Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Updated: Sony at Photokina

Hello everyone!

Photokina is here and so far there have been new camera announcements from nearly every manufacturer leading up to the event. Sony have issued a press release for the trade show detailing future releases for the Alpha line and NEX cameras as well as a firmware update for the NEX-3 and NEX-5 due to be released in mid October. The firmware update enables auto-focus on SAM/SSM alpha lenses and new functionality on the user interface. You can view the press release by clicking here.

As for the a700 replacement, it appears that there is only a mockup on display at the show with the vertical grip and a new flash. Looks like the AA (Advanced Amateur) market have to wait a little longer for the announcement. Alongside the camera is the 500mm f/4 super-telephoto lens which is also a mockup that is due to be released soon. From what I've read from the forums and other sites, the a700 replacement will not be announced this year which is disappointing because that would be the camera body that I would want to upgrade to. After seeing the new Canon 60D, Nikon D7000, Pentax k-5, Olympus E-5, I would have expected Sony to release an advanced model for photographers. Well I'm thinking, the longer the wait, the better the camera should be compared to the new releases from the other camera manufacturers since the a700 has been discontinued for nearly a year.

UPDATE: Unfortunately, looks like there is no a7xx replacement for Sony users. I'm contemplating whether or not I should just jump to full frame but I only have two full frame lenses and I'd need another to cover my main range, so it would actually end up costing me more but we'll see what happens. I think I'll be patient and wait. After all, my a350 is still alive and well after numerous drops on rocks, concrete and wood (all in the last 3 months). I'm actually surprised it still works. Back to the a7xx, I now have high expectations for this camera since the wait has been so long. 

Here are a few shots from dpreview of  the Sony stand at Photokina and the press release from Sony Europe.

500mm f/4 G series lens, a7xx replacement DSLR/DSLT? with vertical grip and new flash

Mockup of the a7xx with vertical grip and new flash

a7xx rear view

 Recently announced a580 with vertical grip

Sony's DSLT camera, the a55 that uses Sony's new innovative Translucent Mirror Techonology

 The recently announced Carl Zeiss 24mm f/2 lens (I would love this lens for my landscape photos)

 500mm f/4 Super telephoto G series lens

New colored NEX Cameras

NEX 5 with new flash


New NEX lenses including a Carl Zeiss and G series lens with current NEX lenses.


Thanks for reading!

Monday, September 20, 2010

Tough Guy Shoot

Hello everyone!

Just thought I would post up a very spontaneous and random photo shoot with my friend, Justin with Marione assisting. As the title suggests its a tough guy shoot so we used Justin's punching bag and some other tough guy poses that I thought suited the theme of it. Initially, I wanted to do this shoot a while ago and in a proper gym but since I couldn't get a hold of one and look for one on such short notice we used his garage. For a spontaneous shoot, it was pretty successful and using off camera flash made it even better to set the the look that I was going for. With some editing I saturated the colors to get the mood I wanted which was different for me because I always love the true color style of photos. Anyway, here are a few of my favorite shots from the shoot. I'll upload more on my new flickr account soon when I finish editing one of the photos so that should be pretty soon. 



  






Thanks for reading!

Friday, September 17, 2010

Vogue's Fashion Night Out and Dirty French Word Fashion Show

Hello everyone!

On Thursday last week myself and Marione had the opportunity to shoot at Vogue Fashion's Night Out. It was a wet and rainy day but that didn't stop people from showing up and checking out the events that were happening throughout the city. All up I have to say the day was great with heaps of fashion shows with stores serving food and drinks and plenty of entertainment. Here's a few snapshots of the night.










Last Saturday I attended a fashion show at the Ivy where I was asked to photograph for a new clothing line, Dirty French Word. All I can say after the show was "wow!" What a great show and it was the first time they organized a fashion show so great job! Like all fashion shows, there are photographers and lots of them. I had the opportunity to meet and greet with a few of them and talk about photography in general too. Like my first fashion show, it was a great experience. I used my 70-200mm for the runway shots and my 17-50mm to cover the wide end for snapshots of the night. I also had the opportunity to take a few shots backstage which was great as well. Observing how crazy it can get and people screaming for models to get ready was definitely a new experience. Here's a few snapshots of the night, edited DFW style.

 



Thanks for reading!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Photos 171-191

exposure: 1/60sec f/stop: 11 iso: 100

I took so many shots of bees this day and only a handful of photos sharp enough to use. With the bees constantly moving and using manual focus, it was a challenge but I probably just need more practice. I like this shot because the photos in focus, there's nice bokeh and its a shot of the bee hard at work.

exposure: 1/250sec f/stop: 9 iso: 100

 A simple shot at Bicentennial Park, taken from the tower. It was extremely windy that day.

exposure: 1/15sec f/stop: 5.6 iso: 100

I was at Bondi Beach this morning with Marione taking some early sunrise photos. There were heaps of people there exercising and walking their dogs. I took this shot of people doing yoga on the beach. I love the sunrise colors.

exposure: 1/640sec f/stop: 6.3 iso: 100

I was out today taking shots of birds and ducks in flight today and managed to get this shot. I cropped it in photoshop but I just wanted to show the full photo here.

exposure: 1/5sec f/stop: 2.8 iso: 200

Yay new lens today! Instead of showing the whole lens like my Tamron, I thought I'd take a different approach and take a photo to show the important specs of it. Needed to buy this lens for the upcoming fashion shows.

exposure: 1/5sec f/stop: 2.8 iso: 100

Taken outside in front of my house. I have a lot of these in the front. I have a mind blank at the moment and I can't remember what these are called. Took a few shots of this and up close the detail of this photo is amazing.

 exposure: 10sec f/stop: 13 iso: 100

I was at the beach again on this morning. Using my filters, I was able to achieve a long shutter speed without overexposing the photo. I was considering of using this in my landscape portfolio but I would rather do this shot again.

 exposure: 1/1000sec f/stop: 6.3 iso: 100

I remember I was at Olympic Park and as a plane flew over me, I took this shot. I wish I had a longer lens so I can get real close ups of the planes.

exposure: 1/160sec f/stop: 9 iso: 100

It was another windy day in Sydney doing location scouting with Marione. We actually chose to shoot around this area for our photo shoot. I'll write up a post about it soon. What I like about in this photo is the wind blowing through the long plants. 

exposure: 1/200sec f/stop: 5 iso: 800

This is one of the members from a band called 'Set Sail'. They were basking in front of QVB and worked up quite a large crowd. These guys are awesome performers and they're cover songs are amazing! Definitely a band worth looking up.

exposure: 1/200sec f/stop: 6.3 iso: 100

I watched Michael Jackson's movie, 'This Is It' and there was a point in the movie where he was talking about the environment and how its up to every individual to take care of the planet and not to just rely on other people and think the government will take care of things because its up to all of to us to make a difference. Here's a quote from the movie, "nature is trying so hard to compensate for man's mismanagement of the planet, because the planet is sick, like a fever. If we don't fix it now, its at the point of no return". What he said inspired me to make more of an effort to help the environment and I will. By the way, I picked up this bottle and threw it in the recycling bin after taking this shot.

exposure: 30sec f/stop: 8 iso: 100

I went to Bondi Beach at night after having a reading session at Borders. Took this shot from one of  the look out points. The floodlights at the bottom of the shot ruin the photo but then again I don't really like where I took this photo from. I'll probably come back and do another shot from a different vantage point.

exposure: 1/160sec f/stop: 2.8 iso: 400

The Erin Louise fashion show was a great first time experience of shooting a fashion show. I didn't get enough time to change lenses for a proper shot but I managed to just fit all of the models in this frame.

 exposure: 1/400sec f/stop: 2.8 iso: 100

JMCK had a photo shoot today and the concept of this shoot was action and movement. I'll write up a post about the experiences during this shoot but overall it went well. I took this shot of myself with some long cloth flowing against the wind.

exposure: 1/10sec f/stop: 5.6 iso: 800

I was at Gloria Jeans enjoying some hot tea with Marione when out of nowhere this bird flew in our direction and landed near our feet. I grabbed my camera and took this shot of it while it was looking at some food a customer was eating.

exposure: 1/2sec f/stop: 5.6 iso: 800

My mother and I were cooking dinner today. I wanted to get a shot of the steam but it didn't turn out the way I wanted it too because of the lighting. I'll try and get a better of this another time.

exposure: 1/30sec f/stop: 2.8 iso: 800

If you haven't noticed yet, the blue magician hat is from a movie called 'Fantasia' that starred Mickey Mouse. The wooden spoon is from a tipping competition that I took part in a few years ago back in high school. And the orange character, I have no idea where he came from.

exposure: 1/60sec f/stop: 8 iso: 100

I was using my Sigma lens on the tripod today doing some panning shots of dogs in motion. It was kind of the owners to let me take shots. I had to email the photos of the dog to them though which was cool.

exposure: 1/2sec f/stop: 2.8 iso: 100

It may not look big here but this is a huge mug. I should have taken a comparison photo with a normal sized mug. Don't really know why I bought this but its a good prop to have and I'll probably be using this for other photos.

exposure: 1/500sec f/stop: 4.5 iso: 100

I was at the bay run today taking a few photos practicing with my filters and some other techniques I wanted to try out. I would of liked this shot more if the filter I used was balanced. As you can see the top section of the sky is dark and towards the end of the horizon its bright. I guess I still need more practice and should pay more attention to where I place the filters.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Erin Louise Fashion Show

Hello everyone!



Time for a photo update and some thoughts about the experience of shooting a fashion show. On the 26th of August, I had an opportunity to cover a fashion event for Erin Louise. It was my first time photographing a fashion show and I was a bit nervous that my photos wouldn't turn out properly. Knowing the limits to my camera and how it couldn't handle low light was my main concern. I was thinking of buying a new camera altogether or at least hiring one for the show (pity there are no places that hire out Sony DSLRs - one downside to investing in this system). Instead I bought a new lens, the Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 HSM II hoping it would be enough to cover the range and low light conditions. In the end, I was shooting with ISO 400-800 with my flash and the f2.8 of the lens which helped with a complete two stop advantage if I were using my Minolta 70-300mm. It was great that Marione was able to come and cover the event with me. Her camera was more capable than mine and she also had the same lens as me so that helped her a lot too.

The show was only about 2 hours long with a couple of performers singing a few covers and original songs. A random song they sang was No Diggity by Blackstreet which was cool and unexpected. Nonetheless, they sang it well. There were four photographers at this show, myself and Marione included and we all covered different angles and ranges. Shooting at a fashion show was a great first time experience where we made new contacts and had the chance to use our cameras with our new lens combos. Overall, we were both happy with our photos and how the night turned out.

A few things that I think will be helpful when shooting a fashion show:
- Using a 70-200mm f2.8 lens will help to cover your telephoto range in low light. Prime lenses would be even better for light but you don't get the flexibility of the zoom so there's your trade off.
- A wide angle lens with a f2.8 or larger is useful to cover unique shots.
- A flash with spare batteries.
- A camera that is capable of producing acceptable high ISO if flash is not allowed.
- Bring a monopod to support heavy lenses like the Sigma 70-200mm 2.8. Hand holding this lens will give you a sore arm. I say monopod because its more versatile than a tripod.
- Use a fast shutter speed to get a sharp photo but not too fast or else you'll end up sacrificing ambient light.
- Get there early to find a good vantage point of the runway.
- Memory cards!

That's all I can think of for now and I shall leave you with a few photos that I took throughout the night.

Thanks for reading! =.)





















Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Sony Announces 4 New Cameras

Hello everyone!

I am pleased to announce that Sony has released 4 new cameras last week, showcasing some innovative features as well as developing their new translucent mirror cameras. Firstly, I'll start off with the traditional DSLRs which replace the a500 and the a550. The newly developed a560 and a580 DSLRs both have new sensors and are one of the first DSLR cameras from Sony that can now record HD video up to 1080i, shoot up to 7 frames per second, have a new 15-point autofocus system, 3D sweep panorama, 3 frame HDR and has an extended ISO 25600 (Multi-Frame NR mode). These are great cameras for the enthusiast photographer, that produce great images even in low-light. The only thing that I can think of that Sony should have put in is a dedicated AF assist lamp but I guess they'll reserve that for their higher up models.




 Sony a580

As usual, here are the specs for the cameras taken from Sony Europe:


Key FeaturesDSLR-Α580 / DSLR-A560
TypeInterchangeable Lens Digital Camera with built-in flash
Lens CompatibilitySony α lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lens
Image SensorA580
Exmor™ APS HD CMOS 16.2 effective megapixels (approx.)
A560
Exmor™ APS HD CMOS 14.2 effective megapixels (approx.)
ProcessorBIONZ™ image processor
ISO Sensitivity RangeISO 100 - 12800 (Extended: ISO 25600 in Multi-Frame NR Mode)
Image Quality ModesJPEG (fine, standard), RAW, RAW + JPEG
HDMI Connector and BRAVIA SyncHDMI mini connector (Type C), BRAVIA Sync (Sync menu), PhotoTV HD
Image Size: 3:2 (pixels)A580
L size:  4912x3264 (16M)
M size:  3568x2368 (8.4M)
S size:  2448x1624 (4M)
A560
L size:  4592x3056 (14M)
M size:  3344x2224 (7.4M)
S size:  2288x1520 (3.5M)
HD movie recordAVCHD: 1920 x 1080i (16:9) (59.94i recording, 29.97 fps image sensor output / Average bit rate 17 Mbps)
MP4: 1440 x 1080 (16:9) (29.97 fps / Average bit rate 12 Mbps) / 640 x 480 (4:3) (29.97 fps / Average bit rate 3 Mbps)
Max record time: Without SteadyShot Inside 29 minutes, with SteadyShot Inside 14minutes on the α580 and 24 minutes on the α560
at a room temperature
ViewfinderFixed eye-level, penta-Dach-mirror type Optical Viewfinder
Approx. 95% coverage, 0.8x magnification (with 50mm lens at infinity)
LCD7.5cm (3”) TFT (Xtra Fine LCD) with 921k dot resolution; 2-way tilting mechanism
Live View SystemQuick AF Live View (pentamirror tilt system) 
Focus Check Live ViewFocus system TTL phase detection system / Contrast AF selectable
Display Real-time image adjustment display (reflects exposure compensation, white balance, Sunset / B&W of Creative Style )*
* Available only during AE lock
SteadyShot INSIDEYES
Anti-dust SystemCoating on low pass filter, plus image-sensor shift
Focus ModesAF/MF selectable
AF modes: Single-shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF
Autofocus SystemTTL 15-point phase detection AF system with 3 cross sensors (11-point with optical viewfinder)
Exposure ModesProgrammed AE (AUTO, AUTO - Flash Off, P), Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual, Scene selection
Exposure Metering System(Live View): 1200-zone evaluative
(Viewfinder): 40-segment honeycomb pattern
Exposure Metering ModesMulti-segment, Centre-weighted, Spot
Scene SelectionPortrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, Night portrait/Night view, Hand-held Twilight
Creative Style SettingsStandard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, B/W
Sweep PanoramaYES (2D and 3D)
Auto HDRYES (available in P/A/S/M modes)
Shutter Speed1/4000-30sec, Bulb
Exposure Bracketing3 continuous exposures, in 0.3 or 0.7 EV steps
White Balance SettingsAuto / 6 presets / Colour Temperature/Colour Filter /  Custom WB
Continuous Advance ShootingUp to 7 fps in Speed Priority mode (AF/AE fixed at first frame)
Up to 5 fps with optical viewfinder
Up to 3 fps in Quick AF Live View mode
Approx. no. of ShotsApprox. 1050 images with optical viewfinder, approx. 560 images in live view mode (CIPA standard)
Built-in FlashAuto pop-up, GN 12 at ISO 100, FOV coverage up to 18mm
Flash ModesFlash-off, Auto, Fill-flash, Slow sync, Rear Sync., Wireless*, Hi-speed sync.*,

*With compatible external flash
MediaMemoryStick PRO Duo / PRO-HG Duo / SD memory card / SDHC memory card / SDXC memory card
Dimensions (WxHxD)Approx. 137 x 104 x 84mm (W/H/D, excluding protrusions)
WeightApprox. 599g (excluding battery, media and accessories)







Now these cameras that I am about to talk about are not DSLRs but are called Digital Single Lens Translucent (DSLT) cameras because the mirror doesn't flip up in a reflex motion, instead they are fixed semi-transparent mirrors. The advantages of this new technology means that the cameras can shoot at a blazing fast rate. On the a55 it can shoot up to 10fps with continuous phase-detection autofocus, even when recording movies. Also there is no mirror blackout when taking a photo, no mirror movement compared to traditional DSLRs, shorter shutter lag and it allows the user to have a more compact body. The following a33 and a55 is a great innovative step for Sony in the camera market and I'm even considering buying the a55 for its performance and quality. Here's a video showcasing its headlining its main features:



Camera Specs:

Key FeaturesSLT-Α55V / SLT-A33
TypeInterchangeable lens digital camera with built-in flash
Lens CompatibilitySony α lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lens
Image SensorA55:
Exmor™ APS HD CMOS 16.2 effective megapixels (approx.)
A33:
Exmor™ APS HD CMOS 14.2 effective megapixels (approx.)
ProcessorBIONZ™ image processor
ISO Sensitivity RangeISO 100 - 12800 (Extended: ISO 25600 in Multi Frame NR Mode)
Image Quality ModesJPEG (fine, standard), RAW, RAW + JPEG
HDMI Connector and BRAVIA SyncHDMI mini connector (Type C), BRAVIA Sync (Sync menu), PhotoTV HD
Image Size: 3:2 (pixels)A55:
L size:  4912x3264 (16M)
M size:  3568x2368 (8.4M)
S size:  2448x1624 (4M)
A33:
L size:  4592x3056 (14M)
M size:  3344x2224 (7.4M)
S size:  2288x1520 (3.5M)
HD movie recordQuick AF Full HD movie with phase-detection autofocus
AVCHD: 1920 x 1080i (16:9)
MP4: 1440 x 1080 (16:9) / 640 x 480 (4:3)
Max record time: 29 mins
Electronic ViewfinderElectronic Viewfinder “Tru-Finder” (Xtra Fine) (1.15 million dots effective resolution), with 100% frame coverage
Digital level gauge, shooting information and grid line display modes
LCD7.5cm (3”) TFT (Xtra Fine LCD) with 921k dot resolution; variable-angle tilt/swivel mechanism
Live View SystemQuick AF Live View
SteadyShot INSIDEYES
Anti-dust SystemCoating on low pass filter, plus image-sensor shift
Focus ModesAF/MF selectable
AF modes: Single-shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF
Autofocus SystemTTL 15-point phase detection AF system with 3 cross sensors
Exposure ModesProgrammed AE (AUTO, AUTO - Flash Off, P), Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual, Scene selection
Exposure Metering System1200-zone evaluative metering
Exposure Metering ModesMulti-segment, Centre-weighted, Spot
Scene SelectionPortrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, Night portrait/Night view, Hand-held Twilight
Creative Style SettingsStandard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, B/W
Sweep PanoramaYES (2D and 3D)
Auto HDRYES (available in P/A/S/M modes)
Shutter Speed1/4000-30sec, Bulb
Exposure Bracketing3 continuous exposures, in 0.3 or 0.7 EV steps
White Balance SettingsAuto / 6 presets / Colour Temperature/Colour Filter /  Custom WB
Continuous Advance ShootingA55:
Continuous Priority AE mode: up to 10fps with tracking AF
Continuous mode: Up to 6fps
*varies according to shooting conditions and memory card used
A33:
Continuous Priority AE mode: up to 7fps with tracking AF
Continuous mode: Up to 6fps
*varies according to shooting conditions and memory card used
Approx. no. of ShotsA55:
Approx. 330 images with viewfinder, approx. 380 images in live view mode (CIPA standard)
A33:
Approx. 270 images with viewfinder, approx. 340 images in live view mode (CIPA standard)
Built-in FlashAuto pop-up, GN 12 at ISO 100, FOV coverage up to 18mm
Flash ModesFlash-off, Auto, Fill-flash, Slow sync, Rear Sync., Wireless*, Hi-speed sync.*,

*With external flash HVL-F58AM, HVL-F56AM, HVL-F42AM, HVL-F36AM
MediaMemoryStick PRO Duo / PRO-HG Duo / SD memory card / SDHC memory card
Dimensions (WxHxD)Approx. 124.4 x 92 x 84.7mm (W/H/D, excluding protrusions)
WeightA55:
Approx. 441g (excluding battery, media and accessories)
A33:
Approx. 433g (excluding battery, media and accessories)