Nokia has announced a new camera called the 808 Pureview. It features a Carl Zeiss lens and a 41 MP sensor for what has been described as super sharp images (from a phone) and great low-light capabilities. You can see a video of this new camera below:
The claim of 41 megapixels is astounding given the size of the device. However, the claim comes with a caveat about the use of images from the camera. The phone is not meant to compete with a medium-format camera and of course the phone itself cannot offer the level of control of a DSLR. For an explanation of how Nokia crammed that many megapixels into such a small foot print and their usability go to: Pureview Explained.
While it can't compete with a DSLR (yet), the phone's huge megapixel count and features are the result of the new frontier in the war between phone manufacturers:photography.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Spring Break Registration -
The price for Spring Break Seminar will increase effective Thursday, March 1st; so get your registrations and checks in the mail postmarked no later than Wednesday, February 29.
Spring Break Sign Up - Click Here! Price Before March 1, 2012 $70 (both days) – includes lunch on Sat. & refreshments both days $40 (Saturday only) – includes lunch & refreshments $45 (Sunday Nature Seminar only) – includes refreshments Price After March 1, 2012 $80 (both days) – includes lunch on Sat. & refreshments both days $50 (Saturday only) – includes lunch & refreshments $55 (Sunday Nature Seminar only) – includes refreshments |
Monday, February 27, 2012
Police and Shooting in Public
How to Avoid Dealing with Police when shooting in public... - some advice from the Strobist website that should be part of our ongoing discussion. Feel free to add comments, the more the merrier.
Please see the tab at the top of the page called "Photographer Rights", download it and stick it in your camera bag - after you read it, of course.
Any information on avoiding run-ins with police in the new world of Homeland Security is helpful. Keep informed and keep shooting: It's your Right and your Responsibility.
Please see the tab at the top of the page called "Photographer Rights", download it and stick it in your camera bag - after you read it, of course.
Any information on avoiding run-ins with police in the new world of Homeland Security is helpful. Keep informed and keep shooting: It's your Right and your Responsibility.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
A site that compares camera sizes? Yes, indeed.
Compare size of cameras on the market today - a good idea before you choose. There are internet sites for all kinds of amazing things.
Monday, February 20, 2012
NEX 7 Mirrorless Camera
I also am convinced that mirrorless cameras will someday rule the market place, although I suspect optics will have to improve to make that happen. My preference is the Sony Nex 7 camera because it is the closet thing to a DSLR you can presently get.
It has the same 24mp sensor that is in Sony's top of the line A77 in a foot print so small it is hard to believe. Also, Sony is well known for its prowess with sensor and processing technology. But back to optics. It is not known for its lenses.
Sony does make a very nice 18-200mm lens, but Tamron came out with a competitor of the same length that is even smaller and equally as fast, so I bought it. It is a wonderful lens although a bit slow. Sony does make a few other lenses, but the Zeiss 24mm (36mm on APCS) is truly amazing even at $1,000.00. So is the Sony fisheye lens that screws onto the 16mm Sony "pancake" lens.
The lenses are not there yet and the camera speed is not quite there either. But in most situations so far it has been more then adequate, and its size means it is "there with me" a lot more than my larger DSLR. Yet despite the versatility of the NEX 7, I am not willing to sell my Nikon equipment and in fact I am trading up to the D800 when available. DSLR's are where it is at (for now).
To learn more about the Sony Nex line of cameras and lenses go to: SONY.
It has the same 24mp sensor that is in Sony's top of the line A77 in a foot print so small it is hard to believe. Also, Sony is well known for its prowess with sensor and processing technology. But back to optics. It is not known for its lenses.
Sony does make a very nice 18-200mm lens, but Tamron came out with a competitor of the same length that is even smaller and equally as fast, so I bought it. It is a wonderful lens although a bit slow. Sony does make a few other lenses, but the Zeiss 24mm (36mm on APCS) is truly amazing even at $1,000.00. So is the Sony fisheye lens that screws onto the 16mm Sony "pancake" lens.
The lenses are not there yet and the camera speed is not quite there either. But in most situations so far it has been more then adequate, and its size means it is "there with me" a lot more than my larger DSLR. Yet despite the versatility of the NEX 7, I am not willing to sell my Nikon equipment and in fact I am trading up to the D800 when available. DSLR's are where it is at (for now).
To learn more about the Sony Nex line of cameras and lenses go to: SONY.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 and Mirrorless Market Share
Olympus has a new 'micro four thirds' that they claim is on level with a professional DSLR. Perhaps not the top level at Canon or Nikon, but it could well be the start of something big.
http://olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1583
As for mirrorless cameras, DP Review recently published graphs and a slideshow that shows Micro Four Thirds as the #1 Interchangeable Lens System in Japan with a current 50% market share. Hugh numbers, indeed. [http://www.mu-43.com/f92/micro-four-thirds-1-interchangeable-lens-system-japan-21403/]. Although the United States still has the lowest share of mirrorless, only some 10%, and still buys a lot of Canon and Nikon interchangable lenses, it only makes sense that mirrorless cameras could expect to increase market share. DSLRs are great products and have a great following, but some of us are rethinking our choice of photo tools and glancing in the direction of the the mirrorless product.
Personally, I have just sold off my Canon 5D and a dozen lenses to jump on the mirrorless bandwagon with the new Olympus OM-D expected to deliver in early April. Its lighter, and less expensive than the Canon line - and boasts some impressive specs. I purchased an Olympus Pen M4/3 last year and was suitably impressed enough to sign on for a pre-order of the OM-D. I like the portability, I like the size, I like the price. I really like the image quality. Here is a sample - nice color, detail and exposure. (Image is resized for the web, but in the original, detail is excellent. Olympus E-PL2, 20mm 1.7 Panasonic lens.)
Did I mention that it's weatherproof?
http://olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1583
As for mirrorless cameras, DP Review recently published graphs and a slideshow that shows Micro Four Thirds as the #1 Interchangeable Lens System in Japan with a current 50% market share. Hugh numbers, indeed. [http://www.mu-43.com/f92/micro-four-thirds-1-interchangeable-lens-system-japan-21403/]. Although the United States still has the lowest share of mirrorless, only some 10%, and still buys a lot of Canon and Nikon interchangable lenses, it only makes sense that mirrorless cameras could expect to increase market share. DSLRs are great products and have a great following, but some of us are rethinking our choice of photo tools and glancing in the direction of the the mirrorless product.
Personally, I have just sold off my Canon 5D and a dozen lenses to jump on the mirrorless bandwagon with the new Olympus OM-D expected to deliver in early April. Its lighter, and less expensive than the Canon line - and boasts some impressive specs. I purchased an Olympus Pen M4/3 last year and was suitably impressed enough to sign on for a pre-order of the OM-D. I like the portability, I like the size, I like the price. I really like the image quality. Here is a sample - nice color, detail and exposure. (Image is resized for the web, but in the original, detail is excellent. Olympus E-PL2, 20mm 1.7 Panasonic lens.)
Did I mention that it's weatherproof?
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Baby Kittens
About a year and a half ago my kids found two darling little kittens in the shed at their grandmothers house. They were in ill-health, and had been neglected or abandoned by their mother. They were so small and adorable, so we took them in and nursed them back to health. Apparently we brought them back a little too far as one is now 18 pounds and the other over 16 pounds!
One thing I regret was not having taken a lot of pictures of them when they were tiny little kittens because they were so cute and adorable. However, I did get a second chance this past month when the kids grandmother called and said she found two more kittens in the same place. The new ones were even smaller than the first two. We are in the process of nursing these back to health. We plan to put these new ones on some type of weight control as they get older to avoid the weight of our current cats.
Below are some images of the first one a grey tiger striped kitten. I am processing images of the second kitten. Its black color makes him much harder to photograph.
One thing I regret was not having taken a lot of pictures of them when they were tiny little kittens because they were so cute and adorable. However, I did get a second chance this past month when the kids grandmother called and said she found two more kittens in the same place. The new ones were even smaller than the first two. We are in the process of nursing these back to health. We plan to put these new ones on some type of weight control as they get older to avoid the weight of our current cats.
Below are some images of the first one a grey tiger striped kitten. I am processing images of the second kitten. Its black color makes him much harder to photograph.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Photography Policy at the Minnesota Arboretum
The Council has been informed the arboretum is considering, and may in fact adopt, the policy below regarding photography at the arboretum in the future:
Arboretum Photography Policy Highlights
(This is a preliminary version; a complete policy will be published soon.)
Photography is an important element of a visit to the Arboretum for many visitors. What better way to capture the blooms of the beautiful gardens, share your nature explorations, highlight your favorite part of seasonal exhibits and enjoy your experience again by way of a photography lens.
To ensure the gardens, woodlands and trails, gathering spaces and buildings can remain welcoming places for all, please respect others, stay on pathways, keep on perimeter of gardens and preserve flowers for all to enjoy. See photography rules of the road below:
If you wish to address the issue with the arboretum it is suggested you contact:
Judy Hohmann at: jhohman@emn.edu
Tom Dreeze at: dreez001@umn.edu
Arboretum Photography Policy Highlights
(This is a preliminary version; a complete policy will be published soon.)
Photography is an important element of a visit to the Arboretum for many visitors. What better way to capture the blooms of the beautiful gardens, share your nature explorations, highlight your favorite part of seasonal exhibits and enjoy your experience again by way of a photography lens.
To ensure the gardens, woodlands and trails, gathering spaces and buildings can remain welcoming places for all, please respect others, stay on pathways, keep on perimeter of gardens and preserve flowers for all to enjoy. See photography rules of the road below:
- Amateur photographers:please limit the use of non-commercial tripods-indoors and out-to no more than 5 minutes.
- Professional photographers with business photography licenses issued by the Arboretum: Contact Facility Rental staff in advance of any photo shoots.
- Media or publication photographers on assignment: Contact Marketing & Public Relations staff in advance of any photo shoots.
- Arboretum Photographers Society members on assignment: Present assignment form upon request.
- No back-lighting or screens allowed, except at before- or after-hour sessions or with written permission.
- Please stay on trails; do not walk into the gardens. Doing so can severely damage plants.
- Respect our wildlife and their habitat. If the animal seems stressed, move back and use a longer lens.
- Please be considerate of other visitors. Do not block pathways or interrupt special event spaces (e.g, weddings, private events).
- Do not photograph anyone without their permission, unless you are shooting crowd shots.
- Respect other photographers and always ask before joining others who may already be shooting in an area.
- When shooting outdoors, be prepared for the weather and any unexpected events.
If you wish to address the issue with the arboretum it is suggested you contact:
Judy Hohmann at: jhohman@emn.edu
Tom Dreeze at: dreez001@umn.edu
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Photoshop CS6
Sneak peak of Photoshop CS6 : some very interesting options. Another couple of years and all we will need is Harry Potter's wand and practice waving it.
Building the Worlds Largest Camera
A Chicago photographer, Dennis Manarchy, is trying to build an old-time bellows type camera that is 35 feet large and is also meant to be portable. The camera when built will use negatives that are the size of an average human and produce images that are two stories tall with extreme detail.
He intends to use the camera to take shots of historical significance by traveling around the country with the camera on a trailer. It makes for an interesting project and story.
Check out the video below and go to CAMERA to view the whole article.
Vanishing Cultures: An American Portrait by Dennis Manarchy from Distortion Design on Vimeo.
He intends to use the camera to take shots of historical significance by traveling around the country with the camera on a trailer. It makes for an interesting project and story.
Check out the video below and go to CAMERA to view the whole article.
Vanishing Cultures: An American Portrait by Dennis Manarchy from Distortion Design on Vimeo.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Life One Photo at a Time
There are people who take regular photos to document their lives. some take one photo daily others as longer intervals. You can see the results of photographers efforts to record their lives at www.blipfoto.com.
Upcoming Workshops
Just a reminder that there are a number of fun educational/learning workshops being held by our good friends and fellow club members Alec Johnson and Rikk Flohr.
Rikk is putting on an introductory session for Lightroom on March 12th at the Ridgeview Center. This seminar is an incredible value at only $25.00. It will be followed later on by more advanced sessions on Lightroom and will eventually include sessions on Lightroom 4 when it is released. Click on the image below for more information about this seminar, or go to RIKK:
Alec Johnson is offering a 2 day seminar in April on the use of studio lighting that will be held at his studio in Edina. Alec is well known for his studio ability and he ha- a perfect studio set up for this type of seminar. The Crosstown club held a studio session a few years ago, which was just a tremendous success. For more information click on the image below, or go to ACJohnson:
Both seminars have limited seating, so register early in you are interested as once they fill up, there is no more space available. Also, whatever the capacity advertised subtract one participant as I have already registered for both!
Also remember both Alec and Rikk conduct workshops outside the twin cities for advanced location training. Alec conducts a seminar on the North Shore in August. See Below:
And Rikk conducts two seminars in the Dakota Badlands. See Below:
I was at Rikk's workshop last May and Alec's a few years ago, and can attest that both are educational, fun and well worth it.
Rikk is putting on an introductory session for Lightroom on March 12th at the Ridgeview Center. This seminar is an incredible value at only $25.00. It will be followed later on by more advanced sessions on Lightroom and will eventually include sessions on Lightroom 4 when it is released. Click on the image below for more information about this seminar, or go to RIKK:
Alec Johnson is offering a 2 day seminar in April on the use of studio lighting that will be held at his studio in Edina. Alec is well known for his studio ability and he ha- a perfect studio set up for this type of seminar. The Crosstown club held a studio session a few years ago, which was just a tremendous success. For more information click on the image below, or go to ACJohnson:
Both seminars have limited seating, so register early in you are interested as once they fill up, there is no more space available. Also, whatever the capacity advertised subtract one participant as I have already registered for both!
Also remember both Alec and Rikk conduct workshops outside the twin cities for advanced location training. Alec conducts a seminar on the North Shore in August. See Below:
And Rikk conducts two seminars in the Dakota Badlands. See Below:
I was at Rikk's workshop last May and Alec's a few years ago, and can attest that both are educational, fun and well worth it.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Learn How to Shoot Sports Photography
Matt Blewett of Click Photography in Chanhassen is offering a 2 day workshop designed to teach attendees the fine art of sports and action photography. The workshop takes place in two Tuesday evening sessions on March 6th and March 20th at the Click studios in Chanhassen.
See the announcement below, or go to Click for more information about Click Studios.
See the announcement below, or go to Click for more information about Click Studios.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Hunt's specials
Hunt's is accepting orders for the new Nikon D800 and a number of new lenses from Canon. See the announcement below:
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Nikon D800
Nikon's new replacement for its D700 is out and camera stores are taking orders. It is a 36mp camera that features HD video and a host of other improvements over its predecessor. More importantly the price is only a mere $300.00 greater than the introductory price of the D700 first introduced in 2008.
To learn more about this new camera you can go to NIKON USA, or read the specs and features at ARSTecnica.
To learn more about this new camera you can go to NIKON USA, or read the specs and features at ARSTecnica.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Saturday, February 4, 2012
The New French Hacker-Artist Underground
A first rate read on a group's efforts to protect France's artist treasures. Unorthodox, but effective.
Comments/discussion welcome.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)