Friday, December 3, 2010
Lebaran Holiday 2010
This year Lebaran Holiday, we went to Bali. We visited Tanah Lot, Kuta Beach, Bali Safari and Marine Park, Pura Uluwatu, Garuda Wishnu Kencana. These are some of pictures taken while we were at Bali. Most of the pictures were taken by Canon EOS 7D + 24 – 105 mm f4. Only the last picture was taken by Fuji HS 10.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Top 10 New Camera Rumours For 2010
I got this article from PhotoRadar.Com, I think it was an interesting to read. You can read the original through this link http://www.photoradar.com/news/story/top-10-new-camera-rumours-for-2010.
New and updated: we name the DSLRs, digital compacts and hybrid cameras that could be released before Christmas 2010
Here at PhotoRadar, we like to deal with fact rather than rumour. But we hope you'll indulge us as we get stuck into a spot of crystal ball gazing. What does 2010 hold in the way of new camera launches? You're about to hear our predictions...
1) 24-megapixel Nikon D700X
Rumours of a higher resolution version of the Nikon D700 were circulating as early as February 2009, and Nikon certainly needs to act quickly to keep up with the Canon EOS 5D MkII. The D700’s 12-megapixel sensor may be great at high ISOs, but the difference in resolution compared to the 21-megapixel EOS 5D MkII is painful. At the top end of the range, Nikon’s split its original D3 into a high-resolution model (D3X) and high-speed version (D3S). Logic suggests the venerable D700 is now ripe for the same treatment. Some sources suggest the D700 won’t get the same 24-megapixel sensor as the D3X in case it undermines its sales, guessing at 18MP or so instead, but Nikon didn’t worry about that when it launched the D700 alongside the D3, so why would it worry now?
Nikon D700X rumour update May 2010: Still no news from Nikon on this one, but there’s increased promotional activity in the UK, which is the usual precursor to a new model. Anyone buying a Nikon D700 between May 1st and June 30th 2010 can claim a free MB-D10 battery grip with a list price of £340. But what if we don’t get a Nikon D700X after all? What if we just get a Nikon D700S with a bit more speed and a higher ISO? Ho hum.
2) APS-C format Canon PowerShot G12
Canon showed with the PowerShot G11 that it wasn’t afraid to step back from the brink in the megapixel war, and the G11’s improved high ISO performance and excellent definition prove what everyone’s been saying all along – that you can’t increase megapixels without increasing the sensor size. And it could be that the G11 is only an interim measure for Canon and a stepping stone towards a much more radical camera, and that an APS-C format PowerShot is on the way. That’s not such a wild idea. Olympus and Panasonic have shown the level of interest which exists in larger-format compacts, and Samsung’s been bouncing around the NX concept camera for a while now. We think it’s not a question of if, but when.
Canon PowerShot G12 rumour update May 2010: There’s no sign of a big-sensor PowerShot G11 replacement just yet, and both Samsung and Sony are now shipping APS-C compacts. But an April Fool’s prank re-posted on a number of well-known websites put forward a barmy but actually rather tantalising alternative. Why not releaes a Canon full-frame compact hybrid? Everyone else is using APS-C sensors, so this might be a chance for Canon to seize the high ground again. Shame it’s not true...
3) Canon EOS 1Ds Mk IV
Once, the position of Canon’s EOS 1Ds was unassailable. Now it’s under threat both from rivals (Nikon D3X, Sony Alpha a900) and its own stablemate the EOS 5D MkII which, let’s not forget, has the same resolution as the 1Ds and an HD movie mode. A new version of the 1Ds is long overdue and some sources are suggesting it may have a radical new square 36 x 36mm sensor. This would retain compatibility with Canon’s EF lenses but offer a larger image area and the advantages of classic square medium format cameras (flexibility in cropping, no need to rotate the camera for different orientations). If Canon took this bold step it would be a showstopper, but at the very least we should expect an increase in resolution and a full HD movie mode.
EOS 1Ds Mk IV rumour update May 2010: Nothing to report here, alas, despite all the talk of square sensors (thanks to keithgg for the point about sensor sizes in the comments below, by the way, and the more likely 30mm maximum). It’s all guesswork right now, revolving around DIGIC V processing, huge resolution hikes and whopping frame rates. One thing’s for sure – Canon needs to do something.
4) Nikon D7000
Nikon’s been refreshing its non-professional DSLR range and the D90 is the last of the old guard left. Technically, there’s little wrong with it, but the model name and some of the features are out of step with the camera below it. The D5000 is cheaper, for example, but has the same sensor and an articulating LCD. We’re not expecting any increase in resolution because Nikon’s only just launched the 12-megapixel D300S, so we predict a cosmetic redesign and a few routine updates. The logical name for the new model is the D7000 and we expect a larger body than the D5000 but an articulating 3-inch 920,000 pixel LCD and some carefully-judged performance advantages. Nikon will be aiming for the D90’s existing market – advanced amateurs who want professional levels of quality and features but in a lighter and less expensive form than the D300S.
Nikon D7000 rumour update May 2010: Nikon has introduced a £60 cashback offer for any Nikon D90 bought between May 1st and June 30th 2010, which does hint that it’s nearing the end of its commercial life, though no further details have solidified about any replacement. The suggestion that Nikon might drop the integral AF motor has, however, caused howls of protests from Nikon fans with ‘legacy’ lenses.
5) Fujifilm S7 Pro
Fujifilm launched its high dynamic range SuperCCD SR sensor in 2003 but chose its compact cameras as a test bed before incorporating it into a digital SLR, the FinePix S3 Pro. This was a great camera and the subsequent S5 Pro (which shared the same sensor) was even better. Now Fujifilm has moved on, developing its new high-resolution, high-sensitivity, high dynamic range EXR sensor. This has successfully debuted in a range of compact cameras (F70EXR, S200EXR) and if history’s any guide we can expect an EXR SLR in 2010. Is Fujifilm still interested in the DSLR market? If so, what are the odds of a brand new 24/12-megapixel S7 Pro?
Fuji S7 Pro rumour update May 2010: For a while there was some talk of a Four Thirds format EXR sensor, but this seems to have been discredited. In fact there’s been nothing from Fujifilm to suggest it’s still interested in DSLRs. It’s been so long since the launch of the S5 Pro that this is now looking like the end of the line rather than a big build-up. But people feel strongly. You can even sign an online petition...
6) New rumour! Panasonic LX4
May 2010: The much-loved Panasonic LX3 compact is surely due for replacement, and the arrival of the Micro Four Thirds G-series cameras doesn’t really dent its appeal because it’s not only a whole lot cheaper but a fraction of the size (try fitting a GF1 with a 14-45mm zoom in your trouser pocket). The 1/6.3-inch sensor delivers better quality than the average compact, the 24-72mm equivalent zoom is perfect for candid and street photography, you get the full PASM exposure modes of a DSLR and RAW files too. So why do we think there’s a new LX compact coming? Panasonic has released a ‘sensor roadmap’ that shows plans for a new ‘high sensitivity’ 1/1.8-inch sensor for development later in 2010, and a ‘version II’ in 2011. Now where would that go except in an LX3 replacement?
7) New rumour! Sigma DP3
May 2010: Sigma is rumoured to be developing a mirrorless compact camera system based around its own Foveon sensor. We’ve already got the Sigma DP1 and DP2, of course, but these have non-interchangeable, fixed focal length lenses, which restricts their appeal. Technically, there seems no reason why Sigma should not be able to do this quite easily. The company has long experience in both camera and lens manufacture and there’s nothing in the design of the DP1 and DP2 to suggest a removable lens would be a major technical hurdle. The only problem is the timescale. Compared to other makers, Sigma’s camera development cycles are positively geological. We’re still waiting for the SD15, after all, which must be some kind of record given that it was announced in September 2008.
8) Olympus E-5
It looks as if we can expect a new Olympus DSLR body in 2010, but will it be a replacement for the ageing Olympus E-3 pro DSLR or yet another mid-range/enthusiasts body? Most of the Olympus news has concerned its mid-range cameras and Micro Four Thirds, but the company has also invested heavily over the years in its professional lens range, so it would be a suprise if it gave up on this sector of the market just yet. And yet the current E-3 relies on Olympus’s old 10-megapixel MOS sensor, which is nowhere near as good as the 12-megapixel sensor in the newer models, so it badly needs a refresh. So will we get a new pro Olympus body? And, even more interestingly, will it be a Four Thirds SLR or a mirrorless Micro Four Thirds ‘SLR’ instead?
Olympus E-5 rumour update May 2010: Still no news on this one, but as Olympus beefs up its range of Micro Four Thirds cameras, which are aimed at beginners and mid-range users, it seems likely that any DSLR development will happen at the top end of the range. Interestingly, Olympus has pointed out publicly that a ‘mirrorless’ design and digital SLRs are not incompatible. We could see a mirrorless 12-megapixel Olympus E-5 DSLR which takes regular Four Thirds lenses.
9) Nikon APS-C compact
We’ve heard rumours of a Canon APS-C compact but there’s also talk of a 12-megapixel Nikon APS-C model too, though none of it’s coming from Nikon. The rumours appear to originate from comments made by a Leica representative discussing the sensor in the Leica X1 and have been seized upon and extrapolated by digital camera forums around the world. But is it such a wild guess? In fact, isn’t it a little surprising that Nikon hasn’t made a 12-megapixel APS-C compact already? If Canon does come up with an APS-C sized PowerShot next year, then all eyes will quickly turn to Nikon. Let’s not forget that Nikon was once just as famous for rangefinder cameras as SLRs. Olympus isn’t the only camera maker with an illustrious non-SLR heritage ripe for exploiting.
Nikon APS-C rumour update May 2010: The silence is deafening, though keen patent-watchers have noted designs filed by Nikon which include a diagram of what appears to be a mirrorless body and a series of lens specifications which suggest a format slightly smaller than Micro Four Thirds. But patents aren’t products, and if Nikon’s highly conservative approach to its DSLRs carries through into its R&D, we could be waiting for a while.
10) Sony Cyber-shot R2
Sony’s short-lived Cyber-shot R1 was launched in 2005 and disappeared off the radar not long after that as mainstream digital SLRs captured the public’s imagination instead. But it was a remarkable camera with a 10-megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor and 5x 24-120mm Carl Zeiss zoom with no mirror but an articulating LCD and full time live view. It was ahead of its time, and we wonder if Sony knows it. What if Sony is planning a new version? Let’s call it the Sony Cyber-shot R2. Let’s say it has a 12x fixed (non-interchangeable) 12x super-wideangle zoom, articulating 3-inch 920,000 pixel LCD, 1.4-megapixel EVF, full HD movies and the 10fps continuous shooting and sweep panorama modes of the Cyber-shot HX1. Interesting, eh?
Sony Cyber-shot R2 rumour update May 2010: Well, we didn’t get the Cyber-shot R2 (hey, there’s still time!), but we did get the Sony NEX-3 and NEX-5, which have blasted through the whole announcement/launch/shipping process in record time. But what are Sony’s APS-C compacts going to do to the low-end Alpha D-SLRs? We predict a slow and low-key decline littered with price cuts and twin-lens kits.
Rumoured cameras – now released!
Digital cameras that were previously rumoured on our list, but which are now a reality:
Panasonic G2/GH2
We said: Panasonic’s proved the worth of the Micro Four Thirds sensor with the G1, the GH1 and the GF1, but is that 12-megapixel sensor enough? In 2010 we think we’re going to see Panasonic (and Olympus) upping the stakes. So what’s it to be – 14 megapixels, 15, 16? There’s nowhere to go with the sensor size, after all, but there is scope for improvement in resolution, build, continuous shooting speed and features for pros. We could see G-series cameras diversifty into different sectors of the market in the same way as Olympus has developed a whole range of Four Thirds digital SLRs. Panasonic has to move quickly because there’s no reason why APS-C sensors can’t be used in compacts too.
Update May 2010: There are no signs yet of a higher-resolution Micro Four Thirds sensor, but that doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen some time during 2010. In the meantime, Panasonic has stuck with the existing 12-megapixel sensor and split its original G1 into the Panasonic G10 (cheaper and aimed at beginners) and the Panasonic G2 (much more advanced, with touch-screen autofocus/shooting controls). If a higher-resolution sensor doesn’t happen this year, Panasonic will be able to keep its Micro Four Thirds range fresh by launched the GH2, a revised version of its full-HD stills/movie hybrid and perhaps a GF2 version of its Micro Four Thirds compact. This could be a year for consolidation and enhancement rather than big strides forward.
Samsung NX10
We said: The problem for Samsung is that it announced the NX series so long ago, and so little has happened since, that the press and the public alike have rather gone off the boil. In the meantime, Olympus and Panasonic have debuted their rather good Micro Four Thirds cameras and kickstarted this new hybrid market on their own, so that by the time the NX10 does arrive in early 2010 its newsworthiness may be limited. The main features are known already: an APS-C format 14.6MP sensor in a mirrorless body with an electronic viewfinder and interchangeable lens system. Other highlights include 720p HD movies, 3-inch AMOLED screen and two colours, Noble Black and Titan Silver.
Update May 2010: The Samsung NX10 has arrived pretty much as expected and with no surprises in the specifications, though the small size of the body and its design, finish and handling have proved impressive. A lot has happened since the NX concept was announced, though, and Samsung will have to move quickly. We predict consolidation of the lens range during 2010 but new models as early as Xmas 2011. The NX10 is already good enough to hold its own against the Micro Four Thirds cameras from Olympus and Panasonic, but Sony’s NEX-3 and NEX-5 pose a stiffer challenger – the NX10 is outnumbered 2-1 already. Samsung may follow Panasonic’s lead and split the NX10 into a cheaper, more basic model (NX1?) and a more advanced mid-range version (NX20?).
Source : PhotoRadar.com Read More...
New and updated: we name the DSLRs, digital compacts and hybrid cameras that could be released before Christmas 2010
Here at PhotoRadar, we like to deal with fact rather than rumour. But we hope you'll indulge us as we get stuck into a spot of crystal ball gazing. What does 2010 hold in the way of new camera launches? You're about to hear our predictions...
1) 24-megapixel Nikon D700X
Rumours of a higher resolution version of the Nikon D700 were circulating as early as February 2009, and Nikon certainly needs to act quickly to keep up with the Canon EOS 5D MkII. The D700’s 12-megapixel sensor may be great at high ISOs, but the difference in resolution compared to the 21-megapixel EOS 5D MkII is painful. At the top end of the range, Nikon’s split its original D3 into a high-resolution model (D3X) and high-speed version (D3S). Logic suggests the venerable D700 is now ripe for the same treatment. Some sources suggest the D700 won’t get the same 24-megapixel sensor as the D3X in case it undermines its sales, guessing at 18MP or so instead, but Nikon didn’t worry about that when it launched the D700 alongside the D3, so why would it worry now?
Nikon D700X rumour update May 2010: Still no news from Nikon on this one, but there’s increased promotional activity in the UK, which is the usual precursor to a new model. Anyone buying a Nikon D700 between May 1st and June 30th 2010 can claim a free MB-D10 battery grip with a list price of £340. But what if we don’t get a Nikon D700X after all? What if we just get a Nikon D700S with a bit more speed and a higher ISO? Ho hum.
2) APS-C format Canon PowerShot G12
Canon showed with the PowerShot G11 that it wasn’t afraid to step back from the brink in the megapixel war, and the G11’s improved high ISO performance and excellent definition prove what everyone’s been saying all along – that you can’t increase megapixels without increasing the sensor size. And it could be that the G11 is only an interim measure for Canon and a stepping stone towards a much more radical camera, and that an APS-C format PowerShot is on the way. That’s not such a wild idea. Olympus and Panasonic have shown the level of interest which exists in larger-format compacts, and Samsung’s been bouncing around the NX concept camera for a while now. We think it’s not a question of if, but when.
Canon PowerShot G12 rumour update May 2010: There’s no sign of a big-sensor PowerShot G11 replacement just yet, and both Samsung and Sony are now shipping APS-C compacts. But an April Fool’s prank re-posted on a number of well-known websites put forward a barmy but actually rather tantalising alternative. Why not releaes a Canon full-frame compact hybrid? Everyone else is using APS-C sensors, so this might be a chance for Canon to seize the high ground again. Shame it’s not true...
3) Canon EOS 1Ds Mk IV
Once, the position of Canon’s EOS 1Ds was unassailable. Now it’s under threat both from rivals (Nikon D3X, Sony Alpha a900) and its own stablemate the EOS 5D MkII which, let’s not forget, has the same resolution as the 1Ds and an HD movie mode. A new version of the 1Ds is long overdue and some sources are suggesting it may have a radical new square 36 x 36mm sensor. This would retain compatibility with Canon’s EF lenses but offer a larger image area and the advantages of classic square medium format cameras (flexibility in cropping, no need to rotate the camera for different orientations). If Canon took this bold step it would be a showstopper, but at the very least we should expect an increase in resolution and a full HD movie mode.
EOS 1Ds Mk IV rumour update May 2010: Nothing to report here, alas, despite all the talk of square sensors (thanks to keithgg for the point about sensor sizes in the comments below, by the way, and the more likely 30mm maximum). It’s all guesswork right now, revolving around DIGIC V processing, huge resolution hikes and whopping frame rates. One thing’s for sure – Canon needs to do something.
4) Nikon D7000
Nikon’s been refreshing its non-professional DSLR range and the D90 is the last of the old guard left. Technically, there’s little wrong with it, but the model name and some of the features are out of step with the camera below it. The D5000 is cheaper, for example, but has the same sensor and an articulating LCD. We’re not expecting any increase in resolution because Nikon’s only just launched the 12-megapixel D300S, so we predict a cosmetic redesign and a few routine updates. The logical name for the new model is the D7000 and we expect a larger body than the D5000 but an articulating 3-inch 920,000 pixel LCD and some carefully-judged performance advantages. Nikon will be aiming for the D90’s existing market – advanced amateurs who want professional levels of quality and features but in a lighter and less expensive form than the D300S.
Nikon D7000 rumour update May 2010: Nikon has introduced a £60 cashback offer for any Nikon D90 bought between May 1st and June 30th 2010, which does hint that it’s nearing the end of its commercial life, though no further details have solidified about any replacement. The suggestion that Nikon might drop the integral AF motor has, however, caused howls of protests from Nikon fans with ‘legacy’ lenses.
5) Fujifilm S7 Pro
Fujifilm launched its high dynamic range SuperCCD SR sensor in 2003 but chose its compact cameras as a test bed before incorporating it into a digital SLR, the FinePix S3 Pro. This was a great camera and the subsequent S5 Pro (which shared the same sensor) was even better. Now Fujifilm has moved on, developing its new high-resolution, high-sensitivity, high dynamic range EXR sensor. This has successfully debuted in a range of compact cameras (F70EXR, S200EXR) and if history’s any guide we can expect an EXR SLR in 2010. Is Fujifilm still interested in the DSLR market? If so, what are the odds of a brand new 24/12-megapixel S7 Pro?
Fuji S7 Pro rumour update May 2010: For a while there was some talk of a Four Thirds format EXR sensor, but this seems to have been discredited. In fact there’s been nothing from Fujifilm to suggest it’s still interested in DSLRs. It’s been so long since the launch of the S5 Pro that this is now looking like the end of the line rather than a big build-up. But people feel strongly. You can even sign an online petition...
6) New rumour! Panasonic LX4
May 2010: The much-loved Panasonic LX3 compact is surely due for replacement, and the arrival of the Micro Four Thirds G-series cameras doesn’t really dent its appeal because it’s not only a whole lot cheaper but a fraction of the size (try fitting a GF1 with a 14-45mm zoom in your trouser pocket). The 1/6.3-inch sensor delivers better quality than the average compact, the 24-72mm equivalent zoom is perfect for candid and street photography, you get the full PASM exposure modes of a DSLR and RAW files too. So why do we think there’s a new LX compact coming? Panasonic has released a ‘sensor roadmap’ that shows plans for a new ‘high sensitivity’ 1/1.8-inch sensor for development later in 2010, and a ‘version II’ in 2011. Now where would that go except in an LX3 replacement?
7) New rumour! Sigma DP3
May 2010: Sigma is rumoured to be developing a mirrorless compact camera system based around its own Foveon sensor. We’ve already got the Sigma DP1 and DP2, of course, but these have non-interchangeable, fixed focal length lenses, which restricts their appeal. Technically, there seems no reason why Sigma should not be able to do this quite easily. The company has long experience in both camera and lens manufacture and there’s nothing in the design of the DP1 and DP2 to suggest a removable lens would be a major technical hurdle. The only problem is the timescale. Compared to other makers, Sigma’s camera development cycles are positively geological. We’re still waiting for the SD15, after all, which must be some kind of record given that it was announced in September 2008.
8) Olympus E-5
It looks as if we can expect a new Olympus DSLR body in 2010, but will it be a replacement for the ageing Olympus E-3 pro DSLR or yet another mid-range/enthusiasts body? Most of the Olympus news has concerned its mid-range cameras and Micro Four Thirds, but the company has also invested heavily over the years in its professional lens range, so it would be a suprise if it gave up on this sector of the market just yet. And yet the current E-3 relies on Olympus’s old 10-megapixel MOS sensor, which is nowhere near as good as the 12-megapixel sensor in the newer models, so it badly needs a refresh. So will we get a new pro Olympus body? And, even more interestingly, will it be a Four Thirds SLR or a mirrorless Micro Four Thirds ‘SLR’ instead?
Olympus E-5 rumour update May 2010: Still no news on this one, but as Olympus beefs up its range of Micro Four Thirds cameras, which are aimed at beginners and mid-range users, it seems likely that any DSLR development will happen at the top end of the range. Interestingly, Olympus has pointed out publicly that a ‘mirrorless’ design and digital SLRs are not incompatible. We could see a mirrorless 12-megapixel Olympus E-5 DSLR which takes regular Four Thirds lenses.
9) Nikon APS-C compact
We’ve heard rumours of a Canon APS-C compact but there’s also talk of a 12-megapixel Nikon APS-C model too, though none of it’s coming from Nikon. The rumours appear to originate from comments made by a Leica representative discussing the sensor in the Leica X1 and have been seized upon and extrapolated by digital camera forums around the world. But is it such a wild guess? In fact, isn’t it a little surprising that Nikon hasn’t made a 12-megapixel APS-C compact already? If Canon does come up with an APS-C sized PowerShot next year, then all eyes will quickly turn to Nikon. Let’s not forget that Nikon was once just as famous for rangefinder cameras as SLRs. Olympus isn’t the only camera maker with an illustrious non-SLR heritage ripe for exploiting.
Nikon APS-C rumour update May 2010: The silence is deafening, though keen patent-watchers have noted designs filed by Nikon which include a diagram of what appears to be a mirrorless body and a series of lens specifications which suggest a format slightly smaller than Micro Four Thirds. But patents aren’t products, and if Nikon’s highly conservative approach to its DSLRs carries through into its R&D, we could be waiting for a while.
10) Sony Cyber-shot R2
Sony’s short-lived Cyber-shot R1 was launched in 2005 and disappeared off the radar not long after that as mainstream digital SLRs captured the public’s imagination instead. But it was a remarkable camera with a 10-megapixel APS-C sized CMOS sensor and 5x 24-120mm Carl Zeiss zoom with no mirror but an articulating LCD and full time live view. It was ahead of its time, and we wonder if Sony knows it. What if Sony is planning a new version? Let’s call it the Sony Cyber-shot R2. Let’s say it has a 12x fixed (non-interchangeable) 12x super-wideangle zoom, articulating 3-inch 920,000 pixel LCD, 1.4-megapixel EVF, full HD movies and the 10fps continuous shooting and sweep panorama modes of the Cyber-shot HX1. Interesting, eh?
Sony Cyber-shot R2 rumour update May 2010: Well, we didn’t get the Cyber-shot R2 (hey, there’s still time!), but we did get the Sony NEX-3 and NEX-5, which have blasted through the whole announcement/launch/shipping process in record time. But what are Sony’s APS-C compacts going to do to the low-end Alpha D-SLRs? We predict a slow and low-key decline littered with price cuts and twin-lens kits.
Rumoured cameras – now released!
Digital cameras that were previously rumoured on our list, but which are now a reality:
Panasonic G2/GH2
We said: Panasonic’s proved the worth of the Micro Four Thirds sensor with the G1, the GH1 and the GF1, but is that 12-megapixel sensor enough? In 2010 we think we’re going to see Panasonic (and Olympus) upping the stakes. So what’s it to be – 14 megapixels, 15, 16? There’s nowhere to go with the sensor size, after all, but there is scope for improvement in resolution, build, continuous shooting speed and features for pros. We could see G-series cameras diversifty into different sectors of the market in the same way as Olympus has developed a whole range of Four Thirds digital SLRs. Panasonic has to move quickly because there’s no reason why APS-C sensors can’t be used in compacts too.
Update May 2010: There are no signs yet of a higher-resolution Micro Four Thirds sensor, but that doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen some time during 2010. In the meantime, Panasonic has stuck with the existing 12-megapixel sensor and split its original G1 into the Panasonic G10 (cheaper and aimed at beginners) and the Panasonic G2 (much more advanced, with touch-screen autofocus/shooting controls). If a higher-resolution sensor doesn’t happen this year, Panasonic will be able to keep its Micro Four Thirds range fresh by launched the GH2, a revised version of its full-HD stills/movie hybrid and perhaps a GF2 version of its Micro Four Thirds compact. This could be a year for consolidation and enhancement rather than big strides forward.
Samsung NX10
We said: The problem for Samsung is that it announced the NX series so long ago, and so little has happened since, that the press and the public alike have rather gone off the boil. In the meantime, Olympus and Panasonic have debuted their rather good Micro Four Thirds cameras and kickstarted this new hybrid market on their own, so that by the time the NX10 does arrive in early 2010 its newsworthiness may be limited. The main features are known already: an APS-C format 14.6MP sensor in a mirrorless body with an electronic viewfinder and interchangeable lens system. Other highlights include 720p HD movies, 3-inch AMOLED screen and two colours, Noble Black and Titan Silver.
Update May 2010: The Samsung NX10 has arrived pretty much as expected and with no surprises in the specifications, though the small size of the body and its design, finish and handling have proved impressive. A lot has happened since the NX concept was announced, though, and Samsung will have to move quickly. We predict consolidation of the lens range during 2010 but new models as early as Xmas 2011. The NX10 is already good enough to hold its own against the Micro Four Thirds cameras from Olympus and Panasonic, but Sony’s NEX-3 and NEX-5 pose a stiffer challenger – the NX10 is outnumbered 2-1 already. Samsung may follow Panasonic’s lead and split the NX10 into a cheaper, more basic model (NX1?) and a more advanced mid-range version (NX20?).
Source : PhotoRadar.com Read More...
Monday, May 31, 2010
My Fuji Finepix HS 10
FYI, you can read the HS 10 in-depth review from PhotographyBlog here.
Read More...Tuesday, April 6, 2010
1st Indonesian Hot Air Balloon Adventure
This event was held on 26 - 28 March 2010, at Sentul City, Bogor, Indonesia. And I got these pics from the event. Please enjoy.
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Practical HDR
What to do when the light is too extreme for one shot?
HDR, or high dynamic range, is a digital imaging technology that allows us to go beyond the limitations of our cameras and their sensors. With this technique, we can make pictures that are closer to what we actually saw with our eyes - photographs that represent the world in more realistic renditions that simply weren't possible in the past, even with film.
How HDR Works
With HDR, start by taking multiple exposures of the same scene - exposures that vary from underexposed to overexposed - then use software to combine the tonal information from that range of exposures into a single final image. This allows you to capture detail, color and tones and merge them into one image that couldn't be captured by a single exposure. By using HDR technique and software, you can bring out more detail in the shadows, midtones and highlights. 
To get started with HDR, you'll need several exposures of the same scene. Each of these exposures must be framed identically or you'll have problems assembling the final image.
Here are some ideas that work well for HDR shoots:
1. Shoot at least 3 photos, each with a difference of one or more f-stops in exposure.
2. Use a sturdy tripod and lock down your camera on the scene.
3. Avoid shooting anything with movement, including wind blowing your subject around.
4. Try using the auto-exposure bracketing function (AEB) on your camera. AEB allows you to shoot at least 3 exposures in a row with a variation in exposure for each.
How Many and How Much?
In general, you can try for a minimum of a one-stop difference between exposures, then use three to five exposures for the scene. Sometimes, the result are great using 3 frames with a 1.5- to 2-stop difference in exposure, other scenes work better using 5 frames with 1-stop difference in exposure.
I wish I could give you specific information on what exposures would work in every situation, but "every situation" is different and will require you to modify your approach. However, with experience, you'll start to know what seems to work best for the specific subjects that you like to photograph.
Into The Computer
Once you've captured your scene with multiple exposures, you need to upload them onto the computer and work on them with software that allows you to combine the pictures into a final HDR image. You don't actually have to do a lot, other than open your series of exposures into the program. The software then automatically examines your exposures and puts them together into a final HDR shot.
Most of the programs also allow some adjustments as to how the exposures come together. Sometimes these adjusments can be done before you do the HDR conversion and almost always can be done afterward. A number of software programs allow you to do this.
Adobe Photoshop CS versions have an HDR capability. And the picture below show you what I did with Photoshop to create an HDR image from 3 bracketed images.
And this is the result:
HDR Processing On Other Images
Another way of using many HDR programs is to double-process RAW files. Take a single RAW image and process it twice, first to optimize the highlights (while ignoring what happens to the shadows) and again to optimize the dark areas (whike ignoring what happens to the highlights). You can even triple-process an image, creating a third version that optimizes midtones only.
Then put those processed RAW files together into a single file by using one of the HDR programs.
HDR is changing the way we photograph, giving us new opportunities for capturing the world. We now can create images that more closely render our world and more truthfully communicate what we see.
Written by Rob Sheppard, as appeared on Digital Photo Mag. June/July/August 2009. You can see more of his works at his website, http://www.robsheppardphoto.com.
How To Use Flash Effectively?
Light is basic to photography, obviously. When the light isn't at it's best, it's a serious challenge. Poor light consistently makes potentially good photos go bad. One strategy for success is to use flash. Yet, using flash can be challenging, as well. It can be bold and beautiful, but also harsh and unappealing. 
There are some things you can do to make your flash work more in your favor, so you get pictures more often on the bold and beautiful side than the other. This article will explore some tips that can point you in the right direction to do exactly that.
Turn On Your Built-In Flash During The Day
When the sun is out, and the shadows are harsh, turn on that flash! When the light is dull from heavy clouds (and even rain), turn on that flash!
With harsh sunlight, that daylight fill-flash brightens shadows and makes dark shadows, such as those under hat brims, come to life. If the flash is too strong, try using flash exposure compensation to reduce the flash output.
When the light is dull, use the flash to brighten colors and make your subject stand out from the background. A quick way to get drama is to go to manual exposure, set the camera to slightly underexpose based on your meter reading, then use the flash normally. This will give properly exposed flash light on your subject while the surrounding are darker.
Use The Ceiling For More Natural Flash
One of the challenges that flash has is that it can look harsh indoors. This is because the light is small in size (which makes for contrasty shadows) and is close to the camera lens when the flash is on the camera (which can make the light less than flattering).
With an accessory flash that allows tje flash head to tilt to the ceiling, you can bounce light indirectly to your subject. That way the light that hits your subject comes from a big light "source" - the light bounced from the ceiling. This immediately softens the look of the flash. In addition, the light will come from a natural direction above your subject.
You need a white ceiling for this to work, and lower ceilings work better than high ones. If you're very close to your subject, you may run into a problem of the light from above causing unwanted shadows under the subject (dark eye sockets can be a problem). In this case, place a white card at the back side of your upward-pointing flash so that a little light is kicked forward toward your subject, even though most of the light heads to the ceiling.
Get Your Flash Off The Camera
Get your flash off the camera to get more control. You'll immediately see a change in the light - it will become more multidimensional and far more attractive. You can buy a dedicated flash cable to tether your flash to the camera for complete automatic control (and control that works in all conditions). Or using wireless triggers for cameras with wireless flash capabilities.
An easy way to handle this flash is to hold it in your left hand with your "pointing finger" on top of the flash. Now just point that finger at your subject and you're also pointing your flash. Experiment with flash coming from all sorts of angles just to see what the possibilities are.
Bounce The Light From A Reflector Or Through A Diffuser
Two things consistently help you get better flash results: changing the angle of the light to your subject and increasing the size of the light.
You increase the size of the light by bouncing it onto a large surface (such as the ceiling mentioned earlier) or shooting through a large diffuser (a small diffuser has little effect). You need to have the light that's hitting your subject come from a large surface area.
An easy way to get started is to get a piece of foam board about 2x3 feet in size. Have someone hold it, or clamp or tape it to something on one side of your subject. Then use your off-camera flash and point it at the foam board from a distance of a couple of feet. You need to have it far enough from the reflector that it spreads out the light, but not so far that it spills over the edges. Move the reflecting board up and down, as well as side to side for different effects.
If you get serious about this, you can then buy a folding reflector or diffuser. Use it in the same way described for the foam board. The diffuser requires a little different technique. You must position it in between your flash and subject. Keep the flash far enough back to fill up the diffuser with light without spilling over. If you're too close to the diffuser, the light won't spread out much, so the effect will be greatly reduced.
Use Flash For Sharper Close-Ups
Close-up and macro photography always challenge our abilities to get a sharp photo. First, up-close depth of field is vey narrow, often severely limiting sharpness. Second, at close distances, the effect of camera movement or shake during exposure is exaggerated, so sharp photos become more difficult. Third, if you use a small apperture or f-stop for more depth of field, you'll be saddled with a slower shutter speed, making camera movement worse. Finally, gear such as macro lenses and extension tubes will reduce light, so even slower shutter speeds are required.
Flash can help. Flash gives such a brief burst of light that it's usually like using shutter speed of 1/1000 second and even faster. This effectively limits the effects of camera movement. In addition, when flash is used up close, there's a lot of light to work with, allowing you to use small f-stop such as f/16 or f/22, resulting in more depth of field.
A key to gettimg better flash photos up close is to get the flash off the camera as described above. When your subject is close to your camera, even a slight change in flash position can give you noticeably different results. You can even try putting the flash somewhat behind the subject for dramatic effect. You can aim the flash right at the subject; you can aim it so the flash hits both the subject and the background; or you can aim the flash so it just hits the subject and not the background.
The key to learning all these techniques is to try them. Test them out with a willing subject, even if that's just a statue that can't complain. Check your results in your LCD and experiment. Don't worry if every shot isn't a winner. As you explore using flash, however, you'll find flash becomes a potent tool for making more winners!
Source : Digital Photo Mag. June/July/Auust 2009.
Written and photography by Rob Sheppard.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
