I just started my own photoblog. Ok, not my first, but the first I am self-hosting. After looking through hundreds of Wordpress themes, I finally came upon one which is really cool in that it changes color based upon the photo being shown. Great effects and kudos to the author!
Posted under Canon
If you have some spare cash - like $39,995! - then you may be waiting for the arrival of Hasselblad’s new H3DII-50.
50 megapixels! Now who has not dreamed of such luxury? I am responding like Pavlov’s dogs here…
The H3DII-50 features Kodak’s 50 megapixel sensor, which is twice the size of the largest 35mm DSLR sensors. A new 645 sensor will also be launched in 2009.
“We are very excited to announce these two ultra-high resolution sensors,” says Christian Poulsen, Hasselblad Chief Executive Officer, “but having huge amounts of megapixels does not help your photography much if you are not using a camera system that can reap the benefits of these resolutions. What we are most proud of is the fact that the unique resolution and optical quality of our H-system lens line, combined with our digital lens correction and UltraFocus accuracy, has made it possible for Hasselblad to take our system even further with regards to the accurate capture and recording of image detail.”
Stay tuned for more details on the 645 sensor which will be revealed at Hasselblad’s Strategy and Technology seminar at Photokina 2008 (Sept 23-28) in Cologne, Germany).
Poulsen added, “The H3DII camera line has been specially designed to meet the challenging demands of high-end photographers, and these two new products will take the line even further, providing ultimate resolution for photographers who require the best in image quality, performance and creative freedom.”
The H3DII-50 camera will be available from October 2008 at a price of $39,995.
Posted under Hasselblad
Canon launched the EOS 300D in 2003 as the first affordable and/or entry level digital SLR. It sealed Canon’s dominance in the market. Since then, the Rebel has gone through three more iterations and the current model - the EOS 450D - offers a feature set and image quality that could only have been dreamed about five years ago (and at a price point well below the 300D’s). But photogs being the way we are, we want more at even less!
Canon’s next Rebel will be the 1000D or Rebel XS. It is made up of all the earlier versions and some call it a stripped down 450D or a ‘reheated’ 400D. What I did not expect, was the return to 10mp from the 12.2 of the 450D.
Some specs:
a 10MP sensor, 2.5 in LCD monitor, 7-point AF system and no spot-metering (like the 400D) but Live View with both phase- and contrast-detect AF, SD/SDHC for storage and a control and menu layout that is pretty much identical to the EOS 450D’s.
There is a report in from Finland that speaks to the lack of stocks of the 5D + 24-105L kit — and it seems that B&H are also out of this combination too. HmmmmHas 5D production stopped? We are anxiously awaiting the next incarnation of that marvelous 5D. (Mine was stolen and I am still fuming over it a year later!)
Canon might still be trying to incorporate EF-S lens support in their ‘low end’ FF camera…whatever that means.
Now a PDF file has surfaced mentioning a 52MP sensor. Hmmmm
“We have developed a new CMOS image sensor having pixels of more than 52M in APS-H size. The CMOS image sensor has the most number of pixels known to date without stitching. The sensitivity of the monochromatic image sensor is 39000e-/lx?s. The sensitivity of the color image sensor (green pixel) is 16600e-/lx?s. Pixel size is 3.2um x 3.2um. Random noise is 5.5e- with a saturation level of 24000e-. The CMOS image sensor has 5 x 5 random block readout mode and 4(2×2) adjacent pixels averaging mode. The reproduced image shows splendid high resolution.”
Hmmmm
Posted under Canon
From DPreview: The EOS 450D is the balance between beginner-friendly ease of use and the manual control / customization. The new stabilized 18-55mm lens is a distinct improvement on some of Canon’s earlier kit zooms and the fact it only adds $100 to the body price is a real bonus. That said, you really need to be using primes and pro-level zoom lenses to really see what the sensor is capable of. However, the default JPEG output is too bright and contrasty and the metering sometimes gets it wrong.
The Pros
* Superb resolution, good per-pixel sharpness (especially in raw files)
* Good tonal response and dynamic range
* Trademark Canon CMOS noise free images, remain detailed even at high sensitivities
* Optional high ISO NR removes all chroma noise
* Viewfinder bigger and brighter than predecessors
* New features (live view, spot metering, MyMenu, Highlight Tone Priority, 14-bit raw) lift it above the typical ‘entry level’ and move closer to 40D territory
* Improved continuous shooting, 3.5 fps and better buffering
* Feels very fast and responsive in use
* Good battery life
* Compact, sharp stabilized kit lens (though it can’t match the sensor’s superb resolving capabilities)
* ISO indication in viewfinder (finally!)
* Lots of external controls including new ISO button give instant access to commonly changed functions
* Contrast-detect focus in live view (though see cons, below)
* Bright, clear 3.0-inch screen and clear, logical menu system
The Cons
* Average automatic white balance performance, still very poor under incandescent light
* Limited exposure compensation range (+/- 2.0 EV)
* Contrast detect AF so slow it’s useless for most types of photography
* Metering has tendency to overexpose in very bright, contrasty conditions
* Default JPEG output may be a little ‘over processed’ for some tastes (raw far more flexible)
* Flash must be up for AF assist lamp (although AF is good even in low light)
* Automatic AF point selection unpredictable (use center AF, it’s safer)
* Occasional total focus failures (in our case only 5 or 6 shots in almost 2000)
* New Auto Lighting Optimizer doesn’t really seem to do anything
* No mass storage USB support
* A little pricey
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Posted under Canon
PopPhoto Tests:
Image Quality: Excellent: ISO 100-800
Resolution: Excellent at ISO 100 (1930) through 800 (1780), Extremely High at ISO 1600 (1575)
Color Accuracy: Excellent at ISO 100 (average Delta E: 7.9 Auto White Balance.) Extremely High at ISO 1600 (Average Delta E 8.9 Auto White Balance)
Noise: Low at ISO 100 (1.7) Very Low at ISO 200 (1.45), Low at ISO 400 (1.75) Moderately Low at ISO 800 (2.0), Moderate at ISO 1600 (2.6)
Distortion: Slight Barrel Distortion at 28mm equivalent (.15%), Slight Pincushion Distortion at 140mm equivalent (.14%) and 280mm (.16%)
Contrast: Low
Shadow/Highlight Detail: Very High
.
Canon PowerShot SD850-IS Digital Elph Camera, 8.0 Megapixels, 4x Optical Zoom, 4x Digital Zoom, 2.5″ PureColor LCD Display
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Canon Powershot SD1000 Digital Elph Camera, 7.1 Megapixels, 3x Optical Zoom, 4x Digital Zoom, 2.5″ LCD Display, Silver
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Samsung LN-T2353H 23″ LCD HDTV Flat Panel Television with Integrated ATSC Tuner
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Nikon Coolpix S700 Digital Camera, 12.1 Megapixel, 3x Optical Zoom, 4x Digital Zoom, 2.7″ LCD Display, Brushed Aluminum
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Domke Pro.Com 20, Rigid Shell Case with Foam Interior for Digital Point-&-Shoot Cameras, Black.
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Hewlett Packard - HP LaserJet P1005 Monchrome Printer with 600 x 600 dpi, 14ppm Print Speed & 5000 Pages Printing Capability
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Celestron 10 - 30 x 50 Upclose Zoom, Weather Resistant Porro Prism Binocular with 4.1 Degree Angle of View at 10x, U.S.A.
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Fellowes Powershred SB-87CS Confetti-Cut Shredder, 15 Sheets at Once / 10 Ft/Min - 7 Gallon Basket
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Lomo FishEye Point-n-Shoot 35mm Camera, Black
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ50S Digital SLR Camera, 10.4 MP, 12x Optical, 4x Digital Zoom, MEGA Optical Image Stabilizer, Silver
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Kata DR-465 Digital Rucksack for 2 Digital SLR’s with Mounted Lens, 3-4 Lenses, Flash, Accessories & Personal Gear
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Kata DR-467 Digital Rucksack for 2 Digital SLR’s with Mounted Lens, 3-4 Lenses, Flash, Laptop (to 17″), Accessories & Personal Gear
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Brother MFC-885CW Color Inkjet Flatbed, Wireless Network-Ready 7-in-1 Multi-Function Center with Print, Fax, Copy, Scan, PC Fax, PhotoCapture Center & Message Center.
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Celestron VistaPix IS70Imaging Spotting Scope with 3 Megapixel Digital Camera
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ZigView-R Digital Viewfinder, 360° Rotating Angled TFT 2.0″ Color Display, with TLL Motion Sensor Shutter Release, Interval & Exposure Timer.
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Stroboframe Quick Flip 350 - 35mm Flash Bracket
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Norcent XIAS DCS-860 8.0MP Point & Shoot Digital Camera, 3x Optical Zoom, 4x Digital Zoom & 2.5″ LCD
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Smith Victor KT900 3-Light 1250-Watt Thrifty Mini-Boom Kit with Light Cart on Wheels Carrying Case.
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Xshot Stainless Shield Shaft for Easy Self Portraits with All Compact Cameras
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Kodak Professional 9810, 8″ x 12″ Dye Sublimation Digital Photo Printer with USB Interface, for Windows.
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Kodak Professional EKTATHERM 9810L Digital Photo Print Kit / Glossy (Ribbon and receiver make 250 8×12 prints)
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Kodak Professional EKTATHERM 9810S Digital Photo Print Kit / Glossy (Ribbon and receiver make 300 8×10 prints)
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Bushnell 7 x 50 Marine, Tactical Water Proof & Fog Proof Porro Prism Binocular with 6.7 Degree Angle of View, U.S.A.
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Minox DCC Leica M3 Plus Classic Digital Camera, 5 Megapixel, 4x Digital Zoom, 1.5″ LCD Monitor and SD Memory Card with the Minox Flash for the Classic Series Minature Cameras, Guide Number 21, ISO 100.
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General Electric A830 Digital Camera - Black
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General Electric A830 Digital Camera - Silver
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Canon Pixma iP90v Photo Color Inkjet Printer with USB Interface , 4800 x 1200 dpi, for Windows & Macintosh
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Pharos Drive GPS 150, Portable Pocket Sized GPS Navigation System with Built in Maps and a 3.5″ Color LCD Screen
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Pharos Trips & Pics with GPS Receiver and USB Interface
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Garmin eTrex Summit Handheld GPS Navigation System HS Receiver, with microSD Card Slot & Automatic Routing
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Fujifilm 2 GB Type M xD Picture Memory Card.
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Kingston Technology 8 GB, 133x Elite Pro Compact Flash Memory Card
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Epson Premiere Art Scrapbook Photo Matte Inkjet Paper, 12 mil, 12″ x 12″, 10 Sheets.
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Canon 8.5″ x 11″ Photo Album Kit with Album & 10 Sheets of Double Sided Inkjet Paper.
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Epson 5″ x 7″ Story Teller Inkjet Paper Kit with Software, Book Cover & 10 Sheets.
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Epson P-3000 Photoviewer, Portable 40 GB Multimedia Storage & Viewer with USB 2.0 Interface & 4″ LCD
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Davis & Sanford ProVista Air 18 Tripod with FM-18 Fluid Head. (Head Supports up to 18 lbs., Tripods 12 lbs., extends 31″ - 68″)
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ColorVision Spyder 2 Pro Colorimeter suite
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DxO Optics Pro v 4.2, Elite Edition Photo Enhancing Software for Mac & Windows. Version 4.5 Internet Update Included (FREE UPGRADE TO VERSION 5.0 WHEN RELEASED)
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Adobe Photoshop CS3, Full Version for Macintosh
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Audio-Technica ATR-55 Cardioid Condenser Shotgun Microphone
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LaCie Single Drive Hard Disk, 320 GB Disk Drive with USB 2.0 Interface, for Mac & Windows, 7200rpm, Ora-Ito Design.
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A Canon rep was overheard: The EOS-1Ds line (the full-frame pro DSLRs) is on a three-year upgrade cycle. The 1Ds Mark II came out in 2004, and the Mark III 3 years later in 2007. The EOS 5D came out in 2005 and it is now…? So, are we due for a new version? Message boards are humming but that is as far as the rumors go.
Someone on DP Review forums posted specs for a second generation 5D with the following changes: MP boost to 15.3MP up from 12.8MP, and a massive 2 stop bump in light sensitivity to 25600 ISO.
The cam will supposedly shoot at 6fps instead of 3, and will have dual Digic III processors instead of a single Digic II cpu. The AF system will use 29 points instead of 9, and it’ll have the same weather sealing as the topline 1Ds Mark III, as well as live view. The announcement is supposed to come on April 22nd, at $3500. More speculated specs:
- 15.3 MP full frame CMOS sensor (vastly improved light-gathering capacity per pixel: improved micro lenses; miniaturized micro circuitry; enhanced signal/noise ratio)
- Weather sealing same as 1Ds Mark III
- Dual Digic III with all-new “CXR” NR system reported to best 3rd party NR software. Available as a C.F with 4 levels of customizable parameters.
14 bit A/D conversion
- ISO 12800 (C.F. up to 25600)
- Reported 1 2/3 stop sensitivity improvement
- All-new 29-point TTL CMOS sensor
with 12 cross-type for F/2.8 or faster lens
(35% faster than 40D)
- Micro lens fine adjustment for up to 14 lenses
- 300,000 exposure shutter durability
- 6.0 / 3.0 fps
- 3.0″ LCD 922,000 pixels
- EOS Integrated Cleaning System
- Live View (improved from 450D; latest generation)
- 6/3 fps continuous shooting for up to 68 frames
- MSRP $3499, available June 2
The CMOS in the new camera will be an entirely new generation, not based on the current flagship or the current camera it is replacing. The CXR NR system will detail retention at 12800 similar to 3200 on current model, though a 1 2/3 stop improvement is the conservative, stated estimate. Canon hopes to create a “wow” factor with a conservative estimate that surpasses itself in studio/ pro review tests.
Posted under Canon, dSLRMore MP
The first DSLR sensor made by Samsung is the 14.6MP CMOS chip. This gives the GX-20 and the Pentax K20D the highest-resolution imaging in this class. The Pentax K200D gets the Sony-made 10.2MP CCD from the now-discontinued K10D. The Sony uses its own 14.2MP CCD in the Alpha 350, and Canon its own 12.2MP CMOS chip in the Rebel XSi. (Canon once again makes a Rebel that leapfrogs its enthusiast model in resolution — the EOS 40D is 10.1MP.) Nikon coasts along with the same 10.2MP chip from the D40x. All five cameras maintain the APS-C sensor size for a 1.6X 35mm lens factor for the Canon and 1.5X for all the others.
Live Preview
Like it or not, DSLR makers continue to use it and refine it. The Rebel allows two methods of autofocusing in live view: a quick method using a momentary flip down of the mirror (with face detection used to engage appropriate AF points), and a live method that can be enabled at any spot in the frame. This actually improves on the Reb’s pricey stablemates such the EOS-1Ds Mark III (see camera test), which focus only manually in live view. The Samsung GX-20 can also autofocus with a mirror flip.
But the best live view system so far comes on the Sony, which uses a separate imaging sensor in the pentamirror housing to allow autofocusing with live view — and nearly zero lag when you press the shutter to take the shot. You can even do burst shooting in live mode at a creditable 2 fps. Combined with the LCD that tilts up or down, it gives you a perfect setup for low-angle or over-the-crowd shots.
Image stabilization
Everyone wants it and why not? It gives you a bit more versatility, but which system is better - the one in-camera or in specific lenses? Canon and Nikon don’t have stabilization built into their cameras, but require individual stabilized lenses. And now manufacturers have priced camera/lens kits low enough that there is no short-term price advantage for the other three cameras that have sensor-based image stabilization built into the camera bodies.
But those three cameras — the Pentax K200D, Samsung GX-20, and Sony Alpha 350 — can stabilize any lenses you already have in your bag or may obtain down the line, which can save a fair stack of cash compared with putting together an outfit of Canon or Nikon image-stabilized lenses. In response, their rivals have been developing lower-cost stabilized lenses, such as the 55-250mm f/4-5.6 Canon EF IS ($300, street) and the 55-200mm f/4-5.6G AF-S DX Nikkor VR ($170, street).
Too Many
Canon EOS 40D, Nikon D300, and Sony Alpha 700 — and camera makers are not stopping with those. Nearly every DSLR maker has recently added one or more models to this year’s lineup, all of them aimed at the mid-level. For street prices of $630 to $1,400, they provide a nice boost in megapixels, with two models coming in at more than 14MP. But they aren’t about sheer firepower — don’t look for the fastest burst rates or stratospheric ISOs. Instead, you’ll find such conveniences as bigger LCD screens, live view, more battery power, extended in-camera image controls, and improved image stabilization.
No sooner do you have your setup complete (at least for the moment) and another model beckons so strongly that you cannot resist!
Improvements
Sony began the trend with its Dynamic Range Optimizer (DRO), which can calm down highlights and bring up shadows on the fly. Nikon’s Active D-Lighting, Pentax’s Expanded Dynamic Range, and Samsung’s High Dynamic Range do similar duty. The Canon Rebel XSi has Highlight Tone Priority, which will maintain detail in an exposure level selected by the user.
The Nikon D60 can convert RAW files to JPEGs with image corrections, remove redeye, add a cross filter, and even assemble stop-action movies from individual frames. The Pentax and Samsung have an assortment of digital filters and extensive picture adjustments. The Sony A350 inherits the menu of eight scene selection modes, each one of which can be individually tweaked.
And the Canon Rebel debuts a new tool, Auto Optimization, which can improve brightness and contrast on the fly (something like Auto Levels in Adobe Photoshop) and which gives priority to faces in the frame — to bring up detail in backlit portraits, for example.
Sensor dust has become Enemy #1 and DSLR manufacturers are recognizing that with more megapixels, shooters will view or print pictures at larger sizes — and will be all the more aware of dust spots on the sensor. All five of these cameras provide a momentary ultrasonic shake of the sensor to remove dust, but the precautions hardly stop there.
The Nikon simultaneously provides a momentary puff of air — something like a built-in bulb blower — and can map dust particles for removal later in software. The Canon also has software dust mapping. The Pentax and Samsung models highlight dust particles on the LCD — and display the map as a mirror image to facilitate manual cleaning of the sensor.
Should You Buy?
Fierce competition once again proves a good thing, with four of these five models coming in well under $1,000 with a kit lens. Stay tuned for more info on the latest and greatest offerings.
[PopPhoto]
Olympus is expanding its rugged outdoor camera line with two new additions: the 8-megapixel Stylus 850 SW and the 10.1-megapixel Olympus Stylus 1030 SW.
Along with increased resolution, the new Olympus Stylus 1030 SW has a wider lens, a larger and improved HyperCrystal II LCD display, is still waterproof to 33 feet, and can take a fall of 6 feet.
For those who love to capture the unforgettable scuba diving moments, this camera includes 4 underwater scene modes. In fact this camera seems to be quite a catch for the outdoorsy person - from snorkeling to mountain biking to skiing. Its rugged design can take what you dish out in the desert or mountains or oceans.
The new wide 3.6x optical zoom lens is equivalent to a 28-102mm zoom in the 35mm format. The wide angle lens is just what the outdoor person wants too.
The 850 SW
Just like its big brother (1030 SW) the Stylus 850 SW performs in all types of terrain and weather. It still performs when the temperature dips well below freezing (14 degrees Fahrenheit; -10 degrees Celsius) — is dustproof and comes in a rainbow of colors: blue, yellow, pink, black and silver.
Posted under Olympus, Point&Shoot
For $5000, one would expect top performance on all levels and according to PopPhoto, one is not disappointed. They made it their Top Camera for 2007.
By going to full-frame, the discussion of megapixels hardly applies. Image quality is top-notch and enough to make high-quality enlargements of up to 14×21 inches (at 200 ppi).
At the PopPhoto labs, at ISO 200, its 2320 lines of tested resolution for JPEGs (an Excellent rating) are almost identical to the much cheaper D300 ($1,800, street, body only), tested in their February 2008 issue.
Color accuracy is high for both JPEG and RAW files. Using noise control at high ISOs, the D3 earns an Excellent image quality rating from ISO 200 to ISO 3200.
Where it shines and earns its high selling price is in low-light situations. “Even at ISO 200, the added light-gathering capability of the larger pixels on the D3’s full-frame sensor beats the D300. Shooting RAW takes advantage of its lower noise and 14-bits-per-color capture. And it gives you much more flexibility, especially when using the supplied Capture NX 1.3 software to convert NEF RAW to 16-bit TIFF files.” from PopPhoto
Posted under Nikon
