The McNamara Report

Smart Cameras: Digital Photo Magazine Cover Story, Jan. 2013

Mike — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 00:02:30 +0000

Some might call it a split-personality cover––with two-thirds of the precious real estate extolling the virtues of Black and White photography and the rest dedicated to state-of-the-art digital Smart Cameras. But if you look closely (or better still–READ THE ISSUE!) you’ll notice that all the Black and White stories refer to digital camera and printing techniques for capturing and sharing great black and white photos! (Funny, the first digital SLR I ever saw could only shoot black and white images, and now even my smartphone sports a black and white photo mode. Yours probably does too!)
If you still believe that the best black and white images come from analog silver-halide film and paper, you’re not alone––but I don’t agree. After spending over 1500 hours developing silver-halide films and prints in the darkroom I switched completely to digital photography and printing more than a decade ago, except for the occasional black and white film scan that I print out on my 24-inch, Epson 7900 printer. The result? Longer lasting prints, better control of image quality for both color and black and white prints, and no more breathing in toxic chemical fumes. I’m sure that if the famous black and white artist, Ansel Adams, were alive today, he would be shooting and printing digitally.
However, my story isn’t about black and white photography, and it’s not about a clear cut, black and white issue either. It’s about compact cameras that are headed in a new direction–for better or worse. The fact is that traditional camera companies are being forced to do something to stem the outflow of consumer cash to smartphone’s featuring better and better cameras, plus all of the instant connectivity and social-media advantages of a 24/7 3G and 4G world. Sure, “real” cameras still feature image stabilization, better zoom lenses, longer last batteries, higher image quality, and better low light capabilities (not to mention powerful flash options)than any camera phone. But having to connect a camera via USB to a computer, or put the memory card in a reader in order to share photos is so 2009! That’s why Nikon, Samsung, and Sony (CES 2013 UPDATE: Add Panasonic to the Smart Camera list.) have introduced WiFi-enabled Smart Cameras capable of running Apps and sharing photos in ways now familiar to most smartphone owners. Buyer beware though! A smart camera might not always be the smartest choice for you. Check out my story!

By the way, in the unedited text I submitted to DP, I called this new breed of smart camera a “CAMBLET” (you know, half camera, half tablet). It didn’t stick, but I still think it was a smarter moniker than a “smartphone wannabee”!

New Camera Trends: Small Frame vs Full Frame–Which One For You?

Mike — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 19:00:57 +0000

The Nov. 2012 issue of DigitalPhotoPro Magazine has an incredibly hot cover photo by photo-duo Markus and Indrani, but is it hotter than my LEAD story on New Camera Trends? Check it out on page 86 of the newsstand issue, which includes a much better layout and larger photos than the free online version.

I think my original title “APS-C: Does the bell toll for thee?” had a better ring to it (pardon the pun!) but the story is actually about other camera formats in addition to APS-C, and I’m not one to argue with an editor who gives me prime real estate on the cover. Now, perhaps he could help me track down the cover model/actress, Brooklyn Decker, so I can get my personal copy signed??

Nikon D600 First Look: Is this DSLR a D800 Killer?

Mike — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 22:12:17 +0000

They say a picture is worth a 1,000 words. But what if the scene you’re viewing can’t be described so easily–should you switch the camera to HD Video mode? That’s what I do.
Serious photographers who are looking for one of the best values in HD-SLRs have lots of choices these days when it comes to shooting with dual-personality, interchangeable lens cameras. And the new kid on the block, the Nikon D600, is about to take center stage. It’s a relatively affordable, well-built, full frame, camera that’s nearly as comfortable shooting Full HD 1080p video as it is capturing fast, sharp, high-speed action photos that can be printed at 24 x 36 inches without degradation.
I got a chance to handle one behind the scenes at a Nikon Preview event on Sept. 12, 2012, about 15 hours before the world found out (more than enough time to stop drueling!) My thoughts, and a few close peeks at the camera are contained in the following video:

Now that I have one in hand, expect some in-depth feedback on the camera with its new kit lens, the Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 G VR lens. And perhaps a few videos that have a lot to say.

Epson WorkForce Pro 4540 All-in-One Review (Interactive Video)

Mike — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:16:56 +0000

INTERACTIVE VIDEO: The above video allows you to stop and select additional information about the printer and the testing procedures I used as the movie progresses. For example, when the print speed tests start, you can click on an icon in the right sidebar that leads you to more information on the ISO 24734 print speed standard. Then during the image quality segment you can view an enlarged Delta E test chart from the color accuracy test, or a more detailed side-by-side photo print comparison. For more information on this interactive video player and MeBoxMedia technology, visit Me!BoxMedia.

INTRODUCTION:
Not long ago, using an ink jet printer to handle the daily printing requirements in a busy office, studio, or copy center was not an option. Ink jet printers were much slower and the cost per page was much higher than for similar-priced laser printers. However, Epson’s new WorkForce Pro 4540 All-in-One ink jet printer ($350, street price) claims to be able to outgun competitively-priced laser and ink jet printers in both print speed and cost-per-page, and it also boasts 2-sided printing, scanning, copying, faxing, and advanced support for wireless and mobile printing. But does it live up to its claims? And will owners really able to achieve a lower cost-per-page without sacrificing performance, print quality, or durability?
To find out, I ran the WP-4540 through a variety of print and copy speed tests (all based on the ISO 24734 standard) as well as customized font and image quality comparison tests. The proof is in the printing, so check out the 4-min Interactive video above (Or watch a non-interactive version in full screen on YouTube.) and then decide for yourself if the WP-4540′s high performance, business-friendly features, and incredible speed are what you’re looking for in a new office printer.

EPSON WORKFORCE PRO WP-4540 ALL-IN-ONE PRINTER ($350 STREET PRICE)

For more detailed product shots browse through the product gallery below:

And if you’re curious about what comes in the box of the Epson WorkForce Pro WP-4540–or how to remove it from the box with the least amount of effort, be sure to watch the High-Definition unboxing video below:

Cover Story On Auto-HDR in Dec. 2011 Outdoor Photographer Magazine

Mike — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 22:07:36 +0000

New cameras are taking the challenge out of high contrast scenes, leaving photographers more time to compose and share their photos rather than retouch them in Photoshop. Check out the state-of-the-HDR-art in this December’s Outdoor Photographer magazine (intro below:)

INTRO:

Auto HDR, Quicker, Faster And Better?

New DSLRs with Auto HDR features can create high dynamic range images in just seconds, but are the results worth the convenience?

By Michael J. McNamara

In the last few years, high dynamic range (HDR) photography has become incredibly popular, propelled in part by the capabilities of both digital cameras and HDR-enabled imaging programs. As a group, outdoor photographers have been the biggest beneficiaries of the HDR process, as it enables us to tackle high-contrast scenes in nature and produce HDR images that more closely match our visual experience. Creating an HDR image isn’t new to digital, but with film it was a tedious process that required skill, an expensive darkroom and lots of trial and error. With digital photography, you can create an HDR image in the computer much easier and with better results. DSLRs can shoot a burst of bracketed exposures, and using a variety of HDR-enabled software programs, you can create an HDR image by combining elements from each exposure.

Camera designers apparently didn’t think this was easy enough, which explains why there are now Auto HDR modes in several new DSLRs from Nikon, Pentax and Sony, and we expect the trend to continue. At the push of the shutter button, these cameras shoot a quick burst of exposures and then use their powerful image-processing engines to merge them into an HDR JPEG image. As a bonus, several Pentax and Sony models can correct minor camera movements that occur between frames in the burst, allowing you to create HDR images without a tripod!

READ ARTICLE:

Hurricane Irene Storm Damage Captured By Sony SLT-a77

Mike — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 22:00:19 +0000

Flash flood caused by heavy rains and broken dam caused severe damage to this house and at least seven others during Tropical Storm Irene.

Before photo above shows you how this “water wheel” house usually sits above a fairly calm stream.

On August 28, 2011 Tropical Storm Irene hit New York State and New England, devastating rural and mountain towns with flooding rains and high winds. I live about 80 miles North of NYC, and had a chance to document some of the storm damage in my area. Fortunately, the high winds had dropped from their original hurricane force, but trees still came down all over the place as a result of the 6-12 inches of rain that fell within 10 hours. The ground was already saturated from a record wet August, leaving no where for the water to go. Dams broke, trees blocked drains, etc. This video shows some of the damage caused by the storm within a mile or two of my house:

Hurricane Irene Storm Damage

NYC At Night With Sony SLT-a77 (HD VIDEO)

Mike — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 20:55:08 +0000

NYC at Night with Sony SLT-a77

Sony’s new SLT-a77 features a high-resolution, 24.3MP Exmor sensor that can not only take very sharp images in low light, but also extraordinary Full HD video. In both case, built-in image stabilization allows you to shoot at slow shutter speeds with any lens, and image processing hardware helps tame noise. To demonstrate how well it performs, I shot some sample videos and still photos in Times Square, New York City at night. I used the built-in stereo microphone for sound recording, and set the camera to ISO 1600.

NYC at Night with Sony SLT-a77

Cover Story On Sub-$1,000 HDSLRs In Outdoor Photographer Magazine

Mike — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 20:15:16 +0000

Ready to upgrade from a compact camera to a more-capable DSLR? Or looking to trade in your old DSLR for a newer, faster, video-capable model that won’t cost you an arm and a leg? Check out the roundup I wrote in this month’s Outdoor Photographer magazine.

INTRO:
Big-Time DSLRs Under $1,000
Packed with power, advanced features and high performance, the latest sub-$1,000 HD SLRs are outstanding options for serious nature photographers
By Michael J. McNamara

It’s hard to believe that the very first DSLR was introduced only 20 years ago, but that’s ancient history in the world of digital cameras. Priced at an astronomical $26,000 for the basic color model, the Kodak DCS-100 had a jury-rigged, 1.3-megapixel camera back attached to a Nikon F3 film SLR and a shoebox-sized 200 MB hard drive that slung painfully over your shoulder. By today’s standards, the DCS-100 was a real clunker—but the same can be said of any DSLR that’s more than five years old, as recent advancements in digital camera technologies have upped the performance ante dramatically in DSLRs from entry level to professional grade. Now, if you’re a serious photographer who can’t justify spending several grand on a rugged, full-frame DSLR, or even a pro looking for an affordable, lightweight backup camera and one that just happens to record great video, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the features and performance found in DSLRs costing under $1,000.

READ ARTICLE:

First Look at the new Sony SLT-a77 and SLT-a65 cameras (HD VIDEO)

Mike — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 15:34:03 +0000

Sony threw the gauntlet at Canon, Nikon, and other camera manufacturers on August 24, 2011 when it showcased four new camera models– the SLT-a77, SLT-a65, NEX-7, and the NEX-5N. (Wait! Wasn’t it only two months ago that the photo world was introduced to two other Sony interchangeable-lens cameras, the SLT-a35 and the NEX-C3? Yep! Apparently, Sony is on a roll this year, introducing nearly as many interchangeable lens camera models as the combined total introduced by Canon, Nikon, Panasonic, Olympus, and Samsung.
All of the newest Sony models boast dramatic improvements or extraordinary features, but my two favorites are definitely the SLT-a77 and SLT-a65. Both of these are “SLR” style cameras featuring Sony’s Translucent Mirror Technology instead of a reflex mirror as found on true HDSLRs. The main advantages to using Translucent Mirror technology is to provide fast autofocus in live view and video modes, plus a smaller overall design.This promise they fulfill, and they also bring the highest resolution APS-C sensor into the race, a 24.3MP Sony Exmor that is also capable of recording FUll HD 10p video at 60p. More remarkable is the 2.4 million dot OLED microdisplay viewfinder that has higher resolution, more accurate color, and better responsiveness than any other microdisplay or EVF (electronic viewfinder).
To learn more about these cameras, check out my First Look video below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0M4Hz-cKiA

First Look at Sony SLT-a77 and SLT-a65

Cover Story: Outdoor Photographer: First Look at Sony SLT-A35

Mike — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 18:14:11 +0000

If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, what does a cover story a month keep away? Now that I’ve had a several in a row with Outdoor Photographer and Digital Photo Pro magazines, I think the answer is “obscurity” in an industry with a very short attention span. Regardless of the long term benefits, it sure makes my day when I discover that I’ve landed another one on the newsstands. Check out this month’s story, and if you want to see the SLT-A35 and the NEX-C3 in action, watch the First Look video on YouTube.

SONY SLT-A35: For $699 with 18-55mm zoom kit lens, this 16.2MP camera offers a ton of features including an electronic viewfinder, image stabilization built-in, a large 3-inch LCD monitor, and fast AF in movie and live view modes.