Originally uploaded by michael_hughes.
Cruise on over to Michael Hughes’ Flicker collection for some very creative photo illusions. Some of these made my brain hurt a bit. Kudos to you Michael and thanks for sharing.
Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips
By Eric Reagan
Originally uploaded by michael_hughes.
Cruise on over to Michael Hughes’ Flicker collection for some very creative photo illusions. Some of these made my brain hurt a bit. Kudos to you Michael and thanks for sharing.
By Eric Reagan
A few days ago I posted another splash picture and I mentioned that I might explain how this was done. Well, that’s not necessary now because fellow blogger/photographer Rich Legg recently provided a rather thorough how-to on his shoot. I’ll have to admit that I like his shots better, which is probably why I’ve put him in my Favorite Photographers links on the sidebar. In the mean time, here’s the same shot from above but with some invert effects applied in photoshop.
Also, since we’re talking about drops, I can’t help but passing along some coffee with a drop of milk.
By Eric Reagan
Everybody’s salivating over the new 1D Mk III from Canon. It’s punch list sure sounds attractive; however, the closer I look at the Canon White Paper on it, the more impressed I become with this killer new piece of equipment from Canon. Below, I’ve set out a few of the features that are discussed in the White Paper that have caught my eye.
By Eric Reagan
The Canon EF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 II lens is standard zoom lens with the same optical system, construction, and exterior as the EF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 V USM. The difference is that it uses a DC motor instead of a USM to drive the AF. It was included as a kit lens with older entry level Canon SLRs back in their heyday and is generally regarded as having rather poor optical quality.
Reviews
The Canon EF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 II Lens is very soft wide open – especially at 80mm. Stopping down at least 1 f-stop is required to get reasonable sharpness. Corners are soft at 28mm.
Fred Miranda Forums User Reviews
The Canon 28-80 may be a kit lens but it comfortably outperformed the Sigma zoom in my tripod-mounted test shots at all apertures within its limits at 28mm, 50mm and 70mm.
Where to Buy
First off, consider going to your local camera store (and I don’t necessarily mean Wolf Camera at the mall). By going to your local camera store, you’re supporting your community and you just might build a lasting relationship with people you can rely on when you need some help or answers. If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices.
[tags]Canon, EF, 28-80mm, f/3.5-5.6, II, lens, review[/tags]
By Eric Reagan
Have you been looking for the Canon 40D only to come across the real 40D at Amazon?
Every Canon fan and shopper is now well aware of the announcement of the Canon EOS 1D Mk III, which we all now want (affordability issues aside). However, in light of this announcement it also appears that we will be without a successor to the Canon 30D anytime soon (like the much rumored 40D). Mark Goldstein has posted his commentary on PhotographyBLOG.com noting that Canon has confirmed there are no further major release announcements for PMA.
He says:
Canon confirmed that these will be all the new products announced in the run-up to and during PMA, which starts on March 8th.
So all those rumours of the 40D and 1Ds Mark III cameras that you might have seen will continue to circulate for a while yet!
So, what happened with the infamous placeholder for the Canon 40D on the official Canon Hong Kong website? I think, perhaps, Canon has brought out one of the oldest tricks in the book for all of us bloggers and gear geeks. Canon pulled the old switcheroo on us. If that’s the case, it was a rather savvy move on Canon’s part by misdirecting our attention to something that really wasn’t going to happen and then surprising us with a remarkable new camera from a different line. Kudos to you Canon, you got us. Thanks for the great gear this year too!
By Eric Reagan
Looks like there is a new Canon EOS-1D Mark III and Rob Galbraith is hosting the official Canon whitepaper. Additionally, there’s a new 16-35 f/2.8 L lens and a 580EX II flash. Initially, the most salivating features of the new camera seem to be 10.1MP DIGIC III at 10fps! Oh, and how about a 3″ LCD display with LIVE view?
The key features pointed out by DPReview.com:
By Eric Reagan
PRESS RELEASE:
MELVILLE, NY (February 19, 2007) – Nikon is pleased to introduce the COOLPIX P5000 to the Nikon COOLPIX Performance Series of digital cameras. The new COOLPIX P5000 offers advanced functions, ease of operation, and high image quality that is sure to satisfy photo and camera enthusiasts. The P5000 boasts 10 effective megapixels, a 3.5x Zoom-Nikkor glass lens, an optical viewfinder, and an incredible, bright high resolution 2.5-inch LCD monitor with anti-reflection coating. The P5000 incorporates a new advanced image processing engine, which optimizes low light performance and color reproduction, and Nikon’s optical VR image stabilization, which compensates for camera shake.
“The COOLPIX P5000 was designed for the photographer who enjoys a high level of control, advanced imaging technologies and the ability to take creative control of their photography,” says Bill Giordano, General Manager Marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc. “The P5000 will be compatible with system-expanding accessories that will allow photographers take their creativity and images to new heights.”
High performance and superior image quality are the hallmarks of the COOLPIX P5000. With 10 megapixels of resolution, photographers can capture the finest details in their images, as well as have the ability to crop creatively and produce beautiful large prints. The 3.5x Zoom-Nikkor glass lens provides compositional versatility when zooming in for tight close ups or zooming out to capture expansive landscapes.
The P5000 provides optical VR image stabilization, which helps compensate for camera shake to produce sharper images. The VR stabilizes images displayed on the 2.5-inch LCD, which makes it easier to frame and capture images. Another advantage of the optical VR image stabilization is that it helps achieve smoother action in the movie shooting modes of the P5000 and when using the optional TC-3ED Tele converter with 378mm of telephoto performance.
The COOLPIX P5000 features a new advanced image processing engine with enhanced noise reduction and an improved signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio that preserves image quality even when shooting at high ISO settings. The P5000 extends the light sensitivity range to ISO 3200*, which makes it possible to capture fast moving subjects with outstanding clarity, even in lower light conditions.
COOLPIX P5000 users can take advantage of the new mode dial which provides quick access to a selection of 16 different scene-optimized modes, seven movie modes, Anti-Shake mode and High Sensitivity mode. A turn of the mode dial to Anti-Shake mode activates High ISO and Best Shot Selector (BSS) in addition to VR, which automatically sets the optimal ISO for steady results and will allow users to select and save the best image from up to ten sequential shots. In addition, the mode dial has the choice of Programmed Auto [P], Shutter-priority Auto [S], Aperture-priority Auto [A], and Manual [M] exposure modes for even greater camera control.
The COOLPIX P5000 features a new menu interface that makes navigating and selecting images simple, while providing easy access to advanced functions for enhancing and correcting images. This includes everything from the new image optimization settings, which offer a choice of four color filters for shooting with monochrome filter effects, to barrel distortion control, which can correct images when using a wide-angle converter and can display the corrected image on the LCD in real time.
The COOLPIX P5000 has three Nikon In-Camera Image Innovations to correct common photo problems. This system includes Face-priority AF**, which can automatically find and focus on a subject’s face, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix, which automatically corrects red-eye, and D-Lighting, an innovation that automatically creates a copy of the image with detail added where necessary, but with well-exposed areas left completely untouched. Because the P5000 has a 2.5-inch high resolution LCD monitor with anti-reflection coating, viewing the monitor is easy even in bright sunlight. The COOLPIX P5000 also features a new optical viewfinder for those photographers who prefer a classic composition aid.
The COOLPIX P5000 is compatible with add-on system components to extend the user’s creative possibilities, including the 24mm*** Wide-angle lens Converter (WC-E67) and the 378mm*** Telephoto Converter lens (TC-E3ED). A built-in accessory shoe supports the use of Nikon’s advanced i-TTL flash control for external flashes, including the SB-400, SB-600, and SB-800 Speedlights.
The P5000 also comes with Nikon’s PictureProject software. Powerful yet user-friendly software makes transferring, organizing, editing and sharing photos easy. Furthermore, the P5000 has PictBridge support and is compatible with SDHC cards.
The COOLPIX P5000 will be available nationwide in March 2007. The P5000 has an MSRP of $399.95.
By Eric Reagan
PRESS RELEEASE:
MELVILLE, NY (February 19, 2007) – Building on the success of the COOLPIX Style Series of digital cameras, Nikon is pleased to introduce the S200 and S500. Boasting 7.1 megapixels, a 3x Zoom-Nikkor glass lens, VR Image Stabilization technologies, and sleek metal bodies, these cameras exude high performance and exquisite design. Both cameras feature a classic camera design as the lens extends from the camera’s body when the cameras are turned on; the S200 is constructed from brushed aluminum and the S500 from stainless steel.
Advanced performance is particularly pronounced in the S500. Among compact digital cameras, the COOLPIX S500 is fast; start up time is an amazing 0.6 seconds and shutter lag, in release priority mode, is just 0.005 seconds.
“With the S200 and S500, Nikon is further distinguishing itself as a leader in compact camera design and innovation,” says Bill Giordano, General Manager Marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc. “These cameras pack style and performance into sleek, metal bodies, allowing even the most style-savvy consumer to enjoy the ease and quality of COOLPIX technology.”
In addition to the aforementioned features, the COOLPIX S200 and S500 feature several imaging innovations designed to encourage carefree shooting for the consumer. The S200 utilizes Electronic Vibration Reduction (e-VR) Image Stabilization, a feature that electronically overcomes camera shake for sharper results. For greater vibration control, the S500 features Optical VR Image Stabilization, a feature that compensates for camera shake ensuring sharp images at shutter speeds up to three times slower than would normally be possible. Both the S200 and S500 have High ISO capabilities; the S200 up to 1000 and the S500 up to ISO 2000, ideal for capturing images in low-light situations. On the S200, the e-VR Image Stabilization feature is activated by utilizing the camera’s easy-to-use menu system. The S500 features a new Anti-Shake button, located on the top of the camera, which activates high ISO, VR and Best Shot Selector (BSS) at the same time to produce clearer results in low light or at telephoto zoom settings.
For image sharing, the S200 and S500 have incredible, bright, high resolution 2.5 inch LCD monitors with an anti-reflective coating, easing the composition of photos, even in direct sunlight. These cameras also have a 16:9 aspect ratio option, making them perfect for sharing images via a high-definition television.
In order to simplify the picture taking process, Nikon has incorporated a new menu interface into the S200 and S500, employing illustrated help dialogs for easy navigation and mode selection. This menu also provides direct access to Nikon’s triad of Image Innovations; in-camera functions for enhancing or correcting images including:
• In-Camera Red-Eye Fix™: automatically detects and corrects red eye, a common problem that occurs in flash photography.
• Face-Priority AF*: automatically finds and focuses on a persons face within the frame, providing sharp focus to produce clear, crisp portraits wherever the subject is positioned in the frame.
• D-Lighting: in playback, the user selects and creates a copy of images with excessive backlight or insufficient flash illumination, adding light and detail where necessary.
On the S500, these features can be activated by pressing the One-Touch portrait button, located on the top of the camera, or selected in the scene modes in the S200.
Both the COOLPIX S200 and the COOLPIX S500 come bundled with Nikon’s exclusive PictureProject software. The PictureProject software is powerful and user-friendly and makes transferring, organizing, editing and sharing photos a snap. Both cameras are SDHC compatible and utilize the new ultra-compact EN-EL10 rechargeable Li-ion battery.
The COOLPIX S200 and the COOLPIX S500 will be available at photo-specialty stores nationwide in March 2007 at an MSRP of $249.95 and $299.95 respectively.
By Eric Reagan
PRESS RELEASE:
MELVILLE, NY (February 19, 2007) – Nikon has added two new stylish and feature-packed digital cameras to the Nikon COOLPIX Style Series line-up, the S50 and S50c. These cameras combine enhanced imaging quality and performance with an eye-catching wave surface design. The COOLPIX S50 and the COOLPIX S50c boast 7.2 effective megapixels, a 3x Zoom-Nikkor glass lens and a huge, bright 3.0 inch LCD screen. These cameras also utilize an Optical VR Image Stabilization system, ensuring the consumer will be able to capture stunningly sharp images. What’s more, the COOLPIX S50c also offers the additional advantage of a built in Wireless capability for e-mail and image storage with the enhanced COOLPIX CONNECT 2 service.
“The COOLPIX S50 and S50c combine technologies that are Nikon hallmarks: exquisite design coupled with superior optics and high resolution with advanced picture taking functions that allow anyone to take great pictures, ” says Bill Giordano, General Manager Marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc.
Bye-bye blur
Not only do the COOLPIX S50 and the COOLPIX S50c feature 7.2 effective megapixels, allowing the consumer to make superior quality prints in a variety of sizes, they also incorporate advanced technologies which help create new opportunities to take sharper, and more natural looking photos. These technologies include the new Optical VR Image Stabilization, high sensitivity up to ISO 1600, and Best Shot Selector (BSS) which can all be activated by pressing the Anti-Shake Button, conveniently located on the top of the camera. These features allow the S50 and S50c to produce shots that are steady, sharp and stunning.
Beauty with brains
Nikon is making it easier than ever to get great-looking pictures with a handy One-Touch Portrait Button that acts as a shortcut to three Nikon In-Camera Image Innovations to correct common photo problems. This system includes Face-priority AF, which was the first system to automatically find and focus on a subject’s face, In-Camera Red-Eye Fix, which automatically detects and corrects red-eye, and D-Lighting, an innovation that automatically creates a copy of the image with detail added where necessary, but with well-exposed areas left completely untouched. These cameras also feature huge, bright, high resolution 3.0-inch LCD monitors with a 170-degree viewing angle and an anti-reflection coating, so they are able to facilitate easier composition and high-quality playback anywhere, even in direct sunlight.
Furthermore, the LCD monitors serve as excellent platforms for Pictmotion™, which allows users to select their favorite images or movies, as well as music (up to 10 songs) and combine them automatically in-camera to produce audiovisual shows in VGA quality for the ultimate photo-sharing experience.
Going Wireless
COOLPIX S50c users can take advantage of Nikon’s wireless transfer features through the latest version of COOLPIX CONNECT. With COOLPIX CONNECT 2 users can share pictures with friends and family from just about anywhere by emailing images directly from the camera through open access wireless hotspots. Now, S50c users can also store up to 2 gigabytes of images and movies to a secure Nikon server, providing a valuable back-up or an opportunity to clear memory from the SD card when capturing images away from home.
Both the COOLPIX S50 and the COOLPIX S50c come bundled with Nikon’s PictureProject software. The PictureProject software is powerful and user-friendly and makes transferring, organizing, editing, and sharing photos a snap.
The COOLPIX S50 and the COOLPIX S50c will be available nationwide in April 2007. The S50c has an MSRP of $349.95, and the S50 has a MSRP of $299.95.
By Eric Reagan
PRESS RELEASE:
MELVILLE, NY (February 19, 2007) — Nikon is pleased to introduce three new L or “Life” Series cameras to the award winning COOLPIX family. Designed with the casual snap-shooter in mind, the Nikon COOLPIX L10, L11 and L12 combine high-quality design and construction with user-friendly features at affordable prices. All three cameras sport a sharp 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor glass lens, a big, bright LCD and a lightweight, ultra-portable body style. Additionally, each of the new L series cameras boast impressive battery life, and a higher light sensitivity, which makes it easy to produce better pictures in low light situations.
“Nikon’s new L-series cameras represent an exceptional value to the consumer, as they are full-featured, easy-to-use and affordable,” says Bill Giordano, General Manager Marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc. “With the introduction of these L-Series cameras, Nikon is making it extremely easy for consumers, who might be new to digital photography, to capture great pictures easily, right out of the box.”
COOLPIX L10 & L11
Designed for the entry-level digital photographer, the L10 and L11 boast 5.0 megapixels and 6.0 megapixels respectively, allowing the consumer to generate high-quality prints in a variety of sizes. Each camera features a sharp 3x Zoom- Nikkor glass lens, ensuring creative freedom and a high light sensitivity up to ISO 800, which makes it easy to produce better pictures in low light situations. Both cameras feature large LCD monitors which facilitate the composition and sharing of images; the L10’s LCD measures 2.0 inches across while the L11 has a 2.4-inch LCD, ample dimensions for easily viewing and sharing images with friends and family.
COOLPIX L12
In addition to 7.1 megapixels, a 3x optical Zoom-Nikkor glass lens, and a 2.5-inch LCD, the COOLPIX L12 also features Optical VR Image Stabilization, which overcomes camera shake to produce clearer, sharper images. This camera also has ISO capabilities up to 1600, which enables the consumer to take sharper pictures in low light situations and facilitates a faster shutter speed, essential for capturing images of fast-moving subjects. Adding to this camera’s ease of use is a new Anti-Shake button, which simultaneously activates VR, High ISO and Best Shot Selector, assuring that pictures will be steady, sharp, and stunning.
Memories Made Easy
In addition to the camera-specific features listed above, Nikon has incorporated user-friendly Imaging Innovations into the entire line of COOLPIX cameras, designed to ease the picture-taking process for the consumer. On the L12, these features are activated by pressing the convenient One-Touch portrait button on top of the camera and can be easily located in the menu systems of the L10 and L11. These technologies, dubbed “Nikon In-Camera Innovations” include:
• In-Camera Red-Eye Fix™: automatically detects and corrects red eye, a common condition that occurs in flash photography.
• Face-Priority AF*: automatically finds and focuses on a persons face within the frame, providing sharp focus to produce clear, crisp portraits wherever the subject is positioned in the frame.
• D-Lighting: in playback mode, the user selects and creates a copy of images with excessive backlight or insufficient flash illumination, adding light and detail where necessary.
Additionally, the L Series cameras include handy features such as scene modes, which set the camera for optimum performance in a variety of shooting locations, and a TV Quality Movie Mode for recording video with sound.
The COOLPIX L10, L11 and L12 feature a sleek, stylish finish and a curved grip that contributes to both design elegance and shooting stability. Adding to the cameras’ convenient portability, all of L-series models are AA-size battery and SDHC memory card compatible, with 7MB of internal memory for the L10 and L11 and 21MB for the L12. Each camera is packaged with a complimentary copy of Nikon’s PictureProject Software, which makes it a snap to transfer, organize, edit, and share photos with family and friends.
The COOLPIX L10, L11 and L12 will be available beginning March 2007 at an MSRP of $119.95, $149.95, and $199.95, respectively.