In the above short film, you see the effect of the Snooricam in action, along with a Nikon D90 attached on the long end.
The Snorricam, named after Einar Snorri and Eiour Snorri,or the “Snorri Brothers”, is a body mount for a camera which is used to create an interesting point of view, which can be seen in such movies as I Am Legend, Slumdog Millionaire, and The Hangover.
See the how-to video below.
[Instructables via Make]
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Ben Long’s new book, The Canon EOS Digital Rebel T1i/500D Companion, has been announced. It appears to be a new version in the series, of which I previously reviewed the Rebel XSi companion. As such, this is probably a book worth having if you are struggling to find your way with your new Canon Rebel T1i.
While the book retails for about $25, you can find it on Amazon.com for $16.49. [click to continue…]
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The Fuji REAL 3D W1 is a 3D digital camera and is part of the larger Fuji FinePix REAL 3D System. Fuji is touting the breakthrough of its REAL 3D System and highlighting the ability to view 3D images without the need for clunky 3D glasses.
Along with the REAL 3D W1, which offers twin 10-megapixel sensors, Fuji is releasing a companion REAL 3D V1 viewer, which is essentially an 8″ digital photo frame. Finally, Fuji has developed a 3D Print service, which allows you to print your 3D images.
The Fuji FinePix REAL 3D System will be available September 2009.
While the Fujifilm Finepix Real 3D W1 definitely achieves its 3D ambitions with utterly convincing images, the high price, bulky size and limited 2D capabilities mean that it will probably remain something of a niche product.
July 22, 2009 – Fujifilm is extremely proud to announce the launch of a groundbreaking new imaging technology: the “FinePix REAL 3D System”. The world’s first three dimensional (3D) digital imaging system that lets you enjoy three dimensional images without the need to wear special 3D glasses. The FinePix REAL 3D system incorporates a 3D digital camera “FinePix REAL 3D W1″, a 3D digital viewer “FinePix REAL 3D V1″, and 3D prints.
As a pioneer in the digital imaging sector, in 2009, Fujifilm will be able to offer the complete 3D package: from digital photography, to digital prints. Fujifilm is once again breaking new ground and continuing to raise expectations in the development of new imaging products.
Aiming to “capture precious moments just as your eyes see it”, over the last decade Fujifilm has developed unique lenses, CCDs and Processors, amongst other key digital camera technologies. This year heralds the launch of the world’s first digital camera that can capture 3D stills and movies, the “FinePix REAL 3D W1″, and the “Fine Pix REAL 3D V1″, an 8-inch viewer on which spectacular 3D images can be displayed. Additionally, with advances in high precision production technology, Fujifilm has successfully developed a 3D Print service enabling you to print and keep your 3D images, as never before.
World’s first digital camera to capture realistic 3D stills and movies.
The REAL 3D W1 camera features the newly developed “FinePix REAL 3D Lens System.” To achieve a natural, 3D image, it was necessary to flawlessly layer together two images, so two Fujinon lenses, renowned for their high resolution and exquisite rendering, were installed. A robust aluminum die-cast frame has been used to protect the lenses from vibration and impact. A 3x optical zoom, deemed difficult to achieve in 3D photography because of the precision required to align two lenses, is also possible. Moreover, the “RP (Real Photo) Processor 3D” which is based on photo technology that Fujifilm has developed over the years, synchronizes data passed to it by the two lenses and two CCD sensors, to determine shooting conditions such as focus, brightness and tonality to instantaneously blend this information into a single symmetrical image, for both stills and movies. The 3D/2D LCD monitor features Fujifilm’s own LCD panel, exclusively for the display of 3D/2D images on digital cameras, allowing you to see beautiful, natural 3D images with the naked eye. As the camera performs a series of image processing steps automatically, anyone can take 3D stills and movies with superb picture quality by just pointing the camera and pressing the shutter button.
The FinePix REAL 3D W1 allows you to adjust the settings to suit the scene being photographed. When using the Individual Shutter 3D Shooting mode, the camera shifts to take the second shot after taking the first shot, and saves a single 3D image in the camera manually. This allows you to edit the 3D images, particularly useful for landscape photography where a 3D image is difficult to achieve, or conversely, macro shots, where the 3D effect can be too strong.
“Interval 3D Shooting” mode allows further flexibility; it is possible to take two shots from different viewpoints continuously while the photographer is moving, for example by train, airplane, or car, etc., to achieve 3D images of long-distance views. Users can enjoy more dynamic 3D shots, whether they are capturing a sea of clouds from an airplane, or taking 3D shots of distant views from a car window. By using the “Parallax Control (3D Tuning Function)”, the 3D images can be manually adjusted for a clear and sharper 3D view for the best view for each person. Adjustable in both live images on LCD while shooting and recorded images; this simplicity-of-use lets users really get creative when shooting in 3D!
Don’t overlook the fact that this camera also brings fun new possibilities in 2D photography! You can really take advantage of the fact that this is actually two digital cameras in one. The “Advanced 2D Mode” lets users take two different shots simultaneously by pressing the shutter once. With “Tele/Wide Simultaneous Shooting”, it is possible to take a close-up photo of the subject and, at the same time, a photo with a wider span – just by changing the settings of the two lenses. Achieving zoom and wide angle photography with single press of shutter. With “2-Color Simultaneous Shooting” mode, users can take photos of the same scene with different color tonalities, for example, “Standard” and “Fujichrome”, by changing the processing signals on the two sensors. Able to achieve 2 different images with different color tonality. At the same time, 13 types of scene position are featured to enjoy various shooting styles that can be used both in 2D and 3D shooting.
“2-Sensitivity Simultaneous Shooting” mode enables you to change the sensitivity setting of the two shooting systems, which expands the range of photographic expression. In scenes where it is difficult to determine the optimal camera settings, users can take shots with picture stabilization priority and then with picture quality priority and choose the best image later, or change the picture stabilization levels to take two different shots simultaneously.
You can’t deny this is a good-looking camera, with cutting-edge style. The sleek sliding barrier which protects the two lenses is specially formed so that it can be firmly gripped with both hands. The exterior finish is a luxurious Piano Black finish with a superb, high-gloss, elegant shine. To add to the glamour, the neon blue “3D” logo illuminates when the camera is switched on. On the back of the camera, operating buttons such as the one-touch 3D/2D switch button, are placed on both sides of the camera for simple operation using both hands. The newly developed 2.8-inch 3D LCD monitor displays natural and beautiful 2D and 3D images, enabling you to compose and playback your pictures easily.
- Capture and enjoy realistic 3D stills and movies
- Take 3D telephoto and macro shots with Advanced 3D Mode
- Standard 2D photographs can also be taken, just like conventional digital cameras
- Advanced 2D Mode lets you simultaneously take two shots at different settings
- Featuring the 3D LCD system, allowing 3D images to be viewed live whilst shooting
-Cutting edge design and the very latest, pioneering technology
8.0 inch 3D digital viewer that allows you to enjoy 3D images on a high resolution screen
The 3D digital viewer “FinePix REAL 3D V1″ features Fujifilm’s newly developed 3D/2D display 8.0-inch LCD panel, which allows users to enjoy and playback 3D images without needing to wear special 3D glasses. Insert a SD memory card which 3D images have been saved, and enjoy a 3D slideshow just by switching on the power. If the “Parallax Control” is used, you can adjust the 3D effect on the viewer manually.
The 3D digital viewer will suit any living room with its slim & minimalistic design. With various playback functions, you can enjoy various 3D and 2D slideshows, plus a Micro Thumbnail View, and an easy-to-use “Image Search” feature.
With an adjustable stand you can change the angle for clearer 3D viewing, and enjoy simple operation with the intuitive remote control included. The viewer can read and display image data stored on memory cards. It can also receive image data via high-speed Ir Communication. Users can also directly connect it to their personal computer via USB and transfer stored images to the viewer for display.
- Supports playback of natural 3D stills and movies
- 3D/2D LCD panel (400 x 600 x 2 channel)
- Easy-to-use touch operation
With spectacular results, Fujifilm has integrated high precision prints, with lenticular sheets, resulting in the ability to produce high resolution 3D images. The process involves the 3D image data being integrated using highly advanced technology and projected through a lenticular sheet lens to produce an image with binocular disparity. This then creates a very special 3D print with incredible detail and beauty, keeping precious moments alive forever.
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The streets provide photographers with some of the best places to take photos. The reason for this is because the streets are filled with the real people that we all care to pay attention to or just walk right past. Shooting these provide your viewers with the opportunity to slow down and see a moment captured forever. The streets provide chances for almost every type of photography there is: be it sports, documentary, photojournalism, events, portraits, etc. [click to continue…]
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Blurry Branches by flakeparadigm
Imagine if every time you picked up a camera, it started shaking. It didn’t shake at any other time, just when you touch it – because your hands shake, severely.
That’s pretty much Paul’s circumstances. [click to continue…]
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The Fuji FinePix F70EXR is a compact 10x optical zoom point and shoot camera. It features a 10-megapixel Super CCD sensor with the popular and effective EXR technology. The F70EXR carries a retail price of $279.95.
A compact megazoom with a lot to offer, the Fujifilm FinePix F70EXR is very good for its class, but with a few limitations.
The Fuji FinePix F70EXR is a compact ultra zoom camera whose low light shooting is best in its class.
The Fujifilm FinePix F70EXR is a stunningly versatile camera, a pocket-sized superzoom that can take superb pictures in any lighting conditions, and is better in low light than anything else in its class.
The results can be quite striking, especially for portraits, and particularly considering compact cameras don’t always have the best control over depth-of-field.
All of our previous lavish praise about Fujifilm’s EXR mode applies equally to the F70EXR – it is as effective in practice as it is revolutionary in principle.
Valhalla, NY, July 22, 2009 – FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc. today announced the FinePix F70EXR, a sleek, compact digital camera that combines intuitive use with the most advanced features and technology available in a point-and-shoot digital camera. The announcement of the FinePix F70EXR also marks Fujifilm’s first model in the growing long-zoom compact segment with an impressive Fujinon 10x wide angle optical zoom.
Encased in a beautifully sculpted metal shell with a double coated lacquer finish and measuring only 22.7mm thick, the FinePix F70EXR offers several enhancements over its predecessor, the FinePix F60 and boasts marked improvements over competing long-zoom digital cameras, particularly in the areas of design, image quality and capture technology.
“The FinePix F70EXR, which has been designed specifically for taking demanding shots in challenging conditions, requires a sophisticated sensor and control algorithms to ensure every shot looks the very best,” said David Troy, marketing manager, Consumer Digital Cameras, Electronic Imaging Division, FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc. “By adding our EXR technology to the FinePix F70EXR, users will achieve outstanding images in virtually any lighting condition, and have the advantages of a 10x zoom that fits in your shirt pocket.”
Long zoom compact cameras, as opposed to standard compact digital cameras, typically use a smaller sensor that is vulnerable to difficult lighting conditions since light has a harder time reaching the CCD sensor. To mitigate this vulnerability, Fujifilm has introduced its award-winning EXR technology into the FinePix F70EXR, allowing for significant improvement in image quality against the competition.
Introduced earlier this year with the FinePix F200EXR, Fujifilm’s EXR technology uses the human eye as the basis for the perfect camera sensor, creating a Super CCD sensor capable of registering excellent levels of detail when switched to its HR (High Resolution) mode. The FinePix F70EXR is also capable of offering excellent quality in low light and superb highlight detail in contrast light when switched to its SN (High Sensitivity and Low Noise) mode and DR (Wide Dynamic Range) modes respectively.
An advanced feature on the FinePix F70EXR, ‘EXR Auto’ helps take the guesswork out of setting the camera by doing it for you. EXR Auto is a sophisticated set of program modes that can automatically detect six different types of scenes – Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Backlit Portrait, Night, and Night Portrait. The camera will recognize the scene and optimize focus, color balance, exposure, flash and sensitivity and will automatically switch the sensor to HR, SN or DR mode depending on the lighting conditions of the scene. By using EXR Auto, users can let the camera do all the hard work and concentrate more on getting the best shot possible.
New Fujifilm EXR digital cameras, including the FinePix F70EXR will offer several new shooting modes that combine the power of Super CCD EXR with Multi Frame Technology to enable users to capture exceptional images that rival the most expensive professional D-SLR cameras.
Typically, one of the ways to distinguish ‘D-SLR’ photography from ‘compact’ photography has been the use of ‘wide aperture’ to create mood and depth in a picture. These ‘professional’ shots are now possible on the FinePix F70EXR, which uses Pro Focus Mode to combine two or three burst shots together. Through complex digital imaging technology, a crisp shot of the subject is synthesized against a defocused background and foreground. Ideal for portraiture, nature photography or any subject that needs ‘lifting’ from its background, the FinePix F70EXR Pro Focus Mode provides satisfying professional results at the touch of a button.
Meanwhile, Pro Low-light Mode is applied to solving the problems of noisy low light shots. With current cameras, it is possible to achieve relatively blur-free low light shots using high ISO and CCD shift mechanical image stabilization. However, high ISO settings typically come at a cost, as the ISO 1600 setting will invariably produce distracting and ugly noise. In Pro Low-light Mode, the camera will take bursts of four high sensitivity images using Pixel Fusion Technology[*1] in quick succession. With Multi Frame Technology, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th images are overlapped to create one image with extremely low noise.
In conjunction with the Super CCD EXR sensor, the FinePix F70EXR features a Fujinon 10x optical zoom lens that produces crisp high resolution results throughout the focal range, from 27mm wide-angle to 270mm telephoto. The lens of the FinePix F70EXR features Super EBC Coating that keeps ghosting and flare to minimum to allow for optimal picture quality.
Similar to other high-end FinePix models, the FinePix F70EXR offers five different film ‘modes’ to allow the photographer full creative expression to explore a variety of pre-set color and contrast modes designed around Fujifilm’s most famous film emulsions. The modes are:
• Velvia/Vivid mode for rich and luscious landscapes
• PROVIA/Standard mode for excellent, sharp, standard photography
• ASTIA/Soft mode for soft, fine, smooth tonality
• Black & White mode captures the dramatic honesty of your image in black and white
• Sepia mode creates a sense of nostalgia with the warm brown “antique” tones of Sepia
In the Provia, Velvia and Astia modes, the dynamic range can now be set to 800% to improve and highlight details further.
The FinePix F70EXR offers a radically improved flash control system which efficiently controls the level of flash for a given exposure to produce beautifully balanced flash illumination across the foreground and background. Gone are the ugly washout shots where the subject is blasted with light and the background dark and unexposed. Super Intelligent Flash is most useful in macro photography where the contrast between subject and background can be especially challenging, but is also effective for night and backlit photography.
The FinePix F70EXR is fitted with an improved high contrast 230K-pixel 2.7″ LCD. The high contrast LCD is a considerable benefit in bright light, and means that the camera can be pitched
at various shooting angles to enable framing of awkward shots. Viewable at 160 degrees both vertically and horizontally, the LCD is bright and clear for beautiful rendition of shots in playback.
Long zoom cameras need stabilization more than any other compact, with handshake and subject movement a particular problem in low light at telephoto range. The FinePix F70EXR reduces blur to a minimum by deploying Picture Stabilization to automatically increase shutter speeds to freeze action, and CCD Image Stabilization to counteract the problems of handshake. By cleverly combining these two, blur is reduced to an absolute minimum.
To provide perfectly exposed and focused portrait shots, the FinePix F70EXR is fitted with Fujifilm’s latest Face Detection technology which is able to track up to 10 faces simultaneously, at almost any angle to the camera. The system instantly corrects red-eye and then saves both the original and the corrected image file automatically.
The FinePix F70EXR will be available August 2009 at a retail price of $279.95.
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