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Posts Tagged ‘Upon’

Drone Distortions: Manipulated Landscapes Warp and Bend Upon Themselves

11 Mar

[ By SA Rogers in Art & Drawing & Digital. ]

american drone landscapes 1

Gazing at any one of these stretched-out, gravity-defying landscape photos, you feel like you’re at the pinnacle of a rollercoaster, about to zoom down to ground level. Except instead of being elevated on an artificial track, you’re on flat ground, positioned at the high end of a nearly 90-degree angle with no care for gravity. Turkish artist Aydin Büyüktas warps American landscapes, nearly doubling them in half to show multiple perspectives at once.

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A continuation of the ‘Flatlands’ series, which previously saw similar manipulations of urban Turkey, the images draw on a satirical sci-fi novella by Edwin Abbot entitled ‘Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions.’ To create the images, Büyüktas flies drones over his chosen setting to capture aerial images and then uses 3D software to stitch the images together.

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The scenes chosen for Flatlands II include the pits of mines, desolate desert roads, junkyards, train yards, farms, bridges and empty parking lots. Büyüktas flew his camera-equipped quadcopter total of about 10,000 miles to capture thousands of photos. The finished series required about two months of planning, a month of photography and many more months of digital composition.

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“We live in places that most of the time don’t draw our attention, places that transform our memories, places that the artist gives another dimension; where the perceptions that generally crosses our minds will be demolished and new ones will arise,” says the artist. “These works aim to leave the viewer alone with a surprising visuality ironic as well, multidimensional romantic point of view.”

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[ By SA Rogers in Art & Drawing & Digital. ]

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Posted in Creativity

 

Fujifilm X-E2S improves upon predecessor’s AF system and ergonomics, adds electronic shutter

18 Jan

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The Fujifilm X-E2S is an update to the company’s premium rangefinder-style mirrorless camera, the gold award-winning X-E2, which was introduced way back in 2013.

Probably the most significant feature is an improved Hybrid AF system (similar to that of the X-T10), which adds 77-point zone and wide/tracking modes to go along with the 49 points that were already available on the X-E2. Object tracking during autofocus is an area where Fujifilm digital cameras have traditionally lagged, so it’s encouraging to see efforts made to modernize the system: ‘wide/tracking’ was specifically introduced to track subjects around the frame in continuous AF. Fujifilm is also claiming improvements in single-point focus acquisition, with ‘best-case’ focus speeds of 0.06 sec on the X-E2S, compared with 0.08 sec on the X-E2.

Another ‘big deal’ is the addition of an electronic shutter. This allows for shutter speeds as high as 1/32000 sec as well as totally silent shooting, though rolling shutter is the main tradeoff when using a fully electronic shutter.

Three other features of note include a new top ISO of 51200, a refined grip, and a new user interface for the menu system.

What hasn’t changed is the 16.3MP X-Trans CMOS Sensor II, large and high-res electronic viewfinder, 3″ LCD display, and Wi-Fi support. The X-E2S can still capture 1080/60p video and offers the latest set of Film Simulation Modes, including Classic Chrome. 

Fujifilm X-E2 owners can take heart – a firmware update will be offered in early February bringing AF system updates, performance improvements and the new graphical interface introduced in the X-E2S.

Something that caught our eye was the difference in price between the X-E2S and its predecessor. Back in 2013 the X-E2 launched at a price of $ 999 body only, where the X-E2S will be priced at just $ 699 (and $ 999 when paired with the 18-55mm F2.8-4 lens). The X-E2S doesn’t have the most cutting-edge technology, but at that price it seems like a pretty good deal.

Is the X-E2S a sensible upgrade to its predecessor? We’d love to hear what you think in the comments below.

FUJIFILM ANNOUNCES NEW ADDITIONS TO THE X-SERIES LINE OF CAMERAS AND LENSES

X-Pro2, X-E2S, X70 and XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR join the X-Series; all-weather FinePix XP90 gets the shot from sand to slopes

Valhalla, N.Y., January 14, 2016 FUJIFILM North America Corporation, a leader in digital imaging, today announced new additions to the award-winning X-Series line of premium fixed and mirrorless cameras, and ultra-high quality lenses, including: the FUJIFILM X-Pro2, FUJIFILM X-E2S, FUJIFILM X70 and FUJINON XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR.  Fujifilm also introduced the new rugged and waterproof FinePix XP90, perfect for capturing amazing images everywhere, from underwater to mountain tops.

FUJIFILM X-E2S

The new FUJIFILM X-E2S, a premium rangefinder-style mirrorless camera, has a durable and compact body and features a Real-Time Viewfinder with a large magnification of 0.62X and an electronic viewfinder with the world’s short display lag time of just 0.005 seconds. The X-E2S also gives users an enhanced autofocus system, an improved grip, an electronic shutter, and a new, easy-to-use graphical user interface design allowing faster access to essential settings.

New firmware for the original FUJIFILM X-E2
Fujifilm will release a new firmware update for the original FUJIFILM X-E2 that will give it the same software improvements as the new FUJIFILM X-E2S. The firmware will include the updated autofocus system, improved performance and the new graphical user interface, along with several functional enhancements. For a complete list of new features, visit new firmware update. The new firmware will be available in early February 2016.

FUJIFILM X-E2S key features:

  • 16.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS II Sensor
    • Fast AF of up to 0.06 seconds
    • Start-up time of 0.5 seconds
    • Shutter time lag of 0.05 seconds
    • Shooting interval of 0.5 seconds
  • Scratch-resistant, high-definition 3” LCD display with 1,040K dots
  • New  AF system offers the 49-point Single Point mode for fast, precise focusing, and a  new Zone and Wide/Tracking modes with a 77-point area to capture moving subjects
  • Maximum ISO performance up to 51200 sensitivity
  • Completely silent electronic shutter capable of exposures up to 1/32,000 second
  • Latest CLASSIC CHROME Film Simulation mode that delivers muted tones and deep colors
  • Interval timer for shooting time-lapse sequences of one second to 24 hours, up to 999 frames
  • Two command dials and seven customizable function buttons
  • Auto Mode Switch for instantly changing to an advanced auto mode with optimized settings
  • Super Intelligent pop-up flash
  • Free FUJIFILM Camera Remote application and Wireless Communication function allows users to remotely shoot images from smartphones and tablets via WiFi
  • Photos can be sent to the INSTAX Share Printer using the free INSTAX Share App (iOS and Android) SHARE Smartphone Printer
  • Full HD video 1080p at 60fps; bit rate of 36Mbps for clear capture of delicate movements; frame rates of 60 fps, 50fps, 30fps, 25fps and 24fps, supporting worldwide motion picture formats
  • Advanced creative filters
  • Optional accessories:
    • Hand Grip

The FUJIFILM X-E2S (body only) will be available in February 2016 for USD $ 699.95 and CAD $ 899.99. The FUJIFILM X-E2S kit (with FUJINON LENS XF18-55mmF2.8-4 R LM OIS) will be available for USD $ 999.95 and CAD $ 1,249.99.

FinePix X-E2S specifications

Price
MSRP $ 699/£549.00 (body only), $ 999/£749.00 (w/18-55 F2.8-4 lens)
Body type
Body type Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Sensor
Max resolution 4896 x 3264
Other resolutions 3:2 (3456 x 2304, 2496 x 1664), 16:9 (4896 x 2760, 2304 x 2304), 1:1 (3264 x 3264, 2304 x 2304, 1664 x 1664)
Image ratio w:h 1:1, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels 16 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors 17 megapixels
Sensor size APS-C (23.6 x 15.6 mm)
Sensor type CMOS
Processor EXR Processor II
Color space sRGB, AdobeRGB
Color filter array X-Trans
Image
ISO Auto, 200-6400 (expandable to 100-51200)
Boosted ISO (minimum) 100
Boosted ISO (maximum) 51200
White balance presets 7
Custom white balance Yes
Image stabilization No
Uncompressed format RAW
JPEG quality levels Fine, Normal
File format
  • JPEG (Exif 2.3),
  • RAW (RAF format)
Optics & Focus
Autofocus
  • Contrast Detect (sensor)
  • Phase Detect
  • Multi-area
  • Center
  • Selective single-point
  • Tracking
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Face Detection
  • Live View
Autofocus assist lamp Yes
Manual focus Yes
Number of focus points 77
Lens mount Fujifilm X
Focal length multiplier 1.5×
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD Fixed
Screen size 3
Screen dots 1,040,000
Touch screen No
Screen type TFT LCD
Live view Yes
Viewfinder type Electronic
Viewfinder coverage 100%
Viewfinder resolution 2,360,000
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed 30 sec
Maximum shutter speed 1/32000 sec
Exposure modes
  • Program AE
  • Shutter priority
  • Aperture priority
  • Manual exposure
Built-in flash Yes (Pop-up)
Flash range 7.00 m (@ ISO 200)
External flash Yes (via hot-shoe)
Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear-curtain, Commander
Flash X sync speed 1/180 sec
Drive modes
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Self-timer
  • Interval
Continuous drive 7.0 fps
Self-timer Yes (2 or 10 sec, custom)
Metering modes
  • Multi
  • Average
  • Spot
Exposure compensation ±3 (at 1/3 EV steps)
AE Bracketing ±3 (at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps)
WB Bracketing Yes
Videography features
Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60p, 30p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 30p)
Format MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Stereo
Speaker Mono
Storage
Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC
Connectivity
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI Yes (mini-HDMI)
Microphone port No
Headphone port No
Wireless Built-In
Wireless notes 802.11b/g/n
Remote control Yes (Wired or via smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealed No
Battery Battery Pack
Battery description Lithium-Ion NP-W126 rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 350
Weight (inc. batteries) 350 g (0.77 lb / 12.35 oz)
Dimensions 129 x 75 x 37 mm (5.08 x 2.95 x 1.46)
Other features
Orientation sensor Yes
Timelapse recording Yes
GPS None

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Posted in Uncategorized

 

14 November, 2013 – Once Upon a Time in Olympus-Land

14 Nov

The family of Olympus Zuiko High Grade and Super High Grade lenses are among the best zoom lenses ever made. Originally designed for the Four Thirds format, they now have new life and a new home on the just shipping Olympus OM-D E-M1 due to its use of on-chip Phase Detection autofocus as well as Contrast Detection AF.

These lenses are expensive, but for anyone who wants the best possible glass, yet who values the versatility of zooms, there are none finer.

 


The Luminous Landscape – What’s New

 
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Posted in News

 

The Google Reader Apocalypse is Upon Us. Here’s How to Migrate.

22 Jun

Despite much weeping and gnashing of teeth in the online world, Google is unceremoniously killing what many consider to be the best RSS reader on the planet. If you are one of the 300,000+ readers who access Strobist through Google Reader, here are three good choices to keep the party rolling.

Read more »
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Posted in Photography

 

Satellite Explosion – Once Upon – Part 5

03 Jan

Share on Facebook: j.mp and Twitter: j.mp E Starring: Joe Penna – @MysteryGuitarM – youtube.com PrincessTard – @ShayCarl – youtube.com Mark Gantt – @markgantt – markgantt.com Taryn O’Neill – @TarynOneill – http America Young – @America_Young – americayoung.com Brendan Bradley – @BrendanABradley – http Freddie Wong – @fwong – youtube.com Created and Directed by: Joe Penna Written by: Joe Penna Grayson Pauroso – @BradAndGray – youtube.com Produced by: Brendan Bradley – @BrendanABradley – youtube.com Director of Photography: Jared Hoy – @jaredhoy – jaredhoy.com Sound Recordist and Mixer Sean Oakley – twitter.com Music by: Paul Dateh (ft. Ken Belcher) @PaulDateh – youtube.com — kenbelcher.com Visual Effects GLOO Studios – gloostudios.com Lasers: Corridor Digital – youtube.com On-Set VFX Supervisor: Jon Julsrud On-Set VFX Asst. Supervisor: Will Cox Wardrobe: Catherine Elhoffer – elhofferdesign.com Makeup Shannon Feiman – facebook.com Props: Dan Crawley – imdb.com AC: Christy Bourque Gaffers: Derrick Esperanza Greg Bradley Will Waters Joey Harris Rigging: Clay Van Sickle Thanks to: The Gibsons for the baby Laurel Canyon Stages Frank & Micheline Kelly & CAST Locations for the cabin Magic Smile Family Dentistry for Elvis the Bird
Video Rating: 4 / 5

© 2011 Teleprompt/Warner Bros. Records Inc. “Blood Pressure” by Mutemath from Odd Soul, available now. Written, directed, and filmed in less than 24 hours during an off day in Los Angeles at the Warner Bros. Records parking lot. Directed by: Claire Vogel & Darren King Produced by: Claire Vogel & Darren King Director of Photography: Claire Vogel Edited by: Darren King Download here: smarturl.it Links: Facebook: www.facebook.com Website: mutemath.com Twitter twitter.com Blood Pressure Lyrics: Why can’t you ; be more like your older brother Why can’t you; oooo (blood pressure) Why can’t you; do a little more for Jesus Why can’t you; (blood pressure) ooooooo Ahhhh ahhhhh [Chorus] Blood pressure Do better Keep rising Blood pressure You’re on the road; on a road that’s bound for nowhere Why don’t you do what you’re told? Blood pressure Don’t worry I will help you out on one condition Be more, do more, check your blood pressure Ahhhhh ahhhhh Blood pressure Do better Keep rising Blood pressure Ahhhh ahhhhh Ohh Blood pressure Do better Keep rising Blood pressure Blood pressure Won’t matter Keep rising Blood pressure Blood pressure

 

The Origins – Once Upon – Part 1

21 Dec

Share on Facebook: j.mp and Twitter: j.mp m Starring: Joe Penna – @MysteryGuitarM – youtube.com PrincessTard – @ShayCarl – youtube.com Mark Gantt – @markgantt – markgantt.com Taryn O’Neill – @TarynOneill – http Elvis, the Bird Created and Directed by: Joe Penna Produced by: Brendan Bradley – @BrendanABradley – youtube.com Written by: Joe Penna Grayson Pauroso – @BradAndGray – youtube.com Director of Photography: Jared Hoy – @jaredhoy – jaredhoy.com Sound Recordist and Mixer Sean Oakley – twitter.com Music by: Paul Dateh – @PaulDateh – youtube.com SFX Supervisor: Jon Julsrud SFX Asst: Will Cox Color: Colin Brooker Wardrobe: Catherine Elhoffer – elhofferdesign.com Makeup Shannon Feiman – facebook.com Props: Dan Crawley – imdb.com AC: Christy Bourque Gaffers: Derrick Esperanza Greg Bradley Will Waters Joey Harris Rigging: Clay Van Sickle Portuguese Subtitles: Lucas Lopes – youtube.com Thanks to: The Gibsons for the baby Frank & Micheline Kelly & CAST Locations for the cabin Magic Smile Family Dentistry for Elvis the Bird
Video Rating: 4 / 5