Nikon News (Page 11)
Just posted: Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens Review
Outstanding lens.
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Also, support this site by ordering the Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens (or anything else) from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | WEX
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From Micron:
Crucial Expands Portable SSD Portfolio, Unveiling Revolutionary New Storage Architecture
Crucial X9 Pro and X10 Pro Portable SSDs Unlock Storage Performance to Dramatically Improve Workflow Processes for Content Creators
BOISE, Idaho, July 25, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Micron Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: MU), today announced the Crucial® X9 Pro Portable SSD and Crucial X10 Pro Portable SSD, two new performance offerings in the Crucial Pro Series product portfolio, designed for content creators such as photographers, videographers, designers, or any performance-seeking consumer. Both drives utilize Micron TLC NAND and leverage a revolutionary single-ASIC portable storage architecture to enable a breakthrough, ultra-compact, lightweight form factor and allows Micron to ship the most capacity per square millimeter in the industry1. With either the Crucial X9 Pro and X10 Pro, users can safely store, transport and backup important videos, photos, files and more on the go, without cloud or internet access at lightning-fast speeds.
“We recognize that fast, efficient workflow processes are essential to the success of videographers, photographers and other content creators,” said Jonathan Weech, senior director of product marketing for Micron’s Commercial Products Group. “We designed and built our two new portable SSDs, the Crucial X9 Pro and the Crucial X10 Pro, to specifically address these demanding workloads. With more photos and videos being taken than ever before, consumers are looking for ways to save, preserve and protect their digital lives reliably and quickly. These two new Crucial Pro Portable SSDs are a great choice for anyone who needs dependable, fast, high-capacity storage.”
Real speed. Raw power. Crucial X10 Pro Portable SSD
The Crucial X10 Pro Portable SSD, the fastest external SSD offered to date by Micron, delivers sequential read/write speeds up to 2,100MB/s and 2,000MB/s respectively2 and up to 4TB of space3. Creative professionals can transfer 1TB of data in under nine minutes4, dramatically improving video editing workflow efficiencies. The Crucial X10 Pro can connect directly to a laptop or workstation via the provided USB-C cable5 to blaze through multi-camera timelines and users can even edit, trim and render directly from the drive. Both water and dust resistant (IP55)6, the Crucial X10 Pro works with Windows, Mac, Android, game consoles and more right out of the box7.
Powerful performance. Broad compatibility. Crucial X9 Pro Portable SSD
With space to store thousands of photos, files and videos, the Crucial X9 Pro Portable SSD provides the speed required to organize, curate, edit and retouch photos quickly. Photographers can accelerate their workflow with powerful performance and storage capacity, as the Crucial X9 Pro provides sequential read and write speeds up to 1,050MB/s2 and is available in sizes up to 4TB3. The Crucial X9 Pro is plug-and-play ready with a USB-C connection5 and works with Windows, Mac, Android devices7 and more. Its diminutive size of 65 x 50 millimeters provides palm-sized portability and weighs only 38 grams.
Micron + Adobe: Accelerating the pace of content creation.
Micron has collaborated with Adobe to provide a one-month Creative Cloud All Apps plan with the purchase and complete drive registration for every Crucial X9 Pro or Crucial X10 Pro Portable SSD product8. This product bundle will allow a wide variety of users to express their creativity more easily than ever before.
Availability
The Crucial X9 Pro and Crucial X10 Pro Portable SSDs are available now in capacities of 4TB, 2TB and 1TB at B&H.
Notes
1. Based on internal competitive research and analysis across portable SSDs.
2. MB/s speed measured as maximum sequential performance of device as measured by Crucial on a high-performance desktop computer with Crystal Disk Mark (version 8.0.1 for x64). Your performance may vary.
3. Some of the storage capacity is used for formatting and other purposes and is not available for data storage. 1GB equals 1 billion bytes.
4. As measured using the Crucial X10 Pro on a high-performance desktop computer.
5. Best speeds available with included USB Type-C to C cable on USB 3.2 Gen2 supported devices. Use USB Type-A adapter for older devices. USB 3.2 Gen2 2x2 full performance can only be achieved on USB-C host devices.
6. Protection against dust and water projected in jets against the enclosure from any direction. The X10 Pro should not be submerged in water. For more information, visit www.iec.ch/ip-ratings.
7. Compatibility may vary and may be contingent on device formatting and host capabilities. Compatible Android devices must be able to work with USB Mass Storage over OTG. Operating system updates and reformatting may be required.
8. Terms and conditions apply.
As I mentioned recently, the ultra-high-performance of the Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens means still excellent image quality with extenders mounted, including the Canon RF 2x Extender. The 2x addition results in a 200-600mm f/5.6 IS lens, and ideal choice for wildlife photography.
So, this combination and I headed out for some birding.
A great blue heron was standing on a small, mostly-submerged log — for a long time. I was having the oft-repeated stay-or-go argument with myself when the bird started looking intently into the water, clarifying that staying won the argument. The bird plunged its head and entire body into the water and came up with a speared sunfish.
I know, these birds do this every day — it is how they survive. However, what the bird did was incredible.
Duckweed covers the entire surface of the water (except where the plunge just occurred), making underwater visibility from above water, even for a bird, seemingly impossible, but this heron performed a perfect strike at the extent of its reach under these circumstances. Upon shaking the duckweed from its feathers, the heron turned slightly toward the camera for an "I'm so cool" hero pose.
Significant foreground obstructions mean limited openings for shooting in this location, and I couldn't move any further away from this great blue heron. The Canon RF 600mm F4 L IS USM Lens is my usual choice for the selected location. While that lens has a 1-stop aperture advantage, it lacks the other focal lengths. The RF 100-300 with the 2x in place provides the 600mm angle of view while enabling zooming out to 339mm from this GBH vantage point for a full-body image.
A larger version of this image is available here.
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Get your DJI Air 3 at B&H or Adorama.
From DJI:
Double Your Aerial Imaging Skills with DJI’s New Air 3 Drone
Dual Primary Cameras, Up To 46 Minutes Flight Time, Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing and O4 HD Video Transmission Help to Make Your Subject The Center Of Aerial Photography
July 25, 2023 – DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, today introduces the DJI Air 3, a new powerful addition to the Air Series with dual primary cameras. Featuring a wide-angle camera and a 3x medium tele camera, it empowers more users to get a sense of compression in their shots and delivers a medium focal length to more aerial photography enthusiasts. This advanced all-round drone offers tremendous picture details and effortlessly stunning footage with both cameras delivering 48MP Photos and 4K/60fps HDR Videos. Up to 46 minutes flight time1, omnidirectional obstacle sensing2, the O4 HD Video Transmission System and many other flagship features will help users to master aerial photography further.
“The DJI Air 3 is the first drone of our Air Series which offers professional features like dual primary cameras and omnidirectional obstacle sensing and at the same time retaining its lightweight capabilities with a weight of just 720g for more freedom and flexibility,” said Ferdinand Wolf, Creative Director at DJI. “The drone is the perfect all-rounder for your outdoor adventures and offers you a more diverse camera language.”
Highlight your Subject in the Frame with Dual Primary Cameras
The DJI Air 3 boasts the first dual-primary camera system of the Air Series, which embeds a 1/1.3-inch CMOS wide-angle camera and a 1/1.3-inch CMOS 3x medium tele camera in a compact space. The two cameras have the same sensor size but different focal lengths, which result in more consistent image quality3 and more diverse camera language.
With the wide-angle camera, sweeping landscapes can be captured more fully. It offers 2.4µm pixel size, 24mm format equivalent and a F1.7 aperture. The 3x Medium Tele Camera offers 2.4µm pixel size, 70mm format equivalent and a F2.8 aperture.
The 3x medium tele camera can achieve 3x optical zoom and also create a strong sense of spatial compression, enabling a unique perspective to present the user or anyone else as the subject of aerial photography. With people in the scene, aerial photography now has more diverse possibilities.
Pilots can use the wide FOV of the wide-angle camera to embrace the whole landscape or switch to the 3x medium tele camera, and capture the subject as a bold focal point, with the landscape before and behind the subject seemingly within reach. Both cameras offer 48MP photos not only to deliver true-to-life details, but also to support post-cropping for easy secondary composition.
The DJI Air 3 has two 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensors that support dual native ISO for direct output of 4K/60fps HDR video at high frame rates and up to 4K/100fps max. video specification now even without FOV cropping compared to its predecessor, the DJI Air 2S4. Those videos can record rich color details and natural lighting transitions to restore the stunning landscape before your eyes. Both cameras support 10-bit D-Log M and 10-bit HLG color modes. 10-bit D-Log M mode can retain more highlight and shadow details for more flexible post-production.
The DJI Air 3 is the first drone of the Air Series supporting 2.7K vertical video shooting (9:16), which can be shared immediately on social media.
Extended Flight Time, Easy Power Accumulation
Compared with its predecessor in the Air Series, the DJI Air 3 has 48% more max flight time5 of up to 46 minutes. Thus, pilots can seek the best position and adjust the composition with more peace of mind during a single flight.
The new battery charging hub supports a power accumulation function. Users can press and hold the function button to transfer the remaining power from multiple batteries to the battery with the highest remaining power[6]. This feature gives pilots the freedom and flexibility to make the most out of their flight during for example hiking in the mountains or biking in the forest, where charging possibilities are limited.
Confident Takeoff and Safe Landing with Omnidirectional Obstacle Sensing and O4 Video Transmission
The DJI Air 3 is the first drone in the Air Series to include omnidirectional obstacle sensing. This feature enables comprehensive environmental awareness, allowing the drone to detect obstacles in all directions. In the front and at the back the drone is equipped with a pair of fisheye lenses to achieve forward, backward, left, right and upward sensing, while the bottom is equipped with binocular lenses and a 3D TOF, achieving powerful omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
When an obstacle is detected, the DJI Air 3 can also use APAS 5.0 to actively avoid and smoothly bypass obstacles, which ensures uninterrupted shooting for a greatly enhanced flight experience7. Even as an aerial photography beginner, users can fly with confidence and unlock more creative ideas. The ActiveTrack function further frees the pilots’ hands and works with Advanced RTH8 to achieve fully automatic flight as well as worry-free return- to-home.
The next generation O4 video transmission system endows the DJI Air 3 with outstanding performance. It not only offers a transmission distance of up to 20 km9, but also further improves transmission stability to avoid stuttered live view for safer flight. It supports up to 1080p/60fps live feeds, and a higher frame rate ensures a smoother viewing experience.
Intelligent Features, Infinite Inspiration
FocusTrack for both cameras: Consisting of Spotlight 2.0, ActiveTrack 5.0 and Point of Interest 3.0. FocusTrack keeps the subject in the center of the frame. When using the 3x medium tele camera, a unique sense of spatial compression will be generated to highlight the pilot or any other person as the subject in terrific status.
QuickShots: Empowers the DJI Air 3 to perform creative camera movements like Rocket, Dronie, Circle, Helix, Boomerang, and Asteroid10.
2.7K Vertical Shooting: The DJI Air 3 supports dual-camera 2.7K vertical video shooting. The wide-angle camera can include rich image information, while the 3x medium tele camera can portrait the pilot or others as the subject, facilitating more eye-catching vertical aerial photography. The 2.7K vertical shot output can be shared immediately on social media without post-cropping.
MasterShots: Allows the DJI Air 3 to automatically perform diverse camera movements, shoots multiple clips, edits the clips, and adds music to generate fast and effortless cinematic footage.
Night Mode: Thanks to the noise reduction algorithm, the DJI Air 3 can capture up to 4K/30fps clean footage in low-light environments.
Hyperlapse: Select from four sub-modes of Free, Circle, Course Lock, and Waypoint to shoot up to 4K horizontal or 2.7K vertical timelapse footage.
Slow Motion: Select 4K/100fps or 1080p/100fps to directly record a 4x slow-motion video.
SmartPhoto 3.0: In single shot mode, the DJI Air 3 uses SmartPhoto 3.0 by default, which can automatically select among HDR, hyperlight, and scene recognition according to the scenario for better imaging results. In HDR DNG format11, the camera can record a larger dynamic range with built-in contrast enhancement. The image file can achieve JPG-level quality in post-editing software, reducing the difficulty of post-production.
QuickTransfer: Quickly download photos and videos from the aircraft to your smartphone through a wireless connection, saving time and effort.
LightCut: Connect the DJI Air 3 wirelessly to the LightCut app on the phone for intelligent recognition of highlight moments and one-tap editing. There is no need to download the footage during the process, saving storage on the phone.
One-Tap Edit: Intelligently identifies the composition and flight path, selects clips with delicate composition and stable camera movements, automatically matches the best template and sound effects, and then generates a cinematic video effortlessly.
Tilt-Shift Effects: Enjoy incredible effects that make the shot look miniature and toy-like with just one tap. Apply this feature to footage shot with the 3x medium tele camera for even better results.
Waypoint Flight: This feature is available on the Air Series for the first time. The user can plan flight routes and shooting actions for the DJI Air 3 in advance to achieve difficult camera movements like one-takes. Pilots can also save a flight route to repeat the same mission precisely later, making it easy to create long-duration timelapse videos that capture transitions such as day to night or season to season.
Outstanding Accessories for further Flight Performance12
DJI Air 3 ND Filters Set: This set provides ND8/16/32/64 filters, allowing the user to create smoother footage at slower shutter speeds.
DJI 100W USB-C Power Adapter: The power adapter can fast charge the battery and remote controller simultaneously, or mobile devices through the USB-C ports.
DJI 65W Car Charger: The lightweight and portable car charger uses a universal port. It can charge a battery, remote controller, smartphone, laptop, and other devices.
DJI Care Refresh
DJI Care Refresh, the comprehensive protection plan for DJI products, is now available for DJI Air 3. The replacement service covers accidental damage, including flyaway, collisions and water damage. For a small additional charge, you can have your damaged product replaced if an accident occurs. DJI Care Refresh (1-Year Plan) includes up to two replacements in one year. DJI Care Refresh (2-Year Plan) includes up to four replacements in two years. Other services of DJI Care Refresh include official Warranty and free shipping. For a full list of details, please visit: https://www.dji.com/support/service/djicare-refresh
Price and Availability
The DJI Air 3 is available to order from authorized retail partners, with shipping starting today, in the following configurations:
DJI Air 3 (DJI RC-N2) for the retail price of $1,099
DJI Air 3 Fly More Combo (DJI RC-N2) for the retail price of $1,349
DJI Air 3 Fly More Combo (DJI RC 2) for the retail price of $1,549
Get your DJI Air 3 at B&H or Adorama.
Footnotes: 1. Measured by DJI Air 3 flying at a constant speed of 28.8 kph in a windless environment at sea level, with APAS off, AirSense off, camera parameters set to 1080p/24fps, video mode off, and from 100% battery level until 0%. Data is for reference only. Pay attention to reminders in the app during your flight.
2. DO NOT use the aircraft in severe weather conditions, including heavy wind exceeding 12 m/s, snow, rain, fog, hail, or lightning. DO NOT fly the aircraft 6000 m (19685 ft.) or higher above sea level. DO NOT fly the aircraft in environments where the temperature is below -10° C (14° F) or above 40° C (104° F). DO NOT take off from moving objects such as cars or boats. DO NOT fly close to reflective surfaces such as water or snow. Otherwise, the vision system may not work correctly. When the GNSS signal is weak, fly the aircraft in environments with good lighting and visibility. Low ambient light may cause the vision system to function abnormally. DO NOT fly near areas with magnetic or radio interference. Familiar magnetic or radio interference sources include Wi-Fi hotspots, routers, Bluetooth devices, high-voltage lines, large-scale power transmission stations, radar stations, mobile base stations, and broadcasting towers. Avoid sand entering the aircraft when taking off in desert or beach areas. Fly the aircraft in open areas away from crowds. Buildings, mountains, and trees may block the GNSS signal and affect the onboard compass.
3. The wide-angle camera and 3x medium tele camera have different apertures.
4. Recording frame rates. The corresponding video plays as a slow-motion video.
5. Compared with DJI Air 2S.
6. DO NOT connect the charger, connect external devices, or insert/remove any batteries during power accumulation.
7. The obstacle avoidance action should be set to Bypass in the app.
8. Only available when ambient light meets the working conditions of the vision systems. Always pay attention to the surroundings and app warnings. For specific usage conditions, please refer to the product user manual.
9. 20km@FCC, 10km@SRRC/CE/MIC — Measured in an outdoor, open environment, without interference, and with FCC compliance. The above data shows the farthest communication range for one-way, non-return flights. Pay attention to reminders in the app during your flight.
10. The 3x medium tele camera does not support Asteroid.
11. DJI Air 3 saves photos in HDR DNG format when the aircraft is stationary and the exposure parameters are automatically set in Auto or Pro mode.
12. Sold separately.
Learn more about the new travel-ready Venturing Observer Travel Series at Think Tank Photo.
Special offer: buy a roller and get a free clothing cube set!
Don't forget that you'll get a free gift and free shipping when using this site's links for your purchase at Think Tank Photo ($50.00 minimum purchase required).
Hey Everyone,
I'm excited to invite you to a top-of-the-bucket-list immersive photo experience: 2024 Brown Bear Chasing Salmon in Remote Katmai National Park, Alaska Instructional Photo Tour
The dates are Tuesday, September 3 to Tuesday, September 10, 2024.
This trip promises an incredible experience and outstanding images.
Can I sign you up?! Email me to sign up or ask questions!
Just posted: Canon RF 28mm F2.8 STM Lens Review.
The RF 28 will become a most-loved lens. Sample pictures will be added soon.
Please share!
Support this site by ordering the Canon RF 28mm F2.8 STM Lens from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX
Rent the Canon RF 28mm F2.8 STM Lens from Lensrentals.
The Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens and I hung out with these fawns for a couple of hours this week.
White-tailed deer fawns are at the top of my most adorable animal list, and white-tailed deer fawn bokeh also works well.
A larger version of this image is available here.
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Briefly, the Badlands National Park skies produced a nice show this evening, complete with the clouds seeming to match the ground texture. While I like the photo, the experience was even better.
See the sheep standing on the leftmost peak? We were in location for the sunset photo when this bighorn sheep ewe showed up on the ridge immediately to our right.
Then, it ran down the side of the cliff and ran up the one it is shown on. The sheep's ability to navigate the steep, slippery terrain at speed is incredible.
Experiences like these happen when you spend time in the right places. A second sheep is bedded on the tall peak close to the center of the image, and two more are walking between the two. Also impressive is that all four sheep stood still for a one-second exposure.
The optically impressive Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM Lens got the call for this sunset. With clouds covering most of the sky, the odds of good sunset color were low. However, that scenario meant the entire sky could light up brilliantly, and I wanted ultra-wide angles of view ready to capture as much color as possible.
A small opening in the clouds created a light show that made 12mm a highly welcomed option. The Sony Alpha 1's ultra-high resolution makes the distant sheep easily recognized when the image is viewed large.
A larger version of this image is available here.
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Just Posted:
Sachtler aktiv10 Fluid Head Review
Sachtler flowtech 100 Tripod Review
This Sachtler kit is expensive, but the quality of the movements it enables and its fast setup speed are worth the price to serious videographers.
Support this site by ordering the Sachtler aktiv10 Fluid Head and flowtech 100 Tripod from B&H or | Adorama | Amazon (all available countries) | WEX
Please share!
From 3Pod:
3Pod Debuts Everest Series of Carbon Fiber Tripods and Accessories at Adorama
3Pod’s New Series Feature Two 4-Section Carbon Fiber Compact Tripods and Two Arca-Type Ball Heads
NEW YORK, NEW YORK (June 27, 2023) – 3Pod today announced the Everest Series - a line of Carbon Fiber tripods and accessories designed to support photographers and videographers in any location and on any adventure. Featuring two 4-Section Carbon Fiber quick-release compact tripods and two Arca-Type Ball Heads, the new accessories give creators the tools they need to capture their vision with no bounds or restrictions.
The 3Pod Everest Carbon Fiber tripods and accessories are covered by a 5-year warranty and are available now exclusively at Adorama.
“The new 3Pod Everest Series is built to withstand the rigors of daily use, making any content-capture adventure possible,” said Usher Sperber, Product Manager for 3Pod. “Our mission is to aid and inspire photographers and videographers at every level through innovative design, durability, and easy-to-use systems. Whether you’re in a studio, on the streets, in rugged terrain or on top of a mountain, our product solutions will meet your needs without breaking the bank.”
3Pod Everest Series 4-Section Carbon Fiber Compact Tripods Equipped with Carry Case:
Made with 10X carbon fiber, the toughest travel 3Pods provide superior strength, and an innovative detachable center column design for compactness and extreme low angle performance. The lightweight tripods perform dependably in any environment and allow for still photography in the studio or shooting on location.
• Everest T3 4-Section Carbon Fiber Compact Tripod (MSRP $399.95) – Ultra-lightweight and designed for travel and adventure photographers, supporting up to 33lbs with a working height of up to 5.3ft.
• Everest T5 4-Section Carbon Fiber Tripod (MSRP $699.95) – The toughest workhorse with superior strength and stability for photographers and videographers, supporting up to 55lbs with a working height of up to 6.6ft.
3Pod Everest Series Ball Heads with Arca-Type Quick Release and Lever-Release Clamps:
The ball heads employ state-of-the-art ergonomic design, damping for flawlessly smooth movement and jitter-free panning. The two bubble levels assure absolute alignment in any three-dimensions. At the base of the head, the convenient inscribed 360-degree dial makes for easy, perfect positioning throughout the ball head's full range of panoramic movement. They are equipped with an innovative flip-lock clamping quick-release plate that lets users rapidly lock and release cameras with one hand.
• Everest H2 Ball Head (MSRP: $199.95) - Load Capacity up to 33lbs
• Everest H4 Ball Head (MSRP: $349.95) - Load Capacity up to 55lbs
Get the 3Pod Everest gear at Adorama.
Think Tank Photo just announced the MindShift Backlight XP 26L. The MindShift Gear BackLight 26L is currently my most-used backpack. The new XP version features X-pac Sailcloth, a lightweight yet incredibly durable material.
Learn more and place an order at Think Tank Photo (limited supply available).
Don't forget that you'll get a free gift and free shipping when using this site's links for your purchase at Think Tank Photo ($50.00 minimum purchase required).
Last fall, my oldest and her husband were blessed with a son, Elliott. Right, that makes me a grandfather, and no other word has made me feel older. If you have followed this site from the beginning (celebrating 20 years this fall), it might make you feel old too.
It was time for another round of Elliott pictures. Timing baby pictures, even for babies as adorable as Elliott (I admit bias in that regard), revolves around the short durations between eating, sleeping, and being fussy.
It was nearly noon when I got the "We're ready!" call. Outdoor pics were requested, and the available lighting was from a bright overhead sun. The good location option under this bright spotlighting condition is facing outward from just inside a shade, yielding a large, but directional, soft light. A patio was the choice for this example.
These pics were all about Elliott, and a sense of place was not important. The Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM Lens was my easy first choice. Especially with the close subject distance required to fill the frame with a baby, this lens easily turned the background into a strong blur.
The shallow depth of field produced by the 135mm and f/1.8 combination at close distances challenges a camera's AF system. With a DSLR, a significant percentage of always-moving baby pics with such a lens would be at least slightly out of focus, and getting a perfectly focused image combined with the perfect baby pose is difficult.
With the latest round of mirrorless cameras, the challenge has become selecting the favorite image to share (and having the fortitude to delete cute baby pictures to avoid overload). The Canon EOS R5 in servo mode with people eye detection AF enabled allowed me to focus on framing and shutter release timing. The camera's results were nearly perfect. Image selection was almost exclusively based on Elliott and I coordinating on the timing and framing.
Post processing primarily involved use of the drool and mulch removal tools. Check out how sharp this eye is:
Most results looked like this. Drool inspiring.
Hopefully you picked up a photo tip and felt the joy of this little boy.
A larger version of this image is available here.
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While you may or may not think this image is "great", the bird is undoubtedly a "great egret", and this beautiful bird is a great subject, especially at Gatorland, where they are acclimated to people.
Combine the permitted close proximity with the greatness of the Canon EOS R7 and RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens combination, providing an ultra-high-resolution APS-C imaging sensor and a tight angle of view at 500mm, and creative bird headshots become easy.
In this example, another egret behind the subject provided an all-white background, making the colorful bill and eye stand out artistically.
A larger version of this image is available here.
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Do you ever dream of the perfect shot playing out before you? For example, a huge bull moose emerging from hemlocks into a clearing while walking over a bed of bright red huckleberries? This cooperative bull meant I didn't have to wake up from that dream.
As I said before, when many miles are on the wildlife photography hiking plan, the Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM Lens is probably on my camera, the Canon EOS R5 in this case.
A larger version of this image is available here.
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With the sustained write speed, the performance factor that usually matters most, on the label, new from ProGrade Digital:
PROGRADE DIGITAL ANNOUNCES HIGHER CAPACITY 3rd GENERATION CFEXPRESS TYPE B 2TB MEMORY CARD
The CFexpress 2TB Gold Memory Cards Provide Dramatically Improved Specifications Needed for Longer Duration, High-Resolution Video Applications at Very Attractive Price Points
San Jose, CA June 16, 2023, 8:00 am — ProGrade Digital, Inc., founded with a mission to provide the highest quality professional grade digital memory cards and workflow solutions, announces its new higher capacity 3rd generation of 2TB CFexpress™ Type B Gold memory cards. This new generation features the same industry-leading quality of ProGrade current 2nd generation 128GB and 256GB capacity cards - leveraging PCIe, Gen 3 interconnect with NVMe 1.3 host controller interface. ProGrade Digital 3rd generation CFexpress 2TB cards provide read speeds of up to 1,700MB/s and burst write speeds of up to 1,500MB/s and sustained write speeds of up to 1,300MB/s – ideally suited for high-resolution video capture applications. To differentiate the new generation from prior generations, the sustained write speed is now clearly stated on the card’s top label.
“The introduction of our 3rd generation CFexpress 2TB Gold cards provides the extra-large capacity and performance needed for a very broad range of video capture needs,” said Wes Brewer, founder, and CEO of ProGrade Digital. “Our introduction of a 2TB capacity point, ensures that nearly all video capture modes can be utilized while also meeting traditional read speeds for quick offloading.”
ProGrade Digital CFexpress Type B 2TB Gold Memory Card:
- Maximum read speed up to 1700MB/s
- Burst write speed up to 1500MB/s
- Minimum sustained write speed up to 1,300MB/s
- Capacity: 2TB
- MSRP: $799.99
CFexpress Type B 2TB Delivers:
- Fully compliant with CompactFlash™ Association 2.0 specification
- NVMe host interface with PCIe Gen3 X2 interconnect
- Extended battery life and low standby power through NVMe PS0 – PS4 support
- Metal enclosure for improved durability and heat dissipation
- Thermal throttling protects the card from overheating
- Laser etched unique serial numbering for the tracking of key components and manufacturing data for the highest quality control
- Temperature ranges: operating 14°F to 158°F/ -10°C to 70°C; storage -4°F to 185°F/ - 20°C to 85°C
- Packaging: Biodegradable fiber
- Refresh Pro ready*
- X-ray proof and shock-proof
- 3-year warranty
Get the ProGrade Digital 2TB Gold CFexpress Type B Memory Card at B&H.
I know, my daughter graduated from college a couple of years ago, but my image processing backlog is ... eh, maybe I'll share that number later. It's high. Anyway, I want to talk about portraits today, so I selected this graduation portrait to final process and share.
When capturing a portrait image, the goal is usually to emphasize the subject. Competing for that attention is everything else in the frame. While those additional elements are often not removable, they can be blurred to reduce the sharp lines of contrast that catch and pull the viewer's eye.
An outstanding way to accomplish the blurred background goal is to use an ultra-wide aperture, creating a shallow depth of field that leaves the background strongly out of focus.
Sometimes, a sense of place is desired for the portrait. The 50mm angle of view is wide enough to incorporate those identifying elements without magnifying them into obscurity.
The Canon RF 50mm F1.2 L USM Lens or Sony's alternative, the FE 50mm F1.2 GM Lens, is a superb choice for this goal.
Here, the subject's head is aligned between the two buildings to further reduce background distractions.
Also check out The Graduation Exit and Athletic Graduation Portrait After Sunset images.
A larger version of this image is available here.
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Let's talk about getting the right shutter speed for airshow photography. This discussion is largely seeking or avoiding motion blur.
Seeking opposites for the same event may seem strange, but moving parts on an airborne aircraft should be blurred to illustrate movement, to avoid the parked-in-the-sky-appearance. Primarily, helicopter and airplane rotor and propeller blades appear best when blurred, while non-moving parts look best sharp.
Blur is created when subject details move across pixels on the imaging sensor during the exposure. The movement can be from the subject, the camera, or both, and the movement relationship between the two is what determines the amount of blur.
Higher-density imaging sensors essentially magnify blur, but the final output size equalizes this difference.
Motion rendered large in the frame, close or magnified with a longer focal length, will be stronger than that of the same motion rendered small in the frame. So, subject distance and focal length play into the decision.
When there are multiple movements in the frame, blur differences occur. Turning the zoom ring affects change in all directions, and focal length zooming during the exposure can create a blur that panning cannot mitigate.
With so many factors coming into play, and with those factors changing constantly, airshow shutter speed rules are imperfect. Still, especially for those not regularly photographing airshows (or not having the ability or interest to change shutter speeds constantly during a pass), rules are helpful.
Let's start with capturing the motion blur. Try starting with 1/400 or 1/500 second exposures to blur airplane and helicopter props and rotors. While this speed is a good starting point for motion blur, unfortunately, it is not easy to keep fast aircraft sharp at these exposure durations, and you can expect a high blurry aircraft ratio in the results.
Jets do not show moving parts on the exterior, and they typically move faster. Thus, there is no need to blur any portion of the subject (though a blurred ground background may be desired), and fast shutter speeds are the best choice to stop the motion. Figure 1/1600 or faster.
When jets are flying in multiple directions, as illustrated in this image, the speed and direction of all aircraft in relation to the camera's panning direction must be accounted for, and stopping all the action requires a faster shutter speed than when panning with a single jet or with a formation of jets flying in the same direction. Freezing both planes in the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds opposing pass routines requires an extremely fast shutter speed, considerably faster than the 1/2500 exposure used for this image.
Obtaining fast shutter speeds means higher ISO settings for adequately bright results. As mentioned in the last Blue Angels image I shared, aircraft are not super detailed and the sky lacks detail. This means that noise reduction can be applied without much loss of detail, smoothing the high ISO noise.
Use the rules for insurance level settings and check the results between passes. If you are getting consistently sharp prop aircraft at 1/400, try longer exposures for greater blur (and perhaps pan-blur the ground-based background when such avails itself). If all your jets are sharp at 1/1600, consider trying a longer exposure.
While I'm talking about airshow photography here, the concepts are transferable to other photographic pursuits.
A larger version of this image is available here.
ISO 640
3799 x 5331px
Check out Lowepro's latest backpacks and camera box at B&H.
The larger backpacks provide plenty of open space and feature bring-your-own padded storage. I've been using this style of pack with increasing frequency, including with Lowepro Photo Active TLZ AW Top-Loader Camera Bags.
I often carry an extremely lightweight collapsible backpack similar to the RunAbout when traveling. It makes a good emergency pack, including when forced to gate check a larger pack, and it is great when only the basics are needed (such as a lunch).
On a trip targeting the Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area in New Mexico, I ended up in Bears Ears National Monument, Utah — twice.
Why? Two reasons.
First, 3 days of sand and dust storms (even stones were in the air) provided an unfavorable New Mexico greeting. Second, Bears Ears National Monument has some great photo subjects.
I told you that before. This image is of Falling Rood Ruin Cliff Dwelling in Cedar Mesa, and this image capture shares the same circumstances and concepts as House on Fire.
Late in the morning, the sun reaches the warm-toned rock below this ancient Puebloan granary, creating a warm-toned light that reflects up into the massive rock overhang.
The name suggests the unique feature of this subject — the chunks of roof that appear to have fallen. While walking under this overhang, one can't help but wonder when the next chunk of roof will let go.
This image was processed using the cloudy white balance setting, cooler than the shade option technically right for the scenario (6500k vs. 7500k), with a bit of vibrance (+30) to bring out the richness in the colors.
While the Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II Lens was in the BackLight 26L, a cliff immediately behind this tripod position ensured there was no backing up. The Sony FE 12-24mm F2.8 GM Lens covered all the angles I needed at this location. This corner-to-corner sharp image is a single shot.
The 12mm angle of view captures a vast portion of the scene, including the lines in the rock under the structure.
A larger version of this image is available here.
ISO 100
5760 x 8640px
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