goldengod

The legendary Diana camera is finally re-entering production after a 35 year absence. Unica Home is currently taking pre-orders for the popular toy cameras and hopes to start shipping them later this month.

I’m far from being old enough to properly get excited about the “return” of this, but I’m intrigued. I like what I’ve seen from the images shown so far, and I like the idea of using a previously rare camera instead of some $20 lomo I can buy at 7-11.

If you aren’t enough of a lomography nerd to know about the Diana or why I think it’s cool, that’s okay. I still like you, just not as much. Here’s a quick blurb from the product page:

Originally produced by the great wall plastic factory in Hong Kong in the 1960’s the Diana has become a cult classic, known for producing soft and dreamy images due to light leakage. Given away by Reader’s Digest as a freebie, the Diana has been out of production for almost 35 years.

A light, inexpensive medium (120 film) format camera, the ‘new’ Diana has 4 f-stops and comes with a booklet, camera strap and lens cover. An additional change is that the camera has a removable lens, allowing for pinhole camera action!

At $50, this sounds like a pretty awesome toy. I’m flat broke at the moment, due a number of other shiny toys recently purchased, but I will probably be picking one of these up sometime in the near future. I need to broaden my horizons beyond my DSLR and lomo cameras are a bit more affordable than professional medium format cameras.

Would you consider purchasing a Diana Camera? Why or why not?

Last week, Adobe Photoshop Express was finally revealed. John Nack, a senior product manager for the software giant, leaked a screenshot and some details on his personal blog. Photoshop Express will be an online, free version of the world’s most popular image editing software.

The preview above shows a radically different user interface than previous versions of Photoshop. The new design was necessary in order to make it more user friendly without making the software look sparse. I find that it looks more like a dumbed-down version of Lightroom than anything else. Gizmodo commented that it “…reminds us of something from the new iLife.”

After the successful launch of Premiere Express on YouTube and MTV last June, it was only a matter of time before Adobe extended the idea towards their other software offerings. I’m glad to see that they aren’t wasting any time in pushing this initiative forward.

Speaking of future Adobe software, I think the Rubik’s Cube in the lower right hand corner is a reasonable indicator of future plans. It could just be sexily integrated with the full retail suite of Adobe applications, but hopefully they release free versions of everything. I’m looking forward to moving up from MS Paint.

Related Entries:

• Adobe Plans to Take Photoshop Online
• Microsoft Live Labs Presents Photosynth

Canon
by Per Ola Wiberg

Less than two weeks after I originally wrote about Canon 40D rumors, an official announcement has been made! In a press conference held yesterday, the digital camera manufacturer confirmed a September release date for the Canon 40D.

In the end, the final specs for the 40D changed only slightly from the rumored ones. The main difference is a 3″ LCD display instead of the supposed 2.5″. The 40D will also have the live view function and is weatherproofed for shooting outdoors in the rain.

Canon also took the opportunity to announce the new Canon 1Ds mk III. You can find full specs for both the EOS 40D & 1Ds up on Canon’s site. For extra drooling, UK magazine T3 nabbed some exclusive video of both new cameras.

After almost two months of silence since the last leak, Nikon D3 rumors have started up again in earnest. According to Electronista, the DSLR heavyweight has press conferences scheduled for either this Thursday or sometime next week.

Canon FT QL, 28mm F3.5 FL by Takekazu Omi

My RSS Reader has gone a bit haywire with news and rumors on the upcoming Canon EOS 40D. According to some unconfirmed leaks, we might have as little as a month to wait for the new digital SLR to be in stores.

Gizmodo and Engadget, quoting a Best Buy leak, are reporting that the camera is expected to be priced at $1599 USD and released on Sept 2, 2007. Rumored specifications for the Canon 40D include:

• 10.2 megapixel CMOS sensor
• 2.5-inch LCD
• DIGIC III image processor
• ISO range from 100 to 3200
• Integrated Cleaning System

I’m glad to hear that Canon is continuing with regular updates to their prosumer line. I much prefer to see the products built better, rather than just kicking out features and releasing cheaper models as Nikon is doing. However, even with an update to the prosumer cameras with the Canon 40D, I’m skipping it.

My next body purchase is going to have me make the jump to a full frame sensor. The Canon 5D is looking a bit dated, but there are rumors of an update to that model too. I’ve got my fingers crossed that they’ll hold off until I’m considerably less poor.

Hopefully Canon will make an official announcement soon and we won’t be left hanging. Speaking of being in the dark, there’s still no official word on the Nikon D3 SLR that was rumored to be announced back in June. I don’t know what’s causing the delay, but if my search traffic is anything to go by, the Nikon D3 is going to be a popular camera…

…if it ever comes out.

Book and Coffee by Rick Audet

You’d think with camera equipment being so expensive that they’d give us a break on photography books. Well, no such luck. You can expect to spend the same on a photography book that you would on specialized computer books. Thankfully they don’t go out of date as fast, but it’s still a lot of dough.

So for all of you out there who are poor like me, here are a few places to find cheap photography books:

The Library

Obviously, right? I’m not so sure people remember the library is there. I’ve taken out some fantastic photography books and they always seem to be checked in. It’s also a great way to get a preview of that $70 book on lighting to see if it’s worth it. While you’re at it, scour the library book sales. It’ll pay off quicker than you’d think.

Independent Used Bookstores

As with any other kind of book, you’ll find some real gems hiding on a dusty back shelf at your local booksmith’s. The books are sometimes a little out of date, but it makes little difference. My copy of ‘The Joy of Photography‘ is still relevant today, despite being published a couple decades ago.

Amazon Deals

Watch for deals on photography books from Amazon, you’d be surprised what turns up. It takes some digging, but there are deals to be had. I regularly see photography books discounted in the 30-40% off range, but for anything higher than that, you’ll have to spend some time poking around.

Garage Sales & Flea Markets

They’re not as reliable as some of the other options I’ve listed here, but you never know. The people running garage sales are also often quite nice about letting you take photos of anything that looks interesting. It becomes part book-shopping, part photowalking. I’ve also heard tales of shockingly cheap camera equipment to be found, but I’ve yet to see any jaw-dropping deals with my own eyes.

Bookstore Discount Section

I find this isn’t the best source for books about photography, but it’s definitely the best source for photo books. I’d say I owe about half of my collection of coffee table books to the discount section at my local Chapters. I’d almost classify this one as a better source for inspiration than anything else.

Persistence and a little luck will go a long way with all of these options. You’ll be able to develop a good book collection at a fraction of the price, just by putting in a little effort. After all, we’ve got to balance out all the photography blogs we read with ancient literature somehow.

Oops, there goes the camera! by Jesse Millan

So you read my article about how you should always take your camera with you, did you? Now that you’re getting in the habit, I’ll show you how to make it safer to take your camera with you all the time with photographer’s insurance or its more affordable younger brother, tenant’s insurance.

What is Photographer’s Insurance?

Photographer’s insurance is a specialized insurance package that is very important to have when working as a pro photographer. It will cover your camera equipment, income streams lost due to equipment failure and your liability in case you drop your camera on that nice Maserati.

It’s designed with the professional photographer in mind and unfortunately, the price reflects that. For those of us who have nice equipment that we’d like insured but no income streams or liability needed, we look to a cheaper alternative. This is where tenant’s insurance comes in.

What is Tenant’s Insurance?

It’s pretty much what it sounds like: An insurance package designed for apartment tenants. It’s homeowners insurance for the non-homeowner. Tenant’s insurance covers your possessions as well as limited liability with regards to water damage, fire, and so on. Very useful stuff, but how does it relate to photography?

Tenant’s insurance is much cheaper than photographer’s insurance and covers all your camera equipment in a way that makes sense for the average hobbyist. This kind of insurance protects your possessions, including all that expensive camera equipment at home. Just give ‘em the serial numbers and save the receipts, same as you normally would for a warranty. You can expect to pay somewhere between $30 and $50 a month for tenant’s insurance, if that.

Get a “Floater” on Your Digital Camera

Tenant’s insurance protects your stuff while it’s at home and locked up. Unfortunately, it has limited coverage outside the home. You know, out there in all those nice places you like to take your camera. But this can be remedied!

When you’re setting up your policy, ask how much it would be to add a ‘floater’ policy for your digital camera. A floater protects your camera both at home and away from home. As always, read the policies so you know exactly what’s covered and what’s not, but you should be safe to take your now-insured DSLR with you wherever you go. Don’t do anything overly stupid with your camera, because the paperwork and deductible can still be a pain.

Keep Your Camera Receipts Somewhere Safe

Fireproof filing cabinet, safety deposit box, whatever. The insurance company will ask you to present these receipts if something happens to your camera, so you better have them handy. Store the original receipts along with photocopies of each one. Sometimes receipts are printed on thermal paper and will fade after only 6 months or so.

For added meta-humour, take a photo of the receipt and the photocopy using the camera that the receipt is for.

Enjoyed reading this article? Subscribe to my RSS Feed to keep up with the latest digital photography tips and digital camera news.

Related Articles:

• Why You Should Always Take Your Camera With You
• Insuring Your Camera Stuff @ Photocritic.org
• High End Nikon D3 Digital SLR Rumors

Obligatory Dueling Shot
by Andrew Ferguson

I’m getting really curious about you guys. I’ve long since realized that my favourite part about writing is interacting with my readers in the comments, via email and in person.

I like hearing what people have to say about what I write, even when they disagree with me. Actually, especially when you disagree with me: That’s when I’m most likely to learn something new!

That said, I’ve decided to run polls on here every once in a while. It’ll sate my curiousity and help me structure what kind of articles I write.

So without further ado, I give you the first poll ever run on goldengod:

 Loading ...

Those of you reading by RSS feed or syndicated on my LiveJournal may not be able to see or participate in this poll normally. I’d really appreciate it if you could take five seconds to click through and answer the poll.

Get specific about your gear in the comments, if you’d like! I’d love to know what everyone prefers to use and why.

Down is the New Up by dro!d

It sounds like digital camera manufacturer Nikon is building up to a big DSLR announcement next week. All the major tech sites are reporting rumors about a new high end Nikon D3 digital camera.

News.com reports that things kicked off in the Digital Photography Review forums with a Nikon insider leaking some secret info about a new Nikon DSLR.

Engadget continued things with a post about Nikon D3 rumors. Nothing too concrete is covered, just “…hopes that it’ll sport 18.7-megapixels, a nearly full frame sensor, and an uncanny ability to cope with low-light conditions.” I can understand the excitement; Nikon *finally* jumping on the full frame bandwagon after years of resistance would be big news.

Returning for a second round, Engadget shared a final insider tip with us:

…a “photo editor at a major newspaper” has tipped us on a phone call he received from Nikon in which his presence was requested at a meeting where a “new professional camera that is leaps and bounds better than anything Canon is offering” would be showcased.

As expected, that’s about all the details he could pry from the caller, but since the meeting is purportedly scheduled for June 26th, at least we’ve got some sort of timeframe to get our hopes up about.

I’m pretty firmly in the Canon camp, but Nikon fans should definitely mark their calendars.

Actually, I’ve been noticing a strong trend towards Nikon low-end DSLR’s with my friends. I know, they aren’t much of an objective study group but it’s all I can afford this quarter.

I irresponsibly blew the Objective DSLR Survey Budget on a new circular polarizing filter for my Rebel XT lenses. I’ve got some time to play with it this week and I’ll have some impressions for you later on.

EDIT: I’ve noticed a lot of traffic coming here from Google: Welcome, searchers! Take five minutes and read a few other posts I’ve written about digital cameras:

• Tenant’s Insurance: Like Photographer’s Insurance for the Hobbyist
• Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR Rumor Mill
• Canon EOS 40D Announcement & Availability

Enjoyed reading this article? Subscribe to my RSS Feed to keep up with the latest digital photography tips and digital camera news.

Canon is reporting that they have recently manufactured a massive 50 megapixel CMOS sensor. While this thing sounds like a godsend for those looking to capture the crispness of film in a digital camera, don’t expect to see this sensor show up in your hands anytime soon. Engadget has the story:

Canon has built a 50 megapixel CMOS monstrosity, which is reportedly almost twice the resolution of its nearest competition, and is prepping it as a sort of large format surveillance camera for monitoring large, busy areas such as parking lots and theme parks, along with detailed work like factory part inspections.

The article goes on to state that the sensor was, amazingly, built in the standard dimensions of a DSLR sensor. That little detail may not mean much to you, but that suggests a lot to me. Once they get the manufacturing costs down, I have no doubts that it’ll hit the prosumer market. It’ll give me something new to drool over.

…Beats the hell out of my Canon Digital Rebel XT.

Related Stories:

• Are Megapixels Really That Important?
• Hasselblad H3D 39 Megapixel DSLR Digital Camera
• Rice University Developing Single Pixel Camera

I have finally purchased my first photography light kit. I now finally have some photography equipment that allows me to customize the light for photos any way I want. While I have yet to use it, this seems like an incredibly flexible and affordable lighting kit for beginners like myself.

The Light Kit

The kit I decided to start out with is a basic one; so basic that it’s called the “Starving Student Off-Camera Light Kit“. This is a kit that put together by Baltimore photojournalist David Hobby. It’s designed around being low on cost and high on flexibility. You can get the components pretty much anywhere, but it’s sold as a kit through MPEX.

I’ve been reading David’s site, Strobist.com, for about six to eight months now. He knows almost as much about light as Michael Grecco and I’ve come to trust his ideas and recommendations. After a lot of deliberation and comparisons with other options, this sounded like the best option for me to get my feet wet with off-camera lights.

The kit consists of:

• Vivitar 285HV Flash
• 8ft Light Stand
• 15ft PC Extension Cord
• 43” Compact Umbrella - Optical White w/Removable Black Cover
• 8×10 Color Correction Gel Pack
• Ni-MH AA 4-pack w/Charger
• Elastic Ties (10 pack)
• Umbrella Swivel

The Price

The whole lighting kit retails for $185USD. After currency conversion, shipping, tax, etc this will work out to approx $275CDN. I was able to lower the price in two ways. First, I dropped the batteries & charger because I already had a set. Second, my lovely girlfriend Sara had already purchased the stand and umbrella swivel for my birthday to get me started.

I could get most of the equipment from my local shop, the prices are much higher. This isn’t a slight against my local shop; most electronics in Canada are more expensive than they would be if you bought them from the US, even after shipping & duty.

My experience purchasing through MPEX wasn’t the greatest, but that’s the subject for another post. Right now, I’m thinking about spending a large portion of my Sunday playing around with my new toys. Expect the results to show up in my Flickr account soon.