MIT Free Photography Course - MIT 11.309J Sensing Place: Photography as Inquiry

Below youtube video were collected from the web of the lecture video from MIT  11.309J Sensing Place: Photography as Inquiry

Lecture 1



Lecture 2


Lecture 3


Lecture 4


Lecture 5


Lecture 6


Lecture 7


Lecture 8

Related Links and Information

MIT Opencourseware official website
MIT Free Photography Course List (note: you will find this course from this list) 
MIT video on youtube

Canon Revenue and Profit Drops

Canon has just announced a third-quarter earnings, revenue of $ 10.3 billion, 13% lower than the third quarter of last year. In addition the profit dropped 42% to $ 908 million.

Canon said that this is due to a strong yen, the European Asian market recession. SLR sales is not as good as last year,. Though the new model 5D3 which does not do much to boost sales.

In view of this, 2013 should be a buyers'  market for camera.

A small Wearable Digital Camera Memoto

Introduction

The Memoto camera is a tiny camera with GPS that you clip on and wear. It features:

•     A 5MP lens module, automatically take a picture every 30s
•     Built-in GPS and time records
•     Built-in rechargeable battery life of about two days (4000)
•     LED power display, the computer using a Micro USB connection and charging
•     The built-in accelerometer ensure the camera can be maintained the right direction
•     Dimensions: 36 x 36 x 9mm

Memoto Wearable Digital Camera

The camera’s batteries won't need to be recharged until after approximately 2 days of use.
It has iPhone app to develop organize picture.

Memoto Wearable Camera

Commercial

 

Specification:

Sigma 19mm F2.8 Lens for Micro 4/3 or Sony NEX Cameras

Sigma 19mm lens F2.8 is designed for mirrorless interchangeable lens camera such as Sony, Olympus and Panasonic.  Its main features:

Sigma 19mm F2.8 EX DN main parameters:
Focal Length: 19mm
Maximum aperture: F2.8
Minimum aperture: F22
Viewing Angle: 59.3 ° (Panasonic M4 / 3), 73.5 ° (Sony E-mount)
Lens construction: 8 elements in 6 groups
Focus system: linear autofocus motor, internal focus
Focal length: 20cm
Magnification: 1: 7.4
Diaphragm Blades: 7 circular aperture leaves
Filter: 46 mm
Hood: dedicated hood
Size: Diameter 60.6mm X Length 45.7mm
Weight: 140 g
Bayonet mount: Panasonic M4 / 3, Sony E

Sigma 19mm Lens Structure

Sigma 19mm F2.8 Lens

 Hands on

 

 

 

Panasonic Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera G5

Introduction

Panasonic Lumix G5 was announced in July, 2012. The following information is collected from the web for reference only. The Panasonic Lumix G5 features a 16 megapixel image sensor, 3-inch free-angle LCD screen, redesigned grip and integrated electronic viewfinder. The main features are:

16.05 Mpx Live MOS sensor Free angle 3.0-inch, 920,000 dot, Touch TFT LCD 1,440K dot LVF (live viewfinder) with approximately 100% field of view Venus engine image processor with Multi-process noise reduction 6 fps burst shooting at full resolution 20 fps super high speed burst shooting Intelligent resolution technology Dust Reduction System High precision Contrast AF system Full area focusing with Touch AF 23-area contrast auto focus Light speed auto focus Creative control of 14 filters Level gauge Function lever for zoom operation and exposure compensation Electronic shutter option for silent operation Intelligent auto (iA) mode: - POWER O.I.S (Optical image stabilizer)*1 - Intelligent ISO control - Face detection - Digital red-eye reduction - Face recognition - AF tracking - Intelligent scene selector - HDR (High dynamic range) - Intelligent D-Range control Intelligent iA PLUS features (iA+) - Defocus control - Brightness control - Colour control Full HD video - AVCHD progressive: 1920 x 1080, 60p video recording - MP4: 1920 x 1080, 1280 x 720, 30p 3D photo capable*2 with LUMIX G 3D lens HFT012 (sold separately) LUMIX G X lens kit (HPS14042) LUMIX G X VARIO PZ wide angle zoom lens Aperture: F=14 – 42 (35 mm equivalent: 28 – 84 mm) Outstanding compactness and high image quality Nano Surface Coating technology POWER O.I.S. Micro Four Thirds™ System mount *1 The availability of the OIS mode (MEGA or POWER) is based on the lens being used. *2 The HFT012 lens can be attached to the DMC-GH3 / GH2 / G3 / G2 (firmware ver.1.1) / GX1 / GF5 / GF3 / GF2 / G5. A 3D media player that supports the MP (Multi-Picture) format or a compatible 3D television is required to view 3D images.

Panasonic Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera G5

Panasonic Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera G5 Back

Commercial

 

Hands on

 

 

Rating (Source:Photographyblog)

4.5 stars out of 5

Ratings (out of 5)
Design	4.5
Features	5
Ease-of-use	4.5
Image Quality	4.5
Value for money	4.5

 

Specification

Nikon V2 Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera Announced

The new Nikon V2 was announced today to replace the V1. It has a new 14.25-megapixel sensor. The camera body adds a grip and the camera completely not look like the old model V1. The addition of a mode dial on the camera's top panel can control over the usual P, A, S, M setting. There is a built in flash.

Nikon V2 Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera Front

Nikon V2 Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera Back

Nikon V2 Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera Top

Nikon V2 Hands on

 

Specifications: 

To be added when available

Camera Backpack Bags Video Review from Web

Here are some backpack camera bag video review from web:

Lowepro Vertex 200

 
Lowepro Slingshot AW200

Lowepro Slingshot AW100 (smaller than AW200)

Lowepro Sling Shot Commercial

Panasonic Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera G3

Introduction

Panasonic G3 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera was announced in May, 2011. Based on the information from the web, Panasonic G3 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera features:

• 14-42mm Lens Included
• Micro 4/3 Camera
• 16.0Mp Live MOS Sensor
• 3.0" Free Angle Touch Enabled LCD
• Electronic Eye-Level Viewfinder
• 2x Digital Zoom
• 1920 x 1080/60i Video Capture
• Live Viewfinder
• 6400 ISO
• Intelligent Auto Plus

Panasonic G3 Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera

 

Commercial

Hands On

Sample Picture

Click here for sample pictures from Internet.

Rating (Source:Photographyblog)

5 stars out of 5

Ratings (out of 5)
Design	4.5
Features	5
Ease-of-use	4.5
Image Quality	5
Value for money	5

 

Specifications

Sony Full Frame DSLR a99

Introduction

Based on the information from the web, the new Sony a99 full frame DSLR features:

• 24.3 MP Digital Camera
• 35mm Full-frame Exmor CMOS Sensor
• Full HD 60p Movie Recording
• Built-in GPS
• Advanced integrated BIONZ image processing engine
• Dual AF System (19 + 102 points) - two phase detection AF sensors
• Full HD 60p movie recording in a full-frame sensor camera
• Advanced Sony movie and audio functions
• High-resolution XGA OLED Tru-Finder
• 24.3-megapixel 35mm full-frame Exmor CMOS sensor

Sony a99 Full Frame DSLR

 

Commercial

Hands On

 

 

Rating

To be added when available

 

Specification

Tamron 18-270mm Demo Video

See below a nice video demo of Tamron 18-270mm lens:



This lens may be good for photographer who wants an all-in-one lens from 18-270mm.  It is available for Sony, Canon and Nikon DSLR.

Tamron 18-270mm Zoom Lens

Rating (Source:photographyblog)

4 star out of 5

Ratings (out of 5)
Design	4
Features	4
Ease-of-use	4.5
Image Quality	4
Value for money	3.5

Specification

Pentax Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera Q10

Introduction

Information of Pentax Q10 are collected from the web for reference only. The new Pentax Q10 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera was announced in September, 2012. Pentax Q10 features:

• 12.4 Megapixel 1/2.3 inch CMOS Sensor
• Sensor-Shift Shake Reduction
• Built-In Popup Flash
• Fast Autofocus
• HDR capture mode shoots 3 images of varying exposures, blending them to bring out the details in even the darkest shadows and brightest highlights of extreme contrast shots.
• Bokeh Control to control background blur
• 3 Inch LCD Monitor and fast capture
• Raw file processing
• 1080 HD video
• Smart Effects modes enhance digital photography by applying a series of effects to images to achieve high quality finishing. Brilliant Color, Vintage Color, Warm Fade, Bold Monochrome, and Water Color 
• 1/2000 to 30 Second Shutter Speeds
• External Viewfinder Available for Purchase

Pentax Q10 Digital Camera

Pentax Q10 Digital Camera Top

 

 

Commercial

To be added when available

 

Hands On

 

 

Sample Image (Source:Pentax)

Pentax Q10 Sample Picture

Pentax Q10 Sample Picture

Rating

To be added when available.

 

Specifications

Canon Mega Zoom 50X Digital Camera SX50

Introduction

The following information of Canon SX50 is for reference only. Based on information from the web, the new Canon 50x (24-1200 mm, 35 mm equivalent) mega zoom camera features:
    Sensor: 1/2.3-inch CMOS
    Effective pixels: 12.1 million
    Processing engine: DIGIC 5
    Lens: 50 x optical zoom, 24-1200mm (35mm equivalent) F3.4-6.5
    Closest focusing: 0cm (wide-angle end)
    Image stabilization: IS Optical Image Stabilizer
    LCD: 2.8-inch, 460,000-pixel
    Continuous Shooting: up to 13 frame per second
    ISO :80-6400
    Video: 1920 × 1080
    Memory card: SD / SDHC / SDXC memory card
    Volume: 122.5 × 87.3 × 105.5 mm
    Weight: about 551 g (body only)

Canon SX50 Mega Zoom Digital Camera

 

Commercial

 To be added when available

 

Canon SX 50 Hands On

Sample Picture (Source:Canon)

 

Canon SX50 Sample Picture

 

Rating

To be added when available

 

Specification (Source:Canon)

Messenger Camera Bags Video Review

Here are some video review of messenger camera bag:

Lowepro Compuday Photo 150

Lowepro Messenger 200 AW

Lowepro Event Messenger 150

Lowepro Exchange Messenger

Top 5 Sales Ranking DSLRs in UK

According to dslrphoto.com, the top 5 sales ranking DSLRs are:

Rank		Camera Description		Price (US$)
1			Nikon D3100 with 18-55mm VR Lens Kit (14.2MP) 3 inch LCD	$329.00
2			Canon EOS 1100D (T3) (inc. 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 DC III Lens Kit)	$304.00
3			Nikon D5100 with 18-55mm VR Lens Kit (16.2MP) 3 inch LCD	N/A
4			Canon EOS 600D (T3i) (inc. 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens Kit)	$579.00
5			Nikon D7000 Body Only (16.2MP) 3 inch LCD

Top 5 DSLR Sales Ranking in US

According to dslrphoto.com, the top 5 sales DSLR in US as at October 17 are:

Rank		Camera Description		Price (US$)
1			Canon EOS Rebel T3i 18 MP CMOS APS-C Sensor DIGIC 4 Image Processor Full-HD Movie Mode	$579.00
2			Nikon D5100 16.2MP CMOS with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens	N/A
3			Canon EOS Rebel T3 12.2 MP CMOS with 18-55mm IS II Lens and EOS HD Movie Mode (Black)	$304.00
4			Canon EOS Rebel T4i 18.0 MP CMOS with 18-55mm EF-S IS II Lens	$799.99
5			Nikon D3100 14.2MP with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

Canon T3 Low End DSLR

Introduction

Canon T3 DSLR features a 12.2 Megapixel CMOS Image Sensor and Canon DIGIC 4 Image Processor.  It has Canon's 63-zone, Dual-layer metering for accurate exposures.

• 12.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and DIGIC 4 Image Processor for high image quality and speed.
  
• ISO 100 - 6400 for shooting from bright to dim light.
  
• Improved EOS HD Movie mode with expanded recording [HD: 30p (29.97) / 25p], and with in-camera movie editing options.
  
• High speed, reliable 9-point AF system utilizing a high precision, f/5.6 cross-type center point.
  
• Enhanced metering with a 63-zone, Dual-layer metering system for accurate metering between exposures.
  
• 3.0 fps continuous shooting up to approximately 3 JPEGs or approximately 2 RAW.
  
• 2.7-inch wide TFT LCD monitor (230,000 dots) with Live View function for improved viewing.
  
• Express your creativity with ease using advanced imaging features like the new Basic+ function, Quick Setting function and Creative Auto.
  
• New Feature Guide offers short descriptions of each function and Quick Control screen for easy operation.
  
• Compatibility with SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards.

Canon T3 DSLR

Hands On

 

Rating (Source: CNET)

3.5 stars out of 5

The good: Unsurprisingly, the Canon EOS Rebel T3 delivers excellent photo quality.

The bad: Average performance, a nothing-but-the-basics feature set and claustrophobic viewfinder leave the camera an uninspiring shooter.

The bottom line: Though it's a perfectly fine entry-level camera, there are better options for the money than the Canon EOS Rebel T3.

 

Specifications

DSLR Cameras Market Share

Information from the web indicated that Pentax has the higher customer satisfaction DSLR and Canon has the largest market share.  (Source: http://francoismalan.com).






 

A Photographer Printed a 5 Feet Pictures from Panasonic GH3 Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera

A photographer has showed a 5 feet picture taken from a Panasonic GH3 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera.

 

Related Links and Information 

Panasonic Announces New Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera DMC-GH3

Why Micro 4/3 Mirroless Interchangeable Lens Camera?

A photographer explains why switching from DSLR to Micro 4/3 system.  Click here to read the article.

Related Links and Information

Olympus E-P3

Olympus E-PL3

Olympus E-PM1

Olympus E-PM2 (Rumors)

Olympus OM-D E-M5 
Olympus Announces the E-PM2, E-PL5 
Olympus New Micro 4/3 Digital Camera E-PL5
OM-D has the Higher Sensor Score Among Micro 4/3 Digital Camera
E-PL5 Image Quality is Better Than E-M5
Panasonic GX1
Panasonic GX2
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5
Panasonic Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera Lumix-G5 
Panasonic Announces New Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera DMC-GH3
Panasonic GH3 Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera Controlled by Smart Phone Demostration Video

Comparison of Sony a37 and a57 DSLR

There is an comparison of Sony a37 and a57, click here to see the comparison. (Source:cameradebate.com)

Sony a37

Sony a57

 

Related Links and Information

Sony a37
Sony a57

Olympus New Wide Angle Lens 8-20mm

Olympus will make a new wide angle lens 8-20 mm (16-40mm, 35mm equivalent).  The aperture is F2.8-4.  The lens construction is 11 elements and 4 groups.  There is no news where will this lens is available.

Olympus 8-20mm Lens Design Blueprint

Informal Test of fujifilm X-Pro1 and Sony Nex 6 Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera

There is an informal comparison of Fujifilm X-Pro1 and Sony Nex 6, click here to see the comparison by Phoblographer.

Fujifilm X-Pro1

Sony Nex-6

Related Link and Information

Fuji Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera for Professional X-Pro1
Sony Annouces the New Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera NEX-6

Nikon Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera J2

Introduction

Nikon J2 replace the J1.  It is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. It features a much smaller sensor (13.2x8.8mm) than micro 4/3. Nikon 1 J2's Creative Mode makes it easy to turn the ordinary into extraordinary and  panoramic photos simply by panning the camera side-to-side or up and down. It can shoot Full HD (1080p) videos and still photos.  The auto focus can catch more fast-moving subject. It has 921K-dot ultra-high-resolution 3.0-inch LCD. Nikon 1 J2 can captures sharp, noise-free images even in low-light situations as per Nikon. It has built-in modes for Night Portrait and Night Landscape and an ISO range from 100 (for very bright days) all the way up to 3200 (for the dimmest conditions).

Nikon J2 Digital Camera

 

Nikon J2 Commercial (in Japanese)

 

Nikon J2 Hands on

 

Nikon J2 Rating (Source: CNET UK)

3.5 stars out of 5

Good

• Great looks
• Compact lenses
• Super-smooth screen
• Excellent low-light performance

Bad

• Low resolution
• Some stepped compensation in films
• Expensive

 

Nikon J2 Sample Picture (Source: Nikon USA)

 

 

 

 

 

Nikon J2 Specifications (Source: Nikon USA)

Nikon May Announce Mirrorless Lens Interchangeable Camera V2 Soon

Nikon may announce Nikon V2 in October 24 to replace V1.  There is no information of V2 specification but expect little changes except adding wifi and GPS.

Nikon V2 (?)

E-PL5 Image Quality is Better Than E-M5

E-PL5 and E-M5 use the same sensor but according to the test in the web.  E-PL5 has better noise control than E-M5. E-Pl5 is better (at Low ISO) than the DR measured for the E-M5. The E-M5 is still better on High ISO but there is 1 EV difference in favour of the E-PL5 at ISO 200 and ISO 400.

(Source:http://xjrumo.com; 43rumors.com)

Related Links and Information

Olympus New Micro 4/3 Digital Camera E-PL5

Olympus OM-D EM-5 Mirrorless Mirco 4/3 Digital Camera

Fujifilm New Instant Camera Instax Mini 8

The new Fujifilm new instant camera Mini 8 compares to the previous generation 7s mini 8 is ​​smaller and lighter (only need to use two AA batteries). The shooting features has some changes, such as: exposure mode dial on top of the lens and a new Hi-key mod.  For the female market, also launched five colors make selective greatly increased (black, white, blue, yellow, pink).  It has a high key function.

Fuji Film Instax Mini 8 (Source:Fujifilm)

Instax mini 8 automatically determines the best brightness for taking a picture, and informs you of the suitable setting by lighting the corresponding lamp. Turn the brightness adjustment dial to the position (mark) of the lit lamp.

Fuji Film Instax Mini 8 (Source:Fujifilm)

Hands on Commercial (in Japanese)

Sample Pictures (Source:Fujifilm)

Instax Mini 8 Sample Picture

Specifications (Source:Fujifilm)

Olympus Large Aperture F1.8 Digital Camera XZ-2

Introduction

Olympus large aperture F1.8 digital camera XZ-2 was announced in September 2012 to replace the XZ-1. It has a super-fast f1.8 iZuiko lens and a large, high-sensitivity BSI (Backside-Illuminated) CMOS Sensor with full manual controls. It also featuresFeed your  11 Art Filters and 5 Effects, one-touch HD video and an accessory port for flashes and viewfinders. The camera has 4x wide-angle optical zoom (28mm-112mm) and 4x digital zoom. Backlight HDR Adjustment takes a collage of images at various exposure levels and blends them into one. The XZ-2 provides DSLR quality low light photos with an increased ISO sensitivity to 12,800. Xz-2 has a 3” Swivel Touch LCD. It can take 1080p HD video.

Olympus XZ-2

Commercial

 

Hands On

 

Rating 

To be added when available

Specification

Sony 50 Mega Pixel Full Frame DSLR Rumour???

Rumors from the web that Sony will release a 50 mega pixel (or 36) full frame DSLR between May and June, 2013. This camera is currently in process of development. (Source: Sonyalpharumors). It will replace the a99.

More Photos of Hong Kong From the Web

I found this interesting shot of Hong Kong from the web, click here.

Related Links and Information

Interesting Hong Kong and Macau Photography Pictures Taken by Photographers

Hasselblad Has a New Italian Design Center for Camera

The Hasselblad Italian Design Center will implement the new strategy of Hasselblad "through outstanding design and make a share of  non-professional camera market. Their first design camera is Lunar mirrorless camera. (Source: Photo Rumors)

Related Links and Information

Hasselblad Will Make Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera with Sony

Ricoh Large Aperture Digital Camera - GRD4

Introduction

Ricoh GRD4 was announced in September 2011. Ricoh F1.9 large aperture digital camera GRD4 features Quick shooting capabilities combined with precision focus and Hybrid autofocus system. The GR DIGITAL IV employs a hybrid autofocus system that combines an external auto focus with a conventional contrast autofocus system. The external auto focus is designed for fast focus. While the shutter-release button is pressed, the camera can take a series of photos while adjusting its focus on the subject using the external autofocus.The large aperture F1.9 complement with the sensor shift image stabilization are good for low light shooting. The highest possible ISO setting is 3200. 3-inch screen (approximately 1.23 million-dot* VGA) is bright to improve viewing under bright sunlight.

Commercial

 

Hands On

 

 

Sample Images (Source:Ricoh)\

 

Ricoh GRD4 Sample Picture

Ricoh GRD4 Sample Picture

GRD4 Rating

For review of Ricoh Camera GRD4, Click here.

Specifications