"I am absolutely riveted to my seat reading your recent article in The Luminous Landscape!
Working as a Picture Editors all this years in various newspaper, I was involved in implementing, pushing and selling digital conversions to Editors and bean counters! I also argued with digital people from Kodak and predicted their downfall :)
I will be writing Bronica in my blog next week and would like your kind permission to quote part of what you say and may be to embed one or two slides show into my blog. Looking forward to hear from you. Kind regards - CY "
I was delighted I got a really fast response :)
"Hi CY,
I am glad you liked the article and you are most welcome to embed or quote the material I have online. I would appreciate if you could send the links to me when you have done so.
It sounds like you have experienced and seen the shift from the inside. When did you see that a shift to digital conversions started to emerge?
Kind Regards - Christian "
That was in 2009, we started communicating and the rest, like they say; is history ;)
Last week I found out Christian is in Wellington! It is a small world after all! Chris will be here till June, he is continuing his research at our Victoria University of Wellington.
We caught up at a dinner :)
I was going to talk to him about what he think the latest, impending; disruptive innovation will be. But since this is our first meeting and we have some delightful friends with us, I did not get around to this!
The more serious side of Chris?
But what is this thing called "Disruptive Innovation"?
A disruptive technology or disruptive innovation is an innovation that helps create a new market and value network,
and eventually goes on to disrupt an existing market and value network
(over a few years or decades), displacing an earlier technology.
The
term is used in business and technology literature to describe
innovations that improve a product or service in ways that the market
does not expect, typically first by designing for a different set of
consumers in the new market and later by lowering prices in the existing
market.
When Nokia launch their new smart phone last month, they announced...
BARCELONA, Spain – Today we announce the Nokia 808 PureView.
This is our first smartphone to feature our exclusive new PureView
technology, which completely blows away any prior expectations about the
quality of camera phone photography.
The Nokia 808 PureView features a 41-megapixel sensor with our highest performance Carl Zeiss optics to date and Nokia’s brand-new pixel oversampling technology.
The phone itself is NOT the next disruptive innovation, it is the new Pure View pixel oversampling technology!
More from Nokia...
"The technology means that taking typically sized shots (say, 5
megapixels) the camera can use oversampling to combine up to seven
pixels into one “pure” pixel, eliminating the visual noise found on
other mobile phone cameras.
On top of that, you can zoom in up to 3X
without losing any of the details in your shot – and there’s no artificially created pixels in your picture, either."
"The oversampling technology also allows for significantly improved low
light performance than previous camera phones, Compared to a typical
optical zoom camera used at full zoom, the Nokia 808 PureView captures
over 5x more light.
Under normal lighting conditions, performance is
also enhanced, as this combination allows for faster shutter speeds,
reducing the effects of camera shake."
To impress the world, especially all the 37 million iPhone users; Nokia
has released 3 untouched JPEG images — the largest of which is a
5368×7152, 38-megapixel 10.3 MB photograph!!
I found the quality VERY impressive, given that the shots were captured with a mobile phone!!
This is the sample shot that I like best, but how good was it really?
Take a look at this blow-up! For heaven sake, this was shot WITH A MOBILE PHONE!!!
But how good is it in PRINT? I want to know too! So on Friday, at work; I got permission to output this UNTOUCHED JPEG download from Nokia. The print is THIRTY INCHES by TWENTY Two and half!!
Yours truly waiting eagerly for the A1 print to come out from the Epson 9900 printer.
Yours truly showing off the incredible Nokia 808 print! It is spectacular!
I don't know about you, but if I am the manufacturer of point and shoot cameras; I will have nightmares by now ;)
What can I do before this DISRUPTIVE INNOVATION took over and make all my P&S obsolete?
Singapore magazine “TODAY” on Friday March 9 posted a Canon G1 X advertisement (see on top), that boast about their humongous CMOS sensor in their G1-X compared to the much much smaller Micro Four-Third!
Take a look at the size comparison diagram in the ad ;)
On polarizing filter for photography, I quote Wikipedia again :)
The polarizing filter used with most modern cameras is a circular polarizer. The first stage of the polarizer is a linear filter which filters out light that is linearly polarized in a specific direction. The second stage, for technical reasons related to the auto sensors within the camera, then circularly polarizes the light before it enters the camera.
The polarizing filter has two applications in both color photography and black-and-white photography: it reduces reflections from some surfaces, and it can darken the sky.
The last time I make use of a polarizer was a decade ago!
As a matter of fact, I was going through all my photographic "junk" last week end and I discovered two of my Nikon branded polarizers!
I remember fondly that during my younger days with the newspaper, I always carry with me the three "Nikon Polars", the 52, 62 and 72mm (see below); for my various Nikkor lenses.
From Wikipedia you learn the two main function of a polarizing filter (PL), it reduces reflections from some surfaces, and it can darken the sky.
The reflection on the windscreen was greatly reduced by using a PL filter over the camera lens.
This reflection cutting ability of the PL filter can do wonder for your landscape shots, the filter effectively cut the light scattering in the sky and make it bluer.
By holding my Nikon PL filter in front of my G12, I rotate the filter and once I notice the optima effect; I fired my point and shoot.
This "before and after" picture effectively demonstrates other beneficial effects of a PL filter on landscape, by cutting reflection; the filter also reduced most of the atmospheric haze and it also make the foliage more life like!
This picture was taken with my E-P2 and the 15 year old Nikkor 20mm prime lens. The Nikon 62mm PL was mounted to the front of the 20mm lens.
No prize for telling which picture was shot with a PL filter and which without ;
Old manual focus 20mm Nikkor with Nikon PL filter, mounted on my D300 DSLR.
Famous Last Words...
Why do I insists on only Nikon PL filters? Because I am a Nikon fan-boy? How wrong you are ;) Take a look at the picture below!
Notice the size of the Nikon filter, in this case; the 62mm is slightly larger than the front of the lens?
Nikon is the only company I know that make all their PL filters that way, they can be use comfortably on super-wide lenses without vignetting!
I bought these Nikon PL filters in 1976 and they are still in pristine condition today! Good PL filters are not cheap but believe you me, they are worth it.
And, you CANNOT replicate the same polarizing effect in Photoshop!
So go and get a good PL filter and make your landscape shot pop :)
Canon Japan has posted a number of stunning full-resolution sample photos taken with their new EOS 5D Mark III DSLR camera.
The sample pictures were taken at various ISO settings ranging from ISO 100/21° to ISO 3200/36°, using a variety of Canon L lenses.
The first sample shot of a Aurora was taken with a EF35mm F1.4Llens @ ISO 800 f2.8 and 8 full second.
A 100% crop of the top picture, those are the stars; NOT dead pixels! Duh!
Same scene was then shot with a EF24mm F1.4L II lens @ ISO 6,400 f2.8 0.6 sec. The white balance was set to 4,000K. Like the top picture, the image size is a whopping 126 MB.
Frankly, I am not very impress with the 100% crop. Grain were very obvious with this ISO 6,400 shot. Then again, this is only a JPEG.
A outdoor fashion shot taken with EF24-70mm F2.8L @ ISO100 f16 1/250. According to Google translate ホワイトバランス:オートピクチャースタイル:ポートレートmeant White Balance:Auto Picture Style:Portrait.
I might be wrong, but don't her hair look slightly blurred? It could be the breeze but it could also be the f16 used. Diffraction becoming obvious at this f setting? The red is stunning though and I cannot see any moire on the fabric.
A outdoor portrait shot with the EF300mm F2.8L IS II telephoto @ ISO100 f3.5 1/400. The EF300 L is well known for its sharpness.
100% crop of the model's eyes, is the new 5D MkIII "The newly designed 61-Point High Density Reticular AF features an Offset Array Sensor (with staggering AF point arrangement) to deliver greater accuracy, no matter the situation." good enough? See below...
This is 400% crop! Look like the 5D MkIII AF is spot on!!!
Indoor wedding shot with a EF50mm F1.2L ultra bright prime lens @ ISO 3,200 f7.2 1/80.
Johnny Come Lately, the DSLR that started video film making FIVE years ago has been replaced; finally!
Canon Press Release
Creativity, redefined – Canon unleashes the EOS 5D Mark III
United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 2nd March 2012 – Canon today announces the latest addition to its world-famous EOS range with the launch of the new EOS 5D Mark III. The EOS 5D Mark III builds on the performance of the legendary EOS 5D Mark II, offering improved speed, greater resolution, enhanced processing power and extended creative options for both stills and Full HD movies – providing unparalleled artistic freedom for the most demanding photographers.
Incorporating feedback from photographers worldwide, the EOS 5D Mark III offers improved performance in virtually every area. A new 22.3 Megapixel (MP) full-frame sensor offers the ideal balance of resolution for stills and HD movies and up to 6 frames per second (fps) shooting, whilst a 61-point AF system and 63-zone metering provide greater speed, flexibility and accuracy. Powered by the latest DIGIC 5+ processing technology, the EOS 5D Mark III also features enhanced video functions, offering improved image quality alongside greater audio control – redefining creative possibilities for photographers and amateur videographers alike.
“The EOS 5D Mark III represents a big step forward for the EOS 5D series” said Kieran Magee, Marketing Director, Professional Imaging, Canon Europe. “The EOS 5D Mark II is an exceptional camera and we’ve listened carefully to feedback from its passionate community of users to improve performance in every area. This camera has been designed to meet virtually any creative challenge – it’s faster, more responsive and features the tools to adapt to everything from studio photography to creative videography, while producing results of the highest quality.”
22.3 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor
The EOS 5D Mark III features a newly developed Canon full-frame 22.3
Megapixel CMOS sensor that?s designed from the ground up to create high
resolution, perfectly detailed images with unprecedented speed and
clarity. A full 24 x 36mm, the sensor captures 5784 x 3861 large
individual 6.25 µm pixels and has a much-improved S/N ratio resulting in
better images from the start. A new photodiode structure with an
increased photoelectric conversion rate increases the sensor's
sensitivity by approximately 2 stops over previous models, meaning
higher ISOs with the lowest noise of any EOS digital camera. And a
2-line 8-channel simultaneous signal readout means speeds of up to 6.0
fps (RAW + JPEG) are possible!
14-bit A/D conversion, wide range ISO setting 100-25600 (L: 50, H1: 51200, H2: 102400)
The EOS 5D Mark III not only offers 14-bit signal processing for
excellent image gradation, it delivers higher standard and expanded
ISOs, and a score of new options to enhance shooting in varied and
fast-changing lighting situations. With a standard range of ISO
100-25600, the EOS 5D Mark III represents a 2-stop increase in
sensitivity over previous cameras. Thanks to the improved
signal-to-noise ratio of the new sensor and powerful noise reduction,
the EOS 5D Mark III can shoot at expanded sensitivities down to ISO 50
(L) and up to 51200 (H1), and even 102400 (H2)! Beyond the obvious
advantages of its wide ISO range, the EOS 5D Mark III has automatic ISO
settings, found on the dedicated ISO menu. Minimum and maximum ISO
settings can be specified, as can a user-defined range, plus full auto
and manual.
DIGIC 5+ Image Processor for enhanced noise reduction and blazing processing speed
For a whole new level of performance, the EOS 5D Mark III uses a
DIGIC 5+ Image Processor. Working with two 4-channel A/D converter
front-end processing circuits, and delivering speeds of up to 6.0 fps
(RAW + JPEG), and the DIGIC 5+ Image Processor improves data processing
performance and features new algorithms that promote greater noise
reduction at higher ISOs. In addition to conventional image processing
functions the DIGIC 5+ Image Processor offers real-time compensation for
chromatic aberration in both still and motion images. With the power of
this processor, speed improvements are noticeable from the instant the
camera is turned on and the stunning results speak for themselves.
Canon's Most Sophisticated AF, Period.
All new 61-Point High Density Reticular AF
The newly designed 61-Point High Density Reticular AF features an
Offset Array Sensor (with staggering AF point arrangement) to deliver
greater accuracy, no matter the situation. It offers multi-zone
wide-area AF for better tracking, has 5 central dual cross-type points
(f/2.8 diagonal), 21 central cross-type points (f/5.6 horizontal &
vertical) and 20 outer cross-type points (f/4.0 horizontal), and is
sensitive in extremely low-light situations (EV-2 for a central point
with a f/2.8 lens).
The EOS 5D Mark III has a dedicated AF menu tab, so AF can be
controlled without having to go through custom function menus. It also
has 6 AF point selection methods (Spot, Single Point, Single + Adjacent 4
Points, Single + Adjacent 8 Points, Zone Selection, and Automatic AF
Point Selection), plus a dedicated AF configuration tool for control of
AI Servo AF III tracking parameters (tracking sensitivity,
acceleration/deceleration tracking, and AF point auto switching).
Intelligent Metering, Fast.
iFCL Metering with 63-zone dual-layering metering sensor
The EOS 5D Mark III features Canon's multi-layer 63-zone iFCL
(intelligent Focus Color Luminance) Metering System that integrates the
cameras AF system into its readings. By taking into account the color
and luminosity surrounding the chosen AF point(s), this new system
delivers an entirely new level of accuracy, especially in situations
where the light changes quickly. The metering sensor enables evaluative,
center weighted, partial and spot metering, plus offers 5-step exposure
compensation for perfectly exposed images, every time.
Brilliant HD Recording on Demand.
EOS HD Video with manual exposure control, multiple frame rates and selectable All i-frame or IPB compression
Addressing the requests of the pros and building on the unprecedented
success of its namesake, the EOS 5D Mark III captures HD video with a
level of sophistication on par with professional movie cameras offering
phenomenal performance on a DSLR. It offers both All-I and IPB
compression, supports H.264/MPEG-4 AVC High Profile, and automatically
splits files greater than 4GB (FAT specifications) for extended
recording without interruption. It offers the option of timecoding
during recording only (Rec Run) or at all times (Free Run), useful for
multi-camera shoots. It also features improved sound recording
adjustment capabilities, offering 64-step volume control accessible
through the Quick Control screen during video shooting, plus a dedicated
headphone jack for convenience in shooting. The CMOS sensor's new drive
system significantly increases image processor performance, reducing
color artifacts and moiré (a common problem that occurs in scenes with
horizontal lines), and ensures that the EOS 5D Mark III can record at a
number of frame rates up to ISO 25600 in H mode.
AII-I
Compresses
each frame. Although the file size is larger than IPB, each frame is
not affected by the previous and next frames, making it suitable for
editing and extracting frames.
IPB
Compresses the movie
frame by referencing the previous and next frames. High compression is
used, making it suitable for recording long movies.
Recording Time based on 8GB Memory Card
Maximum Record Time
29 min. 59 sec.
ALL-I Record Time
11 min. at 1920 x 1080
12 min. at 1280 x 720
IPB Record Time
32 min. at 1920 x 1080
37 min. at 1280 x 720
Resolution
fps
1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
30P (29.97), 25P, 24P (23.976)
1280 x 720 (HD)
60P (59.94), 50P
640 x 480 (VGA)
30P (29.97), 25P
Incredibly Fast Image Capture.
High-Speed Continuous Shooting
The EOS 5D Mark III combines fast 8-channel data readout from its
22.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor and the supercharged processing capabilities
of its DIGIC 5+ Image Processor with a speedier shutter and mirror
system to raise the performance bar for all digital cameras, capturing
full-frame images and recording them fast to UDMA or SD cards stored in
the camera's dual card slots. Ideal for fixed focus situations, the EOS
5D Mark III can shoot up to 6.0 fps (RAW + JPEG).
Phenomenal Performance in Any Condition.
Magnesium alloy body with shutter durability and dust- and weather-resistance
For professionals who demand nothing less than the best, the EOS 5D
Mark III is designed to perform superbly, even in the most treacherous
environments, every time. The body is constructed of rigid,
high-strength magnesium alloy for rugged performance and features a new
grip design for easier finger placement and reduced hand fatigue. Its
newly redesigned shutter has lightweight and carbon-fiber blades, and is
rated to maintain up to 6.0 fps performance without compromise, for up
to 150,000 cycles. The EOS 5D Mark III and accessories like the new
Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E7A and GPS Receiver GP-E2 have extensive
gasketing for improved dust and water resistance, even at their
connection points.
Self Cleaning Sensor Unit
The Self Cleaning Sensor Unit featured in the EOS 5D Mark II has been
optimized for the new EOS 5D Mark III to deliver even greater dust
removal for clearer images. To prevent dust accumulation, the system
removes particles adhered to the surface of the infrared
absorbing/ultraviolet-blocking glass in a frontward direction by
vibrating the glass with ultrasound. The particles are then absorbed by
an adsorbent at the bottom of the unit; the unit itself is completely
sealed for protection against external contaminants, and its front face
of the low-pass filter 1 is treated with an anti-dust fluorine coating
making it easier to remove damp or sticky dust particles.
Sophisticated Composition, Simply.
Intelligent Viewfinder with Superimposed LCD
The EOS 5D Mark III's Intelligent Viewfinder offers a sharp, bright
approximately 100% field of view with an approximate magnification of
.71x, a viewing angle of 34.1° and a 21mm eye-point. With a new
construction featuring aspherical lens elements, the viewfinder displays
less distortions and color aberrations than previous models. It uses a
transparent LCD to superimpose a customizable combination of focus
points and gridlines directly over the image. The AF status indicator
can even be directed to display within or outside of the viewfinders
image area. With the intelligent viewfinder, unlike with other cameras,
the photographer has the choice of seeing shooting information or
looking only at the scene in front of the camera. The ability to
effectively erase all shooting data and turn it back on with the touch
of a button gives the photographer the opportunity to concentrate simply
on looking and composing the photograph without distraction, a great
advantage in numerous shooting situations.
A Screen with A View.
3.2" TFT LCD Monitor
The EOS 5D Mark III's 3.2" TFT LCD monitor has 1,040,000 dots,
anti-reflective construction and features Canon's Clear View II
technology for bright, sharp display in any number of shooting
situations. It's ideal for reviewing settings and images, as well as for
shooting in Live View mode. In Live View, grid lines can be displayed
in 9 sections, 24 sections, or 9 sections with diagonals, as can the
dual-axis electronic level, which helps ensure accurate level by
displaying both roll and pitch. For image review, the EOS 5D Mark III
has a new, dedicated Magnify/Reduce button. While pressing the button,
zooming in or out (up to 10x) is achieved simply by turning the Main
Dial. Images can be protected or erased quickly, individually or in
batches, and slideshows can be created with some or all images and can
be sequenced by date, folders, movies, stills or rating. A feature guide
can be accessed for the selected menu, providing detailed reference
information whenever needed.
Expanding Creativity, Simply.
New High Dynamic Range (HDR)
With its new High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode, the EOS 5D Mark III can
merge 3 images of varying exposure, in camera, capturing a broad range
of shadow and highlight detail and delivering an image with stunning
tonal range. Adjustable to cover a range of ±3 stops, and with 5
different effect settings, HDR recording truly expands the parameters of
the light and dark detail a camera can actually record, surprising
viewers with the range of tones a photograph can accurately recreate.
Multiple Exposure Control
The EOS 5D Mark III offers a new multiple exposure mode for film-like
image creation with the convenience of in-camera processing. It offers 4
different compositing methods for proper exposure and composition:
additive, average, bright and dark. Multiple exposure shots can be taken
in both RAW and JPEG shooting modes, previously captured RAW images can
be used as a starting point, and cumulative results can be observed and
corrected in real time on the camera's LCD screen. For multiple
exposure captures of quickly moving subjects, the EOS 5D Mark III even
has a specific continuous shooting multiple exposure mode.
More Control with More Controls.
Improved handling with addition of new customizable controls
Reconceived based on the experience and feedback of professional
users, the EOS 5D Mark III's new ergonomic design is more comfortable
and intuitive than ever. With a refined and intelligent layout of all
control buttons and dials, shooting settings can be made with just the
right hand, and quick image check and image processing operations with
just the left. The grip has been redesigned for easy holding both when
shooting and when carrying the camera. The rubber skin coating is
designed for all day comfort in the hand, and coats the cameras card
slot cover as well.
For added convenience, flexibility and limitless, uninterrupted
storage capacity, the EOS 5D Mark III has dual card slots, accommodating
both a Compact Flash and an SDXC card. It has three recording modes
perfect for a diverse collection of workflows. When set to Auto switch
media, the camera switches cards as soon as one card is filled, a
perfect setting for long shoots. The camera can be set to record
separately, saving different file sizes or types to each card. And for
extra security, the camera can be set to create an automatic backup by
recording the same file to both cards simultaneously.
The EOS 5D Mark III features a dual-axis electronic level indicator
that displays both vertical and horizontal tilt on the LCD monitor
either alone or during Live View shooting, and can also be displayed in
the cameras intelligent viewfinder.
For an expanded range of applications, the EOS 5D Mark III is
compatible with Canon peripherals for wireless file transfers and GPS.
The Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E7A attaches easily to the EOS 5D Mark
III, supports 802.11 a/b/g/n, has a built-in Gigabit Ethernet
connection, supports FTP mode with automatic resend, EOS utility mode
and WFT server mode, and can time sync multiple cameras on the same
network. Canon's GPS Receiver GP-E2§ connects via USB or Hot Shoe, is
dust and water resistant, records latitude, longitude and altitude, has a
logging function and an electronic compass to record movement and even
has a GPS† time sync function, especially helpful when a project is shot
among different time zones. The 5D Mark III's dedicated Battery Grip
BG-E11 has buttons and a multi-controller and delivers seamless
performance whether the camera is oriented vertically or horizontally.
It accommodates 2 LP-E6 batteries or an included AA battery magazine,
and is very helpful in counter-balancing large lenses when shooting
handheld.
§ EOS 5D Mark III requires a firmware upgrade to be compatible with the GPS GP-E2, which will be available soon.
† In certain countries and regions, the use of GPS may be restricted.
Therefore, be sure to use GPS in accordance with the laws and
regulations of your country or region. Be particularly careful when
traveling outside your home country. As a signal is received from GPS
satellites, take sufficient measures when using in locations where the
use of electronics is regulated.
More Features, More Capabilities.
Peripheral Illumination Correction, Chromatic Aberration Correction, and Distortion Correction
The EOS 5D Mark III features a number of corrective tools to
accommodate for the particulars of the lens used. Canon's lens
peripheral illumination correction feature corrects light falloff in the
corner of the image. Chromatic aberration can be corrected at the time
of shooting with the 5D Mark III's Chromatic Aberration Correction tool.
The new Distortion Correction feature corrects distortions such as
curved lines by correcting for the characteristics of the particular
lens used to take the shot so images that may have been distorted in the
captured image appear straight. The camera has correction data for a
number of EF lenses preloaded, and new lenses can be added to the
camera's database via EOS Utility. The camera can even distinguish
between different lenses of the same model using the serial number (with
compatible EF lenses).
Auto Picture Style & Scene Intelligent Auto (A+)
The EOS 5D Mark III not only features a number of Canon's Picture
Style settings but also a new Picture Style Auto setting that finely
controls color tones for every composition based on information from the
camera's EOS Scene Detection System. This can be an effective feature
not only in normal scenes, where "standard" punchy contrast will be
used, but also in nature and outdoor scenes, where the blues and greens
will look more vivid without the need to switch the camera's Picture
Style to Landscape.
In-Camera RAW Processing & JPEG Resize
The EOS 5D Mark III features state of the art in-camera RAW
processing for quick conversion of RAW files to JPEG with control with
control over size, brightness, WB, Picture Style, Auto Lighting
Optimizer, Noise reduction, color space, distortion correction and more.
Additionally, the EOS 5D Mark III features expanded Quick Control
functions during playback like image protect, image rotate, rating, RAW
image processing, resize, highlight alert, AF point and image jump,
meaning a streamlined workflow can begin in the field.
Comparative Playback
The EOS 5D Mark III's comparative playback mode enables images to be
played back two at a time, side by side. A tremendous, in-camera
timesaver, comparative playback means images can quickly be enlarged
simultaneously to compare focus, blur and noise, and can be individually
rated, deleted or locked.
Trimming function
For multi-format applications, the EOS 5D Mark III can shoot with an
aspect ratio of 1:1, 3:2, 4:3 or 16:9 during live view shooting. With
gridded overlays, images can be trimmed in-camera with the actual image
file cropped in Canon's Digital Photo Pro software.
Silent Shooting
For the first time in a 5D-Series camera, the EOS 5D Mark III offers a
silent, low vibration shooting mode. By slowing down and muting the
shutter and mirror reflex action, the camera is capable of handheld,
virtually imperceptible operation for discrete shooting in more
situations at speeds of up to 3 fps.