Feb 02 2012

Nikon Coolpix P310

Category: Photographers, Technology Insights — djordan @ 8:55 am

The Nikon Coolpix P310 is another point and shoot—except it’s completely gorgeous. The boxy design is a matte slate of black perfection. Everyone line is clean, every centimeter accounted for, every button well-placed. Make more things like this.

Inside, the P310 is no dinky shooter: 16 megapixel stills, 1080p video recording, an assignable front function button, full manual controls, image stabilization, and a swank f/1.8 zoom NIKKOR lens. By my god—it’s so small! What you’re looking at is only 4.1 x 2.3 x 1.3 inches—easily pocketable. But I don’t want to keep it in any pocket. I want to look at it. Boxy is beautiful. More angles. Cameras shouldn’t resemble spaceships. Check for it next month at $330. [Nikon]

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Jan 27 2012

Sigma Corporation of America announces the passing of Michihiro Yamaki

Category: Business & Marketing, Technology Insights, The Industry — djordan @ 11:51 am

Imaging manufacturer’s pioneering CEO, founder led company for more than 50 years

RONKONKOMA, NY, Jan. 27, 2012 – With great sadness, Sigma Corporation of America today announced the passing of Sigma Corporation’s founder and CEO Michihiro Yamaki. He died of liver cancer in Tokyo, Japan, on Jan. 18 at the age of 78

“We are deeply saddened by this loss,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “Mr. Yamaki was an industry visionary, and his leadership and enthusiasm has been the driving force behind our company’s innovation for more than 50 years. We’re sending our deepest condolences to the Yamaki family, and our entire Sigma family around the world, during this very difficult time.”

Yamaki founded Sigma Corporation on Sept. 9, 1961 with the development of the first-ever rear attached lens converter. At that time, most photo enthusiasts believed that a lens converter could only be attached to the front of a camera lens and the 27-year-old optical engineer turned conventional optical theory on its head. Sigma Corporation celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2011 with Yamaki still at the company’s helm.

Throughout his years in the photo industry, Yamaki has been focused on producing high-quality, high-performance photographic technology at moderate prices. His goal for the company has always been to make outstanding image quality accessible to all photographers. To this end, he grew the family-owned organization into a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider of lenses, cameras and flashes. The company is now known as the largest, independent SLR lens manufacturer in the world, producing more than 50 current lenses that are compatible with most manufacturers, including Sigma, Canon, Sony, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax and Sony.

In 2008, under Yamaki’s direction, Sigma Corporation purchased Foveon, a California-based company that’s renowned for developing the X3 image sensor technology. This patented, three-layer image sensor captures all primary RGB colors at each pixel location arranged in three layers to deliver outstanding, high-resolution, high-definition images with impressive three-dimensional detail and rich gradation. Last year, the company announced the arrival of its SD1, a groundbreaking, 46-megapixel direct image sensor camera, offering more megapixels than any other DSLR currently on the market. Sigma Corporation continued its theme of addressing gaps in the industry and the needs of photographers by kicking off 2012 with the launch of its new, Digital Neo (DN) line of lenses for Micro Four Thirds and E-mount camera systems.

In addition to his inventions and photographic foresight, Yamaki made many other contributions to the industry in his 78 years of life. He served organizations such as: the Japan Photographic Enterprises Association, Japan Machinery Design Center, Japan Optomechatronics Association, Photographic Society of Japan, and Japan Camera Industry Institute. He has also been honored with the “Person of the Year” award from The Photoimaging Manufacturers & Distributors Association (PMDA), the “Hall of Fame” award from the International Photographic Council (IPC), and the Golden Photokina Pin for his longtime contribution to the imaging industry.

About Sigma Corporation

For more than 50 years, Sigma Corporation’s expertise and innovation has driven the company’s core philosophy of “knowledge, plus experience, plus imagination,” with an emphasis on producing high-quality, high-performance photographic technology at moderate prices. This family-owned organization is the largest, independent SLR lens manufacturer in the world, producing more than 40 lenses that are compatible with most manufacturers, including Sigma, Canon, Sony, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic and Pentax. Sigma Corporation also produces digital SLR cameras and high-definition digital compact cameras. The company is headquartered in Japan, with offices strategically located throughout Europe, Asia and North America. For information, please visit www.sigmaphoto.com.

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Jan 20 2012

Hands-on: A Preview of the Fujifilm X-Pro1 Camera System

Category: Technology Insights, Viewpoint — djordan @ 11:17 am

fujifilm_X-Pro1-SystemBy Bob Rose

While the recent 2012 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas (January 10-13) was the setting for a number of new but somewhat evolutionary camera introductions, Fujifilm decided to take a revolutionary step in their recent evolution by introducing a completely new interchangeable lens camera system.

The Fujifilm X-Pro1 was designed for wedding, portrait, commercial and fine art photographers, and follows closely in the retro styling made famous by the X100 and the X10 cameras—solid and well built.

The X-Pro1 is not a rangefinder but instead a step up for compact interchangeable-lens cameras offering an advanced Hybrid Multi Viewfinder providing your choice of both and Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) and Optical Viewfinder (OVF).

Besides the unusually sturdy construction and extensive use of machined metal parts, the key to its quality is the completely new APS-C 16Mpxl “X-Trans CMOS” sensor.

As the only digital camera manufacturer with true film experience, Fujifilm looked deep into the structure and mechanics of the way digital images are most often created and determined that they could introduce a more “organic” and higher quality look by changing the rules a bit.

Continue reading “Hands-on: A Preview of the Fujifilm X-Pro1 Camera System”

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Jan 13 2012

Nikon D4 Hands-On: The Photographer’s Newest Deadly Weapon

Category: Technology Insights — djordan @ 11:48 am

If you’re used to shooting with an everyday DSLR, the Nikon D4 is like holding fully-automatic machine gun for the first time.

Pulling the trigger on the D4 is wonderfully satisfying. When you’re shooting in continuous mode, frames peel off super-fast thanks to Nikon’s new EXPEED 3 processor, which gets you up to 11 fps in RAW. The camera has a big buffer for continuous shooting, but I learned that the new processor is so powerful that it will capture up to 50 RAW frames before even going to buffer. I didn’t push that last claim to its conclusion at the Nikon CES booth, but I held down the shutter release for a while without the camera choking up.

Compared to inexpensive DSLRs the Nikon D4 is big and heavy, but it’s actually much more manageable than other professional cameras. It’s light enough to use with one hand for maybe a minute, but make no mistake: This is a lot of camera. Don’t plan on hanging the D4 from your neck all day. It fills up both of my hands when I hold it on the bottom and from the grip on the right side. To really get the most out of the camera’s programable dials and buttons, you’re going to want to hold it this way anyway.

Other notes: The camera sports an impressive autofocus that adjusted instantaneously on the show floor. I watched some of the HD video shot with the camera blown up to the size of a wall and it is gorgeous. Based on what I could see on the LCD, the camera makes good decisions and takes great photos in automatic and priority exposure modes. On the brightly lit show floor I couldn’t try the low-light performance we’ve heard so much about, but I’m looking forward to seeing it in action when production models are available.

We obviously can’t say anything definitive until a full review, but, it’s pretty plain to see that the D4 is going to be a powerful workhorse of a camera. Unfortunately, if you don’t have $6000 lying around you’re never going to own one. [gizmodo]

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Jan 12 2012

Fuji X-Pro1

Category: Technology Insights — djordan @ 12:37 pm

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It’s beautiful, simple to use, and elegant. And the Fuji X-Pro1 is rightly going to end up in a lot of camera bags when it hits the streets.

What impressed us the most was just how easy the this gorgeous mirrorless camera is to use. Aperture is controlled by a ring around the lens. Shutter speed is controlled by a dial on the top of camera. If want the camera to automatically control these features? Just set them to “A.” Simplicity itself.

A hybrid viewfinder lets you toggle back and forth between the viewfinder and the rear display. Perfect for taking overhead shots. All the camera’s display options are visible in both the back display and in the viewfinder, so you don’t have to pull the camera away from your eye while adjusting settings. Our only beef with the X-Pro1 might be that the autofocus won’t be as snappy as we’d like. If you’re used to a nice point-and-shoot or DSLR’s speedy autofocus, this could be frustrating. But hey, beauty always comes at a price.

Oh, speaking of which: X-Pro1 should be ready at the end of February for around (*gulp!*) $2400. [Fuji]

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Jan 10 2012

Samsung’s Zoomy Wi-Fi Camera

Category: Technology Insights — djordan @ 2:21 pm

It’s not news that smartphone cameras have gotten so good that even tiny, excellent point-and-shoot cameras for all their benefits can seem, well, a little unnecessary. Samsung’s WB850F hopes to change your mind with an incredibly zoomy lens and improved Wi-Fi integration.

Your smartphone doesn’t and probably won’t ever have optical zoom, and if that’s something you’re looking for, the WB850F gives you a 21x optical zoom. That’s way more zoom zoom than its competitors.

The other key selling point on the Samsung WB850F is Samsung’s sweet Wi-Fi features. Wi-Fi isn’t new to Samsung cameras, but it’s worth noting how well the SH100 played with your other toys. Samsung’s Remote Viewfinder application, for example, allows you to use your Galaxy S or Galaxy Tab as a remote control the SH100 camera. Similarly the built-in Wi-Fi makes it easy to share your photos and videos on Facebook, Picasa, and YouTube directly from the camera.

Will Samsung's Zoomy, Wi-Fi Cameras Beat Out Your Smartphone For Your Love?Samsung’s new “SMART Wi-Fi” technology builds on what the SH100 offered adding auto back-up and making it easier to ge your photos wherever and whenever you want them. Once you’ve synced your PC with your camera one time, your photos will automatically back-up every time your camera and your computer are connected to the same network. You can also set your photos to upload to Samsung’s AllShare Play cloud locker service or Microsoft SkyDrive. Another cool incoming feature is Samsung Mobile Link, which makes it easy to port your photos over to your Samsung phone, tablet, or internet connected TV.

As for the key image quality and performance specs the WB850F has a 16.2 Megapixels CMOS—most likely a 1/2.33″ sensor—1080/30p or 60i video, and a 3.0 VGA AMOLED display. The specs are nothing to go bananas over, but hey, it’s a lot better than what’s on your phone, and as for the lens, there’s really no competition. There will also be two lower-end models with the same connectivity features. The WB150F has a 14.2 megapixel sensor and 18x optical zoom. The ST200F has a 14.2 megapixel sensor and 10x optical zoom. Both shoot 720/30p video. [Samsung]

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Jan 09 2012

The New Canon ELPH

Category: Technology Insights — djordan @ 12:21 pm


The new Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS will carry Canon’s fast new processor. If you want a new point-and-shoot, now might be the time to upgrade.

The ELPH 520 HS has a 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, and a 12x optical zoom lens packed into a skinny package. Those specs aren’t anything mind-blowing for a $300 point-and-shoot camera, though. What’s really exciting about this camera is that it’s powered by Canon’s new Digic 5 processor, which improves the camera’s low-light performance and auto-white balance—all in addition to making the camera a generally faster, more responsive package. A scaled back Canon PowerShot ELPH 110 HS Digital Camera features 5X optical zoom, and 16-megapixel sensor. Both cameras shoot 1080p video.

Both units feature new additions to Canon’s Smart AUTO, which detects 58 different types of scenes. The tech has a new parent-friendly face ID feature, which prioritizes between different people in the scene based on whether they are babies, children, or adults. When the feature is on, the camera will adjust to focus on and properly expose the youngest person in the scene.

The 500 HS will be available in March for $300, the 110 HS will be available in February for $250. [Canon]

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Jan 07 2012

Fuji’s Next Beautiful Mirrorless Camera Leaks

Category: Technology Insights — djordan @ 10:23 am

Mirrorless compact cameras are the hottest shooters bouncing around right now, and Fujifilm’s next star just leaked: the X-Pro1 sports a gorgeous vintage look, 16-megapixel APS-CMOS guts, along with a slew of heavy duty metal lenses to swap out.

The leak came from Wells Fargo, of all places, and details some very attractive kit:

The highlight of the offerings is the Fujifilm X-Pro1, which is a highly featured compact system camera. Fuji-filim said it will build on the success of the X100 model, by adding a camera that features a custom-developed 16-megapixel APS-CMOS sensor incorporating a new filter array and the company’s proprietary EXR processor technology.

The camera also includes a second-generation hybrid view-finder and takes three prime interchangeable Fuji-non lenses, all with fast apertures.

The lenses include: the 18mm (27mm equivalent) f/2.0, 35mm (53mm equivalent) f/1.4 and 60mm (90mm equivalent) f/2.4.

No concrete word on pricing or availability yet—a $1,600 price tag is rumored—but we have a feeling this pretty little thing will be in our hands at CES next week (along with the rest of the gear Fuji just dumped), so keep your photog mouth shut before you drool. [Wells Fargo via Verge]

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Jan 06 2012

Can the Nikon D4 Soon Become the Latest and Greatest DSLR?

Category: Photographers, Technology Insights — djordan @ 8:22 am


Not much info to go off of here, but the French publication Responses Photo published some shots of what might be the Nikon D4. If this is in fact accurate, Nikon’s new flagship DSLR could be right around the corner.

Technically, it doesn’t exist, but has been recently rumored for a release. As far as specs go, the article merely says that it has an a 16 megapixel FX sensor, 51 point autofocus, 1080p video recording, an ISO range of 100-12,800, weighs 1.34 kilograms and will sell for 5800 Euros. Not sure about you, but I’m definitely excited to see what Nikon has up their sleeve. [Nikon Rumors]

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Mar 18 2011

Don’t Chimp, Do “Overexpose”: David Pogue’s Latest Lessons Covered for Pros

Category: AfterCapture & Rangefinder Articles, In-Camera Techniques, Technology Insights — Ethan G. Salwen @ 9:39 am

Yesterday David Pogue reported that he recently had a private photography lesson with Tom Bear. Pogue, who pens a witty, brilliant technology blog for “The New York Times,” learned two critical lessons from Bear that I have addressed in AfterCapture articles. For pro-level learning, check them out.

• Pogue’s “Always Overexpose” Lesson: “Tom almost always shoots slightly overexposed. You can always tone down the brights in Photoshop later. But if the shot was underexposed, it’s much harder to recover the details that are lost in shadow. ‘And always overexpose women,’ he said. ‘Overexposing kills wrinkles.’”

AfterCapture Blog_110318_ac4_Raw_ProcessingPro Insights on the Topic: In “Getting RAW Exposure Right: Making an Excellent In-Camera Exposure is a Critical Step in RAW Processing” I call on the expertise of photographers Richard Anderson, Dan Stack and Michael Stewart to explain that, with RAW files, it is better to err on the side of overexposure. However, if this “overexposure” is not detrimental to the image than it is not really over-exposing but proper-exposing.

The article goes it to techie specifics, suggestions for how to handle exposure in different situations, and discusses how to consider the “subjective factor” of exposure.

• Pogue’s “Don’t Chimp!” Lesson: “Tom suggests being careful to avoid ‘chimping,’ a term I’d never heard before. That’s where you get so excited about looking at the playback of your photos on the camera’s screen that you miss the great shots still available around you. (Why is that ‘chimping?’ Because you’re standing there, looking at your playback like an idiot, going, ‘Ooh! Ooh! Ooh!’)

AfterCapture Blog_110318_ac6_Beyond_ChimpingPro Insights on the Topic: In “Beyond Chimping: How To Enhance (or Reclaim) Your Strong Sense of Vision While Shooting Digital” I transmit the expert insights of commercial photographers Andy Batt, Clem Spalding and Stewart Cohen, who all suggest that chimping is a form of insecurity that can be deadly to professional photographers. However, they  point out that chimping isn’t always chimping — when used in an intelligent manner to improve vision and to know that you’ve truly bagged the shot.

The importance is to know the difference “reflexive chimping” (the bad kind) and intelligent review of images. To help pros do less of the first and more of the second, I offer a practical exercise.

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