From whitneyhoustonVEVO

From sonymusicvevo

Artist Martin Klimas positions the paint on a scrim over the diaphragm of a loudspeaker. His medium-format Hasselblad is set. Then he turns the volume up to play the percussive music. The vibration of the speaker sends the paint aloft and the Hasselblad captures snapshots after snapshots. Klimas spent six months and about 1,000 shots to produce the final images. “What does music look like?”

Take a look at: NYTimes.

via kottke

Here are a couple of timelapse photographs of the Northern Lights taken by various crews of the International SPace Station. The first video covers the time period from August to October 2011. The second video is moe recent and was taken on January 26, 2012 from 10:04:56 to 10:10:42 GMT.


From SpaceWatch99

• Olympus announced the OM-D E-M5 mirrorless DSLR
• Olympus announced the TG-820
• Olympus announced the SZ-31MR
• Nikon announced the D800
• Canon announced the SX260 HS, D20, 2012 ELPH
• Canon announced the 2012 A-Series
• ePHOTOzine highly recommends the Sony SLT-A77 [QuickPrice Check] finding that “noise control is very good with low noise right up to high ISO settings.“
• DigitalCameraReview reviews the Fujifilm FinePix F600EXR [QuickPrice Check] and finds that “its EXR mode that significantly improves low light image quality compared to most Point and Shoot cameras.“
• For more camera reviews, to get a second opinion, and just to read the best reviews on the Web, visit our Reviews Matrix.

Isn’t it great when there are so many good cameras to choose from? Getting a headache? Maybe you’re not listening to the best expert reviewers on the Web! Visit our Reviews Matrix and get all the expert reviews written for your favorite digital camera. This way, you’ll make an informed decision based on the best reviews on the Web.

Fujifilm FinePix FX600EXR

“Its EXR mode that significantly improves low light image quality compared to most Point and Shoot cameras.”

We’ve added another Fujifilm FinePix F600EXR [QuickPrice Check] Review to our Reviews Matrix.

DigitalCameraReview has posted their review of the Fujifilm FinePix F600EXR, a 16MP resolution (1/2.0-in. BSI EXR CMOS) compact ultra zoom digital camera which allows you to optimize the image capture according to the scene: : EXR Auto/Resolution priority, High ISO & Low noise priority, and Dynamic range priority. The F600EXR features Sensor-shift Image Stabilization, a 15x wide-angle optical zoom (24-360mm equiv.), a 3.0-in. LCD (460k-dot), PASM, Motion Panorama 360, Film Simulation, High Speed Auto Focus, Continuous Shooting at 8fps, High Speed Movie at 320fps, Best Frame Capture Mode, built-in GPS, Film Simulation Mode, and Full HD 1080p Movie 1920×1080 @ 30fps with stereo sound.

You can read the Fujifilm F600EXR Review @ DigitalCameraReview.

Related Link:

• Fujifilm FinePix F600EXR Press Release
• Fujifilm FinePix F600EXR Technical Specs

Sony SLT-A77

“Noise control is very good with low noise right up to high ISO settings.”

We’ve added a new Sony SLT-A77 [QuickPrice Check] to our Reviews Matrix.

ePHOTOzine has published their review of the Sony SLT-A77, a weather-resistant, translucent mirror DSLR with 24.3MP (23.5 X 15.6mm Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor), Sony A-mount, Sensor-shift Image Stabilization, 3.0-in. (921K-dot) Tilt/Swivel LCD, top-mounted LCD, 0.50-in. XGA OLED EVF (Electronic viewfinder) (2,359k dots), 19 points (11 points cross type) Full-time Phase-detection AF, PASM, Scene Modes, Shutter speeds range 1/8000 to 30 seconds plus Bulb, Continuous Shooting 12fps (Continuous Priority AE), Auto HDR, Sweep Panorama, D-Range Optimizer, ISO (50) 100-12800 (16000), Hi-speed sync flash capability, Picture Effects, built-in GPS, and Full HD Movie with manual controls. The Translucent Mirror Technology allows the SLT-A77 to have full-time super fast Phase-detection AF in Live View Still and Movie recording.

Read the Sony SLT-A77 Review @ ePHOTOzine.

Related Links:

• Sony SLT-A77 Press Release
• Sony SLT-A77 Technical Specs

PRESS RELEASE

Kodak Focuses Consumer Business On More Profitable Growth Opportunities

Plans to phase out dedicated capture devices business

ROCHESTER, N.Y., February 09 — Eastman Kodak Company (the “Company”) (OTB: EKDKQ.PK) announced today that, as a result of its ongoing strategic review process and commitment to drive sustainable profitability through its most valuable business lines, it plans to phase out its dedicated capture devices business – comprising digital cameras, pocket video cameras and digital picture frames – in the first half of 2012. Kodak will instead expand its current brand licensing program, and seek licensees in these categories. Following this decision, Kodak’s Consumer Business will include online and retail-based photo printing, as well as desktop inkjet printing.

Kodak has contacted its retail partners, and is working closely with them to ensure an orderly transition. Kodak will continue to honor all related product warranties, and provide technical support and service for its cameras, pocket video cameras and digital picture frames.

“For some time, Kodak’s strategy has been to improve margins in the capture device business by narrowing our participation in terms of product portfolio, geographies and retail outlets. Today’s announcement is the logical extension of that process, given our analysis of the industry trends,” said Pradeep Jotwani, President, Consumer Businesses, and Kodak Chief Marketing Officer.

Upon completion of the phase out, Kodak expects to achieve annual operating savings of more than $100 million. Kodak expects to incur a charge related to separation benefits of approximately $30 million resulting from the exit of the business.

In addition to its Consumer Businesses segment, Kodak has a Commercial Businesses segment that includes the Digital and Functional Printing, Enterprise Services and Solutions, and Graphics, Entertainment and Commercial Films units. Kodak’s digital businesses now comprise approximately three-fourths of total revenues.

Kodak continues to have a strong position in the personal imaging market. While photos are increasingly taken on multi-function mobile devices, Kodak technology makes it easy for consumers to produce a broad range of photo products, anywhere, anytime – from prints to photobooks, photo greeting cards and personalized calendars. These items can be made on Kodak products, with Kodak quality at retail, at home, and ordered for delivery to home.

Kodak’s continuing consumer products and services will include:

• Retail-based photo kiosks and digital dry lab systems, a market in which Kodak is the clear worldwide leader. Kodak pioneered the retail-based kiosk market, and the company now has more than 100,000 kiosks and order stations for dry lab systems around the world, with some 30,000 of those units connected to the most popular photo-sharing sites.
• Consumer inkjet printers, where Kodak has outpaced overall market growth for several years. Kodak consumer inkjet printers provide consumers with high-quality output and the lowest total ink replacement cost. Consumers can send documents and photos to Kodak printers from anywhere, using any web-connected device.
• Kodak apps for Facebook, which make it easy for consumers to obtain photo products using photos from their Facebook albums.
• Kodak Gallery (www.kodakgallery.com), a leading online digital photo products service. Kodak Gallery enables consumers to share their photos, and offers product and creation tools that enable people to do more with their photos.
• The Kodak camera accessories and batteries businesses. These products are universally compatible with all camera brands, and extend into other consumer product segments such as charging units for smartphones.
• The traditional film capture and photographic paper business, which continues to provide high-quality and innovative products and solutions to consumers, photographers, retailers, photofinishers and professional labs.

Read the interview at: Digital Camera World.

Read the tutorial at: Bob Atkins.

Read the article at: Luminous Landscape.

This makes me think. Today, as we see the new DSLRS come out, we are amazed by what they can do. Traditional mirrored DSLRs are at the top of the world right now. Nothing comes even close, if you dot the i’s and cross the t’s. There is no threat from the mirrorless. We will not compromise. They can’t touch us — never will. Pros will never accept mirrorless for exacting commercial work. How easily we lie to ourselves.

It feels funny for me to even give article space to Kodak when new cameras are being introduced. But Kodak serves as a lighthouse whose light is quickly fading. Which company is ignoring the warning and heading straight for the rocks? Whose camera company eulogy will we read next?

Olympus OM-D E-M5

CLASSIC OM DESIGN REVIVED INTO A NEW STATE OF THE ART DIGITAL CAMERA – THE BEGINNING OF THE NEW: OLYMPUS OM-D E-M5

The Olympus E-M5 Unites an Intuitive Built-In Electronic Viewfinder with the World’s First*1 5-Axis Image Stabilization and World’s Fastest*2 Autofocusing System inside a Powerfully Portable and Rugged Dustproof and Splashproof Body

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., February 7, 2012, 9:00pm – Today Olympus builds upon the 40-year legacy of the OM SLR film camera series and marks the beginning of the new digital imaging era with the launch of the Olympus E-M5, the first of the new Olympus OM-D (OM Digital) Series of Micro Four Thirds™ products. Designed to meet the needs of advanced photographers, the Olympus E-M5 is packed with a built-in electronic viewfinder, superior image technology, blazing fast speed and total creative control in a classic, rugged body ready for sand, sun, sleet or snow.

Evoking the classic design of the original OM Series introduced 40 years ago, and transforming it for the modern age, the Olympus OM-D Series is a new and entirely unique Micro Four Thirds camera system. It combines outstanding features found in the Olympus E-System DSLR line with those of the compact Olympus PEN® Series to meet the requirements of discerning photographers who demand more performance and portability from their interchangeable-lens cameras. The compact and ready-for-action Olympus E-M5 boasts breakthrough innovations inside, including:

• A built-in 120-fps (frames-per-second) refresh rate, high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) with outstanding image quality, eye detect and intuitive functionality that enables real-time viewing of shooting conditions
• A 16.1-megapixel Live MOS Sensor and TruePic™ VI image-processing engine for superior image quality and high sensitivity
• The world’s first*1 5-axis image stabilizer to compensate for multi-directional camera shake during both still photography and HD moviemaking
• The world’s fastest*2 autofocusing system (FAST AF) plus new 3D AF tracking for improved performance following moving subjects at up to 9 frames-per-second sequential shooting
• A lightweight magnesium alloy body that is enhanced with the same dustproof and splashproof durability of the Olympus E-5 DSLR
• A tilting 3.0-inch touch screen OLED and new Movie Effects: One Shot Echo, for a semi-transparent frame at your whim and Multi Echo, for a multi-motion trail effect.

Olympus OM-D E-M5

Intuitively Designed Electronic Viewfinder
The OLYMPUS E-M5 is the first Olympus interchangeable-lens camera to incorporate a 120-fps refresh rate, High-Definition electronic viewfinder with an eye sensor to seamlessly switch the display between the tilting, 3.0-inch touch screen OLED and the electronic viewfinder for ease-of-use, features a 100-percent field of view, maximum 1.15x magnification and an eye point of 18mm for fatigue-free viewing. Camera setting information, such as shutter speed, is displayed at the bottom of the viewfinder so photographers can concentrate on framing shots and take full advantage of an EVF’s ability to display the effects of various exposure adjustments and Art Filter effects – all without having to take the eye away from the viewfinder.

Superior Image Quality
The Olympus E-M5 uses a new 16.1 megapixel High-Speed Live MOS Sensor offering improved performance and exceptional clarity and speed in all aspects of image capture. Olympus’ TruePic VI image-processing engine dramatically improves image quality in low-light environments. The camera’s sensor allows for a maximum ISO of 25,600, and the dynamic range has been expanded for more faithful colour reproduction.

Unprecedented 5-axis image stabilization
The Olympus E-M5 is distinguished by the world’s first 5-axis image-stabilization mechanism capable of reducing the effects of camera motion and image blur from five directions on stills and video, even including motion blur caused by the photographer walking or running. Previous IS mechanisms compensated for camera shake by addressing only two kinds of movement along the vertical and horizontal axis. However, camera shake can actually be caused by five different kinds of movement: horizontal shift, vertical shift, rotary motion, as well as the yaw and pitch. While some technology has attempted to correct for camera blur by building the Image Stabilization mechanism into the lens, the Olympus E-M5 IS mechanism is incorporated into the camera body itself so that all lenses mounted on the body can take advantage of this sophisticated technology, whether shooting stills or HD video.

Olympus OM-D E-M5

Blazing Speed
Focus and shoot faster with record-breaking autofocus speed and imaging processing. The Olympus E-M5 employs the FAST (Frequency Acceleration Sensor Technology) AF system, introduced in the PEN E-P3, but with even greater speed. The 16MP Live MOS chip drives image data off the sensor at a blazing 240 frames-per-second, a 2X speed increase in Continuous Autofocus, with reduced image blackout enabling photographers to track fast action, Maximum frame rates in sequential shooting have also increased more than 2X with a max frame rate of 9-fps in Single AF. A new 3D tracking AF system can follow the subject through the X-, Y- and Z-axes to dramatically improve focus on moving subjects. Paired with the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50-mm f3.5-6.3 electronic zoom lens for optimum focusing speed, fast camera start-up times and operational speeds enable the photographer to keep up with the most challenging shooting situations, while dual control dials and dedicated function buttons help them adjust settings on-the-fly.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Tiltable LCD

Creative Freedom
The Olympus E-M5 features a 3.0-inch tilting OLED touch-screen to enable photographers to get up high or down low for any shot. The touch screen interface offers intuitive focus and release of the shutter and review and enlargement of images in playback with the touch of a finger. The new Live Bulb feature updates the Live View image on the OLED screen at pre-set intervals during long exposures and enables the user to preview continually unfolding action such as fireworks or waterfalls and adjust the exposure time accordingly while capturing the image at the desired moment. An innovative new interface, EVF Creative Control, produces a tone curve overlay on the viewfinder screen to enable separate adjustment of highlight and shadow brightness, white balance, magnification and aspect ratio can also be manipulated via the EVF

A new “Key Line” Art Filter joins ten other available filters on the Olympus E-M5 and enhances the edge lines of the image to make it look more like an illustration. New “Cross Process II” and “Dramatic Tone II” Art Filters provide variations on the popular existing filters, and the two new Echo effect for movies leaves a momentary residual image of a subject’s movements when activated during movie recording. Users who like to perform their movie post-editing on a PC will particularly appreciate the Full HD 1080i movie recording function, which adopts the MOV format (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264).

Olympus OM-D E-M5 Top View

Powerful Portability and Rugged Durability
The striking, iconic design of the Olympus E-M5 is more than just looks; its magnesium alloy body is rugged enough to stand up to severe environmental conditions like heavy rain and blowing sand. The Olympus E-M5 employs internal seals extensively and, when the new M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50 mm f3.5-6.3 EZ lens is attached, this combination delivers an integrated dustproof and splashproof camera system. The electronic viewfinder section of the body is also made of magnesium alloy to ensure durability, and the FL-LM2 Electronic Flash that ships with the camera features the same dustproof and splashproof construction.

Olympus OM-D E-M5 with external flash FL-600R attached

New Lenses and Accessories for Every Shooting Challenge
The HLD-6 Power Battery Grip, in the same dust- and splashproof construction as the Olympus E-M5 body, is an adaptable, two-part grip that can be used either as a landscape grip for easier handling or as a portrait grip with an additional shutter release. The portrait grip accommodates an extra lithium-ion battery to supplement the one in the E-M5, thus extending battery life. The FL-600R electronic flash (GN 50 at ISO 200 or GN 36 at ISO 100) offers improved recharge time and enhanced flexibility and operability for movie recording, and with a wireless control option. Equipped with a built-in LED, the FL-600R can be used to light movies and as a brighter AF auxiliary light. The MMF-3 Four Thirds mount adapter is designed for mounting a Four Thirds Standard-compliant lens on a Micro Four Thirds Standard-compliant camera body. The MMF-3, which also features dust- and splashproof construction, is ideally suited for use with Olympus’ similarly constructed High Grade and Super High Grade lenses.

Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm f1.8

The Olympus E-M5 is compatible with all Micro Four Thirds-compliant lenses, including two new lenses that Olympus will introduce later this year: the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 75mm f1.8 and the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 60mm f2.8 macro. The 75mm lens is a high-quality metal design with fast aperture settings for portraits and indoor sports shooting, while the dustproof and splashproof 60mm lens features 1:1 macro and a closest shooting distance of just 7.5 inches.

*1 As of February 2012. Among interchangeable-lens cameras.
*2 As of November 2011. Among interchangeable-lens digital cameras on the market, and using Olympus’ in-house test conditions. In C-AF Tracking mode, maximum frame rate is 4.2fps.

Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 60mm f2.8 macro

Canadian Pricing and Availability
The Olympus E-M5 will be available in April and ships in the following configurations:
Estimated Street Price:
$999.99 (Body only, available in Black and Silver)
$1,299.99 (Black or Silver body with black M.ZUIKO Digital ED 12-50 mm f3.5-6.3 EZ lens)
$1,099.99 (Black body with black M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42 mm f3.5-5.6 II R lens)

For a complete list of specifications, visit the Olympus website: http://olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1583

To find out more about the OM-D E-M5, visit the OM-D site at: www.olympusomd.com

For a complete list of specifications, visit the Olympus website: www.getolympus.com.

ABOUT OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC.
Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its ultimate parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhance people’s lives every day. These include:

• Digital Cameras
• Professional and Interchangeable Lens System Cameras
• Related Underwater Products and Accessories
• Digital and Microcassette Recorders
• Digital Media
• Binoculars

Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible for sales in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. For more information, visit: www.olympuscanada.com.

Related Link:

• Olympus OM-D E-M% Technical Specs

Olympus TOUGH TG-820

NEW OLYMPUS TG-820 iHS IS TOUGHER ON THE OUTSIDE AND SMARTER ON THE INSIDE FOR INCREDIBLE IMAGE QUALITY ANYWHERE

iHS Technology Brings Intelligence, High-Sensitivity and High-Speed Performance to Active Families and Adrenaline Junkies Alike So They Can Focus on Fun

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., February 7, 2012 – The Olympus digital camera line-up for spring features a next-generation Olympus TOUGH compact that sets a new benchmark for Waterproof, Shockproof, Freezeproof, Crushproof and Dustproof performance. Combining proven durability with superb image quality courtesy of the new iHS (Intelligent, High-Sensitivity and High-Speed) family of technologies, the Olympus Tough TG-820 iHS has both brains and brawn. iHS harnesses the power of a new 12-megapixel BSI (Back-Side Illuminated) CMOS sensor and the TruePic VI image processor (originally developed for DSLR cameras) to dramatically improve low-light performance, speed up camera response time, enhance scene and subject recognition and double zoom magnification without losing image quality.

Whether you’re using it at a neighbour’s pool party or snorkelling near a tropical reef, out-and-about at your local park or hiking Yellowstone, the Olympus Tough TG-820 iHS is the perfect travel companion for active families and adventurers looking for a camera that delivers outstanding image quality with a worry-free guarantee. Advanced iHS technology ensures that even people with an action-packed lifestyle can capture brilliant photos and 1080p Full HD Videos, no matter how fast their subject is moving or how poor the lighting is.

Olympus TOUGH TG-820

iHS powers a number of new Olympus features that take all the work out of capturing difficult shots. A blazing quick autofocus and HDR Backlight Adjustment takes a collage of separate photos and blends them into one perfectly exposed image regardless of difficult lighting. Multi-Motion Movie IS (Image Stabilization) records virtually blur-free videos even when you’re moving. The versatile lens on the Olympus Tough TG-820 iHS pulls out wide or zooms in twice as close with its 10x Super-Resolution Zoom that digitally extends the range of the optical zoom with nearly no loss of image quality. Capture beautiful images and videos effortlessly; Enhanced iAuto enables the camera to automatically detect 34 different scenes (portrait, landscape, macro, etc.)

While the new imaging technology delivers optimal results with fast-moving subjects, night scenes and other tricky shots, the Olympus Tough TG-820 iHS is also Waterproof to 33 feet, Shockproof to 6.6 feet, Freezeproof to 14 °F and even Crushproof to a weight of 220 pounds*1. Focus on fun, without worrying about damaging your camera’s high-grade components like the OLYMPUS 5x Wide-Angle Zoom Lens (28 mm-140 mm*2). The 3.0-inch, 1,030,000-dot HyperCrystal III LCD offers super high-resolution with scratch-resistant, anti-reflective coatings for added protection and better visibility in bright and low light.

When you’re back from your adventures, the camera’s HDMI Control makes playback a breeze. Simply connect the camera to an HDTV with an optional HDMI cable and use your HDTV’s remote to control playback functions and navigate the camera’s menus from the comfort of your couch.

*1 Waterproof according to IEC standard publication 529 IPX8. Shockproof figures equivalent to MIL Standard (Olympus test conditions). Freezeproof according to Olympus test conditions.
*2 35 mm camera equivalent.

Canadian Pricing and Availability
The Olympus Tough TG-820 iHS will be available in March and ships with a Wrist Strap, USB Cable, A/V Cable, USB-to-AC Adapter (F-2AC), Lithium-Ion Battery (LI-50B), Quick Start Guide, Instruction Manual on CD-ROM, a software CD-ROM featuring [ib] (Windows) and OLYMPUS Viewer 2 (Win/Mac), and a Warranty Card.

Estimated Street Price: $299.99 (Available in Silver, Black, and Blue)

For a complete list of specifications, visit the Olympus website: http://olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1592

ABOUT OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC.
Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its ultimate parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhance people’s lives every day. These include:

• Digital Cameras
• Professional and Interchangeable Lens System Cameras
• Related Underwater Products and Accessories
• Digital and Microcassette Recorders
• Digital Media
• Binoculars

Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible for sales in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. For more information, visit: www.olympuscanada.com.