Babies are every parent's pride and joy. Many new moms and dads arm themselves with the latest snappers in order to document each precious moment, from capturing a video of their child's first words to taking a snapshot of baby's first steps.A cool camera, sky corridors.In a child's first two years, getting sharp still pictures is usually easier as toddlers learn to walk. Beyond that age, many parents face disappointment when they realize that their cameras fall short with images looking out-of-focus due to hyperactive kids.
The ideal point-and-shoot for parents would be one that has swift autofocus speeds to capture a moving child. It should also have a fast startup time and be ready to shoot at a moment's notice. Besides being lightweight and portable enough to slip into a diaper bag, the ideal camera should feature mode settings optimized for capturing children, such as Fujifilm's FinePix F500EXR, which has a baby mode as well as in-camera processing options for portraiture
Other shooters have unique features, such as the Samsung ST700, which allows users to load cute animations into its front-facing LCD in order to capture a child's attention when taking a picture. Lastly, when the situation calls for it, the snapper should be fitted with a dedicated video button to allow for users to start recording video with a single touch in order to capture that "Kodak" moment.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
A cool camera, sky corridors
Here's an angle worth looking at: Photographer Mark Duncan has just made the first AP Olympic image shot with a controllable overhead robotic camera. He did it at the Aquatics Center, where AP will be producing imagery shot with such cameras throughout the Olympic games — both underwater and above.Airspace above North Brabant province usually is used by Dutch F16 pilots as a training area, but authorities say the Top Guns are going to spread their wings elsewhere over the country and the North Sea to make way for London-bound Olympic flights carrying athletes or spectators.
Miles of cables have been installed by news organizations and some have been inadvertently damaged in the rush by builders to get everything ready. At the hockey venue inside the Olympic Park, new fences were fitted for safety reasons — and they've damaged crucial wiring.Worst-case scenario: Major cabling damage could theoretically close off an entire venue in terms of data transmission — whether text, photos or TV images.
Technicians are being sent back repeatedly to check that everything's OK — and they're worried. Wednesday is the last day anyone's officially allowed to wire things up and yet there's potential for damage for several more days.potted at the Olympic Park McDonald's: a camera crew interviewing a cashier about the delicacies under the Golden Arches. Must be a slow news day.
Miles of cables have been installed by news organizations and some have been inadvertently damaged in the rush by builders to get everything ready. At the hockey venue inside the Olympic Park, new fences were fitted for safety reasons — and they've damaged crucial wiring.Worst-case scenario: Major cabling damage could theoretically close off an entire venue in terms of data transmission — whether text, photos or TV images.
Technicians are being sent back repeatedly to check that everything's OK — and they're worried. Wednesday is the last day anyone's officially allowed to wire things up and yet there's potential for damage for several more days.potted at the Olympic Park McDonald's: a camera crew interviewing a cashier about the delicacies under the Golden Arches. Must be a slow news day.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Canon Announces EOS M, Its First Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera
Panasonic's new cameras aim for ambitious amateurs.Canon announced its first and much-anticipated foray into the mirrorless interchangeable lens camera space, the EOS M. Despite its compact size, the camera has an 18-megapixel APS-C sensor and a Digic 5 image processor, which were previously only found in the company's DSLRs. The EOS M also offers a beginner-friendly touchscreen interface. The Canon EOS M was announced on Monday.
PCWorld Australia got its hands on a pre-production model and reports, “…what was immediately noticeable about the EOS M is just how quickly and effortlessly it can focus. It was set so that we didn't even have to press the shutter button halfway down; every time the camera was pointed to a near object from a far object, the focus changed almost immediately and it was spot-on accurate. With the new 18-55mm kit lens, accurate focusing can be made from a distance of 25cm away; with the 22mm pancake lens, focusing can be from as close as 15cm.”
The EOS M does have a few physical buttons, but you also use its 3-inch fixed touchscreen to control the camera. The interface supports pinching, swiping, and tapping gestures that smartphone and tablet users will likely appreciate.As for still images, Canon has posted some samples that show rich colors, minute detail, shallow depth of field, and evidence that the camera handles low-light situations admirably. The video capabilities on the EOS M are also impressive given its size.
PCWorld Australia got its hands on a pre-production model and reports, “…what was immediately noticeable about the EOS M is just how quickly and effortlessly it can focus. It was set so that we didn't even have to press the shutter button halfway down; every time the camera was pointed to a near object from a far object, the focus changed almost immediately and it was spot-on accurate. With the new 18-55mm kit lens, accurate focusing can be made from a distance of 25cm away; with the 22mm pancake lens, focusing can be from as close as 15cm.”
The EOS M does have a few physical buttons, but you also use its 3-inch fixed touchscreen to control the camera. The interface supports pinching, swiping, and tapping gestures that smartphone and tablet users will likely appreciate.As for still images, Canon has posted some samples that show rich colors, minute detail, shallow depth of field, and evidence that the camera handles low-light situations admirably. The video capabilities on the EOS M are also impressive given its size.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Panasonic's new cameras aim for ambitious amateurs
Panasonic has released a few new cameras generally focused on the high-end consumer market, with capabilities aimed at serious amateur photographers. Budget-minded shooters should look elsewhere, but others may find the new gear very compelling.Their mirrorless lineup has been updated with the G5 model, a modest but significant improvement over the popular G3. It has a new 16-megapixel sensor that will shoot at up to 12,800 ISO, and Panasonic claims low-light performance has been improved generally as well.
The rear articulating touchscreen has twice as many pixels as before, going from 480x320 to 640x480, though the electronic viewfinder appears to be unchanged.It'll shoot six frames per second and takes 1080p video at a fairly high bitrate, putting it on a level with nicer camcorders and DSLRs. Panasonic also says the autofocus is among the world's fastest, acquiring a subject in less than a tenth of a second.
Next is the luxury point-and-shoot, the LX7. It packs some serious glass: an F/1.4-2.3 3.8x zoom, meaning low-light shots should be a snap, even if you zoom in. It's probably the fastest lens in a compact camera today.The LX7 also has improved autofocus and video capabilities, the result of a new 10-megapixel sensor. That may not sound like a lot these days, but when the image quality is good, you don't often need more.
The rear articulating touchscreen has twice as many pixels as before, going from 480x320 to 640x480, though the electronic viewfinder appears to be unchanged.It'll shoot six frames per second and takes 1080p video at a fairly high bitrate, putting it on a level with nicer camcorders and DSLRs. Panasonic also says the autofocus is among the world's fastest, acquiring a subject in less than a tenth of a second.
Next is the luxury point-and-shoot, the LX7. It packs some serious glass: an F/1.4-2.3 3.8x zoom, meaning low-light shots should be a snap, even if you zoom in. It's probably the fastest lens in a compact camera today.The LX7 also has improved autofocus and video capabilities, the result of a new 10-megapixel sensor. That may not sound like a lot these days, but when the image quality is good, you don't often need more.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Create Beautiful Star-Trail Photos With Almost Any Camera
If you're a space geek like me, you know that this has been a great season. Not only did we get to witness the extraordinary transit of Venus across the sun in June,Carry Your Camera on Any Strap but we also enjoyed a spectacular annular solar eclipse in May. And more recently, NASA announced that one of the Voyager probes has finally left the solar system for interstellar space.
Such events turn my attention to astrophotography. Some time ago, I told you how to shoot the moon, and I've also explained the basics of shooting star trails by using very long exposures. This week, I'll focus on shooting star trails by taking lots of relatively short exposures and then combining the results.You have a lot of ways to capture the beauty of the night sky with a camera, but shooting star trails is among the easiest, mainly because you can do it with almost any camera.
To take a star-trail photo like this one, all you need is a camera with a manual exposure mode; such a camera will let you dial in the shutter speed and aperture setting independently. To make things easier, you'll want either a remote shutter release that you can lock (so that the camera takes photo after photo with no intervention from you) or an "intervalometer" mode, in which you can schedule the camera to take a set of photos automatically. Check your camera's menu or user guide to see whether it has such a mode.
Such events turn my attention to astrophotography. Some time ago, I told you how to shoot the moon, and I've also explained the basics of shooting star trails by using very long exposures. This week, I'll focus on shooting star trails by taking lots of relatively short exposures and then combining the results.You have a lot of ways to capture the beauty of the night sky with a camera, but shooting star trails is among the easiest, mainly because you can do it with almost any camera.
To take a star-trail photo like this one, all you need is a camera with a manual exposure mode; such a camera will let you dial in the shutter speed and aperture setting independently. To make things easier, you'll want either a remote shutter release that you can lock (so that the camera takes photo after photo with no intervention from you) or an "intervalometer" mode, in which you can schedule the camera to take a set of photos automatically. Check your camera's menu or user guide to see whether it has such a mode.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Carry Your Camera on Any Strap
There are a fair number of clever straps available for your digital S.L.R. camera, but sometimes the last thing you want to be carrying is yet another strap.The $80 Peak Design Capture is a quick-release camera mount that can be attached to a belt or any strap — like the one on your backpack or handbag — so your camera is always accessible, not swaying and not getting tangled.
It is a very solid little device made of powder-coated aluminum with two mounting screws that you can adjust without tools. Once the screws are loosened, two plates separate to fit over a strap up to 3 inches wide and a half-inch thick.A mounting plate screws to the bottom of your camera and slides into the mechanism, which unlocks when you press a red release button.
The company claims its clip device can hold up to 150 pounds, just in case you have a camera made of pig iron.That mounting plate is compatible with Arca-Swiss-style tripod heads, so you don't have to take the mount off to pop your camera on a secure base."We said all along that the cameras were needed because of safety issues," Stevens said. "They've definitely worked — people are much more aware of the dangers of the intersection."
It is a very solid little device made of powder-coated aluminum with two mounting screws that you can adjust without tools. Once the screws are loosened, two plates separate to fit over a strap up to 3 inches wide and a half-inch thick.A mounting plate screws to the bottom of your camera and slides into the mechanism, which unlocks when you press a red release button.
The company claims its clip device can hold up to 150 pounds, just in case you have a camera made of pig iron.That mounting plate is compatible with Arca-Swiss-style tripod heads, so you don't have to take the mount off to pop your camera on a secure base."We said all along that the cameras were needed because of safety issues," Stevens said. "They've definitely worked — people are much more aware of the dangers of the intersection."
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Canon camera's grip could cause allergic reactions
Been inexplicably sneezing or feeling itchy recently? It could be an allergic reaction to that shiny new Canon EOS Rebel T4i camera you just bought.Canon just put out a notice telling owners of the recently released camera that some of the units have been having chemical reactions that result in the grip changing colors and which could possibly lead to allergic reactions.
The Japanese camera company says a number of units produced between late May and mid-June contained a slightly higher amount of rubber accelerator than normal.That in turn is leading to a chemical reaction that creates the substance zinc bis, which turns the cameras' grips white and which could potentially cause allergic reactions, Canon said.Samsung Announced the EX2F All-Purpose Compact Camera.
"Please note that the occurrence of allergic skin reactions depend on the target substance, length of contact with the target substance, one's health and physical conditions, and sensitivity of one's skin structure, and not everyone will be affected by allergic symptoms," Canon said in its note.If you want to check your T4i and see if you're among the affected, check your camera's serial number. If the sixth digit is 2 or higher, you're all clear. If it isn't, enter your serial number on this page set up by Canon, and it'll notify you whether your camera is among the affected.
The Japanese camera company says a number of units produced between late May and mid-June contained a slightly higher amount of rubber accelerator than normal.That in turn is leading to a chemical reaction that creates the substance zinc bis, which turns the cameras' grips white and which could potentially cause allergic reactions, Canon said.Samsung Announced the EX2F All-Purpose Compact Camera.
"Please note that the occurrence of allergic skin reactions depend on the target substance, length of contact with the target substance, one's health and physical conditions, and sensitivity of one's skin structure, and not everyone will be affected by allergic symptoms," Canon said in its note.If you want to check your T4i and see if you're among the affected, check your camera's serial number. If the sixth digit is 2 or higher, you're all clear. If it isn't, enter your serial number on this page set up by Canon, and it'll notify you whether your camera is among the affected.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Samsung Announced the EX2F All-Purpose Compact Camera
B&H Photo Video is excited to share the release of the new Samsung EX2F all-purpose small digital camera, which features a wide variety of unique and creative features to always keep one creating and sharing memories. While it may look like a glorified point-and-shoot it is capable of taking 12.4 Mp photos, as well as Full HD 1920 x 1080p video.
Of course this is not new, however what does make it stand out is the fact that it can actually do both of these at the same time! Capture simultaneous photos and videos without missing a beat. Choose between timeless photographs in exchange for HD video, and vice versa. Just turn both on and catch it all.The EX2F Digital Camera from Samsung aims to be an all-purpose small digital camera, that provides beautiful AMOLED display for just that reason.
View, edit, and share all in-camera on the 3.0″ screen–or connect to a computer or HDTV instead. The EX2F's fun and creative image enhancements allows to create unique and compelling photos without the need for a computer and expensive photo editor. Shoot, edit, and display as a slideshow on your HDTV in mere moments, allowing everyone in the room to immediately see enhanced images.
Of course this is not new, however what does make it stand out is the fact that it can actually do both of these at the same time! Capture simultaneous photos and videos without missing a beat. Choose between timeless photographs in exchange for HD video, and vice versa. Just turn both on and catch it all.The EX2F Digital Camera from Samsung aims to be an all-purpose small digital camera, that provides beautiful AMOLED display for just that reason.
View, edit, and share all in-camera on the 3.0″ screen–or connect to a computer or HDTV instead. The EX2F's fun and creative image enhancements allows to create unique and compelling photos without the need for a computer and expensive photo editor. Shoot, edit, and display as a slideshow on your HDTV in mere moments, allowing everyone in the room to immediately see enhanced images.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Camera-inspired items
Sure, we've seen our share of weird accessories that may come across as odd or absurd, but what about the cleverly-designed items inspired by cameras? Polaroid Introduces New Z2300 Instant Digital Camera.Some shutterbugs would go to great lengths to acquire camera-inspired items to remind them of their beloved snappers. They may come in the form of cufflinks to match an outfit or a pencil sharpener resembling a vintage twin-lens reflex camera.
We've scoured the Web and rounded up some of the more interesting peripherals that may interest you, take a look. DealExtreme's handheld fan looks like a miniature version of Canon's 70-200mm ED telephoto lens. Powered by two AAA batteries, this gadget comes with two fan blades that help you keep cool during your intense photo sessions. The device is made entirely of plastic and claims to feature low power consumption for extended use. Available in black and gray, the Unique SLR Zoom Lens Shaped Handheld Cooling Fan can be yours for a mere US$5.60 inclusive of free worldwide shipping.
There are times where lens mugs just don't cut it for a cocktail party. Enter Photojojo's Shot Glass Lens Set which is a set of three shot glasses that are miniature replicas of Canons' EF 24-105mm L lens. The glasses feature intricate details such as ridges on the focusing ring and an On/Off switch to make them look more realistic. They can also be used for other applications besides containing alcohol, such as to hold toothpicks and paperclips. If you need something to hold your drink, a set of three glasses goes for US$18 on Photojojo.
We've scoured the Web and rounded up some of the more interesting peripherals that may interest you, take a look. DealExtreme's handheld fan looks like a miniature version of Canon's 70-200mm ED telephoto lens. Powered by two AAA batteries, this gadget comes with two fan blades that help you keep cool during your intense photo sessions. The device is made entirely of plastic and claims to feature low power consumption for extended use. Available in black and gray, the Unique SLR Zoom Lens Shaped Handheld Cooling Fan can be yours for a mere US$5.60 inclusive of free worldwide shipping.
There are times where lens mugs just don't cut it for a cocktail party. Enter Photojojo's Shot Glass Lens Set which is a set of three shot glasses that are miniature replicas of Canons' EF 24-105mm L lens. The glasses feature intricate details such as ridges on the focusing ring and an On/Off switch to make them look more realistic. They can also be used for other applications besides containing alcohol, such as to hold toothpicks and paperclips. If you need something to hold your drink, a set of three glasses goes for US$18 on Photojojo.
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