Video/Still Image Hybrid Camera

The size of camcorders has been steadily shrinking, while the sensors in them are getting larger making a hybrid camera possible. The makers of high definition camcorders are now starting to incorporate high quality still image capabilities into their products blurring the line between video and still photography.

Sony last year introduced its NEX 5 camera that offered interchangeable lenses, a 16 megapixel sensor and hi-def video recording at 60fps. The camera was based upon the four thirds system embraced by Panasonic, Olympus and Samsung. The camera and lenses are remarkably small considering it's sensor size and video capabilities. The lenses available for the Sony camera were also interchangeable with one of its new camcorders as well.

Now JVC has incorporated high quality still image capability into one of its new products the PX1.



Besides the usual hi-def video (60fps) function, this camera can record high speed video at up to 300 fps! This is made possible through the use of a new high density imaging engine. It has a 10 megapixel sensor for still images. You can view a video of this new camera in action here:



It will be interesting to watch as companies work to bring video and high quality still images together in one small package. The newest designs like this camera (and the NEX5 and WVIL concept reviewed earlier in this blog) all have camera backs that mimic current smartphones. This likely means that future products will not only be very portable, but combine the current capabilities of three devices; hi-def video, high quality still images and smart phone in one package. It will also be interesting to see what design ultimately proves to be the most effective. Will the devices have interchangeable lenses on a "smart body", or will the sensor chip be on the lens itself as in the WVIL design.

Aurora Borealis

Below is a short but gorgeous video of the Aurora Borealis taken in Russia:

The Aurora from Terje Sorgjerd on Vimeo.

SHOOT SOME BIRDS

It's spring (no really it is). That means the migratory birds will be coming back to share the warm weather that is sure to follow (this is also true). If you want some help locating our feathered friends to view and photograph read the recent article in the Minneapolis StarTribune about the upcoming birding festival from May 12-15.

The festival will be celebrated at a number of locations including the Springbrook Nature Center in Fridley, and a rare opportunity to go onto the Army Training site in Arden Hills. Also, there are events planned by the St. Paul Audubon Society during this same period. You can view their events and locations at Audubon Society.

And to keep up on all of the latest news etc without getting your hands inky (yes that is a word) from newsprint, you can subscribe to the electronic edition of the StarTribune.

IF IT MOVES SHOOT IT, coming to Minneapolis

My name is Anna and I work for Sandy Puc' Portrait Design in Littleton, Colorado. Sandy will be coming to Minneapolis on May 11th for her If It Moves, Shoot It: Merging Motion and Stills tour featuring Hollywood based cinematographer Jared Abrams and I was hoping this show might interest you and some of your club members! The show combines Sandy and Jared's expertise in exploring the video capture capabilities of a variety of DSLR cameras and how to implement all the tools and functions to create visual masterpieces in photography businesses and for personal use.

Sandy really values the support local clubs and groups provide for those interested in exploring and learning about the world of photography and because of this, Sandy would like to offer your group members and anyone you know that is interested in learning and sharing their passion for photography and cinematography a $20 discount off admission by using the code PRH11 to purchase tickets online at sandypucpresents.sandypuctours.com/event_registration.php.

The event is being held at the Holiday Inn Metrodome at 5pm.

We hope to see you there!

Anna


Check out Sandy talking about her newest tour here.

ART-A-WHIRL

The annual rite of spring art festival known as Art-A-Whirl is being held later this month. It features over 500 participating artists in a variety of mediums including photography. Click on the notice below for more information and the map to see artist locations.

Also, Elizabeth Ansley a new member of the Crosstown Camera Club who recently moved back to the USA from Australia will be exhibiting her photography at Edison High School, one of the artist's locations. She mentioned in passing that actor Chevy Chase is expected to make an appearance at the school in the afternoon on Saturday May 21st in conjunction with another event being held there on the same day as Art-A-Whirl.

You can also get more information at the Art-A-Whirl website.

Iconic B & W Images of the 20th Century

There were so many great photographs made during the 20th century that it would be impossible to create a complete list that numbered only in the thousands. But there are some that stick out as icons, which when viewed together tend to create a mini-synopsis of the period.

You can view 75 images B & W images that may bring back memories of what it was like to live through it (depending upon your age of course). The list is not intended to be a complete photo-essay on the entire century, but many will be instantly recognizable.

You can view them at: everyday show.

International Call for Entries

The Center for Fine Art Photography has issued an international call for entries listed below. The center is located in Fort Collins, Colorado and holds regular image competitions.
For more information about this competition of other happenings at the Fine Art Center go to the Center for Fine Arts.

Minneapolis Photo Center - A Week of Classes

The MPC is offering a week of classes with its artist in-residence Kevin O'Connor that include both workshops and one-on-one classes. The classes start June 18th and continue through June 26th.


To view all of the classes being offered go to MPC.