Video Training Review: Vue 6 xStream Essential Training With Larry Mitchell
Posted on June 30, 2008 - Filed Under Culture, Photo | Leave a Comment
Vue 6 is the latest release from e-on software for the creation of realistic 3D environments. These include landscapes, buildings, and atmospheres. These creations can be used for both still work as well as animation and have been used to create new worlds for popular films such as Pirates of the Caribbean and Spiderwick Chronicles. To learn more about the product itself you can read my review Vue 6 Infinite. Your trainer for this library is Larry Mitchell, a digital media artist and producer for the last 20 years. He has created graphics and software for TV shows, arenas, video games and commercials. Vue 6 xStream Essential Training is divided into 11 lessons and runs 9.5 hours. Lesson 1, "Getting to Know Vue" begins with a brief welcome and an explanation of how to use the exercise files. Then you move into an overview of the Vue interface and the rich number of options that are available for you use. You then are shown some essential preferences and how to select and transform objects. Lesson 2, "Vue Objects" gives you a good run through of all of the different objects that you can find in Vue such as primitives, rocks, plants, water, clouds, and terrain. Lesson 3, "Additional Objects" describes the library, text, and the importation of 3D objects. Lesson 4, "Modeling Objects" teach you about the ventilator objects, Boolean, objects, and group objects. Ventilators are a method to give you a localized wind source so that when the main wind is blowing one way, the ventilator can blow something a different direction. Boolean allows you to use logic to create an new item from more than one object. Group objects allow you to create parent/child and sibling/sibling relationships between objects. Lesson 5, "Materials" is all about the different types of materials that you can work with from within Vue. Here you will see how to create basic materials, animated materials, eco systems, hyper textures, and sub surface scattering; allowing light to be absorbed or redirected through a material. Lesson 6, "Lighting" shows you how to create different lighting types, how to control and edit lights, and converting objects to area lights. Lesson 7,"Cameras" guides you through the use of camera. Cameras are how the rendering sees your objects. This includes controlling the camera, showing you what the advanced camera options are, and how to use frame guides to make sure that objects are effectively displayed in your render. Lesson 8, "Working with Atmospheres" is a detailed lesson in making your world appear more real. Here you will work with clouds, the sun, sky, fog, stars, wind, and other things that will give your image depth.page 1 | 2
Ilford Re-Introduces Pre-mounted Galerie Boards
Posted on June 30, 2008 - Filed Under News, Photo | Leave a Comment
Ilford has revived its line of foam boards with pre-mounted Galerie papers. The boards are available with Galerie Smooth Pearl and Gloss surfaces. They are designed to be used with inkjet printers that accept thick board media, allowing photos to be printed directly on the mounted paper, with no separate mounting process required. The Galerie boards are available in packs of 10, in 10×12-, 11×14-, 12×16-, 16×20-, and 20×24-inch sizes.
Ricoh Caplio GX-200
Posted on June 28, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Reviews, Photo | Leave a Comment
Ricoh has today announced the GX200 digital compact camera. The new model is replacing the GX100 and inherits the old model’s 24 to 72 mm (equiv.) lens, manual controls and a removable (optional) tilting electronic viewfinder. Resolution has been increased to 12 megapixels, the screen now measures 2.7 inches and the camera is controlled by the latest version of Ricoh’s imaging processor - the Smooth Imaging Engine III. The GX200 will be available in the UK from the beginning of July. Press release: A high-end, 24 mm super-wide-angle, optical zoom, digital compact featuring high resolution 12 megapixel CCD coupled with the latest imaging engine SIE III Tokyo, Japan June, 24, 2008 Ricoh Co., Ltd. (president and CEO: Shiro Kondo) has announced today the development and release of the GX200. The GX200 is able to reproduce high quality images from edge-to-edge with low noise and natural gradation. This camera succeeds the award winning Caplio GX100 compact digital camera introduced in April 2007. The GX200 inherits the popular features of the GX100 such as a 24 to 72 mm (35 mm film equivalent focal length) high-performance wide-angle optical zoom lens on a 25 mm thin pocketable compact body, a wide variety of manual shooting functions, and a removable tilting electronic viewfinder. The new GX200 achieves increased resolution via its 12 megapixel CCD and dramatic noise reduction with the addition of the new image processing engine Smooth Imaging Engine III. Already a popular part of the Caplio GX100, the high-resolution wide-angle lens unit has been further configured to enable picture taking at an even higher resolution. With a large wide-viewing angle 2.7-inch 460,000 dots HVGA LCD and an electronic level function, for horizontal and vertical shooting, the GX200 contains extensive shooting functions to enable camera lovers to enjoy and create stunning photographs. This model comes in two package types with different accessories. The GX200 package contains: rechargeable lithium ion battery, battery charger, AV cable, USB cable, CD-ROM, strap, and lens cap. The GX200 VF KIT package contains all the above accessories plus the electronic viewfinder. *The lens focal lengths used in this document are the equivalent focal length for a 35 mm camera. Main features of the new Ricoh GX200 1. Greater image quality through use of a 12 megapixel CCD, a new image processing engine and continuous RAW mode capture. An effective 12 megapixel high-performance 1/1.7-inch CCD has been newly installed, with each pixel comes increased resolution. The adoption of a new image processing engine Smooth Imaging Engine III allows for greater control over the noise reduction process by the photographer without sacrificing resolution or saturation. High image quality combined with a lens with greater backlight capability*. *This is the 24 to 72 mm equivalent wide-angle zoom lens mounted on the previous model (Caplio GX100). It features a generous configuration of 11 elements in 7 groups, including superior aspheric surface lenses and high-refractive-index, low-dispersion lenses. This optimal configuration restricts distortion, chromatic aberration, and light falloff at edges for wide-angle operation while delivering aperture light settings from F2.5 (wide) to F4.4 (tele-photo). In addition, ghosting has been further reduced through the improvements made to the lens unit. 2. Large, high-resolution 2.7-inch, 460,000-dots HVGA LCD. The new 2.7-inch, 460,000-dots high-resolution LCD has a wide viewing angle and high contrast for distinct, easy viewing even outdoors. When thumbnail images are displayed, even the small 1/20 size images are clearly reproduced. 3. Electronic level utilizing an acceleration sensor to help keep the camera body horizontally or vertically level. If the level setting is set on, when the camera is level, the level indicator becomes green in the picture display. Being able to check whether the image is level while looking at the display can be useful for keeping the camera level when composing pictures of landscapes, buildings, and other scenes where the horizon is visible. It is possible to check whether the camera is level using the level sound setting. The electronic level can also be utilized while using the viewfinder. 4. Extensive shooting functions and high operability. Expanding buffer memory has made continuous shooting of up to five images possible in RAW mode, and it is also now possible to use the bracketing function to automatically change exposure settings when shooting in RAW mode. Other expanded RAW shooting capabilities include the ability to shoot 1:1 aspect ratio (vertical/horizontal ratio) format photography in RAW mode. The number of mode dial “My Settings” options for defining your own shooting settings has increased to three. (There were two on the Caplio GX100.) There are now one-push mode change function buttons both on the top surface and as one of the rear-surface cross keys. These buttons can be used for customized settings to, for example, to switch from JPEG to RAW or from colour to B&W. You can switch quickly to your preferred shooting mode when confronted with a sudden photo opportunity. The AF target shift function, which before could only be used in macro shooting, is now also available in normal shooting. Without moving the camera, it is possible to shift the target for AF or AE or both. The flash is manually raised by sliding the open switch. Flash functions on the GX200 have been further expanded with a light intensity adjustment function (-2.0 EV to +2.0 EV), a manual flash function in which intensity can be set, and a flash synchro setting where flash timing can be set as „1st Curtain“ or „2nd Curtain.“ An auto rotate function makes it easier to view images on the picture display. Even when shooting in high-contrast situations, the camera can use an auto level correction function to achieve an appropriate level of brightness while reducing areas that are overly bright or dark. There is a distortion correction function (on/off selection possible) to automatically correct image distortion during shooting also usable with 19 mm conversion lens. When in aperture priority mode, an auto aperture shift function will automatically adjust the aperture setting to prevent overexposure. 5. Enhanced image editing functions enable images to be manipulated in the camera. (1) Image colour tone correction (white balance compensation). By adjusting green, magenta, blue, and amber tones, still image colour tone can be corrected, with the corrected image being recorded in the camera. (2) Image brightness and contrast correction (level compensation). Still image brightness and contrast can be corrected with either auto or manual modes, with the corrected image being recorded in the camera. With manual correction, the image is corrected by adjusting the histogram. (3) Wide range of creative monochrome possibilities. Colour, colour density, contrast, and sharpness can each be defined on a five-level scale. Sepia, red, green, blue, and purple colour selections are possible. 6. Additional options further expand possibilities for camera use. Lens cap (LC-1) opens and closes automatically in sync with lens movement. 135 mm equivalent tele conversion lens (TC-1) with built-in hood. Filter attachment possible. When the tele conversion lens is attached, vignetting will occur when the zoom is not set to full telephoto. *The above two options can also be used on the Caplio GX100. 7. Removable electronic viewfinder can be attached. A removable and tiltable electronic viewfinder can be attached (included in GX200 VF KIT). The field of view provides 100% coverage without parallax and can display the same information as on the LCD picture display. It is convenient for shooting in bright outdoor environments and enables shooting to be done in a conventional film camera style. List of GX200 Options: Ricoh code Description RRP TC-1 Teleconverter lens £99.99 DW-6 19 mm Wide angle lens £99.99 LC-1 Tri-Lens Cap £19.99 HA-2 Hood and Adapter set for DW-6 and TC-1 £34.99 VF-1 Electronic Viewfinder £79.99 SC-45 Soft Leather case £29.99 ST-2 Ricoh GX Neck strap £14.99 AC-4c Mains adaptor £34.99 CA-1 Cable release £29.99 *1 The VF-1 LCD view finder is included in „GX200 VF KIT“. *2 The HA-2 hood and adapter is required when using the wide conversion lens or the tele conversion lens. When the wide conversion lens or the tele conversion lens is attached; the internal flash cannot be used because vignetting may occur. *3 The ST-1 neck strap for the GX/GX8 cannot be used. Ricoh Caplio GX200 Specifications List price (EU) • GX200 £349.99 • GX200 with electronic viewfinder £399.99 Sensor • 12.1 million effective pixels • 12.4 million total pixels • 1/1.7-inch primary-colour CCD Image stabilization CCD-shift Image sizes • 4000×3000 [4:3] • 3264×2448 [4:3] • 2592×1944 [4:3] • 2048×1536 [4:3] • 1280×960 [4:3] • 640×480 [4:3] • 3984×2656 [3:2] • 2992×2992 [1:1] Movie: 640×480 Movie: AVI (Open DML Motion JPEG Format Compliant) Output formats • JPEG (Exif Ver. 2.21) • RAW (DNG) Image processor Smooth Imaging Engine III Lens • 3x zoom • Focal length: f=5.1 to 15.3 mm (24 to 72 mm equiv.) • Step Zoom: 24 mm, 28 mm, 35 mm, 50 mm, 72 mm) • Aperture: F2.5 (wide) to F4.4 (telephoto) • 11 glass elements in 7 groups Focus modes • Multi AF (CCD method) • Spot AF (CCD method) • Manual Focus • Snap • Infinity (with focus lock and AF aux. light) AF assist lamp Yes Shooting modes • Auto • Program Shift Mode • Aperture Priority Mode • Manual Exposure Mode • Scene Mode • My Settings Mode Scene modes • Movie • Portrait • Sports • Landscape • Nightscape • Zoom Macro • Skew Correct Mode • Text Mode Metering • Multi Light Metering (256 segments) • Centre-weighted • Spot (TTL-CCD metering, AE lock available) AE Lock Yes AE Bracketing +/- 0.3/0.5 EV Exposure compen. • +/- 2.0 EV • 0.3 EV increments Sensitivity • AUTO • AUTO-HI • ISO64 • 100 • 200 • 400 • 800 • 1600 Shutter speed 180, 120, 60, 30, 15, 8, 4, 2, 1 to 1/2000 sec Aperture values • F2.5 (wide) to F4.4 (telephoto) White balance • Auto • Outdoors • Cloudy • Incandescent Lamp • Fluorescent Lamp • Manual Settings • Detail White balance bracket function Drive modes • Single • CONT • S-CONT • M-CONT • Interval Shooting (shooting interval: 5 sec. to 3 hr., in increments of 5 sec.) Self-timer Operation time: approx. 10 sec. / 2 sec. LCD monitor • 2.7 inch Transparent Amorphous Silicon TFT LCD • approx. 460,000 dots Flash • Auto • Red-eye Flash • Flash On • Flash Synchro • Manual Flash • Flash Off • Range (wide): Approx. 20 cm to 5.0 m (ISO AUTO) • Range (tele): Approx. 15 cm to 3.0 m (ISO AUTO) • Flash Compensation: ±2.0 EV (1/3 EV steps) Connectivity • USB 2.0 High-Speed (mini B cable) • Mass Storage • Audio Output 1.0Vp-p (75Ω) • Video OUT Storage • SD memory card • SDHC memory card (up to 16 GB) • Internal Memory (approx. 54 MB) Power • Rechargeable Battery (DB60) ×1 • AAA Dry Alkaline Battery ×2 • AAA Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery ×2 • AC Adapter (Optional) Dimensions 111.6 mm (W) × 58.0 mm (H) × 25.0 mm (D) excluding protruding parts Weight (with battery) Approx. 238 g
Olympus SP 570 UZ review
Posted on June 27, 2008 - Filed Under Reviews, Cameras | Leave a Comment
Olympus SP-570 UZ digital camera review : In August 2005, Olympus introduced the very first camera from the new SP-5 series; the SP-500 UZ camera. At the time it was a Megazoom camera that certainly featured high specifications; six Megapixels, a maximum ISO of 400 and an optical zoom with a 38-380mm range. Three years later, the fifth model of the SP-5 series lays before me; the Olympus SP-570 UZ, the most recent Megazoom model by Olympus. Evolution of the Olympus SP-570 UZ Looking at the specifications, we clearly see the evolution this model underwent. Instead of six, there’s now room for ten Megapixels on the small image sensor, and the sensitivity of 6400, albeit with a limited resolution, surpasses the ‘high’ 400 ISO setting of that of its predecessor. The optical zoom lens also went through a real change; now offering a 20x optical zoom, resulting in a huge focal range (26-520mm) which is a powerful magnification factor even for the enhanced photographer. Digital camera developments In only a few years time the digital camera has undergone considerable changes and is, in fact, still going through this process. It looks like this trend will continue for a while. We are not always happy with the changes, but all in all it is a logical evolution. As long as the quality is ensured and improvements are visible, there is no reason to moan. Though it is a good motivation to keep a finger on the pulse, since a manufacturer’s marketing department sometimes tends to overdo it. One example that goes for nearly every brand is the race for the highest ISO setting possible. The latter is hardly ever useful in practice and only looks good on paper. Although Megazoom cameras tend to lean towards the features of digital SLRs, they are in fact compact cameras with the smaller sensors that come with these. Olympus SP-570UZ Megazoom digital camera The Megazoom digital camera market remains interesting to the manufacturer. While a number of manufacturers have left this concept alone in order to focus fully on their DSLR cameras, a considerable group of consumers really seemed to appreciate this Megazoom camera. The features; compact, lightweight and super zoom, form a powerful combination to give cameras like the Olympus SP-570UZ the right to exist. Olympus SP-570 UZ camera review The Olympus SP-570 was introduced in January of this year, just before the PMA 2008 in Las Vegas kicked off, and only recently became available to the consumer. Thanks to all its setting possibilities and all-round capacities, the Olympus SP-570 UZ camera seems to be the perfect alternative to a D-SLR camera. It’s a camera that is easy to take with you at all times. Read the following
Fujifilm speeds up CompactFlash
Posted on June 26, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Photo | Leave a Comment
Fujifilm has launched its fastest-ever CompactFlash memory card, boasting a ’sustained write-speed of 46.5MB/sec’. The 310x CompactFlash card comes in 4GB, 8GB and 16GB storage capacities and is UDMA-compatible. The 4GB version costs £49.99; the 8GB card is £119.99; and the 16GB version £209.99.
Just posted: Early Canon EOS 1000D sample images
Posted on June 26, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Reviews, Photo | Leave a Comment
Just posted: Early samples gallery from the new Canon EOS 1000D / Digital Rebel XS. Canon’s new entry-level DSLR has generated a lot of interest, racing to the top of our most-clicked-on cameras list, so we’ve gone out and shot a samples gallery to give you some idea of what to expect. We must stress, however, that these are beta-standard images from a pre-production camera. Canon EOS 1000D Samples Gallery - Posted 13 June 2008 There are 30 images in the samples gallery. Please do not reproduce any of these images on a website or any newsletter / magazine without prior permission (see our copyright page). We make the originals available for private users to download to their own machines for personal examination or printing (in conjunction with this review), we do so in good faith, please don’t abuse it. Unless otherwise noted images taken with no particular settings at full resolution. A reduced size image (within 1024 x 1024 bounds) is provided to be more easily viewed in your browser. As always the original untouched image is available by clicking on this reduced image. Images marked DPP have been processed using Digital Photo Professional to make minor adjustments to white balance.
Ricoh GX200
Posted on June 25, 2008 - Filed Under Art, News, Photo | Leave a Comment
The Ricoh GX200 compact digital camera for professionals is the 12 megapixel successor to last year’s GX100 model. Other significant improvements offered by the GX200 include better noise reduction thanks to the new Smooth Imaging Engine III processing engine, a larger 2.7-inch, 460,000 pixel HVGA LCD screen, 5fps continuous RAW mode and an electronic level function for horizontal and vertical shooting. It also offers the same 24-72mm zoom lens, 25mm thick body and removable tilting electronic viewfinder (optional accessory). The Ricoh GX200 costs £349.99, or £399.99 as a kit with the VF-1 electronic viewfinder. We’ve got some exclusive Ricoh GX200 sample photos, and our full review will follow later this week. Ricoh UK Press Release London, 24th of June 2008 New: RICOH GX200 A high-end, 24 mm super-wide-angle, optical zoom, digital compact featuring high resolution 12 megapixel CCD coupled with the latest imaging engine SIE III Tokyo, Japan June, 24, 2008 Ricoh Co., Ltd. (president and CEO: Shiro Kondo) has announced today the development and release of the GX200. The GX200 is able to reproduce high quality images from edge-to-edge with low noise and natural gradation. This camera succeeds the award winning Caplio GX100 compact digital camera introduced in April 2007. The GX200 inherits the popular features of the GX100 such as a 24 to 72 mm (35 mm film equivalent focal length) high-performance wide-angle optical zoom lens on a 25 mm thin pocketable compact body, a wide variety of manual shooting functions, and a removable tilting electronic viewfinder. The new GX200 achieves increased resolution via its 12 megapixel CCD and dramatic noise reduction with the addition of the new image processing engine Smooth Imaging Engine III. Already a popular part of the Caplio GX100, the high-resolution wide-angle lens unit has been further configured to enable picture taking at an even higher resolution. With a large wide-viewing angle 2.7-inch 460,000 dots HVGA LCD and an electronic level function, for horizontal and vertical shooting, the GX200 contains extensive shooting functions to enable camera lovers to enjoy and create stunning photographs. This model comes in two package types with different accessories. The GX200 package contains: rechargeable lithium ion battery, battery charger, AV cable, USB cable, CD-ROM, strap, and lens cap. The GX200 VF KIT package contains all the above accessories plus the electronic viewfinder. *The lens focal lengths used in this document are the equivalent focal length for a 35 mm camera. Main features of the new Ricoh GX200 1. Greater image quality through use of a 12 megapixel CCD, a new image processing engine and continuous RAW mode capture. • An effective 12 megapixel high-performance 1/1.7-inch CCD has been newly installed, with each pixel comes increased resolution. • The adoption of a new image processing engine Smooth Imaging Engine III allows for greater control over the noise reduction process by the photographer without sacrificing resolution or saturation. • High image quality combined with a lens with greater backlight capability*. • *This is the 24 to 72 mm equivalent wide-angle zoom lens mounted on the previous model (Caplio GX100). It features a generous configuration of 11 elements in 7 groups, including superior aspheric surface lenses and high-refractive-index, low-dispersion lenses. This optimal configuration restricts distortion, chromatic aberration, and light falloff at edges for wide-angle operation while delivering aperture light settings from F2.5 (wide) to F4.4 (tele-photo). In addition, ghosting has been further reduced through the improvements made to the lens unit. 2. Large, high-resolution 2.7-inch, 460,000-dots HVGA LCD. • The new 2.7-inch, 460,000-dots high-resolution LCD has a wide viewing angle and high contrast for distinct, easy viewing even outdoors. When thumbnail images are displayed, even the small 1/20 size images are clearly reproduced. 3. Electronic level utilizing an acceleration sensor to help keep the camera body horizontally or vertically level. • If the level setting is set on, when the camera is level, the level indicator becomes green in the picture display. Being able to check whether the image is level while looking at the display can be useful for keeping the camera level when composing pictures of landscapes, buildings, and other scenes where the horizon is visible. • It is possible to check whether the camera is level using the level sound setting. • The electronic level can also be utilized while using the viewfinder. 4. Extensive shooting functions and high operability. • Expanding buffer memory has made continuous shooting of up to five images possible in RAW mode, and it is also now possible to use the bracketing function to automatically change exposure settings when shooting in RAW mode. Other expanded RAW shooting capabilities include the ability to shoot 1:1 aspect ratio (vertical/horizontal ratio) format photography in RAW mode. • The number of mode dial “My Settings” options for defining your own shooting settings has increased to three. (There were two on the Caplio GX100.) • There are now one-push mode change function buttons both on the top surface and as one of the rear-surface cross keys. These buttons can be used for customized settings to, for example, to switch from JPEG to RAW or from colour to B&W. You can switch quickly to your preferred shooting mode when confronted with a sudden photo opportunity. • The AF target shift function, which before could only be used in macro shooting, is now also available in normal shooting. Without moving the camera, it is possible to shift the target for AF or AE or both. • The flash is manually raised by sliding the open switch. Flash functions on the GX200 have been further expanded with a light intensity adjustment function (-2.0 EV to +2.0 EV), a manual flash function in which intensity can be set, and a flash synchro setting where flash timing can be set as „1st Curtain“ or „2nd Curtain.“ • An auto rotate function makes it easier to view images on the picture display. • Even when shooting in high-contrast situations, the camera can use an auto level correction function to achieve an appropriate level of brightness while reducing areas that are overly bright or dark. • There is a distortion correction function (on/off selection possible) to automatically correct image distortion during shooting also usable with 19 mm conversion lens. • When in aperture priority mode, an auto aperture shift function will automatically adjust the aperture setting to prevent overexposure. 5. Enhanced image editing functions enable images to be manipulated in the camera. (1) Image colour tone correction (white balance compensation). • By adjusting green, magenta, blue, and amber tones, still image colour tone can be corrected, with the corrected image being recorded in the camera. (2) Image brightness and contrast correction (level compensation). • Still image brightness and contrast can be corrected with either auto or manual modes, with the corrected image being recorded in the camera. With manual correction, the image is corrected by adjusting the histogram. (3) Wide range of creative monochrome possibilities. • Colour, colour density, contrast, and sharpness can each be defined on a five-level scale. • Sepia, red, green, blue, and purple colour selections are possible. 6. Additional options further expand possibilities for camera use. • Lens cap (LC-1) opens and closes automatically in sync with lens movement. • 135 mm equivalent tele conversion lens (TC-1) with built-in hood. Filter attachment possible. When the tele conversion lens is attached, vignetting will occur when the zoom is not set to full telephoto. *The above two options can also be used on the Caplio GX100. 7. Removable electronic viewfinder can be attached. • A removable and tiltable electronic viewfinder can be attached (included in GX200 VF KIT). • The field of view provides 100% coverage without parallax and can display the same information as on the LCD picture display. • It is convenient for shooting in bright outdoor environments and enables shooting to be done in a conventional film camera style. List of GX200 Options Ricoh code Description RRP TC-1 Teleconverter lens £99.99 DW-6 19 mm Wide angle lens £99.99 LC-1 Tri-Lens Cap £19.99 HA-2 Hood and Adapter set for DW-6 and TC-1 £34.99 VF-1 Electronic Viewfinder £79.99 SC-45 Soft Leather case £29.99 ST-2 Ricoh GX Neck strap £14.99 AC-4c Mains adaptor £34.99 CA-1 Cable release £29.99 *1 The VF-1 LCD view finder is included in „GX200 VF KIT“. *2 The HA-2 hood and adapter is required when using the wide conversion lens or the tele conversion lens. When the wide conversion lens or the tele conversion lens is attached; the internal flash cannot be used because vignetting may occur. *3 The ST-1 neck strap for the GX/GX8 cannot be used. GX200 with electronic viewfinder included, will be available in the beginning of July 2008 at £399.99 inc vat., GX200 Standard is available at £349.99. Ricoh GX200 – Major Specifications CCD: Effective 12.1 million pixels (total 12.4 million pixels), 1/1.7-inch primary-colour CCD Lens: Focal length: f=5.1 to 15.3 mm (35 mm film equivalent focal length 24 to 72 mm. With Step Zoom set, the following fixed focal lengths possible: 24 mm, 28 mm, 35 mm, 50 mm, 72 mm) Aperture (F value): F2.5 (wide) to F4.4 (telephoto) Shooting Distance: Normal shooting: Approx. 30 cm to infinity (wide-angle), approx. 30 cm to infinity (telephoto) (from the front of the lens) / Macro shooting: Approx. 1.0 cm to infinity (wide-angle), approx. 4.0 cm to infinity (telephoto), approx. 1.0 cm to infinity (zoom macro) (from the front of the lens) Lens Construction: 11 glass elements in 7 groups Zoom Magnification: Optical zoom: 3x (35mm film equivalent focal length 24 to 72 mm) Digital zoom: 4x, up to 12x (288 mm equivalent) in combination with optical zoom Auto resize zoom: 6.3x, up to 18.9x (450 mm equivalent) in combination with optical zoom (VGA image) Focus Mode: Multi AF (CCD method) / Spot AF (CCD method) / Manual Focus / Snap / Infinity (with focus lock and AF aux. light) Motion Blur Reduction: CCD shift method image stabilizer Shutter Speed:*1 Still image: 180, 120, 60, 30, 15, 8, 4, 2, 1 to 1/2000 sec. / Movie: 1/30 - 1/2000 sec. Exposure Adjustment: Exposure Metering Mode: Multi Light Metering (256 segments) / Centre-weighted / Spot (TTL-CCD metering, AE lock available) Exposure mode: Program AE / Aperture Priority AE / Manual Exposure Exposure compensation: Manual Exposure Compensation (+2.0 to -2.0 EV in 1/3 EV steps) / Auto Bracket Function (-0.5 EV, ±0, +0.5 EV /-0.3 EV, ±0, +0.3 EV) ISO Sensitivity (Standard Output Sensitivity): AUTO / AUTO-HI / ISO64 / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 White Balance Mode: Auto / Outdoors / Cloudy / Incandescent Lamp / Fluorescent Lamp / Manual Settings / Detail White balance bracket function Flash: Built-in Flash Mode: Auto (during low light and when subject is backlit) / Red-eye Flash / Flash On / Flash Synchro / Manual Flash (Full, 1/1.4, 1/2, 1/2.8, 1/4, 1/5.6, 1/8, 1/11, 1/16, 1/22, 1/32) / Flash Off / Built-in Flash Range: Approx. 20 cm to 5.0 m (wide-angle), approx. 15 cm to 3.0 m (telephoto) (ISO AUTO / ISO 400, from the front of the lens) Flash Compensation: ±2.0 EV (1/3 EV steps) Picture Display: 2.7“ Transparent Amorphous Silicon TFT LCD, approx. 460,000 dots Shooting Mode: Auto Shooting Mode / Program Shift Mode / Aperture Priority Mode / Manual Exposure Mode / Scene Mode (Movie / Portrait / Sports / Landscape / Nightscape / Zoom Macro / Skew Correct Mode / Text Mode) / My Settings Mode Picture Quality Mode:*2 F (Fine) / N (Normal) / RAW (DNG file format)*3 Number of Recorded Pixels: Still image: [4:3] 4000×3000, 3264×2448, 2592×1944, 2048×1536, 1280×960, 640×480 [3:2] 3984×2656 / [1:1] 2992×2992 / Movie: 640×480, 320×240 / Text: 4000×3000, 2048×1536 Recording Media: SD memory card, SDHC memory card (up to 16 GB), Internal Memory (approx. 54 MB) Storage Capacity*4 (No. of Pictures) (Internal 54 MB Memory): Still image: 4000×3000 (RAW: 2 / F: 11 / N: 20), 3984×2656 (RAW: 2 / F: 13 / N: 23) 2992×2992 (RAW: 3 / (F: 15) / N: 27 3264×2448 (N: 30) / 2592×1944 (N: 48) 2048×1536 (N: 74) / 1280×960 (N: 133), 640×480 (N: 497) Storage Capacity (Time) (Internal 54 MB Memory): Movie:*5 640×480 / 30 frames/sec. (41 sec.), 640×480 / 15 frames/sec. (1 min. 22 sec.), 320×240 / 30 frames/sec. (1 min. 22 sec.), 320×240 / 15 frames/sec (2 min. 40 sec.) Recording File Format: Still image: JPEG (Exif Ver. 2.21)DCF*6, RAW (DNG) Movie: AVI (Open DML Motion JPEG Format Compliant) Other Major Shooting Functions: CONT. / S-CONT / M-CONT / Self-timer (operation time: approx. 10 sec. / 2 sec.), Interval Shooting (shooting interval: 5 sec. to 3 hr., in increments of 5 sec.)*7, Colour Bracket, B&W (TE), Noise Reduction, Histogram, Grid Guide, Electronic Level, Hot Shoe Other Major Playback Functions: Auto Rotate, Grid View, Enlarged View (maximum 16x), Resize Interface: USB 2.0 High-Speed (mini B cable), Mass Storage*8 / Audio Output 1.0Vp-p (75Ω) / Video OUT Video Signal Format: NTSC /PAL Power Source: Rechargeable Battery (DB60) ×1 / AAA Dry Alkaline Battery ×2 / AAA Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery ×2 / AC Adapter (AC-4c Optional) 3.8V Battery Consumption:*9 Based on CIPA Standard: DB-60 usage: approx. 350 pictures / AAA alkaline battery usage: approx. 30 pictures*10 Dimensions: 111.6 mm (W) × 58.0 mm (H) × 25.0 mm (D) excluding projecting parts Weight: Approx. 208 g (excluding battery, SD memory card, and strap) Accessories: approx. 30 g (battery and strap) Operating Temperature: 0ºC-40ºC * 1: The shutter speed upper and lower limits vary depending on the shooting mode and flash mode. * 2: The picture quality mode that can be set varies depending on the image size. * 3: A JPEG file in Normal 640 or in Fine/Normal mode with the same size as the RAW file is recorded at the same time. The DNG file format is a RAW image file format and is the standard format of Adobe Systems. *4: The estimated number of pictures that can be recorded or the estimated recording time. *5: The maximum movie length that can be recorded at one time is either 90 minutes or 4 GB. *6: Compatible with DCF and DPOF. DCF is the abbreviation for “Design rule for Camera File system,” a JEITA standard. (Full compatibility with other devices is not guaranteed.) *7: When the flash is set to [Flash Off]. *8: Mass storage mode is supported by Windows Me, 2000, XP, Vista, Mac OS9.0-9.2.2, and Mac SX10.1.2-10.5.2. *9: The number of remaining shots is based on the CIPA standard and may vary depending on usage conditions. This is for reference only. *10: Using Panasonic AAA alkaline batteries. * Windows is a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S.A. and other countries. * Mac OS is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. in the U.S.A. and other countries.
National Geographic Photographer Brings Her Kids to Work
Posted on June 24, 2008 - Filed Under News, Photo | Leave a Comment
Balancing work with a social life can be a challenge even for single photographers, but adding a husband and two kids to the mix can lead to disaster, or worse, a desk job. Annie Griffiths Belt found the perfect solution, bringing her family along for the ride. After 20 years of marriage and 18 years of parenting, the 55-year-old National Geographic photographer’s plan is a proven success. Her daughter Lily, 18, is about to begin her freshman year of college with plans to become a physician and Charlie, 15, is attending high school. Lily and Charlie Belt spent much of their childhood away from home, living for months at a time on every continent but Antarctica. Griffiths Belt says that spending all that time away from school, while difficult, was a positive influence in her children’s development. “I think it enhanced both their education and their social lives,” she said. “They’re very flexible kids; they’re very open to new cultures and new experiences.” As her kids developed open minds and a level of flexibility many parents could only dream of, Griffiths Belt continued to develop as a photographer. She explored the world with her camera, while Lily and Charlie explored with their nanny, never far from their parents. A year before her first child was born, in 1988, Griffiths Belt married National Geographic correspondent Don Belt. As a family the Belts travel together whenever possible, often working on the same assignments. But now that her children are growing older, missing school is no longer an option. Staying together is no less a priority now, however, so Griffiths Belt says she’s adjusted her schedule to accommodate those of her children, traveling for long periods of time only during the summer.
Mirrorbay
Posted on June 22, 2008 - Filed Under Photo | Leave a Comment
Sunset in Seixal Bay, Portugal. Taken by Rosa Gamboias
Free Apple Training Day
Posted on June 18, 2008 - Filed Under Art, News, Photo | Leave a Comment
Square Group is hosting a free event dedicated to Apple’s Professional Creative Applications in London, UK. The Square event will focus on the latest offerings from Apple in pro photo, video and audio technology, including Aperture 2. It takes place at The Design Council in London’s Covent Garden on Thursday 3rd July. Join Square Group for a day dedicated to Apple’s Professional Creative Applications Pro Photo, Video and Audio - all on one day! Tuesday 17th June 2008 - Square Group, an Apple Premium Reseller, is today announcing that it will be hosting a free event on Thursday 3rd July dedicated to Apple’s Professional Creative Applications. Join the team from Square, and the experts from Apple, at The Design Council in London’s Covent Garden on Thursday 3rd July for a look at the latest offerings in pro photo, video and audio technology as follows: Aperture 2: Get A Closer Look – 10am-12pm See the difference with Aperture 2 - Apple’s groundbreaking photo editing and management software. Now it’s faster than ever to review shots, enhance images, manage massive libraries and deliver stunning photos. And with more than 100 incredible new features - including an intuitive new interface - with Aperture 2 your best shots just got better, faster. Final Cut Studio 2 – 12.30pm-2.30pm See for yourself how much faster and more powerful your work becomes when you upgrade. Running Final Cut Studio 2 on the new 8-core MacPro with Mac OS X Leopard offers an astounding array of new tools designed to improve every aspect of the post-production process. Logic Studio: See How It Sounds – 3pm-5pm Join us and hear for yourself how you can create, record, and perform your music faster and more professionally than ever before with Logic Studio. Whatever kind of music you make, with Logic Studio on a Mac you can have every tool you need to capture an initial idea and then create the music you want. Registration is from 9.30-10am with refreshments being served throughout the day. If you are interested in attending one of all of the sessions please visit http://www.squaregroup.co.uk/events-main.aspx for further information and a registration form.