Taypes of file formats for Digital Photography

The digital file format a photographer chooses for saving photos is determined by the intended use of the images, the hard drive space the photographer is comfortable with giving up for storage and whether the images will be edited after picture-taking.

JPEG

JPEG stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group. This file format is identified by .jpg at the end of the file name. It is a widely used format that is compatible with all software and hardware.
Most JPEG files are smaller than other file formats because JPEG saves space by compressing data. JPEG is both a file type and a compression type. JPEG compression employs what is termed lossy compression. That is, in saving storage space some image information is lost.The discarded information thrown out is considered a duplicate of information already captured. Although some information is restored when the file is opened for editing, printing, e-mailing or scanning, some information is lost forever.

How to Save JPEG Images For Best Quality

 

JPEG image quality will be suitable for the needs of most amateur photographers and  photographer who knows how to use image-editing software.After editing a JPEG image, the photographer should not save it in JPEG unless that is the final edit. That's because each time a JPEG image is saved, some of the image is compressed and, therefore, some image quality is lost.

 

TIFF

 

TIFF stands for Tagged Image File Format and has the file extension .tif. For the photographer who wants no loss of image data and, therefore, a higher quality unedited photo than JPEG offers, TIFF is the way to go. TIFF is compatible with a lot of hardware and sofrware. The drawbacks of TIFFare its very large files and that it is usually offfered only on DSLRs and high-end compact cameras.

TIFF files can be compressed using LZW (Limpel-Zev-Welch) compression. LZW compression is termed lossless, which means that no image information is lost. However, it is suggested that compression of TIFF images be limited to illustrations. Do not use it for color photos.

RAW

 

RAW. The RAW file extension is .raw. It is an alternative to TIFF. Even though TIFF files retain all the information captured by the camera, they do make use of in-camera processing. RAW files, on the other hand, retain all image date without using in-camera processing. RAW images are, therefore, unprocessed images that contain all the data captured by the camera's sensor.
Working with RAW is time-consuming, however, because all images need post-shooting processing. But RAW is the universally accepted file format for most professional photographers. They use it because it gives them complete control over how their images will look. But there is no universal RAW format. That is where DNG comes in.

 

DNG

 

DNG stands for Digital Negative and its extension is .dng. This format was developed by Adobe Systems in an attempt to establish a universal file format for storing RAW files for posterity. Since most RAW software is manufactuer-specific, Adobe has developed a RAW system that is not camera-specific.

 

information from suite101.com

 

 

 

HDR Photography

What is HDR Photography?

High Dynamic Range photography or HDR photography is an advanced set of photography techniques that play on image’s dynamic range in exposures. HDR Photography allows photographers to capture a greater range of tonal detail than any camera could capture thru a single photo.
While many imaging experts regard HDR photography as the future of digital photography, the discipline has long been in existence.
HDR photography is present in many pictures taken through modern day digital cameras. The truth is, if you are a real photography enthusiast then there is a great chance that you have taken at least one photo exemplifying HDR photography.
The real functions or even executions of HDR photography may be debatable. But no matter which website or source you consult they will always say it is a technique that employs the great use of exposure range to get distinct values between light and dark areas of the image. Its real intention is to create an image that accurately characterizes the intensity levels found in natural scenes. If you ever wondered why the picture you took was different from the scenery you actually saw, then maybe it’s time for you to learn HDR photography.
HDR Photography is the technique used to capture and represent the full  DR found in a scene with high perceptual accuracy and precision. To remember things better, think of the 3S: sunlight, shadows and subjects. These are the things that make an ordinary picture an HDR image.

Theory Behind HDR photography

There are two theories behind HDR photography. And as the technology around HDR photography evolves so is the discipline itself. But if one wants to take HDR imagery seriously then he must first understand the concepts and theories that make up this discipline.
The most fundamental of all HDR photography theories is to take multiple shots at varying exposure levels of a particular subject. A special computer program will then combine the images together into a single image. This is just an incarnation of the original theory during the time when there are no digital cameras and advanced computers and programs were nothing more than a work of science-fiction.
The second theory is the one that capitalizes on the RAW processing software to create various exposure levels of the same image. Modern Digital SLR camera and a lot of the Point and Shoot models allow photographers to capture RAW images. A RAW image or file is the data captured by your Camera’s sensor that is not processed yet and therefore does have color information. You can manipulate this file, adjust its color, lighting or while balance.

How to gather data for HDR photographs

Taking the images is the first stage in HDR photography. You can use a simple point and shoot camera or a fully configurable digital SLR camera.
In both techniques you will need a camera with configurable exposure settings. All DSLRs and most point and shoot cameras have this. Certain SLR cameras have bracketing function which makes it easier for photographers to change exposure settings.
For starters, you can use the following setting: ISO 200 and Aperture Priority Mode. And as they say good things come in threes, you can take picture with three different exposure settings: EV 0, EV -2 and EV +2. You can experiment more on these but generally speaking, the more exposure versions you can have, the better your final image will be.
It is recommended to use a tripod when taking HDR photo. This is because tripod stabilizes the photo camera and you need to get the clearest image you can get since you are experimenting on exposure values. The best way to do this is to use a shutter remote or if your photo camera doesn’t have one, just make sure you press the shutter button lightly.

Post-processing

 

Post processing is the last stage in HDR photography that you can really control. This is where technical skills merge with creative sensibility. And with the introduction of advanced digital cameras and photo editing software, HDR image post-processing is made a lot easier.
However, this does not guarantee that having an excellent HDR image will be as easy as clicking the shutter button. There may be times that the three or more images you took with varying exposure values are simply not enough. With this, the only chance you are left with is to do a post-processing of the image.
Post-processing generally involves color correction, saturation, contrast and brightness and darkness adjustment and other image element manipulation. But in HDR photography we need to concentrate on contrast and brightness and darkness adjustment. Brightness and darkness adjustment is the direct digital translation of exposure manipulation in the picture taking stage. If in the camera you adjust exposure settings, in the post-processing stage you will adjust the brightness.
The main advantage of process is surpassing the limitation of actually configuring your camera in different exposure levels. While some cameras may have eight exposure settings and therefore 8 different images, post-processing can simply give you a limitless number.
After the shoot, transfer the images to your computer. There is a merge to HDR feature in many photo editing software including Adobe Photoshop and above, Photomatix Pro, Dynamic Photo HDR and others.
Post-processing software also allows you to blend photographs with different exposures. This clearly increases the dynamic range of the final output photo. There is also tone mapping which reveals highlight and shadow details in an HDR image made from multiple exposures.

HDR Photo Gallery

information from pixiq.com

 

 

What you see is what you get - KODAK eyeCamera

On April 1, 2009 Kodak had introduced a KODAK eyeCamera 4.1 photo camera... The 4.1 version, obviously it is the April Fool, but I like this product or concept... It looks like super cool! Click 2 enlarge!
"What you see is what you get" Viewfinder - Now you can take that photo at the exact moment you see that special scene.
Facial Recall Assistant - Handy for parties and reunions.
Image Stabilizer - After a glass of wine or two, this feature will ensure that all of your photos are razor sharp, maybe even sharper than you remember.
Selective Auto-Focus & Zoom - See something you like? Just look, focus, zoom & snap! This is a new feature so use it wisely. It might get you in trouble at the beach so practice at home first.
Wink and Shoot Shutter - Taking photos is now as easy as a winking! We use our patented eyeVu technology to activate only on a wink, not a blink. When you have a cold and are sneezing it is advised you not wear your KODAK eyeCamera 4.1 photo camera or you will get pictures of your feet (think about it).
Digital X-Ray Vision - No way? Yes way! In partnership with the Superman Corporation located in the Fortress of Solitude, we co-developed this amazing feature at a bargain price. But remember, even though you will be able to see through walls and closed doors you will not be able to walk through them.
Panoramic Mode - Achieved merely by employing classic Kodak ease-of-use and turning one's head 360- degrees
The KODAK eyeCamera 4.1 photo camera is social media compatible so you will be able to stream your life 24x7! Easy photo uploads to Facebook, Flickr, KODAK Gallery, and Twitter are a snap. Now you can impress your friends with an endless stream of photos to accompany the running commentary of text updates you currently provide.

information from  likecool.com

Only for lady Kodak 1881

Many memories and sentimental nostalgia has become associated with lockets. You usually display pictures of the deceased or loved ones in lockets to keep them close to your heart. With that in mind, the 1881 concept was designed to reference the heritage and value of heirlooms, with a twist of added tech goodness. The 1881 has a built-in digital photo  camera with the goal being to add to the medium at which you can store loved photos.
Every time the 1881 is opened, favorite photos of yours are displayed, just in case you need a memory to reflect on. It’s such a good idea because you can’t really know where you’re going until you know where you came from. The 1881 is a gadget concept dedicated to do just that.

information from gearfuse.com

Fleximus’s Concept Camera

Since the dawn of the digital age of photography there has been a startling growth in the ability of cameras to work in conditions that could have only come out of a James bond flick. The most prominent amongst these features is the ability to shoot around corners which is facilitated by the introduction of complex swivel screen setups; but fleximus from artlebedev has taken this concept and bent it to the limits of modern technology with their concept of  the lens being mounted on a flexible cable.
This camera not only allows you to shoot at angles which traditional cameras thought as inconceivable but also offers you the versatility of having it attached to either a three inch display or a compact view finder. The camera comes with minimal controls which may dishearten the pros, but it means that anyone can use it straight out of the box; thus making it a very handy point and shoot photo camera.
One could say that the concept was inspired by the endoscope ( the small photo camera on the end of a wire that doctor’s use to view their patient’s insides) but made use for more fun purposes such as getting a shot of the underside of a mushroom. However unlike the endoscope this photo camera offers a 12 megapixel resolution which is top notch for a design this radical.
And even though the price is not mentioned I doubt that those James Bond hopefuls would flinch when it came to picking up this cool cam; or they could just check out this mini spycam.

info from walyou.com

Seitz 6x17 Digital shoots at 160 megapixels

When we first spotted this new photo camera from Seitz, our jaws hit the floor and rebounded a few times. No, it's not the highest megapixel count we've seen, but this megalith of a camera shoots at 160 megapixels to create a native 6 x 17-cm image, is packed with an ISO range from 500 to 10,000, a read-out speed of 300MB per second, and a shutter speed of 1/20,000th second. So the next question is, how are you going to store such huge image files (nearly 1 GB per uncompressed full panorama), certainly not on your off-the-shelf 16GB SDHC card, nor the upcoming 64GB CompactFlash cards -- but rather via gigabit Ethernet to Seitz's "state-of-the-art computer system", which translates to a decked out Mac mini. So what will this much imaging power cost you? 45,500 Swiss francs ($36,266) for the "mobile version" and 42,300 Swiss francs ($33,715) for the "studio version", and we're assuming that the Mac mini is included for that price. However, given that this camera isn't quite what you'd front for a down payment on a Swiss châlet, the 6x17 Digital surely must be affordable to average working-class Zürich banker set, no? You can catch a glimpse of this bad boy at the upcoming Photokina expo in Germany, or can throw down some serious Swiss coinage now to pre-order this gargantuan cam, which won't become available until early 2007. Also, be sure to click through for two more glamour shots.

information from engadget.com

Flee photo camera - trow to take a pic

You are in the neighborhood park for a Sunday evening stroll. Families sit around picnic baskets, kids run around, guys play a game of touch football, and the health conscious are out for a jog.
Your eyes catch an orange object flying in the setting sky. The object traces an oblique trajectory and falls to the ground. An athletic looking man runs towards the fallen object and picks it up. He then checks his mobile phone, cracks a smile, and runs back a couple of meters.

The man tosses the object up in the air again and repeats the previous exercise. You are very curious now and want to check what’s going on. You edge closer to the man and try to peer over his shoulders. This is what you see: aerial photos of the park appear on the mobile screen at different time-intervals. And that is when you figure the whole thing out.

The orange object being thrown about is actually a camera that takes pictures and sends it back to your mobile phone. The phone receives the pictures via a Bluetooth transmitter. This flying camera is a concept design by Turkish designer Hakan Bogazpinar and is titled ‘Flee’.

There are cameras that can be bounced and cameras that can be lobbed ahead for surveillance. The Flee takes the concept of throw-able cameras to a ‘higher’ level. The Flee has two components: a digital camera and a Bluetooth receiver. Flee’s digital camera is a circular container that is enclosed in a round, lightweight ball made up of a crack resistant material. The ball is orange in color.

The circular digital photo camera is made up of a lithium battery, memory chip, Bluetooth chip, a CCD, and the lens. The orange ball photo camera is attached to an intelligent tail design that keeps the camera in an upright position while in flight. The tail design resembles that of a table fan.

The Bluetooth receiver unit will be plugged in your mobile phone and will decode and store images. Using the throwable ball camera is as easy as playing catch. Hold the ball in your hand and toss it as high as you can. Once the ball is an upright position it will start clicking pictures at specific time intervals and, as mentioned above, transmit it to your mobile device via the Bluetooth transmitter.

Think of all the fun pictures you can click from an angle that is not possible with the current lot of digital cameras. The Flee is in a concept stage and has not been developed into a practical reality as yet.

information from walyou.com

Underwater Digital Camera Mask

The Liquid Image Underwater Digital Photo Camera Mask is a unique two-in-one mask and photo  camera solution that allows you to take hands-free photographs and video underwater. Suitable for use in the pool or the sea, the camera mask could ensure you never miss that magical underwater moment. Taking photographs or video is so simple; you line up your shot using the crosshair marks on the mask and push the capture button.
The photo  camera mode is indicated by LED lights within the viewing area of the mask. The photo camera has 16 MB SD RAM of internal memory but if you need more room for images and video, the Micro SD Card slot will allow you to upgrade the memory when required. The supplied software will allow you to manipulate your images and video and a USB cable is also supplied so you can then share them with family and friends. It has an LCD display and is powered by 2 AAA alkaline 1.5V batteries.
The mask is water proof to 5 meters (15 ft) but has been successfully tested to 35 meters (115 ft) and images can be captured to a distance of 1.2 meters (5 ft). The 3.1MP model holds up to 33 high resolution images (or 55 low resolution) and retails for AUD$99.95  whilst the 5.0MP model holds up to 29 high resolution images (or 45 low resolution) and retails for AUD$159.95.

information from gizmag.com

Canon NOVA concept

Most photographers are pretty creative.  It takes a certain level of creativity to produce good photography.  It seems only natural, that photographers would want a camera that is both creative and useful. The Nova DSLR Camera is arguably one of the most unique photo cameras in both appearance and design.
Erin Fong designed the camera.  It looks more like a video game controller than a photo camera because the photo camera was designed with a folding handle.  This makes the photo camera particularly great for taking one-handed shots.  Although the photo camera is unique in its design, there are questions on whether or not the camera will feel comfortable in the hands of a photographer.
It is possible that the camera could provide very interesting pictures at unique angles based on the way the  photo camera can be handled.  The whole concept of the camera was to help photographers take easier photos.  The Nova DSLR Camera’s mobile photo  camera arms were designed to bring comfort to both left-handed and right-handed photographers.  Each button is located at the fingertips so that pictures can be taken while a user simultaneously locates other features.
Whether or not the Nova DSLR photo Camera will provide the flexibility and versatility that users are seeking is yet to be known.

information from sexygadgets.net

DSLR camera by Yaniv Berg

The unique DSLR photo camera concept looks really like a cylindrical smoking pipe. It’s designed by Yaniv Berg, a designer from Israel. From the unique shaped  photo camera, it’s not hard to see the photo camera is inspired by retro reflex photo camera, for instance, the horizontal LCD viewfinder on the top of the photo camera, which allows you to capture images from low angles. No doubt, the way to hold the photo camera also can help you take clear photos.
Unfortunately, the digital single lens reflex photo camera is just a design concept. We have no idea whether the DSLR  photo camera will be on the market.

information from gadgetsin.com

Future photo cameras: Sony Spin N" Span

When selecting their gadgets, some people will go all-out to make sure that the product they purchase is “green.” Unfortunately, what this means a good deal of the time that they pay a hefty premium, and the wonderful gadget is actually more of a pain to use than the other power-hungry options. This new Spin N Snap photo camera from Sony definitely falls into the “pain to use” category.

The idea behind this photo camera is to manually charge it up before each use, thus eliminating the need to plug it in, or change out the batteries to get power. The end of the digital photo camera is a green ring, you’ll need to spin that ring either by manually turning it with your finger, or by running it across the table. It takes roughly 15 seconds of spinning for the wheel to harness the energy required to snap a single photo. Personally, when I want to take a few pictures, I don’t feel like standing around rubbing my camera on the wall to get it charged up. Then you don’t even know how well your shot turned out, as there’s no LCD screen to preview your pics.

information from http://photo-photo4u.blogspot.com/

iPhoneDSLR - turn your iPhone in to photo camera

iPhoneDSLR is a prototype that will make the iPhone into a digital DSLR camera with the ability to use a DSLR lenses and can changable. Use of DSLR lenses would provide several benefits in addition to the sharpness of the image of the photo could be further distance and more.
iPhone DSLR also comes with a handle (grip) to capture an image more stable. We like the idea to create a mobile phone has features similar to a DSLR camera.

information from itechdiary.com

Canon Snap

Due to its small size and ring form, this miniature snapshot photo camera can be always with you. Against the trend of putting more and more functions into electronic devices, the idea for this camera was to make it as simple and easy to use as possible.The most important point for a snapshot camera is of course that you have it active the right moment. Therefore the whole electronic is put into a flexible gelring that can be easily worn on the index finger. In combination with the easy to use one button interface quick accessibility and fun taking snapshots is guarantied.

This photo camera concept was developed as contribution to the Designtope Design Awards 2006. Canon Snap, always active. 

information from atomare.com

Wooden Digital Camera by Olympus

Olympus has created a prototype of a unique digital photo camera with a casing made out of wood. To create the casing, the wood was compressed using special techniques, causing the natural resins in the wood come to the surface . The result is a material that is more durable than conventional polycarbonate resins. If the photo camera goes into production, each one would have its own one-of-a-kind look. The compression process is said to be "three-dimensional", because pressure is applied from all directions at once. The wood that was used was Japanese cypress, which is known for it durability and fragrance.

An Olympus spokesperson said: " One answer was to use wood - the natural color, patina, and grain of  which are almost universally appreciated as things of beauty. We therefore focused on the idea of using a three-dimensional compression moulding process to produce a wood-based material thin enough and hard enough to be used to make the casings for electronic products. With the successful development of this process, it is our hope that consumers will enjoy greater aesthetic satisfaction and a sense of personal attachment with future products that are made from this new wood material."

information from treehugger.com

3D photo maker

Even with the most expensive photo camera there’s a detail that always escapes and that’s called immersion. No matter how god a photo is, you’ll always know it’s just a picture, there’s not a feeling of being there, if you know what I mean. But things doesn’t have to be the same, and 3DWorld tries to prove that with the help of TL120-1, a digital photo camera meant to take 3D pictures.
First read on and find out what 3D means in 3DWorld’s vision. TL120-1 is a modified film camera, fitted with three lenses, specially positioned so that the three resulting pictures are interpolated and then combined together when used with a special projector, that 3DWorld also provides.

Now the specs, which are not that special, if you don’t take into consideration the three lenses:

• Camera Type: Medium Format Tri-lens Stereo Camera (Reflex Viewing Lens)
• Lenses: Anti-reflection coated glass optics, seven elements in six groups. f/2.8, 80mm focal length
• Lens Separation: 63.5mm
• Focusing: manual adjustment, 0.8m – infinity
• Shutter Type: metal focal plane shutter
• Aperture: F2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, 22 and six half stops
• Shutter Speeds: B, 1,1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500Sec.
• Light Metering: consists of two of SPD’s (silicon photo diodes) for light measurement; aperture and shutter speeds are matched according to the LED display.
• Viewfinder: consists of a viewfinder hood and lens, Eye-level pentaprism type with .0.7 X magnification
• Focusing Screen: Split-image micro-prism type surrounded by a Fresnel screen. 3 LEDs in 5 exposure graduations display overexposure (+), correct exposure (O) & underexposure (-)
• Flash Synchronization: X-contact only, sync speed 1/30 sec. or slower
• Film Advance: Lever provided; 16O standoff angle and 128O winding angle, aligning film numbers through window on camera back
• Power Source: Choice of two 1.5V alkaline-manganese batteries or two 1.55V silver-oxide batteries.
• Film: One roll of 120 reversal film for a pair of 58mm x 56mm stereo images. 6 pairs per roll.
• Dimensions: Approx. 207mm x 205mm x 134mm (8.15" x 8.07"x 5.28"), camera body only
• Weight: 1960g or 69oz (camera body only)

A more complete user manual can be downloaded from here. My opinion is that this kind of product is only suited for some purposes, it can’t fulfill a typical photographer, and depending on how you define "some purposes" it might prove a very bad investment.

information from gadgetroad.com/

UNDERABOVE

Red Dot has announced the winner of Red Dot award the design concept for 2010, the UNDERABOVE. The UNDERABOVE is a dual-lens photo  camera that capable of capturing two scenes cannot usually be seen at once, the environments above and below the surface of the water.
The UNDERABOVE is designed by Han In Kyung, the photo camera body is made with polypropylene, which has a lighter weight than seawater and floats easily. The top half of the photo camera body is filled with air in order to float on the surface. The lower half of the photo camera body is filled with water so it sinks below the surface.
The photo camera also has a flash and timer wheel that can be set up a self-portrait, an LCD screen allows you to check the environments
above and below the surface simultaneously and review the shots already taken.

information from winarco.com

Eye of Dragon by Jackie Chan

The Canon 550D is one hell of an affordable DSLR. And, Jackie Chan is anything other than a bone fide genius. the Jackie Chan-branded 550D being launched in China. Unfortunately,Canon Jackie Chan 550D’s Limited Edition Digital Camera is sell only 2,010 pieces, as an obvious remarks for the year 2010 released in China only. Canon 550D price at  10,000 Yuan (about £950) and they’ll never be released anywhere else in the world.

Canon China introduces the EOS 550D Jackie Chan Eye of Dragon special edition. The photo  camera body comes with gold Dragon logo of Jackie Chan, who is Canon’s spokesperson in China. The Jackie Chan kit includes a Canon EF-S 180145MM lens,  a  photo camera case, a strap and an album book.You will find a Jackie Chan’s ‘Lung’ or Dragon signature on the camera pouch, and top part of the Canon Jackie Chan 550D camera. (except the lens)

information from rmreview.com.my

Hasselblad Celebrates Centenary of Founder's Birth

In recognition of founder Victor Hasselblad's birth on March 8, 2006, the company unveils the 503CWD Anniversary kit, a prestigious high-end photographic system that offers state-of-the-art digital technology integrated with a classically designed Hasselblad 503CW body. The camera combines the black and chrome V body, with its central shutter-based lenses with the technology of the CFV digital back..

Hasselblad Celebrates Centenary of Founder's Birth with Launch of Limited Edition Hasselblad 503CWD Digital Camera

In recognition of the centenary of Victor Hasselblad's birth on March 8, 2006, Hasselblad unveils the Hasselblad 503CWD Anniversary Kit, a prestigious high-end photographic system that offers state-of-the-art digital capture technology elegantly integrated with a classically designed Hasselblad 503CW body.

Combining the rugged reliability of the black and chrome V System body, with its range of high performance, central shutter-based lenses, and the technology of Hasselblad's new CFV digital back, the exclusive Hasselblad 503CWD perfectly melds the heritage of the old Hasselblad with the focus of the new Hasselblad on digital high-end photography to create a new digital workhorse. Of undoubted appeal to the Hasselblad connoisseur, the camera delivers the perfect blend of versatility and simplicity in a compact, professional tool that gives the user complete control over digital image capture and is a pleasure to operate.

Christian Poulsen, CEO of Hasselblad, comments: “Hasselblad's reputation for excellence and outstanding quality was built on the V System. Therefore the Hasselblad 503CWD – a truly professional tool that is fully compatible with the Hasselblad V system, offers great value for money, and is built to the same exacting standards that have become the signature of the Hasselblad company - is a fitting tribute to the design process that Victor Hasselblad started himself in the 1940s. Having been passionate about photography, Victor would also have loved the concept of digital photography, and in the 503CWD kit, with its stylish retro body and advanced digital capture technology offering the ideal balance of old and new
Hasselblad, he would recognize the culmination of his own work.”

The 503CWD Anniversary kit will be supplied as a limited edition of 500 cameras, each one numbered and engraved with Victor Hasselblad's signature. Reassuringly solid, the kit comprises a 503CWD body with waist-level finder, specially marked focusing screen and chrome winding lever, a Zeiss Planar CFE 2.8/80mm lens and a CFV digital back, and will be supplied with a beautifully produced book marking Victor's anniversary.

Not only does the Hasselblad 503CWD satisfy the aesthetic needs of V System fans, but it also boasts very advanced and, in some aspects, unique digital technology, such as Hasselblad Natural Color Solution, Instant Approval Architecture, and versatile storage and workflow, alongside files captured on a CCD 50% larger than a full frame 35mm DSLR.

Hasselblad Natural Color Solution

Color management solutions have in the past imposed limitations on professional digital photographers, because of the forced choice of a specific color profile to suit the job: for example, capturing various skin tones, metals, fabrics or flowers. To combat this, Hasselblad has developed the Hasselblad Natural Color Solution to be used with its FlexColor imaging software. Working with the powerful, new Hasselblad Natural Color Solution enables professional photographers to produce outstanding, reliable out-of-the-box colors, with skin tones, special product gradations, and other difficult colors accurately reproduced.

Instant Approval Architecture

Some of the potential benefits of capturing large numbers of images can be lost if the photographer cannot quickly review and select the best images to present to the client. Hasselblad's Instant Approval Architecture (IAA) assists by labelling images according to technical parameters and allowing the photographer to downgrade visually poor images, having previewed them on the clear, bright OLED viewing screen. Sorting the red, amber or green flagged images is then very quick. Audible and visible signals facilitate the selection process by giving instant feedback during a
shoot.

Three modes of operation and storage

Optimum portability and image storage are critical for the professional photographer. Hasselblad 503CWD offers a choice of the portable CF card storage, the flexible Imagebank, or the tethered operation with extended, special capture controls. With these three operating and storage options, the photographer is able to select a mode to suit the nature of the work at hand, whether in the studio or on location.

For the studio photographer, the most accurate colours and highest degree of control can be achieved by using 3F RAW (3FR), Hasselblad's raw file format, in Hasselblad's workflow software, FlexColor. The file format also includes lossless image compression, saving 33% of storage space. In tethered operation tools such as live video and overlay masking bring increased productivity to advanced set composition. The newest FlexColor version allows the photographer to manipulate color temperature and compare image details across multiple images for precise image selection. Alternatively the 3FR files can be converted directly into Adobe's raw image format DNG (Digital NeGative), which can be opened directly in Adobe PhotoShop CS2.

information from dcviews.com

Military camera - Canon OD F-1 Camera

Official model name: Canon ODF-1, officially launched in January, 1978. It has never been sold outside the main land of Japan. Total quantity produced was 2002 units. This is a limited edition  based on a revised Canon F-1body configuration. Most external parts are finished in olive drab (OD) military color. It was sold specifically in mainland Japan only. The set included a wide strap and soft case also finished in olive drab. This setup is the most complete seen so far from any sales. It looks so beautiful... Hey, this is tempting enough, I have the urge inside to ask - how much would this photo camera cost ?

Technical Specification

FORMAT: 24 x 36 mm; DIMENSIONS:
146.7 x 99.5 x 49.5 mm
WEIGHT: weighing 845 g (Body only)
LOADING: Multi-slot spool, emulsion-in winding
LENS MOUNT, COUPLING: CANON breech-lock bayonet, FD coupling
PENTAPRISM: Interchangeable prism SLR
MAG.: 0.77x w/50mm lens  

VIEWFINDER INFORMATION: Meter Needle, Following Needle, Battery Check Mark and Shutter Speeds
FIELD OF VIEW: Vertically 97%; Horizontally 97%
RANGE-FINDING AIDS: Split-image/Microprism (E) Screen standard, plus 8 other user-interchangeable screens.
SHUTTER: Mechanical, dual roller focal plane
CURTAIN: Metal blades
SHUTTER SPEEDS: B 1 2 4 8 15 30 60 125 250 500 1000 2000
BATTERY: H-D Mercury cell, 1.35V S
SELF TIMER: Mechanical, 10 sec.
SYNC: X, FP
FILM TRANSPORT: Stroke: 139°, Standoff: 30°, Short-stroke winding OK, Power winder F, Motor Drive MA, and Motor Drive Unit usable
FRAME COUNTER: Additive
MULTI-EXPOSURE: Yes, via Rewind button
REWIND: Manual crank rewind after pushing automatic resetting rewind button.
EXPOSURE MODES & METERING: TTL, CdS, center area (12%) maximum aperture match needle metering. Metering angle: 18% w/50mm lens. Range: EV 2.5 to 18 (1/4 sec., f/1.2 to l/2000, f/11) with f/1.2 lens at ISO 100.
FILM SPEED RANGE ISO (ASA): 25 to 3,200 in 1/3 stop intervals
BATTERY CHECKER: ASA100;1/2000 needle indicator
MISC. SPECS.: The OD finish is the same quality as the black finish of the normal Production unit of the F-1.

information taken from mir.com.my

Paul Smith introduces the limited edition Fisheye camera

Paul Smith collaborated with Lomography cameras to make this special item, which has amazing fish-eye barrel distortion.Paul Smith's limited edition Fisheye photo camera is a show stealer, but for all its good looks are worth, it is also pretty difficult to use. Included is a bulb setting for long exposures and a switch for multiple exposures on the same frame.You also have the ability to use hotshoe flash or the built in flash. It adopts the old school way of capturing images with a 180-degree wide-angle lens onto 35mm film. Everything is going to appear rather round. If you want to see what you are capturing before you shoot, just use the fisheye feature. This is a pretty neat option. The looks are definitely for those who love style. Check out the Paul Smith stripes and designer cover lens. The price is a little steep at $150, but by now we know that all pretty things come with a large price tag.
Unfortunately, the Fisheye photo camera doesn't include a matching designer case. That shouldn't stop you from buying the photo camera and feeling like you are looking at the world through the eyes of a fish.




















information from luxurylaunches.com