The sunset over Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia. Taken by Ron Dubin

Source: planetearthdailyphoto.blogspot.com

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In the lead-up to the 2008 PMA trade show in Las Vegas, NV, Fujifilm has introduced a new advanced electronic viewfinder (EVF) camera. The Finepix S100FS is designed for serious photographers, with a 14.3x Fujinon manual zoom lens, lens-based optical image stabilization, Fuji’s eighth-generation 11.1-megapixel SuperCCD VIII HR, an RP III processor, and a tilt-up 230,000-dot, 2.5-inch LCD. Fuji also claims that this camera offers an improved dynamic range. The FS in its name stands for “film simulation,” which refers to several settings that apply film-like looks to the images it captures. Choices include Fuji Velvia, Provia, and Astia films. The lens provides an f/2.8-5.3, 28-400mm (35mm equivalent) range.

In addition to manual and priority modes, the S100FS provides 14 scene modes and custom settings. It saves both RAW files and JPEGs. Its shutter-speed range runs from 30 seconds to 1/4000 second. Other notable features include autobracketing on exposure, dynamic range, and film simulation effects; four autofocus modes; and a Super Macro mode that focuses as close as 1 centimeter. The camera captures smooth VGA video with sound and offers several continuous-shooting modes. They include Top 7 and Last 7 modes that shoot at 3fps and a Top 50 mode that captures up to 50 3-megapixel shots at 7fps. Other notable features include Fuji’s Face Detection 2.0, which can detect faces in profile and at high and low angles, and applies automatic redeye removal to shots of people. The S100FS offers light-sensitivity settings up to ISO 6400 at 6 megapixels and ISO 10,000 at 3 megapixels.

The S100FS will be available in February 2008 for $800.

Source: feeds.feedburner.com

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Alongside the K20D, announced earlier today, Pentax unveiled the K200D. Featuring a 10.2MP CCD imaging sensor, it is aimed at the ‘entry-level’ user.

Boasting ‘semi-professional’ characteristics, the K200D’s features include Shake-Reduction, Dust Removal System and a top equivalent ISO of 1600.

The K200D also has simultaneous raw and JPEG shooting, a 2.7in (230,000 pixels) LCD monitor and eight digital filter functions, including b&w, sepia and colour.

The K200D carries a top shutter speed of 1/4000sec and a 16-segment metering system. Exposure compensation of ±2EV is possible in 1/3 or 1/2EV steps.

It also boasts ‘Dynamic Range Enlargement’.

The K200D contains 60 seals to help protect against water and dust, and is powered by four AA batteries.

It is due in March as a kit priced £579.99 that includes an 18-55mm lens.

An optional battery grip (D-BG3), will be available at a price to be confirmed.

Source: www.amateurphotographer.co.uk

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A Downing Street petition, demanding that the prime minister clarifies the law regarding photographers’ rights to take pictures in public places, is gaining support.

Photography enthusiast Adam Jones launched the online petition citing what he claims is constant harassment of photographers by ‘security guards and police officers in the name of preventing terrorism’.

In the petition, Jones wrote: ‘They seem to be operating under a different interpretation of the law to the rest of us, believing that somehow the length of your lens or size of your camera is relevant.’

Jones feels it is becoming ‘increasingly difficult’ to take photos in public places В– particularly in cities such as London В– and wants government clarification of the law regarding photography of buildings and landmarks.

The petition adds: ‘In recent years the price divide between professional and consumer equipment has blurred, and it’s quite common these days to see amateurs and hobbyists carrying around tripods, SLR cameras and a backpack full of equipment.’

So far the ‘e-petition’ has gained over 40 signatures.

According to the e-petition website, those attracting 200 signatures or more will normally be passed to officials who work for the prime minister or ‘sent to the relevant government department for a response’.

The website adds: ‘Every person who signs such a petition will receive an email detailing the government’s response to the issues raised.’

The deadline is 13 September 2008.

For details visit http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/photographylaw

Source: www.amateurphotographer.co.uk

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Garmin Colorado handheld GPS : Garmin introduced the Colorado series of handheld GPS devices for outdoor, marine and fitness enthusiasts. With the addition of Garmin’s revolutionary Rock ’n Roller wheel, you really can operate its many navigation features with just one hand – most with just one thumb. The Garmin Colorado GPS navigation devices were announced last week during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Weighing only 7.3 ounces with 15 hours of life from two AA batteries, the Garmin Colorado handheld GPS is the perfect companion for any outing with its electronic compass, barometric altimeter and photo viewer. The SD memory card slot is ideal for loading additional MapSource detail.
Garmin handheld GPS
The Garmin Colorado handheld GPS also displays air temperature as well as data from an optional heart-rate monitor and/or speed and cadence sensor. “Whether you’re climbing in the Rockies, fishing an unfamiliar river or geocaching with your family, the Colorado brings your environment to life in unprecedented detail,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin’s vice president of worldwide sales. “And yet for having so many new features and customizable options, the Garmin Colorado GPS is remarkably easy to use with its thumb-driven Rock ‘n Roller wheel.” On land or at sea, you’ll never lose your way with Colorado’s high-sensitivity GPS receiver, shaded-relief and satellite imagery mapping and vibrant color 3-inch screen with high resolution. And the Colorado GPS plays well with others, allowing for wireless exchange of tracks, waypoints and geocaches between units.

Garmin Colorado GPS models
No matter your outdoor interests, there’s a Colorado for you. The Garmin Colorado 400t handheld GPS gives hikers state-of-the-art 3D elevation perspective and preloaded U.S. topographic maps. The Garmin Colorado 400i GPS offers anglers shoreline details, depth contours and boat ramps for U.S. inland lakes and navigable rivers. The Garmin Colorado 400c handheld GPS is your coastal companion, providing chart coverage for the coastal U.S. and Bahamas. The Colorado 300 handheld GPS features a worldwide basemap with shaded relief.

Garmin Geocaching
Garmin and Groundspeak will host special events to teach people more about Wherigo and let them experience it for themselves. Also, a limited-edition geocoin has been minted to commemorate the launch of Colorado and Wherigo. Details on the Wherigo experience, events and geocoins can be found at the Garmin blogs website. And geocaching just got easier with the Colorado, which quickly downloads online information for every cache, such as location, terrain, difficulty, hints and description, so that you don’t have tote printouts with you.

Wherigo Player application
Colorado users will be the first to experience Wherigo, the newest GPS-based activity from Groundspeak, the people who made geocaching a worldwide phenomenon. Wherigo (pronounced “where I go”) is a toolset for creating and playing location-based multimedia experiences in the real world. Using the Wherigo platform, Wherigo authors can build exciting adventure games, historical tours or other innovative activities. Wherigo players use the Colorado or other GPS device running the Wherigo Player application to visit physical locations, use virtual items, interact with virtual characters and solve real world puzzles.

Garmin Colorado price
Garmin knows its users have many interests, so the Colorado handheld GPS lets you customize five profiles – automotive, marine, recreation, fitness or paperless geocaching – making the most beneficial features for each activity the easiest to access through quick shortcuts. And every outing with the Garmin Colorado navigation can be enjoyed later by downloading and sharing the data as one of nearly two million activities on Garmin Connect Service. The Garmin Colorado 300 GPS has a suggested retail price of $499. The Garmin Colorado 400t, Colorado 400i and Colorado 400c have a suggested retail price of $599.

Source: www.letsgodigital.org

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