Interesting Ad... involving dancing babies.. take a look!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Olympus introduces micro 4 thirds compact DSLR
http://www.olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1461&page=features
In my previous article, I mentioned that DSLRs are bulky but offers great quality and flexibility whereas the compact offers portability that is required for some of our social activities....
But behold, Olympus wants to change that with the introduction of the E-P1
Live View Autofocus
With the seamless precision and simplicity of a point-and-shoot, the E-P1's Live View Autofocus system displays the images to be shot in complete focus on the camera's bright LCD the moment the shutter button is pressed half way down.
Multiple Exposure
Multiple Exposure makes heightened creativity an easily-obtained objective. Two frames can be combined, and portions of one can be combined with those of another in any of the shooting modes. Images can be combined in playback mode or directly on the LCD through the use of the new TruePic V Image Processor.
Micro Four Thirds Mount
The Micro Four Thirds Mount on the E-P1 provides many key benefits, including the effectiveness of a digitally designed image sensor, an ultra-compact design, and expandability and compatibility with all Micro Four Thirds Lenses and Four Thirds System Lens via the MMF-1 Adapter.
Art Filters
A series of six built-in Art Filters for replicating countless striking and dramatic effects can be easily activated for both still and video imaging. The innovative Art Filters include Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pale & Light Color, Light Tone, Grainy Film and Pin Hole.
*
12.3 megapixel
The E-P1's powerful 12.3 megapixel Live-MOS sensor packs a powerful high-quality imaging punch for such a compact camera, allowing you to capture more detail than ever before.
TruePic V Image Processor
In addition to more detail, the image sensor, combined with the next-generation TruePic V Image Processor, delivers excellent dynamic range, accurate color fidelity and reduced noise, all the way up to 6400 ISO.
In-body Image Stabilization
The camera's In-body Image Stabilization system compensates for up to 4 shutter speed steps with any of the system's interchangeable lenses.
Mechanical Image Stabilization
Mechanical Image Stabilization automatically compensates for camera shake in low-light situations or when using a telephoto lens.
Electronic Image Stabilization
Electronic Image Stabilization compensates for camera shake while shooting in the movie mode.
MF Assist
For accurate manual focusing, MF Assist can be enabled during S-AF + MF operation. With it you can zoom in on the central part of the image by up to five times by turning the focus ring.
Perfect Shot Preview
With Perfect Shot Preview, you can preview and select various photographic effects before you take the shot.
Digital Leveler
The camera's Digital Leveler function is a highly functional and practical feature for such specialized requirements as architectural photography and other similar needs.
Dust Reduction System
A Dust Reduction System assures spot-free images. Every time you turn on the camera, the patented Supersonic Wave Filter silently vibrates, flinging and collecting dust so that it cannot interfere with the picture imaging at any time.
19 automatic scene modes
There are 19 automatic scene modes available, including Night-Scenes, Portraits and Landscapes. Edits can be made in the camera after the pictures are shot using the handy ePortrait Mode.
ePortrait
The ePortrait mode is also useful for smoothing out the facial features of your subjects, which is a tremendous plus for High Definition playback.
Face Detection
A Face Detection function reduces the chance of blurry faces when shooting groups of people up to eight subjects at once even if they're moving while you're pressing the shutter button.
Shadow Adjustment Technology
Shadow Adjustment Technology corrects for extreme light variations with high-tech efficiency. It can also be used in post-editing.
Aspect Ratios
The E-P1 lets you select one of four Aspect Ratios (4:3, 3.2, 16.9 and 6.6) that help frame your images to whatever proportions you'd like, for everything from conventional enlargements to viewing on widescreen monitors.
iAuto
iAuto identifies your shooting intent (such as macro or action photography) and instantly adjusts the camera settings to achieve the best results.
Slideshows
Slideshows have never been easier or more fun to create. The E-P1's enhanced playback functions allow you to employ effective fade-in/fade-out techniques, add captivating musical soundtracks, and much more.
ultra-compact body
The E-P1 is the definition of state-of-the-art optical engineering in an ultra-compact body. It weighs just 11.8 ounces and measures just 4.75' (W) x 2.75' (H) x 1.43 (D), giving it the facility to slip into pockets or purses and to take with you anywhere.
M. ZUIKO lenses
The accompanying Olympus M. ZUIKO lenses are small, lightweight, powerful and precision engineered.
Four Thirds System Lens Adapter
Other Four Thirds Format lenses can also be used on the E-P1 with an available MMF-1 Four Thirds System Lens Adapter, including extreme wide-angle fisheye and super-telephoto lenses. This further increases your range of creative options.
sound recording
The sound recording function of the E-P1 helps you capture all the nuances of any sounds being recorded. The system is capable of recording and playing back WAV files, and of adding the most professional-sounding narration to digital slide shows.
background music
There are also five separate background music files to choose from that you can add to your still images or video productions.
SDHC media cards
The E-P1 is capable of recording video to SDHC media cards to accommodate large files. (SDHC Class 6 cards are recommended.) Videos, stills and high-fidelity audio can also be output via HDMI cable-direct to any HD television.
Full manual control
Full manual control for all programs and functions, including Aperture and Shutter Speed Priority, is at your fingertips whenever it is needed or preferred. Full automatic control is also a button-press away.
Live Control
Live Control, an advanced camera management system, allows you to see the image being shot and the camera's controls all at once, on the bright, colorful, high definition 3-inch HyperCrystal LCD. HyperCrystal LCDs offer many times the contrast of conventional LCD monitors, and also provide a wide viewing angle of 176.
In my previous article, I mentioned that DSLRs are bulky but offers great quality and flexibility whereas the compact offers portability that is required for some of our social activities....
But behold, Olympus wants to change that with the introduction of the E-P1
Live View Autofocus
With the seamless precision and simplicity of a point-and-shoot, the E-P1's Live View Autofocus system displays the images to be shot in complete focus on the camera's bright LCD the moment the shutter button is pressed half way down.
Multiple Exposure
Multiple Exposure makes heightened creativity an easily-obtained objective. Two frames can be combined, and portions of one can be combined with those of another in any of the shooting modes. Images can be combined in playback mode or directly on the LCD through the use of the new TruePic V Image Processor.
Micro Four Thirds Mount
The Micro Four Thirds Mount on the E-P1 provides many key benefits, including the effectiveness of a digitally designed image sensor, an ultra-compact design, and expandability and compatibility with all Micro Four Thirds Lenses and Four Thirds System Lens via the MMF-1 Adapter.
Art Filters
A series of six built-in Art Filters for replicating countless striking and dramatic effects can be easily activated for both still and video imaging. The innovative Art Filters include Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pale & Light Color, Light Tone, Grainy Film and Pin Hole.
*
12.3 megapixel
The E-P1's powerful 12.3 megapixel Live-MOS sensor packs a powerful high-quality imaging punch for such a compact camera, allowing you to capture more detail than ever before.
TruePic V Image Processor
In addition to more detail, the image sensor, combined with the next-generation TruePic V Image Processor, delivers excellent dynamic range, accurate color fidelity and reduced noise, all the way up to 6400 ISO.
In-body Image Stabilization
The camera's In-body Image Stabilization system compensates for up to 4 shutter speed steps with any of the system's interchangeable lenses.
Mechanical Image Stabilization
Mechanical Image Stabilization automatically compensates for camera shake in low-light situations or when using a telephoto lens.
Electronic Image Stabilization
Electronic Image Stabilization compensates for camera shake while shooting in the movie mode.
MF Assist
For accurate manual focusing, MF Assist can be enabled during S-AF + MF operation. With it you can zoom in on the central part of the image by up to five times by turning the focus ring.
Perfect Shot Preview
With Perfect Shot Preview, you can preview and select various photographic effects before you take the shot.
Digital Leveler
The camera's Digital Leveler function is a highly functional and practical feature for such specialized requirements as architectural photography and other similar needs.
Dust Reduction System
A Dust Reduction System assures spot-free images. Every time you turn on the camera, the patented Supersonic Wave Filter silently vibrates, flinging and collecting dust so that it cannot interfere with the picture imaging at any time.
19 automatic scene modes
There are 19 automatic scene modes available, including Night-Scenes, Portraits and Landscapes. Edits can be made in the camera after the pictures are shot using the handy ePortrait Mode.
ePortrait
The ePortrait mode is also useful for smoothing out the facial features of your subjects, which is a tremendous plus for High Definition playback.
Face Detection
A Face Detection function reduces the chance of blurry faces when shooting groups of people up to eight subjects at once even if they're moving while you're pressing the shutter button.
Shadow Adjustment Technology
Shadow Adjustment Technology corrects for extreme light variations with high-tech efficiency. It can also be used in post-editing.
Aspect Ratios
The E-P1 lets you select one of four Aspect Ratios (4:3, 3.2, 16.9 and 6.6) that help frame your images to whatever proportions you'd like, for everything from conventional enlargements to viewing on widescreen monitors.
iAuto
iAuto identifies your shooting intent (such as macro or action photography) and instantly adjusts the camera settings to achieve the best results.
Slideshows
Slideshows have never been easier or more fun to create. The E-P1's enhanced playback functions allow you to employ effective fade-in/fade-out techniques, add captivating musical soundtracks, and much more.
ultra-compact body
The E-P1 is the definition of state-of-the-art optical engineering in an ultra-compact body. It weighs just 11.8 ounces and measures just 4.75' (W) x 2.75' (H) x 1.43 (D), giving it the facility to slip into pockets or purses and to take with you anywhere.
M. ZUIKO lenses
The accompanying Olympus M. ZUIKO lenses are small, lightweight, powerful and precision engineered.
Four Thirds System Lens Adapter
Other Four Thirds Format lenses can also be used on the E-P1 with an available MMF-1 Four Thirds System Lens Adapter, including extreme wide-angle fisheye and super-telephoto lenses. This further increases your range of creative options.
sound recording
The sound recording function of the E-P1 helps you capture all the nuances of any sounds being recorded. The system is capable of recording and playing back WAV files, and of adding the most professional-sounding narration to digital slide shows.
background music
There are also five separate background music files to choose from that you can add to your still images or video productions.
SDHC media cards
The E-P1 is capable of recording video to SDHC media cards to accommodate large files. (SDHC Class 6 cards are recommended.) Videos, stills and high-fidelity audio can also be output via HDMI cable-direct to any HD television.
Full manual control
Full manual control for all programs and functions, including Aperture and Shutter Speed Priority, is at your fingertips whenever it is needed or preferred. Full automatic control is also a button-press away.
Live Control
Live Control, an advanced camera management system, allows you to see the image being shot and the camera's controls all at once, on the bright, colorful, high definition 3-inch HyperCrystal LCD. HyperCrystal LCDs offer many times the contrast of conventional LCD monitors, and also provide a wide viewing angle of 176.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
The Obvious Choice for a Digital Compact Camera
Digital SLR camera offers the best image quality money can buy, but they are not always very portable for the everyday Joe - certainly not justified to carry around when you want to go out for party involving dancing, socializing and just want something to capture the moment. On the other extreme of the spectrum, you could always use your cell phone's camera which will most likely disappoint with image quality.
So what do you do? You carry your compact camera that can fit into your pocket. It's portable, it's small, and it doubles as a photo viewer to share your photos with you friends.
As usual, the market is flooded with many models from many camera makers - Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Olympus, Panasonic, Sony, Casio(just to name a few).
So how do you decide which brand or model to go for? (other than the obvious price consideration). There is certainly no BEST camera. But I do think there is a BEST camera of an occasion. So what you need to do, is to understand what kind of photos you are likely to take, under what kind of lighting situations.
Since this article is NOT about Digital SLR - or the BEST image quality. I just want to talk about 3 main factors :
1. Portability/Battery life
2. Wide-Angle or Zoom lens
3. Image quality - especially under low light
4. usability in various weather conditions
Questions to ask yourself
1. Do I take mostly indoor photos ? or outdoor photos?
2. Do I take mostly daylight photos or night photos?
3. Do I take photos in very cold weather conditions and where i'm likely to get wet?
4. Do I take photos of wild animals or birds?
5. Do I really care about video capabilities?
Personally, for compact cameras, my choices are :
Weather proof, water proof, shock proof - Winner goes to Olympus. They win hands down in this category, I think no other company comes close to them. And at this time, the winning model is µTough 8000.
Small, portable, wide-angle, multi-purpose. I choose the Lumix LX3. This is the smallest compact camera I know that spots a F2.0-F2.8 lens ;) Couple with a new camera sensor and the wide angle lens (24mm-60mm)... this tiny camera really packs a punch for the night shooter. The wide angle also works well indoors in confined spaces (perfect for all those group photos)
High zoom cameras
These range of cameras are usually not as portable as the previous 2 categories, but still smaller than your typical DSLR camera. Once such model is the Lumix FZ28 which spots a 18x zoom and still manages a 27mm wide. Newer models and higher zooms are surfacing in 2009, take a look at Olympus offering : the SP-590UZ which features a 26X zoom lens that covers a 26-676mm equivalent focal length range.
What about video? If video is your thing I would suggest you get a HD digital video camera rather than a still camera. Casio does have a range of cameras that offers HIGH-SPEED video recording. See here. The high-speed burst photo taking feature is interesting for taking sports or high action photos. (Although I think this is a battery killer and probably wont work in low light)
So what do you do? You carry your compact camera that can fit into your pocket. It's portable, it's small, and it doubles as a photo viewer to share your photos with you friends.
As usual, the market is flooded with many models from many camera makers - Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Olympus, Panasonic, Sony, Casio(just to name a few).
So how do you decide which brand or model to go for? (other than the obvious price consideration). There is certainly no BEST camera. But I do think there is a BEST camera of an occasion. So what you need to do, is to understand what kind of photos you are likely to take, under what kind of lighting situations.
Since this article is NOT about Digital SLR - or the BEST image quality. I just want to talk about 3 main factors :
1. Portability/Battery life
2. Wide-Angle or Zoom lens
3. Image quality - especially under low light
4. usability in various weather conditions
Questions to ask yourself
1. Do I take mostly indoor photos ? or outdoor photos?
2. Do I take mostly daylight photos or night photos?
3. Do I take photos in very cold weather conditions and where i'm likely to get wet?
4. Do I take photos of wild animals or birds?
5. Do I really care about video capabilities?
Personally, for compact cameras, my choices are :
Weather proof, water proof, shock proof - Winner goes to Olympus. They win hands down in this category, I think no other company comes close to them. And at this time, the winning model is µTough 8000.
Small, portable, wide-angle, multi-purpose. I choose the Lumix LX3. This is the smallest compact camera I know that spots a F2.0-F2.8 lens ;) Couple with a new camera sensor and the wide angle lens (24mm-60mm)... this tiny camera really packs a punch for the night shooter. The wide angle also works well indoors in confined spaces (perfect for all those group photos)
High zoom cameras
These range of cameras are usually not as portable as the previous 2 categories, but still smaller than your typical DSLR camera. Once such model is the Lumix FZ28 which spots a 18x zoom and still manages a 27mm wide. Newer models and higher zooms are surfacing in 2009, take a look at Olympus offering : the SP-590UZ which features a 26X zoom lens that covers a 26-676mm equivalent focal length range.
What about video? If video is your thing I would suggest you get a HD digital video camera rather than a still camera. Casio does have a range of cameras that offers HIGH-SPEED video recording. See here. The high-speed burst photo taking feature is interesting for taking sports or high action photos. (Although I think this is a battery killer and probably wont work in low light)
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Pentax K-7 , the compact DSLR
PENTAX recently announced their new mid-class DSLR digital camera, the PENTAX K-7.
Despite its compact, lightweight body, this new model brings together a wide array of advanced functions and user-friendly features with outstanding reliability as well. Ease of high-quality digital photography is now in your hands!!
PENTAX has revised and upgraded the viewfinder, shutter unit, continuous-shooting capacity, and exposure and the autofocus systems. Pentax K-7 has a metallic body but still spots a very compact and functional design.
One of the new feature is the high dynamic range (HDR) to create one composite image with an extra-wide gradation range from three images with different exposures
The body is constructed with 77 special seals which enable the camera to be dustproof, weather-resistant and cold-resistant - and boast reliable operation even under -10°C.
What about the image sensor? 14.6 megapixels,ISO 100 to ISO 6400
For more information, please visit some of the photography sites like http://dpreview.com
Despite its compact, lightweight body, this new model brings together a wide array of advanced functions and user-friendly features with outstanding reliability as well. Ease of high-quality digital photography is now in your hands!!
PENTAX has revised and upgraded the viewfinder, shutter unit, continuous-shooting capacity, and exposure and the autofocus systems. Pentax K-7 has a metallic body but still spots a very compact and functional design.
One of the new feature is the high dynamic range (HDR) to create one composite image with an extra-wide gradation range from three images with different exposures
The body is constructed with 77 special seals which enable the camera to be dustproof, weather-resistant and cold-resistant - and boast reliable operation even under -10°C.
What about the image sensor? 14.6 megapixels,ISO 100 to ISO 6400
For more information, please visit some of the photography sites like http://dpreview.com
Monday, June 8, 2009
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