Posted by Constantin Chirila on Jan 19, 2009 in
Photoshop Last week I have watched a series of videos (actually a idea divided into 4 parts) on the blog owned by Scott Kelby.
In this video Scott Kelby, Dave Cross and Matt Kloskowski, are pointing out the huge improvements the new Photoshop CS4 has suffered. From performance improvements to workflow improvement, Photoshop CS4 is better then ever, making you able to get the job done faster.
Here are the videos:
Tags: Comparation, Photoshop, Software, Web
Posted by Constantin Chirila on Jan 12, 2009 in
News The rumor I was talking about a few days ago about the release of the new professional camera, Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, seams to be true according to a lot of articles gathered at Northlight Images blog. Here’s a quote regarding the use of the video function at sport events (it seams canon is looking for approval of FIFA):
“…Canon has a replacement for the 1D MKIII ready to launch during the second quarter of 2009. What’s holding Canon back is a decision from FIFA … to allow pro-cameras with video capability ( see 5D MKII) during sporting events. FIFA is currently looking into the legal implications with television rights and contracts with broadcasters. If FIFA give the green light then Canon will release the camera.”
But it’s not a huge dead, because Canon won’t delay the launch of the camera whatever the answer from FIFA will be. There isalso a rumor that the possible announcement date is May 19, 2009.
Tags: Canon, DSLR, Gear, News, Photography, Release, Rumor
Posted by Constantin Chirila on Jan 10, 2009 in
Photography,
Tips & Tricks We are constantly bumping on this “Aperture” notion, especially when we are trying to buy a new lens. Well the main function of a camera lens it’s to collect light. But often we need to control the amount of light coming in: some times we need more and other times we need less. Well this is the job of the aperture (which in fact is an iris), to control the amount of light getting in ( the larger the diameter of the iris, the more light gets to the image sensor). Another fact that aperture controls is the Depth Of Field.
So the aperture is measured in F-stop : f/1.8, f/2.8, f/10, etc. The smaller the f number (value), the larger is the diameter of the iris, and the 
bigger the f number (value) the smaller is the diameter of the iris. You might ask “Why it’s so twisted?”. Well because the F Number is represented by the formula F/D (F= focal length, D= diameter of the iris). So as you can see the diameter of the lens varies at different focal lengths.This is because a 300mm lens needs an larger “hole” to collect the same amount of light as a 50mm lens with with the same aperture. In fact that’s the reason why those 300mm, 400mm, 600mm, are so huge, because they need a hole large enough to catch enough light. Also that’s why there aren’t super telephoto lens like 600mm with small f/number, for example f/1.8 (first of all will have a microscopic depth of field, and second of all will be an enormous).
Read more…
Tags: Photography, Tips & Tricks, Tutorials
Posted by Constantin Chirila on Jan 8, 2009 in
Camera Gear,
News 
A few days back I sadly talked about the failure of Canon with their new two cameras: 5D Mark II and 50D.
Well, today, with my smile on my face ( I’m a huge fan of the 5D Mark II), I can say that the “black dots” and “banding issues” on the 5D Mark II are fixed with the new firmware update ( at least that’s what Canon says).
The black dot problem is fixed due to this test made by Andrew Yip. For you 5D Mark II owners ( lucky bastards 
) out there here is the link to the official Firmware 1.0.7.
Tags: 5D Mark II, Camera Gear, Canon, DSLR, News, Photography, Release, Software, Technology
Posted by Constantin Chirila on Jan 6, 2009 in
News Today it’s been 50 years since Canon launched its first single lens reflex camera. In all this time canon produced 53 million units which begun with the first model, Canonflex, in May 1959 as stated by Canon. Here is the full press release:
2009: THE START OF A NEW ERA FOR CANON’S SINGLE-LENS REFLEX CAMERAS, COMMEMORATING 50 YEARS SINCE CANON LAUNCHED ITS FIRST IN 1959
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., January 6, 2009 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, is honoring 50 years of SLR camera sales, beginning with the sale of Canon’s first SLR camera in 1959. 2009 is a milestone year, commemorating the passing of 50 years since Canon sold its first single-lens reflex camera. Canon’s single-lens reflex cameras have evolved with the times, incorporating advanced and groundbreaking technology. Exceeding a cumulative total of 53 million units, they have garnered extensive support from photographers around the world. Looking to the future, Canon will continue its efforts to develop its single-lens reflex cameras and lead image culture for the next fifty years.
Canon’s history with 35mm single-lens reflex cameras began in May 1959, when Canon Inc. launched the Canonflex. Thereafter, the Company continued to introduce cameras that embodied solid technology and innovation, including the F-1, its first professional model (1971); the AE-1, the world’s first single-lens reflex camera with built-in CPU (1976); and the T90, a state-of-the-art T Series model (1986).
Additionally, in March 1987, Canon adopted the world’s first electronic mount and launched the EOS650, a new-generation AF single-lens reflex camera with electronic control that was originally between the lens and the body and then encompassed the entire system. The EOS Series, which has continued to the present day, has rapidly expanded users in both the professional segment, with the top-of-the-line EOS-1 (1989), and in the entry segment, with the EOS Rebel (1993), for which size and weight reductions were accomplished.
Since the year 2000, an era of full-fledged digitalization has been dawning, beginning with the EOS D30 (2000). With speed, ease and high image quality as its key concepts, the EOS Digital Series has constantly been a leader in the evolution of single-lens reflex cameras with Canon-developed CMOS sensors, the high-performance image processor DIGIC and an EF lens group that boasts outstanding optical performance and an abundant line-up.
Last year, in 2008, Canon released four models, including the EOS Rebel XSi, which has acquired the top market share in numerous countries around the world, and the EOS 5D Mark II, which is equipped with the first full high-definition movie recording functions for a single-lens reflex camera. With the introduction of these camera models, the Company has successfully created an even more powerful line-up.
As we review this half a century of history, Canon is truly grateful to all of its photographers for their support and seeks to continue the challenge of creating single-lens reflex cameras that provide the best image quality and reliability for the next generation.
About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked third overall in the U.S. in 2007†, with global revenues of $39.3 billion, is listed as one of Fortune’s Most Admired Companies in America and is on the 2008 BusinessWeek list of “Top 100 Brands.” To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company’s RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/pressroom.
Tags: Aniversary, Camera Gear, Canon, DSLR, Web
Posted by Constantin Chirila on Jan 6, 2009 in
Rumor There is a rumor around the net that Canon is going to release 2 new professional DSLR camera, Canon 1Ds Mark IV and Canon TSi/500D.
Here are the supposed specifications of the Canon 1Ds Mark IV camera. I found this rumor on “Photography Bay”.
- CMOS Image sensor with a size of 36×24mm
- 21 megapixels
- ISO 25-12800 expandable to ISO 10, 25600, 51200 (Awesome if it can be lowered to ISO 10, no ND filters anymore)
- 69-point AF EAC technology (do not know what this technology is) (TTL-AREA-SIR II AF)
- Flash Sync Mode: 1 / 4000 ESR (X high-speed flash sync?)
- USB2.0 and external HD transmission
- 4 to 3 and 16 to 9 ratios
- HDMI terminal. External monitor may display LV
- Continuous rate of 6.8 per second
- 2 DIGIC 4 processing chips
- 24fps and 30fps 2 kind of video mode
And about Canon TSi/500D there aren’t any specifications out there, although there is a bigger chance that this is true, than the 1Ds Mark IV.
Update: Thanks to Dave G. here are the rumored specs of the Canon TSi/500d:
- 15.1 Megapixels
- ISO: 100-3200
- Image procesor: DIGIC IV
- LCD: 3″ VGA LCD
- Crop: 1.6x
- FPS: 3 raw/3jpg
- AF: 9 Point AF
- AF: Face Detection
- LiveView
- Movie Mode (No AF)
Also this was wrote on Pixel multiverse.
We will see somewhere in February if it’s just a rumor.
Tags: Camera Gear, Canon, DSLR, Hardware, News, Release, Rumor, Web
Posted by Constantin Chirila on Jan 5, 2009 in
News 
A team of researchers from the University of Glasgow from Scotland, are currently developing small nano-structures that would be used on image sensors. The research is funded by half a million pounds from the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council. This new sensor will enable cameras to capture sharper and more colorful images.
Professor David Cumming of Glasgow University who is leading the research team claims that “We’ll be using nanotechnology to manipulate particles, so as to take advantage of the properties of electrons to create a new optical effect.” He also added “Digital imaging has come a long way in recent years and this project aims to further improve the ability of digital devices to produce high-quality pictures”
The project is expected to last until the middle of 2012.
You can read more about this on BBC News.
Tags: Camera Gear, DSLR, News, Release, Rumor, Technology, Web
Posted by Constantin Chirila on Jan 3, 2009 in
News 
At the begining of this year, 8020 Media announced that by the end of this week they are closing down JPG Magazine. Due to economic crisis they weren’t able to sustain the money flow they needed. Since you don’t know how will gonna keep the site together with your photographs, you should delete your photos and your account to be sure that your photos will not be used without your consent.
Tags: News, Photography
