Strictly Starlings - come dancing over Brighton Pier

Video in Brighton

Amazing display by the evening flight of starlings.

Watch the video

Brighton storm November 14, 2009

Massive waves crash into Brighton Pier

Managed to get some video of the pier being battered during the storms that swept across the country on Saturday.

Stormy Seas Part 1

Stormy Seas Part 2

Twitter ID: UKpix

Websites:

UKpix.com
Pictures for private and commercial use

Brighton-Net.com
Free Brighton pictures


London-GB.com
Free London pictures


ProntoPix.com
News, web and private pictures to download. Royalty free photos

Veteran-Cars.com
Pictures of the London to Brighton Veteran Car Rally 2009

Veteran Cars 2009

London to Brighton Veteran Car Run pictures 2009

A nice gallery was carried by the Telegraph website

Veteran Cars 2009 - Telegraph

Slideshow of the event now on YouTube


Twitter ID:
UKpix

Websites:

UKpix.com
Pictures for private and commercial use

Brighton-Net.com
Free Brighton pictures


London-GB.com
Free London pictures


ProntoPix.com
News, web and private pictures to download. Royalty free photos

Veteran-Cars.com
Pictures of the London to Brighton Veteran Car Rally 2009

Olympus Pen EP-1 examples

Brighton pictures with the 17mm lens

Here are some pictures taken with the Olympus Pen EP-1 using the 17mm (35mm). They show how good that lens can be.

Pen pictures at UKpix.com




Twitter ID:
UKpix

Websites:

UKpix.com
Pictures for private and commercial use

Brighton-Net.com
Free Brighton pictures


London-GB.com
Free London pictures


ProntoPix.com
News, web and private pictures to download. Royalty free photos

Veteran-Cars.com
Pictures of the London to Brighton Veteran Car Rally 2009

Veteran Car Run 2009 (part two)

Lots of pictures

Fortunately, the weather improved a little. But it wasn't brilliant.

Many cars braved the torrential rain and gale force winds, but there were lots of casualties on the course... and several entrants retired.

Managed to get some fine pictures, though.

London to Brighton Veteran Car Run images 2009

Veteran Car Run 2009

It's chucking it down in Brighton!

Hope to venture out for a few shots of the London to Brighton Veteran Car run, but I suspect they won't be too good this year.

The rain is sheeting down in gale-force winds on the coast and it can't be much fun in an open-top old crock. Don't think the weather has been this bad for a run since 2002.

There is promise of better conditions in the afternoon, but it could be too late by then.

Watch this space to see what pictures I get from my soggy cameras!


UKpix.com

New dedicated website:
veteran-cars.com

Leica X1 and Leica M9

DPreview's picture of the Leica X1






The Leica X1 seems to have drummed up an amazing amount of interest.

Searches to UKpix.com over the past few weeks have been dominated by people looking for information on this new digital camera.

More information on the UKpix sister website CameraGazette.com

The excellent website DPreview has a hands-on preview which is very interesting.

Meanwhile, demand for Leica's massively priced M9 has far outstripped supply.

Just goes to show that when people think the iconic camera maker has got something right, they are falling over themselves to spend thousands of pounds.

Clearly, there is still lots of money around.


Twitter ID:
UKpix

Websites:

UKpix.com
Pictures for private and commercial use

Brighton-Net.com
Free Brighton pictures


London-GB.com
Free London pictures


ProntoPix.com
News, web and private pictures to download. Royalty free photos

Olympus Pen E-P1 RAW example

RAW picture example of the Olympus digital Pen E-P1
now available for download at UKpix.

Download page






Twitter ID:
UKpix

Websites:

UKpix.com
Pictures for private and commercial use

Brighton-Net.com
Free Brighton pictures


London-GB.com
Free London pictures


ProntoPix.com
News, web and private pictures to download. Royalty free photos

Free travel pictures

Some free images
now available at UKpix.com:
Rome pictures
Brighton pictures
London pictures
Las Vegas pictures and
San Francisco (Golden Gate Bridge)







Twitter ID:
UKpix

Websites:

UKpix.com
Pictures for private and commercial use

Brighton-Net.com
Free Brighton pictures


London-GB.com
Free London pictures


ProntoPix.com
News, web and private pictures to download. Royalty free photos

Veteran Car Run 2009

London to Brighton Veteran Car Run pictures 2009


Picture from 2008




Photos coming soon. The Event is on Sunday, November 1, 2009.

UKpix.com hopes to have a first gallery available that evening.

I also have a dedicated site to veteran cars.

Veteran-Cars.com

Instant downloads (to print your own pictures) should also be available as soon as possible after the event from ProntoPix.com

Have a look at what is available from last year.

Hope the weather is fair.

And good luck to everyone involved in the event.

Peter

Twitter ID:
UKpix

Websites:

UKpix.com
Pictures for private and commercial use

Brighton-Net.com
Free Brighton pictures


London-GB.com
Free London pictures


ProntoPix.com
News, web and private pictures to download. Royalty free photos

Olympus Pen E-P1 picture examples

Picture examples of the Olympus Pen E-P1
digital camera are now available at UKpix.com.

It is a gallery of photos,
in black and white, of Brighton.




Olympus Pen with a Voigtlander 15mm screw lens (30mm, 35mm equiv) mounted using a Novoflex Leica M to Micro Four Thirds adapter and a screw to M mount adapter.

Gallery

Camera News updates - September

Pentax launches K-x DSLR

An entry level digital SLR has been announced by Pentax. It features a 12.4 MP CMOS sensor, 11-point autofocus, live view and HD video. Available in October.

Pentax link

Firmware updates for
Panasonic G1 and GH1

Updates to the firmware for G1 and GH1 Panasonic cameras have been posted.

Firmware v1.2 for Lumix DMC-GH1

Firmware v1.4 for Lumix DMC-G1

Firmware update for
Panasonic 45-200mm lens

Updates for the Panasonic 45-200mm Lumix G Vario micro four thirds lens has been posted. Version 1.1 improves autofocus and image stabilisation.

Panasonic update

Adobe Lightroom 2.5 and
Camera Raw 5.5 released

Final versions of the updates are now available. Raw support includes the following cameras: Nikon D300S, Nikon D3000, Panasonic DMC-GF1, Olympus E-P1

Lightroom v2.5 (Windows)
Lightroom v2.5 (Mac)

Camera Raw v5.5 (Windows)
Camera Raw v5.5 (Mac)

Firmware updates for Olympus E-P1

Olympus has released a firmware update for the E-P1, digital Pen, Micro Four Thirds camera. There are also updates for the Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm and 17mm pancake lenses.
Updates can be downloaded via the Olympus Master/Studio software.

New Canon lens from Carl Zeiss

CZ has launched an 18mm F3.5 for Canon mount cameras.

Preview at Dpreview.com

September 9, 2009

Leica reveals M9 and X1

The new M9, a full-frame M-mount rangefinder (24 x 36mm) with an 18 megapixel sensor has been finally unveiled by Leica. At last, the CCD sensor developed by Kodak means that Leica M-mount lenses maintain their original field of view.

Leica M9 link

The new X1 (pictured) is a compact camera with a large 12MP CMOS sensor with ISO range of 100 to 3200

Leica X1 link

Leica factory tour from Dpreview

Dpreview, the superb camera website, went on a Leica factory tour.

See their report

Olympus Digital Pen E-P1

Review at UKpix.com

Oh, hasn't Olympus got them all talking! The new digital Pen has commanded numerous comments across the web and in magazines. Some people love it, some hate it (mainly because they think it is an innovation too far). Some have even attacked Olympus for innovation and then told them to carry on being innovative!

If you want size, weight, pixel counts, facts and figures, they are all over the web. I want to concentrate on quirks, tips and, some might think crazy, linkups that are possible. Hey, I love crazy experiments with different lenses and vewfinders and I love quirky cameras...

Read the full review: review of Digital Pen

Camera News - updates

August 2009


Adobe DNG release v5.5 'release candidate'

Adobe has announced release candidates of v5.5 DNG and ACR raw converter.
It is available for immediate download from Adobe Labs. The update is tested but the version is not yet finalised.

There is support for more cameras: Olympus E-P1 digital Pen; Nikon D300s; Nikon D3000; Panasonic DMC-FZ35

UKpix.com

Canon launches PowerShot G11

Canon has unveiled the G11 high-end compact camera to replace the G10. The 14.7mp sensor has been changed to a high-sensitivity 10MP CCD sensor. The lens remains at 28-140mm equivalent, but the new camera gains a tilt and swivel LCD and reduces in size by 2.8 inches.

There is also a dual anti-noise system and the Digic 4 processor.

UKpix.com

Leica S System specs

Leica has revealed the specifications of its medium-format digital camera. The S2 will have Kodak CCD sensor at a massive 37.5 megapixels.

A basic camera with one lens is expected to cost a whopping $30,000 and be available in October.

UKpix.com

Olympus Pen E-P1 review
Attach lots of lenses, including Leica, Voigtlander and Olympus OM1
Olympus Pen E-P1 review

Nikon world first: camera with projector
The world's first first projector camera has been announced by Nikon. The Nikon S1000pj projects images up to 40in at a maximum of about 2 meters (about 6ft). There is a 5x zoom lens (28-140mm, 35mm equivalent) and a 12.1mp sensor.
UKpix.com

Firmware update Canon EOS 50D
Canon has released new firmware for the 50D DSLR. Available for download from Canon.
Firmware download

July 2009

Olympus Stylus Tough 6010
Olympus has launched a new rugged camera in its tough series. Called the Stylus Tough 6010, it is waterproof up to three metres. It has a 12MP sensor and 3.6x zoom from 28mm.
UKpix.com

Nikon F & Pentax K adapter
for Micro Four Thirds
Cosina has launched an adapter to connect F and K mount lenses to the Micro Four Thirds body. This will allow Voigtlander and Car Zeiss lenses with the Nikon F or Pentax K mounts to connect to cameras such as the new Olympus digital Pen or the Panasonic DMC GH1. The adapters are Voigtlander branded
Cosina

M-mount prime reviews
The British Journal of Photography has lens tests on two M-mount prime lens, the Voigtlander 15mm and the Zeiss ZM 85mm
click here

Panasonic DMC-GH1 Review
Panasonic DMC-GH1 in-depth review available at dpreview.com

Olympus E650 Review
Olympus E650 in depth review available at dpreview.com

August 2009

Adobe DNG release v5.5 'release candidate'

Adobe has announced release candidates of v5.5 DNG and ACR raw converter.
It is available for immediate download from Adobe Labs. The update is tested but the version is not yet finalised.

There is support for more cameras: Olympus E-P1 digital Pen; Nikon D300s; Nikon D3000; Panasonic DMC-FZ35

Adobe Labs download

Canon launches PowerShot G11

Canon has unveiled the G11 high-end compact camera to replace the G10. The 14.7mp sensor has been changed to a high-sensitivity 10MP CCD sensor. The lens remains at 28-140mm equivalent, but the new camera gains a tilt and swivel LCD and reduces in size by 2.8 inches.

There is also a dual anti-noise system and the Digic 4 processor.

Canon site

Leica S System specs

Leica has revealed the specifications of its medium-format digital camera. The S2 will have Kodak CCD sensor at a massive 37.5 megapixels.

A basic camera with one lens is expected to cost a whopping $30,000 and be available in October.

Leica site

Olympus Pen E-P1 review
Attach lots of lenses, including Leica, Voigtlander and Olympus OM1
Olympus Pen E-P1 review

Nikon world first: camera with projector
The world's first first projector camera has been announced by Nikon. The Nikon S1000pj projects images up to 40in at a maximum of about 2 meters (about 6ft). There is a 5x zoom lens (28-140mm, 35mm equivalent) and a 12.1mp sensor.
More details at the dpreview site

Firmware update Canon EOS 50D
Canon has released new firmware for the 50D DSLR. Available for download from Canon.
Firmware download

Panasonic: new firmware for DMC-LX3

Panasonic has made available new firmware for the LX3 compact digital camera.

1. Improved auto white balance performance.
2. Improved auto white balance performance in sunset mode.
3. Improved recovery operation from unremoved lens cap.
4. Improved operation of MF ASSIST/AF area selection.
5. Improved display of Manual Exposure Assistance.

It can be downloaded from today (June 1) at this link

Twitter ID: UKpix
Website: UKpix.com

Sigma DP2 Firmware update

Update for users of the Sigma DP2 now available.
Version 1.01 can be downloaded from the Sigma site

Twitter ID: UKpix

Classic Leica M4 beats the crunch

A classic Leica M4 'olive' camera sold for £76,891 (87,600 euros) at the weekend.

It was sold at the Westlicht Photographica auction in Vienna, which raised about £965,530 (more than one million euros) as classic cameras defied the economic downturn.

Report and picture of a fabulous camera on the Amateur Photographer website.

Twitter ID: UKpix

Lumix 14-45mm lens update

Firmware updates are available for the Panasonic Lumix G Vario 14-45 mm lens.

This version, 1.1, improves auto focusing in Continuous AF mode.

Panasonic

Canon EOS 5D Mark II update

A firmware update for the Canon 5D Mark II has been announced

The update allows manual exposure using the video mode.

Firmware is available for downloading from June 2 at the Canon website.

Adobe releases Camera Raw 5.4

A new Photoshop Camera Raw version has been released by Adobe.

Camera Raw 5.4 is a 'Release Candidate', which means the update is tested but not yet finalised.

The latest version adds support for 26 cameras and backs, including the Canon EOS 5ooD, Nikon D5000, Olympus E620 and 18 Hasselblad models.

It can be dowloaded now from Adobe's Labs site.

Cameras and backs supported:

Canon EOS 500D (EOS Rebel T1i)
Epson R-D1x
Hasselblad CF-22, CF-22MS, CF-39, CF-39MS, CFH-22, CFH-39, CFV, 503CWD, H2D-22, H2D-39, H3D-22, H3D-31, H3D-39, H3DII-22, H3DII-31, H3DII-39, H3DII-39MS, H3DII-50
Kodak EasyShare Z980
Nikon D5000
Olympus E-450
Olympus E-620
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1
Sigma DP2

Pentax K7 announced

Pentax has launched the K7, a 14.6 million pixel DSLR with live view and HD video.

Pentax preview

Panasonic: new adapters for DMC G1/GH1

Panasonic: the company has announced new Leica M and R adapters for its Lumix G Micro system.

The company says: The M Mount Adaptor and R Mount Adaptor are developed under support of Leica Camera AG, making it possible to attach Leica M lenses (DMW-MA2M) or R lenses (DMW-MA3R) on DMC-G1 and DMC-GH1. Users can enjoy outstanding image rendering offered by the combination of high quality Leica lenses and Lumix G cameras that are full of Panasonic's cutting edge digital technologies.

These adapters also allow users to use the movable MF assist function, which enlarges the selected area when focusing manually.

Olympus Zuiko digital lens updates

Olympus has announced firmware updates for four of its Zuiko lenses:

Zuiko Digital ED 8mm F3.5 Fisheye
ED 18-180mm F3.5-6.3
ED 70-300mm F4.0-5.6
ED 90-250mm F2.8

The updates are supposed to improve performance in continuous auto focus shooting mode using the top of the range E-3 and the E-30 digital SLRs.

firmware update page

Panasonic GH1 gallery, Sigma DP2

Camera News from UKpix.com

Panasonic: dpreview.com now has a gallery and movie samples of the GH1. Panasonic has announced that it will cost about $1499.99.

Sigma: the high-end compact DP2 has arrived in the UK. It costs £599.99. Sigma site

Ricoh: firmware update for CX1 compact.

Camera News: April 2009

Extract from Camera News at UKpix.com

APRIL 2009

Canon: Amateur Photographer magazine reports that Canon has issued a warning over some G10 cameras producing 'lines' on photos.

Canon: Firmware for EOS 50D, 450D, 1000D announced.

Cosina: A voigtlander M-mount adapter for the Micro Four Thirds system launched.

Ricoh: Firmware release for GR Digital II.

Noise Ninja: The brilliant noise-reduction software from PictureCode has been update. Version now Noise Ninja v2.2.0.

Phase One: A medium format back with 40mp resolution announced by Phase One. It costs an arm and a leg, though, at 14,990 euros or for a complete camera system at 16,990 euros. Start saving! Phaseone.com.

Nikon D5000: Nikon has announced the introduction of another entry-level DSLR, the D5000. It will have a 12.3 mp sensor, a 2.7in 'vari-angle' flip-out screen, live view and 'HD' movie mode. Placed between the D60 and D90 cameras, it is expected to be a rival to Canon's 500D. Due out next month (May) and expected to cost £719.99.

Preview samples images are at dpreview.com

Olympus E-3: firmware update. Download and install using Olympus Master or Studio software.

Pentax K20D: firmware update. Go to the Pentax website.

Voigtlander: the Voigtlander Bessa III might not be launched in the UK, according to a news item in Amateur Photographer magazine. It is expected in Europe next month (May).

Phase One: an updated version of Capture 4, PRO and DB RAW workflow software has been announced.

Olympus E-30: the company has posted a firmware update for the E-30 DSLR. It can be installed via Olympus Master or Studio software.

Camera News: March 2009

Extract of news from UKpix.com

Olympus E-450: An upgrade of the company's tiny DSLR has been launched. The E-450 is basically the same as the previous E-420 but has 3 Art Filters, a new processor and improved LCD. Expected to cost £450 and be available in May.

Canon EOS 500D: a new DSLR has been launched. Called the EOS 500D (Rebel T1i), it has a 15.1 mp APS-C CMOS sensor and HD video recording. It will cost £869.99 and be available in May. The US price tag is expected to be $799.99. The huge difference in price is the subject of a debate in Amateur Photographer magazine, with Canon responding to criticism from UK customers.

Leica D-Lux 4: firmware has been upgraded to improve auto white balance and auto focus. Now available from the Leica website.

Olympus E620: There is now a picture gallery available at dpreview.com

Voigtlander: Bessa III: The Bessa III has been priced at 1,999 euros and is expected next month.

Leica R: Leica has decided to discontinue the R-Series manual SLR. A new R-system is expected following the development of the company's S2 digital offering.

Panasonic DMC-GH1: Only five months after launching the micro four thirds G1, Panasonic has revealed an HD version with video recording. It is a 12.1 megapixel camera with 1080/24p or 720/60p HD video with continuous auto focus. Two new lenses are launched, the LUMIX G VARIO HD 14-140mm/F4.0-5.8 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S. and the
LUMIX G VARIO 7-14mm/F4.0 ASPH.
Hands on review of the GH1 available at www.dpreview.com

Canon: AF fix and firmware update for Canon EOS-1D cameras. Go to the Canon website.

What a long time

Can't believe that it has been nearly three years since I used this blog. That's a lot of different camera equipment under the bridge.

Have found what I believe is one of the best travel cameras... the Panasonic G1. You can even fit Leica M lenses using an adaptor. It's manual focus with the M glass, but fantastically detailed.

The Panasonic has great reviews and I have samples on the website... go to ukpix.com.

For the technically minded, the G1 is a micro four thirds camera that's a cross between a conventional digital SLR, the old bridge cameras and a compact camera. The format allows much smaller lenses and bodies because it doesn't have a mirror.

The viewfinder is electronic. Yeah, I know these used to be a bit nasty in the old days. But the G1's is very good indeed, although a bit fuzzy in low light.

I have had better pictures from this little camera than a Leica M8 (OK, so I've got one of those as well), which is a bit annoying because the rangefinder costs an arm and a leg.

Check out my latest images of Rome taken with the G1. These are now with the Alamy picture agency