Photography 24x7 's Blog,

Sony NEX-3 / NEX-5 Review is up

noreply@blogger.com (MMS) — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 08:18:00 +0000

Just visited the dpreview and found full review of these two compacts, you can visit the following link to read full review http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/SonyNex5Nex3/

I read some parts of review and found that its fairly good camera with excellent image quality. Hand grip of NEX-5 is fine. supplied 18-55 OS lens is quite sharp and if stopped down to 5.6 to 8 performs wonderfully. 16mm.2.8 is sharp in center and if stopped down is excellent at corners too. Flash is external and pocketable can be used anytime at accessory socket. Screen is flipout and tiltable.

NEX-5 and NEX-3 are exactly same in all respects but movie mode and body construction.

NEX-5 gets a slightly smaller magnesium alloy body, an infrared remote receiver and 1080i AVCHD movie recording, but in every other respect they're the same.

For Sample Galleries : click here

Sony NEX 5 /NEX 3 Mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras

noreply@blogger.com (MMS) — Fri, 14 May 2010 13:53:00 +0000

Sony has announced their version of Compact Digital SLR, specifications are amazing.
HD video is also looking too good. Whats different from Panasonic GF1 of Olympus Pen is that Sony has larger Image Sensor that the 4/3.

So hopefully this Model of Sony will be a game changer? never know ;-) but we photographers are getting more and more luring options.

New α digital cameras with DSLR picture quality and responsive shooting
World’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens digital camera (NEX-5)
14.2 effective megapixels Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor
1080i HD movie recording (NEX-5) with stereo sound, fast and silent autofocus
Intuitive new interface with Help Guide and Shooting Tips
E-mount lens system compatible with α DSLR lenses (with optional Mount Adaptor)
Sweep Panorama with 3D capability

NEX-5 features a tough yet light-weight magnesium body, making it the world’s smallest and lightest interchangeable lens digital camera.

At the heart of both cameras is a newly-developed Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor with a resolution of 14.2 effective megapixels.

Also released E 16mm F/2.8 ‘pancake’ lens (SEL16F28)

Both cameras can also capture fast-moving action with a high-speed burst of full-resolution images at up to

7fps (AF/AE fixed from first frame).

Visit DPReview for sample HD Movie and still images here

(Image Courtesy Sony)

Panasonic Lumix G 20mm F1.7 ASPH Specifications & Samples

noreply@blogger.com (MMS) — Wed, 12 May 2010 07:29:00 +0000

Panasonic Lumix G 20mm F1.7 ASPH Features & Specifications

Panasonic unveiled a new pancake interchangeable lens called the LUMIX G 20mm / F1.7 ASPH. (35mm camera equivalent: 40mm) as a new member of the LUMIX G Micro System. The new LUMIX G 20mm / F1.7 ASPH. Features a dramatic compactness and light weight despite its F1.7 brightness allowing a beautiful soft focus for photos to be even more impressive.

Comprising of seven lenses in 5 groups, the new lens system uses two aspherical lenses most effectively to minimize both distortion and chromatic aberrations, achieving super high resolution corner to corner. The versatile 20mm of focal distance (Equivalent to 40mm on a 35mm film camera) is suitable for wide variety of occasions from daily snapshots including sceneries like sunsets and dimly lit indoor shots to the deliberately creative shots taking advantage of its beautiful soft focus. When mounted on the LUMIX G Micro System Cameras, the LUMIX G 20mm / F1.7 ASPH. allows use of the advanced contrast AF system, which includes a Face Recognition function, for more convenient, more enjoyable shooting.

Seven blades give the aperture a rounded shape that produces an attractively smooth effect in out-of-focus areas when shooting at larger aperture settings. The new LUMIX G 20mm / F1.7 ASPH. lens also features a highly reliable metal mount, and uses multi-coated lens elements that minimize ghosts and flare to further enhance its optical performance.

Specifications

- LUMIX G 20mm / F1.7 ASPH. (35mm camera equivalent: 40mm)
- Lens Construction 7 elements in 5 groups (2 Aspherical lenses)
- Mount Micro Four Thirds mount
- Aperture F1.7
- Minimum Aperture F16
- Closest Focusing Distance 0.2m / 0.66ft

- Optical Image Stabilizer No
- Focal Length f=20mm (35mm camera equivalent 40mm)
- Aperture Type 7 diaphragm blades / Circular aperture diaphragm
- Maximum magnification Approx. 0.13x / 0.25x (35mm camera equivalent)
- Diagonal Angle of View 57°
- Filter Size φ46mm / 1.81 in
- Max. Diameter φ63mm / 2.48 in
- Overall Length Approx. 25.5mm / 1.00 in (from the tip of the lens to the base side of the lens mount)
- Weight Approx. 100g / 3.53oz
- Standard Accessories Lens Cap, Lens Rear Cap, Lens Storage Bag

Panasonic Lumix G 20mm F1.7 ASPH Sample Photos

- Panasonic Lumix G 20mm F1.7 ASPH Sample Photos with Panasonic GF1 @ Dpreview
- Panasonic Lumix G 20mm F1.7 ASPH Sample Photos @ Photozone.de
- Panasonic Lumix G 20mm F1.7 ASPH Sample Photos with Olympus E-P1 @ Dpreview
- Panasonic Lumix G 20mm F1.7 ASPH Sample Photos with Panasonic GF1 @ Craigmod
- Panasonic Lumix G 20mm F1.7 ASPH Sample Photos @ Flickr.com
- Panasonic Lumix G 20mm F1.7 ASPH Sample Photos @ Lensbuyersguide.com

- Panasonic Lumix G 20mm F1.7 ASPH Sample Photos @ Amazon.com

What is a Fast Lens or Fast Glass?

noreply@blogger.com (MMS) — Wed, 12 May 2010 07:13:00 +0000

Difference between a regular zoom lens and a fast zoom lens.

Nikon AFS 16-35mm f/4 G ED VR Lens Video Review

noreply@blogger.com (MMS) — Mon, 10 May 2010 08:00:00 +0000

Courtesy: Simplyelectronics.net

Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (MMS) — Wed, 05 May 2010 13:54:00 +0000

Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Reviews

Please buy it here to support this site : Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

This is amazing little champ, you will see it in every pro/enthusiast bag. Fantastic sharpness and DOF and a low light performer. And pricing cool ;-) just check out reviews if you dont believe.

Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Kenrockwell reviews the Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF and writes;

“AF is very fast on every camera. One full turn of the AF screw focuses the lens from infinity to 6 feet (1.8m)… If you need super sharpness and a fast aperture than choose this over a zoom at the same price.”

Rating: N/A

Photozone reviews the Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF and writes;

” At wide-open aperture it is a little soft at the image borders and the contrast level is a little on the low side. However, at medium aperture settings the resolution figures are exceptionally high and surely a benchmark to beat. Distortions are negligible and vignetting is very well controlled. The build quality of the lens is very decent and the AF performance leaves nothing to be desired.”

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Mike reviews the Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF and writes;

“Despite its shortcomings wide open, the 50mm f/1.4D is still a very versatile lens. It provides photographers the privilege of having decent shutter speeds in low light at a very practical focal length which is neither too short nor too long. “

Rating: N/A

Joe Masucci reviews the Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF and writes;

“If you are considering getting into digital SLR photography then buy a Nikon D80 and this lens! The f/1.8 aperture allows for some low light shooting and the bokeh is great. I don’t own this lens, but, I have borrowed it to take some shots [ with my D300] and it is excellent. A great lens to learn dSLR photography.”

Rating: N/A

Momentcorp reviews the Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF and writes;

“One of the “cheap” Nikkor’s you`d want to own. It might be cheap, but the performance of it, is far from cheap. Sharp and crisp, would describe the lens better. Overall the performance of this lens says buy one, you won`t be disappointed.”

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Nikondslrs reviews the Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF and writes;

“Putting the sharpness quality into the equation, this is one of the best lenses at this price point. The build quality is also decent and any travel photographer should have fun using the lens without being bogged down with quality issues.”

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Canon PowerShot SX210 IS is Fantastic

noreply@blogger.com (MMS) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 08:41:00 +0000

The Canon PowerShot SX210 IS ($349) is a compact camera with some brilliant features :

· 14X optical zoom lens,

· Optical image stabilization,

· A widescreen LCD display,

· Manual controls, and

· HD movie recording.

· Resolution 14.1 Megapixel

· Focal range 28 - 392 mm

· Max. aperture F3.1 - F5.9

· LCD aspect ratio 16:9

· Continuous shooting rate 0.7 fps

· Memory cards supported SD/SDHC/SDXC

· Dimensions (W x H x D) 4.2 x 2.3 x 1.3 in.

· Weight (empty) 188 g

· Available colors Black, purple, gold

· Use of stereo sound recording, Yes

· Use of the optical zoom during Movie recording Yes

All these features are excellent and makes it an all-round camera

A few concerns though:

· A plastic tripod mount

· Battery life only 260 shots as per CIPA standards

· Slow max Aperture

Leica M9 - Pictures do speak

noreply@blogger.com (MMS) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 13:33:00 +0000

Like the title says, Lieca M9 images do speak, I promise that I saw them speak ;-)

In my photographic experience I researched a lot for many cameras in last 4-5 years. I saw image output of many SLR or digicams, compared their features, specifications, body design, looks,price and lots more.

Many people say that "Ease of Use" is most important thing, lots say handling should be great, some say it should be heavy and some like light weight. People complain about Noise in images. People complain about low battery life etc etc.

All these people are right in saying so as they might not seen the Leica output. Leica is very awkward for general people who are used to SLR or other EVF, zoom cams.

Its different.
Its slow.
Manual Focus.
And major draw back to me is its price; lol.

But I lust for M9 ;-) and one day will get it for sure. Why?

Bcos, you know Photography is to present your creativity, your feelings and what you want the world to see through your eyes. Image quality matters most as per my opinion whatever pain you took to get any image, that hardship disappear as soon as you see the final output.

Same feeling I got from Sony R1 a great camera, which I could not get.

If your images do speak and create a sense of attachment then you are special photographer whatever camera gear you use. My images don't btw.

I found these links to be useful to explain a bit what I mean.
Enjoy

http://www.nikonweb.com/m9/
http://dfarkas.blogspot.com/2009/09/leica-m9-review-shooting-in-wetzlar.html
http://www.kenrockwell.com/leica/m9/examples.htm

Canon PowerShot S90 Review

noreply@blogger.com (MMS) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 13:49:00 +0000

Canon S90 Features we liked

* Its sensor is big 1/1.7" Type CCD
* 10 million pixels sensor
* RAW shooting (wow !!! cool)
* ISO 80-3200 (for low light performance)
* Fast f/2.0-4.9 maximum aperture range
* Lens amazing 28-105mm range
* Shutter speed 15-1/1600 sec
* Dual Anti-Noise System (high sensitivity sensor and Digic 4 noise reduction)
* It has Lens Control Ring
* 3.0 inch PureColor II LCD
* Optical Image Stabilization
* Smarter Scene Detection
* Low Light mode
* DIGIC 4 image processor
* HD output

The new feature of Control Ring is highly customizable, and in addition to the default (which varies by mode; in Av mode, for example, it controls aperture) it can be set to control the Zoom (a 'step zoom' function), White Balance Adjust, manual Focus, AE compensation and ISO. If you do choose to override the default option then the S90 will pass control of that function over to the rear control dial.

Nice points :
* Excellent image quality, particularly at lower ISO settings
* Extensive photographic feature set
* New Function Ring transforms use of manual controls on a small camera
* Usable, fast raw mode with excellent DPP software supplied
* Highly customizable
* Fast, sharp zoom with useful 28-105mm range and F2.0 aperture (only at the wide end)
* Reliable metering, focus and white balance
* Very compact, well built
* Decent battery life
* Usable results up to ISO 800 (though shooting raw is advised at higher settings)

Few reservations:
* Highlight clipping and channel clipping in bright, contrasty conditions
* Video limited to VGA resolution
* Lack of grip and smooth, featureless body don't help handling one bit
* Flash underpowered, flash performance overall not that impressive
* Relatively small maximum aperture at long end of zoom

Overall its good competitor and will gain a nice market share.

PANASONIC INTRODUCES AG-AF100, 4/3” PROFESSIONAL HIGH-DEFINITION CAMCORDER

noreply@blogger.com (MMS) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 08:26:00 +0000

Panasonic today announced a beautiful gift to movie making enthusiast its a game-changing AVCCAM HD camcorder, the AG-AF100 is the first professional micro 4/3-inch video camcorder which can take different lens and optimized for high-definition video recording.
Scheduled to ship by the end of 2010.

The camera on the picture has the Panasonic 14-140mm Lens

Camera is targeted at the video and film production communities, the AF100 delivers the shallow depth of field and wider field of view of a large imager, with the flexibility and cost advantages of use with a growing line of professional quality, industry standard micro 4/3-inch lenses, filters, and adapters. The full 1080 and 720 production camera offers superior video handling, native 1080/24p recording, variable frame rates(60i to 24i), professional audio capabilities, and compatibility with SDHC and SDXC media(upto 2TB).

Equipped with an interchangeable lens mount, the AF100 can utilize an array of low-cost, widely-available still camera lenses as well as film-style lenses with fixed focal lengths and primes.
The AF100 incorporates a 4/3-inch, 16:9 MOS imager. The camcorder records 1080/60i, 50i, 30p, 25p and 24p (native) and 720/60p, 50p, 30p, 25p and 24p (native) in AVCHD’s highest-quality PH mode (maximum 24Mbps). Ready for global production standards, the camcorder is 60Hz and 50Hz switchable.

Vaishno Devi Yatra 1

noreply@blogger.com (MMS) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 17:25:00 +0000

Street photography at Uttar Pradesh (UP), India (Set 1)

noreply@blogger.com (MMS) — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 08:35:00 +0000

As I visited Haridwar, On my way back home I took some street shots. Hope you like them. Mostly are from Saharanpur and around, here I go:

2 Sisters

Auto man looking back

Train Tracks

Staring

Tractor

Riot control vehicle

A Truck

White caps

In a bit Hurry

Shaving the customer

Few more images in next set, your comments will be highly appreciated.

Maha Kumbh 2010, Haridwar, India

noreply@blogger.com (MMS) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 12:06:00 +0000

Kumbha (Kumbha means pot) Mela (means fair) is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage that takes place at the following four locations of India at every 12 years:

Prayag, Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh) at the confluence of three holy rivers - Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati

Haridwar (Uttarakhand) where the river Ganga enters the plains from Himalayas

Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh), on the banks of shipra river, and

Nasik (Maharashtra) on the banks of Godavari river.

The pilgrimage occurs four times every twelve years, once at each of the four locations. Each twelve-year cycle includes the Maha (great) Kumbha Mela at Prayag, attended by millions of people, making it the largest pilgrimage gathering around the world.
I just returned from Haridwar Maha Kumbh. Nice amazing experience to see lots of Sadhus at one place. Various Akharas have setup their Ashrams at Haridwar Mela site. It looks like a whole new city where you will see only sadhus everywhere.

One Akhara in itself is a small city there comprising lots and lots of Ashramas under one Akhara. It is spread in many kilometers here at Haridwar across Ganga.

All Ashramas are well decorated, each Ashram is having some kind of religious function organised and have arranged "Langar" (Lunch) for sadhus or daily basis. We hear different sounds of religious chanting coming from each Ashram.

Akhara (also akhada, literally "wrestling arena" is amorganization of the different sects of Sadhus or Hindu ascetics, history dates back to the 8th century AD when Adi Shankaracharya established seven Akharas, Mahanirvani, Niranjani, Juna, Atal, Avahan, Agni and Anand Akhara.
Kumbh Mela is the largest gathering of gurus, sadhus and holy men. They come from their ashrams, monasteries, caves and veritable palaces of marble, gold and glass. They come from India’s vast rural backyard, cities, clearings in dense forests and remote ice- bound heights of the Himalayas.
Some come humbly with the meagre belongings of a holy man - the water pot, the fire tongs, a shoulder bag and a blanket. Some come with their retinue of disciples following the guru like a medieval army, armed with tridents, chains, spears and muskets.

Then, there are the heads of large monastic orders that arrive to the fanfare of brass bands, and some, well-heeled international gurus come in limousines.

There are hundreds of sects and sub sects of Sadhus in the Hindu world. They can broadly be divided in two groups, the Vaishnavas, who are followers of Vishnu and the Shaiva, who are followers of Shiva.

The most ferocious and exotic of the sadhus who come to the Mahakumbh Mela are the Nagas (the Naked Ones), the militant wing of the sect, the defenders of the faith. Seated by their ritual fires, covered in ash, matted hair flowing to the ground they accept obeisance and charity of the millions of pilgrims that flock to the festival.

We took holy dip at "Har ki Podi" in early morning and straight away went to Kumbh Mela sites just a few km from "Har ki Podi". It was a wonderful experience, and recommend everyone who can visit there to try and make it for even one day.
But one day is too short to explore whole Mela. :-) (will try to re-visit shortly)

A morning walk in the Village of Punjab, India

noreply@blogger.com (MMS) — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 10:34:00 +0000

I visited my friends house at Patiala, on 28th feb/1st March. His home is located in beautiful green surrounding areas of rural Punjab. I asked him for a morning walk with our cameras. As I know there's a lot of beauty hidden there in nearby areas.
We started around 7am; Sun was out.We crossed the campus to reach nearby Pears garden. My friend informed me that we will see beautiful flowers on Pears trees. And I was amazed when we reached there after 10 min walk.I said Wow!!! So beautiful blossoms. I took along my Samsung point and shoot camera and kept my SLR at home; due to two reasons, one is obvious its weight as I was lazy in the morning and second, I know the Macro capabilities of Digicam. Its 10 MP camera with excellent image quality and Macros are stunning too.

Hope you agree.
Here it is fertile soil of Punjab.

Punjab has the lowest level of hunger in India and Poverty rate is also lowest around 6%. Punjab (the five rivers region) is one of the most fertile regions on earth. The region is ideal for wheat-growing. Rice, sugar cane, fruits and vegetables are also grown. It produces 60% of India's wheat, and 40% of India's rice. Some data from wikipedia

In the above shot the soil is being irrigated and vegetables are sowed in.

I kept on taking shots of nice pears blossoms.

Then I noticed some dead trees.

I inquired and got to know that these are replanted here from somewhere else(Migrated) :(

Then we moved on and saw this beautiful textures under my feet. Straight down. This is cracked soil as may be watered few days back.

There were so tiny buds at ground, I bent on knees to take following shot.

I was amazed at depth of filed of these macro shots, looked stunning to me.
And notice the DOF on following shots ;-)
I can see a bit dew on these little flowersActual distance from lens may be around 1 or 2 cm.
following was so soft I afraid to touch as it may damage its fur

And here comes classic Scare Crow, converted to black and white.
And there the real thing the identity on Punjab the "Wheat" plants
Wow!!! what a depth of field I got from this little cam. Bravo to Samsung. It was shot with Macro focus in Auto mode as in Program mode it was taking a bit long to focus.

And following are also stunning macros Imho.

These little flowers are of the size of my thumb

I was moving back from another route and here are two villagers in their happy mood
Sky was great at that day. (I underexposed it a bit in PP)

And finally I reached back at my destination and it is tube-well house, located nearby my friends home, used for irrigation to fields.It was one of greatest walk I ever had and will remember lifelong. I hope you enjoyed the morning walk with me. Thanks for accompanying. See you.

Canon 5D Mark II becomes cinematic with 24fps Movie recording from latest Firmware v2.0.4

noreply@blogger.com (MMS) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:35:00 +0000

Canon has issued a new Firmware v2.0.3(updated with v2.0.4 on 19th March) for its popular EOS Canon 5D mark II camera which adds more video options to make it at par with Canon EOS 7D in Movie options.

Now 24fps frame rate at HD movie recording will be available just like 7D, or Nikon's all new Movie SLRs.

This is a special feature which creates smooth flow of frames and gives a Cinematic feeling just like Hollywood movies.
This 24 fps feature is available in many high end Video cameras but when this 24 fps combines with an DSLR, it becomes a super combination. Because DSLRs can create amazing effects like great "Depth of Field" "Change in Focus" etc. So it is a welcome feature for 5D II users.

Download it from Canon link below.

Firmware changes

Adds or changes the following movie frame rates.
NTSC:
1920×1080 : 30 fps (changed - actual 29.97 fps)
1920×1080 : 24 fps (added - actual 23.976 fps)
640×480 : 30 fps (changed - actual 29.97 fps)
PAL:
1920×1080 : 25 fps (added - actual 25.0 fps)
1920×1080 : 24 fps (added - actual 23.976 fps)
640×480 : 25 fps (added - actual 25.0 fps)

Other updations

Adds a function for manually adjusting the sound recording level (64 levels).
Adds a histogram display (brightness or RGB) for shooting movies in manual exposure.
Adds shutter-priority AE mode (Tv) and aperture-priority AE (Av) mode to the exposure modes for shooting movies.
Changes the audio sampling frequency from 44.1 KHz to 48 KHz.
Fixes a phenomenon where communication between the camera and the attached lens is sometimes interrupted after manual sensor cleaning. (This phenomenon only affects units with Firmware Version 1.2.4.)

Update on 19th March:
Canon has released firmware v2.0.4 for its 5D Mark II DSLR that corrects the bug found in the previous version. With v2.0.3, sound recording would not work if a manual record volume was used in the C1/C2/C3 custom settings modes. The revised firmware update addresses the issue and is now available for download from Canon's website

Download the updated Firmware 2.0.4 with complete guidance to install

Whats different in Panasonic G2

noreply@blogger.com (MMS) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:49:00 +0000

Panasonic has introduced two models to take up where the G1 left off - the simplified G10 and the upgraded G2. Both are having a new simplified 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 kit lens with image stabilization, equipped with 720p HD video

The G2 is the high-end model, and it has some special features

AVCHD-Lite video recording (1080p)
Flip-out 3-inch touch-screen
LCD display with 460,000 pixels
The touch and flip functions
Higher Resolution Viewfinder
Touchscreen features include

o customizable on-screen menus,
o touch focus
o shutter release
o iPhone-style image playback

Electronic viewfinder has 1.44 million pixels and magnification of 1.4X (same as on the original G1)

Eye sensor detects when EVF is in use
Records movies at 1280 x 720 (files play at 60 fps, sensor outputs 30 fps) using AVCHD Lite codec
Unlimited recording time when using AVCHD Lite, except in Europe
Dedicated movie recording button
Records monaural sound, though an optional stereo mic is available
Dust Reduction System
360 shots per charge

* Available in black, blue, and red
* Ship date, price To be announced

Jallian Wala Bagh, Amritsar, India

noreply@blogger.com (MMS) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 13:17:00 +0000

The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre (Hindi: जलियांवाला बाग़ हत्याकांड جلیانوالہ باغ Jallianwala Bāġa Hatyākāṇḍ), alternatively known as the Amritsar Massacre, was named after the Jallianwala Bagh (Garden) in the northern Indian city of Amritsar where, on April 13, 1919, 90 British Indian Army soldiers under the command of Brigadier-General Reginald Dyer opened fire on an unarmed gathering of men, women and children. The firing lasted for 10 to 15 minutes, until the soldiers ran out of ammunition

Know more about it en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jallianwala_Bagh_Massacre

36 Bullet Marks, Jallian Wala Bagh

Bullet Marks

Remembrance @ Jallian Wala Bagh, Amritsar India

Shaheedi Kuaan, Where lots of people jumped to save themselves from bullets, Jallian Wala Bagh, Amritsar India

Bullet Marks

Golden Temple, Amritsar, India

noreply@blogger.com (MMS) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:53:00 +0000

Golden Temple, Amritsar, India, originally uploaded by Photography24x7.

Just wanted to inform my friends here that I just visitedAmritsar-ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਸਰ in this February.
Amritsar is 32 kilometres east of Lahore, Pakistan and therefore, very close to India's western border with Pakistan

You all must be knowing that Golden Temple: ਹਰਿਮੰਦਰ ਸਾਹਿਬ or Harmandir Sahib is located there and its culturally the most significant place of worship of the Sikhs and one of the oldest Sikh gurdwaras. This temple was established by Guru Ram Das Ji, the fourth guru of the Sikhs, and is, also due to the shrine, known as Guru Di Nagri meaning city of the Guru.
Harmandir Sahib was built with four doors to show that every religion or faith is allowed to go in to meditate or just listen to the prayers for peace. It was originally built during AD 1574, the site of the temple was surrounded by a small lake. and due to this lake the city name is called Amritsar meaning "pool of the Nectar of Immortality".

This important Sikh shrine attracts more visitors than the Taj Mahal in Agra and is the number one destination for non-resident-Indians (NRI) in the whole of India.

Source : en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amritsar

Canon EOS 550D (Rebel T2i / Kiss X4 Digital) Improvements

noreply@blogger.com (MMS) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 16:52:00 +0000

Canon EOS 550D vs EOS 500D Key differences

Higher resolution 18MP CMOS with gapless micro lenses
ISO 6400 no longer in 'expanded' range (12,800 max remains the same)
Redesigned buttons and new movie/live view button
Customizable auto ISO ranges
Improved 63 zone metering (iFCL)
3:2 format screen with more pixels
Improved movie functionality
Slightly higher burst shooting rate (though buffer holds fewer shots)
HDMI control (CEC)
SDXC compatible

This New camera is 18 mega pixels; equivalent to EOS 7D, which is good. LCD screen is now more wider 3:2 aspect ratio at 3" with improved resolution.

EOS 550D gets a full HD movie mode

1920 x 1080 at up to 30 fps, 720P at 60/50 fps,
You also get full creative control (over apertures and shutter speeds, just like EOS 7D)
External mic socket

63-point iFCL metering

With this camera range we get metering boost with a new 63-zone dual layer iFCL metering sensor (first seen on the EOS 7D). The iFCL system uses focus, color and luminance information to determine consistently exposed shots. All focus points provide distance information to the metering system to determine proximity to the subject and allow the algorithm to weight the exposure accordingly.

Custom Auto ISO

You can now select the maximum setting for Auto ISO (from 400 to 6400). Canon is obviously confident its new sensor and noise reduction have improved; ISO 6400 is no longer an 'expanded' setting (which is now reserved for ISO 12,800 only).

Remote

Alongside the EOS 550D Canon launched a new slimline remote control, the RC-6, which can fire the shutter from up to five meters away (and allows you to choose immediate release or a 2 second delay, unlike the RC-5). The RC-6 is also compatible with the EOS 450D, 500D, 7D and 5D Mark II.

As per my understanding there are lot of improvements, but according to Pros usability these are very less usable. But its welcome move to everybody.

Canon EOS 550D (Rebel T2i / Kiss X4 Digital)

noreply@blogger.com (MMS) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 11:40:00 +0000

Canon has announced its new Digital Avtar EOS 550D. It has lot of goodies to attract amateur market. We can say its a sibling of EOS 7D, which is a good news as its available at just 700$ (body only), with almost same features and image quality.

Main features

18 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
DIGIC 4 processor with ISO 100-6400 (Expansion to 12800)
Continuous shooting at 3.7fps
Full HD movie recording with manual control and selectable frame rates
7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Clear View LCD with 1,040k dots
iFCL metering System with 63-zone Dual-layer Metering Sensor
Quick Control screen to change shooting settings
Exposure compensation +/-5 stops (although viewfinder scale is still +/-2 stops)
Select maximum value for Auto ISO
External Microphone socket
Movie crop function
Eye-Fi connected functions compatibility

Sporting an 18-megapixel sensor similar to the 7D, the Canon Rebel T2i doesn't shoot quite as fast as its big brother, but its frame rate is slightly increased over the T1i, from 3.4 to 3.7 frames per second despite the resolution increase. A new 3:2 ratio LCD also changes the dimensions of the new camera, which now has 1.04 million dots of resolution.

It sports a significantly upgraded movie mode (which now offers full HD capture at up to 30 fps, has full manual control and the option to use an external stereo microphone), the EOS 550D gets the 7D's sophisticated new metering system (bringing it a lot closer to similarly positioned Nikon SLRs)

Will analyze its features what are good or lacking points here all in it in my next post.

16-35MM F/4G ED VR AF-S NIKKOR for FX format

noreply@blogger.com (MMS) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 09:48:00 +0000

February 9, 2010: Nikon today announces the AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR, the world’s first ultra-wide angle zoom lens with VR for FX-format cameras.

The AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR covers all bases for wide angle shooting and addresses market feedback for a more affordable alternative to the professional AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED or more recent AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED ultra-wide-angle lens

Price US: $1260
Available from late February

Just to note that constant aperture lenses are always sharper than variable aperture, so we can hope it will keep the trend in quality standards, set by 14-24 and 24-70 2.8 lenses.
Its is Nikon’s first ultrawide-to-wide zoom lens featuring Vibration Reduction (VR), and generally, the world’s first full-frame ultrawide lens with any form of in-lens stabilisation.

Inclusion of VR is a bit odd as at16mm( ultra wide angle) shutter speed requirements are low and people can easily get speed above 1/16that to get sharp image Without VR they could have easily dropped the price which is affordable to general masses.

On FX and film bodies, the AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR has an angle-of-view range of 107°-63°, whilst on a DX format DSLR camera, its angle of view is 83°-44°. Featuring a filter thread size of 77mm, the AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR ships with a soft pouch and an HB-23 lens hood.

Sharper handheld images at slow shutter speeds
The AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR is the world’s first ultra-wide angle zoom lens to feature Vibration Reduction technology, providing the ability to shoot at shutter speeds up to four stops slower. The application of VR complements the f/4 maximum aperture when shooting in low light.

Class leading image quality
The new lens’ complex optical design features Nikon’s exclusive anti-reflection Nano Crystal coat, two ED glass elements and no less than three aspherical glass elements to minimize distortion and aberration, even at maximum aperture. The VR II system and Silent Wave Motor deliver extremely quiet, discrete operation and the nine bladed rounded diaphragm renders delightful bokeh.

Built for everyday use
The AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR balances well with more compact FX format cameras such as the D700 and is consequently built to withstand the demands of everyday shooting. The robust magnesium construction and weather sealing will make it an ideal choice for the adventurous enthusiast and professional photographer. It comes complete with durable hood HB-23, and soft pouch.

Specifications
- Focal length: 16-35mm
- Max aperture: Fixed f/4 aperture
- Min aperture: f/22
- Lens construction: 17 elements in 12 groups (with two ED glass and three aspherical lens elements, and Nano Crystal Coat)
- Picture angle: 107° - 60° (83° - 44° for Nikon DX format)
- No. diaphragm blades: 9 pcs. (rounded)
- Closest focusing distance: 0.29m at a focal length of 16mm or 35mm, 0.28m at a focal length between 20mm and 28mm
- Filter/attachment size: 77mm
- Diameter x length: Approximately 82.5 x 125 mm
- Weight: Approximately 680 g/24.0 oz

Nikon Europe Press Release

Konark Temple, Orissa India

noreply@blogger.com (MMS) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:32:00 +0000

Konark Temple, Orissa India, originally uploaded by Photography24x7.

Cactus-Wings

noreply@blogger.com (MMS) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:32:00 +0000

Cactus-Wings, originally uploaded by Photography24x7.

Cactus-Garden-Panchkula

noreply@blogger.com (MMS) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:32:00 +0000

Cactus-Garden-Panchkula, originally uploaded by Photography24x7.

Barsana, Mathura, India

noreply@blogger.com (MMS) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 07:54:00 +0000

Barsana, Mathura, India, originally uploaded by Photography24x7.

This is the Barsana Village, the Birth place of Goddess "Radha"
Shot taken from inside vehicle.