HDR / GAS

Well, here’s an HDR-processed image from a camera that I’ve recently made a return to. The original was a jpeg – there’s no option, as this camera doesn’t support RAW files – and I’ve really enjoyed the convenience of not having to spend ages on a pc, processing RAW files from those cameras from manufacturers that seem to rely on their models’ RAW capability to get away with dreadful in-cam jpeg processing.

One notable exception is the Olympus E-P1 ….although RAW-capable, I seem to always be very pleased with its jpeg output, needing little in the way of post-processing to get the results I’m after. As you know, I’m taken with its colour output as well – exceptional is the word. Just not pocketable.

This camera I’ve recently returned to is also able to offer exceptional colour output – but it’s certainly not OOC (‘out-of-camera), and the files need a little work to achieve their potential.

And the camera – it’s the Fujifilm F200EXR.  

Why ? Simple.  Just great dynamic range capture that rivals that of some DSLRs, in a single exposure without any fuss. I thought I’d look elsewhere – mainly in seeking great colour output from a pocketable compact – and managed that with the Canon S90…no doubt, a great piece. But not-so-great DR is noticeable, and even the RAWs don’t enable quite the DR of the F200EXR with such clean images. That’s quite something, as we’re comparing in-cam jpegs with pc-processed RAW files. Hmmmm.

So, one should never assume that the latest, greatest RAW-enabled compact is gonna do it everytime. Progress with caution – because sometimes, it’s not necessarily ‘progress’.

MICRO FOUR-THIRDS QUALITY

(Click for XXXXL version …19MB file …OK, compressed for web use)

I’ve already stated before that files from my E-P1, at its lowest ISO setting, are not a million miles away from those of my Nikon D3 – as was, now sold because of that very fact ! I still use a pair of D200s, which produce fine results for any DSLR- type shooting …weddings/sport … anything where very fast AF is essential for static or moving objects/subjects !

Shooting with my Olympus E-P1 yesterday, in very bright sunlight (yes, I could see what I was doing with that lowly 230k res screen, and from heights & angles I couldn’t easily have achieved with a DSLR), I took six individual shots for this example.

Stitched from these six images, this panoramic could be successfully produced as a huge high-resolution print, with great colour accuracy and sharp detail. Using the E-P1 in this way enables its already great 12.3 MP output to knock at the door of medium-format in terms of quality and image size …but there are caveats :

• MF offers greater dynamic range, with less shadow noise … although multiple m43 files can get close with careful software usage
• MF offers smoother output, from that relatively huge sensor …  combined m43 files can approach the look, again with careful setup
• MF requires a very substantial investment : from c£12k to £25k, plus lenses from around £3k each …m43 is affordable for most
• MF currently has a relatively low ISO capture range, typically topping-out at 1600
• MF is hefty & unwieldy to cart around for long

Medium Format has so far been the choice of many high-end published architectural &  fashion photographers – where the commissions are often consistently & suitably lucrative to make the investment in MF worthwhile, and editors are extremely demanding relative to output quality and fine detail.

Continuing from my last post, the relevance here is that the next generation of cameras with a Four-Thirds sensor – the new Panasonics about to be formally announced, and the inevitable Olympus versions that will follow – will also enable very many keen photographers to attain a breathtaking standard of very large output quality … where of course the subject & lighting lend themselves to being photographed with multiple files, to then be stitched.

If you’ve not tried image stitching yet, with your own m43 setup, try three vertical shots – or three horizontals – allowing around 20-30% overlap on each image. These can be stitched in software : PS, Arcsoft (which I use myself), or one of many others out there. These days, this software has been developed to the point where little if any manual intervention is required, even without close attention to tripod use/nodal point etc at time of capture. A final crop is often all that’s needed to complete your own masterpiece.

PS : For optimal quality, whereas these were six very quick, hand-held shots, one should always use a tripod for ultimate quality (don’t forget to turn off the IS !). It’s also then preferable to work from TIFF files (these were o.o.c. jpegs), and to set your camera to manual, to choose optimal aperture & exposure settings. These do all count, none of which I did for the example here. The final large image has also been compressed for web use. But you get the idea ….

M4/3 : FALLEN FOR IT ?

MICRO FOUR-THIRDS - A NEW STANDARD ?

It of course could be construed as either :

‘Fallen for It ?’ … head-over-heels with these new, high quality cameras (& lenses) that offer SLR quality in miniature Or : 

‘Fallen for It ?’ … the Penny/Doris marketing (wrong !) of a system solution to a non-existent problem

There are certainly at least two schools of thought on the arrival of m43, now that both Olympus & Panasonic have truly small bodies, along with a few m43lenses. I definitely lean towards the former, although, in my last post, I indicated that I already have several compacts & DSLRs …but, so far, no Micro Four-Thirds camera (or lenses) …and here’s why :

1/ There’s so far a distinct shortage of available lenses in the m43 format …although there are several potentially useful 43 lenses  eg one that caught my eye today, the Olympus 12-60  ie 24-120mm equivalent – but it’s a fairly large lens, relative to m43 body size, and it pretty well negates the point of a useful, truly miniaturised system.

2/ The end of October sees a likely New Product announcement from Olympus – and the general concensus is that this will be something along the lines of ‘E-P2’ …probably with the inclusion of an in-built viewfinder, and possibly on-board flash.

3/ I learned today that following at least one major Ricoh Japan/Ricoh UK staff meeting last year, Ricoh will definitely be in the ‘small body/interchangeable lenses’ game …and some product is likely fairly soon

4/ Nikon are apparently developing a ‘2.5x’ small system …so, for example, a 10mm lens will be equivalent to 25mm (in 35mm terms) …and surely so must Canon and, by implication, Sony ?

5/ Fujifilm are known also to have taken great interest in the early succes of m43, and are rumoured to have products of a ‘similar’ nature in development.

6/ Samsung NX models are likely soon …not m43 standard, but a miniatuised system along the same lines

7/ Additional to the existing E-P1, I also have reliable confirmation that Olympus will launch a total of three new m43 bodies, planned to see the light of day over the next six months … although my source expects that this may more likely stretch over 9/12 months …but that’s still an ambitious output, and Olympus are ‘very seriously comitted’ to m43.

8/ Based on that last statement, we should see the introduction of several new m43 lenses …hopefully sooner rather than later.

Given that m43 is really just in its infancy, and already seems to offer superb performance …albeit with a few fixable deficiencies so far …this is, from what was expected to be niche, fast becoming a type of product range seen by the major (& smaller) players as critical to their ongoing survival – let alone their ongoing success and increased market share & profitability. 

Extrapolate accordingly, and if the consumer-led, and pro-led, revolution really gets under way, we’ll really be spoilt for choice. That has to be a great situation for all of us absolute enthusiasts, and marks a truly interesting era in digital imaging. I’m observing all of this in some detail, and will step in when I feel the time’s right…and that doesn’t necessarily mean waiting for too long – but there really is so much on its way AND SOON.

In the meantime, if you’re already using, or considering a DSLR, you may find some interesting reading at http://nikonpro.wordpress.com

For more, see also http://1001noisycameras.com

LX3 v CX1 v F200EXR

DOES IT WORK ?

(Macro image from Ricoh CX1)

Prompted to post this, following several recent e-mails from readers of my (various!) blogs …. hope this answers some questions for you : 

The LX3 is acknowledged as one of the very best compacts out there, and enjoys a huge fan base, which has perhaps grown further lately as some potential buyers – swayed by the announcement of the Olympus E-P1, Panasonic GF-1, Ricoh GRDIII (and CX2), and Leica X-1 – have more recently decided that this fixed-lens model, producing consistently great-quality images, has to be considered a relative bargain at around £350 …and have bought-up all available free stock. Pretty well globally.

But whilst the LX3 undoubtedly has a huge, die-hard fanbase, there have been a couple of other contenders for buyers’ cash …notably the Ricoh CX1 and Fujifilm’s F200EXR.  Both have proven extremely popular.

For those interested in all of the (potentially boring) technical differences between these three ‘pocket rockets’ – you’ll need to look elsewhere. Life’s too short. But if it’s real-world usability and satisfaction rating you’re more interested in, you’re at the right place. No waffle, here’s how it goes :

 

1/ LX3 : Excellent in very many respects:

• Stunning lens (of course), starting at 24mm f2 …but ends at 60mm (equiv).
• White balance dramatically better than it once was – I feel there’s still a little room for improvement. Reds are still oversaturated, even when cooled-off. If you like Canon colour, you’ll like LX3.
• BW – in ‘Dynamic’ form …very film-like, fantastic high-contrast, highly-detailed results.
• Multi-film mode – three separate, consecutive images
• Multi-Aspect mode : very useful. 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 options
• Superb Mega O.I.S
• Slightly ‘hollow’ feel to chassis
• RAW files – very detailed, but need to use (time-consuming) SilkyPix software to extract quality
• Separate lens-cap
• Almost pocketable (!)
• User interface – a bit fiddly, but ok

 

2/ Ricoh CX1 : vastly underrated

• Some say it’s a far cry from ‘GRD output’ – I disagree (unless you want to pixel-peep… but why would you?)
• White balance – superb. Multi-awb is a useful extra. Great colour rendition, and fantastic ‘Outdoor’ setting
• Electronic level …excellent, should be standard on all cameras 
• Very flexible 7x zoom focal range – 28-200mm(equiv), capturing images that the LX3 is simply incapable of
• Image stabilisation very effective – and this camera is capable of surprisingly good low-light images
• Rapid response …focus, image display, scrolling, changing options ….CMOS etc means very fast all ’round
• Reliable exposures, and wide dynamic range (without the inhibiting DR Double-Shot mode)
• As advertised, not prone to sky ‘whiteout’  …more useful and more impressive than I expected
• Multi-film (Colour, BW, sepia) works brilliantly – exactly same image processed three ways
• Multi-Aspect – but only one at a time : 4:3, 3:2, 1:1  (needs addition of 16:9!)
• Stunning 920k screen – looks like the image you download and view on pc screen
• Amazing 1cm macro capability
• User interface – as good as it gets – intuitive, fast, logical, reliable
• Great build quality exceeds all other compacts I’ve ever used
• Very recently superceded by the new CX2,  with even greater 28-300mm(equiv) focal range

 

3/ Fujifilm F200EXR : useful award-winner

• EXR sensor promises much, delivers some (sometimes)
• Sensor option (three in total) has to be manually selected for best results
• Some strange metering/exposure reactions, so inconsistent results …even in fairly ‘normal’ shooting conditions
• Irritating real-world aspect : the high-contrast (but fairly lo-res) screen makes you wonder what you’ve captured … or not
• Images often – but not always – look far better on computer display, once downloaded (thank heavens !)
• Multi-Aspect modes : can select one at a time from 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
• 5x zoom range : 28-140mm (equiv) …again, captures some images that LX3 just can’t
• Image stabilisation ok, but definitely not as effective as CX1’s
• Some blackout after image capture, as if processor working really hard
• Feels ‘lightweight’ and small in the hand, compared with bulletproof CX1 build and solid feel 
• 12MP files (jpeg only) are very detailed …although images not quite as responsive to processing as CX1 jpegs, in my experience
• New F70EXR has wider focal range, and is less expensive – but its sensor is more highly pixel-packed
• Overall – great camera, hoped for more than it has delivered (so far, at least)

 

Hope this helps you draw your own conclusions on usability for your own needs – because that’s all that really matters.

Without doubt, all three are very high-quality cameras, and all are capable of great results much of the time, even under very difficult conditions.

Images in separate galleries from all three models at http://nickbland.zenfolio.com – enjoy !

LX3 LAKE DISTRICT, ENGLAND

ULLSWATER, LAKE DISTRICT

Another image from our recent trip, taken from an Ullswater steamer that took us around the lake for a couple of hours (doesn’t move very quickly !) …the Lake District is well worth another visit soon, hopefully in drier weather, although the ever-changing light in this part of England makes it always a pleasure for landscapes.

Notably on the boat were several with cameras – one guy with a Canon 1D, photographing the punters (probably for a promo leaflet/web photo (!)), a girl taking an odd snap – without much care – with a Sony DSLR, and a few with Panasonic FZs of various vintages. In each case, they had something quite cumbersome to deal with, in less than ideal conditions – so pleased to have had my LX3 with us, with the D3 nowhere to be seen on this trip – way too heavy !

More as usual at http://nickbland.zenfolio.com … enjoy

LX3 YORKSHIRE DALES, ENGLAND

INGLETON, YORKSHIRE DALES

Took a few compact cameras with us on a recent trip to Yorkshire & the lakes …LX3 (of course), Ricoh CX1, Panasonic TZ-3 and Fuji F100fd.

Needless to say, it was the LX3 that gave the smoothest, sharpest & most detailed images of the lot, although I used it less than I would have liked as I needed a longer focal range for many shots. However, I was really pleased with the ones I did shoot with the LX3, and the quality amazes me every time – even now, after 8 months of continuous use.

This image was taken in Ingleton, on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park … a stunning location for landscape photography. Just don’t expect dry weather too often, even in July !

Many more LX3 images as usual at http://nickbland.zenfolio.com

LX3 PEACE PAGODA

WILLEN PEACE PAGODA

Capture at dusk with the LX3 …..The first Peace Pagoda in the western world … this was completed in 1980, at the northern edge of Willen Lake, Milton Keynes. There is a Nipponzan-Myōhōji Order temple and monastery nearby.

What’s a  Peace Pagoda ?

A Peace Pagoda is a Buddhist stupa designed to provide a focus for people of all races and creeds, and to help unite them in their search for world peace. Most (though not all) have been built under the guidance of Nichidatsu Fujii (1885-1985), a Buddhist monk from Japan and founder of the Nipponzan-Myōhōji Buddhist Order. Fuji was greatly inspired by his meeting with Mahatma Gandhi in 1931 and decided to devote his life to promoting non-violence. In 1947, he began^[1] constructing Peace Pagodas as shrines to World peace.

The first Peace Pagodas were built as a symbol of peace in the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki where the atomic bombs took the lives of over 150,000 people, almost all of whom were civilian, at the end of World War II.

By 2000, 80 Peace Pagodas had been built around the world in Europe, Asia, and the United States.

Civilization is not to kill human beings, not to destroy things, not to make war; civilization is to hold mutual affection and to respect one another. -Most Ven. Fujii

The Peace Pagoda was awarded the Courage of Conscience award June 5, 1998 in Sherborn, MA.

As usual, many more LX3 images – architectural & many other subjects – at http://nickbland.zenfolio.com

LX3 LONDON DOCKLANDS

A comp of three images here from the Docklands/Canary Wharf collection.

It’s an area of London that, like so many others in the City, is so full of photographic promise. There are two great likelihoods in photographing parts of London in 2009 :

1/ You’ll get some fantastic images

2/ Completely unexpectedly – or maybe not, now – there’ll be a request not to use your camera …could be the police, a jobsworth security guard, or … the latter, speaking through a mic, plumbed into a ‘speaker somewhere near you.

The last option, where you’re being observed via perhaps a distant camera (!), does seem strange …my own photos are neither for commercial gain (I’d have asked for a ‘permit’), nor for terrorism … I actually quite enjoy photography, thanks … there’s no ulterior motive in my case. However, by photographing certain things in the UK in 2009, we’re apparently guilty until we can prove our innocence.

It seems strange that, in these ever-changing times, our ability to record UK life photographically is so inhibited by the people we ultimately elect to run the country … but one of the best ways to be inconspicuous is to use an LX3, set to RAW capture for ultimate flexibility & quality.

Do that, and read up on the legalities of photography in a public place, work ethically, use your common sense, and you should be able to capture some fantastic images…unscathed, I hope.

Many more LX3 images – of London, and many other subjects – can be found and viewed in safety (!) at http://nickbland.zenfolio.com. Don’t forget to also take a look at http://1001noisycameras.com for more on the LX3 and many other ‘must-have’ photographic tools, which so far, can stil be bought legally !

LX3 ONE OF THE FIRST

One of my first images with the LX3, taken on the day I got it. I remember not having had it for long – maybe an hour or two – and this is image number 290 ! And there were very many more shots taken that day … and ever since.

Maybe that’s a good indicator of just how much enjoyment I got from this LX3, and which I still do today. This image was shot at The Jaipur building, in Milton Keynes. It’s a feat of Eastern-style architecture, beautifully built and amazing to look at, especially in good daylight.

The night-lighting of this all-white structure is inventive, and has certainly been carefully thought-out. As a very recognisable part of the MK skyline, it’s also a great photographic subject. I was pleased to capture this image at dusk on that first day with the LX3, and although the original file was already bursting with colour, I’ve also run it through DxO FilmPack on an ‘Agfa Ultra Color’ film type.

Although not as over-the-top as it may have been (I’m talking saturation), the colours have been enhanced, yet remain close to reality …

There are many more LX3 images, including several architectural, cityscape and urban image folders, at http://nickbland.zenfolio.com … hope you enjoy them.

LX3 JOBY GORILLAPOD

I’d been planning to get a mini tripod for some time, as my full-size D3-handling Manfrotto – which I don’t use very often anyway – lives in my car, and is way bigger than necessary for use with the LX3. Don’t really feel inclined to cart it around, either.

Having searched long & hard for the (I eventually found out) discontinued Giottos QU-200 U-pod, which looked ideal for my planned use, without any luck in finding one, I was short on options.

Many smaller tripods that I looked at were a bit ‘Heath-Robinson’, and were either table-top-use only, or complete overkill. While I was online, ordering a couple of spare batteries and memory cards, I decided to try the ‘Compact camera’ version of the Gorillapod (£14.00).

I can’t say I was particularly attracted by the look of it, but more the usability. Being able to use it like a ‘normal’, straight-legged tripod was of course the plan, but being able to also safely attach the LX3 in position on a fence, railing, branch, chair (as shown above, on the right) etc, is a useful added feature.

There’s a locking ring for extra security, flexible joints on each leg, and foot grips. Therefore, no need for a flat surface from which to work. As you can see above, it’s a consideration that because the LX3 tripod mount is located on the left-hand side of the camera (from the back) … ie just slightly to the left of the square L badge, looking from the front … it’s not quite as stable as I would have liked, but that’s as much to do with the LX3 design, and it’s ok in use, with care.

Some results to follow in a future posting, but so far, so good …definitely recommended, but only for cameras up to a specified weight limit of 325g (11.5oz).. so fine for LX3, but for DSLRs, they make a couple of other models.

LX3 galleries at http://nickbland.zenfolio.com, and more details on the Gorillapod at http://joby.com …you’ll see it’s also available in other colour options.