Panasonic Unveils 14.7-Megapixel Lumix DMC-FX150
Posted on July 28, 2008 - Filed Under News, Photo | Leave a Comment
Panasonic has introduced a compact 14.7-megapixel point-and-shoot camera with an optically stabilized wide-angle 3.6x zoom lens. The Lumix DMC-FX150 sports a Leica DC Vario-Elmarit lens with an f/2.8-5.6 maximum aperture and a 28mm-100mm (35mm camera equivalent) focal-length range, along with a 230,000-dot, 2.7-inch LCD. The camera uses Panasonic’s Venus Engine IV processor to boost shooting speed and performance.
The FX150 offers both automatic exposure controls and a shutter-priority option that Panasonic calls Simple Manual. The camera’s automatic shutter speed range runs from 1/2000 to 60 seconds. Its Advanced Intelligent Auto mode deploys a battery of automatic tools to open up dark shadow areas, activate tracking autofocus and optical image stabilization, boost the ISO and shutter speed to keep images sharp, eliminate redeye and activate face detection when appropriate, and evaluate scenes to automatically set the camera to Scenery, Portrait, Macro, Night Portrait, or Night Scenery mode. There are also 25 individually selectable scene modes, including a high-sensitivity option that uses settings between ISO 1600 and 6400. Three of the modes are brand new to Panasonic’s line: one gives photos the look of pinhole-camera shots, one applies film-grain effects, and the new Transform mode lets you stretch images slightly to make subjects look thinner or broader.
Product Review: ExpoDisc: Professional Digital White Balance – From ExpoImaging
Posted on July 28, 2008 - Filed Under Culture, Photo | Leave a Comment
Have you ever tried to get good white balance from your camera, but the consistency was never good? I am sure that you tried some of those preset balance settings, but they did not always work as well as you expected them to. This is where the ExpoDisc comes in.
Sure you can always use a light meter to get your correct readings. Once you have learned how to use it, you can get very accurate readings. The downside is that it takes time to learn and time to set up to get everything correct. Also you don't always have time to get everything just right. With ExpoDisc, getting the proper exposure is as easy as snapping on the disc.
Just what is an ExpoDisc? Invented by George A. Wallace, the original ExpoDisc was an incident exposure and printing tool for use with the 35mm SLR cameras. Generally it comes as a disc although there is square/rectangular version available for large lenses and video mattebox systems. The disc snaps onto the lens of your camera and it allows you then use the camera to set a proper custom white balance that is accurate.
By using the ExpoDisc, you are able to eliminate the need, or certainly reduce the amount of post-processing color adjustment work that needs to be done to your RAW and/or JPEG files. It is much easier to use than a light meter or gray, white, or color calibration cards.
You use the ExpoDisc by snapping it over your camera lens. The ExpoDisc comes in different sizes for different lenses (available sizes are listed at the end of this article). If you have a lot of lenses of differing sizes, get one for the largest size and you can hold it over the smaller lenses when calibrating them.
Since the specific steps are different for each camera, I will just give an overview of the steps to calibrate. You first place the ExpoDisc over the lens. You then take a picture of the light source. For the image of the pony below, I was outside and so I took a shot of the sky behind me, the sun being the source of the light. If you were doing a portrait you would take it of the lighting system. For strobe flash, you would need to trigger your flash system. This shot to look at is nothing more than a gray image, like taking a shot of a gray card, for your camera to use to create a custom white balance.
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Photo software could help weight watchers
Posted on July 28, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Photo | Leave a Comment
New imaging software designed to detect the type and quantity of food from a digital photograph of what’s on the plate could benefit people keen to monitor their diet.
The data can then be used to create a digital diary of daily meals, explains Japan’s newspaper.
The software analyses images of food based on such factors as colour and shape, as well as the ‘sizes and shapes of their plates and bowls’, according to .
‘It analyses the digital images of the meal on the table to identify five components: main dishes, side dishes, food staple, fruit and dairy,’ adds the Tokyo-based trade journal.
‘The captured images are compared against a database of 600 images to identify foods and discriminate foods and non-food items.’
Developed by researchers at the University of Tokyo the software is due to be distributed over the internet for free download later this year.
Tests apparently showed that the software was able to correctly identify foods with 90% accuracy and classify foods with 80% accuracy.
Microtek ArtixScan M1: Review
Posted on July 27, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Photo, Reviews | Leave a Comment
Stop procrastinating! You know you should turn those sleeves, slide mounts, and shoeboxes full of negatives, transparencies, and prints into digital image files. And if you want complete control, it’s a buy-a-scanner/DIY project. But how much do you have to spend to get high quality? And should you go with a dedicated 35mm film scanner, such as the $550 (street) Nikon Coolscan V ED or a flatbed with transparent media adapters, such as Epson’s $720 (street) Perfection V750-M Pro?
Microtek offers another way — the ArtixScan M1 flatbed and film scanner combo (www.artixscanm1.com). Well priced ($550, street), it boasts glassless direct scanning of film (much like a dedicated film scanner) in sizes up to 4×5 inches at 4800×9600-dpi (actually, samples per inch) optical resolution. With a 48-bit pixel depth, Microtek claims a dynamic range of 4.4 Dmax. (Dmax is the darkest area of an image that can be captured and still show detail.) This rating is quite high.
Microtek’s glassless Emulsion Direct Imaging Technology (E.D.I.T.) reads directly from the film’s emulsion side, with the original held flat, under tension, and applies an autofocus system that analyzes several scans at different focal positions, and makes the final scan at optimal focus. Autofocus can zero in on the center of the film, a point you select in the frame, or be switched off.
If you’re willing to flatten your originals against glass, the Microtek captures film (negatives and transparencies) as large as 8.5×10 inches and prints up to 8.5×14 inches.
The M1′s approach sidesteps the limitations of traditional flatbeds, such as the Epson, which requires a secondary light source in the lid and must scan through a sheet of glass that’s a dirt magnet and may not flatten the film completely. And, unlike the Coolscan V ED, the M1 isn’t limited to 35mm slides and film.
Unlike the Epson flatbed and the Nikon film scanner, the Microtek doesn’t include hardware-based Digital ICE scratch-reduction technology. Instead, there’s SRD dust and scratch removal built into the SilverFast SE Plus software that complements the Microtek ScanWizard Pro application bundled with the unit. Like the Epson, the M1 supports wet-mounting of problematic film originals to temporarily “fill in” scratches.
The most difficult part of getting up and running with the ArtixScan M1 is finding a place to put it. Weighing more than 26 pounds, it occupies 15.2×6.1×22.3 inches of tabletop real estate. Install the included software onto your Windows 2000/XP/Vista or Macintosh OS X computer, plug in the power cord and USB 2.0 cable, reboot, and you’re ready to begin calibrating (both print and film IT8 calibration targets are included) and scanning.
The $110-extra “Pro” package adds the top-of-the-line SilverFast Ai Studio scanning software and an extra set of film holders. Both ScanWizard Pro and SilverFast Ai Studio offer efficient batch scanning (a must when you have scads of originals to digitize and want to gang them together).
The upgraded SilverFast software includes multi-exposure capabilities that streamline creating high-dynamic-range (HDR) images, pulling extra detail out of the darkest areas of your film originals. There also are 120 preset negative film profiles, as well as sophisticated grain, noise, dust, and scratch elimination.
If you’re in the market for a flatbed scanner that can also handle film in a variety of formats, the Microtek ArtixScan M1′s glassless dual-media system is attractive — especially if you frequently switch between prints and film originals. Just make plenty of desk space.
David D. Busch has written nine books on scanners, and is the author of the camera-specific David Busch’s Guides to Digital SLR Photography for Canon, Nikon, Pentax, and Sony DSLRs.
MASTER COPIES
Scanning isn’t tough. In fact, it’s easy and fun. But most of us don’t do it frequently enough to master (or remember) the subtleties. Here are three Very Confusing topics clarified:
1 The right resolution. To capture all the detail in a 24x36mm slide, use the highest optical resolution you can. Dedicated film scanners generally provide 4000-spi (samples per inch) resolution, while flatbeds typically offer 4800 spi. Scanning a print? Any resolution above 600 spi will just give you a better picture of the grain, and huge files that eat up hard-drive space and slow down your image editor. (Why is “spi” more accurate than “dpi”? Because scanners don’t have dots. Nor do monitors, which are described in ppi, or pixels per inch.)
2 Removing halftones. If your work has been published in books or magazines, you’ll discover that moiré patterns appear when scanning halftone images. All scanners have a Descreen or moiré filter that essentially blurs the halftone dots enough to make them less noticeable. (After the filter has been applied, you might want to restore a little sharpness with a small amount of Unsharp Mask or Smart Sharpen in Adobe Photoshop.) You can also subdue halftone effects by scanning at a higher resolution and resampling to a smaller size or rotating black-and-white halftones on the scanner bed slightly when scanning. (This technique is less successful with color halftones, which typically have four different halftone screens, each at a different angle.)
3 From scan to print.
The drivers for today’s inkjet printers can produce good prints from scans at virtually any resolution. But if you insist on optimizing your scans for your printer (or for output on commercial presses), there’s an excellent calculator that takes all sorts of variables into consideration at www.scantips.com/calc.html.
BOTTOM LINE: Serious resolution, dynamic range, and image-fixing software without a serious financial commitment.
DSLR Shootout: Five Top Cameras Compared
Posted on July 26, 2008 - Filed Under Cameras, Photo, Reviews | Leave a Comment
Specimen #3. Santa Barbara, CA. July 2008.
Posted on July 26, 2008 - Filed Under Photo | Leave a Comment
Tangled seaweed, deserted algan body, left in the sun to dry out and die. This plant had no luck. I was, on the other hand, lucky enough to be walking by just to take a picture of it. Lying on the sand as it is, it reminds me of a meal, like a sophisticated pasta or an exotic salad.
Dust-Aid Platinum, Dust-Wand and Dust-Cloth MF
Posted on July 23, 2008 - Filed Under Art, News, Photo | Leave a Comment
Dust-Aid Platinum, Dust-Wand and Dust-Cloth MF are three new sensor-cleaning products from Dust-Aid. Dust-Aid Platinum is a dry sensor cleaning solution that allows for safe cleaning of DSLR sensor filters using specially fabricated platinum extruded silicone to remove dust particles. The Dust-Wand kit is a wet cleaning option with multiple wands, clips and Ultra Clean sensor cleaning liquid. Dust-Cloth MF introduces an advancement in sensor cleaning wipes with micro fiber cloths.
Dust-Aid Press Release
Dust-Aid Reinvents Dry and Wet DSLR Sensor Cleaning
BEND, OREGON — June 21, 2008— Today DUST-AID¨ introduced several new DSLR camera sensor filter cleaning products; Dust-Aid Platinum for dry sensor cleaning and the DUST-WANDª Kit for wet sensor cleaning. These new products deliver breakthrough features that make them truly unique sensor filter cleaning solutions.
The Dust-Aid Platinum reinvents dry DSLR camera cleaning.
The new patent pending design of Dust-Aid Platinum allows for safe cleaning of DSLR sensor filters using specially fabricated platinum extruded silicone to remove dust particles. The silicone is made without the use of traditional molds which eliminates the chance of mold release agents bonding to the silicone and contaminating internal DSLR surfaces when cleaned. Dust-Aid Platinum has been tested and approved for all sensor filter coatings and can be used on DSLR cameras with internal dust removal systems.
DUST-WANDª Kit: Wet cleaning with multiple wands, clips and a very unique liquid.
The DUST-WANDª Kit delivers everything needed to safely clean every DSLR camera sensor filter aspect ratio. The kit contains three different sized DUST-WANDS a pack of DUST-CLOTHS for wrapping the wands, specially designed clips for securing the cloths to the wands and the very unique sensor filter cleaning liquid, ULTRA CLEANª. The ULTRA CLEANª sensor cleaning liquid is one of the fastest evaporating liquids available. Due to the very fast evaporation rate there is no chance, when used properly, of liquid seeping down between the sensor filter and the sensor itself. In addition, the liquid is one of the cleanest in the industry which helps to reduce any chance of residue being left behind. ULTRA CLEANª liquid is also non-flammable and non-alcohol based, making it perfect for the traveling photographer. ULTRA CLEANª has also been tested and approved for multiple sensor filter coatings.
DUST-CLOTHª MF introduces an advancement in sensor cleaning wipes
DUST-CLOTHªMF brings in a new world of wet sensor filter cleaning wipes with the introduction of micro fiber cloths. Unlike the non-woven fabric used in typical sensor filter swabs and wipes, which have a troublesome tendency of leaving behind fibers, DUST-CLOTHªMF is made up of a soft micro weave which helps to eliminate fiber loss when cleaning. The DUST-CLOTHªMF is very soft and have been tested and approved for their use on multiple sensor filter coatings.
Learn more about all these new products at http://www.Dust-Aid.com
DUST-AID¨ ignited a new concept in the sensor cleaning industry with its flagship product that was named after the company in 2007. Today, DUST-AID¨ continues to reinvent and develop new and innovative ways to clean and prevent dust from degrading digital images captured by their DSLR camera customers.
Nikon Coolpix P80 review
Posted on July 20, 2008 - Filed Under Cameras, Reviews | Leave a Comment
Nikon Coolpix P80 review : Many people consider a small model with a large optical zoom range the ideal digital camera. This type of easy-to-carry camera enables you to take every picture you like. The so-called Megazoom cameras are therefore still extremely popular, even though reflex cameras are gradually becoming smaller and cheaper. Nikon may have bid the Megazoom concept farewell just a tad too soon, as they rushed into their undeniably successful line of DSLR cameras. With the availability of the Nikon Coolpix P80, Nikon meet the demands of consumers; a demand that still exists in spite of the success of the digital SLR camera.
Nikon Coolpix P80 digital camera
The specifications of the Nikon Coolpix P80 are extremely promising. 10 Megapixels, 18x optical zoom, ISO range up to 6400 and an in-house produced EXPEED processor also found in the latest generation of DSLR cameras of Nikon, and all of this in a body with dimensions of only 110x79x78 mm. The Nikon P80 weighs a mere 365 grams without its battery and this is a lot less than a standard DSLR. The optical zoom range is large, starting at 27 mm which offers you a true wide angle. Thankfully, manufacturers are slowly but surely starting to recognize the benefits of a wide angle.
Optical image stabilizer on the Nikon P80
At maximum telephoto mode a focal length of 486 mm is obtained compared to a 35mm camera, and that is not bad. In order to obtain a sharp picture, you do need an optical image stabilizer. Nikon chose for the Coolpix P80 to apply a moveable sensor; which is a true image stabilization system that should guarantee carefree use of the large optical range in practice.
Edit pictures on the Nikon Coolpix P80
Nikon do not limit to picture-taking alone, also editing afterwards is taken into account. Like most Nikon cameras, the Nikon P80 has also been equipped with D-lighting. Dark areas in a picture are brightened, resulting in a more natural contrast. Naturally, this is done without overwriting the original. This is a very convenient functionality that can be frequently used in practice.
Nikon Coolpix P80 camera review
The Nikon Coolpix P80 is ranked in Nikon’s top class which makes the expectations rise sky-high. We expect a high performance when we look at the impressive specifications, although we are aware of the fact that Nikon place the bar really high for themselves. We had the camera in our possession for quite a while and have submitted it to some extensive tests. Whether or not Nikon have had to compromise can be read in the following Nikon Coolpix P80 camera review.
Book Review: The Art Of Black And White Photography – Techniques for Creating Superb Images in a Digital Workflow By Torsten Andreas Hoffmann
Posted on July 19, 2008 - Filed Under Culture, Photo | Leave a Comment
After digital photography broke on to the scenes, it evolved at such a fast speed that it has literally replaced film photography as the default standard for imaging in less than a decade. The changeover created its fair share of difficulties as well as growing pains, but as technology evolves, so do the processes.
But digital photography goes beyond the technology; it is about the images and their content. It is about the mood, and the formal arrangement contained in the images. The goal of The Art Of Black And White Photography: Techniques for Creating Superb Images in a Digital Workflow is to help you become familiar with digital photography and help you focus on the image again. Author Torsten Andreas Hoffmann's work is 272 pages in length, contains 35 chapters, and is divided into four sections.
Section 1, "Tools and Fundamentals," gets to the heart of digital photography, the camera and other tools that are used for capturing great images. First you will see how to choose the correct camera. In this section you will learn about sensors, the kind of sensor you should choose, and the advantages and disadvantages of using compact cameras. Next you will see why you should always photograph in RAW Mode and how it collects all of the data that you will need for processing the best black and white images. Finally you will explore the types of filters that you should use and what they can do for your images.
Section 2, "Photographic Genres and Concepts," shows that to get beyond the clichéd photo, you first have to ask yourself what characterizes a clichéd photo; in most cases it is a poor copy of a photo that has been reproduced numerous times. If you think of the Eiffel Tower, you can imagine how hard it would be to get a unique picture of this photographic icon. In this section you will learn about different types of photographic styles and what makes each of them work and not work.
Some of these styles of photography include street, landscape, architectural, surreal, and portrait. Here you will learn how to use existing techniques to capture some of these styles and how to make these styles your own. What you should come away with in this section is what really interests you and how can you make the type of image you are trying to create more authentic, and how can you impose your feelings and emotions on the image.
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Silver Efex Pro: New from Nik Software
Posted on July 19, 2008 - Filed Under News, Photo | Leave a Comment
Nik Software has announced the release of a new grayscale conversion and film grain emulator, Nik Silver Efex Pro. The program is available as a plug-in for both Adobe Photoshop CS3 and Elements, and Apple’s Aperture.
The new program employs Nik’s U Point technology and a familiar Nik interface. Additionally, Nik has developed a new grain emulation engine for the program, which, Nik claims, rebuilds the image based upon grain characteristics, instead of simply overlaying a “graininess” feel to the existing image.
Many popular film stocks and historical processes are represented and emulated in Silver Efex Pro, and users can also create their own personal styles and presets, as well as download extra presets from the Nik site.
Pretty much the only thing missing in this virtual wet darkroom is the lingering stench of Hydrosulfuric Acid and a safelight.
The program is currently available as a download for both MacIntosh and Windows platforms for $199.95. A fully functional 15-day trial is also available. Visit Nik for more info and to download the program. www.niksoftware.com
Stay tuned for a full review of Nik Silver Efex Pro.
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