The perfect choice for any photographer with varied photographic needs and high ambitions – Panasonic is pleased to introduce the new DMC-FZ8 7.2-megapixel Lumix camera, featuring a powerful 12x optical zoom, LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens and the ever popular and indispensable Optical Image Stabiliser (O.I.S). With a joystick control for manual adjustment of focusing and exposure setting, the DMC-FZ8 offers high end specification and portability.

A fast, long 12x optical zoom lens and easy-to-use controls help make up a little for the DMC-FZ8’s image-quality issues.

A few reviews have come out, and I do like the Panasonic cameras, apart from the noise issues of course…

The FZ-8 is a slightly more compact choice than the FZ-50 series and a bit bigger than the TZ-1 series, something comparable to a Canon S3 IS.

Reviews:

Panasonic FZ-8 Consumer Review

In comparison to its predecessor, the Panasonic Lumix FZ8 is a very welcome upgrade with some great features for a very competitive price. Along with fast operation, great battery life and the bonus of a very effective image stabilisation, the FZ8 should be very seriously considered.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 Review - DPReview

If you accept that the size and convenience of this type of product means a certain level of compromise you won’t be disappointed. Viewed on-screen at 100% the output often leaves a little to be desired, but for ‘normal’ use (standard sized prints, full screen viewing) the excellent lens and reliable focus/exposure systems cannot fail to impress. On this basis I think it’s safe to say that the FZ8 just about offers enough to earn a qualified Highly Recommended, but I’d urge you to check out the sample images - and decide if you’re prepared to shoot raw when it matters and to stick to ISO 100 whenever possible - before deciding.

Review: Panasonic DMC-FZ8 compared to the Olympus SP-550 UZ

The SP-550 is better built with very good ergonomics and many features. The FZ8, though, is faster and has a slight advantage in image quality with less distortion, color noise, chromatic aberration and workable RAW. Looking at the plain figures, this match ends in a draw. However, considering the price difference (the FZ8 is over 100 dollar cheaper than the SP-550), the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 wins by a nose.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 - CNET

While the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8 has problems with noise, in many other ways it is a very nice camera. Its controls make it easy to use, and it packs a very impressive feature set. If you’re not persnickety about noise or image quality, it makes a nice camera for beginner and intermediate photographers to learn on. Advanced shooters who want pristine image quality should look elsewhere.

This is a case of photographer photographs photographer, the following photographs were taken by photographer Hans van de Vorst at the Grand Canyon, Arizona and the descriptions are his own.

The identity of the photographer IN the photos is unknown.

I was simply stunned seeing this guy standing on this solitary rock IN the Grand Canyon.

The canyon’s depth is 900 meters here. The rock on the right is next to the canyon and safe.

Watching this guy in his thong sandals, with a camera and a tripod, I asked myself 3 questions:

1. How did he climb that rock?
2. Why not take that sunset picture on that rock to the right, which is perfectly safe?
3. How will he get back?

This is the point of no return.

After the sun set behind the canyon’s horizon he packed his things (having only one hand available) and prepared himself for the jump. This took about 2 minutes.

At that point he had the full attention of the crowd.

After that, he jumped on his thong sandals. The canyon’s depth is 900 meters here.

Now you can see that the adjacent rock is higher so he tried to land lower, which is quite steep, and tried to use his one hand to grab the rock.

We’ve come to the end of this little story. Look carefully at the photographer.

He has a camera, a tripod and also a plastic bag, all on his shoulder or in his left hand.

Only his right hand is available to grab the rock and the weight of his stuff is a problem.

He lands low on his flip flops, both his right hand and right foot slip away…
At that moment I take this shot.

He pushes his body against the rock.

He waits for a few seconds, throws his stuff on the rock, climbs and walks away.

This folks, is TRUE dedication, or just plain insanity..

*P.S. This is actually staged, you too can do it if you dare*

It’s been a long time coming, I guess this might well coincide with their announcements of pro-level cameras.

You wouldn’t find many pro’s putting up with the tiny fiddly Memory Sticks that Sony likes to force on it’s users.

So why not capitalise on that and use Compact Flash! Easier to handle and more rugged too.

Sony has announced that is moving away from manufacturing just Memory Sticks and started to offer Compact Flash cards for digital camera users.

The new card range will be compatible with a wide range of products featuring the Compact Flash slot, including many digital cameras, printers and other imaging and PC devices.

Interesting eh?

We’ll have to wait and see if their prices and reliablity are on par with Sandisk.

Sony will launch a range of three 66x transfer speed cards with capacities of 1GB, 2GB and 4GB as it tries to prove itself as an option for professional photographers using Nikon, Canon and of course its own Alpha range launched last year.

In addition, two higher-end, value added 133x transfer speed cards with 2GB and 4GB capacity, which are supported by Sony’s image recovery service.

Source: Photography Press

Shutter Asia (SA) was set-up in March 2007 by a group of like-minded friends who were interested in photography and travel, the idea was for the site to become a friendly community for photography enthusiasts and travelers around Asia and other areas, for asking questions, sharing photographs & techniques, discussing travel and locations and learning in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

It officially launched a little while ago, so do join up and contribute.

http://www.shutterasia.com

There is a lot of information on the Internet regarding photography and especially equipment and technical terms (Aperture, Shutter, White Balance etc) but it can be very daunting for a new user or even confusing for an intermediate user. We wanted to get away from the bad attitudes, gear talk, cliques and flaming of other sites and communities and create a relaxed, but knowledgeable user base that will eventually fill our forum wonderful information and images.

We also have a Flickr group you can join here:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/shutterasia/

And an active Shoutbox for real-time chat:

http://www.shutterasia.com/forum/shoutbox.php (Members only)

If you have any feedback, let us know. Do introduce yourself and start posting pictures!

Feel free to invite your friends, colleagues, relatives and anyone else who might be interested.

Cheers!

The photographic arm of Time magazine has come to the end of the road.

America’s weekend magazine, and home of many fantastic photograhs.

Say Goodbye to Life magazine!

Time Inc. said Monday that it will stop publishing Life, the iconic photography magazine that has been featured as a weekly newspaper insert since 2004.

Although April 20 will be Life’s last print issue, the brand name will be kept alive on the Internet, Time Inc., a unit of Time Warner, said in a statement.

It is the latest magazine to shut down as more readers desert print publications for online news and photos.

“Growth requires taking risks and the potential upside was huge, but unfortunately the timing worked against us,” Time Inc. Chief Executive Ann Moore said. “The market has moved dramatically since October 2004 and it is no longer appropriate to continue publication of LIFE as a newspaper supplement.”

Read more at USA Today