Make Your Dream Come True in FN Most Wanted 2009

There was an idea came out in the third quarter of 2008, in a chilly and comfortable place on Lawu foothill. The idea was then made true and launched in July 14. It is the FN (Fotografer.net) Most Wanted 2009 (http://mostwanted2009.fotografer.net).

The mission of FN Most Wanted (FNMW) 2009 is to speak up Fner's eagerness, desire and dream, also their deep thought. With more than 224,000 registered members, 92,000 active ones and 2.2 millions hits per day, FN is willing to accommodate the voice of the members in a creative, elegant and striking way.

On the web site, you can speak up your voice in some categories: Camera, Lens, Hunting Spot, Accessories, Model and Photographer U-21. In each of the category, there are some sub-categories where you can choose one most-wanted item according to your judgment. As an example; in the Camera category, in DSLR < 5 Millions sub-category, there are three items: Canon EOS 1000D, Nikon D40X and Olympus E-420. You should then give your voice to one of them which according to you is the best among them. If you are not willing to choose any of them, you can type your own choice. Optionally, you can write your reason of why choosing such item. Moreover, you can read the update of the polling daily in the News feature inside the site.

Practically, FNMW carries FN's creative, open, egalitarian and critical spirit. For that, FNMW stands independently and neutrally, which means it does really speak up your truly voice, without any inference or manipulation from any party. Have you already voted? Kristupa Saragih

"Lingerie Madness" Went on after Jakarta Bombing

Far before the bomb tragedy occurred in Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott Hotel, Jakarta, JR Photoworks and X2 Men's Magazine - supported by The Rich Private Club - had been planning on a photo hunting with "Lingerie Madness" as the theme in that club. In the middle of a panic situation after the tragedy occurred on July 17, some of the hunting participants were in doubt whether the event would still go on or not. Through some consideration, the committee finally made a decision that the event would be still occurring as scheduled. And fortunately, it went well on July 18.

In The Rich Club, Bellezza Shopping Arcade GF-80, Arteri Permata Hijau, South Jakarta, the event comprised two sessions - Session I & Session II. There were about 50 participants in that event who photographed six models and three guest models. Wiwin Yulius was the art director who directed the model's pose. With the collaboration of PoiPoi Shop's lingeries and Golden Eagle's continuous lighting, the models made the second session "uncontrollable."

The more challenging part of this event is the chance given to the participants to contribute their works on a special rubric of X2 Magazine. They can send up to three photos which will be finally rated by the editors of the magazine. There will be only three photographers chosen as the winners. Suryadi

Key Holder Spy Camera

If you need to do any special undercover video recordings then this Key Holder Spy Camera might be the perfect device. It features a small camera in the centre of the black key car alarm controls and has a 4 GB internal memory to record everything safely.

It boasts 1.3MP pinhole CMOS and video resolution of 640 x 480 / 29 fps in AVI format. It also has maximum continuous recording time 65 minutes or 3GB files. How to use it? Just start the Key Holder Spy Camera with a simple push of a button and then connect it via USB to your PC to download your secret images. It will be sold at US$ 177. geeky-gadgets.com

Photo by Suwandi Gani

Palembang FNer's Macro & Model Shots

Still on the Election Day, Fners Palembang were also holding photo hunting on July 8 which considered as national holiday. Macro and model were the theme for their hunting. The place was Jakabaring stadium, Palembang.

The event was divided into two sessions; the first one was macro hunting. It started at 7:00 AM, and was attended by five FNers of Palembang and one of Medan. The second session was held in the afternoon. It involved three models and was attended by thirteen participants. Suwandi Gani

Photo by Andri Thaslim

"Beauty in the Forest" to Celebrate LFCN's 61st Anniversary

In that very beautiful morning, some participants gathered in the rest area, in Sentul Km 34. The convoy was led by the chief of the committee, Amrih Sahri, to make a trip to Gunung Pancar. When they arrived there, some participants had already been there and did a ROL (ray of light) hunting on the spot. Then, they introduced themselves to each other, made new friends and chatted, while at the same time the models were in a make-up session. Nike Prayitno was the one playing a role as the make-up artist.

After the chief of the committee explained the rundown, the Head of LFCN (Candra Naya Photographic Society) welcomed the participants and gave a short explanation on LFCN's history, Andri Thaslim, Anthony Bachtiar and Wiwin Yulius coordinated the modeling session by dividing the participants into four groups. Finally, that camping ground surrounded by pines, grass and huge stones became the shooting targets of about a hundred participants.

Beside hunting, this event was also a model photo contest due to the celebration of LFCN's 61st anniversary. It was held on July 12, 2009, at Gunung Pancar, Sentul, with "Beauty in the Forest" as the theme. The event began at 6 a.m. and ended at 2.30 p.m. on a free session. The photos that were taken are being competed. The partcipipants must upload them on www. candranaya.com before July 26. Every participant can upload up to six photos. The finalists will be announced on August 6. The prizes value up to nine millions rupiah, in a form of 18-200mm Tamron lens, ThinkTank Streetwalker, Velbon Tripod Sherpa 600R with case, etc, which are all donated and sponsored by PT Ana Photo, Nikon, Focus Nusantara and Altavista.
Andri Thaslim

Night Vision for Canon EOS-1Ds Mk III and 5D Mk II

Electrophysics has introduced a high performance night vision module for use with Canon full-frame digital SLR cameras such as the EOS-1Ds Mark III and the EOS 5D Mark II cameras. When used with the new AstroScope 9350EOSFF, these digital cameras deliver bright high resolution green images of night-time scenes having a full image format and edge-to-edge sharpness. At the heart of the new AstroScope 9350EOSFF Night Vision Module is a central intensification unit (CIU) that transforms dark, moonlight or starlit nights into bright, high-resolution scenes.

The new AstroScope night vision module also features variable gain control enabling the night-time photographer to increase the brightness of the images when ambient lighting is such that images are otherwise too dark to photograph. Normally, the AstroScope delivers the equivalent of 8-10 F-stops light gathering improvement. With the variable gain feature, the available light amplification is further improved. In addition, when photographing relatively well-lit night-time scenes, the gain can be minimized to reduce image noise.

The night vision module fits between the camera body and SLR objective lens which makes all the lens electrical connections are maintained and important lens features such as optical image stabilization remain fully functional even in night vision mode. dcviews.com

Olympus µ Tough-6010: Waterproof Camera with Magic Filters

Olympus µ Tough-6010 is the latest compact camera that is designed specially for your extreme activity. You can bring it when you are hiking and being in a temperature of -10 degrees Celsius, or diving and being in a depth of 3m below the water surface. More than that, you need not to worry if you accidentally drop it from up to 1.5m above the ground.

Besides it is freezeproof, waterproof and shockproof, it also has a unique feature namely Magic Filters. By applying Pin Hole, for example, images will seem to have been taken with a traditional pin hole camera. Pop Art, Fish-Eye and Sketch add interesting effects of their own.

This camera having a 3.6x wide optical zoom is available from this month at £ 299.99. The other features are the Dual Image Stabilization to avoid blur; 2.7" HyperCrystal III LCD with "triple coating" to protect it against reflection, scratches and moisture; i-Auto Mode that automatically adjusts the camera settings to one of five recognized commonly-used scenes; Advanced Face Detection Technology that can detect up to 16 subject's faces; also a movie recording capability up to VGA resolution at 30fps. It is available in three choices of color: Titanium Grey, Turquoise Blue and Lava Red. dpreview.com

"My 1st Exhibition" by Jabodetabek Photographers

Twenty photographers from Jabodetabek has just held a photo exhibition called as "My 1st Exhibition" at Teras Coffee, Jakarta. It was presenting three categories such as Landscape, Humanism, and Artistic Beauty. The exhibition aimed to explore new potency as well as to help them publish their works. The exhibition occurred on July 15-21. Praditya Nova

New Sony full HD Camcorders Shoot 12 MP Stills

Sony launches the HDRCX520V and CX500V camcorders, which capture full1920x1080 HD video. These models also have a back-illuminated CMOS sensor to provide exceptional low light performance and the camera can deliver up to 12 megapixel photos on a 64 GB or 32 GB internal flash memory, offering up to 25 hours of HD video (LP mode). For optimal playback, the HDR-CX520V and HDRCX500V camcorders feature 60p output, which automatically converts content to 60 progressive frames per second when connected to a compatible high-definition television.

Another notable feature, Optical SteadyShot™ with Active Mode (which allows a moveable lens element to shift with greater range of motion during camera shake). It also has builtin GPS antenna and NAVTEQ digital maps which can geo-tag your videos and photos. The CX520 and CX500 will be available in September for US$ 1,300 and US$ 1,100 respectively.
dcviews.com

Samsung Releases SL720 with HD Video Recording

Samsung Digital Imaging announced the release of the compact 5x optical zoom, 28mm Wide Angle SL720 (PL70 in Europe), that combines innovative technology and user-friendly features in a stylish package. This 12-MP camera includes HD movie capture so you can 'Pause and Re-record' highdefinition videos in one movie clip - a Samsung patented function. It also features HDMI connectivity so you can see your video creations on the screen.

The other features are its 3.0” TFT LCD screen and Samsung's new "Smart Auto" (Scene Recognition) technology which has 11 optimized picture pre-settings such as Portrait, Night Portrait, Macro and Macro Color. Its "Smart Album" Digital Contents Management system makes you a lot easier and quicker to find your favorite photos, for it automatically organizes photos based on the date they were taken, their contents, color or themes. Besides, you can also enjoy the "Face Detection," "Blink Detection Mode," "Smile Mode" and "Beauty Shot."

This £199 camera that has been utilized with Samsung's Dual Image Stabilization is available in red, pink and silver, and will be available from August 2009. If you want a camera with the same features, except the capability of recording HD video, Samsung also offers its new SL502 (PL55 in Europe) retailed at £149. The difference from SL720 is its Frame Guide feature capable of taking a ghost picture of your desired shot, to ensure someone takes the picture you want him/her to take.
dpreview.com

Hunting Around Toba Lake & Gathering in Medan

Photo by Dodi Sandradi

The third Canon & Fotografer.net Hunting Series has just been held on July 16-20 in around Toba Lake and Medan, North Sumatera. Attended by 13 participants, the first-day hunting was at Lau Kawar lake, Tanah Karo, to shoot sunset. Due to unfortunate weather, the participants failed to get sunset photos. Nevertheless, they kept hunting for some subjects around the lake.

On the second day, they visited some spots like Dolok Togging, Tobasari tea plantation, Tanjung Unta, RPBK Parapat, Samosir Island and Tuktuk Siadong. The sunrise in Simanindo, Onan weekly traditional market, Tortor Dance and Sigalegale puppet show in Simanindo, ulos fabrication in Lumban Suhisuhi (Simarmata) village, Bataknese traditional houses in Raut Bosi and sunset in Simarmata were the schedule on the third day. On the next day, they enjoyed the sunrise in Tele and landscape in Silalahi.

On the last day, July 20, they joined a model shot coordinated by photography community in Medan. Located at Maimun Palace, Medan, 34 photographers shot three models.

In the evening, more than 70 people attended the fifth Canon & Fotografer.net Gathering Series at Garuda Plaza Hotel, Medan. After having dinner together, an explanation on how to contribute to Exposure magazine was presented by Farid Wahdiono, chief editor of Exposure. Afterwards Kristupa Saragih, founder of Fotografer.net (FN), gave a speech and described the current development of FN. Togar Sitanggang, one of FN moderators attending the gathering, was asked by Kristupa to briefly explain his experience as a moderator. The last presentation was a photo sharing by Chalid Nasution. He presented a photo essay about Nepal.

The gathering ran well and warm. Some jokes and questions from the audience made the gathering more pleasant and lively.
Dodi Sandradi

Capturing Lapindo Mud

Kopdar (Komunitas Photographer Sidoarjo) held photo hunting to the location of Lapindo mud on July 8, which was also the presidential election day. It was followed by 16 participants and aimed to show the current condition of this location. Besides capturing human interest, they were also capturing landscape. Apparently, this place which now becoming a tourist destination has both humanity and photography charm.
nana

A Guidance Book to Photograph Architectural Subject

What equipment do you need? What are the ingredients for a successful image? Why does a building look different in reality than in a photographic image? How can you improve your images in your digital darkroom? Adrian Schulz, both a German architect and a photographer, will answer those questions in his book entitled Architectural Photography. This book by Rocky Nook will illustrate you of how to capture outstanding images of buildings, inside and out; choose the right equipment and use it effectively; compose architectural shots; work with ambient and artificial light; and process images in an efficient workflow based on Adobe Photoshop.

If you are fond of photography and architecture, this US$ 44.95 book will guide you to a step-by-step guidance to architectural photography. Schulz, who has received a degree in architecture and made architectural photography as his thesis' subject, addresses this book to both of amateur photography interested in architectural photography and professional photographer wanting to expand his skills in this domain. imaging-resource.com

All-in-One Inkjet Photo Printers

Canon has announced the MP560 and MP490 wireless all-inone inkjet photo printers. Along with the print, copy and scan options, both include features such as Auto Photo Fix II, Duplex and Wireless Printing. The new and improved Auto Photo Fix II feature helps assure that images printed will be of superb quality while reproducing the vibrant colors that were first captured in the image. This technology resolves many common photo printing errors, such as underexposed images, through Multi-Zone Exposure Correction and improvements in overall face detection, scene analysis plus brightness and saturation correction.

With a new sleek design, the Pixma MP560 Photo AIO Printer features five individual ink tanks with the ChromaLife100+ ink system providing more vibrant and longer-lasting photos. It can print out a photo-lab quality borderless 4"x 6" in approximately 39 seconds. The 2.0- inch LCD screen and integrated Easy-Scroll Wheel allow for easy navigation through menus and viewing images. Under the new ISO print speed standard, the PIXMA MP560 AIO Photo Printer will deliver output at approximately 9.2 ipm for black-andwhite documents and approximately 6.0 ipm for color4. The estimated retail price of the PIXMA MP560 Photo AIO Printer is US$ 149.995

While, Pixma MP490 Photo Printer offers high-quality at a very affordable price point. This printer utilizes the ChromaLife100+ four-color ink system and can print out a photo-lab quality borderless 4" x 6" photo in approximately 43 seconds. It also boasts a 1.8-inch LCD screen and a self-opening output tray which helps to prevent any paper jams. Under the new ISO print speed standard, the MP490 will create letter-sized documents at approximately 8.4 ipm for black-and-white documents and approximately 4.8 ipm for color. It will have an estimated retail price of US$ 99.995. dpreview.com

MIT Develops Camera- Like Fabric

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a fabric made of a mesh of light-sensitive fibers that collectively act like a rudimentary camera. The fibers, which each can detect two frequencies of light, produced signals that when amplified and processed by a computer reproduced an image of a smiley face near the mesh.

The technology uses fibers less than a millimeter in diameter, stretched into thin form from a thicker cylinder. Within the fibers are two cylindrical shells of semiconductor material, each connected to the outside world with four built-in metal electrodes.

"This is the first time that anybody has demonstrated that a single plane of fibers, or 'fabric,' can collect images just like a camera but without a lens," said Yoel Fink, an associate professor of materials science. MIT suggested that the technology, if developed further, could give a soldier a uniform that would help him see threats in all directions.
news.cnet.com

Fujifilm to Host Underwater Photo Festival

Fujifilm UK announces their first ever underwater photo festival; ScubaSnap Weekend 2009. The festival will take place in Looe, Cornwall on the 12th and 13th September and is guaranteed to be a weekend of fun, diving and underwater photography in the wonderful surroundings of the Cornish coast and countryside. The weekend will include shore diving, photographic tuition and seminars from industry experts such as Mat Trim of Fujifilm and Maria Munn of Ocean Visions, photo competitions, and a dinner dive and BBQ in the evening.

ScubaSnap Weekend 2009 is open to divers of all levels, but if diving doesn’t appeal then snorkellers can take part, too. The only rule is that all photos taken and entered in the competitions must be taken on a compact camera. As well as photography education, goers will have the opportunity to critique their images with industry experts over the course of the two days. imaging-resource.com

Bigger, Faster, Better

Sony has launched the largest-ever capacity Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX, crowning the range with a massive 32GB model. Memory Stick HX already delivers impressive speed, so the introduction of a 32GB version makes it the perfect choice for handling the very large files created when filming in High Definition video. The huge amount of space is also ideal for still photography, whether you are using a sophisticated DSLR like the Sony a, or a compact, go-anywhere Cybershot.

It has read speeds of 20MB/s and write speeds of 15MB/s1. With this memory stick, users can shoot in Full HD mode (1920 x 1080) for 225 minutes. The Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX range also includes 4GB, 8GB and 16GB models, and all versions are supplied with the free USB adaptor for optimum performance and easy connection to a huge range of hardware.
imaging-resource.com

Pandigital’s 4-in-1 Device

A 4-in-1 device from Pandigital namely Kitchen Technology Center (KTC) gives you four advantages through only one item. You can get multiple functions, from a digital cookbook, digital photo frame with PanTouch Technology, High Definition Television 15.6", to a wireless internet device.

This technology is created to be a solution for your family when your kitchen becomes a busy room. When connected to WLAN, it lets you use Windows Live FrameIt to receive RSS feeds. KTC can also display slideshows of photos from its internal memory, a USB drive, an SD card, or your RSS feed. You can also access Picasa to display online photo collections. Connect to a DVD player or a PC's video output, and you can watch movies or videos. As a digital cookbook, Pandigital has an agreement with Bon Appétit magazine's publisher, Condé Nast, to distribute one seasonal collection preloaded on the unit. Moreover, you can upload your own recipes in JPEG format.

With $349.99, you can enjoy some features like 720p (1280x720) screen resolution; 400:1 contrast ratio; PanTouch Touch Sensor Technology; 1GB internal memory or as much as 3,000 compressed images; support JPEG, MP3 and AVI files; 2.0 USB speed; also a 90 days warranty. Some items included in the package are USB cable, user manual, warranty card, mounting hardware and wireless USB adapter.
pandigital.net, wi-fiplanet.com