Sony Products Coming to the US

Hat Tip: Imaging Resource


Today's been a bit unusual for me. There have been multiple items I thought were interesting enough to post on.  The latest:  Sony is bringing products to the USA that were not previously available here.

The Sony W810 and WX220 compact cameras and the ActionCam AS20 will be available in the US by September.

Amazon Deals on Memory and Hard Drives

Amazon Deal of the Day: 50% of Transcend Memory


This deal covers flash memory cards, USB flash drives, SSD devices and memory for MacBook Pro and Air computers.

This is a good time to purchase additional storage space (or to increase computer memory for Mac users.)

New APS-C Camera from Canon in Near Future?

Earlier this weak, the Canon 7D was marked "Discontinued" on Amazon.  (It is still available at some camera stores for those looking for a deal.)

The replacement rumors have started.


Just what a "revolutionary" sensor and "a lot of 1D X" actually entails remains to be seen.  Look for an announcement from Canon during the first week of September.  The announcement should provide details on the 7D replacement as well as information on new lens releases.


Canon did recently patent a layered sensor design, similar to the Foveon but including layers for IR and UV.  It seems a little too early for this sensor design to be included in a camera, but Canon may have waited until actual manufacturing began before filing the patent.

I'm not sure if Canon has anything else it could reasonably call revolutionary in the works in regards to sensor design.

How Much Does Sensor Size Really Matter?

Zack Arias of Dedpxl.com posted a YouTube video recently on the difference between full frame and APS-C camera sensors.

The title "Crop or Crap".



His take, there is negligible difference between the sensors (and the photographer matters more than the sensor.)


He doesn't actually get into any numbers, so I thought I would.  (One of my first posts involves a comparison of sensor size so I have easy access to the numbers involved.)


A full frame digital sensor measures 36 x 24 mm.  APS-C sensor size varies based on manufacturer.  Its roughly 22 x 15 mm.  The full frame sensor has a surface area of 864 sq. mm versus about 330 sq. mm. for the APS-C sensor.

Micro 4/3 sensors are 17.3 x 13 mm, for a surface area of 225 sq. mm.


It's the surface area number that's important.  That number reflects the actual space available for individual photosites or pixels. There is a limit on how small individual photosites can be shrunk.  (Too small results in introducing an unacceptable level of noise.)

Based on the numbers, there is actually a very large difference between APS-C and full frame sensors, with the full frame sensor offering roughly 2.5 times the surface area. 


Given the same pixel count, a camera with an APS-C sensor will have to use smaller photo sensors and have those sensor located closer to each other.  This increases the likelihood of noise.  Eventually, you get to a point where the photosites are so small and so close together that it is impossible to fit photosites onto the sensor.

Neither Micro 4/3" or APS-C sensors seem to have reached their theoretical maximum pixel count right now.  Those systems will eventually reach a point where they can't offer the same resolution as full frame cameras, and any future conscious photographer should consider this when investing in a new camera. 

(Frankly, the theoretical limit on resolution is high enough when it comes to Micro 4/3" and APS-C systems that most photographers won't care.  For those that do, the limit for full frame cameras will be 2.5 times that for APS-C cameras.)


For those willing to accept this theoretical limit, systems using the smaller sensors do offer some advantages.

The smaller sensor size equates to smaller camera bodies.  It also means smaller lenses.  Smaller cameras and lenses mean these systems are lighter and easier to carry.  The lenses also tend to cost less as they contain less glass.

The weight and monetary savings make these systems very attractive compared to full frame DSLR cameras.  They also happen to be capable of producing high image quality.  (There are minor differences when it comes to things like depth of field.)

There seems to be very little reason to avoid these systems right now.  That might change in the future if manufacturers start increasing the resolution offered by these systems, especially if they start reaching the theoretical maximum resolution (whatever that turns out to be).

Witches of East End Contest Entries

I mentioned the DeviantArt Witches of East End contest the other day, thought I'd provide an update on my entries.  I wound up with three entries, all variations of the same theme and inspired by Poe's short story The Black Cat.

The first was designed to look like a vintage book illustration:

The second was done using watercolor pencil, and the third is a digitally manipulated version of the watercolor after scanning.

I personally like the sgraffito effect produced by manipulating the image.


Contest entries can be viewed on the DeviantArt contest page (if interested). 

It's clear from viewing the entries that some people didn't bother to read the contest rules.

Camera and Lens News and Reviews for the Week of July 20

Cameras

Samsung NX3000 Review

Hasselblad CFV-50c CMOS Back For V System
Hasselblad announces CFV-50c digital back for its V-system medium format cameras

Ready for its close-up: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 Review

Nikon’s D810 Beats Out Its Predecessors to Become DxOMark’s Top Sensor

Sony's enthusiast-level SLT gets a speed boost as well as better image quality


Lenses

Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM Lens Review

Panasonic 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6G II Lens Review: The little kit lens gets smaller, lighter and sharper

Fujifilm updates X-mount lens roadmap through end of 2015
Fujifilm lens roadmap reveals new 90mm 
Fujifilm Release Roadmap Update For X Mount Lenses
Fuji Releases Bokehlicious Updated Lens Roadmap for 2015


Other

Nauticam Launches New RX100 M3 Underwater Housing
Nauticam’s new underwater housing lets you go scuba diving with your Sony RX100 Mk III

New Gear: Metz Mecablitz 64 AF-1 Digital Flash

LensPen Sensorklear Loupe Kit Review

New Gear: Hoya EVO Antistatic Filters Repel Dust and Dirt
Hoya EVO Antistatic Filters Help Keep Dust Off Your Glass and Out of Your Shots
New Hoya EVO Filters Repel Dust & Dirt To The Extreme 

Syrp’s New Variable ND Filter Is Now Available

Vanguard releases new Alta CA tripod kits with pistol-grip head

Witches of East End Art Contest

DeviantArt is hosting an art contest where the grand prize consists of getting your artwork featured in an episode of the Witches of East End. (And a $1,500 monetary prize.)

The art must be based on one of three stories by Edgar Allen Poe: The Black Cat, The Raven or The Tell-Tale Heart.  The contest is open for submissions through July 27.  (That's less than three days at his point.  Work fast if you don't already have a work that fits the theme.)


Works can be any medium.

Submissions must be at least 2000 pixels wide/high and be in either .jpg or .png format.

Fujifilm's Updated X-Mount Lens Roadmap

Fujifilm released an updated X-Mount roadmap today.

The roadmap includes a new lens (the XF 90mm f2.0 R)

The next lens slated for release is the XF50-140mm F2.8 R OIS WR.  This is scheduled to be available later this year.  This will be followed by the XF16-55mmF2.8 WR early next year.


There is also mention of a "Super Tele-Photo Zoom" lens for late next year.  No specifics on this one.

Tips on Dealing With Stolen Photography Equipment

PetaPixel has an article today on a woman dealing with having her camera stolen.  The camera has been tracked to a local Pawn Shop, which refuses to turn the stolen property over absent payment or an arrest warrant for the thief.

So, how exactly do you deal with a situation like this?


The first step for dealing with theft needs to occur in advance: keep the proper records.

Keep the sales receipt.  If you use a credit card, keep the statement that shows purchase.  When you fill out the manufacturer's registration form keep a photocopy of the form.  The form probably has a spot for the equipment's serial number.  Write down the equipment's serial number if there is no other record of it.

Take pictures of the equipment.  You can include a a picture of the equipment next to a newspaper for date purposes.  Including a picture of yourself holding the equipment helps establish ownership if questions arise in that area.  If the equipment is a camera and you don't have another one, try using a mirror.  (This will only capture the front of the camera, but will show you holding it.)

Make sure to capture legible photos of the serial number.

Records need to be kept separate from the equipment.  They don't help if the thief takes them.

Keeping the records in your home is fine for dealing with theft.  Store records off-site if the equipment is covered by fire insurance.  (You don't want the fire to destroy the records along with the equipment.)

Digital copies can be stored online.  Digital records should be in addition to the hard copies, not substitutes.  (There are websites that offer a service storing equipment information.  Try Lenstag.com.)  


When the equipment is stolen take all the above records with you when you file a stolen property report with the local police.  Make sure to get a copy of the report when it is filed.  You'll may need this later.

Contact the Insurance Company if the equipment is insured against theft.  You'll need the police report when doing this.  (Note: you may not want or be able to file an actual claim at this point.  You'll still need to give them notice as soon as possible.)

Contact the credit card company if a card was used to purchase the equipment.  Credit Card companies may offer coverage for theft if it occurs within a certain amount of time following the purchase.  The police report will be needed if the company offers this type of coverage.  The card company may prove a valuable ally when attempting to recover the stolen property even if the theft isn't covered.

Try an Internet Search for the stolen property.  Include the serial number in the description.  You can also use a free equipment database site like Lenstag.com.


But What if You Find it and the Person Won't Return it?

The actions you can take if the equipment is actually found in someone's possession is going to depend on the exact circumstances.

Think about getting legal advice.  Paying for legal advice from an attorney may be worth it when dealing with expensive equipment.  It makes less sense if the equipment is of moderate value.  (At a certain point, the legal fees will be higher than simply purchasing a replacement.)

You can always try doing things yourself, relying on the free advice that can be obtained online.  There are legal sites that will offer advice.  Photography forums are another potential avenue for free advice.

If you want one-on-one advice, try the local law school.  Third-year law students may be allowed to engage in pro-Bono legal work as long as they are monitored by an attorney licensed in that jurisdiction.  This includes oversight by faculty member at the law school.  This provides the student with valuable experience and provides a service to those unable to afford legal fees.

Talk to the police department.  They may be able to walk you through the steps needed to recover the goods yourself.  They may also be in possession of information you will need to recover the stolen equipment.


One step that will probably be mandatory: establishing "Notice".  Notice means that the person in possession of the goods knows that the goods are stolen property.  You may have to contact that person and give them notice before taking any legal actions.

(There is something called "Constructive Notice".  This means there is evidence that the person knew or should have known the goods were stolen.  In the article, the Pawn Shop bought the camera from a person with a felony record and the Pawn Shop had that person's fingerprints.)


Bring in the Big Guns

Contact the Insurer or Credit Card company and give them all the relevant information.  The Insurer has a vested interesting in the stolen goods being recovered.  That prevents them from having to pay a claim.


Contact the media.  (Why do you think you're reading this?)

No business wants bad publicity.  In the case of the Pawn Shop, there is a chance people will stop shopping there because they realize the goods may be stolen.  Nobody wants to get a visit from police because the bought stolen property.  Plus there is a chance they will be forced to turn the property over to the rightful owner.

Threaten to contact the media first.  Then actually do so if the threat fails to work.


Threaten to sue.

Lawsuits are expensive to defend.  If the cost of the equipment is low, giving it back may be less expensive than paying an attorney.  A letter threatening to sue, with all the relevant grounds, my result in quick return of the property.

Make sure all potential legal claims are spelled out to the person holding the equipment.  Remind them that Intentional Torts carry the possibility of punitive damages.

Off-hand, I can name two Intentional Torts that the woman involved in the PetaPixel article could use as legitimate threats when negotiating with the Pawn Shop for the return of the camera.  I believe Florida caps damage for Intentional Torts at $125,000.


If you're a Pawn Shop and you're told you face a potential $250,000 legal judgement if you don't turn over property you paid $190 for, have been informed was stolen (and probably knew was stolen when you purchased it), what would you do?


If all else fails, file a lawsuit.

This gets the defendant's attorney involved.  If there is a chance of the defendant facing a large settlement or large fees, the attorney may advise to settle by turning the equipment over.

Filing a lawsuit does require filing fees which may make this step impractical unless dealing with expensive equipment (or outrageous behavior by the defendant that could result in large punitive damages).

Scratchproof Lenses on the Horizon?

TechRadar has posted an article on scratch tests done on the new Apple sapphire display, including a YouTube video with the results of using sandpaper on the display.





The display resisted the garnet sandpaper better than the Gorilla Glass display, but still suffered scratches.

Time for a little science:

Garnet is actually a term used in conjunction with a family of related minerals.  These are silicate minerals (silicon and oxygen) that contain additional minerals.  Those minerals can be iron, aluminum, magnesium, manganese and/or calcium.  Hardness for garnet ranges from 6.5-7.5 depending on which of these other elements are present and their proportions.

Typical glass has a hardness of around 6.5 on the Moh's scale.  It will be scratched by anything with a higher hardness rating.  This includes the garnet used in the "sandpaper."  It also includes quartz, which has a hardness of 7.0.  (Quartz also happens to be the major component of sand and is usually the hardest element present.)


Judging from the video, Apple's sapphire display seems to resist being scratched by the majority of the garnet pieces embedded in the sandpaper.  It is only the pieces on the upper range of the hardness scale for garnet that are actually able to scratch the glass.

This suggest a hardness for the glass just over 7.0.

Since quartz is the mineral primarily responsible for causing scratching to exposed glass, having a hardness just over 7.0 would render the display virtually scratch-proof.  (Sand can contain trace amounts of harder minerals, including garnet pieces with hardness on the high-end for that mineral.  These would still scratch the glass, but they represent such a small presence in dust that scratches would be very rare.)


Finding a way to use the glass in camera lenses would basically render them scratch-proof as well.  The easiest approach would probably entail using a piece of the sapphire glass as a non-lens end element.


As a side note: the TouchID sensor appears to be covered by an actually piece of sapphire as it resisted being scratched by the harder emery sandpaper in addition to resisting the garnet.  Sapphire is the gem form of aluminum oxide or corundum, and has a hardness of 9.0.

Camera and Lens News and Reviews for the Week of July 13

Cameras

Pentax Launches 16MP XG-1 Digital Camera with 52x Optical Zoom Lens
Pentax introduces 'versatile, all-purpose' XG-1 bridge camera
Ricoh announces Pentax XG-1 superzoom
Ricoh’s New Pentax XG-1 is an Entry Level Superzoom with Some Speedy Specs
Pentax XG-1 Review

Fujifilm X-E2: Lab Test Results & Comments

Nikon 1 V3 Review

Sony A6000 Review: Top-notch image quality meets great performance and affordability


Lenses
 
Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS USM

Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Macro review

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens: Versatility For Both DX And FX Formats


Other

Best A3+ printer for photographers: 6 top models tested and rated

Free Photography Course Material From MIT

Hat Tip: DP Review

MIT has an OpenCourseWare program where materials related to various courses can be downloaded free of charge.  Individuals can study those materials to educate themselves on a subject.

The program is for people wanting to learn a subject, but not working towards a degree.  (You're still going to pay tuition fees and learn on campus in order to get an MIT degree.   They're not giving those away.)


Photography courses are offered as part of the program.

The material available varies depending on the course.  Additional material not included in the download package may be available on the MIT website.

Development that Increases Visibility of Liquid Crystal Displays

One of the biggest drawbacks when it comes to using the LCD on the back of a camera when taking pictures has been the inability to use them in situations when the display is subject to bright light.  The glare on the display makes it largely impossible to see the image in the display.

Geek.com posted an article today on a technological development that seeks to address the glare problem associated with the use of a LCD.


The surface of the display is carved with a micro and nano level textures.  The micro-textured glass surface eliminates glare and reflections.


Glare involves light that hits the outside surface of the glass.  The texture scatters the light hitting the surface of the glass.  This prevents the light from being directed at someone viewing the LCD.

Reflection involves light hitting both sides of the LCD.  The textured surface greatly reduces the effect of light bring reflected as well.


As a bonus, the textured surface appears to be superhydrophobic, making those greasy fingerprints much easier to remove.


The Geek.com article does mention some possible issues when it comes to actual use.  Those issues are only theoretical at this point as the research has not reached the point of implementation.

The creation of glare-resistant displays could impact future camera design.  There would be no reason to include an electronic viewfinder on a camera if the LCD could be used in all lighting conditions.

Deal Alert:Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 50% Off

The Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera is currently available at B&H for $495.  That's a $500 savings compared to the original price.


This is actually part of a deal from manufacturer and runs until August 31. 

That means it should be available from other sources for the same price.  (B&H just happens to be the only store I use as a source that has made an announcement regarding the price reduction.)

Government Searches of Online Storage

One of the latest stories making the photography website rounds lately deals with a ruling out of New York relating to application of the 4th Amendment in regards to documents stored online.


Some of the sites are saying the Judge ruled that the 4th Amendment does not apply to documents stored online.  This isn't an accurate portrayal of the decision.

The judge ruled that the warrant served to Microsoft applied to documents stored on servers located outside the U.S.  The argument seems to have little to due with whether a warrant was needed or not to obtain the documents in question as the Government obtained a warrant for the records in question.

Instead, the case seems to revolve around the scope of the warrant.  Microsoft's contention is that the U.S. Government has no authority to search the server where the emails are stored because it is located outside its jurisdiction.

The Judge disagreed, holding the warrant applied no matter where the electronic files were stored.  (He also held that companies could not refuse to comply with these types of warrants.)



The frightening part of the decision stems from the Government's argument that there was no foreign search involved, despite the server being located in Ireland.

The fact that the U.S. Government (successfully) argued that accessing emails stored on a server physically located in another country did not involve a foreign search is astonishing.  Searching an email server in another country is as much a foreign search as searching that person's actual mail box.


It gets worse when you realize that there is an existing avenue available for obtaining evidence that is located in another country and in this case, the country where the email server is located is one that is willing to cooperate when it comes to American law enforcement efforts.

ACLU Lawsuit over Suspicious Activity Reporting Program

Hat Tip:  SLR Lounge, Wired


The ACLU recently filed a lawsuit over the Federal Governments Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) Program.


Two of the plaintiffs in the ACLU lawsuit are photographers.


I'm a bit conflicted when it comes to the lawsuit.  Neither of the photographers actually did anything "wrong".  It was the subject matter of their photographs that brought them to the attention of the Federal Government.

The first was taking pictures of a Natural Gas Storage tank, and the second was taking pictures of oil refineries.  Both are obvious targets for terrorists.  The Federal Government does need to monitor these types of installations for suspicious activity.

The problem seems to stem from the lack of common sense when it comes to determining what activities are actually suspicious.


Standing on public property and taking a picture of something that is a local landmark is not suspicious activity.  This includes the natural gas storage tank above due to how it was painted.

Standing in the open, on public property and taking photos at night (with a tripod) also fails the common sense test when it comes to "suspicious activity".  Is a terrorist really going to go through all that trouble and stand in the open for a long period of time while taking pictures of a target?

Hello?  Cell Phone?  (Or telephoto lens used where the photographer can't be seen.)


This seems to be the problem with the program.  The people responsible for reporting suspicious activity have no clue as to what that actually entails.  They don't seem to be asking themselves whether it is activity an actual terrorist would be engaged in before reporting it to the Federal Government.

If it's not something a terrorist would be doing, is it really "suspicious"?

Are DSLR Camera's Really Obsolete?

DIY Photography has a column today by a photographer arguing that DSLR cameras are "obsolete".


The basic argument made in the article is that no one needs a DSLR camera with the current crop of mirrorless offerings.  (We are still talking interchangeable lens systems here.  No argument that you can just use a phone camera.)


Here's my responses to the arguments made in the articele.

1)  Size Does Not Matter

The argument here is that you don't need a full-frame DSLR camera to take good pictures.  That's true, but that is not the end of the argument on size.

Larger cameras can use larger sensors.  Larger have advantages when compared to smaller sensors.  The main advantage being less noise especially in low light conditions.  Reducing the size of the individual photosites on the sensor and cramming them closer together increases the likelihood of noise.

There is a reason why the Sony a7S has a resolution of only 12 megapixels.  It's to reduce noise at high ISO settings.  And the a7S uses a full-frame sensor.

Try combining high ISO settings with a smaller sensor and low noise production.  If it requires reducing resolution to 12 MP on a full frame sensor, what would the resolution be on a micro 4/3 sensor?  (Granted, the a7S is designed for low-light video as well as photography.  This probably results in additional limits on sensor design.)


Full-frame sensors allow for higher resolution without introducing unwanted noise.  You can put a full-frame sensor in a mirrorless camera, but that elinimates many of the advantages gained from a mirrorless design.


Another factor when it comes to size is how the camera feels in the photographer's hands.  I'm not a big guy and don't have exceptionally large hands but they're large enough that small cameras often feel uncomfortable to use.  I can just imagine how someone with large hands would deal with a small camera.


In the end, size does matter.


2)  You Can't Afford Not to Go Mirrorless

This one is just nonsense.  Do a quick online search comparing DSLR cameras with mirrorless cameras and filter for sensor size.

The mirrorless bodies don't cost less and lens prices are based on complexity and size of the sensor.  Removing the mirror does little to impact the price of equipment.


3) Because you need discretion and practicality 

I'm not sure where the author is trying to go with this one.  He talks about carrying around huge amounts of equipment when using a DSLR, including a tripod for landscapes.  (And apparently not doing so with a mirrorless.)

So?  That is just someone changing how they shoot.

Nothing says you have to lug a bunch of equipment around just because you use a DSLR.  You can always limit the equipment you take along with you.  Sounds like switching forced the author to self edit.  You don't need to switch to a mirrorless to do that.  You just need a little discipline.

And as to the tripod.  I hope he's still using one with landscapes.  That's the only way to ensure sharp images, even with a light camera.


You can be practical when using a DSLR.


4)  You Don't Need a Mirror Anymore

The funny thing about this argument, early film cameras lacked a mirror.  The addition of one was an improvement.

The mirror allowed the photographer to view the exact same image being projected on the film.  The mirror in today's DSLR provides the same function.

Granted you can replace the mirror with an electronic view finder, which will project an image of what the sensor is seeing.  The problem with this approach is that EVFs are often difficult to use in bright light.  The image produced by the DSLR mirror does not suffer the same problem.  (Plus, the EVF is going to increase the power consumption of the camera.)



The mirror also serves an additional function: it helps protect the sensor when changing lenses.  Removing the mirror also removes this protection.

While you don't "need" a mirror in a camera, there are still valid reasons to include one in a camera.


5)  Because the Quality is There

This is followed by two sentences, then a bunch of "freeing yourself to create" statements.

Well unless you are printing for the west face of K2 do you really need those 30+ megapixels? What you need is a camera system that inspires you to go and do better photography. A system that frees you up to create.
You need tools that are a pleasure to use, affordable and a little less intimidating. I am not even sure what resolution my mirrorless cameras are, It has not occurred to me because I am so happy with the output that it’s not a worry.
Then there is the party trick of the mirrorless, the EVF (electronic view finder). Oh what a joy it is to spot meter and lock exposure live in camera and see your image just as it will be before hitting the shutter. It’s a dream and the tonal range you can achieve by metering live with EVF in this way can be sublime with practice.

 I'm glad the author gets such pleasure from taking pictures using an EVF.


Frankly, I don't rely on my camera to inspire me to take pictures or to want to improve my photography skills.

I'm inspired by the world around me.

I'm inspired by the objects I see.

I'm inspired by the images taken by other photographers.

I'm inspired by looking at the images I have taken and determining how I could make them better.


I have never really been inspired by my camera.  My camera is the tool I use because I have been inspired.


Right now my camera is an inexpensive bridge camera.  I would love a better camera, but not having one is not going to prevent me from taking pictures.

Camera and Lens News and Reviews for the Week of July 7

Cameras

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7

Leica T (Typ 701)

Sigma dp2 Quattro Review


Lenses

Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm F1.2

Leica Vario-Elmar-T 18-56mm f/3.5-5.6
Leica Summicron-T 23mm f/2 ASPH


Other

Manfrotto Announces Updates To 190 and 055 Series Tripods

The camera bag: keep your lenses cozy and your filters in order with these two bags

New Gear: Liteblades Add Edge To Your Light Painting

DxO Optics Pro v9.5.1 Update

What Happens When You Subject a Retro Lens to Modern Analysis

PetaPixel has reposted an article from Lensrentals.com showing what happens when you subject Lomography's Petzval based lens to modern analytic tools.


You'll have to head over to PetaPixel or Lens Rentals to read the article and view the accompanying images.  (I'm not reposting either as a matter of courtesy.)


Someone posted a link to their flickr album that contains images taken using the Petzval lens.


You'll have to wait until September to obtain one if you don't have one already.  The batch made as part of Lomography's Kickstarter campaign has sold out.  Lomography is planning another run and you can pre-order one on their website.

The lens only comes in Nikon or Canon mount varieties and the brass version runs $599.  ($100 extra for black.)

Nikon Photo Contest Open (No Film, Please)

Hat Tip: SLR Lounge

Nikon recently announced the theme and rules for its 2014 Photo Contest. 

The theme this year is "Home". 

There is a category for single images, one for a short series (two to five images) and one for short videos (up to 180 seconds in length.)

Entries that don't match the theme are accepted in the "open" categories.  (Single image, short series and short video categories here as well.)


The major rule: No Film.

Images must be taken with electronic device, be it phone or digital camera.  No scanned film images will be accepted.

Images can be altered.


Grand Prize is a 1,000,000 yen.

(Right now, one yen is roughly equivalent to a U.S. penny.  The Grand Prize is roughly $10,000.)



The Contest starts accepting entries September 15.  Check the contest page for full details.

Deal Alert: Save $500 on Canon EOS 7D

Hat Tip: SLR Lounge


B&H Photo is currently offering the Canon EOS 7D DSLR camera (body only) for $999.  This is a $500 price drop.

The price with 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens is $1099 (this is $600 off).

A Kit with an EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens is also available for $1,299 ($500 off).


(Other packages are available.  Filter search results by brand using "Canon" to limit to Canon products.)


The EOS 7D is an older model and likely to be replaced this year.  Camera stores are likely to offer deals to clear any existing stock before the next model is released.  It's still a very good camera and now is a good time to pick one up at a bargain price.

Lytro Deal for 500px Users

Hat Tip: Imaging Resource


Lytro is offering 500px users $250 savings on the Lytro Illum through July 31.


The suggested retail price for Lytro's latest light field camera is $1599.  The $250 rebate drops the price to $1349. 


This is a rebate offer.  Users will have to pay the full $1599 and then fill out the form to receive the rebate.

New TSA Rule May Effect Photographers

Hat Tip: Amateur Photographer


The TSA has issued an advisory on electronic devices.  Any traveler flying the the U.S. from a foreign airport is subject to having their "electronic devices" being searched.  This includes having the owner power up the electronic device.

Any device that does not turn on will not be allowed on the flight and the owner will be subject to additional screening.


It isn't clear whether cameras count as "electronic devices", but they could very well fall in that category.


Make sure the battery for any electronic device, including cameras, is fully charged before reaching the airport.

Image Taken With Sony's New Curved Sensor

Hat Tip: PetaPixel

Sony has apparently posted an image taken using it's new curved sensor design.  It's just an image of model/diorama so you really can't draw many conclusions from it.

The post that included the image is written in Japanese, which I don't read (I did run it through Bing Translator to get a rough idea on the content.)  There doesn't seem to be any information on what type of lens was used to take the picture.  The sensor could conceivably require a specially designed lens for best results and I would like to know whether they used a lens designed for the lens or just used a preexisting lens designed for current flat sensors.


The image does suggest that Sony is serious about using the curved sensor in its cameras.


There does seem to be an issue with using zoom lenses with the sensor.  This suggests that the sensor might first appear in fixed-lens cameras.

Camera and Lens News and Reviews for the Week of June 29

Cameras

Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 Full Review

Nikon D810 vs Canon EOS 5D Mark III comparison: full-frame DSLRs go head to head

Sony Cyber-shot RX100 III Full Review
Field Report: Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III


Lenses

A look at the Lomography Petzval 85mm F2.2 lens

Lens Focus: Tamron 16-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Macro Lens


Other

Review Domke Chronicle Camera Bag

Micro Four Thirds, Sony Alpha shooters get new strobe options from Metz and Nissin

New Gear: Yongnuo YN300W Studio Light

Canon Speedlite 600EX-RT & Transmitter: Flash With Built-In Radio-Operated Trigger

Price Drop on Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10

Hat Tip: DP Review


Sony has just announced that it is dropping the MSRP on the Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 from $1299 to $998.  (A $301 price drop.)


It hasn't announced whether this is a permanent or temporary price drop, but given the recent introduction of the Panasonic Lumix DMC--FX1000 it's most likely a permanent price drop.  The Lumix offers similar features and has a MSRP of $899.

Canon just can't charge $300 more for the RX10 given the similarity between the two cameras.


According to the DP Review of the Panasonic Lumix, the Canon does seem to be constructed a little more sturdy which could justify a slight price difference.