Monthly Archive for July 2009

2009 July 31 2009

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1.0.7 firmware for Canon 50D released

Filed under Cameras

Canon has the EOS 50D firmware update to version 1.0.7 and made ​​available for download.

Fixed a bug in the balance, subject to certain conditions which gave the images a magenta color cast. The effect occurred in situations where the background showed little contrast (the sky or white wall) and the camera was not set to automatic white balance (AWB).

In addition, errors in the menus of the languages ​​Arabic, Romanian, Spanish and Ukrainian fixed.

The firmware can be updated by the user himself. A manual (in English) is provided by Canon to download the below address.

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2009 Jul 30 2009

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World's first hybrid image stabilization, Canon

Filed under General

Canon Inc., Japan, presents a world first for use in interchangeable lenses for SLR cameras: Image Stabilizer compensates for the hybrid (Hybrid IS), the camera shake during pivoting movements and shifts of the camera. USM zahlreiche weitere, bildstabilisierende Objektive entwickelt. Already in 1995, Canon was able to score with the idea of the world's first interchangeable lens for SLR cameras with an optical image stabilizer to minimize camera shake and after the EF 75-300mm 1:4-5.6 IS USM developed numerous other image-stabilizing lenses. The launch of the first objective with the new hybrid technology is planned for later this year.

Canon Hybrid Bildstabilisierung

Canon Hybrid Image Stabilization

According to Canon, the new Canon compensated hybrid IS technology effectively blurring that can arise from unintentional pivoting motions (rotation) and displacements (linear) of the camera. By camera movement (movement parallel to the main motif) occur mainly due to camera shake in Macro photography and close-ups such as tight portraits, which they accept. Even in standard situations cause sudden changes of camera angle often significant blurring.

Two sensors are used in the new technology is used: an angular velocity and an acceleration sensor. The angular velocity sensor detects and recognizes Mitziehbewegungen pan. He was already part of all previous methods for optical image stabilization. The acceleration sensor allows the detection of camera shake caused by moving the camera. It also uses the hybrid image stabilizer, a new algorithm that takes into account the readings of both sensors and lenses in the lens moves in such a way that both types of image blur are reduced considerably. This optimizes the previous image stabilization and is perfect, especially in macro photography, in the conventional image stabilization techniques have proven particularly difficult.

Already in the 80s started to Canon, the research for methods to compensate for camera shake. USM das weltweit erste Wechselobjektiv für Spiegelreflexkameras mit einem optischen Bildstabilisator zur Minimierung von Verwacklungsunschärfen. In 1995, then presented with the Canon EF 75-300mm 1:4-5.6 IS USM, the world's first interchangeable lens for SLR cameras with an optical Image Stabilizer to minimize camera shake. Since then the company has developed many other interchangeable lenses with image stabilization. USM , das Aufnahmen mit einer bis zu vier Stufen längeren Verschlusszeit ermöglicht. In the current range are 21 of these lenses, including the EF 200mm 1:2 L IS USM, the recordings with up to four stops slower shutter speed allows.

Canon provides for integrating the new Hybrid IS technology into a wide variety of products.

Technology Policy:

Image Stabilizer (IS = Image Stabilizer engl.):
Camera shake is a major cause of blurred images, especially when used without a tripod or when shooting with slow shutter speed in low light conditions. Canon's image stabilization technology, identified by the initials IS (Image Stabilizer for) in the product, uses a shift system for the detection and correction of image blur. By pressing the shutter button halfway, the image stabilization is activated. Tiny gyro-sensors register the lens vibration and send a signal to a microcomputer, which in turn controls a stabilizing element to compensate for the movements along the horizontal and vertical axes of the camera. To prevent unintended panning and tilting is interpreted mistakenly as camera shake, some telephoto and telephoto zoom lenses with IS mode to work second For some selected lenses the IS-2 mode is activated automatically. Takes a movement in a certain direction longer than a predetermined time, in such a case, the image stabilizer is turned off for this movement.

EF lenses with IS technology enable precise, brilliant images with up to four stops slower shutter speed than conventional lenses - ideal for shooting situations where flash photography is not permitted or desired.

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2009 July 12 2009

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Grey seals on the dunes near Helgoland

Filed under visual images , panoramas

In the past 10 years has focused on sister island of Helgoland "Dune" established a colony of gray seals and also nurseries for young animals. The conditions on this dune offer the photographer the opportunity to come particularly close to the animals.

As opposed to gray seals seals on the German coasts are very rare, there is already a rarity, so many of them to see on a beach. The total stock of gray seals in Schleswig-Holstein North Sea waters is estimated at about 150 to 200 animals. Grey seals are considerably larger than seals. An adult male can be up to 2.3 meters long and 220 kilograms well be difficult.

Since gray seals are aggressive predators, we recommend a due distance (gray seals are often hurt each other even when they get too close). Nowhere, however, one can observe these animals in so short a distance. From just 40 meters I could (based on the image) of the recordings with focal lengths between 400 and 800 mm implement.

Grey seal Grey seal on the DÃ ¼ ne I Grey seal on the DÃ ¼ ne II Grey seal in front of DÃ ¼ ne Grey seal on the DÃ ¼ ne III Grey seal on the DÃ ¼ ne IV Grey seal on the DÃ ¼ ne V Grey seal on the DÃ ¼ ne VI Grey seal on the DÃ ¼ ne VII Grey seal on the DÃ ¼ ne VIII Grey seal on the DÃ ¼ ne IX

Panorama of the north beach

360° Panorama des Nordstrandes der Helgoländer Düne A 360 ° panorama of the northern beach of the dunes with panoramic gray seals on my bank website panovista.de .

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2009 Jul 05 2009

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GPS data logger Columbus V-900

Filed under Accessories

GPS data loggers are used by photographers like to go to record the positions of recording images. Not everyone is suited for data loggers alike. In my market observations to me an interesting representative of this genus is encountered.

Equipment is located in my many years of GPS data logger Wintec WBT-201 I am very satisfied with its performance. For a longer trip but my parents turned the requirement to record at least 11 days of continuous data. An interim analysis would not be possible during this time. Since the memory of the Wintec WBT-201 at the back would create a maximum of three days to track-laying, an alternative had to be found.

Gerät “Columbus V-900″ auf dem deutschen Markt vertrieben. For some time now by the company in Columbus, the GPS device GPS Sales Germany expelled "Columbus V-900" on the German market. The nearly 10 millimeter thin enclosure is shown with a polished metal surface below and above a piano black finish, very classy and a little reminiscent of the Apple devices (iPod). The decisive argument, however, was the possibility of the device with a Micro SD card to run up to 2 GB. Thus, the recording is of almost 25 million possible waypoints (about 280 days). The internal battery will keep it around 24 hours through.

Columbus V-900 Now the device has mentioned the 11 days test behind him and so is the time of evaluation come. While recording a data volume of about 40 MB is met. Used on the 2 GB memory card, then, was still "plenty of air." The recording of the path is a comma-separated list (CSV) and can not therefore without further editing in GPS applications are used. Here at last is the bundled software "time album" was used.

Screenshoot TimeAlbum V161 Time album is a Java application and therefore can be run directly without installation on Windows, Mac or Linux computers. The only prerequisite is an installed Java Runtime Environment. This may at http://www.java.com be downloaded and installed. The English software is kept clear but spartan. It offers the possibility of images or recorded voice memos with the recorded distance link and then export to Google Earth. In addition to export the data in NMEA format. Unfortunately, the export can take place but only for a loaded CSV file. Since the device creates after each turn-off or a new file, it is exported without any further editing is not possible for a longer distance.

To link the path with the images I have the free software GeoSetter in connection with the exported used NMEA data. It allowed the maximum use of functions. Against the background of the impressions of the device I want to do a little comparison of the two systems:

Comparison of Columbus V-900 <=> Wintec WBT-201

Columbus V-900

  • Pro:
    • Voice Recording
    • Very large data capacity (up to 2 GB)
    • Replaceable disk
    • Long battery life
  • Cons:
    • Battery not replaceable
    • To read the data are taken from the memory card and must be read with a card reader
    • Spartan software
    • Very limited configuration options
    • To deactivate Bluetooth after only 15 minutes of operation

Wintec WBT-201

  • Pro:
    • Good adaptation to use with detailed configurability
    • Removable battery
    • Use as a GPS receiver for navigation
    • Software for mobile devices, and special applications
  • Cons:
    • Limited memory
    • Reduced battery life

Conclusion

Together, the two devices is a very good reception performance even in reduced visibility to the satellites. The resounding argument for the Columbus V-900 is its recording capacity. Its weaknesses lie primarily in the software. During the design award clearly goes to Columbus, the Wintec scores with its compatibility and good software for Windows, Mac, Linux and some mobile platforms.

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2009 Jul 05 2009

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Update for Adobe Lightroom and Camera Raw

Filed under Software

Adobe has updated their products for photographers. 5.4 zum Download bereit. Now, Adobe Lightroom 2.4 and Camera RAW 5.4 available for download. What's new?

In the near future following changes:

  1. Support for RAW formats of new cameras
  2. New features for the converter to the DNG format
  3. Introduction to the DNG format version 1.3

RAW format support for additional cameras

2.4 ist die Unterstützung für Kameratypen: New in Camera RAW 5.4 and Lightroom 2.4 is the support for camera models:

  • Canon EOS 500D (Digital Rebel T1i/EOS Kiss X3 Digital)
  • Canon PowerShot SX1 IS
  • Epson R-D1x
  • Hasselblad CF-22
  • Hasselblad CF-22MS
  • Hasselblad CF-39
  • Hasselblad CF-39MS
  • Hasselblad CFH-22
  • Hasselblad CFH-39
  • Hasselblad CFV
  • Hasselblad 503 CWD
  • Hasselblad H2D-22
  • Hasselblad H2D-39
  • Hasselblad H3D-22
  • Hasselblad H3D-31
  • Hasselblad H3D-39
  • Hasselblad H3DII-22
  • Hasselblad H3DII-31
  • Hasselblad H3DII-39
  • Hasselblad H3DII-39MS
  • Hasselblad H3DII-50
  • Kodak EasyShare Z980
  • Nikon D5000
  • Olympus E-450
  • Olympus E-620
  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1
  • Pentax K-7
  • Sigma DP2
  • Sony A230
  • Sony A330
  • Sony A380

Other options DNG

-Format umwandeln. The RAW converter of the new Adobe product can convert camera-specific raw data to the universal DNG format. This converter has been enhanced with several new features. These are borne mainly by the introduction of the new DNG 1.3 specification and compatibility with older versions of bill:

  • Camera Raw 2.4 and newer:
    1.0 und neuer gelesen werden. The DNG file in Camera Raw 2.4 (Photoshop CS) and new, and in Lightroom 1.0 and later can be read.
  • Camera Raw 4.1 and newer:
    1.1 und neuer gelesen werden. The DNG file in Camera Raw 4.1 (Photoshop CS3) and new, and in Lightroom 1.1 and newer are read.
  • Camera Raw 4.6 and newer:
    2.1 und neuer gelesen werden. The DNG file in Camera Raw 4.6 (Photoshop CS3) and new, and in Lightroom 2.1 and newer are read.
  • Camera Raw 5.4 and newer:
    ) und neuer, sowie von Lightroom 2.4 und neuer gelesen werden. The DNG file in Camera Raw 5.4 (Photoshop CS4) and new, and in Lightroom 2.4 and later can be read. Depending on camera model, the possibility that earlier versions of the program can read the DNG file.
  • Custom (not in Lightroom 2.4)
    • 1.3 (Standard 1.3) Earlier version: DNG 1.1, DNG 1.3 (default 1.3)
    • Linear (mosaic-free) (default disabled)
    • Uncompressed (default disabled)

DNG 1.3 specification update

As already mentioned, the DNG specification has been updated to version 1.3. In this chapter, the identification of defective pixels, the DNG tags as well as compatibility with earlier versions adapted. The details can be in one Adobe PDF document provided to the DNG 1.3 specification is read.

Bugs fixed in Lightroom 2.4

The Lightroom 2.4 update includes some bug fixes. Following issues:

  • Web galleries whose titles contain more than six characters are not exported.
  • Three mistakes in trimming tool (aspect ratio, fast development, turning)
  • Display errors by importing images via MTP / PTP USB protocol
  • Sony. ARW files are not recognized in the Import dialog
  • Error in the DNG metadata export
  • Missing "Zoom Out" button in the Japanese language version
  • Some speech and button in the eight corrections in Lightroom 2.3 introduced new language versions

Download

The latest versions can be downloaded for free from Adobe. As with previous versions of Lightroom is also used 2.4 as time-limited trial version without a license key.

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