News
London at this time of year is usually cold, wet and generally pretty miserable. To help cheer up us unhappy Londoners, Bob Geldof has come up with the bright idea of projecting images onto some of the capital’s most famous buildings throughout December. The project is called “Brightening Up London” and it started last night at Wellington Arch near Hyde Park Corner. Bob himself was there to switch on the lights.
When I arrived at 6pm there were surprisingly few people present, and even fewer photographers. By 7pm, most of the TV and press people had disappeared and I almost had the place to myself, apart from a few bored security guards. The weather was predictably overcast and drizzly, but I managed to capture the different images that were being projected onto the arch, once the people who were standing by it had disappeared. I’m convinced that they will make great 15x10 inch prints.
Anyway, click on these thumbnails to see how they look at the much smaller size of 600x400 pixels:
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Wellington Arch #1
| Wellington Arch #2
| Wellington Arch #3 |
London at this time of year is usually cold, wet and generally pretty miserable. To help cheer up us unhappy Londoners, Bob Geldof has come up with the bright idea of projecting images onto some of the capital’s most famous buildings throughout December. The project is called “Brightening Up London”…
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 test of the new lens with lots of sample photos has been posted by p5freak over on the DPReview forums.
“This lens is big in diameter, now i understand why its not f3,5-4,5. The lens hood is made of two parts, as you can see below. Just like a size comparison with the 17-40L. Its only f4,5 at 12mm, if you go to 13 its f5 and stays there until 18, then its f5,6 up to 24mm. Look and feel, build quality is very good, i didnt see anything bad. I noticed soft corners wide open, which sharpen up when stopping down and almost disappear at f11. I’d say its useable from f5,6 and higher. Sweet spot appears to be f11.”
Website: Sigma 12-24mm Lens Test
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 test of the new lens with…
Photographer Max Lyons has taken a 1 Gigapixel image of Bryce Canyon in the USA and posted it for your viewing pleasure. This enormous images is made up of 196 individual 6-megapixel photos, stitched together using PTAssembler.
“This page contains what I believe to be one of the highest resolution, most detailed stitched digital images ever created. It is the view from Bryce Point in Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah. It consists of 196 separate photographs taken with a 6 megapixel digital camera, and then stitched together into one seamless composite. The final image is 40,784 x 26,800 pixels in size, and contains about 1.09 billion pixels…a little more than one gigapixel. I have been unable to find any record of a higher resolution photographic (i.e. non-scientific) digital image that has been created without resizing a smaller, lower resolution image or using an interpolated image.”
Website: The 1.09 Billion Pixel Photo
Photographer Max Lyons has taken a 1 Gigapixel image of Bryce Canyon in the USA and posted it for your viewing pleasure. This enormous images is made up of 196 individual 6-megapixel photos, stitched together using PTAssembler. “This page contains what I believe to be one of the highest resolution…
Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), in association with Country Life magazine, is throwing down a challenge to amateur photographers. Can you capture the enduring beauty of the English countryside in the dead of winter, when the days are at their very shortest and skies are generally grey? Photographs entered for our competition must have been taken between dawn on Sunday 21 December (the eve of the longest night) and dusk on Monday 22 December 2003 (the shortest day).
We’ve organised this competition:
- to promote CPRE and its work through the media by working in partnership with one of the nation’s leading countryside magazines.
- to raise awareness of the enduring value of the countryside’s beauty through the seasons and the years.
The prizes and judging
?400 for winning entrant aged 16 or under, ?500 for the winning entrant aged 17 or over. There will also be prizes of ?50 for the runner ups. The winning photographs and those of the runners up will be published in a future issue of Country Life and on this website. The judging panel includes Sir Max Hastings, CPRE President and Country Life editor Clive Aslet.
Website: Campaign to Protect Rural England
Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), in association with Country Life magazine, is throwing down a challenge to amateur photographers. Can you capture the enduring beauty of the English countryside in the dead of winter, when the days are at their very shortest and skies are generally grey? Photographs entered…
Index Digicam have just reviewed the Samsung Digimax 360 compact digital camera. The Digimax 360 offers a 3.2 mega pixel resolution to capture clear and accurate images. The high quality Samsung SHD lens (equivalent to 38mm - 114mm in 35mm format), with 3 x optical and 4 x digital zoom to get up close to your subject.
Index Digicam have just reviewed the Samsung Digimax 360 compact digital camera. The Digimax 360 offers a 3.2 mega pixel resolution to capture clear and accurate images. The high quality Samsung SHD lens (equivalent to 38mm - 114mm in 35mm format), with 3 x optical and 4 x digital zoom…
Steves Digicams have just reviewed the Addonics Multi Function Recorder, a portable storage device that uses CD-R/RW discs.
“The Addonics MFR is quite possibly the most useful gadget that we’ve reviewed in a long time. It’s the answer to “where do I store all of my pictures when we go on that extended vacation without taking a laptop or buying a pile of memory cards”—it lets you quickly and easily transfer images from the most popular flash memory cards to CD-R/RW discs. And it can do this anywhere, anytime, without need of AC power or a computer thanks to its rechargeable Li-ion battery pack. “
Website: Steves Digicams - Addonics Multi Function Recorder Review
Steves Digicams have just reviewed the Addonics Multi Function Recorder, a portable storage device that uses CD-R/RW discs. “The Addonics MFR is quite possibly the most useful gadget that we’ve reviewed in a long time. It’s the answer to “where do I store all of my pictures when we go…
Rollei have anounced the dp3210, a new digital camera featuring a 3.3 megapixel CCD and 10x zoom lens, which offers a focal length equivalent to 35-350mm in 35mm photography. The Rollei dp3210 will be available from mid-December.
Rollei Press Release 02/12/03
Rollei launches a new 3.2 MP digital camera with 10x optical zoom! - Powerful digital zoom camera from Rollei!
The new Rollei dp3210 is a sophisticated digital camera boasting a 10x zoom lens and 3.3-megapixal resolution.
The dp3210 is Rollei’s answer to the manifold challenges facing serious amateur photographers. Its high-speed, high-performance 10x zoom lens covers focal lengths from 5.7-57 mm (equivalent to 35-350mm in 35mm photography). Advanced automatic and manual modes conveniently cover even difficult photographic situations. What’s more, the camera also allows the recording of video clips. The Rollei dp3210 will be available from mid-December.
While the 10x D-VarioApogon autofocus zoom lens already reaches out far into the distance, a 4x digital zoom adds even more punch to this zooming capability. In the wide-angle setting, focusing is possible from 50 cm to infinity, at the telephoto end from 120 cm to infinity. A macrofocus mode allows close-ups down to 10 cm at wide-angle and down to 90 cm at the longest focal length. Perfect framing control ? indispensable with such a wide zooming range ? is ensured by a TFT monitor and an 0.33” electronic viewfinder with a resolution of about 114,000 pixels, showing the precise frame that will be recorded.
When it comes to different shooting modes, the new Rollei camera also has a lot to offer. The 2.5” TFT monitor with a resolution of 119,548 pixels shows all relevant operating data and the camera status at a single glance. Exposure, for example, can be controlled by either programmed AE, aperture-priority AE, shutter-priority AE or manually. In addition to these exposure modes, there are special subject-specific programs tailored to portraiture, scenery, night scenes and sports or action photography. For discriminating users, there are different metering methods (spot and center-weighted average metering) as well as the possibility of bracketing in increments of 1/3 EV and a B-setting for time exposures.
To allow for difficult lighting situations, white balance can be manually controlled by pushing a button. Alternatively, there is automatic white balance for either daylight (sunny or cloudy), tungsten or fluorescent light. Several flash modes let the user choose between ON (fill flash), OFF, Auto, red-eye reduction and slow sync for evocative night-time photography. Sensitivity is variable from a noise-free ISO 70 up to ISO 400, allowing available-light shooting even in twilight.
The Rollei dp3210 has a built-in self-timer (2s or 10s delay) and can also be triggered with the aid of an infrared remote control. In addition, it allows continuous shooting at a rate of 1.25 fps and a high-speed mode with a maximum burst of nine images at approx. 3.3 fps.
In addition to stills, the Rollei dp3210 will also record video clips and sound. The corresponding files are recorded with 320 x 240 pixels and 15 images per second in the AVI format either in the camera’s internal memory or on a SecureDigital card. A PAL/NTSC video output makes transmission to a TV set a cinch. To download stills to a computer, there is a USB interface.
Rollei have anounced the dp3210, a new digital camera featuring a 3.3 megapixel CCD and 10x zoom lens, which offers a focal length equivalent to 35-350mm in 35mm photography. The Rollei dp3210 will be available from mid-December. Rollei Press Release 02/12/03 Rollei launches a new 3.2 MP digital camera with…
About.com has published a 5 page article called “Working with Digital” which is aimed in particular at professionals and serious amateur photographers. The article examines the issues of Problems in buying digital cameras, Costs, dust and camera backup, Digital Negatives - using Raw format, JPEG and TIFF Formats and Compact Flash and Microdrives.
“Most photographers are likely to lose customers if they are unable to supply digital images. Many picture libraries are moving over to digital, and if you cannot supply them they will go elsewhere. Many - if not most - magazines seem to expect digital files. Some expect to get work cheaper because it is digital, which presents a problem.
For many areas of photography, working digitally is now essential if you want to stay in business.”
Website: About.com - Working With Digital
About.com has published a 5 page article called “Working with Digital” which is aimed in particular at professionals and serious amateur photographers. The article examines the issues of Problems in buying digital cameras, Costs, dust and camera backup, Digital Negatives - using Raw format, JPEG and TIFF Formats and Compact…
The Hungarian website Index Digicam have published their full review of “the world’s smallest and lightest 2-megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom”, the Minolta DiMAGE X20.
The Hungarian website Index Digicam have published their full review of “the world’s smallest and lightest 2-megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom”, the Minolta DiMAGE X20. Website: Index Digicam - Minolta DiMAGE X20 Review
The Slovenian website e-fotografija have published a review of the Panasonic DMC-F1 compact digital camera, which has a 3x Optical Zoom, 3 megapixel CCD, 4 frames per second burst shooting, Quick Time motion image recording and a 1.5 inch, 114,000 pixel LCD Monitor.
Website: e-fotografija - Panasonic DMC-F1 Review
Website: Slovenian Translator
The Slovenian website e-fotografija have published a review of the Panasonic DMC-F1 compact digital camera, which has a 3x Optical Zoom, 3 megapixel CCD, 4 frames per second burst shooting, Quick Time motion image recording and a 1.5 inch, 114,000 pixel LCD Monitor. Website: e-fotografija - Panasonic DMC-F1 Review Website: Slovenian Translator
We’re only just into December 2003, but already the manufacturers are gearing up for 2004. Hi-Touch have revealed plans to show 2 new dye-sub printers at next year’s Focus on Imaging show, held at the NEC in Birmingham at the end of February. The 730PL and the 730PS both allow you to create prints up to 6x8 inches in size. You can read the full story at DP-Now).
We’re only just into December 2003, but already the manufacturers are gearing up for 2004. Hi-Touch have revealed plans to show 2 new dye-sub printers at next year’s Focus on Imaging show, held at the NEC in Birmingham at the end of February. The 730PL and the 730PS both allow…
The Spanish website Nuevafotografia have published a review of the Sony DSC-V1 compact digital camera, which features 5 megapixel resolution, 4x optical zoom, flexible exposure control and an infrared laser hologram.
Website: Nuevafotografia - Sony DSC-V1 Review
The Spanish website Nuevafotografia have published a review of the Sony DSC-V1 compact digital camera, which features 5 megapixel resolution, 4x optical zoom, flexible exposure control and an infrared laser hologram. Website: Nuevafotografia - Sony DSC-V1 Review
The Tokyo-based Camera and Imaging Products Association has issued a report stating that shipments of digital cameras from the various Japanese manufacturers has increased to 5.18 million units, from 2.8 million a year earlier. Sales have increased 54 percent to 132 billion yen ($1.2 billion), from 85.8 billion yen. North America and Europe were the biggest growth areas (found via BytePhoto).
The Tokyo-based Camera and Imaging Products Association has issued a report stating that shipments of digital cameras from the various Japanese manufacturers has increased to 5.18 million units, from 2.8 million a year earlier. Sales have increased 54 percent to 132 billion yen ($1.2 billion), from 85.8 billion yen. North…
Sony Canada Press Release 01/12/03(found via A Digital Eye)
Sony unveils Cyber-shot DSC-F828, world’s first 8-megapixel digital camera
Advanced lens, colour filter and processor realize new levels of image quality and camera responsiveness
The Cyber-shot DSC-F828 camera is available in mid-December through authorized Sony resellers across Canada or at www.sonystyle.ca and has a suggested list price of $1,499.
TORONTO, Dec. 1 /CNW/ - Sony of Canada Ltd., Canada’s leading electronic and computer products solutions provider for consumers and business, today unveiled the Cyber-shot DSC-F828 digital camera, the world’s first 8-megapixel offering and the most powerful addition to the Company’s popular line of F-Series cameras.
With its lens-centric design, the Cyber-shot DSC-F828 is encased in a black, magnesium alloy body, and is the first to incorporate Sony’s recently announced four-colour filter CCD (Charge Coupled Device) technology and Real Imaging Processor(TM).
Along with the Carl Zeiss(R) T(*) optics, these components are integral in capturing colour accuracy closest to what the human eye can see and setting a new benchmark in camera performance.
“With our heritage in component design, Sony is uniquely qualified to realize this new standard in image quality,” said Hiro Futsukaichi, Senior Marketing Manager, Digital Imaging Products, Consumer Audio Video/Information Technology Group, Sony of Canada Ltd. “Specifically designed to handle the unique rigors of advanced digital still photography, the new Cyber-shot F828 camera embodies what we envision as a premier imaging experience.”
To complete that experience, the new camera offers extensive manual controls, giving advanced photographers a broader range of mechanisms to determine focus, exposure and recording modes.
Sony Canada Press Release 01/12/03(found via A Digital Eye) Sony unveils Cyber-shot DSC-F828, world’s first 8-megapixel digital camera Advanced lens, colour filter and processor realize new levels of image quality and camera responsiveness The Cyber-shot DSC-F828 camera is available in mid-December through authorized Sony resellers across Canada or at www.sonystyle.ca…
The popular online photo magazine 28mm.org has returned with its 11th issue. The work of 10 different photographers is featured this month.
On Display:
- Home grown portraits, by Katie Cooke
- Munich Airport, by Alexandra Emde
- Abandoned Industrial, by Matthew Hollett
- So Cal…So Cool, by Phillip Massey
- Walls, Windows, and Doors, by Davin Risk & Gayla Sanders
- In the Spotlight, by Rannie Turingan
- Westside Connection, by Dominic Turner
- Steam, by Khoi Uong
- Through The Looking Glass, by Tracey Yeoh
Cover Photo:
by C Gary Moyer
The popular online photo magazine 28mm.org has returned with its 11th issue. The work of 10 different photographers is featured this month. On Display: - Home grown portraits, by Katie Cooke - Munich Airport, by Alexandra Emde - Abandoned Industrial, by Matthew Hollett - So Cal…So Cool, by Phillip Massey…
Lecia Press Release 01/12/03
New: LEICA VARIO-ELMARIT-R 1:2.8-4.5/28-90 mm ASPH.
The new LEICA VARIO-ELMARIT-R 1:2.8-4.5/28-90 mm ASPH is a high-speed universal lens with extended variable range for the Leica reflex system. With a focal length range of more than three times, it can be used throughout the telephoto and wide angle ranges. The variable focal length setting means that the lens can be adapted for the most diverse of subjects and realise a wide variety of photographic ideas. The lens is also ready to use very quickly, as in many cases ? with rapidly changing subjects for example ? a change of lens can be avoided. The LEICA VARIO-ELMARIT-R 1: 2.8-4.5/28-90 mm ASPH covers the four most common fixed focal lengths with no loss of quality. In conjunction with a Leica R reflex camera, it provides a compact Leica R system which, thanks to its high speed, is ideal for most subjects and situations.
Further information on the LEICA VARIO-ELMARIT-R 1:2.8-4.5/28-90 mm ASPH. are available at:
http://www.leica-camera.com/produkte/rsystem/objektive/zoom/index_e.html
Lecia Press Release 01/12/03 New: LEICA VARIO-ELMARIT-R 1:2.8-4.5/28-90 mm ASPH. The new LEICA VARIO-ELMARIT-R 1:2.8-4.5/28-90 mm ASPH is a high-speed universal lens with extended variable range for the Leica reflex system. With a focal length range of more than three times, it can be used throughout the telephoto and wide…
DIWA Press Release 01/12/03
NEW IMAGING INDUSTRY ORGANISATION LAUNCHES MULTI-LINGUAL AWARDS WEB SITE
The Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA), a new independent international industry organisation formed to identify excellence in imaging products, has formally opened its Web site at www.diwa-awards.com. The site will announce awards made by DIWA and link visitors to the Web site publications of DIWA members and their reviews of products that have earned DIWA awards.
Over time, the DIWA site’s interactive database will establish itself as a central point of reference for high quality and high value information to help members of the public determine their most appropriate purchasing choices. Details on products tested and rated by DIWA members will be freely available to site visitors.
DIWA is an international organisation comprising member Web site publications from many different countries. The cosmopolitan nature of DIWA is reflected in the design of its new Web site, which accommodate the languages of all its members in terms of navigation and specific language sections.
As an industry organisation, DIWA’s Web site will also become a focus of attention from manufacturers and resellers from all over the world.
DIWA Press Release 01/12/03 NEW IMAGING INDUSTRY ORGANISATION LAUNCHES MULTI-LINGUAL AWARDS WEB SITE The Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA), a new independent international industry organisation formed to identify excellence in imaging products, has formally opened its Web site at www.diwa-awards.com. The site will announce awards made by DIWA and link…
Leica have today announced a new addition to their range of digital cameras in the form of the Digilux 2, dubbed by Leica as the ?analog? digital camera.
The new LEICA DIGILUX 2 camera combines the best of two worlds.
In the new LEICA DIGILUX 2, modern digital technology and the proven concepts of traditional analog photography are joined in a harmonious combination: Decisive photographic parameters such as sharpness, aperture, focal length and shutter speeds can be controlled like those on a classic single-lens-reflex camera by means of setting rings on the lens and a shutter speed dial.
To ensure the best pictorial results, the lens, the sensor and the electronics are optimally tailored to one another. The 2/3-inch CCD sensor is very large for its resolution of 5 million pixels. This combination of a high-performance lens and a large surface per picture element produces an extraordinary pictorial quality.
The LEICA DIGILUX 2 at a glance
- Fast 7 ? 22.5 mm LEICA DC VARIO SUMMICRON f/2 ? f/2.4 ASPH. zoom lens (equivalent to a 28 - 90 mm zoom lens on a 35 mm camera)
- 2/3” CCD sensor with 5.0 million pixels
- Analog photography feeling conveyed by manual setting possibilities directly at the lens
- Its traditional clear design readily identifies it as a typical Leica
- Transfer-reflexive 2,5? display with a resolution of 211,000 pixels and outstanding brilliance
- Electronic viewfinder with 235,000 pixels that covers 100% of the picture being taken
- Extra large picture storage card with 64 MB
- Interval timing and control via the PC
- Connections: USB 2.0 (High Speed); DC IN; AV output with option of PAL or NTSC; Remote release cable
- Extremely robust and long-lived because of the use of high-grade materials and precision fabrication
Leica have today announced a new addition to their range of digital cameras in the form of the Digilux 2, dubbed by Leica as the ?analog? digital camera. The new LEICA DIGILUX 2 camera combines the best of two worlds. In the new LEICA DIGILUX 2, modern digital technology and…
The theme for the December Competition has been decided. As the days are now so short here in the UK (it gets dark at 4pm!), the new theme is simply “Night”. Submit your best photograph that you think inteprets the theme, whether it be an urban cityscape or a moonlight landscape. If you’ve never attempted any night photography before, then grab your tripod, torch and a friend and get out in the dark!
This is a monthly photography competition with a specific theme and prizes for the top 3 photos. The winning entries will be decided by a panel of judges. You just have to submit one photograph to the Competition Gallery that best interprets December’s theme, which is “Night”.
Please make sure that you read the Monthly Competition Rules before submitting your entry. The competition is worldwide and open to everyone.
You can now start submitting entries to the December Compeitition here:
December Competition
The theme for the December Competition has been decided. As the days are now so short here in the UK (it gets dark at 4pm!), the new theme is simply “Night”. Submit your best photograph that you think inteprets the theme, whether it be an urban cityscape or a moonlight…
The first ever PhotographyBLOG Competition has now closed. The theme for November was “Autumn Colour” - you can view all of the 43 entries in this gallery.
The 1st / 2nd / 3rd place winners will be announced on Saturday 6th December, and the prizes will be sent out shortly after :-)
The first ever PhotographyBLOG Competition has now closed. The theme for November was “Autumn Colour” - you can view all of the 43 entries in this gallery. The 1st / 2nd / 3rd place winners will be announced on Saturday 6th December, and the prizes will be sent out shortly after :-)