Marumi Lens Hoods for Canon
Posted on August 31, 2008 - Filed Under Art, News, Photo | Leave a Comment
A new range of Marumi lens hoods for Canon lenses is now available. Marumi lens hoods are an alternative to Canon’s own brand products, with a quality black plastic construction and bayonet fittings that can be reversed over the lens for storage when not in use. 11 different lenses are currently supported, and prices range from: £9.99 to £24.99 RRP Inc. VAT.
Kenro Press Release
Release Date: 28 August 2008
Alternative lens hoods available for Canon lenses
Purchasers of Canon lenses have previously had little option other than to purchase the manufacturers own brand of lens hoods.
However there is now an alternative cost-effective solution from Kenro in the form of Marumi Lens Hoods available in a range of Canon Bayonet Mounts. This is useful if you have damaged or miss-placed your original hood from Canon. These hoods are of quality black plastic construction and have bayonet fittings that can also be reversed over the lens for storage when not in use.
The range covers:
MA919029 ET-65111 Marumi Lens Hood Canon EF85/1.8, 100/2.0, 135/2.8
MA919036 ET-65B Marumi Lens Hood Canon EF70-300/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM
MA919043 ET-67 Marumi Lens Hood Canon EF100/2.8 Macro USM
MA919067 EW-63B Marumi Lens Hood Canon EF28-105/4-5.6 USM
MA919074 EW-73B Marumi Lens Hood Canon EF-S17-85/4-5.6 IS USM
MA919081 EW-78B11 Marumi Lens Hood Canon EF28-135/3.5-5.6 IS USM
MA919098 EW-83E Marumi Lens Hood Canon EF16-35/2.8L, EF17-40/4L
MA919104 ET-67B Marumi Lens Hood Canon EF-S60/2.8 Macro USM
MA919111 EW-83J Marumi Lens Hood Canon EF-S17-55/2.8 IS USM
MA919128 EW-7311 Marumi Lens Hood Canon EF 24-85/3.5-4.5 USM
MA919135 EW-60CD Marumi Lens Hood Canon EF28-90/4-5.6 II USM EF-S
Prices range from: £9.99 RRP Inc. VAT to £24.99 RRP Inc. VAT.
See http://www.kenro.co.uk for details of your nearest stockist, or call Kenro on 01793 615836 for more details.
Knowledge is Always Changing
Posted on August 31, 2008 - Filed Under Photo | Leave a Comment
“A dance performance by the Taoist dance troupe at the Songshan Temple (松山慈惠堂）in Taipei, Taiwan. The troupe practices once a week and travels all over Taiwan (and occasionally internationally), performing dances in devotion to the Golden Mother”. Taken by Dale
Olympus launches SP-565 UZ
Posted on August 29, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Photo, Reviews | Leave a Comment
Pre-Photokina 2008: Olympus has also announced a second 20x (26-520mm equiv) zoom-lensed ‘ultrazoom’ camera that appears to be a slightly down-sized version of the SP-570 launched in January. The 10MP SP-565 has a 2.5 ” LCD (the SP-570 has a 2.7"), reduced movie frame rate and ships with a MicroSD adaptor, but otherwise looks very similar.
Press Release:
The Olympus SP-565 UZ: A massive 20x wide optical zoom for ultimate control
Minimum size for maximum brilliance
London, 25 August 2008 – Raise your photographic potential with the world leader in the ultrazoom category. Featuring a 20x wide zoom lens (26-520mm*), the affordable Olympus SP-565 UZ lets you shoot like a pro without having to carry around tons of equipment. Zoom in ultra-close to any subject, or back out for an ultra-wide shot – all with a single lens. The integration of Dual Image Stabilisation also ensures protection against camera shake. Photos are stored to internal memory, xD-Picture Card or – thanks to a bundled attachment – microSD Card. The Olympus SP-565 UZ with a 20x wide optical zoom will be available in late September 2008 for an RRP of £349.99
So far, yet so close
See the world like you thought you never could. An incredible 20x wide zoom (26-520mm*) brings you right into the heart of the action. Capture the excitement of a football match from the sidelines, yet feel the immediacy in your results as if you had been right there on the field. Using the 5x digital zoom and optional TCON-17 Teleconverter (with CLA-10 Conversion Lens Adapter) even more is possible. How much more? Up to a massive focal length equivalent of 4420mm! And with the integration of Dual Image Stabilisation – combining both a mechanical and digital image stabiliser – results come out reliably sharp. The 10 Megapixel SP-565 UZ also presents users with flexibility for wide-angle shooting. This is not only perfect for capturing sweeping landscapes and group photos, but also for getting a wider perspective when photographing interiors or other architecture.
Capture more
Sequential shooting at up to 13.5fps** lets every facet of a scene be faithfully recorded as it happens. And with the ingenious Pre-Capture mode, recording of pictures can start even before the shutter is fully pressed. In addition, Pre-Capture Movie mode is also on board – providing the same advantage over the clock, but in movie format. For ultra-close-ups from as little as just 1cm, the Super Macro Mode also gives photographers the chance to explore a subject’s every detail.
Creative control and exceptional results
On top of 23 scene modes covering the most common shooting situations, the SP-565 UZ also offers manual control. P/A/S/M options give users free rein to pursue their creative inspiration. And no matter which mode is chosen, the TruePic III image processer ensures best results. Advanced Face Detection Technology guarantees that human subjects come out optimally focused and exposed. Up to 16 faces can be detected in a single scene. Shadow Adjustment Technology, meanwhile, recognises dark areas in compositions and adjusts accordingly to return the most realistic image possible.Low light photography capabilities are enhanced through high ISO settings and BrightCapture Technology. The latter also returns bright views on the 6.4cm/2.5” HyperCrystal LCD. On top of a built-in flash, extra illumination – and extraordinary flexibility – can be obtained thanks to compatibility with the Olympus FL-50R and FL-36R wireless flash units.
Perfect for all users
In addition to the internal memory, compatibility with both xD-Picture Cards and microSD Card (due to bundled attachment) gives users a range of storage options. Wearers of spectacles will appreciate the viewfinder’s dioptric correction facility. And with 39 available languages, photographers are almost always able to operate this camera in their native tongue.
Packed with features that support a creative photographic experience, the Olympus SP-565 UZ delivers ultrazoom performance in a compact and affordable package. It will become available late September 2008.
The Olympus SP-565 UZ – main features:
- Extreme optical performance in minimum size: 20x wide optical zoom (26-520mm*) – from extreme close-ups to the action as well as stunning scenes (additional 5x digital zoom also included)
- Avoids blur thanks to Dual Image Stabilisation
- Don’t miss the moment with high-speed 13.5fps sequence shooting**
- Advanced Face Detection of up to 16 persons for perfectly focused and exposed faces plus correct exposure of other image areas
- P/A/S/M exposure modes for creative freedom
- 25 scene modes for the best results in different situations
- 10 Megapixels to make poster-size prints
- See and share images on the 2.5"/6.4cm HyperCrystal LCD
- Built-in flash and wireless flash control from the camera body
- Liven up your memories with movie recording with sound (up to VGA resolution at 30fps)
- In-camera panorama function
- (with xD-Picture Card)
- Includes Perfect Fix and Perfect Shot Preview
- xD-Picture Card and microSD Card compatible
* Equivalent to a 35mm camera
**In 3.0 Megapixel mode
microSD is a trademark of SD Card Association
• 10.7 million total pixels
• 10 million effective pixels
• Primary colour filter (RGB)
• 5M 2560 x 1920
• 3M 2048 x 1536
• 2M 1600 x 1200
• 1M 1280 x 960
• VGA 640 x 480
• 16:9 1920 x 1080
• 320 x 240 / 15 fps Recording time: 29 min
• AVI Motion JPEG
• WAV audio
• 4 Aspherical glass elements
• Focal length 4.6 – 92.0mm
• Focal length (equiv. 35mm) 26 – 520mm
• 14 lenses/11 groups
• Aperture 2.8 – 4.5
• TTL iESP auto focus with contrast detection
• Face Detection AF
• Spot
• Standard
• Macro
• Super-Macro
• Predective
• Single AF
• Macro mode 0.1m – (wide) / 0.2m (tele)
• Super Macro mode Closest focusing distance: 1 cm
• ESP light metering
• Spot
• Centre weighted metering
• Manual ISO 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200*, 6400*
* In reduced pixel mode
• 1/3 EV steps
• Landscape
• Landscape with Portrait
• Night Scene
• Night Scene with portrait
• Sports
• Indoor
• Candle
• Self-portrait
• Available Light Portrait
• Sunset
• Fireworks
• Museum
• Cuisine
• Behind Glass
• Documents
• Auction
• Shoot & Select 1
• Shoot & Select 2
• Beach and Snow
• Pre-Capturing Movie
• Underwater Snapshot
• Snow
• Smile Shot
• Sunlight
• Tungsten
• Overcast
• Flourescent 1
• Flourescent 2
• Flourescent 3
• Red-eye reduction
• Fill-in
• Off
• 230,000 dots
• Combined A/V & USB output
• USB 2.0 compatible
• EXIF 2.2
• PIM III
• PictBridge
• DPOF
• D-7 AC AC Adapter (optional)
Canon EOS 50D
Posted on August 28, 2008 - Filed Under Digital, Ratings, Reviews, Tips | Leave a Comment
The Canon EOS 50D builds upon the success of the great 40D and takes it up a level with a 15.1 megapixel sensor, ISO range of 100-6400 (extendable up to a whopping 12800), 3.0 inch LCD (920,000 pixels) with Live View for framing images in the LCD, a shutter speed of 30-1/8000 second, Digic IV processor, integrated cleaning system and continuous shooting at 6.3 frames per second.
The Canon 50D is already available for ordering at Amazon in three configurations – check out the different combinations and price points below:
- Canon EOS 50D 15.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
- Canon EOS 50D 15.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Standard Zoom Lens
- Canon EOS 50D 15.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Standard Zoom Lens
Learn more about the Canon EOS 50D and a new 18-200mm lens in the following news release from Canon announcing this new DSLR.
Canon EOS 50D News Release
CANON U.S.A. STIMULATES THE CREATIVITY OF EXPERIENCED PHOTOGRAPHERS WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW EOS 50D DIGITAL SLR CAMERA
Canon’s New DIGIC 4 Image Processor Fuels the 15.1 Megapixel Resolution, Expanded ISO Range and Enhanced Noise Reduction of the New EOS 50D Digital SLR
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., August 26, 2008 — With the demand for digital SLR cameras reaching unprecedented levels, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, is answering the call with the announcement of the next evolution in advanced amateur digital SLR photography, the EOS 50D Digital SLR Camera with 15.1 megapixel resolution and Canon’s new DIGIC 4 image processor. Designed to offer extraordinary quality and image control for the advanced photographer with a passion for the art, the Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR camera includes an expanded ISO range, improved noise reduction, and in-camera photo editing features. Canon has loaded the EOS 50D camera with a number of enhancements and some trickle-down technology from Canon’s professional Digital SLR cameras, as well as a new Creative Auto Mode (CA) that gives users more creative flexibility to make image setting adjustments conveniently without the need to be a photo expert.
Canon has built upon the success of the popular EOS 40D model — which will remain in Canon’s line — with the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera. Expected to be the camera body of choice for advanced amateur photographers this holiday season, the Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR camera carries over the EOS 40D’s 14-bit Analog-to-Digital conversion process for smooth tones, and also includes enhanced noise reduction, especially at higher ISO ranges which will help bring those romantic nighttime shots into greater focus and clarity. Capable of shooting 6.3 frames per second (fps), the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera is ideal for shooting everything from beautiful night landscapes to fast-action sports.
“Advanced amateur photographers blur the line between the hobbyist and the professional, looking for professional features and capabilities in their equipment that will allow them to capture that awe-inspiring image. Canon is constantly striving to provide these shooters with the most advanced imaging technology, like the new EOS 50D Digital SLR camera, to fuel their passion for photography, and help them achieve their creative potential,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.
Improved Image Quality
The EOS 50D Digital SLR camera’s 15.1-megapixel CMOS APS-C size image sensor has been improved thanks to the use of newly designed gapless microlenses over each pixel to reduce noise and expand sensitivity up to ISO 12800. The faster processing speed of the camera’s DIGIC 4 image processor contributes to the fast 6.3 frame-per-second (fps) continuous shooting capability (for bursts of up to 90 Large/Fine JPEGs or 16 RAW images on a UDMA CF card), to give shooters the tools they need to capture that perfect moment in perfect clarity.
The Canon EOS 50D camera provides ISO speeds from ISO 100 up to ISO 3200 in 1/3-stop increments, along with two high-speed settings — H1 and H2 — of ISO 6400 and ISO 12800, respectively. Along with a wide ISO range, Canon gives shooters more tools to help maximize clarity and color. The EOS 50D Digital SLR camera offers multiple levels of noise reduction during high-speed shooting. Users can choose from one of four settings — Standard/Weak/Strong/None — to help reduce digital noise that can result from poor lighting conditions.
As part of the camera’s internal image processing, the Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR camera conducts peripheral illumination correction, which automatically evens brightness across the image field, making an image of a blue sky even toned throughout, a function previously accomplished through post-processing software on a personal computer. Thanks largely to the DIGIC 4 processor, this automatic adjustment can be made in-camera during shooting with JPEG images or corrected in post-photoshoot processing with RAW images through Canon’s Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software, which is supplied at no extra charge.
Helping to ensure each picture’s subject is clearly visible, Canon’s enhanced Auto Lighting Optimizer analyzes the brightness of subjects and automatically adjusts dark images so that they appear brighter, perfect for subjects in shade or in backlit situations. The Auto Lighting Optimizer on the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera has been updated not only to optimize images while they are being taken, but can also optimize images post-capture, during playback, to help ensure the subject of each image does not appear too dark. This is especially helpful when an amateur photographer uses the camera, because post-capture enhancement can help maximize image quality without the need of a computer.
A significant upgrade to the Canon EOS 50D camera is its large, clear 3.0-inch Clear View LCD screen which features 920,000 dot/VGA resolution, four times the pixel count of the EOS 40D camera’s screen, for better clarity and color. To help show off those fantastic shots, the EOS 50D camera includes an HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) output to display crisp, clear images on a High-Definition TV. The EOS 50D recognizes the needs of today’s photographers, and the faster processing speed of the DIGIC 4 processor helps support UDMA cards for faster writing of image files.
The camera is also equipped with a high-performance viewfinder featuring 0.95x magnification and the same high-performance Autofocus (AF) system as the EOS 40D camera with nine cross-type sensors for accurate target subject acquisition with lenses possessing maximum apertures of f/5.6 or faster and a high-precision diagonal center cross-type AF point that’s effective with f/2.8 and faster lenses, helping photographers ensure better focus of their targets. The AF Microadjustment feature, originally introduced last year with the Canon EOS-1D Mark III professional digital SLR camera, has also been added to the EOS 50D for maximum control over focusing precision.
Canon Gets Creative For Advancing Amateurs
Canon is taking steps to give advanced amateurs more flexibility with a new “CA” Creative Full Auto setting on the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera’s mode dial. This new setting goes a step beyond Full Auto, by allowing users to make adjustments before shooting while still in an Automatic mode, without needing to know the meaning of technical terms such as aperture, shutter speed, etc. In this mode, the camera menu on the back screen spells out options in common language for average photo enthusiasts, allowing them to “blur the background” or “lighten or darken the image.” These easy-to-comprehend image options will help amateur photographers improve the shots they are capable of taking, while helping them learn new techniques. When in the new CA mode, users will be able to adjust flash settings, brighten or darken images, blur the background, set the camera’s drive mode, and select a picture style directly on the camera’s LCD screen.
Better Live View
For photographers who prefer to frame their shots using the camera’s 3.0-inch Clear View LCD screen, Canon has improved the Live View function of the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera to include “Quick Mode AF,” “Live Mode AF,” and “Face Detection Live Mode AF” that detects up to 35 individual forward-looking faces for better focus and clarity when taking group or portrait shots. The camera’s Quick Mode AF setting flips the mirror down and carries out regular phase-detection autofocus, while the Live Mode AF and Face Detection Live Mode AF use the camera’s CMOS image sensor for contrast detection autofocus. Two detailed grid displays have also been added to Live View shooting as optional settings for easier composition.
Two Small RAW Formats
In addition to the RAW and JPEG image capture modes that photographers are accustomed to, the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera now offers more manageable resolution settings and file sizes with two sRAW recording formats, sRAW1 and sRAW2. At the sRAW1 setting, resolution is 7.1 megapixels with a file size that is approximately 25 percent smaller than a standard 15.1 megapixel RAW image. With the sRAW2 setting, resolution is 3.8 megapixels at less than half the file size of a standard RAW image, retaining all of the flexibility and creative possibilities associated with full-size, conventional RAW images. The EOS 50D is the first Canon Digital SLR that allows the use of RAW and sRAW settings in Basic Zone as well as Creative Zone shooting modes, even further improving the camera’s flexibility.
EOS Integrated Cleaning System
The Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit for the Canon EOS 50D has also been upgraded and now includes a fluorine coating on the low-pass filter for better dust resistance. The Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit uses ultrasonic vibrations to shake dust particles off of the low-pass filter in front of the sensor each time the camera is powered up or shut down. The second part of the system includes a software component where sensor spots are mapped and saved as Dust Delete Data that is attached to the image file for removal during post processing using Canon’s DPP software.
Canon 50D Pricing and Availability
The EOS 50D is compatible with the full lineup of Canon EF lenses as well as the Company’s ever-growing line of affordable EF-S lenses created specifically for Canon Digital SLRs with APS-C size image sensors. The Canon EOS 50D Digital SLR camera is scheduled for October delivery and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated selling price of $1,399.00*. It will additionally be offered in a kit version with Canon’s EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM zoom lens at an estimated selling price of $1,599.00*.
New EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens
Canon has answered the call from advanced amateur photographers looking for a solid all-around lens with the introduction of the new EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens. With an incredible focal length range equivalent to 29-320mm in the 35mm format, the new EF-S 18-200mm lens will make an excellent addition to any camera bag, and it gives shooters a great lens to capture both standard as well as telephoto images. The new lens features Canon’s built in Optical Image Stabilization system which gives the equivalent effect of a shutter speed roughly 4 steps faster, for better image clarity, even in shaky shooting conditions. With a minimum focusing distance of 0.45m/1.5 ft. at all zoom settings, this new lens should prove to be ideal for those situations where swapping lenses isn’t an option. An ideal complement to the EOS 50D SLR camera and all other EF-S compatible EOS SLR cameras, the EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens is scheduled to be in stores this October at an estimated selling price of $699.00*.
The Collecting Bug: “Band of Brothers” Photo Album
Posted on August 26, 2008 - Filed Under Culture, Photo | Leave a Comment
This is the first article in an occasional series on collecting.
First editions of scarce, time-worthy publications by known authors, or which covered newsworthy events, are fetching five figures on the market. As with any collectible category, low-print editions, special editions, autographed editions, or otherwise scarce or hard-to-come-by editions can command even more. Also like any collectible, condition is paramount. Please bear in mind that I’m not plugging any particular company, in spite of this article’s focus, which I use as an example.
Genesis Publications is a London-based company, a part of which specializes in publishing collectible manuscripts or, in this case, photographs that for the most part have not been publicly displayed previously. Genesis searches out and capitalizes on scarce and rare collectibles, making them even more collectible by the use of special bindings, low print runs, autographed copies, etc. Like any worthy collectible, this volume shows provenance by including something that the millions of other copies extant do not have: original, authentic signatures, in which case it is bound to be the most desired and probably net the highest sale price.
Genesis has just announced a special edition, limited to 1,000 copies, of a book entitled Easy Company, 506th PIR, In Photographs. The book is signed by seven surviving members of the US Army unit whose World War II story was told in the book and movie entitled Band of Brothers.
The photographs and story follow the men of Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, a part of the famed 101st Airborne Division. (The 101st was also the unit to which another famous American was assigned: Jimi Hendrix.) The book follows the men's brave, valorous exploits, beginning with training at Camp Toccoa, Georgia, through additional training in England, D-Day, and the invasion of Nazi Europe. From there, the men move through Normandy, Holland, and Belgium, engage in the Battle of the Bulge, and, in their final wartime triumph, capture Adolf Hitler’s Alpine fortress, “The Eagle’s Nest.”
The book contains 400 photographs and 20,000 words of text, with a foreword by Tom Hanks, and reproductions of maps, literature, and pamphlets from the era. As editor Alex Hedley says, “This book speaks for itself – all you need to do is look through to realize what an astounding group of men this was.” It is available only through Genesis Publications.
This volume is bound in medium-grain black leather, and has hand-tooled gold lettering on the spine. The backing boards of the book are bound in US Army M1942 8-ounce cloth, which is what the uniforms of the soldiers were made of. A replica of the unit patch for the 101st Airborne Division is embossed on the front board. The edges of the 232 pages are gilded, and each page is of heavyweight matte art acid-free paper.
Idea Generation, the public relations company for Genesis Publications, has also gained recent press coverage from mounting the first UK exhibition of photographs by former Rolling Stone photographer Robert Altman. More recently, The Fame Bureau announced a planned auction featuring the original Beatles recording contract, signed by all four members of the Beatles and their manager Brian Epstein, dated 1 October 1962, which is expected to bring in at least $500,000. Coverage of this 4 September event at the Idea Generation Gallery will be my next article in this series.
Digit predicted Micro Four Thirds System
Posted on August 24, 2008 - Filed Under Digital | Leave a Comment
Digit predicted Micro Four Thirds System : Remember last year where we linked to the publication of Kai Thon, test manager of DIWA Awards and managing the DIWA Labs? Kai published an article about the possible development of a digital SLR camera without mirror box. After reading that article I did remember a conversation with one of the engineers of a certain brand that is member of the digital camera industry. He was just thinking out loud and stated “why would we keep the concept of a SLR camera like it is now? We now have the change of changing the basic ideas of a system camera, so …”. And indeed, the digital SLR camera today is more or less the same concept as an analogue camera some decades ago. Micro Four Thirds System it is!
Micro Four Thirds System development
Olympus Imaging and Panasonic are expanding the potential of the Four Thirds System standard even further, enabling the development of radically more compact and lightweight interchangeable lens type digital camera systems based on the Micro Four Thirds System standard. Together with the existing range of Four Thirds System products, the new range of Micro Four Thirds System products will enable customers to enjoy true interchangeable lens type digital camera system performance.
Micro Four Thirds interchangeable lens system
While continuing to develop Four Thirds System interchangeable lens type digital camera system products, Olympus Imaging will also develop a range of Micro Four Thirds System lenses and accessories, and Micro Four Thirds System camera bodies that are even smaller and slimmer than the light, compact, and widely acclaimed Olympus E-410 and E420. While continuing to develop Four Thirds System interchangeable lens type digital camera system products, Panasonic will also develop a new generation of compact, lightweight, interchangeable lens type digital camera system products, including ultra-portable camera bodies, interchangeable lenses, and related system accessories.
About DigIT – Norway
A Norwegian imaging website with daily news of new product announcements, and also news about workshops concerning digital image-editing. Kai Thon, a Jack-of-all-trades in the world of digital imaging, started in 1999 with his website DigIT.no and publishes almost always in the Norwegian language. In spite of that the site is well worth mentioning because Kai Thon scrutinizes with regularity various cameras and publishes his results. Kai Thon operates from Sandefjord, Norway, but also travels around the world to discover the latest news. Kai also visits certain events, like the Photokina and the PMA. Kai is also the test manager of DIWA Awards and manages the DIWA Labs.
Get Your Photo Onto a Lonely Planet Cover
Posted on August 23, 2008 - Filed Under Art, News, Photo | Leave a Comment
Your photo could feature on the cover of Lonely Planet’s ‘Encounter’ guides, the main prize in a new competition. Run by Lonely Planet, the world-leading travel guide publisher, and Pikeo.com, a new photo-sharing website, you could also win a free trip to India, Russia, Morocco or Kenya courtesy of Intrepid Travel. You need to tsubmit unique and inspiring pictures of London, Paris, Barcelona and Istanbul to enter. The competition is open to those in the UK, France, Spain, USA and Canada and entries close on September 8, 2008.
Pikeo.com Press Release
LONELY PLANET AND PIKEO SEARCH FOR TRAVELLERS’ COVER SHOTS
Have you ever dreamed of seeing your travel photos published on the cover of Lonely Planet? Well now’s your chance…
Lonely Planet, the world-leading travel guide publisher and Pikeo.com, the new photo-sharing website, are inviting photographers to submit their most unique and inspiring pictures of London, Paris, Barcelona and Istanbul.
Four winning shots will be chosen for the cover of Lonely Planet’s ‘Encounter’ guides to each city. The panel of judges consists of travel photography experts including representatives from the Association of British Photographers and Lonely Planet Images.
The winners of each cover will also receive a free trip to India, Russia, Morocco or Kenya courtesy of Intrepid Travel. In addition, twelve runners-up will receive prizes, as will a small selection of highly commended entries.
The winning images, plus Lonely Planet and Pikeo’s favourite shots, will be launched and showcased at a gallery exhibition in London when the guides go on sale next year.
To enter, simply visit the competition page on Pikeo at http://lonelyplanet.pikeo.com and follow the instructions. Photographers can also take advantage of Pikeo’s many presentation features, including the ability to organise photos into albums and create a professional online gallery.
The competition is open to those in the UK, France, Spain, USA and Canada and entries close on September 8, 2008.
Lonely Planet and Pikeo tips for a winning image:
– Images must be taken from a street perspective
– Use a reportage/documentary style
– Make the viewer feel they are actually there
– Have a central focal point
– Ensure composition is bold and colours are rich
– Avoid things looking staged by showing locals going about their everyday life
– Use iconic sights or architecture in an everyday context
– Always include people within your shots
Pikeo (http://www.pikeo.com) is a groundbreaking new photo-sharing website, launched in 2007. It incorporates the latest mapping and mobile technology, allowing users to upload photos via internet or mobile from anywhere in the world, share them with friends or publish them to the whole world.
Through the Looking Glass
Posted on August 22, 2008 - Filed Under Photo | Leave a Comment
Killer whales, Marineland, Niagara Falls, Ontario. Taken by sher_d03
Phase One Releases Capture One 4.1.2
Posted on August 21, 2008 - Filed Under News, Photo | Leave a Comment
Phase One has released an update to its Capture One workflow software. Version 4.1.2 of the program extends its Lens + and Focus+ correction tools to support numerous lenses with Hasselblad H, Hasselblad V, and Contax mounts. The correction tools remove optical flaws in images captured by specific lenses. A full list of lenses and RAW formats supported by Capture One 4.1.2 is available on the Phase One Web site.
Capture One owners can upgrade to the new version for free. New customers can purchase the program for $129.
Fisherman’s Boats. Santa Barbara, July 2008.
Posted on August 19, 2008 - Filed Under Photo | Leave a Comment
Santa Ynez Mountains, Pacific Ocean and boats – view from Santa Barbara the harbour.