News
O’Reilley Digital Media have published an article by Randal L. Schwartz which gives his first impressions of the Canon EOS 20D DSLR.
“One of the most frequent things I find myself doing with a camera is capturing candid shots indoors. For these shots, having the ability to drop into ISO 1600 (or even ISO 3200) is definitely an advantage because I don’t have to flip on the flash to interrupt the experience. The 20D is amazing in this respect. I was constantly blown away at the cleanliness of the shots at high ISO figures, and also that the little noise that I saw almost never manifested itself as variations in brightness, just in color. For example, Figure 8 shows a dark interior of a pub lit only by a streetlight outside. I could not even see the wood grain of the floor with my eyes, and yet it’s plainly visible in the image.”
Website: O’Reilley Digital Media - The Canon 20D DSLR: First Impressions in the Field
O’Reilley Digital Media have published an article by Randal L. Schwartz which gives his first impressions of the Canon EOS 20D DSLR. “One of the most frequent things I find myself doing with a camera is capturing candid shots indoors. For these shots, having the ability to drop into ISO…
Following yesterday’s preview preview of the new Konica Minolta Dynax 7D DSLR, there’s even more new information about this exciting DSLR today in the form of the official Owners Manual, which has been made available for download by Konica Minolta.
Website: Konica Minolta Dynax 7D Owners Manual
And if that isn’t enough for you, Imaging Resource have published some sample images from a full production version of the camera!
Following yesterday’s preview preview of the new Konica Minolta Dynax 7D DSLR, there’s even more new information about this exciting DSLR today in the form of the official Owners Manual, which has been made available for download by Konica Minolta. Website: Konica Minolta Dynax 7D Owners Manual And if that…
DigitalCameraInfo.com have just reviewed the 3 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC50 digital camera.
“The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC50 is, for the most part, a simple camera to use. It is meant to be a point-and-shoot camera for snapshots, even stocking the camera with a “Simple Mode.” If advanced image control is not necessary, this may be the camera to check out. While the poor viewfinder placement may be of annoyance, most point and shooters prefer the LCD so this shouldn’t be of much concern as viewfinders in general are moving into obsolescence. Regardless, the controls on this camera are intended for the point and shooter on the go or the intrigued beginner who wants to record pictures right out of the box. Most of the functions are intuitive and self-explanatory and even those who have never used a digital camera should not expect a long grace period.”
Website: DigitalCameraInfo.com - Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC50 Review
DigitalCameraInfo.com have just reviewed the 3 megapixel Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC50 digital camera. “The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC50 is, for the most part, a simple camera to use. It is meant to be a point-and-shoot camera for snapshots, even stocking the camera with a “Simple Mode.” If advanced image control is not…
Bob Atkins has published his review of the new photo editing software, Paint Shop Pro 9 from Jasc Software.
“For those who like to read the last page of a book first, my conclusion is that I like Paint Shop Pro a lot. I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for a very capable image editor and who only has $110 or so to spend. It’s now the image editor I use most myself. I know that’s heresy to Adobe PhotoShop priests, but that’s the way it is!”
Website: Bob Atkins - Paint Shop Pro 9 Review
Bob Atkins has published his review of the new photo editing software, Paint Shop Pro 9 from Jasc Software. “For those who like to read the last page of a book first, my conclusion is that I like Paint Shop Pro a lot. I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking…
Digital Camera Magazine have published their review of the Canon PowerShot S60, a 5 megapixel digital camera with a wide-angle 28mm-100mm lens and a new thin body.
“The S50’s sleek, metal construction was one of its most endearing features. From the lighter-feeling sliding lens cover, through the grained plastic body panels, to the cheap-feeling controls, this new model is much more plasticky. It’s not bad in absolute terms - many others are the same - but it feels like a step back from previous Canon build standards.”
Website: Digital Camera Magazine - Canon PowerShot S60 Review
Digital Camera Magazine have published their review of the Canon PowerShot S60, a 5 megapixel digital camera with a wide-angle 28mm-100mm lens and a new thin body. “The S50’s sleek, metal construction was one of its most endearing features. From the lighter-feeling sliding lens cover, through the grained plastic body…
Digital Camera Magazine have posted their review of the Kyocera Finecam M410R, a 4.0 megapixel digital camera with a high-powered 10x optical zoom and high-speed lens.
“Overall, we were happy with the quality of the results. Sharpness is excellent, though care does need to be taken when using the top end of the zoom range, especially in poor light. Shutter speeds can easily drop to the stage where slight camera shake takes the edge off the image sharpness.
Images are bright and punchy, even in flat conditions, and noise is acceptable at ISO100 and 200, but is more of a concern at ISO400 and 800, which are sometimes needed when using the longer focal lengths.”
Website: Digital Camera Magazine - Kyocera Finecam M410R Review
Digital Camera Magazine have posted their review of the Kyocera Finecam M410R, a 4.0 megapixel digital camera with a high-powered 10x optical zoom and high-speed lens. “Overall, we were happy with the quality of the results. Sharpness is excellent, though care does need to be taken when using the top…
Digital Camera Magazine have published their review of the 5 megapixel Ricoh Caplio GX digital camera.
“The camera’s internal light meter struggles in shadowy situations, but produces detailed, well-saturated images that are packed full of colour. Whilst auto-focus is incredibly accurate, the camera struggles to focus quickly in mixed lighting situations. It’s not the quickest to write images to the card either. Despite these criticisms, the Caplio outperforms many others in its class, by producing some truly stunning image results, and particularly with those taken in daylight.”
Digital Camera Magazine have published their review of the 5 megapixel Ricoh Caplio GX digital camera. “The camera’s internal light meter struggles in shadowy situations, but produces detailed, well-saturated images that are packed full of colour. Whilst auto-focus is incredibly accurate, the camera struggles to focus quickly in mixed lighting…
The 45th 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 18th October. The Poll will then be closed and the overall winner announced.
Vote now for your favourite image from the Photo Of The Week 4th-10th October 2004 contest
The 45th 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 …
PhotographyBLOG reader Jernej B has sent me an interesting link to a report on the Wilhelm Research website, which looks at the permanance of various 6x4 inch printers that are currently available in terms of print longevity. The pigment-based Epson PictureMate printer comes out on top with a massive 104 years when printed on PictureMate Photo Paper. The HP PhotoSmart 325 and 375 printers are next with 82 years. Bringing up the rear is the is the Sony DPP EX5 with a meagre 4 years.
Website: Wilhelm Research - Display Permanence Ratings for 4x6 Inch Printers
Website: Wilhelm Research - Test Methods
PhotographyBLOG reader Jernej B has sent me an interesting link to a report on the Wilhelm Research website, which looks at the permanance of various 6x4 inch printers that are currently available in terms of print longevity. The pigment-based Epson PictureMate printer comes out on top with a massive 10…
Pocket-Lint have today reviewed the new 3 megapixel Casio EXILIM Card EX-S100.
“At 3.2 megapixels the camera is ideal for party snaps and general pictures rather than high-end photography. A nice feature however is that the camera offers a Best shot mode that sets the camera for the optimum setup for the shot in question and with 23 pre-programmed scene modes to choose from you?re not going to get stuck for choices. Within three presses of the d-pad we had the camera’s exposure compensation, white balance, and other settings all configured accordingly to the shot we wanted to take.”
Pocket-Lint have today reviewed the new 3 megapixel Casio EXILIM Card EX-S100. “At 3.2 megapixels the camera is ideal for party snaps and general pictures rather than high-end photography. A nice feature however is that the camera offers a Best shot mode that sets the camera for the optimum setup…
A member of the Photohobby.net forums has posted an extensive preview of a pre-production version of the new Konica Minolta Dynax 7D DSLR:
“In conclusion, D7D give me a very positive feeling despite some bug in this pre-production unit. The handling is great, viewfinder is bright, AF is good, metering is accurate, LCD is big and very informative. I’m now looking forward to the newer pre-production at best the production unit itself for further testing. For now, be patient folks. All those who are waiting, including me, by November you all will be happy shooting with one of the best DSLR in the world.”
Thanks to Marko Praprotnik for letting me know!
Website: Konica Minolta Dynax 7D Preview
A member of the Photohobby.net forums has posted an extensive preview of a pre-production version of the new Konica Minolta Dynax 7D DSLR: “In conclusion, D7D give me a very positive feeling despite some bug in this pre-production unit. The handling is great, viewfinder is bright, AF is good, metering…
Breeze Systems have just released a new version of BreezeBrowser. Version 2.11 beta 2 supports Canon EOS 20D, PowerShot G6 and PowerShot S70 raw conversion. It also includes 20D focus point overlay display and the ability to display Adobe Digital Negative (DNG) files.
BreezeBrowser 2.11 beta 2 can be downloaded from:
Breeze Systems have just released a new version of BreezeBrowser. Version 2.11 beta 2 supports Canon EOS 20D, PowerShot G6 and PowerShot S70 raw conversion. It also includes 20D focus point overlay display and the ability to display Adobe Digital Negative (DNG) files. BreezeBrowser 2.11 beta 2 can be downloaded…
Different kinds of digital cameras are often classified into different categories, such as “prosumer” and “point and shoot”. If you’re new to the world of photography, understanding what these categories actually mean can be difficult. Photoxels have a comprehensive guide to the various industry cliches that you might encounter.
”“The Point-and-Shoot (P&S) market segment typically wants a digital camera that takes good pictures without having to fiddle with any settings. In fact, the simpler the operation, the better. Point-and-shoot digital cameras tend to be compact and ultra compact, and can therefore be easily carried anywhere.”
Different kinds of digital cameras are often classified into different categories, such as “prosumer” and “point and shoot”. If you’re new to the world of photography, understanding what these categories actually mean can be difficult. Photoxels have a comprehensive guide to the various industry cliches that you might encounter. ”“The…
Canon have released firmware version 1.0.3 for the EOS-1D Mark II DSLR.
This firmware update fixes/improves the following:
- Added new functions for communicating with the Speedlite 580EX.
A color temperature information transmission function has been added to stabilize the white balance.
- Reduced noise when shooting bulb exposures.
Reduced the noise when shooting bulb exposures (astronomical shots, etc.).
- Fixed sensor-cleaning operations.
Fixed the problem of the shutter not opening if sensor cleaning was performed immediately after taking bulb exposures.
Canon have released firmware version 1.0.3 for the EOS-1D Mark II DSLR. This firmware update fixes/improves the following: - Added new functions for communicating with the Speedlite 580EX. A color temperature information transmission function has been added to stabilize the white balance. - Reduced noise when shooting bulb exposures. Reduced…
US website Rocky Mountain News has an insightful interview with national sales director of Pentax, David Woodward, about the role that Pentax hopes to play in the industry-wide move from film to digital. Unfortunately Pentax still seem to be using their awful ““The official digital camera of the Internet” corporate nonsense…
”“I have worked here 26 years,” said David Woodward, national sales director of Pentax Imaging Co. “It’s a very exciting time to be here. We are at a ground-floor opportunity to expand our digital camera business.”
Woodward said half of Pentax Imaging’s total revenues come from digital camera sales. Historically, Pentax has ranked as a top seller of 35 mm film cameras. Today, Pentax is among the top 10 sellers of digital cameras, but it lost some ground by not jumping on the digital bandwagon when it became clear that was where the future of photography was headed.”
Website: Rocky Mountain News - Pentax plays digital catch-up with passion
US website Rocky Mountain News has an insightful interview with national sales director of Pentax, David Woodward, about the role that Pentax hopes to play in the industry-wide move from film to digital. Unfortunately Pentax still seem to be using their awful ““The official digital camera of the Internet” corporate…
It doesn’t seem like too long ago that the first 5 megapixel digital camera was released. Now the first 5 megapixel camera-phone is on the way, possibly in the next month, courtesy of Samsung. I wonder when the first 8 megapixel model will arrive?!
“According to inside sources on Friday, Samsung Electronics recently finished the production of its 5-million pixel camera phone, which will hit the market before the end of the month. Until now, Samsung had yielded top spot in the market to Japanese companies, like Casio.”
Website: Digital Chosunilbo - 5-Million Pixel Camera Phone Coming Soon
It doesn’t seem like too long ago that the first 5 megapixel digital camera was released. Now the first 5 megapixel camera-phone is on the way, possibly in the next month, courtesy of Samsung. I wonder when the first 8 megapixel model will arrive?! “According to inside sources on Friday…
Histograms are now widely available on many digital cameras, but what do they actually do? PCMagazine has most of the answers in a short article called “Harnessing Histograms” (found via Digicamera.net).
“Histograms are not widely understood, but taking a few moments to learn about them can improve your photography significantly. Histograms can show you clearly and immediately whether your images are overexposed, underexposed, or just right, and help you to make any necessary changes in order to compensate when reshooting the scene.”
Website: PCMagazine - Harnessing Histograms
Histograms are now widely available on many digital cameras, but what do they actually do? PCMagazine has most of the answers in a short article called “Harnessing Histograms” (found via Digicamera.net). “Histograms are not widely understood, but taking a few moments to learn about them can improve your photography significantly…
InfoTrends/CAP Ventures Press Release 12/10/04
Digital Camera Ownership Moving Deeper into Mainstream Market, According to New InfoTrends/CAP Ventures Study
(Weymouth, MA) October, 12 2004… Each year since 1997, InfoTrends/CAP Ventures has conducted surveys to track the adoption and usage of digital cameras. This year’s survey of U.S. Internet households shows the penetration of digital cameras increasing to 59% of Internet households, up from 45% in 2003. As a result of rising penetration, the demographics of digital camera owners are shifting towards people of more moderate means. Additionally, women are increasingly more likely to own digital cameras and to spur the purchasing decision for the household.
While the demographics of digital camera owners continue to shift towards representing the average Internet user, digital camera owners still show a greater tendency to acquire new technology than non-owners. Digital camera owners’ advanced approach to new technologies is reflected in their technology ownership and product usage covered throughout the study. For example, 26% of digital camera households have a wireless home network, compared to 16% of non-owners.
InfoTrends/CAP Ventures Press Release 12/10/04 Digital Camera Ownership Moving Deeper into Mainstream Market, According to New InfoTrends/CAP Ventures Study (Weymouth, MA) October, 12 2004… Each year since 1997, InfoTrends/CAP Ventures has conducted surveys to track the adoption and usage of digital cameras. This year’s survey of U.S. Internet households shows…
The voting for the 44th Photo of the Week contest has now finished.
The joint-winners are “Common Redpole” by Edrika and “Summers Delight” by Chippy Rob.
Congratulations to the winners!
You can view all of the entries that were submitted in this gallery.
The voting for the 44th Photo of the Week contest has now finished. The joint-winners are “Common Redpole” by Edrika and “Summers Delight” by Chippy Rob. Congratulations to the winners! You can view all of the entries that were submitted in this gallery.
The 46th Photo of the Week contest is now open. This is a weekly photography contest with no set theme and you can enter any photograph that you like.
Please note that there has been an important change to the Photo of the Week rules:
“2. You can enter up to a maximum of 5 images.”
Click here to read the Photo of the Week rules.
The 46th Photo of the Week contest is now open. This is a weekly photography contest with no set theme and you can enter any photograph that you like. Please note that there has been an important change to the Photo of the Week rules: “2. You can enter up…