You should read this article on sensor artifacts and CMOS rolling shutter, because not all sensors are equal. (0)
We all know that the Olympus E-P1 shoots 720P like most recent cameras, but are you wondering how well it can do it? Here’s an online commercial shot with an E-P1 and a bunch of old Asahi–Pentax lenses. Awesome! (0)
Why buy a medium format camera when you can build one yourself? (0)
The new Lensbaby Fisheye and Soft Focus Optics should provide more creative “vintage” options for your lensbaby lens without going completely analog. Marry the old skool look with your digital gear! (0)
TiltShift Generator is now a popular iPhone app but you should know that it once was a very popular web service and Adobe Air app. Yes, you can get the same look for free! (0)
User impressions on the Ricoh GRD3. Great–looking B&W from a small–sensor compact! (0)
Officially, it’s called the Tamron SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II VC LD Aspherical (IF), quite a handful for a lens name. This was announced by Tamron a few weeks back and is an update to the previous non–stabilized model. If you recall the older model, it is a good performer for an f/2.8 zoom, especially if you consider it’s price.
Now for approximately a 20% surplus in price, you can now get the same sharp f/2.8 zoom with a Tamron’s “Vibration Compensation” technology, very much like Canon’s “Image Stabilization” and Nikon’s “Vibration Reduction”. With this update, this lens might give Canon’s 17-55 f/2.8 IS a run for its money, and at a much lower price.
The Nikon version of this lens was already shipping a few weeks ago while the Canon version starts shipping this week. I’m looking to get a Canon version, so hopefully I’ll have some sample photos soon. For now, here’s three web–resized samples from Tamron.
Canon’s 1D Mark IV versus Nikon’s D3s? (0)
This month’s been filled with so much news that I almost missed this one: the Canon EOS–7D. The latest pro–level APS–C SLR camera from Canon is better than ever. With an 18–megapixel CMOS sensor paired with dual DIGIC 4 processors, this camera is capable of shooting 8 frames per second of burst shooting. And with such an astounding rate, the shutter now rated to withstand 150,000 actuations, a significant increase from previous pro–level models.
Taking from the success of the EOS–5D Mark II and other recent cameras, the 7D also HD video. It captures Full HD video at 30p (29.97 fps), 24p (23.976 fps) and 25p, while allowing for full manual control of exposure. Another rarity for a Canon digital SLR is the intelligent viewfinder that provides 100% coverage.
About a month ago, I got the chance to handle a pre–production Canon EOS–7D in a wedding photography seminar. Ergonomics and handling compares to none, not even the 40D/50D or the 5D Mark II. It just feels really good in your hands, with all the controls in familiar spots while providing a few more additions.
When asked about the suggested retail price for the 7D here in the Philippines, the local didn’t have official word yet but it was expected to be 99,950 pesos. At that price though, the 5D Mark II seems to be the better deal. But recently, local forums and sellers have been offering preorders for the 7D in the 85,000 peso range. Cheaper compared to the SRP though still a steep price for another APS–C camera. I’d rather save and go straight to the 5D Mark II if I had the money. The 7D though might just be the camera for most shooters with a healthy lineup of EF–S lenses.
Here’s 3 instructables for DIY camera straps, because some of the good ones are just too damn expensive. (0)
Polaroid will be back next year with the help of the Impossible Project! (1)
The LX3 firmware version 2 that’s been released and pulled out a few weeks ago is now back as version 2.1. Now you can shoot in 1:1 ratio among other new niceties. For LX3 shooters like me, you can’t let this pass. (0)
Not to be outdone by its competitors, Canon has taken the curtains off its next top–level camera, the Canon EOS–1D Mark IV. Now with sensitivity going up to ISO 102400 when utilizing the extended range, we finally have a camera that can see more than the naked eye.
The new 1D has a 16–megapixel APS–H sensor with the same 1.3x crop, now going up to 10 frames per second when burst shooting. Aside from all the other top end Canon technologies, this baby shoots 1080P HD video just like the 5D Mark II. Paired with its extreme ISO range, the 1D Mark IV might just be the next video camera every indie filmmaker wants. Too bad Vincent Laforet’s movie shot with the 1D Mark IV “Nocturne” had to be taken down for now on Canon’s request.
I’m just wondering how the 1Ds version of this would turn out to be.
More on Leica M9, because some of us can only read about it and never own one in this lifetime.
- “At the risk of sounding sexist, owning and working with an M Leica is like being involved with a very beautiful and intelligent woman that sometimes makes you a bit crazy with her demands. Frustrating yes, but overall more than worth the effort involved. ” — An M9 in Paris, Luminous landscape
- “If you love rangefinders, if you love Leica, if you are passionate about photography, the M9 is a great camera for you. If you shoot with DSLR’s and want a lighter camera that will become an extension of your mind and go with you everywhere, the M9 is a camera you will love. I can go on and on but I will stop here. The bottom line…” — Steve Huff
- And then here’s a bunch of photos and words on the Leica M9.
Make the most out of your camera phone, because it’s the camera guaranteed to always be with you. (0)
Now here are some sample images from the Leica X1. (0)
If you’ve been shooting for decades and have some vintage slides you’d want to finally convert to digital, here’s a DIY way of doing it. (0)
Open source hardware and software will change the future of photography. (0)
On the Mac, iWork can also be an image editor for simple tasks. (0)
Another detailed preview of the Leica X1. (0)
