Team Manila: Shoot your own hero Photo Contest

I Shoot the Hero: Team Manila Hero Hunt Photo Contest.

This month, Team Manila asks you to find your own hero by joining “I Shoot the Hero: Team Manila Hero Hunt Photo Contest.”

Mechanics:

• Buy any of the Rizal Special Collection Shirts for October at Team Manila Lifestyle Rockwell store.
• Request for a control number from the sales staff of Team Manila Lifestyle Rockwell.
• Wear your Rizal Special Collection Shirt and have your picture taken at any Team Manila Rizal Standee strategically located at four spots at Power Plant Mall.
• Submit your photo through e-mail with the following details to rizal@teammanila.com: subject (CONTEST_I SHOT THE HERO), body of the E-mail, name, address, mobile number, e-mail, school/company, title or caption of your photo, control number.
• All verified submissions will be posted within two to three days from date of submission on the official “Team Manila Lifestyle” Facebook page.
• Tag 50 of your friends and have people vote for your photo through the “Like” button.
• The Top 1 photo will win a full collection of Rizal Special Merchandise. Top 2 to 4 will win Rizal Special Collection gift packs.
• Deadline of submission and voting is November 22, 2010.
• Announcement of winners will be on November 26, 2010 through the Facebook page.

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Canon EOS 60D

Canon EOS 60D

The Canon EOS 60D is a mid-range DSLR featuring 18 Megapixels, HD video and a fully-articulated screen. Announced in August 2010, it's the official replacement for the EOS 50D, but Canon's repositioned the new model from the semi-pro status of its predecessor into a new mid-range category for the company. As such the EOS 60D sits in-between the upper entry-level EOS 550D / T2i and the semi-pro EOS 7D, allowing it to directly compete against Nikon's highly successful mid-range DSLRs like the D90 and D7000. This repositioning has caused some heartache for existing xxD owners who were waiting for a semi-pro upgrade from models like the EOS 40D and EOS 50D. While EOS 60D offers several key enhancements over these models, the repositioning has also seen a number of 'downgrades', most notably concerning the body construction and removal of certain specialist features.
So while Canon officially describes the EOS 60D as the successor to the EOS 50D, we'd say the most sensible path for xxD owners who want an upgrade in every respect is to go for the existing EOS 7D instead – it may be a year older than the 60D, but remains a great camera with a price that improves the longer it's been out; see our Canon EOS 7D review for more details. As for the new EOS 60D, it's the ideal choice for someone wanting a step-up from an entry-level DSLR without the expense, weight or complication of a traditional semi-pro model. Think of it as a souped-up EOS xxxD / Rebel and it makes much more sense – and once again this repositioning finally gives Canon a DSLR to directly compete against Nikon's highly successful mid-range models rather than slotting-in above or below.

See full review

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 is a high-end compact camera aimed at enthusiasts. Announced in July 2010, exactly two years after the classic LX3, the new LX5 takes the same concept of packing a high-sensitivity sensor, bright and wide lens, flash hotshoe and a wealth of manual control into a small and light body. Note there wasn't an LX4, so the LX5 is the direct successor to the LX3. Externally, the LX5 shares essentially the same appearance as its predecessor, although the new model enjoys a more generous grip along with a handful of control tweaks. The hotshoe has also been raised to accommodate an accessory port which supports the optional electronic viewfinder first seen for the Lumix GF1.
The biggest difference concerns the lens, with Panasonic upgrading the basic 2.5x range of the LX3 to a broader 3.8x. Crucially the new LX5 maintains the wide 24mm equivalent coverage of its predecessor, along with its bright f2.0 aperture, but instead of topping-out at a modest 60mm, it zooms 50% longer to 90mm. While many lenses suffer from much slower apertures when zoomed-in, the LX5 boasts an impressive f3.3 at its longest focal length. Panasonic also claims to have improved the AF speed with its new Sonic Speed system boasting gains of up to 40% in certain conditions.
Internally there's been a number of enhancements. The CCD sensor remains 10 Megapixels, but Panasonic claims improved dynamic range, saturation and sensitivity. Alongside is a new Venus FHD processor which allows quicker startup times and image processing, along with extending the battery life by over one third – although this is in conjunction with a new battery pack.
The best quality movie mode remains 720p, but like most current Panasonic models, the existing Motion JPEG mode is now complemented by an AVCHD option which allows smaller files and longer recording times. The LX5's movie mode also now allows manual control over exposures along with optical zooming while filming – neither of which were possible on the LX3.
Other additions over the old model include an HDMI port, thumb wheel, 1:1 aspect ratio option and a play button instead of a switch, which means you can go directly from playback to shooting with a half-press of a shutter release.
The enhancements of the LX5 over its predecessor may not be revolutionary, but bring a popular classic up-to-date while addressing a number of concerns. The digital camera market has however moved-on significantly in the two years since the LX3, with a number of mirror-less compacts packing DSLR sensors and interchangeable lens mounts into small bodies, including Panasonic's own Lumix GF1. These may be pricier than the Lumix LX5, but many enthusiasts are willing to pay the extra for their performance and flexibility.
The question then is not only how well the LX5 performs against other small-sensor premium compacts, like Canon's PowerShot S95 and G12, but whether it's still relevant in today's market. Is there still room for a high-end enthusiast's compact with a small sensor and fixed lens? Find out in our Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 full review where we'll pitch it against both types of cameras to see how it measures-up. If you're shopping for a premium compact, you've come to the right place.

See full review

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS super-zoom review

Canon PowerShot SX30 IS super-zoom review

The Canon PowerShot SX30 IS is a 14 Megapixel super-zoom with a 35x optically-stabilised zoom lens. Launched in September 2010 it replaces the hugely popular PowerShot SX20 IS. The most obvious enhancement is the extension of the zoom range from the SX20 IS's already impressive 20x to a whopping 35x. The PowerShot SX30 IS zoom extends through a 35mm equivalent of 24 – 840mm, spanning the range from ultra-wide-angle to super-telephoto.
The sensor resolution has been increased by 2 Megapixels and the new model is fitted with a slightly larger 2.7 inch articulated screen. Improved image stabilisation provides a claimed four and a half stops of compensation and Canon has abandoned AA cells in favour of a proprietary Lithium-Ion battery.
Scene detection, introduced in the SX20 IS, has been improved with the addition of new scenes and extended to movie shooting which also benefits from a new Dynamic IS mode. The SX30 IS retains fully manual control with PASM exposure modes and also benefits from some of the new scene modes that have been introduced in Canon's compact range, such as Fish-eye and Miniature.

The SX20 IS earned one of the top spots in the super-zoom market in the face of stiff competition from manufacturers like Panasonic. As you'd expect, they too have been busy introducing new models and we've pitched the PowerShot SX30 IS against two new super-zooms from its major rival, the Lumix FZ45 / FZ40 and the Lumix FZ100. Both share similar specifications with the SX30 IS and with each other. The Lumix FZ45 / FZ40 is a 14 Megapixel super-zoom with a 24x optical zoom and 3in screen which replaces the popular Lumix FZ38. The Lumix FZ100 is a premium version of the FZ45 / FZ40 with a 14 Megapixel CMOS sensor, a higher resolution flip-out screen, 1080p AVCHD video and fast continuous shooting.
Read our full review to see if the PowerShot SX30 IS, with it's phenomenal zoom reach and combination of advanced manual and easy-to-use auto modes, is the best choice for you.

See full review

Olympus E-5: Dustproof, splashproof new D-SLR designed for extreme photography

Olympus’ new flagship is tough as they come:

The ultimate E-System DSLR: E-5 

See Full Review

Click Here

Underwater Photography Tips :

How to Choose an Underwater Housing

     While most camera manufacturers do not offer underwater housing for their SLR or DSLR cameras (Canon does make underwater accessories for most PowerShot models), a variety of third-party companies do. Many of these speciality companies offer dedicated underwater housings, each with different specifications and capabilities depending on the camera they are designed for. Housings are generally constructed of acrylic or aluminum. The former are generally less expensive but are sometimes a little bulkier than their aluminum counterparts and may be a little less durable. Depending on your camera model, you may not have a choice but both materials are perfectly acceptable.

     A more important factor to consider is the depth rating. At best, if you take the housing deeper than it’s rated, the camera controls won’t work. At worst, the housing can leak or implode. Consider that, at the surface, air pressure is 14.7 psi (pounds per square inch). Pressure doubles at 33 feet underwater and increases by 14.7 psi for each additional 33 feet of depth. Dive to the bottom of a swimming pool to about 12 feet and you’ll feel the pressure difference in your ears. That gives you a hint about how much pressure your housing needs to withstand to operate at depth. If you’re only going to snorkel, you should be able to get away with a depth rating of about 33 feet (as long as you don’t do any deep free diving). Many DSLR housings have a depth rating of between 200-300 feet, which is deeper than most scuba divers dive but provides a good safety margin for the housing.

     After depth rating, perhaps the most important aspect to consider is which controls can be operated when the camera body is in the housing. Check out several different housings to see which one best meet your needs, especially if you plan to use many of the camera’s manual or advanced features. Get some hands-on time with the housing if you can or examine a diagram to see how the controls are positioned. You want control positioning that falls naturally within reach while your hands remain on the housing’s handles.

     With the advent of Live View, underwater photographers have another option for composing a shot. Keep in mind, though, that autofocus isn’t as fast with Live View but it does make for easier composing. If your camera is equipped with Live View, test it out to see whether it works for you. Otherwise, you can easily use the camera’s optical viewfinder. Although your eye is separated from the optical viewfinder by the housing and your mask, most housings come with a built-in optical system that provides increased eye relief. This magnification allows you to see the entire image in the viewfinder.

     You’ll also need to decide what type(s) of ports to purchase for your housing. Each manufacturer has slightly different specifications and provides a list that matches ports and lenses. Generally, though, you’ll need a dome port for wide angle lenses and a flat port for macro lenses.

Source : Canon.com

 

 

Canon EOS 7D

If you know a thing or two about photography and appreciate a good camera, the Canon EOS 7D is the camera that would capture your interest. With an 18 megapixel sensor as well as a magnification of 1.0% viewfinder you are sure to enjoy what it has to offer. The Canon EOS 7D is a beauty and features a lot more than its predecessors.

Design

The design Canon EOS 7D is atypical of the Canon EOS range. In addition, there are several new buttons and some changes to the existing ones to give users convenient access to features. The Quick [Q] Menu button and the M-func button, accessing different functions of the camera has become a lot easier. Once you are versed with the different functions, changing settings should be a breeze. The inclusion of the Auto and CA mode makes this camera easy to use. The direct access to Live View and Video shooting with the dedicated button and switch has also made everything a lot more tidy.
   
     Considering the 3-inch (920k) dots is quickly becoming the standard for all new digital SLRs, it is no surprise the Canon EOS 7D comes with it too. Finally, the one thing that makes the Canon 7D stand out amongst its peers is that it is the only digit EOS series to incorporate a built-in flash, hence clearly placing the Canon EOS 7D amongst other pro body cameras for semi-pros and photography enthusiasts.

     The Canon EOS 7D has a comfortable grip when you are holding it so it is easy to manage and not awkward. It also has an indentation where your middle finger can rest for more comfort. This is a small feature, but it makes a big difference to those photographers who use the cameras for long periods of time as eventually your middle finger can become sore from having no resting place.

Features

     It has environmental sealing, an APS-C CMOS sensor of 18MP, flash control (Wireless), the incessant shooting offers eight frames per second, coverage viewfinder of 100% and 1.0 x exaggeration, manual controls on the 1080p high definition video recording, 19 point AF system and a 3″ LCD screen containing 920, 000 dots. These are but a few main features of this camera.
The Canon EOS 7D’s built in flash features a wider range, which means it is able to handle anything up to 15mm wide angle lenses. The flash is also able to serve as a remote leader for different groups of flashes, which is something new for Canon.

     Other new features include the electronic level, multi-function key and the RAW key. The multi-function button allows you to quickly and easily access the different functions on the camera without having to look for the function you want.
   
     The 19 cross-type AF points focusing system is a brand new feature to the camera; the LCD viewfinder display is also something that people love about this camera as it doesn’t require you to invest in interchangeable screens.

     The shutter device of this camera is rated quite amazingly, at 150,000 cycles to be exact. It is in fact the very same design that was used by the well known 1D series of the Canon DSLR range. The EV compensation has been conveniently stretched out to five full stops in each direction, and the ISO images range from a mere 100 to a complete 6,400 at a time, with an increased setting that goes up to a full 12, 800. For those who are a little more adventurous, this model also offers an HD mode that captures stunning video quality at 30p.

     The greatest aspect of the Canon EOS 7D is that it is not just an upgrade of the previous model. It is really a whole new camera with a whole new range of features. It looks different, feels different, and works differently, and takes awesomely crystal clear photographs and perfect videos.

Features

• 18.0 Megapixel CMOS Sensor
• Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors for high image quality and speed
• ISO 100-6400 (expandable to 12,800) for shooting from bright to dim light
• 8.0 fps continuous shooting
• Advanced movie mode with manual exposure control and selectable frame rates
• Intelligent Viewfinder
• New 19-point, all cross-type AF system
• iFCL Metering with 63 zone dual-layer metering sensor
• Magnesium body with shutter durability up to 150,000 cycles and exclusive dust and weather resistance

 Image Sensor

• Type : CMOS sensor
• Size : 22.3 x 14.9 mm (APS-C size)
• Total Pixels : 19.0 megapixels

Autofocus

• Type : TTL-CT-SIR AF-dedicated CMOS sensor
• AF Points : 19-point all cross-type AF (f/2.8 at center: Dual Cross Sensor)
• Metering Range : EV -0.5-18 (at 73°F/23°C, ISO 100)

 ISO Speed

• Automatically set, ISO 100-6400 (in 1/3-stop or 1-stop increments)
• Basic Zone modes: ISO 100-3200 set automatically
• Extension settable (with C.Fn.I 3-1): ISO 12800
• High Tone Priority settable: ISO 200-6400

Shutter Speeds

• 1/8000 to 1/60 sec., X-sync at 1/250 sec.
• 1/8000 to 30 sec., bulb

Continuous Shooting Speed

• High-speed: Max. 8.0 shots/sec.
• Low-speed: Max. 3.0 shots/sec.

 Other Specifications

• LCD Monitor Size : 3.0 in.
• LCD Monitor Resolution : 920,000 dots (VGA)
• Built-In Flash : Retractable, auto pop-up flash
• Compatible Lenses : Canon EF/EF-S lenses
• Storage Media : CF Card Type I and II, UDMA-compliant CF cards
• Battery : Lithium-Ion LP-E6 rechargeable battery
• Battery Life (shots per charge) : approx. 1000 shots
• Weight : 28.9 oz. / 820g

Performance

     Canon made countless improvements in the Canon EOS 7D. When it comes to speed, the Canon 7D is extremely quick in almost every aspect of its operation. AF and continuous mode speeds are unprecedented; quick enough for any subject including professional sports. It has startup and shutdown times so fast that they are difficult to measure. Also, without the use of battery grips for the added boost, this camera offers quick-handed photographers 8fps. In addition, a dual “DIGIC 4″ ensures that image processing keeps up with you and your needs! Needless to say, this awesome camera also offers you almost 30 minutes of high-definition video footage, a far cry from the Nikon D300S.

     In terms of low-light performance, the EOS 7D will take vibrant shots in its standard colour mode even on a gloomy day. To overcome dark environments, ISO speed can be adjusted to ISO 1600 or even ISO 3200 to allow you a shutter speed fast enough to counter blurring, without having to adjust the luminance of the shots in post-production.

Bottom Line

     You have many choices to consider when it comes to purchasing a new camera, but with the Canon EOS 7D you will never have to invest in another camera again. This will be the only camera you will ever need, no matter what photography you are into or whether taking pictures is your career or your hobby. The Canon EOS 7D makes for an excellent prosumer DSLR!