Latest Updates from LYTRO

The Lytro Light Field camera is still captivating audiences around the world, and naturally Australia is no exception. 

One thing we really like about the LYTRO company is their constant drive to improve the system, with yet another desktop software update available today. It's pretty great when you can experience the latest technology on offer without the need to upgrade the hardware huh?

This December 4th update allows users to utilize "Perspective Shift" and "Living Filters" in their light field images. 

Perspective Shift allows Lytro users to interactively change the point of view in a light field photo after it has been taken. Just like all Lytro images, both the photographer and the viewer can play with the perspective without the need for special software once the feature has been applied and shared. Pictures come to life and become an involved experience for the audience - it makes for a really neat way to tell your story.

So what about Living Filters? These allow the photographer to show off their creative flair and compose their art in even more ways to excite the audience. Lytro users will be able to apply one of nine interactive filters, including Film Noir, Crayon, and Carnival, to their living pictures to change the look of the picture based on light field depth.

These filters work on new shots as well as light field photos previously taken before the software update - woo hoo!

Check out a sample below, and see the Lytro Blog to update your desktop software today. 

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New Firmware for the Nikon Coolpix S800c Android Camera

Hey guys,

If you're the proud owner of Nikon's first Android camera, the Coolpix S800c, you'll be pleased to know the latest firmware is ready for you right now.

Firmware v1.1 enables the following modifications and resolves these issues:

1. Support for Hindi and Arabic has been added.

2. When a memory card inserted in the camera was ejected while an Android app saved to the camera’s internal SD card storage (internal SD card space) was running, operation of the Android OS sometimes became unstable. This issue has been resolved.

3. When the camera was turned on and then off, icons for Android apps saved to the camera’s internal SD card storage (internal SD card space) sometimes disappeared. This issue has been resolved.

4. An issue that sometimes caused unexpected termination of Wi-Fi connections has been resolved.

5. An issue that sometimes caused the camera to stop functioning when multiple Android apps were running has been resolved.

6. DPOF-compatible printers were sometimes unable to recognize information specified with print orders (playback menu>Print order). This issue has been resolved.

Enjoy!

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A How-To with Facebook Photo Comp Winner, Michael Tannos

As you'd know by now we love giving our customers as many opportunities to express themselves through photography as possible, and one such way we achieve this is through our frequent Facebook competitions.

Last month we held a comp with the theme 'Miniature Memories' and this spawned hundreds of fantastic entries covering a myriad of interpretations; the standard was very high but one man sought to defeat them all with his gravity-defying Barbie hair-whip. For his effort he received a Canon EOS M Twin Kit in white.

This man was Sydney photographer Michael Tannos, and he was kind enough to share his process with us for the blog:


Michael: "I am glad that I entered as it is my first time that I entered a competition.  My partner talked me into doing a photography class together in april 2010 and I am glad I did."
In order to achieve his image he built a handy mechanism, which he explains:


Michael: "It took about 15 minutes to build.  It’s rough but it works  - I poured cornflour over her hair and then you pull the longer string on the left handside with your left hand and press the remote button of camera on a tripod with your right hand – take a couple of practice shoots for speed and timing and that’s it."

Below is his sequence:

The Barbie Doll is attached to lever arm with a screw thru her shoes When you pull the string as shown it flips the doll vertically up in the air	Pull with left hand
As the doll raises to Vertical position Final Shot

You can see more of Michael's work on his Flickr page, and check out his winning image on Facebook.

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Event/Party Photography Tips Just in Time for the Holidays

If your event and party photography is a little lacklustre or you just don’t seem to capture the magic in the moment, you might need to take a different approach. These tips will help put you in the right direction for your next family event, party or function:

     1. Plan, Plan, Plan. You might think the average event is planned enough without you thinking about it, but if you have been to a few Engagement Parties, Weddings or even a child’s birthday party you know it doesn’t always go off according to schedule and you will need to be prepared to be flexible at these times.

If you can look over a program of the day this will give you somewhat of a head start. You will be able to plan the gear you need to take – be mindful of your kit if you’re using a DSLR and think about how long and how far you will be walking with it all. It might be a good idea to visit the location/s ahead of time and if you feel so inclined, planning shots while there could come in handy.  If you can’t do these things, talk to the organisers. Small steps in preparation can at least ease some of the stress during the event.

 

     2.Try To Tell a Story. Most photographers aim to tell some sort of story of course, but with an event you usually have a distinct beginning, middle and end. Break the camera out early and try to capture establishing shots to give the viewer an experience of the whole party, not just the ceremonial aspects.

What kind of day/night was it? Who was there? Was it casual, formal? Show the room empty, filled up and even the aftermath of the event if you can stick around.

     3. Capture the Emotion. Search the crowd for those moments of elation, nostalgia, even the tears of a little kid who has dropped their ice cream cone. Tight close-ups work very well for single displays of emotion, and think about angles and going wider if you have a group to get in shot – think of a wedding bouquet toss or Christening shot.

 

     4. Don’t Be Afraid of Variety. Think about your positioning and without going too crazy and standing on your head, try high and lower angles, try photographing different shapes and alternating the zoom in and out. Do you have time for macro? Try this with table arrangements, small knick-knacks, even the snacks on offer and you might find some magic.

     5. Try To Relax and Be Candid. If you’re on edge and approaching people for posing in photos, this will rub off. If you are speaking to people be calm and try to make them feel at ease. Sometimes the best results come from just snapping away at the action as it unfolds, so take a deep breath and go with the flow.

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Hot AIPP offer for Canon EOS 1DX customers

If you're a professional photographer in Australia, you would know reliable gear is everything. Canon's latest 1-series, the EOS 1DX, exceeds the expectations of professionals in the field and has quickly become an industry workhorse.

If you're looking to step up to this mighty beast in the near future, now is the time so you can take advantage of this AIPP membership offer in conjunction with Canon.

For the whole of December, if you join the AIPP or renew your membership as accredited member Canon will pay your full annual AIPP membership fee. Thats a direct saving of $466!

To take advantage of this offer simply go along to an authorised reseller (like us here at Digital Camera Warehouse!) purchase a Canon EOS 1Dx, and email a copy of your purchase receipt to admin@aipp.com.au. They will do the rest. Offer ends on December 31st, so be quick!

For more details, click here.

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Free Shipping on ANY Canon Product This December!

It's getting down to the wire when it comes to shopping for Christmas, and here at Digital Camera Warehouse we'd like to make the experience as easy and value-packed as we can.

For the month of December, we're offering free shipping on all Canon products including compact cameras, DSLRs, video cameras and genuine Canon accessories. There's also bonuses coming with selected products across the range so take a look and sniff out a bargain just in time for the big day.

If you're after more value, there's hot pricing and a bonus floating case on the Panasonic Lumix FT4, a waterproof superstar camera perfect for summer. Also, check out Olympus' award-winning OM-D EM-5 - we're throwing in a Gorillapod with that too.

Just like Billy Idol, we're giving you more, more, more this Christmas!

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Trade in ANY Camera for a Discount on the Nikon D600/D800!

Digital Camera Warehouse in conjunction with Nikon Australia are giving you a fantastic opportunity to own one of their ever-impressive full frame DSLR models at a great price.

Simply trade in ANY camera (yep, that's right, even your old battered compact!) and we will give you $150.00 off the Nikon D600, or $300.00 off the Nikon D800/e! It couldn't be any easier to own one of these impressive cameras at a stellar price with full Australian warranty. 

With the large man in the red suit not far away, this could be the gift of the century for yourself or the enthusiast photographer in your life. 

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Fujifilm Firmware Updates for X-E1 and X-Pro1

Hey there Fuji fans,

The good folks at Fujifilm have just released some important firmware updates to their X-E1 and X-Pro1 compact system cameras. 

The X-E1 firmware update v1.01 addresses the following:

1) Addition of full compatibility with FUJINON XF 18-55mm F/2.8-4 R lens.
2) The auto focus accuracy with the XF60mm lens is improved.
3) When using the M- Mount Adapter, under exposure could occur.

The X-Pro1 firmware update v2.01 addresses the following:


1) Addition of full compatibility with FUJINON XF 18-55mm F/2.8-4 R lens.
2) When using the focus checking function with “3-time” magnification in manual focus mode,you could find a few dots (black or color) only in the live view image on EVF/LCD.

3) The auto focus accuracy with the XF60mm Lens is improved.
4) When using the M- Mount Adapter, under exposure could occur.

Firmware can significantly improve your experience, so check out the above if you're a proud X-series owner or are planning to be in the near future.

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Get Cash Back from Canon!

We've got a lot happening in terms of Christmas promotion at the moment, and that includes a veritable platter of offers on selected Canon gear.

Not only are there bonus cases, memory cards, straps and other useful accessories on most Canon DSLRs, Compacts and Video Cameras, but there's also the opportunity to get cash back when you upgrade to the latest whizz-bang tech Canon has produced.

Simply purchase a Canon EOS 650D, Canon EOS 5D Mark III Premium Kit, Canon EOS 6D Premium Kit or Canon PIXMA PRO-1 printer between November 5 2012 and January 31 2013 and you could be eligible for up to $300 cash back via redemption from Canon! Upgrade to the latest in digital imaging technology today and save a motza.

Already bought one of the above from us? Click the banner to redeem direct from Canon:

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New Contour ROAM2 and Contour SD Card Information

The action cam market continues to expand with the latest offering from the propellerheads at Contour, the Contour ROAM2! 

With significant upgrades over the original ROAM, the ROAM2 boasts a locking "instant-on" switch making it the most simplistic action cam out there, perfect for concentrating on the task while still capturing amazing video. Capable of shooting 60fps at 720p, it lends itself well to fast-paced action and delivers a consistently smooth result.

The ROAM 2 is waterproof without the need for a case, making it one of the most slimline and versatile tools available. The built-in laser level ensures you always have the correct angle, while the long battery life keeps you conquering earth, sea and sky longer than ever before.

It comes in stylish black as well as red and blue, a first for the Contour series. Priced to compete with the big guns, it is set to grab its market share and run with it so don't get left behind.

IMPORTANT SD CARD INFORMATION:

Some users have reported problems with some MicroSD cards in Contour devices. Refer to this information as it may just help you out:

ContourROAM2
You can use any* microSDHC card up to 32GB in size between Class 2 and Class 10 in speed.  Be sure that you format microSD cards using the in-camera method  for this model of camera.

ContourGPS, Contour+, ContourROAM, and Contour+2
You can use any* microSD or microSDHC card up to 32GB in size and up to Class 10 in speed.  Be sure that you format microSD cards using the in-camera method  for each of these models of camera.

ContourHD 1080p
You can use up to a 32GB card in your ContourHD 1080p.  When that camera  was first introduced, 32GB cards were not widely available and that is why the printed manual in the box references 16GB cards.  Since then the microSD card market has expanded and so your camera can use a 32GB card.

However, because the camera was not designed to use a card of that size, the memory card light will alway indicate that the card is full by showing a red light anytime you check the card status.  This is true even when the card is not full.  Other than that, it will function normally.

ContourHD 720p
You can use up to a 16GB card in your ContourHD 720p.

*SanDisk Ultra cards are only compatible with Contour cameras using the latest firmware.

*SHDC-1 microSD cards are not currently compatible with any of the Contour cameras.

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