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Monday, April 28, 2003

Contax TvsDCResource has reviewed the Contax Tvs Digital “boutique camera”. Available in silver or black, at $895 the 5-megapixel camera is aimed at the more expensive end of the market.

“The Contax TVS Digital is a nice camera that would be a whole lot nicer if it was about $300 less in price. With a price of $899, you’re paying a big premium for the Contax name on the front of the camera, which is evident when you see how many features this camera shares with the $599 Finecam S5. The fact that Contax charges $100 more for a black-colored body doesn’t help matters.”

Website: DCResource - Contax Tvs Review

DCResource has reviewed the Contax Tvs Digital “boutique camera”. Available in silver or black, at $895 the 5-megapixel camera is aimed at the more expensive end of the market. “The Contax TVS Digital is a nice camera that would be a whole lot nicer if it was about $300 less…

Sunday, April 27, 2003

Liverpool Street StationInspired by a Salgado photograph of Mumbai train station that I saw a couple of weeks ago, I decided to try and replicate the blurred crowd effect that he achieved, albeit a little closer to home. Liverpool Street Station has an upper balcony with good views of the main concourse below, so I thought this would be an ideal venue for shots with a static station clock and timetable and blurry people rushing by. I planned to use digital and film - the images on film would be used for the “Photography of Movement” module in the City and Guilds course that I’m doing.

So, picture the scene - I’ve found the ideal spot, set up the tripod, mounted the camera, checked the settings, taken the first picture - then “Excuse me Sir, what are you doing?”. I felt like saying “What do you think I’m doing?”, but instead decided to be polite to the British Rail employee. Good move, as John the team leader quizzed me about why I was daring to take photographs in a train station. I explained that I was a photography student, whilst waving a Jessops Student Discount card in his face. Another good move, as it turns out that all commercial photography is completely banned, unless you pay for some kind of licence. Even so, I had to sign a form saying that I wouldn’t use the images for commercial gain, and I was allowed 30 minutes maximum in the station.

I went back, set up again, took what will hopefully be some effective images for my course, before being interrupted by another BR employee. “What are you doing?”, “I’ve spoken to John and signed the form”, “How long will you be?”, “15 minutes tops”, “Make it 10 sir”. Power-mad.

And I originally thought that it would be fine to take pictures in what is one of the most public places I can think of. Silly me.

Inspired by a Salgado photograph of Mumbai train station that I saw a couple of weeks ago, I decided to try and replicate the blurred crowd effect that he achieved, albeit a little closer to home. Liverpool Street Station has an upper balcony with good views of the main concourse…

Canon Powershot A70Imaging Resource have reviewed the Olympus Stylus 400, a stylish 4 megapixel digital compact camera.

“Besides its user-friendly interface, compact design and good picture quality, its excellent (and unusual) water sealing makes the Stylus 400 a very appealing choice for a “take anywhere” camera. Battery life is excellent as well. Overall, the Stylus 400 shoots as good as it looks (slightly better than the Stylus 300, in fact), and is rugged enough to stand up to knocks and the occasional rain storm: A combination deserving serious consideration by anyone in the market for a compact, stylish digicam, and one of the better compact digicams out there.”

Website: Imaging Resource - Olympus Stylus 400 Review

Website: Read my review of the Olympus Stylus 400

Imaging Resource have reviewed the Olympus Stylus 400, a stylish 4 megapixel digital compact camera. “Besides its user-friendly interface, compact design and good picture quality, its excellent (and unusual) water sealing makes the Stylus 400 a very appealing choice for a “take anywhere” camera. Battery life is excellent as well…

Saturday, April 26, 2003

Here are a few more early examples of what the Canon 10D and myself can do, this time coupled with the Canon 20-35mm USM lens (which equates to 32mm-56mm on the 10D). These shots were taken after visiting the Salgado exhibition at the Barbican in London on April 17th.

London Patterns #1
London Patterns #2
London Patterns #3
Barbican Tower
Barbican Church
City Reflection

Here are a few more early examples of what the Canon 10D and myself can do, this time coupled with the Canon 20-35mm USM lens (which equates to 32mm-56mm on the 10D). These shots were taken after visiting the Salgado exhibition at the Barbican in London on April 17th. Barbican…

Friday, April 25, 2003

As well as the many informative equipment and software reviews that Luminous Landscapes publishes, there are often interesting articles about the process of photography, such as this new one called “On Reflection - An Essay on Seeing Photographically”. Now, I don’t personally like the photograph that Michael Reichmann has chosen to illustrate his point, but nonetheless the article gives a good insight into what makes a particular photograph successful.

Website: Luminous Landscape - On Reflection

As well as the many informative equipment and software reviews that Luminous Landscapes publishes, there are often interesting articles about the process of photography, such as this new one called “On Reflection - An Essay on Seeing Photographically”. Now, I don’t personally like the photograph that Michael Reichmann has chosen…

Canon Powershot A70CNET have reviewed one of the new digital cameras that Canon announced at PMA 2003, the PowerShot A70.

“The PowerShot A70 is much more than just a 3.2-megapixel version of its predecessor, the A40. Although it has the same 3X zoom, 35mm-to-105mm (35mm-camera equivalent) lens, the A70 sports a slimmed-down design, additional manual controls, three video-capture resolutions, improved performance, and other useful extras. Its full set of features might overwhelm newbies, but photographers on a budget who like to fiddle with exposure settings will be happy campers.”

Website: CNET - Canon Powershot A70 Review

CNET have reviewed one of the new digital cameras that Canon announced at PMA 2003, the PowerShot A70. “The PowerShot A70 is much more than just a 3.2-megapixel version of its predecessor, the A40. Although it has the same 3X zoom, 35mm-to-105mm (35mm-camera equivalent) lens, the A70 sports a slimmed-down…

Thursday, April 24, 2003

Fuji S2 ProLuminous Landscape have posted a field report on the Fuji S2 Pro, a DSLR that competes with the Nikon D100 and the Canon 10D.

“There’s a lot to like about the Fuji S2 Pro. Image quality is at the top of the list. It takes a back seat to no other DSLR in its price range. I also liked the fact that the camera takes AA batteries, and appears to get a lot of life from them. The ability to do multiple exposures is unique to the S2 and much appreciated. The relatively light weight of the camera is also a plus. Firewire connectivity in a camera in this price range is also not seen anywhere else. Fuji is to be commended for this.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Fuji S2 Pro Review

Luminous Landscape have posted a field report on the Fuji S2 Pro, a DSLR that competes with the Nikon D100 and the Canon 10D. “There’s a lot to like about the Fuji S2 Pro. Image quality is at the top of the list. It takes a back seat to no…

Kodak DCS Pro 14nUwe Steinmueller over at Digital Outback Photo has started his diary-like review of the Kodak DCS Pro 14n.

“This is probably the most difficult review we have done so far as never before (except the Contax digital) a digital SLR got so negative reviews as the Kodak 14n. These reviews by Michael Reichmann, Rob Galbraith and Steve Sanders were all from people we respect a lot. First we did not want to review this camera as it could end up in yet an other bashing. On the other side our readers want to hear our opinion and we want to use all digital SLRs on the market.”

Website: Digital Outback Photo - Kodak DCS Pro 14n Review

Uwe Steinmueller over at Digital Outback Photo has started his diary-like review of the Kodak DCS Pro 14n. “This is probably the most difficult review we have done so far as never before (except the Contax digital) a digital SLR got so negative reviews as the Kodak 14n. These reviews…

Wednesday, April 23, 2003

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is offering customers the chance to get up to ?60 cashback when they purchase selected EOS SLR cameras together with selected CanoScan scanners from 1st April 2003 to 30th June 2003. Customers will be able to take advantage of this special offer by completing a voucher inside the box of all eligible Canon products. Canon will then credit their bank account with a cashback payment of up to ?60.

The offer applies to the following combinations of Canon EOS SLR cameras and CanoScan scanners:

- Canon EOS 300V with any Canon lens kit + CanoScan 5000F = ?30 cashback
- Canon EOS 300V with any Canon lens kit + CanoScan LiDE 20 = ?30 cashback
- Canon EOS 30 EF28-90mm f/4.0-5.6 USM lens kit + CanoScan 5000F = ?60 cashback
- Canon EOS 30 EF28-90mm f/4.0-5.6 USM lens kit + CanoScan LiDE 20 = ?60 cashback

Canon, leader in photographic and imaging technology, is offering customers the chance to get up to ?60 cashback when they purchase selected EOS SLR cameras together with selected CanoScan scanners from 1st April 2003 to 30th June 2003. Customers will be able to take advantage of this special offer by…

Lil, a regular PhotographyBLOG visitor :-), has launched an impressively designed and regularly updated Tokyo-based photography blog. I’ve added it to my Links page…

Website: Esthet.org

Lil, a regular PhotographyBLOG visitor :-), has launched an impressively designed and regularly updated Tokyo-based photography blog. I’ve added it to my Links page… Website: Esthet.org

Bob Atkins continues his Canon 10D series of articles over at Photo.net with a look at whether you need to use quality lenses with DSLR’s.

“I often see comments that run along the lines of “Since digital cameras don’t have the resolution of film, you don’t get any benefit from premium lenses since the digital sensor limits image quality”. I also see statements to the effect that digital sensors need the very best lenses to give good results. True? Well from a theoretical viewpoint I can make a convincing argument based on convolution of MTF curves that better lenses should give better images even on small sensor, limited pixel count DSLRs. But what do real tests show?”

Website: “DSLRs, Lenses and Film”

Bob Atkins continues his Canon 10D series of articles over at Photo.net with a look at whether you need to use quality lenses with DSLR’s. “I often see comments that run along the lines of “Since digital cameras don’t have the resolution of film, you don’t get any benefit from…

There’s certainly a lot of news today…Luminous Landscape has reviewed NeatImage, another of those indispensable programs that should be part of every digital photographer’s toolbox, at least according to Michael Reichmann:

“The Bottom Line: If you have a digital camera that is noisy, or you need to use a digital camera at high ISO settings, then Neatimage needs to become part of your software arsenal. End of story.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - NeatImage Review

There’s certainly a lot of news today…Luminous Landscape has reviewed NeatImage, another of those indispensable programs that should be part of every digital photographer’s toolbox, at least according to Michael Reichmann: “The Bottom Line: If you have a digital camera that is noisy, or you need to use a digital…

Sony Cybershot DSC-V1Imaging Resource has posted a First Look at the Sony DSC-V1:

“I’ll begin here with my conclusion: This could well be the digicam that finally earns Sony the respect of the “enthusiast” crowd. The new DSC-V1 and new Memory Stick PRO format have removed the external-flash and media-capacity limitations as objections. On a purely camera level, the V1 shows great promise, with an impressive combo of 4x zoom with 5 megapixel sensor, and a range of genuinely useful Sony-only features like Night Framing and Hologram Autofocus.”

Website: Sony DSC-V1 First Look

Imaging Resource has posted a First Look at the Sony DSC-V1: “I’ll begin here with my conclusion: This could well be the digicam that finally earns Sony the respect of the “enthusiast” crowd. The new DSC-V1 and new Memory Stick PRO format have removed the external-flash and media-capacity limitations as…

Vosonic X-Drive IIIan at DP-Now has reviewed the new version of the Vosonic X’s Drive. I’ll leave it to Ian to explain what an X’s Drive actually is:

“An X?s Drive is a portable repository into which you can dump photos from your camera?s memory cards for later retrieval via a USB cable connection to a host computer. Why would you want one? Rather than buy lots of memory cards you can empty your cards into the X?s Drive as you go. The X?s Drive family is based around a battery-powered portable hard drive unit. The hard drive itself is the same specification as that used by most notebook computers: a 9.5mm high 2.5 inch drive. In fact, you can buy an X?s Drive unit without a hard drive and fit your own, if you wish.”

I’ve just bought the original version of the X’s Drive with a 20Gb hard-drive, which has enough space for about 3000 Canon EOS 10D RAW files. So far I’ve encountered no problems and can recommend it as an affordable way to store large numbers of digital camera files.

Website: DP Now - Vosonic VP2060 X’s Drive II Review

Ian at DP-Now has reviewed the new version of the Vosonic X’s Drive. I’ll leave it to Ian to explain what an X’s Drive actually is: “An X?s Drive is a portable repository into which you can dump photos from your camera?s memory cards for later retrieval via a USB…

In theory, a contest which involves converting a Canon EOS 10D RAW file doesn’t sound particularly interesting, but in practice it does show the different effects that can be achieved using RAW conversion software and Photoshop. Take a look at the entires so far from the likes of Thomas Knoll (the creator of Photoshop!); which one do you prefer?

Website: Digital Outback Photo - RAW Conversion Contest #1

In theory, a contest which involves converting a Canon EOS 10D RAW file doesn’t sound particularly interesting, but in practice it does show the different effects that can be achieved using RAW conversion software and Photoshop. Take a look at the entires so far from the likes of Thomas Knoll…

Version 2 of the excellent Archive Creator from PictureFlow has just been released. I reviewed version 1 of this indispensable archiving software back in February. You can download a trial version via the following link:

Website: Download Archive Creator 2

Digital Outback Photo have posted their own enthusiastic review of Archive Creator 2 here:

Website: Archive Creator 2 Review

Version 2 of the excellent Archive Creator from PictureFlow has just been released. I reviewed version 1 of this indispensable archiving software back in February. You can download a trial version via the following link: Website: Download Archive Creator 2 Digital Outback Photo have posted their own enthusiastic review of…

Minolta Dimage S414DCResource have reviewed the Minolta Dimage S414, comparing it with the leader in this market segment, the Canon PowerShot G3:

“The Minolta DiMAGE S404 was a popular camera that most people never knew about. But word began to spread about the S404, and the camera became harder and harder to find. The S404 is gone now, but thankfully, it’s been replaced by the even better DiMAGE S414 model. With a 4 Megapixel CCD, 4X optical zoom lens, and full suite of manual controls, the S414 is an excellent value at just $399.”

Website: DCResource - Minolta Dimage S414 Review

DCResource have reviewed the Minolta Dimage S414, comparing it with the leader in this market segment, the Canon PowerShot G3: “The Minolta DiMAGE S404 was a popular camera that most people never knew about. But word began to spread about the S404, and the camera became harder and harder to…

Monday, April 21, 2003

Pentax Optio SEveryone seems to be on holiday at the moment (well, I know I am..) as photography news is a bit thin on the ground. However, you can always rely on Steve’s Digicams to post another new review; this time he takes a look at the Pentax Optio S, a digital camera that is “smaller than the size of an average credit card and just over 3/4-inch thick. The OptioS fits neatly into an empty tin of Altoids?.” Steve says:

“The small size makes this camera great for “on the go” people who need pictures for business. Realtors and insurance adjusters or anybody that dislikes toting a larger camera around can just stick the OptioS in their pocket and forget about it.”

Website: Steve’s Digicams - Pentax Optio S Review

Everyone seems to be on holiday at the moment (well, I know I am..) as photography news is a bit thin on the ground. However, you can always rely on Steve’s Digicams to post another new review; this time he takes a look at the Pentax Optio S, a digital…

Sunday, April 20, 2003

Canon EOS 10DThis week’s Sunday Photographer article sees Kent Phelan take a look at the plus and minus (yes, minus!) points of the current flavour of the month, the Canon EOS 10D digital SLR.

“Good morning! This week I’ve asked my friend Kent Phelan, a longtime photo junkie and all-around good guy, to write down some of his comments about his new 10D. The 10D, as everybody in the photography Universe knows by now, is the present “state of the affordable art” ? a camera that simultaneously pushes previous performance and price limits. How many moments it will remain the camera of the moment is anybody’s guess….”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Sunday Morning Photographer

This week’s Sunday Photographer article sees Kent Phelan take a look at the plus and minus (yes, minus!) points of the current flavour of the month, the Canon EOS 10D digital SLR. “Good morning! This week I’ve asked my friend Kent Phelan, a longtime photo junkie and all-around good guy…

Friday, April 18, 2003

Canon EOS 10DMichael Reichmann from Luminous Landscape.com has at last reviewed the Canon EOS 10D.

“In the end the 10D will be bought by a broad range of purchasers. Entry level digital buyers will find that it meets their needs and gives them lots of room to grow and learn. Advanced amateurs and pros will find it to be a tool that effectively delivers high quality images, and does so at an attractive price. Many owners of 1D and 1Ds models will buy one as a back up body. In fact, a few weeks after returning my test camera to Canon I bought a 10D for myself as backup to my 1Ds. The D60, which had previously served that purpose, was sold to a friend as backup for his 1Ds. So to answer the question of those that will ask ? is it worth upgrading from the D60 to the 10D?, my answer is ? I did. “

Website: Luminous Landscape - Canon EOS 10D Review

Michael Reichmann from Luminous Landscape.com has at last reviewed the Canon EOS 10D. “In the end the 10D will be bought by a broad range of purchasers. Entry level digital buyers will find that it meets their needs and gives them lots of room to grow and learn. Advanced amateurs…