Canonical

Underexposed blog: Links of the day

Here's some of the backlog from a virus-induced hiatus that knocked me out for a couple days.

PhotoAcute Studio. Leading super-resolution technology for better photos. PhotoAcute's product description: "It increases image resolution, removes noise without losing image details, corrects image geometry and chromatic aberrations and expands the dynamic range." PhotoAcute Review. Uwe Steinmuller's testing of super-resolution software that combines multiple images into one. Lightroom Journal: Lightroom 1.3.1 and Camera Raw 4.3.1. Lightroom update fixes Nikon D100 and Olympus E-3 compatibility problems, tweaks SKD's FTP export module. New Lightroom Galleries--O'Reilly Digital Media Blog. … Read more

Poll: Does Nikon or Canon have better SLRs?

Be honest here for a second.

If you're taking pictures with an SLR, there's a very good chance you're using either a Nikon or Canon camera, and therefore there's a good chance your loyalties are set. But what would you do if asked to give advice to somebody upgrading from a compact camera to a single-lens reflex model? Or what if you were a pro making a fresh start?

With SLRs suddenly very popular, we decided to run a poll to see what the fans out there have to say. So take a step back, think … Read more

Nikon lures back prominent photographer

One data point does not a statistical trend make, but Michael Reichmann is a pretty high-profile data point in the fight for SLR camera market share.

The photographer, instructor, and author of the Luminous Landscape Web site switched from Nikon to Canon in the late 1990s. But he said Monday he's resumed buying Nikon gear again, though not switched completely back.

"I had few regrets at the switch (to Canon) through the first seven years of this decade and the move to digital because it's my opinion that with its full-frame sensors and superior high-ISO noise capabilities, … Read more

Mini-cam concept is a spy's delight

Targets of the paparazzi need not worry just yet: This little camera ring is only a concept model for now. But the way things are going--with cameras built into pens and phones packing 5-megapixel sensors--this "Canon Snap" proposed by designer David M?nscher could probably become a reality in the not-too-distant future, with its single-button interface and other spycam-like features. And should that happen, stalkers everywhere will rejoice.

(Source: Crave Asia)

Canon updates 1D Mark III firmware

Shortly after Canon announced a hardware fix for autofocus problems affecting some of its high-end EOS-1D Mark III cameras, the leading SLR maker also has added a software fix.

Version 1.1.3 of the Camera's firmware "improves autofocus tracking" when shooting outdoors in bright environments or when shooting low-contrast subjects, Canon said. In addition, the firmware can speed the process of writing images to high-speed SD memory cards.

Canon's biggest rival for single-lens reflex cameras, Nikon, also released some new firmware for its brand new D3 and D300 models that endows them with the color … Read more

Latest Nikon, Canon cameras get Vista support

Software updates from Nikon and Canon this month bring Windows Vista support for "raw" images taken with the companies' newest SLRs--and in Canon's case, a number of older cameras as well.

Raw images contain more data than JPEG and give photographers more control over processing, but different cameras and manufacturers use different proprietary formats, making support a challenge. Microsoft relies on camera makers to supply customers with "codec" software that lets Windows Vista--and any programs that use its image-handling abilities--read the proprietary raw image formats. In contrast, Apple writes its own codecs, and Windows XP … Read more

Say cheese and tuck in your tummy

Want to put your best face forward? Based on a survey by Canon UK, Brits are likely to be dodging and feinting to get that perfect picture.

The survey revealed that 86 percent of Brits believe that they don't look good in pictures and will try their very best to contort their bodies into something more presentable. Some techniques highlighted by the survey include holding in stomachs, turning to the side (to avoid displaying a double chin), hiding in the back of group photos, and smiling without showing teeth.

And to think we felt insecure when CNET Asia TV … Read more

Canon's portable DVD recorder

So you're at a wedding. You've filmed the joyous day, in all it's rain-lashed tears-specked glory, on your new camcorder. You've fended off the uncles who want to play with it, and made it home. Now you have to transfer your footage to PC, burn it to DVD and fork out for fifty padded envelopes to send to every Cousin Tom, Uncle Dick and Auntie Harry. Or you could get the Canon DW-100 DVD recorder.

The DW-100 connects directly to your camcorder, for easy transfer of camcorder footage direct to DVD. A quick bit of in-camera … Read more

Canon violates journalistic ethics...twice

Earlier this year the National Football League (NFL) announced new "security" rules requiring that all professional photographers wear NFL-issued red vests or lose their stadium access. What the photographers discovered was that these NFL-issued vests also carried the Canon logo, and that has led to outrage and protests across the professional community. Turns out that outrage was justified.… Read more