Free Photoshop Book
Posted on May 31, 2008 - Filed Under Art, News, Photo | Leave a Comment
Sitepoint are giving away The Photoshop Anthology: 101 Web Design Tips, Tricks & Techniques, completely free! Available to download as a PDF, the 278 page book normally worth $29.95 is billed as “the ultimate Photoshop compendium for web designers”. The offer ends in 24 days time… Website: The Photoshop Anthology: 101 Web Design Tips, Tricks & Techniques
Pixelmator 1.2 Draftsman Released
Posted on May 30, 2008 - Filed Under News, Photo | Leave a Comment
Pixelmator has upgraded its image-editing software for the Mac. Pixelmator 1.2 Draftsman includes a new ruler tool that can be applied with a variety of units of measurement and helps users position images and image elements precisely. There are also new guide and grid overlays to aid composition, and a snap feature for positioning selection edges precisely. A new polygonal lasso tool helps draw straight edges of selections. For adjusting color, there are new color-balance and curves tools that provide ways to fine-tune individual color channels or an image’s entire tonal range. There’s also a new one-click auto-enhance tool for quick fixes. Pixelmator 1.2 Draftsman is available for $59 from the Pixelmator Web site. Current owners of the software can upgrade for free.
Fujifilm launches FinePix A850
Posted on May 28, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Reviews, Photo | Leave a Comment
Fujifilm has added another model to its popular ‘A’ series of competitively-priced compact digital cameras. The 8MP FinePix A850 is based around a 1/2.5" sensor and has a 3X zoom. There are 14 scene modes, including museum mode for those pictures in which you actually want artifacts to appear. Press release: The FinePix A850 is the new addition to Fujifilm’s A-Team Fujifilm is pleased to announce the launch of the new Fujifilm FinePix A850. The stylish new camera joins the existing FinePix A920 and A900 in offering high-end technology to every-day users who want point-and-shot simplicity at an affordable price point, but are not prepared to compromise on image quality. The FinePix A850 features a sharp Fujinon 3x optical zoom lens, an 8 Megapixel CCD sensor and ISO 800 sensitivity at full resolution. The FinePix A850 features Image Intelligence processing combined with a 3x Fujinon lens to deliver images of unrivalled quality. Fujifilm has employed decades of imaging know-how to ensure that each image, no matter how challenging the shooting conditions, is optimised for colour, tone, exposure and colour balance. This makes the FinePix A850 the perfect camera for beginners, because the combination of a sharp lens and cutting-edge image processing means that quality images, without overdue effort, will be produced time after time. Despite its modest credentials, Fujifilm employs its Picture Stabilisation (usually found on higher-priced models) to ensure that image blurring, caused by subject movement or camera shake, is kept to an absolute minimum. In addition to this, the FinePix A850 offers handy features such as selectable scene modes and movie recording with sound, for versatility and ease of use. An intuitive, icon-based Graphical User Interface (GUI) and simple button layout make it easy for users to navigate through menus and switch between shooting modes and scene positions. The 14 selectable scene modes simplify shooting even further. With options including Beach, Snow, Sports and even Museum mode, users can be creative with their picture taking, regardless of the situation or their experience behind the lens. The FinePix A850 features 24MB of internal memory, which is a great fallback storage option, so users can continue to shoot and save pictures even when the media card is full. What’s more, the camera’s low power consumption (operating on two standard AA batteries) means users will never miss out on capturing the action. Lastly, looks are everything for modern electronic products. Consumers demand elegant styling, beautiful curves, and simple ergonomics. They demand a product to be proud of. The FinePix A850 does not disappoint in any respect. It has the feel of a high-end camera, with a sculpted grip and metallic finish, and mimics models sold for more than twice the price. Fujifilm has designed three key features into this model: excellent image quality, simple operation and amazingly good looks. The FinePix A850 is likely to be the hit camera for this summer’s key selling season. FinePix A850 features at a glance: 8.1 Megapixels 3x optical zoom 2.5-inch LCD monitor Selectable sensitivity up to ISO 800 24MB internal memory permits shooting without a media card Power source 2x AA-size alkaline (included),2x AA-size Ni-MH (optional) and AC Power Adapter AC-3V (optional) Movie mode, 30 frames/ second with monaural sound Picture stabilization 14 selectable scene positions Availability & pricing The FinePix A850 will be available from retailers from July. Pricing will be announced nearer to the date of the launch. Fujifilm FinePix A850 specifications Sensor • 1/2.5 " Type CCD • 8.1 million effective pixels Image sizes • 3264×2448 • 3264×2176 (3:2) • 2304×1728 • 1600×1200 • 640×480 Movie clips • 640 x 480, 30 fps • 320 x 240, 30 fps File formats • JPEG (Exif Ver. 2.2, DCF, DPOF) • AVI format (Motion JPEG), with sound Lens • 6.1 - 18.3 mm • 36 - 108 mm (35mm equiv.) Image stabilization No (Digital) Conversion lenses No Digital zoom 5.1x Focus • Contrast detect AF AF assist lamp No Focus distance • 60cm - Infinity (Auto, Wide), 6cm - 80cm (Macro Wide) • 60cm - Infinity (Auto, Tele), 40cm - 80cm (Macro Tele) Metering 256-zone metering ISO sensitivity • Auto • ISO 100 • ISO 200 • ISO 400 • ISO 800 Shuttter speed • 1/4 - 1/2000 sec (Auto) • 8 - 1/2000 sec (All other modes) Aperture • F2.8 - F4.5 Modes • Auto • Manual • Picture stabilization (Anti-blur) • Movie Scene modes • Natural light • Portrait • Landscape • Sport • Night • Fireworks • Sunset • Snow • Beach • Museum • Party • Flower • Text White balance • Auto • Fine • Shade • Fluorescent (Daylight) • Fluorescent (Warm white) • Fluorescent (Cool white) • Incandescent White balance fine tune No Self timer 2 or 10 sec Flash • Auto / Off / On / Slow sync / Red-eye reduction • Up to 4.2 m, wide-angle, Auto ISO Viewfinder No LCD monitor • 2.5 " • 154,000 dots • 97% coverage Connectivity USB/AV port Print compliance Pictbridge Storage • SD / SDHC / MMC card • 24MB Internal Power • AA batteries Weight (no batt) 135 g (4.8 oz) Dimensions 93 x 60 x 30 mm (3.7 x 2.4 x 1/2 in)
Lowepro introduces the Nova AW Series
Posted on May 26, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Photo | Leave a Comment
Lowepro today announced the launch of the next generation models of their popular Nova AW series of shoulder bags, designed to carry and protect a digital SLR and accessories in the most rigorous of weather conditions. The new models of Nova AW bags are available in six sizes and feature a patented 360° All Weather Cover which provides complete protection from the elements while still allowing photographers to access equipment.The newly launched models of the Nova AW series offer a large central compartment with movable dividers large enough to accommodate digital SLR kits. The larger models, Nova 180, 190, and 200 AW, can easily secure a pro digital SLR while the smaller models, Nova 140, 160, 170 AW, have been designed for enthusiast kits. The interior has been constructed of soft protective material specifically produced to protect sensitive digital equipment. A front access pocket provides safe and accessible storage for batteries, small accessories and other necessities. Memory card pockets on the inside front lid ensure cards are protected and available for quick changes.”When we create our camera bags, our priority is to make certain that photographers are able shoot while their equipment is protected even in inclement weather. Lowepro designers are constantly re-examining and improving our cases to ensure that the newest and most sensitive equipment has complete security,” said Nicole Mummenhoff, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing, Lowepro. “The Nova AW series has consistently been a popular choice for photographers at all experience levels, and we’re confident that the new models will keep photographers shooting even when faced with challenging weather conditions.”Understanding that photographers need a shoulder bag that is as comfortable as it is functional, the new Nova AW models offer the ability to carry by hand with its soft, padded handle; by shoulder with its ergonomic, adjustable, removable shoulder strap with non-slip grip, or as a beltpack with its built-in belt loop. The Nova 180, 190 and 200 AW models include a sleeve, allowing travelers to slip the bag over rolling luggage handles. All models are fitted with a 360° All Weather Cover which enables photographers to access their camera bag with the cover on and still continue working despite harsh weather.Constructed of durable and attractive nylon exterior fabric, the Nova AW series is available in four sophisticated shades: Black, Bordeaux Red, Chestnut Brown and Ultramarine Blue.Nova AW Series DimensionsNova 140 AWInterior: 6.7W x 3.9D x 6.7H in. / 17 x 10 x 17 cmExterior: 8.3W x 6.7D x 8.7H in. / 21 x 17 x 22 cmNova 160 AWInterior: 7.9W x 4.3D x 6.7H in. / 20 x 11 x 17 cmExterior: 9.4W x 6.9D x 8.7H in. / 24 x 17.5 x 22 cmNova 170 AWInterior: 8.5W x 4.5D x 8.1H in. / 21.5 x 11.5 x 20.5 cmExterior: 9.5W x 7.1D x 9.6H in. / 24.2 x 18 x 24.5 cmNova 180 AWInterior: 9.4W x 5.9D x 7.9H in. / 24 x 15 x 20 cmExterior: 11W x 8.9D x 9.4H in. / 28 x 22.5 x 24 cmNova 190 AWInterior: 11.4W x 6.3D x 7.9H in. / 29 x 16 x 20 cmExterior: 13W x 9.3D x 9.4H in. / 33 x 23.5 x 24 cmNova 200 AWInterior: 13.6W x 7.1D x 9.1H in. / 34.5 x 18 x 23 cmExterior: 15W x 9.1D x 10.2H in. / 38 x 23.2 x 25.8 cm
Camera tracks brain activity
Posted on May 26, 2008 - Filed Under Digital | Leave a Comment
Semiconductor camera implanted in mouse’s brain : Japanese researchers have implanted a small camera inside a mouse’s brain to see how memory is formed, in an experiment they hope to some day apply to humans to treat illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease. The study, published in the “Journal of Neuroscience Methods” and “Sensors and Actuators,” used a camera 3 mm (0.1 inch) long, 2.3 mm wide and 2.4 mm in depth, said Jun Ohta, professor at Nara Institute of Science and Technology in western Japan. Working with researchers at Kinki University, Ohta implanted the special semiconductor camera inside the hippocampus of the mouse’s brain, designing the devise so that a screen showed blue light whenever the camera captured memory being recorded by the brain. Camera tracks brain activity The researchers injected the mouse with a substance that lights up whenever there is brain activity. The camera then captures that light and the visuals come up on a screen. The team now plans to use the camera while the mouse is walking. Research to treat Parkinson disease “We are thinking about how to apply this to humans, though we must be very careful, as it involves implanting something into the brain,” Ohta told Reuters. “It would take 10 years at the earliest.” The researchers hope the study will lead to new ways to treat Parkinson’s disease, as they aim to have the camera track brain activity that trigger symptoms such as tremors.
A Gateway to the Worlds Above
Posted on May 25, 2008 - Filed Under Photo | Leave a Comment
Berea College Observatory, Kentucky. Taken by Virgil
Olympus Sponsors Fiennes’ Everest Attempt
Posted on May 23, 2008 - Filed Under Art, News, Photo | Leave a Comment
Olympus is sponsoring Sir Ranulph Fiennes’ second attempt to climb Mt Everest, which aims to raise £3 million for Marie Curie Cancer Care. In April, Sir Ranulph Fiennes started the journey along with his team, and they aim to return home in early June. Olympus are supplying the flagship camera of the Four Thirds standard, the Olympus E-3, plus the ultra compact E410 and the Mju Tough cameras. Olympus UK Press Release Olympus takes photography to great heights Olympus is sponsoring Sir Ranulph Fiennes’ second attempt to climb Mt Everest. Three years after his previous attempt to conquer the magnificent Himalayan mountain range, Sir Ranulph will once again face the toughest challenge of his life to conquer the summit, this time from the Nepalese side. The ascent aims to raise £3 million for Marie Curie Cancer Care, a charity close to Sir Ranulph’s heart after cancer affected his family. In April, Sir Ranulph Fiennes started the journey along with his team from The Dream Guides Everest expedition; Kenton Cool, the expedition leader, and Rob Casserley recognised for his high altitude mountaineering skills. Joining them are reporters from the Daily Telegraph as well as an ITN film crew who will be there to capture the action. On reaching the summit the team also hopes to broadcast live into UK homes. For over 30 years, Sir Ranulph has enjoyed a long history with Olympus cameras taking them on many of his adventures. This expedition sees Sir Ranulph armed with the flagship of the Four Thirds standard, the Olympus E-3, the ultra compact E410 and the Mju Tough cameras. The High performance and reliability of the E- system coupled with the tough cameras will result in some iconic images of Sir Ranulph Fiennes successfully reaching the summit of Everest. The team aim to return home early June.
Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 gains motor for Nikons
Posted on May 22, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Reviews, Photo | Leave a Comment
Tamron has continued its process of adding in-lens motors to its Nikon-mount lenses, with its 28-75mm f/2.8 being the latest recipient. This makes the lens fully compatible with the Nikon D40, D40x and D60, offering their owners fields of view equivalent to a 42-112.5mm lens (in FX/35mm terms). The magnificently named ‘SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO’ can focus as close as 33cm throughout its zoom range. Press Release: TAMRON ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO with Built-in AF Motor for Nikon (Model A09NII) May 15, 2008, Commack, NY — Tamron Co., Ltd announced the launch of the popular SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO, a lightweight, compact and fast standard zoom lens compatible with full-size SLR cameras, now equipped with a built-in AF motor for use with Nikon cameras (model A09NII). The award-winning SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO zoom lens is a lightweight and compact standard zoom lens compatible with full-size SLR cameras and features a fast maximum aperture of F/2.8 that is constant over the entire zoom range. The lens enables users to enjoy the creative world of SLR photography by exploiting the attractive out-of-focus effect particular to fast maximum aperture lenses seen in portraiture or when using high shutter speeds. MAIN FEATURES ■Lightweight, fast standard zoom lens featuring Tamron’s proprietary XR technology The optical system designed to optimize the power distribution within the system by the innovative employment of XR (high refractive index) glass elements has realized the compactness while effectively compensating for various aberrations. Four hybrid aspherical elements placed at ideal positions ensure high depictive performance while contributing to downsizing the overall length. In addition, three LD (low dispersion) glass elements deliver high quality images. ■Minimum focus distance of 0.33m over the entire zoom range for 1:3.9 maximum magnification The SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di sports the minimum focus distance of 0.33m over the entire zoom range, the closest distance among fast standard zoom lenses in the class. With Tamron’s conventional SP AF28-105mm F/2.8 zoom lens, the minimum focus distance changes (0.5m at 28mm/105mm but 0.44m in the 70-85mm range). However, the SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di retains the minimum focus distance of 0.33m over the entire zoom range thanks to improvements in its optical and mechanical designs. The maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.9 at the 75mm tele end enables you to enjoy close-up photography easily. ■Mechanical design improvements for downsizing the maximum diameter while minimizing changes in zooming torque By the employment of various improvements in its mechanical design, Tamron has successfully packed the complicated lens configuration into a compact body for downsizing the maximum diameter of the lens. In addition, the improved mechanical construction minimizes changes in zooming torque for enhancing operational ease. Hidden improvements are also made from the perspective of manufacturing engineering to enhance the accuracy of parts, realizing the light weight and increasing durability. ■Zoom lock mechanism for convenience in carrying the outfit The lens has a built-in zoom lock mechanism to prevent sliding fall of its barrel when the outfit is carried around. ■Flower-shaped lens hood as a standard accessory The lens is supplied with a flower-shaped lens hood as a standard accessory designed to efficiently cut harmful light entering from angles other than intended angles at four corners of the frame in order to ensure clear descriptive performance. ■Form and texture appealing “high performance and the feel of high accuracy” worthy for the name “SP” – Outer design matching the new generation lens 1. Two gold-colored metal rings are placed at a key portion of the lens in order to enhance the visibility of the symbol of Tamron’s “SP” series. 2. The rubber pattern of the zoom and focus control rings has been changed to a pattern that is denser than the conventional rubber pattern, for better feel and touch in manipulating the lens. 3. Typefaces on the lens have been changed for better visibility. 4. Delicate matt-finish painting is added to the black painting over the lens barrel in order to enhance high quality image. Tamron lens specifications Lens name SP AF28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO Focal length 28 - 75 mm Angle of view 75- 32 Maximum aperture f/2.8 Minimum aperture f/32 Lens construction 14 groups 16 elements Closest focus distance 33 cm Maximum magnification ratio 1:3.9 Aperture blades 7 Filter attachment size 67 mm Dimensions 92 mm × 73 mm (3.62in × 2.87in) Weight 510g (18oz) Included accessories Flower-shaped lens hood
Book Review: Waiting for the Light by David Noton
Posted on May 21, 2008 - Filed Under Culture, Photo | Leave a Comment
Waiting for the Light is not only a collection of images by David Noton, a highly skilled and highly successful landscape photographer, it is an also insight into the mind of a professional who has won numerous awards and has been working freelance since 1985. Waiting for the Light is a visual journey of David Noton's work to date. It is an exploration of his images and it showcases some of his very best work. It contains many items from his portfolio which include photographs from every continent around the world. It is highlighted by the accompanying text that places an emphasis on his use of light and his ability to capture the essence of a place. The book is 160 full color pages divided into an introduction and four parts. "The Waiting Game" reflects on the fact that there is some luck to get the right kind of light, but if you haven't put in the preparation you will not get the perfect shot. Just showing up does not mean you will get great photos. In fact, if you just show up and shoot, all you will be doing is "taking" pictures, not "making" a photograph. Part one covers "Vision." Before a camera is even touched there is a lot of work to be done. You must first pre-visualize, compose, and plan your photo. These are all things that can be done with only the eyes of a photographer. Being in the right place at the right time is essential. Being there is all about finding, visualizing, and planning an image before shooting the picture. It is about finding a starting point, imagining how it could look, and then being in the right place at the right time. Here you will explore light; the most fundamental part of photography and a photograph made in the wrong light is worthless. You will see about composing a photograph. This is about arranging shapes in a frame. You also have to take into consideration color; here you will see the five options for color. How you use it will be somewhat dependant on the light, but it will also affect the effect your image will have on others. Then you will see how distance will give your image scale. Will it be big and majestic, or will it tower and encompass you? Time dominates you as a photographer. If you are doing landscape photography, then you need to be in the right place at the right time. This usually means out before dawn, and out before dusk. These two times of the day are when the light is most vibrant and gives the best shows. These are considered "Happy Hour" for the photographer. Part two "Environments" cover subjects that are different, giving a photographer their own challenges. The light in a rainforest is different than the light in a desert, and different yet again is the light in the arctic. Whether it is rock, sand, ice, water, wood, or concrete, the author takes you through these subjects and more, showing both the work he has done and the challenges he has faced when working with them.page 1 | 2
Friends
Posted on May 20, 2008 - Filed Under Photo | Leave a Comment
Tokyo, Japan. Taken by Hata3