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If you are serious about photography, at some point in your quest to get sharper pictures or expand your creative possibilities, you will start seriously considering tripods and monopods. What most people fail to realize when they get to this stage, at least initially, is the importance of what you put between the camera and tripod or monopod. You can have the strongest, most rigid, most expensive tripod legs available, but if you put the wrong ball head on top, it won't do you much good. If you are working in a fast paced environment and have to fiddle with a fussy pan-and-tilt head, you are simply going to miss shots and learn to thoroughly despise your tripod setup. This article will give a quick overview of the different kinds of head, what they are used for, and what to look for when buying one. Buying right the first time can help save hundreds of dollars and prevent many hours of frustration.
Secaucus, NJ (March 7, 2010) Panasonic today introduces an addition to its Panasonic LUMIX G Series, the LUMIX DMC-G10, the world's lightest* digital interchangeable lens camera with a viewfinder, which packs a host of advanced digital camera functions designed to be easy-to-use for users new to system cameras. The new compact and portable LUMIX G10, which can record High Definition (HD) video in addition to high-quality still images, joins the LUMIX DMC-G2, also introduced today, as part of the Panasonic LUMIX G Series.
"The LUMIX G Micro System has revolutionized the photography industry ever since the release of the Panasonic G1, the world's first interchangeable lens system camera based on the Micro Four Thirds System standard," said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "We continue to expand this award-winning LUMIX G Series, and with its easy-to-use features and compact size, we expect the G10 to attract a lot of new users who want to step-up from their point-and-shoots."
The LUMIX G10, with its incredible compact body and portable design, uses a mirrorless structure as part the Micro Four Thirds System standard, eliminating a number of components that are found in a conventional interchangeable lens camera, including the mirror box and optical viewfinder unit. This innovative structure allows for the LUMIX G10 to be the world's lightest system camera in a compact digital camera design that is a desired feature for new users. Adding to its lightweight body, the LUMIX G10 will come equipped as part of its kit, with the newly announced LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. lens. The new lens offers a versatile zoom range of 14-42mm (35mm camera equivalent: 28-84mm), making it suitable for shooting a wide-range of scenes, from dynamic landscape to portrait.
Panasonic designed the LUMIX G10 to be easy to use offers iA (Intelligent Auto) mode with its shooting assist functions that have proven extremely popular in LUMIX compact cameras. Panasonic's iA (Intelligent Auto), an easy shooting mode with automatic optimization according to the scene in either photo and video recording, is helpful to beginner users unfamiliar with an interchangeable lens system camera. With the new dedicated iA button, which illuminates in blue when engaged, activating this mode is even easier and can be used to shoot both photos and videos.
When shooting still photos, iA offers the following: MEGA O.I.S., which helps prevent blurring from hand-shake; Intelligent ISO Control, which reduces motion blur by adjusting the ISO sensitivity if the subject moves; Intelligent Exposure optimizes exposure for each part of an image, preventing blocked shadows and blown highlights and helping ensure that gradation and details are reproduced properly; Intelligent Scene Selector detects the most common shooting situations Portrait, Night Portrait, Scenery, Night Scenery, Close-up and Sunset and switches to the appropriate Scene mode automatically no setting changes needed.
The LUMIX G10 can record 1280 x 720 HD video in Motion JPEG, QVGA, VGA and WVGA formats. Users can enjoy recording HD videos while taking advantage of the high quality lens and the flexibility to change to other lenses. Even users new to recording videos will find the LUMIX G10 makes it easy. Panasonic's iA for video offers the following: Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) helps prevent handshake when using high-powered zoom; Face Detection** automatically detects a face in the frame and adjusts focus, exposure, contrast, and skin complexion; Intelligent Exposure continually checks the ambient light level and adjusts the exposure setting as conditions change to prevent blown highlights and blocked shadows; Intelligent Scene Selector automatically switches between Normal, Portrait, Close-up, Scenery, and Low Light modes according to the situation to optimize visual quality.
With AF Tracking, the LUMIX G10 can lock onto any subject and keep it in focus even if it moves making it easy to get beautiful, clear shots of moving subjects, such as children and pets. Simply aim, lock, and shoot. The Face Recognition function remembers registered faces to give an appropriate AF/AE on the people. In playback, you can choose to display only photos that contain a specific registered face using Category Playback. The contrast AF system adopted by the LUMIX DMC-G10 is not only accurate and easy to use, but also very fast. Users can choose from a wide range of AF modes, including AF Tracking, 1-area AF, Face Detection AF/AE and 23-area AF.
The LUMIX G10's Live View Finder, with a resolution of 202,000-dot equivalent, 1.04x (0.52x*) retains the viewability of an optical viewfinder and displays information about its settings that users can see without removing their eye from the subject. The 60 fps Live View is powered by the Live MOS sensor, which takes signals directly from the image sensor and sends them continuously to the LCD, in real time. Both the Live View Finder and LCD provide approximately 100% field of view. This allows the user, when composing a shot, to check the framing accurately from corner to corner. The 3.0-inch large 460,000-dot high-resolution LCD with wide viewing angle automatically controls the brightness according to the situation as an Intelligent LCD.
The 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor and the new Venus Engine HD II help to separate chromatic noise from luminance noise and apply the optimal noise reduction to each, so users can capture clear and beautiful images even when shooting at high ISO sensitivity levels. The high-speed, high-performance Venus Engine HD II, which has been re-engineered to incorporate the new image processing technology, Intelligent Resolution, enables the recording of beautiful photo and HD video with high quality signal processing. With Intelligent Resolution technology, three areas outlines, detailed texture areas and soft gradation are automatically detected. The outline parts are enhanced effectively to give edges increased clarity, while simultaneously giving a moderate accentuation to the textured areas so they look finely detailed. For the soft gradation areas, the improved noise reduction system of the Venus Engine HD II is applied to achiever a smoother effect. Apart from the uniform enhancement of sharpness, the innovative technology Intelligent Resolution precisely performs signal processing pixel by pixel in the most effective way, resulting in images that are naturally clear.
All Panasonic LUMIX G Series digital cameras are equipped with the highly-efficient Dust Reduction System. If dust or other foreign matter gets inside the LUMIX G10 while changing lenses, it could cling to the image sensor and show up as a spot in your photos. However, with the Dust Reduction System, it helps eliminate this possibility by placing a supersonic wave filter in front of the Live MOS sensor. Vibrating vertically around 50,000 times per second, the filter repels dust and other particles effectively.
Other features of the LUMIX G10 include:
My Color mode with a total of seven preset effects Expressive, Retro, Pure, Elegant, Monochrome, Dynamic Art, Silhouette. Also includes Custom mode, which lets users manually set the color, brightness and saturation levels. For beginners, the LUMIX G10's full-time Live View function lets users see how these settings will affect the images before they shoot, making it easier to capture the exact mood or atmosphere desired.
Scene modes total 26, including the Peripheral Defocus mode, which lets users take a photo where the foreground is in focus and background is blurred or vice versa. This popular effect can be intimidating for a beginner, but in the Peripheral Defocus mode, by simply selecting the objects to be blurred and focused using the camera's keypad, it is simple for photographers of any level.
Exposure meter can be displayed in the P/A/S/M shooting modes. The correlation between shutter speed and aperture is shown, with a color-coded warning system that alerts users when the settings are not in the proper range. For those new to system camera digital photography, this makes it easy to learn proper settings both visually and logically, enhancing their photography skills.
The Panasonic LUMIX G10 is compatible with Micro Four Thirds System lenses, allowing users even higher levels of performance in a digital interchangeable lens camera. In addition to LUMIX G lenses, the LUMIX DMC-G10 and LUMIX G Micro System can use any interchangeable lens that complies with the Four Thirds standard via an optional mount adaptor DMW-MA1 and with the prestigious Leica M/R Lenses via DMW-MA2M or MA3R.
Pricing and availability for the Panasonic LUMIX G10 will be announced 30 days prior to shipping date. It will be available in black. To learn about the Panasonic LUMIX Micro Four Thirds System and all the available accessories, visit www.panasonic.com/lumix.
*As of March 7, 2010.
**Turn Face Recognition item ON and register the person with full-face portrait on the shooting menu in advance.
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
Some functions may not be available depending on the lens that is mounted.
Lenses that are not compatible with the contrast AF function can be used with manual focusing.
Secaucus, NJ (March 7, 2010) Panasonic today announces the LUMIX DMC-G2, the world's first* digital interchangeable lens system camera with a movable LCD that allows for touch-control, and the successor to the award-winning and revolutionary LUMIX G1, which was the world's first Micro Four Thirds digital camera. The intuitive touch-control shooting elevates the camera's operability, letting the user adjust auto focus (AF) simply by touching the subject on the large 3.0-inch 460,000-dot high- resolution LCD. The LUMIX G2, also shoots 720p High Definition video using the AVCHD Lite format, and joins the LUMIX G10, also introduced today, as the latest models in the LUMIX G Micro System.
With the touch-screen operation, users can even snap a photo by touching the LUMIX G2's screen. Additionally, the touch-screen operation excels not only for shooting but also during playback. Users can touch one thumbnail viewed among many to quickly and easily see the full size of the desired photo. Also, to view images one-by-one, photos can be dragged across the screen to browse as though flipping the pages of a book.
"With the LUMIX G2, Panasonic is pleased to continue to lead the evolution of the Micro Four Thirds platform and also be the first in the industry to offer a touch-screen interchangeable lens system camera," said David Briganti, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "Touch-operation is a user interface with which many consumers are both familiar and expect, and we think the LUMIX G2's touch-operation makes it easier and quicker to take photos and videos that have professional-like effects."
Using the touch-screen operation, once a user locks onto a subject, the LUMIX G2 enables AF Tracking and will track the subject as it moves within the frame. Then, with a touch on the screen, users can select the part and the size of AF area with the 1-area AF. The Multi-area AF sets a group of AF points according to the composition. While using the manual focus, users can enlarge a subject by touching it and then choosing to enlarge it by 1x, 5x or 10x and then smoothly moving the part by dragging it on the screen. With this touch operation, menu settings can be changed quickly; cutting the time it takes to navigate using standard cursors. However, all setting changes can still be done using the control pad, if preferred.
The LUMIX G2 records 1280 x 720 HD videos in the AVCHD Lite format, which increases recording capacity and is highly compatible with audio-visual equipment. With a dedicated video record button, users can easily start recording a video. To complement its high-quality video capabilities, the LUMIX G2 features advanced audio options, as sound is recorded with Dolby Digital Creator and an optional accessory stereo microphone can be attached. A Wind Cut function further enhances the sound as it helps reduce noise caused from background wind.
The 3.0-inch touch-operation LCD has a wide-viewing angle and rotates 180° from side to side and tilts 270° up and down, providing approximately 100% of field of view. This free-angle LCD with a touch-screen operation makes it possible to both view and touch the screen from any angle. The double Live-View function offered by the high-resolution, 460,000-dot free-angle Intelligent LCD and 1,440,000-dot 1.4x (0.7x) Live View Finder allows users to see the settings' results before pressing the shutter.
The 12.1-megapixel Live MOS sensor featured in the LUMIX G2 offers the best of both worlds the outstanding image quality of a CCD sensor, and the lower power consumption of a CMOS sensor. Advanced technology enables it to read four channels of data simultaneously, helping the LUMIX G2 to deliver 60 frames-per-second Full-time Live View images, while faithfully reproducing high-resolution images with fine detail and rich gradation. Plus, with the high-speed, high-performance Venus Engine HD II, which has been re-engineered to further improve image quality.
The new high-speed, high-performance Venus Engine HD II supports the new image processing technology Intelligent Resolution, which enables the recording of beautiful photo and HD video with high quality signal processing. With Intelligent Resolution technology, three areas outlines, detailed texture areas and soft gradation are automatically detected. The outline parts are enhanced effectively to give edges increased clarity, while simultaneously giving a moderate accentuation to the textured areas so they look finely detailed. For the soft gradation areas, the improved noise reduction system of the Venus Engine HD II is applied to achieve a smoother effect. Apart from the uniform enhancement of sharpness, the innovative technology Intelligent Resolution precisely performs signal processing pixel by pixel in the most effective way, resulting in images that are naturally clear.
For users looking for additional creative options for both photos and videos, the LUMIX G2 delivers. While shooting HD video, users can set the camera in "P" mode to change the aperture for professional-like movie effects where the images blur into focus. For still photos, the LUMIX G2 features the My Color mode with a total of seven preset effects Expressive, Retro, Pure, Elegant, Monochrome, Dynamic Art, and Silhouette while also keeping the Custom mode, which lets users manually set the color, brightness and saturation levels and save their favorite settings into memory.
On the other hand, for beginner users not yet ready for manual modes the LUMIX G2 features iA (Intelligent Auto), a popular setting in the LUMIX point-and-shoots that automatically engages features and settings for optimal image quality by detecting the shooting environment. Panasonic iA is available in both still photo and video recording settings and a new dedicated iA button, which illuminates in blue when engaged, makes it even easier to use this handy feature.
Other features of the LUMIX G2 include:
Dust Reduction System: If dust or other foreign matter gets inside the camera when you're changing lenses, it could cling to the image sensor and show up as a spot in your photos. The Dust Reduction System in the G2 helps eliminate this possibility by placing a supersonic wave filter in front of the Live MOS sensor. Vibrating vertically around 50,000 times per second, the filter repels dust and other particles effectively.
Included Software: PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.0 HD Edition makes it possible to sort and organize photos. Videos can be uploaded directly to YouTube using the built-in YouTube uploader even in HD quality. It also lets you create a 360-degree rotation panorama file in .MOV files. The software is compatible with the Windows 7.
The Panasonic LUMIX G2 will come equipped as part of its kit, with the newly announced LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. lens. The new lens offers a versatile zoom range of 14-42mm (35mm camera equivalent: 28-84mm), making it suitable for a wide variety of scenes, everything from dynamic landscape to portrait. Additionally, the LUMIX G2 is compatible with all Micro Four Thirds System lenses, allowing users even higher levels of performance in a digital interchangeable lens camera.
The LUMIX DMC-G2 and other LUMIX G Micro System digital cameras can use any interchangeable lens that complies with the Four Thirds standard via an optional mount adaptor DMW-MA1 and with the prestigious Leica M/R Lenses via DMW-MA2M or MA3R. Other accessories include external flashes, filters, a remote shutter, HDMI mini cables and a variety of stylish straps and bags. To learn about the Panasonic LUMIX Micro Four Thirds System and all the available accessories, visit www.panasonic.com/lumix. The Panasonic LUMIX G2 will be available in red, blue and black models and pricing and availability will be announced 30 days prior to shipping date.
*As of March 7, 2010.
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
Some functions may not be available depending on the lens that is mounted.
Use a card with SD Speed Class with "Class 4″ or higher when recording motion pictures in [AVCHD Lite]. Also, use a card with SD Speed Class with "Class 6″ or higher when recording motion pictures in [MOTION JPEG].
The "AVCHD Lite" and the "AVCHD Lite" logo are trademarks of Panasonic Corporation and Sony Corporation.
Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
YouTube is a trademark of Google Inc.
· Windows and the Windows logo are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. Read More: Panasonic Lumix G2
Over the past few days, Hejnar PHOTO has released multiple new products, all are available in their . These products include:
Arca Quick Release Camera Plates for Compact Point & Shoot Cameras
1" Wide Plate with Ridge
1" Wide Plate (No Ridge)
0.8" Wide Plate (No Ridge)
These plates are designed for small Compact Point & Shoot cameras. They are made in the U.S.A. from 6061-T6 aluminum, black anodized and feature three slots for maximum flexibility in mounting to your camera. The plates are approximately 1.5 inches long, and retail for $19.99.
Arca Quick Release Camera Plates
2" Plate with new Camera Strap Loop
Camera Plate for Nikon D300/D300s
Pentax 6x7 Camera Plate
These plates are made in the U.S.A. from 6061-T6 aluminum, black anodized and retail for $34.99 to $39.99.
Biderectional Arca Quick Release Plate
Bidirectional Arca Quick Release Plate
This 2" long bidirectional camera plate fits into Arca clamps the same as regular plates, plus also fit at a 90 degree angle. They are made in the U.S.A. from 6061-T6 aluminum, black anodized retail for $34.99.
Arca Quick Release Lens Plates
2" Plate with Ridge
Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 VR Lens Plate
Nikon 80-200mm f2.8 Lens Plate
These plates are made in the U.S.A. from 6061-T6 aluminum, black anodized and retail for $34.99 to $39.99.
Clamps
Not a new product, but the popular 3.25" Hejnar PHOTO clamp is now back in stock:
3.25" Arca Quick Release Clamp
We use Hejnar PHOTO products, and find them to be very well designed and manufactured, at exceptional prices. You can find reviews of specific products in our Tripods & Support Gear Guide. Hejnar PHOTO products can be purchased from the .
Read More: New Products from Hejnar PHOTO
OmniPod make beanbags in several different styles, this review covers the larger 11"x7"x2" model. The OmniPod comes with a built in Ό" x 20 tripod socket to attach to cameras, camcorders or pretty much anything else you can put on a tripod. Beanbags can be useful in the field by providing a more stable base for your camera to help reduce camera shake, and allow the use of lower shutter speeds. The Omnipod can be draped over a car window for extra support, or with the built in strap can be attached to tree limbs, fence railings or just sat on a rock or the ground.
The OmniPod features a standard Ό" x 20 tripod stud, surrounded by a thick 1" rubber washer to firmly grip your camera. The OmniPod is filled with polystyrene beads, features a heavily textured non-skid bottom, and comes with a strap and buckle that can be used it secure it to objects. It comes in two sizes and two colors (black and camo). The larger version allows you to add or remove fill via a small tab that tucks under the buckle and velcro's closed.
B&H Photo Video, Adorama, 
