Archive for the ‘Photography’ Category

New printer: Canon PIXMA PRO-1

Friday, February 3rd, 2012

The PIXMA PRO-1 professional grade inkjet photo printer from Canon will be available at S$1,399 from mid February.

Canon PIXMA PRO-1 professional grade inkjet photo printer (S$1,399)

Canon PIXMA PRO-1 professional grade inkjet photo printer (S$1,399)

Print your own photo GALLERY with the world’s first 12-ink A3+ photo printer from Canon which combines accuracy with speed to produce quality color and monochrome prints.

“We have seen a lot more people taking up photography using DSLRs, and spending more time on image and photo editing,” says Andrew Koh, Senior Director and General Manager of Consumer Imaging & Information Group, Canon Singapore. “With professional print quality for both colour and monochrome images, the PIXMA PRO-1 is the next logical step in showcasing these great efforts.”Five of the 12 individual ink tanks are monochrome inks dedicated to producing professional quality black and white prints.

LUCIA pigment inks produces accurate colours while a Full-Photolithographic Inkjet Nozzle Engineering (FINE) print head provides the highest possible print resolution.

The PIXMA PRO-1 marks the addition of professional photographic solutions to Canon’s range of lifestyle printer products.

True-to-Life Prints

The PIXMA PRO-1 professional inkjet printer delivers exhibition-quality prints with a new 12-tank individual ink system.

12-tank individual ink system

12-tank individual ink system

This comprises 6 colour inks (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Red, Photo Cyan, Photo Magenta), 5 monochrome inks (Photo Black, Matte Black, Dark Gray, Gray and Light Gray) and 1 Chroma Optimizer.

The inks provide an exceptional range of colours for improved skin tones and accuracy in monochrome prints, and allow for seamless switching between various types of print media.

The Chroma Optimizer completes the 12-ink system by smoothening out stray ink droplets that cause uneven reflection, adding glossiness with anti-bronzing, and allowing users to show off gallery quality images.

Accuracy meets Efficiency

The PIXMA PRO-1 features three colour modes – colour, monochrome, and the new photo colour print mode which reproduces blues and greens to match visual memory of colours.

High print resolution of up to 4,800 x 2,400dpi

High print resolution of up to 4,800 x 2,400dpi

Its new Optimum Image Generating (OIG) system analyses colours in an image file and calculates the optimum ink combination and volume of ink droplets needed.

This enhances colour reproduction to bring out fine tonal gradations and ensures uniform glossiness across all print modes and media types, producing realistic print quality.

The PIXMA PRO-1’s FINE print head brings out detailed quality in prints, with a high print resolution of up to 4,800 x 2,400dpi.

Coupled with a printing depth of 16-bits per channel, the printer promises smooth tonal gradations in both colour and monochrome prints.

At the same time, print speed has been improved by increasing the number of nozzles to 12,288 nozzles (1,024 nozzles x 12 colors).

The new machine comes with larger ink tanks for longer print periods and offers a dual paper feeding system for both semi-gloss media and fine art media.

Front opening panels enable easy access to the ink tanks on either side of the main printer body, while the rear tray accommodates up to 20 sheets of photo paper, and the manual feed slot accepts photo paper up to 356mm (14”) wide and heavier fine art paper.

This feeding system helps to ensure paper is accurately fed, thus eliminating skewed prints, improving efficiency and minimizing wastage of ink, paper and time.

Network Connectivity

Ethernet network capable

Ethernet network capable

The new PIXMA PRO-1 professional inkjet printer can be connected to a network via Ethernet, allowing multiple user access to the printer.

This is especially useful for imaging professionals working together within a single location.

Nikon launches 14 new COOLPIX compact cameras worldwide

Wednesday, February 1st, 2012

The 14 COOLPIX cameras comprises 4 from the L (Lifestyle) series, 2 from the P (Performance) series, and 8 from the S (Style) series. Availability and prices will be announced at a later date.

(Update: Prices have been inserted as they became available).

Click on the pictures to get to Nikon’s detailed listing of features, technical specifications and colours available for each model.

COOLPIX L810, L310, L26 and L25 from the Nikon COOLPIX L (Lifestyle) series.

COOLPIX L810, L310, L26 (S$159) and L25 (S$129) from the Nikon COOLPIX L (Lifestyle) series.

4 new L-series COOLPIX cameras

The four new L-series cameras allow users to capture photos with the press of a button.

The compact L810 is small but powerful with its 26x high-power optical zoom lens. The L310 (S$339) is packed with a powerful 21x optical zoom.

The entry-level L26 (S$159) and L25 (S$129) offer a 5x optical zoom and automatic shooting functions that make taking dazzling pictures easy.

 

COOLPIX P310 and P510 from the P (Performance) series offer superior performance and image quality.

COOLPIX P310 and P510 from the P (Performance) series offer superior performance and image quality.

2 new P-series COOLPIX cameras

The COOLPIX P310 and COOLPIX P510 are multi-function, high-performance compact digital cameras with full-scale photographic capabilities

Features Nikon’s built-in lens-shift vibration reduction (VR) function and an effective 16.1-million pixel count.

S9300, S9200, S4300, S3300 from the Nikon COOLPIX S (Style) series. The S4200 and S3200 are not available in Singapore.

S9300, S9200, S4300 (S$279), S3300 (S$219) from the Nikon COOLPIX S (Style) series. The S4200 and S3200 are not available in Singapore.

6 new S-series COOLPIX cameras

COOLPIX S9200 (S$509) and S9300 (S$549) has built-in GPS function, a high-power 18x optical zoom NIKKOR lenses that utilises thin optics, backside illumination CMOS image sensor, and a lens-shift VR system.

Nikon COOLPIX S6300 and S30

Nikon COOLPIX S6300 (S$349) and S30

The COOLPIX S4300 (S$279) and S3300 (S$219) are slimmer than their predecessors despite improved zoom function and built-in VR. The S4200and S3200 will not be sold in Singapore.

The COOLPIX S6300 (S$349) offers a balance between still image and movie recording functions.

It is compact despite a built-in 10x optical zoom NIKKOR lens; has a lens-shift vibration reduction (VR) function; and full-HD compatible movie function,

The COOLPIX S30 is a compact camera for the family. The camera is dust resistant; waterproof to a depth of three-metres; shock resistant, able to withstand falls from heights of up to 80 cm; can apply frames to still images; and has a slide show function that incorporates background music and animation.

Valentine’s Day gift idea: Artisan&Artist camera bags

Sunday, January 29th, 2012

Looking for a camera bag for a photographer friend? Check out Artisan&Artist at Ngee Ann City in Singapore.

WCAM-3000N camera bag (S$250) and ACAM-104 camera strap (S$75) from Artisan&Artist.

WCAM-3000N camera bag (S$250) and ACAM-104 camera strap (S$75) from Artisan&Artist.

Artisan&Artist is a Japanese lifestyle brand established in 1991, offering stylish camera bags for professional photographers.

COV-7000 camera bag (S$540) from Artisan&Artist.

COV-7000 camera bag (S$540) from Artisan&Artist.

The handmade bags are produced in either Italian leather or lightweight Canvas N.10.

The bags contain pocket compartments for the camera and accessories, but has a “discreet” design that looks different from typical camera bags.

A brochure of their products can be found below.

Check out these camera bags and accessories from Artisan&Artist at the Schmidt Marketing Flagship Store (S) Pte Ltd (391 Orchard Road, Ngee Ann City Tower A, #05-33)

They are also available from the following retailers:

  • Aik Seng Photo (304 Orchard Road,#01-29, Lucky Plaza)
  • K 13 Marketing (111, North Bridge Road, #02-16, Peninsula Plaza)
  • Max Photo (176, Orchard Road, Centrepoint, #03-10)
  • Allan Photo (1 Rochor Canal Road #01-38, Sim Lim Square)
  • Cathay Photo (111 North Bridge Road, #01-05/ #01-07 to 08/ #01-11 to 14 Peninsula Plaza)
  • De Camera ( 511 Guillemard Road, #01-46, Grandlink Square)
  • Gope Foto (19 Tanglin Road, Tanglin Shopping Centre, #03-10/20/21)
  • Orient Photo (1 Rochor Canal Road, #06-53/31, Sim Lim Square)

 

Artisan&Artist Brochure below:

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Technical specifications: Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ

Thursday, January 26th, 2012

Here are the main tech specs for the new S$698 (incl GST) Micro Four Thirds lens from Olympus.

12-50mm, 4.2x zoom, 3-speed motorised zoom mechanism, MSC mechanism for foast, quiet AF, stop focus and macro magnification at 0.72x (35mm equiv), dust/splash proof.

12-50mm, 4.2x zoom, 3-speed motorised zoom mechanism, MSC mechanism for foast, quiet AF, stop focus and macro magnification at 0.72x (35mm equiv), dust/splash proof.

The main technical specifications are tabulated at the end of this article.

Focal range from 12-50mm (35mm equiv: 24-100mm)

To enable a wide 84-degree angle of view to be captured at 24mm wide-angle, this zoom lens uses a Dual Super Aspherical (DSA) element that requires high-precision manufacturing because of the extremely large ratio between the thickness of the lens center and periphery; as well as double-sided aspherical elements located at an intermediate position between the lenses to correct spherical and chromatic aberrations that can accompany changes in the zoom ratio.

Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ Micro Four Thirds lens

Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ Micro Four Thirds lens

In addition, an HR (High Refractive index) element and ED (Extra-low Dispersion) element are combined for optimum correction of color aberrations.

Extensive use of special glass materials in the 9-group, 10-element lens construction of the zoom lens ensures high imaging performance throughout the zooming range.

In addition, all lens surfaces are multi-coated to ensure high transmittance and clear imaging performance even under unfavourable conditions such as shooting against light.

The use of an inner zooming system means that there is no variation in overall lens length during zooming, ensuring that stability can be maintained during handheld shooting.

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New Micro Four Thirds lens: Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ

Thursday, January 26th, 2012

This new lens is a Micro Four Thirds System standard-compliant zoom lens featuring a motorised zoom mechanism with zoom ratio of 4.2X starting from a wide angle of 24mm to 100mm (35mm camera equivalent).

Now available at Olympus authorised retailers for S$698 (incl GST).

Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ Micro Four Thirds lens

Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ Micro Four Thirds lens

This is a versatile zoom lens usable in the toughest conditions and capable of everything from close-up wide angle shooting to medium range telephoto shooting of both still images and movies.

Main features of the new lens are:

  1. 4.2X (approx.) zoom starting from a wide angle of 24mm to 100mm (35mm camera equivalent).
  2. Motorised zoom mechanism for stable zooming at a constant rate (3 selectable speeds).
  3. MSC mechanism enhanced by linear motor drive for faster, quieter AF control.
  4. Convenient features including macro mode for close-up shooting at 0.72X magnification (35mm camera equivalent) and the L-Fn (Lens Function) button with focus stop function.
  5. Dust/splash-proof mechanism.

The zoom lens has a zoom ratio of approximately 4.2X, covering a range that extends from a wide angle of 24mm (35mm camera equivalent) – ideal for taking wide shots even indoors – to a medium telephoto focal length of 100mm (35mm camera equivalent), which is optimal for portraits.

Motorised zoom mechanism with zoom ratio of 4.2X from 24-100mm (35mm camera equiv).

Motorised zoom mechanism with zoom ratio of 4.2X from 24-100mm (35mm camera equiv).

It is the first Olympus interchangeable lens to incorporate a motorised zoom mechanism, which is especially useful in movie shooting, thanks to the smooth, quiet zooming.

The AF system is based on the MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) mechanism enhanced by a newly developed linear motor drive that enables faster, quieter focusing.

To assure the best possible image quality, this sophisticated lens comprises 9 lens groups with 10 elements, including three aspherical elements.

Special glass materials are used extensively to correct various aberrations and all lens surfaces are multi-coated to ensure high transmittance and clear imaging performance.

The lens also features a macro mode for close-up shooting with a closest focusing distance of 0.2 meters and maximum image magnification of 0.72X (35mm camera equivalent).

In addition, an L-Fn (Lens Function) button is also provided to allow the user to stop autofocusing temporarily.

This new lens employs the dust-/splash-proof mechanism originally featured in the ZUIKO DIGITAL SHG (Super High Grade) series lenses.

Here are the main tech specs for the new lens.

New compact camera: Nikon COOLPIX S2600

Friday, January 20th, 2012

The 14-megapixel compact digital camera from Nikon goes on sale today at S$179.

Nikon COOLPIX S2600 goes on sale today at S$179.

Nikon COOLPIX S2600 goes on sale today at S$179.

First announced last week, the ultra-slim 19.5mm COOLPIX S2600 is the latest addition to the COOLPIX two thousand series.

The 5x NIKKOR lens goes from 26 mm wide-angle coverage (35 mm format equivalent) to 130mm.

Nikon COOLPIX S2600 (Red)Nikon COOLPIX S2600 (Silver)Nikon COOLPIX S2600 (Blue)Nikon COOLPIX S2600 (Black)
In addition to pink, the camera comes in black, silver, blue and red.

The Nikon EXPEED C2 image processing engine reduces image processing time, while specialised functions include electronic VR image stabilisation, upgraded auto noise reduction and scene auto selector.

Nikon COOLPIX S2600 (Decorative Black) Nikon COOLPIX S2600 (Decorative Purple) Decorative Black, Decorative Purple has been added to the original basic colours.

The Lithium-ion rechargeable battery is light and compact, and is more eco-friendly than alkaline batteries and more energy efficient than Ni-MH batteries.

The camera comes in plain black, silver, pink, red and blue. Two new “Decorative Purple” and “Decorative Black” colours with floral patterns have also been added.

Main tech specs are listed below:

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Make your photos pay for your lenses

Wednesday, January 18th, 2012

If you’re passionate about photography, why not submit your pictures to a stock photo agency? It might just make you enough money to pay for your next big lens.

iStockphoto workshop at the Canon Imaging Academy

iStockphoto workshop at the Canon Imaging Academy

Rather than let your photos collect dust in an old shoe box get lost and forgotten in the hard disk, try submitting them to a photo microstock agency.

The average contributor’s income may not be astounding, but it could be pocket money for that extra drink at the bar.

Canon Imaging Academy at Habour Front Place

Canon Imaging Academy at Habour Front Place

I attended a workshop by Jumpei Matsuoka from iStockphoto last weekend at the Canon Imaging Academy (CIA) at Harbour Front Place.

CIA conducts photography courses, organises local outings and overseas trips, and provides free product training for photographers.

The 1-hour session was over-subscribed and the space had to be extended to accommodate almost forty photographers eager to find out how they could put their photos to work.

Jumpei Matsuoka, GM iStockphoto Japan

Jumpei Matsuoka, GM iStockphoto Japan

Matsuoka is the general manager for Japan and South Korea at iStockphoto.

He talked about how photography buffs can sign up as contributors on iStockphoto and make money from their passion for photography.

He also shared tips on what are the top selling images, the trends in the microstock industry, and how contributors can market themselves to potential customers.

iStockphoto is the world’s original source for user-generated, royalty-free stock images, media and design elements.

Its community of more than 7 million members enjoys access to a content collection approaching 10 million photographs, vector illustrations, flash, audio and video files on the site.

iStockphoto pays out US$1.9 million each week in royalty to its contributing artists.More than 50,000 files are approved each week from the site’s rapidly growing group of more than 125,000 contributing artists, with 5,500 submitting exclusively to iStockphoto.

Many iStockphoto artists earn a full-time living from iStockphoto, and many formerly traditional stock artists see micropayment stock imagery as an additional revenue channel.

I had a chat with Matsuoka after the session. The amicable fellow photographer conveyed a strong passion for photography and emphasised that a contributor should first and foremost possess this passion for photography.

iStockphoto is the world's original source for user-generated, royalty-free stock images, media and design elements.With that as the backdrop, whatever income the contributor earns from submitting photos to a photo stock agency becomes an added bonus for the passion. On top of that, the contributor  actually enjoys the work.

My own feel from speaking with Matsuoka is that if you’re thinking of becoming a contributing photographer, don’t quit your day job just yet.

Start off small by submitting your shots to get a feel of the kind of income you can expect from the endeavour, and whether you have the eye to take photos that the agency will likely approve.

Photographers should know that the emphasis of stock photo agencies is to get photos that their paying subscribers can use – be it for business brochures or other publications.

It’s not so much the usual photo competition where there’s more emphasis on the artistic aspect of photography.

You would have heard wonderful success stories of a handful of contributors who earn big bucks from going full-time as stock photographers. But for the rest of us mere mortals, do test the waters first.

I have included some soundbites from Matsuoka about his perspectives on different aspects of stock photography. Check them out.

So dust out your old photos dig out those photos scattered all over your hard disks, and start shooting, you may just discover your ideal full-time job!

Photo: Cinnamon rolls with raisins

Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012

Cinnamon rolls with lotsa cinnamon, brown sugar, raisins.

Cinnamon has been attributed with a number of health benefits.

Cinnamon has been attributed with a number of health benefits.

Check out some of the health benefits of cinnamon here.

Photo: Salmon cream sauce spaghetti

Monday, January 2nd, 2012

Home cooked salmon cream sauce spaghetti with chives, mixed herbs and pepper. Served with broccoli soup.

Picture taken with Leica V-Lux 3 compact digital camera in Macro mode. Handheld snapshot at f/2.8, 1/15 sec, ISO400, 25mm (35mm equiv).

Picture taken with Leica V-Lux 3 compact digital camera in Macro mode. Handheld snapshot at f/2.8, 1/15 sec, ISO400, 25mm (35mm equiv).

The Leica V-Lux 3 compact digital camera has a mean Macro mode. You can stick the lens right into the food and still get pin sharp snapshots of your favourite food.

Cliff says Happy New Year!

Sunday, January 1st, 2012

Cliff wishes one and all a Happy and Woofelicious New Year!

My kid got a bit confused as to when daddy spent a day as a Golden Retriever.

My kid got a bit confused as to when daddy spent a day as a Golden Retriever.

Cliff is a sport when it comes to dressing up. And my clothes fits him just nice!