What is the World's Best Camera?

Yesterday, Sony announced its DSC-TX200V, a point and shoot model that some are hailing as the greatest thing since sliced bread. About as small a cell phone, the camera can go just about anywhere, no more excuse of “the camera's too big to carry.” Resolution? A class-leading 18Mp, just don't go expecting miracles in low light. AF capabilities? Top-notch for a camera in its class, with Sony claiming AF as fast as 0.13 seconds. A final, top selling point is durability. The camera is waterproof to 16 feet, dust-proof, and freeze-proof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit.

Unfortunately, Sony screwed up big time by giving the camera a touch screen, which ruins all usability as it is impossible to change settings on the fly without extensive menu diving. Scratch another candidate for best camera in the world.

So, what would be the perfect camera?

Size. Here's something funny: I own a Nikon D700 ($2700 original retail) and an Olympus Stylus 550WP ($150 original retail). Which one do I use more? The Olympus. Why? It' s small enough to go everywhere I go, which means that it can be taking pictures while the big Nikon stays at home. Sure, the D700 absolutely mops the floor with the Olympus when it comes to image quality, but what use is good IQ if the camera is simply too big to lug around? The perfect camera has to be small enough to fit into a pocket.

Image quality. There is no doubt that larger sensors out-perform small ones, especially when the ISOs get up to around 400. As the sensitivities rise, the performance gap only widens all the more. In low-light, a camera with a SLR-sized sensor can produce good images at ISOs up to 3200. Small sensors? No way there. The perfect camera needs a big sensor.

Optics. From a marketers point of view, there is no doubt that people like zoom lenses. Want proof? Just go to any general big box stores that carry SLR lenses. You're guaranteed to find more zooms than primes. Dedicated photo stores, those are different as people going in there appreciate a fast prime. As further proof that people like zooms, after the Mp count, most often the next headlining feature of any P&S camera is its zoom capability. Yes, while fast primes are nice, most people want the flexibility to zoom, hence requiring that the perfect camera have a zoom lens.

AF capabilities. What good is an outstanding sensor/lens combo if the camera can't focus reliably or in demanding conditions? It isn't. Currently, camera makers use two types of AF mechanisms: phase and contrast detection, with phase being far superior in terms of speed and accuracy, especially in low light or with fast-moving subjects. Focus for the perfect camera? A combination of phase and contrast detect is used on all current dSLRs.

Modes: different people like to shoot differently, which means that the perfect camera needs to have all sorts of shooting modes ranging from fully automatic to all manual. The perfect camera needs to have the traditional P, A, S, M for the experts as well as fancy modes like portrait and fireworks for those who just like to aim and shoot.

Construction. To be the best overall imaging machine possible, a camera needs to be built tough, and then some. A metal body is a good start here as metal is simply tougher than plastic, and thus more likely to survive a good knock-around. However, that simply isn't enough. While a sturdy shell is good, it all comes to nothing if the elements can find their way in, which means that the camera must have all its buttons, seams, and compartments sealed with rubber gaskets, thus ensuring dust and waterproofing. The perfect camera will need to function in all environments.

So, does this perfect camera exist? Of course not, this is just a hypothetical exercise in seeing what the perfect camera would probably look like. So far, the closest thing is the Canon G1X, which is small in size, big on sensor, and flexible with optics and modes. Unfortunately, it uses pure contrast detect AF and has no weather sealing, making it vulnerable to nature.

Still, as technology evolves and new models come to market, who knows, the perfect camera may, just one day, hit store shelves near you.

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Sony Announces Stylish, Waterproof DSC-TX200V

Sony's DSC-TX200V.

Sony has just announced what some are already hailing as the ultimate compact digital camera: the DSC-TX200V, a cell-phone sized pocket cam that can go 16 feet underwater, shoot 18Mp detail, and focus in as little as .13 seconds. Oh, yes, the camera is cool to look at, too. For tech fiends, the camera also features a touch screen. For these reasons, many are already considering the new Sony to be the ultimate pocket camera. For a full analysis, go here. If you like what you read, preorder now as the “lines” are sure to be long.

Key Specs:
Class: ultracompact
Sensor: 18Mp CMOS
Lens: 26-140mm film equivalent, f3.5-4.8
Orientation sensor: Yes
Aspect ratios: 4:3, 16:9
Formats: JPEG
ISO: 64-12,800
Modes: Program, 16 Scenes
AF: Contrast detect
AF assist lamp: No
Viewfinder: LCD
LCD: 3.3” 1.2M dot live view touch screen
Shutter Speed: 1/1600^th-2 seconds
Continuous drive: 10fps
Exposure Compensation: +/- 2 stops
WB Bracketing: No
Built-in flash: Yes
Video: 1080p full HD
Microphone: stereo
Speaker: stereo
Movie Formats: MPEG, AVCHD
Storage: Memory Stick Duo, Duo Pro, Pro HG-Duo
HDMI: Yes
GPS: Yes
Wireless: Yes
Weight: 4.55ozs. (with battery)
Size: 3.78” x 2.28” x 0.63”
Price: $499.99
Availability: Mar. 2012

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Tokina Announces 11-16 f2.8 II with Built-In Motor For Nikon

Tokina's 11-16 f2.8 II lens, due out later this year.

Tokina has just announced (you'll need to scroll down a little) that it will be launching a 'II' version of its highly-praised 11-16 f2.8 model, which is the only lens in the world that provides such a fast aperture with an extreme wide-angle perspective. Generally speaking, most ultrawide zooms start around f4 on the wide end. With its f2.8 maximum aperture and extremely wide field of view, some truly stunning low-light pictures can be shot without flash, provided one isn't afraid of cranking the ISOs up into the four digit mark.

If you want to see just what a f2.8 zoom can do under low-light when partnered with a modern digital camera, go to my Tokina 28-70 f2.8 review and scroll to the bottom.

For owners of low-end Nikon dSLRs, this is great news as this lens has a built-in motor, which will allow for AF on all current Nikons. The current lens employed the old-fashioned slotted screw drive, which will only allow AF on cameras with a built-in focus motor (D7000 and up). The lens also features what Tokina claims are improved optical coatings and a new AF mechanism, designed to boost AF speed.

As for pricing and availability, the lens should start hitting stores in April for the Nikon mount version and August for Canon. Price? Well, that's set at 94,500 Yen, which translates to about $1,200. Scared yet? Don't be, MSRPs are often greatly inflated from actual street prices.

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'Solar Hurricane' Blasting Earth Right Now!

Astronauts could be in for a real treat these coming days!

 

Here we go again, but this time, it's the big one: another CME hit Earth thus morning, some forecasters are expecting a one to two day solar storm. Needless to say, be alert for Northern Lights if your sky is looking to be clear tonight. Read all about it!

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Nikon 85 f1.8G vs. 85 f1.8D, Solar Storm Update

Nikon's new 85 f1.8G replaces the old '85 f1.8D.

Two new things this Sunday:


Thing 1: I just did a write-up on the new Nikon 85 f1.8G vs. the old 85 f1.8D lenses. Be sure to check it out.


Thing 2: The CME that was predicted to collide with Earth's upper atmosphere yesterday evening wound up traveling more slowly than expected and actually hit early this morning. Result: the folks at spaceweather.com are now forecasting tonight to be the night to look for aurora.


Best wishes for clear skies!

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What Are the Northern Lights?

The Northern LIghts: enchanting yet mysterious.

The Northern Lights: virtually everyone has heard of them and probably almost everyone who has seen pictures and/or video has been enchanted by them, but very people know what they are. So, what exactly are the Northern Lights, also known as aurora?

The aurora are caused by an interaction of energized particles from the Sun interacting with the Earth's magnetic field. When the Sun is active, it is more likely to emit a burst of charged atoms into space in a n event called a coronal mass ejection (CME). In technical terms, CMEs differ from the solar wind in that the CMEs are stronger. Think of it this way, if the solar wind is a breeze, a CME is a wind storm. Once launched into space, it will take between 2 and 3 days for the particles from the Sun to reach Earth.

Upon hitting Earth's upper atmosphere, the charged particles are funneled toward the polar regions thanks to the Earth's magnetic field, where they ten interact with atoms high in the Earth's atmosphere. When charged ions from the Sun hit atoms, they give off a distinct glow that varies by atom and also altitude.

As for colors, here are what they mean:
Deep red: caused by high-altitude (175+ miles up) oxygen
Green/greenish yellow: lower altitude oxygen
Pale red/pink: low nitrogen
Blue/purple: high-altitude hydrogen and helium


The most common color is a greenish shade, with ruby red aurora being the most rare.. Aurora can be as low as 60 miles and as high as 350.

When it comes to form, the aurora can take on many guises, which can resemble silk curtains, a cricking whip, or an amorphous glob. As for why the aurora look the way to do, it all has to do with how they hit the lines of Earth's magnetic field. The closer to a line, the more curtain/whip-like they will be.

When it comes to seeing aurora, for reasons that are still not completely understood, the best seasons to watch are the spring and fall, though they can occur at any time of the year because their origin lies with the Sun. As for frequency, aurora re more commonly seem when the Sun is at or near maximum in its 11-year cycle. For the record, the next solar maximum is forecast for 2013/14.

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Incoming CME Could Produce Solar Storm Tomorrow

The CME that is heading for Earth right now.


Yesterday, the Sun blasted a coronal mass ejection (CME) straight in Earth's direction. According to the experts on Spaceweather.com, the CME is projected to hit Earth sometime tomorrow evening for people living in the Eastern United States. Needless to say, one should be alert for aurora tomorrow night, and this does not apply just to high-latitude skywatchers, either.

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Examiner for Week of 1/9

Another week over, another Examiner roundup arrived. NOTE: this was a very news-heavy week (CES releases for photography, Phobos-Grunt for astro), which means that a lot of the same stories were covered by both columns, which is why i'm not posing what are links to essentially the same material twice.



Space News
Amateur video of Phobos-Grunt
iPad survives fall from space
Will Doomsday Clock move?
1 minute closer to Doomsday
Russia blames America for space failures?



National Photography
Nikon D4 vs. Canon 1Dx
What is a XQD memory card?
Fuji announces X-Pro1
Canon announces G1X
G1X vs. G12
Fuji: X-Pro1 just the beginning
Android-powered Polaroid announced



Cleveland Photography
Ditto National




Cleveland Astronomy
Jan. featured sight: seeing double

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Cell Phone Cameras vs. Digital Point and Shoots: Which is Better?

Camera vs. Phone: which one wins? Read on to find out!

As technology gets better, a legitimate debate has arisen in photographic circles: are cell phone cameras killing the entry-level point and shoot digital models that have been a staple of the photographic world for over a decade. Yes, there is undeniable proof that cell phone cameras are getting ever better by the year and that their popularity is increasing, but do they pose a legitimate chance at killing the pocket P&S?

NEWS: Polaroid announces phone-like, Android-powered camera

In a recent article published by the BBC that focuses on American camera sales, it has been reported that, in the first 11 months of 2011, basic point and shoot camera sales fell by about 17% while entry-level pocket camcorder sales took a 13% plunge. The culprit (according to an online survey): smart phones, whose cameras are ever-increasing in their capabilities, possibly to the point of equaling dedicated, entry-level photo gear. So, do phones pose a legitimate threat to cameras?

Hardly, if you ask me.

There are several things that make true cameras stand out: better resolution, better AF, more versatile optics (think zoom), external buttons that allow for quick changes to settings, and the laundry list of customizable options that do not appear on any cell phone. In addition, point and shoot cameras can be made to be water, freeze, and crush-proof, too.

For anyone who is serious about taking pictures, any smart phone's user interface is its biggest drawback. On a cell phone, you are forced to dive into menus and scroll around for every single setting change you want to make. On a camera, the basic setting controls are at your fingertips in the form of buttons, no menu diving required. With this vital attribute, someone with a real camera can be snapping a once in a lifetime photo while the smart phone user is scrolling through menus, trying to find the setting he/she wants to change.

However, the numbers don't lie, do they?

One important consideration in the survey was the nature of the question, which found that phones were more likely to be used in “fun, casual, or spontaneous” settings. Well, duh, of course they are! Question: how often do you have a cell phone on you? A camera? Chances are, unless you're serious about taking photos, you're not like me and don't carry a pocket P&S at all times, too. For this reason alone, cell phones are going to be taking more spontaneous snaps than true cameras.

Another key finding in the survey: dSLR sales are getting stronger, not weaker, and that for planned events where picture taking would be on the agenda, dedicated cameras and camcorders were still the favored medium for imaging. Again, duh. After all, who shoots their daughter's wedding with an iPhone (as cool as it may be)?

In the end, camera phones are creatures of opportunity as many more people regularly carry a phone at all times than a camera, which means more on the fly pictures will come by way of phones. Also, phones can have great cameras but lousy user interfaces, which means that, when it comes to serious shooting, real cameras are still the way to go. Unless you're only wanting the bare bones of photographic applications (namely aim and shoot) and are willing to settle for “good enough,” don't ditch your camera anytime soon.

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Canon G1X vs. G12, the World

The Canon G1X: is this the only camera you'll ever need?

Two days ago, Canon announced a truly revolutionary camera: the Powershot G1X, the first digital camera in history that combined the small size of a P&S, the sensor of a SLR, and the flexibility of a zoom lens, all in one camera. For many photographers the world over, this is a dream come true: a camera that can deliver image quality, extreme portability, and flexibility all in one package. In addition, this is the camera that could make all other cameras obsolete, too.

Initially, by looking at the G1X, one immediately notices the strong family resemblance to Canon's previously top-tier model: the G12. While they may look similar on the outside, the two cameras are completely different on the inside. For a concise comparison of the two cameras, go here.

Now: the G1X vs. the world.

Previously, people had three choices when buying cameras: dSRS, large-sensor, fixed lens P&S models, and small sensor P&S models, all three of which have disadvantages that disappear with the G1X. First on the hit list: small-sensor P&S cameras.

With small sensor cameras, their biggest disadvantage is the sensor size itself. Why? It's all about the pixels, specifically their size. If two cameras with two different size sensors have the same pixel count, say 14Mp, the only way that this can be possible is that the individual pixels on the smaller sensor are smaller than the pixels on the bigger sensor. The problem is twofold. First: all electronic sensors have background noise, which manifests itself as graininess and/or color splotches with cameras. Second: small pixels capture less signal (light) than large pixels. Less signal means less data to drown out the noise. Result: grainy, splotched pictures. Now, while small-sensor P&S cameras can make good pictures at base ISO, at anything past 400, the noise really starts to show. At the same time, dSLRs/large sensor compacts can often do ISO 1600 noise-free.

Second on the hit list: all previous large sensor compacts. In 2006, Sigma made big news by announcing its DP1, the first compact camera to feature a SLR-sized sensor. While the camera was undoubtedly a breakthrough in design, it had one big drawback in the eyes of many people: the lens was of a fixed focal length equivalent of 28mm on film with a max. aperture of f4, meaning that the DP1 was only good for landscapes as the lens was too slow for low light shooting. In the following years, new cameras building on the same design (big sensor, prime lens) followed. While popular with serious photographers, these cameras never really caught on with the masses because of their high price (thanks to the big sensor) and fixed focal length lenses (which don't appeal to casual snappers).

Last of all, the dSLR. Until the arrival of the DP1 and its 'offspring,' dSLRs were the undisputed kings of the hill for image quality in less than ideal lighting conditions thanks to their big pixels, which drown out noise very well and result in remarkably noise-free images. Problem: dSLRs, even the small ones, are huge in of themselves. Add on a lens and guess what, forget about portability as neck straps and/or camera bags are required.

Now, with the arrival of the G1X, the world has a camera that eliminates all of these problems: the low IQ of small sensors, the prime lenses of previous big-sensor P&S models, and the sheer bulk of dSLRs. While not the smallest P&S model around, the G1X is still small enough to fit into a pocket, allowing for flexible, high-quality imaging on the go, just the thing for those spontaneous photo-ops that always seem to pop up when you wish you had a camera around.

Now another question: why not to buy a G1X?

In two areas, the G1X falls short of the dSLR. First, if you want telephoto performance, forget it, the G1X only has a lens that is the equivalent of 28-112mm, which is probably good for 95% of one's shooting, but can leave you wanting more reach for something far away. The other thing: dSLRs are better for fast action/low light focusing thanks to their phase-detect AF. While good on the IQ front, the G1X still employs the contrast-detect AF used by most P&S cameras, all of which can be so-so to downright lousy when targeting a fast-moving subject or anything in a dark setting.

In the end, for 90% of the people reading this, the Canon G1X may just be the only camera you'll ever need. Want one? Preorder yours now before the “line” gets too long!

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Canon Announces G1X Large-Sensor, Zoom Compact

The G1X: not your average P&S camera!

The camera we've all been waiting for is here: a large-sensor compact with a zoom lens as Canon announced its Powershot G1X yesterday. For serious photographers looking for versatile imaging power on the go, this is your perfect camera, so preorder yours now before the waiting lists get too long! For an in-depth look at the new Canon, go here.

Here are some key specs:

Body: metal, no sealing
Sensor: 14Mp CMOS
Lens: 28-112mm film equivalent, f2.8-5.8
Orientation sensor: Yes
Aspect ratios: 4:3, 1:1, 3:2, 16:9, 5:4
Formats: RAW, JPEG, DPOF
ISO: 100-12,800
Modes: Program, TV, AV, M, scene, creative, auto
AF: Contrast detect
AF assist lamp: Yes
Viewfinder: LCD, optical tunnel
LCD: 3” 920k dot live view, flip out
Shutter Speed: 1/4000-60 seconds
Continuous drive: 4.5fps (burst mode), 1.9 fps normal
Exposure Compensation: +/- 3 stops
AE Bracketing: +/- 2 at 1/3 steps
WB Bracketing: No
Built-in flash: Yes
Video: 1080p full HD
Microphone: stereo
Speaker: stereo
Movie Formats: H.264
Storage: SD, SDHC, SDXC
HDMI: Yes
GPS: No
Weight: 18.8ozs. (with battery)
Size: 4.6” x 3.2” x 2.6”
Price: $799.99
Availability: Feb. 2012


More hot stuff from CES:
Nikon D4
Fuji X-Pro1.


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Fuji Announces X-Pro1, X100 Big Brother. Price Set, Release Date TBA

The Fuji X-Pro1: the lenses come off!

There's some really hot stuff coming out of CES 2012. First the Nikon D4 and now the Fujifilm X-Pro1, the interchangeable lens big brother of the immensely popular X100 large sensor P&S. Read all about it here.

Ok, here are some key specs:

Body: metal, no sealing
Sensor: 16Mp APS-C CMOS
Orientation sensor: Yes
Aspect ratios: 1:1, 3:2, 16:9
Formats: RAW, JPEG
ISO: 200-25,600
Modes: Program, Time value, Aperture value, manual
AF: Contrast detect
AF assist lamp: Yes
Viewfinder: 100% coverage, optical/digital hybrid
LCD: 3” 1,230,000 dot live view, fixed
Shutter Speed: 1/4000-30 seconds
Flash Sync: 1/180^th second
Continuous drive: 6fps max
Exposure Compensation: +/- 2 stops
AE Bracketing: (1/3, 2/3, 1stop values)
WB Bracketing: No
Built-in flash: No
Video: 1080p full HD
Microphone: stereo
Speaker: stereo
Movie Formats: H.264
Storage: SD, SDHC, SDXC
HDMI: Yes
GPS: No
Weight: 15.9ozs. (with battery)
Size: 5.5” x 2.2” x 1.7”
Price: Around $1,700
Availability: TBA

Want one? Well, considering that the X100 was just about impossible to find for almost a year after it first hit stores, I suggest that you preorder your X-Pro1 today before the 'line' gets too long!


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Nikon D4 vs. Canon 1Dx, Examiner for Weeks of 12/25, 1/1

The Nikon D4 is the big photographic news event of now.

First of all, I did a write-up on my Examiner column on the whole Nikon D4 vs. Canon 1Dx debate. Which is better? Why not see for yourself?

NOTE: the Examiner lists may seem thin, but this is because I'm not including links to timely news items, like solar storms, and other 1-day events. The more evergreen stuff is staying.



Space News
Comet Lovejoy from Space
ASU to look for alien artifacts on Moon
Amateurs photograph Phobos-Grunt
Science vs. 2012
Astrology: why people still believe
President Obama has gone to Mars!
Stephen Hawking: women are the universe's biggest mystery
Stephen Hawking defies ALS, turns 70



National Photography
Caught on camera: the birth of an island
New software tracks lost cameras
Stars we lost in 2011
2012: Doomsday for digital cameras?
In photos: Quadrantid Meteors
Video: marriage proposal goes horribly wrong
Nikon announces the D4
Nikon D4: a $6000 yawn


Cleveland Astronomy
Featured sight for week of 12/25: latest sunrises
Comet Lovejoy from space
Get Sirius: ring in the New Year with the Dog Star
NASA takes on 2012
President Obama has gone to Mars!
Happy perihelion
The January Sky



Cleveland Photography
The nightmare after Christmas: unwanted gifts
The horizontally-moving Sun
Screaming of a White Christmas!
What will 2012 mean for digital cameras?
2011 predictions revisited
Meteor photos online
Fuji announces a slew of new cameras
Nikon announces the D4
The Nikon D4: a $6000 disappointment

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Nikon D4 vs. D3/D3s: Should I Buy One or Wait for the D5?

The D4 is quite a camera, but it's not revolutionary like the D3.

Yesterday, Nikon announced its D4 dSLR, which the company labeled as 'multi-media' thanks to its much enhanced video capability. So, now that the 4 ½ year-old D3 is finally has a replacement (the D3s was a D3 with video), is the D4 a camera worth buying?

When looking at the spec sheet of the D4, one immediately notices one thing: a lot has not changed  from the D3s.

UPDATE: See how the D4 stacks up against the Canon 1Dx

Now, what does this mean for Nikon?

Answer: the battle for the 4^th generation of pro digital cameras will come down to the high-resolution models that both Nikon and Canon have yet to launch.

When the Nikon D3 came out in fall, 2007, it completely blew away the Canon 1D Mark III in itself. Then, factor in the AF problems found on the Canon and the stupid 1.3x crop factor and, in one stroke, Nikon had, for the first time in 2 decades, a body that the pros really wanted. Want proof? Look at the photographer areas at sporting events. Before the D3, there used to be mostly white Canon glass. Now? There's a healthy mix of white Canons and black Nikkors. When Canon launched the 1D Mark IV in 2009, the, at the time, 2-year old D3 was still, in the eyes of many, overwhelmingly superior thanks to its larger sensor and better low-light performance. Then, throw in the just-announced D3s (a D3 with even higher ISO and video) and, guess what, Canon looked pretty antiquated.

Then came October, 2011 and the Canon 1Dx, a high-speed, FF pro model designed to go head-to-head with Nikon's aging D3 line. On paper, the Canon 1Dx was extremely formidable, being the first do it all Canon camera as it combined high resolution (18Mp), the ability to shoot high speed (12fps), and full HD video capabilities (something the band-aid D3s couldn't do). Now, with the first real competition in years, Nikon had to pull out all the stops to keep its place in the Sun.

And what did they deliver? Yesterday's lunch (a D3/D3s) warmed over.

In the end, the debate of whether one should buy a D4 comes down to one simple question: how important is video? If video makes up a substantial part of your camera usage,  preorder a D4 right now before the “line” gets too long. If you are mainly a still shooter the D3/D3s is still a formidable camera that should allow you to happily keep clicking away until the D5 comes out, probably sometime in 2015.

As for who's king of the hill right now, it's hard to say. Both Nikon and Canon have pretty much equal high speed pro cameras (D4 and 1Dx) and an aging stable of other high-end cameras, most notably the big Mp flagship models (D3x and 1Ds Mark III). Also of note are the ancient (in digital terms) Nikon D700 and Canon 5D Mark II, both 2008 releases though hardly direct competitors. Going older, both Nikon and Canon are still listing the D300s (Nikon) and 50D (Canon) on their websites, despite both being essentially made obsolete by 'lesser,' cheaper models (D7000 and 60D, respectively).

Needless to say, it will be interesting to see what both companies pull out of their sleeves in the coming months, especially now that both have put their cards on the table in the high speed pro market segment.

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Nikon Announces the D4 'Multi-Media' dSLR, 85 f1.8 AF-S

The Nikon D4 with the new 85 f1.8 AF-S.

Nikon has just announced the long-awaited successor to the D3/D3s models: the D4, which Nikon claims to be a true multi-media camera thanks to its greatly enhanced video capabilities. In digital camera terms, the D3/D3s was getting quite old for a dSLR. Launched in 2007, the D3 revolutionized photography and, for Nikon, was a much needed shot in the arm as, for the first time since the AF revolution in the 80s, pros had a legitimate reason to see the Nikon system as equal to or better than long-reigning King Canon.

Building on the success of the D3, Nikon has offered improvements in many categories that are sure to make many current Nikonians consider an update and some non-Nikonians consider jumping ship.

Key specs:Body: magnesium alloy, weather seals
Sensor: 16Mp FX
Aspect ratios: 3:2, 5:4
Formats: NEF (RAW), TIFF, JPEG
ISO: 50-204,800
AF Modes: 7
AF Points: 51
Viewfinder: 100% coverage. 0.7x magnification
LCD: 3.2” 920k dot live view
Shutter Speed: 1/8000-30 seconds, bulb
Flash Sync: 1/250^th second
Exposure Compensation: +/- 5 stops
Video: 1080p full HD
Movie Formats: MPEG, H.264
Storage: Compactflash, XQD
Weight: 2.95lbs (with battery)
Size: 6.3” x 6.2” x 3.6”
Price: $5999.95


Oh, yes, Nikon updated its 85 f1.8 lens to AF-S, too.

In the following couple of days, expect some commentary, especially in light of the Canon 1Dx, to come, too. For now, if you want some in-depth analysis, go here.

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Happy Perihelion!

The Sun: it's at its closest right now.

Believe it or not, Earth is at a point in its orbit called perihelion or, in everyday language, the point in its orbit where it is closest from the Sun (okay, perihelion was 2 days ago, but it's close enough!). For many people who erroneously believe that the seasons are caused by the earth's distance to the Sun, this fact disproves this common misconception (at least for people living in the Northern Hemisphere) as January is often the coldest month despite the Earth being at its closest distance from the Sun.

So, for people not familiar with the solar system, this fact leaves 2 big questions: how can Earth be at different distances from the Sun in a circular orbit and what causes the seasons? First, let's tackle the question about distance to the Sun.

First of all, the planets' orbits are not circular at all, but elliptical. In geometry, an ellipse is a slightly elongated circle. Since the time of the Ancient Greeks, it was commonly assumed that the planets had to be in perfect, circular orbits. Unfortunately, a observing techniques were refined, it became obvious that the planets weren't exactly where they were supposed to be. However, it was not until Johannes Kepler in the early 1600s that it was realized that the planets do not orbit in circles, but in slightly elongated ellipses, hence why the Earth can be different distances from the Sun.

Now, onto the seasons, if not for Earth's distance to the Sun, why do we have them?. Answer: it's all about Earth's tilt.

If the Earth were spinning on its axis with no tilt at all, everyone would be treated to days of identical length every day of the year, with latitudes nearer the equator having longer days than those nearer the poles. However, with the tilt, the angle of the Earth relative to the Sun changes as or planet moves about its orbit. On the Winter Solstice (shortest day of the year) the Northern Hemisphere is tilted up and away from the Sun. On the Summer Solstice (longest day of the year), the Northern Hemisphere will be tilted down toward the Sun. On the equinoxes, the tilt is half way between the solstices. To see this effect, go out and observe the path the Sun takes through the sky for the course of day of winter.

As seen on the Summer Solstice from the Cleveland area (where I'm from), the Sun rises in the Northeast, arcs into the Southern sky, peaking at a height of about 72 degrees at local noon (about 1:30pm), and then starts heading down to its set in the Northwest. On the solstice, the day will be over 15 hours long. Now, for people living at different latitudes, your numbers may differ with more Northerly dwellers seeing more extreme changes. For about a month after the solstice, you will notice that the rise/set points of the Sun hardly change, hence “solstice” from the Latin words “sol” and “sitre,” literally, “Sun stands still.”

By early August though, the days start to shorten and the Sun is noticeably moving South, towards due West at sunset. The shortening of the days will accelerate until the Sun reaches the day of the Autumnal Equinox, where it will rise/set exactly due East/West. At this point, both day and night will be exactly 12 hours long. The Sun will never leave the Southern celestial hemisphere until the next Vernal Equinox (first day of spring).

The shortening of the days will continue until the Sun finally reaches its most Southerly rise/set on the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. On this day, the Sun will rise/set low in the Southeast, get only about 25 degrees high at local noon (in my location at about 12:30 thanks to a return to Standard Time). The final result: a day that is only 9 hours long.

Now, by looking at these statistics, namely where the Sun rises, how high it climbs, and how long the days is, it is obvious to see that the angle of the Sun relative to Earth, not its distance, determines why we have seasons.

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It's Official: 2011 Was the Worst Year for Astronomy in Recorded History

Rain can be fun to photograph mid-fall, but is's all-around bad news for astronomers!

For anyone who lives in Northeast Ohio's Cleveland area and who likes to look up at the night sky, there was no doubt about it: 2011 was one of the cloudiest years ever. Personally, ever since really getting into astronomy back in 2004, this was the worst year I can remember. Honestly, it seemed like there was nothing but wall-to-wall clouds for the first 6 months of the year (except when the Moon was near Full, of course!). Finally, come July, things cleared out in a big way, finally bringing the first multi-day runs of clear nights for the entire year. With the middle of August, you guessed it, the clouds were back, which is where they have stayed for the most part.

Well, according to the national Weather Service, 2011 was Northeast Ohio's worst season for astronomy as it was not only the wettest year on record, but the wettest by a wide margin since records began being kept in in the early 1870s. For Cleveland, we ended the year with over 65 inches of precipitation in 2011, more than 26 inches above the average. The old record from 1990? It's toast, being beaten by over a foot this year.

Here's hoping for a drier, and clearer, 2012!

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Happy New Year, and Many More to Come!

ONLINE COUNTDOWN

Well, it's official: 2011 is gone and 2012 is here which, for many people, only means one thing: there's less than a year to live. While prophets of doom are nothing new, the 2012 Maya calendar running out hype is something that has been building for quite some time and will only continue to increase in the forefront of many individuals' minds until December 22 arrives after nothing happens on the day before. In short, more so than at any time since the big lead-up to Y2K over a decade (has it been that long already?) ago, 2012 will be a year of crackpots and crazy ideas that will make full fledged, frontal assaults on reason for almost all year long.

Now, anyone who has been visiting here for any length of time will have inferred by now that I am a big proponent of logic, skepticism, and the scientific method, three things that will be immensely useful in the coming 12 months as end of the world predictions become more frequent and, in all probability, more imaginative. The bottom line is this: never in the history of man has any prophecy ever come true, a lesson that preacher Harold Camping has learned twice in 2011 alone. When reading prophetic works, one cannot help but notice how vague such 'predictions' are, which is why they are only fulfilled in hindsight when we can take events of the present and make them fit with a prophecy of the past. Needless to say, the prophets have a pretty poor track record, one that shouldn't inspire any sort of confidence when it comes to predictions for December 21, 2012.

Now, in anticipation of the big day when nothing is going to happen, I've placed a December 21 countdown clock at the top of the right menu bar as the one at the top of this posting is soon to get buried as more content is added.

So, being that it is 2012, be sure to keep your common sense about you, take a scientific approach to any outlandish ideas, and educate your fellow man about the reality of 2012.


For more info:
List of failed Doomsdays

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