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› archive for August, 2008

Confessions of a Coffee Addict, pt 3

The Nasty Yellow

So, as my dentist would be more than happy to tell you, caffeine-rich beverages like tea and coffee are also really, really good at leaving a yellow stain on things. My mother would be more than happy to tell you how awful it is for countertops, too (usually right after yelling at me to go find a paper towel and WIPE THAT UP!). But, you know, at this point I’m used to the fact that all of my purportedly white counters have a vague yellow brown tint. I don’t feel the same way at all about my photographs.

Now, first, let’s get my stance on white balance out there. I think an accurate white balance is one that recreates how I perceived the light at the time, because, let’s be honest, we very rarely get actual white light. But, there are occasions when getting an accurate white balance becomes important (in my case this is usually shooting in the absolutely awful dim mixed lighting of my friend’s metal concerts).

Now, I don’t know about the rest of you, but I don’t tend to carry around a sheet of white paper to take an incident reading off of for my custom white balance setting. This is where my coffee addiction becomes a saving grace. It turns out coffee filters (the bleached kind, sorry eco-warriors) are great for setting white balance.

How? Just strap one of those bad-boys over your lens, point it at the light source, then do whatever jiggery-pokery your camera manual says you have to do in order to set a custom white balance. Voila! The coffee filter acts as a diffuser and a white instance all at once, and I generally get some pretty fabulous results from this.

It does, however, look a bit, ah, ‘low budget.’ If you’re looking to impress clients, I recommend a product called the ExpoDisc, which works very similarly but looks a whole lot more porfessional and comes in a variety of handy sizes.

Next time: Spilling Things! Or, Why Derek Likes Olympus Digital Cameras and Panasonic Camcorders.



A Good Back-up Plan

I see it all the time. Fledgling photographers landing a “paying” job for the use of their photographic eye and camera gear coming back to the store frustrated after having a technical or equipment problem on their “big break” shoot. The first time you shoot for someone else the anxiety levels are higher, and mistakes or errors are more likely.
It feels great to have someone place their confidence in you and your craft. It is a big ego boost, and can get you started in a secondary (or even primary) revenue stream. Still the most important thing is if you accept a job you should be prepared to do the job. The best advice is to have back-up gear ready for a possible failure. Similar if not identical equipment is recommended. If you are shooting with a Nikon DSLR Camera have another Nikon DSLR as a back-up, the same goes for Olympus, Pentax, Sony  or Canon, if you have a Canon DSLR camera have a back-up Canon DSLR camera. A Canon Digital Rebel can be an excellent back-up for a 30D, 40D or even higher end Canon DSLR. Rember that many of the newer DSLR cameras now use SD memory cards while older or higher end units could still be using CF cards.

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New AVCHD hard drive camcorder- Canon Vixia HG20

We just received the new Canon Vixia HG20 HD camcorder.  It looks very impressive.  The camera sports a 60 gig hard drive and a SD memory card slot for recording to either storage format.  Here is the rundown from the Canon HD camcorder website:

HG20 picture

High Definition Video on Hard Disk Drive

Continuing Canon’s industry-leading reputation for technology and product quality, Canon’s latest high definition camcorders deliver the optical excellence, advanced image processing and superb performance found in our photographic and broadcast television lenses. With our Canon Exclusives, we bring more advanced features to our camcorders, enabling you to more easily take your video to a higher level than ever possible before.

Among our latest products is the Canon VIXIA HG20 Hard Disk Drive Camcorder. It combines the ease of recording video directly onto an internal Hard Disk Drive with the advanced AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) format. Its 60GB Hard Disk Drive allows you to record up to 22 hours and 55 minutes of crisp, high definition video (LP Mode). It also is a dual system camcorder, with the capability of also recording video and still images to an SDHC card as well.

The VIXIA HG20 boasts 1920 x 1080 Full HD, and has a CODEC capable of recording 24Mbps — the highest AVCHD bitrate –through Canon’s own Full HD CMOS Image Sensor and advanced DIGIC DV II image processor. Other exclusives are a new Genuine Canon 12x HD video lens, SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization and Instant AutoFocus and a host of other advanced features including an HDMI™ Connector. Enhanced and simplified controls give you more choices and easier operation. Remarkable image reproduction and advanced features are yours in this compact AVCHD Format Hard Disk Drive camcorder which easily goes along with you, wherever you are, to capture those unforgettable moments in life- in true HD.

For those of you on the fence about AVCHD for editing reasons, I found a website to help you along in the process.  This is especially helpful for those people editing with an Apple OSX platform.  Here is the website.  Even if you are not interested in the products available on this site, there is a wealth of info for high definition video editing.  HD camcorders are going to AVCHD more and more.  Editing software is getting easier everyday.



New Nikon Digital SLR Camera announcement

Today, Nikon announced the D90 Nikon digital SLR camera.  Looks pretty cool.  Has the same chip capabilities as the D300 and has the same screen size (3 inch).  Uses an SD memory card.  The really cool thing is that it can shoot video!  That’s right folks, it is the first SLR to be able to shoot 720P, high definition video!  Of course, I have not tested this yet, but I hope the video feature works well.  I can only imagine what this will open up for people!

Here is a look at the top features:

  • 12.9 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor (effective pixels: 12.3 million)
  • 3.0-inch 920,000 pixel (VGA x 3 colors) TFT-LCD (same as D3 and D300)
  • Live View with contrast-detect AF, face detection
  • Image sensor cleaning (sensor shake)
  • Illuminated focus points
  • Movie capture at up to 1280 x 720 (720p) 24 fps with mono sound
  • IS0 200-3200 range (100-6400 expanded)
  • 4.5 frames per second continuous shooting (buffer: 7 RAW, 25 JPEG fine, 100 JPEG Normal)
  • Expeed image processing engine
  • 3D tracking AF (11 point)
  • Short startup time, viewfinder blackout and shutter lag
  • Slightly improved viewfinder (96% frame coverage)
  • Extensive in-camera retouching including raw development and straightening
  • Improved user interface
  • New optional compact GPS unit (fits on hot shoe)
  • Same battery and vertical grip as D80
  • Vignetting control in-camera
  • 72 thumbnail and calendar view in playback


Mt. Comfort Airshow 2008

I hope everyone had a great time at the airshow this year.  It was a little too hot but I think the event went well.  Although the Blue Angels weren’t there this year, the military jets were a big part of the show.  The F-22 Raptor demo was amazing.  I uploaded a video on YouTube of the Heritage Flight with the P-51 and the F-22.  It was shot with the Sony SR-11 in 1080i.  YouTube doesn’t do it justice but check it out anyway!  The audio is great.  If you were there and want to share your images, click here to send them to us.



Coming Attractions

Tamron 18-270VC imageTamron, long a leader in lens design and technologies announced an astounding 15x range zoom 18-270mm lens in development on July 30th. Yesterday our Tamron lens rep was here at Roberts Imaging with a little more news. The first 18-270 lenses shipping will be for the Nikon DSLR bodies, including the D40 and D60 series bodies. That’s right the AF 18-270mm Di II VC lens will also carry the BIM designation, so it will mount on all Nikon Digital Cameras. (Note: the full frame sensor cameras will not reduce the file size and coverage area as they do Nikon’s DX lenses, and  Tamron does not recommend their use. If used the resulting image will have to be cropped to eliminate vignetting).
Tamron’s Canon EF mount lenses will follow shortly after the Nikon’s and don’t be surprised to see the Sony/Minolta mount soon too.
If you are unfamiliar with the vernacular of the lens world  I will  give you a brief  jargon translation.
DSLR: Digital Single Lens Reflex. A camera with a mirror box and prism for viewing the image through an eyepiece (or now on live view); the mirror pivots (reflexes) out of the way allowing the light path to reach the sensor. AF: Auto Focus; just like it sounds the lens and camera can focus automatically (there is always the option to manually override if desired).
Di II: This is Tamron’s designation for a lens designed to work with the smaller APS-C sized digital sensors, some higher end DSLR’s will have a full size sensor the same dimensions as a 35mm frame of film (you remember film, right?).
VC:  Vibration Compensation; built in stabilization features that help reduce user shake,allowing sharper photos in challenging conditions. Nikon Lenses and Canon lenses offer their own version on some of their lenses VR (Vibration Reduction) is Nikon’s terminology, and IS (Image Stabilizaition) is Canon’s. Remember: vibration reduction, compensation, control or stabilization  reduces but does not always eliminate the need for a camera tripod.
BIM: (Built-In Motor) a motor on-board the lens instead of a mechanical connection to the camera body. Built-In motors are nothing new, Canon Lenses have been equipped with internal motors since the first EOS lenses. Nikon came on board several years ago as well with their AF-S series of lenses. Now Third party lens manufacturers like Tamron, Sigma and Tokina to name just a few are building the more efficient internal motors in some of their offerings too.
With new longer range lenses cropping up all the time the options for the casual photographer are much greater. A lens with a 15x zoom would be an all-in-one solution for a lot of users. We don’t know the delivery dates yet but you can pre-order this lens on-line or you can contact me at 800-726-5544 or [email protected]


New Canon Digital SLR camera announced!

Canon announced their new Canon Digital SLR camera today.  The EOS 50D digital SLR.  Looks like the new EOS 50D will have a 15 MP CMOS sensor, 3.0 inch LCD, and an HDMI output so you can view your images on a high definition display.  They also are bringing an 18-200 I.S. lens as well.

50D EOS

I don’t know when they will start to ship these out, but I bet it won’t be too long.  There is a waiting list starting today here at Roberts.  If you would like to be added to the list you can do so by clicking here and putting EOS 50D in the subject line.  Be sure to put your name and phone number in the body of the email.  We will contact you as soon as they become available.

I have not seen one of these in person yet, but you can read the hands-on review at dpreview.com.



Airshow Wrap-Up

So, I was going to do this before now but then I got buried under computer problems, updating our homepage, and Canon’s surprise announcement of the 50D this morning. But, I’ve got a moment now, and I’d like to talk briefly about this past weekend’s airshow experience.

Now, I’d never been to an airshow before, so I’m not nearly as seasoned a voice as Chuck is, and I won’t be talking much here about the show itself (although I will mention that while the F-22s were neat, I vastly preferred the acrobatics of the older showplanes.)

For those of you who somehow missed the details, Roberts was out there by the flightline, and reps from Sony, Nikon, Canon, Bogen, and MAC Group were out there to show off equipment. So, if you’d been dying to try a top-of-the-line Canon digital SLR camera or any Bogen Manfrotto tripods, there were plenty going around.

But, this year’s is over now, and if you missed out, why not check out our new Flickr, freshly loaded with shots from the show? If you did make it out, we’d love to host some of your shots on our Flickr (don’t worry, we don’t want to use them for anything commercial, and you’ll of course retain your copyrights to them.)

So, to visit our Flickr, go here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/29881616@N08/
If you’re interested in having your pictures up there, go here for more information: http://www.robertsimaging.com/airshowgallery.jsp



Things are Looking Up!

blue angels 07 shot
The Blue Angels do a high speed belly to belly pass. Chuck Pace 2007

Last year I worked Roberts Imaging’s first Indianapolis Air Show.  I’ve got to tell you it was one of the best and most memorable events I have been involved with. Well this weekend is the 12th Annual Indianapolis Air Show, and I am working it again. Roberts Distributors is supplying a lucky 5 and a half score of our customers with a chalet on the flight line, as well as a catered lunch, bottled water and sodas. Several of our vendors are going to be on hand to assist the attendees with professional and amateur camera gear. Manfrotto, Gitzo and Induro will be there loaning tripods and mono-pods to the onlookers (up lookers). There will be Pros from Nikon, Canon and Sony loaning bodies and lenses as well and Roberts will be supplying CF & SD memory cards form Lexar, Sandisk and Kingston for a meager charge too.
Last year I borrowed a D200 Nikon Professional DSLR and a Nikkor 70-200 2.8 VR and got dozens of rewarding shots including. If you have been visiting the Roberts Imaging web site in the past couple of months you have been seeing one of my shots, the B17 bomber with the smoke and bomb bay doors open is one of mine.
BA_Diamond image
Last year the Blue Angels were the “Headliners” this year the U.S. Air Force will be showing off the latest in avionics and engineering with the F-22A Raptor Demonstration Team. I can hardly wait to see the mastery in the air and the defiance of gravity itself.  My wife and I will both be carrying our Nikon Coolpix cameras all day and I hope to get may hands on a Sony A300 or 700 for some shots or one of the Canon DSLR’s or another Nikon, maybe a D300 this time.

Oracle_bi_plane imageIn addition to the Raptors there will be the historical ‘War Birds’ again, and Bi-Plane stunt flyers like last year.
The photo to the left is of Team Oracle’s Sean Tucker cutting a ribbon with his wings less than 20 feet from the tarmac. I’ve provided a link to the Team Oracle site and Sean Tucker bio. If you didn’t sign up to attend this year we will most likely be doing next years I recommend it highly.



Lab quality prints at home with the Canon PIXMA Pro 9500

Canon printers have really come along in the last few years.  They have made some great strides with their consumer printers to give Epson and HP a run.  The Canon PIXMA Pro 9500 printer is a great example.

If you are looking for a printer that can make a lab quality 13×19 printer, this printer can do it well.  The Pro 9500 uses 10 different “LUCIA” pigment based inks that include two different black and one grey inks for superior black and white printing.  It prints at 4800 X 2400 dpi with 3 picoliter nozzles in the print head.

9500 PIXMA

I have used a variety of papers in the printer.  Canon, like all printer manufacturers, only recommends their own photo paper, but many different photo paper types are compatible.  My favorite has been the Ilford Smooth Pearl paper.  Epson wide format paper (13×19) is also very compatible.  The black and white stuff has been truly amazing!  Canon rates the print life at 100+ years on color and 200 + on black and white prints.  Longevity is probably not going to be an issue.

The other nice part is that the inks just don’t seem to clog up.  With the Epson wide format ink, you really need to use them a lot to keep the heads from consistantly clogging up.  Not so with the Canon.  In over a year, I have not had one clog.

You can look at the printer on the Roberts Imaging site.  If you want a more in-depth review you can look here.  The is a $150 rebate going on through 9/28/08.  We have a great price on the 9500 and if you want to see one, we have it on display at our downtown location.




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