digital photography online

Canon:Powershot SX100 IS

2008-10-02T22:41:00.001+07:00

Image Sensor (CCD)
Camera Effective Pixels
Approx. 8.0 million pixels, 1/2.5-inch type
Lens

Focal Length (35 mm film equivalent)
10x zoom: 36 (W) – 360 (T) mm
Focusing Range
Normal: 50cm (1.6 ft.) – infinity (W), 1m (3.3ft.) - infinity (T)
Macro: 1 - 50 cm (0.39 in. – 1.6 ft.) (W)
Image Stabilizer (IS) System
Lens-shift type
Imaging Processor
DIGIC III
LCD Monitor
Type: 2.5-inch type, color LCD with wide viewing angle (Effective pixels: Approx. 172,000 pixels)
Features: Quick-bright LCD
Focus
Single, continuous
AF (Face Detect* / Center)
* If no face is detected, center (1-points) is used.
* AF frame can be moved and fixed to specified face.
Manual Focus
Metering System
Evaluative*1, Center-weighted average, Spot*2
*1 Control to incorporate facial brightness in Face Detect AF
*2 Fixed to center
ISO Speed
Auto, High ISO Auto, ISO 80/ 100/ 200/ 400/ 800/ 1600
(Standard Output Sensitivity, Recommended Exposure Index)
White Balance
Auto, Day Light, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Custom
Shutter

Type
Mechanical shutter and electronic shutter
Speeds
15- 1/2500 sec
Aperture

Type
Iris type
f/number
f/2.8 - f/8.0 (W), f/4.8 - f/8.0 (T)
Flash

Range
Normal: 50 cm – 3.0 m (W), 50 cm – 2.0 m (T) (1.6 – 9.8 ft. (W), 1.6 – 6.6 ft. (T))
(ISO speed: Auto)
Main Features
Manual flash output setting (3 levels), flash output compensation, Safety FE
Shooting Specifications

Shooting Modes
Auto, P, Tv, Av, M, Portrait, Landscape, Night Snapshot, Kids & Pets, Special Scene *, Stitch Assist, Movie

* Night Scene, Indoor, Foliage, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, Aquarium
Digital Zoom
Still images/Movies: Approx. 4.0x (up to approx. 40x in combination with the optical zoom)
Safety Zoom, Digital Tele-converter
Main Features
My Colors (Limited type), Auto ISO Shift
Continuous Shooting
Approx. 1.3 shots/sec.,
AF: Approx. 0.8 shots/sec.,
Number of Images Shot (CIPA)
Approx. 140 images (alkaline), Approx. 400 images (NiMH)
Recording Specifications

Recording Media
SD memory card, SDHC memory card, MultiMediaCard, MMCplus card, HC MMCplus card
File Format
Design rule for camera file system, DPOF (Version 1.1) compliant
Data Type
Still Images: Exif 2.2 (JPEG)
Movies: AVI (Image data: Motion JPEG, Audio data: WAVE (Monaural))
Audio: Sound memos, sound recorder: WAVE (Monaural)
Number of Recording Pixels

Still Images

Large:3264 x 2448,
Medium 1: 2592 x 1944,
Medium 2: 2048 x 1536,
Medium 3: 1600 x 1200,
Small: 640 x 480,
Widescreen:3264 x 1832
Movies

Standard: 640 x 480 (30fps/30fps LP)/320 x 240 (30fps) Compact: 160 x 120 (15fps)
Playback Specifications

Main Features

Still Images

Red-eye correction, index, resize, magnified, advancing and reserving through magnified images, jump, auto rotate, rotate, histogram, overexposure warning, sound memos, autoplay, transition effects, resume
Movies

Special playback
Direct Print
PictBridge, Canon Direct Print, Bubble Jet Direct
Display Languages
25 languages
Interface
USB 2.0 Hi-Speed (mini-B)*, Audio/Video output
* MTP, PTP supported
Power Source
2 AA Alkaline batteries
2 AA rechargeable NiMH batteries (NB4-300/NB4-200)
AC Adapter Kit ACK800
Dimensions (excluding protrusions)
108.7 x 71.4 x 46.7mm (4.28 x 2.81 x 1.84 in.)
Weight (camera body only)
Approx.265g (9.35 oz.)

AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G

2008-09-25T22:53:00.000+07:00

Nikon has just announced a new low-light prime lens, the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G.

This latest addition to the NIKKOR lineup features a large maximum aperture of f/1.4, enabling it to be used for easy handheld shooting in dark settings, such as a dimly lit room. It also allows photographers to easily create beautiful large blur effects. The lens’ Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures quick, quiet autofocus. Autofocus shooting is made possible with SLR models that do not have a built-in motor, such as the D40 series and D60.

The AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G is a high-performance large-aperture, single-focal-length lens especially suitable for professional and advanced amateurs who use Nikon FX-format cameras such as the D3 and D700, and frequently shoot human subjects as well as night landscapes and astronomy. What’s more, when attached to a DX-format SLR, this f/1.4 lens with 75mm equivalent picture angle is capable of shooting portraits with beautiful blur effects.

HP Photosmart M437

2008-09-22T22:24:00.002+07:00

If you’re looking for simple digital cameras that won’t hurt you match in terms of budget aspect, the HP Photosmart M437 is just right for you. In purchasing this kind of cameras, don’t expect for the best quality. But for those who really don’t care of the quality and just want to treasure the moments, its 5.0 megapixel resolution still produces a standard quality images. It has a digital zoom of 5x to give you a better look at objects at a distant. It has a shutter speed of 1ms that would be a factor to avoid blur shots.

This camera weighs 6.4 oz and measures 3.8 (W) x 1.2 (D) x 2.5 (H) inch. It uses SD memory card for storage capacity with an 16 MB integreated memory. Additional features include self timer so everybody could be included in the picture, red-eye removal feature, audio regarding, among others. View and browse images at its 2 inch LCD display.

Kodak EasyShare C743

2008-09-20T12:34:00.000+07:00

Another of the digital cameras that comes at a very affordable price is the Kodak EasyShare C743. It weighs at 5.1 oz and measures 3.6 inch (W) x 1.3 inch (D) x 2.6 inch (H). Take quality pictures with its 7.1 megapixel resolution camera. It has a digital zoom of 5x to take clearer pictures of objects at a distant. A max shutter speed of 1/1400 sec minimizes blur effects giving you a crispier images. Has an MPEG-4 (quicktime) digital video format and JPEG still image format.

For storage aspects, it has a 32MB integrated memory and uses either MultiMediaCard (MMC) or SD Memory Card. For additional features, it includes a self timer with a delay of up to 10 seconds. The Kodak EasyShare C743 can also be used for audio recording and has an auto power save feature. It has an optical viewfinder with color support.

Full-Frame D700 Announced Today!

2008-09-20T12:33:00.000+07:00

The rumors were all true! Today Nikon officially announced the D700, essentially a compact version of the D3, offering the same full-frame 12.1 megapixel FX-format sensor. The new D700 incorporates an extensive array of features that boast a level of performance that is in many ways comparable to the D3, and even a few features that better the D3 (such as built-in sensor cleaning). The D700 will retail for $2,995 US and should be available at the end of July.

Nikon Press Release
Digital Photography Review Preview
D700 Product Brochure
D700 Product Page with Image Samples

Nikon Announces Coolpix P6000

2008-09-20T12:32:00.000+07:00

New Coolpix P6000

Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the new flagship model in the Nikon COOLPIX lineup. Practical new features inspired by Nikon digital SLR cameras place shooting control and optimized performance in the hands of photographers with operation that feels both comfortable and natural. Precision built to enable photo and camera enthusiasts of all levels of experience to enjoy real photography – the Nikon COOLPIX P6000. Read more…

Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH Lens

2008-09-16T23:32:00.000+07:00

The world’s fastest aspherical lens has been announced by Leica. The new Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH offers extremely shallow depth of field at full aperture. This new lens is the successor of the famous NOCTILUX-M 50 mm f/1 marketed by Leica for over 30 years, beginning in 1975. The Leica Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH will be available from February 2009 for £6290.

Leica Press Release

LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50 mm f/0.95 ASPH. The world’s fastest aspherical lens

ERMANY - 15 September 2008 – The new LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50 mm f/0.95 ASPH. launched by Leica Camera AG, Solms, represents a milestone in lens design. It is the successor of the famous NOCTILUX-M 50 mm f/1 marketed by Leica for over 30 years, beginning in 1975. Due to state-of-the-art optical and mechanical technology, Leica has now been able to make substantial improvements to the predecessor product. It is now possible to “break the optical sound barrier” of a lens speed of 1:1.

The LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50 mm f/0.95 ASPH. offers a unique performance spectrum: A noticeably higher lens speed has been achieved without any major alterations to the size of the lens. The characteristic rendering of the previous 50 mm f/1, valued by many users as a means of creative photography, has been retained with extremely shallow depth of field at full aperture. However, when stopped down, the lens performs comparably with the LEICA SUMMILUX-M 50 mm f/1.4 ASPH. launched in 2004 which was regarded as the best standard lens ever produced. On top of this, the vignetting and distortion values have again been improved on the predecessor model.

“The LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50 mm f/0.95 ASPH. is not only a unique high-performance lens in the M system, it also combines extremely high speed with imaging performance that can easily bear comparison with the other top lenses currently on the market. It is made of high-quality materials and intricately assembled by hand at the Solms factory to give a particularly reliable product that will retain its value for decades. The combination of state-of-the-art technology and meticulous craftsmanship based on skill and experience ensure the constant quality of every single Leica lens, once again widening the creative potential of Leica M photography”, says Stefan Daniel, Product Manager for the Leica M system at Leica Camera AG.

The new LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50 mm f/0.95 ASPH. can be used for a particularly wide range of applications. At full aperture the lens features an extremely shallow depth of field, allowing incomparably esthetic portraits or detail studies, for example. The lens is also useful for available light photography, even surpassing the speed of the human eye. In normal light, it can be unhesitatingly used as a universal lens, and the extremely natural effect of the 50 mm focal length enables a true-to-life rendition of the subject.

The LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50 mm f/0.95 ASPH. integrates eight elements arranged in a double Gauss design symmetrical to the aperture. To ensure high imaging performance, two aspherical lens surfaces are used, which, due to their size and shape, are manufactured in a complex grinding and polishing process at the Solms factory. Five of the glass elements exhibit partial anomalous dispersion, three of them are extremely highly refractive and therefore exceptionally expensive (the price per kilogram of this glass is roughly twice that of silver). An outstanding performance in the close-focus range is also guaranteed by a floating element, the last lens group of which changes its relative position to the rest of the system during focusing. Despite its higher speed and imaging performance, the LEICA NOCTILUX-M 50 mm f/0.95 ASPH. is still equipped with an E60 filter thread and a telescopic lock-on lens hood. Like the new SUMMILUX-M 21 mm and 24 mm f/1.4 ASPH. lenses, the new NOCTILUX-M 50 mm f/0.95 ASPH. has to be manufactured to extremely narrow tolerances, and new methods for centering and adjusting the lens elements were developed for this purpose.

LaCie 4big Quadra

2008-09-16T23:31:00.002+07:00

The LaCie 4big Quadra supports seven RAID modes and offers capacities of up to 6TB. The 4big offers burst transfer rates reaching up to 200-230MB/s through eSATA 3Gbits. “The LaCie 4big Quadra definitely sets a new standard in RAID Technology for creative professionals and small sever backups,” said Arnaud Prézelin, LaCie Product manager for Creative Pro solutions. “For instance, the 4big Quadra enables digital content creators to work on multiple HD video streams or to manage RAW photos libraries with live effects.” The LaCie 4big Quadra will be available in 2TB, 4TB or 6TB in October starting at £659.00 for the 2TB.

LaCie Press Release

LaCie 4big Quadra Sets a New Standard in RAID Technology

LaCie today announced the 4big Quadra, the most complete four-bay RAID solution for small servers, creative pro workstations or offices that need large storage and backup capacity, superior speed and advanced security. Offering capacities of up to 6TB (6000GB) and a versatile hot-swap feature, the 4big Quadra supports seven RAID modes including RAID 0 and RAID 5 for optimal performance and data protection.

Thanks to its native RAID controller that conserves computer resources, the 4big offers burst transfer rates reaching up to 200-230MB/s* through eSATA 3Gbits. This solution integrates perfectly with most applications that demand high speed, such as photo processing, audio/video projects, pre-press, and even HD post-production. Compatible with Time Machine™, the 4big also comes with Genie Backup Manager Pro™ and Intego Backup Manager Pro™ for customisable backup and computer recovery.

“The LaCie 4big Quadra definitely sets a new standard in RAID Technology for creative professionals and small sever backups,” said Arnaud Prézelin, LaCie Product manager for Creative Pro solutions. “For instance, the 4big Quadra enables digital content creators to work on multiple HD video streams or to manage RAW photos libraries with live effects.”

The 4big Quadra not only sets a new standard in RAID technology and performance, but was also designed with the modern professional office in mind. Its stackable and chainable design helps to save space, and it is expandable and scalable up to four units (providing up to an amazing 24TB capacity and 600 MB/s transfer rates). The 4big Quadra’s universal connectivity (with eSATA, Firewire 400/800, and Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interfaces) helps to ensure maximum compatibility with any Mac or PC.

Compared to traditional RAID towers, it saves up to 80 percent more energy, and its revolutionary ultra-reliable cooling system is almost 50 percent quieter, making it the perfect choice for creative professionals. The technology, performance and design of the 4big Quadra make it an ideal addition to any workspace.

Availability
The LaCie 4big Quadra will be available in 2TB, 4TB or 6TB in October from LaCie direct and widely available via LaCie’s specialised dealer network at the suggested retail price starting at £659.00 (including VAT) for the 2TB. For more information, visit http://www.lacie.com/uk .

About Neil Poulton
Neil Poulton was born in Thurso, Scotland. A graduate in Industrial Design from Edinburgh University and Milan’s Domus Academy, Poulton first came into public view in 1989 as the creator of “the ageing pens,” pens made from a “living,” wearing plastic that changes colour and form with use. Today, Neil Poulton designs and develops best-selling, award-winning products for a variety of international clients including LaCie & Artemide. Since 1991, Poulton has lived and worked in Paris, France. http://www.neilpoulton.com

About LaCie
Located in the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, Europe, Singapore and Hong Kong, LaCie is the leading manufacturer of computer peripherals for Windows, Apple and Linux users. LaCie creates external storage solutions and colour monitors that help professionals and everyday people easily manage their digital lives. LaCie has differentiated its products through original designs and leading-edge technology. Established in France in 1989, LaCie is listed on Euronext under FR0000054314 (LAC). For more information, visit http://www.lacie.com/uk.

*Maximum interface transfer rate = theoretical bus bandwidth, whereas burst transfer rate = maximum drive speed. Performance depends on the RAID mode selected and burst transfer rates vary from one computer to another and may vary slightly from one drive to another. Average speed is usually lower depending on host configuration.

1TB = 1,000,000,000,000 bytes. Total accessible capacity varies depending upon operating environment (typically 5–10% less).

Capacities and performance varies depending upon RAID mode.

Casio EX-FH20

2008-09-16T23:29:00.000+07:00

The Casio EX-FH20 camera has a continuous shooting rate of up to 40fps and records movies at 1000fps. Following on from the the world’s fastest digital camera, the EX-F1, the new Casio FH20 is a 9.1 megapixel model with a massive 20x zoom lens (equivalent to 26-520mm). The Casio EX-FH20 will be available from October for £399 / $599.

Casio Europe Press Release

CASIO Introduces New HIGH SPEED EXILIM Digital Camera with Ultra High-Speed Burst Shooting Faster Than an SLR

Camera Takes 40 shots per second and records high speed movies at 1000 fps

Norderstedt, September 16, 2008 — CASIO Computer Co., Ltd., today announced the release of its newest EXILIM® digital camera, the HIGH SPEED EXILIM EX-FH20. This remarkable new camera is capable of ultra high-speed burst shooting at 40 fps and can record high speed movies at up to 1000 fps.

In March of this year, CASIO released the EXILIM Pro EX-F1, the world’s fastest digital camera*. The EX-F1 is capable of ultra-high speed burst shooting at 60 fps and can record high speed movies at up to 1,200 fps, helping users to catch each decisive moment, and even capturing motion that the human eye cannot ordinarily perceive. These features have created a totally new genre of digital photography and won the respect and admiration of camera enthusiasts and professional photographers alike.
*As at September 16, 2008, based on a CASIO survey for consumer market digital cameras.

While maintaining the ability to perform at speeds unmatched by the world’s top digital SLRs, the new HIGH SPEED EXILIM EX-FH20 is designed to appeal to a broader range of users. In addition to simplifying controls by placing all shooting mode settings on a single dial, CASIO also gave the EX-FH20 a 20x optical zoom on a surprisingly compact body, 27% smaller and 28% lighter than the EX-F1. Its speed and ease of use truly puts this camera in a class of its own. In recognition of these unique characteristics, with today’s release of the new EX-FH20, CASIO has launched the new HIGH SPEED EXILIM series, which includes this camera and the even faster EX-F1. CASIO expects the revolutionary capabilities of its HIGH SPEED EXILIM cameras to generate entirely new applications for digital photography.

9.1 effective megapixels and a high power, wide angle zoom lens
The EX-FH20 is equipped with a 26 mm-equivalent wide angle zoom lens that can close in on subjects with a powerful 20x optical zoom. The camera also features a CMOS shift anti-shake function to support power-zoom shots.

Never miss a photographic opportunity, with high speed burst shooting up to 40 fps
The EX-FH20 can capture action in high definition, 7 megapixel (3072 x 2304 pixel) images with ultra-high speed burst shooting at up to 40 fps. Users can select from seven burst settings, allowing them to capture from 1 fps up to 40 fps in a single burst. Further, users can prerecord up to 40 still images not just at the instant they press the shutter button, but before! Even if they press the shutter a little late, they will still catch that vital moment.

High speed movie recording at up to 1,000 fps
The EX-FH20 can record high speed movie footage of motion too fast for the human eye, for ultra slow motion playback. Users can select from recording speeds of 1,000 fps, 420 fps or 210 fps and can also switch from the standard speed of 30 fps to high speed recording at 210 fps during recording at the touch of a button. The EX-FH20 makes it easy to capture critical moments on video.

High Speed Anti-Shake function
This function corrects images by automatically synthesizing multiple images captured during high speed burst shooting.

High Speed Night Scene setting
With or without a tripod, this feature ensures that high speed night shots come out clear and beautiful.

HD Movie function
The EX-FH20’s HD Movie function records at 1280 x 720 pixels, at 30 fps.

Number of Effective Pixels 9.10 million
Image Sensor 1/2.3-inch high-speed CMOS
Total Pixels 10.29 million
File Format Still Images RAW (DNG*1), JPEG (Exif Version 2.2, DCF 1.0 standard, DPOF compliant)
Movies AVI format, Motion JPEG, IMA-ADPCM (monaural)
Built-in Flash Memory (Image Area) 31.9MB
Recording Media SDHC Memory Card, SD Memory Card, MultiMediaCard, MultiMediaCardplus compatible
Number of Recorded Pixels Still Images RAW, 3456 x 2592, 3456 x 2304 (3:2), 3456 x 1944 (16:9), 3264 x 2448, 3072 x 2304, 2560 x 1920, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480
STD Movies 640 × 480 (30 fps)
HD Movies 1280 × 720 (30 fps)
Hi-Speed Movies (HS) 480 × 360 (210 fps, 30-210 fps), 224 × 168 (420 fps), 224 × 56 (1000 fps)
Recording Capacity
(With Still Image at Maximum Image Size Setting) Still Images (JPEG) Built-in Flash Memory Approx. 5 shots (Fine) / 10 shots (Normal) / 16 shots (Economy)
SD Memory Card 1GB*2 Approx. 170 shots (Fine) / 322 shots (Normal) / 478 shots (Economy)
Movies Recording Time Maximum Recording Time per File: 10 min.
Built-in Flash Memory Approx. 8 seconds (HD) / Approx. 10 seconds (HS 1000 fps)
SD Memory Card 1GB*2 Approx. 4 min. 22 seconds (HD) / Approx. 5 min. 14 seconds (HS 1000 fps)
Operating Speed Shutter Release Time Lag*3*4 Approx. 0.01 second
Image Playback Approx. 0.1 second/image
Shot to Shot Time*4*5 Approx. 0.8 second
High-speed Continuous Shutter Maximum 40 frames per second at 3072 x 2304 pixels
Maximum 30 frames per second at 3264 x 2448 pixels
Flash Continuous Shutter Maximum 5 frames per second (up to 10 images) at 3264 x 2448
Lens Construction 14 lenses in 11 groups, including aspherical lens
F-number F2.8 (W) to 4.5 (T)
Focal Length f=4.6 to 92.0mm
35mm Film Equivalent Approx. 26 to 520mm
Zoom Optical Zoom 20X
Digital Zoom 4X (80X in combination with optical zoom)
HD Zoom 108.0X (image size: 640 x 480 pixels)
Focusing Focus Type Contrast Detection Auto Focus
Focus Modes Auto Focus, Macro Mode, Super Macro, Manual Focus
AF Area Spot, Free or Tracking
AF Assist Lamp Yes
Focus Range*6 (From Lens Surface) Auto Focus Approx. 40cm to ∞ (W)
Macro Approx. 12cm to 50cm (W)
Super Macro Approx. 1cm to 12cm
Manual Focus Approx. 12cm to ∞ (W), Approx. 1cm to ∞ (zoom lens position: super macro)
Exposure Exposure Metering Multi-pattern, center weighted, spot by imaging element
Exposure Control Program AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Speed Priority AE, Manual Exposure
Exposure Compensation -2EV to +2EV (in 1/3EV steps)
Shutter Type CMOS electronic shutter, mechanical shutter
Shutter Speed*7 Auto 1 to 1/2000 second
Aperture Priority AE 1 to 1/2000 second
Shutter Speed Priority AE 30 to 1/2000 second (high-speed continuous shutter: up to 1/40000 second)
Manual Exposure 30 to 1/2000 second (high-speed continuous shutter: up to 1/40000 second)
Aperture*8 F2.8 (W) to F7.9 (W)
Aperture Priority AE/Manual Exposure F2.8 (W) to F7.9 (W)
White Balance Auto WB, Daylight, Overcast, Shade, Day white FL, Daylight FL, Tungsten, Manual WB
Sensitivity (SOS)*9 Still Images Auto, ISO100, ISO200, ISO400, ISO800, ISO1600
Movies Auto (Hi-Speed Movie when in Manual Exposure mode: ISO100,ISO200,ISO400,ISO800,ISO1600)
Other Recording Functions Image Stabilization Mechanism CMOS-shift image stabilization
Prerecord Still Images Maximum speed: 40 fps, maximum recording capacity: 40 images
Prerecord Movie Yes
YouTube™ Capture Mode Yes
BEST SHOT Yes: 18 scenes
High Speed Anti Shake Yes
High Speed Night Scene Yes
Digital Panning Yes
Multi-motion Image Yes
Move Out Continuous Shutter Yes
Move In Continuous Shutter Yes
Face Detection Yes
Self-timer 10 seconds, 2 seconds, Triple Self-timer
Built-in Flash Flash Modes Auto, Flash Off, Flash On, Red Eye Reduction
Flash Range*6 Approx. 0.4 to 7.0m (W), approx. 1.3 to 4.4m (T)
Flash continuous shutter*10: Approx. 0.6 to 2.3m (W), approx. 1.3 to 1.4m (T)
Finder Monitor Screen 3.0-inch TFT color LCD (Super Clear LCD), 230,400 dots (960 × 240)
Electronic Viewfinder 0.2-inch LCD, Equal to 201,600 dots
Timekeeping Functions Date and Time Recorded with image data
On-image Time Stamp Function Yes
Auto Calendar To 2049
World Time 162 cities in 32 time zones, city name, date, time, summer time
Input/Output Terminals USB/AV port, AC adaptor connection (DC-IN)
USB Hi-Speed USB
Microphone Monaural
Speaker Monaural
Power Requirements AA-size alkaline battery (LR6) x 4, AA-size rechargeable Ni-MH battery (HR6) x 4, AC adaptor
Battery Life Number of Shots*11
(CIPA Standards) Approx. 230 still images (alkaline battery), approx. 400 still images (rechargeable Ni-MH battery)
Continuous Playback
(Still Images) Approx 5 hr. 20 min. (alkaline battery), approx 6 hr. 20 min. (rechargeable Ni-MH battery)
Dimensions (Excluding Projections) 122.6 (W) x 81.4 (H) x 84.5 (D)mm
Weight (Excluding Battery and Accessories) Approx. 483g
Bundled Accessories AA-size alkaline battery (LR6) x 4, USB cable, AV cable, strap, lens cap, cap holder, CD-ROM
*1. DNG file format is one type of RAW image file, and it is recommended by Adobe Systems for use as a standard image file format.
*2. When using Panasonic (Matsushita) Pro High Speed 1GB SD Memory Card.
*3. When using built-in memory.
*4. With built-in flash off.
*5. When set at maximum image size and normal image quality.
*6. Range is affected by optical zoom.
*7. May differ according to camera setting.
*8. Aperture changed by optical zoom or recording mode.
*9. SOS: Standard Output Sensitivity.
*10. In 5 shot flash continuous shutter mode.
*11. Auto Mode, standard brightness monitor setting.
EXILIM and BEST SHOT are registered trademarks of CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.

Carl Zeiss 21mm Lens

2008-09-16T23:27:00.000+07:00

Carl Zeiss have launched a new 21mm super wide angle lens for SLR cameras. The Distagon T* 2.8/21 lens will be available for SLR cameras with EF (ZE), F (ZF) and a K (ZK) bayonets. Delivery of the Distagon T* 2.8/21 is scheduled to begin by the end of this year with the ZF and ZK version. Its selling price is estimated at 1,399 euros.

Carl Zeiss Press Release

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 16.09.2008 - The legendary Distagon T* 2.8/21 is now being introduced for SLR cameras with EF, F and K bayonets. Thanks to its excellent performance, this modernized version from the former Contax system sets new standards in this focal length class. “The outstanding correction of chromatic aberration enables photos without color fringes even in high-contrast light conditions”, says Martin Klottig, Marketing Manager, Carl Zeiss Camera Lens Division. “Even at full aperture, the floating element design ensures optimum edge-to-edge image quality over the entire focusing range. And even in difficult light conditions, the new Distagon provides excellent results thanks to its T* coating, optimum reflection reduction and exceptional chromatic correction.”

The shortest possible distance setting of only 0.22 m makes the lens ideal for impressive perspectives. Typical applications include architectural, journalistic and landscape photography.

The Distagon 2.8/21 is available with an EF bayonet (ZE), F bayonet (ZF) and a K bayonet (ZK). It is suitable for both digital and analog full-format SLR cameras.

Delivery of the Distagon T* 2.8/21 is scheduled to begin by the end of this year with the ZF and ZK version. Its selling price is estimated at 1,399 euros (incl. 19% German VAT).

Digital Photo of the Day for 6th Sept

2008-09-06T23:44:00.002+07:00

Cabo Verde by by FotoBen

Camera: Nikon D70
Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/1600)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 200 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: 0 EV

Editor's Note:
We have already featured some outstanding photography here on the Digital Photography Weblog and we are looking for more. Have a great shot? Then submit it for consideration to our Flickr Group.

Sanyo Xacti E2

2008-09-04T23:04:00.001+07:00

The Sanyo Xacti E2 is a new waterproof camcorder and digital camera. Designed to operate with only one hand, the Sanyo E2 records MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, 60fps video and 8-megapixel stills under water to a depth of five feet for up to one hour. 8 hours of full motion video or up to 2000 8-megapixel still images can be recorded on a single 8GB SDHC memory card. The Sanyo Xacti E2 is available now in the USA in brilliant blue or pearlescent white for $399.99.

Sanyo Press Release

SANYO Debuts Second-Generation Waterproof Camcorder in U.S.A.; An Every-Season Solution for Capturing All the Fun in and Around Water

Ideal for the Ski Slopes, Beach or Backyard Pool, the Fully Submersible Xacti E2 Features ‘Face Chaser’ Technology and Sequential Shooting

CHATSWORTH, Calif., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/—SANYO has introduced its second-generation waterproof*1 camcorder to the U.S. market. The sleek and compact SANYO Xacti E2 records high-quality, MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 video and 8-megapixel stills under water*2 to a depth of five feet for up to one hour at a time, and is ideal for active lifestyles, including snow and water sports enthusiasts.

Designed to operate with only one hand, the E2 is great for taking to the slopes for skiing or snowboarding*3, or to the beach or lake for activities such as swimming, snorkeling, surfing and water-skiing. On dry land, the versatile E2 is a perfect choice for shooting video and still images of the new baby or recording all the spontaneous fun at parties, children’s school or sports events and family outings.

The SANYO Xacti E2 is available now in the U.S.A. in brilliant blue or pearlescent white at $399.99 MSRP*4. The official Xacti camcorder U.S. website, http://www.sanyodigital.com/, provides updated where-to-buy information.

The E2 shoots MPEG-4 video utilizing state-of-the-art AVC/H.264 recording. A total of 8 hours of full motion video or up to 2000 8-megapixel still images can be recorded on a single 8GB SDHC memory card; up to 4 hours of video with a 4 GB SDHC memory card; up to 2 hours with a 2GB standard SD card; and up to 1 hour with a 1GB standard SD card. Once recorded, both video and still images can be easily uploaded and viewed on a PC or Mac, personal media player such as an iPod(R), or shared on the internet via a video or photo sharing Website.

“This next-generation waterproof camcorder includes such performance enhancements as amazingly smooth 60 fps video, 8 megapixel still photos with 10 fps sequential shooting capability (5 frames per second), and Face Chaser technology for clear, crisp shots of your most important subjects,” said Tom Van Voy, Vice President and General Manager, Audio Video Division of SANYO Fisher Company. “The pocket-sized E2 does the work of both a digital still camera and a camcorder in one easy-to-use device that’s fun to use at the beach, in the pool or on the slopes.”

SANYO Xacti E2 Key Features
— Waterproof: submersible to a depth of five feet for 60 minutes
— Shoots high-quality video (advanced MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 at 640 x 480 pixels)
— Smooth movie recording and playback with 60 fps*5
— Takes 8-megapixel stills (JPEG format)
— Records onto an SD memory card or high-capacity SDHC card (memory cards sold separately)
— Bright, 2.5-inch LCD color display flips out and rotates for easy viewing
— 5x optical zoom for great close-ups
— Anti-shake digital image stabilizer*6
— Easy, one-handed operation
— Photo and Video Face Chaser technology uses a proprietary Sanyo algorithm to compensate for distracting up-and-down or side-to-side camera movement, keeping your subject steady and easy to follow
— Sequential Shooting allows high-speed continuous shooting at 5 frames per second (for up to 10 frames) in [2M] mode so you won’t miss that perfect shot. Continuous shooting at 1 frame per second (for up to 10 frames) is available in [8M] mode
— CMOS sensor: an advanced 8.0-megapixel (total) CMOS image sensor allows the E2 to capture high-resolution, 8-megapixel still images in addition to recording high-quality digital videos.
— New underwater scene mode available in scene selection menu, making colors more true and clear
— While recording video, 8-megapixel still images may also be taken simultaneously
— Easy video sharing: Video recording employs highly efficient MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 compression. This keeps high-quality files small, so you can upload videos to websites and blogs or share them via podcasts or online social networks.
— “Quick stand-by” makes it possible to start recording or playback immediately after the monitor is flipped open
— Bundled with ‘Adobe Premiere Elements 4.0’ for movie editing and original DVD authoring
— Dimensions: 2.8 x 4.4 x 1.6 (W x H x D, in inches)
— Weight: 9.1 oz. with battery and SD or SDHC memory card
— Comes in a choice of Brilliant Blue or Pearlescent White

SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. is a multi-billion dollar manufacturer and distributor of consumer and commercial electronics, including multimedia and telecommunication products. Based in Chatsworth, California, SANYO Fisher Company (a division of SANYO North America Corporation, a subsidiary of SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.) markets digital cameras and camcorders, audio systems, portable and mobile electronics, HD televisions, dictation devices, home appliances, LCD projectors and security video equipment.

For more information and additional specifications, please visit http://www.sanyodigital.com/. Visit http://www.sanyodigital.com/ and click on “Dealer Images” for downloadable hi-res product images.

All products and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Because its products are subject to continual improvement, SANYO reserves the right to modify product design and specifications without notice and without incurring any obligations.

*1: JIS IPX5, IPX8 standard. Up to 5 feet deep for up to 60 minutes.
*2: In water depth up to five feet, within a 60 minute time-frame.
*3: When using in cold or hot and humid environments use caution to prevent dew and condensation.
*4: Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price. Pricing subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.
*5: In TV-HR mode.
*6: Images may not be adjusted in the case of slow shutter speed or high level of image blurring.

About SANYO
SANYO Electric Co., Ltd. is a multi-billion-dollar global leader in providing solutions for the environment, energy and for lifestyle applications based on its Brand Vision ‘Think GAIA’. SANYO Fisher Company (a division of SANYO North America Corporation, a subsidiary of SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.), based in Chatsworth, California, markets digital still cameras, digital media camcorders, digital projectors, home appliances, security video equipment, audio systems, portable and mobile electronics and HD televisions.

New Sony DSLR on September 10th

2008-09-04T22:59:00.000+07:00

Sony will unveil a new DSLR camera on Wednesday September 10th, according to a PCWorld/MACWorld report. Likely to be the 24.8 megapixel, full-frame professional DSLR camera that was shown in prototype form at PMA back in February (pictured), the new Alpha camera will be announced at a Sony event in Tokyo.

Website: PCWorld - Sony, Panasonic to Unveil New Digital SLRs Next Week

New Panasonic DSLR

2008-09-02T23:01:00.000+07:00

Panasonic will unveil a new DSLR camera on Friday September 12th, according to a NetworkWorld report. Successor to the Panasonic DMC-L10 (pictured), a 10.1 megapixel DSLR camera, the third Panasonic DSLR will apparently “offer unique features to set a new trend in digital SLR photography”. The new Lumix camera will be announced at a Panasonic event in Tokyo.

Website: NetworkWorld - Panasonic to unveil new digital SLR next week

Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS ELPH Silver Digital Camera

2008-09-01T18:15:00.000+07:00

(8.0MP, 3264x2448, 3x Opt, SD/SDHC/MMC Card Slot - MPN: 2508B001)

Description: The Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital ELPH is a feature-rich, pocket-sized, Digital Camera with 8.0 megapixel resolution, a sharp and fast 3x optical zoom lens, and features Canon's advanced Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) system that significantly reduces the image-blurring effects, and helps users achieve the best possible picture quality even in low-light shooting conditions. The camera incorporates Canon's proprietary DIGIC III imaging processor that provides for the cameras' higher performance levels including faster start up, faster autofocus and quicker shutter response times. What's more, DIGIC III also improves both the image quality of the camera as well as its power consumption, thereby extending the battery life under typical shooting conditions.

Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS Blue Digital Camera

2008-09-01T18:09:00.000+07:00

(8.0MB, 3264x2448, MMC/SD/SDHC Card Slot - MPN: 2512B001)

Description: The Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS Digital ELPH is a pocket-sized, Digital Camera with 8.0 megapixel resolution, a sharp and fast 3x optical zoom lens. It features Canon's advanced Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) system that significantly reduces the image-blurring effects, and helps users achieve the best possible picture quality even in low-light shooting conditions.

Tripod Resolution

2008-09-01T17:57:00.000+07:00

Every now and then when the moon is almost full I grab my camera. I think it's because I love the phrase "waxing gibbous moon." Waxing is the opposite of waning; it means it's getting bigger. And gibbous is the opposite, or the complement, of crescent; it means a partial moon larger than a half moon. I've always wanted to title a picture Waxing Gibbous Moon.

Two nights ago I took the camera out by the garage and took this. I tell myself in those situations that there's no time for a tripod. For this shot, I turned on "Anti-Shake" (actually, I never turn Anti-Shake off) and jammed the camera up against the garage door.

When I saw that the exposure wasn't totally sharp and the moon was still blown out (this would be a good application for two quick exposures blended with one of those actions that combines two exposures for extended dynamic range—I'm not just imagining that those exist, am I?), I had one of those "tiny epiphanies" of which my days are full—I realized I dislike tripods on principle. That is, I don't think of myself as a tripoddy kind of person, all finicky and particular. I'm an anti-tripodite.

Real Purple: This unsharp waxing gibbous moon Kind of Blue moon
—a detail from the shot above—is also one of the few times I've ever
actually seen bonafide purple fringing from my 7D and 28–75mm lens.

I have a friend named Christopher Bailey who was once a house painter. I remember keeping him company once four stories above Georgetown. I couldn't leave the window, but Chris was scampering around on boards laid on scaffolding with nothing under him but sidewalk, dizzyingly far below. Now, I'm scared of heights, dramatically so, so just watching him had my stomach in knots. At one point I said, "Chris, aren't you afraid of falling?"

At that, he started jumping up and down on one of the boards, which flexed beneath him and then flung him upwards. He jumped on it like it was a trampoline. "Oh, I don't know," he said, "I just feel like if I fall, I'll get my hands on something."

Bingo. That's how I feel about steadying the camera. I'll use anything and everything to brace the camera on or against—mantelpieces, car windows, someone's back, whatever. I like to extemporize. More than that, I like to think of myself as someone who can extemporize. Even when I do use a tripod, I just jam the camera down on the top plate with my hands—I seldom actually attach the camera to the tripod head. What I realized the other night is that I avoid tripods just because of this self-conception I have—even when they're called for, and would be appropriate and useful. There was really no reason at all not to grab a tripod when I went inside to get the camera the other night.

So here's my resolution. The next time I shoot a waxing gibbous moon (granted, the shot above is another miss), I'm going to get the tripod out, and use it properly. In fact, I'm going to try to use my tripod more often in general. I don't care for "tripod snobs," but being an anti-tripod snob is no better.

Posted by: MIKE JOHNSTON

Featured Comment by Cliff: "Waxing Gibbous Moon—Nikon D70, Nikon 18-200 VR, 1/400 sec. F5.6:"

Featured Comment by Joe Decker: Image stabilization can save the day when tripods won't do the job. This was taken from a moving ship (Canon 300L/4 IS, f/4, 1/160, ISO 400):

Featured Comment by DMayer: "While I agree with your comments both pro and con about both tripods and VR/IS/whatever, I'd like to humbly point out that the argument would be moot (mooot?) for moon shots. To successfully photograph the moon you have to shoot at a shutter speed fast enough to freeze the moon and to make the earth's movement negligible. At usual f-stops, the proper exposure would be fast enough to freeze the moon with a 'normal' lens in a shutter speed range that would allow your IS to be effective. Shoot slower, and a tripod may yield a sharper picture of everything else, but your moon would either be blurred or grossly overexposed. Cliff's WGM looks good at screen resolution, and was presumably shot at 200mm at a high ISO (I would guess around 800?) At this shutter speed some people may not need the VR, let alone a tripod, especially if you use the stabilization method that you (Mike) used for your moon shot. And let's not talk about the need for remotes and mirror lockup while on your tripod. Sort of takes away the spontaneity a little, eh? Yes, I do have a tripod (carbon fibre of course, sniff-sniff), a remote cord, and a usable MLU function on my camera, and do from time to time use these functions, but I also have VR lenses, and in a pinch which do you think would yield a more successful moon shot? (The smarta-answer is the tripod, used a couple days before the full moon around sunset, when the difference between the sky exposure and the moon is within the dynamic range of your sensor and the moon is close to the horizon. Luck has nothing to do with making a good photo.)"

Once in a Blue Moon

Today is the Blue Moon—the second full moon in a calendar month.

Blue moons happen about seven times every nineteen years.

Posted by: MIKE JOHNSTON

Featured Comment by Doug (seconded by many other NPR listeners): "Based on a story on NPR last evening, it seems that this was not a Blue Moon and that people have been using the wrong definition since 1946 when it was incorrectly reported in Sky and Telescope magazine.

Idle Response by Mike who actually knows nothing about it: Doug, perhaps that will end up being one of those "errors" that are sanctified by popular acceptance into becoming true. For instance, there is (or was) no such word as "troops"—"troop" (or troupe) is already plural; the singular is "trooper." But I doubt you could convince many Americans, or even many lexicographers, of the non-existence and/or incorrectness of "troops" as a legitimate English word.

(I'm hoping the same thing isn't going to become true of "loose" for "lose," which I think is one of the most persistent misspellings on the internet. Or maybe it just annoys me the most.)

As for Blue Moon, we would probably need the AHED Usage Panel's scientific advisory panel to render a verdict on this one.

Further Comment by dasmb: "I've a degree in rhetoric and agree with Mike—the only definition of a term that matters in terms of effective speech is the one that your audience expects. Dictionaries are a largely academic thing—it doesn't matter if your usage is right by the dictionary, if it contradicts popular belief then it's unsuccessful speech.

"As for me, I'm going to celebrate this lunar event falsely called a Blue Moon with a nice tall glass of Blue Moon, a beer falsely called a Hefeweizen."

Kodak Introduces 50Mpixel Digital Camera CCD Sensor

2008-08-31T20:44:00.000+07:00

The megapixel wars continue as Kodak has just announced the KAF-50100 Image Sensor, a 50Mpixel (8176x6132 pixels) CCD sensor for large-format digital cameras. The sensor array measures 48x36mm (that's 1728 mm²). To keep on-chip speeds down, Kodak doubled the number of read channels on the sensor from the previous generation’s two to four. The net effect of this move is to double the number of output amplifiers and to halve the amplifiers’ bandwidth. The new sensor has four amplifiers running at 18 MHz as opposed to the previous generation’s two amplifiers running at 24 MHz. There’s less noise with this approach.

Another clever design trick is to add what Kodak is calling “pulse flushing,” which uses the anti-blooming drain in each receptor cell to drain the charge from all cells simultaneously just prior to exposure. In previous generations, the cells were drained by reading them out sequentially. Pulse flushing reduces the reset time on the sensor array from milliseconds to microseconds for faster “click to capture.”

In addition, Kodak has shifted the red microfilters 15nm towards blue to improve color accuracy. This change allows the sensor to get a better read on colors falling between the red and blue filters including yellow and orange. (Kodak’s familiar old yellow film boxes will be rendered more accurately, assuming you still have some around.)

Specs are here.

Canon EOS 50D SLR Is Offical

2008-08-29T16:30:00.000+07:00

After weeks of speculative rumors across the net, Canon has finally launched the much anticipated EOS 50D, an upgraded version of EOS 40D. On the surface it looks almost similar to its predecessor. However, there are quite a few significant improvements; It features an APS-C sized 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor for tremendous images, new DIGIC 4 Image Processor for fine detail and superior color reproduction, and improved ISO capabilities up to 12800. The EOS 50D delivers unparalleled speed and resolution at a price point that is unique in today’s market. The 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 USD.

Nikon D90: First DSLR To Feature Video Recording

2008-08-29T16:29:00.000+07:00

Nikon today announced world’s first D-SLR camera with movie function, the Nikon D90. The camera has a 12MP sensor that’s capable of shooting 1280×720p video at 24fps with a 16:9 aspect ratio for up to five minutes, producing around a 600MB file. The D90 features a new lens, too. The camera is said to come equipped with a 18-105mm f3.5-5.6G DX VR. There is no word on pricing or availability at this time.

Sony Adds Hi-Def Recording To Cybershot DSC-T500

2008-08-29T16:28:00.000+07:00

Sony has announced new Cyber-shot® DSC-T500 model enhancing it with high-definition movie recording capability. Users get to shot up to 10-megapixel stills and full-screen 720p movie recording at 30 frames per second (3x higher resolution than standard-definition movies). The model also uses AVC/H.264 codec for video compression and stereo audio - known for its high compression rate producing high-quality video as well as small file sizes that are easy to download, upload and share. T500 is extensible with a Memory Stick® media card (media sold separately), which now has capacities up to 16 GB. Detailed specs are as following; wide (16:9), 3.5-inch touch panel LCD screen, Carl Zeiss 5x optical zoom lens with a wide field of view (33 – 165 mm, 35 mm equivalency), Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization and high sensitivity settings up to ISO3200. Sony DSC-T500 will ship in elegant black with a brushed metal finish in late September for about $400. Pre-orders begin on Aug. 29 at www.sonystyle.com.

Latest Olympus FE series models: Compact size, powerful optics

2008-08-25T23:49:00.001+07:00

The latest Olympus FE series cameras continue to impress for their user-friendliness, attractive pricing, and great image results. Like all Olympus cameras, they pack superior optical performance into compact dimensions. Boasting up to 5x optical zoom, these FE cameras allow users to get up close and personal with their subjects.

The high-grade optics matched with 8 Megapixels ensure premium image quality and precise picture details. In addition to internal memory, photos can be stored to xD-Picture Card or – thanks to a bundled attachment – on microSD Card. Find the newest Olympus FE cameras at a store near you this September for an approximate value of £119.99 for the FE-20, £129.99 for the FE-360, and £179.99 for the FE-370. Each model is also available in a choice of colours

The Olympus FE-20 unites strength and simplicity. The power of its 3x optical zoom and 8 Megapixels is always at your fingertips with this sleek and compact camera measuring just 21.5mm in depth. But don’t let its looks and features fool you – the FE-20 is fun and easy to use. Face Detection Technology makes it simple to capture your friends and family with optimal focus and exposure settings. And with Digital Image Stabilisation, ISO values of up to 1000 help prevent blur, so you can always be sure that your pictures will come out crisp and clear.

This stylish, powerful camera comes in silver or black, and its large 6.4cm/2.5” LCD makes framing and reviewing your shots a cinch. All of the latest FE series cameras follow a “one button, one function” design principle. Also on board are a help function and a multilingual menu for easy navigation and operation. The included Olympus Master Software also makes for easy photo handling on the computer. Internal memory is just one option for storing photos. Results can also be saved to xD-Picture Card or – thanks to the bundled attachment – on microSD Card too.

The newest additions to Olympus’ FE series – the FE-370, FE-360 and FE-20 – will hit the shelves in September 2008.

China, Contemporary, Photography

2008-08-13T18:01:00.004+07:00

TOP TO BOTTOM, © Zhu Hao

Zhu Hao’s images of the city are focused on the objects that we often walk pass unnoticed. As an acute and sensitive photographer, Zhu Hao is immersed in the so-called “intoxication evoked by the object being shot” (Jean Baudillard). With the help of photography, he has gone deeper and deeper into the heart of reality’s fascination.

Golden Red Hunter-Jumper by Isabelle Ann

2008-08-13T18:01:00.001+07:00

Camera: Canon EOS 30D
Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/500)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 98 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Exposure Bias: 1 EV
Flash: Flash did not fire

Photo of the Week

2008-08-13T17:54:00.000+07:00

Camera: Nikon D200
Exposure: 0.022 sec (1/45)
Aperture: f/29
Focal Length: 35 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV

Samsung SL310W Camera Review

2008-07-21T14:33:00.001+07:00

Camera Summary:
The Samsung SL310W is a 13.6 megapixel point-and-shoot digital camera with 3.6x optical zoom. It is designed for consumers looking for high resolution, a wide-angle lens, and impressive functionality. The SL310W has dual image stabilization, MPEG-4 video, face detection (up to nine faces), blink detection, smile shot, and a self-portrait mode. For cameras, the SL310W offers function description and a photo help guide. It will be available in September 2008 for about $229. Samsung SL310W News Release Excerpt:
Samsung launches the 28mm wide-angle SL310W. The SL310W offers advanced features in compact and affordable package.

Ridgefield Park, N.J., July 16, 2008 – Samsung announces the launch of its feature packed SL310W. Ideal for the step-up shooter, the SL310W is highlighted by features commonly found on higher-end, more expensive digital cameras, including an impressive resolution of 13.6 megapixels, Dual Image Stabilization, and a 3.6x, 28mm wide-angle optical zoom lens which significantly improves the user’s ability to photograph more of a desired scene.

Dual Image Stabilization, which combines both Samsung’s advanced Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Digital Image Stabilization (DIS), is a useful feature that helps reduce the blur found in images as a result of vibrations, hand shake or other unexpected movements at the moment of image capture. When selected, OIS and DIS work simultaneously to reduce the effects of unwanted movement and help shooters capture crisp, clear images. Thanks to the enhanced sensitivity of the SL310W’s imaging sensor, which features a maximum ISO of 1600, and the camera’s Dual Image Stabilization, users can rest assured that they’ll be able to capture images in low-light situations, especially when the use of a flash is not desired.

Additionally, Samsung gives shooters the ability to capture more of a desired scene and fit it into the frame by including a high-quality 28mm wide-angle lens. Unlike a standard
35mm lens which is commonly found on compact digital cameras, the SL310W’s 28mm wide-angle lens gives consumers the ability to expand their creativity and take even more moving and emotional images. Ideal for a variety of scenarios, users can easily leverage the increased viewing angle of the SL310W’s wide-angle lens, especially when shooting landscapes or groups of family or friends.

“The new SL310W sets a new standard for compact digital cameras in its class,” said Tony Sorice, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Digital Imaging, at Samsung Electronics America. “Typically, comparably priced digital cameras don’t offer a full suite of advanced features and functionalities like the more advanced point & shoots. With the SL310W, consumers have access to a number of advanced and helpful features, including Face Detection, Blink Detection, Smile Shot, as well as an impressive wide angle lens and Dual Image Stabilization. Compared to the competitive offerings in this category, the SL310W offers shooters MPEG-4 video, allowing them to record high-quality video clips while on the-go and an intelligent LCD screen that will automatically brighten or dim for easier viewing based on available lighting.”

The SL310W offers a number of user-friendly features, including 11 scene modes, auto red-eye fix and MPEG-4 video recording. The camera also features Self Portrait, Face Detection, Blink Detection, and Smile Shot technology, all of which help enhance the digital imaging experience for the shooter.

Self Portrait mode is a unique function that takes the guessing out of taking a self portrait. When in Self Portrait mode, SL310W automatically detects the user’s face, adjust focus and exposure, and will only allow a photo to be taken if the subject is centered in the frame. Face Detection technology makes taking pictures of family and friends a snap, as it detects up to nine faces and automatically adjusts focus and exposure to ensure better composition and image quality. Furthermore, Smile Shot automatically triggers the SL310W to take a photo only when the camera detects smiles on the subjects’ faces, and Blink Detection will prevent a photo from being taken if the camera recognizes that a subject’s eyes are closed – a useful feature as it’s often difficult to distinguish closed eyes when composing a shot on an LCD screen.

For enhanced versatility, shooters can remove red-eye during image playback, or for even greater convenience, set the camera to Auto Red Eye Fix to automatically detect and eliminate red-eye from their images as they are taken.

The SL310W is also equipped with advanced movie modes. Featuring MPEG-4 video recording and in-camera editing controls, users can pause, and then resume filming of video clips without having to save the clips as individual files. Additionally, users can operate the camera’s 28mm wide-angle optical zoom and engage OIS and DIS while recording to compensate for unwanted movement and to reduce blur.

To reduce the intimidation factor of the camera’s many elements, the SL310W offers Function Description and a Photo Help Guide. Function Description automatically provides a brief and easy to understand description of each setting when scrolling through the camera’s menus, helping the end-user determine which setting is appropriate for their current shooting scenario. The camera’s Photo Help Guide is another intuitive component incorporated into the digital camera. Photo Help Guide offers the end-user a guided tour of how to take better images as well as easy-to-follow tips instructing them how to obtain excellent results.

The Samsung SL310W will be available in September 2008 at an MSRP of $229.

Perfect Light, Stretch It

2008-07-21T14:32:00.000+07:00

"People only see what they are prepared to see."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson-

Nature and outdoor photographers the world over have long recognized and worked hard to take advantage of the soft, seemingly magical light of early morning, regardless of their location or assignment. Natural light definitely is different in the first hour or two after daybreak. Although many wild creatures tend to be more active during the first and last hours of a day this is only a happy coincidences for photographers. Just as often, other birds and mammals will be up and moving all hours of the day, despite what the light may look like for photographer. The solution is learning to stretch perfect light so you can still come away with usable and often truly outstanding images throughout the whole day. You’re not changing the sun’s brightness, rather only using it differently, and the techniques are not hard to learn. Sport and new photographers have to utilize these methods every day, and they are easily applied to outdoors and nature shooting. Here are five techniques you can begin using the next time your out in the field; you may have been practicing one or more of them already, and the longer you continue as a nature photographer, the more tricks you’ll use. These five are closely related, so you can combine them as you photograph.

1. Concentrate on color- Although bright light under a clear sky does seem to wash out colors; you can work around this by composing using contrasting colors. For example, place a bright red or yellow against a lighter brown or green. The key is having a brightly colored subject with a lighter background, rather than vice versa. Black or dark brown backgrounds can work, but if your brighter subject is small, a dark background may simply overpower it. At times, polarizing filters can help you, be careful and learn to use them correctly. Their primary function is to reduce glare, which frequently does result in richer color saturation. Some of today’s professional film does not always yield pleasing polarized results because their emulsions already offer excellent color saturation.

2. Shoot tight- This is one of the most critical techniques in making successful midday photos. Using a telephoto lenses isolate your subject so you can eliminate backgrounds brightness or contrast. Don’t Hesitate to choose a telephoto even when you’re already close to your subject; used in this manner, the result is almost three dimensional when you have strong side lighting and you use a large aperture to further reduce depth of field. This is when the zoom lenses in your bag really earn their keep because you can vary your composition without changing your physical position, plus fixed focal length telephoto also work well.

3. Change directions- Quite often, angled light or back-lit scenes are far more dramatic than those with front lighting. In fact, even experienced photographers usually express surprise at how much a photograph can be changed simply by repositioning you a few feet one way or the other.

4. Try fill lighting- Using a fill flash, even in midday, can and will add surprising result when shoot a subject within 10 feet. Flash photography has never been easier than rule governing their use has not changed: a fill flash is used to complement natural light outdoors, not to override it. In other words, don’t shoot into the sun in the belief the plash will eliminate a shadow-covered subject, because it won’t. Instead, use the flash to reduce contrast between bright areas and shadows and create more even overall light. Think small, too, as in subjects like birds or squirrels; a single hotshoe-mounted flash is not going to help much if you’re trying to light up a bison at noon in Yellowstone’s Lamar valley, but conversely, it can certainly help add detail if you’re photographing a small animal. At close distances, regular fill plash can be used successfully with telephoto lenses, too without having to resort to special accessories.

5. Avoid harsh light contrasts- Don’t confuse contrasting light with contrasting colors, because even the best films made, can not handle the F-stop difference between bright light and dark shadow. With professional color transparency film, the exposure latitude you have even on uniformly lit subject is only about one-half stop and practically never more than one full stop. Thus, film doesn’t always capture color the way you see it, especially in high contrast conditions. In many instances, it’s easy to avoid harsh contrasts. Scenes that include land and sky, for example, often present this problem, but it might be solved if your composition includes a long, brushy tree limb as a framing device to eliminate much of the sky. Maybe the sky or the ground isn’t needed at all; reposition your horizon line or change your camera angle to emphasize another aspect of the scene. As you can see, all five techniques are closely related, and with experience you’ll be shooting more and well, so stretch the perfect and shoot all day long. See ya in the field.

Five Secrets to Great Flower Pictures

2008-07-21T14:26:00.001+07:00

Soft outside lighting increases the color saturation of flower pictures.

Darren Todd

You don't have to be a professional photographer to capture great flower pictures, whether you want to show off the splendor of a rose in your garden or shoot pictures of flowers during your travels. Here are five secrets to taking great flower pictures.

Tip 1: Lighting for Flower Pictures

It can be tempting to wait for the brightest midday sun to take your flower pictures. That's actually one of the worst times because the powerful sunlight will wash out your image, and can create harsh shadows.

Instead, take flower pictures when it's overcast, or in the morning, afternoon or evening when the sun isn't as bright and overpowering. This will result in more saturated colors in the blooms of the flowers.

Tip 2: Level with the Flowers

To get unique and beautiful flower pictures, move around. Don't just stand and shoot it. Try getting on the same level with it, standing above it, or even shooting underneath it. Play with distances of how close or far away you are.

Tip 3: Focus on the Flowers

Be sure you have a focal point, whether it is a cluster of brightly colored flowers or simply one blossom. Follow the photography rule of thirds, and avoid placing your

Also be sure you pay close attention to everything in your frame. Watch in particular for distractions or unattractive items or lines in the foreground and background. If you encounter that, try moving into another position to shoot.

Tip 4: Keep it Steady

A potentially stunning flower picture can be ruined by something as simple as human nature: the shaky hand. Even if you think your hand is steady, you might be surprised that it does move. Try using a tripod (you can even get a mini tripod if you don't want to lug around a large one.

Tip 5: Add Some Spice to Your Flowers

Don't just shoot the flower, but also look for unique ways to capture the flower or flowers. You can try framing the flower with something natural in the environment, such as dangling vines. You can also look for insects on flowers to make for an interesting flower picture.

Tripod Resolution

2008-07-21T14:15:00.000+07:00

Canon PowerShot A470

2008-07-12T21:27:00.001+07:00

The Canon PowerShot A470 is a 7.1 megapixel digital camera with a 3.4x optical zoom lens and 2.5 inch LCD (no optical viewfinder).

the Canon PowerShot A470 will have a retail price of $129.99 USD when it hits stores in March.

Get a price on the Canon PowerShot A470

Canon PowerShot A470 News Release Extract

The successor to last year’s successful entry level PowerShot A460 camera, the new 7.1 megapixel A470 model has undergone a striking external makeover, matched dramatically by a number of key internal enhancements and advancements. The immediate eye-impact created by the PowerShot A470 camera stems from its availability in four different color accents -- blue, red, orange and gray – over a contoured metallic finish body that highlights the camera’s new design and reflects the camera-user’s individuality, personality and taste.

This camera's technological features compliment its expressive style. Ideal for first time camera-users, the PowerShot A470 camera features a 3.4X (38mm – 132mm equivalent) optical zoom lens that opens up at a responsive f/3.0 at wide-angle and f/5.8 at the telephoto settings. Despite its positioning as an entry-level camera with style, PowerShot A470 camera offers users the option of exploring their creative sides with manual overrides for ISO speed, exposure compensation and white balance, while enjoying the absolute ease of the automatic setting and taking advantage of the camera’s 14 shooting modes.

Canon PowerShot A470 Reviews

Imaging Resource reviews the Canon PowerShot A470 and writes - 'Overall, the Canon PowerShot A470 is sure to be a crowd pleaser. It comes in fun colors, is easy to operate, yet offers a handful of more advanced features for more experienced users. It's small, pocketable, and has minimal controls to fiddle with. Add to this the Canon A470's great exposure and color handling, and a very low price and you have a classic bargain digital camera. What more could you ask? For around $129.99, you get a 7.1-megapixel CCD, 3.4x optical zoom lens, Canon's Face Detection and Motion Detection technologies, and a host of available scene modes and creative tools. If you're in the market for an inexpensive, portable digital camera that performs well, the PowerShot A470 definitely deserves consideration.'

Kodak Easyshare M893

2008-07-12T21:16:00.001+07:00

The Kodak Easyshare M893 is an 8.1 megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom lens.

It captures images in HD for viewing on HD devices, features face detection, comes in five colors, image stabilization, ISO of up to 1600, on camera share button and voice tagging.

The Kodak Easyshare M893 has 32 megabytes of internal memory.

Kodak Easyshare M893 Reviews

Pocket Lint reviews the Kodak Easyshare M893 and writes - 'The Kodak EasyShare M893 IS provides nice features within a tidy, pocketable design but image noise and sluggish performance don’t do it any favours. If you are after a reasonable snapper and you’ll print images at modest sizes you’ll be happy, but don’t buy this camera if it is 30 x 40-inch prints you’ll be wanting on a regular basis, as it might just leaving feeling disappointed.'

Nikon SB-900 Speedlight

2008-07-12T17:39:00.000+07:00

This week Nikon have announced the Nikon SB-900 Speedlight to go with their new Nikon D700 DLSR

It is a top of the range flash and will be available in August 2008 with a retail price of $499.95 USD.

Learn more about the Nikon SB-900 Speedlight in the promotional material from Nikon below.

Nikon SB-900 Speedlight News Release

New Nikon SB-900 Speedlight Advances Flash Technology At The Speed Of Light With Expansive Zoom And Intelligent Features

Nikon’s Newest Flagship Speedlight Offers a Powerful Addition to the Versatile Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS)

Nikon, Inc. today introduced the SB-900 Speedlight to provide Nikon digital SLR photographers with a flash capable of a wide zoom range, increased versatility, faster recycling time, and a wealth of intelligent features to enhance the already vast functionality of the Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS). Building on the success of the popular SB-800 Speedlight, the SB-900 provides users with extensive creative lighting possibilities with a simplified interface and the ability to stay up to date with future technologies through user-applied firmware updates.*

Nikon broadens FX-format DSLR camera range with

2008-07-08T14:48:00.000+07:00

”The Nikon D3 has taken the action photography industry by storm, motivating many pros to change brands and we expect the D700 to contin5ue that trend,” said Robert Cristina, Manager Professional Products and NPS at Nikon Europe. He added: “The D700 excels in the extreme low-light and high-contrast conditions under which today’s cameras are judged and affirms Nikon’s ongoing commitment to meeting tomorrows imaging needs too.”

D3 DNA

The D700 inherits the ‘must have’ image quality of the D3. Using the same core technologies such as the highly-sensitive 12.1 effective megapixel CMOS image sensor with large pixel pitch and gapless micro lens array that affords bright, clean files across a broad ISO range. The D700 also features the same innovative EXPEED high-speed image-processing system, 14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit processing pipeline to provide the detail and smooth gradation necessary for outstanding print enlargement and reproduction.

FX on the move

The D700 is ideal for those seeking a perfectly-balanced DSLR on the move, without compromising durability or environmental resistance to moisture and dust. The D700 incorporates an image sensor cleaning system that uses high frequency vibrations to reduce the accumulation of dust on the image sensor surface. A responsive 5fps is possible with the compact 1500mAh EN-EL3e lithium-ion battery, with up to 8 fps possible by attaching the optional MB-D10 battery pack to use the powerful 2500mAh EN-EL4a battery if desired. This offers complete power supply integration for those already using the D3 and D300. Another first is the practical i-TTL built-in pop up flash with 24mm lens coverage, ideal for discrete flash lighting when a full size Speedlight might be too cumbersome.

Getting the shot right

Despite its attractive price tag, the D700 makes no compromises in its comprehensive feature array with a highly responsive shutter release time lag of just 40ms, the acclaimed accuracy of the 51-point MultiCAM3500 AF system, DX Crop Mode and Live View with contrast-detect AF displayed on the same high-definition 3-inch TFT monitor used on the D3 and D300. One of the most important advantages of FX format cameras is the viewfinder experience and the D700 features an outstanding solid glass pentaprism, 95% coverage and adjustable AF point LED illumination for a bright, uninterrupted view. A clever new feature is the ability to display the Virtual Horizon level indicator during Live View mode to determine camera orientation at arms length.

What NIKKORS have been waiting for

The D700 is designed for the future without ignoring the past. As Nikon celebrates the 75th anniversary of the very first NIKKOR lens, and with well over 40 million sold, intelligent image processing technologies to control peripheral illumination (Vignette) and chromatic aberration enable photographers to rediscover the creative possibilities of their existing NIKKOR F mount lenses. For newcomers, the ever-expanding Nikon Total Imaging System provides lenses, Speedlights, Software and accessories for every photographic challenge both now and in the future.

The D700 is supplied with battery EN-EL3e, charger, and Nikon Software Suite and will go on sale from 25 July 2008 with a MSRP guide price of €2599.

Nikon D700 plus hands-on preview

2008-07-08T14:47:00.000+07:00

Perhaps the worst kept secret of any recent announcement Nikon has now officially revealed the compact, professional, twelve megapixel, full-frame (FX format) Nikon D700. From the outside the D700 is virtually identical to the D300, albeit for its larger 'full frame' viewfinder, internally it's almost identical to the D3, except for a slightly slower shutter (five frames per second up to eight frames per second with the MB-D10 battery grip). By comparison it also includes several function improvements over the D3 including Image Sensor cleaning ('sensor shake'), more flexible 'hard button' programming, virtual horizon in Live View and different DX mode indication on the focusing screen. The D700 also becomes the first professional Nikon DSLR to sport a built-in flash. As far as competition is concerned the D700 really only faces the Canon EOS 5D (and any replacement that may be in the works). On sale in July for US$2999 or €2599 body only

D3 and D300 get firmware fixes

2008-07-08T14:44:00.001+07:00

In addition to the announcement of the D700, Nikon has revised the firmware of the D3 and D300. The latest D3 firmware adds new function button customization options though not the ones featured on the D700. In addition to these and a virtual horizon in live view mode, Nikon has also addressed the problem that some users experienced in which the battery indicator would incorrectly register an empty battery.
This problem, which has come to be known as 'Dead Battery Syndrome,' has also been addressed in new firmware for the D300.

D3 firmware makes improvements to AF and Auto White Balance mode, as well as correcting for the battery indicator errors. Many of the other changes are subtle tweaks to menus and behavior, such as the decision to only all auto-rotate of images in playback mode, not in the review image that appears after shooting (as the camera must already be in the correct orientation to have taken the shot).

The only D700 feature to appear is the addition of a visualization of the virtual horizon function to live view mode. Other than this, the new function button customization options are not as extensive as its new baby brother. The D3 changes add three more options that can be assigned to the Function, Preview or AE-L/AF-L buttons. The only completely original option is the ability to scroll between shooting menu banks (user-defined presets) with a button press and turn of the control dial. The firmware also separates the image area (FX/DX/5:4) option into two, so that you can choose to either scroll between all three image sizes or just between FX and DX.

Olympus E-3

2008-07-06T02:01:00.000+07:00

The Olympus E-3 is a 10 megapixel professional DSLR (announced 16 October’07) features a built-in image stabiliser to stabilise all lenses, 5fps sequential shooting with 19 image RAW buffer, 5x/7x/10x magnified view for precise focusing – especially for macro shots, ISO 100-3200, Supersonic Wave Filter, Dual memory slot, pop up flash and a 2.5”/6.4cm pop-out LCD with live view.

Fuji film FinePix S8100fd

2008-07-06T02:00:00.000+07:00

The Fujifilm FinePix S8100fd is a 10 MegaPixel SLR-like digital camera features Fujinon 18X Zoom (35mm equivalent: 27 - 486mm), Dual IS, ISO 64-6400, One-touch Face Detection Technology with Auto Red Eye Removal, and a 2.5″ LCD Screen. The camera measures 111.3(W)x78.2(H)x79.3(D) mm / 4.4(W)x3.1(H)x3.1(D) in and weighs 405g/14.3oz.

Casio Exilim EX-Z80

2008-07-06T01:43:00.000+07:00

The Sony CyberShot DSC-W130 is a 8.1 megapixel point-and-shoot digital camera features 4X Optical Carl Zeiss Zoom lens (35mm equivalent: 32-128mm), BIONZ processor, Face Detection, Smile Shutter Mode, Optical Image Stabilization, HDTV Compatibility, ISO 100-3200, and a 2.5″ LCD screen.

Sony CyberShot DSC-W130

2008-07-06T01:41:00.000+07:00

Pentax K200D

2008-07-06T01:29:00.000+07:00

The Pentax K200D is a 10.2 megapixel CCD Digital SLR features Weather and dust resistant body, Shake Reduction, Dust Removal system, Weather and dust resistant body, 2.8 FPS (4 JPG and Continuous Hi, 4 RAW), Enhanced Dynamic Range mode gives 200% more dynamic range, Auto Picture and Scene modes, and 2.7 inch high resolution, wide view LCD panel.

Sony Alpha A200

2008-07-06T01:13:00.000+07:00

The Sony Alpha A200 is an entry level digital SLR camera from Sony features 10.2-megapixel (effective) APS CCD image sensor, built-in Super SteadyShot® image stabilization, an auto focus speed 1.7x faster than the previous model; improved predictive control performance; quieter shutter sound; automatic pop-up flash; and a 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCDTM screen. The DSLR-A200 camera’s supplied lithium ion battery offers up to 750 shots per full charge.

Casio Exilim EX-Z200

2008-07-05T21:39:00.000+07:00

The Casio Exilim EX-Z200 is a slim 10.1 megapixel point-and-shoot digital camera features 4x optical zoom, Anti-Shake DSP, Face Detection Technology, You Tube Video Capture Mode, and a 2.7″ Wide Super Bright LCD. The camera measures 3.66”(W) x 2.16”(H) x .89”(D) and weighs approx. 4.2 oz