Olympus E-P1 review coming shortly

Just had an email from Olympus this morning (yes it's Sunday morning here in the UK) to say an E-P1 is coming my way. Another camera to add to the long list of reviews, but the Pen will be with us shortly and we hope to post some comparisons with a Leica M8.2. Check back later in the week.

Induro tripod reviews coming soon

Induro CX213 + Markins M10

I've been testing some Induro tripods and I'm mightily impressed. The above is the Carbonflex CX213 complete with a Markins M10 Q-ball, RRS plate and Pentax K-7 with 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited. I hope to post a short review later today, or tomorrow. Also to be reviewed is the top-of-the-range C414.

Update August 01, 2009: The C414 review can be found here.

Pentax K-7 HDR examples

Pentax K-7 + 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited, HDR capture 'Strong'

With all its exposure mode options, many unique to Pentax (such as Sv, TAv and Hyper Program choices including options for the program lines), the new K-7 is a sweet camera for sure. I was also intrigued by the HDR (High Dynamic Range) option.

Somewhat clumsily selected from the main menu, this feature allows the K-7 to take three successive shots (JPEG only) using either Standard or Strong options and processes them in-camera to deliver a single HDR image.

I've posted some examples and comparisons above and below, and while the results are mixed (the softness is due to some movement in the trees - it was a little windy), the feature is an interesting addition; I've just got to find the right subject for it.

Pentax K-7+ 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited, HDR capture 'Standard'

Pentax K-7 + 35mm f/2.8 Macro Limited, HDR 'Off' , additional D-range settings off.

Unfortunately, there are a couple of shortcomings using HDR capture. Firstly, as previously mentioned it's only available in JPEG mode (so all the image parameters, including WB are baked in), and you can't use the built-in self-timer, meaning you'll need a remote control.

There's also no built-in eyepiece blind either, so care has to be taken during metering. I haven't timed the in-camera processing, but it's in the region of 30 seconds or so. Oh, and you'll need a tripod too. I can easily recommend the Induro C414.

K-7 HDR 'Strong', converted using Nik Silver Efex Pro plug-in

I got to thinking one of the problems with my examples above was the excessive green (a real problem with our landscape), so I converted the first HDR capture (using the Strong setting) to B&W using Aperture and Nik Silver Efex Pro.

The result is much more worthwhile, I would say.

UPDATED August 01, 2009

Just for sheer devilment, I decided to do some quick HDR processing using a JPEG from the series I took that day. I rather like this one also, and I have a far greater control over the whole creative process.

Julius Shulman passes away, aged 98

Julius Shulman, one of the most influential architectural photographers of the modernist era, has died at the age of 98.

(Taschen) - A resident of Los Angeles since 1920, Julius Shulman documented modernist architecture in Southern California and across the globe for nearly eight decades. His images of Pierre Koenig's Case Study House No. 22 (1960) in Los Angeles and Richard J. Neutra's Kaufmann House (1947) in Palm Springs are among the most recognizable and iconic architectural photographs of the 20th century. Shulman's interest in photography developed into a career when he photographed Neutra's Kun Residence in Los Angeles with his Kodak Vestpocket camera in 1936. Neutra admired young Shulman's images and continued to commission his work. Other leading architects of the time followed suit, as did hundreds of magazines, newspapers, and book publishers. Shulman's numerous awards include the Architectural Photography Medal from the American Institute of Architects (1969), a lifetime achievement award from the International Center of Photography in New York (1998), and honorary doctorates from various academic institutions. He died on July 15 and is survived by his daughter, Judy McKee, and grandson, Timothy, both of Santa Barbara.

"Julius Shulman was one of the greatest photographers and image makers of the the 20th century. Even in a biblical age he was an inspiration for generations of admirers, fans and friends. His house was open for everyone and thousands of pilgrims from all over the world came to see him, the man who created the visual memory of Modernism. He was a generous, kind and caring human being with a memory sharp as the latest generation of computers, recalling every trip he made and every photograph he took. I loved this man and I was blessed to have him as my friend and as a TASCHEN artist."
—Benedikt Taschen

Link (Taschen)

Olympus outs Stylus Tough 6010

Olympus has added a new 12mp Mju model to the range that's claimed to be waterproof (to 10M), freeze-proof and shock-proof. Known as the Mju Tough 6010 in Europe, it's also known as the Stylus Tough 6010 in the USA. This model appears to replace the 10-megapixel Mju/Stylus Tough 6000.

Press release:

The µ TOUGH with Magic Filters

The Olympus µ TOUGH-6010: an action hero

London, 17 July 2009 – From adrenaline packed days to activities with the family, the Olympus µ TOUGH-6010 is ready for action. Whether enjoying a day at the beach or out carving on the slopes, this 12 Megapixel powerhouse is the ultimate companion. Shockproof, waterproof, and freezeproof just like the rest of the µ TOUGH series, it ensures extreme fun. Aspiring artists can even find their fill with a new set of Magic Filters. Featuring a 3.6x wide optical zoom, the µ TOUGH-6010 is of course also packed with the latest in Olympus opto-digital technology. Boasting everything from Dual Image Stabilisation to Tap Control, it was created to ensure photographic peace of mind while enjoying life’s many adventures. Available in a striking choice of colours, the latest µ TOUGH will be available from July 2009 for a retail price of £299.99

Interestingly, none of the Olympus sites appear to be carrying information on the new camera.

Hasselblad ships HCD 35-90mm f/4-5.6 zoom

Hasselblad has announced the new HCD 35-90mm f/4-5.6 zoom, introduced at Photokina, is now shipping. For more info, including stockists, please follow the link.

New Nikon D300S to be announced shortly?

Source, Nikon Rumors

I don't normally report on scuttlebut*, but the Nikon Rumors site is showing photos of the long-wished for HD video equipped D300s. Guess it won't be long before we'll find out if this and the D3000 are real or vapour-ware.

What I really would prefer to see are some new fixed focal length primes. The thing is that Nikon has positioned their pro-level bodies as 35mm full-frame (FX format) cameras and are unlikely (or able) to split resources introducing DX (APS-C) format primes.

Sure, we've seen the 35mm f/1.8 DX (50mm equivalent) introduced recently, but it's a damage limitation exercise. New primes, of interest to pros and enthusiasts, will likely be FX format.

That's the problem when you run two formats, and why makers like Pentax are able to channel their efforts into lenses like the DA (APS-C) format Limited lens range.

Makes it difficult for people to choose, doesn't it?

* Navy slang for hearsay.

Along the Water's Edge: The photographs of Tim Wolcott

Big Bear Lake Gallery owner and fine art photographer, Tim Wolcott, has today announced the availability of his new book, Along the Water's Edge. With essays by Michael Reichmann publisher of the Luminous Landscape website and writer Matthew Jaffe, formerly senior writer at Sunset Magazine, Along the Water's Edge features striking photographs taken over the last 20 years of some of America's most beguiling lakes, rivers, waterfalls and oceans.


Big Bear Lake, CA (PRWEB) July 15, 2009 -- Along the Water's Edge, published by the Gallery of the American Landscape, is a volume of exceptional photographs made over the past twenty years. Timothy Wolcott, a fine art landscape photographer and pioneer in pigment photography, has captured images of rivers, streams, waterfalls and oceans like you have never seen them. Shooting with medium and large format camera systems, Wolcott's talents for composition and timing evoke the elusive spirit of a place.

Tim is considered one of the world's most eco-friendly photographers. He was a co-inventor of Evercolor, the first environmentally sound and virtually non-fading photo printing process. He also pioneered inkjet printing and has served as head consultant for the Smithsonian and the Library of Congress where his photographs have been exhibited. They are also on display at his own gallery, Big Bear Lake Gallery, which was designed in 1996 -- the world's first gallery utilizing exclusively eco-friendly processes including all archival and eco-friendly framing and matting.

Along the Water's Edge, is an eco-friendly book using only FSC certified paper. Each carefully selected image has been printed to match tonal range of the shadows, brilliant highlights, and luminous color of Wolcott's hand-crafted exhibition prints. A hexachrome printing process was used to render each image's richly saturated color and subtle detail.

The images in this book were captured during the past 20 years and represent hundreds of thousands of miles traveled and hours of patient searching for the perfect location, the perfect moment, the perfect light. The book includes a complete list of equipment and technical information.

Many of the original photographs comprising the book's 79 images have been exhibited in museums, private corporations and fine art galleries worldwide. Wolcott's work is represented in exhibits at Smithsonian, Library of Congress, Photography West and other Association of International Photography Art Dealers (AIPAD) galleries worldwide.

Copyright, Tim Wolcott

Along the Water's Edge is available now in three versions via the web site at:

http://www.galleryoftheamericanlandscape.com/book.html

Museum Edition with Exhibition Print -- First edition of 500 signed and numbered hardbound books in a handcrafted slipcase with a hand made exhibition print signed and numbered by the artist $250

Collector's Book Edition -- First edition of 500 signed and numbered hardbound books $150

Trade Edition -- First edition hardbound book $50

About Tim Wolcott

Tim Wolcott is a master landscape photographer and eco-friendly artist. Owner of Big Bear Lake Gallery (www.GalleryoftheAmericanLandscape.com), Wolcott belongs to a tradition of American innovation. His ancestor Alexander Wolcott received the first patent for a camera in America and created the first photography exhibition in 1840 and owned the as the first studio.

Although as Wolcott describes it, photography is less about technology than about the light that creates the image, Wolcott credits Copenhagen-based Phase One (www.phaseone.com) with technical innovations that have permitted him to capture a much wider range of light with beautiful shadow detail and rich white highlights that renders extremely rich colors previously not possible with other camera systems. It's this combination of shooting styles - mixing the old and the new - that allows him to produce such superior imagery. In the end, he declares, "There are no short cuts. Great photography requires understanding light and composition, vision and patience - simple discipline - simple but never easy."

As an inventor working with the Evercolor group in 1991, he helped design the world's first eco-friendly process - using no chemicals or heavy metals -- for color photographic prints. To this day no other process has beaten its longevity (250 years with 10% fade). Tim started working with inkjet technology in 1996, trying to make the first pigment inkjet photographs. And in 1995, he helped make the first paper for the process. Since then he continues to help design the right pigments, papers or coatings for what fine art photographers are using today and in the future.

NAPP announce World Wide Photo Walk

15th July 2009, London:

This Saturday, NAPP (National Association of Photoshop Pros) –co-sponsored by Adobe - has organised a worldwide event – over 900 photo walks (33 across UK and Ireland), an expected 17,000 photographers will attend with over 1 million photos taken all on the same day.

What: Photo Walk - social event, photographers walk the streets, shoot photos, interact with other photographers

NAPP –co-sponsor Adobe- is hosting its second-annual day

Post-walks, photographers will process photos in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom and post to NAPP site for a chance to win a grand prize.

Last year, more than 1,017,125 photos were taken on walks that day

Where: Taking place across the world, 900 walks worldwide, 411 outside US, 33 locations across UK & Ireland

When: SATURDAY – 18 July 2009 - same day worldwide, different times - each Photo Walk lasts 2 hours

How much: FREE!

For further details please visit here.

James Ravilious: An English Eye exhibition at National Theatre

The National Theatre on the south bank has a rather timely exhibition of James Ravilious' English Eye. It's open from 13th July through to 13th September.

For more details visit the NT here.

Buy a Hasselblad H3DII and meet Buzz

Hasselblad are celebrating the 40 year anniversary of the lunar landing (and the launch of the new H3DII-60) by inviting a limited number of photographers to meet Buzz Aldrin and the Hasselblad design team at the Kennedy Space Centre. For more details including qualification (you'll need to buy a H3DII 50 / 60; no trifling matter in itself, before the 21 August) follow this link.

Portrait Professional Studio 8 review

Anthropics’ Portrait Professional enhancement software sounds promising but is there a place for another retouching utility?



Price
Professional Standard £39.95 (£34.74 plus VAT @ 15 percent)
Professional Studio £59.95 (£52.13 plus VAT @ 15 percent)
Contact
Anthropics Technology 0870 2247990, www.portraitprofessional.com
System Requirements
Intel Mac & OS X 10.4 or later, Windows Vista, XP, or 2000

Summary

Handling 4/5
Spec 4/5
Performance 4/5
Value for Money 5/5
Overall 4/5


With the release of version 8.0, Anthropics’ Portrait Professional image enhancement utility adds overdue support for the Mac OS, and a host of new and improved benefits over previous versions. If you’re not familiar with the software, the simple to use retouching utility analyses an image and applies correction and enhancement filters based on a number of criteria within a database of facial features.

Garnered from extensive scientific study at various respected universities in the UK, this criteria of facial features - essentially what’s attractive and what isn’t, forms the basis of the definition of human beauty. Through a four-step process, you start off by providing information about the sitter in your chosen image. The gender, the location of the eyes, mouth, nose and outlines of the face are mapped on screen and then sliders are used to enhance your portrait.



Portrait Professional has come a long way from when it required an internet connection to compare selections with their database and run algorithms housed securely on their server. From version 6 it became a standalone application and a Max version, intended for professional users, added support for 16-bit Tiff’s as well as Raw conversion for a number of file types. That now has become the Studio edition, reviewed here.

Studio has essentially the same step-by-step image enhancement features that require little or no previous retouching skill of the Standard edition but allows a choice of working colour spaces including selection of monitor ICC profiles and version 8.0 adds improved support for Raw files – but we’re not told what exactly. Presumably, they’ve added compatibility with some of the newer DSLRs.

I tried some files from the Sony A900, but it failed to decode them properly. Raw files from the EOS 1Ds Mk III were handled without issue, as were 16-bit Tiff’s from the same camera processed originally by Aperture. And that was using a MacBook Pro with just 2GB of Ram.

Although the interface looks like it has been ported from the Windows version the Mac implementation is generally very good but the two-fingered scrolling feature of the track-pad on a MacBook Pro fails to alter brush sizes – best then to use a mouse, or better still a tablet.

Be that as it may, you won’t find it necessary to hone your painting skills, as, like previous versions, Portrait Professional’s main control panel contains a plethora (around 80 or so in total) of expandable slider-based controls. This sits to the left of two before/after previews in a pane that occupies the rest of the screen. The panel can be detached and left floating – that’s handy if working from a couple of monitors but doesn’t present too much of an issue for typical Mac 16:10 ratio screens. It can be a bit tight for squarer Windows monitors, but the panel and preview panes are adjustable.

After following the initial three steps, mentioned previously, the software delivers a default enhancement from algorithms now contained within the software. From those few simple steps the result is usually surprisingly good - prominent lines and blemishes are smoothed, eyes are brightened and sharpened, noses straightened and faces slimmed. However if it’s not quite to your liking the fourth and final step allows you to fine-tune the look.


Although there’s not one effect that can’t be replicated in Photoshop, all this is achieved in no longer than five minutes, and usually less. However, it’s worth noting at this stage that the software still works well with faces that are three-quarters on but can’t be used on people in profile. Neither does it work that well if the face, or eyes particularly, are somewhat obscured by hair – it’s good, but not that good.

Portrait Professional also works with individuals in a group, but you can’t lift and stamp the key facial settings and adjustments from one similar image to another, which is a drawback. In terms of workflow then, I find it’s simpler to convert chosen Raw files in an external editor, such as Aperture or Lightroom, and export the best images as 16-bit Tiff’s into Portrait Professional.

From the default enhancement you can either tweak certain settings or apply a global (master) adjustment of facial features and effects, depending on your time constraints. A pull-down menu of 18 presets is also handy. These consist of the default male and female settings, as well effects for increasing the drama (contrast), glamour (colour), sculpting, removing wrinkles and others. It’s an easy quick-fix but if you want precise control you’ll want to head for the manual sliders.

These are split into two main groups and the first are subdivided again into face-sculpting adjustments and removing skin imperfections. You can use the sculpting tools to straighten a nose or elongate a face, enlarge eyes or change the shape of the forehead. You need some experience with retouching here and of the sitter or sitters.

I found that it’s easy to make adjustments with people you don’t know, but with those you do, even slight adjustments make for an unconvincing result. The lesson here is subtlety.

Most prominent skin imperfections can be lessened easily enough but the utility leaves some texture for reality’s sake. This may result in stubborn spots or blemishes having to be removed by the touch-up brush. Again no real skill is required, in operation it’s not unlike Photoshop’s Spot-healing brush.

The remaining controls, the second group, concentrate on facial features in depth. You can change the iris colour, whiten eyes and teeth, darken the lips, sharpen the mouth and so on. There’s another group of controls for adding shine and lightening and reddening hair. But a subset for tidying has no options for removing stray hair or for retouching grey-roots from coloured hair, two surprisingly common requests.




Despite the few drawbacks, the lack of applying adjustments to other images from a group, the limited hair-retouching options and patchy Raw camera support in the Studio version, Portrait Professional has much to commend it. Given the extraordinarily low price (of either edition), the shallow learning curve and the staggeringly good results, it really doesn’t make sense not to give it a go.

Jan, before and after

This review of mine first featured in Professional Photographer magazine, January 2009.

Please note Portrait Professional is now at version 9.  For more information, please follow the link.

Mikhael Subotzky wins Leica Oskar Barnack Award, 2009

copyright, Mikhael Subotzky

9 July 2009: Leica Camera has announced that this year’s prestigious ‘Leica Oskar Barnack Award’ has been awarded to photographer Mikhael Subotzky.

The 28-year-old’s prize-winning portfolio, entitled ‘Beaufort West’, impressed the panel of judges – which included the internationally known singer and Leica photographer Seal – for its scenes from the South African town of the same name.

Second place in this year’s competition was taken by Dominic Nahr. The Swiss-born photographer was awarded the new ‘Leica Oskar Barnack Newcomer Award’ for his photographic essay from the Congo, entitled ‘The Road to Nowhere’.

The images captured by Mikhael Subotzky amply document the main feature of Beaufort West: the main N1 national road, connecting Johannesburg and Cape Town. For many of the residents, the road is their only connection to the outside world, where, in the evening hours, many residents line the sides of the road to peddle their wares to travellers. Mikhael Subotzky shows various street scenarios and captures the essence of each.

The portfolio in second place – ‘The Road to Nowhere’ – documents the dramatic situation of refugees in the east of the Republic of Congo at the end of 2008. In his images, Dominic Nahr accompanies refugees and soldiers on their apparently hopeless search for safety.

In addition to singer/photographer Seal, the jury for this year’s Leica Oskar Barnack Award also included the following members: François Hébel (Arles Meetings Director), Hans-Peter Junker (Editor-in-Chief of VIEW, Gruner+Jahr publishing house), Karin Rehn-Kaufmann (Creative Director of the Leica Gallery in Salzburg) and Dr Andreas Kaufmann (Managing Director of the majority shareholder ACM).

The Leica Oskar Barnack Award ceremony takes place at the photographic festival in Arles from 7 to 12 July 2009. The winner receives 5,000 [€] or Leica camera equipment to the same value.

All portfolios submitted may be viewed in the online gallery at: www.leica-oskar-barnack preis.de

An English Eye: The Photographs of James Ravilious

James Ravilious was one England's greatest photographers, yet he and his work remains largely unknown. Coming late to photography in life, he devoted his last 17 years to documenting a small community in north Devon, contributing over 80,ooo photos to a project that later became known as the Beaford Archive.

The collection, one of the most extensive in the country, revealed a way of life that many, myself included, thought had long disappeared.

Back in print as a paperback, due largely to a recent and compelling BBC documentary, An English Eye: The Photographs of James Ravilious, promises to be a real treat, and I've got it on my list. Ravilious was no ordinary documentary photographer, he elevated his work to an art-form, that, to my mind, parallels Cartier-Bresson.

Amazon US: An English Eye: The Photographs of James Ravilious

Amazon UK: An English Eye: The Photographs of James Ravilious

Topaz Fusion Express brings Aperture compatibility to the Topaz Photoshop plug-ins free of charge

Topaz Labs has today announced the availability of Fusion Express, a free Apple Aperture plug-in that allows the use of Topaz image adjustment plug-ins normally intended to be used with Photoshop. If you use Aperture and Topaz plug-ins, you can download the free Fusion plug-in and start using it immediately.

For those not using the Topaz plug-ins yet, use the coupon code “NEWFUSION” for an instant 15% off of the Photoshop bundle. (Expires Aug 1 09.)

For more information including including the free Fusion download please see the link below.

Links: http://www.topazlabs.com/fusion

Free shoulder strap offer when buying new Quantum Turbo battery

Quantum distributor Flaghead Photographic is giving away a FREE shoulder strap with the purchase of certain Quantum batteries.

Anyone buying a new Quantum Turbo, Turbo SC, Turbo 2x2, QB1+ and QB2 battery pack from an authorized UK retailer will receive a FREE Quantum shoulder strap QB60, worth £21.85 + Vat.

The strap is made from black leather with ballistic nylon end pieces.

The Quantum QB60 shoulder strap is available separately at £21.85 + Vat from Quantum retailers, see WWW.FLAGHEAD.CO.UK for details.

Leica makes D-Lux 4 Safari official

Pictures have been circulating the interweb for ages, but today Leica finally make the existance of the olive green D-Lux 4 Safari official:

7 July 2009: Leica Camera will launch the limited edition LEICA D-LUX 4 SAFARI this Autumn.

From Scotland to South Africa, from London to Lima – the new LEICA D-LUX 4 in Safari Green is the perfect companion for urban, rural or adventure safaris alike. With a slick, anodised aluminium green body, and contrasting chrome lens, this camera not only feels and looks good but also packs a photographic punch.

The LEICA D-LUX line has already received rave reviews, guaranteeing outstanding picture quality each time thanks to a high performance lens and fast image processing.

So what are you waiting for? Book your Autumn trip away and grab a LEICA D-LUX 4 SAFARI whilst you can, the hottest arm accessory in the coolest colour this season. The LEICA D-LUX 4 SAFARI will be a timeless addition to any collection – a limited edition camera that is built to last, look good and perform.

The metal body of the LEICA D-LUX 4 SAFARI is protected by the anodised finish, which is particularly resistant to wear. The camera also comes with a water-proof system case, perfect for the Great Outdoors, with plenty of space for additional D-LUX 4 accessories – such as an optical viewfinder, handgrip or flash unit. It also comes complete with a rain cape designed for photography out in the elements.



LEICA D-LUX 4 SAFARI has an RRP of £765 and is available in the UK from September 2009. For stockist information, please visit www.leica-camera.co.uk

New Nikon Next website launched

Nikon have launched a new website showcasing talent from around the globe as well as including some insights to the company.

While obviously a marketing led exercise, I always think it bodes well to see directors taking a personal interest in the products that represent the company's heritage.

Maybe that's why we have the D3 and D3x now, but there's no saying what's coming next.

Incidentally, the Nikon F eyelevel in the foreground is a very early example, No 6400078 (I think it said in the text). Either way the first 300 models are said to be unique using the Nikon SP's fabric shutter, wind-on lever and other components.

Subsequent models dropped the fabric shutter for the titanium foil type that was also used on the later F2, and F3 models, albeit slightly modified.

You can see the rangefinder Nikon SP behind and to the right of the model F. Although I own one of the first 3000 in chrome, complete with the first version 5cm f/2 'tick mark' lens. I for one would love to see that particular Nikon F up close.

Nikon Next link.

UPDATE 15 July 2009:

More information on the site can be found here.

w2knqsgei6

Apple Juicz; refreshing the parts of your MacBook Pro that others can't reach

That title is probably misquoted, but Peartree Photo, one of the few official Leaf dealers in the UK are promoting a external battery pack for those power-hungry MacBook Pro's (mine never strays further than the length of the power-cable to the wall-socket).

Called apple juicz, the system is meant to remove the nightmare of power management when proofing and editing on location. It's claimed to deliver up to 8 hours power to the 17-inch MBP, and 10 hours for the 13 and 15-inch models.

There's no mention of weight or size (lets hope for your assistants' sake the picture above isn't to scale) but the system can provide as many 1000 recharge cycles and costs £450, presumably excluding our beloved VAT. For further information call Peartree Photo on 020 7033 7371or email them on info (at) peartreephoto.com

Hasselblad intros 39MP back for V-series

Hasselblad announced, on 26 June, the CFV-39, a new 39-megapixel back for the V-system cameras. Not only is it designed to match the appearance of the classic V- system, it has a rectangular 36.7 x 49.0 mm sensor (100-per-cent larger than a 35mm full-frame DSLR), with a lens factor of 1.1x. A second shooting option using a square format produces a 5412 x 5412 pixel (29-megapixel) image with a lens factor of 1.5x.

Also of note for users of the V-system (Carl Zeiss) lenses is the inclusion of automatic fringing (lateral chromatic aberration), distortion and vignetting correction, using the bundled Phocus software. The software also allows tethered shooting.

Further details, including the full technical specification, stockists and to order a demo can be found here.

Carl Zeiss Lens News July

copyright, Shoot Studio

This month's CZ lens newsletter is online now, and features some intriguing street shots of New York City taken with the Distagon T* 21mm f/2.8 (or 2.8/21 in Zeiss speak). The 2.8/21 is one of the more recent additions to the expanding range of full-frame manual focus Zeiss lenses, made under license by Cosina in Japan.

It's available in Nikon (ZF) and soon to come Pentax (ZK) and Canon (ZE) mounts but the Distagon T* 2.8/21 is not for the faint-hearted, after all it has a front filter diameter of 87mm and weighs in at a trifling 600g (21.6 oz).

Needless to say all that hefty teutonic glass and T* coating is capable of delivering the finest color and that legendary Zeiss high contrast rendering. Just look here for the T* coating's intolerance of flare and ghosting.

What a brute, and what a contrast to the diminutive Cosina Voigtlander 20mm f/3.5 Color Skopar. Still, as they say, 'you pays your money...'

Links (and credits):

Carl Zeiss Lens News, July '09

Shoot Studio

Pentax USA post pdf download of K-7 DSLR manual

Pentax USA has kindly posted a pdf download of the instruction manual for the new K-7 DSLR, available here.

That reminds me, Canon are another company that rarely send out instruction manuals with review cameras, or maybe there's another reason altogether.

Either way, their distribution company told me where to find English manuals to download. Take a look here, but don't tell everyone, or they may take it away.

Nikon UK announce D5000 cashback

Nikon UK is celebrating 50 years of its pioneering F-Mount lens system by offering up to £75/€90 cashback on D5000 and lens combination purchases, until 31st August 2009.

Customers are entitled to claim £50/€60 cashback on purchases of a D5000 single lens kit (camera body plus any single AF-S NIKKOR lens) and £75/€90 on a D5000 twin lens kit (camera body plus any two AF-S NIKKOR lenses).

The promotion will run from the 1st July 2009 until the 31st August 2009 (inclusive), and all claims must arrive by 30th September in order to qualify.

For more information on the promotion, and how to submit your claim, please visit: www.nikon.co.uk/cashback.

Terms and conditions apply. Offer is subject to availability.

Pentax K-7 first impressions

Much has been said around the interweb about the size of the Pentax K-7. And, as I had a sample delivered from Pentax the other day for review, I thought I would share my initial impressions; it's not as small as I thought it would be.

With that out of the way, it's smaller than any other semi-pro model out there, but anyone thinking it's as diminutive as the firm's K-m is in for a surprise. If I get chance, I'll try post some photos showing the size in comparison with rival offerings.

The sharp-eyed among you will notice that's not a Pentax strap but an Op/Tech USA Super Classic strap, just like the one I said I used.

US link: Op/Tech USA Super Classic

Hasselblad owner Shriro announce Photomania 2009

Shriro, the photo-imaging company, East Asia distributor and shareholder of medium format camera maker, Hasselblad, has announced dates for Photomania 2009:

Beijing 30/06/09

Shanghai 02/07/09

Hong Kong 04/07/09

See here for further details, including registration.

Leaf Imaging enter new phase

Phase One, makers of medium-format digital backs, announced today the intention to purchase specific assets of rival back maker, Leaf , while forming a new company: Leaf Imaging Ltd.

Leaf Systems Inc of Massachusetts USA, was formed in 1984, but was subsequently acquired by Scitex in 1997 while operations moved to Tel Aviv. Shortly after, in 2000, Leaf changed ownership again when Creo Inc acquired Scitex. However that wasn't to last when Eastman Kodak acquired Creo Inc during 2005.

In the same week that Kodak announced the end of Kodachrome, the latest announcement sees the imaging giant shedding certain assets of Leaf, while entering into a intellectual property license with Phase One.

However as Kodak are the main, if not sole, manufacturer of image sensors for Phase One as well as Leaf, this acquisition was not entirely unexpected. As the number of rival digital camera back makers contract, Phase One are emerging as the dominant player in the medium format market.

Press release:

Leaf Imaging -- a new Phase One company

COPENHAGEN and TEL AVIV, June 25, 2009 -- Phase One A/S, in
conjunction with senior management employees of Leaf, today announced that they have created a new entity, Leaf Imaging Ltd., to purchase certain assets of the Leaf camera business. The assets include the “Leaf” brand product names, engineering design and production tools. The new entity will also enter into an intellectual property license with Eastman Kodak Company
that is royalty-bearing to Kodak. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

In collaboration with Phase One, high end Leaf digital camera equipment will continue to be developed in Israel and marketed under the “Leaf” brand through a global network of specialized and dedicated value added resellers.

Leaf high quality digital camera backs with up to 56 Mega pixels and superior resolution and image quality can interface to all leading medium and large format cameras.

“We are committed to exciting future developments for the Leaf brand of products through innovative engineering, worldwide marketing and customer service, said Henrik O. Håkonsson President and CEO, Phase One. “Leaf customers will benefit from the many synergies with Phase One.”

“Since introducing the world’s first digital camera back in 1992, Leaf has been recognized as a worldwide leader in the professional photography market. Our extensive digital imaging and color management knowledge, combined with Phase One’s software and hardware capabilities creates a unique opportunity for the world’s leading photographers,” said Dov Kalinski, General Manager, Leaf.

Pentax out Optio W80

Pentax today announce the Optio W80 the latest iteration of a long line of waterproof digital compact cameras. Indeed Pentax were one of the first makers to market a compact for challenging environmental conditions, so it comes as little surprise to see features that would you normally associate with unprotected cameras such as a x5 optical zoom and 12-megapixel CCD. Note the wording of HD-proportioned video clips, suggesting a lower resolution. We will post an update when we have the video spec confirmed.



UK Press release:

PENTAX UK is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX Optio W80 digital compact camera. The W80 boasts outstanding dustproof (IPX 6 or JIS Class 6) and waterproof (IPX 8 or JIS Class 8) capabilities - for up to two hours underwater at a depth of five metres and can operate in temperatures as cold as -10°C. The new W80 is also shockproof and can withstand a fall from a height of one metre, making it the ideal choice for any outdoor pursuit including holidays and extreme sports.



Major Features

1. Optical 5X zoom lens for excellent zoom coverage from wide angle to telephoto
Despite its compact dimensions, the Optio W80 features an optical 5X zoom lens covering focal lengths from 5mm to 25mm (equivalent in the 35mm format to approximately 28mm wide angle to 140mm telephoto). Thanks to this wide zoom range, the W80 can be used with a wide variety of subjects and scenes, from spectacular landscape, majestic architecture and group shots to tight snapshots from a distance. Coupled with the Intelligent Zoom function, which allows even tighter zooming in on the subject, the zoom range can be extended to approximately 31.3 times.

2. High-quality HD-proportioned movie recording
The Optio W80 captures beautiful, flawless movie clips at 16:9 high-definition TV proportions at a frame rate of 30 frames per second. It also comes equipped with advanced, user-friendly features designed to facilitate movie recording: Movie SR (Shake Reduction) mode, which automatically compensates camera shake during movie shooting; and Underwater Movie mode, which automatically optimises all camera settings for underwater movie shooting.

3. High image quality
Combining approximately 12.1 effective megapixels with the PENTAX-developed imaging engine and high-performance PENTAX zoom lens, the Optio W80 delivers brilliant, high-quality images with well-defined details. Even when images are increased to larger sizes, the user is assured of sharp, high-resolution prints with edge-to-edge sharpness.

4. Triple anti-shake protection to prevent different types of camera shake
(1) Pixel Track SR mode
When recording still images, the Optio W80’s new Digital SR (Shake Reduction) mode effectively compensates for camera shake by processing affected images.
(2) High-Sensitivity SR mode***
When it detects low-lighting conditions in still-image shooting, the W80 automatically raises its sensitivity to as high as ISO 6400, making it possible to use a higher shutter speed. This effectively minimises the adverse effects of camera shake under poor lighting conditions.
(3) Movie SR mode****
During movie recording, the W80 prevents blurry images by effectively minimising annoying camera shake through the use of exclusive software.
*** When the High-Sensitivity SR mode is selected, the recorded size is fixed to 5M (2592 x 1944 pixels).
**** When the Movie SR mode is selected, the angle of view becomes narrower than in normal shooting.

5. Auto Picture mode for automatic selection of eight different shooting modes
The Optio W80 features the PENTAX-original Auto Picture mode, which automatically selects the most appropriate shooting mode for a given subject or scene by detecting the subject’s lighting and other conditions. This user-friendly feature provides the photographer with Landscape, Portrait, Night Scene, Night Scene Portrait, Flower, Sport, Standard and Candlelight modes, and also features an auto macro mode, which automatically switches the camera’s focus range to macro in close-up applications.

6. Automatic recognition of up to 32 faces in a mere 0.03 seconds
The Optio W80 features the advanced Face Recognition AF & AE function, which automatically detects up to 32 faces in the image field, then optimises their focus and exposure settings in as little as 0.03 seconds. The Optio W80 is also equipped with the Smile Capture mode, which automatically releases the shutter the moment the camera detects the subject’s smile, as well as the Blink Detection function, which warns the photographer when the subject’s eyes close at the time of shutter release.



7. Large LCD monitor for effortless outdoor viewing
The Optio W80 features a large 2.5-inch high-resolution colour LCD monitor (approximately 230,000 dots) which is finished with a special AR (Anti-Reflection) coating that cuts glare from reflections of external light while being bright enough to be viewed easily even in bright sunlight.

8. Other features
1) Macro mode to record dramatic close-up images of a subject from as close as one centimetre
2) Digital Wide function to compose extra-wide-angle images (equivalent to an image taken with an approx. 21mm lens in 35mm format) from two images
3) 20 digital filters, including Toy Camera and Retro, to add distinctive visual effects to recorded images
4) SP (Super Protect) coating applied to the front surface of the zoom lens to repel water, grime and finger marks
5) O-CC932 Protector Jacket (available as an optional accessory) to protect the camera body from scratches and grime
6) AF-assisting spot beam projector (ON/OFF switchable) to assist autofocusing operation in the dark
7) New D-Range setting to prevent whitewashed (overexposed) and blacked-out (underexposed) areas in an image
8) Frame composite function (with 90 frames stored in the camera) to shoot or compose images with decorative photo frames
9) ACDSee for PENTAX 3.0 image viewing, editing and filing software included (compatible with Windows VistaTM)
♦PENTAX and Optio are trademarks of HOYA CORPORATION.
♦All other brands or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
♦This product supports PRINT Image Matching III. PRINT Image Matching enabled digital still cameras, printers and software help photographers to produce images more faithful to their intentions. Some functions are not available on printers that are not PRINT Image Matching III compliant.
Copyright 2001 Seiko Epson Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Print Image Matching is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
The PRINT Image Matching logo is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
♦Design and Specifications are subject to change without notice.

…………
PENTAX U.K. Limited was formed in 1979 and is a subsidiary of HOYA CORPORATION. The Imaging Systems Division successfully distributes its products through a number of channels, including independent camera shops and national retailers. The product range is extensive and includes state of the art digital SLR and zoom compact cameras. There is also a superb range of binoculars, suitable for a variety of leisure activities. Today, Pentax is a leading supplier of recreational cameras and photographic equipment world-wide.

Adobe updates Photoshop Lightroom, Camera Raw and DNG specification

This update replaces the final release candidate announced earlier in the month.

Adobe today released the final Photoshop Lightroom 2.4 and Camera Raw 5.4 updates, available for immediate download at www.adobe.com/downloads/updates/. Both updates bring additional raw file support to 31camera and camera back models including the Canon EOS 500D, Nikon D5000 and 18 Hasselblad models. A full list of the newly supported camera and camera back models is below.

In addition, Adobe released an update to its Digital Negative specification (DNG), the public archival format for digital camera raw data. DNG addresses the lack of an open standard for raw files created by individual camera models, helping to ensure that photographers will be able to access their files in the future.

DNG 1.3 now includes opcodes, a defined list of operations and their parameters for performing complex activities in the raw file conversion process. These activities include corrections and enhancements that are beneficial when performed prior to the demosaic process but are difficult due to a camera’s limited processing power. They also include corrections and enhancements that can only be performed after the demosaic process such as lens correction. By utilising opcodes, photographers can maintain the advantages of raw mosaic data, giving them increased opportunity to improve their photographs with the maximum amount of image data preserved. The DNG SDK has also been updated to reflect the changes to the specification.

Pricing and Availability

The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2.4 update is available as a free download for existing Lightroom 2 customers and Camera Raw 5.4 is available as a free download for existing customers of Photoshop CS4, Photoshop Elements 7, Premiere Elements 7 and Photoshop Elements 6 for Mac. For more information and to download the updates visit: www.adobe.com/downloads/updates/. Details on the updated DNG Specification and SDK are available on www.adobe.com/dng.

Additional Supported Camera and Camera Back Models
Canon EOS 500D (Digital Rebel T1i /Kiss X3 Digital)
Canon PowerShot SX1 IS
Epson R-D1x
Hasselblad (3FR files only) CF-22, CF-22MS, CF-39, CF-39MS, CFH-22, CFH-39, CFV, 503CWD, H2D-22, H2D-39, H3D-22, H3D-31, H3D-39, H3DII-22, H3DII-31, H3DII-39, H3DII-39MS, H3DII-50
Kodak EasyShare Z980
Nikon D5000
Olympus E-450
Olympus E-620
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1
Pentax K-7
Sigma DP2
Sony A230
Sony A330
Sony A380