Lo-fi Friday: Aperture 3, Olympus E-PL1

Olympus E-PL1 using Diorama Art-Filter, with cross-processing in Aperture 3

Olympus E-PL1 using Diorama (Tilt-Shift) Art-Filter, original (no additional processing)

I thought I would start a new category for the weekend, Lo-fi Friday, celebrating the ease with which digital imaging allows some interesting techniques.

The first picture (top) is an out-camera Jpeg with some cross-processing applied in Aperture 3. The second below is the original Jpeg before processing in Aperture. It was shot with the delightful mFT Olympus E-PL1 and Olympus 17mm (34mm-effective) f/2.8 pancake lens, using the camera's built-in Diorama Art-Filter.

As you can just about make out the filter applies blurring with quite a sharp cut-off (based on the AF point, as far as I can tell). Saturation is bumped up quite too, but it's all automatic. You don't have to do a thing, except compose and push the button.

Nikon UK adds D90 cashback, lowers price on D5000

After the earlier announcement about the D700, Nikon UK also announced a £60/€70 cashback on the popular D90 bought between the same period (1st May 2010 to 30th June inclusive), and a price reduction on the D5000 body and 18-55mm VR kit option. The new RRP of the D5000 body is now £569.99 /€675.00, and with the kit combination is £639.99/ €758.00, although quite how that changes the street price, remains to be seen.

For more details including terms and conditions, see here.

Nikon announces promo on D700

Hot on the heels of Canon's recent rebate scheme comes the announcement of a free MB-D10 grip when you buy a Nikon D700, from participating UK dealers, between the 1st May 2010 and 30th June 2010.

For more details on the D700 grip, please see here.

Nikon announce new AF-S 200-400mm f/4 VRII

Nikon has announced the upgrade to the AF-S 200-400mm f/4 ED VR, originally launched alongside the Nikon D2H in 2003. The enhancements include four-stop VR II, Nano Crystal Coat to reduce ghosting and a new A/M mode to improve handling during AF operation.

I reviewed this lens for Digital Photographer magazine in the UK and it's outstanding, indeed it's so popular Canon is introducing a similar version to stop people switching systems to buy it. Please follow the links to buy from Adoroma ($6,999.00) in the US, or Jessops (£4,987.95 inv VAT) in the UK.


Read the full press release:

ULTIMATE VERSATILITY WITH NIKON’S NEW AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II LENS

RRP: £6249.99 / €7400.00 /$6,999
Sales start date: 28th May 2010

April 27th 2010: Nikon UK today announces a new super telephoto zoom lens – the AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II. This lens replaces the highly acclaimed AF-S Zoom NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED VR and features the new generation of Vibration Reduction technology (VR II), Nano Crystal Coat and a new A/M mode, making it an ideal, versatile choice for sports and wildlife photographers.

This type of super telephoto zoom lens remains unique on the market and reflects Nikon’s continued dedication to innovation and quality in the industry. The evolution of this lens underlines Nikon’s commitment to developing a range of products tailored to photographers’ needs, and strengthens the line-up of high-performance NIKKOR lenses.

Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager Lenses, Accessories & Software, Nikon Europe says: "Rapid advancements in optical technology and Nikon’s continued dedication to provide class-leading products have resulted in recent updates of pro grade lenses. Through its additional features and improved specifications, the AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II delivers the ultimate results and enables even the most demanding of pro photographers to shoot without compromise.”

Sharper images with improved handling
The AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II features second generation built in Vibration Reduction (VRII), providing the ability to shoot at shutter speeds up to four stops slower so sharper images can be achieved.



In addition, the new A/M mode added to existing M/A and M modes enables autofocus priority even if the focus ring is being handled during shooting.

Reduced ghosting and flare
The AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II now incorporates Nikon’s exclusive anti-reflection Nano Crystal coat, which drastically reduces ghosting and flare, along with four ED glass elements to minimise internal reflections and aberrations. This delivers rich, high contrast images even under testing lighting conditions.

The new lens features an autofocus with a built-in silent wave motor to ensure fast and quiet focusing. The AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II has a tough magnesium body, incorporating weather and dust sealing and lens protective glass, to withstand the effects of dust and moisture in the toughest of shooting conditions.

Weighing in at only 3,360g, while providing great flexibility in telephoto shooting, this new lens is a practical alternative to carrying several large telephoto lenses. The lens is supplied with a high quality Ballistic, backpack style carry case, allowing for easy and safe transportation.

Leica intro new V-Lux 20

Leica has introduced a new digital compact camera. The 12.1 megapixel V-Lux 20 boasts a 12x optical zoom, the equivalent of a 25-300mm f/3.3-4.9, 3-inch 460k dot LCD and built-in GPS geo-tagging. The suggested retail price in the UK is £495 and it's expected to be available from next month (May).

More information can be found here.

As a side-note, it's always interesting to see the EXIF data from press shots. Most leave it in unintentionally. We've seen Olympus use the (Nikon) D3x recently with their E-PL1, Nikon using a Phase One P20, and now Leica using their sadly discontinued R8 with DMR digital back. At least they're using their own products...*

Canon's agency carefully strip their EXIF data, so we've no-idea what they use (Phase One, most likely), still if there's a manufacturer who'd like to know how to remove this revealing info before publication, please contact me.

* I had a spokesperson from Leica contact me today about this, and they intend to use the new S2 for future press material. However, although you can't really tell the quality from a web image like this, I can say the original files were superb quality. Times move on, but I guess, in a round-about way, I was applauding the use of the DMR.

Leica announce firmware update for S2

Leica has announced a firmware update for their ultra-high end S2 and S2P. The headline news here really is the addition of exposure correction in the viewfinder, which was an oversight, but all the other tweaks will be welcomed too.

Press release from Leica UK:

Firmware update for LEICA S2

22 April 2010: Leica Camera AG has announced a firmware update (v.1.0.0.16) for the LEICA S2 and S2-P, which will be downloadable from today under the Leica Owners’ Area on the Leica web site at:
https://owners.leica-camera.com/en/login

Below is the full list of improvements provided by this firmware update:

Extended camera functionality

· Additional HMI white balance preset added (Hydrargyrum Medium-arc Iodide lamps)
· Additional viewfinder information: exposure correction
· Custom setting for depth of field preview button
· Selectable OLED screen standby time
· Control element lock (shutter speed and aperture dials can now be locked to prevent inadvertent shifts)
· Extended user-defined button programming (the stop-down button can now also be programmed)

Improvements in existing functionality and handling

· Consistent, continuous image numbering
· Accelerated data transfer speed for computer-tethered shooting
· Increased compatibility with memory cards not formatted in the camera
· Improved handling for selection of exposure modes
· Compatibility with new Leica Summarit-S 35mm and 120mm lenses
· Improvement in JPEG image quality
· Automatic detection of interchangeable focusing screens
· Improved image viewing on the camera display
· Simplified image review selection

All new LEICA S2 and S2-P cameras will be supplied with the updated firmware.

More details are available at: http://www.s.leica-camera.com/

Lauren,

Leica S2 with Summarit 70mm f/2.5 at f/11,

processed in Aperture 3

Adobe release Lightroom 2.7

Adobe has released the final versions of Lightroom 2.7 , Photoshop Camera Raw 5.7, and DNG converter 5.7. Adding raw support for nine new cameras including the Canon EOS 550D / Rebel T2i / Kiss x4 Digital, Sony A450, Panasonic G2 and G10, and the Olympus E-PL1, the updates are available for immediate download here. The updates are free to Lightroom 2 customers.

More information on Lightroom can be found here.

Canon add further models to rebate scheme

After the news earlier in the day about the rebates on the popular PowerShot G11 and S90, Canon UK has announced the cash-back scheme will be applicable to more models in the range. Starting from today through to 22 June 2010, purchasing the PowerShot SX210IS, SX120 IS, SX20 IS and the SX1 IS (shown above) will attract rebates of £30/€35, £20/€25, £40/€45 and £50/€55 respectively.

See here (UK) or here (Ireland) for more details.

Canon offers rebates on S90 and G11

Starting from the 21 April, through to 22 June 2010, Canon UK has announced £30 / €35 rebates on their popular PowerShot G11 and S90 models .

Claims must be received by 26th July 2010.

For further details please visit here (UK), or here (Ireland).

Carl Zeiss announce primes for Canon video DSLRs

Not your usual common-or-garden SLR lenses, the newly announced Compact Primes from Carl Zeiss offer full-frame (35mm) coverage on video-DSLRs, notably Canon EF mount with Nikon F to follow. See here, for more details (look for Compact Primes).

Pentax 645 available for pre-order

Specialising in Japanese products for export, Japan Trend Shop, has announced the availability of the new Pentax 645D (in Japan only, at this time). It's expected to be in stock from Thursday 20th May, and is available for pre-order now at $10,450, body only. Shipping is just $25 extra.

If you want the newly announced, weather-resistant, DFA 55mm f/2.8 lens to go with it , be sure to select the box below (on their site). It will add another $1,254, but seems like good value to me when compared with the Leica S2.

Link to Japan Trend Shop.

Tiffen sponsor new Filter Forum

Press release:

TIFFEN SUBSIDIARY THE LONDON FILTER COMPANY SPONSOR ONLINE FILTER FORUM

Given the important role that filters play in photography, it is perhaps surprising that the average snapper doesn't appear to know their grads from their fogs. As an example, many DSLR users who may have 'switched codes' from film, are happy to continue employing skylight or UV filters as lens protectors. These filters have an adverse affect on a DSLR's auto white balancing systems and the only way to ensure an accurate reading is to go through the process of employing a gray scale card, which may be time consuming and inconvenient.

This is just one of the filter confusions from photographers and enthusiasts that Tiffen dedicated filter subsidiary The London Filter Company find themselves dealing with on a daily basis.

The answer to the lens protection issue, is to employ an optically pure filter from a leading brand, such as the Tiffen's ranges of Digital Ultra Clear filters, which will provide valuable protection but not require auto white balance compensation.
To provide a one stop filter knowledge base for photographers of all levels, The London Filter Company has announced that it is sponsoring the recently launched independent filter forum.

Sigma 50-500mm f/5-6.3 arrives

Sigma's new 50-500mm f5-6.3 DG OS HSM has now arrived in the UK, with a suggested retail price of £1399.99. The tele-zoom is available in Sigma, Canon and Nikon fittings. Pentax and Sony will follow shortly.

Information on stockists can be found here.

LensCoat for Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS review

I've been intrigued by the LensCoat neoprene covers for lenses for a while now, especially as I've been very impressed with the neoprene Gimps (made by Crumpler) web bought for our old 12-inch PowerBooks and 15-inch MacBookPros. If you're a wildlife shooter then the camouflage LensCoats are a no-brainer, especially if you're using one of Canon's white lenses, but they're equally attractive as a protective covering.

If you thought the closed-cell (non-water absorbing) neoprene coat was solely for wildlife photographers, think again; LensCoat make covers with a raft of patterns as well as in two solid colors; white and black. I guess the white covers could be used in snowy conditions but also if you're looking to preserve the temperature reducing effect (from thermal gain) of the original off-white color of Canon's telephoto lenses in hotter climes.



I was sent the Forest Green (woodland) pattern cover fitting the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS (see above) by the UK distributor and e-tailer, WarehouseExpress. The kit consists of five rather small pieces of neoprene, all neatly cut to fit the painted areas of the lens while keeping the zoom and manual focus rings free.

The fit is very snug; it's certainly worth making sure the lens body is free of any grit or dirt lest the paint is scratched during the fitting. I should point out the lens' controls for image stabilization and focus operation are covered by a fairly supple plastic window (as is the focus distance scale), however as the cover isn't waterproof as such (water can work its way in between the cover and lens barrel), the idea behind this is to provide some protection from scuffing. The window makes it more difficult to operate the sliders, but it's a fair trade-off in my opinion. Still, I rarely switch between the settings.

There's no doubt if you use a super-telephoto lens regularly, before long it will start to pick-up the inevitable scrapes and scratches, and that's true to a slightly lesser extent of smaller lenses as well. While covers for the shorter focal lengths are bordering on pricey, with only a small premium for the super-telephotos, LensCoats are absolutely excellent value and an essential purchase in my view; the price will be easily recovered when the time comes to sell-on or upgrade your lens.

Visit

Lenscoat

Warehouse Express (UK retailer)

Adorama

Adobe announce Lightroom Beta 3 update

Press release:

Adobe Delivers Lightroom 3 Public Beta Update


Adobe today released an update to its Photoshop Lightroom 3 beta software, available immediately through Adobe Labs. Building on the success of the first Lightroom 3 beta, which was downloaded by more than 350,000 photographers, Lightroom 3 beta 2 incorporates feedback from the first iteration of the beta while offering users several new features and greatly improved performance throughout the application.

New features in this release include tethered shooting support for select Nikon and Canon cameras, the ability to import and manage video files from DSLR cameras for a streamlined workflow and additional behind-the-scenes architecture enhancements for faster importing and loading of images. The addition of luminance noise reduction to the color noise reduction options already available in the beta helps photographers achieve overall exceptional image quality from high ISO images. The import experience and watermarking functionality have also been modified to reflect feedback received from the Lightroom community during the first beta period.

The input from the photography community has been extremely valuable and Adobe would like to thank everyone who has participated in the beta program. Adobe encourages photographers to test this new selection of features and provide the product team with feedback so they can produce the highest quality final product.

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom
Adobe Lightroom is the essential digital photography workflow solution, helping serious amateur and professional photographers quickly import, manage, perfect and showcase all their images in one intuitive application.

Pricing and Availability
Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 beta 2 is available as a free download to anyone on a Macintosh or Windows platform and is available in 12 languages. Visit http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/lightroom3/ to learn more and download the second beta. Feedback can be submitted on the Lightroom forums: http://forums.adobe.com/community/labs/lightroom3/.

Reach out to us on the Lightroom Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/lightroom or on Twitter www.twitter.com/lightroom.

Lastolite get handle on Ezybox

Lastolite has introduced a new hand-holdable extending pole for the Ezybox, a lightweight and highly portable softbox. For more information please see the press release below:






Press release:

The new handle extends from 73cm to 221cm (2ft 5” to 7ft 3”) and weighs only 700g. Featuring two sponge grips for an extra firm hold, the extending handle offers an even greater reach for an extra firm hold, the extending handle offers an even greater reach for the photographer when positioning their off camera light source. The top of the handle includes a standard spigot connector making it easy to fit the Ezybox hotshoe, the tilthead hotshoe, the tilthead spigot or the TriFlash brackets.

More information can be found at the UK distributors site, here.

US readers can buy Lastolite products including the Exybox HS long handle, from our affiliate retailer B&H Photo, here.

Olympus Pen E-P2 Unboxing

The Third & The Seventh

If you like architecture (as I do) and enjoy the photographic art of creating moving pictures as much as stills, then your in for a treat. Kick-back, watch it in HD, full-screen and make sure you listen to the score, either with some good speakers or a decent set of headphones /earphones. I would also ignore the comments, it'll only spoil it.

Photojournalist David Honl outs New Products to Honl Photo Line

Press release:

Michigan City, IN (PRWEB) January 9, 2010 -- Photojournalist David Honl has added 3 exciting new products to his well-respected line of Honl Photo professional lighting accessories for small flash users.


The David Honl: Light DVD
The David Honl: Light DVD is an entertaining introduction to Honl's small, quick, and nimble lighting setups. Joining him is his partner, actress Claudia Christian, along with actor Bill Mumy (Lost in Space), actress Pat Tallman (Night of the Living Dead), and a 40th Anniversary portrait for the Planet of the Apes. With a total of 10 dynamic lighting setups, David takes you through each quick 5-minute session, followed by explanatory lighting diagrams in David's studio. David insists, "When it comes to lighting, I've found most people are quite intimidated by it. To spread the word that there should be no fear in studio-quality lighting, and show that it can actually be quite fun, Claudia and I filmed several of my shoots this past year . We shot everything from a gourmet food shot, a cat headshot, and a glamour shot with a Frederick's model"
David Honl: Light DVD retails for $39.95

Honl adds 2 new filter kits to his lighting system line.

The Honl Photo Autumn Filter Kit includes 5 new colors including Rust, Medium Blue-Green, Egg Yolk Yellow, Dark Salmon, and Chocolate. The Honl Photo Hollywood Filter Kit includes Steel Green, Rose Purple, Follies Pink, Pale Lavender, and Smokey Pink. Both kits attach to the Honl Photo Speed Strap and can be used in conjunction with Honl Photo Speed Grids, Speed Snoots, and Speed Gobos. "Adding a splash of color to a portrait is a great way to create drama a depth to a portrait, and I'm thrilled to offer these new filter colors to my lineup- I hand picked them from some of my favorite shoots this past year" says Honl.

Each kit contains 2 of each filter and retails for $19.95 each

Honl Photo is a family business founded by photojournalist David Honl, and is run by his brother Ryan, and father Charles. Honl Photo products are available through the company's website at www.HonlPhoto.com and through camera dealers worldwide.

David Honl is a photojournalist with over 2 decades experience, his photography published by Newsweek, Time, National Geographic, and countless others. His work has brought him to Iraq, Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Jordan and he continues to develop new products while on assignment. His photography can be seen at www.DavidHonlPhoto.com

UK readers can find out more, including prices and availability, here.