Phocus Family of Software Solutions

Hasselblad is proud to introduce the Phocus Family of software products, offering tools matching the changing working conditions photographers face with each new assignment. With three different products, each catering to a different style of working, these new Phocus options easily overcome shifting workflow challenges by providing a high level of efficiency and flexibility of choice.

Phocus 2.6 – available for download now

Phocus 2.6 is Hasselblad’s powerful, easy-to-use imaging software. It offers improvements that expand both application’s capabilities and workflow speed. Brand new cross-platform features such as the Dust Removal Tool, Star Rating and Filtering, a much faster multi-shot viewer and improved quality at lower resolution, plus Windows support for TIFF and JPEG files are now part of version 2.6.

For more information on Phocus 2.6 visit the Hasselblad website at: http://www.hasselbladusa.com/promotions/phocus.aspx

Phocus Quick – available for download now

Phocus Quick offers a semi-automated solution to import and process your raw files using the core strengths of the full version of Phocus. The application imports your images applying basic image adjustments and saves both — a backup raw copy and a jpg of each image. Ready for printing or viewing, and ready for future more advanced imaging enhancements.

For more information on Phocus Quick visit the Hasselblad website at: http://www.hasselbladusa.com/promotions/phocus-quick.aspx

Phocus Mobile – available for download in March 2011

Phocus Mobile completes the Phocus Family with an imaging app for iPads and iPhones. The app connects wirelessly to a Mac running Phocus 2.6 and allows users to remotely browse, and rate images. With an H4D camera connected, you have full access to tethered shooting, including all the unique camera controls offered by the H4D.

Phocus Mobile is available as a free download in March 2011 from the Apple App store.

To download Phocus 2.6 and Phocus Quick for free, simply register your email-address at:

http://www.hasselbladusa.com/service–support/technical-support/software-downloads.aspx

These same professional users frequently requested additional functionality, to make the EOS 5D Mark II more flexible to their needs: Manual exposure capability was a common request, and Canon’s engineers listened and developed a firmware upgrade in late 2009 that gave the EOS 5D Mark II that capability. Subsequently released EOS HD-SLRs such as the EOS 7D and EOS-1D Mark IV incorporated the wider range of standard frame rates that users were asking for.

Based on continued requests and feedback from our professional video users, Canon’s engineers have once again responded: Firmware version 2.0.4* is now available for free download from the Canon USA website.

With this update installed, the EOS 5D Mark II will gain the following capabilities:

Variable frame rates:

A huge request from professional video shooters was the ability to record video at 24 fps, for a filmic look favored by many serious cinematographers.

Firmware version 2.0.4 will add several much-requested upgrades to the EOS 5D Mark II’s Movie Mode, including variable frame rates such as 24p (23.976) and 30p (29.97).

Furthermore, the EOS 5D Mark II’s true 30.00 fps (at 30 fps setting) differed from the NTSC-standard of 29.97 fps, sometimes making video editing and matching with audio a problem.

With firmware v.2.0.4 installed, the following frame rates are now available in the EOS 5D Mark II:
At 1920×1080:

• 30 fps (29.97 fps)
• 24 fps (23.976 fps)
• 25 fps (requires camera to be set to PAL recording mode)

At 640×480:

• 30 fps (29.97 fps)
• 25 fps (requires camera to be set to PAL recording mode)

Note: Firmware v. 2.0.4 does not add the HD 1280×720 resolution option that is available in other EOS models, such as the EOS 7D and EOS-1D Mark IV, and likewise does not add the 60 fps and 50 fps settings in those cameras.

Manual Adjustment of sound recording level:

Another big addition, tailored to the professional video user. Up to now, the EOS 5D Mark II’s built-in audio recording has automatically adjusted its level for recording, and the only possible way for the user to change this was to attach third-party devices to the camera. Now, once firmware v. 2.0.4 is installed, video pros and enthusiasts will have the option of manual recording level (audio gain) control, over a 64-step range, selectable right on the camera’s menu.

While the menu display will show level meters for Left and Right stereo input, please note that this upgrade will not allow users to separately adjust L/R stereo balance. There is one main manual adjustment for audio recording level only. And of course, the option remains for users to allow the camera to automatically set sound levels, as it has previously. The newly available level meters will remain visible within the new Sound Recording menu when levels are automatically set.

Now, EOS 5D Mark II shooters will be able to monitor and manually adjust audio levels prior to shooting. In addition, the sampling frequency has increased from 44.1 KHz to 48 KHz.

Manual audio level adjustment requires that the camera be set to the P, Tv, Av, or M exposure mode settings before video recording begins.

Sound sampling frequency changed to 48 KHz:

Matching the audio characteristics of the recently-introduced EOS 7D and EOS-1D Mark IV cameras, firmware v.2.0.4 for the EOS 5D Mark II raises the quality of its sound recording to the same 48 KHz standard (up from 44.1 KHz).

With this improvement, the professional video shooter using the EOS 5D Mark II now has better sound quality than before, and the ability to manually set overall sound level in the camera, without accessories. Whether shooting in a studio or on location, these two significant additions are sure to be welcomed by serious video enthusiasts and video editors as well.

New shutter-priority (Tv) and aperture-priority (Av) shooting modes:

Up to now, the EOS 5D Mark II video user has had two exposure choices — either manually set shutter speed and aperture, or let the camera completely set all exposure values automatically.

Automatic exposure control can certainly have an advantage when following fast-moving subjects that may move from a bright to a shadowed area, or move from indoors to outdoors. Still image shooters and many users of traditional pro video cameras have had the ability to lock-in a lens aperture or a shutter speed, and have the camera automatically vary the other value. Now, once firmware v.2.0.4 is installed into the EOS 5D Mark II, users of this camera will have similar capabilities.

Another benefit of Firmware v2.0.4 is the ability to shoot movies while in Av or Tv modes (previously, only fully automatic or fully manual shooting was available in Movie Mode).

Shutter-priority (Tv mode): Selecting Tv (‘time value’ or shutter priority) on the camera’s mode dial now allows the user to pick their preferred shutter speed, and the camera will automatically vary aperture and ISO for proper exposure, based on the light levels in the scene. Because physically changing the lens aperture can result in audible noise, this new Tv mode for video will first attempt to automatically vary ISO setting to adjust for changes in brightness. Aperture will also be adjusted if still needed, but this is secondary and minimized where possible.

Speeds from 1/30th second through 1/4000th are manually selectable in the Tv mode (shutter speeds are selected by turning the Main Dial, just as in still image shooting). Remember that faster shutter speeds may be useful in bright light to control exposure and/or allow wider lens apertures for limited depth-of-field, however subject movement will appear progressively more jerky or ‘stacatto’ as shutter speeds increase. Speeds from roughly 1/30th to 1/125th second tend to produce the smoothest flow of movement.

Aperture-priority (Av mode): A key attraction of the EOS 5D Mark II is its characteristic film-look, thanks to limited depth-of-field when compared to many traditional pro video cameras. Control over depth-of-field is a vital element in many shooting situations, and this means allowing direct control of lens aperture. Manual exposure mode obviously does this, but it doesn’t allow for any automatic exposure changes or adjustment if the subject or camera moves from one lighting level to another. Now, with aperture-priority capability, the EOS 5D Mark II shooter has this option when they need it.

Simply set Av on the camera’s Mode Dial, set the lens aperture you desire by turning the Main Dial near the shutter button, and the camera will automatically vary ISO levels (at low light levels) and shutter speed (as light levels increase) to maintain proper exposure — keeping the lens aperture you’ve chosen.

Since shutter speeds will vary automatically (they remain visible on the LCD monitor’s information display), keep in mind that the combination of wide lens apertures and bright light levels will result in fast shutter speeds — as noted above, this can result in somewhat stacatto motion effects when recording moving subjects. Keep an eye on the shutter speed when working in well-lit conditions in Av mode, and if possible run tests ahead to determine how fast shutter speeds will affect movement in your footage so that you can adjust the lighting or shooting mode accordingly.

Notes concerning Tv and Av video operation:

• ISO values are always automatically set in Tv or Av mode during video recording; manual setting of ISO isn’t possible.
• ISO range is from 100 thru 6400 in the new Tv or Av video settings. Minimum ISO is 200 if Highlight Tone Priority is active. ISO expansion is not possible in Tv/Av modes.
• Remote Live View shooting remains possible with a computer using the new Tv and Av exposure modes. Shutter speeds and lens apertures, however, cannot be changed on-screen using Canon’s EOS Utility software.
• All other features possible during video recording remain available: Users can shoot a full-resolution still image by pressing the shutter button, select any available video resolution and/or frame recording rate, select any of three AF options, and so on.

EOS 5D Mark II users can now review a Brightness or RGB histogram  on the rear LCD before shooting video.

Histogram display during manual exposure shooting:

Before this firmware update, once the EOS 5D Mark II had been set-up for movie shooting (Live View Function setting to Stills + Movie, and Screen Settings to Movie), it wasn’t possible to see a histogram display. Especially for users working in Manual exposure mode, this can be a critical method to judge exposure settings before shooting a scene.

Once firmware version 2.0.4 has been installed into the EOS 5D Mark II, you’ll now be able to view a histogram on the LCD monitor before video recording begins when in Manual exposure mode (please note that the histogram cannot be viewed once recording has actually started).

A few final points about firmware version 2.0.4:

• This firmware upgrade is entirely free, and will be available for download from Canon web sites around the world, starting on March 19, 2010.
• Some brand-new EOS 5D Mark II cameras may appear before this date with firmware version 2.0.3 already factory-installed. These cameras will need to be upgraded with v. 2.0.4 which is now available on Canon web sites for download.
• The firmware upgrade procedure is the same as previous upgrades for EOS cameras:

  

  Firmware upgrades are easy to do: You will need your EOS 5D Mark II camera body, a CF memory card, a CF card reader, an internet connection, and simply follow to directions to the left to complete the upgrade.

  (Screen images for reference only)

  1. Download the .FIR firmware file to your hard drive
  2. Copy the file to a CF memory card by inserting the card into a card reader and dragging/dropping the file to the card
  3. Install the CF card into your camera and call up Firmware in the third set-up Menu
  4. Select OK when asked if you want to upgrade to the new version 2.0.4.
• Full instructions for the upgrade procedure will accompany the on-line firmware upgrade on Canon web sites once it becomes available. Be sure to read and thoroughly understand the steps before attempting to install it into your camera.
• This firmware upgrade is only for EOS 5D Mark II cameras.
• Fixes a phenomenon where communication between the camera and the attached lens may be interrupted after manual sensor cleaning.
• Movies captured using EOS 5D Mark II cameras with Firmware versions 1.1.0 to 1.2.4 can be played back on cameras updated with Firmware version 2.0.4. However, playback is not backwards-compatible (when trying to review movies captured with Firmware version 2.0.4 on a camera with older firmware, a "Cannot play back image" message will appear on the LCD).
• Canon Inc. has not announced any plans for similar feature upgrades to other existing EOS camera models, and Canon USA has no information about whether such upgrades might occur in the future.

Summary:

With the new advances that specifically target the professional video user, this new firmware upgrade for the EOS 5D Mark II transforms some aspects of the camera and further enhances its status as the HD-SLR of choice. Without losing a single bit of the image quality or operational ease, simply upgrading your cameras’ firmware to version 2.0.4 adds new features requested by many of our critical customers, and transforms it into an even better tool for creative, high-quality video production.

* EOS 5D Mark II Firmware Update Version 2.0.8 is now available. This firmware update (Version 2.0.8) incorporates the following improvements and fixes:

1. Fixes a phenomenon in which movies are not taken at the shooting mode registered in the user’s settings if a shooting mode Aperture priority (or Shutter priority) is registered in any of the camera’s user settings (C1, C2, C3) and the user attempts to shoot a movie.
2. Fixes a phenomenon in which the shutter will not release when pressing the shutter button when the auto power off function is set to "on".
3. Fixes a phenomenon in which overexposure occurs when shooting a Live View shooting simulation with the ISO speed set to L.
4. Fixes a phenomenon in which the settings of the Speedlite transmitter ST-E2 revert to the default settings when both the camera and the ST-E2 are set to auto power off.
5. Fixes a phenomenon in which the Macro Ring Lite (MR-14EX, MT-24EX) and slave flash do not sync while shooting wirelessly.

The Version 2.0.8 firmware being released this time is for cameras with firmware up to Version 2.0.7. If the camera’s firmware is already Version 2.0.8, it is not necessary to update the firmware.

Above content is accurate as of October 25, 2010, and subject to change. Check back soon for more information about availability.

A portion of what Kit writes is “You may have heard: 3-D is hot. So hot in fact that now it’s found its way onto a device you’d think had zero 3-D powers: The iPhone 4 (or most recent iPod Touch). It’s via a scanning app called Trimensional that uses the iPhone’s front camera, and no extra gizmos other than a dark room.

Trimensional’s makers Phlosoft are calling it the “world’s first 3-D scanner for iPhone” noting that the app lets you “instantly capture 3-D models of yourself, friends, and family and share the amazing results with the world.” Big promises, for a device that has no stereo-imaging camera facilities (like some of the new digital cameras hitting CES) nor any advanced infra-red depth sensors like those found in Kinect, nor any clever LIDAR laser-scanners that high-end 3-D scanning firms and movie studios use.”

I would recommend viewing the rest of the article via Fast Companies website at: http://www.fastcompany.com/1714755/trimensional-brings-3-d-object-scanning-to-iphone-kinda?partner=homepage_newsletter

You can check out the sample video below:

Proud partners of The 2011 Canon Creative Asia Awards

The second annual Scott Kelby’s Worldwide Photo Walk was held in downtown San Jose. Fifty photographers gathered to spend several hours walking around downtown photographing what the city had to offer. We had the pleasure of talking with Joel, one of the participants of the photo walk.

The second annual Scott Kelby’s Worldwide Photo Walk was held in downtown San Jose. Fifty photographers gathered to spend several hours walking around downtown photographing what the city had to offer. We had the pleasure of talking with Craig Colvin of Craig Colvin Photography.com, one of the participants of the photo walk.

The second annual Scott Kelby’s Worldwide Photo Walk was held in downtown San Jose. Fifty photographers gathered to spend several hours walking around downtown photographing what the city had to offer. We had the pleasure of talking with Ardail Smith of Ardail Smith.com, one of the participants of the photo walk.

The second annual Scott Kelby’s Worldwide Photo Walk was held in downtown San Jose. Fifty photographers gathered to spend several hours walking around downtown photographing what the city had to offer. We had the pleasure of talking with Steve, one of the participants of the photo walk.

Join us as we talk with Jeff Barto, one of the several Independence Day Tea Party organizers responsible for making it became, a event to be part of.

The Silicon Valley Tea Party Patriots is a non-partisan movement aimed at bringing fiscal responsibility, limited government, and the free-market principles that our country was founded on back to government. It's time to stop the politicians from spending money they don't have, stop them from mortgaging the future or our children, and to force them to actually read the legislation they sign. We simply want to bring reason back to government. For more information on the Silicon Valley Tea Party Patriots visit us at www.SiliconValleyTeaParty.com.

For our Independence Day Tea Party, we had the pleasure to speak with Richard Geno. Richard Geno is the president of The Conservative Forum. Richard provides general oversight of the organization working with each of the board and executive committee members. In addition to his duties as president, Richard is active in the Media Committee, BACORP (college outreach program), and submitting letters to the editor in coordination with the Writers group.

The Silicon Valley Tea Party Patriots is a non-partisan movement aimed at bringing fiscal responsibility, limited government, and the free-market principles that our country was founded on back to government. It’s time to stop the politicians from spending money they don’t have, stop them from mortgaging the future or our children, and to force them to actually read the legislation they sign. We simply want to bring reason back to government. For more information on the Silicon Valley Tea Party Patriots visit us at www.SiliconValleyTeaParty.com.

The Silicon Valley Tea Party Patriots are a non-partisan movement aimed at bringing fiscal responsibility, limited government, and the free-market principles that our country was built on back to government. It’s time to stop the politicians from spending money they don’t have, stop them from mortgaging the future or our children, and to force them to actually read the legislation they sign. We simply want to bring reason back to government.

OK Anna, you were doing well but it looks like you hit a wall with this one. Here is a good example of the importance of playing with your composition when you have a tough subject. So lets break this image down. First, did you notice all the white space in the image. Was this done for a specific reason?

Notice the focus on this image. Did you lock the focus before taking the shot. The focus seems to be on the top of the targeted subject vice the name. The name Walt has a certain design and flair to it. This would have given the image more life because of its design. Just ask yourself, what was being sold in this image. The limited edition or the title of the movie itself.

I do like the way the overhead light highlights the edges of the DVD cases. This adds a nice dimension to each of the cases. Do you think this image would have look better if you had placed more light on the other DVD spines displaying what titles they are.

Why did you position each DVD case as you did. Did you just pile them on? Did you just find them like that? Placement of your subject is important. You could have aligned each one to play with the titles to create a specific message. If you was just trying to sell the target subject, do you think you should have placed more emphasis on that one. Maybe by placing more light on it to make it stand out more.

Critique Questions for You:

1. Is this be best angle you saw for this subject? You have multiple subjects here. Is each one placed correctly to help display your message.
2. Was this the best lighting for your subject. You have a good overhead light, but the main fill light is weak. Don’t be afraid to use your flash. If your flash is to bright, go ahead and place a piece of dark fabric in front of it to dim your light. See if that works.

Summary:

• This image was the weakest of the three. It does have some pluses, but it looks like not much thought went into composing this image. Your previous images show you have an eye. And I didn’t see any of that in this one.
• If you are shooting and you don’t feel “it” then don’t shoot. Put your camera down, step away and come back when you are refreshed. Photography is a passion, you are doing more than just taking photos when you press that release button. You are telling a story, you are selling a product, you are trying to grab someone’s attention. Does this image grab your attention.

Next Assignment:

Here is your next assignment, should you choose to accept: (mission impossible theme in background). Sunrise and sunset are one of the most important things which needs to happen in order for us photographer enjoy the golden hour. I want you to take three photos with the following focus in mind.

• Standard Sunset (either wide or narrow focus)
• Any object which the sun is shining on. The object needs to be illuminated in a way which would have its appearance changed because of the sunset.
• A person looking at the sunset. No flash

These photos should be taken during golden hour. This is the hour where the sun is either rising or setting. You can have anywhere between 45 to 90 minutes to take your shot.

If you want more information on the golden hour, please visit this wikipedia link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_hour_(photography). Good luck Agent Shutterbug. Remember, if you are captured by the photo police and given low ratings on your images, we will disavow you

You can see more of Anna’s captured images by either visiting her blog http://annasangle.wordpress.com/ or her flickr portfolio at http://www.flickr.com/photos/aivzdogz/.

Other critiqued photos:

Covered Grill by Anna

Camcorder by Anna

Anna, this is an interesting shot. Normally, you would want to capture a product in full glory. That is, covered with strong lighting. A great part of your subject is covered in darkness but you show enough of the subject to give slight hints to its potential. This would be perfect for a teaser advertisement on a new product coming out without telling to much about it.

The placement of your subject is good. It dominates the whole story. You know exactly what it is. You could have also pulled back a lot here if you had some action going on in the background to relate your background to your main subject.

Critique Questions for You:

1. Is this be best angle you saw for this subject? What kind of image would you have captured if you either moved yourself around the subject or move the subject around its axis.
2. Was this the best lighting for your subject. Light is important. That doesn’t mean that you actually need light, but keep in mind what your message is through the photo. If you are just capturing the image with its inherent message, then just capture it.

Summary:

• In addition to looking for various angles for your subject, you should experiment with how your subject is position in your composition.
• Remember your rule of thirds. They work, this also helps you notice the environment your subject is in.

You can see more of Anna’s captured images by either visiting her blog http://annasangle.wordpress.com/ or her flickr portfolio at http://www.flickr.com/photos/aivzdogz/.

Other critiqued photos:

Covered Grill by Anna

DVD Movies by Anna

Here is my response for Anna’s first of three images for her photography assignment. I had asked Anna to photograph three things that a Dad would want or would receive for Father’s Day. Anna was to photograph these objects in a way that would sell the photo with a marketing or advertisement flair. This was chosen because Father’s Day was only a couple of days away.

Anna, I like that you chose the grill. This is completely related to a Dad gift. And you did well to keep it covered, something that is a different look that you would not usually see. This does add a nice little hint of suspense since a Dad would would be dying to figure out what kind is it.

You have good composition, you may have wanted to pull back a bit on the zoom. This would add enough of the environment around your subject to blend. The only thing this image is lacking on is lighting. This photo look like you shot it with heavy overcast. I must have been raining. But you did well with you did. I like what you captured.

Critique Questions for You:

1. Is this be best angle you saw for this subject? You shot this with a wooded area as your background. What would it look like if you shot this from the woods toward your subject. What kind shot would you have captured.
2. Is this the best lighting you can receive for this subject. If you do not want to move a subject, was this the best time of day to shoot if you have unrestrictive access to your subject.
3. Did the tarp cover have any logos or designs you could have taken advantage of in order to enhance the image.

Summary:

• Always look for different angles before you shoot. Unless your subject is moving, then shoot while YOU are moving.
• Look at how the light is washing over your subject. Shoot now and come back when the light changes and shoot again. Hey, it’s digital.
• You did well with capturing this image head on and with the eye level equal to your subject. Because it is covered, this restricts your creativity with changing the viewing angle of your subject.

Anna is a young photographer with a lot of potential in her skill if she wishes to pursue her photography to the next level. I hope she does, she has an eye and just needs to get out there and shoot shoot shoot. You can see more of Anna’s captured images by either visiting her blog http://annasangle.wordpress.com/ or her flickr portfolio at http://www.flickr.com/photos/aivzdogz/.

Other critiqued photos:

Camcorder by Anna

DVD Movies by Anna

Ni Ki Cruz Photography Newsletter

Dear Shutterbug

How many ways you can you photograph the same subject. Well, that depends on how you use your equipment. I see many photographers rush to a subject and take that one head-on shot. How depressing when compared to all the potential shots you can capture if you take the time to analyze your subject and its environment. Learn to take your time when taking a photo and learn to force yourself to look at your subject from different angles. Beauty does’t have one view, beauty is hidden and it awaits for you to find it. Never stop shooting.

table of contents

Photography Workshop Mediacast: Using Your Flash to Control Your Light
Photo Tip of the Week: 3 Tips to Getting Sharper Photos (Part 2 of 3)
Camera Equipment and Accessory Reviews: POD The Silver and Blue Pods
Show Us What You Got Reader’s Photo Submission: Ulf Schnittker (Deutschland)
Get Ready for our Next Outdoor Photography Workshop
Follow Us On …

In this episode we go over the many different ways on how you can use a flash to constantly change the feel and look of your subject.

Here are links to some of the equipment covered in this episode:

Canon 5D Mark II

Canon 550EX Speedlite

Tamron Telephoto SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro

Slik PROFESSIONAL II Tripod

Canon OC-E3 Off Camera Shoe Cord 3

Sto-Fen #OM-EY Omni-Bounce

Opening sequence used for the photography workshop mediacast. Please feel free to let me know what you think. I’m always looking for ways to improve.

I’m not sure why but the flash version converted by Blip.tv is not as sharp as the source video. My previous video conversion was of a better quality. You can see the higher resolution by clicking here.

Make sure your Dad gets the individual attention he needs to learn everything he needs to know about taking awesome photos the whole family can enjoy. Your Dad will learn the basics of scenic nature photographing: location scouting, scene selection, light, composition and the various equipment used.

Reserve your spot now before this offer ends on June 21st

This workshop will provide your Dad with my undivided attention and teaching taylored to his specific needs. The investment of a lifetime for this outdoor workshop is $300 $225, (25% off Father’s Day Special) for a session 3-4 hours. This private session can be arranged at your Dad’s preferred Bay Area locale, or can be chosen between a few scenic Bay Area spots.

Reserve your spot now before this offer ends on June 21st

ATTN San Diego Area Residents: If you live in the San Diego area, I will be there Friday, June 26th thru Wednesday, July 1st to hold my workshops.

Reserve your spot now before this offer ends on June 21st

Once you reserve a spot, we will schedule a date which will work best for your Dad. We can schedule up to 45 days out. So there is no hurry on your part or any pressure to get your training done quickly. This workshop has been designed to be a fun and entertaining day for your Dad.

The long awaited firmware upgrade has finally been released. Thank you Canon. I have documented the upgrade download, installation and quick testing of the Canon 5D Mark II. I am sure we will see a lot more production with the Canon 5D.

Show Notes:
Canon Firmware URL: http://www.canon.com/eos-d/

Add to your iTunes: http://nikicruz.blip.tv/rss/itunes