A very insightful article over at Gizmodo on how acquisitions of small, nimble companies by larger, intent on integration, companies fail miserably. The story of how Yahoo! bought Flickr and then saddled it with proving its worth to the behemoth entity — or else have development money reduced — which eventually led to its demise.

Read the article at: Gizmodo.

Canon EOS 5D Mark III

“Le [Canon] 5D Mark III est-il le nouveau cru tant attendu ? En un mot : oui !“

We’ve added another Canon 5D Mark III [Specs] Review to our Reviews Matrix.

FocusNumérique has posted their review of the Canon EOS 5D Mark III, a DSLR with 22.3MP resolution using a full-frame (24 x 36mm) CMOS sensor, ISO in the range of 100-25600 (expandable to ISO L:50, H1:51200 and H2:102400) with HD video capture at 1920×1080 pixels resolution for up to 30min recording time (no more 4GB per clip limit), an extra large 3.0-in. high resolution LCD (1040k-dot), Integrated Cleaning System, Live View for stills and video, 6fps continuous shooting, AF 61-point (up to 41 cross-type points), a approx. 100% coverage optical viewfinder, and an improved weather-resistant body.

You can read the Canon 5D Mark III Review @ FocusNumérique [Fr] | Google translation.

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Olympus OM-D E-M5

“The OM-D E-M5 is the best Olympus compact system camera to date, and also a strong contender for best compact system camera full stop.“

We’ve added another Olympus OM-D E-M5 [QuickFact Sheet] review to our Reviews Matrix.

PhotographyBLOG has published their review of the Olympus OM-D E-M5, a Digital Interchangeable Lens Compact System Camera with 16.1MP resolution (on a 17.3 x 13.0 mm 4/3 Live MOS Sensor), Sensor-shift Image Stabilization, Dust Reduction, an extra large 3.0-in. Tilt/Touch OLED (610k-dot), Eye-level electronic viewfinder (approx. 1.44M-dot, 120fps refresh rate), Intelligent AUTO (auto scene recognition), PASM modes, Scene Modes, Art Filters, Shutter speed range of 60 – 1/4000 sec. plus Bulb, Continuous Shooting at 9fps, RAW file format, Digital Leveler, MF Assist, a hot shoe, Multiple Exposure, Wireless flash control, and Full 1080 HD Movie (1920×1080/60i) with stereo sound in a Magnesium-alloy and Aluminum construction coupled with advanced splash and dust protection.

Read the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Review @ PhotographyBLOG.

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Fujifilm X-PRO1

Just Posted! Fujifilm X-Pro1 Review

The Fujifilm X-Pro1 is a rangefinder-styled digital camera that professional photographers are increasingly viewing as a DSLR replacement. Fujifilm touched raw nerves when it introduced this mirrorless DSLR that captures images with quality that rivals and even bests that from some enthusiast and top-end DSLRs.

[ Read more in our Fujifilm X-Pro1 Review... ]

I never thought of photographing the Sun since we all know the danger of looking directly at the sun may result in blindness (plus, your camera’s sensor will also be fried). The only time when it is safe to look directly at the sun is at sunset and then only when you can look at it without averting your eyes.

Then you see pictures like this and wow, solar photography is a whole new realm to discover! Of course, most of the time you’d need a telescope, but today’s superzoom cameras (or a mirrorless equipped with a telephoto) are more than adequate. The Sun is also a BIG orb hanging up there in the sky and you do not need much telephoto reach to get a good picture.

But what of the warning about not looking directly at the sun? One thing you absolutely need is a special ND filter made specifically for solar photography. You should not be able to see anything through this filter except when you point it toward the sun. It reflects about reflect 99.999% of the light and let 0.001% through.

There will be an annular solar eclipse May 20, 2012 and a total solar eclipse November 13, 2012.

via bobgalbraith

The WallStreetJournal is reporting that Samsung is shifting its focus from low-end P&S to high-end compact mirrorless digital cameras. This is good news because we have seen what they are capable of with the NX series. More competition in the mirrorless category is good for consumers and, even though the Samsung brand may not be the first one you think of in cameras right now, I predict that is about to change as they size up the competition and push to become #1 in mirrorless. To achieve that, they need to match their offerings to whatever Fujifilm, Panasonic and Olympus are currently offering.

via sansmirror

BJP is reporting that Leica, who had previously promised they would be introducing a new compact mirrorless at Photokina on Spetember 17, 2012, has now backpedaled on that promise, citing a full plate of current projects. Leica is also reconsidering if this new system will be “compact.” The M10, though, is still slated for this year and may well see the addition of HD Video.

Read the articles at BJP: New mirrorless and M10.

From ProcterGamble

I know it’s an ad, but it’s a good one. Except that, as usual, it forgets the moms who do not raise Olympic champions but are nevertheless champions themselves in their own rights, even more so because society does not recognize their efforts and sacrifices. The children do not bring home a medal, teachers complain of their inappropriate behavior in class, society rejects them. But their mothers know better and toil day in and day out to make the best of the situations and raise a responsible kid despite all the odds. There’s no thanks at the end of the day and no videos celebrate their achievements…. To all mothers of the earth, we salute you.