Photokina Part 2 – the new stuff

Photokina is the largest photographic trade show and takes place every two years in Cologne, Germany. Photokina is a major venue where photographic manufacturers showcase their upcoming products. Here’s a short report about some of the new products that caught my attention during my short visit in late September.

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Walking the aisles, I observed two opposing trends taking place among the photographic equipment makers.

On one side, there’s a movement towards larger sensors. Advanced and professional photographers have typically chosen equipment that produces the highest quality images regardless of size and weight. Equipment with larger, full-frame sensors have dominated this category. In Part 1 of this article, I described several of the new full-frame cameras that I demo’d at Photokina.

On the other side, there’s is a flood of activity devoted to making smaller, higher quality cameras.
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Relearning things from the past   Not long ago as part of spring house cleaning, my wife had me rummaging through one of our closets. I happened upon a relic from the past – a film camera. Upon seeing it, nostalgia completely overtook my mind and I quickly loaded a roll of film into the camera and was out of the house and ready to take a stab at it the “old way”.

After years of using digital equipment, I felt a strange sensation going retro and having to set things manually. I was no longer comfortable shooting without the help of today’s “take in for granted” modern features: zoom lens, auto exposure, and autofocus.

Instead I felt compelled to plan each shot by positioning myself at the desired distance from my subject, picking a specific pair of shutter speed and aperture settings and carefully focusing before pressing an almost silent shutter button. Afterwards, I instinctively peeked at the back of the camera and felt slightly silly – there isn’t an LCD on the back of a camera from the 1950s.

I shot only one roll that day. Then I dropped off at the photofinisher and had to wait an entire day before I could see the results. Of course, the film is returned in an envelope with the proofs. But I find it hard to judge a photo from a 4″ x 6″ print so I scanned the negatives to see the results up close on a computer monitor.

Here’s a few of the shots.

For this photo, I first estimated the exposure and then I asked her to remain still for a few moments while I slowly focused the lens. I like the result.

Having scanned the negative, I used Lightroom to turn the color image into a greyscale. I prefer this photo which removes the somewhat distracting green color.

It’s been a few days since I’ve reviewed the 4″ x 6″ proofs. I am now able to deconstruct the process that I experienced that day.

Knowing that I was limited to 24 exposures, I carefully selected, posed and composed my subjects. Rather than snapping off six or eight shots of a single subject, I settled for one or two. Since I was shooting without the convenient features of late model cameras, I found myself checking and double checking the focus and exposure. I’m able to report that there’s a slightly liberating feeling of not having to (or being able to) instantly review each shot. I didn’t feel hurried to snap away. Instead, I took a few extra seconds so I could try to get things right in the camera.

I was able to catch the family dog resting so I didn’t have to rush my shot.

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I was so pleased shooting film after such a long respite that I retrieved these other cameras from storage. I bought a few more rolls of film and so I’m ready to go at it again the “old way”.

Caution: I quickly rediscovered that I need to brush the dust from the negatives before scanning. This is what happens to poorly scanned negatives. Don’t let this spoil your day.

Armed with a couple of these older cameras, I’m planning to go out and shoot more film.

I’m hoping to adopt this method of working more deliberately when I’m shooting with digital equipment. I’d like to improve my goal of getting it right in the camera. I think we can all learn a few things from shooting with film. Why not grab your trusty film camera and shoot a few rolls? It may do you some good.

Written by Arnie Lee

 

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The 2012 Consumer Electronics Show

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My first Consumer Electronics Show was in 1982 when the numbers were a lot smaller than the record breaking 150,000+ that made their way to this year’s event. This crowd was at CES to see more than 3,000 exhibitors displaying their new products.
You’d think I might be weary of CES after 30 years, but I still find excitement in talking to these exhibitors who are making cool stuff that will be on retailers’ shelves in coming months.

What’s in store for 2012?

The Consumer Electronics Show kicks off again in less than a week.

 

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the CES, it’s a huge technology trade show at which the electronic and associated manufacturers showcase their new products. In recent years, CES has attracted more than 120,000 attendees to the Las Vegas Convention Center and surrounding venues.

 
There are literally miles of aisles lined with home theaters, thundering auto audio systems, pulsating illuminated LED signs, massive large-screen televisions, deafening stereo systems and wacky computer game displays. It’s a crowded, noisy affair.

Despite the negatives, CES has been a “must” show for me. In fact, I find it an exciting place to be. So much so that I’ve been to attending this annual event (for a while it was held twice a year) for more than 30 years to learn and write about the new products that are applicable to our businesses. For the first time, the Photographic Marketing Association trade show is being folded into this year’s CES. I suppose this tells us that photographic equipment is now considered part of the consumer electronics realm. Merging of these trade shows into one makes it even more convenient for me to learn about new photo equipment as well.

On the photography side, I expect these will be the trend this year:

• There will be more offerings of high end interchangeable lens cameras (ILC). This relatively new breed are imirrorless and use real-time electronic viewfinders and are significantly smaller than DSLRs. The Nikon V1 and Sony NEX5 are current examples that have compelling and innovative features
• It looks like we’ll see big improvements in the video capability of both DLSRs and ILCs. The norm will be 1080p HD video, full-time autofocus amd complete manual control of exposure. These devices are reinventing the way in which video is recorded.
• Watch for even better images from cellphones. Some models already have large 8MP sensors with builtin flash. There is a striking difference in quality from last year’s models.
• Slowing sales of compact cameras hasn’t deterred manufacturers from improving image quality. In particular, the trend is towards better low-light performance by using more responsive image sensors and wider aperture lenses. This will most likely continue but at a higher price.
• Again with compacts the major brands are also competing aggressively on a feature basis. For example the Samsung SH100 has builtin wireless transfer and several company’s have cameras with builtin GPS. I expect that features such as these will become very popular.
• Last fall in China, I met with several manufacturers who were pushing easy to use, all-weather still and video cameras. This may become a popular category as the younger generation continues the YouTube tradition of recording and producing movies of their varied outdoor activities.

On the technology side I will be looking at these items:

• I just read that Microsoft will be showing their upcoming Microsoft Flight at the show This is of special interest to me as one of our other businesses sell software for their older Flight Simulator.
• There are likely to be a slew of new and improved tablet from a variety of manufacturers. Since the launch of the iPad, these devices have made a dramatic shift in mobile computing behavior. With the recent addition of reading devices such as Amazon’s Fire and Barnes & Noble’s Nook Tablet, the market is heating up quickly.
• Cellphones have made the most impact on consumer behavior in the last few years and I’ll be interested in seeing the new features that are upcoming.
• For several years, robotic devices have been randomly appearing at CES. For the most part, this promising technology has been confined to a few areas such as floor cleaning devices and children’s toys. I’m hoping to see new and innovative consumer-level robots at the show.

I’ll report back to you about the show soon.

Yes, I’m looking forward to another CES. By the way, I’m also looking forward to a few days away from the cold and snowy weather here in Michigan.

 

 
Written by Arnie Lee

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Looking for a new camera? Here’s a few.

Besides being avid an photographer, I’m also a techie. This makes it difficult for me to page past the ads for new camera gear.

In addition to the higher end cameras, I also collect, experiment, use and review compact cameras.

This holiday season is an opportune time to shop for a new or replacement camera.

Why, you ask?

Well, the prices for high quality compact cameras are extremely attractive. Competition among the major manufacturers is very high and that drives prices down. In one week, I saw the price of several medium-end point-and-shoot models drop 20% as the manufacturers scurried to garner additional holiday sales.

This isn’t meant to be a review but let me point out a few of the bargains that I saw.

Canon PowerShot SX230 HS – 14X optical zoom, 12mp, 1080 HD video, builtin GPS, $200 was $300
Nikon Coolpix S6200 – 7x optical zoom, 16mp, 720 HD video, $130 was $200
Nikon Coolpix S6200 – 10x optical zoom, 16mp, 720 HD video, $150 was $230
Nikon Coolpix S9100 – 18x optical zoom 12mp, 1080 HD video, $250 was $330
Samsung SH100 – 5X optical zoom, 14mp, 720 HD video, builtin wifi upload, $130 was $180
Sony CyberShot WX9 – 5X optional zoom, 16mp, 1080 HD video, $140 was $200

You’ll notice that I have listed three Nikon models. Over the past several months, Nikon has been very aggressive with both the number of models that they’ve made and the pricing of them.

I’ve used three of the cameras listed and have found that the image quality from all to be very good. I am also impressed with the ability to take pictures in low-light with the Nikon models.

I also enjoy the longer zoom range on many of the models which let me “reach” subjects are farther away than my feet can take me.

If you’re looking for a new or replacement camera that doesn’t break the bank, you have a large choice available. Best of luck with your shopping.

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Folllowup: After writing this article, I saw a “deal” that I didn’t want to turn down. I ordered a compact camera to be my pocket companion. I’m buying the Canon Powershot SX230HS for $189.

This is the third Canon SX200 series camera that I’ve owned. I’ve taken well over 11,000 photos and videos with my older SX210. Being small, it is easy to carry with me on my travels. Yes, I’ve made this camera work hard these past two years.

The new SX230 takes better photos in low light situations, retains the extended 14x telephoto zoom lens and includes built-in GPS that records the location of my photos. This will make it easy for me to remember where I snapped all of the new pictures.

With the end of the holidays, retailers are anxious to sell any excess inventory. This makes now a great time to be shopping for a new camera- there are many bargains to be found.

 

 
Written by Arnie Lee

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Are you still thinking about those last moment stocking stuffers as the final days of the frantic holiday season quickly approach? It’s not always easy to think of a gift for a photographer especially one who already has lenses, bags, tripods and countless other accessories. Therefore, we’ve put together a list of different ideas for you to consider – whether it’s you or someone else – this holiday season.

You can help Santa with these unusual stocking stuffer ideas for that photographer on your list.”

Lens Bracelet

The Lens Bracelet™ from Photojojo (www.photojojo.com) is, as Photojojo says: the way to wear your camera love on your sleeve. This soft silicone bracelet looks like an actual focusing ring; it even shows the embossed “50mm” and AF/MF switch to the lens grip ridges. You probably won’t need to worry about sizes because one size fits all. The two types Photojojo has available are 50mm prime or 24-70mm zoom.

The Lens Bracelet from Photojojo (www.photojojo.com) is about $10.00

Mode Dial Cuff Links

Here is something different to wear for a more formal New year’s eve party. As you can see these Camera Mode Dial Cufflinks links resemble the mode dial found on most cameras. Mode Dial Cuff Links from www.cufflinks.com for about $49.95. These are available from www.cufflinks.com for about $49.95 as well as amazon.com and other online stores.

Mode Dial Cuff Links from www.cufflinks.com.

F-stop Watch

The way you tell time may not quite be the same anymore thanks to the F-Stop Watch. It displays time with F-Stop or the relative aperture of a camera lens. It measures the hours by aperture so, for example, it’s almost time for that meeting at F11, so you better get your papers together.

“The F-stop Watch from The Unemployed Philosophers Guild (www.philosophersguild.com) is about $34 online at Amazon.com and other locations.

Lens Thermo Coffee Cups
What better way to keep your coffee or other drink hot on an outdoor shoot this winter than to use The Travel Coffee Mug/lens Cup/thermos from Perfect Fit. It’s a typical thermos cup except it’s shaped as a camera lens. Therefore, don’t try to attach it to your camera or don’t pour your hot coffee on your real lens. You’ll find it at several online stores; price is around $15 but depends on the type and style you want.

The Lens Thermo Coffee Cup from Perfect Fit.

Vintage Camera Bookends
Electronic books obviously won’t need bookends but you may still have plenty of printed books and magazines scattered throughout your house or office. A vintage camera bookend might just be the practical solution. You’ll find these (not to mention the original old fashion vintage cameras) on eBay and other online store locations for about $45.

“The Vintage Camera Bookends from Home Decorators (www.homedecorators.com)

Photographer’s Camera Vitamin Box for Pills
This might not be a bad idea for those photographers needing to use a pillbox. You can even have Kyle Design custom make this film vitamin box for you for about $19.95.
Kyle Designs (http://www.kyledesigns.com) also has several other unusual photography related ideas you can check out.

The Photographer’s Camera Vitamin Pillbox from Kyle Designs

Petzl TacTikka Plus 4-LED Headlamp

The small and lightweight Petzl TacTikka Plus 4-LED Headlamp is for the nature photographer on your list. It uses four LED bulbs that will shine up to 150 hours. It even includes a pull-down red filter to help preserve night vision. The Petzl TacTikka Plus 4-LED Headlamp also has a flashing mode in case the photographic adventures takes you farther that you planned. The TacTikka Plus 4-LED Headlamp is about $45 and available at several online stores.

Petzl TacTikka Plus 4-LED Headlamp from Petzl (www.petzl.com).

drop it MODERN Snap iPhone Case

One more item in the retro category is this retro camera case designed to protect an iPhone 4. It’s designed to fit on your device yet gives you complete access to all ports, controls and sensors. You can select from three designs (Black, white and woody). Important note: These cases fit iPhone 4 & iPhone 4S phones purchased through Apple or AT&T carriers only.
The Modern Snap iPhone Case is about $32.95 and available at several online stores.

The drop it MODERN Snap iPhone Case (www.dropitmodern.com).

I hope this has given you different gift ideas that you can add to your list or the list from another photographer friend or family member.

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Written by: Scott Slaughter

Staying close to mother earth

 

One thing that I’ve tried to do to increase the intimacy of my photos is to GET LOW – stay close to the path leading from the camera lens to the subject.

By path, I mean the space between me and the subject. The subject may be very close, slightly close or far away. And the space between me and the subject may be the ground, water, grass, whatever. By including this space up close, I think I’m better able to convey the scale of the subject.

In my younger days, I had little problem photographing these paths by crouching down or even laying on the ground to capture this space. Unfortunately, my legs and back no longer afford me the same body flexibility.

For some years now to save my back, I’ve used an angle viewfinder. The angle viewfinder that I use snaps onto my camera’s eyepiece and has a built-in diopter adjustment (handy since I use eyeglasses for distant viewing) and two levels of magnification for more precise focusing.

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This angle viewfinder is for a Canon DSLR. Nikon, Olympus, Pentax and Sony have similar viewfinders for their cameras.	Using the angle viewfinder, I’m able to compose and focus very low to the ground without breaking my back.
The angle viewfinder let me capture a closeup of the pine cone. Instead of a top-down photo, I was able to include the pine needles with this side view of the subject.
Many of the new DLSRs have a feature that minimizes the need for the angle viewfinder accessory – an LCD which swivels. Below, the LCD on this Sony A55 is articulated. You can swivel the LCD to provide a large view when the camera is sitting on the ground and from almost any other angle too. Among the other camera models which have a swiveling LCD are the Canon T3i and 60D, Nikon D5100, Sony A33 and Olympus E-620.
The LCD on this Sony A55 conveniently folds out to provide a 3″ live viewfinder.	In the field, I can place the camera on the ground and compose the photo from my sitting position.
The swiveling LCD made it easy for me to include the surroundings at Monument Valley. Although I was very distant from the monument in the background, this was a convenient way to show the texture of the ground. BTW, my pants remained clean afterwards.
I have many photos of little people taken from above – great if you don’t mind seeing the tops of their heads and hair. But with an angle viewfinder or swiveling LCD you can easily lower your viewpoint for kids’ portraits.
Here I was able to get down to the level of two of our grandkids. From down here, it’s much easier to see their eyes.

 

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The next time you’re out taking pictures (hopefully very soon), make it a point GET LOW. Take a few shots from the very lowest point of view that you can. It can make for some interesting photos.

 

 

Written by Arnie Lee

 

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Innovative New Feature Makes the Eye-Fi Even More Valuable

 

A few months ago, I ran into Ziv Gillat, one of the co-founders of Eye-Fi at a photography trade show. His company developed a set of SD-cards that can send images directly from your digital camera to your personal computer by way of a local wi-fi network.

For background information about these cards, you can read the original review of the Eye-Fi from a few weeks ago here.

Anyway, Ziv was excited to tell me about a new feature that the company was developing. Finally last week, Eye-Fi unveiled a fascinating new capability for any of their X2 series cards. With this free update, the Eye-Fi can now send images directly to a mobile device – either an iPhone, iPad or Android. By itself, this provides an automated way to backup your images. On the mobile device, you’ll need to download and install either an iPhone/iPad app or an Android app. These free mobile apps (also provided by Eye-Fi) receive the images from the Eye-Fi card. The apps provide another very useful feature – they let you resend the images to other online sites. And since they use cellular to upload, the mobile devices replace the personal computer.

To use the new capability which the company calls Direct Mode, I downloaded and installed an update to the included Eye-Fi Center software that is used to configure the SD-card. Using one of the dialogs, I added my iPhone and Android device to my list of supported wi-fi networks. Next I installed the Eye-Fi iPhone app from the iTunes website (and later the Android app from Market) and I was ready to give Direct Mode a try.
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You’ve probably come across a situation where you find a great photo opportunity but you cannot frame the photo properly because something is blocking your view in the viewfinder. There might, for example, be a crowd of people, a fence, tall shrub, wall, etc., directly in your line of sight.

One way is to use a camera with a movable LCD monitor so you can snap photos at awkward angles. Unfortunately, most point-and-shoot cameras and digital SLRs don’t have a tilt-and-swivel LCD monitor. Therefore, you may want to consider attaching a Flipbac Angle Viewfinder to your camera.

The Flipbac Angle Viewfinder help you compose shots at high and low angles.

The Flipbac isn’t fancy; it’s simply a mirror attached to a small wire frame that you can swing a couple of different directions. It does do, however, what it says it will do. It’ll help you compose shots at difficult angles. It does this by reflecting the LCD image on its mirror-like surface, which simulates a screen that’s able to tilt. You can use the Flipbac in either landscape or portrait mode.
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Add Soft Lighting to your off-camera flash

The modern day external flash unit is a vital accessory for indoor portraits, still life, food shots and more.

Light that originates from a small source such as an external flash unit is harsher than light that originates from a larger source. To “soften” the lighting especially for portraits, photographers often use “modifiers” to alter the lighting to something more pleasing. Most of the modifiers work by spreading the light out over a larger area.

LumiQuest has been a well-known maker of modifiers for many years. Among their bestsellers is the Softbox III. When I was attending the WPPI Expo, Heidi one of LumiQuest’s principals gave me a quick demonstration of this lightweight device. I was so impressed that I ordered one when I returned home.

The concentrated light from the flash bounces inside the reflector of the Softbox III and passes through the translucent material covering its face. Instead of harsh light originating from the small flash head, a softer light originates from a much larger reflector.

Follow along as I show you how I’ve used the Softbox III to improve the lighting on some of my recent portraits.

When it’s disassembled, the Softbox III folds flat to a 8″ x 9″ size, making it convenient to take anywhere. As folded, it easily fits in the outer pocket of my camera bag so is always available when I’m carrying my external flash.

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