Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Ricoh GXR System Firmware Version 1.17 Update

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Ricoh GXR

Ricoh has released a new firmware update for its GXR camera system.  The new firmware provides the following enhanced functions:

  • Noise reduction performance enhancement
    The MAX setting has been added to the noise reduction settings. When MAX is specified, the image data’s noise distribution is analyzed and the optimum processing is done for each region of the image, thereby increasing image quality in low-light scenes.
  • Auto bracketing setting change
    When shooting with auto bracketing it is possible to specify exposure variations of up to 2.0 EV. In addition, the change sequence can be specified for each shot.
  • Image trimming
    An image displayed in playback can be trimmed and saved as a separate file. It is also possible to trim an image’s proportions to aspect ratio 1:1 (square).
  • Two “incandescent lamp” settings for white balance
    There used to be just the “incandescent lamp” setting for white balance, but now there are two settings: “incandescent lamp 1” and “incandescent lamp 2.” Compared to “incandescent lamp 1,” “incandescent lamp 2” gives the image a slightly more reddish cast so it is the equivalent of the old “incandescent lamp” setting.
  • Auto shutter speed shift function
    In cases where the image will be overexposed or underexposed when in shutter speed priority mode, if this setting is on, the camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed to give a suitable exposure.

Additional information, download and installation instructions are available on Ricoh’s GXR System firmware website.

 

Fuji HS10 Review

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The Fuji HS10 is a superzoom camera that ties the Olympus SP-800UZ for the largest zoom range currently available among consumer cameras.  The 30x zoom range of the Fuji HS10 covers an equivalent of 24-720mm, which is the result of having a sensor about 1/6th the size of that found in a full frame camera like the Canon 5D Mark II.

In terms of ergonomics and usability, the HS10 performs much like an entry-level DSLR in many ways.  While the flexibility afforded by the zoom range on the HS10 is the camera’s most attractive feature, the smaller sensor in the camera is a key limitation of what the camera can do.  As a result, you should not expect to get DSLR-like image quality out of the camera’s inferior sensor.

With this distinction made, let’s get into the meat of the Fuji HS10 and who will get this most out of this powerful superzoom camera. [Read more…]

Tonight’s Episode of House Shot Entirely with Canon 5D Mark II

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House - 5D Mark II

The season finale of House is on tonight.  Normally, that wouldn’t be news for Photography Bay.  However, it’s a bit different because the entire episode was filmed with the Canon 5D Mark II and Canon EF lenses.

You can catch a preview of the episode here.

I can’t say I’ve ever watched an episode of the show, but I think I’ll join in tonight just out of the curiosity factor.  The show starts at 8PM ET / PT. [Read more…]

Restoring Torn Photos in Photoshop

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I caught this great tutorial earlier today from Matt Kloskowski on restoring torn photos with Photoshop.  In it, he takes a photo that’s torn in half and does a super quick fix that looks pretty darn good.  If you’ve ever tried to fix an old photo before and don’t know this trick, you’ll appreciate it.

If the embedded video above isn’t working for some reason, you can also find the video over at Adobe TV.

Think Tank Photo Retrospective Camera Bag

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Think Tank Photo has introduced the Retrospective series camera and lens shoulder bag. While the outside of the bags look intentionally innocuous, the insides house extremely sophisticated designs specifically created to help field photographers carry their gear safely and access it quickly. The Retrospectives come in two basic models, the shoulder bag and the lens changer. Each comes in different sizes. And, in what is a first for Think Tank, they also are available in a color other than black.

The Retrospective series ranges in price from $99 to $179.

More details in the press release below. [Read more…]

Sigma 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM for the Sony and Pentax Mounts

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Sigma 120-400mm

Sigma has announced that its 120-400mm F4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM lens will now be available for Sony and Pentax DSLRs. The lens should be available for both mounts later this month.

Check availability on Amazon below.

Sigma 120-400mm DG OS HSM for Sony DSLRs

Sigma 120-400mm DG OS HSM for Pentax DSLRs

More details in the press release below. [Read more…]

Sony A290 Surfaces in Vietnam

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Sony Alpha A290

While there’s been no official word from Sony yet, it looks like the next entry-level DSLR from Sony has surfaced in Vietnam.  According to specs provided by tinhte.com, the Sony A290 is equipped with a 14.2MP CCD sensor, max sensitivity of ISO 3200, SteadyShot sensor-based stabilization and a frame rate of 2.5 fps.  The A290 appears to be a mild upgrade from the A230 and, keeping with the entry-level spec-list, still does not appear to offer the Quick Autofocus Live View based on the body design and roughly translated specifications.

[tinhte.com via Slashgear]

Canon PowerShot A3100 IS Review

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The Canon PowerShot A3100 IS is an entry-level digital camera that keeps shooting functions basic, yet delivers great quality images for a camera of its size and price range.  There are no shiny bells and whistles to go along with the camera, but it makes good on its fit into the category of “point and shoot.”

To see whether the Canon A3100 IS delivers enough for your needs, read on. [Read more…]

Adobe Camera RAW 6.1 Release Candidate Available

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Adobe has made a release candidate of Camera Raw 6.1 available for download in Adobe Labs.  This version includes RAW file support for the following new cameras:

  • Canon EOS 550D (Digital Rebel T2i/ EOS Kiss X4 Digital)
  • Kodak Z981
  • Leaf Aptus-II 8
  • Leaf Aptus-II 10R
  • Mamiya DM40
  • Olympus E-PL1
  • Panasonic G2
  • Panasonic G10
  • Sony A450

Additional release notes are indicated on the download page for Camera Raw 6.1.

Remember, this is a release candidate, which means it has been pretty well tested and Adobe thinks it is ready for full release; however, it’s recommended that you keep production work to prior versions until the official release drops.  Expect it to come soon though.  Release candidates mean that the final versions are just around the corner.

Canon PowerShot SD4000 IS Reviews and Resources

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The Canon PowerShot SD4000 IS features a 10MP back-illuminated CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 image processor and a bright f/2.0 lens.  The SD4000 IS also features a 3.8x optical zoom with optical image stabilization and a 3-inch LCD.  The SD4000 IS can capture 720p HD video, as well as slow motion video at 240 fps.

The Canon SD4000 is should be available around the end of May 2010 at an initial retail price of $349.99.

Canon SD4000 IS Availability

B&H Photo

Amazon.com

Adorama

Canon SD4000 IS Reviews

Gizmodo

Infosync

[Read more…]