Sigma has announced that the long-awaited DP1 will be available this spring. DPReview has the press release and full specifications here. Unfortunately, I don't think this model will succeed. It's distinguishing feature is that it packs a large (APS-C) sensor into a compact form. However, one of the advantages most of us associates with larger sensors is cleaner performance at high ISO values. The fact that the DP1 has a maximum ISO setting of ISO 800, maximum shutter speed of 1/1000s, and a relatively slow f/4 lens assures that low-light handheld photography will not be a strength of this camera. That and the general public bias against prime lenses, particularly wide prime lenses, make it unlikely that the DP1 will sell particularly well. I hope that I am wrong and that the DP1 finds its niche. Who knows, it could be the next cult camera. Success or not, the DP1 will likely be an important camera. If it flops, it may be a long time before we see another attempt to bring a large sensor compact camera to market. If it sells, it will pave the way for other interesting new models to come.

The DP1 is now available for pre-order from Amazon with a release date of March 25.

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I recently reported rumors that a full frame M9 is in the works. However, a Leica dealer in the UK appears to have broken the news that Leica has opted instead to continue to update the M8. Stephens Photo Center has posted the following:

LEICA ANNOUNCEMENT

NO NEW M9

LEICA M8 UPGRADE

Leica have just announced that there will not be an M9 as previously thought.

Instead they will offer an Upgrade on all existing M8 cameras with the following modifications.

1. New Saphire Viewing Screen (Virtually
unscratchable)
2. Shutter to 1/4000th
3. Quieter actuation of Shutter mechanism
4. New Firmware
5. 2 Year Warranty with Upgrade

This modification will be available from March 2008 and will be booked through Leica Germany's Website at a cost to the owner of 1200 Euros.

Leica see the M8 as being an ongoing camera that can be modified throughout its lifetime.

Further News will be posted as and when we receive it

Leica has not confirmed this on their official site. Furthermore, the M8 shutter speed already goes to 1/8000th of a second. This had all the makings of a bad joke. However, US Leica dealer Tony Rose seems to be taking it seriously in this thread at Rangefinder Forums, and CameraQuest owner Stephen Gandy had the following to say:

Not a Rumor
Folks,

I am not sure the guy in the UK got all the details right
-- but maybe he did.

But I do have it from a reliable source this info is substantially fact,
not rumor.

Hello M8 Upgrade Dept.

Stephen

While the reported specifics of the upgrade offer don't sound very appealing, the idea of offering M8 upgrades is interesting. The rest of the M series Leica cameras can be viewed as timeless. This type of upgrade process is the only way to assure that the digital M cameras will be seen in the same light.

Addendum: There is also a discussion of this issue here in the Leica User Forum.

Update: See this thread in the Leica User Forum. A registered M8 user posted the following:

Just received this email from Leica;




Dear LEICA M8 customers,
The desire to own a digital camera manufactured by Leica, possessing the identical lifelong value retention associated with every Leica product, was brought to us by many of our customers. Leica Camera AG has now configured the LEICA M8 to meet this demand. With today’s newsletter, we would like to inform you exclusively and in advance of an outstanding innovation regarding your cherished LEICA M8.

Subjects
LEICA M8: An investment in the future
What does the first upgrade kit include?
How do I get the upgrade for my M8?
Firmware update 1.201 available

LEICA M8: An investment in the future


With the introduction of a perpetual upgrade program, every LEICA M8 will forever be a state-of-the-art digital camera. Today’s and tomorrow’s users will always be able to incorporate the latest refinements and developments in handling ease and technology. It is our aim to secure your investment in the LEICA M8 for the future. “While other digital cameras quickly become outdated and are replaced by newer models, our new concept extends the value retention and resistance to obsolescence embodied in the Leica ethos. Over time, we will gradually offer new product features and developments as upgrade options,” declares Steven K. Lee, CEO of Leica Camera AG. “Our customers can therefore still invest in the photographic tools they need without worrying that they will miss out on improvements and technological developments alo ng the way.
This information will be presented during the PMA fair in Las Vegas, beginning January 31st.

What does the first upgrade kit include?


• Scratch-proof sapphire glass cover for the LCD monitor.
• Noise-optimized shutter with a fastest speed of 1/4000s.
• If so desired, the camera will be picked up at your home and sent directly back to you, without any intermediary stage in the process.
• Health-check and complete adjustment of the camera, testing all its functions.
• Installation of the newest relevant firmware.
• New factory warranty of two years covering the same conditions as for a new camera.

How do I get the upgrade for my M8?
• This offer applies exclusively to all registered M8 users.
• We will inform you shortly via e-mail when the website is updated with detailed information about the new M8 upgrade program, and will also inform you as soon as possible how to purchase the first upgrade certificates.
• The fact that you are registered as a M8 owner will give you guaranteed access to an exclusive online area where you will be able to purchase your upgrade certificate.
• Purchasing the upgrade certificates will be possible as of March 2008 - the actual upgrading will commence as of August 2008.
• The upgrades will be fullfiled in the same order as the upgrade certificates were purchased. It is therefore advisable to acquire the certificate as quickly as possible.

Firmware update 1.201 available
In keeping with the overall sustainability of the concept of the rangefinder camera system, Leica Camera AG is now offering all LEICA M8 users an updated version of the camera firmware, which can be downloaded free of charge from Friday, February 1st from our website. Among other things, the new firmware version contains new, substantially improved automatic white balance algorithms for natural color rendering in nearly all light conditions. We will send you special information via e-mail which contains a direct link as soon as we post the firmware update on our website.

We would feel very honored if you would be amongst the first to participate in our new program for the lifelong value retention of your M8.

Yours Sincerely,
The Leica internet team

This looks real to me!

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Multiple new compact digital cameras have been leaked via Amazon and the Panasonic RSS feed. Included are new additions to the LZ, TZ, and FX series Panasonics. Learn more about them at the excellent 1001 Noisy Cameras blog.

Missing amongst the leaks is any news of an update to the DMC-LX series, which I personally find the most interesting amongst current Panasonic offerings. For "serious" use, the LX series is distinguished from other Panasonic compact lines by inclusion of RAW capability and fully manual controls. Sadly, a search for "LX4" on Amazon is unrevealing. Hopefully we'll see an update to the LX3 before PMA is through.

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When the Rebel XT was released with 10MP, there was an immediate reaction in the DPReview 10D/20D/30D forum. How could Canon put a 10MP in the entry level body and leave the 30D stranded with just 8MP? In time, it became clear that the extra 2MP adds very little to resolution while the decreased pixel size, or rather sensel size, adds a touch more noise at high ISOs. Needless to say Canon puts a number of capabilities in the X0D series that don't make it into the Rebel series. Higher frames per second in burst, better autofocus, more metering modes, larger, brighter viewfinders, and more robust shutter mechnisms to name just a few. Yet with each generation, the feature gap between these classes shrinks. With the original Digital Rebel, Canon literally handcapped the camera in software in order to preserve 10D sales. The latest Rebel gets spot metering, a sophisticated AF system, larger OVF than before (though still mirror rather than prism), and even highlight tone priority! All this plus 12MP (the 40D has 10MP) and contrast detection AF in live view! Thus the 40D user outcry at having been jipped in the megapixel race was expected and even somewhat understandable. What's interesting is that just as multiple threads are popping up in the 40D forum, with one new 40D user actually crying about it, prospective Rebel XSi buyers are complaining about the pixel packing in the Rebel forums. If we assume that the Rebel Xsi and 40D have similar sensor technologies and equal quality low pass (AA) filters - and neither of those is truly a safe bet at this point - then a couple conclusions follow. In good light, with a good lens, the Xsi should be capable of capturing a touch more detail than the 40D. In low light at high ISO, the 40D ought to fare a bit better. Neither of those advantages will be very significant, and the difference in dynamic range corresponding to such a small change in sensel size is negligible.

Assuming Canon hasn't put a crappy AA filter in the Rebel XSi, it should be pretty sweet for focal length-limited shots of distant birds in flight. If light is good, an XSi user should be able to get significantly more pixels on a distant bird than a 1D III user with the same lens. The particular lens that springs to mind for this application is the 400mm f/5.6L, which should pack enough resolution to take advantage of each one of those little pixels. Click here for a great illustration of the "crop factor" at work, and keep in mind that the advantage shown for the 20D compared with the 1D II on that site should be even greater with the XSi compared with the 1D III. Highlight tone priority is another welcome addition that should come in handy with bird photography, where white feathers often present an exposure challenge. I think the XSi is exactly what I've been waiting for in a wildlife camera.

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Now that is a camera. Taken in 1911, this is one of 3,115 Library of Congress (LOC) photos now available on Flickr. From the LOC blog:

That’s why it is so exciting to let people know about the launch of a brand-new pilot project the Library of Congress is undertaking with Flickr, the enormously popular photo-sharing site that has been a Web 2.0 innovator. If all goes according to plan, the project will help address at least two major challenges: how to ensure better and better access to our collections, and how to ensure that we have the best possible information about those collections for the benefit of researchers and posterity. In many senses, we are looking to enhance our metadata (one of those Web 2.0 buzzwords that 90 percent of our readers could probably explain better than me).

The project is beginning somewhat modestly, but we hope to learn a lot from it. Out of some 14 million prints, photographs and other visual materials at the Library of Congress, more than 3,000 photos from two of our most popular collections are being made available on our new Flickr page, to include only images for which no copyright restrictions are known to exist.

The real magic comes when the power of the Flickr community takes over. We want people to tag, comment and make notes on the images, just like any other Flickr photo, which will benefit not only the community but also the collections themselves. For instance, many photos are missing key caption information such as where the photo was taken and who is pictured. If such information is collected via Flickr members, it can potentially enhance the quality of the bibliographic records for the images.

We’re also very excited that, as part of this pilot, Flickr has created a new publication model for publicly held photographic collections called “The Commons.” Flickr hopes—as do we—that the project will eventually capture the imagination and involvement of other public institutions, as well.

Also from the LOC:

Offering historical photograph collections through Flickr gives the Library of Congress a welcome opportunity to share some of our most popular images with a new visual community.

We invite you to tag and comment on the photos, and we also welcome identifying information—many of these old photos came to us with scanty descriptions!

To view the photos on Flickr, go to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/Library_of_Congress. You do not need a Flickr account to view the images; you would need to sign up for a free account to add comments or tags.

We are offering two sets of digitized photos: the 1,600 color images from the Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information and about 1,500 images from the George Grantham Bain News Service. Why these photos? They have long been popular with visitors to the Library; they have no known restrictions on publication or distribution, and they have high resolution scans. We look forward to learning what kinds of tags and comments these images inspire.

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Leica is working hard to develop a full-frame digital M9, an autofocus R10 (SLR), and a compact digital M. So says Die Welt, a reputable German newspaper. Click here for the original article in German or here for an unusually good Google translation. Many, citing technical obstacles and lack of need, have expressed doubt that Leica would ever create a full-frame (35mm) digital M. Ever since the release of the 1.3x crop M8, I've considered the development of a full frame digital M to be inevitable, dependent only on two things - Leica's survival as a company and time.

I learned of the article via this thread at RangefinderForum.com.

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The Canon 50mm f/1.2L is a remarkable lens. I won't go on and on about it since I'm not a lens expert. However, in my unqualified opinion, the 50/1.2L has to be one of the all-time great 50mm lenses in 35mm photography. The knock on the Canon 50L (besides it being somewhat "uncool" to be a Canon in a Canon-dominated world) is that it suffers a noticeable degree of focus shift. That is to say that at close focus distances, the focal plane at higher f-numbers (smaller apertures) is closer than the focal plane at f/1.2. Since the camera focuses each lens at full aperture, the result is that close range images at higher f-numbers end up out of focus (back focused). Apparently this degree of focus shift is the result of uncorrected spherical aberration. I assume the same uncorrected spherical aberration helps explain the excellent job this lens does with rendering out-of-focus background elements. With its modern C-Sonnar T* 1,5/50 ZM (the early version of which HCB used on his Leica M bodies), Zeiss describes focus shift more as a feature than a shortcoming. Click here to see a good demonstration of focus shift from the Sonnar. However, those who complain about the Canon 50mm f/1.2L suggest that Canon ought to have used a floating lens element to correct for near focus performance, just as they did with the 35mm f/1.4L and 85mm f/1.2L.

An alternate solution for the 50L focus shift - that Canon address it with a firmware update - was proposed some time ago by Joe Mama in the DPReview forums. At the time, I thought it was an excellent idea; but I wasn't convinced that it could be done. Lately I've been reading more about older film cameras and came across some interesting information about a relatively inexpensive autofocus film camera, the Konica Hexar AF (http://www.camerapedia.org/wiki/Konica_Hexar). The Hexar had a built-in 35mm f/2 lens that is said by some to have equalled or surpassed the best Leica had to offer at this focal length. Konica decided to leave a fair amount of uncorrected spherical aberration in this lens, which apparently contributed both to sharpness wide open and extremely good handling of bokeh at the expense of significant focus shift (http://wiki.silvergrain.org/wiki/index.php/Konica_Hexar). Their solution for the focus shift was to simply have the on-board computer adjust the AF in an aperture-specific manner.

Adding a floating lens element to correct for near focus would likely add to the cost, and potentially also the size, of the 50L. Seems to me that in this era of autofocus, the software route is even more elegant than the optical fix. Konica did this in 1993. Fifteen years later, I think Joe had it right. Canon should be able to manage this with a firmware update.

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Timski6 (Flickr account here) decided to give his E-3 and ZD 12-60mm zoom the Bud Light test over the holidays. Click the image for the intended viewing size (photo used with Tim's permission).


Apparently camera and lens are doing just fine, though I cannot recommend that you try this at home. Tim posted this image in the DPReview forums and received criticism of both his test and choice of beer. Comments in the discussion included the following remarks:

"I can see the point of taking the camera on a photoshoot to a waterfall area or jungle or desert because of the weatherproofing. At least in those situations, you're actually using the camera for what it was intended. Reading these forums, I get the feeling that some Oly users would rather abuse their cameras than use them to take photos for which they were intended." (dk69483)

and

"Well, I never seen any pic in this forum from anyone that would actualy take pics in bad weather, all these users do is pour something liquid on the cams just for the hell of it." (200mm)

Tim's response was to link to this thread. Not a bad response! I can see why he has faith in his Olys.

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Bruce Hamm posted an excellent field report on the new Olympus ZD 70-300mm lens over at FourThirdsPhoto.com. Well worth a look. Makes me wish I hadn't traded mine away!

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The Online Photographer has given the ZD 12-60 SWD top honors for "Lens of the Year," a distinction which the ZD shares with the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* DT 16–80mm f/3.5–4.5. These were deemed "Two all-purpose lenses of impeccable pedigree and faultless performance." Having reviewed a number of online photos taken with the new 5X Olympus zoom, I too have been impressed with it's performance. Most 4x and greater zooms exhibit considerable barrel distortion at the wide end and poor rendering of bokeh. From what I've seen of the ZD 12-60, it suffers neither of these ills. It's also reasonably fast, sharp across the frame, quick and silent to focus, does not suffer significant light falloff at any setting, and is weather sealed. Again, these are my observations based on images reviewed online. I haven't gotten my hands on one yet. Check out the MTFs from Olympus:


Specifications:
Focal Length 12-60mm (35mm equivalent focal length 24-120mm )
Lens construction 14 Elements in 10 Groups. Super ED Lens, 2 ED lenses, Aspherical ED lens and 2 Aspherical lenses
Dust & Drip Proof Yes
Focusing System Floating & Internal Focusing System
Angle of View 84-20 Degree
Closest Focusing Distance 0.25m
Maximum Image Magnification 0.28x(35mm equivalent Max. Image Magnification 0.56x)
Minimum Field Size 62x46mm
Number of Blades 7 (Circular Aperture Diaphragm)
Maximum Aperture f 2.8 (12mm) – f 4.0(60mm)
Minimum Aperture f 22
Filter Size Diameter 72mm
Dimension Diameter 79.5x98.5mm
Weight 575g

My interest in the Four Thirds system was to obtain as small and light a kit as possible. Hence I bought an E-410 with the tiny, yet high quality 14-42mm kit lens. Going with the 12-60 instead would add considerable bulk and weight to my Olympus walkaround kit, so I will do my best to resist purchasing this lens. However, there seems to be no doubt that Olympus has produced a winner.

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If you're reading this post wondering "What the heck is bokeh?", read this first. Otherwise, run over to RangefinderForum.com and check out "The ultimate Bokeh thread." 16 pages (and counting) of the good, the bad, and the downright freaky.

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To simplify this site's web address, I tried to register AminPhoto.com. Unfortunately that url already belongs to someone else. I therefore registered AminFoto.com and have changed the blog name accordingly. The new address (www.aminfoto.com) simply forwards to the old one (aminphoto.blogspot.com), so there is no need to change any links or bookmarks unless you are so inclined. Thanks for visiting!

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Serious Compacts is a photography site focused on the "serious" use of compact cameras.

These days it seems that many people associate serious photography with the use of large, heavy gear. Our site features testing and discussion of the remarkable compact tools available to photographers. We also highlight some of the outstanding work being done with this gear.

From an equipment standpoint, we are of course interested in advanced compact cameras, i.e. cameras which offer full manual controls, RAW, and other special capabilities. However, our interest extends to include quality photography achieved with any compact cameras, advanced or otherwise.

Individual site contributors may have differing takes on what is "compact." Discussion of large gear is primarily limited to that which is relevant to the compact shooter (eg, a "shootout" between a particular set of large and small cameras), though we reserve the right to occasionally go well off-topic =).

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Reviews:

Ricoh GR Digital II Review by Amin Sabet



Articles and Essays:

A Wish for Simplicity by Wouter Brandsma
Serious Compacts: The Care and Feeding Of by Simon C. Hughes

An iCamera? by Mayank Bhatnagar
Eliminating Lag with Digital Compacts by Amin Sabet
What Makes a Compact Camera Serious? by Björn Utpott
Small Format Deep DOF Advantage - Fact or Myth? by Amin Sabet


Tests:

Panasonic G1 - Nikon D700 ISO Noise Comparison
Bokeh Test: Olympus ZD 25mm f/2.8 vs Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 and supplement


Shootouts (most recent first):

Canon G10 - Leica D-LUX 4 Shootout

• Design and Build
• Field of View Coverage and Barrel Distortion at 28mm Equivalent
• Dynamic Range
• Noise

Sigma DP1 Shootout

• Introduction
• Dynamic Range Comparison with Canon 5D and Olympus E-420
• Landscape Detail Comparison with 5D and E-420 and
• Landscape Detail Comparison Supplement
  
• High ISO Performance in Low, Incandescent Light
• High ISO Performance in Mixed Low Light
• Examples of DP1 Exposure Latitude
• Size and FOV Comparison with G9 and D-LUX 3
• Dynamic Range Comparison with G9 and D-LUX 3
  
• Detail Comparison with G9 and D-LUX 3

Ricoh GX100, Canon G7, and Leica D-LUX 2 Shootout

• Appearance and Zoom Range
• JPEG Noise
• ISO 80 Crops at 35mm & Full Aperture
• Flare Performance
• Noise Performance Revisited
• G7 Default JPEG vs GX100 Silkypix Conversions
• Key Timings
• Build Quality, Quality Control, and Battery Life
• Conclusion
  

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2008 may prove to be a real breakthrough year for digital photography. DSLRs are now affordable for just about everyone, and quality compact digital cameras are getting downright cheap.

- It;s hard for me to believe that one can buy a good Olympus DSLR (E-330, body only) new for $330.
- The full-frame (35mm sensor) Canon 5D is selling close to $2000 new and $1500 used in excellent condition.
- There is good reason to believe one or more 5D replacements will be announced on January 24, 2008. If Canon brings in a new full frame camera at a $2K street price, the 5D will likely approach $1k in the used market by the end of 2008. That would be a huge development for full frame fans.
- Quality, image-stabilized body+2-lens DSLR kits such as the Olympus E-510/14-42/40-150 kit are selling for $650!
- Advanced, high end compacts like the Powershot G9 have been driven way down in price by the increasing affordability of DSLRs.
- The Panasonic DMC-FZ18, a high-quality "bridge camera" with an excellent 18x stabilized zoom covering wide to supertelephoto, is selling for under $350.
- There are too many to name high quality compact cameras coming in near or below the $200 mark.

2008 is bound to be a year in which many of those holding out on their digital camera purchase will wait no longer. As for me, I just want an affordable digital rangefinder. Is that too much to ask?

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Ktixx put together a great resource in the DC Resource forums, "Where/Where Not to Purchase Your Camera." He compiled the merchant ratings from BizRate.com, Shopping.com, and ResellerRatings.com to stratify sellers as "Exceptional," "Good," "Okay," or "Bad." Definitely worth a read if you are still unsure where to buy your photography-related equipment and supplies.

I advertise Amazon products on this page because they pay me via an affiliate system, but I can honestly say that they are my first choice right for photography gear these days. I buy at Amazon because of their prices, customer service, and return policy. However, if you look Amazon up on the merchant ratings sites, it doesn't rate very well. I'm pretty sure that the reason for this is that people don't make a distinction between products sold by Amazon and products sold by other merchants on Amazon. I can only recommend Amazon for the products with "Ships from and sold by Amazon.com" listed under "Availability."

The other store which has given me outstanding customer service is Norman Camera, located in Kalamazoo, MI. I personally trust Norman Camera more than I trust any of the New York stores. However, I can also recommend B&H, one of the largest New York stores.

For Ricoh and Leica gear, I recommend PopFlash Photo. Great service.

The main thing to keep in mind is the old adage, if it looks too good to be true, then it probably is. Any Google search for photography equipment will bring up some "too good to be true" ads. Virtually all of these deals are scams.

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