Canon invests in XS capacity
Friday, July 18th, 2008
Canon USA has announced the EOS Rebel XS, launched in other markets as the EOS 1000D on June 10th. In the United States, the camera will be available in a choice of black or silver but will not be available as body-only, with all units coming bundled with the EF-S 18-55mm IS lens. Canon has also announced its plans to build its first new Japanese factory for over a quarter of a century, which will build digital cameras.
Canon USA is direct about its intentions for the Rebel XS: “As consumers have fully embraced digital photography, with many consumers purchasing their second or third digital camera models, we see the Rebel XS as the bridge to help photographers cross over from the world of point-and-shoot cameras to digital SLR technology,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.
Canon’s estimated retail price is $699 for the camera and lens. You can read our full preview here.
By: www.dpreview.com
Pentax K200D Review
Thursday, July 17th, 2008
The Pentax K200D is a new entry-level digital SLR camera aimed at people dipping their toes into the DSLR market for the first time. The K200D is the successor to the K100D Super, itself an excellent camera that we awarded an Essential rating to back in October 2007. The new K200D model throws some features from the K10D DSLR into the mix, most notably a 10.2 megapixel sensor and a weather-proof body. Mark Goldstein discovers if the Pentax K200D is still a compelling proposition.
Website: Pentax K200D Review
Via: feeds.feedburner.com
House of Lords to raise photographers’ rights; Peer to quiz government next week (update)
Thursday, July 17th, 2008The nationwide campaign to protect the rights of photographers taking pictures in public is to be raised in the House of Lords.
Lord Rosser of Ickenham will next week quiz the government over fears that police and other officials are imposing unfair restrictions on photography in public places.
He will ‘ask Her Majesty’s Government what plans they have for reviewing the rules on street photography,’ according to a schedule of House of Lords upcoming business.
The ‘oral question’ is due to be raised in the House of Lords on the afternoon of 16 July.
It is known privately that Lord Rosser is concerned about the plight of amateur photographers in relation to police and other officials.
He has telephoned (AP) magazine for advice on the nature of the problem.
Under Parliamentary rules, the tone of a question in the House of Lords must not express a point of view.
However, like many, he believes officials are sometimes overreacting and not applying as much common sense as they should.
We understand that Lord Rosser hopes to mention the worsening of the problem over the past six months and win the vocal support of fellow peers.
It is likely that he will also mention Austin Mitchell’s Early Day Motion (EDM) on the subject which now has the backing of more than one in three MPs.
The EDM В– tabled in the House of Commons in March В– had, at time of going to press, won cross-party support from 231 of the 646 elected members. The Great Grimsby MP drew on cases reported to AP when compiling the EDM (see AP 29 March).
It is unclear whether the Home Office or the Department for Culture, Media and Sport will be the government department required to answer the question in the chamber.
Richard Rosser is a former chair of the Labour Party (1997-98). He was made a peer as Baron Rosser of Ickenham, in the London Borough of Hillingdon, in 2004. He was made a Justice of the Peace in 1978.
Lord Rosser’s listed political interests include treatment of offenders, employment, transport and the criminal justice system.
House of Lords oral questions are addressed to the government as a whole, not to particular government departments as they are in the House of Commons.
The news comes as The Times newspaper today publishes a letter from magazine on the issue.
Souce: www.amateurphotographer.co.uk
Nikon D700 DSLR
Monday, July 14th, 2008
The Nikon D700 is a 12.1 megapixel full frame (FX), professional DSLR. It’s bundled up in a body that is virtually the same as the Nikon D300. In essence it’s the Nikon D3 feature wise (with a few modifications) in a smaller magnesium alloy body.
The Nikon D700 features five frames per second shooting, image sensor cleaning (vibration cleaning) and the first professional DSLR to come with an in built flash. It has an ISO range of 200-6400 (boostable up to 25600 and down to 100), support for DX lenses, a viewfinder with 95% coverage and a 3.0 inch LCD.
The Nikon D700 will have a retail price of $2999 USD when it goes on sale in July (body only).
Learn more about the Nikon D700 in the following promotional material from Nikon. We’ll post reviews of the camera below as they come to hand.
Nikon D700 News Release
Nikon broadens FX-format DSLR camera range with the new D700
Nikon Europe is pleased to announce the introduction of an all-new FX-format digital SLR: the 12.1 megapixel Nikon D700, designed to enable many more photographers to enjoy the acclaimed image quality of the Nikon D3, but in a smaller form factor.
”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.
Source: www.livingroom.org.au
Hasselblad assembles megapixel monster
Sunday, July 13th, 2008
Engineers at Swedish medium format specialist Hasselblad have cooked-up the highest resolution 48 x 36 mm camera: the H3DII-50. The company has announced its intention to produce a 645 format sensor. Continuing the company’s long history of collaboration with Kodak, the new camera is based around the US company’s new 50MP sensor. The new body is also designed to accomodate the company’s HTS 1.5 Tilt/Shift cradle that allows traditional lenses to be tilted and shifted.
More information about the HTS 1.5 is here.
Press release:
Hasselblad Announces New 50 Megapixel Camera and Upcoming 645 Sensor 
High-End Digital Camera Manufacturer Announces The Launch Of Two New Products That Fully Utilize The Latest Developments In Sensor Technology.
Following the success of the Hasselblad H3DII-39, the market’s most advanced DSLR, Hasselblad is taking its H camera system even further and today announces the launch of the Hasselblad H3DII-50, featuring a new Kodak 50 megapixel sensor, which is twice the size of the largest 35mm DSLR sensors. A new 645 sensor will also be launched in 2009.
“We are very excited to announce these two ultra-high resolution sensors,” says Christian Poulsen, Hasselblad Chief Executive Officer, “but having huge amounts of megapixels does not help your photography much if you are not using a camera system that can reap the benefits of these resolutions. What we are most proud of is the fact that the unique resolution and optical quality of our H-system lens line, combined with our digital lens correction and UltraFocus accuracy, has made it possible for Hasselblad to take our system even further with regards to the accurate capture and recording of image detail.”
Full details on the 645 sensor will be part of Hasselblad’s Strategy and Technology seminar at Photokina 2008 (23rd to 28th September, Cologne, Germany). Poulsen continues: “We will discuss the new 645 sensor and other system additions, our overall view of the Medium Format market, its future development, and our role in driving that development, at this seminar.”
Poulsen adds, “Both the H3DII-50 and the new 645 sensor are designed to serve the photographers who require the highest possible image quality and resolution, and are part of Hasselblad’s ongoing commitment to continue pushing the boundaries of high-level photography."
The new Kodak KAF-50100 image sensor, which measures 36×48 millimeters, will be implemented in the same size housing as the H3DII-39 camera and will comprise the core of the new H3DII-50. The new sensor size is also optimized to work with Hasselblad’s new HTS 1.5 tilt/shift adapter (patent pending), which enlarges the image circle by 50% to bring the benefits of tilt/shift photography into medium format DSLR cameras. An impressive 83 line-pairs/millimeter are resolved over the full, large area of both today’s 36×48 millimeter sensor and of the upcoming larger 645 sensor.
Kodak has also added a set of entirely new features on the 50Mpix sensor, such as new dyes, which will result in even better, richer colors and take full advantage of Hasselblad’s R&D in the area of color rendering technology. The new sensor also includes a range of other new features, including quick flush technology to enable faster capture and lower power consumption, resulting in longer battery life.
Poulsen concludes, “The H3DII camera line has been specially designed to meet the challenging demands of high-end photographers, and these two new products will take the line even further, providing ultimate resolution for photographers who require the best in image quality, performance and creative freedom.”
For further details about the H3DII-50, the 645 sensor, or to sign-up for the Hasselblad Future Technology seminar at Photokina 2008, please contact AD Communications.
The H3DII-50 camera will be available from October 2008 at a price of $39,995.
By: www.dpreview.com
В• Photographer in cricket club pictures ban В• Police stop amateur on grounds of 'national security'
Friday, July 11th, 2008An amateur photographer banned from taking pictures of emergency services attending a cricket club fire – on grounds of ‘national security’ – appears to have done nothing wrong, police admit.
David Clifford from Pinner in Middlesex said he was accosted while taking snaps following an alleged arson attack on the pavilion at nearby Hatch End Cricket Club on 14 June.
‘I was ordered by a police officer to stop taking photographs of the emergency vehicles,’ David told us. ‘When I queried this she [the officer] stated that I am not allowed to take photos of any fire or police vehicles or personnel because of national security.’
David said that the fire engines were about 80-100 yards from where he was and the police vehicle some 30-40 yards away.
A spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Police, today described the officer’s action as ‘inappropriate’. She told magazine: ‘There is absolutely no reason why a cricket club would be a ’sensitive location’.
The Met spokeswoman admitted that an officer’s lack of knowledge of photographers’ rights is behind such incidents.
She explained that there are only a couple of situations where officers would ask that no photographs are taken. Firstly, if fire chiefs ask police to keep the public at bay because photos may cause distress to any victims (in which case police would ‘request’ the photographer stops).
And, secondly if the fire service asks people to stay away from the immediate area on safety grounds. ‘That shouldn’t preclude them taking photographs from a distance,’ added the spokeswoman.
Also, if police set up a cordon, members of the public would be required to stay behind the barrier. However, it is understood that, at the time David took his pictures, there was no such cordon.
No-one was hurt in the blaze which police believe was started by local youths.
David said he was so angry he left the scene before he was able to take down the officer’s details.
Souce: www.amateurphotographer.co.uk
Through the Stone Arc
Friday, July 11th, 2008
June 2008 Competition Winners
Thursday, July 10th, 2008
The winners of the June 2008 PhotographyBLOG Competition have been selected. The theme for June was “Emptiness” – you can view all of the entries in this gallery. Here are the 5 winners:
1st Place
Emptiness by Amandart
Prize: CanvasRus 40 x 30” Canvas Print
Kindly donated by CanvasRus
http://www.canvasrus.co.uk
2nd Place
Wind Chimes by phototoad
Prize: ShutterPoint.com one-year subscription with 100Mb of storage space
Kindly donated by ShutterPoint.
http://www.shutterpoint.com
3rd Place
Lonely bin by armondos
Prize: 1 x 24×24” or 24×18” Canvas Print of a Photo of Your Choice
Kindly donated by Photo Artistry.
http://www.photoartistry.co.uk
4th Place
A town of death by Igor
Prize: Photobird.com one-year subscription with 500Mb of storage space
Kindly donated by Photobird.com.
http://www.photobird.com
5th Place
Time 2 Say Goodbye by Audah
Prize: 1 copy of Powerretouche Full Pro Pack
Kindly donated by Powerretouche.
http://powerretouche.com
Congratulations to the 5 winners and thanks to everyone who took part!
The July 2008 Competition is now open for entries. This is a monthly photography competition with a specific theme and prizes for the top 5 photos. The winning entries will be decided by a panel of judges. You just have to submit one photograph to the Competition Gallery that best interprets July’s theme, which is ”Here Comes the Sun”.
Via: feeds.feedburner.com
Nikon D300 Field Guide
Monday, July 7th, 2008
Nikon D300 Guide : Research and Markets has announced the addition of the “Nikon D300 Digital Field Guide” report to their offering. Citing the Nikon D300’s high-ISO performance, sophisticated autofocus system, 6 frames per second shooting speed, and an astoundingly sharp 3-inch LCD screen, all for less than $2,000, PopPhoto declared the Nikon D300 the camera of the year for 2007. Nikon D300 Digital Field Guide is filled with everything you need to know in order to take amazing photographs using your Nikon D300. This full-colour portable guide walks you through the essential controls, features, and functions of the Nikon D300 digital SLR using step-by-step instructions and full-colour images of each menu screen.
Nikon Field Guide
This robust guide not only shows you how to adjust white balance, autofocus, exposure, and choose lenses, it also teaches you when and why you should adjust each of these key settings. The Nikon D300 Digital Field Guide goes beyond camera settings to offer you a refresher guide to the principles of digital photography, covering the essentials of lighting, composition, and exposure. Filled with amazing examples, this book also presents a variety of tips and tricks to capturing portraits, candids, sports, travel, macro photography, and much more. Key Topics Covered:
Using the Nikon D300 Digital SLR
• Exploring the Nikon D300.
• Nikon D300 Essentials.
• Setting up the Nikon D300.
Creating Great Images with the Nikon D300
• Selecting and Using Lenses.
• Essential Photography Concepts.
• Working with Light.
• Real-World Applications.
• Viewing and In-Camera Editing.
Appendices
• Accessories.
• Nikon D300 Specifications.
• Online Resources.
Souce: www.letsgodigital.org
Software Review: Adobe Photoshop Plug-In FocalPoint From onOne Software
Monday, July 7th, 2008Have you ever wondered how professional photographers make their subjects stand out from the background? You may see an insect on a flower that is in focus and everything else is blurred. This is a standard trick used by the pros that is called selective focus. One method of doing this is to control depth of field in the camera by using a large aperture lens to produce a narrow depth of field.
Another method is to hand-manipulate the image in an image editing program such as Photoshop, but that can take time and some skill to get it to look good without that manipulated feel — that is, until FocalPoint from onOne Software.
FocalPoint gives you the ability to use selective focus to remove distracting backgrounds and allows you to force the viewer's line of sight directly onto the subject. While this is often used in macro photography, it is also very popular in portrait, wedding, commercial, and editorial photography as well.
To run FocalPoint on Mac you need OSX 10.4.10, 10.5 or higher with either 1 GHz G5 or Intel core processor. On Windows you need XP SP2, Vista, or later, 1GHz Pentium 4 processor or equivalent. And then you need Photoshop CS2, CS3, or Photoshop Elements 4 (on Mac) or Elements 5 (on PC) or later. You'll need a minimum of 1 GB ram (2 GB recommended), 25 MB disk space, OpenGL 1.5 video card, and Adobe Flash Player 9 for tutorial movies. On a PC you also need Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 or higher.
So what do you get with FocalPoint?
• Selective focus – gives you the ability to add selective focus to images after they have been taken. Unlike attempting this in the image, there is no special knowledge or additional equipment needed. Also, unlike camera-based selective focus, you can adjust the degree, the plane, as well as the "sweet spot" — the un-blurred area of your image — well after the image has been taken.
• Adding vignettes – will now let you lighten or darken the edges of the image to minimize the distractions within the image's edges and focus the attention back to the subject.
• Blur control – gives you the ability to blur via two shapes, planar and round. The planar simulates a tilt-shift appearance similar to that what you would get in a view camera, or a tilt shift lens. It gives a sweet spot that slices through the image from one side to another. The round creates a round or oblong sweet spot that is similar to using a selective focus lens.
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From: feeds.blogcritics.org