Camera Review: Nikon Coolpix P5100
Posted on January 17, 2008 - Filed Under Reviews, Photo, Cameras | Leave a Comment
If Charles Dickens were alive today and writing for PopPhoto.com, he might preface his review of the Nikon Coolpix P5100 ($310, street) thusly: “It was the best of cameras, it was the worst of cameras.” To its credit, Nikon has added to this flagship of the Coolpix line, a 12.1-megapixel, 3.5x zoom compact camera, some of the slick features developed for its more sophisticated DSLRs. Unfortunately, there are other areas within the P5100’s operations that can best be described as a “work in progress.” The P5100 features a 1/1.72″ RGB CCD that incorporates Nikon’s EXPEED processing system and improved hardware-based facial detection that Nikon claims can identify up to 12 faces in one frame. The EXPEED processing doesn’t refer to specific technologies within the P5100, but a digital image processing “concept” that is designed to improve image quality by reducing noise and improving signal-to-noise ratios, even at higher ISO settings. Another facet of the Nikon image processing is “D-Lighting,” which takes backlit and underexposed images and makes them more usable. By selecting the D-lighting option while viewing an image, the camera reprocesses the image and saves a copy of the processed file while leaving the original untouched. This manipulation does have its limitations however, and the quality will never be as good as a well-exposed image, but it can make the difference between trashing the image or hanging it on a wall. The quality of the images made by the P5100 was very favorable when viewed on our computer screen. It’s class-competitive, and can hold its own against similar models from other manufacturers.
Thames Devi
Posted on January 16, 2008 - Filed Under Photo | Leave a Comment
“Almost at the other end of the River Thames from London, but the river is still majestic as it passes through the Oxfordshire countryside. This was taken on a December morning, just before Christmas. The weather this summer and Autumn has been wet and the river is flowing fast. This concrete bridge, known as Hart’s Footbridge, seems to be here in the middle of the countryside for no apparent reason, and can be found along the towpath just downstream of Newbridge”. Taken by Elliott
Olympus RAW codec for Vista
Posted on January 16, 2008 - Filed Under Art, News, Photo | Leave a Comment
OLYMPUS RAW codec is the program to import and display the RAW data file (file extension is .orf) into Windows Vista. This can be used if your computer’s OS is Windows Vista. Please check in the operation manual for your digital camera if this RAW data file works on your digital camera. If you cannot select RAW data file on the camera MENU, you cannot capture RAW data images. E-1, E-3*, E-300, E-330, E-400, E-410, E-500 , E-510 , E-10, E-20, C-70 ZOOM, C-5050ZOOM, C-5060 Wide Zoom, C-7070 Wide Zoom, C-8080 Wide Zoom, SP-310, SP-320, SP-350, SP-500UZ, SP-510UZ, SP-550UZ, SP-560UZ *A part of the parameter does not apply to RAW developing of images. System Requirements OS Windows Vista Home Basic Windows Vista Home Premium Windows Vista Business Windows Vista Enterprise Windows Vista Ultimate RAM 256 MB or larger (1GB or larger is recommended) HDD capacity 200 MB or larger (1GB or larger is recommended) http://www.olympus.co.jp/en/support/imsg/digicamera/download/software/codec/index.cfm
Threat over fake batteries for digital cameras growing, warns Eastman Kodak
Posted on January 14, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Photo | Leave a Comment
A booming market for fake rechargeable digital camera batteries risks injuring ‘millions’ of consumers, warns Kodak which has launched a bid to ‘pull the plug’ on counterfeiters. The move comes as the demand for handheld electronics devices soars - providing a fresh impetus for counterfeiters to insert fake lithium-ion batteries into legitimate sales outlets, explains the company. ‘Counterfeit batteries can lead to poor product performance, damage to electronic devices and overheating that can create the risk of chemical leakage, burns and even fires,’ according to the firm’s United States HQ. Kodak points to figures supplied by the United States Customs and Border Protection, a body which reports that officials seized almost $10m worth of counterfeit consumer electronics products in the first half of last year - a ‘338%’ increase on the same period in 2006. ‘Counterfeit batteries that find their way into electronics devices put millions of consumers at an unnecessary risk,’ adds Eastman Kodak’s president and chief operating officer Philip Faraci. Kodak plans to launch a counterfeit detection system called ‘Traceless’, whereby a ‘forensically undetectable’ marker, placed on the genuine Kodak battery, allows the firm to quickly and easily distinguish it from a fake lithium-ion battery. Already deployed in markets such as the cosmetics and pharmaceuticals industry, such markers can be placed into thermal transfer ribbons - a common method for printing barcode labels on electronics goods, according to Kodak. Announced at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas the move is designed to send a clear message to counterfeiters that they should not try to replicate Kodak batteries. The firm claims that the markers can only be detected using secure handheld Kodak readers. Most Kodak lithium-ion batteries are made by Sanyo Electric Co which has welcomed the news. Picture:
Canon DC301
Posted on January 12, 2008 - Filed Under Digital | Leave a Comment
Canon DC301 : Canon announces the launch of a new direct-to-DVD camcorder featuring its Advanced Zoom system. The Canon DC301 combines the ultra-convenience of straight-to-DVD recording with the most powerful zoom - up to 45x - of any Canon camcorder yet. Providing crisp, clear image quality - from wide to telephoto - Advanced Zoom opens up new possibilities for moviemakers shooting sports, wildlife and other distant subjects straight to disc. Since the majority of TVs on sale today are native widescreen, the Canon DC301 is equipped for True Wide 16:9 recording. Compatibility with DVD Dual Layer (DVD-R DL) media and Canon’s high capacity battery pack extends recording time, allowing every moviemaker to capture that extra shot. Canon DC301 camcorder - Home DVD “Combining the ease of direct-to-DVD recording with the benefits of innovative Advanced Zoom technology, our new DC300 series raises the standard for DVD-based camcorders,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “Our commitment to offering the highest quality imaging to every consumer will encourage more and more people to discover the joy of home moviemaking.” New to Canon camcorders in 2008, the LCD screen also doubles as a handy video light. When turned to face forwards, it provides enough illumination to allow recording of close-up subjects to continue in poor lighting conditions. Canon DC301 video camera - Electronic viewfinder Canon’s Advanced Zoom system equips the Canon DC301 with more telephoto reach than was previously available at this level. Advanced Zoom combines the quality of genuine Canon optics with the processing capabilities of the DIGIC DV II image processor, allowing distant events - such as a bird in flight or a concert performance – to be captured with crystal clarity. The new Canon DC301 camcorder in the new range offers True Wide High Resolution 16:9 recording - perfect for playback on widescreen TVs. Canon’s True Wide system also incorporates a widescreen 2.7” LCD - perfect for previewing movies in the correct dimensions - and a widescreen EVF (Electronic Viewfinder): allowing users to save on battery power when framing their shots during recording. Canon DVD camcorder DC301 features • Canon’s new Advanced Zoom system offers up to 36x magnification • Still image capture to SD or SDHC (High Capacity) memory card • True Wide High Resolution 16:9 recording and Quick Start • DIGIC DV II processor provides clear, vivid images with true-to-life colours • LCD Video Light for close-up filming in low-light environments • Extended recording: compatible with DVD-R Dual Layer discs and optional high capacity battery pack • Easy-to-use: Easy mode and playback in standard DVD players • A Joystick makes controlling the camcorder’s features easy Canon DC-301 - SDHC and SD memory Canon’s DIGIC DV II image processor was originally designed to handle the increased data rate of High Definition footage. The extra processing capacity of this ultra-fast processor is inherited by the DC300 range: with advanced noise reduction technology built in, DIGIC DV II captures images that are sharper and colours that are truer-to-life. DIGIC DV II also drives the DC300 series’ stills functionality. Since the colour requirements of digital photographs are different to video, it handles the signals separately, optimizing output for each. Digital photographs are recorded to SD or SDHC memory cards. Canon DC301 camera - Switch and Browse Straightaway, it’s easy to get going: a convenient switch located on the side of the camcorder engages Easy mode, allowing even novice users to start shooting instantly. The camcorder automatically finds the first blank space on the DVD, cutting out the need for fast forwarding or rewinding. Selecting and operating shooting features and functions is equally easy, using the intuitive Joystick controller. To find a particular scene for playback, simply browse through thumbnails on the 2.7” widescreen LCD screen. Finalized DVDs can be played back using a standard home DVD player - perfect to put in an envelope and send to family and friends as keepsakes. DC301 camcorder - Quick start button During pauses in shooting, the Quick Start feature conserves battery power - one push of the dedicated Quick Start button tells the camcorder to rest in Standby mode. One more push and the camcorder is ready to record in around a second, ensuring that precious one-off moments - a child’s first steps or a match-winning goal - aren’t missed. Canon DC301 videocam - Compatibility Every camcorder in the new range is compatible with standard DVD-R media, which are cheap and easy to get hold of. In addition, compatibility with DVD-R DL (Dual Layer) allows up to 108 minutes of video to be recorded on a single disc - cutting down on the amount of spares that have to be carried on a long shooting day. With lower power consumption than its predecessor range, the DC300 series is also compatible with the optional high capacity battery pack (BP-2L24H) - ensuring that the camcorder continues for longer on a single charge. With longer zoom reaches than ever before - thanks to the new Advanced Zoom system - the Canon DC301 camcorder incorporates an Electronic Image Stabilizer that helps ensure footage remains smooth. While camera shake can often ruin home movies, Canon’s EIS system is even effective at the upper ends of the zoom - when shake becomes most noticeable.
Akvavit Racing
Posted on January 12, 2008 - Filed Under Photo | Leave a Comment
“Grangärde, Bysjön: On Christmas day my friend and I went for a walk on the lake not far from our homes in the Central part of Sweden. The day was silent and a low cloud hung over the centre of the lake. Already the track has been prepared for the Lake Race which will take place in the first days of February. The track is marked out by planting branches in the ice as it freezes. Hundreds of us will race on skis around the ten kilometre track. There will be a lot of akvavit drinking too to keep us going”. Taken by Lars
Verbatim SmartDisk 2.5” Portable Hard Drives
Posted on January 11, 2008 - Filed Under Art, News, Photo | Leave a Comment
Verbatim SmartDisk 2.5” Portable Hard Drives are now available in 120, 160, 250, or 320GB capacities. Each drive is offered with a choice of either a USB interface or a Combo USB/FireWire interface. “SmartDisk’s advanced technologies are ideal complements to the inherent reliability, optimized performance and competitive pricing that resellers and consumers have come to expect from Verbatim brand products.” said Charles Klinker, Verbatim Director of Marketing for SmartDisk products. The palm-sized SmartDisk external drives will be available for both Windows and Mac users later this month, starting at US $99.00. Verbatim Press Release Jan 03, 2008 08:01 Verbatim’s New Family of 2.5’’ SmartDisk Portable Hard Drives Makes Its Debut at CES Sleek Windows and Mac-compatible HDs Deliver High-capacity, Bus-powered Storage LAS VEGAS –(Business Wire)– Jan. 3, 2008 Leveraging the resources gained with the purchase of SmartDisk(R) Corporation’s external hard drive (HD) assets in July 2007, Verbatim(R) Americas, LLC launched today a whole new line of SmartDisk 2.5” Portable Hard Drives (HDs). With the new elegantly designed HDs, consumers and businesses can immediately add 120, 160, 250, or 320GB of removable capacity without having to open their computer. The palm-sized external drives will be available for both Windows(R) and Mac(R) users later this month with retail prices starting at US $99.00. The need for a fast, easy way to store, backup, share and transport data and multimedia files is fueling explosive growth in the worldwide removable storage industry. A growing number of consumers are using external hard drives to gain the additional storage they need for their photo, music and video files. Office workers are using the compact drives to transport work to their home systems and branch offices. As a result, IDC predicts more than 6 million external hard drives will be shipped in 2008, up 58 percent from the 3.8 million units shipped in 2006. “Part of Verbatim’s corporate strategy is to capitalize on this trend with an expanded line of external HD products that meet the diverse storage needs of consumers and businesses around the globe,” said Charles Klinker, Verbatim Director of Marketing for SmartDisk products. “SmartDisk’s advanced technologies are ideal complements to the inherent reliability, optimized performance and competitive pricing that resellers and consumers have come to expect from Verbatim brand products.” Verbatim has enhanced the versatility of its 2.5” SmartDisk HDs by offering them with choice of a USB interface or a Combo USB/FireWire interface. With the Combo USB/FireWire interface, the device also becomes interoperable and files can be transferred between a Mac and a PC. The bus-powered, 5400 RPM drives deliver transfer speeds of up to 480MB per second (MB/sec.) when connected with USB 2.0 and up to 400MB/sec. for FireWire connections without requiring an AC power adapter. Once the SmartDisk portable HD is connected to a computer, it can be accessed and used like a computer hard drive. Users can drag files to the portable HD’s icon to copy them, navigate to their HD in Open or Save dialog boxes, or delete files stored on the HD. Verbatim 2.5” SmartDisk Portable HDs support the “Time Machine” backup feature in Mac OS X Leopard. Included in the USB-only models is CMS’ award-winning BounceBack Express backup software, an easy-to-use backup utility that incorporates scheduling, backup sets, automatic launch options and a quick restore feature. Pricing and Availability Verbatim 120, 160, 250 and 320GB 2.5” SmartDisk Portable HDs will be available in January 2008 through retailers as well as leading etailers with suggested retail pricing beginning at US$99.00 for the 120GB USB version. About Verbatim Verbatim’s businesses in the Americas, Europe/Middle East/Africa and Asia Pacific regions are wholly owned subsidiaries of Tokyo-based Mitsubishi Kagaku Media Co., Ltd. MKM’s parent company, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (MCC), is Japan’s largest chemical company. Verbatim develops and markets innovative, high-quality products for storing, moving and using digital content. Known for its leadership in the optical, magnetic and flash storage and related accessories markets, the company provides reliable, unique technologies and products that are highly sought after and broadly distributed worldwide. For more information, contact Verbatim Americas, LLC, 1200 W.T. Harris Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28262, (800) 421-4188. In Europe, Verbatim Ltd., Prestige House, 23-26 High Street, Egham, Surrey, TW20 9DU, UK, (+44) 1784 439 781. In Japan, Mitsubishi Kagaku Media Co., Ltd., 31-19, Shiba 5-Chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0014, (+81) 3-5454-3972. Or visit the web site at http://www.verbatim.com and select the country of your location.
Epson Launches Stylus Photo R1900 Printer in U.S.
Posted on January 10, 2008 - Filed Under News, Photo | Leave a Comment
Epson has announced that it will bring its Stylus Photo R1900 inkjet printer to the U.S. market. The printer was released in Europe in 2007 and replaces the R1800 in Epson’s lineup. The R1900 uses Epson’s new eight-color, pigment-based Ultrachrome Hi-Gloss 2 ink set and a 1.5-picoliter minimum droplet size to output borderless prints at resolutions up to 5760×1440. In addition to printing on a variety of paper types at sizes as large as 13×44 inches, the R1900 can output directly onto CDs and DVDs. The printer takes paper in both sheets and rolls. Epson says its Ultrachrome Hi-Gloss 2 ink set improves the accuracy of blues, greens, and flesh tones by using new magenta, yellow, and orange inks. The ink set also includes an improved gloss optimizer, and switches automatically between matte and photo black inks, according to paper type used. The R1900 implements Epson’s new MicroPiezo Active Meniscus Control print head and Radiance engine, which the company claims produces smoother gradations, reduced metamerism, and faster print times. At high resolution settings, Epson clocks the R1900’s output times at as much as 37% faster than the R1800’s. Other improvements include the addition of a second USB port so that two computers (a desktop and a laptop, for example) can be connected at once, a new Mist Collection System that keeps the inside of the printer from getting coated with ink overspray with long use, and the use of glass beads in the ink cartridges to improve cartridge longevity by helping agitate the ink and prevent clogs. The USB connections support PictBridge for direct printing from cameras and other compatible devices. The R1900 will be available for $549 in January 2008.
Camera Test: Nikon D300
Posted on January 7, 2008 - Filed Under Reviews, Photo, Cameras | Leave a Comment
Nikon could have played it safe. By just tweaking its highly rated D200, the company could have come out with a camera priced closer to Canon’s new 10.1MP EOS 40D ($1,300, street, body only). Instead, the engineers went wild, revamping everything from the viewfinder to the sensor, adding live view, and taking such pro-level features as the 51-zone AF system from the new Nikon D3 ($5,000, body only). The result: the new 12.3MP D300 ($1,800, body only). Now, after our Lab and field tests, it’s clear that Nikon made the right decision. We’re so convinced of it that the editors of Pop Photo named the D300 The Camera of the Year 2007 — and in the face of heated competition in the middleweight DSLR class from the just-as-new 10.1MP Olympus E-3 ($1,700, body only) and 12.2MP Sony Alpha 700 ($1,400, body only).
Casio EXILIM Pro EX-F1: 60fps
Posted on January 7, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Reviews, Photo | Leave a Comment
CES 2008: Casio today announced its EXILIM EX-F1 - a six megapixel camera with 12x zoom and some very impressive burst shooting capabilities. Capturing up to 60 frames per second at full resolution and a staggering 1200 fps if you drop the image size to 336 x 96, this innovative camera will also shoot 1920 x 1080 Full HD movies at 60fps. Helping to ensure the moment isn’t missed is a buffer system which continually updates then saves the contents to card when the shutter is released. Illumination is taken care of by a conventional strobe which works at up to 7 fps and a cellphone-style LED for 10-60 fps. The EX-F1 will be available from March 2008 priced at $999.99. Gordon: We suspect this camera is using an implementation of Sony’s IMX017CQE CMOS sensor which we covered back in February last year. We also reported on the development prototype in August. Press Release: EXILIM Pro EX-F1 — a high speed digital camera boasting the world’s fastest* burst shooting performance The EXILIM Pro EX-F1 incorporates a new high speed CMOS sensor and high speed LSI processor. After building in 6.0 million effective pixels and a 12X optical zoom, the developers focused on achieving a burst shooting speed capability that was hitherto unheard of. Using the camera’s ultra-high speed burst shooting for still images or its high speed movie recording mode, users can capture a split second’s movement with greater detail than before, allowing them to catch each decisive moment, and even motion that the human eye cannot ordinarily perceive. *As at January 6, 2008, based on a Casio survey for the consumer market digital cameras. Full resolution photography using 60 fps ultra-high speed burst mode captures the crucial moment Using the still image burst mode, users can shoot at an ultra fast 60 frames per second. In burst mode, the frame rate can also be varied from between 1 and 60 frames per second while shooting. Up to 60 shots can be taken at once, so 60 shots per second for one second, or 5 shots per second for 12 seconds, are possible. Don’t miss that crucial moment, Prerecord Still Images, using ultra-high speed burst function Users can record images not just at the instant they press the shutter button, but before! Continuously recording at up to 60 images per second, a maximum of 60 images can be saved in the camera’s own buffer memory even before the shutter button is depressed. Even if users press the shutter a little late, they will still be able to catch that vital moment. Slow Motion View function lets users view and capture that critical moment in slow motion during still photography Users can take photographs while, in the monitor, the momentary action that is before their eyes is displayed in slow motion. It is just as if they have slowed down the passing of time. Users can unhurriedly observe the motion of the subject as they press the shutter, ensuring that they never miss that crucial moment. Rapid Flash function allows continuous shooting even in low light It is possible while using flash to take up to 20 continuous shots at a speed of up to 7 frames per second, so even in low light, no more missed shots. Also, the internal LED light allows high speed burst shooting at between 10 and 60 frames per second. High speed movie recording at up to 1,200 fps The EXILIM Pro EX-F1 can record high speed movie footage of motion too fast for the human eye, for ultra slow motion playback. Users can select a recording speed of 300 fps, 600 fps or 1,200 fps. There is also a Movie Button that lets users quickly start movie recording without first switching from still image mode. Full High-Definition movies The camera features Full High-Definition movie recording capability. Users can record beautiful movies at a screen size of 1920×1080 pixels, at a rate of 60 fields per second. The camera can be connected to an HD compatible television with a separately available HDMI cable to enjoy viewing movies. Casio EXILIM Pro EX-F1 specifications Sensor • 1/1.8-inch high-speed CMOS Type CCD • 6.6 million pixels total • 6.0 million effective pixels Image sizes • 2816 x 2112 • 2816 x 1872 (3:2) • 2816 x 1586 (16:9) • 2304 x 1728 • 2048 x 1536 • 1600 x 1200 • 640 x 480 Movie clips • Standard: 640 × 480 (30 fps) • HD: 1920 × 1080 (FHD HQ/FHD Normal, 60 fields per second), 1280 × 720 (HD LP, 30 fps) • Hi-Speed: 512 × 384 (300 fps), 432 × 192 (600 fps), 336 × 96 (1200 fps) File formats • Still: RAW (DNG*1), JPEG (Exif Version 2.2), DCF 1.0 standard, DPOF compliant • Movie: MOV format, H.264/AVC, IMA-ADPCM (stereo) Lens 12 lenses in 9 groups, including aspherical lens Approx. 36 to 432mm 35mm equiv. (12x Zoom) F2.7 (W) to 4.6 (T) Image stabilization No Conversion lenses No Digital zoom 4X (48X in combination with optical zoom) Focus • Contrast Detection Auto Focus • Auto Focus • Macro Mode • Infinity Mode • Manual Focus AF area modes Spot, Free or Tracking AF assist lamp Yes Focus distance • AF: Approx. 40cm*2 to ∞ (W) • Macro: Approx. 5cm*2 to 50cm (W) • MF: Approx. 5cm*2 to ∞ (W) • Infinity Mode: ∞ (W) Metering Multi-pattern, center weighted, spot by imaging element ISO sensitivity Auto, ISO100, ISO200, ISO400, ISO800, ISO1600 Exposure compensation -2EV to +2EV (in 1/3EV steps Exposure bracketing Yes Shutter speed • Auto: 1 to 1/2000 second • Aperture Priority AE: 1 to 1/2000 second • Shutter Speed Priority AE: 60 to 1/40000 second • Manual: 60 to 1/40000 second Aperture • Auto: F2.7 (W) to F7.5 (W) (using ND filter) • Manual and Aperture Priority: F2.7 (W) to F7.5 (W) White balance Auto WB, Daylight, Overcast, Shade, Day white FL, Daylight FL, Tungsten, manual WB White balance fine tune No Self timer 10 seconds, 2 seconds, Triple Self-timer Continuous shooting 60 fps at full resolution for 1 second or 5 fps for 12 seconds With flash: 7fps Flash Modes: Auto, Flash Off, Flash On, Red Eye Reduction, External Flash Range: Approx. 0.5 to 10.4m (W), approx. 1.1 to 6.3m (T) Viewfinder Electronic Viewfinder, 0.2-inch, 201,600 dots LCD monitor 2.8-inch wide TFT color LCD (Super Clear LCD), 230,160 dots (959 × 240) Connectivity USB/AV port, HDMI™ Mini Connector (output), hot shoe, external microphone jack, AC adaptor connection (DC-IN) Print compliance DPOF compliant Storage SDHC Memory Card, SD Memory Card, MultiMediaCard, MultiMediaCard plus compatible Power Rechargeable lithium ion battery (NP-100) x 1, AC adaptor (optional) Weight (no batt) 671g Dimensions 127.7 (W) x 79.6 (H) x 130.1 (D)mm