) eine Funktion zur Korrektur optischer Fehler von Objektiven eingebaut. Adobe has built into its third version of the tool photographers in Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop CS5 (Camera RAW) is a function for correcting optical aberrations of lenses. Unfortunately, the selection of supported lenses is limited.

As mentioned in my presentation by Adobe Lightroom 3 above, this "one-click correction" is not only simple but also achieves very good results. Unfortunately, there are a few of my beloved lenses not in the list of supported lenses. Especially for my very frequently used Tamron zoom lens profile is not included. For this reason I have my work done with the help of Adobe Lens Profile Creator to create the necessary self-correction profiles. Nearly 400 different settings were necessary to produce the raw material for the three lens profiles. Above all, creating a useful profile for a super zoom lens requires some patience.

Result

LD bei 28 mm. The example shows a 100% cut of the right lower corner of a shot with the Canon EOS 50D and the Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC LD at 28 mm.

The results speak for themselves. Clearly visible are the distortion and chromatic aberration (color fringing) in the original. After application of the lens profile, these errors are almost completely compensated.

Unfortunately, the portal is planned from Adobe for the exchange of privately created adjustment profiles (yet) and also the function for online submission of finished profiles to Adobe is not currently functional. und Adobe Photoshop auch der Allgemeinheit zugänglich zu machen, habe ich hier das Paket zum Download eingestellt. In order to still the profiles I created for Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Camera Raw and Adobe Photoshop to make even the general public, I have set the package to download. The profiles include the following objectives:

• LD Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC LD
• Canon EF 28mm 1:2.8
• Canon EF 50mm 1:1.8 II

Download the correction profiles

• Fotomanisch.de Lens Profile Version 1 Packet

Instructions

After downloading the package with the lens profiles , extract its content to the appropriate destination directory for your operating system:

• Windows XP
  • C: \ Documents and Settings \ (username) \ Application Data \ Adobe \ CameraRaw \ lens profiles \ 1.0
  • C: \ Documents and Settings \ All Users \ Application Data \ Adobe \ CameraRaw \ lens profiles \ 1.0
• Windows Vista or Windows 7
  • C: \ Users \ (username) \ AppData \ Roaming \ Adobe \ CameraRaw \ lens profiles \ 1.0
  • C: \ Program Files \ Adobe \ CameraRaw \ lens profiles \ 1.0
• Mac
  • / Users / (username) / Library / Application Support/Adobe/CameraRaw/LensProfiles/1.0
  • / Library / Application Support/Adobe/CameraRaw/LensProfiles/1.0

Reference
Replace "(user name)" with your user name. When Windows XP is "C: \ Documents and Settings" translated into the operating system language. At a German Windows directory is named according to the "C: \ Documents and Settings".

More links

• 30-day trial version of Lighroom 3 (PC / MAC)
• Adobe Lens Profile Creator

The a few days ago, Canon released firmware version 2.0.3 includes the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, serious errors and was therefore pulled back from Canon.

The version mentioned was from the beginning under an unlucky star. For months, the publication was delayed despite repeated announcements over again. The firmware should make the video more interesting function and offer the following new features:

• Frame rates of 24, 25 and 30 frames / second
• Aperture and time automatic video exposure
• Live histogram in manually exposed video
• Microphone input level adjustable in 64 steps
• Audio sampling frequency of 48 kHz (previously 44.1)

Users who have already installed the version 2.0.3, should urgently an update on the day provided, corrected Version 2.0.4 of the firmware are considering. Alternatively, the problem should be avoided when the audio is an option in any case at the "Auto" setting left. Otherwise, the camera could suddenly put into sleep mode, or allow for the turning over no more recordings.

The corrected version 2.0.4 for the Canon EOS 5D Mark II at the following link can be obtained directly from the manufacturer. It also provides the above, new features of 2.0.3.

• Firmware 2.0.4 for Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Tags: Canon , DSLR , EOS , firmware , hardware , camera , art

Whether it comes to photography from space, vast landscapes and large buildings will always need to return the largest possible angle of photographers to capture your subject. Then come to use the ultra wide angle lens class. One of them, the Sigma 10-20mm F3, 5 EX DC HSM I was able to undergo a thorough testing.

The smaller to reach the image sensor of the camera, the harder it will be a large angle, or a small focal length (Verlängerungs-/Crop-Faktor). There are currently reaching for cameras with EF / EF-S mount lenses have a lot of not very small picture below 20 mm equivalent focal length and a camera with an APS-C sensor. The choice was between the following lenses:

• Canon EF-S 10-22mm 3.5-4.5 USM
• Tokina 12-24mm / 4 Pro DX II
• Tamron 10-24mm F / 3.5 to 4.5 SP Di II LD Aspherical IF
• Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM
• Sigma 10-20mm 3.5 EX DC HSM

The Canon EF-S 10-22mm is as good if not outstanding lens. It is the most expensive of these, and like most of the Canon EF-S lenses of very "lightweight construction". The Tamron is interesting due to the large zoom range, but is often criticized for its strong focus on the waste boundary. The Tokina is considered "quasi-reference" among the ultra-wide angle lenses. Unfortunately, it starts with a focal length of 12mm (~ 19mm on an APS-C camera), so it's not for me come into question.

That to me on the Canon EOS 50D tested Sigma 10-20/3, 5 is the successor of the famous Sigma 10-20/4-5, 6 and differs from its predecessor mainly due to the better and constant light intensity over the entire zoom range . It is about 520g with 50g heavier than its predecessor, a little longer and consists of 13 elements in 10 groups. The optical system is calculated on the small image circle, so usable without restrictions only to APS-C cameras.

The lens makes a very quality impression. Both the focus and the zoom ring can be operated comfortably. The ultrasonic autofocus drive (HSM) is accurate, fast and very quiet. It allows a permanent manual intervention in the focus. Comes complete with a flower-shaped lens hood and a very well-padded lens case. Both are part of the competition is not necessarily the norm.

Already the first test of focus and sharpness of the lens leaves you wanting more. The resolution and sharpness in the center is excellent even at full aperture. She is typical wide-angle to edge up, but even at the extreme edge is still very neat. Also keeps the distortion is very limited and is for the usual range (not just when you shoot brick walls ) Properly. In strong contrast to the 10mm position covered at 100% views at the outer edge small to medium chromatic aberrations (CA) on. . But these are within acceptable limits and are smaller than my Canon EF-S 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6 IS . Vignetting is barely discernible in practice.

Since the weekend the weather presented by the technically more pleasant side, a practice test urged in nature to just be. Even here has convinced me of the lens. The extremely large angle of about 100 ° and the good resistance to lens flares under backlight makes it perfect for this purpose.

Sample images:

Conclusion:

The Sigma 10-20mm F3, 5 EX DC HSM is a lens with good optical valent to a Canon APS-C camera properties. Makes the good price / performance ratio makes it real for me on a recommendation.

Addendum:

And one last comment. Wide angle lenses are happy with polarizing filters to remove, used for landscape photography by interfering with veil and catch the sky clear, beautiful contrasts. The Sigma 10-20mm F3, 5 EX DC HSM is a relatively large 82mm filter thread owns. Since a Circular Polarizer (CPL), as he needed for digital cameras AF is very fast really expensive. After some searching I found a good, multi-coated polarizer for very little money, even for the "opportunity offender" is affordable:

• Circular Polarizer 82mm Quenox (MC) for 20 €
• Marumi 82mm Circular Polarizer about 80 €

Tags: equipment , EOS , hardware , lens , Sigma , engineering , test , zoom

The announcement of three new cameras today fluttered into the house. Canon expands its digital SLR therefore 210th series with the EOS 550D, the compact class, the PowerShot SX210 IS and the ultra-compact models to the IXUS

Canon EOS 550D

Sensor. The Canon EOS 550D comes with the proven DIGIC 4 processor and a 18 megapixel APS-C sensor. Compared to its predecessor which is a propagation of nearly 3 megapixels. Also increases, the maximum sensitivity of ISO 3200 to ISO 6400. The speed was achieved despite the large amount of data increases slightly from 3.4 frames / second to 3.7 frames / second.

Canon has left next to the processor but the autofocus system. Here is also found in the 550D a 9-point AF system with center cross-type sensor. The case of the EOS 550D is from March 2010 at a price of 729 € (RRP) are commercially available.

Details

• CMOS-Sensor 18 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
• DIGIC 4
• ISO 100-6400, expandable to H: 12.800
• Continuous shooting at up to 3.7 frames / sec
• Recording of Full HD movies
• 7.7 cm (3.0 inches) Clear View LCD monitor with 3:2 aspect ratio and 1.04 million pixels
• iFCL measuring system
• Quick Control screen
• Connection for external microphone
• Movie Crop function for VGA movies with 7x telephoto effect

Canon PowerShot SX210 IS

. The PowerShot SX210 IS SX200 IS follows. It offers a resolution of 14.1 mega pixels 14X optical zoom lens with optical image stabilizer. Completely new is the self timer with face detection: It responds to a smile or wink. The PowerShot SX210 IS is available in black, purple and gold will be available at a price of 349 € (RRP) from mid-March 2010.

Details

• 14X optical zoom, 28 mm wide-angle lens
• 14.1 megapixels
• Optical Image Stabilizer
• 7.6 cm (3.0 inch) PureColor LCD II G
• HDMI HD movies
• Smart Auto, Face Detection
• Smart Flash Exposure, i-Contrast
• DIGIC 4 and Servo AF / AE
• Manual control
• Creative shooting Smart Shutter

Canon IXUS 210

The Ixus icon accretes. The new Ixus 210, which replaces the Ixus 200 IS boasts, in stylish black, gold, silver or pink and white. It is equipped with a full touch screen display for easy menu navigation and a 24mm wide-angle lens. The image sensor has a resolution of 14.1 megapixels. The Ixus 210 is from mid-February 2010 at a price of 339 € (RRP) will be available.

Details

• 14.1 megapixels
• 24-mm wide-angle lens, 5x optical zoom. Optical Image Stabilizer
• 8.8 cm (3.5 inch) PureColor II widescreen touchscreen
• Optimized touchscreen
• Smart Auto, Face Detection information and tips
• HDMI HD movies
• Smart Shutter
• Smart Flash Exposure, i-Contrast
• DIGIC 4 and Servo AF / AE
• Creative shooting

Tags: Canon , DSLR , EOS , hardware , PowerShot , Camera , PowerShot , technology

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.

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.

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.

For more information

• Technical data and descriptions of the importer
• Manufacturers web site with software download

Tags: equipment , geo , geotagging , GPS , hardware , technology , test