The Online Photographer has just published the fifth and last part of its epic series of articles called "Great Photo Books You Can Buy New." The series encompasses reissues, current books, a backgrounder on photo book collecting, and lists by Martin Parr and by Jeff Ladd of the photo book review site 5B4.

Part V, by T.O.P.'s regular book reviewer Geoff Wittig, concentrates on classic books by major figures, with a concentration on Dr. Wittig's favorite genre, landscapes. Links to all the earlier posts are listed at the end of the new article.

Link: T.O.P. - Geoff Wittig's List (Great Photo Books You Can Buy New Part V)

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Amazon has the VF-11 external optical viewfinder for the Sigma DP1 in stock at a price of $87.61 with free shipping. That's nearly 40% cheaper than other reputable dealers like B&H ($150 plus shipping) or Adorama ($140 plus shipping).

I just ordered mine. You can help support this site by using the link below to purchase yours.

Update: I received my VF-11 viewfinder yesterday. Like the CV minifinder, this is nice and small, appropriately so for the DP1. Having heard the knocks on VF-11 (plastic build, marked barrel distortion, difficult to view brightlines, and lack of parallax correction), I have been pleasantly suprised. The build seems very solid, and the view is large and bright. I can simultaneously make out all brightlines while wearing my glasses, which is something I had more difficulty with using the CV minifinder. Barrel distortion is moderate and I don't anticipate it being a problem for my intended use of the viewfinder. The VF-11 seats snugly in the DP1 hot shoe; I don't think it will dislodge easily by accident. I had been waiting for a good deal on the VF-11, and I can certainly recommend it at this price.

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David Farkas Photography Blog has some of the best Photokina coverage around. His latest post has excellent photos of and commentary regarding the Leica D-LUX 4 system. I found the following statement regarding the D-LUX 4 to be of particular interest:

The camera ships with Capture One v4 software which allows RAW file processing. Interestingly, the Panasonic LX3’s RAW files are actually different and are not supported in C1. So, the differences go beyond skin deep between these compact camera cousins.

If true, this would be the first time that a Panasonic product were to differ at the RAW level from the Leica version of the same product. It's remains to be seen whether there are such substantive differences. Perhaps a simple camera name change in the EXIF will be all that it takes to get LX3 support in C1.

At any rate, when choosing between a D-LUX 4 and LX3, don't forget to factor in the longer warranty, included RAW software, and higher resale value of the Leica product.

Source: David Farkas Photography Blog - Photokina 2008 - Day 5 - Gitzo, Manfrotto, Lastolite, and Leica compacts revisted

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 video review on CameraLabs.com.

Update: this blog by Juha Haataja has several interesting posts during September about the use of this camera.

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The Panasonic LX3 (black) is in stock and selling for $436 with free shipping at Amazon. You can support this site by buying via the link below.

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