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Posts Tagged ‘South’

Olympus will shutter its camera business in South Korea on June 30

21 May

Olympus will end its camera business in South Korea on June 30, according to a new report from The Korea Times. The decision is ‘mostly’ based on low camera sales volume, the report claims. Olympus will continue to sell medical and scientific equipment in the country.

In a statement to the publication, Olympus said that despite focusing on mirrorless cameras and interchangeable lenses, ‘it has become barely possible to sustain the business with profit,’ spurring the business decision.

Though the company will shut down its brand store and online shop for South Korean customers on June 30, it will continue to operate its servicing facility in the country until March 31, 2026, enabling existing customers to get their camera gear repaired.

Olympus says it had to make this decision despite ‘strenuous efforts to increase the profitability and efficiency of its imaging business’ in South Korea. Olympus told The Korea Times that its decision to end camera sales in the country doesn’t have anything to do with a social movement among residents to boycott products from Japanese companies.

The news isn’t terribly surprising as camera sales are indeed down worldwide. Back in November 2019, rumors surfaced that Olympus was planning to entirely exit the camera business, something the company denied, stating instead that it was working on improving the ‘profitability and efficiency’ of both its imaging and scientific equipment businesses.

According to the CIPA figures released last month, camera shipments to Asia in March reached only 39.8% of the volume of shipments reported in March 2019. Overall worldwide shipments only reached 47.8% of the volume compared to the same month in 2019, with mirrorless camera models proving more popular than SLR cameras.

It’s unclear how great of an impact the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic had on this drop in sales volume, but it seems unlikely that camera companies can expect a spike in sales at any point in the near future. Given the fact that Olympus’ imaging business was already struggling to survive in South Korea, it makes sense that the company would choose this time to exit the camera business in that market entirely.

We have contacted Olympus for a comment and will update this article accordingly if we receive a response.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Scouting the South Platte River near Greeley, Colorado

29 Jan

I haven’t paddled the South Platte since the last winter, so I decided to do some scouting around Greeley. There some changes … Riverside Park at Evans The park was rebuilt after flooding damages and reopened in October of 2018. […]
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Foggy Morning on the South Platte River below Denver

11 Oct

Recently, I photographed several water diversion dams on the Poudre and South Platte Rivers. The most rewarding experience was a foggy morning on the South Platte just downstream of the 104th Street (Elaine T. Valente Open Space). See pictures below. […]
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Fujifilm releases Provia 100-branded instant noodles in South Korea

16 Jul

Fujifilm has taken an unusual departure from its regularly scheduled programming to bring you…instant noodles?

Yes, you read that correctly — as part of a promotional giveaway, Fujifilm Korea has created Fujifilm Film Simulation Instant Noodles, a line of instant noodles that’s wrapped with the same branding used on Fujifilm’s Provia 100 color reversal film packs.

According to the description, the Provia 100-branded noodles taste like ‘hot and tangy kimchi.’ For those unfamiliar with kimchi, Wikipedia describes it as ‘a staple in Korean cuisine […] a traditional side dish made from salted and fermented vegetables, most commonly napa cabbage and Korean radishes.’

It appears as though you won’t be able to get the instant noodles outside of South Korea. If you happen to be reading this from South Korea — or plan on taking a trip there soon — you can jump over to Fujifilm Korea’s promotional page and secure yourself some film-inspired instant noodles.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Drone may have caused helicopter crash in South Carolina

21 Feb

Officials are investigating whether a recent helicopter crash near Charleston, South Carolina, was caused by a civilian drone operated nearby. The accident, which happened last Wednesday, involved a Robinson Helicopter Co. R22 helicopter carrying an instructor pilot and student.

The two are reporting that a small UAV flew directly in their path, forcing the instructor to perform evasive action. That evasive action, unfortunately, caused the helicopter’s tail to hit a tree, which sent the helicopter into a crash landing, according to Bloomberg. Sources speaking to the publication report that the helicopter’s tail was severely damaged; fortunately, neither person was injured.

A National Transportation Safety Board spokesman confirmed to Bloomberg that it is looking into initial reports claiming a drone contributed to the crash. Assuming that’s true, this would be the first time that a drone has caused an aircraft crash in the US. The FAA hasn’t commented on the possibly of a drone’s involvement.

Reports of drones being operated illegally, near-misses with aircraft, and even possible collisions are increasing. In recent days, a video surfaced of a drone being operated directly above a commercial passenger jet in Las Vegas. Following that, more recent reports claim a drone struck a tour helicopter in Hawaii. Canadian officials also recently released a report detailing a collision between a drone and a small plane.

Though the drone model hasn’t been stated (and may not be known), Chinese drone maker DJI has preemptively released a statement on the matter, saying:

DJI is trying to learn more about this incident and stands ready to assist investigators. While we cannot comment on what may have happened here, DJI is the industry leader in developing educational and technological solutions to help drone pilots steer clear of traditional aircraft.

Last year, DJI introduced a system called AeroScope that helps law enforcement and airport officials identify drones being operated in restricted airspace.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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DJI opens drone flying and training arena in South Korea

24 Aug

Chinese drone manufacturer DJI has opened a new facility in South Korea that allows drone owners to learn more about flying their craft. The DJI Arena offers 1395 square meters/15016 square feet of dedicated space for education as well as obstacle courses for those wanting to show off and practice their aerial navigation skills. Situated in Yongin 20 miles south of Seoul, the arena will host an academy for pilots between the ages of 8 and 16, as well as individual and group sessions for adults, schools and businesses.

DJI claims it wants to ‘make aerial technology more accessible, reliable and easier to use for anyone who wants to use it’ and to ‘play an important role in building a healthy UAV ecosystem in Korea.’ The company provides drones for those on education programs while others will need to bring their own. Members of the public can book three-hours sessions that cost the equivalent of $ 13.50 per person.

For more information see a translated version of the DJI Arena website.

Press release:

DJI Arena Officially Opens in Korea

Providing a safe and fun environment for new pilots and aerial enthusiasts DJI, the world leader in unmanned aerial vehicle technology, officially opened its first DJI Arena in Korea to the public today. The facility aims to provide a gathering place for aerial enthusiasts as well as a practice venue for those who are learning about aerial technology such as first time pilots.

“The DJI Arena will help foster the local drone culture and play an important role in building a healthy UAV ecosystem in Korea,” said DJI Korea Country Manager Moon Tae-hyun. “

He continued, “The opening of the DJI Arena is our commitment to the development of the local UAV market. There is huge potential in how UAV technologies can change the way people see the world and create positive impact to people’s lives. Our goal is to make aerial technology more accessible, reliable and easier to use for anyone who wants to use it.”

The 1,395-square-meter arena offers an adjustable LED-lit circuit for pilots who want to test their skills, LCD TVs that show spectators the first-person view from the drone, and a maintenance room equipped with charging docks and workstation for minor repairs.

Details on the Different Programs, Fees and Availability:
* Individual & Group Booking: Visitors are required to make reservations via an online application form (http://blog.naver.com/djiarenakorea). For those visiting from outside of Korea, reservations can be made via djiarena.kr@dji.com by including their full name, expected date and time of arrival, and number of participants. The reservation will be confirmed upon confirmation of the venue’s availability. Each booking session is for three hours and the entrance fee is 15,000 KRW (USD 13.50) per person per session. The maximum capacity of each session is 12 people and will be given on a first come first serve basis. The availability of individual and group booking is 7pm to 10pm on weekdays and 10am to 8pm on weekends.

* Corporate Event Rental: Rental for corporate and special events is available between 10am-8pm all week. The minimum venue rental fee is 500,000 KRW (USD 452) for 30 people and 30,000 KRW (USD 27) per additional participant. Booking must be made two weeks in advanced.

* Flying Academy: Children between ages 8 to 16 can also learn about DJI’s aerial technologies and become a skilled pilot. As part of the program, participants will learn the features of the Phantom 4, safety tips and best practices, and complete a total of eight practice sessions during the course of one month. The Flying Academy will commence later in September.

* Private Training: DJI’s professional pilot will be available for 1:1 training if participants prefer a more tailored program. To start, participants will learn how to fly the Phantom 4, one of the most intelligent and easy-to-fly consumer drone with features such as ActiveTrack, TapFly, Obstacle Avoidance and a Sport Mode.

* School Tours: DJI Arena is the perfect place for students to learn about UAV technologies and a great venue if schools are looking for an educational and fun experience for their students’ next field trip. The program can be tailored for the school with booking done in advance. Each session usually runs for two to three hours depending on the number of participants.

Visitors are required to bring their own drones for individual and group bookings while DJI will provide the Phantom 4 for participants in the educational programs. For corporate events and activities that require special set-up, please contact djiarena.kr@dji.com for more information and availability.

The DJI Arena is located at 441 Mabuk-dong, Giheung-gu, Yongin City, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. The venue will be open for public tours between 5pm – 9pm this Thu Aug 18 and Fri Aug 19.

For more info or reservations, please email djiarena.kr@dji.com or visit http://blog.naver.com/djiarenakorea.

DJI expanded its retail business in Korea just earlier this year with the launch of its first overseas flagship store in Hongdae, Seoul. The Korea Flagship store has become a gathering place for aerial enthusiasts across different demographics, from recreational users to those seeking to start their own business using DJI’s platforms to retirees looking for their next hobby.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Road tripping through New South Wales, Australia

13 Jun

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Photographer Jason Futrill has already spent three months of this year exploring Australia for various tourism marketing campaigns and social media channels. Based in Tasmania, Jason recently completed an eight-day road-trip from Sydney down to Bermagui, along the Sapphire Coast of New South Wales.

Futrill’s trip took him to Narooma, where he photographed the famous Camel Rock, and to the distinctive Sea Cliff Bridge which connects the coastline between Coledale and Coalcliff, north of Wollongong. The trip culminated back in Sydney, just in time for the annual light festival, ‘Vivid Sydney.’ After looking at his photographs, we’re itching to recreate the trip…

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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10 Winter Miles of Stand Up Paddling on South Platte River

09 Jan

January 3, 2016. First SUP paddle of the year with Rob Bean. We paddled 10 miles on the South Platte River from highway 58 to Kuner. Great weather, river flow ~900 cfs at Kersey, several bald eagles and hundreds of ducks. There are no portages on this river section since we started just below the Plumb Ditch Dam (the second diversion dam if you paddle from Evans).

We started from a gravel bar under the new bridge on highway 58 – a right river shore with parking on a wide shoulder, a shorter, steeper route with barbed wire fence on the upstream bridge site. Downstream bridge site may be more convenient without the fence, but with a little longer walk. You can reach the bridge by turning into the new highway 49 at traffic lights from Colorado highway 34 between Evans and Kersey.

Rob posted his pictures on facebook. They actually show much better our launching site.

Start at gravel bar under the new highway 58 bridge

Start at gravel bar under the new highway 58 bridge

Somewhere on the river around Kersey

Somewhere on the river around Kersey

Ducks, ducks, and more ducks. Hundreds of them.

Ducks, ducks, and more ducks. Hundreds of them.

winter SUP paddling on South Platte River

Finishing 10 mile trip at Kuner

A little bit icy  landing at landing (left shore upstream of the bridge)

A little bit icy landing at Kuner (left shore upstream of the bridge)

Related posts:
South Platte River below Denver – river guide
Starting 2015/16 Winter Paddling Season on South Platte River
Paddling SUP on South Platte River from Kersey to Kuner
South Platte River from Wildcat to Evans by SUP


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Starting 2015/16 Winter Paddling Season on South Platte River

16 Nov
A middle of November. It’s time to start my winter paddling season. Of course, Horsetooth and other local lakes in Fort Collins are still open, so I can continue my summer style paddling. Nevertheless, I took the Sea Wind canoe, Pixel (aka water Corgi) and went for the first fall/winter paddling on the South Platte River.

We went to Masters and started to paddling upstream. However the dam just above Master bridge was closed and diverting water to Jackson Reservoir, so we paddled a couple miles downriver instead. Beautiful weather and a good flow of ~900cfs @ Weldona. Actually, I spent more time photographing than paddling.

I am hoping to do more paddling on different sections of the South Platte River during the incoming winter season and, finally, update my river guide. Would you like to join me? The South Platte with a typical winter flow is just a wading river and suitable for safe paddling with any boat – kayak, canoe or SUP. Well, a paddleboard would require some experience and a short fin due to possible shallows. I don’t think that you need to dress for immersion, but I always take extra clothes for change.

I am still sorting my blogs after migrating to a new server. If you encounter any problem or missing links please let me know.

aerial view of eastern Colorado landscape with South Platte River,  water channels, reservoirs and irrigated farmland

South Platte River in eastern Colorado below Masters with Jackson Reservoir ditch, looking downstream

aerial view of South Platte River in eastern Colorado with a canoe on sandbar, fall scenery

Looking down from Phantom 3 drone. Can you see the Sea Wind canoe, me and Pixel?

aerial view of expedition decked canoe on a sandbar, South Platte River in eastern Colorado

Let’s look a little closer

river sandbar texture and pattern - South Platte RIver in eastern Colorado

and, even closer

South Platte River in eastern Colorado between Greeley and Fort Morgan, a typical fall or winter scenery

A typical fall or winter scenery on the South Platte lit by the low setting sun


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South Platte River from Wildcat to Evans by SUP

16 Mar
March 14, 2015. 16 miles stand up paddling (SUP) trip from Wildcat on St Vrain Creek on the South Platte River to Evans Rob Bean. Beautiful, warm weather. Numereous bald eagles, turkeys and other birds, one turtle, and surprisingly a lot of people with children playing on the river.

River flow: St Vrain Cr at mouth 230 cfs, South Platte River at Fort Lupton ~350cfs. Water level on the South Platte was lower than during my last trip. Some of rocks near Wildcat Mound visible in my aerial photos were exposed. I used a short fin on my Badfish SUP and paddled without special problems, but Rob was forced to remove his regular fin in the last miles of paddling..

We finished our trip at highway 85 bridge at Evans about 1 mile upstream from the closed Riverside Park. I was describing this place in my previous posts: comfortable parking (limited to ~10 cars) at the end of frontage road, a pretty good river access under the bridge, but the place has a lot of “urban” character (graffiti, garbage, beer bottles).

Rob’s pictures from this paddling on facebook.

Access to the river from the county road 19.5 looks more or less the same as before flooding. River flow ~200cfs. I started paddling trips here with flow as low as 90cfs.

Wildcat – March 8, 2015. Access to the river from the county road 19.5 looks more or less the same as before flooding. River flow ~200cfs.

paddling South Platte River by SUP

Rob is paddling on St Vrain Creek just above confluence with South Platte River

paddling South Platte River by SUP

The first diversion dam above highway 60 bridge.

paddling South Platte River by SUP

Railroad trestle below highway 60 bridge.

paddling South Platte River by SUP

Portaging the 2nd dam. Water was low enough to just go over the dam.

paddling South Platte River by SUP

Landing at Evans under highway 85 bridge.

Related posts:
Exploring the Upper North Platte River in Colorado by SUP
Paddling SUP on South Platte River from Kersey to Kuner
South Platte River below Denver – GPS/photo river guide


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