FRIM is organising a photography contenst based on the theme ‘Nature’.

This contest is divided into two sections: Pictures taken in and around FRIM (Forest Research Institute of Malaysia), and nature-based images (any location). It is open to those aged 13 years and above. Closing date for entries is Nov 30th.

It was advertised in The Star recently.

Contest details in brief:

- 2 categories;

1)Pesona Frim (scenery from FRIM campus only);
2)Kesegaran Alam (scenery of nature) (free style)

- Photos should be originals (not enhanced digitally or by special effects)

- Closing date on 30th Nov 2006

Contact

You can call this number for more details:

Contact Person: Penyelidikan Perhutanan Malaysia (FRIM)
Phone no: 03-62797526

Well it’s no longer a rumour, it’s real!

Looks like a great travel camera, especially if you have a bit of budget for the excellent 18-200mm VR II lens to go along with it!

Super light flexible combo with SLR quality pictures in a compact package, this is the sort of camera for people who want SLR quality pics without lugging around a heavy camera and don’t want/need all the extra controls and confusing buttons.

It’s a top end point and shoot with more latitude almost.

I don’t think I’d use it as a backup, I’d prefer a D80 body..but for most people this would be a great choice with the new version of the 18-55mm kit lens for only $599 aswell it’s a steal.

The lightest, cheapest Nikon dSLR ever made!

Key Features

• 6 megapixel DX format CCD (1.5x FOV crop, as D50)
• Nikon Image processing engine (as D80 / D200)
• 3D Color Matrix Metering II, 420 pixel sensor (as D80 / D50)
• New Multi-CAM530 three area AF sensor
• ISO sensitivity range 200 – 1600 plus HI 1 (3200 equiv.)
• Custom Auto ISO (selectable maximum ISO, minimum shutter speed)
• 2.5 fps continuous shooting (as D50), unlimited in JPEG
• No status LCD, new LCD monitor based status / settings screens
• Large 2.5″ 230,000 pixel LCD monitor
• USB 2.0 with PTP and Mass Storage device support
• Improved menu user interface (as D80 / D200)
• New ‘Version II’ AF-S DX 18-55 mm kit lens

It retails for USD$599 which is about RM2178, I’d guess shop price for cash should be around RM1999.

Ken Rockwell predicted it would be called the D60, but he nailed the specs almost right.

More info here:

Nikon D40 Hands on Preview – DPReview

Nikon D40 – Ken Rockwell

If you lose the detailed RAW editor and just get RAW Adjustements dialogue, it’s most likely you have installed Nikon Capture or Picture Project.

Lose this:

And end up with this:

Pictures from: earthboundlight.com

This stupid software installs a plugin to Photoshop without your permission and overides the default RAW handling.

You can find the Nikon NEF plugin at

Program Files\Adobe\Photoshop CS\Plug-ins\Adobe Photoshop Only\File Formats

There you can delete it, after that you may get an error message such as:

could not complete your request because it is not the right kind of document

After you can go to the Adobe Camera RAW site and download the latest version (3.6 at this time).

Adobe Camera Raw and DNG Converter for Windows

After you’ve download this plugin put it in:

Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop CS\Plug-Ins\File Formats

And all should be well!

I have the Leica M8 in my hands. Once the weekend is done, I shall write a review for Click! Magazine for this wonderful specimen of photographic equipment.

What makes a Leica so special? Well some people say it’s a photographic tool that’s not only robust and superbly made and finished… but also one with no compromise in optical quality. It is said that a Leica M series camera allows one to walk around with a portable camera and produce lovely images with unflinching German technology whilst enjoying the sparse Teutonic design.

What makes a Leica so special, I ask again? It’s also got to do with the intangible quality of the package. Leica M cameras make you WANT to go out and shoot. This is the new M8… Leica’s first true digital rangefinder camera… and if you want my review and photos from it, you will just have to make sure you buy the next issue of Click! Magazine

For all you flower shooters out there, I know you’ve plenty of nice flower shots.

Your flowery photos could bloom into RM5,000!

Unbelievable…but true! All you need to do is join the Flora Fest Photo Contest 2007 themed, ‘Colours of Harmony’ photo contest by sending in your best floral photo portrait that showcases the beauty of flowers. Be it a Blood Banana, ‘Pisang Derhaka’, ‘Madu Tiga’ or a flower by any other name… your task is to capture its true beauty in the most flattering manner.

Begin shooting or sending in your photographic perfections now!

Submissions must be in by December 20th 2006.

Download Contest Form