have been reluctant to buy because all the others had tiny little LCD viewfinders, the Kyocera L3v may be just what you’ve been waiting for. The combination of a small, durable and a lightweight body with a large, brilliant LCD viewfinder is unique in the marketplace and justifies its $399 MSRP.”
Steve’s Digicams has just reviewed the Kyocera Finecam L3v, a 3 megapixel digicam with a 2.5-inch colour LCD monitor and 3x optical zoom that retails for $399. “If you’re looking for a small, pocketable and durable camera but have been reluctant to buy because all the others had tiny little…
Photo-i have published an extensive reader’s review of the Minolta DiMAGE Scan Elite 5400 film scanner, which has just won a TIPA award. Find out what a real user thinks of this new scanner in Photo-i’s review…
Website: Photo-i
Photo-i have published an extensive reader’s review of the Minolta DiMAGE Scan Elite 5400 film scanner, which has just won a TIPA award. Find out what a real user thinks of this new scanner in Photo-i’s review… Website: Photo-i
Fred Miranda has released 2 new Digital Darkroom Essential Plugins, which are compatible with Photoshop Elements 1.0 / 2.0, Photoshop 5.5, 6.0, 7.0 or higher, and available for PC and MAC platforms.
Stair Interpolation Pro allows you to customize your own image interpolation output, giving you options to choose from any paper size, pixel dimension, printer resolution and interpolate your images by scale.
Web Presenter Pro allows you to customize image downsampling with high quality results. Choose from any pixel dimension or even downsample your images by scale through the use of smart algorithms.
I’ve been using one of Fred’s plugins, the Canon 10D CSpro Plugin (sharpens 10D files), since it was released a few weeks ago. It’s an excellent bit of software that takes all of the hassle out of sharpening your photographs, both for output to a printer and to the Web. Well worth the $15 price tag.
Website: Fred Miranda
Fred Miranda has released 2 new Digital Darkroom Essential Plugins, which are compatible with Photoshop Elements 1.0 / 2.0, Photoshop 5.5, 6.0, 7.0 or higher, and available for PC and MAC platforms. Stair Interpolation Pro allows you to customize your own image interpolation output, giving you options to choose from…
DCRP has posted a new review of a production version of the Olympus C-750 digital camera, which offers 4 megapixels and an optical 10x zoom lens.
“For those people who want a high resolution camera with a big lens and lots of controls, the Olympus C-750 Ultra Zoom is the best there is. It offers very good photo quality, with less noise than other recent Olympus models.”
DCRP has posted a new review of a production version of the Olympus C-750 digital camera, which offers 4 megapixels and an optical 10x zoom lens. “For those people who want a high resolution camera with a big lens and lots of controls, the Olympus C-750 Ultra Zoom is the…
Photo.net have posted a new article by Bob Atkins, in which the author claims to have found a technique that replicates the effect of image stabilisation lenses; sharper photos at slower-than-normal shutter speeds whilst handholding the camera. IS are typically heavier and a lot more expensive than non-IS lenses, so the article is worth reading and the technique worth trying if you want to save some cash.
“The technique itself is very simple: simply compose your image in the viewfinder and take a series of consecutive frames ? as many as your camera will allow or is economical. On my 10D I take a burst of nine frames. Now while this may sound simple to the point of being totally obvious, there is a twist. My handholding technique is fairly poor, I can barely use the 1/focal length rule and have in fact resorted to shooting a least a stop higher than this ?rule? in the past after discovering that any less would sometimes result in soft photos in my case, as clearly my technique is lacking.
However after trying out the method outlined above I have not only been able to get consistently great results at the 1/focal length setting, but in fact can also get very good results two or more stops slower, which is comparable to the results people have been getting with IS lenses ? but without IS and with all types of lenses, including the shorter focal lengths that IS isn?t designed to cater for. As an aside I have found that the 1/focal length rule doesn?t seem to be affected by the DSLR cropping factor, in my case anyway.”
Photo.net have posted a new article by Bob Atkins, in which the author claims to have found a technique that replicates the effect of image stabilisation lenses; sharper photos at slower-than-normal shutter speeds whilst handholding the camera. IS are typically heavier and a lot more expensive than non-IS lenses, so…
The latest of Digital Outback Photo’s technical series of articles, Digital Photography Essentials #004, looks at the subject of “Noise”, with a comparison between film and digital noise.
“Noise in digital cameras can be defined as anything visible in the captured image that was not present in the scene. However, in this discussion we will exclude highly structured image problems such as radial patterns or artifacts and concentrate on the more random noise sources.”
The latest of Digital Outback Photo’s technical series of articles, Digital Photography Essentials #004, looks at the subject of “Noise”, with a comparison between film and digital noise. “Noise in digital cameras can be defined as anything visible in the captured image that was not present in the scene. However…
The new August issue of Digital Camera Magazine (priced #5.99) is now available and contains the following:
“Just a quick note to let you know that the August issue of Digital Camera Magazine is now on the newsstands. This issue’s two free coverdiscs feature a top Paint Shop Pro video tutorial PLUS 60 minutes of professional Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0 video workshop that shows you how to master this fabulously powerful piece of software. As if this wasn’t enough, we’re also giving away the FULL version of ACDSee PowerPack 3.1, as sold for #40. This essential software kit enables you to touch up your photos, and create customised slideshows and screensavers at the touch of a button!(The DVD version of the magazine carries even more great software and video tutorials.)
In the magazine itself, we present the definitive guide to taking better landscapes. Our 7-page guide shows you how to photograph summer skies, woodland, seascapes, mountains and more! We’ve also got loads of inspirational Photoshop projects, reviews of 51 top cameras and - of course - the unique 8-page Getup&go pullout section, your passport to the best photo locations.”
Website: Digital Camera Magazine
The new August issue of Digital Camera Magazine (priced #5.99) is now available and contains the following: “Just a quick note to let you know that the August issue of Digital Camera Magazine is now on the newsstands. This issue’s two free coverdiscs feature a top Paint Shop Pro video…
Bj?rn R?rslett has posted the first, very detailed review of Nikon’s new AFS 12-24 mm f/4 G ED IF DX Nikkor lens, which is designed specifically for Nikon digital SLR’s, with a smaller imaging circle than standard Nikon 35mm lenses. Very interesting for Nikon owners and something for Canon owners to drool over…!
Bj?rn R?rslett has posted the first, very detailed review of Nikon’s new AFS 12-24 mm f/4 G ED IF DX Nikkor lens, which is designed specifically for Nikon digital SLR’s, with a smaller imaging circle than standard Nikon 35mm lenses. Very interesting for Nikon owners and something for Canon owners…
ePhotoZine have reviewed the Apacer Disc Steno CP100, a CD-R/RW storage device and also an external CD writer, which retails for around ?200. Simply insert your memory card and press Record to copy the contents onto a blank CD.
“The Apacer Disc Steno CP100 provides a very attractive storage solution, not only when out traveling but also at home. The fact that you can use it as a fast external CD-Writer with USB 2.0 is an added bonus. “
ePhotoZine have reviewed the Apacer Disc Steno CP100, a CD-R/RW storage device and also an external CD writer, which retails for around ?200. Simply insert your memory card and press Record to copy the contents onto a blank CD. “The Apacer Disc Steno CP100 provides a very attractive storage solution…
FastTrak Software have announced the release of Photos on CD and DVD 2.0 DeLuxe by MAGIX, a software package that enables you to create slide shows and burn them onto CD or DVD. Here’s some details from the press release:
“Photos on CD & DVD 2.0 DeLuxe, priced ?39.99 and available from PC World from July 11th it is the ideal software package to create professionally produced slide shows with ease. Packed with a number of new features it is the perfect partner to your digital camera. Just read in your photos, add 3D crossfades, music, commentary and text and burn slide shows onto all leading disk formats (VCD, SVCD, DVD, Mini-DVD, CD-ROM) to watch them comfortably on your TV or PC).
Gather the family around the television or the PC to once again re-live photo memories. It only takes 3 steps: Use images imported from a scanner, the PC and the Internet. Play and create masterpieces for home entertainment. Or play with the numerous features to make the experience even more gratifying and lively by utilising 3D effects, speech, music, text, menus, dynamic zooms, video clips etc. and burn your masterpiece for home entertainment to view on your own PC on CD & DVD.
It also incorporates a new feature called Media Manager Gold enabling you the user to organise, manage, archive and experience photos, videos and music on your PC. Users of the software will enjoy the benefits of MAGIX advanced audio technology with Audio dubbing CD. (MAGIX is renowned throughout Europe and the USA for its excellent audio, a reputation built over many years producing award winning music software products). It provides more than 400 exciting background melodies, jingles and dubbing sounds to add further highlights to your slide show.”
FastTrak Software have announced the release of Photos on CD and DVD 2.0 DeLuxe by MAGIX, a software package that enables you to create slide shows and burn them onto CD or DVD. Here’s some details from the press release: “Photos on CD & DVD 2.0 DeLuxe, priced ?39.99 and…
Michael Reichmann from Luminous Landscape has posted some pretty amazing photographs from his recent trip to Iceland. Definitely find a few minutes to see what the combination of a digital camera, a professional photographer and a naturally beautiful landscape can create.
Website: Luminous Landscape - Iceland 2003
Michael Reichmann from Luminous Landscape has posted some pretty amazing photographs from his recent trip to Iceland. Definitely find a few minutes to see what the combination of a digital camera, a professional photographer and a naturally beautiful landscape can create. Website: Luminous Landscape - Iceland 2003 Website: Luminous Landscape…
Digital Camera Resource Page have also posted 2 new reviews in the last week. The HP Photosmart 935 is an easy-to-use digital camera aimed at the beginner, whilst the Pentax Option 550 is “a nice compromise between an ultra-compact and an ultra-zoom camera”.
“I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by the Pentax Optio 550. I really enjoyed using it. It’s pretty much the ultra-compact camera out there with a “big zoom” lens on it (though it’s only 5X). The photo quality was impressive, as were the performance, full manual controls, build quality, and battery life.”
Website: DCRP - HP Photosmart 935 Review
Website: DCRP - Pentax Optio 550 Review
Digital Camera Resource Page have also posted 2 new reviews in the last week. The HP Photosmart 935 is an easy-to-use digital camera aimed at the beginner, whilst the Pentax Option 550 is “a nice compromise between an ultra-compact and an ultra-zoom camera”. “I must say that I was pleasantly…
Steve has posted a couple of new reviews in the last week. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC33 is a “compact and robust 3-megapixel camera that features a Leica 3x zoom lens”, whilst the Polaroid PDC-2150 is “an entry-level 2-megapixel camera with a fixed-focus non-zoom lens”.
Website: Steve’s Digicams - Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-LC33 Review
Steve has posted a couple of new reviews in the last week. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC33 is a “compact and robust 3-megapixel camera that features a Leica 3x zoom lens”, whilst the Polaroid PDC-2150 is “an entry-level 2-megapixel camera with a fixed-focus non-zoom lens”. Website: Steve’s Digicams - Panasonic’s Lumix…