Life's a Bokeh

New August 2010 Canon Product Launch

If you're reading this, chances are you're already aware of a number of recent new products announced by Canon in the last couple days.

Following is a recap:

• The widely anticipated Canon 60D - fits between the T2i and 7D in the lineup, somewhat scaled down in size from the 50D and a lot less expensive than the 7D. It also moves to from CF to the SD memory format and is Eye-Fi "connected" which is a big plus in my book.
• Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 L IS USM - L version of the very popular but dated 70-300 IS* lens - depending on the price, it looks like a compelling product that will be very popular.
• Canon EF 8-15mm f/4 L USM fisheye lens - the first L grade fisheye from Canon that I'm aware of. I'll just bet this is an amazing lens with and extraordinary price tag.  USM really makes the lens special along with the ability to adjust based on sensor sizes.
• Canon EF 300mm f/2.8 IS USM II
• Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 IS USM II
• Canon EF 500mm f/4 IS USM II
• Canon EF 600mm f/4 IS USM II
• Canon EF 1.4x Tele-Extender III - I own both TCs but use them infrequently.
• Canon EF 2x Tele-Extender III - Reputed to be best on prime lenses, compatible with my 70-200 f/2.8 IS L but slows the autofocus considerably

I know there are still some additional announcements in the pipeline since it is widely anticipated that the Canon 1Ds IV is immanent. I haven't heard anything recently but I am holding out hope for the 24-70 f/2.8 IS L which would be a compelling purchase.  I only hope I can afford it when it comes.

Very curious to see what the MSRP prices will be on the 60D and various lenses above.

*The very popular standard EF 70-300 IS USM lens is missing from the Canon website so it may have been discontinued which is rather surprising given how popular it has been.  I see they are still available for sale new on the B&H website.  I hope this means the price point of the two were too close to have both.

Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid Race Car Photos

Porsche Hybrid Race Car Photos

While in the Porsche exhibition at the 2010 Concours in Pebble Beach I snapped a few pictures of the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid race car that I think turned out particularly well.  It doesn't hurt that the car is very photgenic.  Click on the photo to see a larger version.

Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid Race Car - Left Rear Quarter Panel

Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid Race Car - Driver Side Door with "Porsche Intelligent Performance"


Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid Race Car - BBS Wheel with Michelin rubber

All photos taken with the Canon T2i and uploaded on the fly in full resolution with the Eye-Fi X2 Pro memory card via Sprint Mifi card

I have more photos of the GT3 and other Porsches

Canon PowerShot S95 - Eye-Fi "Connected" + Optional Waterproof Case

Canon has launched the PowerShot S95 premium compact as successor to the S90. The latest model includes an upgraded sensor capable of 720p HD video recording as well as multi-aspect ratio shooting, SDXC card compatibility and additional scene modes. Other than these features it inherits a lightly tweaked version of the S90's basic body design including the control ring, 28-105mm F2.0-4.9 stabilized lens and 3.0" LCD.

Jump to:

• Press Release
• Specifications
• Additional images

Pocket power for the serious photographer – Canon launches the new PowerShot S95

London, UK, 19th August 2010 – Canon today unveils the latest model in its successful PowerShot S-series with the launch of the new PowerShot S95 – an advanced, compact digital camera for photographers looking for outstanding low light performance and manual control in a pocket-sized body. Succeeding the highly-acclaimed PowerShot S90, the new model offers improved handling, greater levels of manual control, HD movie capabilities, the HS System and Hybrid IS – providing a powerful feature set capable of superb image quality in all shooting conditions.

Building on the S-series’ core principle of offering advanced manual control and low light performance in a compact body, the new PowerShot S95 takes the range to new heights, with features designed for users who demand maximum control and premium image quality in all conditions. The popular lens Control Ring, introduced with the PowerShot S90, has been improved with greater levels of flexibility, while a bright, f/2.0 lens and Canon’s HS System provide an even more powerful basis for low light and creative photography. The PowerShot S95 is also the first-ever Canon compact to feature Hybrid IS technology, providing improved image stabilization for macro photography.

Improving on both the size and handling of its predecessor, the PowerShot S95 features an even slimmer body at just 29.5 mm thick*1, an improved multi-control dial and the same external coating used on the EOS 7D to improve slip-resistance and grip. Also designed to fit seamlessly into a photographer’s existing workflow, the camera offers RAW format shooting and support for Canon’s Digital Photo Professional (DPP) software.

Shoot in darker situations with f/2.0 aperture and the HS System
The PowerShot S95 includes Canon’s HS System – a combination of a high-sensitivity 10.0 Megapixel CCD sensor and powerful DIGIC 4 processing, which provides exceptional low light performance even better than that of its predecessor. The HS System enables the camera to support a maximum ISO of 3200 at full resolution and works to reduce the occurrence of noise at all ISO speeds for high quality images. Users can also set their own parameters in Auto ISO mode, with the ability to limit the maximum ISO speed they want to employ during shooting.

Using Low Light mode, the camera can also achieve an extended ISO range from ISO 320 to ISO 12800, capturing images at 2.5MP resolution. Manual control of ISO settings and white balance in Low Light mode also provide greater control over shots taken in darker conditions, allowing users to accurately capture the ambience of a dimly-lit environment exactly as they see it. Low Light mode also enables higher speed shooting, capturing up to 3.9 shots per second so a moment is never missed.

As well as providing the ability to shoot without the flash and still achieve correctly-exposed shots, the PowerShot S95’s high-sensitivity sensor offers a greater dynamic range compared to conventional sensor types. Tonal range representation is improved as a result, allowing natural looking pictures to be captured in all conditions. A bright, f/2.0 genuine Canon lens perfectly complements the HS System, allowing more light into the camera and providing greater ability to use faster shutter speeds and freeze the motion of moving subjects.

Genuine Canon lens with Hybrid IS
The PowerShot S95’s 28mm wide-angle lens features 3.8x optical zoom, allowing users to get closer to distant subjects during shooting. The camera benefits from Canon’s extensive heritage in lens design, having been developed using the same processes and high-quality standards employed to manufacture Canon’s EF lenses, ensuring sharp, high resolution images with every shot.

Canon’s acclaimed optical Image Stabilizer (IS) counteracts camera shake – reducing blur and enabling users to capture shots in darker conditions and shoot at a shutter speed approximately 4-stops slower than would otherwise be necessary to achieve a blur-free shot. Hybrid IS also prevents image blur during close-up shooting, counteracting angular and shift shake that becomes more pronounced during macro photography.

Unparalleled control
The PowerShot S95’s unique and enhanced lens Control Ring enables the adjustment of various shooting settings such as ISO (in 1/3 stop increments), shutter speed, aperture, focus and exposure compensation – providing a satisfying and tactile experience. Offering even higher levels of customisation, the PowerShot S95 features a custom setting that allows the user to pre-set the function of both the lens Control Ring and the rear Multi-Control Dial in various shooting modes. A dedicated shortcut button can also be configured to provide instant access to pre-selected functions, offering the photographer easy access to settings during shooting.

To track subjects that are in motion, or to help achieve a creative composition, a new Tracking AF mode offers the ability to select objects from the centre of the frame and track them if they move, or if the frame is recomposed.

The handling of the Multi-Control Dial has also been redesigned following feedback from owners of the preceding model. The dial now features a more pronounced ‘click’ mechanism, preventing any unintentional changes to settings. Furthermore, the positioning of the ‘Ring Func.’ and ‘On/Off’ buttons has been revised, providing greater all-round operation in everyday use.

A 7.5 cm (3.0”) 461k-dot PureColor II G LCD screen features a tempered glass outer layer, offering enhanced strength, high contrast and a wide viewing angle that offers greater visibility even when shooting in bright conditions. A new RGB histogram available in playback also allows photographers to instantly check the exposure of a shot in detail.

HD movies with stereo sound
The PowerShot S95 features 720p HD 24fps movie recording with stereo sound. The inclusion of Miniature Effect in movies also adds a completely new dimension to video footage – shooting at a slower frame rate for dramatic and compelling time-lapse-style videos which appear of model scale. An integrated HDMI port with CEC compatibility makes it simple for video and stills to be viewed and controlled directly using a compatible HDTV and remote control.

Capture scenes as you see them
A High Dynamic Range shooting mode allows the capture of high contrast scenes closer to how they appear to the human eye. Exceeding the limitations of conventional cameras, the PowerShot S95 takes three different exposures of the same scene*2 before analysing and combining shots to create a single image in-camera. The result is an image that captures highlight and shadow detail closer to how the photographer sees it.

Instant, creative results
The PowerShot S95 includes a range of shooting modes to match the desired level of control or the photographer’s skill. In addition to the flexibility of Full Manual control and semi-automatic Aperture priority (Av), Shutter priority (Tv) and Programme AE modes, the PowerShot S95 also features Smart Auto for those who simply want to capture great shots instantly.

Scene Detection Technology within Smart Auto helps to provide the best results in all conditions, intelligently detecting the scene and selecting the optimum settings from 28 variables. Hints & Tips messages within the UI also make everyday operation as simple as possible, intelligently guiding users through the camera’s menu and offering a short explanation of each feature before it is selected.

Smart Flash Exposure controls flash levels according to shooting conditions, providing the right amount of flash to ensure perfectly exposed shots in all situations, from darker rooms to bright sunlight. The PowerShot S95 also offers Multi-Aspect shooting, with 3:2, 4:3, 1:1, 16:9 and 4:5 formats supported. Allowing photographers to shoot according to their subject or the intended use of the image, Multi-Aspect shooting provides the ability to choose which composition and result they want to capture as the image is taken, without the need for post-processing.

Easy, wireless content transfers are supported by Eye-Fi connected functions, allowing remote uploads to image sharing websites such as CANON iMAGE GATEWAY. The camera features a dedicated Eye-Fi section within the User Interface, and disables the auto power-down function when the Eye-Fi card transmits data – allowing the easy transfer of content without interruption*3.

Providing excellent all-round image quality and excelling in low light, the PowerShot S95 offers an extensive feature set designed to deliver outstanding performance. Built for those who want the perfect combination of portability, power and control, it’s the ultimate pocket-camera for the even the most advanced photographer.

Share stories with CANON iMAGE GATEWAY
Owners of the PowerShot S95 can join the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY, an online facility for sharing photos and video. Photographers can take advantage of up to 2GB of personal storage capacity, creating enough room for hundreds of high-quality images. Mobile browsing is also supported, making it easy for friends and family to view photos on the move.

Canon PowerShot S95 – key features:

• HS System & f/2 lens
• High-sensitivity 10 MP CCD
• 28mm wide, 3.8x zoom lens, Hybrid IS
• Lens Control Ring, Full Manual & RAW
• 7.5 cm (3.0") PureColor II G LCD
• HD movies, HDMI
• High Dynamic Range mode
• Smart Auto
• Multi-Aspect Shooting
• Optional Waterproof Case

*1 CIPA Compliant
*2 Tripod required for High Dynamic Range shooting
*3 This product is not guaranteed to support Eye-Fi card functions (including wireless transfer). In case of an issue with an Eye-Fi card, please check with the card manufacturer.
Also note that approval is required to use Eye-Fi cards in many countries or regions. Without approval, use of the card is not permitted. If it is unclear whether the card has been approved for use in the area, please check with the card manufacturer.

Canon PowerShot S95 specifications

Sensor	• 1/1.7" Type CCD • 10 million effective pixels
Image sizes	4:3 • 3648 x 2736 • 2816 x 2112 • 1600 x 1200 • 640 x 480 • 320 x 240 16:9 • 3648 x 2048 • 2816 x 1584 • 1920 x 1080 • 640 x 360 3:2 • 3648 x 2432 • 2816 x 1880 • 1600 x 1064 • 640 x 424 1:1 • 2736 x 2736 • 2112 x 2112 • 1200 x 1200 • 480 x 480 4:5 • 2192 x 2736 • 1696 x 2112 • 960 x 1200 • 384 x 480
Movie clips	• (HD) 1280 x 720 @ 24 fps • (L) 640 x 480 @ 30fps • (M) 320 x 240 @ 30fps • Miniature Effect (HD, L) 6fps, 3fps, 1.5 fps
Maximum clip length	• Up to 4 GB or 29 min. 59 sec. (HD) • Up to 4 GB or 1 hour (L, M)
File formats	• Still: JPEG (Exif v2.3), RAW • Movie: MOV [H.264 + Linear PCM (stereo)]
Lens	• 28-105mm (35mm equiv) • f = 6.0 - 22.5 mm • 3.8x optical zoom • F2.0-4.9 • Construction: 7 elements in 6 groups (2 double-sided aspherical elements including 1 UA element)
Image stabilization	Yes (Lens-Shift)
Digital zoom	up to 4x
Focus	• Auto focus :TTL - 9-point AiAF/ Face Detection - 1-point AF (center) • Manual focus
AF modes	• Single • Continuous • Servo AF/AE • Tracking
AF lock	Yes (on/off selectable)
AF assist lamp	Yes
Focus distance	Closest focus distance 5 cm
Metering	• Evaluative (linked to Face Detection AF frame) • Center-weighted average • Spot (center)
ISO sensitivity	• Auto • ISO 80 • ISO 100 • ISO 125 • ISO 160 • ISO 200 • ISO 250 • ISO 320 • ISO 400 • ISO 500 • ISO 640 • ISO 800 • ISO 1000 • ISO 1250 • ISO 1600 • ISO 2000 • ISO 2500 • ISO 3200
AE lock	Yes
Exposure compensation	+/- 2EV in 1/3 stop increments
Shutter speed	• Auto (1 - 1/1600 sec) • 15-1/1600 sec
Modes	• Auto • Program AE • Shutter Priority AE • Aperture Priority AE • Manual • Custom • Scene • Low Light • Movie
Scene modes	• Portrait • Landscape • Kids & Pets • Smart Shutter(Smile, Wink Self-Timer, FaceSelf-Timer) • Super Vivid • Poster Effect • Foliage • Snow • Beach • Fireworks • Underwater • Color Accent • Color Swap • High Dynamic Range • Fish-eye Effect • Miniature Effect • Nostalgic • Stitch Assist
White balance	• Auto (including Face Detection WB) • Daylight • Cloudy • Tungsten • Fluorescent • Fluorescent H • Flash • Custom • Underwater • White Balance Correction
Self timer	• 2 or 10 sec • Custom
Continuous shooting	• Approx. 1.9 shots/sec. • AF: Approx. 0.7 shots/sec. • LV: Approx. 0.8 shots/sec. (until memory card becomes full)
Image parameters	My Colors (My Colors Off, Vivid, Neutral, Sepia, Black & White, Positive Film, Lighter Skin Tone, Darker Skin Tone, Vivid Blue, Vivid Green, Vivid Red, Custom Color)
Flash	• Auto, Flash On, Flash Off, Slow Sync, Red-eye reduction • Slow Sync Speed : Fastest speed 1/1600 sec • +/- 2EV in 1/3 stop increments • Face Detection FE compensation • Safety FE • Flash exposure lock • Manual Power Adjustment • Second Curtain Sync • Range (Auto ISO):50cm - 6.5m (wide) / 2.5m (tele)
External Flash	Canon High Power Flash HF-DC1
LCD monitor	• 3.0 inch PureColor LCD II (TFT) • 461,000 pixels • 100% coverage • Adjustable
Connectivity	• USB 2.0 Hi-Speed • HDMI mini connector • AV out (PAL / NTSC switchable)
Print compliance	PictBridge
Storage	SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC, MMCplus, HC MMCplus
Power	Rechargeable Li-ion Battery NB-6L
Weight (inc. batt & card)	193 g
Dimensions	100 x 58 x 30 mm

via dpreview.com

Canon seems to really be embracing the needs of users who need a high quality compact camera. The newly announced S95 (assuming is is as highly regarded as the S90) offers a wide variety of useful specifications appealing to photographers used to more sophisticated cameras.

While recently searching for a new camera myself, I looked at the S90 and was tempted but really wanted a Eye-Fi "connected" camera so I ended up buying the Canon T2i and love it. Eye-Fi connectivity means you can control the Eye-Fi memory card from the camera menu. In the case of the T2i, I can turn off the wireless antenna until I am ready to upload. It also provides a visual cue as to whether a connection has been made with a wireless hotspot and if photos are transferring, very useful when coupled with a Mifi card.

Lastly, after a recent vacation to Hawaii, it has become important to me that my next compact camera have some type of waterproof case. We went snorkeling, kayaking and paddle boarding but had to leave our camera ashore on all three occasions. The press release above mentions a waterproof case which really makes it a complete package.

Posted via email from Rick Bucich's Posterous
My Photography

Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid Photos

The new Posrsche 918 Spyder unveiled at  Concours d'Elegance Pebble Beach

I had the pleasure of seeing the new Porsche 918 Spyder roll into the Lodge at Pebble Beach and grabbed a few photos while people were milling around it.  Although we didn't realize it at the time what was about to transpire, it was obvious that a celebrity of some sort was about to arrive simply by watching the press photographers congregating.

Below are a few of ther photos I took of the new Porsche hybrid.

Porsche 918 Spyder Interior - notice the video camera left rear view mirror

Porsche Spyder 918 Exhaust

Porsche 918 Headlight

Front of the Porsche 918 Spyder

Porsche 918 Wheel & Caliper

All photos uploaded to Flickr while I was taking them using a Canon T2i, Eye-Fi X2 Pro wifi memory card and Sprint Mifi.  No post processing has been done.

New Studio Version of Canon 7D EOS Digital SLR

Canon Rolls Out Studio Version of EOS 7D Digital SLR

Aug 17, 2010

Canon USA has a rolled out a new variation on its popular EOS 7D digital SLR. Called the new EOS 7D Studio Version DSLR Camera, the revamped DSLR is designed for professional school and event photographers and features four levels of “locking” camera controls for studio environments.

In addition to the “locking” feature on the new EOS 7D Studio Version, the Canon is also introducing a Canon Barcode Solution, which links customer data directly with the image file so that it can be maintained throughout the entire workflow process, ideal for school photographers, forensic and medical photo workflows.

More details in the press release below.

PRESS RELEASE

CANON U.S.A. ANNOUNCES NEW EOS 7DSV (STUDIO VERSION) DSLR CAMERA WITH NEW OPTIONAL CANON BARCODE SOLUTION TO HELP STREAMLINE DATA MANAGEMENT FOR LARGE SCALE ENVIRONMENTS

New “Locking” Feature is Included in The EOS 7D Studio Version For Administrative Control Over Camera Functionality

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. – For wedding and portrait photographers, one of the most enjoyable parts of a project is the actual photographic element with the laborious work starting when the time comes to organize files, edit and ultimately provide the finished product. To help make this process less cumbersome, Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced the launch of a new EOS 7D Studio Version DSLR Camera, ideal for professional school and event photographers which features four levels of “locking” camera controls for studio environments. In addition to the “locking” feature on the new EOS 7D Studio Version, the Company is also introducing a Canon Barcode Solution, which links customer data directly with the image file so that it can be maintained throughout the entire workflow process, ideal for school photographers, forensic and medical photo workflows.

Canon’s new “Locking” EOS 7D Studio Version DSLR allows administrators to disable unwanted features and settings thus providing professional studio operators the comfort of knowing the end result will be both reliable and repeatable. The camera has four different “lock” levels allowing administrators to enable the appropriate level of camera functionality for any studio operation. Custom functionality management is also achieved through each level by unlocking individual features according to operator-specific needs. This complete level of control is guarded by a daily password preventing anyone with a different vision from changing the camera settings and disrupting the overall project and workflow.

“We know professional photographers are constantly searching for ways to simplify the workflow process,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “With the addition of the new EOS 7D Studio Version camera, professionals and business owners can be confident that data management will be streamlined and they can focus on the current task at hand.”

The new Canon Barcode Solution for the new EOS 7D Studio Version cameras helps to automate the data management required when shooting, processing and delivering images for school photoshoots and other large scale events as well as organizing medical images while maintaining patient anonymity. Once the barcode option is enabled, customer, organizational, patient and/or other data will be embedded directly into the image file’s EXIF data by scanning a barcode for easy identification when reviewing the completed work. While shooting, the actual reading of barcodes can be easily managed and, based upon each person’s workflow, the critical task of file management is accomplished with less risk of error. Upon completion, a visual confirmation will appear on the camera’s rear LCD screen.  

The EOS 7D Studio Version kit includes Canon’s WFT-E5A unit, which along with an optional barcode reader can scan and seamlessly manage image and customer data through a “wired connection”. A wireless system configuration is also possible through Canon’s BU-30 Bluetooth adapter further adding to the system’s convenience and functionality. Existing WFT-E5A units require a firmware update to work with Barcode functionality. This update will need to be done at a Canon USA Factory Service location if the customer wishes to use a previously purchased WFT-E5A unit. If the customer chooses this option, the ability to read and embed GPS (Global Positioning System) data will no longer function.

Coupled with a new “Locking” EOS 7D Studio Version Digital SLR camera, photographic operations both large and small can ensure reliability and efficient workflow for whomever is using the camera.

The new EOS 7DSV (Studio Version) Barcode Kit (EOS 7DSV and WFT-E5A with firmware change) will carry an estimated selling price of $ $2599. The EOS 7DSV (Studio Version) Body Only will carry an estimated selling price of $1829. Both are available by special order through select Canon authorized dealers.

The following Barcode Scanners are compatible; Honeywell 3800, Honeywell 3820, for scanning via bluetooth and Honeywell 4600, for scanning 1D and 2D barcodes.

All inquiries and questions regarding Canon’s EOS 7D Studio Version DSLR or Canon’s Barcode Solution can be directed to ProSolutions@cusa.canon.com.

via pdngearguide.com

Surprising somewhat given that full frame cameras like the 5D II seem better suited for a studio environment. Must have been consumer demand in this price point.

Posted via email from Rick Bucich's Posterous
My Photography

Eye-Fi Card Can Handle The Pixels

Artichoke Photos

When I got to my son's daycare school this morning it was overcast, perfect lighting for shadow-free photos.  They had planted artichokes out in front and one had started to bloom.  After he was secure in his classroom I grabbed my camera from the front seat to capture some photos of the flower.  Before taking the shots, I set my Eye-Fi account to upload to my default Pixelpipe accounts, Flickr, Picasa, Google Buzz, Tumblr and Twitter.  I was really curious to know whether the card could handle the bandwidth of 18 megapixel "fine" photos. See for yourself, I'm pretty impressed with both the Canon T2i and the Eye-Fi card. Formatting of the message didn't come out properly by the mobile account login is still beta.

Artichoke bloom view from top

Artichoke bloom side top/view

Apparently I wasn't the only one to appreciate the beauty of the flower, it had been cut when I came back to pick him up. Glad I got the shots when I did.

RAW photos are the next test

Canon T2i Has Arrived!

Canon T2i + Eye-Fi = Connected

Now that I am a Eye-Fi "Big Shot" I needed a camera that functions in harmony with the wireless SD memory card.  Although I own the Canon 7D, the fact that it can only accept CF memory is a limiting factor.  After searching for an ideal candidate, I opted for the Canon T2i because it could accept all of my current lenses and is Eye-Fi "connected" which means that in addition to offering functionality, the camera has dedicated controls for the card in the menu.  I had to get the battery grip right away since I knew the camera was too bloody small for my hands without. Since its features are very similar to that of the 7D I may have to cut it loose since I have little need for two so similar cameras...yet to be determined.

My new T2i arrived today so I spent some time playing with it and the Eye-Fi X2 Pro card. The first thing I was interested in is the memory card controls. It literally took moments to enable the card in the camera settings and I included a brief video clip of the animated wifi uploading icon on the rear LCD screen.

I can't yet fairly say I've put the little T2i through it's paces but I did shoot a brief video clip with it this evening. I was hoping for something remarkable to emanate from my son's mouth, you'll have to settle for him talking about his chalk airplane drawing. Despite being shot in HD, the video uploaded wirelessly on our home network.

I'll leave you with a couple photos of my new Canon T2i. The lens is the venerable but discontinued 28-70 2.8 L.

Canon T2i displaying menu showing Eye-Fi card controls

Canon T2i frontal shot with the 28-70 2.8 L lens

Remembering SiliconFilm | Early Digital Camera Technology

Remembering Early Digital Technology SiliconFilm

We take revolutionary new technology in stride now and expect massive advances in short time periods but I was just thinking about what I was looking forward to back in the early 2000s.  It took some searches to reveal the name but I finally found references to a company called SiliconFilm.  Back then I owned the very respectable Canon film camera the A2e which was a candidate for their breakthrough product. 

The product was a digital insert which fit in where the film would be placed but capture the images digitally.  I still think it sounds captivating but given how few film cameras are still being sold and used now, hardly worth pursuing. I believe originally it was to be 1.4 megapixels or thereabouts but later proposed products from the company had more respectable specs. Photo c/o DPReview despite finding it on another site.

The product premise got a lot of buzz at the time and was broadly desired.  The SiliconFilm product would have sold well assuming it worked reliably.  I put myself on their e-mail notification list at the time so I could find out when the product hit the market.  Alas, it never did.  I wonder how it would have changed the evolution of digital cameras as we know them today.  If film cameras could have been economically adapted to digital, this product could have changed the imaging landscape.

I would be surprised if anyone besides me even remembers SiliconFilm. Want to know how I found references to it online?  It was the first time I heard the term "vaporware" and I simply plugged in Canon A2 +vaporware in Google and eventually found articles about it. 

As revolutionary as the product could have been, the fact that I had to remember the term vaporware to find references to it isn't a proud legacy.

Once I got my hands on my first dedicated digital camera, the Olympus C-2000, I didn't look back.  As I write this, I am awaiting a shipment containing my new Canon T2i which I believe will be my 11th digital camera.  It will send photos to my computer wirelessly with a wifi memory card by Eye-Fi, another revolutionary product that fortunately made it off the drawing boards on onto store shelves. We've come a long way in a short time.

I'm an Eye-Fi "Big Shot"

Eye-Fi "Big Shot" = Really Big Eye-Fi Fan

I would never characterize myself as a big shot but I am truly honored to have been chosen as an Eye-Fi "Big Shot." If you've ever talked photography around me, I've probably brought up the product.  In a nut-shell, it is a camera memory card that transfers photos and videos you take directly to your computer and a variety of other photo hosting sites. Being a Big Shot is essentially recognizing me as a brand advocate, something I have been doing all along anyway.

What point is there in making a big deal out of my new status if you don't really understand what this Eye-fi card does.  This evening I took some illustrative photos and screen-shots to provide a rough overview of what this cool product does.

Essentially, when you log into the Eye-Fi Center, software that is loaded on your computer, you're provided with a variety of setting to configure the wireless memory card to your taste.  Here is where I can select from the different accounts I have already set up, in this case Flickr. Within the Eye-Fi Center I can even control the name of the set they upload to along with a description and photo tags, a real time saver.

I also have the opportunity to add different wireless networks, change destination folders, control geo-tagging, change transfer mode etc. Transfer mode is a way to select which photos within your camera you would like to upload, especially useful if you want to pre-screen the quality of the shots first, very handy.

An added bonus is the Notifications feature that will notify you of the status during the upload process. When photos have completed uploading, you can have a link to the photos posted to either Facebook or Twitter and here again you can pre-configure the message.  To the left is a screen-shot of what the interface looks like. 

All these features are handy if you're near a computer, but what if you want to change a setting while on the road?  Eye-Fi just announced a new mobile browser interface that allows most settings to be updated directly from your phone.  Simply visit m.center.eye.fi from your mobile phone and make any necessary adjustments.  (Some settings like configuring a network or changing the transfer mode must be done from a computer running the Eye-Fi Center with the wireless memory card in the reader).  

Since I wanted to actually illustrate how it all works with photos, I took pictures of the new browser interface on my Nexus One.  Once you have taken a photo, assuming there is a configured network in range you will see a thumbnail image appear on your screen like the following which is a screen-shot from my Apple MacBook.  

While the photos are uploading you can see their status withing the Eye-Fi Center.  Here is an image of the photos being uploaded, organized by date. 

Soon the photos will appear on your computer and photo sharing site (if you choose). In this demo I had the photos organized by date on my computer and in a special Set on Flickr.

Let me make this very clear, the memory card never comes out of the camera, the camera is never plugged into anything. The transfer of the photos takes place using an open or pre-configured secure network. The newest X2 model will even delete photos from your memory card after they have completed uploading so have virtually unlimited memory.

Let me know if you have any questions, I'm happy to try to answer them.

A couple more photos below of the demo photos on my harddrive and uploaded to Flickr.

 
Photos uploaded via Eye-Fi to my laptop

 
Photos uploaded via Eye-Fi to a photo Set on Flickr

 

Canon Releases 7D Firmware Update Version 1.2.2

Changes in the Canon 7D 1.2.2 firmware as provided by the manufacturer:

1. Fixes a phenomenon in which the set aperture moves when shooting movies in manual exposure mode using some Canon lenses (such as macro lenses).
2. Fixes the AF point-selection behavior of the C.Fn III-7 (Manual AF pt. selec. pattern) custom function when set to [1].
3. Fixes the AF point display for the viewfinder electronic level when shooting in the vertical position.
4. Corrects misspellings in the Spanish and Thai menus for applicable products.

More details and download instructions on the Canon website.

I haven't experienced any of the above phenomenon but figure it is worthwhile sharing for others.

Underwater People & Wave Photography by Mark Tipple

via theunderwaterproject.com

Mark Tipple photographs people from within waves and how the water impacts the surfers and swimmers caught by the power. Amazing set of photographs, I suggest checking his site out for more great shots.

Posted via email from Rick Bucich's Posterous
My Photography

Shuffleboard Pucks | Bokeh

Shuffleboard Pucks

The hotel we were staying at while on vacation had a beautiful shuffleboard table in the game room that lent itself to some fun very shallow depth of field shooting with my Canon 7D coupled with a Canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS L - I have a few more taken with a Canon 35mm f/1.4 L as well that are quite nice as well.

Shuffleboard puck taken with Canon 7D & 70-200 2.8 IS L
Settings: Focal length 200mm, ISO 800, f/2.8, 1/30 sec

Shuffleboard puck taken with Canon 7D & 70-200 2.8 IS L
Settings: Focal length 135mm, ISO 800, f/3.2, 1/10 sec

Purple Martini

A Purple Martini Bokeh

I was having fun shooting wide open at f/1.4 with the Canon 35mm L and came up with this.  This lens sure is a lot of fun, providing perspectives unobtainable otherwise with the very shallow depth of field (Bokeh).

Martini photo taken with a Canon 7D and EF 35mm f/1.4 L

Maui Wave in Black & White

B&W Photo of a wave breaking on Wailea Beach, Maui

Wave photo taken on recent vacation to Maui
Camera: Canon 7D with 70-200 2.8 IS L lens

Photographer Rights When Confronted

Guidelines for Legal Rights as a Photographer

Especially since September 11, there are recurring instances of police and security hassling and/or detaining photographers for photographing in public.  There seems to be many misconceptions on both parties with regard to what constitutes the legal rights of photographers.  You can read several recent accounts over at Thomas Hawk's blog: BP offices photographed, LAPD detain photographer, Long Beach refinery altercation, the list goes on.

When I came across the photography rights written by attorney Bert P Krages I knew they should be shared.  While they are high level and can't address local legal restrictions, his Photographer Rights document is a useful read.  Even as someone who is unlikely to find himself in a confrontation with security or police (I hope), Bert sets fair ground rules on what roughly to expect in terms of rights. It was enlightening to me and will likely be for others as well but he suggests familiarizing yourself with local laws since he can't address every situation.

Here is an excerpt:

"The General Rule

The general rule in the United States is that anyone may take photographs of whatever they want when they are in a public place or places where they have permission to take photographs. Absent a specific legal prohibition such as a statute or ordinance, you are legally entitled to take photographs. Examples of places that are traditionally considered public are streets, sidewalks, and public parks.

Property owners may legally prohibit photography on their premises but have no right to prohibit others from photographing their property from other locations. Whether you need permission from property owners to take photographs while on their premises depends on the circumstances. In most places, you may reasonably assume that taking photo- graphs is allowed and that you do not need explicit permission. However, this is a judgment call and you should request permission when the circumstances suggest that the owner is likely to object. In any case, when a property owner tells you not to take photographs while on the premises, you are legally obligated to honor the request."

There are naturally exceptions, here you can read the full document pertaining to photographer's legal rights. Bottom line is it's best to use good judgment and not inflame a situation or become confrontational, hope you find it useful.

Zenfolio Promo Code | C5U-W2F-M8B

Zenfolio Photo Hosting Promotion

I've been using Zenfolio to host my photos for some time and currently use their premium level service that allows me to establish my own domain name my account, hence I use photos.rickbucich.com.

As a user, you are given a code that can be shared with friends (mine is C5U-W2F-M8B) that will save them $5 off their subscription fees. When someone signs up using your code, you also receive a $5 credit.  From today until July 31st, Zenfolio is sweetening the pot by offering users a $10 credit for anyone using their code.

So this may seem like a self servicing post...it is to a degree but for anyone on the fence about using the service it may be a good time to come aboard and offset some of their own fees.  It may be worth noting that the credit may be applied to printing services as well, not just account maintenance fees which are already quite reasonable.

I signed up with the Zenfolio in January 2007 so naturally I am pleased with the service and comfortable promoting the product.  I also use several other competing products in tandem but having been with their service for awhile, this is where most of my photos are hosted.

Another Reason for a Wedding Second Shooter

The wedding photographer in the following video has a little difficulty backing up down the aisle to capture the bride & groom.  Knowing the cost of the gear around his neck...ouch!  Perhaps the videographer should have warned him.

Wedding Photographer Fail - Watch more Funny Videos

First Photos with Canon 35mm 1.4 L

Got my hands on a 35 L

Today we heading to Hawaii, Maui in particular for a much needed week long vacation. I couldn't find my B+W polarizer so I headed over to Borrow Lenses to see if I could rent one.  They had them available and it seemed such a pity not to bump around other sections of the site...you can see where this is leading.  Needless to say, I ended up renting the Canon 35 mm f/1.4 L. 

It may seem redundant since I'll be taking my 16-35 2.8 and leaving my 28-70 2.8 at home but a wider aperture can produce some absolutely stunning results.  When I got home from work, my father in law had a martini waiting for me.  The light was good so I took some test shots with the new lens.  Below are a couple photos I came up with of my cocktail.

Martini Cocktail Horizontal Photo

Martini Cocktail Vertical Photo

Needless to say, I'm very excited about the photo prospects I'll encounter in Hawaii, I am loving this lens! Martini photos were taken with my Canon 7D and process in Adobe Lightroom 3 using Totally Rad presets.

The Three Best New Flickr Features

New Flickr Features Announced Today

Flickr just unveiled some new features that are not only useful, they were badly needed. While I am a frequent user of the photo sharing site, I have been critical of its occasionally awkward and unintuitive interface and relative photo viewing unfriendliness. There are numerous products on the market such as Zenfolio and Smugmug that do a much better job as far as photo viewing experience but they lack the community that Flickr offers.
Click image to see full version

Flickr must have been listening because today they announced three new features that dramatically improve the experience. The first and most important of which is the new zoom and lightbox feature.

When you opt-in* to the new design you will see magnifying glass icon in the upper right of the photo flanked by navigation to newer and older photos. Clicking the magnifying glass reveals a zoomed in version of the photo with darkened, lights-out background that makes viewing photos on Flickr much more enjoyable.

The second and third favorite new features are the larger 640 pixel display and the map showing the geo-tagged location of the photo on a map. Not to worry if your camera doesn't geo-tag yet, you can add coordinates on your own either individually or in bulk using the "Organize & Create" link at the top of the page.

They have included a brief guided tour of the features right above your photo.  Hovering over each dot brings up a dialog box highlighting a new or existing function.  At the end of the tour you're greeted by a surprise, your friendly guide *cough* panda. See for yourself or cheat if you're impatient.

*The new features are opt-in from an individual photo page and are only currently available to logged-in users.

The Digital Camera That Started It All

Revisiting photos taken with my first digital camera

Right after downloading Lightroom 3, I started reviewing some old photos to see what I could do to revive them.  The photos in question were taken in Madrid, Sevilla and Granada Spain in 2000.  Back then the 2 megapixel Olympus C2000 was one of the most popular digital cameras on the market and quite a hot commodity.  I happened to get a copy right before we left and had fun taking pictures of the cities.

The camera used 4 AA batteries and SmartMedia (now obsolete) memory cards. Back then, a set of rechargeable batteries might last a half hour if using the LCD display and I don't think that is much of an exaggeration.  I had to keep LCD usage to a minimum and carry several other sets of batteries to get me through an afternoon.

Then there was the memory issue. With the camera I had one 4 and one 8 megabyte memory cards. Since memory was expensive and I would fill the cards quickly I usually has to use lower quality settings to get me through the day...then off to the tedious task of burning the images to high tech CDs at the local Internet cafe.

Technology advanced rather quickly after this camera and I quickly forgot the images or was too embarrassed to display them.  I'm over that and finally spent some time reliving the memories the last few nights.  What I found is that despite the small file sizes and seriously obsolete hardware, I actually have a few images that are at least respectable.  Some needed some serious coaxing in Lightroom and some were still just god awful.  I must have really been running low on memory since it looks like all of them from Granada were shot at 640 x 480, yikes.  Even worse, I suspect at least some were run through PhotoShop to scale down the images for use on a website I worked on.  Nevertheless, I was hooked on digital photography and at last count I've now owned a total of ten digital cameras. 

Below are few more photos from our trip to Spain

Barrio de Santa Cruz, Sevilla, Spain
Must be a popular photo spot, there is a nearly identical one on a local Seville tourism site

Another photo from the Barrio de Santa Cruz

Moorish architecture in the Alcazar in Sevilla

Plaza de Toros, Madrid - yes, we went to a bull fight
I tried using Google Goggles on several of the of my photographs, this was the only one it was able name correctly. Not surprising given the age and quality of the photos but fun none-the-less.

Narrow street in Madrid

Parque del Retiro Lake, Madrid

Token bad photo of the Alhambra in Granada. Amazing example of Moorish architecture and a fascinating city. If someone offers you rosemary, be prepared to pay for it, let me know if you need me to elaborate.

The rest of the photos are in my Spain photo album