Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Nikon Coolpix S10

Announced in August, the Coolpix S10 is the latest incarnation of Nikon's 'twisting body' camera design that can be traced all the way back to the original Coolpix 900 in 1998, though - like the S4 before it - this one manages to squeeze in a big 10x optical zoom. Design tweaks aside, the S10's biggest enhancement over its predecessor is the inclusion of CCD-shift image stabilization (or Vibration Reduction, 'VR' as Nikon calls it), pretty much an essential for a camera with a zoom this big. The maximum ISO has also been boosted to 800 and there are a couple of interesting new features. The big zoom market is a crowded one, and truly compact models such as this have rarely impressed when compared to their bulkier 'SLR-like' cousins. Let's find out if the Coolpix S10 has what it takes to offer the ultimate 'pocket' super zoom, starting as ever with the headline features:

Headline features

  • 6.0million effective pixels
  • 10x optical zoom (38-380mm equiv.)
  • Swivel lens design
  • Image-sensor shift VR
  • Wide viewing angle 2.5" TFT screen
  • Two-mode VR (Vibration Reduction) system (lens-shift)
  • BSS (Best Shot Selector) identifies and saves the sharpest image automatically from up to ten sequential shots
  • Exposure BSS mode
  • 4cm macro
  • Face-priority AF
  • In-camera red-eye removal & 'D-Lighting'
  • 15 Scene modes
  • Pictmotion function
  • 16MB internal memory + SD card storage

Key specifications

Street Price • US: $350
• UK: £240
Body Material Metal
Sensor

• 1/2.5 " Type CCD
• 6.18 million pixels total
• 6.0 million effective pixels

Image sizes • 2816 x 2112
• 2048 x 1536
• 1024 x 768
• 640 x 480
Movie clips • 640 x 480@ 30fps
• 320 x 240 @ 15/30fps
• 160 x 120 @ 15fps
• 320 x 240 @ 30fps (PictMotion)
• with sound
Lens • 38-380mm (35mm equiv)
• F3.5
• 10x zoom
Image stabilization Image-sensor shift VR (Electronic VR when shooting movie)
Conversion lenses No
Digital zoom up to 4x
Focus Auto
AF assist lamp Yes
Focus distance • 30cm-infinity
• Macro: 4cm-infinity
Metering n/a
ISO sensitivity up to ISO 800
Exposure compensation n/a
Shutter speed n/a
Aperture F3.5
Modes • Auto
• 4 modes with Scene Assist
• 11 Scene modes
• BSS (Best Shot Selector)
• Exposure BSS
• Single
• Continuous
• Multi-shot 16 (approx 1.9fps)
Scene modes • Portrait
• Landscape
• Sports
• Night Portrait
• Party/indoor
• Beach/snow
• Sunset
• Dusk/dawn
• Night landscape
• Close up
• Museum
• Fireworks show
• Copy
• Panorama assist
White balance • Auto with TTL control
• 7-mode manual (Direct sunlight, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Cloudy, Shade, Flash and White bal. preset)
Self timer 3 or 10 sec
Continuous shooting approx 1.6fps
Image parameters Color options
Flash • Auto
• Auto with red-eye reduction
• Flash cancel
• Anytime flash
• Slow sync
• Range: 0.3-5.4m (wide) / 1.0- 5.4m (tele)
Viewfinder No
LCD monitor • 2.5-inch TFT
• 230,000 pixels
Connectivity • USB
• AV out
Print compliance PictBridge
Storage • 16MB internal memory
• SD card compatible
Power • Rechargeable Li-ion battery EN-EL5
• AC adapter EH-62A
Other features • Best Shot Selector
• BSS AE
• Interval timer
• In-camera red-eye removal (automatic)
• Face detection AF
• D-Lighting (shadow lightening)
Weight (no batt) 220 g (7.8 oz)
Dimensions 112.5 x 74.5 x 40.5 mm (4.4 x 2.9 x 1.6 in)

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Samsung NV11

The second new Samsung today is the NV11, a ten megapixel, five times optical zoom compact digital camera with a 2.7" LCD monitor, MPEG-4 video (VGA) and a highest sensitivity of ISO 1600. The NV11 also features Samsung's Face Recognition technology (this seasons favorite add-on feature). The NV11 is priced at $400 and should be on sale this Spring.

10 Mega pixel Model is the Fourth in Samsung’s Flagship NV Series

January 30, 2007Samsung Camera today unveiled the newest addition to its groundbreaking NV series of advanced point & shoot digital cameras – the NV11. Representing the latest in intelligent camera design, the NV11 is the fourth product from Samsung to carry the NV brand, and it offers the same unique blend of style and technology that has set its predecessors apart from the field. The NV11 features a premium Schneider lens, as well as Samsung’s intuitive Smart Touch user interface which enables easy navigation of the camera’s comprehensive feature set by simply sliding a finger across its control buttons positioned around the 2.7” high definition LCD. Discerning photographers and tech enthusiasts will immediately recognize these two features as being among the hallmarks of the NV Series, along with the brushed black, stainless steel body and trademark Samsung blue ring located around the lens barrel.

The 10 mega pixel, 5x optical zoom NV11 has 1600 ISO high-sensitivity and features Samsung’s proprietary ASR image stabilisation system which helps to capture the best possible images even in dimly lit conditions. All images captured on the NV11 can be viewed in dramatic clarity on the camera’s 2.7” LCD.

The NV11 is also equipped with Samsung’s Face Recognition technology, which detects a subject’s face, and automatically adjusts auto focus and auto exposure to ensure better composition and image quality in portraits and other shots featuring people. The AF function instantaneously recognises the faces of subjects and accurately focuses on them. The AE function then takes over, setting the appropriate exposure to ensure the highest image quality.

Capturing moving pictures is made simple with the NV11 which is able to take 30 frames per second in TV quality MPEG-4 VGA format for crisper, richer images.

The striking new Samsung NV11 will have an MSRP of $399.99 and will be available in North America in Spring 2007.

Nikon Capture NX 1.1

Pre-PMA 2007: Nikon has announced a major upgrade to its Capture NX software with version 1.1. New improvements include increased performance, full support for Intel-based Mac OS X, optimization for Microsoft's Windows Vista OS and resizable palettes for histograms and curves & levels adjustments.

Press Release:

NIKON RELEASES MAJOR UPGRADE TO CAPTURE NX SOFTWARE

MELVILLE, NY (February 14, 2007) – Nikon (www.nikondigital.com) today released an upgrade to its highly acclaimed Capture NX software. Capture NX version 1.1 boasts several new improvements including increased performance, full support for Intel-based Mac OS X computers, and optimization for Microsoft’s Windows Vista operating system.

In addition to these advancements Nikon has made several usability updates based on software testing and customer feedback. Capture NX 1.1 now sports a simpler user interface that has added improvements such as resizable palettes for histograms and curves & levels adjustments.

Capture NX 1.1 is designed specifically for photographers, providing a unique and user-friendly interface featuring tools that serve photographers needs, without the complexity and clutter of other image editing applications. The software can be used with JPEG and TIFF format images from any source, and its patented U Point™ technology offers photographers a dramatically simplified way to edit their pictures by enabling them to enhance specific areas of a picture selectively, without the use of masks, selections, or layers. Capture NX 1.1 also works with Nikon’s RAW (NEF) format images, and inherits Nikon’s robust RAW processing capabilities for the highest quality results from NEF files.

Capture NX 1.1 is available for download immediately and can be purchased for an estimated selling price of $149.95* as a full boxed version or downloadable key. A 30-day trial version is available, for new users, and can be downloaded at www.nikonusa.com, in the Software Download section. Current users of Capture NX will be also able to download an update to version 1.1 at no additional cost. A special limited-time upgrade price of $89.95 will be offered to current owners of Nikon Capture 4 software in the U.S. market. This upgrade will only be available online at http://www.nikonmall.com/captureupgrade/ for registered Nikon Capture 4 owners and will be limited to one upgrade per Nikon Capture 4 product key. The upgrade will require certain customer verification of ownership. Customers who have not already registered their version of Capture 4 will receive instructions to do so at the site.

*Estimated selling prices listed are only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

Update

Note that this upgrade can also be downloaded from the Nikontech website using the following links: Windows or Mac.

Samsung i7

The third and final camera from Samsung is the i7, a curious model which appears in specifications to be the same as the i70 except that this model's 3.0" Touch Screen LCD can be rotated through 180 degrees, we presume to enable easier viewing of portrait images. It also adds SVGA MPEG-4 video capture capability and 512 MB of internal memory. It does appear that this model won't be available in North America but should hit European shores from mid-March this year.

Tuesday 30th January - Building on its heritage in digital camera innovation, Samsung Cameras has today unveiled the sleek i7 equipped with an industry leading, intuitive, Physical User Interface (PUI) designed to make capturing and enjoying special moments an effortless affair. A must-have for the style conscious, the i7 is equipped with a 3.0” touch screen LCD which rotates through 180 degrees allowing the user to quickly switch between features, so that they’re always ready to capture the action. An in-built Tour Guide function provides instant access to travel information covering 4,000 regions in 30 countries, so you’ll always know where the action is!

The 7 mega pixel i7, with 3x optical zoom, has been created for those who want to capture sound, video and photos wherever they are without compromising on feature quality or design. With the LCD in neutral (0 degrees) the user can access SRS quality music files through the integrated MP3 player; and with the LCD rotated to 90 degrees its Portable Multimedia Player (PMP) function; and turned a full 180 degrees, high quality still images and MPEG-4 SVGA quality moving pictures can be taken. On camera editing means that it’s simple to keep the best material and cut unwanted elements without having to wait until you can get access to a computer.

The i7’s multimedia capabilities also provides access to the easy to use Tour Guide function providing quick access to information about places to see and things to do in over 4,000 regions in 30 countries. Further information can also be downloaded directly from the internet, and with 512 MB of internal memory you won’t need to worry about space for favourite travel tips.

Whilst equipped with compelling multimedia functionality, the i7 is first and foremost a high quality digital camera. In dimly lit situations, the i7s superior performance can be assured. The camera is equipped with the Samsung Advanced Shake Reduction (ASR) system and ISO 1600 high sensitivity support so that images remain crisp and detailed even without a flash. It also features a Face Recognition feature for great portraits of friends, and family can always be guaranteed!

The striking new Samsung i7 is the perfect camera packed with intelligently integrated multimedia features. The i7 will retail at £249.99 and will be available from leading high street and online retailers from mid-March 2007.

Friday, February 16, 2007

Hasselblad H3D 31 megapixel

At Photokina last September Hasselblad launched their '48 mm Full-Frame DSLR camera system' the H3D. At the time there were two models, the 22 and 39 megapixels, Hasselblad has now announced a 31 megpixel option; the H3D-31. Unlike the 22 and 39 megapixel cameras the 31 megapixel unit isn't quite "Full-Frame 48mm" as its sensor measures 44x33mm, however it does surpass them in another respect; it uses microlenses to improve fill factor and gain a stop of sensitivity; now up to ISO 800. Unless you win the lottery the H3D-31 is unlikely to be replacing your Digital Rebel as it's priced at US$ 24,995.


Hasselblad Launches the H3D-31, the high-end DSLR camera system of choice for the professional mobile photographer
Hasselblad today extends the appeal of its outstanding H3D DSLR camera system to a new professional photographic audience with the launch of the Hasselblad H3D-31, the 31 megapixel version of the H3D-39, the world's first 48mm full-frame DSLR camera system. Featuring near full-frame capture, the H3D-31 uses a 44×33mm sensor enhanced with micro-lenses to boost ISO rating one stop to a new maximum of ISO 800. The system's new high-speed capture architecture, which is common to all H3D models and enables the fastest possible operation, also gives the H3D-31 an impressive capture rate of 1.2 seconds per image in either mobile or tethered mode. These features give the H3D-31 the highest burst rate of the H3D family and make it the camera of choice for the professional mobile photographer.
Christian Poulsen, CEO of Hasselblad comments: "To date, we've introduced the H3D-39 and H3D-22 and, in doing so, have set new standards in image quality and lens performance for digital SLR cameras. Offering a full-frame, 48x36mm sensor and unique features, such as Hasselblad's Natural Color Solution, Digital Auto Correction and Instant Approval Architecture, the H3D-39 and H3D-22 deliver unsurpassed image quality, including moiré-free color rendering, and have become the cameras that professional commercial photographers aspire to.
With the introduction of the H3D-31, we're now looking to address the needs of professional mobile photographers, whose work may encompass shooting a variety of subjects on location, but who still want the image quality that high-end 35mm DSLRs don't offer. We're confident that the H3D-31's additional photographic flexibility, including its faster ISO rating and faster capture rate, will make it a very attractive proposition for the professional mobile photographer."
Developed around a brand new digital camera engine, the H3D takes lens performance and image sharpness to new levels. By focusing solely on digital camera architecture, Hasselblad is able to offer photographers the full benefits of professional medium-format digital cameras as well as the ease of use of the best 35mm DSLRs. When compared with high-end 35mm DSLRs, the H3D delivers unmatched pixel resolution, better colors and detail rendering and a new choice of viewfinders for creative image composition. The H3D-22 and its nearly double-resolution H3D-39 counterpart are both full frame 48mm DSLR's using the sensor format 36×48mm. These cameras operate up to ISO400 with a capture speed of up to 1.4 seconds per capture. The H3D-22 and H3D-39 are the preferred choice of professional commercial photographers.
The H3D design has also made possible the launch of a completely new 28mm lens, designed and optimized solely for digital image capture. Image quality is lifted to a level, yet unseen in digital photography, including digital correction for color aberration and distortion. The result is flexibility for the professional photographer, including the freedom to choose between eye-level and waist-level viewfinders, digitally APO corrected lenses, and on-the-fly classification of images. The H3D offers photographers the freedom to work with film to allow shooting under extreme conditions, and Hasselblad's Natural Color Solution delivers out-of-the-box image quality only achievable in a true digital camera system.
The new H3D-31 is available immediately worldwide through Hasselblad's national subsidiaries and channel partners with a retail price of 24,995 US$ or 19,900 Euros.


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Friday, February 09, 2007

Samsung L74 Wide

The first of three new Samsung cameras today is the L74 Wide. With a 28 mm wide angle lens, seven megapixel CCD, 450 MB of internal memory, MPEG-4 SVGA video recording and a 3.0" Touch Screen LCD it's good to see at least one manufacturer pushing the features envelope (if still with disappointing image quality). The L74 is priced at US$ 350 and should be on sale this Spring.

Press Release:

January 30, 2007 – Samsung today announced the launch of the compact 7 mega pixel L74 Wide digital camera, equipped with a 3.6x optical zoom and 28mm wide-angle lens support for wider images, its ideal for tech savvy consumers looking for a high quality easy to use camera to take with them on their travels. The L74 Wide is equipped with a convenient Tour Guide function which provides travel information covering 4,500 regions in 30 countries– helping users to plan trips and find their way while on the road. Equipped with 450 MB of internal memory, the L74 Wide can store all the information travelers need to get them where they’re going safely and on time.

The L74 Wide, with a 3.0” Touch Screen LCD, includes Samsung’s Face Recognition AF & AE, which detects the subject’s face, automatically adjusts auto focus and auto exposure to ensure better composition and image quality in portraits and other shots featuring people. The AF function instantaneously recognises the faces of subjects and accurately focuses on them. The AE function then takes over, setting the appropriate exposure to ensure the highest image quality. Also the touch screen LCD perfected with Samsung’s original Flash GUI (Graphic User Interface) enables the user to access the diverse function intuitively and easily.

The L74 Wide also features Samsung’s proprietary ASR image stabilisation system which helps to capture the best possible images even in dimly lit conditions. Combined with the ability to capture in MPEG-4 SVGA quality the L74 Wide can take compelling moving pictures and once taken the camera allows for pictures to be edited rather than the user having to wait until they sat at their computer.

The stylish Samsung L74 Wide is the ideal travel companion – providing everything travelers need to capture and share crystal clear images with both ease and style. The L74 Wide will have and MSRP of $349.99 and will be available in North America in Spring 2007.

Thursday, February 08, 2007

Canon Digital IXUS 900 Ti

Review based on a production Canon Digital IXUS 900 Ti (SD900)

Announced (along with a handful of other PowerShots) just before Photokina in September 2006, the SD900 (we'll call it this throughout the review - see below for EU/Japanese names) sits at the top of Canon's successful ELPH / IXUS range and offers the highest resolution yet; 10 megapixels (on a 1/1.8" CCD). It also features Canon's new DIGIC III processor and another first; a solid titanium body, which as well as adding a touch of class makes for a lighter, more durable camera. Otherwise there's no surprises here; the IXUS formula is one that has served Canon well, and the SD900 is functionally pretty much indistinguishable from its other recent stable mates. So is the SD900 the ultimate ELPH or a megapixel too far dressed up in a snazzy jacket? Let's find out, starting as ever with the headline features:

  • Titanium body with Perpetual Curve design and Touch Control Dial
  • 10.0 Megapixels and 3x optical zoom
  • DIGIC III with Advanced Noise Reduction and Face Detection AF/AE
  • Digital Tele-Converter and Safety Zoom for extra telephoto reach
  • 2.5” super-high resolution LCD with wide viewing angle
  • ISO 1600 for flash-free low light shooting
  • 18 shooting modes including XGA movies
  • My Category automatic image tagging
  • Range of optional accessories including Underwater Case

SD900 / IXUS 900 Ti specifications

Street price • US: $399
• UK: £298
Naming

US name: Canon PowerShot SD900 Digital ELPH
European name: Canon Digital IXUS 900 Ti
Asian name: IXY Digital 1000

Body Material Metal and plastic
Sensor

• 1/1.8 " Type CCD
• 10.0 million effective pixels

Image sizes

• 3648 x 2736
• 3648 x 2048
• 2816 x 2112
• 2272 x 1704
• 1600 x 1200
• 640 x 480

Movie clips

• 1024 x 768 @ 15fps
• 640 x 480 @ 30 / 15fps
• 320 x 240 @ 30 / 15fps
• 160 x 120 @ 15fps

File formats • JPEG Exif 2.2
• DCF
• DPOF
• AVI Motion JPEG with WAVE monaural
Lens

• 37-111mm (35mm equiv)
• F2.8-4.9
• 3x optical zoom

Image stabilization No
Conversion lenses No
Digital zoom up to 4x
Focus TTL
AF area modes • AiAF (Face Detection / 9-point)
• 1-point AF (fixed center)
AF assist lamp Yes
Focus distance Closest 5cm
Metering • Evaluative
• Center-weighted average
• Spot
ISO sensitivity • Auto
• Hi-ISO Auto
• ISO 80
• ISO 100
• ISO 200
• ISO 400
• ISO 800
• ISO 1600
Exposure compensation • +/- 2EV
• in 1/3 stop increments
Shutter speed 15-1/1600 sec
Aperture F2.8-4.9
Modes • Auto
• Manual
• Digital Macro
• Color Accent
• Color Swap
• Stitch Assist
• Movie
• Special Scene
Scene modes • Portrait
• Night Snapshot
• Kids & Pets
• Indoor
• Foliage
• Snow
• Beach
• Fireworks
• Aquarium
• Underwater
• ISO 3200
White balance

• Auto
• Daylight
• Cloudy
• Tungsten
• Fluorescent
• Fluorescent H
• Custom

Self timer • 2 or 10secs
• Custom
Continuous shooting approx 2.1fps until card is full
Image parameters My Colors (My Colors Off, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, B&W, Positive Film, Lighter Skin Tone, Darker Skin Tone, Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, Vivid Red, Custom Color)
Flash

• Auto
• Manual Flash on / off
• Slow sync
• Red-eye reduction
• Range: 30cm-5.1m (wide) / 3.1m (tele)

Viewfinder Real-image zoom optical viewfinder
LCD monitor • 2.5-inch P-Si TFT
• 230,000 pixels
Connectivity • USB 2.0 Hi-Speed
• AV out
Print compliance • PictBridge
• Canon SELPHY Compact Photo Printers and PIXMA Printers supporting PictBridge (ID Photo Print, Movie Print supported on SELPHY CP printers only)
Storage • SD / SDHC / MMC card compatible
• 32 MB card supplied
Power • Rechargeable Li-ion battery NB-5L
• Charger included
• Optional AC adapter kit
Other features

• Optional High Power Flash HF-DC
• Optional Waterproof Case (WP-DC9)

Weight (No batt) 165g (5.8 oz)
Dimensions 91.2 x 59.6 x 28.2 mm (3.6 x 2.3 x 1.1 inch)

Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Fifteen new cameras and new review

Last week saw a swathe of new cameras from Panasonic, no less than
ten in total (see links below), in addition Casio announced two new
models and Samsung had three. The steady pace of new PMA models
continues (although we don't classify announcements as official
Pre-PMA until a month before the show). We also posted our review
of Canon's ten megapixel pocketable PowerShot SD900 (IXUS 900Ti).

Sunday, February 04, 2007

Professional Photographer

Professional Photographer by Microglobe
If you are naïve, passionate, and want to do something exclusive, If you'd like to consider photography as something more than just a creative outlet or a hobby you may be on your way to discovering a new career path, the one that would lead you the success and top profiles. This is not to say that becoming a photographer is easy, nor is it to say that all the people who want to become professional photographers will attain their goal. The photography industry is cutthroat and competitive. There are more people who want to become world renowned photographers than there are spaces to fill. The result is that, those who want to fill those spots, or even just become successful at photography on a local level are going to need to have immense creativity and business acumen like no other.
First of all becoming a working professional photographer has to do with one main element; Becoming recognized in the field. People don't only buy your art; they also buy your credentials. In a sense, their buying what you represent. Often those things you represent will be of intrinsic value to your customers. Such as with whom you've worked in the past, where you've been published, how long have you been a photographer, where have you traveled to do work and so on?
Secondly you will also want to get as much education under your belt as possible. Throughout your education as a photographer you should also be taking as many photographs as possible to help build your portfolio. You will need to ensure your photography portfolio stands above the rest by paying extra special attending to detail. Look at the book itself, the paper it's printed on, the font of descriptions, your borders, your themes, picture sizes, colors, layout and so on. Do not simply fill a scrap book or photo album with photographs. Once finished, you should be able to walk away from your portfolio and be impressed with your own work, which is not easy task for many photographers, as most of them are their own worst critics.
Further you should also start looking around for assistant or internship work. Often this work doesn't pay well but still it will help you learn more about the industry and art. You should try and work under the most respected photographers you can find. By doing this you are adding to your credentials without knowing it. You only want to surround yourself with the best and present your best side all the times.
Moreover you will also need to have a strong sense of business acumen. If you are planning on being like the 50% of other photographers who are self employed, you'll need to make sure you have a good sense of networking skills, pricing, public relations knowledge and on top of that have a strong sense of creativity and imagination. Being an artist and a business person will be no small feat. It will have you on your toes at all times.
Lastly, you'll want to narrow your professional interest to one or two main fields. For example you may want to work with press and other media, or you may be interested in photojournalism. Others may be interested in scientific or sports photography. Whatever your interest is, make sure you find the best people in that particular industry and study them. Model your success after theirs.
Remember, nothing worth while comes easy. There will be times when you think "what am I doing?". Stick with it and there will be a payoff at the end of the tunnel. There will be a ray of light in the end of the day. Most importantly, enjoy your whole journey. The success at the end wouldn't be as welcome if there wasn't the struggle at the beginning.

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