Another major Qimage update
Qimage have released a new version today with some fairly significant updates. A major redesign of the internal image processing algorithms has put a brand new powerplant under the hood of an already great product.
This version is reported to be both faster and less memory intensive than prior versions. You'll see a performance increase of about 30% or better on many operations such as printing and will see some operations finish up to 5 times faster than before, all while using less memory (RAM and hard drive scratch space) than ever before.
-Professional Quality Prints from Originals
-Auto-Sizing: No More Resampling or DPI Worries
-Multiple Prints/Sizes Per Page, Including Posters
-Image Viewing/Comparing
-Full Color Management (ICC) Support
-Free Lifetime Upgrades/Support
-Used/Recommended by Professional Photographers
-Digital Camera Specific ICC Profiles Available
-Pre-made ICC profiles for various printers/media
Nov 30, 2004
Selling Digital Photos
Interested in becoming a professional digital photographer? These tips may get you on the right track.
Display your photography skills in the best way possible.
Before starting out trying to sell your digital photos or digital photography services, it is a must to create a portfolio sample of your work. This will give you practice taking photos, but more importantly, customers will demand first seeing how good you are before spending money. This is especially important at the beginning when you may not have many testimonials or references.
Be sure to purchase a nice photo album or portfolio book, not just something you pick up at a local drugstore. Also, ensure your photograph prints are of high quality with accurate color representation. This may require getting your photos printed professionally, such as at a camera store or online service catering to pro photographers.
Increase your chances of taking great photos by snapping away more often.
Sometimes the main difference between a hobby photographer and a professional is the amount of pictures they take. Remember, you are using digital media, not film, so you are not wasting any money if photos turn out bad; you can always delete them later and reuse the media!
Take lots and lots of photos, with your subject's blessing and patience, of course. Bracket your photos. Experiment with lighting. The more photos you take, the greater the chance that one 'winner' will come out of the bunch, pleasing your client and possibly giving you a recommendation to others for future business.
Print a hard copy of your digital photo collection with thumbnail pictures.
Whenever you are mailing or distributing sample digital photos to attract, for example, a magazine, book, or newspaper editor, always include a hardcopy contact sheet with your digital CD or DVD distribution.
Each contact sheet should contain four or six photo thumbnails (no more or not enough photo detail will be represented). Each photo should be labeled and cross-referenced with the actual filename, plus the CD/DVD name if you are including more than one CD or DVD with your package. This makes it easier for someone to spot at-a-glance whether or not your photos may be useful for their business. Some editors may not even bother looking through the digital media without this hardcopy!
A photograph on a business card may stand out from others'.
Full-color business cards can be much more expensive than black & white cards and they should not be handed out to just anyone (unless you have lots of dough!), but they can definitely attract attention.
You should consider making a few for important potential clients of your photography services, and be sure to place one of your best works on the card. This way, besides providing contact information, you are giving potential clients an easy-to-find sample of your work. If you have the time and money, consider changing photos every couple of months or so for variety, though this may increase printing costs (usually the more of something you print, the cheaper you can negotiate the cost per unit).
You may be able to make a little extra cash by selling digital photos to stock agencies.
Need a little extra cash? Consider selling your digital photos to stock agencies. This won't make you rich beyond your wildest imaginations, but it can nicely supplement your income. Usually you only get to keep 40% or 50% of the proceeds when signing a contract, but realize how much money these companies are spending in advertisements and understand it would be hard for you to do that kind of marketing alone.
Before contacting an agency, first get a feel of what types of photos they sell. Also, make sure your photos are in the correct format, both resolution and image format (TIF, JPG, etc.). Do your homework before you send over your collection for possible inclusion in stock libraries. Also, if possible, and if you are not forced to sign a non-exclusive contract, ask more than one stock agency to sell a particular photo.
Categorize your photos to make it easier for your potential customers to find what they want.
When creating a physical portfolio or an online version of your portfolio, you may want to consider separating your photographs by theme.
For example, instead of placing thumbnails of all your photographs on one webpage, instead have your main page contain a sample of a few photos, then links to other webpages that each contain one type of photograph, such as wedding, portrait, animal, commercial real estate, etc.
While this makes your site more user-friendly (viewers can quickly find what they want instead of looking through a potpourri of photos), it also may help with search engines. The targeted pages, if designed and written correctly, have more of a chance of getting higher rankings for a particular type of photography than an all-inclusive page.
Business opportunities can happen almost anywhere - keep your business cards on you at all times.
Always, always, ALWAYS bring your business cards along, especially when you travel! You never know when you might strike up a conversation with a potential client, especially if you are at a tourist location and shooting photos with a high-end professional digital camera. If you look like you know what you are doing, there is a chance someone may drop by to ask a question about what you do.
Only show your best work to potential clients and not hundreds of photos.
It may not be wise to show your potential clients dozens or hundreds of sample photos. Show a collection representative of your skills and subject areas, but try not to overwhelm people. Pick and choose your best works and use them as samples. If you show too many photos to clients right off the bat, they might get bored looking through your compilation, and it may show a lack of professionalism; they may think you are unsure which of your own photos are of the highest quality.
Always distribute digital photos in media formats others can use.
Planning on distributing samples of your digital photography to a potential client for review? Save time and aggravation - do not assume others use the same computer and media devices that you do!
While the majority of computer users run Windows for their desktop, many graphics professionals use Macintosh. Others may use Linux or another Unix-based system.
If possible, create multi-format CDs to help ensure you don't embarrass yourself by distributing media that a client cannot use. Good CD creation software should help in this process.
Avoid proprietary media - I would even recommend NOT using Zip disks unless you know the client has them. As for DVDs, even though this is a format growing in popularity, I would ask first before distributing content this way.
Create an Attractive Portfolio
Display your photography skills in the best way possible.
Before starting out trying to sell your digital photos or digital photography services, it is a must to create a portfolio sample of your work. This will give you practice taking photos, but more importantly, customers will demand first seeing how good you are before spending money. This is especially important at the beginning when you may not have many testimonials or references.
Be sure to purchase a nice photo album or portfolio book, not just something you pick up at a local drugstore. Also, ensure your photograph prints are of high quality with accurate color representation. This may require getting your photos printed professionally, such as at a camera store or online service catering to pro photographers.
Take Plenty of Photos
Increase your chances of taking great photos by snapping away more often.
Sometimes the main difference between a hobby photographer and a professional is the amount of pictures they take. Remember, you are using digital media, not film, so you are not wasting any money if photos turn out bad; you can always delete them later and reuse the media!
Take lots and lots of photos, with your subject's blessing and patience, of course. Bracket your photos. Experiment with lighting. The more photos you take, the greater the chance that one 'winner' will come out of the bunch, pleasing your client and possibly giving you a recommendation to others for future business.
Include a Contact Sheet
Print a hard copy of your digital photo collection with thumbnail pictures.
Whenever you are mailing or distributing sample digital photos to attract, for example, a magazine, book, or newspaper editor, always include a hardcopy contact sheet with your digital CD or DVD distribution.
Each contact sheet should contain four or six photo thumbnails (no more or not enough photo detail will be represented). Each photo should be labeled and cross-referenced with the actual filename, plus the CD/DVD name if you are including more than one CD or DVD with your package. This makes it easier for someone to spot at-a-glance whether or not your photos may be useful for their business. Some editors may not even bother looking through the digital media without this hardcopy!
Consider a Photo Business Card
A photograph on a business card may stand out from others'.
Full-color business cards can be much more expensive than black & white cards and they should not be handed out to just anyone (unless you have lots of dough!), but they can definitely attract attention.
You should consider making a few for important potential clients of your photography services, and be sure to place one of your best works on the card. This way, besides providing contact information, you are giving potential clients an easy-to-find sample of your work. If you have the time and money, consider changing photos every couple of months or so for variety, though this may increase printing costs (usually the more of something you print, the cheaper you can negotiate the cost per unit).
Consider Stock Agencies
You may be able to make a little extra cash by selling digital photos to stock agencies.
Need a little extra cash? Consider selling your digital photos to stock agencies. This won't make you rich beyond your wildest imaginations, but it can nicely supplement your income. Usually you only get to keep 40% or 50% of the proceeds when signing a contract, but realize how much money these companies are spending in advertisements and understand it would be hard for you to do that kind of marketing alone.
Before contacting an agency, first get a feel of what types of photos they sell. Also, make sure your photos are in the correct format, both resolution and image format (TIF, JPG, etc.). Do your homework before you send over your collection for possible inclusion in stock libraries. Also, if possible, and if you are not forced to sign a non-exclusive contract, ask more than one stock agency to sell a particular photo.
Separate Your Portfolio By Theme
Categorize your photos to make it easier for your potential customers to find what they want.
When creating a physical portfolio or an online version of your portfolio, you may want to consider separating your photographs by theme.
For example, instead of placing thumbnails of all your photographs on one webpage, instead have your main page contain a sample of a few photos, then links to other webpages that each contain one type of photograph, such as wedding, portrait, animal, commercial real estate, etc.
While this makes your site more user-friendly (viewers can quickly find what they want instead of looking through a potpourri of photos), it also may help with search engines. The targeted pages, if designed and written correctly, have more of a chance of getting higher rankings for a particular type of photography than an all-inclusive page.
Always Have Your Business Card
Business opportunities can happen almost anywhere - keep your business cards on you at all times.
Always, always, ALWAYS bring your business cards along, especially when you travel! You never know when you might strike up a conversation with a potential client, especially if you are at a tourist location and shooting photos with a high-end professional digital camera. If you look like you know what you are doing, there is a chance someone may drop by to ask a question about what you do.
Don't Overwhelm Potential Clients
Only show your best work to potential clients and not hundreds of photos.
It may not be wise to show your potential clients dozens or hundreds of sample photos. Show a collection representative of your skills and subject areas, but try not to overwhelm people. Pick and choose your best works and use them as samples. If you show too many photos to clients right off the bat, they might get bored looking through your compilation, and it may show a lack of professionalism; they may think you are unsure which of your own photos are of the highest quality.
Don't Assume a Computer or Media Format!
Always distribute digital photos in media formats others can use.
Planning on distributing samples of your digital photography to a potential client for review? Save time and aggravation - do not assume others use the same computer and media devices that you do!
While the majority of computer users run Windows for their desktop, many graphics professionals use Macintosh. Others may use Linux or another Unix-based system.
If possible, create multi-format CDs to help ensure you don't embarrass yourself by distributing media that a client cannot use. Good CD creation software should help in this process.
Avoid proprietary media - I would even recommend NOT using Zip disks unless you know the client has them. As for DVDs, even though this is a format growing in popularity, I would ask first before distributing content this way.
Instant Photo Effects 2.0 - easy, affordable
Professor Franklin’s Instant Photo Effects 2.0 provides PC users with an easy-to-use, affordable software tool.
"Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) November 30, 2004 -- Streetwise Software announces the 2.0 release of its award winning photo software, Professor Franklin’s Instant Photo Effects. The 1.0 version of this popular photo editing software was originally distributed with several million Hewlett Packard and Epson inkjet printers worldwide and quickly developed a following as the easiest way to turn any photo into a professional image. With its unique browse-and-click interface, version 2.0 now has over three times the amount of photo effects as well as several innovative new features. Professor Franklin’s Instant Photo Effects 2.0 provides PC users with an easy-to-use, affordable software tool that enables anyone to create images with the look and feel of photos created by professional photographers and designers.
Instant Photo Effects has won numerous industry awards including PC Magazine’s Top 100 CDs and Editor’s Choice from PC Photo Magazine. Its simple, intuitive interface enables users to get results that were previously only available to designers using expensive professional software such as Adobe Photoshop."
Read the whole article here...
Digital photo kiosks are dandy, but not all are created equal
By REBEKAH DENN
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER
"There was a time when one-hour film processing seemed like a great deal.
Then came the digital age, with instant images on the back of the camera, but nothing to pack in your wallet, hang on the wall or pass around work.
Now there's a new breakthrough: digital photo kiosks.
They advertise do-it-yourself prints in minutes. As an added bonus, most allow idiot-proof, on-the-spot editing -- from cropping to adjusting colors to eliminating redeye.
Sure, we could print our digital photos at home -- if we want to become Photoshop pros to do the editing and invest beaucoup bucks in a high-quality printer, ink and paper that will stand the test of time."
Read the whole article here...
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER
"There was a time when one-hour film processing seemed like a great deal.
Then came the digital age, with instant images on the back of the camera, but nothing to pack in your wallet, hang on the wall or pass around work.
Now there's a new breakthrough: digital photo kiosks.
They advertise do-it-yourself prints in minutes. As an added bonus, most allow idiot-proof, on-the-spot editing -- from cropping to adjusting colors to eliminating redeye.
Sure, we could print our digital photos at home -- if we want to become Photoshop pros to do the editing and invest beaucoup bucks in a high-quality printer, ink and paper that will stand the test of time."
Read the whole article here...
Digital photo printing, processing a blurry issue
Lara Bradley of The Sudbury Star writes about the hidden costs of digital camera ownership, in the form of printing/processing costs.
Preserving memories
"Everyone buys a digital camera with a dream: unlimited shots and being able to print your own photos at home.
But over the past four or five years, as more and more people embrace the digital photo era, the actual printing and processing of digital photos has become a blurry issue.
The Mirror, a newspaper in England, recently ran a story claiming that printer ink is one of the most expensive liquids on the planet. It compared its cost per tablespoon to liquids such as Chanel No. 5 perfume and the best whiskey money can buy, finding the ink beat all hands down.
Read the whole article here...
Preserving memories
"Everyone buys a digital camera with a dream: unlimited shots and being able to print your own photos at home.
But over the past four or five years, as more and more people embrace the digital photo era, the actual printing and processing of digital photos has become a blurry issue.
The Mirror, a newspaper in England, recently ran a story claiming that printer ink is one of the most expensive liquids on the planet. It compared its cost per tablespoon to liquids such as Chanel No. 5 perfume and the best whiskey money can buy, finding the ink beat all hands down.
Read the whole article here...
A closer look at the new Pentax *ist DS SLR
Steve's Digivams has written a fairly extensive first look at the new Pentax *ist DS SLR
"PENTAX has downsized digital SLR photography again with the *ist DS digital SLR. Even smaller than last year's *ist D SLR, the *ist DS is one of the smallest and lightest digital SLR cameras available. Measuring just 4.9 x 3.6 x 2.6 inches and weighing under 18 ounces, it has a durable stainless-steel chassis, multi-layered electronic circuit boards and delivers superior image quality in a very compact design. Despite its size, the *ist DS offers 6.1 million effective pixels of resolution and PENTAX original image processing technology. The camera is compatible with most existing PENTAX interchangeable lenses to meet a wide range of applications and visual creativity.
The *ist DS hosts an array of advanced, user-friendly features including a high-magnification viewfinder, a 2.0 inch color LCD monitor, a generous LCD data panel, and an innovative Auto picture mode for automatic selection of the proper exposure program. Offering quick, effortless operation and easy portability, the *ist DS is the ideal digital SLR for all levels of photographers, including first-timer digital SLR users and families. The *ist DS is equipped with a true glass pentaprism viewfinder offering a 95% field of view and a 0.95X magnification. The camera features a large, bright viewfinder image equal in size, clarity and brightness to viewfinders incorporated in conventional 35mm-format SLRs.
The *ist DS is equipped to make camera operations simple and effortless for the user. From the multi-function four-way controller to the responsive electronic select dial and the large, easy-to-use mode dial, all switches and dials are efficiently and functionally laid out around the *ist DS's compact body to assure smooth, fingertip control. Its innovative Auto picture mode automatically and instantly selects the optimum combination of exposure settings for a given subject or situation, including shutter speed, aperture, white balance, saturation, contrast, and intensity of edges. The built-in auto flash automatically pops up in dimly lit or backlit situations. The *ist DS records up to 8 images consecutively at a speed of approximately 2.8 frames per second, allowing the user to capture a series of the subject’s action or movement.
A wide range of compatible PENTAX lenses are available for use with the *ist DS including K, KA, KAF, and KAF2 mount lenses; screw mount lenses, 645, and 67 series lenses (adapter required). Some functions may not activate depending on the choice of lens."
Read the whole article here..
"PENTAX has downsized digital SLR photography again with the *ist DS digital SLR. Even smaller than last year's *ist D SLR, the *ist DS is one of the smallest and lightest digital SLR cameras available. Measuring just 4.9 x 3.6 x 2.6 inches and weighing under 18 ounces, it has a durable stainless-steel chassis, multi-layered electronic circuit boards and delivers superior image quality in a very compact design. Despite its size, the *ist DS offers 6.1 million effective pixels of resolution and PENTAX original image processing technology. The camera is compatible with most existing PENTAX interchangeable lenses to meet a wide range of applications and visual creativity.
The *ist DS hosts an array of advanced, user-friendly features including a high-magnification viewfinder, a 2.0 inch color LCD monitor, a generous LCD data panel, and an innovative Auto picture mode for automatic selection of the proper exposure program. Offering quick, effortless operation and easy portability, the *ist DS is the ideal digital SLR for all levels of photographers, including first-timer digital SLR users and families. The *ist DS is equipped with a true glass pentaprism viewfinder offering a 95% field of view and a 0.95X magnification. The camera features a large, bright viewfinder image equal in size, clarity and brightness to viewfinders incorporated in conventional 35mm-format SLRs.
The *ist DS is equipped to make camera operations simple and effortless for the user. From the multi-function four-way controller to the responsive electronic select dial and the large, easy-to-use mode dial, all switches and dials are efficiently and functionally laid out around the *ist DS's compact body to assure smooth, fingertip control. Its innovative Auto picture mode automatically and instantly selects the optimum combination of exposure settings for a given subject or situation, including shutter speed, aperture, white balance, saturation, contrast, and intensity of edges. The built-in auto flash automatically pops up in dimly lit or backlit situations. The *ist DS records up to 8 images consecutively at a speed of approximately 2.8 frames per second, allowing the user to capture a series of the subject’s action or movement.
A wide range of compatible PENTAX lenses are available for use with the *ist DS including K, KA, KAF, and KAF2 mount lenses; screw mount lenses, 645, and 67 series lenses (adapter required). Some functions may not activate depending on the choice of lens."
Read the whole article here..
Nov 29, 2004
Free Online Photo Gallery with 200MB
A website that calls itself DarwinOnline is providing users 200 MB of free storage space in which to upload your photos. Galleries are intended to allow users to display their photos and view the work of others.
Information about the site is scant but they note:
The underlying technology being used for the site is Coppermine. Coppermine is a multi-purpose web picture gallery script written in PHP using GD or ImageMagick libraries with a MySQL backend. My experience with this site is that it has been a little unstable.
Check them out at DarwinOnline
If you want a little more power and flexibility than this, check out PBase and/or Smugmug.
Information about the site is scant but they note:
- Any images uploaded by a user remain the property of that user or whatever party holds the copyright.
- Do not upload images you take from other web sites. Those are copyrighted.
- Do not upload pornography. It is copyrighted. Collect it on your own hard drive.
The underlying technology being used for the site is Coppermine. Coppermine is a multi-purpose web picture gallery script written in PHP using GD or ImageMagick libraries with a MySQL backend. My experience with this site is that it has been a little unstable.
Check them out at DarwinOnline
If you want a little more power and flexibility than this, check out PBase and/or Smugmug.
Picture Perfect Printers
Michael Fitzgerald - ExtremeTech
As with digital cameras, there's a plethora of photo printers to choose from, and the right one will depend on your specific wants and needs.
Photo printers typically use one of two technologies to print: inkjet or thermal dye. Inkjet printers are similar to standard inkjet printers, which use many small nozzles to spray ink patterns on paper.
Inkjet is the dominant technology for printers generally, and thus most inexpensive photo printers will use it. It's fast and versatile, prints on plain or glossy paper and gives high-quality images. Our favorite dedicated photo printer happens to be an inkjet printer, the Epson PictureMate.
It prints waterproof, store-quality photos up to 4 inches by 6 inches; prints from a variety of media, including direct from camera, CDs and USB drives; and has a handle for toting it around.
Thermal-dye technology involves dyeing specially coated paper. The dye comes on rolls of ribbon that contain the primary colors, and produces pictures that look and feel like traditional photos. Unlike inkjet printers, which save ink by using a technique called dithering to make an image look like it has the same colors everywhere, even though it doesn't. Thermal-dye printers use the same amount of color for every dot they print, meaning they can have much lower DPI (dots per inch) but still produce an excellent image (a 300 by 300 DPI thermal-dye printer can print images as sharp as a 1200 by 4800 DPI inkjet one).
But cost-conscious users might think twice about thermal-dye technology using one to make a print winds up being more expensive, if more convenient, than getting prints made at a store. One good example is the Sony PictureStation. which is sleek, intuitive to use and gives great images. It does only print from a camera or a computer.
Note that many ordinary, multipurpose printers will work just fine for printing out decent-looking prints for taping up on the refrigerator. Today's basic inkjet printers print images on par with specialized photo printers of two or three years ago.
But if you print a lot of pictures, a true photo printer matters, for several reasons:
Read the whole article here..
As with digital cameras, there's a plethora of photo printers to choose from, and the right one will depend on your specific wants and needs.
Photo printers typically use one of two technologies to print: inkjet or thermal dye. Inkjet printers are similar to standard inkjet printers, which use many small nozzles to spray ink patterns on paper.
Inkjet is the dominant technology for printers generally, and thus most inexpensive photo printers will use it. It's fast and versatile, prints on plain or glossy paper and gives high-quality images. Our favorite dedicated photo printer happens to be an inkjet printer, the Epson PictureMate.
It prints waterproof, store-quality photos up to 4 inches by 6 inches; prints from a variety of media, including direct from camera, CDs and USB drives; and has a handle for toting it around.
Thermal-dye technology involves dyeing specially coated paper. The dye comes on rolls of ribbon that contain the primary colors, and produces pictures that look and feel like traditional photos. Unlike inkjet printers, which save ink by using a technique called dithering to make an image look like it has the same colors everywhere, even though it doesn't. Thermal-dye printers use the same amount of color for every dot they print, meaning they can have much lower DPI (dots per inch) but still produce an excellent image (a 300 by 300 DPI thermal-dye printer can print images as sharp as a 1200 by 4800 DPI inkjet one).
But cost-conscious users might think twice about thermal-dye technology using one to make a print winds up being more expensive, if more convenient, than getting prints made at a store. One good example is the Sony PictureStation. which is sleek, intuitive to use and gives great images. It does only print from a camera or a computer.
Note that many ordinary, multipurpose printers will work just fine for printing out decent-looking prints for taping up on the refrigerator. Today's basic inkjet printers print images on par with specialized photo printers of two or three years ago.
But if you print a lot of pictures, a true photo printer matters, for several reasons:
Read the whole article here..
Olympus announces Stylus 500 digital camera
Olympus America has today announced a new weatherproof digital camera model for its Stylus series.
The Olympus Stylus 500 is a five megapixel camera with a 3x optical zoom lens. The new model forgoes any optical viewfinder in favor of fitting in a fairly large 2.5" LCD display. Other features include an ISO range from 64 - 500, shutter speeds from 1/1000 to 4 seconds, multi-pattern or spot metering, xD-Picture Card storage, USB connectivity, and power from a proprietary Lithium Ion battery.
The Olympus Stylus 500 digital camera will ship in January of next year, with pricing set at $399.99.
Read the whole article here...
The Stylus 500 will be available in January 2005. It includes: 32MB xD-Picture Card, Wrist Strap, Camera WIN/Mac USB Cable, Audio/Video cable, Li-12B Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery and Charger, Quick Start Guide, Basic Instruction Manual, Warranty Card, CD-ROM with OLYMPUS Master Software, and Camera reference manual.
The Olympus Stylus 500 is a five megapixel camera with a 3x optical zoom lens. The new model forgoes any optical viewfinder in favor of fitting in a fairly large 2.5" LCD display. Other features include an ISO range from 64 - 500, shutter speeds from 1/1000 to 4 seconds, multi-pattern or spot metering, xD-Picture Card storage, USB connectivity, and power from a proprietary Lithium Ion battery.
The Olympus Stylus 500 digital camera will ship in January of next year, with pricing set at $399.99.
Read the whole article here...
The Stylus 500 will be available in January 2005. It includes: 32MB xD-Picture Card, Wrist Strap, Camera WIN/Mac USB Cable, Audio/Video cable, Li-12B Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery and Charger, Quick Start Guide, Basic Instruction Manual, Warranty Card, CD-ROM with OLYMPUS Master Software, and Camera reference manual.
HP Photosmart 375 review posted
written by Sandesh M. of ByteSector
With its folded up backsides, and small dimensions, the 375 looks like a toaster designed by Apple. Its lines are very smooth, it has a clean look and it looks inviting. The tilt-up screen is a great addition, and it tilts up far enough for you to be able to operate the printer while sitting in front of it, not above it. When they pop out, the back panel becomes a tray that holds up to 20 photo blanks, and the front panel reveals slots for every kind of memory card, and a tray for printed photos. The Photosmart 375 is a clean, good looking printer that doesn't let form get in the way of function.
Aesthetics
Weighing in at just 2.6 pounds and with dimensions of 4.5 by 8.7 by 4.6 inches, the Photosmart 375 is very compact and easy to transport. The sides of the unit come folded up, both to protect it and to conserve space. At the press of a button, the back and front panels pop out, and the 2.5 inch LCD screen pops up; and that?s all it takes for the Photosmart 375 to be ready to print. An optional power pack is available, which lets you operate the printer without even having to plug it in. The printer is incredibly portable, and its connectivity is even better.
Read the whole article here...
With its folded up backsides, and small dimensions, the 375 looks like a toaster designed by Apple. Its lines are very smooth, it has a clean look and it looks inviting. The tilt-up screen is a great addition, and it tilts up far enough for you to be able to operate the printer while sitting in front of it, not above it. When they pop out, the back panel becomes a tray that holds up to 20 photo blanks, and the front panel reveals slots for every kind of memory card, and a tray for printed photos. The Photosmart 375 is a clean, good looking printer that doesn't let form get in the way of function.
Aesthetics
Weighing in at just 2.6 pounds and with dimensions of 4.5 by 8.7 by 4.6 inches, the Photosmart 375 is very compact and easy to transport. The sides of the unit come folded up, both to protect it and to conserve space. At the press of a button, the back and front panels pop out, and the 2.5 inch LCD screen pops up; and that?s all it takes for the Photosmart 375 to be ready to print. An optional power pack is available, which lets you operate the printer without even having to plug it in. The printer is incredibly portable, and its connectivity is even better.
Read the whole article here...
DPNow Reviews Samsung Digimax V50
DPNow have published their review of the 5 megapixel Samsung Digimax V50.
"Colour quality is not bad at all, being neutral and not over-saturated. Blue skies can sometimes appear a little yellow-biased, but skin tones are faithful, as are natural tones like greens and browns. We found that purple fringing to be well-suppressed and only visible in very extreme contrast situations. Some halos, probably due to over-enthusiastic default sharpening, can sometimes be seen, but as there is manual control over in-camera sharpening the problem can be avoided. Overall, as long as you keep an eye on the exposure brightness, the V50 is capable of producing very good prints."
Read the whole article here...
"Colour quality is not bad at all, being neutral and not over-saturated. Blue skies can sometimes appear a little yellow-biased, but skin tones are faithful, as are natural tones like greens and browns. We found that purple fringing to be well-suppressed and only visible in very extreme contrast situations. Some halos, probably due to over-enthusiastic default sharpening, can sometimes be seen, but as there is manual control over in-camera sharpening the problem can be avoided. Overall, as long as you keep an eye on the exposure brightness, the V50 is capable of producing very good prints."
Read the whole article here...
Amateurs set new trend with high-end cameras
It is inevitable that the scene attracted attention from curious onlookers. A huddle of people brandishing heavy cameras are taking a shot of a model at the Namsan Hanok Village in downtown Seoul.
As the teenage model shifts her poses, cameramen also change their positions. Some step toward the model, another lying on the ground with his camera upside down, and others changing their lenses frantically.
Welcome to the whole new world of amateur digital SLR camera clubs. SLR refers to single lens reflex, which is largely used for taking professional photos with full manual functions. But analog-type SLR camera market is rapidly declining in Korea with the remarkable surge of digital competitors.
Digital SLR cameras are not cheap: Mainstream models range from 1.2 million won to 2 million won. But users can take as many pictures as they want and if they don't like the picture, they can simply delete and shoot again.
With digital SLR users growing at a brisk pace, a new fad is looming large - amateur model photo sessions. At the Namsan Hanok Village, 24 digital SLR users, all of whom belong to SLRUsers.com, one of the country's largest offline and online digital SLR camera clubs, join the weekly outing to learn and practice portrait photography.
Read the whole article here...
As the teenage model shifts her poses, cameramen also change their positions. Some step toward the model, another lying on the ground with his camera upside down, and others changing their lenses frantically.
Welcome to the whole new world of amateur digital SLR camera clubs. SLR refers to single lens reflex, which is largely used for taking professional photos with full manual functions. But analog-type SLR camera market is rapidly declining in Korea with the remarkable surge of digital competitors.
Digital SLR cameras are not cheap: Mainstream models range from 1.2 million won to 2 million won. But users can take as many pictures as they want and if they don't like the picture, they can simply delete and shoot again.
With digital SLR users growing at a brisk pace, a new fad is looming large - amateur model photo sessions. At the Namsan Hanok Village, 24 digital SLR users, all of whom belong to SLRUsers.com, one of the country's largest offline and online digital SLR camera clubs, join the weekly outing to learn and practice portrait photography.
Read the whole article here...
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T3 Review - The World's Thinnest 5MP Camera
Just in from I4U Reviews-
"We had the pleasure to be the first to review the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1, when it came out in Japan. We also reviewed the Japan-only Sony DSC-T11, when it came out. Thanks to our friends at Dynamism, we are able to continue the tradition to review the World's Thinnest 5MP Digital Camera from Sony.
The DSC-T3 is thinner than the DSC-T1 through a design change of the lens-cover.
Dynamism sent us the black version of the Sony DSC-T3, that is only available in Japan. Sony made a strange move a couple weeks ago pulling back the launch of the Sony Cyber-shot T3 in the USA. The silver version of the DSC-T3 is shipping in Europe and of course in Japan. The US is officially left with the Sony DSC-T1. Although there are several small online stores that offer the DSC-T3 in the USA.
Read my review below to see if the T3 is actually is better than the T1.
Read the Full DSC-T3 Review (many photos, sample shots and more.)"
"We had the pleasure to be the first to review the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T1, when it came out in Japan. We also reviewed the Japan-only Sony DSC-T11, when it came out. Thanks to our friends at Dynamism, we are able to continue the tradition to review the World's Thinnest 5MP Digital Camera from Sony.
The DSC-T3 is thinner than the DSC-T1 through a design change of the lens-cover.
Dynamism sent us the black version of the Sony DSC-T3, that is only available in Japan. Sony made a strange move a couple weeks ago pulling back the launch of the Sony Cyber-shot T3 in the USA. The silver version of the DSC-T3 is shipping in Europe and of course in Japan. The US is officially left with the Sony DSC-T1. Although there are several small online stores that offer the DSC-T3 in the USA.
Read my review below to see if the T3 is actually is better than the T1.
Read the Full DSC-T3 Review (many photos, sample shots and more.)"
Digital camera market leaders: Sony, Kodak, Canon, Olympus
According to ITFacts, Sony delivered 1 mln consumer digital cameras in Q3, only 10,000 more than Kodak, IDC said. Canon ranked third with 800,000 shipments, followed by Olympus with 585,000. Other major camera makers include Fuji, HP and Nikon. IDC estimates that 24 mln digital cameras will be sold in the United States in 2004, up from nearly 17 mln in 2003, and sales could jump to $8 bln from $5.7 bln.
Nov 28, 2004
Sony DSC-U40 Digital Camera Review
The camera is very very small, easy to use, and quick in operation. The 1" screen updates smoothly and has accurate colour but is very small. The camera is very easy to use, the menu systems being easy to use, if a bit basic in the amount of options and features available. Camera handling, and button layout are good, but again, a bit limiting. The camera speed is good in use, shot to shot time is good, especially in burst mode, and the camera has a fast switch on time.
Read the whole article here..
Read the whole article here..
Reader Satisfaction Survey - Digital Cameras
PC Magazine has a great article about how their readers rate different digital cameras.
"There's nothing hotter than digital cameras. Market research predictions for their total holiday sales are astronomical; the number one planned consumer electronics gift item for this year is the digital camera, displacing DVD players, according to the Consumer Electronics Association. Our survey bears this out: 25 percent of respondents who own a digital camera plan to replace it within the next year. Camera makers are racing to stake out positions in the many niches of this rapidly expanding market. Our readers show a corresponding level of enthusiasm about their cameras in this survey. But they also share some camera gripes, especially when it comes to speed and battery life.
We award Canon our Readers' Choice for its consistently high scores. The company, along with Nikon, earns the highest "overall rating" score. Canon gets the highest "overall reliability" score, and it fares better in more subcategories, which gives it the edge over Nikon, whose products also need more repairs than Canon's. Both companies' D-SLRs receive high scores; but in this category Nikon holds the lead, likely driven..."
The Nikon D70 swept up 5 stars and an Editors' Choice when we reviewed it on its own, and for good reason—this 6.1-megapixel digital SLR has nearly all the features a professional would want, fires off shots as fast as any film SLR, produces very good images, and won't make you pawn your mother's wedding ring.
Read the whole article here..
"There's nothing hotter than digital cameras. Market research predictions for their total holiday sales are astronomical; the number one planned consumer electronics gift item for this year is the digital camera, displacing DVD players, according to the Consumer Electronics Association. Our survey bears this out: 25 percent of respondents who own a digital camera plan to replace it within the next year. Camera makers are racing to stake out positions in the many niches of this rapidly expanding market. Our readers show a corresponding level of enthusiasm about their cameras in this survey. But they also share some camera gripes, especially when it comes to speed and battery life.
We award Canon our Readers' Choice for its consistently high scores. The company, along with Nikon, earns the highest "overall rating" score. Canon gets the highest "overall reliability" score, and it fares better in more subcategories, which gives it the edge over Nikon, whose products also need more repairs than Canon's. Both companies' D-SLRs receive high scores; but in this category Nikon holds the lead, likely driven..."
The Nikon D70 swept up 5 stars and an Editors' Choice when we reviewed it on its own, and for good reason—this 6.1-megapixel digital SLR has nearly all the features a professional would want, fires off shots as fast as any film SLR, produces very good images, and won't make you pawn your mother's wedding ring.
Read the whole article here..
Nov 27, 2004
Adobe wants to give you $5000 - Adobe Design Awards
Amit Malhotra of The Digital Photography Weblog has found this worthwhile contest for all you creative folk.
If you think your new digital camera has unlocked the hidden creative talent you always had, Adobe would like to award you $5000 for winning their Design Achievement Awards. Go for it!
Adobe Systems Incorporated has announced a call for entries in its Fifth Annual Adobe Design Achievement Awards, which this year expands to ten countries and nine competition categories. The awards honor the most talented and promising student graphic designers, photographers, illustrators, animators, digital filmmakers, and computer artists from the world’s top design, film, and broadcast institutions.
If you think your new digital camera has unlocked the hidden creative talent you always had, Adobe would like to award you $5000 for winning their Design Achievement Awards. Go for it!
Adobe Systems Incorporated has announced a call for entries in its Fifth Annual Adobe Design Achievement Awards, which this year expands to ten countries and nine competition categories. The awards honor the most talented and promising student graphic designers, photographers, illustrators, animators, digital filmmakers, and computer artists from the world’s top design, film, and broadcast institutions.
Great strap modification for Nikon D70 digital camera made my day
Rick Blythe
Better Digital Photography
I don't know about you, but the strap that was included with the Nikon D70 digital camera left much to be desired. It was too stiff and didn't fall to the side when you were holding the camera, getting in the way more often than not. I knew what I wanted to fix this problem but could not find it in hardware stores.
Well, all I had to do was look in my own closet. There on my old Minolta XG-1 film SLR was the answer. Triangular shaped keyrings.
Camera, printer get big picture
Linda Knapp of The Seatle Times compares two Olympus digital cameras.
"I love my Olympus C-5050 Zoom camera with its 5 megapixels and 3x optical zoom lens. It shoots sharp photos that can fill an 8-1/2-by-11-inch page and stay sharp.
Even so, I like to see whats new (and maybe even better) in digital cameras. So, when Olympus came out with the C-7000 Zoom ($600) that's like the C-5050, but has 7.1 megapixels and a 5x optical zoom, I was eager to try it.
Lately, I've also been daydreaming about printing photos larger than the standard 8-1/2-by-11-inch size my current printers can manage. But to do that, I need a large-format printer and probably a camera that shoots images with more pixels to maintain sharpness when enlarged to 11 by 14 inches or larger. The Epson Stylus Photo ($400), for example, prints images up to 13 by 44 inches.
Naturally, it makes sense to try the C-7000 camera and the 1280 printer to find out how good super enlargements look when using a high-quality camera and printer designed and priced for serious amateur photographers.
When the camera arrives, I'm surprised to discover how small and light it is, even though it offers the full range of capabilities — from completely automatic to manually controlled, shutter speeds of 1/2000 to 15 seconds, an aperture range of f2.8 to f8, and a lens that zooms from 7.9 mm to 39.5 mm (38 mm to 190 mm on a 35-mm film camera). Plus, I really like the built-in lens cap that automatically opens and closes."
Read the whole article here..
"I love my Olympus C-5050 Zoom camera with its 5 megapixels and 3x optical zoom lens. It shoots sharp photos that can fill an 8-1/2-by-11-inch page and stay sharp.
Even so, I like to see whats new (and maybe even better) in digital cameras. So, when Olympus came out with the C-7000 Zoom ($600) that's like the C-5050, but has 7.1 megapixels and a 5x optical zoom, I was eager to try it.
Lately, I've also been daydreaming about printing photos larger than the standard 8-1/2-by-11-inch size my current printers can manage. But to do that, I need a large-format printer and probably a camera that shoots images with more pixels to maintain sharpness when enlarged to 11 by 14 inches or larger. The Epson Stylus Photo ($400), for example, prints images up to 13 by 44 inches.
Naturally, it makes sense to try the C-7000 camera and the 1280 printer to find out how good super enlargements look when using a high-quality camera and printer designed and priced for serious amateur photographers.
When the camera arrives, I'm surprised to discover how small and light it is, even though it offers the full range of capabilities — from completely automatic to manually controlled, shutter speeds of 1/2000 to 15 seconds, an aperture range of f2.8 to f8, and a lens that zooms from 7.9 mm to 39.5 mm (38 mm to 190 mm on a 35-mm film camera). Plus, I really like the built-in lens cap that automatically opens and closes."
Read the whole article here..
First Impressions of the Minolta Maxxum 7D
By Dave Etchells, The Imaging Resource
(Saturday, November 27, 2004 - 09:44 ET)
We just received a production sample of the new Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D a couple of days before the Thanksgiving holiday. We're working on a full review, but in the meantime have posted some first impressions of this interesting d-SLR.
One from the "too hot to wait" department: Konica Minolta announced their 7D SLR a while ago, and we've heard reports that people are actually finding them in stores already, but until this week, we hadn't seen one ourselves yet. Judging by our email, the level of interest in this SLR is pretty remarkable, testimony to the large number of devoted Minolta shooters who've been patiently waiting for a digital SLR they can use all their Minolta lenses with. What with the Thanksgiving holiday in the way, it's going to be a couple of weeks before we can post a full review of the Maxxum 7D, but we thought the many readers who've been emailing about this camera would appreciate hearing a few initial impressions of the new camera. At this point, we've only had the camera for a few days, and have been cursed with unrelenting cloudy/rainy weather, so haven't had the opportunity to go out shooting with it yet. - And we've been so swamped with the rest of the backlogged review work that it's unlikely we'd have had time to do much, even given beautiful weather. We have played with it a fair bit though, just snapping things around the office, wives, kids, dogs, etc. None of that is fit for publication, but we've developed a pretty good sense of what the camera is like to work with, so thought we'd share our initial impressions of it. We also snapped a few our our standard studio shots, although the lens Konica Minolta sent with it (a 17-35mm wide zoom) really isn't what should be used for that sort of thing. - We'll be reshooting all these studio shots with the sharp prime Konica Minolta promised us after the holidays. In the meantime though, the few shots we did capture and post should give an idea of the camera's general imaging characteristics, and the First Impressions piece (mostly written by Shawn, with color commentary inserted by Dave) should convey some sense of what the camera is like to use. (A teaser: The 7D's user interface philosophy is rather different than that of other d-SLRs on the market. It takes a bit of getting used to, but it richly rewards time spent becoming comfortable with it.) Stay tuned for a full report in about two weeks, but meanwhile check out our "First Impressions" Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D article.
(Saturday, November 27, 2004 - 09:44 ET)
We just received a production sample of the new Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D a couple of days before the Thanksgiving holiday. We're working on a full review, but in the meantime have posted some first impressions of this interesting d-SLR.
One from the "too hot to wait" department: Konica Minolta announced their 7D SLR a while ago, and we've heard reports that people are actually finding them in stores already, but until this week, we hadn't seen one ourselves yet. Judging by our email, the level of interest in this SLR is pretty remarkable, testimony to the large number of devoted Minolta shooters who've been patiently waiting for a digital SLR they can use all their Minolta lenses with. What with the Thanksgiving holiday in the way, it's going to be a couple of weeks before we can post a full review of the Maxxum 7D, but we thought the many readers who've been emailing about this camera would appreciate hearing a few initial impressions of the new camera. At this point, we've only had the camera for a few days, and have been cursed with unrelenting cloudy/rainy weather, so haven't had the opportunity to go out shooting with it yet. - And we've been so swamped with the rest of the backlogged review work that it's unlikely we'd have had time to do much, even given beautiful weather. We have played with it a fair bit though, just snapping things around the office, wives, kids, dogs, etc. None of that is fit for publication, but we've developed a pretty good sense of what the camera is like to work with, so thought we'd share our initial impressions of it. We also snapped a few our our standard studio shots, although the lens Konica Minolta sent with it (a 17-35mm wide zoom) really isn't what should be used for that sort of thing. - We'll be reshooting all these studio shots with the sharp prime Konica Minolta promised us after the holidays. In the meantime though, the few shots we did capture and post should give an idea of the camera's general imaging characteristics, and the First Impressions piece (mostly written by Shawn, with color commentary inserted by Dave) should convey some sense of what the camera is like to use. (A teaser: The 7D's user interface philosophy is rather different than that of other d-SLRs on the market. It takes a bit of getting used to, but it richly rewards time spent becoming comfortable with it.) Stay tuned for a full report in about two weeks, but meanwhile check out our "First Impressions" Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D article.
Olympus C-70 (7000) Wide Zoom review
Imaging Resource has reviewed the Olympus C-70 (also known as the C-7000) digital camera and writes -
'The C-7000 Zoom carries on the "high value" tradition established by the previous "C" series models, offering a very strong feature set at a very affordable price. The C-7000 Zoom offers all the features most "enthusiast" users crave (with the sole possible exception of an external flash sync connector), including a full range of exposure control, extensive creative controls for tweaking image parameters like contrast and saturation, and fine-tuning for white balance and flash power. The camera is small, and has a quality feel, with tight controls and a nice heft. In addition, the C-7000 Zoom accommodates less photo-savvy users with a range of preset scene modes, auto exposure options, and a Redeye Fix option for eliminating redeye in portraits. An excellent value for the enthusiast on a budget, this would also be an ideal camera for consumers wanting to gradually learn more about digital photography with a camera that has room to grow into. All in all, just an excellent camera, one of the best Olympus has yet made. (In my humble opinion, anyway.) Highly recommended, and definitely a Dave's Pick.'
Read the whole article here..
'The C-7000 Zoom carries on the "high value" tradition established by the previous "C" series models, offering a very strong feature set at a very affordable price. The C-7000 Zoom offers all the features most "enthusiast" users crave (with the sole possible exception of an external flash sync connector), including a full range of exposure control, extensive creative controls for tweaking image parameters like contrast and saturation, and fine-tuning for white balance and flash power. The camera is small, and has a quality feel, with tight controls and a nice heft. In addition, the C-7000 Zoom accommodates less photo-savvy users with a range of preset scene modes, auto exposure options, and a Redeye Fix option for eliminating redeye in portraits. An excellent value for the enthusiast on a budget, this would also be an ideal camera for consumers wanting to gradually learn more about digital photography with a camera that has room to grow into. All in all, just an excellent camera, one of the best Olympus has yet made. (In my humble opinion, anyway.) Highly recommended, and definitely a Dave's Pick.'
Read the whole article here..
Photosmart M307: HP's Newest is Put to the Test
Although HP is not the most common name in digital cameras, they are fighting for a spot in the digicam market. With their newest release, HP attempts to appeal to entry-level camera users with the affordably-priced Photosmart M307. During our review, we discovered that HP has some room for improvement.
The Photosmart M307 is one of two entry-level digicams that were recently released by HP. The M307 offers a 3.2 megapixel output and 3x optical zoom. Its 4.1 megapixel brother is very similar with a slightly larger sensor. The M307 offers all the functionality that you would expect from reasonably priced point-and-shoot digicam, including an Auto shooting mode, several preset modes, and a video recording option that captures both video and audio.
As HP continues to develop their cameras to compete in the digicam market, we were interested to see how their cameras compare to big-name camera companies like Nikon, Canon, Olympus, etc. In our review, we discovered that although their entry-level cameras are priced right, HP may still have some work ahead of them. The M307 proved to be rather slow in terms of startup, shutter lag, and write times. In addition, we found its images to be very noisy even at the lowest ISO setting. The camera proved to have a decent resolution performance, but moiré and stuck pixels are visible throughout its images. Read more to find out all the details.
The Photosmart M307 is one of two entry-level digicams that were recently released by HP. The M307 offers a 3.2 megapixel output and 3x optical zoom. Its 4.1 megapixel brother is very similar with a slightly larger sensor. The M307 offers all the functionality that you would expect from reasonably priced point-and-shoot digicam, including an Auto shooting mode, several preset modes, and a video recording option that captures both video and audio.
As HP continues to develop their cameras to compete in the digicam market, we were interested to see how their cameras compare to big-name camera companies like Nikon, Canon, Olympus, etc. In our review, we discovered that although their entry-level cameras are priced right, HP may still have some work ahead of them. The M307 proved to be rather slow in terms of startup, shutter lag, and write times. In addition, we found its images to be very noisy even at the lowest ISO setting. The camera proved to have a decent resolution performance, but moiré and stuck pixels are visible throughout its images. Read more to find out all the details.
Nov 26, 2004
Digital photography means never taking a bad picture again
BY LARRY JOHNSTON
FOR FLORIDA TODAY
The time has come for all of us to move into the 21st century and buy a digital camera. Sadly, your 35mm camera is a dinosaur. Don't throw it away, donate it to a museum.
I know little about cameras. I once had enough 35mm camera equipment to fill a small SUV. Today I own a digital camera no bigger than a wallet and it does more than my 35mm ever did.
I know there is a lot to learn about digital photography, so I signed up for class eagerly. There were about 15 other students.
The teacher tells us her primary goal is to reduce our fear of using our new equipment. Her experience tells her that most of us are so afraid of damaging some electronic component we cannot relax and learn. We are told to assume we can do no harm without a hammer.
I slip my mallet back into my bag.
Read the entire article...
FOR FLORIDA TODAY
The time has come for all of us to move into the 21st century and buy a digital camera. Sadly, your 35mm camera is a dinosaur. Don't throw it away, donate it to a museum.
I know little about cameras. I once had enough 35mm camera equipment to fill a small SUV. Today I own a digital camera no bigger than a wallet and it does more than my 35mm ever did.
I know there is a lot to learn about digital photography, so I signed up for class eagerly. There were about 15 other students.
The teacher tells us her primary goal is to reduce our fear of using our new equipment. Her experience tells her that most of us are so afraid of damaging some electronic component we cannot relax and learn. We are told to assume we can do no harm without a hammer.
I slip my mallet back into my bag.
Read the entire article...
Total Training Introduces New DVDs for Learning Digital Photography and Video
Total Training, Inc. has announced two new consumer products for learning digital photography and video titled Total Training Presents: Digital Photography and Adobe Photoshop Elements 3 and Total Training Presents: Digital Video and Adobe Premiere Elements. These DVD-based series of lessons broaden Total Training's professional line of creative design and digital video products. The DVDs explain comprehensive ways to retouch and restore photos, and create home movies.
Total Training Presents: Digital Photography and Adobe Photoshop Elements begins lessons with the fundamentals of digital photography and offers tips and tricks for optimizing and printing photos. The tutorials clarify the processes of importing pictures to a computer, manipulating and adjusting them in Photoshop Elements.
Total Training Presents: Digital Video and Adobe Premiere Elements helps transform home video memories into web clips and DVDs. A review of the basics covers how to import and edit videos and stills. Other lessons explain ways to add effects and transitions, incorporate music and graphics, and finalize DVDs with menus and features.
Total Training Presents: Digital Photography and Adobe Photoshop Elements 3 and Total Training Presents: Digital Video and Adobe Premiere Elements will be available for $49.99 each.
www.totaltraining.com
Total Training Presents: Digital Photography and Adobe Photoshop Elements begins lessons with the fundamentals of digital photography and offers tips and tricks for optimizing and printing photos. The tutorials clarify the processes of importing pictures to a computer, manipulating and adjusting them in Photoshop Elements.
Total Training Presents: Digital Video and Adobe Premiere Elements helps transform home video memories into web clips and DVDs. A review of the basics covers how to import and edit videos and stills. Other lessons explain ways to add effects and transitions, incorporate music and graphics, and finalize DVDs with menus and features.
Total Training Presents: Digital Photography and Adobe Photoshop Elements 3 and Total Training Presents: Digital Video and Adobe Premiere Elements will be available for $49.99 each.
www.totaltraining.com
Top 10 Tips for Great Pictures
Go for the eyes
Direct eye contact can be as engaging in a picture as it is in real life. When taking a picture of someone, hold the camera at the person's eye level to unleash the power of those magnetic gazes and mesmerizing smiles. For children, that means getting down low to their level. And your subject need not always stare at the camera. All by itself that eye level angle will create a personal and inviting feeling that pulls you into the picture.
Simplfy your background
A plain background shows off the subject you are photographing. When you look through the camera viewfinder, force yourself to study the area surrounding your subject. Make sure no poles grow from the head of your favorite niece and that no cars seem to dangle from her ears.
Use flash outdoors
Bright sun can create unattractive deep facial shadows. Eliminate the shadows by using your flash to lighten the face. When taking people pictures on sunny days, turn your flash on. You may have a choice of fill-flash mode or full-flash mode. If the person is within five feet, use the fill-flash mode; beyond five feet, the full-power mode may be required. With a digital camera, use the picture display panel to review the results.
On cloudy days, use the camera's fill-flash mode if it has one. The flash will brighten up people's faces and make them stand out. Also take a picture without the flash, because the soft light of overcast days sometimes gives quite pleasing results by itself.
Move in close
If your subject is smaller than a car, take a step or two closer before taking the picture and zoom in on your subject. Your goal is to fill the picture area with the subject you are photographing. Up close you can reveal telling details, like a sprinkle of freckles or an arched eyebrow.
But don't get too close or your pictures will be blurry. The closest focusing distance for most cameras is about three feet, or about one step away from your camera. If you get closer than the closest focusing distance of your camera (see your manual to be sure), your pictures will be blurry.
Know the range of your flash
The number one flash mistake is taking pictures beyond the flash's range. Why is this a mistake? Because pictures taken beyond the maximum flash range will be too dark. For many cameras, the maximum flash range is less than fifteen feet—about five steps away.
What is your camera's flash range? Look it up in your camera manual. Can't find it? Then don't take a chance. Position yourself so subjects are no farther than ten feet away. Film users can extend the flash range by using Kodak Max versatility or versatility plus film.
Watch the light
Next to the subject, the most important part of every picture is the light. It affects the appearance of everything you photograph. On a great-grandmother, bright sunlight from the side can enhance wrinkles. But the soft light of a cloudy day can subdue those same wrinkles.
Don't like the light on your subject? Then move yourself or your subject. For landscapes, try to take pictures early or late in the day when the light is orangish and rakes across the land.
Don't center your subject
Center-stage is a great place for a performer to be. However, the middle of your picture is not the best place for your subject. Bring your picture to life by simply moving your subject away from the middle of your picture. Start by playing tick-tack-toe with subject position. Imagine a tick-tack-toe grid in your viewfinder. Now place your important subject at one of the intersections of lines.
You'll need to lock the focus if you have an auto-focus camera because most of them focus on whatever is in the center of the viewfinder.
Lock the focus
If your subject is not in the center of the picture, you need to lock the focus to create a sharp picture. Most auto-focus cameras focus on whatever is in the center of the picture. But to improve pictures, you will often want to move the subject away from the center of the picture. If you don't want a blurred picture, you'll need to first lock the focus with the subject in the middle and then recompose the picture so the subject is away from the middle.
Usually you can lock the focus in three steps. First, center the subject and press and hold the shutter button halfway down. Second, reposition your camera (while still holding the shutter button) so the subject is away from the center. And third, finish by pressing the shutter button all the way down to take the picture.
Take some vertical pictures
Is your camera vertically challenged? It is if you never turn it sideways to take a vertical picture. All sorts of things look better in a vertical picture. From a lighthouse near a cliff to the Eiffel Tower to your four-year-old niece jumping in a puddle. So next time out, make a conscious effort to turn your camera sideways and take some vertical pictures.
Take charge
Take control of your picture-taking and watch your pictures dramatically improve. Become a picture director, not just a passive picture-taker. A picture director takes charge. A picture director picks the location: "Everybody go outside to the backyard." A picture director adds props: "Girls, put on your pink sunglasses." A picture director arranges people: "Now move in close, and lean toward the camera."
Most pictures won't be that involved, but you get the idea: Take charge of your pictures and win your own best picture awards.
Direct eye contact can be as engaging in a picture as it is in real life. When taking a picture of someone, hold the camera at the person's eye level to unleash the power of those magnetic gazes and mesmerizing smiles. For children, that means getting down low to their level. And your subject need not always stare at the camera. All by itself that eye level angle will create a personal and inviting feeling that pulls you into the picture.
Simplfy your background
A plain background shows off the subject you are photographing. When you look through the camera viewfinder, force yourself to study the area surrounding your subject. Make sure no poles grow from the head of your favorite niece and that no cars seem to dangle from her ears.
Use flash outdoors
Bright sun can create unattractive deep facial shadows. Eliminate the shadows by using your flash to lighten the face. When taking people pictures on sunny days, turn your flash on. You may have a choice of fill-flash mode or full-flash mode. If the person is within five feet, use the fill-flash mode; beyond five feet, the full-power mode may be required. With a digital camera, use the picture display panel to review the results.
On cloudy days, use the camera's fill-flash mode if it has one. The flash will brighten up people's faces and make them stand out. Also take a picture without the flash, because the soft light of overcast days sometimes gives quite pleasing results by itself.
Move in close
If your subject is smaller than a car, take a step or two closer before taking the picture and zoom in on your subject. Your goal is to fill the picture area with the subject you are photographing. Up close you can reveal telling details, like a sprinkle of freckles or an arched eyebrow.
But don't get too close or your pictures will be blurry. The closest focusing distance for most cameras is about three feet, or about one step away from your camera. If you get closer than the closest focusing distance of your camera (see your manual to be sure), your pictures will be blurry.
Know the range of your flash
The number one flash mistake is taking pictures beyond the flash's range. Why is this a mistake? Because pictures taken beyond the maximum flash range will be too dark. For many cameras, the maximum flash range is less than fifteen feet—about five steps away.
What is your camera's flash range? Look it up in your camera manual. Can't find it? Then don't take a chance. Position yourself so subjects are no farther than ten feet away. Film users can extend the flash range by using Kodak Max versatility or versatility plus film.
Watch the light
Next to the subject, the most important part of every picture is the light. It affects the appearance of everything you photograph. On a great-grandmother, bright sunlight from the side can enhance wrinkles. But the soft light of a cloudy day can subdue those same wrinkles.
Don't like the light on your subject? Then move yourself or your subject. For landscapes, try to take pictures early or late in the day when the light is orangish and rakes across the land.
Don't center your subject
Center-stage is a great place for a performer to be. However, the middle of your picture is not the best place for your subject. Bring your picture to life by simply moving your subject away from the middle of your picture. Start by playing tick-tack-toe with subject position. Imagine a tick-tack-toe grid in your viewfinder. Now place your important subject at one of the intersections of lines.
You'll need to lock the focus if you have an auto-focus camera because most of them focus on whatever is in the center of the viewfinder.
Lock the focus
If your subject is not in the center of the picture, you need to lock the focus to create a sharp picture. Most auto-focus cameras focus on whatever is in the center of the picture. But to improve pictures, you will often want to move the subject away from the center of the picture. If you don't want a blurred picture, you'll need to first lock the focus with the subject in the middle and then recompose the picture so the subject is away from the middle.
Usually you can lock the focus in three steps. First, center the subject and press and hold the shutter button halfway down. Second, reposition your camera (while still holding the shutter button) so the subject is away from the center. And third, finish by pressing the shutter button all the way down to take the picture.
Take some vertical pictures
Is your camera vertically challenged? It is if you never turn it sideways to take a vertical picture. All sorts of things look better in a vertical picture. From a lighthouse near a cliff to the Eiffel Tower to your four-year-old niece jumping in a puddle. So next time out, make a conscious effort to turn your camera sideways and take some vertical pictures.
Take charge
Take control of your picture-taking and watch your pictures dramatically improve. Become a picture director, not just a passive picture-taker. A picture director takes charge. A picture director picks the location: "Everybody go outside to the backyard." A picture director adds props: "Girls, put on your pink sunglasses." A picture director arranges people: "Now move in close, and lean toward the camera."
Most pictures won't be that involved, but you get the idea: Take charge of your pictures and win your own best picture awards.
Luminous Landscape field tests the R-D1
Luminous Landscape has carried out a field test of the world's first digital rangefinder camera, the Epson R-D1. The camera was jointly developed by Epson and Cosina, has a 6 megapixel APS size sensor and accepts Leica M and L mount lenses. While the R-D1 has all the usual features of a digital camera, it exhibits some unique differences, such as cocking the shutter by using something akin to a film advance lever. The R-D1 should be available now and is expected to cost around $2,999
Epson’s decision to produce this unique camera was a bold one and they deserve much praise for bringing it to production. In most important respects, the R-D1 functions as the digital rangefinder that many of us have been waiting years for. Its primary flaws are that it needs a much larger RAW buffer and a histogram review mode. It also may have problems with vignetting using very short lenses but I’ll need to wait until I’m able to test it with various super wide-angle lenses to draw any conclusions. Finally, many people have complained about rangefinder focus problems with the R-D1 using certain lenses and the cause of these problems is undetermined. I did not have focus problems with the example of the R-D1 I tested using the lenses I’ve tested so far. The camera’s list of strengths is too long to reiterate here but it is a very impressive camera overall and a particularly remarkable performer especially considering that this is Epson’s first venture into the world of “serious” digital cameras. I highly recommend the Epson R-D1.
Epson’s decision to produce this unique camera was a bold one and they deserve much praise for bringing it to production. In most important respects, the R-D1 functions as the digital rangefinder that many of us have been waiting years for. Its primary flaws are that it needs a much larger RAW buffer and a histogram review mode. It also may have problems with vignetting using very short lenses but I’ll need to wait until I’m able to test it with various super wide-angle lenses to draw any conclusions. Finally, many people have complained about rangefinder focus problems with the R-D1 using certain lenses and the cause of these problems is undetermined. I did not have focus problems with the example of the R-D1 I tested using the lenses I’ve tested so far. The camera’s list of strengths is too long to reiterate here but it is a very impressive camera overall and a particularly remarkable performer especially considering that this is Epson’s first venture into the world of “serious” digital cameras. I highly recommend the Epson R-D1.
Price war rages over photo prints
By Jefferson Graham, USA TODAY
Debbie Granow adores her three kids so much she follows them everywhere with her Nikon digital camera, taking hundreds of pictures. Unlike the typical digital shutterbug who has just a few images printed, Granow prefers to think big.
This year she's had 1,000 prints made from a mail-order house she likes in Britain. She found she had to order overseas to find a competitive price: 17 cents for a 4-by-6 print.
Recently, Granow noticed a price war for online prints. America Online offered her 15 cents a print - if she paid for 600 prints upfront. She signed up, only to find that the shipping charges were so high - $15 on an order of 279 photos - that the savings evaporated.
"Once you add in the shipping, it came to 24 cents a print," Granow says. "And the fees do not come out of the prepayment. Shipping is a killer."
Read the whole article here...
Debbie Granow adores her three kids so much she follows them everywhere with her Nikon digital camera, taking hundreds of pictures. Unlike the typical digital shutterbug who has just a few images printed, Granow prefers to think big.
This year she's had 1,000 prints made from a mail-order house she likes in Britain. She found she had to order overseas to find a competitive price: 17 cents for a 4-by-6 print.
Recently, Granow noticed a price war for online prints. America Online offered her 15 cents a print - if she paid for 600 prints upfront. She signed up, only to find that the shipping charges were so high - $15 on an order of 279 photos - that the savings evaporated.
"Once you add in the shipping, it came to 24 cents a print," Granow says. "And the fees do not come out of the prepayment. Shipping is a killer."
Read the whole article here...
Nov 25, 2004
Tonight's Drive Home
I saw this beautiful moon while driving home tonight from work so I stopped the car for a shot.
It's difficult not to over-expose shots of the moon. Here I used exposure compensation to "turn down the lights" until I got a shot with some moon detail.
Date/Time 25-Nov-2004 17:59:23
Make Sony
Model Cybershot f717
Flash Used No
Focal Length 24.4 mm
Exposure Time 1/125 sec
Aperture f/2.3
ISO Equivalent 100
Exposure Bias -1 1/3
White Balance
Metering Mode matrix (5)
JPEG Quality (6)
Exposure Program program (2)
Date/Time 25-Nov-2004 17:59:23
Make Sony
Model Cybershot f717
Flash Used No
Focal Length 24.4 mm
Exposure Time 1/125 sec
Aperture f/2.3
ISO Equivalent 100
Exposure Bias -1 1/3
White Balance
Metering Mode matrix (5)
JPEG Quality (6)
Exposure Program program (2)
LG Electronics plans to launch 6MP camera phone
DPReview is reporting that..
While it took the digital photography industry around six years to launch a six megapixel digital camera it seems the mobile phone industry is not hanging about. Reports from Korea are that LG Electronics is planning to launch the world's first six megapixel camera phone in Japan. It is thought that the sensor will come from Canon and there could even be plans for a six megapixel model. Phones with this sort of camera resolution are likely to have a have huge internal memory to store the large image files it would produce. And the image quality is unlikely to be a patch on the current crop of six megapixel compacts.
While it took the digital photography industry around six years to launch a six megapixel digital camera it seems the mobile phone industry is not hanging about. Reports from Korea are that LG Electronics is planning to launch the world's first six megapixel camera phone in Japan. It is thought that the sensor will come from Canon and there could even be plans for a six megapixel model. Phones with this sort of camera resolution are likely to have a have huge internal memory to store the large image files it would produce. And the image quality is unlikely to be a patch on the current crop of six megapixel compacts.
Nikon Releases PictureProject Version 1.1
Nikon have released a new version of their PictureProject software which ships with most Nikon digital cameras. Version 1.1 adds a long list of improvements and changes which are documented at their website.
If you are currently using Nikon View, you will need to use the Windows "Add/Remove Programs" to uninstall Nikon View before installing PictureProject as both applications cannot be installed at the same time. Please read and understand the Nikon notes before proceeding with the installation of Picture Project. If you are using an earlier version of PictureProject this installer will update to the latest 1.1 version.
If you are currently using Nikon View, you will need to use the Windows "Add/Remove Programs" to uninstall Nikon View before installing PictureProject as both applications cannot be installed at the same time. Please read and understand the Nikon notes before proceeding with the installation of Picture Project. If you are using an earlier version of PictureProject this installer will update to the latest 1.1 version.
WhiBal - White Balance in Your Pocket
Luminous Landscape has reviewed a new productm WhiBal, for removing colour casts from your photographs, specifically targetted at RAW files. WhiBal has been created by Michael Tapes, a name that some readers may recognize.
Most photographers know that the easiest way to get white balance correct is to take a shot of a gray card, or a white piece of paper. Then, when you're sitting at the computer with the file loaded into your favourite Raw converter, simply click on a shot of it taken in identical light to the shot that you want to white balance, and you've got it. But, coffee cups and pieces of paper aren't necessarily neutral in colour, even though they may appear to be white. And their UV reflection characteristics are also unknown. Read more...
Most photographers know that the easiest way to get white balance correct is to take a shot of a gray card, or a white piece of paper. Then, when you're sitting at the computer with the file loaded into your favourite Raw converter, simply click on a shot of it taken in identical light to the shot that you want to white balance, and you've got it. But, coffee cups and pieces of paper aren't necessarily neutral in colour, even though they may appear to be white. And their UV reflection characteristics are also unknown. Read more...
Nov 24, 2004
Canon PowerShot SD300 Review
Just posted is a full review of Canon's newest and highest resolution ultra-compact digital camera, the PowerShot SD300 Digital ELPH (AKA. the Digital IXUS 40). This metal clad pocketable digital camera has an impressive three times optical zoom lens which has a tight profile which enables the SD300 to be just 20 mm thin. The SD300 also features a four megapixel CCD, large 2.0" LCD monitor, Lithium-Ion rechargable battery and SD storage. Check out our concise review of the SD300 to see what we thought of it.
In an ideal world buying an ultra compact camera would not involve any compromise at all. But this ain't a perfect world, and if you want a camera you really can carry with you anytime, anywhere then you have to accept there will be some trade-off in terms of absolute image quality. The SD300 is, fortunately, more than just a slim, cool, stylish camera with enough silly names (ELPH, IXY, IXUS) for an entire episode of Monty Python. It's a fast, easy to use, well-specified camera that can genuinely claim to be pocket-sized, and it produces images that - whist by no means perfect - are sharp, clean and colorful, and it does so with the minimum fuss. It's so small, and is so enjoyable to handle and use that you cannot help but take it with you wherever you go, something you might hesitate to do with a larger camera.
In an ideal world buying an ultra compact camera would not involve any compromise at all. But this ain't a perfect world, and if you want a camera you really can carry with you anytime, anywhere then you have to accept there will be some trade-off in terms of absolute image quality. The SD300 is, fortunately, more than just a slim, cool, stylish camera with enough silly names (ELPH, IXY, IXUS) for an entire episode of Monty Python. It's a fast, easy to use, well-specified camera that can genuinely claim to be pocket-sized, and it produces images that - whist by no means perfect - are sharp, clean and colorful, and it does so with the minimum fuss. It's so small, and is so enjoyable to handle and use that you cannot help but take it with you wherever you go, something you might hesitate to do with a larger camera.
Top 10 Gifts for the Digital Darkroom
From Sue Chastain
About.com
With digital cameras getting cheaper and better all the the time, more and more folks are turning to digital imaging. Whether you work with scanned photos or a digicam, any of these gift selections would be a great asset to your digital darkroom. There's something here for most any budget.
1) Adobe Photoshop CS (Windows and Macintosh)
For the ultimate in graphics power and flexibility, Photoshop is the one. With features like layer masks, adjustment layers, the history brush, and layer effects, users can perform virtually any kind of image adjustment or correction without ever permanently altering a single pixel in the source image. Automation features allow you to perform similar corrections on a series of images in a snap. Photoshop CS offers a number of enhancements, particularly for digital photographers.
2) Jasc Paint Shop Pro 9 (Windows)
Paint Shop Pro has frequently been lauded as the affordable Photoshop alternative, but in the past I never felt that it measured up. A lot has changed in this latest version, and now Paint Shop Pro feels "all grown up." The workspace has been streamlined and updated; there are new tools and effects, productivity enhancements, and personalization options.
3) Adobe Photoshop Elements 3 (Windows and Macintosh)
If Photoshop's price is out of reach and you want an easier learning curve than Paint Shop Pro, look to Photoshop Elements. It incorporates many of Photoshop's powerful features and interface elements without being too overwhelming to the novice user. Automated features simplify many tasks such as posting online Web photo galleries and stitching multiple photos to create panoramas. With photo organizing and sharing features in the newest version, it's an excellent all-in-one photo solution.
4) Wacom Graphire3 Graphics Tablet (Windows and Macintosh)
Because it's more natural feeling and ergonomic, a graphics tablet is more comfortable to work with than a mouse--particularly for the precise movements required for image correction, selecting, and retouching. Graphire3's 4 x 5 inch active surface is ideal for the digital retoucher who doesn't need the wide sweeping motions required for digital art work. Includes a cordless mouse for other tasks.
To read the rest of the Top 10 Gifts for the Digital Darkroom article follow this link..
About.com
With digital cameras getting cheaper and better all the the time, more and more folks are turning to digital imaging. Whether you work with scanned photos or a digicam, any of these gift selections would be a great asset to your digital darkroom. There's something here for most any budget.
1) Adobe Photoshop CS (Windows and Macintosh)
For the ultimate in graphics power and flexibility, Photoshop is the one. With features like layer masks, adjustment layers, the history brush, and layer effects, users can perform virtually any kind of image adjustment or correction without ever permanently altering a single pixel in the source image. Automation features allow you to perform similar corrections on a series of images in a snap. Photoshop CS offers a number of enhancements, particularly for digital photographers.
2) Jasc Paint Shop Pro 9 (Windows)
Paint Shop Pro has frequently been lauded as the affordable Photoshop alternative, but in the past I never felt that it measured up. A lot has changed in this latest version, and now Paint Shop Pro feels "all grown up." The workspace has been streamlined and updated; there are new tools and effects, productivity enhancements, and personalization options.
3) Adobe Photoshop Elements 3 (Windows and Macintosh)
If Photoshop's price is out of reach and you want an easier learning curve than Paint Shop Pro, look to Photoshop Elements. It incorporates many of Photoshop's powerful features and interface elements without being too overwhelming to the novice user. Automated features simplify many tasks such as posting online Web photo galleries and stitching multiple photos to create panoramas. With photo organizing and sharing features in the newest version, it's an excellent all-in-one photo solution.
4) Wacom Graphire3 Graphics Tablet (Windows and Macintosh)
Because it's more natural feeling and ergonomic, a graphics tablet is more comfortable to work with than a mouse--particularly for the precise movements required for image correction, selecting, and retouching. Graphire3's 4 x 5 inch active surface is ideal for the digital retoucher who doesn't need the wide sweeping motions required for digital art work. Includes a cordless mouse for other tasks.
To read the rest of the Top 10 Gifts for the Digital Darkroom article follow this link..
Konica Minolta announces DiMAGE A200 pricing
By Michael R. Tomkins, The Imaging Resource
Konica Minolta USA has now announced pricing and availability for its upcoming DiMAGE A200 digital camera.
First announced in mid-September, the DiMAGE A200 is an eight megapixel digital camera with electronic viewfinder and 7x optical zoom lens, and includes the CCD shift-based anti-shake mechanism we've seen in past A-series cameras. The camera will begin shipping in the USA on December 1st, with expected street pricing predicted at $799.
Full specifications can be found in this news item.
Konica Minolta USA has now announced pricing and availability for its upcoming DiMAGE A200 digital camera.
First announced in mid-September, the DiMAGE A200 is an eight megapixel digital camera with electronic viewfinder and 7x optical zoom lens, and includes the CCD shift-based anti-shake mechanism we've seen in past A-series cameras. The camera will begin shipping in the USA on December 1st, with expected street pricing predicted at $799.
Full specifications can be found in this news item.
Canon Digital Photo Professional 1.5 coming available tonight in North America
Canon DPP 1.5, EVU 1.2.1 and EOS Capture 1.2 now available
Wednesday, November 24, 2004 | by Rob Galbraith
Canon has now posted the trio of software a bit ahead of schedule.
Updaters for all three applications, for both Windows and Mac platforms, are freely downloadable from Canon now. Previous versions of Canon software are required to install the new versions of EVU and DPP, though no camera serial number is required to download the updater files.
The updaters can be accessed from the download library pages on the Canon USA web site. We were able to follow either the Windows Drivers or Mac Drivers link (software for both platforms is available via either link) on the EOS-1D Mark II Download Library page to gain access to the downloads.
Note: More than one poster in the forums on this site is reporting that the EOS Viewer Utility 1.2.1 updater on the Canon USA web site, possibly just the Windows version, is installing a non-English copy of the software.
Wednesday, November 24, 2004 | by Rob Galbraith
Canon has now posted the trio of software a bit ahead of schedule.
Updaters for all three applications, for both Windows and Mac platforms, are freely downloadable from Canon now. Previous versions of Canon software are required to install the new versions of EVU and DPP, though no camera serial number is required to download the updater files.
The updaters can be accessed from the download library pages on the Canon USA web site. We were able to follow either the Windows Drivers or Mac Drivers link (software for both platforms is available via either link) on the EOS-1D Mark II Download Library page to gain access to the downloads.
Note: More than one poster in the forums on this site is reporting that the EOS Viewer Utility 1.2.1 updater on the Canon USA web site, possibly just the Windows version, is installing a non-English copy of the software.
Imaging Resource Reviews Nikon Coolpix 8800
Imaging Resource have posted their review of the new 8 megapixel Nikon Coolpix 8800.
"In working with it, we found the Coolpix 8800 to be a very appealing camera to use. Apart from a few minor niggles, its controls and ergonomics were really just right, its long-ratio zoom lens was impressive, and its VR (Vibration Reduction) technology seemed unusually effective at reducing the effects of camera shake. Image quality was generally excellent, with loads of resolution, in-camera sharpening that struck a good balance between perceived sharpness and minimal artifacts, good (if somewhat bright) color, and a lens that kept chromatic aberration largely in check yet maintained good sharpness in the corners of the frame."
"In working with it, we found the Coolpix 8800 to be a very appealing camera to use. Apart from a few minor niggles, its controls and ergonomics were really just right, its long-ratio zoom lens was impressive, and its VR (Vibration Reduction) technology seemed unusually effective at reducing the effects of camera shake. Image quality was generally excellent, with loads of resolution, in-camera sharpening that struck a good balance between perceived sharpness and minimal artifacts, good (if somewhat bright) color, and a lens that kept chromatic aberration largely in check yet maintained good sharpness in the corners of the frame."
Panasonic DMC-FX7 full review
megapixel.net have published a review of the new 5 megapixel Panasonic DMC-FX7.
"In summary, the DMC-FX7 offers characteristics that should appeal to many potential purchasers. Its large LCD monitor and the absence of an optical viewfinder are an acknowledgement of a trend that can be seen everywhere: that compact digital camera users seem to prefer using the LCD screen, whatever its size, over an optical viewfinder. And the fact that it offers a stabilizer lessens the chance that photos will be blurred by camera shake. That, plus the other features the camera offers, make the FX7 a very interesting little compact."
"In summary, the DMC-FX7 offers characteristics that should appeal to many potential purchasers. Its large LCD monitor and the absence of an optical viewfinder are an acknowledgement of a trend that can be seen everywhere: that compact digital camera users seem to prefer using the LCD screen, whatever its size, over an optical viewfinder. And the fact that it offers a stabilizer lessens the chance that photos will be blurred by camera shake. That, plus the other features the camera offers, make the FX7 a very interesting little compact."
TrustedReviews Posts Canon PowerShot A400 Review
TrustedReviews have reviewed Canon's new entry-level digital camera, the PowerShot A400.
"Anyone with a grounding in traditional photography may find the lack of control over the picture taking process limiting, but for almost anyone else the A400 manages to combine the virtues of point-and-shoot with the image quality of cameras many times the price, all in a small, sleek body. The lack of a genuine wide-angle end to the zoom range and weak performance in low light takes the shine off an otherwise excellent showing. Were it not for the existence of the slightly more expensive but better specified PowerShot A-75, the A400 would have landed itself a recommended award."
Nov 23, 2004
Flatfoto Updated 2 MegaPix version on sale
By Amit Malhotra
Flatfoto Updated 2 MegaPix version on sale
Flatfoto Updated 2 MegaPix version on sale
"Alas, it is now 90 bucks, when have you had technology ever get (more) expensive? Hopefully, they have fixed the problems many of you found in the first version. At 90 bucks, though - you are better off getting up real early on Black Friday and rushing off to Fry’s."
Disposable Digital Cameras
By Amit Malhotra
"Love them or hate them; disposable cameras revitalized the photography market in the 90s. Now comes the Disposable Digital Camera! CVS sells these for about 20 bucks! A perfect alternative for when you run out of battery and you have forgotten your charger at home.
The image processor also will talk to camera phones in the future. When shoppers visit the stores, a Pure Digital software application can be beamed into phones that lets users send pictures directly to the store for prints. Later this year, the company says it will introduce a video camera with 20 minutes of TV-quality footage that will be processed in the store onto a DVD."
Imagine that, a disposable digital camera.
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Better Digital Photography
"Love them or hate them; disposable cameras revitalized the photography market in the 90s. Now comes the Disposable Digital Camera! CVS sells these for about 20 bucks! A perfect alternative for when you run out of battery and you have forgotten your charger at home.
The image processor also will talk to camera phones in the future. When shoppers visit the stores, a Pure Digital software application can be beamed into phones that lets users send pictures directly to the store for prints. Later this year, the company says it will introduce a video camera with 20 minutes of TV-quality footage that will be processed in the store onto a DVD."
Imagine that, a disposable digital camera.
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Better Digital Photography
Sony Cybershot DSC-V3 Digital Camera review
CNET reviews the Sony Cybershot DSC-V3 Digital Camera and writes - 'Part of the first generation of 7-megapixel digital cameras, Sony's DSC-V3 boasts a 4X Carl Zeiss zoom lens, a big 2.5-inch LCD, plenty of advanced features, and fairly sprightly performance. Though its image quality isn't absolutely top tier, it's still a potentially appealing choice for enthusiast photographers looking for a compact package.' Rating: 7.9
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Better Digital Photography
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Better Digital Photography
Snapfish: How It Works
Snapfish: How It Works: "Have a digital camera? Camera phone? It's fast and easy to upload your photos to Snapfish, where you can store and share your photos for free. Visit Snapfish, select 'upload' in the yellow box and choose the photos on your computer to upload. OR simply email your photos to save@mysnapfish.com from a camera phone or your email account.
Order professionally-developed wallet sized, 4x6", 5x7", 8x10", or poster prints of any photo in your account. Always on Kodak paper-glossy, matte, or Kodak Royal (heavyweight glossy). Plus, Snapfish saves you money with great prices.
Your first 20 prints are free!
Find out more"
Order professionally-developed wallet sized, 4x6", 5x7", 8x10", or poster prints of any photo in your account. Always on Kodak paper-glossy, matte, or Kodak Royal (heavyweight glossy). Plus, Snapfish saves you money with great prices.
Your first 20 prints are free!
Find out more"
Kodak EasyShare LS753 Digital Camera Review
Kodak EasyShare LS753 Digital Camera Review
by James Murray
"With the Kodak EasyShare LS753, the consumer assumes the strong shooting elements of its predecessor, the LS743 with an expanded 1/2.5-inch 5-megapixel CCD. The two cameras are physically similar, with an emphasis on its low-slung silver gray body and slim profile that allows for practical and effortless transportation. The back of the camera features an attractive and amply sized 1.8-inch LCD screen with LED lights that allow for easier navigation, a feature that will be appreciated by any user who has ever attempted to shoot in low light. The only major drawback of the Kodak LS753 is the relatively restrictive 2.8x optical zoom lens; however, the seductive aesthetics may encourage many users to overlook this. The camera is capable of direct printing and includes 32MB of internal memory along with a SD/MMC memory card slot. The LS753 retails for $349.95."
Read the full review...
by James Murray
"With the Kodak EasyShare LS753, the consumer assumes the strong shooting elements of its predecessor, the LS743 with an expanded 1/2.5-inch 5-megapixel CCD. The two cameras are physically similar, with an emphasis on its low-slung silver gray body and slim profile that allows for practical and effortless transportation. The back of the camera features an attractive and amply sized 1.8-inch LCD screen with LED lights that allow for easier navigation, a feature that will be appreciated by any user who has ever attempted to shoot in low light. The only major drawback of the Kodak LS753 is the relatively restrictive 2.8x optical zoom lens; however, the seductive aesthetics may encourage many users to overlook this. The camera is capable of direct printing and includes 32MB of internal memory along with a SD/MMC memory card slot. The LS753 retails for $349.95."
Read the full review...
ACDSee7 Available in French, Italian, German and Spanish
Posted by: Mark Goldstein at PhotographyBLOG
ACD Systems Press Release 22/11/04
ACD Systems Announces Availability of ACDSee 7 and ACDSee 7 PowerPack in French, Italian, German and Spanish
VICTORIA, British Columbia - November 22, 2004 - ACD Systems International Inc. (TSX: ASA), makers of ACDSee photo management software and Canvas technical illustration software, announced today the availability of ACDSee 7 and ACDSee 7 PowerPack in the French, Italian, German and Spanish (FIGS) languages. ACDSee 7 and ACDSee 7 PowerPack FIGS are available through the company's electronic software distribution (ESD) channel and in retail stores throughout Europe.
You can also read my first impression of this product here.
ACD Systems Press Release 22/11/04
ACD Systems Announces Availability of ACDSee 7 and ACDSee 7 PowerPack in French, Italian, German and Spanish
You can also read my first impression of this product here.
OLYMPUS ANNOUNCES PRICES FOR EVOLT E-300 digital Slr Camera
The EVOLT E-300 is a 100% digital SLR camera that eliminates any photographic limitations. A powerful 8 megapixel CCD combines with interchangeable Zuiko digital lenses, our exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter and other cutting-edge technologies for world-class images. Advances in design make for a durable and portable compact camera you can take and trust anywhere. With impressively fast shooting and operating speeds that ensure you never miss a photo op, and the ability to switch lenses and add flashes so you never miss a beat.
Melville, New York, November 23, 2004 – Today Olympus officially announced that the 8.0-megapixel EVOLT E-300 Digital SLR, the first 100 percent “digital-from-the-ground-up” consumer SLR system with interchangeable digital specific lenses, will be sold with a lens for $999.99. Incorporating a newly designed compact body featuring the Dust Reduction system pioneered on the professional E-1 SLR body, the EVOLT delivers the versatility, durability and reliable performance of an SLR that isn’t just for the pros – now it’s for photographers of all skill levels at a price they can afford.
Melville, New York, November 23, 2004 – Today Olympus officially announced that the 8.0-megapixel EVOLT E-300 Digital SLR, the first 100 percent “digital-from-the-ground-up” consumer SLR system with interchangeable digital specific lenses, will be sold with a lens for $999.99. Incorporating a newly designed compact body featuring the Dust Reduction system pioneered on the professional E-1 SLR body, the EVOLT delivers the versatility, durability and reliable performance of an SLR that isn’t just for the pros – now it’s for photographers of all skill levels at a price they can afford.
Canon Powershot S70 Review
Digital Photography Blog has just posted a review of the Canon Powershot S70 digital camera.
"First Impressions of layout and design
Its stylish black exterior and traditional camera design will appeal to many. It feels nice and solid, even weighted, and robust enough to handle a few bumps during its lifetime.
Turning the S70 on and off is a simple matter of a sliding cover over the lens, which also serves to protect the glass. As with all Canon cameras I’ve used, the buttons and menus are very simple to use, with anyone being able to pick this camera up and operate it confidently after a matter of minutes.
One thing I noted straight away was its lack of a handgrip on the shutter release side. For many people this won’t be a problem, however if you’re used to SLR cameras (or even the “A” or “G” series Canon cameras for that matter), then you’ll really feel the difference."
Read the full article here..
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Better Digital Photography
"First Impressions of layout and design
Its stylish black exterior and traditional camera design will appeal to many. It feels nice and solid, even weighted, and robust enough to handle a few bumps during its lifetime.
Turning the S70 on and off is a simple matter of a sliding cover over the lens, which also serves to protect the glass. As with all Canon cameras I’ve used, the buttons and menus are very simple to use, with anyone being able to pick this camera up and operate it confidently after a matter of minutes.
One thing I noted straight away was its lack of a handgrip on the shutter release side. For many people this won’t be a problem, however if you’re used to SLR cameras (or even the “A” or “G” series Canon cameras for that matter), then you’ll really feel the difference."
Read the full article here..
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Better Digital Photography
Nov 22, 2004
Holiday Gift Guide 2004 by PhotographyBLOG
The folks over at PhotographyBLOG have assembled a Digital Photography Holiday Gift Guide for the 2004/2005 season. Full reviews of most items are available as are prices. Better to read up a little before heading out to the local camera shop.
"With only 6 weeks to go until Christmas, it's time to start thinking about what you are going to buy for the photographer in your life, even if that's you! I've looked back over all the products that I have reviewed during 2004 and picked my favourites, from digital cameras to printers and books. I've also suggested some other products that may be worth looking at (which I haven't reviewed), and there are handy links to online shops so that you don't even have to venture out and brave the hordes of shoppers!
So, somewhat in advance, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!"
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Better Digital Photography
"With only 6 weeks to go until Christmas, it's time to start thinking about what you are going to buy for the photographer in your life, even if that's you! I've looked back over all the products that I have reviewed during 2004 and picked my favourites, from digital cameras to printers and books. I've also suggested some other products that may be worth looking at (which I haven't reviewed), and there are handy links to online shops so that you don't even have to venture out and brave the hordes of shoppers!
So, somewhat in advance, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!"
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Better Digital Photography
Canon PIXMA iP6000D full review
Steves Digicams have just reviewed the six colour, 4800 x 1200 dpi Canon PIXMA iP6000D printer, which uses FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) technology with 2-picolitre Micro-Nozzles and has card slots for all popular brands of memory card.
'The big attraction of the iP6000D is its computer-free printing capabilities. Direct printing from most popular flash memory cards is quick and easy with preview, adjustment and cropping on the big 2.5-inch color monitor. It's also PictBridge compatible, most current 2004 digicams can be plugged into the front USB port for direct printing from the camera. And finally, there's an IrDA (infrared) receiver port on the front that allows compatible cellphones to wirelessly transmit JPEG images for printing.'
'The big attraction of the iP6000D is its computer-free printing capabilities. Direct printing from most popular flash memory cards is quick and easy with preview, adjustment and cropping on the big 2.5-inch color monitor. It's also PictBridge compatible, most current 2004 digicams can be plugged into the front USB port for direct printing from the camera. And finally, there's an IrDA (infrared) receiver port on the front that allows compatible cellphones to wirelessly transmit JPEG images for printing.'
Olympus C-7000 Zoom full review
by Jeff Keller, DCRP Founder/Editor
DCRP Review: Olympus C-7000 Zoom: "I very much enjoyed using the Olympus C-7000 Zoom, and it gets my recommendation. Photo quality was very good, though I'd definitely crank the sharpness and especially the saturation up a notch or two. The C-7000Z has a 5X zoom lens packed into a midsized body, though the lens starts at 38 mm, making it a bad choice for wide-angle lovers. Camera performance is excellent, with the exception of saving or viewing RAW and TIFF files. The C-7000 is nicely-designed for the most part, with the exception of the clumsy door over the memory card / battery compartment. The camera has a larger-than-average 2.0 inch LCD display which works well in most situations, save for dimly lit rooms. The camera offers full manual controls and then some. The macro mode on the camera is excellent, allowing you to get as close to your subject as 2 cm. I also appreciate the My Mode feature, which lets you store 4 sets of camera settings, and the customizable menus and buttons are a nice touch. The RAW data edit feature lets you adjust the properties of your RAW images without touching your PC. The C-7000Z has an impressive VGA movie mode, though it's crippled with a 20 second recording limit at the highest quality setting."
Read the full review here...
DCRP Review: Olympus C-7000 Zoom: "I very much enjoyed using the Olympus C-7000 Zoom, and it gets my recommendation. Photo quality was very good, though I'd definitely crank the sharpness and especially the saturation up a notch or two. The C-7000Z has a 5X zoom lens packed into a midsized body, though the lens starts at 38 mm, making it a bad choice for wide-angle lovers. Camera performance is excellent, with the exception of saving or viewing RAW and TIFF files. The C-7000 is nicely-designed for the most part, with the exception of the clumsy door over the memory card / battery compartment. The camera has a larger-than-average 2.0 inch LCD display which works well in most situations, save for dimly lit rooms. The camera offers full manual controls and then some. The macro mode on the camera is excellent, allowing you to get as close to your subject as 2 cm. I also appreciate the My Mode feature, which lets you store 4 sets of camera settings, and the customizable menus and buttons are a nice touch. The RAW data edit feature lets you adjust the properties of your RAW images without touching your PC. The C-7000Z has an impressive VGA movie mode, though it's crippled with a 20 second recording limit at the highest quality setting."
Read the full review here...
Canon Pixma iP8500 Color Bubble Jet Photo Printer full review
Steves Digicams - Canon Pixma iP8500 Color Bubble Jet Photo Printer: "The Pixma iP8500 is Canon's 'top of the line' letter-size photo printer. It uses the same ChromaPLUS 8-color inks and print head as the wide carriage i9900 printer. And as you can expect - this printer is fast, fast, fast! The built-in duplexer (two-sided printing) is great for web page or document printouts and saves lots of wasted paper. It's also great for printing professional looking photo albums, sales flyers, catalogs or whatever. The dual top and bottom paper trays are very handy. Use the auto sheet feeder on the top for plain paper and put your photo paper in the lower cassette where it's kept safe inside of the printer and away from dust, moisture and etc. The printer can be set to auto-switch trays when one goes empty when uses the same media.
The printing quality is on par with Canon's top of the line i9900 because it uses exactly the same Canon print head and ink tanks. As we saw with the i9900, the iP8500's prints show a visibly wider color gamut than those printed with the 6- or 5-color photo printers. Noticeably more vibrant are the reds and greens and the ability to reproduce varying shades of orange that prove difficult to impossible on other inkjet printers."
The printing quality is on par with Canon's top of the line i9900 because it uses exactly the same Canon print head and ink tanks. As we saw with the i9900, the iP8500's prints show a visibly wider color gamut than those printed with the 6- or 5-color photo printers. Noticeably more vibrant are the reds and greens and the ability to reproduce varying shades of orange that prove difficult to impossible on other inkjet printers."
'Awesome' SLR digital cameras let you snap faster
By Jefferson Graham, USA TODAY
Yahoo! News - 'Awesome' SLR digital cameras let you snap faster: "Awesome' SLR digital cameras let you snap faster"
Joey Atilano's compact digital camera wasn't cutting it.
He liked to shoot pictures of his cousin's high school football games but found that he missed many shots because of the long time it took the shutter to fire. So he upgraded to a $1,000 single lens reflex, or SLR, camera like professional photographers use - a full-featured tool that enables him to shoot multiple pictures in a row to capture the action.
With a digital SLR, "You can take much more artistic photos," says Atilano, 29. "They're just awesome."
Glance at the ads for consumer electronics stores this holiday season, and you'll surely see lots of space given to the digital SLR category. Besides being higher-profit-margin items for retailers, they're also objects of great desire among consumers bitten by the digital bug.
Digital SLRs "are a very hot category right now," says Jerry Grossman, vice president of marketing for photographic powerhouse Nikon. "These cameras are hitting a real sweet spot for people who were afraid of making the investment and waiting for the chance to use their old lenses from film cameras in digital."
No. 1 camera seller Canon kicked the category into gear last year with its EOS 300D Digital Rebel. It was the first digital SLR to sell for under $1,000 at a time when most in the category were $2,000 and up.
When Popular Photography and Imaging put the 300D on its cover, "It was our best-selling issue in 10 years," says Michael McNamara, the magazine's technology editor. "There was a real pent-up demand for this kind of camera."
Read the whole story...
Yahoo! News - 'Awesome' SLR digital cameras let you snap faster: "Awesome' SLR digital cameras let you snap faster"
Joey Atilano's compact digital camera wasn't cutting it.
He liked to shoot pictures of his cousin's high school football games but found that he missed many shots because of the long time it took the shutter to fire. So he upgraded to a $1,000 single lens reflex, or SLR, camera like professional photographers use - a full-featured tool that enables him to shoot multiple pictures in a row to capture the action.
With a digital SLR, "You can take much more artistic photos," says Atilano, 29. "They're just awesome."
Glance at the ads for consumer electronics stores this holiday season, and you'll surely see lots of space given to the digital SLR category. Besides being higher-profit-margin items for retailers, they're also objects of great desire among consumers bitten by the digital bug.
Digital SLRs "are a very hot category right now," says Jerry Grossman, vice president of marketing for photographic powerhouse Nikon. "These cameras are hitting a real sweet spot for people who were afraid of making the investment and waiting for the chance to use their old lenses from film cameras in digital."
No. 1 camera seller Canon kicked the category into gear last year with its EOS 300D Digital Rebel. It was the first digital SLR to sell for under $1,000 at a time when most in the category were $2,000 and up.
When Popular Photography and Imaging put the 300D on its cover, "It was our best-selling issue in 10 years," says Michael McNamara, the magazine's technology editor. "There was a real pent-up demand for this kind of camera."
Read the whole story...
Nov 21, 2004
AnandTech Guide to Better Photos: Composition
AnandTech is running a series of articles on how to take better photographs. Looks like more than fluff too.
AnandTech: AnandTech Guide to Better Photos: Composition: "Welcome to our first article of the AnandTech Guide to Better Photos. With these articles, we hope to inform and invoke discussion on the topic of photography-related techniques and tips. To start off this series, we are going to look at some compositional concepts that can help improve your photography."
AnandTech: AnandTech Guide to Better Photos: Composition: "Welcome to our first article of the AnandTech Guide to Better Photos. With these articles, we hope to inform and invoke discussion on the topic of photography-related techniques and tips. To start off this series, we are going to look at some compositional concepts that can help improve your photography."
Nov 20, 2004
Canon EOS 20D
By: Shawn Barnett and Dave Etchells
The Canon 20D is the latest in Canon's broad line of digital SLR models, sporting increased resolution and improved electronics relative to previous models. While it has a similar look, the EOS 20D has upgrades and improvements in so many areas that it's difficult to decide which to mention first. It is the culmination of all Canon has learned over the past year from consumer and professional photographers regarding the cameras currently in the market, from the EOS Digital Rebel to the EOS 10D, all the way up to the 1Ds and 1D Mark II. Naturally, Canon has also kept improving the technology of their sensors and processors over the years, which they characteristically fold into the latest model. The result for this year is the EOS 20D: a camera that is smaller, lighter, and faster with a higher resolution imager, while retaining most of what users loved about the 10D.
Canon EOS 20D
Built around an 8 megapixel CMOS sensor and incorporating a number of enhancements aimed at improving image quality, the Canon EOS 20D is a significant upgrade from the 10D model. Despite the 10D's well-deserved reputation for low image noise, the new Canon 20D offers dramatically improved noise performance at high ISOs, with the result that its images at ISO 1600 are remarkably clean-looking, and its shots at ISO 3200 are eminently usable. Simultaneous with the increase in resolution, the Canon EOS 20D also brings improved shooting speed, with a 5 frame/second continuous mode and unusually deep buffer memory. For all its technical sophistication though, the camera avoids any sense of needless technology for technology's sake: The Canon EOS 20D is clearly focused on a single purpose: Helping photographers capture excellent images.
Read on, there's a lot of Canon EOS 20D ground to cover.
The Canon 20D is the latest in Canon's broad line of digital SLR models, sporting increased resolution and improved electronics relative to previous models. While it has a similar look, the EOS 20D has upgrades and improvements in so many areas that it's difficult to decide which to mention first. It is the culmination of all Canon has learned over the past year from consumer and professional photographers regarding the cameras currently in the market, from the EOS Digital Rebel to the EOS 10D, all the way up to the 1Ds and 1D Mark II. Naturally, Canon has also kept improving the technology of their sensors and processors over the years, which they characteristically fold into the latest model. The result for this year is the EOS 20D: a camera that is smaller, lighter, and faster with a higher resolution imager, while retaining most of what users loved about the 10D.
Canon EOS 20D
Read on, there's a lot of Canon EOS 20D ground to cover.
Put Your Loved One on a Magazine Cover
Goofy Gifts--Make a Magazine Cover
adapted by Rick Blythe
I'm always looking for clever ways to use my digital photos. When it's time to give gifts, I believe that photos are some of the most personal and most appreciated gifts you can give. But just handing someone an 8 by 10 lacks that certain je ne sais quois, as the French like to say. So I like to give cookies with edible pictures, jigsaw puzzle photos, and photo slide show screen savers. The next time a birthday rolls around, here's a clever gift you can make all by yourself, without any help from a bakery: a framed mock magazine cover featuring your guest of honor.
It's really easy to do. All you need is an appropriate, high-resolution photo and an image editing program. Then send it to the printer and it's ready for framing. Ready to get started?
I'm going to make the debut issue of "Ada Magazine" in honor of my lovely wife. If you want to play along at home, you can work with one of my photos, at a drastically lower resolution than I recommend for a project like this; I reduced it for ease of download. Try to use a 2- or 3-megapixel image for your magazine cover.
Add a Border
Our first order of business is to give our picture a magazine-like outline. Load it into your favorite image editor (I'll use Paint Shop Pro) and add a blank border area around your image. You can make it any color you like, but I think a nice fire-red border will be very magazine-ish.
Paint Shop Pro provides an easy way to do this. First, right-click in the color palette (on the right side of the screen) to select red; you should see the current background color change to red. Then choose Image, Add Borders from the menu and enter a border dimension in the resulting dialog box. For the sample image I've provided, you'll want to use about 40 pixels, but a 3-megapixel image might need about 100 pixels to get a similar effect. Be sure to set the border to symmetric so all four sides are the same. Click OK, and you should see a red border around the image.
Add a Title
What's a magazine without a catchy title? Mine will be called "Ada Magazine"--after all, it's the place people go when they want to read all about Ada. Click the Text button in the toolbar (it's on the left side of the screen and shaped like the letter A) and click in the upper half the picture, more or less where you want the title to end up. You'll then get the Text Entry dialog box. Choose Create as Vector, and check the Antialias option. Type a title, then select it with your cursor and adjust the font style, size, and color. If you move the dialog box out of the way, you should be able to see the text change in the image. Don't worry about the exact placement, because you can fix that in a minute. When it looks good, click OK.
When the dialog box is gone, you can drag the text around the screen and even change its size. Move the cursor over the center of the text, then click and drag to move it. You resize the text by grabbing a corner. If you want to get fancy, you can even rotate it by clicking on and dragging the small box to the right of the center of the text.
Make It Interesting
From here, it's all up to you. Add some "cover lines" to make it look more like a real publication. Add an issue date, some revealing new feature, and more. If you're ambitious, you can photograph a bar code from a real magazine with your digital camera and paste it into the cover.
adapted by Rick Blythe
I'm always looking for clever ways to use my digital photos. When it's time to give gifts, I believe that photos are some of the most personal and most appreciated gifts you can give. But just handing someone an 8 by 10 lacks that certain je ne sais quois, as the French like to say. So I like to give cookies with edible pictures, jigsaw puzzle photos, and photo slide show screen savers. The next time a birthday rolls around, here's a clever gift you can make all by yourself, without any help from a bakery: a framed mock magazine cover featuring your guest of honor.
It's really easy to do. All you need is an appropriate, high-resolution photo and an image editing program. Then send it to the printer and it's ready for framing. Ready to get started?
I'm going to make the debut issue of "Ada Magazine" in honor of my lovely wife. If you want to play along at home, you can work with one of my photos, at a drastically lower resolution than I recommend for a project like this; I reduced it for ease of download. Try to use a 2- or 3-megapixel image for your magazine cover.
Add a Border
Our first order of business is to give our picture a magazine-like outline. Load it into your favorite image editor (I'll use Paint Shop Pro) and add a blank border area around your image. You can make it any color you like, but I think a nice fire-red border will be very magazine-ish.
Paint Shop Pro provides an easy way to do this. First, right-click in the color palette (on the right side of the screen) to select red; you should see the current background color change to red. Then choose Image, Add Borders from the menu and enter a border dimension in the resulting dialog box. For the sample image I've provided, you'll want to use about 40 pixels, but a 3-megapixel image might need about 100 pixels to get a similar effect. Be sure to set the border to symmetric so all four sides are the same. Click OK, and you should see a red border around the image.
Add a Title
What's a magazine without a catchy title? Mine will be called "Ada Magazine"--after all, it's the place people go when they want to read all about Ada. Click the Text button in the toolbar (it's on the left side of the screen and shaped like the letter A) and click in the upper half the picture, more or less where you want the title to end up. You'll then get the Text Entry dialog box. Choose Create as Vector, and check the Antialias option. Type a title, then select it with your cursor and adjust the font style, size, and color. If you move the dialog box out of the way, you should be able to see the text change in the image. Don't worry about the exact placement, because you can fix that in a minute. When it looks good, click OK.
When the dialog box is gone, you can drag the text around the screen and even change its size. Move the cursor over the center of the text, then click and drag to move it. You resize the text by grabbing a corner. If you want to get fancy, you can even rotate it by clicking on and dragging the small box to the right of the center of the text.
Make It Interesting
From here, it's all up to you. Add some "cover lines" to make it look more like a real publication. Add an issue date, some revealing new feature, and more. If you're ambitious, you can photograph a bar code from a real magazine with your digital camera and paste it into the cover.
Nov 19, 2004
Kodak gains on Sony in U.S. digital camera market
Newsday.com - AP Regional: "Kodak gains on Sony in U.S. digital camera market
By BEN DOBBIN
AP Business Writer
November 19, 2004, 4:33 PM EST
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Eastman Kodak Co. is nipping at Sony Corp.'s heels in the ballooning U.S. digital camera market.
The world's biggest film manufacturer, aiming to become the No. 1 seller of point-and-shoot digital cameras on its home turf in 2004, almost drew level with Japanese front-runner Sony in third-quarter U.S. camera shipments, market research firm IDC said Friday.
Sony delivered 1 million consumer digital cameras in the third quarter, only 10,000 more than Kodak, IDC said. Canon Inc. ranked third with 800,000 shipments, followed by Olympus Corp. with 585,000. Other major camera makers include Fuji Photo Film Co., Hewlett-Packard Co. and Nikon Corp.
IDC, based in Framingham, Mass., estimates that 24 million digital cameras will be sold in the United States this year, up from nearly 17 million in 2003, and sales could jump to $8 billion from $5.7 billion.
While profits are harder to measure, "the more cameras you get out there, the more likely" a company can generate sales of printers, paper, ink and other high-margin accessories, said IDC analyst Christopher Chute.
Kodak's digital camera business "crossed the line into profitability" late last year and expects to stay on the "positive side of that line going forward," said Greg Westbrook, general manager of Kodak's digital-capture business.
"We had a really strong third quarter," Westbrook said. "We'll continue to pursue that top spot in the U.S. during this year.
About 5 million consumer digital cameras were churned out from July to September, up from 3.6 million in last year's third quarter. Yet the fourth quarter will be far busier: More than 10 million cameras will be sent to stores to take advantage of the end-of-year holiday season.
In the first nine months of the year, Sony's slice of the U.S. market slipped to 21 percent on shipments of 2.7 million consumer digital cameras while Kodak's share jumped to 19 percent on 2.5 million shipments, IDC said. Canon trailed with 15 percent and Olympus with 12 percent.
In 2003, Sony ranked first in shipments with a 21.7 percent market share, down from 24 percent in 2002, IDC said. Kodak moved into second place with a 17.9 percent share, up from 13 percent in 2002.
Worldwide, IDC expects 69 million digital cameras will be sold this year, up from 48.9 million in 2003. Global sales could reach $16.5 billion, it said.
Digital cameras began outselling traditional film cameras in the United States last year, but many Americans still haven't made the switch. The Photo Marketing Association, based in Jackson, Mich., estimates that 10.6 million film cameras will be sold domestically this year.
Kodak invented the world's first digital camera prototype in 1976 but appeared to have been caught off-guard by the speed with which shutterbugs took to digital photography, analysts say. Kodak insists it didn't want to leap in until a mass market was clearly developing.
Its EasyShare digital camera line, priced between $99 and $499, was launched in 2001.
As its makes the tough transition from analog to digital photography, Kodak is slashing its payroll. In January, when it employed nearly 64,000 people, Kodak announced plans to cut 12,000 to 15,000 jobs by 2007.
Kodak shares closed down 97 cents, to $31.67 on the New York Stock Exchange Friday, a day when the stock market was rattled by Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan's warning over the nation's spiraling trade deficit.
Sony Corp shares ended off 14 cents, at $36.14. "
"
By BEN DOBBIN
AP Business Writer
November 19, 2004, 4:33 PM EST
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Eastman Kodak Co. is nipping at Sony Corp.'s heels in the ballooning U.S. digital camera market.
The world's biggest film manufacturer, aiming to become the No. 1 seller of point-and-shoot digital cameras on its home turf in 2004, almost drew level with Japanese front-runner Sony in third-quarter U.S. camera shipments, market research firm IDC said Friday.
Sony delivered 1 million consumer digital cameras in the third quarter, only 10,000 more than Kodak, IDC said. Canon Inc. ranked third with 800,000 shipments, followed by Olympus Corp. with 585,000. Other major camera makers include Fuji Photo Film Co., Hewlett-Packard Co. and Nikon Corp.
IDC, based in Framingham, Mass., estimates that 24 million digital cameras will be sold in the United States this year, up from nearly 17 million in 2003, and sales could jump to $8 billion from $5.7 billion.
While profits are harder to measure, "the more cameras you get out there, the more likely" a company can generate sales of printers, paper, ink and other high-margin accessories, said IDC analyst Christopher Chute.
Kodak's digital camera business "crossed the line into profitability" late last year and expects to stay on the "positive side of that line going forward," said Greg Westbrook, general manager of Kodak's digital-capture business.
"We had a really strong third quarter," Westbrook said. "We'll continue to pursue that top spot in the U.S. during this year.
About 5 million consumer digital cameras were churned out from July to September, up from 3.6 million in last year's third quarter. Yet the fourth quarter will be far busier: More than 10 million cameras will be sent to stores to take advantage of the end-of-year holiday season.
In the first nine months of the year, Sony's slice of the U.S. market slipped to 21 percent on shipments of 2.7 million consumer digital cameras while Kodak's share jumped to 19 percent on 2.5 million shipments, IDC said. Canon trailed with 15 percent and Olympus with 12 percent.
In 2003, Sony ranked first in shipments with a 21.7 percent market share, down from 24 percent in 2002, IDC said. Kodak moved into second place with a 17.9 percent share, up from 13 percent in 2002.
Worldwide, IDC expects 69 million digital cameras will be sold this year, up from 48.9 million in 2003. Global sales could reach $16.5 billion, it said.
Digital cameras began outselling traditional film cameras in the United States last year, but many Americans still haven't made the switch. The Photo Marketing Association, based in Jackson, Mich., estimates that 10.6 million film cameras will be sold domestically this year.
Kodak invented the world's first digital camera prototype in 1976 but appeared to have been caught off-guard by the speed with which shutterbugs took to digital photography, analysts say. Kodak insists it didn't want to leap in until a mass market was clearly developing.
Its EasyShare digital camera line, priced between $99 and $499, was launched in 2001.
As its makes the tough transition from analog to digital photography, Kodak is slashing its payroll. In January, when it employed nearly 64,000 people, Kodak announced plans to cut 12,000 to 15,000 jobs by 2007.
Kodak shares closed down 97 cents, to $31.67 on the New York Stock Exchange Friday, a day when the stock market was rattled by Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan's warning over the nation's spiraling trade deficit.
Sony Corp shares ended off 14 cents, at $36.14. "
"
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20 full review at CNET
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20 (black) review - Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20 (black) Intro - Digital Cameras - CNET Reviews
"We suspect that Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FZ20--clad in either cool black (FZ20K) or shiny silver (FZ20S)--will soon replace the DMC-FZ10 as a bit of a cult favorite among megazoom aficionados. The new model offers a stunning, optically-stabilized 12X Leica zoom lens that reaches out to 432mm (35mm equivalent), 5-megapixel resolution, and some worthwhile performance improvements. If you love supertelephoto photography, this Panasonic looks like the camera to beat.
A remarkable 12X, f/2.8 zoom lens; excellent optical image stabilization; solid manual focus; generally speedy performance."
A remarkable 12X, f/2.8 zoom lens; excellent optical image stabilization; solid manual focus; generally speedy performance."
Kodak DX7590 full review
Just posted! Kodak DX7590 review: Digital Photography Review: "Just posted! Our review of Kodak's flagship superzoom model and successor to the popular DX6490, the EasyShare DX7590. The 5 megapixel DX7590 has a 10x Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon zoom lens and a wealth of advanced features in a very compact design. It also boasts 16 scene modes and a large 2.2-inch LCD screen. Check out our concise review of the DX7590 to see what we thought of it."
Camera Helps Blind Cross Street
Compliments of Gizmodo-
Gizmodo : Camera Helps Blind Cross Street
A lot of cities have talking pedestrian aids these days, but many more don't. I can't imagine how dangerous it must be to cross the street by ear alone. I've heard that when you can't see, you get used to relying on your other senses so that they become more acute, but it still seems awful dangerous to cross a busy street if you can't see whether a car is coming. Even people who can see make a stupid mistake and get creamed from time to time, so it's probably a good thing Professor Tadayohi Shioyama and his peers at the Kyoto Institute of Technology have invented an "electric eye" which detects pedestrian crossings and the color of any relevant traffic lights. The eye is of course attached to a computer for image analysis, and a speaker placed near the ear informs our pedestrian of the situation. Don't be surprised to see this on the market as a pair of glasses within the next few years.
Gizmodo : Camera Helps Blind Cross Street
A lot of cities have talking pedestrian aids these days, but many more don't. I can't imagine how dangerous it must be to cross the street by ear alone. I've heard that when you can't see, you get used to relying on your other senses so that they become more acute, but it still seems awful dangerous to cross a busy street if you can't see whether a car is coming. Even people who can see make a stupid mistake and get creamed from time to time, so it's probably a good thing Professor Tadayohi Shioyama and his peers at the Kyoto Institute of Technology have invented an "electric eye" which detects pedestrian crossings and the color of any relevant traffic lights. The eye is of course attached to a computer for image analysis, and a speaker placed near the ear informs our pedestrian of the situation. Don't be surprised to see this on the market as a pair of glasses within the next few years.
Kodak EasyShare DX7590 Digital Camera full Review
by Emily Raymond
Kodak EasyShare DX7590 Digital Camera Review - Kodak Digital Cameras - Digital Camera Reviews - digitalcamerainfo.com
5-megapixel Kodak EasyShare DX7590 aims to satisfy with its SLR-like styling and Schneider-Kreuznach 10x optical zoom lens. The DX7590 boasts the highest number of megapixels in the $499.95 price range. The camera body is boxier than most digital cameras, but still fits comfortably in two hands – it’s got a large right-hand grip and a wide bottom. The DX7590 contains an oversized 2.2-inch LCD screen, single and continuous shooting modes, as well as 32MB of internal memory. The camera offers 16 preset scene modes as well as numerous semi-automatic, automatic and manual modes. With the feel of an SLR and ease of a point-and-shoot, this camera enables a novice user to feel like a true photographer. Announced in August 2004, the Kodak EasyShare DX7590 provides users with increased megapixels at an affordable price.
Read the whole review here..
Kodak EasyShare DX7590 Digital Camera Review - Kodak Digital Cameras - Digital Camera Reviews - digitalcamerainfo.com
5-megapixel Kodak EasyShare DX7590 aims to satisfy with its SLR-like styling and Schneider-Kreuznach 10x optical zoom lens. The DX7590 boasts the highest number of megapixels in the $499.95 price range. The camera body is boxier than most digital cameras, but still fits comfortably in two hands – it’s got a large right-hand grip and a wide bottom. The DX7590 contains an oversized 2.2-inch LCD screen, single and continuous shooting modes, as well as 32MB of internal memory. The camera offers 16 preset scene modes as well as numerous semi-automatic, automatic and manual modes. With the feel of an SLR and ease of a point-and-shoot, this camera enables a novice user to feel like a true photographer. Announced in August 2004, the Kodak EasyShare DX7590 provides users with increased megapixels at an affordable price.
Read the whole review here..
Dog/Cat/Mouse taken by Scott
Dog/Cat/Mouse taken by Scott,
originally uploaded by tylercushing.
A humorous photo, because it's Friday.
Oregon Scientific Announces DV100 MPEG-4 Digital Video Camera
Oregon Scientific Press Release 15/11/04 Oregon Scientific Makes Its Directorial Debut with the DV100 MPEG-4 Digital Video Camera Taking centre stage on the red carpet is the Oregon Scientific DV100. Delivering an Oscar-winning performance,...
Oregon Scientific Announces DV100 MPEG-4 Digital Video Camera
______________________
Better Digital Photography
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Better Digital Photography
Profits fading in digital camera industry - PRICES TO FALL
Profits fading in digital camera industry
By Nathan Layne
TOKYO (Reuters) - Bloated with inventory and mired in the red, the digital camera business of Japan's Olympus Corp. underscores how making money in the cut-throat market is getting tougher.
Sony Corp. and Canon Inc. are seen as the strongest players in the $17 billion market, profiting even as prices fall and growth slows. But most other makers will struggle and some might be better off exiting, analysts said.
"They seem to think it's a big game of chicken and if the other guy backs down they will be able to make lots of money," said KBC Securities analyst James Moon. "Someone has got to realise that you can't make money on these things anymore."
The average price of a compact digital camera will decline by 15 percent in 2004 and another 15 percent next year, according to UBS analyst Ryohei Takahashi.
By Nathan Layne
TOKYO (Reuters) - Bloated with inventory and mired in the red, the digital camera business of Japan's Olympus Corp. underscores how making money in the cut-throat market is getting tougher.
Sony Corp. and Canon Inc. are seen as the strongest players in the $17 billion market, profiting even as prices fall and growth slows. But most other makers will struggle and some might be better off exiting, analysts said.
"They seem to think it's a big game of chicken and if the other guy backs down they will be able to make lots of money," said KBC Securities analyst James Moon. "Someone has got to realise that you can't make money on these things anymore."
The average price of a compact digital camera will decline by 15 percent in 2004 and another 15 percent next year, according to UBS analyst Ryohei Takahashi.
Nov 18, 2004
Canon EOS 20D full review at CNET Reviews
Canon EOS 20D review - Canon EOS 20D Intro - Digital Cameras - CNET Reviews: "Canon has produced a worthy successor to the EOS 10D with this model, endowing it with class-leading 8-megapixel resolution, excellent image quality across a broad range of ISO settings, and fast performance. With a sturdy, well-designed body and an intuitive control layout, the EOS 20D is a pleasure to shoot with. It still lacks a spot meter and isn't without minor flaws, but serious amateurs and pros who need a compact, affordable Canon dSLR should put this camera at the top of their lists. If you'd like to stay closer to the $1000 mark and don't need raw-image-processing software, an optional battery grip, or 8-megapixel resolution, consider Nikon's 6-megapixel D70. Its performance isn't quite as fast as that of the semipro 20D, but it offers the excellent image quality and sophisticated controls that avid photographers demand."
Read the full review of the Canon EOS 20D here..
Read the full review of the Canon EOS 20D here..
Corel Announces Paint Shop Xtras - Winter Edition
By Amit Malhotra
So Corel has not killed PaintShop Pro, yet. In fact, they have a new Photo Shop Xtras - Winter Edition. Good templates can make all the difference in helping with fun home projects. Scrapbooking is a $2 Billion market? Wow!
PaintShop Winter”People are embracing digital technology to express themselves and share their special moments with others using photo albums and scrapbooks,” said Brett Denly, Executive Vice President of Global Marketing, Corel. “The scrapbooking market alone is significant, topping $2 billion last year. With so many people capturing special moments using digital technology, our goal is to provide products like Paint Shop Photo Album 5 and Xtras to allow anyone to express their creativity with a minimal learning curve.”
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Better Digital Photography
So Corel has not killed PaintShop Pro, yet. In fact, they have a new Photo Shop Xtras - Winter Edition. Good templates can make all the difference in helping with fun home projects. Scrapbooking is a $2 Billion market? Wow!
PaintShop Winter”People are embracing digital technology to express themselves and share their special moments with others using photo albums and scrapbooks,” said Brett Denly, Executive Vice President of Global Marketing, Corel. “The scrapbooking market alone is significant, topping $2 billion last year. With so many people capturing special moments using digital technology, our goal is to provide products like Paint Shop Photo Album 5 and Xtras to allow anyone to express their creativity with a minimal learning curve.”
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Better Digital Photography
10 Things - a Beginners Guide to Digital Photography
Digital Photography Blog reports:
10 Things - a Beginners Guide to Digital Photography
Fujifilm have a good resource for people searching for their first digital camera that has 10 pieces of advice for Digital Photography beginners.
'Pixels do not determine the quality of the image; they determine how big the image is. How good the image looks is determined by the quality of the pixels, the lens and the processor inside the camera. Think about the biggest size of print you will ever require and choose the right number of pixels. If in doubt use our specially developed Pixel Calculator to find the megapixel figure thats right for you.'
10 Things - a Beginners Guide to Digital Photography
Fujifilm have a good resource for people searching for their first digital camera that has 10 pieces of advice for Digital Photography beginners.
'Pixels do not determine the quality of the image; they determine how big the image is. How good the image looks is determined by the quality of the pixels, the lens and the processor inside the camera. Think about the biggest size of print you will ever require and choose the right number of pixels. If in doubt use our specially developed Pixel Calculator to find the megapixel figure thats right for you.'
Nov 17, 2004
PictureMate, The No. 1-Selling 4'' X 6'' Ink Jet Photo Printer, Now in Full Distribution across United States
Digital Camera Websites:
"LONG BEACH, Calif--Nov. 17, 2004--The PictureMate(TM) personal photo lab, the No. 1-selling(a) 4"x6" dedicated ink jet photo printer in the United States, has gone into full distribution -- making the popular personal photo lab available to even more of the estimated 33 million-plus digital camera owners(b) across the country just in time for the holiday season, according to Epson officials.
The PictureMate personal photo lab and PictureMate Print Pack, the affordable ink and paper combo pack, are now available nationwide at consumer electronics retailers, computer superstores, mass merchandisers, office superstores and photo specialty stores. Consumers also can purchase PictureMate online, via catalogs and through television shopping.
PictureMate, which launched in limited distribution earlier this year, is the first and only dedicated photo printer to address all the barriers digital camera owners have had with printing their photos at home.
"With PictureMate, we raised the bar for what digital camera owners should expect from photo printers," said Fabia Ochoa, group product manager, Photo Imaging, Epson. "No other printer company has been as successful in providing consumers with all of the features and benefits they truly want and need from a home solution, including photo quality, longevity, ease of use and affordability."
"LONG BEACH, Calif--Nov. 17, 2004--The PictureMate(TM) personal photo lab, the No. 1-selling(a) 4"x6" dedicated ink jet photo printer in the United States, has gone into full distribution -- making the popular personal photo lab available to even more of the estimated 33 million-plus digital camera owners(b) across the country just in time for the holiday season, according to Epson officials.
The PictureMate personal photo lab and PictureMate Print Pack, the affordable ink and paper combo pack, are now available nationwide at consumer electronics retailers, computer superstores, mass merchandisers, office superstores and photo specialty stores. Consumers also can purchase PictureMate online, via catalogs and through television shopping.
PictureMate, which launched in limited distribution earlier this year, is the first and only dedicated photo printer to address all the barriers digital camera owners have had with printing their photos at home.
"With PictureMate, we raised the bar for what digital camera owners should expect from photo printers," said Fabia Ochoa, group product manager, Photo Imaging, Epson. "No other printer company has been as successful in providing consumers with all of the features and benefits they truly want and need from a home solution, including photo quality, longevity, ease of use and affordability."
Canon PowerShot G6 full review
by Jalal Werfalli
I’ve been a long time user of Canon’s first G-series digital camera, the G1 and I’ve certainly been impressed with its performance over the years, despite the fact that its 3.34megapixel CCD has now been eclipsed by the rest of the ‘G’ range. But as many photographers will tell you, the number of pixels is not the be all and end all and to this day I can still produce great postcard-sized prints from my old camera. The only problem comes when you want to produce larger prints or have the need to work with high resolution images.
I’ve been a long time user of Canon’s first G-series digital camera, the G1 and I’ve certainly been impressed with its performance over the years, despite the fact that its 3.34megapixel CCD has now been eclipsed by the rest of the ‘G’ range. But as many photographers will tell you, the number of pixels is not the be all and end all and to this day I can still produce great postcard-sized prints from my old camera. The only problem comes when you want to produce larger prints or have the need to work with high resolution images.
Konica Minolta DiMAGE A200 review
The new Konica Minolta DiMAGE A200, to be released in North America in late November or early December, borrows a great deal from the design of the DiMAGE A2, but streamlines the body and omits some of the features of the A2 while enhancing others.
The A200 has a polycarbonate body, finished in a very professional looking flat black. With an overall shape reminiscent of an SLR type camera but considerably smaller, the A200 provides an ergonomic rubber-clad grip and a similarly rubber-covered thumb rest on the upper back.
Nov 16, 2004
Olympus Mju - mini DIGITAL Receives Inaugural DIWA Design Award
from PhotographyBLOG:
"Olympus UK Press Release 16/11/04 Dressed to impress The Olympus Mju - mini DIGITAL receives inaugural DIWA Design Award The Mju - mini DIGITAL's fresh and revolutionary look exudes attitude. It's sleekly curved profile, coupled with a choice of six stunning coloured designs makes the Mju - mini both chic and individual.
The uniquely moulded design has lead to The Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA), a recently established website association that seeks out the best in imaging products, bestowing its inaugural Design Award on the camera in recognition of its unique construction.
In announcing the award the DIWA jury described the Mju - mini as "a radical diversion from traditional camera designs which unlike many other design products is not an overpriced collector's item for the few, but a useful imaging tool for any design conscious lifestyle enthusiast."
"Olympus UK Press Release 16/11/04 Dressed to impress The Olympus Mju - mini DIGITAL receives inaugural DIWA Design Award The Mju - mini DIGITAL's fresh and revolutionary look exudes attitude. It's sleekly curved profile, coupled with a choice of six stunning coloured designs makes the Mju - mini both chic and individual.
The uniquely moulded design has lead to The Digital Imaging Websites Association (DIWA), a recently established website association that seeks out the best in imaging products, bestowing its inaugural Design Award on the camera in recognition of its unique construction.
In announcing the award the DIWA jury described the Mju - mini as "a radical diversion from traditional camera designs which unlike many other design products is not an overpriced collector's item for the few, but a useful imaging tool for any design conscious lifestyle enthusiast."
2004 DCRP Holiday Buyers Guide
Digital Camera Resource Page has posted their 2004 Holiday Buyers Guide
"Winter is coming soon, and the crazy holiday shopping season is once again upon us! And what does everyone want this year? A plasma TV! Well, those are too expensive for most of us, so we'll have to settle for a digital camera instead.
To help you with your shopping, I've put a list of my favorite cameras on this page. By no means is this a complete list of recommended cameras -- there are many others which are worth considering -- but I don't think a list of 10 cameras per price range is terribly helpful. This is as close as you're going to get to a specific recommendation from me, so enjoy!"
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Better Digital Photography
"Winter is coming soon, and the crazy holiday shopping season is once again upon us! And what does everyone want this year? A plasma TV! Well, those are too expensive for most of us, so we'll have to settle for a digital camera instead.
To help you with your shopping, I've put a list of my favorite cameras on this page. By no means is this a complete list of recommended cameras -- there are many others which are worth considering -- but I don't think a list of 10 cameras per price range is terribly helpful. This is as close as you're going to get to a specific recommendation from me, so enjoy!"
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Better Digital Photography
HP Introduces Two New Photosmart All-in-Ones
from PhotographyBLOG:
"HP UK Press Release 16/11/04 HP Introduces Two Top of the Range New Photosmart All-in-Ones for Best-in-Class Printing HP Photosmart 2710 and HP Photosmart 2610 All-in-Ones offer a stylish answer to print, fax, scan and copy demands LONDON, UK,..."
Fujifilm Finepix S3100 Review - Imaging Resource
Digital Photography Blog: "Imaging Resource reviews the Fuji Finepix S3100 and writes - 'The previous Fuji FinePix 2800 and 3800 Zoom cameras turned out to be exceptional values for the money, and the updated FinePix S3100 offers the same great value with the..."
PRESS RELEASE: New KODAK Online Store Makes Holiday Shopping Easy as a Snap and Quick as a Flash
NEWS! -: "PRESS RELEASE: New KODAK Online Store Makes Holiday Shopping Easy as a Snap and Quick as a Flash
The KODAK Online Store is officially open providing consumers with an invaluable resource this holiday shopping season at www.kodak.com/go/shop.
The new online store will provide consumers with three options to locate and buy their desired Kodak digital photography products or accessories: "Buy Kodak Direct", "Shop Online Retailers", or "Find a Store" nearest them. The site will be updated daily helping consumers find in-stock Kodak products at participating retailers.
Specifically, the KODAK Online Store will offer select KODAK EASYSHARE digital cameras and docks. In addition, a broad array of digital photography accessories will be available at the KODAK Online Store providing great gift ideas for current KODAK EASYSHARE digital camera owners.
Consumers purchasing products from the KODAK Online Store can take advantage of special discounts during the holiday season...
The KODAK Online Store is officially open providing consumers with an invaluable resource this holiday shopping season at www.kodak.com/go/shop.
The new online store will provide consumers with three options to locate and buy their desired Kodak digital photography products or accessories: "Buy Kodak Direct", "Shop Online Retailers", or "Find a Store" nearest them. The site will be updated daily helping consumers find in-stock Kodak products at participating retailers.
Specifically, the KODAK Online Store will offer select KODAK EASYSHARE digital cameras and docks. In addition, a broad array of digital photography accessories will be available at the KODAK Online Store providing great gift ideas for current KODAK EASYSHARE digital camera owners.
Consumers purchasing products from the KODAK Online Store can take advantage of special discounts during the holiday season...
Adobe Photoshop Elements 3 review
By dpreview
Just posted! Our full review of Adobe Photoshop Elements 3 software. Elements 3 is designed to be the 'Photoshop for Everyone else' with a reduced range of features and removal of more professional Photoshop features such as CMYK conversion. Elements 3 appears to be a fairly significant step forward from Elements 2 and introduces lots of new features including RAW conversion and 16 bit/channel support. This review was written by site contributor and author of the 123 of digital imaging, Vincent Bockaert.
Just posted! Our full review of Adobe Photoshop Elements 3 software. Elements 3 is designed to be the 'Photoshop for Everyone else' with a reduced range of features and removal of more professional Photoshop features such as CMYK conversion. Elements 3 appears to be a fairly significant step forward from Elements 2 and introduces lots of new features including RAW conversion and 16 bit/channel support. This review was written by site contributor and author of the 123 of digital imaging, Vincent Bockaert.
PCMagazine Reviews ACDSee 7
PCMagazine has posted a review of the photo-management application ACDSee 7. "When you first launch the app, it gives you an Explorer-like view of your Microsoft Windows folder tree, and as you move from folder to folder, it seamlessly - and quickly - weeds out everything but...
Nov 15, 2004
Cameras of 2005
Digital Photography Blog: "Popular Photography has an interesting article that takes a sneak look at some of the new cameras of 2005. They write: 'This has been an amazing year for photography. But it's not over yet. Camera makers still have a..."
Guide to Field of View
PhotographyBLOG: "Photo.net have posted a new article which attempts to clear up the confusion concerning focal length, field of view and digital multipliers and how they relate to each other. "The field of view of a lens (sometimes called the angle of coverage or angle of view) is defined as the angle (in object space) over which objects are recorded on the film or sensor in a camera. It depends on two factors, the focal length of the lens (see above) and the physical size of the film..."
Nov 14, 2004
2004_1114_1404_42.JPG photo - Rick Blythe photos at pbase.com
Photo-A-Day:
I took this photo today with my D70 and brand new 28-200 Nikkor lens while exploring Grand River country in Southern Ontario. This shot I took from about 10 feet away at full zoom. The auto focus worked flawlessly.
Photographing objects for insurance purposes
Could you visualize every singlr thing that you have in your dining room, kitchen, or basement if a fire destroyed your home? If you're like me, probably not. A photographic inventory is the easiest and best way to document your possessions for insurance purposes. These pictures can help you get the maximum reimbursement and save you real money.
The fisrt step to this process is to make a list to be sure you photograph everything. This includes all the property you own—house, barn, garage, swimming pool; inside every room, including the basement, attic, and garage; inside kitchen cupboards, cabinets, and closets. Don't forget electronic items and tools, and close-ups of expensive items that might increase in value, like jewelry, antiques, paintings, and fine china.
Room-by-room, develop a photographic inventory to document your possessions. On the back of the prints, or in your photo album software record the cost and purchase dates of the items. Save a set of prints or burn a CD of them and store it outside your house, such as at a bank or a relative's house that isn't near yours. I keep mine at work.
An uncluttered background focuses attention on the subject, resulting in a stronger picture. Place your subject against a plain, non-distracting background. Alternatively, sometimes just moving yourself (and the camera) a few feet one way or the other can eliminate distractions from view. For a close-up view of small objects or details, shoot at your camera's closest focusing distance. Some cameras have a close-up (or "macro") setting or accept accessory close-up lenses. Check the camera manual. If the subject still isn't big enough, you can always crop and enlarge it. With a digital camera, shoot at the highest resolution and then crop the picture in the computer.
Remember to get close. Fill the viewfinder with your subject and create pictures with greater impact. Step in close or use your camera's zoom to emphasize what is important and exclude the rest. Check the manual for your camera's closest focusing distance.
It's difficult to take a picture of an entire room and not leave anything out. Instead, stand in different corners of the room and snap away. Take individual pictures of each valuable item, like a dresser, jewelry, or a painting, to capture more detail.
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Better Digital Photography
Room-by-room, develop a photographic inventory to document your possessions. On the back of the prints, or in your photo album software record the cost and purchase dates of the items. Save a set of prints or burn a CD of them and store it outside your house, such as at a bank or a relative's house that isn't near yours. I keep mine at work.
An uncluttered background focuses attention on the subject, resulting in a stronger picture. Place your subject against a plain, non-distracting background. Alternatively, sometimes just moving yourself (and the camera) a few feet one way or the other can eliminate distractions from view. For a close-up view of small objects or details, shoot at your camera's closest focusing distance. Some cameras have a close-up (or "macro") setting or accept accessory close-up lenses. Check the camera manual. If the subject still isn't big enough, you can always crop and enlarge it. With a digital camera, shoot at the highest resolution and then crop the picture in the computer.
Remember to get close. Fill the viewfinder with your subject and create pictures with greater impact. Step in close or use your camera's zoom to emphasize what is important and exclude the rest. Check the manual for your camera's closest focusing distance.
It's difficult to take a picture of an entire room and not leave anything out. Instead, stand in different corners of the room and snap away. Take individual pictures of each valuable item, like a dresser, jewelry, or a painting, to capture more detail.
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Better Digital Photography
Among 3 Digital Photo Fixes, Adobe's Is No. 1
Yahoo! News - Digital Photography: "washingtonpost.com - "One of the great things about digital photography is that you don't have to live with your mistakes. If you turned somebody's eyes red with your camera's flash, you can fix that goof with the right program. Better yet, that same software can organize your shots, share them online and even weave them together in slide shows.
One of the bad things about digital photography, though, is the quality of the programs that perform those tasks. Many of them perplex users with an overload of features and commands, while some try too hard to keep things simple. Adobe's Photoshop Elements 3.0 (Win 2000 or newer, $100; Mac OS X (news - web sites) 10.2.8 or newer, $90), Microsoft's Digital Image Suite 10 (Win 98 or newer, $129), and Jasc Paint Shop Pro 9 (Win 98 SE or newer, $129 box or $119 download) strive to land between those extremes."
One of the bad things about digital photography, though, is the quality of the programs that perform those tasks. Many of them perplex users with an overload of features and commands, while some try too hard to keep things simple. Adobe's Photoshop Elements 3.0 (Win 2000 or newer, $100; Mac OS X (news - web sites) 10.2.8 or newer, $90), Microsoft's Digital Image Suite 10 (Win 98 or newer, $129), and Jasc Paint Shop Pro 9 (Win 98 SE or newer, $129 box or $119 download) strive to land between those extremes."
Middle America Lagging Behind on Digital Imaging
' The digital revolution has changed the way people take and process pictures. Last year was the first year digital camera sales overtook film cameras in the United States.
Bob Hanson, owner of Harold's Photo in Sioux Falls, said people like digital photography because they can see their pictures right away and can do touchup work on the images with their computers.
Mark Griffin of Lewis Drug agreed the digital trend is sweeping the nation. But the middle of the country is a little behind, he said, adding that many people still rely on their film cameras.
"A lot of people shoot both ways, and there is still a large market for film and traditional photo finishing. I don't think you'll see that go away for quite some time," Griffin said.
Photo processors now offer more digital services. Most drug, discount and warehouse stores allow customers to select and print only the photos they want.
"And with high-quality digital cameras becoming more affordable, more people are making the switch to digital," Hanson said.'
Read more at Digital images change photo processing business
Bob Hanson, owner of Harold's Photo in Sioux Falls, said people like digital photography because they can see their pictures right away and can do touchup work on the images with their computers.
Mark Griffin of Lewis Drug agreed the digital trend is sweeping the nation. But the middle of the country is a little behind, he said, adding that many people still rely on their film cameras.
"A lot of people shoot both ways, and there is still a large market for film and traditional photo finishing. I don't think you'll see that go away for quite some time," Griffin said.
Photo processors now offer more digital services. Most drug, discount and warehouse stores allow customers to select and print only the photos they want.
"And with high-quality digital cameras becoming more affordable, more people are making the switch to digital," Hanson said.'
Read more at Digital images change photo processing business
Nov 13, 2004
Canon G6 full review at DCViews
Canon G6 review: "As we have come to expect from most major manufacturers, the introduction of new features in the digital camera market necessitates an update of previous models. The same is true for Canon's latest model in the G-series. After four very successful models - there never was a G4 - it is now time for the Canon G6. As compared to the G5, Canon's latest model has gained a 7.1 effective megapixel sensor made by Sony, whereas the body has been redesigned into a more compact shape. Autofocus times have been improved and the camera now uses the 9-point AiAF system as used in most other Canon models. With a more powerful battery, a larger 2-inch LCD screen and the possibility of RAW and JPEG image formats, the camera is sure to satisfy even the most demanding photographer. Add to this the excellent image quality we have come to expect from Canon and you really can't go wrong with this one."
2004_1113_1542_08.JPG photo - Rick Blythe photos at pbase.com
I thought I would start posting some photos that I take. I'll try and post a new one every day (taken that day).
Kodak EasyShare DX7440 Full Review - DCRP
DCRP reviews the Kodak Easyshare DX7440 and write - 'As with all Kodak cameras, the DX7440 is very easy-to-use. Their EasyShare system makes printing or e-mailing photos a piece of cake. You can use the camera in automatic or one of the many scene modes without any trouble. For those who want more control over exposure, the 7440 offers manual shutter speed and aperture settings. Shooting performance is excellent, most notably in the focusing area -- this is one of the fastest focusing cameras out there, even in low light. Speaking of which, the larger-than-average-sized LCD "gains up" in low light so you can see what you're looking at. In bright outdoor light, the LCD is remarkably viewable as well. The 7440 has as good -- but not great -- movie mode which lets you record 640 x 480 video until the memory card fills up, albeit at a sluggish 13 frames/second. The camera is expandable as well, with support for numerous conversion lenses and filters.'
Casio Exilim EX-Z55 Full Review at CNET
CNET reviews the Casio Exilim EX-Z55 and writes - 'By and large, the Z55 delivers evenly exposed indoor shots when there's adequate lighting. However, the same can't be said for its performance in daylight; the Z55 falls victim to worse than average purple fringing at high-contrast edges and obliterates white highlights in otherwise perfectly exposed shots. To its credit, Casio has done an admirable job of limiting the noise captured by the camera's CCD, so if low-noise performance is a priority for you, the Casio Exilim EX-Z55 may deserve a serious look. (Reviews, Darren)'
Nov 12, 2004
Six 5 Megapixel Point and Shoot Digital Cameras Compared
Review: The Smallest 5MP Shooters
written by Hahn Choi on Friday, November 05, 2004
We Round Up Six 5MP Cameras
A point-and-shoot digital camera should be like a cell phone and slip easily into a pocket. After all, if a camera puts a happy-to-see-you bulge in your pocket, you probably won't be carrying it to capture those precious moments. That's where these pint sized shooters come in. Now topping 5-megapixels, these tiny cameras can be with you all the time – a daily shooter if you will. Best of all, you'll be able to print 11 by 17's of those memories.
Six Cameras Came to Play
Wow, what a turnout! We put the call out for small 5-megapixels and six responded. More work for us, but better for you. Click here too see how their specs compare.
With so many cameras, we decided to break it down into four categories: Hated It, Won't Disappoint, and Love It. Size and features are important factors to consider, but in the end, picture quality reigns supreme.
Our testing procedure is simple: Take lots of pictures, print them out in 8 x 10 or larger and compare. We leave everything in automatic mode because that's how most point-and-shoot cameras are used. When was the last time you saw somebody white-balance before taking a shot? Canon sent us the i9900, a killer eight-cartridge inkjet print for making awesome prints.
Nov 11, 2004
PCMagazine Reviews Apple iPod Photo
Archos Announces Gmini400 Digital Audio Player
Canon PowerShot SD300 Digital ELPH full review
PhotographyBLOG: "Steves Digicams have just reviewed the 4 megapixel Canon PowerShot SD300 Digital ELPH (also known as the IXUS 40). "The next generation of ultra-compact Digital Elph from Canon, the 4-megapixel SD300 incorporates many of the..."
Canon PowerShot SD200 Digital ELPH full review
PhotographyBLOG: "Steves Digicams have just reviewed the 3 megapixel Canon PowerShot SD200 Digital ELPH (also known as the IXUS 30). "The "little brother" to this year's (2004) SD300, the SD200 Digital ELPH includes all of the features found..."
Nov 10, 2004
Even Digital Memories Can Fade
Digital Photography Blog: "The New York Times has this feature on Even Digital Memories Can Fade 'The nation's 115 million home computers are brimming over with personal treasures - millions of photographs, music of every genre, college papers, the great American novel... (News, Darren)"
This problem is huge. Media and formats change very quickly, so who is going to convert all the photos of the world to newer formats? Kind of like what happened to 78 RPM records. Most of that material is long forgotten.
This problem is huge. Media and formats change very quickly, so who is going to convert all the photos of the world to newer formats? Kind of like what happened to 78 RPM records. Most of that material is long forgotten.
Digital Camera Makers Worried about Camera Phones
Digital Photography Blog:
"With the mainstream resolution of phone cameras gradually rising from VGA to more than one megapixel, Taiwan digital-camera makers say they are worried that demand for their products will be replaced by demand for camera phones. Japan-based Techno Systems... (Camera Phones, Darren)"
"With the mainstream resolution of phone cameras gradually rising from VGA to more than one megapixel, Taiwan digital-camera makers say they are worried that demand for their products will be replaced by demand for camera phones. Japan-based Techno Systems... (Camera Phones, Darren)"
Olympus to boost in-house digital camera production by 50 percent
Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com): Reuters has reported that Olympus is set to boost in-house production of digital cameras to 50 percent in one or two years to boost its ailing camera division. The decision to bring it in-house is due to losses of around $27.49 million and a 57 percent decline in net profit for the April - September first half period. Around 60 percent of Olympus digital cameras are currently produced by other companies. (dpreview)
Just posted! Nikon Coolpix 4800 review
Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com):
Just posted! Our review of Nikon's first budget super zoom camera the Coolpix 4800, which has four million pixels and an 8.3x zoom. This point and shoot is considerably larger and more powerful than the 5200 and 4200 before it, sports a larger handgrip, is crafted entirely out of plastic and sports an ED lens. It also boasts 11 scene modes, a 640x480-pixel movie mode and fast startup and operation. (dpreview)
Just posted! Our review of Nikon's first budget super zoom camera the Coolpix 4800, which has four million pixels and an 8.3x zoom. This point and shoot is considerably larger and more powerful than the 5200 and 4200 before it, sports a larger handgrip, is crafted entirely out of plastic and sports an ED lens. It also boasts 11 scene modes, a 640x480-pixel movie mode and fast startup and operation. (dpreview)
megapixel.net Reviews HP Photosmart R707
PhotographyBLOG:
megapixel.net have today reviewed the new HP Photosmart R707, a stylish 5 megapixel digital camera. "With the introduction of the R-series, and in this case of the R707, HP has produced a camera that is not only elegant, but one that is ideally suited to new users..."
Steves Digicams Reviews Pentax Optio750Z
PhotographyBLOG:
Steves Digicams has today reviewed the 7 megapixel Pentax Optio750Z. The 750Z is the flagship model in Pentax's line of Optio digicams for 2004. It offers users 7-megapixels of resolution, a high-quality 5x optical zoom lens, and a host of features that appeal to a...
Finding the Best Photo Printer
Digital Photography Blog: I've been trying out some of the latest models of color ink-jet photo printers from Canon, Epson and HP. Each is designed to make high-quality photo prints, up to 8 1/2" x 11", as well as black and white... (Tips, Darren)"
Nikon D70 - Popular Photography Magazine Camera of the Year
Digital Photography Blog: "Popular Photography Magazine has been awarded the Nikon D70 Camera of the Year status. The Nikon D70 was precisely the camera that the photography world needed this year. A revolution began in 2003 with the Canon EOS 300D Digital Rebel..."
I'm feeling a little smug today :^)
I'm feeling a little smug today :^)
Nov 9, 2004
Konica Minolta 7D on sale November 19
Digital Photography Review: "Konica Minolta Japan has today announced that the Maxxum / Dynax / Alpha 7D digital SLR will go on sale there on November 19th. On the same day Konica Minolta will also put up the two new lenses; 17 - 35 mm F2.8 - F4 (D) and 28 - 75 F2.8 (D) and the DiMAGE A200. Although Konica Minolta has put a price on the other items they have not explicity set an RRP on the 7D itself, industry experts in Japan expect it to sell for 200,000 YEN (US$ 1,888) or less. Sources elsewhere put the 7D at US$ 1,599 body only in.."
Rollei Prego dp5200
Rollei has announced its latest high roller in the shape of the 5.2 megapixel Rollei Prego dp5200, which boasts a 2.5-inch LCD screen with high resolution movie mode. The metal-bodied compact is just 24mm thin and is said to fit in the 'middle class' of digital cameras. It also has a 3x optical zoom and a 32 - 96mm focal range. It is available now priced approximately $424
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Better Digital Photography
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Better Digital Photography
ARCSOFT® RELEASES PHOTOIMPRESSION 5.1
ArcSoft has announced an upgrade to its image editing program PhotoImpression. Version 5.1 is said to feature 'significant' upgrades to previous editions of the software including easy acquisition from cameras, scanners, freehand and template-based cropping and auto colour enhancement, as well as offering the usual tools of red-eye removal, decorative frames and project templates. It is available as a download from the website for €49.99 (£29.99)
PhotoImpression 5.1 features include:
* Easy image acquisition from cameras, scanners, etc.
* Freehand and template-based cropping
* Auto-colour enhancement commands
* Single and multiple image/page printing with automatic photo sizing any specific size
* Easy burning solution to store and share slideshows forever…
* Email and photo-sharing tools
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PhotoImpression 5.1 features include:
* Easy image acquisition from cameras, scanners, etc.
* Freehand and template-based cropping
* Auto-colour enhancement commands
* Single and multiple image/page printing with automatic photo sizing any specific size
* Easy burning solution to store and share slideshows forever…
* Email and photo-sharing tools
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Better Digital Photography
A Very Digital Christmas Ahead in 2004
Investor's Business Daily earlier reported digital cameras look like they'll be the hot gift item for consumers playing Santa this holiday season, according to their recent poll.
The digital camera manufacturers know it too. Early season competition is heating up rapidly. Nikon is now offering rebates on their D-SLRs and lenses, including $100 off the excellent D70. Canon also has rebates going for their cameras and lenses. As well, Canon has released a limited edition of the extremely successful EOS 300D Digital Rebel dressed in black. These will fly off the shelves as will the Nikons. Oh, and don't forget those deeply discounted bargains, the Canon A75 and A85. Very good cameras for the money.
Amazon.com chief executive Jeff Bezos on Tuesday said the online retailer was poised for record holiday sales, with MP3 players and digital cameras leading the way as this year's hot gift items.
Happy shopping!
Better Digital Photography
The digital camera manufacturers know it too. Early season competition is heating up rapidly. Nikon is now offering rebates on their D-SLRs and lenses, including $100 off the excellent D70. Canon also has rebates going for their cameras and lenses. As well, Canon has released a limited edition of the extremely successful EOS 300D Digital Rebel dressed in black. These will fly off the shelves as will the Nikons. Oh, and don't forget those deeply discounted bargains, the Canon A75 and A85. Very good cameras for the money.
Amazon.com chief executive Jeff Bezos on Tuesday said the online retailer was poised for record holiday sales, with MP3 players and digital cameras leading the way as this year's hot gift items.
"I think we will have a record holiday season," Bezos told Reuters in an interview in Los Angeles. "This will be our 10th holiday season and every year has been bigger than the prior one...and I see no reason to expect a change this year."
Happy shopping!
Better Digital Photography
Nov 8, 2004
The Ultimate Digital Photo Sharpening Technique
by Fred Miranda
What makes an image appear to be sharp? According to David Blatner, writer of Real World Adobe Photoshop 6, "The human visual system depends to a great degree on edges. Simply put, our eyes pass information into our brain, where every detail is quickly broken down into "edge" or "not edge." An image may have great contrast and color balance, but without good edge definition, we simply see it as less lifelike." As a photographer, I strive to produce images that replicate the moment that occurred during the time it was taken. My goal is to make my pictures as lifelike as possible, and therefore sharpness is always an essential element.
A majority of photographers still use some sort of unsharp mask filter to increase the appearance of sharpness in their digital or scanned film images. Many of us know how Photoshop's unsharp mask (USM) works and how to get the best results from it. Although USM is a valuable tool in our digital darkroom, there are alternative tools available to us that not only provide better results, but are easier to use.
The answer is called EdgeSharpen. Learn how to fully exploit this excellent sharpening techique here.
What makes an image appear to be sharp? According to David Blatner, writer of Real World Adobe Photoshop 6, "The human visual system depends to a great degree on edges. Simply put, our eyes pass information into our brain, where every detail is quickly broken down into "edge" or "not edge." An image may have great contrast and color balance, but without good edge definition, we simply see it as less lifelike." As a photographer, I strive to produce images that replicate the moment that occurred during the time it was taken. My goal is to make my pictures as lifelike as possible, and therefore sharpness is always an essential element.
A majority of photographers still use some sort of unsharp mask filter to increase the appearance of sharpness in their digital or scanned film images. Many of us know how Photoshop's unsharp mask (USM) works and how to get the best results from it. Although USM is a valuable tool in our digital darkroom, there are alternative tools available to us that not only provide better results, but are easier to use.
The answer is called EdgeSharpen. Learn how to fully exploit this excellent sharpening techique here.
Olympus E-300 digital SLR -preview
The folks at DPReview have just posted a detailed, hands-on preview of the new Olympus E-300 digital SLR.
The E-300 becomes the second 'Four Thirds' system digital SLR from Olympus and is targetted at the more affordable end of the market. It's unusual shape comes from the use of a sideways swinging mirror and porro finder system. The E-300 has an eight megapixel Kodak CCD sensor and a 4/3 system lens mount. Our preview includes full specifications, body, controls, operation, displays and menus.
Click here for the detailed hands-on preview of the Olympus E-300
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The E-300 becomes the second 'Four Thirds' system digital SLR from Olympus and is targetted at the more affordable end of the market. It's unusual shape comes from the use of a sideways swinging mirror and porro finder system. The E-300 has an eight megapixel Kodak CCD sensor and a 4/3 system lens mount. Our preview includes full specifications, body, controls, operation, displays and menus.
Click here for the detailed hands-on preview of the Olympus E-300
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Better Digital Photography
Nov 7, 2004
Create a family portrait for the holidays
Why not make a special effort this year to create a family portrait to include in your holiday cards? With your digital camera and a little planning, your cards will sing with creativity and a personal touch that will make you the envy of your social circle. Ok, that's a stretch maybe,but still, they will be momentos for some time to come.
First, think ahead about how you'll incorporate a family portrait into your holiday greetings. Will you simply enclose a print along with your store-bought holiday cards? Or will the portrait become an integral part of a homemade holiday greeting? Also, plan accordingly when you create your family portrait--horizontal photos are best for a top-fold greeting card, while a vertical format might be better if you're planning a side-fold card.
Why not create a theme? It could be as funny as baseball attire for the entire family, or as silly as Rudolph noses for everyone or it could be a photo from a major family event in the past year.
Photo collages of the scattered family
Even if your son is three states away in college, or your daughter is overseas, a recent snapshot is all you need to include them in your holiday portrait. A montage of photos, assembled using a photo-editing software package such as Photoshop, can be just as much fun (if not more) as a traditional group shot.
Think about what might convey the most unified look, if that's your intent. For instance, if only one family member is away, photograph everyone individually to de-emphasize their distance.
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Better Digital Photography
First, think ahead about how you'll incorporate a family portrait into your holiday greetings. Will you simply enclose a print along with your store-bought holiday cards? Or will the portrait become an integral part of a homemade holiday greeting? Also, plan accordingly when you create your family portrait--horizontal photos are best for a top-fold greeting card, while a vertical format might be better if you're planning a side-fold card.
Why not create a theme? It could be as funny as baseball attire for the entire family, or as silly as Rudolph noses for everyone or it could be a photo from a major family event in the past year.
Photo collages of the scattered family
Even if your son is three states away in college, or your daughter is overseas, a recent snapshot is all you need to include them in your holiday portrait. A montage of photos, assembled using a photo-editing software package such as Photoshop, can be just as much fun (if not more) as a traditional group shot.
Think about what might convey the most unified look, if that's your intent. For instance, if only one family member is away, photograph everyone individually to de-emphasize their distance.
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Better Digital Photography
Nov 6, 2004
Konica Minolta Announces "Shake Your Body" Consumer Promotion
Special discount offer on a Konica Minolta Maxxum lens for customers who purchase the new Maxxum 7D Digital SLR camera
Mahwah, NJ (November 5, 2004) – Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. announces the “Shake Your Body” promotion, featuring a special discount to customers who purchase the new Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D Digital SLR, featuring Konica Minolta’s revolutionary body-integral Anti-Shake technology, between October 1, 2004 and December 31, 2004.
During the “Shake Your Body” promotional period, customers who purchase a Maxxum 7D will receive a $150 store check, redeemable at the U.S. retail location where they purchased the camera. This voucher is good towards the purchase of most Konica Minolta Maxxum Autofocus lenses. Also, as part of the initial consumer rebate promotion, Konica Minolta is offering a free two-year extended warranty (normally one-year) on the Maxxum 7D.
“With the introduction of the Maxxum 7D Digital camera, Konica Minolta revolutionizes digital photography. Thanks to the camera’s body-integral Anti-Shake technology, Maxxum photographers can now turn all their Maxxum autofocusing lenses into Anti-Shake lenses providing clear sharp images in virtually all shooting situations,” said Todd Schrader, vice president of marketing for Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. “This fourth quarter introductory consumer rebate program ensures that photographers will benefit twice – from the technology and the savings.”
About the Maxxum 7D
This groundbreaking new 6.1-million-pixel resolution, interchangeable lens digital camera is the world’s first digital SLR featuring a body-integral CCD-shift, Anti-Shake (camera-shake compensation) technology that combines enhanced picture quality, performance and improved handling characteristics. This new digital SLR also features a large, easy-to-view, high-definition 2.5-inch color LCD monitor and is compatible with virtually any Maxxum AF lens.
Konica Minolta’s proprietary and award-winning Anti-Shake technology provides images with reduced blur due to camera shake, even when shooting dimly lit scenes or when using telephoto lenses and shooting macro subjects without the aid of flash or a tripod.
The Maxxum 7D offers effective Anti-Shake protection with every lens* in the Maxxum AF line. Whether using telephoto, wide-angle, zoom, macro or standard, the system analyzes data on focal length, current aperture setting, and focusing distance so that it can optimize Anti-Shake performance to offer the highest level of protection.
* Except AF16mm Fish Eye and Macro Zoom 3x – 1x.
Konica Minolta has also introduced two new zoom lenses, each designed to provide optimum image quality when used with the new Maxxum 7D digital SLR – the Konica Minolta AF ZOOM 17 – 35 mm f/2.8 – 4 (D) and the Konica Minolta AF ZOOM 28 – 75 mm f/2.8 (D).
The Maxxum 7D camera body is available for $1,599.00. The Maxxum 7D kit including a Maxxum AF Zoom 28-100mm f/3.5 - 5.6 (D) lens will be available for $1,689.00.
About Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc.
Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc., headquartered in Mahwah, NJ, is the North American sales and marketing subsidiary of Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc. (Tokyo, Japan). On August 5, 2003 Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc. was formed to enhance both the competitive business capabilities and earning capacities of Konica Corporation and Minolta Co., Ltd.
Consumers around the world have come to know and trust the Konica and Minolta brands for all their imaging needs. Since the earliest days of the photo industry, Minolta and Konica have applied their talents and resources to create products and services that are essential to the world of imaging. Today, these efforts concentrate on the most important aspects of imaging: the quality of the images, the tools and methods for creating images, and the creation of environments for the application of images.
This focus on the essentials of imaging ties together the company’s key business and consumer product lines. Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. is a leading manufacturer and marketer of 35mm and Advanced Photo System film, single-use cameras, digital and 35mm film cameras, accessory lenses, binoculars, photographic and color measurement meters. In addition the company offers color print photo papers, inkjet photo paper, digital minilabs, digital film scanners, optical instruments, software and advanced imaging and sensing technologies. Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. also provides wholesale photofinishing services and Internet imaging services. It is a complete imaging company, from input through output. For more information about Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc., its products and services, visit www.konicaminolta.us.
All brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
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Better Digital Photography
Mahwah, NJ (November 5, 2004) – Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. announces the “Shake Your Body” promotion, featuring a special discount to customers who purchase the new Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D Digital SLR, featuring Konica Minolta’s revolutionary body-integral Anti-Shake technology, between October 1, 2004 and December 31, 2004.
During the “Shake Your Body” promotional period, customers who purchase a Maxxum 7D will receive a $150 store check, redeemable at the U.S. retail location where they purchased the camera. This voucher is good towards the purchase of most Konica Minolta Maxxum Autofocus lenses. Also, as part of the initial consumer rebate promotion, Konica Minolta is offering a free two-year extended warranty (normally one-year) on the Maxxum 7D.
“With the introduction of the Maxxum 7D Digital camera, Konica Minolta revolutionizes digital photography. Thanks to the camera’s body-integral Anti-Shake technology, Maxxum photographers can now turn all their Maxxum autofocusing lenses into Anti-Shake lenses providing clear sharp images in virtually all shooting situations,” said Todd Schrader, vice president of marketing for Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. “This fourth quarter introductory consumer rebate program ensures that photographers will benefit twice – from the technology and the savings.”
About the Maxxum 7D
This groundbreaking new 6.1-million-pixel resolution, interchangeable lens digital camera is the world’s first digital SLR featuring a body-integral CCD-shift, Anti-Shake (camera-shake compensation) technology that combines enhanced picture quality, performance and improved handling characteristics. This new digital SLR also features a large, easy-to-view, high-definition 2.5-inch color LCD monitor and is compatible with virtually any Maxxum AF lens.
Konica Minolta’s proprietary and award-winning Anti-Shake technology provides images with reduced blur due to camera shake, even when shooting dimly lit scenes or when using telephoto lenses and shooting macro subjects without the aid of flash or a tripod.
The Maxxum 7D offers effective Anti-Shake protection with every lens* in the Maxxum AF line. Whether using telephoto, wide-angle, zoom, macro or standard, the system analyzes data on focal length, current aperture setting, and focusing distance so that it can optimize Anti-Shake performance to offer the highest level of protection.
* Except AF16mm Fish Eye and Macro Zoom 3x – 1x.
Konica Minolta has also introduced two new zoom lenses, each designed to provide optimum image quality when used with the new Maxxum 7D digital SLR – the Konica Minolta AF ZOOM 17 – 35 mm f/2.8 – 4 (D) and the Konica Minolta AF ZOOM 28 – 75 mm f/2.8 (D).
The Maxxum 7D camera body is available for $1,599.00. The Maxxum 7D kit including a Maxxum AF Zoom 28-100mm f/3.5 - 5.6 (D) lens will be available for $1,689.00.
About Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc.
Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc., headquartered in Mahwah, NJ, is the North American sales and marketing subsidiary of Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc. (Tokyo, Japan). On August 5, 2003 Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc. was formed to enhance both the competitive business capabilities and earning capacities of Konica Corporation and Minolta Co., Ltd.
Consumers around the world have come to know and trust the Konica and Minolta brands for all their imaging needs. Since the earliest days of the photo industry, Minolta and Konica have applied their talents and resources to create products and services that are essential to the world of imaging. Today, these efforts concentrate on the most important aspects of imaging: the quality of the images, the tools and methods for creating images, and the creation of environments for the application of images.
This focus on the essentials of imaging ties together the company’s key business and consumer product lines. Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. is a leading manufacturer and marketer of 35mm and Advanced Photo System film, single-use cameras, digital and 35mm film cameras, accessory lenses, binoculars, photographic and color measurement meters. In addition the company offers color print photo papers, inkjet photo paper, digital minilabs, digital film scanners, optical instruments, software and advanced imaging and sensing technologies. Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc. also provides wholesale photofinishing services and Internet imaging services. It is a complete imaging company, from input through output. For more information about Konica Minolta Photo Imaging U.S.A., Inc., its products and services, visit www.konicaminolta.us.
All brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
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Better Digital Photography
Nov 5, 2004
Complete Guide to the Nikon D2h
This eBook is the definitive D2h instruction guide written by Thom Hogan
At over 600 pages, this eBook covers virtually everything there is to know about the D2h, with a full description of all the camera features, the WT-1 wireless accessory, and lots of useful tips and background information. This work goes well beyond the manual in almost every way, plus it's better organized and easier to understand, two very important things to consider when tackling a tool as complex as the D2h.
This eBook is $29.95 plus shipping and can only be purchased from this site.
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Better Digital Photography
At over 600 pages, this eBook covers virtually everything there is to know about the D2h, with a full description of all the camera features, the WT-1 wireless accessory, and lots of useful tips and background information. This work goes well beyond the manual in almost every way, plus it's better organized and easier to understand, two very important things to consider when tackling a tool as complex as the D2h.
This eBook is $29.95 plus shipping and can only be purchased from this site.
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Better Digital Photography
Nov 4, 2004
The New Samsung Digimax A6
In addition to the true digital still picture color and sharpness you’d expect from this camera’s 6 mega pixel image sensor, you also have a built-in Power Movie Clip function that lets you choose between 30 or 15 frames per second. And, it’s easy to double check your recently shot video with highly convenient pause, fast forward and rewind right in the camera.
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Understanding Your Digital Camera
Here is a general overview to using a digital camera. It's always good to read your camera's User Manual to get a feel for its special features.
Understanding Pixels and Resolution
More pixels means better resolution and better quality picture. A Pixel is a shorthand word for a "picture element" and it represents a very small square in the image of a picture. Each picture is a rectangle made up of a large number of these pixels and when there are 1 million of these pixels it is called 1 Megapixel.
Megapixels are important because the more pixels you have the higher the quality of your picture. This is important when you decide to enlarge the image, for example, when making an 8" by 10" print. Here is a table that gives you a rule of thumb of what resolution, and how many megapixels, are suggested for making different sized prints.
Understanding Pixels and Resolution
More pixels means better resolution and better quality picture. A Pixel is a shorthand word for a "picture element" and it represents a very small square in the image of a picture. Each picture is a rectangle made up of a large number of these pixels and when there are 1 million of these pixels it is called 1 Megapixel.
Megapixels are important because the more pixels you have the higher the quality of your picture. This is important when you decide to enlarge the image, for example, when making an 8" by 10" print. Here is a table that gives you a rule of thumb of what resolution, and how many megapixels, are suggested for making different sized prints.
5" x 7" Print 1 Megapixel
8" x 10" Print 2 Megapixels
11" x 14" Print 3 Megapixels
20" x 30" Print 4 Megapixels
Understanding Digital Camera Controls
Zoom
Optical Zoom - Optical Zoom uses the physical lens of the camera to magnify the subject. The "T" means "Telephoto" and makes the subject appear larger. The "W" means "Wide Angle" and makes the subject appear smaller.
Digital Zoom - Digital Zoom refers to the ability of the camera to extend the zoom abilities of the camera beyond the physical ability of the lens. This makes the subjects appear even closer, but sacrifices some picture quality in the process.
Picture Taking Modes
Auto
Auto is good for taking most general pictures. The camera automatically sets the exposure, focus, and flash.
Portrait
Portrait sharpens the subject and makes other background object out of focus to put the visual emphasis on your subject
Landscape
Landscape captures subjects that are far away such as mountains and skylines. This setting sometimes causes a slow shutter speed so you need to take care to be very steady or use a tripod.
Sports/Action
Sports/Action captures subjects that are moving. For taking these action shots it is important to "Preset" the auto-focus by pressing the shutter half-way down. Then, when you are ready to take the picture, press the shutter all the way down.
Flash Mode
Flash Mode is good for low light or night conditions. This activates the flash so it can light up the subjects. IMPORTANT: you must be close enough to the subject that the flash can do a good job of lighting it up. Most flashes work well up to about 10 feet and possibly up to 15 feet.
Shutter Mode
Shutter Mode is good for sports and action shots and works by allowing you to set the speed of the shutter. The faster the shutter speed, the better job of "freezing" the action. Slower shutter speeds will "blur" the motion.
Aperture Mode
Aperture mode is used to control which objects are in focus. If you want more objects "in focus" you will select a small aperture, which is a larger number. If you want to draw attention to a particular subject by making other objects "out of focus" you would select a large aperture, which is a smaller number.
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P2P comes to Digital Photo Software
The innovative Qurio Instant Photo Server uses web technologies to create a photo server that runs right on you own PC. This means you can manage all of your online photo sharing directly from the security of your own PC. There’s no need to use email attachments or waste time uploading pictures to someone else’s remote website. Simply import pictures into Qurio and send an email invitation. Qurio assigns your PC a unique web address, which guests click on to instantly view your Qurio Online Photo Album.
Consumer testing shows sharing pictures with Qurio can be 5 to 10 times faster than using email or online photo services. For example, a PC folder with 25 pictures at 3.2 megapixel resolution can be imported into Qurio and shared in less than 1 minute. Compare sharing in less than 1 minute with Qurio to email and on online services. Uploading even just a handful of photos to a host site is painful at best, and sometimes the compression done for you is devastating to the photo quality.
I'm sure going to check this out. My first question is, what about my trusty firewall?
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Better Digital Photography
Consumer testing shows sharing pictures with Qurio can be 5 to 10 times faster than using email or online photo services. For example, a PC folder with 25 pictures at 3.2 megapixel resolution can be imported into Qurio and shared in less than 1 minute. Compare sharing in less than 1 minute with Qurio to email and on online services. Uploading even just a handful of photos to a host site is painful at best, and sometimes the compression done for you is devastating to the photo quality.
I'm sure going to check this out. My first question is, what about my trusty firewall?
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Better Digital Photography
Cool new Flickr App : 1001
By Amit Malhotra
The Digital Photography Weblog
If you are not already part of the flickr phenomenon, this might pull you in. Flickr seems to be doing photo sharing the right way - you got to have an open API, so other people can connect to your online service. Focus on sharing, rather than peddle T-Shirts and Coffee mugs on your site. Those gimmicks don’t last long. How about a TV Viewing device that can pull in Flickr images?
The Digital Photography Weblog
If you are not already part of the flickr phenomenon, this might pull you in. Flickr seems to be doing photo sharing the right way - you got to have an open API, so other people can connect to your online service. Focus on sharing, rather than peddle T-Shirts and Coffee mugs on your site. Those gimmicks don’t last long. How about a TV Viewing device that can pull in Flickr images?
"1001 is a desktop client to be used in conjunction with Flickr, the online photo-sharing website. 1001 not only uploads photos to your Flickr account, it notifies you anytime new photos from either your contacts, everyone, or your favorite tags are uploaded. 1001 allows you to step into the stream of photos passing through Flickr and to quickly see what’s new at the moment. Just run the app in the background and if triggered, 1001 pops up a small unobtrusive window to notify you of new photos."
Nov 3, 2004
Digital Wedding Photography
by Joe Farace
In the fast moving world of wedding photography, speed of delivery counts as much as style. In 1984, I contributed a chapter to Jack Curtis’ book Wedding-Portrait Photography World on the impact one-hour processing would have on fast delivery of wedding proofs. The concept was delivering the once ubiquitous proofs to the bride, groom, and families while excitement levels are high to encourage more sales and higher profits. With today’s professional digital SLRs, photographers can make a CD on the job, hand it to the happy couple, and have them review their wedding images on a laptop while flying to their honeymoon. So, while speedy delivery is still important, there’s a lot more to today’s digital wedding photography.
Read all the Tips from the Pros here on Sutterbug.
In the fast moving world of wedding photography, speed of delivery counts as much as style. In 1984, I contributed a chapter to Jack Curtis’ book Wedding-Portrait Photography World on the impact one-hour processing would have on fast delivery of wedding proofs. The concept was delivering the once ubiquitous proofs to the bride, groom, and families while excitement levels are high to encourage more sales and higher profits. With today’s professional digital SLRs, photographers can make a CD on the job, hand it to the happy couple, and have them review their wedding images on a laptop while flying to their honeymoon. So, while speedy delivery is still important, there’s a lot more to today’s digital wedding photography.
Read all the Tips from the Pros here on Sutterbug.
Panoramic Photo Stitching
by Kris Butler
Stitching together photos has always been a fun way to share the spectacular vistas we've seen with others and in the age of scanners and digital photography, photo stitching has also become much more accurate and easy.
No more getting out the scissors, paper and glue to arrange landscape photos that never really seem to fit together. Once your photos are on your computer, whether you downloaded them from your digital camera or scanned in your prints, you can use stitching software such as the new Stitcher EZ plug-in for ACDSee to combine your photos into a single panorama automatically. This kind of automatic stitching software removes the meticulous and time-consuming element that used to be involved with manually stitching photos using image editing software.
Read more on panorama photo stitching here.
Stitching together photos has always been a fun way to share the spectacular vistas we've seen with others and in the age of scanners and digital photography, photo stitching has also become much more accurate and easy.
No more getting out the scissors, paper and glue to arrange landscape photos that never really seem to fit together. Once your photos are on your computer, whether you downloaded them from your digital camera or scanned in your prints, you can use stitching software such as the new Stitcher EZ plug-in for ACDSee to combine your photos into a single panorama automatically. This kind of automatic stitching software removes the meticulous and time-consuming element that used to be involved with manually stitching photos using image editing software.
Read more on panorama photo stitching here.
Cornell Professor Creates Homemade Resolution Chart
by Emily Raymond
November 3, 2004 – Two weeks ago, a professor at Cornell University made digital imaging headlines by creating his own resolution test chart. He made his chart available for free download on his school web site. Stephen H. Westin, a computer graphics professor, semi-manually made the ISO 12233 resolution chart to aid in research at Cornell.
“I have been using digital cameras for measurement purposes in my research for some time, and one of our students was trying to characterize a particular camera and it seemed useful to have the ISO 12233 chart,” Westin said. “A fair amount of work, actually, as I was working from an Excel spreadsheet with the coordinates of the outlines of the various elements of the chart.”
Magazines, review sites and manufacturers use the ISO 12233 chart to test the true resolution of digital cameras. Professionals pay anywhere from $150 to $900 for the industry standard chart. Westin’s version is not meant to compete with the original chart, but to inform the general public and encourage home experimentation.
“I’m not competing with the commercial sources,” Westin said. “If you really want to conduct a test that meets ISO 12233, you need to know what you are doing, get a copy of the ISO standard and get a print of the chart that you know is good, rather than something you happened to run off on your home printer.”
Downloading the chart is easy, however, printing can be more difficult. The chart must be printed at the highest resolution possible. Once printed, users can compare digital cameras by taking pictures of the chart and evaluating the blurriness of the lines and the smooth or pixilated edges of shapes. Consumers can check out Westin’s chart at http://www.graphics.cornell.edu/~westin/misc/ISO_12233-reschart.pdf
November 3, 2004 – Two weeks ago, a professor at Cornell University made digital imaging headlines by creating his own resolution test chart. He made his chart available for free download on his school web site. Stephen H. Westin, a computer graphics professor, semi-manually made the ISO 12233 resolution chart to aid in research at Cornell.
“I have been using digital cameras for measurement purposes in my research for some time, and one of our students was trying to characterize a particular camera and it seemed useful to have the ISO 12233 chart,” Westin said. “A fair amount of work, actually, as I was working from an Excel spreadsheet with the coordinates of the outlines of the various elements of the chart.”
Magazines, review sites and manufacturers use the ISO 12233 chart to test the true resolution of digital cameras. Professionals pay anywhere from $150 to $900 for the industry standard chart. Westin’s version is not meant to compete with the original chart, but to inform the general public and encourage home experimentation.
“I’m not competing with the commercial sources,” Westin said. “If you really want to conduct a test that meets ISO 12233, you need to know what you are doing, get a copy of the ISO standard and get a print of the chart that you know is good, rather than something you happened to run off on your home printer.”
Downloading the chart is easy, however, printing can be more difficult. The chart must be printed at the highest resolution possible. Once printed, users can compare digital cameras by taking pictures of the chart and evaluating the blurriness of the lines and the smooth or pixilated edges of shapes. Consumers can check out Westin’s chart at http://www.graphics.cornell.edu/~westin/misc/ISO_12233-reschart.pdf
Sony posts Cyber-shot DSC-F828 firmware
Sony has today posted a firmware update for its flagship prosumer camera the 8 megapixel Cyber-shot F828. The firmware will fix problems associated with deleting images in quick review; it has previously deleted the wrong image if the storage media contains two or more folders. It will also allow you to copy pictures from the computer to the camera via USB2.0 High Speed and USB without corrupting the file. There is no mention of changes that would improve the chromatic abberation (purple fringing) issues.
Canon EOS-20D
DPReview have released their full review of the Canon EOS-20D. Is this a worthwhile upgrade? Is it one more kick at Nikon?
Canon EOS-20D
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20 Review
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20 offers a 5 megapixel resolution and a 12X stabilized Leica zoom. Nice!
The big lens of the DMC-FZ20 forms an image on a 1/2.5 inch, 5.36 million pixel, CCD of which 5 million pixels are effective when capturing a maximum image size of 2560 x 1920 pixels. CCD sensitivity starts at 80 ISO but can be pushed to 100, 200 or up to 400 ISO. Moreover, and an Auto ISO mode can be used, allowing the camera to automatically adjust sensitivity.
Read the full review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20 here.
The big lens of the DMC-FZ20 forms an image on a 1/2.5 inch, 5.36 million pixel, CCD of which 5 million pixels are effective when capturing a maximum image size of 2560 x 1920 pixels. CCD sensitivity starts at 80 ISO but can be pushed to 100, 200 or up to 400 ISO. Moreover, and an Auto ISO mode can be used, allowing the camera to automatically adjust sensitivity.
Read the full review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20 here.
Nov 1, 2004
NEWS! - America's Best Selling Digital SLR Gets A Limited Edition Makeover
Here it is folks - the news many of you have been waiting to hear for some time now!
The Canon EOS Digital Rebel SLR Returns for a Second Round with a Sleek Black Body
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Nov. 1, 2004—Canon's EOS Digital Rebel, the camera that put the excitement of SLR digital photography into the hands of consumers, will now be available for a limited time in a new black body. The black edition of the Digital Rebel digital SLR will be available at Canon U.S.A. authorized dealers and will sell with the digitally enhanced EF-S 18-55mm zoom lens kit for $999*.
"When we introduced the Digital Rebel, we were excited to put the fun and excitement of SLR photography into the hands of consumers at an affordable price," stated Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group at Canon U.S.A. "The new black body will appeal to even more people with a more professional and fresh new look and easy-to-use advanced functions at an affordable price point."
The EOS Digital Rebel remains one of the best selling Digital SLRs in history because it gives consumers the speed and advanced functions formerly only found on higher end cameras. The black Digital Rebel features the same popular features, including fast seven point autofocus, 6.3 megapixel resolution, Canon's exclusive DIGIC imaging processor, and the same design and durability that has established the EOS Rebel line of SLRs as quality performers.
The black edition of the Digital Rebel is compatible with more than 50 Canon EF and EF-S lenses, including the new EF-S 17-85 mm f/4-5.6 IS USM and the wide-angle EF-S 10-22 mm. f/3.5-4.5 USM.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America, and is ranked #35 on the latest BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands." Its parent company Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) is a top patent-holder of technology, ranking second overall in the U.S. in 2003, with global revenues of $29.9 billion. For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com.
# # #
All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.
*Prices subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.
The Canon EOS Digital Rebel SLR Returns for a Second Round with a Sleek Black Body
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Nov. 1, 2004—Canon's EOS Digital Rebel, the camera that put the excitement of SLR digital photography into the hands of consumers, will now be available for a limited time in a new black body. The black edition of the Digital Rebel digital SLR will be available at Canon U.S.A. authorized dealers and will sell with the digitally enhanced EF-S 18-55mm zoom lens kit for $999*.
"When we introduced the Digital Rebel, we were excited to put the fun and excitement of SLR photography into the hands of consumers at an affordable price," stated Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group at Canon U.S.A. "The new black body will appeal to even more people with a more professional and fresh new look and easy-to-use advanced functions at an affordable price point."
The EOS Digital Rebel remains one of the best selling Digital SLRs in history because it gives consumers the speed and advanced functions formerly only found on higher end cameras. The black Digital Rebel features the same popular features, including fast seven point autofocus, 6.3 megapixel resolution, Canon's exclusive DIGIC imaging processor, and the same design and durability that has established the EOS Rebel line of SLRs as quality performers.
The black edition of the Digital Rebel is compatible with more than 50 Canon EF and EF-S lenses, including the new EF-S 17-85 mm f/4-5.6 IS USM and the wide-angle EF-S 10-22 mm. f/3.5-4.5 USM.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America, and is ranked #35 on the latest BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands." Its parent company Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) is a top patent-holder of technology, ranking second overall in the U.S. in 2003, with global revenues of $29.9 billion. For more information, visit www.usa.canon.com.
# # #
All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.
*Prices subject to change at any time. Actual prices are determined by individual dealers and may vary.
Wide Angle Lenses
From Peter Marshall,Your Guide to Photography.
Wide-angle lenses are those that give a wider angle of view than standard lenses. To do this they need to have a shorter focal length.
Using Wide Angles
Wide-angles are the most misunderstood of lenses, at least so far as beginners in photography are concerned. They tend to see a wide-angle as being used 'to get everything in'. There are a few cases where they do enable you, for example, to photograph room interiors which could not be done with a standard lens, but their main use is to allow you to get closer to the subject.
Working with a wide-angle you tend to engage more with whatever you are photographing, getting closer to it in every way. Wide-angles are 'hot', involving you more closely with whatever you are photographing. Technically, wide-angles are easier to use, giving you greater depth of field and cutting down the effect of camera shake, but compositionally their wider viewpoint tends to make images more complex.
For 35mm cameras, the format diagonal is 43mm and typical standard lenses have focal lengths of 40-55mm. Wide-angle lenses are generally 35mm focal length and less.
35mm
35mm is only a slightly wide-angle compared to the format diagonal, and only a little more wider if compared with the typical standard lens of 50mm focal length. Many photographers have used a 35mm lens as their normal lens, either on a rangefinder or an a fixed lens compact camera.
35mm is a fine lens for candid work with a rangefinder or compact camera. It's relatively wide angle of view means that precise framing is less essential when working close to the subject. It also gives and increased depth of field compared to the standard lens.
Fast 35mm lenses, such as the 35mm f1.4 for the Leica are great lenses for shooting in low light. Using a Leica you can normally shoot without camera shake with a 35mm lens at 1/30s, and Leitz lenses give good results at full aperture.
28mm
The 28mm is the first true wide-angle, and again a fine focal length for photojournalism. Apertures tend to be slightly less wide than for the 35mm, but depth of field is better. Working at f5.6 you can get sharp images of subjects between about 5 to 10 feet.
21mm, 24mm
With these ultra-wide lenses, it is hard to avoid some noticeable stretching of objects close to the edges of the frame. This so-called 'wide-angle distortion' is not really a distortion, but the natural consequence of imaging over such a wide angle with a rectilinear perspective. Lenses wider than 21mm begin to get difficult to use well. In crowds you tend to bump into the people you are photographing as you look at them through the viewfinder, and the wide-angle distortion can become extreme. Which can be fun!
Digital SLRs and Wide Angles
The smaller sensors of most digital cameras turn the moderate wide-angles to standard lenses, and the extreme wides to normal lenses. To get an extreme wide effect you need to work with something like a 12mm lens.
We may one day see truly affordable dSLRs with 35mm 'full-frame' sized sensors, but I doubt it. There is simply no need for them when a sensor half this size can deliver all the quality most of us ever need. It seems more likely that all manufacturers will standardize on the current smaller sensor size, and begin slowly to bring out a full range of lenses and bodies designed for the roughly 24x18mm sensors. The big market for dSLRs is among those who are new to the format, currently using comsumer digital cameras, not the minority with existing 35mm film outfits. Moving to the new sensor size will also give lens sales a boost as photographers need to replace existing lenses.
Wide-angle lenses are those that give a wider angle of view than standard lenses. To do this they need to have a shorter focal length.
Using Wide Angles
Wide-angles are the most misunderstood of lenses, at least so far as beginners in photography are concerned. They tend to see a wide-angle as being used 'to get everything in'. There are a few cases where they do enable you, for example, to photograph room interiors which could not be done with a standard lens, but their main use is to allow you to get closer to the subject.
Working with a wide-angle you tend to engage more with whatever you are photographing, getting closer to it in every way. Wide-angles are 'hot', involving you more closely with whatever you are photographing. Technically, wide-angles are easier to use, giving you greater depth of field and cutting down the effect of camera shake, but compositionally their wider viewpoint tends to make images more complex.
For 35mm cameras, the format diagonal is 43mm and typical standard lenses have focal lengths of 40-55mm. Wide-angle lenses are generally 35mm focal length and less.
35mm
35mm is only a slightly wide-angle compared to the format diagonal, and only a little more wider if compared with the typical standard lens of 50mm focal length. Many photographers have used a 35mm lens as their normal lens, either on a rangefinder or an a fixed lens compact camera.
35mm is a fine lens for candid work with a rangefinder or compact camera. It's relatively wide angle of view means that precise framing is less essential when working close to the subject. It also gives and increased depth of field compared to the standard lens.
Fast 35mm lenses, such as the 35mm f1.4 for the Leica are great lenses for shooting in low light. Using a Leica you can normally shoot without camera shake with a 35mm lens at 1/30s, and Leitz lenses give good results at full aperture.
28mm
The 28mm is the first true wide-angle, and again a fine focal length for photojournalism. Apertures tend to be slightly less wide than for the 35mm, but depth of field is better. Working at f5.6 you can get sharp images of subjects between about 5 to 10 feet.
21mm, 24mm
With these ultra-wide lenses, it is hard to avoid some noticeable stretching of objects close to the edges of the frame. This so-called 'wide-angle distortion' is not really a distortion, but the natural consequence of imaging over such a wide angle with a rectilinear perspective. Lenses wider than 21mm begin to get difficult to use well. In crowds you tend to bump into the people you are photographing as you look at them through the viewfinder, and the wide-angle distortion can become extreme. Which can be fun!
Digital SLRs and Wide Angles
The smaller sensors of most digital cameras turn the moderate wide-angles to standard lenses, and the extreme wides to normal lenses. To get an extreme wide effect you need to work with something like a 12mm lens.
We may one day see truly affordable dSLRs with 35mm 'full-frame' sized sensors, but I doubt it. There is simply no need for them when a sensor half this size can deliver all the quality most of us ever need. It seems more likely that all manufacturers will standardize on the current smaller sensor size, and begin slowly to bring out a full range of lenses and bodies designed for the roughly 24x18mm sensors. The big market for dSLRs is among those who are new to the format, currently using comsumer digital cameras, not the minority with existing 35mm film outfits. Moving to the new sensor size will also give lens sales a boost as photographers need to replace existing lenses.
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