Lens Band: A Livestrong Bracelet to Stop The Zoom Creep

Because of their size and the heavy glass components inside, large lenses are subject to something known as 'zoom creep' where they have the tendency to extend or collapse under their own weight when pointed upwards or downwards. In some situations the problem can be easily solved by just holding the zoom ring, but other times you might need a specialized tool.

Usually that specialized tool is nothing more than a couple of elastic bands wrapped around the lens to hold the ring in place, but let's be honest here, that solution is far from aesthetically pleasing. So for just $5 the Lens Band, made from high grade silicone rubber, does exactly the same thing, but in a variety of different colors. Including black if you want to use one but don't want it to stick out like a sore thumb. It's designed to work with lenses from all the major manufacturers, including Nikon and Canon, but as far as I can tell it's a 'one size fits all' kind of deal so you don't need a different one for every lens in your kit. Of course, if you've supported any kind of charity over the past three years, you're probably already wearing multiple Lens Bands at this very moment.

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How Interchangeable Lens Cameras Fit Nicely Between Compact & DSLR's

As I walked through the annual PDN PhotoPlus show at the Javits Center in New York yesterday, I was struck by how much attention small cameras with interchangeable lenses are receiving.

Such cameras aren't quite digital single-lens reflex cameras (DSLRs); they lack the mirror systems and often the sensors of their larger brethren.

The concept started to get popular a few years ago, with the Micro Four Thirds cameras introduced by Olympus and Panasonic. Olympus’s PEN line has been among the most attractive, including the E-P3.

Panasonic was at the show with its recent choice, the Lumix DMC-LX5.

Both seem like solid entries, but the Micro Four Thirds sensor is smaller than the APS-C sensor you'll find in most SLRs, at about 220mm2 compared with the more standard APS-C sensor. The number of lenses isn't as great, either. On the other hand, these cameras tend to be lighter, and thus easier to carry, as well as less expensive.

Sony was next into the fray with its Alpha NEX line, which moves up to a 23.5 by 15.6mm APS-C sensor. At the show, Sony promoted two new models: its 16-megapixel NEX-5N and its upcoming 24MP NEX-7, which adds an XGA OLED electronic viewfinder. It's more expensive and some of the lenses can get quite large, but it looked reasonably strong.

Samsung's Entry was the NX 200, based on a 20MP APS-C sensor. This wasn't on the show floor, but should be out shortly.

Even the biggest names in cameras are now getting a shot in the action. Nikon entered the market with two cameras in its Nikon 1 series, both featuring one-inch sensors.

The two models are the consumer-focused J1 and the enthusiast V1, both 10MP models. The big difference seems to be the inclusion of an electronic viewfinder and a magnesium alloy body on the V1. Nikon emphasizes the speed of these cameras.

 

Of course, there is still plenty of action with the bigger cameras, as Canon introduces the EOS-1D X.

This has an 18MP full-frame sensor and can shoot 12 frames per second. It looks great, but at nearly $7,000, it's meant for professionals.      

For us mere mortals looking for SLRs, there are other choices in the Canon Rebel line (T3i), Nikon's D3000 and 5000 (D5100), and Sony's Alpha line.

The new smaller interchangeable lens cameras aren't really meant to compete with these. Instead, they are positioned as a step up from compact cameras, but without the weight of the SLRs. As such, they look really good and are improving in a flash.

Canon EOS-1D X pro dSLR replaces both 1Ds Mark III and 1D Mark IV

The Canon EOS-1DX

Professional photographers around the world are getting ready to cough up $6,800 come March 2012. That’s when the newly announced Canon EOS-1D X professional digital SLR is slated to start shipping.  The new full-frame dSLR not only replaces 2007’s similarly priced full-frame 1Ds Mark III, but Canon has also ramped up performance so much that the camera will also replace the speedy 1D Mark IV aimed at sports photography that sells for a couple grand less and uses an APS-H sized sensor.

Besides packing the camera with dual Digic 5+ processors, Canon boosted speed by dropping the resolution to 18-megapixels (3 megapixels less than the 1Ds Mark III’s 21.1 megapixels, but 2 megapixels more than the smaller sized 16-megapixel sensor on the 1D Mark IV). In doing so, Canon hopes to match the image quality of the 1Ds while shooting at even speedier rates than the 1D Mark IV, with a continuous shooting speed of 12 fps (vs. 10 fps in the Mark IV) or even 14 fps in JPEG-only mode. The lower resolution should provide not just faster continuous shooting and data processing, but it should also result in lower noise in images. The camera’s standard ISO sensitivity range is already broad, from ISO 100 to 51,200, but can be set as low as ISO 50 or as high as 204,800 in enhanced modes.

In addition to the two Digic 5+ image processors, the 1D X also includes a third Digic 4 processor that’s dedicated to just metering and autofocus control.  The brand new autoexposure system uses a new 100,000-pixel RGB metering sensor and the new autofocus system sports a whopping 61 AF points. The AF functions now have a dedicated menu tab for improved accessibility, and there’s even a built-in guide to provide advice on which settings to use. By default, the camera uses phase detection AF information, but it also offers a new Intelligent Tracking and Recognition option that uses face-detection and tracks recognized faces. A new shutter design promises both durability and precision and helps reduce camera vibration.

Other key features Eos-1dx include:

• A multiple-exposure feature, which lets you combine up to nine separate images into a composite image, in-camera.
• Enhanced 1080p HD video with new compressions and longer recording time
• Automatic splitting of movie files that exceed 4GB; continuous recording up to 29 minutes 59 seconds
• Manual audio level control and wind filter
• External stereo mic input
• Re-designed exterior and ergonomic button configuration (optimized for both horizontal and vertical grip)
• Dual CF card slots
• Built-in Ethernet (1000BaseT) port

 

 

Do U iPhone 4S Camera In the Wrong Place?

As I’ve been using my iPhone 4S instead of the Canon SD1400IS for my all-purpose point and shoot camera and I’ve noticed something: the camera lens is in the wrong place.

Apple introduced a handy new feature with the iPhone 4S and iOS 5 – using the volume buttons as a shutter release. Now you can hold the iPhone in landscape mode and place your finger on the volume button and shoot a picture by pressing the button. When you do, with the volume button on the top, the lens is on the lower right corner of the phone. It just feels off to me.

I tried shooting with the lens on the upper left with the volume buttons on the bottom. You have to use your thumb to press the volume button and that’s awkward, but helps me frame shots better. Shooting this second way is still a bit problematic, as my fingers keep getting in the way of the lens. Neither way of holding the iPhone 4S to shoot pictures is convenient because of the placement of the lens.

As lenses on smartphones get better and phones become thinner, the placement of the lens may become even more problematic. I wish all smartphone makers would consider the lens placement in their designs. The optimum placement would be equidistant from both long edges and at least a third of the way over from the shorter edge of the phone

 

The camera on the iPhone 4S is so good I want to use it more. I’ve found that the best way to hold the camera is to have the volume buttons on the bottom and place your thumb over one to take a shot. Put your left index finger on the top with your other three fingers away from the phone. This solves the old finger in the shot problem. Hold your thumb along the bottom edge with the lower right corner resting flush with your hand. Put your index finger along the top edge and use your ring finger behind the phone to hold it in place as it rests against the back of the phone. This gives me the least amount of shake while shooting photos and keeps my fingers out of the frame. Having the lens on top makes framing photos less awkward. I tap the screen with my left finger to focus holding the phone firmly with my right hand.

If using your thumb to press the button feels strange to you, then you can reverse this to use your right finger to press the volume button with it on the top instead of the bottom.

We at GottaBeMobile agree that all phones should allow you to use the volume button as a shutter release instead of a zoom function, as some Android phones do. It also makes more sense to have the lens placed so that the buttons are on top, just as is the lens. Even better: phones should move the lens further towards the center of the back of the phone like it would be on a point and shoot camera.

Tell Me What You Think, It Is OR Is It Not In The Wrong Place Leve a coment below Thanks

 

EOS-1DX - How to remove a bent filter ring

 

After a 4 foot dive: That's not happiness to see you.

It finally happened. It was only a matter of time. But when it happened, I did not expect it to happen.

Fortunately it was only hardwood flooring, when my Canon EOS 60D took a four foot dive off the office desk and onto the floor, resulting in that most cringe-inducing-opposite-of-joy sound: the shattering of glass.

Shards of glass sprayed across the floor, and in that instant I thought I had died. Okay, over-reaction? Probably. But legitimate concern for my $1,500 investment… ah, well, I’ll let you take a guess on that one!

When the split-second of drama had passed, I took a deep breath and began to take stock of the situation. How bad was it?

Scene of the crime: Rushing to prep for interview with Teatro ZinZanni in San Francisco.

On the down side the lens hood was inverted and in storage position at the time of the fall, meaning it could do nothing to absorb the impact. But–good news! … and it’s all relative at this point–the lens filter had, at least visibly, taken the brunt of the damage, and was shattered as you see in this photo.

I picked up the camera, and shook loose fragments onto the floor. From there, I used a blower to carefully remove tiny bits of glass from the lens, which appeared unharmed, at least on the exterior.

I then tried to remove the now destroyed filter by twisting the ring. No dice. Regardless of how much (careful) force I applied, the ring would not budge. Upon further inspection I could see the point of impact was along the ring. Now bent, it would not twist off.

What to do?

I suspected my next step would be to head to a local camera repair shop, el pronto. I was under the wire as we had a shoot and interview that very evening.

So I Googled- surely I was not alone in this predicament. Sure enough there were scores of others who had dropped their camera, bent their ring, and lived to tell.

There are a variety of suggestions on how to remove a bent filter ring. Many I’m sure would work. The one I chose was the HACKSAW METHOD. Scary stuff, and just in time for Halloween no less. It sounds far worse than it is, and, in my case, solved the problem and returned the 60D to beautiful working order just in time for our dinner theater shoot.

Here’s what I did.

Please note: I make no guarantees here that this (a) will work for you, or (b) won’t potentially do further damage to the lens. If you’re careful, move slowly (take your time!), I suspect you will have success- but again, proceed at your own risk.

HOW TO REMOVE A BENT FILTER RING

1. Remove the lens from the body – fortunately my EOS 60D body appeared unscathed after the fall.

2. Protect the Lens - With the filter smashed, the lens is exposed greatly increasing the risk it will get scratched. I used a small foam insert that came with one of the 72mm filters that I had purchased. I was able to gently position this inside the filter itself, completely protecting the glass.

3. Carefully remove shards of glass (optional) - I’m not sure this is necessary, but I decided to pluck the remaining shards. They came out easily and once removed provided more space for the next steps.

4. Use a hacksaw to cut a notch - Using a standard hacksaw (and I think other small saws would work here, or possibly even better, a dremel) cut a notch. It may be a little tricky getting the groove started. I found that using high speed, and light pressure worked best to get started. I was careful to keep the saw on an angle such that the blade did not come close to the lens. Be careful not to cut too deeply or you may damage the threads on your lens. Instead go 2/3 or possibly 4/5 of the way- that should be enough to weaken it. Note: some suggest cutting two notches, opposite each other. This might be a good idea as it will possibly make removing the ring easier to remove. In my case one notch worked fine.

Notch on filter ring - be careful not to cut too deep or you may damage the threads on the lens.

5. Use pliers at notch location to twist slightly and lift filter – with the notch now weakening the ring, first try to twist off the ring. In my case it still would not come off. If required used a small set of pliers to twist the ring at the notch point.

6. Pull off filter by twisting carefully – Hopefully at this point you should be able to completely or partially pull off the ring. In my case the top half came off, and that point I was able to use my hands and pull of the remainder straight up (without twisting).

Free at last - also, maybe time to buy higher quality UV filter next time!

After following these steps you should be able to remove the bent filter ring. You should carefully use a blower to remove any particles and ensure that no tiny fragments remain around the front of the lens area. After all is clean, remove the lens protection and clean your lens as you normally would.

Again, use these steps at your own risk. If you have any doubts you should bring your camera into the shop. The downside of DIY repair is that you risk destroying your lens. I was able to remove the bent ring, and have the EOS 60D all set, prepped for our shoot without a potentially expensive and time consuming trip for repair. Not in my wildest dreams did I expect to be using a hacksaw on such a finely engineered piece of equipment. But what relief!

I thank my lucky stars that this didn’t happen downstairs on the travertine.

And lesson learned: camera straps can help save your camera from a fall. But when not in use, can also lead to unwanted accidents- in this case, the strap caught the arm of my office chair, and when I wheeled back to the computer, pulled the camera along for a memorable ride.

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Canon EOS 1Dx - Which first look

My thoughts about the new Canon EOS-1DX

 

Tips for Choosing DSLR Camera Lens for Your Digital Cameras

When you are thought to buy a new digital camera it is must to looking at its camera lense. Finding a camera with genuine wellborn DSLR camera lense may be bit gruesome chore for you. But if you invest whatever instance and efforts you can simplify your job and can undergo a benevolent digital camera with camera lense that you are finding for.

Today most of the people use digital cameras. This is the responsibility of today and has get one of the most great gadgets for restored lifestyles. Whether you requisite to tally a camera for your personalised requirements or poverty to get it for authority use it is heavy that you seem for the angelic lineament and branded restore so that you do not make to unhappiness for your get subsequent. It is primary that you looking for varied models and brands and choose the first with most of the features at peak toll.

There are so many choices for you to select from. Varied flag, disparate cunning shapes and different dinky features that turn with opposite digital cameras can pull any eye. Piece choosing the lens you should sensing at both of the points that can help you in deed finer quality for your variform requirements. Here are whatever tips that you can speculate while deed a new digital camera.

• Position of all you should resolve for your requirements. Settle most whether you need the exposure lense or a beamy predetermine organ. These two are distinct and you should decide the one that you tell.

• Pic lense is victimized when you requisite to inclose the pictures from a distance. You can use these when there is lot of illuminated lendable. Most of the photograph lens ranges from 100mm to 300mm and you should select accordingly.

• If you deprivation to select healthy broad seek shots you should use inaccurate lenses. Most of the ample lenses ambit from 35mm to 55mm and you can determine according to your requirements. With the comfortable lenses you can also pullulate when there is low palish.

• Also there are lenses which somebody nonmoving focal length. This means that you cannot use the rise property.

• Then there are interbred lens for you to use. With these lenses you can pip open angle shots as compartment as photograph shots with the self organ. These are the camera lenses that are magnificent to use for you if you don’t bed untold around what to use. http://eos-1dx.net/h9o

Canon Celebrates 50 Million EOS-Series SLR Camera & 70 Million EF Lens

 About EOS-series SLR cameras

The EOS series, which stands for "Electro Optical System" and also carries the name of the Greek goddess of the dawn, was first introduced in March 1987 as a new generation of AF SLR cameras that incorporate the world's first electronic mount system, achieving complete electronic control not only between the lens and body but throughout the entire camera system.

With the key concepts of high speed and ease-of-use, the EOS-series cameras, including the top-of-the-line EOS-1 professional model, which was first introduced in 1989, and the compact, lightweight EOS Rebel XS, which was released in 1993 and helped to expand Canon's user base, actively incorporated innovative technologies and gained acceptance from a wide range of users. Following the introduction of the EOS D30 in 2000, a time when the spread of digital SLR cameras was in full swing, Canon developed such advanced technologies as its proprietary CMOS sensors and the high-performance DIGIC digital image processor, as well as an extensive lineup of EF lenses in an effort to fulfill the company's new key concepts of high speed, ease-of-use, and high image quality.

Canon has its rich product lineup in each category-professional, advanced-amateur, and entry-level-in the EOS series, and aims to further enrich its lineup by releasing the new flagship-model EOS-1D X in March of 2012.

50 millionth EOS-series SLR camera

Production of the EOS SLR camera first began in 1987 at Canon Inc.'s Fukushima Plant (now Fukushima Canon Inc.), and then later moved to Oita Canon Inc.; Canon Inc. Taiwan; and most recently Nagasaki Canon Inc. from March of 2010. In 1997, the 10th anniversary of the series, production reached 10 million units, and in 2003 passed the 20-million mark. After the rapid spread of digital SLR cameras, Canon went on to reach the 30-million mark during the series' 20-year anniversary in December 2007 and the 40-million mark in May 2010, followed by the current 50-million-unit production milestone, attained after a short one year and four months.

70 millionth EF lens

Production of interchangeable EF lenses for Canon EOS-series AF (autofocus) SLR cameras began in 1987 at the company's Utsunomiya Plant, and has since expanded to a total of four production facilities including Canon Inc. Taiwan; Canon Opto (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.; and Oita Canon Inc. in Japan. EF lenses reached the 10-million-unit milestone in 1995, the 20-million-unit milestone in 2001, and the 30-million-unit milestone in 2006, followed by the 40-million-unit mark in April of 2008. Owing to the rapid spread of the EOS Digital series, production then increased and EF lenses achieved the 50-million-unit mark in December of 2009 and the 60-million-unit mark in January of this year. Canon will produce 10 million units just in nine months and reach the 70-million-unit milestone at the end of October of 2011.

Canon will continue to refine its various imaging technologies by using optical technologies as a core, striving to produce exceptional and reliable cameras and lenses that cater to the varying needs of photographers-from first-time users to advanced amateurs and professionals-while contributing to expanding an enjoyable photo and imaging culture.

 

canon EOS 1DX Video review

canon Eos-1D X sneak preview
FULL frame 18 Megapixel, great ISO performance, 14 FPS , 1080 30FPS and 720 60FPS ...

 

The Canon EOS-1D X Review

The Canon EOS-1D X is the latest in the company's professional range of DSLRs. Its job is to replace both the sports-orientated 1D series and the high-resolution, studio-focused 1DS range of cameras. As is usual for upgrades in this class of camera, the changes are incremental and subtle but aim to raise the bar of what is possible.

The biggest specification change to the 1D X is its new sensor - an 18MP full-frame CMOS chip capable of shooting at 12 frames per second. This represents a big change over the 1D Mk IV (it represents a move away from the smaller APS-H format that Canon has previously used in its sports cameras), and a decrease in pixel count compared to the 1DS series. However, as Rick Berk, Technical Specialist in Canon USA's Pro Engineering and Solutions Division says: 'there's more to image quality than just resolution.'

The move from APS-H up to full-frame is enabled by a sensor with faster data readout explains Chuck Westfall, Technical Advisor in Canon USA's Pro Engineering and Solutions Division: 'The new sensor has 16-channel, dual line readout, compared to 8-channel, single line designs in the previous generation of chips.' This lets the company offer a large sensor (and the low-light capability that brings) for 1DS users, with the fast capture speeds that current 1D Mk IV users need. 'It's clear the time has come for the 1DX to replace the whole 1D series,' says Westfall.

Under the skin, the big change is the more sophisticated metering sensor. A move from the 1D Mk IV's sensor to a new 100,000 pixel unit affords the camera a much better understanding of the scene and this information is fed into the camera's autofocus system to improve the quality of its AF tracking. This isn't a new idea (Nikon's sports cameras have done something similar for several generations), but it's a sensible way of improving what's already an impressive system.

Related articles

• EOS-1D X Review (eos-1dx.net)
• Canon's new EOS-1D X flagship professional DSLR camera (gizmag.com)
• Canon announces EOS-1D X (oxfordschoolofphotography.wordpress.com)