Sensor cleaning for DSLR users

The most powerful SensorLoupe™ comes in 7X

The NEW SensorLoupe™ 7X utilizes advanced (patent pending) features such as BriteVue XL™ technology with high quality BK9 optical glass, well-known for its high resolution and clarity. In addition, the NEW SensorLoupe™ 7X has six super bright LEDs with vari-angled orientation to help create a 3D image of dust particles, similar to how satellites capture stereoscopic images. SensorLoupe™ 7X even makes it possible to locate the smallest dust particles that can ruin even ultra-high resolution images.

The high quality optical glass used in the SensorLoupe™ 7X is coated with MgF2 for sharp crystal clear image in order to reduce chromatic aberrations and to achieve the highest optical resolution possible. The high caliber materials used in construction of the SensorLoupe™ provide a high resolution, sharp crystal clear image of the sensor. The BriteVue XL™ design aids to easily spot even the smallest dust particles on the sensor, succeeding where other tools fail.

The SensorLoupe™ 7X has many other uses, such as inspecting the chamber of the DSLR camera or analyzing negatives from film cameras. It is even possible to locate the tinniest dust particles, defect or scratches on the sensor as well. The SensorLoupe™ 7X is an indispensable tool for photographers that want to eliminate F22 tests and other dust screening methods, save time and keep shooting.
Other features include:
compact design
easy on/off switch
high grade materials
easy access to clean lens
neck strap
synthetic leather carrying case with belt clip

10 incredible Earth's photos taken by Canon/Nikon "cameras"

It's not a secret that Canon and Nikon - the most famous and outstanding photomakers oа the world. Their equipment isn't only the compact and professional cameras. Their production is using by space shuttles and Earth telescopes. The biggest one observatoria on the Earth using Canon tech , and the biggest one Space telescope Hubble equipped by Nikon. H
Have a glance what do they see every day :)

1. richat structure, mauritania(above) the cause of the richat structure in the sahara desert of mauritania has been debated for many years. at first it was thought to be a meteor impact crater due to its circularity but this has since been disproven due to the lack of shock-altered rock in its vicinity. this massive (30 mile diameter) oddity is now believed to have been a rock dome sculpted over time by erosion. this incredible image was taken by the advanced spaceborne thermal emission and reflection radiometer (aster) on october 7th, 2000.
2. aurora borealis
(above) an astounding and spooky photo of the natural phenomenon known as aurora borealis, taken on-board space shuttle atlantis during the sts-117 mission.
3. greenland’s eastern coast, august 21st, 2003

(above) the fractal coastline of greenland and its numerous fjords as seen from space.

‘little spots of white in the water seem to be ice originating from the deeper fjords that reach all the way to the icecap covering most of the island.’

4. egmont national park, new zealand(above) mt. egmont volcano last erupted in 1755 and is now situated at the centre of egmont national park. park regulations have ensured the survival of a forest which extends at a 9.5 km radius from the summit of the volcano, the result of which can be seen from space in the form of huge dark green disc. this photo was taken during the sts-110 mission, april 2002.
5. a total solar eclipse from space, 1999
(above) the shadow of the moon covers part of earth on august 11th, 1999 in this photo taken from mir space station. this shadow raced across earth at 2000 km/h, all areas under the centre of it plunged into darkness during a total solar eclipse. this was apparently one the final photos taken from mir.
6. mt. etna eruption, october 2001
(above) taken from the international space station in 2001, this is a photo of a particularly violent eruption on the island of sicily which produced a cloud of ash that travelled as far as libya. on the humongous version of the photo lighter coloured smoke can be seen near the volcano - this was caused by lava igniting nearby forests.
7. sri lankan coast, 26th december 2004(above) the ocean rapidly retreats 400 metres on the south-western coast of sri lanka, just 5 minutes prior to the arrival of a devastating tsunami.

(above) the swirling waters continue to batter the coast just moments after the main wall of water has hit.

8. an alluvial fan, xinjiang province, china

(above) covering an area 56.6 x 61.3 km and taken on may 2nd, 2002, this photo shows an alluvial fan that formed on the southern border of the taklimakan desert in china. an alluvial fan usually forms as water leaves a canyon, each new stream eventually closing up due to sediment - the result being a triangle of active and inactive channels. the blue ones on the left are currently active.
9. retreating glaciers in the bhutan-himalaya
(above) a beautiful but clear sign that glaciers are slowly melting due to global warming. easily visible are the ends of most of these glacial valleys’ surfaces turning to water to form lakes, a trend which has been noticed only in the last few decades.
10. hurricane isabel, 2003
(above) this terrifying photo of hurricane isabel was taken on the international space station in 2003 and illustrates the immense size of the hurricane’s eye. this particular hurricane was the deadliest of 2003 and winds reached 165 mph at its peak.

Canon EOS-5D Mark II and photos

Canon EOS-5D Mk. II leaked?
A second version of Canon's EOS-5D may be in production, a listing error suggests. Amongst the possible cameras a photographer might have, the bug submission form for Capture One beta 4 (by Phase One) lists a "Canon 5D Mark II;" selections are otherwise fairly conventional, limited to a host of known cameras and digital backs. The mistake is given weight both by Phase One's leading-edge reputation and by the EOS-40D, which was similarly exposed, and then officially confirmed on August 20th.

The current 5D is considered in the top tiers of Canon's DSLRs, its highlight being a full-frame, 12.8-megapixel sensor. While Canon's 1D Mk. II cameras also have full frames, the 5D is the cheapest camera Canon offers with the feature, which provides more detail while restoring focal lengths cropped by most digital sensors.

Some days ago , one of the digital preview forum members took some unafficial photo of Mark II:

Japan started fingerprinting and photographing arriving foreigners

Japan started fingerprinting and photographing arriving foreigners from Tuesday in a crackdown on terrorists, despite complaints that the measures unfairly target non-Japanese. Nearly all foreigners age 16 or over, including longtime residents, will be scanned. The only exceptions are diplomats, government guests and permanent residents such as Koreans who have lived in Japan for generations.
The fingerprints and photos will be checked for matches on terrorist watch lists and files on foreigners with criminal records in Japan. People matching the data will be denied entry and deported. Japan is the second country after the United States to implement such a system.

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR,

Tokyo – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR, a new DX-NIKKOR zoom lens with built-in Silent Wave Motor and Vibration Reduction. This compact, lightweight and affordable 3x zoom NIKKOR lens offers remarkable versatility and covers the essential focal range of 18 to 55mm. When mounted on any DX-format Nikon digital SLR camera, the picture angle is equivalent to that produced by a 27 to 82.5mm focal length lens on a 35mm-format film camera or Nikon FX-format camera.


Nikon’s VR (Vibration Reduction) system minimizes the image blur caused by camera shake, providing the ability to shoot at shutter speeds up to three stops slower than would otherwise be possible.* Nikon VR technology enables dramatically sharper handheld shooting at dusk or at night, or even in poorly lit interiors. Another major advantage of Nikon’s VR function is that it produces a stable viewfinder image. This makes the process of framing and composition much more comfortable and accurate.
*As determined in Nikon performance tests

To deliver superior optical performance, Nikon set even stricter engineering standards for this new lens, and has achieved greater overall resolution. The newly developed optical system, optimized for use with Nikon DX-format digital SLR cameras, incorporates a hybrid aspherical lens element that minimizes image-degrading distortion. Nikon’s Super Integrated Coating ensures outstanding color balance and reproduction while greatly reducing ghosting and flare.


An ultra-compact Silent Wave Motor (SWM) built into the lens body ensures fast, quiet autofocus operation. The seven-blade rounded diaphragm opening imparts a rich, natural look to out-of-focus elements. Furthermore, it boasts a short closest focus distance of 0.28 m/0.9 ft. throughout the entire zoom range.

With compact dimensions of Ø73 x 79.5 mm/Ø2.9 x 3.1 in. and a low weight of approx. 265 g/9.3 oz., this new lens is easy to handle and carry.

The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR is a significant addition to the DX-NIKKOR lens lineup, offering digital photographers enhanced flexibility for a wide range of applications.


Note:
DX-NIKKOR lenses are engineered and optimized for use on Nikon DX-format and FX-format digital SLR cameras. When mounted on an FX-format digital SLR, the camera’s DX-Crop Mode is automatically engaged, altering the image capture area accordingly. DX-NIKKOR lenses are not compatible with 35mm [135] or IX240 [APS] format film cameras.
Specifications, design, standard accessories, and release schedule may differ by country or area.




AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Major Features
3x zoom lens covering the most frequently used focal range of 18 to 55mm (picture angle is equivalent to focal length from 27 to 82.5mm in Nikon FX or 35mm format)
Vibration Reduction enables sharper pictures while shooting at shutter speeds up to three stops slower than would otherwise be possible
Optical design optimized for use with Nikon digital SLRs for superior performance
Hybrid aspherical lens element minimizes lens aberration
High-performance Nikon Super Integrated Coating offers superior color reproduction, while substantially reducing ghosting and flare
Nikon’s exclusive Silent Wave Motor ensures fast, quiet autofocus operation
Rounded seven-blade diaphragm opening makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural
0.28 m/0.9 ft. closest-focusing distance throughout the entire zoom range
Accepts 52 mm filter attachments
Ergonomic lens barrel features rugged construction with a comfortable fit; separate zoom and focus rings provide the accuracy professionals expect



AF-S DX-NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Specifications
Focal length 18-55 mm
Maximum aperture f/3.5-5.6
Minimum aperture f/22-36
Lens construction 11 elements in 8 groups (with one aspherical lens element)
Picture angle 76° - 28°50’
Closest focus distance 0.28 m/0.9 ft. (throughout the entire zoom range)
Maximum reproduction ratio 0.31x
No. of diaphragm blades 7 (rounded)
Focusing Autofocus with built-in SWM and manual focus
Diameter x length (extension from lens mount) Approx. 73 x 79.5 mm/2.9 x 3.1 in.
Weight Approx. 265 g/9.3 oz.
Supplied accessories 52 mm snap-on front lens cap LC-52
Optional accessories 52 mm screw-in filters, Rear lens cap LF-1, Flexible lens pouch CL-0815, Lens hood HB-45


Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. November 2007
Specifications(PDF)

New Kodak CCD

New CCD from Kodak - Kodak have introduced a new advancement in Charge Coupled Device (CCD) image sensor technology that significantly improves performance for applied imaging applications.

Press Release:

Kodak’s new Interline Transfer CCD technology platform will be the basis for a full portfolio of image sensor products targeted to markets such as industrial and scientific imaging, starting with the newly announced Kodak KAI-01050 Image Sensor.

The eighth generation of Interline Transfer CCD technology developed by Kodak, this new platform reduces pixel size by almost 50%, doubles the maximum frame rate available from the image sensor, and provides a significant increase in image quality compared to the previous technology generation. With these advancements, customers working in applied markets will have access to new levels of performance, improving the capabilities and performance of their imaging systems.

“Exceptional imaging performance is vital to the success of applied imaging applications,” said Chris McNiffe, General Manager of Kodak’s Image Sensor Solution group. “This new technology platform was developed specifically to address this need by improving key sensor parameters such as pixel size, frame rate, and image quality. As camera manufacturers develop products with our new KAI-01050 image sensor, and later with other image sensors developed using this new technology, they will be able to offer a new generation of cameras that provide improved throughput, performance, and quality for their customers.”

Kodak has a rich history of supplying image sensors for use in applied imaging markets. With a broad portfolio of interline transfer CCDs ranging from VGA to 16Mp in resolution, Kodak is a leading supplier of image sensors used today in applied applications such as the automated inspection and assembly of electronics components, traffic monitoring, and medical and scientific imaging. As these applications have evolved, the ongoing requirement for improved throughput and imaging performance has driven the development of this new sensor technology to address these needs.

Kodak’s new Interline Transfer CCD platform was developed using a clean sheet approach, leveraging best practices in Kodak sensor design to optimize the imaging performance available from these new devices. To facilitate the design process for camera manufacturers, Kodak will also use a common package layout with shared electrical specifications where possible for image sensors commercialized using this new technology, allowing manufacturers to develop a single camera design that can easily support multiple sensors.

The Kodak KAI-01050 Image Sensor is the first product to be commercialized using Kodak’s new Interline Transfer CCD technology. With a 1024 x 1024 array of 5.5 micron pixels, the sensor provides a readout speed of up to 120f/p/s in a ½in optical format. Engineering grade devices of the KAI-01050 are currently available, with volume production planned for early 2008.

How to buy digital SLR Camera

Are you considering purchasing a digital SLR camera? HOW's resident technology expert reviews 6 options to help guide you to the right DSLR for your needs.

Need quick, quality, custom photos for a project? Ready to supplement the stock photos you're buying now? Getting the photos you want with a digital SLR camera is easier and more affordable than ever. But selecting the right DSLR has never been tougher. Prices are lower, image quality is better, hardware is faster and feature-rich—and there are more choices. That's great news for buyers.

To help HOW readers considering their next—or first—DSLR, we put together this quick guide to affordable cameras and essential accessories.

Affordable, Not Cheap
Not long ago, the price of admission for a DSLR was $1,500, then $1,000 and recently close to $500. But beyond price, most of the technology in expensive pro models has filtered down.

Affordable DSLRs are now easy to find in big box retailers. Six capable models are the Nikon D40/40x/ up to D80, Canon Digital Rebel XT/XTI also known as 350D/400D and Olympus 410/510.
Each of these are appropriate for shooting in a studio, at events or for landscapes. Each gives access to professional lenses. Yet there are some noteworthy differences. If you want some additional info - please comment on this. Good luck !

14 megapixels in an ultracompact body

Imaging Expo Singapore. i've just saw a prototype of Yashica AV-1400-HD. And it seems like having 14 megapixels in its slim case ! The largest one i've seen on a compact camera. According to its distributor, the AV1400-HD is expected to be available in Singapore by end December. No pricing details as of this writing.

I have a little more information about the other models. The Yashica EZ8032 and EZ7033 are two decently slim shooters.
The 8.2-megapixel EZ8032 has a 2.5-inch LCD and a thickness of 22mm. Shutter speed ranges from 1 to 1/1,500 sec with an aperture of F2.8-4.9. The EZ7033 is a 7.2-megapixel camera with a 3-inch screen, 3x optical zoom and 18.5mm thick. Oddly, it has a maximum light sensitivity cap of ISO 400. Both cameras are priced at about $403 in Singapore.