Images and post are copyright to ShutterXpose Photography

Tag : camera

Photokina 2016 Reloaded

Photokina, the largest dedicated biannual photo show in Europe, has opened its doors and shown off its various camera goodies this year.

However, it’s been a tumultuous time in the world of cameras, with the Kumamoto earthquakes in Japan having a devastating affect not only on its communities, but production lines. Which has meant a quieter show for some manufacturers than previous years.

Here are the best camera and the latest Sigma Lens announcement from Photokina 2016

Canon EOS M5

Canon had already made great announcement of the EOS M5 mirrorless camera to the 5D Mark IV earlier this year. Canon joins the club of mirrorless manufacturers offering hybrid (optical plus sensor shift) stabilization, with 5-axis compensation. It has a far more dSLR-like appearance. This is the first Canon mirrorless to incorporate a built-in electronic viewfinder and a real grip. The touchscreen display tilts down for selfies.Canon plans to ship the body and a kit with the EF-M 15-45mm f3.5-6.3 IS STM lens in November for $980 and $1,100, respectively. That new EF-M 18-150mm lens is a compact substitute for the older 18-135mm IS STM, with a longer maximum focal length of 240mm-equivalent, intended as a general-purpose option for the single-lens customer.

Panasonic Lumix GH5

The top dog of the G-series gets its much rumoured update. The GH5 goes one better than the GH4 by including “6K Photo” which can extract a still image from the file. There’s also 4K video capture at up to 60fps.

Other than the video focus the camera remains a similar top-end mirrorless model: delivering super-fast autofocus in a body that houses heaps of customisable buttons and controls, along with built-in viewfinder and vari-angle rear touchscreen.

The camera will be out in early 2017, but there’s no official price just yet

Sony A99 Mark II

After more than three years on the market, the Alpha 99 gets its replacement, the aptly named A99 Mark II.

This full-frame SLT (that’s single lens translucent, if you’re wondering) brings together a 42.2-megapixel full-frame sensor, with a new hybrid face detection autofocus – which combines 399 phase detection points on the sensor, paired with 79 phase detection points on a separate sensor that work continuously together.

Add 5-axis image stabilisation, 12fps continuous shooting, 4K video capture with no pixel binning, and Sony has got one mighty fine stills or video capture device on its hands. It’s not cheap though: the A99 II will cost $4,000 body-only when it launches in November.

Nikon KeyMission Action Cameras

Nikon has gone full action camera: with its already-announced KeyMission 360 ($550) being joined by the KeyMission 170 ($430) and KeyMission 80 (£325). That’s the option to choose 360-degree all-around VR capture, an ultra-wide angle 170-degree angle of view, or a less wide 80-degree angle of view. That’s three different products rather than three different options within the one camera, though. Which seems like an odd choice, given the plethora of action cameras already on the market. The clip-on wearable KeyMission cameras are all tough and waterproof, with easy-to-use touchscreen and SnapBridge sharing built-in.

There was no mention of anticipated 2017 kit either. However like Canon, Nikon had earlier announced their top-end full frame D5 and crop sensor D500, along with the recently announced entry level D3400.

(more…)

News 0

Digital Photography 101 Workshop – Season 3

ShutterXpose is conducting Season 3 of Digital Photography 101 Workshop on Friday 29th April, 2016.

Photography 101 is a must workshop for Novice, Beginners and Amateurs photographers. This workshop shall help you to understand the basics of camera operation, related camera jargon’s in simple and easy to understand language, learn exposure and how to balance exposure setting for capturing amazing and stunning images.

Photography is not about capturing casual images, it’s all about creating and making good images which inspires the viewer’s eye. (more…)

ShutterXpose Digital Photography 101 Workshop: An Inspirational Success

GPH_4856 ShutterXpose organised it’s Season 2 of Photography workshop for upcoming photographers titled ”Digital Photography 101”. The workshop was held at Avanti Palace, Salmiya on 10th April 2015.

Aimed at the Novice and Amateur group of photographers in Kuwait, the 5 hours long session covered various topics from the Basics of photography, Fundamental Pillars of Photography, Lenses and peep thru on Post Processing. Topics on Fundamental of Photography, Depth of Field were explained through with live demo and slides.

ShutterXpose Team leaders Dr. Yogee Tumkur, Dr. Vinod Kumar and Mr. Sanath Ramesh guided participants on various aspects/tools available in their cameras during the workshop.

ShutterXpose has been one of the pioneer photography groups in Kuwait with the aim and vision to nurture novice and amateur photographer to become Better Photographers. The group also conducts weekend photo-shoots exploring the scenic beauty of Kuwait.

The workshop was well attended and received good feedback. Keep checking for future workshop.

[tribulant_slideshow gallery_id=”4″]

News / Photo Shoots & Workshop 0

Nikon D810 Announced

Nikon-D810 Nikon has officially unveiled its latest Digital Camera “Nikon D810”. Nikon earlier shocked the DSLR world when it released the D800 and D800E both a 36 Megapixel Full-frame camera two years back. The latest D810 is an improved update over the earlier 800-series model.

In a first for a D-SLR, the D810’s ultra-wide native ISO range starts at ISO 64 for cleaner, better-defined images when shooting in bright light, and you can shoot at up to ISO 12800, or extend the range from 32 to 51200 ISO equivalent. Equipped with the same EXPEED 4 image processing engine as used in the flagship D4S, the D810’s overall performance gets a significant boost: image rendering and ISO capability is vastly improved in both stills and video, with sophisticated new algorithms enabling remarkable clarity and enhanced gradation with a tangible sense of depth across the entire sensitivity range.

Augmenting the D810’s spectacular imaging potential is the full power of Nikon’s total imaging system. The highest calibre optics are vital for such a high-megapixel camera and Nikon’s wide range of NIKKOR lenses will draw out the full potential of the D810’s 36.3-megapixel sensor with ease. With their exceptionally high resolving power, NIKKOR lenses meet the demands of photographers in every field. Also fully compatible with Nikon’s industry-leading Creative Lighting System, the D810 works with a range of versatile Nikon Speedlights for creative flash photography on- or off-camera.

Nikon D810: Key Specifications

36.3MP Full-frame CMOS sensor (no AA filter)
ISO 64-12,800 (expands to ISO 32-51,200)
Electronic first-curtain shutter and redesigned mirror mechanism
New ‘RAW Size S’ 9MP Raw mode
Expeed 4 engine
Max 5fps shooting in FX mode, 7fps in DX (with battery grip + EN-EL18 / AA batteries)
3.2in 1,229k-dot RGBW LCD screen with customizable color
OLED viewfinder information display
Improved Scene Recognition System allows face detection in OVF mode
‘Split screen zoom’ display in live view allows horizons/lines to be leveled precisely
51-point AF system with new ‘Group Area AF’ mode (inherited from D4S)
New ‘flat’ Picture Control mode (intended to appeal to videographers)
Auto ISO available in manual exposure mode
Zebra strips for focus checking in video mode
Uncompressed HDMI output with simultaneous recording to memory card
Built-in stereo microphone

Price and Release Date

If you are excited about the new Nikon D810, it is available on pre-order via Amazon, B&H Photo Video and Adorama., priced at $3296.5 for body only, with a release date set for 17 July 2014.

News 0

Sigma DP Quattro series announced

sigma_dp2 Sigma DP Quattro has been officially announced recently, it’s the next generation of its DP series of APS-C sensor, fixed focal length cameras after the revolutionized Sigma DP2 Merrill. The Sigma dp Quattro has turned many heads with its radical design that incorporates the new Foveon X3 direct image sensor paired with the newly developed TRUE III (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) image processing engine to deliver high-definition, 3D-like photographs with outstanding rich color details.

Sigma DP (dp1, dp2 & dp3) Quattro series comprises three fixed focal length cameras, each of which features a different basic focal length for a different fundamental photographic approach: the wide-angle dp1 Quattro at 19mm, the standard dp2 Quattro at 30mm, and the medium telephoto dp3 Quattro at 50mm (respectively equivalent to 28mm, 45mm, and 75mm on a 35mm lens). Moreover, the three models share an exciting new camera body that brings out the best performance from the lens and image sensor.

The dp2 Quattro (featured here) with a solid and lightweight magnesium body has 29 million high resolution effective pixels (The Quattro sensor uses three layers to detect color information, top layer captures 19.6 million pixel resolution, with lower two layers capturing 4.9 million pixel resolution each) with a fixed 30 mm f/2.8 lens, improved optics with auto-focus performance and better high ISO capabilities than its Merrill predecessors.

The Camera has already acclaimed the Best Design award in the Technical & Design category at the TIPA Awards 2014.

Sigma dp2 Quattro Camera images

The price and availability date are yet to be announced, sure AAB world shall have it here in Kuwait on it’s release.

Check the official announcement [here]

News 1

Two Hasselblad Lunar Camera Fetches $54,500

Hasselblad-Lunar-Drawing-680x446 Two photo enthusiasts at the world-famous three day-long annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance exotic car festival began bidding against each other for the chance to own an ‘Ultimate luxury’ olive wood-handled Lunar camera, crafted by the iconic camera brand. When the bid reached $28,000 neither party wanted to lose out on a Lunar, so a deal was struck for an extra camera to be auctioned – for a joint record-busting price that raised a total of $54,500 for a spina bifida charity.

The deal also included a unique set of Classic Motorsport photographs shot over decades with a Hasselblad camera by Concours Show founder and chairman, Bill Warner. Warner said: “Hasselblad is simply the ultimate camera. It’s the Mercedes-Benz, the Porsche and the Ferrari of cameras, all in one.

Michael Hejtmanek, President of Hasselblad Bron Inc. said: “We knew our new, retro-look Lunar range was compelling – especially the rich-veined olive wood edition with its advanced technology and supreme ergonomics – but for a pair of them to raise $54,500 for Spina Bifida Jacksonville at this auction is just outstanding.”

The Lunar Limited Edition is available to only 200 pieces worldwide featuring a bold red Italian leather grip with yellow gold top plate, the Lunar Limited Edition from Hasselblad is the ultimate good fortune indulgence.

However I personally feel it was still an extravagantly ridiculous shopping, not much information regarding to the Photo enthusiasts has been published yet.

News 0

Nikon Celebrate Its 80th Anniversary

Nikon_80 Years Nikon Corporation celebrates the 80th anniversary of the launch of its NIKKOR photographic lenses this year.

In commemoration of NIKKOR’s 80th anniversary, Nikon hopes to strengthen and increase awareness of the historic and reliable NIKKOR brand with various promotions in 2013. The first step toward achieving this objective is the creation of a NIKKOR 80th anniversary logo that will be used in Nikon product brochures, advertisements, and various other forms of communication. The anniversary logo will embody NIKKOR’s image of taking the lead in every age based on optical technologies developed over its long history.

NIKKOR’s history began in 1932 with Nikon’s (then Nippon Kogaku K.K.) registration of the NIKKOR trademark, soon followed in 1933 with the first shipment of Aero-Nikkor aerial photographic lenses. Since then, Nikon has continued to develop lenses for both film and digital cameras. Always loaded with cutting edge optical technologies of the times, NIKKOR has grown to be a brand known for high-performance lenses.

In celebration of its 80th Anniversary, Nikon has released a special video to show behind-the-scenes look on its lens manufacturing process. The video follows the process from creating the glass through to the final assembly. To read more on the brand history, click [here]

NIKKOR 80th Anniversary Special Movie

News 0

Nikon D600 Launched in Kuwait

The latest, smallest and the lightest Nikon FX-format D600 was launched in Kuwait today morning at the JW Marriott Hotel, Kuwait City. The function was held by Ashraf & Co. and Nikon. This was the 1st major launch of any camera here earlier, its quite interesting since only couple of weeks back the D600 was initially announced, followed by a grand launch in Dubai on the same day and now finally in Kuwait. It’s quite interesting to note that Nikon is considering the Middle East market seriously. The D600 was unveiled by Nikon ME and Ashraf Imaging Group officials.

The D600 is a hybrid with a 24.3 effective megapixel and high-density 39-point AF system employed with a Multi-CAM 4800 auto focus sensor module, with a close feel in terms of controls, ergonomics and weight to the Nikon D7000. In comparison to the D800 it uses the same EXPEED 3 processor, has the second best sensor in the world ranking just behind to it’s elder brother the Nikon D800, but overall the D800 falls in a different segment and is more superior.

The D600 will be sold separately (body only), as well as along with AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR Kit lens which is quite unique, since unlike the DX-format the Nikon FX-format camera’s were never sold with a Kit lens. The estimated price of Nikon D600 (Body only) in Kuwait shall be around ~~KD 775~~ KD 700.

You can read my earlier post on Nikon D600 [here] and [here]

Update: More images of the event added. The Nikon D600 is not yet available, but you can pre-order them at AAB which is sold for KD. 699.950 (Body only) and KD. 849 with Kit lens (24-85mm VR lens), also included are the free 32 GB Class 10 SD card & KD. 20 Printing Coupon.

News 4

Expression of Love Photography Contest Winner Announced

ShutterXpose team is pleased to announce the winners of their 1st Photography Contest under the theme “Expression of Love“.

The winners are:

Shafimon Choolookaran (1st Prize)
Joy Roshan (2nd Prize)
Nabeel Sab (3rd Prize)

Congratulation’s !!!

Brief Summary of the Contest

The contest was open to all residents of Kuwait. The contestant had to upload their best image based on the theme of the contest and invite their friends and folks to vote for their image. The Photo contest had a considerable good response. We received a total of 37 entries and only 25 entries were qualified and moderated based on the theme, the contest was held for a 1 month period (19th August – 19th September, 2012). The contest received a total of 3000+ votes from more than 10 countries including Kuwait. As per the rules Top 5 entries with maximum votes were selected to qualify for the Judges technical evaluation round, the last 48 hrs of the contest was quite interesting with votes swinging in favour of few participants, finally there were Ties in 3 spots which ultimately gave 8 entrants to enter the evaluation round.

The Jury (3 judge panel) members had a daunting task ahead, each jury member had to evaluate the image based on the following technical criteria :

Does the Image suit the Theme of the contest
Composition and
Overall impact (Lighting, Sharpness and creativity)

The total point system was on a scale of 10, at the end of the evaluation round the total aggregate point from all the judges against each image were calculated and the final 3 winners were selected.

The 3 panel Jury members are Professional photographer who have excelled in the field of photography with couple of awards under their name. A brief summary of their portfolio would be added in my coming post soon.

Congratulation to all the participants. Taking part in such photography contest is just a stepping stone to your long cherished dream to be recognised as a photographer.

We at ShutterXpose extend our warm wishes to all the participants, Indians in Kuwait (IIK), Blogger Mathai, The Grapevine Kuwait as well the readers here for helping us to make this contest a great success. ShutterXpose would organise many such contests in the future.

Photo Slideshow of all contest entrants

[slideshow gallery_id=”1″]

Events & Activities / News 8

Importance of Joining Digital Photography Contest

Trust me I'm a Photographer Digital photography contest are organized online by most Photography Associations, Clubs, Websites, Blog and Facebook Groups (Facebook has certain policies and conditions, please read before hosting)

Joining a photography competition is always exciting as it not only encourages you to do something different from the rest of the participants but also helps you to learn from other participants entries. The prize and the recognition further helps to motivate as a photographer. Most photography competitions are open to all level of photographers and most likely associated under a specific theme (both photography related and generic).

Many people assume that to join photography contests, one need to have the image taken by the best of camera (preferably a DSLR). This assumption itself is quite debatable, since a good camera is just a medium or a tool, it’s always the person behind the camera who captures the image with the best composition, the feel, the experience and technical knowledge. You would be surprised some of the latest mobile held gadgets help to get best shots. Also many people think that to win a photography contests you need to be at the right place and right time. The key to photography is to take picture very often and to keep learning using different composition, different lens and various lighting conditions.

(more…)

Knowledge Base 2

12 3 4