Nikon D3s	Nikon D4
Sensor	12.1 Megapixels	16.2 Megapixels
Buffer Capacity	Up to 43 12-bit RAW Up to 36 14-bit uncompressed RAW Up to 78 JPEG Large	Up to 100 12-bit RAW Up to 70 14-bit uncompressed RAW Up to 200 JPEG Large
Shutter Durability	300,000 cycles	400,000 cycles
ISO Sensitivity	ISO 100-12,800 (102,400 expanded) Base ISO 200	ISO 100-12,800 (204,800 expanded) Base ISO 100
Focus Modes	AF-S AF-C M	AF-A AF-S AF-C Face-Priority AF M Normal Area Wide Area
Flash Compensation	No	Yes, -3 to +1 EV
Flash-ready Indicator	No	Yes
Frames per second	9 FPS	10 FPS, 11 FPS with AE/AF Locked
Video Output	AVI, Compressed	MOV, Compressed and Uncompressed
Video Max Resolution	1280×720 (720p)	1920×1080 (1080p)
Video Maximum Record Time	5 min	20 min in 24p, 30 min in 30p
Audio Recording	Built-in microphone	Built-in microphone External stereo microphone (optional)
LCD Screen	3.0″ diagonal TFT-LCD	3.2″ diagonal TFT-LCD
EXIF Version	2.21	2.3
Metering	1,005-pixel RGB sensor	91,000-pixel RGB sensor
Memory Slots	2x Compact Flash1	x Compact Flash 1x XQD
Battery Life	4,200 shots (CIPA)	2,600 shots (CIPA)
Weight	43.7 oz. (1,240g)	41.6 oz. (1,180g)

If you are wondering why the battery life of the Nikon D4 is shorter than the D3s, it boggles me as well but an engineer from Nikon highlighted why this is so. Retailing at US$5,999 and set to be on the shelves by Feb 2012, we should be able to find them in Singapore perhaps in March or April? Below is an amazing video produced exclusively by Corey Rich using the Nikon D4, however it is questionable whether the entire video was shot using just the Nikon D4. Watch it with a pinch of salt, it is after all Nikon’s attempt to capture enthusiasts’ attention.

Polaroids have always come across as a fun photography activity, usually more of a snapshot genre and you can always find someone carrying one around in big birthday parties. I’m never quite a fan of polaroid cameras, partly the hassle to give the prints away when everyone notice you carrying one. A polaroid ZINK 3″ x 4″ paper costs around $1 a piece and it’s gonna cost a bit if I’m being nice and handing them away for free (sorry for being such a cheapass!).

In any case, here comes the brand spanking new hi-tech replacement camera dubbed as the Z340 by Polaroid Corporation. So what can it do?:

• Full color images in under a minute.
• Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery prints up to 25 photos.
• 14.0 megapixel digital camera.
• 2.7” bright color LCD for viewing images.
• SD compatible for expanded memory.

It seems to me Polaroid has finally decided to catch up with technology, by blending the new (digital) with the old (shake it like a polaroid). The reviews I have seen so far have the consensus of the Polaroid Z340 a well thought out polished replacement but went a bit too far with the digital features, taking the fun out of Polaroids. With the Z340 priced at US$299.99, would you consider replacing your current Polaroid camera?

Like you, we too have been waiting for Nikon to release their latest update to the full frame bodies, particularly the replacement for D700. A lot of rumors have been speculating the D800 having a 36 megapixel sensor, full 1080p HD video support, USB 3.0, larger LCD and costing around ¥300k. These rumors are not confirmed specs unfortunately, even the dates for the release which was expected to be around late Oct/Nov have since passed.

Things are looking grim for the D800 to debut this year but this side-view photo of the D800 sent in anonymously to Nikon Rumors seems to have spark a new wave of interest. Whether it is cleverly photoshopped in any way or if it indeed the real thing, there’s no clear answer. What we do know, from experience, is when these rumors are becoming rampant it could only mean one thing: the D800 is ready for announcement. Bold statement perhaps but let’s face it, we simply want it now.

The Lytro camera comprises of common elements you will find on a conventional camera, a f/2 aperture lens at 8x optical zoom, flash drive of either 8GB or 16GB to store photos. The secret behind this innovative camera is the light field sensor and processor, which is able to capture more data than conventional camera sensors, thereby allowing it to display different depth of fields(DOF) once it is processed through their software. An example of how the photo will turn up is shown below. Simply click on different parts of the photo to adjust the focus point.

This brings us to the ultimate question: Will all future cameras carry this light field capability? Personally I think it will change the camera industry and if a well known consumer brand were to adapt this technology into their cameras, it will undoubtedly cause the rest of the industry to follow. However I would like to see this feature as an option rather than a permanent fixture on a camera and as Chase Jarvis has highlighted in his blog, I too agree with his comments that we shouldn’t abuse such a feature and neglect our own creativity. It is the same idea why some photographers still used  film cameras these days if not for the fact they might get complacent with digital ones.

Nevertheless, right off my mind I still want to reiterate the potential benefits of  the light field sensor:

• Convenience – Simply because this is the most important factor in my opinion. Even when you got a good photo, sometimes changing the perspective to a different focus may make it even better. Subjective to individual photographer but I personally believe it to be critically important; imagine a fast action shot that cannot be taken again in the same arrangement, e.g. bird shots, action/sports shots, etc.
• Evident – This is perhaps more useful in commercial environments, for example architectural shots or investigative activities. By allowing multiple focus areas, we can determine more accuracy when analyzing the photos for a myriad of purposes.
• Sharpness – Ever shot a high aperture photo and found out that the autofocus is slightly off? Using the light field feature, it should be possible to adjust sharpness to the preferred location on the photo. e.g. eyes instead of nose on a portrait photo.
• Fun – Nothing beats having fun with your camera, the more fun you have it will be easier to be creative with your photos. Sharing photos like the one above just simply makes people want to look and click around it a lot more than conventional photos.

Priced at US$399 for the 8GB version, it might be a bit on the high side but all things novelty they should be more affordable in the near future. I would also love the option to be able to change lens, wide angle and fisheyes will definitely be interesting on the Lytro.

What are your thoughts on the Lytro light field camera, would you invest in one now?

The Japs have done it again. Probably the smallest camera that could take video and photos, the Superheadz Clap Camera even has a microSD slot for memory expansion supporting up to 16GB! Here are numbers and info on the features:

• 2GB stores up to 8,000 photos and 30mins of video
• Connects directly to computers through USB
• 60mins of continuous usage on full charge
• Charges full within 3-4 hours

Well if I’m nitpicking, the only complain would be the lack of a screen or viewfinder to properly compose the photo but honestly this is as good as it gets with its tiny size. Available on amazon.com in a few colors, you can get it for US$50, comes without the microSD card. 

Welcome to Viewfinder 2.0 and I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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Cream Wedding Photography was founded by Tiong Jin and Han Thon originally as a wedding photography studio. A year after, Keith Ang with his experience in video production decided to bring motion into the mix. Thus, the name was changed into Cream Pictures.

A few days ago we have the chance to interview one of the founders of Cream Pictures, Han Thon. We like to thank Han Thon and Cream Pictures for taking their time to attend this interview and if you wish to find out more about them do check out their website or their Facebook page.

VF: Perhaps the most asked question, how old were you when you started photography and when did you turn it into a profession?

HT:  18. Turned professional 2 years ago. Somewhere around ’09 March.

VF: How do you define your photography style and has anyone or anything influence it?

HT: Don’t really think I have a style yet. At this point of time, I am still experimenting. I get bored easily. After doing natural light photography for a while, using speedlights in photos can be refreshing for a change. I draw inspiration from photographers on flickr and the internet. Even pictures from someone who has just picked up an iPhone can be inspiring sometimes. I guess the short answer would be: anyone.

VF: What photography equipment are you using right now? Do you have any favorite lens or accessory you use for work?

HT: D300, D7000, D90, 17-55 f2.8, 80-200 f2.8, 12-24 f4. Favorite accessory would have to be my legs.

VF: If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why?

HT: Fixed? 35mm f/2. small minimum focusing distance. Zoom with your feet, you can shoot anything with it.

VF: What lighting equipment do you take on a shoot?

HT: Speedlights and assistant.

VF: Have you had anything go wrong during a wedding, and how did you resolve it?

HT: So far so good, since we always have a backup cam, overlapping zoom and prime lens; there hasn’t been any serious trouble yet.

VF: What has been your most memorable assignment and why?

HT: A bridal shoot with a wedding couple. They were adventurous enough to do a role-reversal for it. The groom dressed as the bride and vice versa right in the middle of raffles place.

VF: How many images do you average per wedding and how many do you usually present to your clients?

HT: About a thousand. present about 200-250.

VF: Where would be your dream destination wedding?

HT: India

VF: What are the software you use for post-processing your photos/videos?

HT: Lightroom for photos. Premiere for Video.

VF: How do you feel about cropping an image?

HT: If it improves the image, do it.

VF: Mac or PC?

HT: Nikon. I meant no preference.

VF: What is your advice for someone who wants to break into the wedding photography industry right now?

HT: Shadow a professional as a 2nd shooter. Hate to say this, but selling is more important than photography skills if you’re looking to make a decent living in this industry.

VF: What makes a good photographer in your opinion?

HT: The ability to stay invisible and tell a good story.

VF: What motivates you to keep photographing?

HT: The subject.

VF: Do you hold photography workshops?

HT: Nope.

VF: A website and/or blog you visit often?

HT: burnmagazine.org

Wedding Highlights by Cream Pictures

(Video: Watch this video on the post page)

This kind of photo really tempts one to just drop everything, pack up and book a ticket to Maldives. Submitted by Javan Ng, he shares this beautiful yet tranquil shot of a row of ocean villas at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa.

• Camera: Canon DIGITAL IXUS 100 IS
• Aperture: f/3.2
• ISO: 80
• Shutter speed: 1/1250
• Focal length: 5.9mm

For all you gear heads out there.

National Geographic & Capitaland Photo Contest

Win a private tutorial with acclaimed photographer Catherine Karnow with your best images of interactions between people and CaptialLand Buildings.

Your competition entry must feature a CapitaLand building, and reveal how it interacts with the people living, working or shopping there. A judging panel comprising renowned National Geographic photographer Catherine Karnow  and executives from National Geographic Channel and CapitaLand will evaluate entries on aesthetics, originality and the extent to which the “Building People” theme is captured. The judges will also be looking out for entries which creatively portray the way CapitaLand buildings enhance the landscape and how people interact with the buildings every day.

To enter the competition, simply submit an original photograph with a caption to the special CapitaLand “Building People” Photography Competition website from 1 April to 31 May 2011.

Three winners will be chosen by the judging panel, together with one additional winner selected from a special public online voting opportunity that launches on the competition website from June onwards. All four winners will join Catherine Karnow  on an exclusive CapitaLand photography trail in Singapore in August 2011. Participants will be invited to an exclusive CapitaLand “Building People” Photography Seminar by Catherine Karnow.

Photo Competition Promotional Video

(Video: Watch this video on the post page)