Canon EF 100mm F2.8L USM Macro with Hybrid IS

Pre-IFA 2009:Hot on the heels of Canon's announcement of its Hybrid IS technology comes the first lens to sport this feature, and to no great surprise it's a 100mm F2.8 macro. The Hybrid IS system provides up to 2 stops stabilisation at 1.0x magnification, and up to 4 stops at longer shooting distances. Canon's third EF 100mm F2.8 macro lens is also the first to gain the flagship 'L' designation, and comes with such goodies as ultra-low dispersion glass elements, a nine blade circular aperture and weathersealing. The Canon EF 100mm F2.8L IS USM macro will supplement, rather than replace the existing 100mm F2.8 USM macro..

London, UK, 1st September 2009: Canon today announces the launch of the high performance EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM, the latest addition to its prestigious L-series, Canon’s flagship professional lens range. The EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM incorporates image stabilisation in a macro lens for the first time in the EOS lens range. This enables photographers to capture stunning close-up shots without the need for a tripod.

The high quality, medium telephoto macro lens, has been developed for photographers who demand the highest level of optical quality. The new Hybrid IS system features up to 4-stop correction, compensating for the effects of camera shake, during normal shooting. Low friction ceramic balls support the moving elements, which allows for the amazingly smooth movement – needed when compensating for camera shake during macro shooting. Hybrid IS corrects shift movement – problematic when shooting up close -as well as angular movement providing photographers with the benefit of up to 2 stops at 1.0x magnification.

The EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM features ultra low dispersion (UD) lenses that correct colour aberration for high resolution, high contrast images while the addition of Super Spectra coatings effectively reduce ghosting and flare for superior quality images. A nine blade circular aperture makes subjects stand out amid beautiful background blur and a silent, high-speed ring type USM Autofocus motor quickly achieves focus. The lens also includes a three position focus limiter to tailor the focus system range to the desired subject.

As part of the L-series the lens features dust and water resistant seals. Sitting ahead of the
EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro, within the range, the EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM supports a full range of accessories including: Tripod Mount D, Macro Lite adaptor 67, Lens Hood ET-73 and EF12 II and EF25 II extension tubes. The tripod mount attaches to the lens without the need for an adaptor enabling quick portrait or landscape switching without having to reframe the camera. Speedlites MR-14EX and MT-24EX can be attached using the MacroLite adaptor.

Copyright: http://www.dpreview.com

Canon 15-85mm and 18-135mm EF-S lenses

Pre-IFA 2009:Along with the EOS 7D, Canon has announced two EF-S, APS-C lenses. The EF-S 15-85mm F3.5-5.6 IS USM is as a high quality standard zoom designed to complement the EOS 7D. It offers a flexible 24-136mm (35mm equivalent) range and offers image stabilizer with a claimed effectiveness of 4 stops. It also includes ring-type USM and a close focus distance of 0.35m through the entire zoom range. Also bolstering Canon's EF-S range is the 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS USM, which covers a 29-216mm (35mm equivalent) range and with a claimed 4-stop image stabilizer and a minimum focus distance of 0.45m.

London, UK, 1st September 2009: Canon today strengthens its EF-S series of lenses with the launch of two powerful standard kit lenses for EOS EF-S camera owners: the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS and the EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM. Both lenses match the style and performance of Canon’s new APS-C sensor camera – the Canon EOS 7D.

The high performance standard zoom lens
The high-quality EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM is equivalent to a 24-136mm focal length lens (5.6x standard zoom). Designed for EOS EF-S mount bodies the lens covers wide angle and portrait focal ranges. It also offers a 4-stop Image Stabilizer as well as a close focusing distance of just 0.35m throughout the zoom range.

Versatile super zoom lens
The EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is a powerful all-in-one lens for EOS EF-S mount bodies. It features a 4-stop Image Stabilizer and a 7.5x super zoom range (approx. 29-216mm equivalent focal length). The lens covers a wide range of focal lengths with a 0.45m minimum focusing distance. A general-purpose zoom, it is ideal for photographers looking to make the step up from a standard kit lens.

Easy-to-use impressive image quality
Both lenses offer great low-light performance due to the inclusion of a 4-stop Image Stabilizer that automatically detects panning and tripods, responding accordingly to help photographers take steady shots in any situation. The addition of ultra low dispersion (UD) lenses and aspherical lens elements - as well as lens coatings optimised to combat ghosting and flare - ensure high quality throughout. Both products also include a circular aperture for beautiful background blur (bokeh).

Both lenses feature Canon’s improved exterior lens design that offers an improved high-grade look and feel compared with previous EF-S lenses.

Offering a wide range of focal lengths both EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS and the EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM are ideal all purpose lenses, suitable for the photographer looking for a walk around lens or those with many lenses who on occasion wish to travel lighter.

Copyright: http://www.dpreview.com

Panasonic Leica 45mm F2.8 Macro lens with OIS

Pre-IFA 2009: Panasonic has also announced the Leica DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm F2.8 ASPH. MEGA O.I.S. macro lens. This optically stabilized lens is bundled into a compact body measuring approximately 2.5 inches x 2.5 inches, with an inner focus mechanism that keeps the overall length constant on focusing. The optical construction consists of fourteen elements in ten groups, including one aspherical and one ED element, and the aperture mechanism uses 7 rounded blades for smoothly blurred backgrounds. The minimum focus distance is 15cm, and a switch on the lens barrel allows this to be limited to 50cm for longer range work.

September 2: 2009: Panasonic also unveiled a new macro lens of world renowned Leica name LEICA* DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm / F2.8 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. (35mm camera equivalent: 90mm) for another member of the LUMIX G Micro System.

Awaited long from enthusiastic photographers worldwide, the new LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm / F2.8 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. boasts a superb image quality with minimum distortion, chromatic aberrations as well as ghosts and flares that passes a stringent Leica standard to goes beyond their expectations.

The new lens system uses both an aspherical lens and an ED len in its fourteen lenses in ten groups to realize outstanding compactness, taking advantage+ of the Micro Four Thirds standard to achieve dramatic downsizing while minimizing distortion and chromatic aberration.

Panasonic's Mega O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) suppresses the blurring that is commonly caused by hand-shake, making it easy to shoot clear shots for sharply focused macro shot or in dimly lit places without using a tripod.

It incorporates inner focus system of three groups of floating structure, which enables excellent resolution and contrast without changing its overall length from full life-size magnification to infinity. The inclusion of stepping motor makes the focusing action smooth and silent for use in both photo and movie recording.

The closest focusing distance can be instantly changed to 15cm or 50 cm(0.5 ft to 1.64 ft) with the switch on the lens barrel according to the shooting opportunity. The LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm / F2.8 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. lens also excels in portraits, middle-range snapshot, or landscapes in addition to the original full life-size macro shots.

When mounted on the LUMIX G Micro System Camera, the new lens 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 LEICA DG MACRO-ELMARIT 45mm / F2.8 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S. 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.

* LEICA is a registered trademark of Leica Microsystems IR GmbH. ELMARIT is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG. The LEICA DG lenses are manufactured using measurement instruments and quality assurance systems that have been certified by Leica Camera AG based on the company's quality standards.

** Four ThirdsTM and Micro Four ThirdsTM, and Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds Logo marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Olympus Imaging Corporation, in Japan, the United States, the European Union and other countries

Copyright: http://www.dpreview.com

Panasonic introduces LUMIX G 20mm / F1.7 ASPH.

Pre-IFA 2009: Panasonic has announced the LUMIX G 20mm F1.7 ASPH, a pancake type lens that has been designed to complement its latest GF1 Micro Four Thirds camera. With a 40mm-equivalant field of view, the lens measures just 25.5 mm (1 inch) in length and weighs only 100 grams. The optical design comprises seven elements in five groups, including two aspherical elements to minimize distortion and chromatic aberration.

A Compact and Lightweight Pancake with Outstanding Brightness

September 2: 2009: 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.

Copyright: http://www.dpreview.com

Canon EOS 7D

London, UK, 1 September 2009: Canon today unveils the EOS 7D digital SLR camera – a completely new design to meet the specific demands of photographers. Incorporating a new 18MP APS-C CMOS Sensor, developed by Canon, the EOS 7D also features: Dual “DIGIC 4” processors to offer fast, high-quality performance in all light conditions, an ISO range expandable to 12,800 and continuous shooting at 8 frames per second – without the need for additional accessories. Impressive technologies are matched by excellent build-quality designed with the photographer in mind – to create a whole new photographic experience.

During extensive development Canon went back to the drawing board, listening to photographers worldwide in order to design the EOS 7D to meet their specific needs. Commenting on the creation of the EOS 7D, Mr. Shinbori, Deputy Group Executive of Photo Products Group & Senior General Manager of Camera Development Center, Canon Inc,said “We consulted over 5,000 photographers worldwide and asked them what they most wanted to see from a camera. Matching this insight with cutting-edge technology, we were able to develop a camera that truly gives photographers the versatile tool they require to experiment with their images.”

Accurate Images – High performance AF and metering systems
The EOS 7D features a 19-point cross-type AF sensor, enabling photographers to achieve accurate shots and optimise composition options. This improved AF system offers a range of manual and automatic settings including Zone and Spot AF to track and capture subjects quickly and accurately. AF settings are highly customisable, allowing for rapid reaction to changes in the scene. Different AF points can be set for vertical or horizontal orientation, so photographers can automatically switch between landscape and portrait shots without touching a button.

The EOS 7D also incorporates a new metering system. The Focus Colour Luminance metering system (iFCL) intelligently measures focus, colour and luminance, across 63 zones. Complementing the 19 AF points, the dual layer sensor is able to gather information from each distinct zone to obtain a more accurate and consistent exposure.

Capture images exactly as you see them
The Canon EOS 7D features an Intelligent Viewfinder that offers photographers 100 per cent frame coverage. With 1.0x magnification* - a first for EOS - photographers see a large bright image that helps to fully immerse them within the shot. A transmissive LCD incorporated in the viewfinder allows photographers to choose between various overlay features - such as AF points, the spot metering circle and composition grid – providing a range of tools that help when framing a shot. The EOS 7D is also the first EOS to introduce a Dual-Axis Electronic Level – in the viewfinder and on the LCD - that indicates both pitch and roll angles. This feature is particularly useful when shooting landscapes to ensure a level horizon, or when used in conjunction with a Tilt and Shift lens to level the camera.

The camera features a new 3 inch Clear View II LCD screen with a solid structure screen, designed to combat glare by removing the air-gap between the LCD’s protective cover and the liquid crystal. This new screen has a viewing angle of 160 degrees and is effective even in bright light. As with the EOS 5D Mark II, an ambient light sensor on the side of the screen can set brightness automatically depending on the environment.

Experiment creatively with light
The Canon EOS 7D is equipped with an Integrated Speedlite Transmitter. For the first time in an EOS, photographers can control external Speedlites with no additional accessories - ideal for those looking to experiment with creative lighting set-ups. The EOS 7D also features an extensively upgraded, built-in flash including manual control, and wider flash coverage to cover focal lengths as wide as 15mm.

Customise your individual camera experience
The EOS 7D has been conceived and designed with the photographer’s needs in mind. The look and feel of the camera has been aesthetically and ergonomically crafted to offer photographers the very best interaction. To this end, the photographer can design their own experience – camera operations are customisable, allowing the user to assign frequently used functions and settings to convenient controls. This enables photographers to save time when shooting critical moments, by changing settings quickly.
Impressive Features, Impressive Images

The Canon EOS 7D is packed with new features:

• 18 MP APS–C CMOS Sensor
  Designed and manufactured by Canon, the sensor produces an outstanding image and offers fantastic performance at high and low conditions, thanks to a new photodiode and microlens construction.
• 8 fps image capture
  Enabled by the Dual “DIGIC 4” processors and improved electrical system, photographers can capture images at 8fps, without the need for additional accessories and in all file types.
• ISO Range
  The EOS 7D enables photographers to capture subjects in their natural light. The ISO range (100 – 6,400) is expandable to 12,800.
• EOS Movie
  With improved operation, making it easy to switch directly to movie mode, it is now even simpler to shoot Full HD video. Users can set exposure and frame rate – with options for 24 fps to create that cinematic feel.
• Dual “DIGIC 4” processors
  By utilising Dual “DIGIC 4” processors, users of the EOS 7D never have to compromise between shooting speed, image quality and ISO performance.
• Impressive Design
  Canon has listened to photographer feedback when designing the body, as well as the internal technologies. A magnesium alloy body offers environmental protection – the tough, lightweight construction is designed to defend against moisture, and dust – equivalent to the legendary EOS–1N.

The camera is compatible with a wide range of accessories so it can easily be integrated with a photographer’s workflow. The Wireless File Transmitter (WFT-E5) allows extensive camera control via a web browser – allowing photographers to control the camera using a web-enabled mobile device.


The EOS 7D is compatible with all EF and EF-S lenses as well as Canon EX Speedlites. The Canon EOS 7D can also be used with Battery BG-E7, and remote controllers and switches such as the remote Controller RC-1/RC-5.

* with 50mm lens at infinity, -1(1/m) dpt

Technologies Explained:

Canon CMOS sensor
The EOS 7D includes a new 18 megapixel CMOS sensor with a wide ISO range that delivers excellent results in both the low and high-speed ranges as well as improved image quality. The sensor is a standard APS-C size (22.4x14.9mm) and produces an effective field of view of 1.6x the lens focal length.

The EOS 7D sensor features condensed circuitry with improved sensitivity and increased capacity of the photodiodes, which enables shooting at high ISO and prevents overloading when shooting in bright conditions. The ISO range (100 - 6400) is expandable to 12800 enabling photographers to capture subjects in their natural light without the use of a flash.

The EOS 7D sensor includes gapless microlenses that have been moved closer to the photodiodes. These technological advances, which were developed and manufactured by Canon, improve the signal to noise ratio creating very clean high ISO images.

19-point cross-type AF system including Spot AF
The AF system has been completely redesigned using the same architecture as the EOS-1 series and includes a separate processor to handle AF calculations. This, along with AI SERVO II AF, enables the EOS 7D to offer accurate, reliable and continuous shooting at 8fps. Uniquely at this level, all 19 points in the EOS 7D AF sensor are cross-type points with f/5.6 or faster lenses, which allows sophisticated tracking, accuracy and performance throughout the frame.

EOS 7D also includes Spot AF, a new mode that uses a smaller area of the sensor to determine focus. This is useful for small subjects where there is background detail that can distract the AF sensor. It also includes Zone AF which limits automatic selection to one of five zones. This allows photographers to ensure their subject is automatically selected.

iFCL metering system with 63-zone Dual-layer Sensor
The iFCL system uses Focus, Colour 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. EOS 7D has a completely new metering sensor with 63 zones compatible with 19 AF points. Typically, metering sensors are more sensitive to red subjects which can lead to overexposure. EOS 7D combats this with the dual layer sensor, which has one layer sensitive to red and green light and one that is sensitive to blue and green light. The metering algorithm then compares the level of the two layers and adjusts the meter reading accordingly.

100% Viewfinder with 1.0x magnification and built in LCD overlay
The EOS 7D features a high quality viewfinder with 100% coverage and 1.0x magnification - a first for EOS - making it simple and ease to use. The viewfinder uses a prism, coating technologies and eyepiece lenses inspired by the EOS-1 series.

EOS 7D viewfinder does not have interchangeable focussing screens. In their place is a Transmissive LCD Screen - another first for EOS. Through technological advances Canon has been able to implement the screen whilst maintaining viewfinder image quality. This new feature, which can be illuminated in lowlight, enables grid, spot metering and AF points to be superimposed upon demand.

EOS Movie
The EOS 7D features an improved movie function allowing users to record Full HD movies with full manual control and selectable frame rates. The operation of the movie function has been improved to make it easier to use via direct access to settings with dedicated buttons. AF can now be started by either half pressing the shutter button or using the AF-ON button as before.

The exposure of the movie can be controlled in Manual mode allowing full control of shutter speeds and apertures. It is possible to select frame rates from: 30 (29.97), 25, and 24 (23.976), with 60 (59.94) and 50 available at 720p. ISO can be set automatically or manually in the range (100-6400) and is expandable to 12800. EOS 7D also allows users to trim and cut their movies.

Dual “DIGIC 4”
EOS 7D is fitted with Dual “DIGIC 4” processors; the power of the processors enables more advanced processing algorithms allowing the camera to achieve a high performance 8fps at 18 megapixels.

DIGIC 4 removes the highly noticeable colour noise as well as reducing luminance noise without loss in detail, allowing for very clean high ISO images. Even at ISO 6400 noise levels are similar to those of ISO 1600 from DIGIC III. Auto Lighting Optimiser is now also available during manual exposure, without any drop in performance.

DIGIC 4 also allows UDMA cards (mode 6) to be used at their full speed, which allows the EOS 7D to take advantage of the fastest cards available.

Clear View II
EOS 7D’s 3 inch LCD monitor has 920,000 dots (VGA resolution) with a viewing angle of 160°. Clear View II has been designed to combat glare by removing the air-gap between the LCD’s protective cover and the liquid crystal. The air-gap is filled with an elastic optical material. This has the affect of suppressing the reflections from the surface of the liquid crystal, caused by the sharp change in refractive index, as light travels through the air-gap. In order to protect the liquid crystal from scratches the Clear View II LCD features a hardened glass cover material. As with the EOS 5D Mark II, an ambient light sensor on the side of the screen can set brightness automatically depending on the environment.

Courtessy of : http://www.dpreview.com

Mengabadikan Kenangan di Perjalanan

Sebuah perjalanan menyimpan sejuta kenangan. Dan foto menjadi "tempat" untuk mengabadikan kenangan tersebut. Itu sebabnya kamera selalu menjadi peranti yang tak boleh terlupakan bagi seorang traveler.

Kini, memotret jauh lebih mudah dengan hadirnya kamera digital. Hampir dalam segala hal, kamera digital memberi kemudahan dibandingkan kamera-kamera "jadoel". Jika dulu Anda harus membawa sejumlah rol film, kini cukup dengan sekeping kartu memori. Kartu memori jenis SD (secure digital) misalnya, ukurannya tak lebih besar dari keping uang logam, tapi kapasitasnya dapat menampung ratusan hingga ribuan foto.

Bagi Anda yang awam dengan teknik pemotretan, dulu tentu direpotkan dengan urusan pencahayaan. Namun, kini Anda tak perlu repot lagi karena semua sudah diambil alih oleh "kecerdasan" kamera. Apalagi, dengan hadirnya layar LCD yang memungkinkan melihat tampilan obyek, Anda sudah dapat memperkirakan hasil foto sebelum menjepretkan kamera digital.

Jika Anda cukup memahami teknik-teknik dasar pemotretan, menggunakan kamera digital tentu lebih menyenangkan lagi. Terbuka lebar ruang untuk berkreasi bagi Anda yang ingin membuat hasil foto tertentu. Umumnya kamera digital sudah menyediakan mode pemotretan yang sudah diprogram terlebih dahulu, misalnya untuk pemotretan di malam hari atau untuk memotret anak-anak dan benda bergerak. Anda tinggal mengatur kamera pada mode tersebut, dan jepretkan kamera. Mudah sekali bukan?

Tips bepergian

Akan tetapi, kenangan perjalanan dapat hilang selamanya jika Anda tidak mempersiapkan kamera digital dengan baik. Hal-hal apa saja yang perlu diperhatikan sebelum melakukan perjalanan? Budi Dwi Putranto, technical support dari layanan pelanggan Nikon memberikan tips berikut ini:

• Sediakan kartu memori dengan kapasitas yang cukup. Anda tentu tidak mau repot-repot membawa laptop dan setiap kali mentransfer hasil foto bukan? Selain menyita waktu, membawa-bawa laptop sangat tidak praktis dan berisiko-entah rusak atau hilang di jalan. Lebih baik Anda membawa kartu memori berkapasitas besar atau tambahan kartu memori cadangan. Jika hendak menukar kartu memori, perhatikan dengan saksama sehingga Anda tidak mencabutnya saat kondisi kamera masih hidup.
• Mungkin Anda bertanya, berapa kapasitas kartu memori yang dibutuhkan. Pertanyaan ini tentu saja terpulang kembali pada kebutuhan Anda: berapa lama perjalanan yang Anda lakukan dan seberapa baik kualitas gambar yang Anda inginkan. Tabel di bawah memberi gambaran banyaknya gambar yang dapat Anda ambil menggunakan kartu memori dengan kapasitas 512 MB, berdasarkan besar (resolusi) dan kualitas gambar.
• Jangan lupa membawa charger atau baterai cadangan. Sebagai sumber daya, baterai merupakan "nyawa" kamera digital. Ada kamera yang menggunakan baterai yang relatif murah-bisa menggunakan baterai alkaline-, ada juga yang mahal. Jika Anda berencana melakukan perjalanan panjang-katakan, menembus hutan seharian-dan sepanjang jalan kemungkinan Anda aktif memotret, sangat dianjurkan untuk membawa baterai cadangan. Anda dapat menghemat pemakaian bateri dengan mematikan LCD.
• Jika Anda bepergian ke daerah pegunungan atau negara sub-tropis yang hawanya dingin, perhatikan cadangan baterai Anda. Pasalnya, suhu dingin dapat memengaruhi kemampuan baterai dan bisa menguranginya hingga tinggal seperempatnya. Bawalah cadangan baterai lebih banyak. Jika memungkinkan, bawa juga dry box dan silica gel untuk melindungi kamera Anda.
• Bawalah tripod untuk membantu pemotretan pada situasi-situasi tertentu. Tripod sebenarnya bukan monopoli fotografer profesional. Ada banyak situasi di mana Anda membutuhkan tripod, misalnya pada saat senja di mana cahaya matahari sudah tidak kuat lagi, atau juga saat cuaca mendung. Tripod sendiri banyak macamnya. Pilihlah jenis yang kecil dan memiliki sarung yang mudah dibawa-bawa.
• Kamera digital merupakan perangkat canggih yang dapat rusak apabila jatuh atau terkena air. Oleh karena itu, pastikan Anda membawanya dengan berhati-hati selama perjalanan. Jika tidak sedang dipakai, masukkan ke dalam sarung atau tas. Hati-hati juga agar kamera digital Anda tidak terkena air. Lebih baik lagi jika Anda membawa kamera yang tahan segala cuaca (all weather), seperti misalnya Nikon Coolpix S2.
• Manfaatkan fitur-fitur kamera untuk mendapatkan variasi dan hasil gambar yang optimal. Beberapa kamera digital juga telah dilengkapi fitur-fitur untuk editing dan koreksi, misalnya fasilitas D-lighting pada kamera Nikon D40 dan D80, yang memungkinkan Anda melakukan penambahan pencahayaan pada hasil gambar yang kurang pencahayaan. Pada Kamera digital Nikon Coolpix terdapat beberapa pilihan setting program yang telah disesuaikan dengan situasi pemotretan dinamakan Scene Mode dan fasilitas mode bantuan untuk mengoptimalkan penempatan posisi objek foto yang dinamakan Assist Modes.

Doc. Kompas 10-05-07

Sumber : www.nikon.co.id

Bagaimana menghilangkan aberasi warna yang timbul menggunakan Nikon Capture 4

Sumber : www.nikon.co.id

Memilih & membeli kamera digital

Tips membeli kamera digital

Membeli suatu barang tentunya menjadi keinginan banyak orang, seperti halnya membeli kamera digital karena tren, fungsi dan kebutuhan hampir setiap orang ingin membeli dan memilikinya. Karena sudah banyak sekali tipe, jenis dan merk kamera digital dimana-mana apabila anda ingin membeli kamera digital ada beberapa tips -tips yang dapat anda gunakan.

1.Belilah produk bermutu.
Sebaiknya anda membeli produk kamera digital yang bermutu atau berkualitas, baik fitur, desain ataupun hasil foto kamera digital itu sendiri, banyak sekali kamera digital yang harganya sangat murah tetapi sebaiknya anda berfikir dua kali apabila ingin membelinya karena apabila produk tersebut tidak seperti yang anda harapkan terutama hasil foto dari kamera digital tersebut nantinya akan sangat mengecewakan anda.

2. Sesuai budget
Belilah kamera digital sesuai dengan budget yang anda miliki, ini merupakan salah satu tips yang manjur agar anda tidak dipusingkan atau dibuat bingung oleh beragam tipe, jenis dan merk kamera digital yang ditawarkan.

3. Mencoba kamera digital
Usahakan agar Anda dapat mencoba kamera digital yang hendak anda beli, kunjungi konter kamera digital dan anda dapat menggunakan unit DEMO, cobalah fitur, fasilitas dan jangan lupa untuk melihat kualitas hasil foto kamera digital tersebut.

4. Belilah kamera digital bergaransi resmi
Sebaiknya anda membeli kamera digital yang bergaransi resmi, sekarang banyak sekali produk kamera digital yang tidak bergaransi resmi atau parahnya lagi banyak juga yang tidak disertai garansi, akibatnya apabila kamera tersebut mengalami kerusakan customer tidak dapat meng-klaim per- baikan dan penggantian suku cadang secara gratis di tahun pertama dan kedua berlakunya masa garansi.

Trik memilih kamera digital

Telah banyak sekali kamera digital yang beredar di pasar, berbagai merk, tipe dan jenis, dari beragamnya pilihan kamera digital tersebut biasanya akan membuat konsumen bingung dalam memilih produk apa dan bagaimana yang akan ia gunakan. Sebaiknya anda merencanakan pilihan terlebih dahulu apabila ingin membeli kamera digital dengan mengkategorikan pilihan sebagai berikut.

1. Sesuaikan pilihan dengan kebutuhan anda
Pilihlah kamera digital yang sesuai dengan kebutuhan anda, apakah akan digunakan untuk keperluan keluarga, hobi, studi atau profesi. NIKON sebagai salah satu merk terkemuka kamera digital menciptakan beberapa tipe kamera digital al ; -Tipe kamera saku digital yang diminati oleh keluarga, pehobi maupun pelajar tipe kamera ini simpel, praktis, ringan, kompak tetapi tetap memiliki fitur yang menyenangkan dan kualitas gambar yang sangat baik.
-Bagi para fotografer pemula, amatir dan profesional dapat menggunakan tipe kamera Digital SLR, kehandalan dan kemampuan kamera ini tidak diragukan lagi untuk foto produk, olahraga, model, dokumentasi, liputan dll.

2. Ketahui spesifikasi, fitur dan disain
Sebaiknya anda mengetahui spesifikasi kamera digital yang akan anda beli, spesifikasi ini bisa anda dapatkan dari iklan media cetak, brosur atau customer service staff, bertanyalah mengenai fitur kamera dan juga mengenai desain kamera digital itu sendiri, karena kesemua informasi tersebut akan bermanfaat untuk memilih tipe dan jenis kamera digital yang anda butuhkan.

3. Tentukan pilihan merk kamera digital
Sebaiknya anda memilih merk produk yang dapat memberikan "support" terhadap konsumen seperti antra lain; training penggunaan kamera digital apabila konsumen belum dapat menggunakan kamera tersebut, update software, upgrade fimware dan mengatasi trouble shooting dsb.

Sumber : www.nikon.co.id

Nasty Cat

AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED

Sudut lensa ini sangat lebar , yang dirancang khusus untuk digunakan dengan Nikon's DX-format, menyediakan memperbesar sudut pandang lebar yang serbaguna. Compact, 2.4x ultra wide-angle zoom Ideal untuk landscapes, cityscapes, interiors, architecture and lainya. Optical design optimized for use with Nikon DX-format digital cameras Renders gambar dari sudut 109 ° sampai 61 ° atau setara dengan panjang focal 15-36mm (di FX atau 35mm format). Exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor SWM memungkinkan autofokus bekerja cepat, tepat dan tenang. Dua ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements Untuk keunggulan ketajaman dan koreksi warna oleh hubungan degan warna efektif meminimalkan penyimpangan. Tiga aspherical lens elements Lensa Aspherical elemen hampir menghilangkan titik dan jenis aberasi lensa, bahkan bila digunakan pada kecepatan rana yang lebar. Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) Meningkatkan efisiensi transmisi cahaya dan memberikan keunggulan konsistensi warna dan mengurangi flare. Close focusing to 0.8 feet Untuk kreatifitas gambar perspektif dan fleksibilitas. M/A focus mode switch Memungkinkan bekerja cepat untuk mengubah situasi antara manual dan autofocus. Internal Focus (IF) Desain memudahkan untuk lebih cepat, autofokus yang halus dan menghilangkan perubahan barel lensa panjang untuk dapat lebih konsisten. Rounded 7-blade diaphragm Memberikan tampilan lebih alami di luar fokus elemen gambar. Focal Length Range 10-24mm Zoom Ratio 2.4x Maximum Aperture 3.5 Minimum Aperture 22 Autofocus Yes AF-S (Silent Wave Motor) Yes Compatible Format(s) DX FX in DX Crop Mode Vibration Reduction No Distance Information Yes ED Glass Elements Yes Super Integrated Coating Yes Nano Crystal Coat No Aspherical Element(s) Yes, three Internal Focusing Yes Close Range Correction No Manual/Auto Focus Mode Yes Minimum Focus Distance 0.8 ft. (0.24m) Maximum Angle of View 109° Minimum Angle of View 61° Angle of View 109° - 61° (Elements) Lens 14 ED (Elements) 2 Aspherical (Elements) 3 Lens (Groups) 9 Maximum Reproduction Ratio 0.2x Dimensions 3.25x3.43in. (Diameter x Length) 82.5x87mm (Diameter x Length) Weight 16.2oz. (460g) Mount Type Nikon F-Bayonet Accepts Filter Type Screw-on Filter Size 77mm Lens Attachment Size 77mm Lens Case CL-1118 Lens Hood HB-23 Supplied Accessories HB-23 Hood CL-1118 Soft Lens Case 77mm Lens cap Rear lens cap

Source : http://www.nikon.co.id

AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G

f/1.8 DX-format NIKKOR Lensa ringan dan sempurna untuk kondisi cahaya rendah, perjalanan, lingkungan dan potret fotografi. Fast f/1.8 prime NIKKOR lens Sempurna untuk kondisi cahaya rendah, perjalanan, lingkungan dan potret umum fotografi. Engineered for Nikon DX-format digital SLRs Rumus optik dioptimasi untuk penggunaan dengan Nikon DX-format digital SLRs, rendering gambar sudut mendekati sudut pandang normal dari 50mm pada lensa Nikon FX-format digital SLR atau 35mm film kamera Aspherical lens element Minimizes koma dan jenis Aberasi lensa, dan lebih meningkatkan integritas gambar. Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) Meningkatkan efisiensi transmisi cahaya dan memberikan keunggulan konsistensi warna dan mengurangi flare. Exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM) Lebih Cepat, Akurat dan autofokus yang halus. Close focusing to one foot For creative perspectives and versatility. Rounded 7-blade diaphragm Memberikan tampilan lebih alami di luar fokus elemen gambar. Focal Length 35mm Maximum Aperture 1.8 Minimum Aperture 22 Autofocus Yes AF-S (Silent Wave Motor) Yes Compatible Format(s) DX FX in DX Crop Mode Distance Information Yes Super Integrated Coating Yes Aspherical Element(s) Yes, 1 Rear Focusing Yes Manual/Auto Focus Mode Yes Minimum Focus Distance 1 ft. (0.30m) Angle of View 44-degrees (DX-format) Lens (Elements) 8 Lens (Groups) 6 Maximum Reproduction Ratio 0.16 Dimensions 2.8x2.1in. (Diameter x Length) 70x52.5mm (Diameter x Length) Weight 7oz. (200g) Mount Type Nikon F-Bayonet Accepts Filter Type Screw-on Filter Size 52mm Lens Case CL-0913 Lens Hood HB-46 bayonet Supplied Accessories HB-46 Bayonet Lens Hood LC-52 Snap-On Front Lens Cap LF-1 Rear Lens Cap CL-0913 Soft Case

Source : http://www.nikon.co.id

AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G

Source : http://www.nikon.co.id
Sangat ideal untuk akitivitas fotografi diperjalanan dan lingkungan dalam berbagai kondisi, dengan rumus hebat optik ultra-cepat f/1.4 maksimum kecepatan rana. Fast f/1.4 prime NIKKOR lens Sempurna untuk kondisi cahaya minim, fotografi umum dan traveling. Normal angle of view on FX-format cameras Klasik, sudut pandang normal bila digunakan pada Nikon FX-format digital SLR atau kamera film 35mm. Ideal portrait lens on DX-format cameras Lensa potret yang ideal ketika digunakan di Nikon DX-format digital SLR, mendekati sudut pandang yang sama dengan yang 75mm pada lensa Nikon FX-format digital SLR atau 35mm film kamera. Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) Meningkatkan efisiensi transmisi cahaya dan memberikan keunggulan konsistensi warna dan mengurangi flare. Exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM) Lebih Cepat, Akurat dan autofokus yang halus. Close focusing to 1.5 feet memperluas fleksibilitas. Rounded 9-blade diaphragm Memberikan tampilan lebih alami di luar fokus elemen gambar. Focal Length Range 50mm Maximum Aperture 1.4 Minimum Aperture 16 Autofocus Yes AF-S (Silent Wave Motor) Yes Compatible Format(s) FX DX FX in DX Crop Mode 35mm Film Vibration Reduction No Distance Information Yes ED Glass Elements No Super Integrated Coating Yes Nano Crystal Coat No Internal Focusing No Rear Focusing No De-Focus Control No Close Range Correction No Manual/Auto Focus Mode Yes Minimum Focus Distance 1.5 ft. (0.45m) Angle of View 46° (FX-format) 31°30' (DX-format) (Elements) Lens 8 (Elements) Group 7 Maximum Reproduction Ratio 0.15x Dimensions 2.9x2.1in. (Diameter x Length) 73.5x54.2mm (Diameter x Length) Weight 9.9oz. (280g) Mount Type Nikon F-Bayonet Accepts Filter Type Screw-on Filter Size 58mm Lens Attachment Size 58mm Lens Case CL-1013 Lens Hood HB-47 Supplied Accessories HB-47 Bayonet Lens Hood LC-58 Snap-On Front Lens Cap LF-1 Rear Lens Cap CL-1013 Soft Case

DSLR Tips: Night Photography

Nice video tutorial : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scTkyKARqEA

Panoramic Photography

Panoramic photography refers to the area of photography dedicated to taking pictures with a wide field of view or a wide aspect ratio (i.e., a longer horizontal reach than vertical height). Landscapes and cityscapes are the most common subjects for panoramic pictures. Theoretically, panoramic photography seeks to capture images within a greater field of view than the human eye can take in. While a human eye can take in only 70 degrees to 160 degrees of a given scene, a panoramic shot generally includes 180 degrees of a field of view.

However, while this is a more traditional definition, simpler explanations define panoramic photography as pictures that present a panorama, or a comprehensive, unbroken view of a scene.

Panoramic Pictures History
As soon as the daguerreotype entered the history of photography, so too did the concept of panoramic photography. George Barnard was one of the earliest panoramic photographers, taking pictures of the Union Army during the American Civil War (1860s).

Panoramic Lens
Photographers taking panoramic shots use a special panoramic lens with short or full rotation of the camera’s lens to capture a scene. By using either rotation method, the photographer can capture the effect of the fisheye lens without the added distortion. While the fixed-focal lens can also produce panoramic shots, it generates lower quality pictures than either rotation lens.

A short rotation panoramic lens that requires a focus distance of at least 30 feet has poorer focusing ability than complete rotation lenses. Because short rotation panoramic lenses have smaller apertures than their full-rotation counterparts, they are ineffective at taking pictures in low-light conditions. Consequently, short rotation lenses are best used in outdoor photography to take landscape shots or pictures of the sky.

In contrast, the full rotation lens rotates 360 degrees while slowly pulling the film along through the camera. With slower exposure times, the camera can effectively capture an entire plane from edge to edge. As a result, the full rotation panoramic lens has long been used to photograph athletic teams and other large groups.

Keep in mind that flashes cannot be used with either lens when taking panoramic shots, as the lens is in motion. This means that lighting must be carefully considered when taking panoramic shots. Similarly, the motion of panoramic lenses means that panoramic pictures may turn out blurry. To avoid fuzziness, a photographer should consider using a tripod, unless the photographer has a very steady hand.

Another feature unique to both types of panoramic lenses is that the resulting pictures may have a “bowed” appearance to the horizon, unless the horizon is carefully centered. While most photographers prefer to avoid distorted curves when taking panoramic shots, this effect is sometimes intentionally sought in panoramic pictures for artistic effect.

Fixed Panoramic Lens
A fixed panoramic lens is another camera accessory available to photographers. Cameras containing a fixed panoramic lens are characteristically long and rectangular. The quality of panoramic pictures taken with a fixed lens varies widely, depending on the quality of the camera. While cheaper disposable panoramic cameras with fixed lenses produce mediocre pictures, the higher quality cameras render high quality photos.

A fixed panoramic lens has one advantage over the rotational lenses. Because the entire panorama is exposed at once, the photographer can use flash. This means that panoramic shots can be taken in darker conditions. Similarly, the immobility of the fixed panoramic lens means that the resulting pictures will not be prone to the distorted curve that can plague pictures taken with rotational lenses. As a result, fixed panoramic lenses are well-suited for talking panoramic shots of architecture.

Panoramic Pictures and Film
Panoramic pictures take up more space on a roll of film than normal-sized pictures. Panoramic picture size has to be taken into account or the photographer may run out of film. On average, 18 panoramic pictures can be taken on a roll of 24-exposure film.

Taking Panoramic Shots with Digital Cameras
Digital cameras have changed how many photographers take panoramic pictures. With a digital camera, a series of individual pictures are “stitched’ or “segmented” together using an image editor that produces a panorama.

Taking panoramic shots with a digital camera takes some practice. Professionals recommend using a tripod to prevent subtle changes in the height of the camera as the pictures are taken. Each picture in the series should overlap with or “connect to” the picture before it.

Digital panoramic pictures work best if the areas of overlap include obvious landmarks. This helps the imaging software stitch the photos together seamlessly. Try to avoid placing overlap in areas without obvious landmarks. With practice, digital panoramic pictures can turn out perfectly seamless!

360-Degree Panoramic Pictures
A skilled panoramic photographer can even take a 360 degree panoramic picture, often referred to as VR photography (virtual reality photography), that editing software stitches together to reproduce a scene from all directions. Special image viewing programs allow the user to rotate the image using the mouse, as if the viewer were turning in a circle to see the entire scene. For examples of panoramic pictures, check out realtors’ web sites. They often show panoramas of views from a house and many of the main interior rooms, as well as the front and back views of the house itself.

Copyright : http://www.photography.com

Tips for Taking Better Pictures

No matter how experienced you are as a photographer, learning new photography techniques can only improve your pictures. Taking a new approach to standard concepts such as lighting and exposure, or experimenting with an entirely new concept will add flavor and dynamism to what would ordinarily be a “common” shot.

Techniques for Lighting and Exposure
When setting up a shot, note the amount and type of light that embraces the scene. If your subject is fully illuminated with direct light (from either the sun or a bulb), you should limit the amount of light that enters the camera’s lens to prevent the film from becoming overexposed, or turning out too bright. With a faster film speed, the film requires less time to capture the image with the given amount of light. (Experts recommend using faster film speed for brightly lit subjects).

Similarly, a photographer may use filters or a shading device to reduce the amount of light in the scene.

Poorly lit conditions require either additional lighting or a slower film speed. Such conditions include scenes lit with ambient lighting, such as the moon, or backlighting. In these scenes, the photographer has to decide whether he wishes the low light to be a part of the resulting picture’s mood or whether he wants to capture the subject as is.

If lighting is important to the shot, then the photographer should use a slower film speed. Slower film allows more light to enter the camera lens, preventing the picture from being underexposed and turning out too dark. Alternatively, the photographer may use lamps to more fully illuminate the subject.

Techniques for Composition
When composing a shot, professional photographers have some rules that aid them in properly framing their subject. The most common compositional technique is the rule of thirds, also known as the “the rule of three.”

According to this rule, a camera’s frame can be divided into three equal horizontal spaces (with two horizontal lines) and three vertical spaces (with two vertical lines). These four imaginary lines intersect, forming a box in the center of the frame.

The photographer can center his subject within this central box or locate the subject at any one of the four theoretical corners.

Using this technique for composition, the photographer can add dimension to his shot. While more dynamic shots put the image at one of the corners (known as “power points”), the blunt, hard-hitting shots frame the subject in the center.

Other Tips: Take Advantage of Camera Accessories!
Depending on your subject, a number of different camera accessories can enhance your photographs. If you’re taking nature or glamour shots, try using a tripod to make your shots steadier.

No matter what style of photography you’re practicing, you might experiment with a variety of camera lenses. Play around with a telephoto, wide angle, macro or fisheye lens.

The possibilities for photography experimentation are endless. The only way for you to truly improve your skill as a photographer is to seek out and experiment with new techniques.

Copyright : http://www.photography.com

Digital Photography

From: Photography Field Guide: Digital Media and Ultimate Field Guide to Photography
By: Rob Sheppard & Bob Martin
August 2007

Digital cameras today offer superb image quality that competes directly with film.

These cameras look and act like traditional cameras with a few extra features. Tricky camera designs are quickly leaving the marketplace because photographers want to take pictures and not be bogged down by hard-to-use technology.

Many things about digital cameras are identical to film cameras, a few things are slightly tweaked from film expectations, and a number of features are unique to digital photography. Some of the big differences can actually help you take better pictures than you ever did with a film camera.

For quality results from any camera, the basics of photography still apply no matter how an image is captured. A tripod is always important if slow shutter speeds are needed and big telephoto lenses are used. Fast shutter speeds remain a key way to stop action, and f-stops continue to affect depth of field. The important parts of a scene still need to have the focus centered on them, and dramatic light always helps make for dramatic photos.

The "digital" in digital camera has caused even experienced photographers to worry that this new technology will be difficult to master. But consider this: No beginner ever picked up a camera and knew what all the controls did. For the serious photographer, f-stops and shutter speeds were definitely not instinctive.

---

Types of Cameras

Digital cameras come in a variety of forms, from point-and-shoot pocket cameras to advanced digital SLRs. There is no right or wrong type, though a specific one may be best for you and your photography.

Simple point-and-shoot digital cameras can give surprising quality when they have the right lenses and sensors. Because they are totally automatic in focus and exposure, they just have to be pointed at a subject and clicked. They have limited capabilities for controlling the image, although even very inexpensive cameras often have white balance controls. Some are exceptionally compact, able to fit easily into a shirt pocket, making them ideal cameras to keep at hand so you won't miss a great photo opportunity.

Advanced point-and-shoot cameras are similar in that they mostly rely on automatic controls; however, this group tends to add special features to make the cameras a little more flexible. Such features include exposure compensation, more white balance controls, limited manual settings, and more. Still relatively inexpensive, these cameras can be a good introduction to digital and are perfect for the families of serious photographers.

Interchangeable-lens, digital SLRs offer all the controls of a 35mm SLR, including lenses that give you a wealth of focal-length possibilities. These cameras are definitely bigger than the other digital cameras. They include complete and extensive photographic controls, the best in image-sensor and processing technology, high levels of noise control, and more. The LCD panel on the back of an SLR can be used only for reviewing images, since the sensor cannot provide "live" images due to the mirror design.

Shoot It Right From the Start

The way to get the best photos from a digital camera is to do it right from the start. Yet there is an idea that one doesn't need to devote much effort when you have the computer to "help." This idea has sometimes reached almost surreal proportions. A couple of years ago, a digital photography article in a major news magazine said software was available that would automatically transform amateurs' photos into images that would rival the best of pros. That software never existed, nor will it, because good photography has always been about art and craft; about understanding the tools of the craft and using them well; and about perception and the ability to capture an image that catches an audience's attention and communicates well.

Just remember that digital photography is still photography.

The Basics

The most common mistake people make is camera shake. When you move the camera inadvertently at the time you press the shutter, you risk the chance of blurring your image or reducing the sharpness of the image. Keep it steady!

Exposure

Most point-and-shoot cameras have a simple exposure override facility, normally allowing you to overexpose or underexpose your picture. So if the subject is predominantly dark, experiment by overexposing to compensate. If the subject is predominantly light, then underexposure is the way to go. Try taking a test picture, look at it on the screen on the back of your camera, check the histogram, and adjust your exposure compensation. Don't be afraid to shoot four or five versions, as the LCD screen is not always accurate. You can delete the bad pictures later.

Composition

A very basic rule of composition is known as the rule of thirds, or the tic-tac-toe rule. Imagine your viewfinder or LCD monitor divided into nine equal-size squares, like a tic-tac-toe grid. Compose your picture with your subject center-positioned at one of the four intersecting points. This should help you compose more aesthetic portraits.

Zoom

Your point-and-shoot camera will probably have an autofocus zoom lens. You will discover that the ability to zoom in on your subject is fantastic. Get bold. Use your zoom lens and compose your picture with the subject filling your frame. To start with, I'd be surprised if you don't get a lot of pictures that are small in the frame. When you look through the viewfinder, look at the whole picture frame and how big the subject is in your picture, not just into the eyes of the person you're photographing.

Changing the Point of View

Another thing to consider when taking your picture is your point of view. A picture can be more interesting when taken from an unusual angle. Don't be afraid to lie down and look up at your subject, a particularly dynamic approach when photographing pets or children and also less threatening to your subject. Equally, you could try climbing up to a higher viewpoint and looking down on your subject. Better yet, try both and then delete the one you like less.

Transferring Digital Images

Digital cameras today come with some way of transferring the photos to the computer. This usually involves some sort of cable, although some cameras are using infrared and other wireless technologies. Direct connection may not be the best way for photographers to get photos onto the computer's hard drive, however. Many people find a card reader much more convenient.

Keys to Working in the Digital Darkroom

Many photographers have tried to work with image-processing programs such as Adobe Photoshop and found the whole process difficult, intimidating, and tedious. One big reason this occurs is that much of the instruction in books and classes takes the wrong approach for photographers: It dwells on the software and not the photography.

The photo "rules." This is an important thing to remember. When the software is "in charge," the focus is not on the image; it is on learning and memorizing all the functions of the program. Many photographers have sat through classes that taught them about such things as selections and layers long before they had any idea why they might want to have such knowledge. This was simply because the instructor thought these things were key elements of Photoshop.

As a photographer, you know your photos and what you want them to do. Sure you might not know everything you can do with an image in the program, but that is less important than why you took the photo. Only you can know this, and your photographic intent will guide you, even through Photoshop, on a sure-and-steady, craft-driven journey that is not obsessed with technology.

Experimenting without fear is another key idea for using the digital darkroom. Often, photographers have had to pay a price for experimenting, and many have gotten cautious and brought that caution with them into the digital darkroom. Just remember that there is little you can do to an image in the computer that can't be undone. Let yourself go, and don't be afraid to experiment.

Copyright : http://photography.nationalgeographic.com

FOTOGRAFI DI INTERNET

FOTOGRAFI yang kita kenal sekarang ini mempunyai sejarah perjalanan yang sangat panjang. Bermula pada abad 12 SM dari keheranan seorang pedagang Arab - Ibnu al Haitam - yang menyaksikan gambar unta terbalik di dalam kemahnya melalui sebuah lubang kecil. Penemuan mana kemudian dilanjutkan dan dikembangkan oleh seorang pelukis terkenal Leo Nardi da Vinci melalui ciptaannya yang dinamakan kamera Obscura. Pelukis di jaman itu menggunakan kamera obscura untuk membuat silhuet dari model-modelnya. Maklum, film belum dikenal manusia pada masa itu.

Hingga akhirnya orang mulai mengenal bahan peka cahaya yang dioleskan pada pelat tembaga yang disinari untuk menimbulkan image (gambar). Dan seterusnya hingga ditemukannya bahan film pada awal abad 20 dengan perkembangannya yang kita kenal hingga saat ini. Tercatat nama-nama Daguere, Niepce, Henry Fox Talbot dan George Eastman sebagai pelopor dalam penemuan dan pengembangan teknologi film.

Sementara itu perkembangan teknologi kamera sebagai kotak penerus cahaya berjalan seiring dengan perkembangan teknologi kimia peka cahaya sebagai bahan dasar membuat emulsi film. Salah seorang pembuat kamera yang sangat terkenal adalah Ernst Leitz dari Wetzlar (Jerman) yang menciptakan kamera berukuran 135 mm pertama pada tahun 1920 yang tetap bertahan hingga saat ini.

Selanjutnya dengan berkembangnya teknologi arus lemah di era 70an, kamera yang semua "full mechanic" berangsur menjadi "full electronic". Semua penghitungan pencahayaan hingga penggulungan film berlangsung secara elektronik. Segala sesuatu menjadi lebih cepat, lebih mudah dan lebih pasti mutu hasilnya.

Tetapi sementara itu dari sisi yang lain muncul sebuah teknologi baru yang dikenal dengan nama digital. Teknologi digital kemudian berkembang dengan sangat cepat melahap semua segmen teknologi yang ada dalam kehidupan manusia modern - termasuk bidang fotografi.

Secara revolusioner, bahan peka cahaya yang semula berupa unsur-unsur kimia dalam bentuk film itu kini peranannya diambil alih oleh sel-sel peka cahaya yang meneruskan citra digital yang dihasilkan oleh permukaannya ke dalam sebuah memory penyimpanan digital yang setiap diinginkan siap menampilkan image yang disimpannya, melalui sebuah layar monitor - yang terdapat pada setiap kamera digital.

Sebuah ancaman yang sangat serius untuk kamera-kamera konvensional yang menjadi terasa sangat kuno. Terutama bagi fotografer generasi muda.

Pembuatan gambar kini tidak tergantung pada film lagi. Demikian juga hasilnya yang "instant" sangat mengancam kehadiran film dan kelangsungan lab-lab foto tradisional yang ada. Sebagai gantinya, muncul lab digital yang lebih canggih dan akrab lingkungan karena bebas bahan kimia. Lebih dari itu teknologi digital selain mempermudah proses penyimpanan gambar, turut pula mempercepat pengiriman image dari satu tempat ke tempat lainnya hanya melalui sebuah telpon genggam yang dioperasikan dari sebuah tempat yang jauh dari kehidupan modern, berkat jasa satelit telekomunikasi yang mampu menghubungkan semua bagian dunia ini dengan memanfaatkan Teknologi Informasi di dalamnya yang populer dengan nama Internet.

Dunia Internet yang kita kenal dengan nama dunia virtual atau maya berjalan paralel dengan dunia nyata. Kita dapat menemukan di dalamnya berbagai kegiatan maya dalam bentuk yang kita kenal dengan istilah populer situs di Internet.

Tetapi kembali kepada kamera digital, benarkah teknologi yang baru memulai kiprahnya itu akan dapat melahir generasi kamera digital untuk jangka panjang? Sangat sulilt menjawabnya.

Beberapa waktu lalu seolah muncul dari tempat yang sangat tidak terduga, lahirlah film elektronik yang justru mengancam kelangsungan kamera digital. Bentuk fisiknya sama dengan film biasa, hanya lidah filmnya "kaku" tidak dapat digulung, terbuat dari chip yang peka cahaya. Memakainya? Cukup dipasang seperti biasa pada rumah film kamera Anda.

Panduan Praktis untuk mencetak Hasil Foto Kamera Digital

Hasil foto dengan menggunakan Kamera Digital bisa kita lihat langsung melalui Komputer tanpa harus membawa ke lab foto untuk dicetak. Namun tidak bisa dihindari bahwa kita terkadang masih memerlukan hasil foto yang dicetak sehingga bisa dilihat kapan saja dan dimana saja tanpa tergantung dengan komputer. Pada artikel ini akan dijelaskan panduan praktis untuk mencetak hasil foto Kamera Digital.

Sebelumnya saya ingin memperjelas sedikit tentang kerancuan-kerancuan yang ada dalam istilah yang sering dipakai, yaitu :

• Besar Resolusi yaitu 1280x960 (1MegaPixel), 1600x1200 (2 MP ), 3MP maupun 4MP dan lain lain itu adalah menandakan banyaknya titik yang ada dalam gambar tersebut. Semisal foto dengan resolusi 1600x1200 berarti ada 1600 titik di horizontal dan 1200 titik di vertikal.

• Densitas foto 72dpi, 180dpi, maupun 300dpi (terlihat pada EXIF data yang menempel pada foto yang bersangkutan) itu menandakan tingkat kerapatan dari titik - titik tersebut dalam suatu satuan ukuran inch (dot per inch). Misalnya kita selama ini mendengar ada printer berkemampuan cetak dengan densitas 300dpi, 600dpi, 1200dpi, maupun 4800dpi. Contoh printer dengan kemampuan densitas 4800dpi itu berarti bisa mencetak sebanyak 4800 titik sepanjang garis 1 inch (2,54cm), begitu juga dengan printer berkemampuan densitas 300dpi berarti hanya bisa mencetak 300 titik sepanjang garis 1 inch (2,54cm).

Terkait dengan hal - hal diatas, maka kita patut mengetahui juga bahwa mesin cetak foto itu biasanya berkemampuan densitas 300dpi sehingga kita akhirnya sering memakai patokan ini sebagai standard densitas minimum yang diperlukan baik untuk mencetak di laboratorium foto ataupun dengan printer sendiri.

Berikut daftar ukuran kertas foto yang biasanya dipakai di laboratorium foto :

2R = 6 x 9 cm
3R = 8,9 x 12,7 cm
4R = 10,2 x 15,2 cm
5R = 12,7 x 17,8 cm
6R = 15,2 x 20,3 cm
8R = 20,3 x 25,4 cm
8R Plus = 20,3 x 30,5 cm
10R = 25,4 x 30,5 cm
10R Plus = 25,4 x 38,1 cm

Kita akan mengambil contoh salah satu ukuran yang biasa dipakai yaitu 4R dalam hal ini, yaitu : 10,2x15,2cm

(10,2cm : 2,54) x 300dpi = 1204 titik atau pixel
(15,2cm : 2,54) x 300dpi = 1795 titik atau pixel.

Dengan ini berarti kita mengetahui bahwa resolusi minimum yang dibutuhkan untuk mencetak 4R adalah 1795 x 1204 pixel.

Dalam hal ini berarti boleh dikatakan bahwa resolusi kamera digital yang mendekati ukuran tersebut mungkin adalah 2MP yaitu 1600x1200. Tetapi harus diingat bahwa adanya perbedaan rasio panjang lebar antara file kamera digital (4:3) dengan standar kertas foto (3:2) itu biasanya berakibat terjadinya cropping (pemotongan) pada samping2 foto karena laboratorium foto itu biasanya melakukan sedikit peregangan secara otomatis pada file – file yang bersangkutan, misalnya foto dengan resolusi 1600x1200 akan diperbesar menjadi 1795x1346 untuk memenuhi ukuran frame minimal dari 4R untuk kemudian dicropping lagi sehingga bagian yang tercetak itu tetap beresolusi 1795x1204.

Ada beberapa kasus dimana ada yang berhasil melakukan pencetakan dengan ukuran 8R hanya dengan kamera 2MP ataupun juga mungkin bisa 10R. Dalam hal ini kita harus melihat lagi beberapa hal yaitu :

1. Kompleksitas dari gambar yang diambil, misalnya gambar - gambar dokumentasi orang tentunya jauh berbeda tingkat detailnya dibandingkan dengan gambar pemandangan alam misalnya pada waktu sunrise). Dalam hal ini gambar orang biasanya lebih mudah untuk diperbesar dibandingkan dengan gambar pemandangan alam)

2. Tingkat kompresi dari gambar yang dipakai (dengan ACDSee biasanya terlihat dengan click kanan properties, bagian file, di compression ratio). Biasanya file - file yang berpotensi dan bisa dicetak jauh lebih besar dari ukuran yang direkomendasikan itu file - file dengan tingkat kompresi antara 5 - 10. Lebih dari itu, biasanya sulit sekali untuk meningkatkan ukuran gambar.

3. Ada beberapa kamera yang menyediakan mode RAW dan juga mode TIFF pada hasil akhir gambar yang ditangkap, dalam hal RAW file dan TIFF file itu tidak terdapat kompresi sama sekali sehingga sangat dimungkinkan untuk melakukan resize ulang untuk melakukan cetak pada ukuran lebih besar.

Dari 3 hal diatas, seringkali saya sendiri juga bisa melakukan cetak pada 10R maupun 12R dengan kamera 4MP yang saya miliki meskipun secara perhitungan tidak memungkinkan untuk melakukan pencetakan tersebut. Dalam hal ini kita bisa melakukan test sederhana apakah file yang bersangkutan masih bisa untuk dicetak pada ukuran yang bersangkutan atau tidak dengan cara melakukan image resize pada photoshop

Semoga artikel berikut ini berguna sebagai panduan anda dalam melakukan pencetakan foto anda dari kamera digital. Di bawah ini saya buatkan daftar acuan praktis untuk pencetakan foto yang diinginkan beserta resolusi yang dibutuhkan.

3R = 8,9 x 12,7cm @300 dpi = 1051x1500 pixel
4R = 10,2 x 15,2cm @300 dpi = 1205x1795 pixel
5R = 12,7 x 17,8cm @300 dpi = 1500x2102 pixel
6R = 15,2 x 21,6cm @300 dpi = 1795x2551 pixel
8R = 20,3 x 25,4cm @300 dpi = 2398x3000 pixel
8R Plus = 20,3 x 30,5cm @300 dpi = 2398x3602 pixel
10R = 25,4 x 30,5cm @300 dpi = 3000x3602 pixel
10R Plus = 25,4 x 38,1cm @300 dpi = 3000 x 4500 pixel

ISO Digital Kamera

Film pada dasarnya digolongkan berdasarkan nomor yang disebut nomor ISO. ISO singkatan dari International Standard Organization. Dulu kita mengenalnya sebagai ASA (American Standard Association). Kata ISO sendiri tidak mengandung arti kata khusus, kecuali ISO Speed. ISO Speed adalah nomor yang digunakan untuk merepresentasikan International Standard Organization guna merating sensitivitas film dan jumlah cahaya yang diperlukan kamera untuk menangkap foto.

Jadi, semakin gelap kondisi pencahayaan obyek yang akan Anda ambil, semakin tinggi pula ISO Speed yang Anda butuhkan. Sebagai contoh, untuk pengambilan gambar di pantai pada tengah hari, Anda harus memilih film dengan ISO serendah mungkin. ISO 100 biasanya sudah cukup untuk berbagai kondisi. Film dengan ISO yang tinggi kita sebut sebagai film cepat. Sebaliknya, film dengan ISO rendah kita sebut sebagai film lambat.

Ada harga yang harus dibayar dengan ISO yang tinggi, yaitu gambar yang dihasilkan akan lebih grainy (grainnya tampak jelas) dan warnanya akan semakin redup/dull.

Film dibuat dengan lapisan plastik yang dilapisi butiran kimia yang peka terhadap cahaya - yang disebut grain. Semakin tinggi /cepat setting ISO film, semakin besar grainnya, sehingga kita bisa bekerja di kondisi pencahayaan yang rendah. Jadi, semakin besar Anda akan mencetak film, anda harus memilih film yang lebih lambat/lebih rendah ISOnya. Tapi, ini bukan jaminan utama untuk mendapatkan hasil cetak yang baik. Faktor utama dari kualitas percetakan adalah kecepatan Film dan tipe film, Exposure, Fokus dan Kualitas lensa. Semakin baik faktor ini, semakin baik gambar yang akan Anda dapat dan Anda cetak.

Bagaimana dengan Kamera Digital?

Pada dasarnya, prinsip kerja film tersebut sama. Bedanya, kita tidak lagi menggunakan media film. Jadi, yang bekerja di sini adalah amplifikasi dari sensitivitas sensor kamera digital terhadap cahaya. Semakin gelap kondisi ruangan, semakin tinggi smplifikasi sensitivitas sensor.

Sama dengan prinsip kerja film, semakin tinggi ISO kamera Digital, gambarnya akan semakin grainy dan intensitas warna pun turun. Pada ISO yang tinggi, di kamera digital akan menimbulkan efek samping yaitu Noise. Untunglah pada kamera digital High End, ada Noise Filter sehingga masalah ini bisa diatasi. Dengan semakin tingginya ISO, berarti jarak efektif fiash juga meningkat. Semakin jauh jangkauan Flash pada kamera digital anda.

Pada kamera digital yang menyediakan Option untuk Manual ISO (100,200, 400 dan seterusnya) dan Auto ISO, sebaiknya Anda pilih Manual ISO sesuai dengan kondisi pemotretan Anda. Karena, bila kita menggunakan Auto ISO bisa terjadi dua kemungkinan, yaitu ISO yang diset melebihi kebutuhan, atau sebaliknya, ISO yang diset justru kurang dari kebutuhan anda.

Untuk masalah mencetak ukuran yang besar, pada kamera digital hal ini lebih dipengaruhi oleh besar resolusi kamera digital. Semakin tinggi Resolusi kamera digital, semakin besar anda dapat mencetaknya. ISO pada kamera digital lebih cenderung mempengaruhi kualitas grain dan warna pada image digital.