(Full disclosure: like most people, I’ve had a lenticular fascination since I was a kid. I just didn’t know what to call it…)

Now, of the technology, the immediate, demonstrated applications are variable focus (in post); or the ability to move the camera and change perspective within about a 10° arc. While this is something readily achievable in a layered composite, the implications of it being readily available and nicely packaged with a bow are quite interesting (see: focus stacking, helicon focus). And, if (if!) it can be applied to moving images, then there would depth information that you could use to extract layers. That is, you wouldn’t have to pull a key; you could go without green-screen; rotoscoping would be easy… oh, the possibilities… Okay, I’m getting way ahead of the technology.

But then, beyond the “3D” hype, there have been a lot of recent, significant developments in sensor technology, such as the Panasonic high dynamic range sensor… and even the CIA is hocking its image technology. Yes, the Central Intelligence Agency. Insert your conspiracy theories here. How about the Gigapan $300 (?) photo-robot…

While we may wait for a new digital camera in the coming months, we should probably bear in mind that Moore’s Law can be applied to digital photography and cinematography…

More reading: Refocus Imaging; Max Hodges comments; Stephen Shankland article; Photography 2.0/R&D…

So when you read blogs about the latest big thing, in my case recently, the Sigma DP1, you are usually getting the opinion of someone who really, really wants this thing to be good. Even if it is not.

The DP1 looks like a marvel on paper. The (Foveon) sensor is giant-sized amongst its rivals, which means it should be less noisy, and have better dynamic range than most. By all accounts, it seems to. The optics seem reasonable. It is quite a capable camera. People are comparing them to SLRs, and suggesting the DP1 is more like an “affordable” digital rangefinder. The wheels start to wobble when you find out that the focal distance (minimum 16cm) is quite limited and the lens is only f/4.0—especially when compared to rival cameras. Image-wise, it should be better than its rivals, but it doesn’t seem to be significantly better, and new images would suggest that it is amazingly better. But some things are pretty disappointing, like the very slow write times. Up to 12 seconds a shot… perhaps less with a faster card.

But everyone wants it to be good.

Enter Carl Rytterfalk, blogger. You can’t say that he isn’t enthusiastic about the DP1. His posts cover a range of excitement, disappointment, workarounds, and excitement again. Luckily, he is posting informative stuff on the camera… and some entertaining videos (he also blogs about the Sigma SD14, similar sensor but in an SLR body). The nice thing about his reviews are that he is unapologetic in his enthusiasm, but he doesn’t ignore the problems:

Btw, as someone said at the forum already - turning off quick preview makes the DP1 faster between shots. And I also tested a normal SD card that came with another camera - it’s SOOOO SLOW! It really takes ages. So please. Use fastest card you can find, it’s a huge difference!

Timed save times RAW (light blinking):

SanDisk Extreme III 4GB: 2.5s

Canon SD SDC 32MB: 10s

Time before you can take another shot (single mode): 3.8s and quick preview off.

If you look at his site, you’ll see he’s thorough. He even compares it (somewhat tenuously) to the RED Mysterium sensor.

It is also worth considering that so-called “bloggers” could be paid shills for whatever company they are promoting. Ever wondered how some of these guys get their hands on stuff way before everyone else? On the other hand, now that bloggers “get there first” with reviews, you have to wonder at the number of posts that are less to do with reviewing and more about soothing buyers regret. People like Carl Rytterfalk, excepted.

And the camera? Its quirks guarantee it will be a cult hit.

More reading.

I was wondering when this would happen, while there have already been a few, this auction is for a “soon to ship” RED One body (the idea being you can skip the waiting list… a bit like those people that stand in line for you at Disneyland!) Check it out here. One day to go…

… ]]> http://www.rogers.id.au/blog/2008/03/18/the-iphones-colour-gamut/feed/ 0 http://www.rogers.id.au/blog/2008/03/13/a-sniff-of-5d-mkii/ http://www.rogers.id.au/blog/2008/03/13/a-sniff-of-5d-mkii/#comments Wed, 12 Mar 2008 23:21:15 +0000 Mr Rogers http://www.rogers.id.au/blog/2008/03/13/a-sniff-of-5d-mkii/ While I stand in my kitchen, sipping my morning coffee, a couple of junkies outside are locked in the slowest verbal jousting I have ever heard. Each side seems to take a little nap between responses… I hope they finish before noon.

They probably wouldn’t be arguing if only they knew that details of the Canon 5D MkII have been leaked/rumoured/invented at the Digital Photography Review forums (and further comment here). Supposedly there will be an official announcement April 22.

Features (allegedly) include:

• A new full-frame sensor with fancier noise reduction
• Weather sealing like the 1D series
• 15.3 MP
• ISO 12800 (hmmm)
• Micro lens fine adjustment
• EOS Integrated Cleaning System
• Live View (meh!)
• 6/3 fps continuous shooting for up to 68 frames
• MSRP $3499 USD, available June 2

This covers my wishlist, so much so, I am willing to believe. Anyway, it must be true, I read it on an internet chat forum. It does seem like a plausible response to the excellent Nikon D3 – what a happy day for digital SLR-ists.

I think the junkies outside must have heard. Argument finished.