Making Tea - A Quick Slideshow

I was looking for something to photograph this evening, and decided to try out the new Teavana tea infuser that I got for Christmas. I set up a black cloth background, put the Nikon Df on iso 200 with my 28mm f2.8 lens and 3-stop ND filter. With this setup, at f16, I could leave the shutter open for minutes at a time without ambient light showing up in the pictures. I then proceeded to "paint" my subjects with a small flashlight, making images at various points in the tea making process.

 

Here's how it turned out:

 

Relaxing Holiday Tea, by Reed A. George

 

Just a little diversion for an afternoon. I learned a few things from this. First, I needed to be more careful about spots on the glass infuser. Second, I needed to pay close attention to the flashlight being directly reflected from the ceramic and glass surfaces. But, it's definitely something I could perfect in a second shooting, if I decided to. I see now why product photography is painstaking and difficult. But, it's actually pretty fun.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

DIYPhotography Shows Great Photo Setups With Granite Tile

Still in the process of trying to recover my hard drive after the failed "within Lightroom" transfer process, I'm having to resort to cross-posting a little more than normal. No to worry, I'll be back post some of my own work very soon.

 

(Click Here) to read what happened to me in my file-transfer nightmare; maybe it'll help you avoid the same issues.

 

I saw a great post on DIYPhotography today, about how to use a granite tile as a base for cool product-style photography. Here's the shot that caught my eye:

 

 

Image Source: http://www.diyphotography.net/granite-tile

 

(Click Here) to read the full post on diyphotography.net

 

There are lots of good examples in this post, including how to integrate light painting with this style of shooting. Not exactly what you'd want to use for selling products on ebay, but certainly cool. There's another image of a Rolleiflex that I really love.

 

So, if you're bored on a cold winter day, there are certainly some ideas at the link above for you to play around with.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

Dodge and Burn Presents Their Newest Camera T-Shirt - The Graflex Speed Graphic With Aero-Ektar Lens!

 

The Newest Dodge and Burn Shirt - Speed Graphic With Aero-Ektar!

Image Source: dodgeandburn.com

 

I've written about Dodge and Burn before. They make the coolest t-shirts with classic camera designs. (Click Here) to go to their home page and see all of their designs.

 

(Click Here) to read my previous post.

 

I want you to know that I'm not financially connected with them in any way; I simply love their products. In fact, I now have three - the Street Shooter, the Rangefinder Classic, and now, the MAPC (Modified Aerial Press Camera) shown above.

 

The Aero Ektar is a 178mm lens with fast f2.5 aperture. It was built for the US military to use for aerial photography.

 

The Graflex Speed Graphic needs little introduction. It was the most popular press camera (4x5 film) for many, many years.

 

A quick google search for either the camera or lens will yield more information than you can consume.

 

(Click Here) for a single page with lots of good information.

 

One more plug for Dodge and Burn - I had a minor flaw with one of my shirts. They took care of it immediately and efficiently. Their customer service is exactly as it should be - customer-focused. Thanks, Dodge and Burn!

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

43rumors Posts Olympus and Panasonic Roadmap in Micro 4/3 for 2013

 

Roadmap Source: http://www.43rumors.com/olympuspanasonic-2013-roadmap-sketch/

 

I don't usually give much thought to the sites that publish rumors about the camera industry. However, I have found 43rumors to be reasonably accurate, and they usually know when the rumor is likely to be incorrect.

 

This post is a little more fun than most on the rumor sites. The roadmap above shows what 43rumors thinks is coming in the Micro 4/3 arena from market leaders Panasonic and Olympus in this calendar year (and maybe a little later).

 

The fun thing is, you can vote on which three items on the roadmap interest you most, and see what the total voting results are so far.

 

(Click Here) to go to 43rumors.com and place your vote.

 

This tells me that the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX2 isn't coming out anytime soon. I don't know what to think of the G7 coming out soon. The G5 was not very impressive to me. If the G7 has the GH3 sensor (or better), I may be interested, as long as the body doesn't grow too much in size from the G3. A "pro" grade Lumix may be interesting as well, but I have a feeling it'll be Nikon DSLR size, just to prove it's pro equipment. Finally, a 42.5mm f1.2 lens could be fun. Of course, characteristically, I'm focused on Panasonic more than Olympus. The OM-D is already a huge win for Olympus, and I'm sure it only gets better.

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

Miroslav Mosko Gives In-Depth Analysis of His Experience With Fujifilm X100 on Steve Huff Photo

As I've mentioned, I'm intrigued by the line of Fujifilm cameras, mostly the X100 (and the newly-announced X100S). As DMC-365 is all about the interface between equipment and creativity, I thoroughly enjoyed a post by Miroslav Mosko, posted on stevehuffphoto.com.

 

Fujifilm X100, by Miroslav Mosko

Image Source: http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2013/01/16/user-report-my-road-to-the-fuji-x100-by-miroslav-mosko/

 

Miroslav also shoots a Nikon D700. We both agree on the spectacular features of that camera. He wanted something smaller, simpler. Miroslav purchased a classic Nikon FM2 and 50mm lens, another of my favorites. While he does not mind waiting for film processing, he found that it was not a practical everyday camera, and really didn't like handing over control of processing to someone else.

 

Interested in the X100, Miroslav downloaded raw files from the web and processed them himself. Overall, he was not impressed. This fact, coupled with all of the nitpicking on online blogs about shortcomings of the X100 nearly convinced him to give up on the X100.

 

Miroslav was very impressed by the work of a Canadian photographer, on the blog LaROQUE.

 

(Click Here) to see LaROQUE - beautiful!

 

Based on LaROQUE alone, Miroslav decided to go for it. He bought an X100. Miroslav gives a well-balanced evaluation, including critical analysis of many features. His X100 had to go back to the factory as the sensor wasn't clean right out of the box. Completely unacceptable, especially on a fixed lens camera!

 

In the end, however, Miroslav just plain loved using the X100. He reports that digital noise, while present, is very film-like, as is the color.

 

I really enjoyed Miroslav's piece, because it does demonstrate how equipment affects the creative process. It also illustrates how there are some intangible things, things that can't be written into a specification table or analyzed by taking pictures of focus targets and brick walls at iso 3200, that have a huge impact on how we enjoy our craft.

 

(Click Here) to read Miroslav's entry on stevehuffphoto.com

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 

Panasonic Hands the DMC-GH3 to Pros To Generate Sample Images and Videos

 

Panasonic DMC-GH3

Image Source: http://shop.panasonic.com/shop/model/DMC-GH3KBODY

 
The newly-announced Lumix DMC-GH3 takes its place as the flagship camera in the Panasonic line. The new body design is weatherproof, and larger than previous Lumix Micro 4/3 bodies. While larger than say the G3, it is still more compact than DSLRs, and approximately half the weight. In addition, the smaller lenses will still make a GH3 kit significantly smaller and lighter than an equivalent DSLR kit.
 
The most important room for improvement in Micro 4/3 is low noise, high iso performance. Since I shoot a lot of low light situations, especially in my live music project, this is where I'd love to see more progress. However, I want to start by saying that last year's state-of-the-art isn't bad. Here's an example of a shot I took recently with the DMC-G3 at iso 3200, in a very dimly lit venue.
 

Greg Ruby, by Reed A. George

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3, Olympus 75mm f1.8 Lens

iso 3200, f1.8, 1/100 sec

 
In the shot above, I was forced to shoot at iso 3200, even with the fast f1.8 Olympus lens. At 1/100 second exposure, I'm pushing the fastest shutter speed that can be shot with the camera handheld (carefully) with this lens. Since the 75mm has an equivalent field of view as a 150mm lens on 35mm format, ~1/150 second is the slowest speed that can reliably be handheld.
 
The new DMC-GH3 reportedly significantly improves high iso performance, with regular iso settings up to 12,800 and extended 25,600 capability. The question is - what do the images look like at these settings?
 
Panasonic handed the GH3 to six imaging professionals to generate samples. Bruce Logan, Philip Bloom, and Elliot Rosenblatt worked on video, while Ira Block, Daniel Berehulak, and Kazuo Unno focused on still images.
 
(Click Here) to see the results on Panasonic's special GH3 site.
 
Ira Block shares a variety of images from the American West, including a very nice night landscape, shot at iso 2500 and a shutter opening of 30 seconds! Quite nice.
 
Daniel Berehulak documented Muslim life in India. He includes a couple of shots at iso 1250 that are very low in apparent noise.
 
Kazuo Unno focused his (macro) lens on the insect world.
 
I still look forward to seeing some images shot at iso 3200 and higher. I sure would love to have a Lumix camera that could come close to matching the high iso performance of my full-frame Nikon D700!
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 

New Leica Rangefinders - What Do You Think?

 

The Leica M

Image Source: http://the.me/voila-the-new-leica-m-and-leica-m-e-leica-creates-cmos-and-minimalist-ccd-digital-ms/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+themephoto+%28theme%29

 
Leica has announced two new entries into the digital rangefinder world. First, the new "M." Instead of continuing the numbering system, they've decided to go with less is more in naming. This new camera sports the first CMOS sensor in the M line. CMOS is known to give better noise performance at high iso, as compared to the CCD. However, the CCD produces sharper images, at least according to Leica's previous literature, and the opinion of many other experts. CCD is limited not only by high iso performance, but by the inability to provide live view, video, etc.
 
The new M uses a sensor that is reported to give the best of both worlds. The M remains a manual focus rangefinder, like the rest of the line. Probably the two most important upgrades for me are high iso and "focus peaking." Focus peaking uses the camera sensor to indicate when you've reached correct focus with a manual focusing lens. Some Nikon DSLRs with focus peaking have been around for years. I find it useful, especially as my eyes age with the rest of my body. I'm still avoiding going to auto focus exclusively, and focus peaking may give me a few more years. The new M lists for the same price as the previous M9, approximately.
 
Next, the Leica M-E. This is essentially a repackaged M9 (wonderful camera), with no external frame selector. It lists for ~$5,500, less than the M9. This is a step in the right direction for Leica attracting new customers - awesome camera (I have the M9), better price. But, at $5,500, it's still not for the light-hearted.
 
I recently bought a used M9, and could not be happier. If I were looking to resell the M9, I may not be happy. I plan to use mine for a very long time. And for now, I'm quite happy with the CCD performance. I'll have to be convinced that the new M's CMOS sensor can really do what the M9 does. That said, sensor technology changes so quickly, I should not doubt progress, ever.
 
For another post on the new Leica products, check this one out:
 
(Click Here) to read more on THEME.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 

Nik Software Bought By Google - Good or Bad?

 

Image Source: http://www.niksoftware.com/hdrefexpro/usa/index.php

 

The Online Photographer reports that Google has purchased Nik Software, makers of photo editing software.

 

(Click Here) to read the post and responses.

 

Personally, I use Nik's HDR Efex Pro, and find it very nice to work with. I am interested in trying Silver Efex (which is a monochrome conversion tool, to turn color images to black and white in a controlled way). I have also played with the app Snapseed, which is also a Nik product. It's actually very cool.

 

When I saw the news, my first thought was that this could be good for the company. Google's developmental and financial resources could ensure stability and really push the tools ahead. Most commenters disagree, and see this as bad news.

 

I will admit - I have no data on how products fare after companies are acquired by Google. Some commenters think that Google will focus solely on Snapseed, and kill the rest. That would be a shame. I kind of doubt that.

 

Thoughts? Predictions?

 

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

 
 

 

 

Some User Shots From Another Photographer Using the Lumix 12-35mm f2.8

 

User DHart on mu-43's Image From the Lumix 12-35mm f2.8

Image Source: http://www.mu-43.com/f38/pany-12-35-f-2-8-lots-first-evening-images-29091/

 
 
Forum poster DHart has shared some great images, made with the new Panasonic Lumix 12-35mm f2.8 lens. I'm not sure how they got their hands on the lens. As of the day of writing (July 7, 2012), I have not seen it in stock anywhere.
 
 
(Click Here) to see all of DHart's images in this post on mu-43.com.
 
This post was part of my decision to go ahead and buy the lens. Now, as you may have seen, I've decided this isn't the lens for me.

 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 

I Would Have Thought It Was April Fool's Day, But Here's a New Polaroid Instant Camera - Digital!

 

Polaroid Z2300 - Instant Digital Prints!

Image Source: www.amazon.com

 
Well, I suppose it had to happen someday. Polaroid is back in the instant camera business. The newly-announced Z2300 uses a digital sensor and has an integrated printer, which makes 2"x3" prints on the spot.
 
Pretty cool. Retails for $159.
 
(Click Here) to read the same story I did on ePhotoZine.
 
(Click Here) to read about it on Polaroid's site.
 
I sort of see this like an iPhone camera with a printer attached. It would be great for parties. I think it's great to see the combination of digital imaging and instant printing in such a small package. Gimmick? Perhaps. But, I bet the original Polaroid instant films were seen the same way, and they sure found more serious uses, such as for setting up large format images before committing to regular film.
 
Anyway - certainly something different, and that's worth something today.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 

New Products - Micro Lens Pouches for Small Lenses (e.g. Micro 4/3)

Image Source: http://www.microlenspouch.com/

Member LightingLeica (Todd) on the getdpi forums has announced that his company is making small, padded lens pouches, well-fit to Micro 4/3 lenses. In fact, they have an excellent page to tell you which pouch you need for your specific lenses. It includes all of my Lumix lenses.

Just to be sure you know - I have no connection with Todd, other than I'm trying out his new product. However, if you buy yours through my Amazon links below, I'll get a small commission to support my blog.

(Click Here) to go to the Micro Lens Pouch site.

Please purchase yours through the links to Amazon below. You get the same price, and I get a few pennies to help keep my blog going!

The prices are very reasonable. I am planning to purchase a set of three (small, medium, large), once they're in stock.

I've ordered the two-piece set (small and medium), and will get a large later (assuming I like the first two). It's great to have them available through Amazon, as my Amazon Prime membership covers the shipping cost!

I'll report back on how they work!

UPDATE 6/13/12: I received my small and medium pouches. My initial impression is that they are well-made, and likely to be durable. The material is very nice, and provides a lot of padding in a thin material. They are lightweight. So, I think I am going to be pleased with them.

Always happy to help out a photo-entrepreneur.

DMC-365.blogspot.com

Final Two Chapters of My Free G3 Settings eBook Available For Download! Get the Whole eBook Here, Free!

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 and Nikon Nikkor AIS 28mm f2.8 Lens

by Reed A. George

 
Well, since I'm expecting the announcement of a new Panasonic Lumix Micro 4/3 body (the rumored DMC-G5? DMC-GH3?) any time now, I figured I had better wrap up my ebook on how I use the DMC-G3. In fact, I use two of them.
 
The final installment includes a chapter on setting up custom configurations, and a short chapter on my conclusions on the camera.
 
I learned a lot by working through every detail of how to set up this camera. And the best thing is, now that I've done it, and saved some custom configurations, I can forget about the details of what many of those menu settings actually mean. This camera has so many options, it's amazing. But, I want to set most of them once, and forget them. Custom Modes help a lot, as does the Quick Menu.
 
(Click Here) to download the final two chapters of my ebook, in Adobe pdf format.
 
For ease of navigation, I'm including links to the previous chapters below:
 
(Click Here) for Chapter 1 - Introduction and External Controls
 
(Click Here) for Chapter 2 - Menu Settings
 
(Click Here) for Chapter 3 - Focusing
 
I hope that you'll find them useful.
 
I recommend that you download and save all of them; I will consolidate them into a single file, but cannot guarantee that it will remain available for free forever...

 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 

Chapter 3 of My eBook on the G3 Is Now Available For Free Download!

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3

with Nikon Nikkor 28mm f2.8 Manual Focus Lens

If you've been following the development of my eBook, you may be interested to know that Chapter 3 is now available for free download. Chapter 3 takes on the subject of focusing - both the extensive autofocus (AF) technologies and the superb manual focusing tools resident in the DMC-G3.

(Click Here) to download Chapter 3 - Focusing

As a reminder, here are the links to the posts for the first two chapters:
 
(Click Here) for Chapter 1 - Introduction and External Controls
 
(Click Here) for Chapter 2 - Menu Settings
 
Writing this chapter helped me to work through some questions I had with AF settings. Probably the most important thing I learned is how cool Pinpoint Focus can be when used in conjunction with the Touch Screen. As a regular user of the Electronic View Finder (EVF), I don't use the Touch Screen often. However, after trying out Pinpoint Focus, I now have it in mind should the opportunity present itself.
 
I hope you're enjoying the eBook! Please comment, drop me a line, or even purchase something on Amazon by clicking through the link below. It doesn't cost you anything extra.
 
Enjoy!
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 
 

It's A Good Week For New Micro 4/3 Lens Announcements - If You Can Afford Them

 

Image Source: http://www.mu-43.com/

 
In addition to announcement of the Panasonic Lumix 12-35mm f2.8, which I have been anxiously awaiting (priced at $1,299), this week also brings us pricing on another long-awaited Micro 4/3 lens, the Olympus 75mm f1.8 telephoto. According to dpreview, the Olympus lens will retail for $899.
 
(Click Here) to read about the Olympus 75mm f1.8 lens on dpreview.
 
Each of these lenses has a lot of appeal to me. I have tried the Olympus 45mm f1.8, read the reviews, and seen many great example images. It is a great lens. This new 75mm from Olympus give you significantly more reach, with the equivalent field of view of a 150mm full-frame 35mm format lens, and maintains the super fast f-stop of 1.8. That would be a killer combination for my concert photography.
 
As I've already written, the Lumix 12-35 also offers a lot for the travel photograper.
 
Well, I've been saving up, waiting for both of these lenses. Writing this blog has focused me on my existing Lumix equipment, and I haven't really bought a new lens or body since it started. I did buy the Nissin Di466 flash, but nothing else of consequence has made its way into my bag since January. I did have the brief temptation of (and cancelled order for) the Lumix fisheye converter. I'm glad I held off.
 
I think Olympus is better at actually getting new products to the US market soon after announcement. So, my guess is the 75mm will be available before the 12-35mm Lumix.
 
Exciting days for the expanding native lens set for our Micro 4/3 cameras!
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 

Big News for Today? - dpreview Gets Their Hands On The New Panasonic Lumix 12-35mm f2.8 Fast Zoom!

Image Source: http://shop.panasonic.com/shop/model/H-HS12035

This is a lens that Micro 4/3 users, especially Panasonic shooters, have been waiting for. I won't recount dpreview's impressions on a lens I have not yet seen. I will just point out two things that are important to me:

1. The lens is NOT equipped with powerzoom. GREAT! In my mind, powerzoom is primarily for videographers. I want the tactile response of a manual zoom. In fact, it's one of the very few tactile controls left in still photography.
2. The size is very nice for such a wide zoom. While it doesn't have the shallow depth of field of it's equivalent field of view 24-70 lenses in full frame 35mm format, it is tiny compared to those beasts. dpreview indicates that it's best balanced on a camera with a grip, like the DMC-G3. Again, GREAT!

(Click Here) to read the rest of their impressions on the lens over at dpreview.com. I hope it's ready for delivery soon.

 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 
 
 
 

Free Again! Chapter Two of My eBook for How To Set Up Your DMC-G3 Is Now Available For Download

Image Source: http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/DMCG3/ZURBE.JPG

My second ebook chapter on how I set up and use my Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 is now available.

This one took a long while to write. In Chapter Two, I go through all of my settings in the Recording, Custom, Setup and Playback menus. These are the settings that most affect my daily shooting.

(Click Here) to download Chapter Two in Adobe pdf format.

Again, if you appreciate this document, drop me a comment, tell your friends, purchase your Amazon items by clicking through from this blog, etc. Any support is always appreciated.

Most importantly, if you see any mistakes, let me know!

My plan is to follow up these initial two chapters with some information about custom settings, and some real applications with the camera. Chapter Two is purely focused on menu settings, which I am glad to be through, to be honest.

I hope you find this useful. Let me know!

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

Free! My First Installment of an ebook on How to Set Up Your DMC-G3!

Image Source: http://shop.panasonic.com/shop/model/DMC-G3KK

 
Ok, folks, for those of you who are Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 users, I've embarked on a project to document how I set mine up, and share it with all of you.
 
There is a dizzying array of menus and settings on the G3. I worked through all of them, at least to some extent, and documented not only HOW I set them, but WHY. Now I don't expect you to agree with all of my settings, but at least you'll know what you're disagreeing with, if you decide on a different setting.
 
I have completed the first chapter, which I share here with you now.
 
(Click Here) to download the first installment of my G3 Settings Manual in Adobe pdf format.
 
The second chapter, much more extensive, outlining my settings for the Priority, Shutter, and Aperture Priority and Manual modes, is nearly finished. It will be distributed in the same way.
 
All I ask in return is that you buy your Amazon items by clicking through from my site. That really hasn't paid off yet; I think I'm up to about $15 revenue, total, ever. Of course, if you'd like to contribute directly to this blog, rather than buying things from Amazon (on which I make a very small percentage commission), you can always send me Paypal at rgeorge911@hotmail.com.
 
But, I'm really not in this for the money. It would be great to bring in enough to pay my annual flickr and smugmug bills...
 
I sure hope you find this manual useful. I actually learned some things in the process of writing it.
 
UPDATE 5/13/2012: Chapter Two is now available as well! (Click Here) to get it.
 
DMC-365.blogspot.com
 

 

The Lumix 14-140mm f4-5.8 Super Zoom - User Reports

Panasonic Lumix 14-140mm f4-5.8 Zoom Lens
Image Source: http://shop.panasonic.com/shop/model/H-VS014140
 
Recently on mu-43.com, user Z-man posted an inquiry about practical impressions of the Panasonic Lumix 14-140mm f4-5.7 zoom lens.
 
(Click Here) to see the post and numerous informed replies.
 
I have this lens, and offered this feedback:
 

I find the 14-140 useful, with some limitations.I used to have the 14-45 kit lens and the 45-200, both quite nice for what they are. I should say here that I found the 45-200 to be a step better in my hands than either the 14-45 or 14-140. It was tough to give up, until the 100-300 showed up.I prefer to shoot primes most of the time. However, when I travel, I usually want a lens that I can be sure will cover most circumstances, especially when I'm with family or friends who aren't primarily photographers. That is my most common use of the lens. I agree that it doesn't gather much light, so that's the biggest limitation there.My other big use is for a telephoto for travel. Sometimes the Pana-Leica 45mm Macro-Elmarit just doesn't have enough reach. The 14-140 works well in that situation as well. It is not the sharpest lens at the extreme long end, but sure isn't bad. For me, the 100-300 is a specialty lens, one that comes in handy for birds and nature, especially. I don't carry it on travel very often.So, in summary, I find the 14-140 is in my bag quite often. Second only to my primes.   I also forgot to mention that the Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) works very well in my experience, though I have heard opinions that differ. Also, this lens is optimized to minimize noise during video capture - not important for me, but crucial for those who shoot a lot of video. DMC-365.blogspot.com

Shopping Report - Tokyo Camera Shopping a Bust...

Image Source: http://www.dpreview.com/previews/fujifilmxpro1

One of the things I always look forward to when I visit Japan is going to the camera store. I usually end up at BIC Camera in Hibiya, Tokyo.

This year, I was hoping to get my hands on the Panasonic Lumix DMW-GFC1 fisheye conversion lens for my 14mm f2.5. It is not available yet, even here in Japan, even though it was announced in January of this year.

I had some reserved hopes of seeing the recently-announced Olympus 75mm f1.8; that was also not in the cards.

So, what did I see that was interesting? The Canon G1X, which I handled just long enough to see that the finder is pretty small and squinty; the Olympus OM-D (a mock-up, actually), which I must say is very attractive. It really does remind you of the OM-1, which the store had displayed right next to it. Hmm. Could be a real market stealer for Panasonic. The Ricoh GXR with Leica M module, which is not a lot different than adapting Leica lenses to Micro 4/3 cameras, in my view.

But, I must say, the star of the show for me is the Fujifilm XPro. This is a full-size, well-built camera. If you didn't see the labels, you may confuse it with a Leica rangefinder. The glass, especially the 35mm f1.4, is also big, precison-mounted, fast, and beautiful. Given the quality of Fuji optics, this tempts me to take on a new lens mount. I haven't looked into it closely enough to really consider the investment, but the form factor and lenses are just, wow.

So, I walked out without buying a single thing. Still waiting on that DMW-GFC1 - Panasonic, are you listening?

DMC-365.blogspot.com

 

Now This Could Be Cool - An Online Lumix

 

Image Source: http://files.petapixel.com/assets/uploads/2012/03/samsung_mini1.jpg

According to a post on PetaPixel, both Samsung and Panasonic are considering adding internet capability to cameras, using the Android operating system.

(Click Here) for the PetaPixel post.

I can imagine that it would be nice to be able to automatically upload images to my flickr account, even while I'm shooting. I can also imagine using my camera to guide me when I get lost. I guess I can even imagine using a bluetooth device to talk on my camera. But, what I can't imagine is that many people will not also have a phone in their pocket while they're out shooting. So, maybe the real usage will be restricted to photo-related tasks?

I also wonder if this would be limited to the Japanese market for Panasonic products? As far as I know, they sell phones in Japan, but I'm not sure if they sell anywhere else. I'm pretty sure Panasonic phones are not available in the US.

Anyway, this is intriguing.

I think I'd rather have wireless connection from my camera to my iPad, honestly. Now that would be cool.

DMC-365.blogspot.com