Photography News Blog

Crowdbooks Launches

2011-04-30T03:18:00.000-07:00

Crowdbooks, a new platform that combines crowdfunding with photo book publishing, has officially launched. The concept is built on a model that brings together talented photographers and supporters of the arts with a quality-focused independent publisher. “Crowdbooks will create a passionate community wherein the artists and investors work hand-in-hand to bring a new photo book to life,” says Crowdbooks founder Stefano Bianchi. “For would-be investors, the Crowdbooks platform offers them an compelling opportunity to both support the arts and have a hand in the success of a photographic artist and the resulting book. The investors literally become a part of the book.” Crowdbooks currently features two projects and there are many more in the line-up for the upcoming weeks.

Website: Crowdbooks

Crowdbooks Press Release

CROWDBOOKS USHERS IN A PUBLISHING REVOLUTION WITH CROWDFUNDING FOR PHOTO/ART BOOKS

Book Publishing Network Crowdbooks Marries The Power Of Crowdfunding With A Passionate Community Of Artists And Investors To Create A Revolutionary New Platform For Photo/Art Books.

(May, 2011) When Crowdbooks launches in May, the world will be introduced to a completely new and unique model of publishing. This model will merge talented photographic artists and passionate investors or supporters of the arts with a quality-focused independent publisher. The innovative concept behind Crowdbooks makes it stand out as the first-of-its-kind crowdfunding option that sees an idea through from its inception to publication.

This new venture gives rise to exciting opportunities for all involved. Crowdbooks will create a passionate community wherein the artists and investors work hand-in-hand to bring a new photo book to life. Crowdfunding, also known as “participative financing,” involves a project which receives financing through a myriad of investors collectively pooling their money to fully fund projects. For would-be investors, the Crowdbooks platform offers them an compelling opportunity to both support the arts and have a hand in the success of a photographic artist and the resulting book. The investors literally become a part of the book.

While the concept of crowdfunding is not unique and has grown in recent years, Crowdbooks offers a completely new element to this established model. Other venues step out once funds are secured, yet Crowdbooks steps in and sees the projects through the final stages of design and distribution. Each project is created with an intense focus on craftsmanship, quality and an eye for detail. Handmade production methods are often employed, insuring each book is itself a work of art. Additionally, Crowdbooks offers the know-how of large publishing firms juxtaposed with the dedication of individual artists and talented teams focused on the success of each project.

Renowned fine art photographer and New York City teacher Amy Stein had this to say about the future of photobooks: “If we want the photobook to evolve I believe we need to bring back collaboration and, more importantly, evolve the definition of a book. Instead of a mass mentality, where the book is reduced to a means to distribute your photographs, we must return to a place where photographers work with other artists and professionals to conceive and produce unique, standalone objects. “ This collaboration and evolved definition of a book is exactly Crowdbooks’ goal as it builds this exciting new platform and community. The artists that seek funding and publication through the platform will receive the comprehensive support of passionate investors and superior publishing practices.

ABOUT CROWDBOOKS:

Crowdbooks is the first art/ photo book publishing network to use online crowdsourcing to fund its projects. Through social networks and the online community, Crowdbooks funds and produces unique, limited edition photo-based books that challenge the conventional methods of publishing, as well as the artistic limitations associated with the offline model. Crowdbooks acts as a traditional publishing company, overseeing a project from its design to its distribution. To be part of a book, be part of a crowd!

Nathalie Belayche works as an indepedent curator, photo editor, writer.She is the founder of the photography platform Food For Your Eyes. She has a passion for the photography book medium, convinced this is the best means of expression for photographers/ Prior to joining Crowdbooks as an Editor, Nathalie, collaborated closely with photographers to develop photography book projects and to get their book published. She is also an active member of the online photography book community with contributions to crowdsourced projects such as “The Future of Photobook” or to “the Photobook Club” website.

ABOUT CROWDBOOKS FOUNDER, STEFANO BIANCHI:

Stefano Bianchi, the passionate mastermind behind Crowdbooks, is an established graphic designer and communications consultant. He has worked with companies such as Magnumphotos Agency, Louis Vuitton, Relais & Châteaux, Dior, Fabrica (the Benetton group communications research center) and Diesel Jeans. From his current home base in Paris, France, Stefano acts as CEO of N2o Studio, a creative consulting agency. His passion for photography, quality design and craftsmanship, and an appreciation for the arts, led to the creation of this exciting new platform.

Digital Photographer of the Year 2011

2011-04-22T03:18:00.000-07:00

Imagine Publishing and Samsung are joining forces to launch the fifth annual Digital Photographer of the Year (DPOTY) awards. The format of the awards for 2011 will see a brand new competition category launched in each issue of Digital Photographer Magazine. There will be six photographic categories in total, including Landscapes, Portraits, Action/Sports, Wildlife/Nature, B&W and Creative Expression. Each category winner will receive a Samsung NX100 and two lenses. The runners up for every category will each receive a Samsung WB700 camera. The overall winner will scoop a Samsung NX11 plus a 20-50mm, 16mm pancake, an 85mm lens and a flashgun. For all the details on how to enter, look out for Digital Photographer issue 111 on sale now or check out the website below.

Website: Digital Photographer

DPOTY Press Release

Digital Photographer of the Year awards 2011 launches

The hugely popular Digital Photographer of the Year Awards is back for 2011 – sponsored by photography giant, Samsung

Imagine Publishing and Samsung are joining forces to launch the fifth annual Digital Photographer of the Year awards, with amazing new prizes and exciting new categories. Following on from last year’s sensational success, Digital Photographer magazine anticipates record a number of submissions for the competition in 2011, with each category winner receiving a Samsung NX100 and two lenses. The runners up for every category will each receive a Samsung WB700 camera. The overall winner will scoop a Samsung NX11 plus a 20-50mm, 16mm pancake, an 85mm lens and a flashgun.

Rosie Tanner, Editor of Digital Photographer, is anticipating another successful competition: “Last year we were blown away by the quality and quantity of images submitted, so this year I have no doubt our readers are going to go all out to submit some outstanding work. This competition is an amazing opportunity for enthusiast photographers to prove to the rest of the photographic community what they can do.”

Since its launch back in 2007, the DPOTY awards has seen year-on-year success and is now widely recognised by the photography industry as one of the top photographic competitions of its kind. The judging panel for the 2011 awards features some of the country’s top photographic professionals including big names such as pro landscape photographer, David Clapp, Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year overall winner Ben Osborne and Landscape Photographer of the Year winner, Antony Spencer.

The call for entries opens on the 14 July, which coincides with the on-sale date of Digital Photographer issue 111. The format of the awards for 2011 will see a brand new competition category launched in each issue of the magazine. There will be six photographic categories in total – each designed to push the creativity of photographers. The categories are:

The Big Picture – Landscapes
Strike a Pose – Portraits
Capture the Action – Action / Sports
Call of the Wild – Wildlife/nature
Shades of Grey – Black & White
Creative expression – Creative/image editing/HDR

Rosie Tanner added, “This year it’s even easier to enter the competition thanks to the easy upload option on our website. Users can upload their entries at the touch of a button, so there is no excuse not to enter and show us what you’re capable of!”

Nick White, Head of Samsung’s Digital Imaging division, said: “Samsung is proud to be supporting Digital Photographer of the Year for the second consecutive year. Last year we saw some incredible photos and the winning images were truly inspirational. I am looking forward to being on the judging panel for the 2011 Digital Photographer of the Year awards and celebrating the best photography in this year’s competition. Samsung would like to thank the readers of Digital Photographer for entering their images last year and we look forward to seeing their terrific work this year.”

For all the details on how to enter, look out for Digital Photographer issue 111 on sale 14 July 2011 or head online to http://www.DPhotographer.co.uk.

Imagine Publishing is one of the UK’s fastest-growing consumer specialist publishers. Formed in May 2005, Imagine now publishes 20 regular print magazines, 30 digital apps on the iPad/iPhone, and 28 websites in the videogames, computing, entertainment, motoring and photography markets. An Imagine magazine is purchased every ten seconds.

Fujifilm FinePix F500 EXR Review

2011-04-15T03:18:00.000-07:00

The Fujifilm Finepix F500 EXR is a new 16 megapixel travel compact camera with a 15x, 24-360mm zoom lens. Capable of auto-focusing in as little as 0.16 second, other highlights of the successor to the popular F300EXR include an EXR Back Side Illuminated CMOS sensor, high-resolution 3 inch LCD screen, 8fps continuous shooting, full 1080p HD movies and High Speed movie capture at 320 fps. The Fujifilm Finepix F500 EXR is available now in black, red or white at a full retail price of $329.95 / £279.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it, seems to be the mantra behind the external design of the new Fujifilm FinePix F500 EXR, which looks almost identical to the F300 model that it replaces. Therefore a lot of the comments that we made about that model apply equally to the F500, which has the same glossy curves as its predecessor. The new 16-megapixel model somehow shoehorns a 15x optical zoom (24-360mm equivalent in 35mm terms) into a slender, handbag or pocket friendly chassis, measuring just 22.9mm in depth at its thinnest point. The lens is neatly folded away when not in use, making the F500 EXR eminently pocketable, with overall dimensions of 103.5x59.2x32.6mm and weighing 215g with battery and optional SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card inserted.

Even in its inactive state, the camera's optics look like they're ready to burst forth from the body. The lens barrel is surrounded by what resembles a pregnant bulge, its rounded edges and controls avoiding this Fujifilm looking like the usual rectangular box that so many other compacts resemble. Apart from that, the F500 EXR presents a clean and sophisticated faceplate, the only features apart from said lens being useful rubberized hand-grip, a window for the self-timer/AF assist lamp and four holes for the stereo microphone, all positioned top left of the lens.

The back of the F500 also impresses, sporting a 3-inch, wide view 460k-dot resolution LCD. So in practice we didn't miss that the camera omits an optical viewfinder of any kind, as the LCD screen is perfectly adequate for outdoor use. Pricing is nigh identical to its close contender, the Fujifilm having a high-ish suggested pricing of £279 in the UK. Out of the box you get a basic quick start manual, with the rest on a supplied CD ROM. This also includes the usual basic software, here FinePix Studio for Windows PCs and FinePix Viewer for Macs.

Since this is a point and shoot camera first and foremost, Fujifilm has thoughtfully ramped up the performance of its auto focus features, with a claimed focusing speed of just 0.16 seconds. Other key features include a 360° motion panorama mode for sweeping landscapes, the ubiquitous face detection/recognition (including dogs and cats), tracking auto focus, the DSLR-like background blurring Pro Focus mode seen on other EXR compacts, plus 'intelligent' flash and gyro sensor image stabilisation.

To help avoid blur resulting from camera shake when shooting in low light or hand-holding the camera at the telephoto extremity of the zoom, Fujifilm have added a 'belt and braces' solution of high ISO sensitivity, stretching up to ISO 12800 at full resolution (JPEG only), a built-in mechanical stabilizer with Continuous or Shooting Only modes, and digital image stabilisation too if required. Activated via the IS Mode menu option, you can set the system to Continuous, Shooting Only, either mode with the addition of digital stabilisation, or Off. Note that the camera will only automatically adjust the ISO speed when using the Auto shooting mode - in the other modes the ISO speed that you select will always be used, so only the mechanical CCD-shift part of the system is used.

Film simulation modes show off Fujifilm's heritage, the choice once again being the well-saturated colours of 'Velvia' mode, the default natural-looking setting of 'Provia', or the soft and gentle 'Astia' for portraiture, plus black & white and sepia. Likely to get more use by those with families is an auto release mode that fires the shutter when the camera detects the subject is looking directly at the lens. Fujifilm suggests this is ideal for photographing never-sit-still children and babies. We also get full 1080p HD movie clips, with usefully a dedicated video mode button on the backplate that falls readily under the thumb, and a mini HDMI output alongside the regular AV and USB output at one side. Plus, in playback mode, there's a chance to sort through images faster with the Photobook feature, as well as rate your favourites by allocating stars to them.

Like most of its travel zoom ilk the F500 EXR is made for the pocket, there's not much of the actual camera to get a firm grip on. There's a gentle curve and rubber patch to the left hand edge at the front while at the back the F500 EXR Fujifilm has introduced possibly the first 'booty' on a digital camera. A bulge top right provides a resting place for the thumb, a backward slanted shooting mode dial (thus echoing the FinePix HS10) topping it off; an unusual move that Fujifilm suggests makes for easier control access and so faster operation. It looks at once like that portion of the camera is melting, and at the same time very cool indeed.

Switch the camera on via the recessed top plate button that sits alongside the shutter release, once again encircled by a zoom lever, and there's an immediate irritation. The integral flash, prior to this neatly sunk within the top plate, rises automatically, and without request, much the same in fact as the flash does on the Canon PowerShot SX220 IS. You can at least gently rest your finger on the flash to stop it from appearing, or push it back down once it has risen.

The F500 EXR takes roughly two seconds from being activated before you can fire off the first shot, rear LCD bursting into life and lens extending to maximum wideangle with an audible mechanical whirr. A half press of the shutter release button and AF is virtually instantaneous, in keeping with Fujifilm's claimed 0.16 second speed. Though it's neither here nor there, the on/off switch glows with a cool blue light, which recalls the same feature incorporated on Samsung's compact range.

Somewhat strangely, there's no external control for one of the F500 EXR's star turns, its fast continuous shooting speed. Instead the Continuous menu option brings up four options - Off, Top 4, Best Frame Capture and three different kinds of bracketing (exposure, film simulation mode and dynamic range). Choosing Top 4 allows you to take 8 full-resolution photos at 8 frames per second, which is faster than most compact cameras and indeed most DSLRs too.

The only fly in the ointment are that only 4 out of the 8 are actually saved to the memory card. Choosing Best Frame Capture shoots at 11fps at 8 megapixel resolution from the moment that you focus and then saves up to 16 images including pre-recorded frames. Once the burst is completed, it takes over fifteen seconds for the camera to clear the buffer, during which you cannot take another picture. There is also another continuous shooting speeds where the Fujifilm F500 EXR shoots at a faster speed 11fps at at 4 megapixel resolution for up to 32 frames.

JPEGs are quickly committed to memory in single-shot mode with only the briefest pause between each one. Note that the F500EXR doesn't support the RAW format - you'll have to pay a little bit more for the the F550EXR model to get that functionality.

Both the power button and shutter release fall readily under the forefinger when gripping the camera in your right hand, and the zoom lever is similarly ergonomically located. Nudge the latter and said zoom veritably powers through its broad focal range, zipping from maximum wideangle to extreme telephoto in actually under three seconds, and thankfully a little quiter than on the previous F300EXR model.

Looking at the rear of the camera, there's a clearly labeled and logically laid out control set, with a chunky, ridged shooting mode dial which is reminiscent of those found on DSLR cameras. Ranged around the dial, which turns with just the right amount of resistance for it to lock firmly into place at each setting, are a range of shooting options, such as full auto, program, shutter priority, aperture priority and manual modes, along with a scene position mode (SP1) that's pre-optimised for common subjects. Note that there are only three available apertures in A mode, rather limiting your control, although there is a full range of shutter speeds on offer.

There are two more shooting modes that are particularly noteworthy. First up is the EXR Auto mode (one of the four EXR modes), which is an 'auto everything' scene recognition mode that's the equivalent of Panasonic's Intelligent Auto mode. Although far from infallible - if you're not paying close attention and it's presented with a busy scene it will call up landscape when macro is needed and vice versa – it instantly makes the F500 EXR more beginner friendly, instantly recognising 10 basic scenes and then applying one of the three other EXR modes too.

Fujifilm's EXR sensor can be utilized in one of three ways by the photographer. There's a choice between shooting at full 16 megapixel resolution in High Resolution (HR) mode, or an 8 megapixel image in the Low Noise (SN) mode for shooting without flash in low light conditions, or the Dynamic Range (DR) mode to achieve an optimal balance between shadows and highlights. The latter offers five strengths ranging from 100-1600%. If you can't decide which is best for a chosen scene or subject, then just leave the camera on the scene-detecting EXR Automatic Mode and let it choose for itself.

The second shooting mode of particular interest is the rather misleadingly named Advanced mode, which actually has three options that are well suited to all experience levels. The first shooting mode is the Panorama option, clearly inspired by Sony's popular Sweep Panorama function. This lets you capture a 120, 180 or 360 degree panoramic image very easily without the use of a tripod. All you need to decide is whether you would like to start from left or right, top or bottom, then press and hold down the shutter release while doing a "sweep" with the camera in hand. Exposure compensation is available before you start the sweep, with the exposure fixed once you depress the shutter button. After you are done with the sweeping, the camera does all the processing required, and presents you with a finished panoramic image.

Although undoubtedly fun, there are a few catches. The final panorama is of relatively low resolution, and if you do the sweeping too slowly, or you let go of the shutter release button too early, the panorama will be truncated. If the exposure varies throughout the scene, then some areas will be over or under exposed, depending upon the exposure value that was chosen as the panorama was started. Finally, people and indeed anything that moves in the frame are recorded as several ghost outlines, which means that you can really only record static, empty scenes, something that Sony have solved in the latest iteration of their Sweep Panorama feature.

The Pro Low-light mode uses multi-bracketing technology, taking a series of four high sensitivity/low-noise shots in quick succession and combining them into an image with less noise than the single exposures. You can see examples of this shooting mode on the Image Quality page. The Pro Focus mode makes it easier to achieve a blurred background, perfect for portraits where compact digicams traditionally struggle.

With video not represented among the other shooting modes on the dial, as mentioned at the outset this thoughtfully has its own button just below, a press of which kicks off recording whichever alternative mode had previously been in use. This means that movie quality needs to be adjusted separately by delving into the camera's shooting menu via the main 'menu' button. Surprisingly the zoom function can also be used when shooting movies, but in this mode it is altogether smoother, steadier and any operational noise - though still audible if filming in quieter environs - is nevertheless dampened down.

The F500 EXR offers full 1920x1080 pixel footage at 30 frames per second with constantly adjusting auto exposure and focus with stereo sound. There are still few digital compacts that offer 1080p video recording, so the F500 EXR is a definite camera to consider if movies are your thing. It can record video clips up to 29 minutes long for the 1920x1080 and 1280x720 pixel formats, with longer times available for VGA and SVGA modes. The dedicated Movie button on the rear makes it quick and easy to shoot a movie without missing the start of the action, and there's a mini-HDMI port for connection to a HDTV (cable not supplied). You can select one of the Film Simulation modes to give your footage a more creative look, and there's the option to take a still photo at any time during movie recording.

In addition to these "normal" movie modes, the F500 EXR also offers several high-speed modes, a feature that was first pioneered by Casio. There are three different speeds on offer - 320, 160 and 80fps, with the file size varying from 320x112 to 640x400 pixels respectively. This slow-motion effect is initially very appealing and sure to impress your friends, but there are some drawbacks to be aware of. Sound isn't recorded at all, horizontal bands can appear as the lighting fluctuates, and the actual sizes of the recorded movies are pretty small.

To the left of the video record button is the familiar playback button. Press this and as well as reviewing images the user is invited to have access to all the camera's extensive photobook features. Beneath this again Fujifilm has implemented the aforementioned Canon-like scroll wheel and central control pad combo, the latter itself encircling a central menu/OK button - for calling up said menu folders, always clear, concise and to the point with Fujifilm, and then executing any functional changes.

Ranged around this scroll wheel/pad are a means of adjusting exposure when in one of the capture modes, or deleting duff images in playback. We also get access to the camera's flash settings (oddly disabled if you've switched the camera to silent mode), self timer options and the ability to switch from infinity to macro focus - here close ups are offered down to 5cm.

Also doubling up, in terms of control, is a 'display' and 'back' button - the latter very useful if, in your keenness for exploration of the F500 EXR's Pandora's box of features, you've stumbled onto a setting you didn't actually want and want to retrace your steps. Last but no means least, tucked into the right hand corner of the F500 EXR's backplate is an 'F' (for 'Foto') button which, as regular Fujifilm users will know, provides a short cut to the likes of image quality and the film simulation modes. Operation pared down to the bare essentials for quick and easy access then, and very useful it is too.

The right hand flank of the camera features the cover for the mini HDMI port and AV/USB output, with a metal lug for attaching a wrist strap just above. At the camera's base meanwhile we find a centrally located metal screw thread and, to its side, a sliding door hiding the shared compartment for the optional media card and battery.

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PhotographyBLOG is a member of the DIWA organisation. Our test results for the Fujifilm FinePix F500 EXR have been submitted to DIWA for comparison with test results for different samples of the same camera model supplied by other DIWA member sites.

Weber 7553 Premium Cover for Weber Genesis Gas Grills

2011-04-14T03:18:00.000-07:00

Heavy-duty black vinyl cover protects Genesis E and S series and 300 gas grills.

Price: $54.99

What Do You Say to a Naked Lady? [VHS]

2011-04-06T03:18:00.000-07:00

The soundtrack to a Russian silent film originally released in 1929, Man With a Movie Camera whips up a maelstrom of moody, electronica-tinged jazz-funk. In 1999, the Portugese film festival selection committee asked Cinematic Orchestra's Jason Swinscoe to compose a new score for a screening of Dziga Vertov's avant-garde classic with live orchestral accompaniment. The result is a limber collection that flirts with brilliance while never quite coming together as an entity separate from the movie itself. For the full effect, listeners are advised to check out the film's DVD release, which features this music in its intended setting. Having said that, there is much to recommend here for fans of Cinematic Orchestra's post-modern, acid jazz fixations; "The Awakening of a Woman (Burnout)," for instance, slinks along on a decadent groove, as does the skittish "Reel Life (Evolution II)." By improving an already classic film with these sly compositions, Swinscoe's band lives up to its name with elegant style and sophistication. --Matthew Cooke

Price: $14.95

Leica Announces Lens Mount Adapters for S2

2011-04-01T03:18:00.000-07:00

Leica has announced a range of adapters for the Leica S2 medium-format DSLR camera. The Leica S-Adapter V can be used for Hasselblad V System lenses, the Leica S-Adapter P67 for the Pentax 67 system lenses and the Leica S-Adapter M645 (pictured) for the lenses of the Mamiya 645 system. “As a result of being able to use third-party lenses on the Leica S2, photographers now have access to a wider selection of additional lenses, further increasing the S-System’s flexibility,” the company said in a statement. “Furthermore, photographers who already own lenses from the aforementioned systems can now use them on the Leica S2.” The UK suggested retail price of the Leica S-Adapter (all versions) is £525 including VAT.

Leica Press Release

Leica Camera AG expands lens compatibility for Leica S-System

15/07/2011

Leica S-Adapters increase flexibility of S2, enabling use of other manufacturers’ medium-format lenses

Leica is expanding its range of accessories for the Leica S2 professional camera system. From August 2011, three new Leica S-Adapters will be available, allowing photographers to attach medium-format lenses from other manufacturers to Leica S bodies. The Leica S-Adapter V can be used for Hasselblad V System lenses, the Leica S-Adapter P67 for the Pentax 67 system lenses and the Leica S-Adapter M645 for the lenses of the Mamiya 645 system.

The S-Adapters offer many benefits to professional photographers. As a result of being able to use third-party lenses on the Leica S2, photographers now have access to a wider selection of additional lenses, further increasing the S-System’s flexibility. Furthermore, photographers who already own lenses from the aforementioned systems can now use them on the Leica S2. This extension of the compatible lens range includes tilt and shift. As with all products in the Leica S portfolio, the Leica S-Adapters are manufactured to extremely high specifications. The use of high quality materials in their construction – anodised aluminium and chrome-plated brass – makes them durable and reliable, even when in constant use.

Dimensions and weight of the S-Adapters:

Leica S-Adapter V H 30.2 mm x W 81 mm 138.75 g
Leica S-Adapter M645 H 15.5 mm x W 78 mm 93.5 g
Leica S-Adapter P67 H 37 mm x W 90 mm 222.5 g

About the Leica S-System
The Leica S-System is a digital camera concept designed to meet supreme professional requirements. With a resolution of 37.5 megapixels, the S2’s 30 x 45mm CCD sensor features an aspect ratio of 3:2 and an area nearly 60% larger than that of a traditional 35mm camera, resulting in stunning image quality. The S2’s full range of features includes autofocus, high-speed MAESTRO image processor, highly durable design and optimal size and ease-of-use for professional photographers.

Pricing and availability in the UK
The Leica S-Adapters are scheduled to be available in the UK from August 2011 from selected authorised Leica dealers including the Leica Store Mayfair: http://www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk, tel: 020 7629 1351. A full list of authorised UK Leica dealers is available at http://www.leica-camera.co.uk. The UK suggested retail price of the Leica S-Adapter (all versions) is £525 including VAT.

Nikon Coolpix L23 Overheating Issue

2011-03-30T03:18:00.000-07:00

Nikon U.S.A. has issued a service notice to owners of the Nikon Coolpix L23 digital compact camera (read review). The company says that “in some rare cases, when the batteries are inserted, or the AC Adapter EH-65A is connected, even with the camera turned off, excessive heat is generated in the top portion of the camera, which sometimes causes the top cover to become deformed”. To determine if your camera is affected, you need to contact Nikon Customer Relations on 1-800-645-6687, 8am to 2am (Eastern) and provide the camera’s serial number.

Source: Nikon

The Hangover (Unrated Edition) [Blu-ray]

2011-03-29T03:18:00.001-07:00

If you like your humor broadside up, hold the subtlety, you'll want to nurse this Hangover with your best buds. The ensemble cast meshes perfectly--it's like a super-R-rated episode of Friends: silly, slapstick, and completely in the viewer's face. When four pals go to Vegas to celebrate the imminent nuptials of one of them, they partake in a rooftop toast to "a night we'll never forget." But they're in for a big surprise: their celebration drinks were laced with date-rape drugs, so when they awake in their hotel room 12 hours later, not only are they hung over, but they can't remember what they did all night long. Oh, and they're missing the groom-to-be.

The film is so cheerfully raunchy, so fiercely crude, that the humor becomes as intoxicating as the mind-altering substances. The standout in the ensemble is Zach Galifianakis, who is alternately creepy and hilarious. Ed Helm (The Office), in addition to his memory, loses a tooth in uncomfortably realistic fashion, and Bradley Cooper (He's Just Not That into You) has deadpan comic timing that whips along at the speed of light. "Ma'am, you have an incredible rack," he blares to a pedestrian from the squad car the guys have "borrowed." "I should have been a [bleeping] cop," he tells himself approvingly.

Director Todd Phillips brings back his deft handling of the actors and the dude humor that worked so well in Old School, as well as the unctuous Dan Finnerty, memorable as a lounge/wedding singer in both films. But it's the nonstop volley of jokes--most cheerily politically incorrect--that grabs the audience and thrashes it around the hotel room. Just watch out for the tiger in the bathroom. --A.T. Hurley

Price: $24.98

Olympus SZ-20 Firmware Update 1.1

2011-03-29T03:18:00.000-07:00

Olympus has issued a firmware update for the Olympus SZ-20 digital compact camera. Version 1.1 improves the “reliability of zoom positioning when power is turned off”, as Olympus puts it. You can download the firmware upgrade from within the Olympus Digital Camera Updater software, with the camera connected to your PC via USB.

Review: Read our in-depth review of the Olympus SZ-20 digital compact camera

Understanding Exposure, 3rd Edition: How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera

2011-03-25T04:18:00.000-07:00

With more than 350,000 copies sold, Understanding Exposure has demystified the complex concepts of exposure for countless photographers. Now updated with current technologies, more than one hundred new images, and an all-new chapter, this new edition will inspire you more than ever to free yourself from “auto” and create the pictures you truly want.

In his trademark easy-to-understand style, author Bryan Peterson explains the relationship between aperture and shutter speed, including how to achieve successful exposures in seemingly difficult situations. You’ll learn:

•Â Which aperture gives you the greatest contrast and sharpness, and when to use itÂ
•Â Which apertures guarantee the background remains an out-of-focus toneÂ
•Â Which one apertureâ??when combined with the right lensâ??creates an area of sharpness from three feet to infinityÂ
•Â How to creatively use shutter speed to either freeze an action or imply motionÂ
•Â Where to take a meter reading when shooting a sunset, snow, or a city at dusk

With new information on white balance, flash, HDR, and more, this updated classic will inspire you to stop guessing and take control of your settings for better photos anytime, anywhere, and with any camera.

Price: $25.99

Olympus Tough TG-615

2011-03-17T04:18:00.000-07:00

Olympus Japan has announced the Olympus TG-615 digital compact camera. Based on the existing Olympus TG-610 water-, shock- and freezeproof camera model, the new TG-615 adds a new filter / shooting mode, and comes with a modified (probably improved) image stabiliser on board. That aside, the main specs appear unchanged, including the 14-megapixel CCD, 28-140mm equivalent zoom lens and of course the tough water-, shock- and freezeproof body. We have received confirmation from Olympus that the TG-615 is a Japan-only model.

Photo Sense for iOS

2011-03-15T04:18:00.000-07:00

Dutch software developers VeprIT has released an iOS-optimised version of their Photo Sense application. Originally developed for Mac OS, Photo Sense is billed as “a powerful tool for quick and easy photo enhancement”. The iOS version enables users to improve pictures taken with the built-in camera, or they can enhance one that is already present in the photo library. The app even allows them to compare the modified image to the original before saving. PhotoSense is available now on iTunes for $1.99.

Veprit Press Release

Photo Sense 1.0 for iOS - Easy Photo Enhancement App

VeprIT today released Photo Sense 1.0 for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad users. The newly launched application is a powerful tool for quick and easy photo enhancement on an iDevice. Users are able to apply automatic improvements and effects with a few taps and can view their photo before and after modification. Photo Sense for iOS is the iOS version of the existing Mac OS application, and has been developed by professional photography experts.

Zoetermeer, The Netherlands - Announcing that VeprIT, the developers of Photo Sense, has released an exciting new product for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad users. The newly launched application is a powerful tool for quick and easy photo enhancement on an iDevice. Users are able to automatically apply improvements and effects with a few taps and can view the before and after of their photo modifications. Photo Sense for iOS is the iOS version of the existing Mac OS application, and has been developed by professional photography experts.

Photo Sense is a newly launched application that provides a fast, easy platform for photo enhancement on an iDevice. The app utilizes powerful, complex image processing algorithms to achieve impressive results, and yet it is very simple to use.

Users are able to improve pictures taken with the built-in camera, or they can enhance one that is already present in the photo library. With just a few taps, they can improve the automatic result by choosing what image aspects (such as exposure, contrast, saturation etc.) Photo Sense should automatically adjust.

To get an idea of how much better a photo is after using Photo Sense, users are able to see the “before” and “after” of their photo. The original one is displayed, as well as the modified version, for comparison.

Some of the features in Photo Sense include:
* Take a photo with the camera or improve one from the Photo Library
* Automatically apply professional image enhancement techniques
* Compare photos, before and after processing
* Adjust processing options to improve automatic results
* Improve composition using non-destructive cropping and straightening
* Apply various creative effects to make your pictures unique
* Impress others with your enhanced photographs

Photo Sense developers have several years of professional photography experience, which resulted in creating an automatic image enhancement approach. This approach has been implemented in a powerful, but very easy-to-use application. Originally a Mac application, it is now also available on iPhone and iPod touch.

Device Requirements:
* iPhone 4, iPod touch 4 and iPad
* RequiresiOS 4.2 or later
* 0.9 MB

Pricing and Availability
Photo Sense 1.0 is only $1.99 (USD) and available worldwide exclusively through the App Store in the Photography category. Promo codes are available for qualified reviewers. Please specify the magazine, website or blog you represent when making your request.

Photo Sense 1.0: http://veprit.com/photosense/
Purchase and Download: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/photo-sense/id441208445?mt=8

VeprIT is a young software development company based in The Netherlands, with a team steeped in software engineering, mathematics and photography experience. The company’s first product, Photo Sense, was originally released for Mac OS because of the system’s great power hidden under the beautiful, simple user interface. These system characteristics have a significant influence on VeprIT’s own products. VeprIT is committed to creating applications that deliver the best possible results automatically, or with the minimum user involvement. Copyright (C) 2011 Mobile-App-Marketing-Makeover. All Rights Reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone and iPod are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries.

Weber 7416 Rapidfire Chimney Starter

2011-03-08T03:18:00.000-08:00

Weber Rapidfire, Chimney Starter, Made Of Aluminized Steel and Large Enough To Hold The Appropriate Number Of Briquettes For An Indirect Or Direct Fire On A 22-1/2" Diameter Weber Kettle, Unique Cone Bottom Allows For Fast Start and A Double Thermoplastic Handle Allows For Easy Pouring Once Charcoal Is Ignited.

Price: $19.99

Small Camera, Epic Shots

2009-09-17T03:18:00.000-07:00

To popularise the new Lumix G3 compact system camera, Panasonic has launched a campaign entitled ‘Small Camera, Epic Shots’ which enlists the talents of two UK professional photographers. David Eustace heads to Yosemite National Park, while urban photographer Will Cooper-Mitchell explores the bustling New York City to find out for themselves how the camera performs in two very different and visually stimulating environments. Devised by creative agency Brave, the campaign will feature on television, in print, online and in store and breaks on the 15th July.

Update: Click through / scroll down to view the New York City TV spot.

Panasonic Press Release

Panasonic’s ‘Small Camera, Epic Shots’ Campaign

With the arrival of the new LUMIX G3, Panasonic are launching a campaign entitled ‘Small Camera, Epic Shots’ which enlists the talents of 2 UK professional photographers. The established David Eustace ventures to picturesque Yosemite, California, while break through urban photographer Will Cooper-Mitchell explores the bustling New York City to find out for themselves how the camera performs. Taking us on a journey of discovery using reportage style photography, David and Will demonstrate the diversity of the camera in 2 very different and visually stimulating environments.

The LUMIX G3

Small, lightweight and with outstanding image quality, the LUMIX G3 compact system camera is designed to go anywhere you do. A new 16.0-megapixel sensor and light-speed autofocus gives you the exceptional image quality that was once restricted to large, heavy DSLR cameras. The intuitive automatic shooting modes and full range of advanced features, combined with high-resolution free-angle LCD touch screen or Electronic View Finder, mean you get the picture you want, how you want.

With the LUMIX G3, there really is no limit to your creativity.

“Our consumers are passionate about photography, this is their hobby and creative outlet and what this campaign is designed to do is inspire them to get out there and take amazing shots’’ David Bonney, Advertising Manager at Panasonic UK.

Devised by creative agency Brave, the campaign will feature on Television, in print, online and in store and breaks on the 15th July.