Top Favorite Blog Posts

• D5000 Workshop for Beginner D5000 Workshop for Beginner

  • From: pseelan
  • Description:

    D5000 Workshop for Beginner

    

         

    Finally a D5000 workshop. I hope this is what you D5000 users are waiting for.

     

    Registration form can be downloaded HERE.

          Kindly email / fax completed form to

    Emily.Poh@nikonoa.net / 03-78093633(KL / Kuantan /JB) or

    Celice.Cheng@nikonoa.net / 04-2630809 (Penang). 

    Remark: Seats are limited by first come first served basis

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  • 1 year ago
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• Dr.Shahidul Alam's Talk @ ASEF Dr.Shahidul Alam's Talk @ ASEF forum sponsored by Nikon Malaysia

  • From: pseelan
  • Description:

    
    
    
    In conjunction with the upcoming Asia-Europe Emerging Photographers’ Forum (ASEF) which is co-sponsored by Nikon (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, they have organized a special talk by world renown photojournalist, Dr. Shahidul Alam to give a talk on “The Use of Digital Medium in Journalism and Documentary Photography Today.”

    

    

    
    Dr. Shahidul Alam hails from Bangladesh and is the director of the biennial Chobi Mela International Photography Festival. The talk is on the changes in photojournalism that came with the shift towards digital cameras and the challenges that photojournalists face as they progress in this career.
    
    Further details are as follows:
    Date: 16 May 2009, Saturday
    Time: 3.00pm to 4.30pm
    Venue: The Annexe Gallery, Central Market
    RSVP: 8 May 2009.
    REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
    For more information on ASEF kindly log-on to: http://digitalmalaya.com/photographyforum/
    
    For Nikon users who are interested in the talks and would like to register for the event, please download the registration form at HERE and email to NIKON.

    Hurry Fast Guys. Dont miss this chance

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  • 1 year ago
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• The World's First Projector Ca The World's First Projector Camera

  • From: v9kon
  • Description:

     

    Man...what was thought to be just a rumour a few months ago is now reality. You can shoot your stills and video and project it wherever and whenever you want. If you're looking for that extra show off credit, this is the toy to get. Impressive. Recently launched to Malaysia by Nikon Malaysia, it is here and now.

     

    

    The COOLPIX S1000pj doesn’t just pack a punch with its projector – the compact camera delivers high resolution images with 12.1 effective megapixels and a 2.7” wide viewing-angle TFT LCD monitor. With a high ISO 6400 sensitivity and using Nikon’s exclusive image processing concept, EXPEED, the camera offers the kind of high quality images you expect from Nikon. This is all wrapped up in a sleek aluminium silver or anodized black casing that contains a wide-angle 5x zoom NIKKOR lens.

    One touch projection
    If you’ve ever wanted to share your photos or videos at a party or relive a day’s memories while on your travels, then now you can with one-touch projection on the COOLPIX S1000pj. The built-in projector easily projects an image size from approximately 5 inches up to 40 inches*1. A supplied remote control means that you can wirelessly operate both the projector and usual camera functions, and a simple projection stand is supplied for optimal viewing wherever you are.
    
    Getting the shot you imagine
    The COOLPIX S1000pj features Scene Auto mode, whereby the camera automatically selects the appropriate scene mode based on the contents of your shot, allowing picture perfect images at the touch of a button. In addition, five functions to reduce image blur and the Smart Portrait System ensures that you can get those ‘red carpet smiles’ every time. An additional feature enables users to ‘airbrush’ someone’s face using the Skin Softening function to reduce the appearance of blemishes. Together with face tracking and anti-shake functionality, the COOLPIX S1000pj helps you to get the shot you envisaged without any hassle.

    my Picturetown
    You can now store your images safely and securely using Nikon’s my Picturetown, a free online digital photo storage and sharing service. Easily share photo memories with friends and organise precious memories into online collections. You get 2GB of space free to use for storing thousands of memories and you can upgrade your membership to Gold Account at any time if you need to store more pictures.

    Features

    Sharper results with five advanced Nikon image stabilising features*3
    Nikon's Optical lens shift and Electronic VR image stabilisation systems combine to help produce blur-free images. High ISO 6400*4 capability allows faster shutter speeds when shooting in low light or capturing fast-moving subjects. Motion Detection automatically controls shutter speed and the ISO setting to compensate for subject movement and camera shake. And, Nikon’s original BSS (Best Shot Selector) function automatically shoots a series of sequential frames and saves the one with the sharpest focus.

    Nikon’s Smart Portrait System with Skin Softening
    Face-priority AF helps produce more satisfying portraits by adjusting focus and exposure for as many as 12 faces in the framed shot. Skin Softening function detects and analyses a framed subject’s skin, and then adjusts smoothness to produce enhanced results. Smile Timer automatically releases the shutter when the subject smiles, while its Blink Proof function shoots two sequential frames, then saves the one in which the subject’s eyes are widest open. Blink Warning presents an alert when it suspects that someone in the shot has blinked. In-Camera Red-Eye Fix automatically corrects any perceived red-eye effect before saving the image to memory.

    Intelligent automated shooting modes that promote carefree shooting
    Nikon’s Scene Auto Selector makes it faster and easier to capture the moment by eliminating the need to manually select a scene mode to match the intended shot. This intelligent function determines the subject, analyses the surrounding settings, and then automatically selects the appropriate scene mode for optimal results. Subject Tracking enhances the shooting experience by following the subject’s movement to ensure clear focus and quick response when that special shutter opportunity presents itself. Subject Tracking even functions if the subject moves out of the frame for a second or two.

    Quick Retouch
    Quick Retouch automatically adjusts the contrast and saturation of selected photos to create an enhanced copy with the right finishing touch.

    Other Features

    • 2.7-in. high-resolution LCD monitor with anti-reflection coated cover
    • 16 handy scene modes for optimised shooting in various settings
    • D-Lighting
    • Active Zoom
    • Auto Sort and Favorite Pictures functions
    • Four movie modes with sound
    • Time zone function for easy setting of multiple locations
    • Approx. 36 MB of internal memory
    • Hi-Speed USB connectivity

    *1 Projection area size dependent upon light conditions of the room
    
    *2 Availability dates can vary from region to region. Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. August 2009 ©2009 Nikon Corporation.

    *3 The camera selects and uses only the features required to optimise each image.

    *4 ISO 3200 and 6400 are available only for image sizes of 3M (2048 x 1536) or smaller.

    Info courtesy from Dpreview

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  • 1 year ago
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• Paid to learn photography! Paid to learn photography!

  • From: naqhi
  • Description:

    Was just browsing through the Star news paper and found an interesting little side line in the CityWatch section apparently there's a photography course out there that's going to pay you! That's right, pay you! Here's the write up

     

    Photography Course

    Shutterbugs who enrol for a one-and-a-half-months Certificate in Photography course will be paid a monthly allowance of RM500, given free accomodation and materials for the course study. The course, from Nov 2 to Dec 15, is fully sponsored by the Human Resources Ministry. The training will be conducted at Amp D Video Photo Sdn Bhd, No:20 Jln Pusat BCH 1/3, Bandar Country Homes, Rawang. For details, call Ananda Mohan at 016-222 7921.

     

    So what are you waiting for, learn photography and get paid for it! Sounds like a good idea, especially if you're a student!

     

    Here's the article at TheStar.com.my

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  • 11 months ago
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• PENTAX Announces Affordable, N PENTAX Announces Affordable, New PENTAX K-x With HD Video and Live View

  • From: pseelan
  • Description:
    
    
    

    Ever wondered why D-SLR/SLR's always came in black, I guess Pentax had that question in mind and decided to break the ice

    
    

    GOLDEN, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PENTAX Imaging Company redefines the entry-level digital SLR category with the introduction of the K-x digital SLR. This latest PENTAX camera offers high-end features including Live View and HD video. And, since there’s no rule that SLR cameras must come in black only, the K-x will be available in a choice of white or black, as well as special, limited edition red and navy.

    Priced at USD $649.95 (for body with DA L 18-55mm lens), the K-x is perfect for users stepping up from a point and shoot digital camera to their first digital SLR. The PENTAX K-x offers photographic performance that challenges higher class DSLR models and offers several features that set this camera apart in the entry-level category:

    • High resolution 12.4 megapixel CMOS image sensor features sensor-shift Shake Reduction for stabilized image and video capture up to 4 stops max.
    • Large 2.7 inch LCD features Live View with contrast, phase difference, and Face Detection autofocus (up to 16 faces).
    • Widescreen HD video capture in full 720p resolution (1280x720) at 24 FPS cinematic framerate, using any PENTAX 35mm lens.
    • Creative processing and filter modes produce high quality finished images, while offering the ability to explore artistic freedom through unique special effects.
    • True High Dynamic Range (HDR) image capture blends 3 bracketed images into a single picture with outstanding shadow, highlight, and midrange detail.
    • Fast 4.7 FPS capture speed and 1/6000 second maximum shutter speeds are possible with the PENTAX PRIME II image processing engine.
    • Powerful automatic modes, including PENTAX Auto Picture and scene modes, ensure the perfect shot in any situation, while helping new photographers learn DSLR photography.
    • Responsive 11 point wide angle SAFOX VIII autofocus system focuses quickly and accurately and easily tracks moving subjects.
    • Captures up to 1900 shots with universally available, easy-to-find AA lithium batteries (also compatible with AA NiMH rechargeable and alkaline batteries).

    Along with the K-x, PENTAX announced the smc PENTAX DA L 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED super-telephoto zoom lens. This lens will be exclusive to a K-x Twin Lens Kit package consisting of a K-x body, this new lens and the smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 lens.

    The PENTAX K-x is now available for pre-order in black or white on www.pentaxwebstore.com and the product will ship in October 2009 in three options:

    • K-x single lens kit with body and smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm lens for USD $649.95.
    • K-x twin lens kit for $749.95 with K-x body, smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm lens and smc PENTAX DA L 50-200mm zoom lens.
    • K-x twin lens kit for $849.95 including a K-x body, the smc PENTAX DA L 18-55mm lens and the smc PENTAX DA L 55-300mm zoom lens.

    Limited edition colors of red and navy will become available at select locations to be announced.

    Complete information is available here: http://www.pentaximaging.com/about-us.aspx?p=press.
    Product images are available here: www.pentaximaging.com/press/pressfiles.html.
    An informational video is available here: www.youtube.com/Pentaxian1.

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• Panasonic Lumix GF1 review plu Panasonic Lumix GF1 review plus two updates!

  • From: naqhi
  • Description:

    The folks at AkihabaraNews.com have just come up with a review of Panasonic's latest micro four thirds camera the  Lumix GF1. And apparently they're more impressed by it then Panasonic's previous offerings the G1 and the GH1, they're even more impressed by it then the Olympus EP-1 which took the camera world by storm a few months back. Pretty impressive don't you think? It looks to me like the micro four thirds are here to stay. Anyway. if you're looking to get a new camera and more specifically a micro four thirds camera maybe you should read their review of the Lumix GF1 first. Follow the link below...

     

    Lumix GF1, redefine Power and Compact - The Review

     

    And here are two interesting news articles for you pro shooters out there, one is of Canon's latest release for their proline the EOS-1D Mark iV and the other is on Nikons latest release the D3s, hit the link below for the articles

    Canon updates pro line with EOS-1D Mark IV

    
    Nikon unveils D3S high-speed pro DSLR

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  • 11 months ago
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• Using Compact Cameras to take Using Compact Cameras to take DSLR quality images

  • From: naqhi
  • Description:

    Okay most of you have your DSLR's and are probably in love with them but you're probably not going to have it with you everywhere and everytime. But you could carry your compact digital camera with you all the time since they fit perfectly in your pocket or tote bag or whatever, so why not use it when there's a perfect picture moment. So here's something i've found that might be useful, in fact most of the tips you get in this article will be useful when you play around with your DSLR too!

     

    SO READ ON!

     

    
    
    

    

    Using Compacts

    WDC explains how to get DSLR quality images from a digital compact

    Compact cameras have several important advantages over DSLRs, the most important of which is their vastly superior portability. The golden rule is that any camera you have with you when a picture-taking opportunity presents itself is inevitably better than the very best camera that you left at home. The fact that many digital compacts now fit in a shirt pocket or the smallest of handbags makes them ideal for spontaneous picture-taking wherever and whenever the opportunity arises.

    The greater ease of use offered by compact cameras can also be their downfall, however, as it reduces the need to think about the picture-taking process before the shutter button is pressed. This means the camera is often left to make all the appropriate decisions - and clever though modern compacts are, they are most definitely not infallible. Therefore, on those occasions when there is enough time to judge the optimum camera settings manually it will often turn out that a moment or two's extra thought will result in considerably better pictures being taken. This article highlights the various factors that you might want to consider when seeking to eke every last drop of quality from a digital compact.

    
    

    
    Shutters and Apertures
    Every picture is exposed using an appropriate combination of shutter time and lens aperture. Rather than a single pair of values there is always a range of different combinations that can be employed in any given situation.
    
    (Below) Use the camera's focus lock to determine where you want your point of focus to be.Camera: Fujifilm Finepix F30

    

    
    

    The relationship is an inverse one whereby a bigger lens aperture, which lets more light fall on the imaging sensor in any given instant, is matched by a shorter shutter time. Similarly, if the shutter time is increased then the lens aperture must be reduced to give the same total amount of light falling on the sensor to record the picture.
    When a camera is put into Program mode its internal electronics set typically-successful shutter times and apertures that suit many picture-taking situations. In addition, there will be a selection of Scene modes such as Portrait, Landscape and Action or Sport. These labels indicate particular types of shutter and aperture combinations and can be used in any situation where they are appropriate.
    
    Portrait mode normally sets a large lens aperture as this gives blurry backgrounds whereas Landscape normally sets a small lens aperture so that the background in the picture is as sharp as the foreground. Action/Sport mode sets the briefest shutter time to arrest subject movement but in the process it also sets a large aperture, so is very similar to the Portrait setting despite being deployed for a very different type of subject.

    Image Sharpness
    There are two completely different things that can make an image look unsharp; inaccurate focusing and unwanted movement in the image. Sadly, these faults are avoided using contradictory tactics. Accurate focusing over a range of subject distances, so that the person in front of a tourist sight is as sharp as the landmark behind, requires a small lens aperture. On the other hand, reducing movement means setting a brief shutter time - and brief shutter times often go with larger lens apertures, hence the contradiction.
    
    
    
    One way to reduce this problem is to ensure that the camera focuses on the most important part of the picture. If there is a person in the picture then often they should be completely sharp even if it means the background is slightly softer. Fortunately, most automatic-focusing (AF) systems prioritise the object closest to the camera and this is often sufficient to ensure that the person in the foreground in sharp - provided that the person is within the AF sensor's area of coverage.
    To be certain about the area of the picture that will be perfectly sharp be sure to check that the screen's focus-area indicator (if there is one) coincides with the most important part of your picture. Some cameras have focus locks (AF-Lock) that let you focus on the desired area and then recompose the picture for a better overall effect. To check whether your camera has an AF-Lock, aim the camera at a nearby subject and apply half-pressure on the shutter release; if a green light illuminates and stays on even when you move the camera around then the chances are that the camera has focused and locked.
    
    A final check can be obtained by maintaining half-pressure while you aim the camera at a more distant subject and fully depress the shutter button. The distant subject in the resulting picture should be out-of-focus. This might sound pointless, since nobody wants out-of-focus pictures, but it means that even when you moved the camera the focus was unchanged, so you now know that you can separate the focusing and composition parts of photography - and that is one of the key skills for better pictures.

    

    Above: Many compacts are capable of very sharp results if used carefully. This image is actually stitched from four separate shots and is big enough for a bitingly crisp 12x10in print Camera: Olympus Camedia C5000
    
    
    

    Quality Settings
    Like the shutter time and lens aperture, the ISO and file format settings both have a strong impact on the look and quality of the resulting photograph.
    Setting a very high ISO risks introducing noise into a picture: this problem is not as serious as it once was but even so the best tactic is still to select the lowest practical ISO setting. Deselecting the camera's Auto-ISO function, and setting one of the lowest values, is the best way to start taking control over your compact camera.
    
    
    
    Be warned, however, that a very low ISO setting may, in low-light conditions, force the camera to set either a long exposure time (risking movement blur in the image) or a very wide aperture (risking a lack of focus sharpness). Clearly there is a three-way balance at work here and learning to make the best choices is part of becoming a better photographer. One way to expand the envelope is to mount the camera on a tripod when photographing static subjects (at twilight, for example). Another useful technique, this time for use with moving subjects, is panning - see Technique panel.

    

    Above: At indoor events where there's a nice ambient atmosphere switch the flash off and increase the ISO instead. Compare this available light birthday cake shot with the flashlit one Camera: Panasonic Lumix FX2 (both shots)
    
    Highly-compressed JPEG files introduce noise of a different type (and also accentuate ISO noise) so try to use minimal JPEG compression. The TIFF option, if one is provided, will provide better image quality but will also retard picture-taking because the resulting files will take longer to write to the memory card. TIFFs take up more space too, so make sure that you use a high-capacity memory card.
    
    For the very best result, albeit with the need to do some post-capture processing, select the raw-data option if your camera has one. This will not help to avoid high-ISO noise but, as well as overcoming the compression problem, it also allows high-quality colour adjustments to be made later if necessary.

    

    
    
    

    Above: Moving the camera to follow a moving subject, known as ‘panning', produces a better result. Image by P. Wei

    Panning
    If you are confronted with a subject that is moving across your field of view then there is a simple technique you can use to capture sharper images than would otherwise be possible. The trick is to swing the camera to follow the movement of the subject instead of holding the camera still and trying to freeze the subject's movement as it flashes by.

    
    

    Set-up the technique by deciding where the subject will be when you press the shutter button and stand so that this is dead-ahead of you. If your camera has an AF-Lock then you should half-press the shutter button while aiming the camera at the position where the subject will be when the picture is taken. Hold half-pressure on the shutter button and twist your body towards the direction from which the subject will approach. As the subject comes into view, place it in the centre of the viewfinder and turn your body to keep the subject central as it crosses your field of view.
    
    When the subject is dead-ahead, apply full pressure to the shutter button to capture the picture. Importantly, you must keep turning your body, with the subject still framed centrally in the viewfinder, after the picture is taken. This will give the best final result as a sudden halt to your twisting can jerk the camera and cause its own form of image blurring.
    The great advantage of this technique, which produces characteristic side-to-side blurred backgrounds behind sharply recorded moving objects, is that it allows a longer shutter time to be used than would otherwise be the case. This in turn means that you can set a lower ISO value even under low-level lighting. It also produces a very pleasing effect in its own right and has the added bonus of reducing the shutter lag (the delay between the shutter button being fully depressed and the picture being taken).

    

    Flash Settings
    Left to its own devices, a compact camera will activate its flash unit whenever it feels there is insufficient brightness in the ambient lighting. This is a useful place to start when selecting flash exposures but it is only a starting point. For example, if the ambient lighting is essential to the look of an image then using flash will ruin the picture. The best examples of such situations are pictures taken around a bonfire and blowing-out candles on a birthday cake. In these situations you should always try a picture with the flash switched-off so that the ambient lighting can be seen to full effect.

    Above Right: Built-in flash can't light large interiors but leaving it on will keep the shutter speed too high to get a good exposure. Switch off the flash, raise the ISO and find a stable surface to rest on. Camera: Sony Cybershot V3
    
    Another reason to switch-off the flash is to avoid causing horrible reflections that can ruin a picture. Museums, especially those containing science and technology exhibits (including cars and aircraft) are places where this problem is particularly likely to arise. You would do better, in such places, to take a steady grip on your camera, or use a tripod if this is permitted. Similarly, there are impossible situations where the camera fires its flash but has absolutely no hope of illuminating the subject. Pictures of night-time landmarks and outdoor music concerts are good examples.
    
    

    Above: When opportunity strikes, any compact you happen to have in your pocket is better than the DSLR you left at home - or in this case, back at the hotel. Camera: Canon Powershot S40
    
    
    That said, the floodlit landmark situation can be accommodated by setting the flash to Night mode. This enables you to take nocturnal person-in-front-of-a-landmark pictures by using the flash to illuminate the person in the foreground and then extending the exposure so that the background is also recorded in the picture. The fact that the exposure is extended via a prolonged shutter time means that the camera needs to be supported to avoid streaking in the background so once again a tripod could prove very useful.
    
    As well as deliberately switching-off the flash when the camera might otherwise switch it on there are also times when the reverse tactic can be very useful. This is particularly true when taking pictures outdoors on bright sunny days and in other situations where there is strong overhead lighting. The problem that arises is one of strong shadows that can be a serious problem on people's faces when their eye-sockets become very dark.
    
    By switching your camera's flash to Fill-In (or just On if there is no fill-in mode) you can help to lighten shadows cast by overhead lighting and get a more pleasing final image as a result. The only disadvantage will be a small catchlight visible in the person's eyes but this can easily be retouched out using an image manipulation program afterwards if desired. It is extremely unlikely that a compact camera's integral flash will be strong enough to swamp bright outdoor sunlight, or even bright theatrical lighting, so you should be able to use flash in these situations safe in the knowledge that it will only improve the quality of the final pictures.

    
    

    

    Top Tip! Get in Close!
    One of the biggest mistakes made by most compact users is to shoot from too far away. The inevitable result is loads of useless space around the key subject which contributes nothing to the composition and at worst can distract from it.
    Getting in really close and filling the frame used to bring its own problems in the days of 35mm compacts because the viewfinder saw a slightly different view to the film, and this difference (known as parallax error) became more apparent the closer you got.
    
    Digital compacts however present no such problems, especially if you use the LCD screen or have an electronic viewfinder, because what you see is, more or less, what will be recorded.
    So don't be afraid to zoom right in to your subject and fill the frame, either using the lens or your own two feet
    

    5 STEPS TO BETTER PHOTOS
    Simple rules to guarantee quality results

    1. ISO SETTINGS
    Always set the highest quality camera settings (low ISO, raw-mode or minimally compressed JPEG, flash under manual control).

    2. SCENE MODES
    Instead of staying in Program mode, consider whether one of the scene mode options (Portrait, Macro etc) might give a better result for the subject.

    3. SPOT FOCUSING
    Use Spot Focusing (if provided) and AF-Lock (activated by half-pressure on the shutter release button) to ensure that the most important part of the photograph will remain in focus even if you subsequently recompose the picture for a better artistic effect.

    

    4. FLASH MODE
    Use the camera's flash modes according to the prevailing conditions, bearing in mind the danger of reflections, the impossibility of some outdoor situations and the possible need to retain ambient lighting indoors.

    5. TRIPOD
    A tripod will probably be your most valuable accessory because it will allow you to minimise camera shake and avoid using flash unnecessarily under low-light conditions.

     

     

     

    

    HOW TO HOLD A COMPACT
    You'll get sharper pictures if you hold the camera properly 

    View Finder Camera
    When using a DSLR, pictures are normally composed by looking through the viewfinder with the camera held firmly against the face and supported on arms with tucked-in elbows.
    
    This tried-and-tested pose helps to provide a stable support for the camera and reduces the risk of camera-movement, which might otherwise cause slight blurring of the image.
    
    If possible it is best to hold a compact camera in the same way but to do this presupposes two things; the camera needs to be equipped with a look-through viewfinder window and all of the camera settings must have been previously made using the LCD screen (as the viewfinder itself will often have nothing more than a ‘good to go' green LED indicator light).
    
    
    

    

    LCD Screen Cameras
    Digital compacts that have only an LCD screen must to be held away from the face, at whatever distance provides comfortable viewing. The important thing is to hold the camera firmly, either with one hand at each end or with your right hand gripping the right-hand end of the body and your left hand supporting the protruding zoom lens. Beware, however, that you may need to release your grip on the lens if you re-zoom to change the composition.
    
    Allied to a firm grip is the option to mount the camera on a tripod or clamp. The good news here is that lightweight compact cameras can be mounted on ultra-compact tripods with enormous success. A fold-flat travel tripod, can be tucked into a pocket very easily and is also a very inexpensive purchase.

     

    Source WhatDigitalCamera

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• NIKON SHOW @ Mid Valley Megama NIKON SHOW @ Mid Valley Megamall

  • From: naqhi
  • Description:

    Starting tomorrow till the end of the weekend(that sounds strange)... there'll be a Nikon show at the Mid Valley Megamall. It's called the Nikon Show but they'll only be showing their newest cameras and also there'll be some models there and contest and such, you know the deal. This time though it's purely for the still photography purist, so no video presence here which means we at V9kon get to be in the audience this time. Our friends Kelvin Chan and Louis Pang will be there to give talks on their specialty so that's definitely not to be missed but you shouldn't miss Erna Dyanty and Jimin Lai either. Though i'm not too sure how it'll go since it'll be at the ground floor, center court. Anyway, it's on for four days so there's no reason to miss it! Below is the link...

     

    NIKON SHOW @ Mid Valley Megamall, Ground Floor, Centre Court

     

    

    

    

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• More Nikon Rumors... the D3000 More Nikon Rumors... the D3000, D300s?

  • From: naqhi
  • Description:

    Well it's not July 30th yet but there's more leaks about what Nikon may be announcing come the end of July. The rumors go something like this a small body DSLR similar to the D5000 called the D3000 which may or may not have a HD video feature and an update to the D300 the D300s. How true are these rumors well they're rumors so who really knows for sure, one thing for sure is that is not just one site that's picked up these rumors. The sites that are talking about these rumors are the same sites that leaked the D5000 weeks before the official announcement so maybe they have something there. So if you love leaks like these hit the links below to read about them!

     

    Engadget

    Lenstip.com

    Nikonrumors.com

    Electronista.com

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• Nikon's Next D90 Beginner's Wo Nikon's Next D90 Beginner's Workshop in Penang

  • From: naqhi
  • Description:

    Greetings, it looks like Nikon will be having another D90 workshop in Penang at the end of this month! After the favorable response at the one held in March they've now "refined" the idea to cater only to new and first time users of the D90. So if you have a D90 and are not too sure about how to use it you should consider showing up! As at the last workshop Kelvin will be there and so will Seelan and myself to talk about the video aspects of the the D90, so here's to hoping to seeing you there! Read on for more details.

     

    Basic D90 Workshop in Penang

    This is a one-day workshop exclusively for D90 users. This workshop covers topics from camera operations to photography, including a session ontips to using the video function. So, bring along your D90 (plus tripod) and get insights to make the most out of it!

    Date: 30 May 2009

    Time: 8.30am to 6.00pm

    Registration Fee: RM 90

    Registration Period: 27 April to 22 May 2009

    Venue: Equatorial Hotel, Penang

    Workshop Schedule:

    8.30am  :   Registration 9.00am  : Photography Workshop by Kelvin Chan 10.15am: Tea Break 10.30am: Model Shoot with Kelvin Chan 12.30pm: Lunch Break 1.30pm  : Video Making/Editing Techniques with D90 by Pirana Graphics 3.30pm  : Tea Break 3.45pm  : Video Making/Editing Techniques (Continued) 4.30pm  : Post Production with Capture NX 2 5.00pm  : Photo Review 5.30pm  : Q & A 6.00pm  : End

    Please register with Ms. Celice Cheng at (04) 262 7378 or email to Celice.Cheng@nikonoa.net

    Terms & Conditions:

    1. The workshop is open to Nikon D90 camera users only.

    2. Registration is on a first-come-first-serve basis.

    3. Linited to 50 seats per session. Please visit the site to check on availability.

    4. The camera's serial number must be produced during registration.

    5. Registration fee must be paid in full and in advance to Nikon (M) Sdn Bhd (Maybank: 5143-0136-1786) for seat confirmation.

    6. A copy of the bank-in slip with participant's name must be faxed to our office at 03-78093633 to confirm payment.

    7. Nikon reserves the right to cancel or postpone the workshop at anytime and any payment made will be refunded accordingly. Official Site Here

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• Nikon's Media Preview of the A Nikon's Media Preview of the Autumn '09 Product Line-up

  • From: naqhi
  • Description:

    

    
    Today bright and early I found myself at a club. I am not kidding at 10a.m. on a Friday morning I was standing in front of the Ministry of Sounds, The Deq, Euphoria. Why was I there? Well Nikon was a having a media preview of their latest cameras. Six cameras to be exact, two dSLRs and four brand new compacts. The dSLRs were the D300s an upgrade to the popular D300 and a brand new intro level dSLR that’s even easier to use than the D5000. The compacts they were introducing were the Coolpix S1000pj, S70, S640 and S570.

    The event started of with a speech by Mr. Stephen Ng, one of the top dogs at Nikon Malaysia. Followed by a little interactive video element that played advertisements for the various models. After which some girls dressed very provocatively in white and platinum wigs came out to show off the S1000pj, which was why the event was being held at a club.

    That pretty much ended the planned program for the day and after which the press was allowed to have interviews and ask questions from the Nikon management present.

    Myself I got right down to matters at hand and had a look at the three cameras that interest me, namely the D300s, the D3000, the S1000pj and the S70.

    
    

    

    Let’s take it a model at a time, first up the D300s I am not familiar with the original so looking at the button layout confused me somewhat. But I do know what it’s capable of, the D300 is a popular model for Nikon and the upgrade or replacement includes the HD video feature that’s present in all of Nikon’s latest dSLR. And I’ve seen what the camera can do in the hands of an open minded professional. At the Nikon USA site if you browse around for the D300s you’ll eventually come across a video done by Amy Vitale, she is a very respected photographer and was given one of the first working D300s. With that first working model she was able to shoot an amazing video of her recent visit to India. If you want to see what your dSLRs video mode is capable head on over and watch it, I strongly recommend it. But I wasn’t really able to play with the D300s at the event primarily because one I wasn’t familiar with and two, there was no storage media in them, so I couldn’t really take pictures to see much.

     

     

    

    Next up the D3000, this is an interesting camera. It seems targeted to those looking to buy a compact but want some features of a dSLR. It’s got a very small body comparable to the D5000 but unlike the D5000 it does not have the flip out LCD screen nor does it have a video mode which is available in all of Nikon’s latest offerings. It does have a new menu feature called Guide which is supposed to make shooting pictures with dSLRs a lot easier to understand as it tells you what does what. Again there was no storage media in it so you couldn’t really play with to get a feel for it. Personally if I had to choose between the D3000 and the D5000 I’d go with the D5000. You get the flip out screen, the video mode and if you experiment enough you’ll figure out what does what anyway.

     

     

    

     

    

    For the compacts you have the S1000pj and the S70. The S1000pj was the reason that the event was held at a club as I mentioned because of an interesting feature that it has, its got a projector. So it’s targeted at a younger, fun loving, want-to-share-the-moment sort of crowd. You can take a picture or a video and immediately you can project it on a wall or any other surface to about 5 feet. It was pretty neat. And it comes with a remote to so you can sort of have a fun presentation wherever you are. The S70 on the other hand intrigued me because of its new screen and menu/navigation feature. It’s got an OLED screen so that’s very nice. They’re going to become more common soon I know that most of the latest cell phones from the Korean manufacturers will soon sport them. And the entire back is made up of it, which means that it’s a touch screen. The touch screen is very responsive and fluid compared to Nikon’s previous model, and they’ve also included gestures. Gestures was first introduced if I’m not mistaken by Apple on their Airbook laptops, that’s where you can navigate and manipulate elements on you desktop by doing gestures on the mouse pad. Same thing with the S70 menus system. Doing certain gestures will help you navigate through the menu or even manipulate your pictures. For example, if you want to zoom in to a picture you take your fingers pinch them together on the screen and then open them, to zoom out you do the opposite place them a part and then bring them together.

    All in all an interesting line up, I’m curious to see how the market responds to some of these models. One things for sure though if Nikon keeps up this habit of putting things you don’t expect of a camera it’ll keep everyone on their toes.

     

    Just for fun here’s the official press release that Nikon gave us.

    All picture courtesy of indomeez.blogspot.com

     

    11 September 2009

     

    PRESS RELEASE --For Immediate Release

     

    Nikon Shows-Off the World’s First Projector Camera

     

    11 September, Kuala Lumpur. Nikon (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd launches the first compact camera with built-in projector capability in the world at The Deq, Euphoria Sunway today.

     

    The Coolpix S1000pj is the world’s first digital camera that has a built-in LCD projector, upping the ante on the feature warfare of this highly competitive industry. With a simple touch of a button, the camera projects photos or movie clips on any flat surface up to 40 inches in size. Nikon has created a new experience in sharing photos with family and friends in most any location.

     

    In this season, Nikon also rolled out the Coolpix S70, its first digital compact camera to feature Nikon’s innovative Clear Color OLED display with intuitive touch control. Immediately noticeable in the OLED display is its brightness, vivid color reproduction, and sharper contrast. At 3.5”, it is highly responsive and recognizes multiple fingertip commands, giving freshness to the meaning of “camera control at your fingertip.”

     

    “The Coolpix S1000pj and Coolpix S70 mark another milestone in Nikon’s long history as a camera brand that is synonymous with innovative and quality products,” says Mr. Stephen Ng, General Manager.

     

    “It used to be a megapixel war zone however consumers today are aware that megapixels are not the only key to enhanced photography experience. One of the joys of picture taking is sharing our photos with our friends which traditionally we would print them out or showing them via the camera’s LCD. The projector function of the Coolpix S1000pj makes photo sharing more convenient and exciting with your friends, as they just sit back and view the photos in an instant,” added Mr. Ng.

     

    For those consumers who would like to shoot action or moving objects, the new Coolpix S640 is designed with an ultra-fast auto-focus drive which is close to that of a DSLR, enabling it to capture fast moving objects much easier than before. Nikon also launched highly affordable Coolpix S570 which comes with various colour choices, to meet consumers’ expectation of a trendy outlook.

     

    The Coolpix S1000pj, S70, S640 and S570 all come with 28mm wide angle lens, 12 megapixel image sensor and 5x optical zoom. There are also a bundle of built-in image enhancing functions such as the Nikon Smart Portrait System, Scene Auto Selector, and Quick Retouch to make photo taking simple, yet satisfying.

     

    Also in Nikon’s new line-up are the D300S and the D3000 DSLR cameras that are upgraded versions of the D300 and D60 respectively. The D300S not only has a 7 frame-per-second shutter rate, but also comes with auto-focus HD movie shooting capability. It also features an SD and CF memory card slots allowing users to select the recording medium of their choice.

     

    The D3000 on the other hand, is a highly affordable DSLR for new enthusiasts. Comes with easy to use Guide Mode, the D3000 is affordably priced at RM 2,288 which comes with an AFS 18-55mm VR kit lens. It is expected to draw more upgrades from the compact level. “Consumers today are more aware about photography than never before. Thanks to DSLR becoming more affordable and easy to use, consumers will slowly move towards cameras with better pictures quality, and Nikon DSLR cameras will definitely give them that satisfaction,” said Mr. David Ng, Marketing Manager.

     

    --- End ---

     

     

     

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• Vote for Hasselblad Masters! Vote for Hasselblad Masters!

  • From: naqhi
  • Description:

    Introducing a new Hasselblad Masters Awards

     

    

     

    The Hasselblad Masters Award is the most prestigious awards in the industry, each year celebrating the best in both established and rising photographic talent. Masters Awards are given in recognition of a photographer’s contribution to the art of photography and are judged on overall photographic ability, encompassing creativity, composition, conceptual strength, and technical skill. Past Masters include both renowned artists of international standing as well as promising newcomers in a wide range of fields and disciplines.

    Partnered by Hahnemuelle, Broncolor, and HP, the top 100 finalists for this years Hasselblad Masters Awards competition is online now. And this year, for the first time, the competition is open to voting from members of the public. Click here to register and vote for the 10 finalists.

     

    Official Hasselblad Masters 2009 website

    

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• Tips from Mr Mahfooz added! Tips from Mr Mahfooz added!

  • From: naqhi
  • Description:

    If you've checked recently we've updated the site a bit there's a couple of new things on the front page. Also we've uploaded two new videos of Mr Mahfooz, he recently ran the D5000 clinic for first time users of not only the D5000 but also users new to dSLRs. The videos aren't specific to the D5000 though so if you're looking for some quick photography tips take a quick peek at them. Also we're still working on the interview with Louis Pang but in the meantime there's a bunch of new pictures uploaded by our new members that aren't too bad.

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• The Olympus Micro Four Thirds The Olympus Micro Four Thirds Camera is Official!

  • From: naqhi
  • Description:

    Today Olympus has finally gone official with the E-P1, its first true Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera and the buzz around it is quite surprising. Just about every website and blog has something on it, and everyone is quite in love with it. And the other things is that the E-P1 is being hailed by some as hailing a new step or era or direction or whatever in digital photography! So if you still don't know anything about it hit the links below for some of the sites that have something to say about the E-P1, or if you want to see if there is really a "buzz" around the E-P1 just google it! Oh yeah and most of the links below have image galleries of the E-P1.

    Olympus official page for the E-P1

    Pocket-Lint on the E-P1

    Engadget's page on the E-P1

    FourThirdsPhoto on the E-P1

    Let'sGoDigital on the E-P1

    ImagingResources on the E-P1

    DPReview on the E-P1

    Video Samples from the E-P1 at DPReview
    

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• A few interesting articles... A few interesting articles...

  • From: naqhi
  • Description:

    Found an interesting review on the high iso levels of the most recent releases by Canon as compared to their previous models, its an interesting article if you're the anal retentive type when it comes to your picture quality at high ISO settings. Probably not meant for the average photog out there but still an interesting read anyway, and a good guide if you're looking into getting one of the models they've reviewed. The other article is on a rumour about the next Nikon model to be released and interesting enough this time it might actually feature a full HD video capturing. So if any of these things interest you hit the link below...

     

    Canon EOS 7D vs Canon EOS 50D vs Canon EOS 5D Mark II High ISO Noise

    Rumor: Nikon D800 instead of D700s/x
    

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• Nikon Teams Up with Fujitsu to Nikon Teams Up with Fujitsu to Form New Company

  • From: naqhi
  • Description:

    Nikon Systems Inc. and Fujitsu Broad Solution & Consulting Inc. establish a joint company

    June 30, 2009

    Nikon Corporation (Michio Kariya, President) announces that Nikon Systems Inc. (Masao Hagimoto, President), a subsidiary of Nikon Corporation, and Fujitsu Broad Solution & Consulting Inc. (Takao Kaneko, President; hereafter, Fujitsu BSC) establish a new joint company, named “Nikon Imaging Systems Inc.”. The company will be solely responsible for the firmware development in Nikon digital cameras. Nikon Imaging Systems Inc. will initiate operations in August 2009.

    Firmware is the software built into devices that provides fundamental control over hardware. As the performance of digital devices becomes higher, so does the importance of firmware. To date, all firmware installed in Nikon digital cameras has been developed by Nikon Corporation and its subsidiary, Nikon Systems Inc.

    The new company is dedicated exclusively to the firmware development for Nikon digital cameras. The objective of the company will be to proceed with the establishment of firmware platforms and to accelerate the speed and quality of firmware development by merging the long experienced mechatronics control and image processing technologies established in Nikon Corporation and Nikon Systems Inc. with the software technology, know-how, and resources provided by Fujitsu BSC.

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• Viewbook PhotoStory Call For E Viewbook PhotoStory Call For Entries

  • From: naqhi
  • Description:

    Amsterdam, July 1, 2009 – Viewbook PhotoStory, a new contemporary photography contest opened its submissions today, encouraging all documentary and conceptual photographers around the world to submit their most compelling series of photographs; photo stories that are judged by the public and an internationally renowned jury.

    Viewbook PhotoStory 2009 challenges documentary and conceptual photographers around the world to create compelling stories with a linear series of photographs in an online gallery. Every professional photographer or emerging talent can easily submit their series free of charge using a 60 day, no obligation, Viewbook Pro account. ’With this competition we aim to inspire each other with photographic creativity and generate international publicity for the most talented entrants.’, says Peter Bas Mensink, publisher of GUP magazine and co-initiator of the competition.

    An international jury consisting of Marcel Feil, (curator of FOAM museum) Lauren Heinz (Editor Foto8.com) and Alison Zavos (editor Featureshoot.com) and other industry professionals assess the photo stories on their overall impact and photographic excellence. The first price winners receive international publications & lifelong subscriptions with a value exceeding $12,000. The best photo series get published in the Viewbook PhotoStory 2009 book.

    All pre-selected entries appear on the viewbookphotostory.com website, where everyone can view the photographic narratives and vote on their favorites. ’We want this to be an online event that everyone can be part of, says Peter Bas. The public decides which photographers win the special public prices.’

    Viewbook PhotoStory is initiated by www.viewbook.com and GUP magazine, backed up by Blurb, Workbook and many supporters. The organization encourages photographers to submit their work as early as possible to get the most out of the public voting. Submissions close on 1 October 2009.

    For more information and to submit, please visit www.viewbookphotostory.com

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• 2009 International Exhibition 2009 International Exhibition of Fine Art Photography

  • From: naqhi
  • Description:

    2009 International Exhibition of Fine Art Photography
    Deadline July 14, 2009

    Angelina, © Andrea Land

    Eligibility: The exhibition is open to photographers world wide, both amateur and professional.  The Center for Fine Art Photography invites photographers working in all mediums, styles and schools of thought to participate in its exhibitions. Experimental and mixed techniques are welcome.   Exhibition and Awards: With selection for this exhibition, artists and their work will be seen by an international audience of collectors, curators, art consultants and others who appreciate the fine art of photography. Juror’s Selection: $300 and an online marketing consultation with Andy Adams, Editor of Flak Photo. The Juror’s Selection will also be included in Flak Photo’s Online Exhibition during the month of October 2009. Director's Selection award: $200 Gallery Visitor’s Choice Award: $100 Flak Photo’s Online Exhibition:  A selection of artists will be chosen to exhibit their work in the Flak Photo Gallery (www.flakphoto.com) during the month of October, 2009. Two Artists’ ShowCase Online subscriptions for one year:  (preview at www.artists-showcase.org) All exhibitors are included in the Center's online gallery   For more information and entry details go to The Center for Fine Arts Photography

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• We were at KLPF! We were at KLPF!

  • From: naqhi
  • Description:

    It’s been a while since I last blogged, life got in the way if you will. Anyway, about three weeks ago Seel and I had the pleasure of attending KLPF. You may have seen the banner on the main page. Not only had we attended KLPF, but we were actually invited to speak on the main stage by Nikon Malaysia. It was the first time we had ever been asked to do anything like it, but I’m getting ahead of myself. First of all let’s say a little something about KLPF of the Kuala Lumpur Photography Festival. It’s the only event of its kind in Malaysia but it isn’t truly a festival per se, more like the usual vendor exhibition mixed in with a few guest talks, speakers and contests. If I were to describe a photography festival it would be something along the lines of Chobi Mela held in Bangladesh. This past KLPF though is the biggest one yet in KLPF even when compared to last years which was held at Berjaya Times Square. Moving on, Seel and I were invited to talk at KLPF because just recently we had shot a video PSA using Nikon camera namely the D90 and the D5000. It was sort of a pro bono-slash-experimental video that a close acquaintance of us, who just so happens to run an advertising agency, came up with. Alan Lim is a pretty well known name in the industry and used to work at Naga DDB as a creative director, he was curious about the quality of the video and if it were acceptable to use in actual production. We have worked with Alan before and he knew about us and our website and what we do, so he got in touch with us. Anyway long story short we showed him what we can do with using both the D90 and the D5000 and some lenses, and we ended up blowing him away, sort of. We showed him that we could get angles and shots that had he used the usual production method would have been time consuming or in some cases because of the situation would have been impossible. We used little to no lights, using only the available lights and fiddling with the sensor settings such as the ISO, aperture and exposure. In the end not only did we manage to pull of a fantastic job but a fast and fun one too. If we had actually been doing it for a fee it would have probably come in at a more affordable price for Alan too. So now there’s interest in the video by some parties since Alan has been showing it around, we’ve been told that it might actually be viewed publicly and if I’m not mistaken firstly on public buses. So that’s why we were on stage at KLPF. KLPF itself had a good turn out. It stayed crowded throughout the day only tapering of towards evening, and even the special rooms set up for the speakers would have lines waiting to enter. We managed to catch Louis Pangs’ talk and it’s safe to say that his fame precedes him. We caught him after his talk for a chat and an interview. We’ll be putting up that video soon or you can see it at Louis’ site once we get him a copy. The usual vendors were there but the one that surprised me was Tamron. They had decided to make a big presence by setting up their lenses on an elevated stage, all the other vendors had the usual floor displays. Nikon didn’t have anything new to show other than dummy models of the upcoming D300s and the S1000pj, though we heard that they did have preproduction models back at their headquarters. We were also impressed with a few of the Panasonic cameras especially their compacts since they shot at FullHD and the image quality was surprising. Also at KLPF Olympus had their latest cameras including the EP-1 the micro four thirds that’s been making waves in the camera industry. All in all it was a good experience.

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• Facebook Groups is up and we'v Facebook Groups is up and we've got a new featured member.

  • From: naqhi
  • Description:

    This'll be a short one... This week the facebook groups page for V9kon is up so if you do have a facebook account (and who doesn't these days...) be sure to join us. And we've got our second featured member for the site and her name is Cheryl Ho. She has a pretty fun blog and she's an entrepreneur of sorts running her own little online store. So be sure to check her site out at wwww.CherylHo.net!

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