Nikon D3100

“Very good high ISO performance; a big improvement over the D3000.”

We’ve added another Nikon D3100 [Specs] review to our Reviews Matrix.

Imaging Resource has published his review of the Nikon D3100, an entry-level Family digital SLR camera with 14.2MP (APS-C CMOS), PASM, Guide Mode, Scene Modes, Scene Auto Selector, Active D-Lighting, 11-point AF, 3.0-in. LCD (230K dots), RAW, Live View, and Full HD 1920 x 1080 @ 24 fps.

You can read the Nikon D3100 review at: Imaging Resource.

Scientists had never seen something like this before and it is rewriting the book on solar activity. On August 1, 2010, astronomers watched an entire hemisphere of the sun erupt, with filaments of magnetism clearly snapping and exploding, shock waves racing across the surface, and billion-ton clouds of hot gas billowing into space. Explosions on the sun, heretofore thought to be localized or isolated events, are revealed to be instead interconnected by magnetism over breathtaking distances.

Solar flares, tsunamis, coronal mass ejections–they can go off all at once, hundreds of thousands of miles apart, in a dizzyingly-complex concert of mayhem.

Watch the video at: NASA

Fujifilm FinePix X100

Here are some of the features we already know about the Fujifilm X100:

• 12.3MP resolution (on an APS-C CMOS sensor).
• Fixed focal length 23mm (35mm equiv.) F2 lens with 9-blade aperture diaphragm.
• Built-in ND filter (equivalent f-stop reduction of 3).
• New EXR Processor.
• Hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder.
• Aperture ring around the lens.
• Shutter speed dial.
• Exposure compensation dial.
• Threaded shutter release button that can accept a wired remote release.
• The Fujifilm X100 does not accept interchangeable lenses.

And here are a few new details shared by Fujifilm:

• Aimed at professional photographers
• three focusing options, with manual focus achieved using the focus ring around the lens barrel. No rangefinder focusing capabilities.
• A “raw” button to instantly capture both raw and JPEG files, plus it also allows raw files to be developed in camera.
• A dedicated ISO button.
• Movie at 24fps in 720p high-definition mode with stereo sound.
• Around $1000 in the US and £1000 in the UK.

source BJP

Nikon D7000

“The Nikon D7000 raises the bar of what can be expected from a mid-range DSLR.”

We’ve added another Nikon D7000 [QuickPrice Check] Review to our Reviews Matrix.

Camera Labs has published their review of the Nikon D7000, with 16.2MP resolution (on an APS-C CMOS sensor), 50-millisecond shutter response, a 39-point AF system with 9 centre cross-type sensors, 6fps burst speed for up to 100 images, a 2,016 pixel RGB 3D Matrix Metering System, Optical viewfinder with 100% frame coverage, ISO range from 100-6400, plus Hi-2 (ISO 25,600 equivalent), 3.0-inch LCD Monitor (921k-dot), Picture Control System and the ability to process RAW images directly in the camera and add in special effects using the retouch menu, dedicated Live View switch, and dedicated Movie button for Full HD 1080p Video at 24fps with full-time AF and manual exposure control for exposure adjustment on the fly while recording. The Nikon D7000 is dust and moisture sealed and the body features magnesium-alloy top and rear covers.

You can read the Nikon D7000 review at: Camera Labs.

Continue Reading »

From interbartolo

OK, this is not the kind of photography you and I will probably ever get a chance to do, but it is nevertheless cool! If you, as a NASA scientist, need to watch the Space Shuttle ascend from its launch pad and examine if there is any danger where debris may have dislodged thermal insulation blankets or heat shield tiles, what cameras would you use, where would you position them, and what focal length and exposure would you use? Good questions, eh? The video (long at 45 min) answers these photography-related questions and more. One tidbit: each camera is in an explosion-proof box fronted by a quartz glass.

Interesting facts: At liftoff, the shuttle burns over 1000 gallons of liquid propellants and 20,000 pounds of solid fuel every second. This generates approx. seven and a half million pounds of thrust. The shuttle travels at 5 miles per second and takes eight and a half minutes to reach orbit. This video shows what happens during this ascent. It’s amazing, spectacular and wonderful photography footage! Why is this not a TV documentary?

If this video is too long for you, start at 20:34 for an absolutely not-to-be-missed footage. Also at 23:43, 25:02, 27:23, 28:57 (how the cameras are triggerred), 30:52 (watch the birds fly away real fast — and really beautiful footage), 31:49 (tracking camera manually operated using a trackball), … . The detail is incredibly sharp. No focus problem here. In all, about 125 cameras track every shuttle launch.

source engadget

Continue Reading »

DIY $5 Follow Focus Rings from DvRebellion.com on Vimeo.

$5 DIY Follow Focus ring
Buy: http://cgi.ebay.com/4x-Main-Drive-Gear-T-rex-500-Helicopter-RH50018-WH-/280595316310?pt=Radio_Control_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4154c8be56#ht_2026wt_889

DIY Variable ND filter from DvRebellion.com on Vimeo.

A Neutral Density (ND) filter is a very useful accessory to have for your DSLR when you want to use a slow shutter speed on a bright day. When there is lots of light, your camera will use a fast shutter speed which will freeze action. But if you want to picture motion with a slow shutter speed, you need a way to cut down on all that light, and the simplest way is to use an ND filter. This video shows you how to make a variable ND filter.

DIY Motion Timelapse Dolly system Mk2 – Canon 7D from STYLE43 on Vimeo.

A DIY Motion (motorized) timelapse Dolly rig:

-2RPM 12V /Motor
-Tap Wrench chuck
-35Lb Fishing line
-12v Bescor (Video light battery)
-Igus/Dry-lin Dolly
-Manfrotto 190XPROB tripod
-Manfrotto 700RC2 video head

Canon 7D//25fps//Sigma 24mm//Canon 18-55mm// 500mm//FCP//Magic bullet//Phone call-Jon Brion