First developed by Ansel Adams and Fred Archer, the Zone System is one of the most enduring methods for understanding – and mastering – exposure. In the fifth edition of his well-regarded book ‘The Practical Zone System for Film and Digital Photography’ Chris Johnson explains why the Zone System, developed as paradigm for film shooters, can also be easily applied in the digital age. Adam Koplan takes a look.
News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Watch in HD. An unboxing and brief review of the LG 2342P 3DTV. Specifications: 2D Resolution: 1920×1080 3D Resolution: 1920×540 Response Time: 5ms Brightness: 250cd/m2 Inputs: DVI-D, HDMI, VGA Contrast Ratio: 5000000:1 Note: HDMI 1.4a is limited in terms of the refresh rate (per eye) for a given resolution which it can carry. For example: – 720p @ 60Hz – 1080p @ 30Hz DVI-D does NOT have these limitations. 1080p @ 60Hz can be achieved.
When I started working with the Sigma DP2 Merrill I was floored by the image quality. It’s a quirky camera that needs patience to use, but rewards with sensor and lens quality unmatched in the industry for its price and size.
It’s sister camera, the DP1 Merrill, with an effective 28mm focal length lens, started to ship recently and I was very curious to learn if it could match the optical quality of its older sibling. My review is now online.
As remarkable as these cameras are when it comes to image quality, sadly Sigma’s raw software is truely horrid. But, it’s the only game in town unless and until Sigma starts working with the major software companies or adopts DNG export.
I have therefore written an open letter of concern to Sigma’s CEO which is also part of my SD1M review.
"You and Jeff did it again! A great series of videos.
I’ve watched the earlier Camera to Print series as well as the LR 2 & 3 videos and as usual, I learned
new technique and ideas even though I’ve been behind a camera for 45 years.
Additionally, the rapport you two have is most engaging, enjoyable, and totally different than the sterile video tutorials from others (I’m afflicted with being a visual learner).
Again, a great series of videos that have helped me grow once again."
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The Luminous Landscape – What’s New
Just Posted: Our Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 review. The latest of our collaborative reviews with Jeff Keller of The Digital Camera Resource Page is of Panasonic’s enthusiast compact. The LX7 retains the bright lens and small body that have become the hallmarks of the series but adds more direct control than its forebears, including a dedicated aperture ring. Underpinning it all is a new 10MP CMOS sensor – moving on from the CCDs used in the LX5 and 3. Do all these changes help restore the Lumix to the top of the enthusiast compact pile? Read our review to find out.
News: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Richard Sexton reviews Multistitch, a new product designed to allow medium format back users to create stitched images with 4X5 cameras.
"Every time I go back to a module I had already seen, I learn additional things. I have never seen tutorials that have the excellent mix of what the features are,
how to use them, enough of the under-the-hood information
and concepts so that I can utilize the features creatively and efficiently,
and just enough humor to keep the motivation level high. Wow!"
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The Luminous Landscape – What’s New
A video review of the LG Thrill Android smartphone on AT&T. The LG Thrill features glassless 3D multimedia and games and dual 5 megapixel cameras that can capture 720p video and images in 3D and 1080p in 2D. The phone TI dual core 1GHz CPU, 4.3″ capacitive touchscreen and runs on AT&T’s HSPA+ 14.4Mbps network.
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Dirtyphonics Summer Tour 2011 Music: The Crystal Method feat. The Heavy – “Play for Real” Dirtyphonics Remix Become a fan of Dirtyphonics: www.facebook.com Follow Dirtyphonics on Twitter: www.twitter.com Listen our music on Soundcloud: soundcloud.com
I’ve been having a lot of fun with time-lapse photography for several years now. It’s an incredibly fun and visually stunning form of photography. Back in June while photographing Yosemite as part of the One Day in Yosemite group project I was introduced to the eMotimo TB3 and was instantly wow’ed by it. In short it’s Pan and Tilt motion control head that enables photographers the ability to take 2 and 3-axis time-lapses, with or without a slider. In short it makes taking complex looking time-lapses a whole lot easier no matter what your skill level.
If you’re short on time, I recommend taking a look at the two videos I’ve embedded in this post. Seeing what the TB3 can do will be the easiest way to experience the same wow factor I did when I first saw it. What you’ll notice right away is that the head is controlled by a wireless Wii like controller. This one device allows you to control each axis of your shot. What is also incredibly cool is that the TB3 computer takes care of complex calculations and effortlessly charts a path for your camera to move across a scene, all based on a start and end point that you set.
eMotimo TB3 Intro & Overview
Where the eMotimo TB3 shines is in its simplified user interface and its ability to make complex time-lapse moves simple. On top of that it’s compact. It weights weighs 3lbs 9 oz, stands 7 inches tall and has a 5″x5″ base. This makes it easy to transport and store in a small or large camera bag. I personally have been carrying it in a ThinkTank Sling-o-matic 10 bag with a batter, the remote, a level and 1-2 lenses or a body & lens.
eMotimo TB3 Example Footage
For the technically minded the TB3 is built to grow. It’s run on an Arduino UNO microcontroller with open source firmware. The folks at eMotimo are often refining the programming and releasing firmware updates with new features. Out of the box it can be tethered to a computer and used with Dragonframe software to run even more complex moves. It’s 3rd axis control can be used with a motorized slider (ex. DynamicPerception Stage 1 or 0), a follow-focus solution or whatever you have the inclination to hack and plug into the device. It supports HDR time-lapse photography and also sequence ramping for natural looking starts and stops. In its current configuration it supports up to 8 pounds of gear.
I have to admit time-lapse photography is a different animal. Not only do you have to see and anticipate your subject differently you have to modify your in-the-field workflow, especially if you’re coming at this as a dedicated still photographer. While the TB3 makes things simple it can’t do its job if you leave a cord or battery behind. It’s for this reason that I’ve found a dedicated camera bag to be helpful. One other factor that you’ll have to consider is setup time. While the screens guiding you through the setup of the TB3 are straight forward it does take some time to get your shot set up and to test it. For this reason I’d recommend allotting extra time to get to your shoot and set up, but this is true of any time-lapse shoot whether using a motion control solution or not. One particularly nice feature is that once you’ve setup your shot the settings are saved and the exact same sequence can be run as many times as needed. This feature is a lifesaver particularly if you’re out to capture sequences in changing light.
The TB3 is one of a select few pieces of gear I’ve used that is game changing. It’s nothing short of amazing and given the level of functionality its a bargain for the price. For more information check out the eMotimo TB3 page. If you order one be sure to make note that you learned of it from Jim over at JMG-Galleries in your order notes.
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Copyright Jim M. Goldstein, All Rights Reserved
eMotimo TB3 Review
JMG-Galleries – Jim M. Goldstein Photography
Don’t forget to like & share this video, cause it helps me out a bunch! Thanks! The new Nintendo 3DS XL is here! With 90% larger screens, longer battery life and comfortable play that fits in your hands. But what do I think of the Nintendo 3DS 2nd model? Check out my 1st Impression and Review of the 3DSXL. Previous Reviews – www.youtube.com 3DS Reviews – www.youtube.com Thanks for Watching www.facebook.com twitter.com
Video Rating: 4 / 5
Review of Sony Sony HXR-NX3D1 including a red/cyan anaglyph sample and the differences between the Sony HXR-NX3D1 and the cheaper Sony HXR-TD10 3D camcorder
Mirror lenses have been around since the 1950’s. Some are better than others, but they never are really up to the quality of a good prime of comparable focal length, or even a decent zoom.
But their small size and comparative low cost keep them popular among some photographers, and their unique "drawing" ability appeals to some.
Lens maker Tokina had just released a 300mm F6.3 Macro Mirror lens for Micro Four Thirds, and I have just field tested this new lens on my Olympus OM-D E-M5. My review is now online.
This Contest Ends August 15
Sales always slow down in the summer. We wanted to do something to motivate you to spend a bit, here on your favourite web site.
So, we’re doing a give-away. Every order for one of our download videos – tutorials as well as Video Journals, entitles you to a chance to win a new Olympus O-MD E-M5 camera, one of the hottest cameras of the year.
This contest is open to anyone, anywhere in the world. All you need to do is purchase something. Come on. Don’t just sit there – make a purchase and become eligible to win!
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The Luminous Landscape – What’s New