Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Fujifilm X-Pro 1 Digital Camera is now available for pre-order!

Fujifilm X-Pro 1 Digital Camera is now available for pre-order! Here’s some photos hot off the press from B&H:

Here’s a photo of the Fujifilm 60mm f/2.4 XF Macro Lens:

Here’s a photo of the Fujifilm 35mm f/1.4 XF R Lens:

Here’s a photo of the Fujifilm 18mm f/2.0 XF R Lens:

Fujifilm 18mm f/2.0 XF R Lens

Conclusion

I hope to bring you more info later this year as to how this compares to the Nikon 1 V1 and the Fujifilm X100 and X10 cameras reviewed on this blog already.

Disclosure

If you make a purchase using links on this blog I may get a commission. Thanks for supporting my blog by using my links!

NOTE: This site requires cookies and uses affiliate linking to sites that use cookies.

If you enjoyed this article, please support future articles like this by making a donation or saving money by using my discount coupon codes. Either way, your support is greatly appreciated!

This blog is intended for freelance writing and sharing of opinions and is not a representative of any of the companies whose links are provided on this site.

The opinions provided are of Ron Martinsen alone and do not reflect the view of any other entity

REVIEW: Photographing Children Photo Workshop Second Edition by Ginny Felch

Photographing Children by Ginny Felch is basically a text book format written for the beginner who wants the A to Z info how to use their camera, compose shots, get shots of a children, and process those photos in Photoshop (including Elements). It’s 268 pages are dense unlike your typical photography books which are usually mostly just photos. In this respect it is good and certainly a lot more detail oriented than Mamarazzi (a children's photography book I reviewed earlier this year).  However, both books target a different type of audience and learning style.

Who's afraid of driving in the snow? - Copyright Ron Martinsen - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Who's afraid of driving in the snow?
Copyright © Ron Martinsen
All Rights Reserved

For those who like to just learn concepts in digestible but meaningful chunks, I still think my Which Books Should I Read? is the still the best route to go. For the busy mom who just wants bits of help for those rare times she can actually read a book then Mamarazzi is probably still a good choice. However, Photographing Children is the book for the self-study types who want to take a class but who just don’t have the time.

Just say no to greens - Copyright Ron Martinsen - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Just say no to greens
Copyright © Ron Martinsen
All Rights Reserved

What makes this book different than most books is that it actually features assignments and it assumes you know nothing. I think some busy parents who are intimidated by photography might find this approach helpful.  The process of going through this book as a couple could be a fun adventure for new parents looking to get some shots like those featured in this article of my kids and those featured in GInny’s book.

Caterpillar Girl - Copyright Ron Martinsen - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Caterpillar Girl
Copyright © Ron Martinsen
All Rights Reserved

Conclusion

A good chunk of the people I interact with are either engineers or pro photographers, so this isn’t a book I’d typically recommend for them. Instead, I think this is a good book for those who are looking for an A to Z approach to getting better photos of their kids (excluding the process of getting a new camera – see here).

As a side note, for those who are wanting to improve the shots they get of their kids without making the big leap into investing into an expensive DSLR system, I think the Fuji X10 might be a good tool to help you get the shot (excluding sports) where your main objective is just nailing the composition.

Disclosure

I may get a commission if you make purchases using links in this article. Thanks for supporting my blog and future articles by using my links!

NOTE: This site requires cookies and uses affiliate linking to sites that use cookies.

If you enjoyed this article, please support future articles like this by making a donation or saving money by using my discount coupon codes. Either way, your support is greatly appreciated!

This blog is intended for freelance writing and sharing of opinions and is not a representative of any of the companies whose links are provided on this site.

The opinions provided are of Ron Martinsen alone and do not reflect the view of any other entity

Think Tank Photo Rain Cover Special Offer

Free Eyepiece + Free Gear with Every Rain Cover

For a limited time you can get a free eyepiece with Think Tank Photo’s Think Tank Photo’s Hydrophobia  rain covers.  The Hydrophobia 70-200 and  Hydrophobia 70-200 Flash rain covers accommodate a DSLR with up to a 70-200 lens and, in the latter, a flash.  Its Hydrophobia 300-600 rain cover protects a DSLR with a super telephoto lens (300 f2.8 up to a 600 f4) attached, with the lens hood in position.  These heavy-duty rain covers provide protection during even the toughest downpours, wind storms, or other challenging conditions. What's more, you can actually attach your DSLR and simply carry it by the rain cover.  The sleeves are big enough to not only let you control the camera (with the help of a clear window around back), but swap out batteries or memory cards as well.  When you check out of the shopping cart you will be asked which eyepiece you would like to receive for free.

See my Think Tank Photo page here to learn more about Think Tank Photo products that I have reviewed, and see my review of HydroPhobia 70-200 here.

To visit Think Tank Photo directly to see their Hydrophobia products, click here.

Disclosure

I may make a commission if you make a purchase using links found in this article.

NOTE: This site requires cookies and uses affiliate linking to sites that use cookies.

If you enjoyed this article, please support future articles like this by making a donation or saving money by using my discount coupon codes. Either way, your support is greatly appreciated!

This blog is intended for freelance writing and sharing of opinions and is not a representative of any of the companies whose links are provided on this site.

The opinions provided are of Ron Martinsen alone and do not reflect the view of any other entity

Friday, January 27, 2012

REVIEW: Topaz Star Effects–Going beyond Photoshop Flare

Star Effects is a new product by Topaz Labs that is kinda fun because it allows you to do some interesting things with flare and stars to spice up your photos. Here’s a couple cool before and after examples that Topaz has provided me with:

Here’s the user-interface for this product so you can get an idea of how it works:

It’s your typical Topaz UI framework with presets on the left and all the knobs for fine tuning on the right. Like most Topaz products you begin by selecting a preset (not required) and then you dial in your settings from each of the four categories shown below::

Options include various star types and the ability to add and remove them as shown here:


Click for a larger view

This of course opens the door to all sorts of possibilities, but this is one I couldn’t resist doing:

Yeah, that’s the ticket – that is what was missing from that shot – ha, ha!

All joking aside, for many photos the results can be pretty cool with just ONE CLICK of a preset. Here’s my famous Chicago shot where all I did was click the City Lights I preset and voilà – instant sparkle right where I wanted it:

Mouse over to see before, mouse out to see after
Instant City Sparkle with only one click

Conclusion

This is a neat little product that on the right photo (like Chicago above) you just say “wow, how did it know where I wanted my sparkles”. It just works! It’s way easier and faster than Photoshop, and all sorts of flare options are available.

Click here to download the free trial. If you decide you want it, then just be sure to use the Topaz Labs coupon code found on my discount coupon code page to save money off your purchase!

Disclaimer

I may get a commission if you make a purchase using the links found in this article.

NOTE: This site requires cookies and uses affiliate linking to sites that use cookies.

If you enjoyed this article, please support future articles like this by making a donation or saving money by using my discount coupon codes. Either way, your support is greatly appreciated!

This blog is intended for freelance writing and sharing of opinions and is not a representative of any of the companies whose links are provided on this site.

The opinions provided are of Ron Martinsen alone and do not reflect the view of any other entity

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Impact Master Century C Stand Kit - Avenger Quality without the Avenger Price!

Impact Master Century C Stand Kit with 42" Riser, Grip Head & Arm - Chrome, 10.75'

The Impact Master Century C Stand Kit with 42" Riser, Grip Head & Arm - Chrome, 10.75' ($128.95) is a little bigger and heavier version of my Avenger A2030D Turtle Base Century C Stand Grip Arm Kit - 9.8' (3m)($176.50), but it’s 27% less (as of 1/24/2012). What’s more, is that its easier to use thanks to a brilliant lock design on the bottom:

and it’s every bit as functional:

If you are setting up a new studio and are shooting with anything bigger than a speedlite, then you owe it to yourself to get a great set of C-Stands. However, if you are like me you don’t relish the eye of spending so much money on a hunk of metal that does nothing more than hold your lights. Sadly I didn’t know about these when I set up my studio, but now that I have one I realize what a waste it was for me to buy the Avengers!

Now, I do like the feel of the Avenger D200 grip head a little bit better, but the handle on these is better and its functionally the same. I also love that the grip arm pole is not polished (it’s a cool looking buffed look) so that it doesn’t slip and rotate as easily. It’s also a lot easier to grip under weight which makes it superior to the Avenger design.

I totally trust this with my expensive Elinchrom lighting setup.

Conclusion

I know a lot of generic stuff out there is crap, and I’ve been disappointed with some Impact products, but this isn’t one of them. This is the real deal and a rare bargain product that actually outperforms the product it copies. In fact, if you’ve gotta get the Avenger then do me a favor and buy mine so I can get another one of these and pocket the spare change!

Click here to order yours at B&H today.

Disclosure

B&H is a partner of this blog and has provided me with a review unit. If you make a purchase using the links in this article, I may make a commission. Thanks for supporting this blog by returning when you are ready to make a purchase!

NOTE: This site requires cookies and uses affiliate linking to sites that use cookies.

If you enjoyed this article, please support future articles like this by making a donation or saving money by using my discount coupon codes. Either way, your support is greatly appreciated!

This blog is intended for freelance writing and sharing of opinions and is not a representative of any of the companies whose links are provided on this site.

The opinions provided are of Ron Martinsen alone and do not reflect the view of any other entity

BorrowLenses.com discount is back!

borrowlenses.com

BorrowLenses.com has teamed up with ronmartblog.com again to offer you a 5% when you use the coupon code RM5 as shown here:

image

I loved the service and web site at borrowlenses.com when I first reviewed them, and they’ve only gotten better with age. Now is the chance to rent that lens or camera body that you’ve always wanted to try out but just can’t afford to own. Click here to get started!

Disclosure

I may make a commission if you make a purchase or rental using the links in this article.

NOTE: This site requires cookies and uses affiliate linking to sites that use cookies.

If you enjoyed this article, please support future articles like this by making a donation or saving money by using my discount coupon codes. Either way, your support is greatly appreciated!

This blog is intended for freelance writing and sharing of opinions and is not a representative of any of the companies whose links are provided on this site.

The opinions provided are of Ron Martinsen alone and do not reflect the view of any other entity

Monday, January 23, 2012

Canon C300 available for Pre-Order / Shipping January 30th

The Canon EOS C300 Cinema EOS Camcorder Body (EF Mount) (also available in PL Mount) is one of the hottest video camera releases in quite sometime. Videographers have been moving to the 5D Mark II in droves, but it’s a DSLR that lacks a lot of the features a videographer really needs. Canon has finally answered that call with a product that will probably thrill videographers with big budgets.

You can order a Canon EOS C300 Cinema EOS Camcorder Body (EF Mount) (also available in PL Mount) from B&H today with units expected to ship on January 30th (EF Mount only).

Visit www.canoncinemaeos.com for more information and sample video footage.

Disclosure

I may make a commission if you make a purchase using links found in this article.

NOTE: This site requires cookies and uses affiliate linking to sites that use cookies.

If you enjoyed this article, please support future articles like this by making a donation or saving money by using my discount coupon codes. Either way, your support is greatly appreciated!

This blog is intended for freelance writing and sharing of opinions and is not a representative of any of the companies whose links are provided on this site.

The opinions provided are of Ron Martinsen alone and do not reflect the view of any other entity

PREVIEW: Creative Lighting by Harold Davis

Creative Lighting: Digital Photography Tips and Techniques by Harold Davis is a book that I never expected to grab me like it did. Honestly, I had never heard of Harold Davis but he’s actually written quite a few photography books, so it’s no surprise that I quickly found myself engulfed in his book.

Now, I’ll be up front and say that I didn’t read every page cover to cover of this book because I simply didn’t have time, but I read and skimmed enough to feel comfortable giving this book a thumbs up (just as I had done with Sketching Light). One of the reasons why is that I strongly believe that a great photography book starts with great images that appeal to my subjective taste, and this book is chock full of that. In addition, it features a lot of techniques and theory in a way that I can digest it (unlike Photographically Speaking).

Now by looking at the images, I wouldn’t call Harold Davis a Photoshop Guru, but I would call him a composition guru. Since that’s an area where I lack, I got a lot of inspiration from the content of this book.

You can peek inside here to get a quick taste of what this book has to offer and how Davis discusses “understanding light”. If what you see their grabs you, then I’d suggest adding this book to your reading list because what follows seems to only build from there.

It is available in both Print and Kindle formats and may be purchased by clicking this link.

Disclosure

I have read a portion, but not every page of this book. I have thumbed through every page and feel it meets my standard of a quality photography book. If you purchase using the links found in this article, I may get a commission.

NOTE: This site requires cookies and uses affiliate linking to sites that use cookies.

If you enjoyed this article, please support future articles like this by making a donation or saving money by using my discount coupon codes. Either way, your support is greatly appreciated!

This blog is intended for freelance writing and sharing of opinions and is not a representative of any of the companies whose links are provided on this site.

The opinions provided are of Ron Martinsen alone and do not reflect the view of any other entity

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Metallic Paper Comparison: Red River Polar Pearl vs LexJet Sunset Photo (Coupon Code Included)

A Distorted View of New York (c) Ron Martinsen - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Red River Polar Pearl Metallic
is my preferred paper for my popular Manhattan Nightscape print
Copyright Ron Martinsen – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

When I did my printing series the first third party paper I tested was LexJet’s Sunset Photo Metallic which I learned about from Eddie Tapp. It is a great paper that I raved about in my review, but it’s pretty expensive. What’s more, the discount that I negotiated for you only lasted a short time and LexJet never renewed it. I get lots of requests to bring the discount back or offer a comparable paper for a better price, so I’m here to share some exciting news about that happening.

I’ve been using LexJet Sunset Photo Metallic for over a year and Red River Polar Pearl for over four months. During my testing I’ve found the papers to be identical in performance, so I’ve been able to use the same printer profile for both papers from a given printer and get identical results! If you like Metallic paper, both will serve you well but Red River Polar Pearl Metallic will just cost you a lot less.

Red River Polar Pearl Metallic Specifications

Here are the key facts that I have gathered about this paper:

Basis Weight 255 g/m²

Thickness

10.4 mil
ISO Brightness 78 (est)
Base Material Resin-coated (RC) photo paper
Surface Finish High-gloss, metallic

Click here to learn more about this paper. For Canon printers, I disagree with their recommendations and suggest that you go to LexJet’s site to get the Sunset Metallic Media Type file (AM1 file) for your printer and use it instead of the the Photo Paper Glossy (I & II) media type.

Paper Profiles

You can get Red River Paper Profiles here, but I’ve done a quick link to printers covered on this blog:

  • Canon ipf6300/ipf6350 & ipf8300 – I tested this profile and it more accurate than the Lexjet profile, but I personally prefer the additional warmth found in Lexjet’s profile. Precise color matching work should use this profile with the Relative Colormetric rendering intent.
  • Epson 3880 – This profile appears to perform better than what Lexjet offers since they only offer a 3800 profile. I prefer Canon printers over Epson for this paper, but you can get accurate results with this profile. On Epson my preference is still to use ColorByte ImagePrint (my review of version 9 is coming soon).
  • Epson 4900 – Currently Red River Paper is using the profile they generated for the 7900 and 9900 which is incorrect. While the 4900 uses the same ink and print head technology, I’ve discovered (and verified with printer driver experts) that the 4900 differs just enough that it requires its own paper profile for the best result.
  • Colorbyte ImagePrint – I am now testing version 9.0.0.1 and it had profiles for both my 3880 and 4900. I printed using both the Red River Polar Pearl Metallic and Lexjet Sunset Photo Metallic profiles and the results were identical.

How To Walkthrough

My Sunset Photo Metallic article had a walkthrough which showed how to use this paper with PC’s and Mac’s in Photoshop and Lightroom. Everything in that article applies to this paper – you can even use the Lexjet profiles and settings OR you can just substitute the Red River profile. As a result, I won’t redo all of that discussion for this article, but I have included some screen shots using the Red River profiles to point you in the right direction.  

Canon imagePrograf Print Plug-In for Photoshop


Canon iPF6300 Print Plug-In for Photoshop
Lexjet Sunset Metallic Media Type and Red River Polar Pearl Paper Profile

Colorbyte ImagePrint 9.0.0.1

image
Colorbyte ImagePrint 9 settings for an Epson 4900
(change display lighting and speed to suit your needs)

Epson 4900 in Photoshop CS4 Printer Dialogs

image

Change Printable Area to center print to the paper
Do this to center your image to the paper

image

image

image
Photoshop CS4 Settings*

I continue to advice those who care about color matching to use Photoshop CS4 instead of CS5 for printing. Unfortunately CS5 appears to add its own saturation enhancements to your photos which makes soft proofing and accurate color matching impossible.

Conclusion

In all of my testing, I found the performance of Red River Polar Pearl Metallic to be identical to LexJet Sunset Photo Metallic. You can use either profile with either paper, but my preference is for the Lexjet profiles which are a bit warmer. The Red River paper costs less and that is BEFORE the special offer (see below) on this blog which makes it even more affordable. With 12 sheet sizes offered by Red River versus only 3 by Lexjet, the odds are that you’ll find the size you need and can save some money.

UPDATE: Red River Paper now sells metallic in rolls! Now there’s no excuse not to get this paper as its cheaper than the competition PLUS I have a special offer below to make it even more affordable!

Special Offer

Red River Paper Coupon Code
Example for coupon entry only – the offer and code here have expired

Visit http://www.redrivercatalog.com/landing/ronmart/ to learn what the latest offer details are as well

Offer subject to change. See my discount coupon code page for the latest terms, and the printing series page for more Red River Paper articles.

Disclaimer

I may get a commission if you make a purchase using links in this article. I also was provided with sample paper to test for this review.

NOTE: This site requires cookies and uses affiliate linking to sites that use cookies.

If you enjoyed this article, please support future articles like this by making a donation or saving money by using my discount coupon codes. Either way, your support is greatly appreciated!

This blog is intended for freelance writing and sharing of opinions and is not a representative of any of the companies whose links are provided on this site.

The opinions provided are of Ron Martinsen alone and do not reflect the view of any other entity

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Ron Martinsen Online Courses and Portfolio Reviews

After a successful workshop and numerous happy students from previous classes, I find myself wanting to teach some courses again. However, I’m also finding it difficult to fit my schedule and everyone else's schedule into a time that works for us all. One solution to this problem might be an online course offering.

I’m considering offering a few online courses that would feature videos that you watched at your own leisure and featured a personal interaction (i.e., chats, hangouts, email, or even a conference call). I’m also considering offering a portfolio review service.

If this sounds like something you might be interested in, please take the following survey so I can better tailor the course to your needs:

Click here to take survey

Please use the comments in this article if you have any other suggestions or recommendations. I’d also be willing to consider a guided photo vacation where we meet in a city for a day or two (i.e., New York, Tokyo, London, etc…) and do a photo walk or workshop like the one I did in Seattle. If anyone is interested, then please let me know via my contact page. Please include details about the location, days and your budget for a course of this nature.

NOTE: This site requires cookies and uses affiliate linking to sites that use cookies.

If you enjoyed this article, please support future articles like this by making a donation or saving money by using my discount coupon codes. Either way, your support is greatly appreciated!

This blog is intended for freelance writing and sharing of opinions and is not a representative of any of the companies whose links are provided on this site.

The opinions provided are of Ron Martinsen alone and do not reflect the view of any other entity

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Photo of the Week–Fort Foster Park #1

Fort Foster Park - #1

This is just a great all around B&W shot. The sky isn’t overblown and there is a wide range of tones that make this feel like it covers the full zone.

Be sure to click this photo above and leave some feedback on Flickr so this reader can get your feedback both good and bad (be gentle) and feel the love from our readers here!

Learn more about how you can participate in the Photo of the Week contest by clicking here.

Disclosure

I may get a commission if you make purchases using links from this article.

NOTE: This site requires cookies and uses affiliate linking to sites that use cookies.

If you enjoyed this article, please support future articles like this by making a donation or saving money by using my discount coupon codes. Either way, your support is greatly appreciated!

This blog is intended for freelance writing and sharing of opinions and is not a representative of any of the companies whose links are provided on this site.

The opinions provided are of Ron Martinsen alone and do not reflect the view of any other entity

Friday, January 13, 2012

REDIpix.com Dazzle–A Backlit Print That Will Rock Your World

REDIpix.com Dazzle Backlit Print
REDIpix.com Dazzle Gallery Wrap – Are you ready to be Dazzled?

It’s been quite some time since I’ve written about REDIpix.com – my favorite gallery wrap printing service. They did a fantastic job with one of my prints with their awesome Satin Cloth Gallery Wrap Elite product (see my review), so when David Elmore (the owner) said he wanted to show me a cool new product he had – I was all ears!

The Dazzle Gallery Wrap is a cool product that is wrapped with smooth cloth instead of nasty bumpy canvas so you enjoy a smooth finish to your product. This is awesome for big signs from Times Square like the Palace Theater shown above. It’s also great for fog (the difference it makes will blow your mind), nightscapes, and so much more. When I first heard about the Dazzle I knew I’d be impressed with the result, but this just blew me away!

How the Dazzle is Built


It even comes with a remote and everything you need to hang it (multiple options)!!!

Your photo is giclée printed on smooth Satin Cloth and wrapped around the sides of a MightyCore box that is open on the front. Several rows of LED lights are attached to the back of the 2-inch-deep box to light up your print. They provide a power adapter that plugs into the wall outlet and a remote control dimmer. The 12V white wire from the adapter to the print can be hidden behind the wall.

Be creative with the sides

Click for a larger version
I provided the image and they automatically created the imaging for the sides
NOTE: The red neon lights are at different levels in real life,
so they look funny in the photo but those are not artifacts

Their Photoshop artist prepares the sides for you with your choice of eight options or a combination of them. Although image wrap is popular, this often crops the photo too much as viewed from the front. In my case they applied a mirror image of the border of my image. Solid color sides or a blurred image are also good choices. Some of their customers design original borders using a repeating small image that goes all the way around, so you can control this if you like.

You can change the image

The image is stretched and held tight to the back with tape. It takes about 10 minutes for you to remove the old one and stretch on a new print. They provide detailed instructions on how to do this.

Long-lasting low-power LEDs

The LEDs will last over 6 years of continuous use at full brightness and draw only 12 watts for a 16x24" print. It comes with a remote control on/off/dimmer that will work from anywhere in the room. Since you probably do not want it on all the time, they can also provide an optional digital timer that will turn it on and off at times you choose. Or leave the brightness turned low at night -- it makes a great nightlight.

Video Demonstration


Play in HD

Conclusion

My photos and video in this article don’t do this print justice because when I turn on the lights a different exposure is required that really needs to be HDR to capture all of the details. This is A LOT cooler in real life than I can possibly capture in this article. If you are ever by my office then give me a shout and I’ll try to make arrangements to show you as this is something you really need to see to believe!

I should note that the print featured in the video was done from the original in-camera JPEG whereas the Dazzle was re-imaged from the RAW file so processing differences caused the shift in colors. Please see my review to learn how REDIpix.com sends you proof images before they print anything so you can see how it will look before your product is made. The color in the Dazzle is exactly what I approved based on the reimaged version.

To learn more visit http://redipix.com/GalleryWrapDazzle.php and be sure to use your RONM coupon code to save when you order! See my discount coupon code page for the latest offer details.

Special Offer

Enter the RONM coupon code to save when you order products from http://REDIpix.com! THIS CODE AND OFFER TERMS CAN CHANGE. See my discount coupon code page for the latest offer details.

image

Disclosure

I was provided a Dazzle for the purpose of doing this review. I also may get a commission if you make a purchase using this offer.

NOTE: This site requires cookies and uses affiliate linking to sites that use cookies.

If you enjoyed this article, please support future articles like this by making a donation or saving money by using my discount coupon codes. Either way, your support is greatly appreciated!

This blog is intended for freelance writing and sharing of opinions and is not a representative of any of the companies whose links are provided on this site.

The opinions provided are of Ron Martinsen alone and do not reflect the view of any other entity

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

REVIEW: Photographically Speaking by David duChemin

Photographically Speaking: A Deeper Look at Creating Stronger Images is the latest book by David duChemin that focuses heavily his idea of what makes a compelling photographic image. It is a masterfully assembled book that is sure to please those with engineering minds who like to dissect a photograph. It reminds me very much of Michael Freeman’s hit book, The Photographers Eye.

The Photographer's Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital Photos is a well known and respected book on photography composition that many have told me was a very important book in their photography education. I read that book and while I can see how it may appeal to some, in all honesty I found it too boring and dry for my taste. The cover was fantastic so it got me to give it a close look, but the contents quickly caused me to lose interest due to the dry delivery style.

I found David’s book to be significantly more interesting than Michael’s, but honestly the photos presented in the book didn’t feel like stronger images to me. In fact they left me underwhelmed or bored. This is not a strike against David because art is subjective, so what is art to one may be garbage to the other. He would most likely find my images to be uninspiring and tacky, but that’s how art works. I don’t care for his images used in the book, but I respect his work and his attention to detail in how he takes the time to educate the reader on how he composed 20 shots is commendable.

It’s clear that David duChemin knows his stuff and is an masterful educator of photography. David provides excellent detail about the crop he chose and its use of the rule of thirds. When applicable he provides good examples of the golden spiral is applied, which is rare to find in photography books these days.

A Look Inside

Photographically Speaking: A Deeper Look at Creating Stronger Images (Voices That Matter)
Click here to see inside the book on Amazon

This book is divided into three parts:

  1. The Photographers Intent – The book starts off with a rather enjoyable chapter called “It Means Something” where he discuses why you just like some photos based on intuition or unexplainable reasons. This is something I think we can all relate to as photographers, so I actually enjoyed it.
  2. Visual Language – This is the meat and potatoes stuff that I think most photography books lack that many analytical/engineering minds wish for in a book. This is where he gets into great discussions about how lines, repetition, contrast, colors, light, etc… impact a photograph. He follows this with a text-book like chapter on framing, cropping, gesture, and other photographic principals. I’ll be referring my engineer friends to this chapter when I get questions from those wishing to approach photography as a math problem rather than an intuitive expression of one’s self definition of art.
  3. Photographs – I really commend David for taking the time to break down 20 photos in a way that makes you feel that you are looking at ones of his prints on the walk and he’s telling you the story of how he made the photo. If you like David’s work, then you’ll be thrilled with this part of the book!

Conclusion

If you find that Scott Kelby and Bryan Peterson books leave you wanting more detail and depth about the composition of the shot, then this book is for you. If you liked The Photographer’s Eye, then it’s a must have.

However, if you are the naturally gifted artist that grabs a camera without reading the manuals and just gets solid images with no clue why then this book will bore you to tears. The rebel photographer with ADD who works on instinct will not last through the first chapter. I don’t see a middle ground, either you’ll love it or you’ll be bored (but perhaps you can respect it as I do).

This book isn’t my type of book so it won’t make any recommended list. However, I respect the book for what it is and acknowledge that my learning style is different from some. I fully expect those who are much more analytical than me to absolutely love it.

Please see my Which Books Should I Read article for my advice on photography books.

If you intend to purchase this book, then please support this blog by purchasing from Amazon using these links:

Disclosure

I was provided with an unsolicited copy of this book with no obligation to review it.

NOTE: This site requires cookies and uses affiliate linking to sites that use cookies.

If you enjoyed this article, please support future articles like this by making a donation or saving money by using my discount coupon codes. Either way, your support is greatly appreciated!

This blog is intended for freelance writing and sharing of opinions and is not a representative of any of the companies whose links are provided on this site.

The opinions provided are of Ron Martinsen alone and do not reflect the view of any other entity

Monday, January 9, 2012

Canon G1 X replaces G12 with 6x bigger sensor–available for pre-order now

Canon G1 X
Canon G1 X (Adorama, B&H)

Pre-orders are available now at Adorama and B&H!

Word was already on the street that a new G12 replacement was coming, but this is much cooler than I expected. I’m probably in the minority but I’m VERY GLAD it is not a interchangeable lens camera as I love the heck out of my X10’s ease of use and amazing image quality. The size on this sensor is a massive 1.5” which is nearly as large as what you’d find on a 60D (APS-C size):


Image Courtesy of Adorama

While it is still a smaller sensor than the mighty X100, you know from my point and shoot comparison article that the G12 is one of the most user friendly cameras on the planet for a pro, and the X100 is probably the most UN-Friendly (but still cool <g>).

I can see this camera hurting Rebel sales for smart shoppers who realize that they want better quality but not the expense and hassle of a DSLR. The question is – will this camera make me want to sell my beloved 2 month old Fujifilm X10? I’ll let you know in my upcoming review.

Check out the in-depth articles from Adorama and B&H.

Here’s the press release from Canon for this and some new Elph’s…

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., January 9, 2012 – Continuing to revolutionize the digital camera market, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the introduction of a new flagship PowerShot model, the PowerShot G1 X, in addition to two stylish PowerShot ELPH models, the ELPH 520 HS and ELPH 110 HS.  The PowerShot G1 X camera will feature a 1.5-inch, 14.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, the largest sensor to date for a PowerShot model, delivering approximately nine times more light sensitivity and helping to produce amazing depth-of-field and high-quality images in tough low-light conditions.  For those users looking for a camera with advanced features in a compact form both the PowerShot ELPH 520 HS, the world’s thinnest 12x optical zoom with a 28mm lens1, and PowerShot ELPH 110 HS feature a sleek design and compelling creative capabilities.

“The new additions to our PowerShot lineup further demonstrate Canon’s commitment to delivering users innovative imaging products,” said Yuichi Ishizuka executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “These sleek and compact cameras bring together powerful features, intuitive controls and unrivaled portability while maintaining high image quality.”

The Power of DIGIC 5

Living up to its reputation as a leader in the digital camera marketplace, Canon has incorporated the DIGIC 5 image processor into the HS SYSTEM for all three models.  Achieving better quality images in low-light settings, boasting faster operation and providing improved color accuracy, the DIGIC 5 image processor ensures users are able to produce high-quality images in the most difficult of lighting conditions. The processor will also enable the PowerShot G1 X camera to utilize the High-Speed Burst HQ2 feature allowing photographers to shoot images at high speeds at full resolution to capture the perfect moving shot.  Additionally, to ensure images are crisp and clear, advanced noise reduction and a smarter multi-area White Balance can be utilized to achieve accurate color reproduction for a balanced image.

Advanced Smart AUTO

Advanced Smart AUTO, available in the PowerShot ELPH 520 HS and ELPH 110 HS, can detect up to 58 scenes varying from non-human moving subjects to people, landscapes, pets and vehicles, helping the camera determine the best mode of shooting.  This technology has been enhanced to include a new Face ID feature, allowing users to register up to 12 people on the camera and have the camera recognize and prioritize each person. When registering individuals on the camera, users can take up to five images of a subject at various angles or facial expressions and enter their name and birth date. This allows the camera to make one of three age distinctions: Babies (0 to 1 year old), Children (2 to 12 years old) or Adults (13 years or older).  Based on these different groups, the camera will give focus priority to the youngest recognized group in the frame and makes the images searchable as well with the ability to view only those images of a particular person.

Further additions to this new feature are Smile Recognition and Sleeping Face Recognition. With Smile Recognition, the camera will take three consecutive shots of a scene such as a smiling baby or of grandparents at a family get together and select the best out of the three for the final image. For Sleeping Face Recognition the flash, assist beam and sound is turned off for that precious moment to be captured while not disturbing one’s sleep.

PowerShot G1 X Digital Camera

Ideal for photography enthusiasts looking for the highest image quality in a compact, point-and-shoot design, the Canon PowerShot G1 X camera features the largest sensor to date for a Canon point-and-shoot model. The camera has a brand new, large 1.5-inch (18.7 x 14mm), 14.3-megapixel High-Sensitivity Canon CMOS sensor, delivering shallow depth of field, a wide dynamic range, an ISO range of up to 12800 and incredible light gathering ability helping to ensure brilliant images in even tough low-light conditions. Featuring an amazing Canon lens with 4X Optical Zoom, an aperture of f/2.8 to f/16 for beautiful images when shooting portraits and amazing clarity when shooting landscapes along with wide-angle capabilities starting at 28mm, the PowerShot G1 X camera makes certain that users will have the right optics for most any situation.  Further adding to the EOS-like feature set of this new model is 14-bit, RAW+JPEG shooting and compatibility with accessories such as Speedlite, Macro Twin Lite or the Macro Ring Light flashes. HDR Shooting has been included to ensure the best possible shot is captured as well. The PowerShot G1 X camera also shoots in Full HD 1080p video ensuring memorable moments are captured in the highest quality.

The Canon PowerShot G1 X camera has a bright, large 3.0-inch vari-angle LCD with 922,000 dots of resolution providing photographers with the highest quality available in a point-and-shoot. The inclusion of the Mode Dial on the top of the camera and the Front Dial helps provide more intuitive control of the camera.

The estimated selling price of the Canon PowerShot G1 X camera is $799.99 and is scheduled to be available in February. Pre-orders are available now at Adorama and B&H!

PowerShot ELPH 520 HS Digital Camera

Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS Digital Camera

The feature-packed Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS camera resurrects the original PowerShot ELPH design with a more contemporary and radiant look and feel.  This new stylish model has a 10.1-megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor along with a 12X Optical Zoom lens, ISO range of up to 3200 and wide-angle capabilities starting at 28mm.  For photographers on the move, this camera also has Full HD 1080p video capture capabilities, a 3.0-inch LCD for easy viewing of images and High-Speed Burst mode where images are continuously captured at 6.8 frames per second.

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 520 HS camera will be available in black, silver, red and blue in March with an estimated selling price of $299.99. Adorama is taking pre-orders now.

PowerShot ELPH 110 HS Digital Camera

Canon PowerShot ELPH 110 HS Digital Camera

Canon’s PowerShot ELPH 110 HS camera comes in a variety of fun, bright colors (black, silver, red, blue, green and pink) and is the ideal camera for new photographers. With a 5X Optical Zoom lens and wide-angle capabilities beginning at 24mm, this camera provides the user with the ability to fit an entire landscape or a specific area of a subject into one shot.  The camera also features a16-megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS Sensor, ISO range of up to 3200, 3.0-inch wide LCD and Full HD 1080p video capture for brilliant, high resolution quality. High-Speed Burst mode has also been included for continuous shooting up to 5.8 frames per second.

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 110 HS camera is scheduled to be available in February with an estimated selling price of $249.99. Adorama is taking pre-orders now.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. With more than $45 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), ranked fourth overall in patent holdings in the U.S. in 2010†, and is one of Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies in 2011. Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility.

###

  Specifications subject to change without notice.

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

†Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Availability, prices, and specifications of all products are subject to change without notice.  Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.

Disclosure

I may get a commission if you make a purchase using links in this article. Thanks for supporting this blog by using my links!

NOTE: This site requires cookies and uses affiliate linking to sites that use cookies.

If you enjoyed this article, please support future articles like this by making a donation or saving money by using my discount coupon codes. Either way, your support is greatly appreciated!

This blog is intended for freelance writing and sharing of opinions and is not a representative of any of the companies whose links are provided on this site.

The opinions provided are of Ron Martinsen alone and do not reflect the view of any other entity