Babysitter Speaks Fluent English

Babysitter speaks fluent English. So then what is a driverse licence?

Kurt Gödel and John von Neumann Two Of The Greatest Mathematicians Resting In Peace Within 10 Feet Of Each Other

John von Neumann


John von Neumann (Hungarian Margittai Neumann János Lajos; born December 28, 1903 in Budapest, Austria-Hungary; died February 8, 1957 in Washington D.C., United States) was an Austria-Hungary-born American mathematician who made contributions to quantum physics, functional analysis, set theory, topology, economics, computer science, numerical analysis, hydrodynamics (of explosions), statistics and many other mathematical fields as one of history's outstanding mathematicians.


Kurt Gödel


Kurt Gödel (IPA: [kuɹt gøːdl]) (April 28, 1906 Brünn, Austria-Hungary (now Brno, Czech Republic) – January 14, 1978 Princeton, New Jersey) was an Austrian American mathematician and philosopher.

One of the most significant logicians of all time, Gödel's work has had immense impact upon scientific and philosophical thinking in the 20th century, a time when many, such as Bertrand Russell, A. N. Whitehead and David Hilbert, were attempting to use logic and set theory to understand the foundations of mathematics.


Gödel was shy, withdrawn and eccentric. He would wear warm, winter clothing in the middle of summer. In the middle of winter, he would leave all of the windows open in his home because he believed that conspirators were trying to assassinate him with poison gas. He was a somewhat sickly man and was prescribed specific diets and medical regimens by doctors, but Gödel often ignored their advice or even would do the opposite of what his prescription indicated. This caused him to suffer further illness. In the 1940s he suffered from a bleeding ulcer, but his distrust of doctors led him to delay treatment; he risked death and was saved only by emergency blood transfusion.

Amongst his delusions was the belief that unknown villains were trying to kill him by poisoning his food. For this reason, Gödel would eat only his wife's cooking, refusing even to eat his own cooking for fear of being poisoned.

Late in 1977, Adele became incapacitated due to illness and so could no longer cook for Gödel. Due to his paranoia, he refused to eat any food at all and thus died of "malnutrition and inanition caused by personality disturbance" in Princeton Hospital on January 14, 1978. He weighed 65 pounds.



Google Map Location Of The Princeton Cemetery

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Princeton Battlefield January 3rd, 1777 Pics

Click on the pictures for a larger version

Princeton Battlefield Monument


Princeton Battlefield Grave


Princeton Battlefield Grave Inscription


Near here lie buried the American and British officers and soldiers who fell in the battle of Princeton January 3rd, 1777.

Here freedom stood by slaughtered friend and foe and ere the wrath paled or that sunset died looked through the ages; then, with eyes aglow, laid then to wait that future side by side.

Alfred Noyes 1880-1958



Thomas Clarke House Front


Thomas Clarke House


Thomas Clarke House Shed


Thomas Clarke House Cannon

Nikon Podcast #3: Exclusive Interview with John Mayer

Host Mark Ellwood interviews John Mayer about great photography, John's summer tour and the blog he's doing for Nikon Live. Music composed by Frank Ferrucci.
Nikon Podcast #3: Exclusive Interview with John Mayer

Nikon Podcast #2: Special Events & Group Photography

Join Mark Ellwood and photography expert Steve Heiner as they talk about group pictures and shooting at special events. Music composed by Frank Ferrucci.
Nikon Podcast #2: Special Events & Group Photography

Nikon Podcast #1: All About D-SLR

Join Mark Ellwood and photography expert Steve Heiner as they discuss the world of digital SLR cameras. Music composed by Frank Ferrucci.
Nikon Podcast #1: All About D-SLR

Manure...A True Story

Got this from a friend

Manure...A True Story

Manure: In the 16th and 17th centuries, everything had to be transported by ship and it was also before commercial fertilizer's invention, so large shipments of manure were common.

It was shipped dry, because in dry form it weighed a lot less than when wet, but once water (at sea) hit it, it not only became heavier, but the process of fermentation began again, of which a by product is methane gas. As the stuff was stored below decks in bundles you can see what could (and did) happen.


Methane began to build up below decks and the first time someone came below at night with a lantern, BOOOOM!


Several ships were destroyed in this manner before it was determined just what was happening .

After that, the bundles of manure were always stamped with the term "Ship High In Transit", which meant for the sailors to stow it high enough off the lower decks so that any water that came into the hold would not touch this volatile cargo and start the production of methane.

Thus evolved the term " S.H.I.T. " , (Ship High In Transport) which has come down through the centuries and is in use to this very day.

You probably did not know the true history of this word.

Princeton Cemetery Pics

Albert Einsteins House and Sculpture

Einstein's House






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Sculpture near the Princeton Battlefield Monument

Appointments Not Always Necessary, A Great Cut Is!

Patton, Patton, Patton And Patton

Patton, Patton, Patton and Patton are laying here.

Google Map Location

Road Closed?

Don't you think this is weird?

I Told You I Was Sick

William H. Hahn, JR. buried in his large family plot, is known for the epitaph on his flat headstone saying "I told you I was sick". Thought to be in failing health, he ordered the inscription shortly before his death

Princeton Train Station

Running The New York City Marathon Is Not easy

Hey Mario ;-)


Someone is suffering ;-(

Keeping Marathon Runners Hydrated

Volunteers at work


Look at all those sponges

Crazy Runner

Take Better Pictures with the Nikon Digital Learning Center On Flickr

Better your photography skills with tips and techniques from expert photogs by joining the Nikon Digital Learning group on Flickr

Nikon Digital Learning Center on Flickr

Jim Morrison's Grave In Paris (Pere Lachaise Cemetery)

With these pictures it is only appropriate that we post the lyrics from Jim Morrison's Graveyard Poem

It was the greatest night of my life
Although I still had not found a wife
I had my friends right there beside me
We scaled the wall
We tripped through the graveyard
Ancient shapes were all around us
No music but the wet grass
felt fresh beside the fog

Two made love in a silent spot
one chased a rabbit into the dark
A girl got drunk & balled the dead
And I gave empty sermons to my head

Cemetery cool & quiet
Hate to leave your sacred lay
Dread the milky coming of the day
I´d love to stay
I´d love to stay
I´d love to stay

Paris Grave Crespin du Gast (Père-Lachaise Cemetery)

Taken in Paris at the Père-Lachaise Cemetery (Cimetière du Père-Lachaise)
Click on pic for larger image

Twins In Bumbo Baby Sitter Seats

My twins sitting in Bumbo Baby Sitter seats.
These seats are very good for young infants. The twins in the picture are less than 3 months old
amazon sells them in a variety of colors (Blue, Green, Lilac, Yellow and more)

Nikon Corporation announces the introduction of the new DX-format digital SLR, Nikon D300

Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the new DX-format digital SLR, Nikon D300.

Combining innovative Nikon technologies with advanced new features and precision engineering, the D300 delivers the ultimate blend of DX-format performance.


The sheer imaging power of a new 12.3 effective-megapixel DX Format CMOS image sensor with integrated A/D converter; the precision processing and astounding speed of Nikon's original EXPEED digital image processing concept; the unprecedented focusing speed and precision of a new 51-point AF system; Nikon's innovative new Scene Recognition System for optimal autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance performance; the composition and focusing ease of a large new pentaprism viewfinder that provides full 100% frame coverage; an expansive 920,000-dot, high-resolution 3-inch LCD monitor with wide viewing angle; near-instant power-up and immediate response; all with the advantages of Nikon DX-format agility and system expandability. Meet the new generation digital SLR camera that blends all these advanced features into one fine package – the Nikon D300.



Major Features

New DX-format CMOS image sensor with 12.3 effective megapixels
The D300 features a new 12.3 effective megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor. It not only produces fine details with sharp resolution, but also provides a broad light sensitivity range of ISO 200 to ISO 3200, (plus LO 1 for IS0 100 equivalent and HI 1 for IS0 6400 equivalent settings; Auto ISO control is also available). The CMOS sensor's integrated A/D converter features the ability to select between 12-bit and 14-bit conversion, making it possible to shoot using high-quality 14-bit NEF (RAW) format. All internal processing is handled in full 16-bit color, color, benefiting from a fine balance between performance with outstanding speed that defies this level of precision and natural-looking images that benefit from faithful color and tone reproduction. Lateral chromatic aberration is also reduced.
EXPEED – Nikon’s image processing concept embodied
As Nikon’s new digital image-processing concept – featuring the core ideas of our image creation and processing – EXPEED incorporates the optimized knowhow and technologies we have accumulated throughout our long history while receiving users’ requirements. It realizes diversified functions to ensure high picture quality and high-speed image processing.
* For details, see “Nikon’s original digital image-processing concept EXPEED”

High-speed continuous shooting
The D300 is capable of shooting at a rapid 6 fps*1, and as fast as 8 fps*2 when using the Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10, in continuous bursts of up to 100 shots*3 at full 12.3 megapixel resolution. The Nikon D300 is also the first digital SLR to support next-generation high-speed card UDMA, which enables high speed recording.
*1 When using one EN-EL3e battery installed in the camera
*2 When using batteries other than Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e
*3 NORMAL – LARGE image setting, using a SanDisk Extreme IV CompactFlash 1GB card

Immediate response
Near-instant power-up within 0.13 seconds, a shutter release time lag of a mere 0.045 seconds*, and viewfinder blackout time of approximately 0.1 seconds contribute to optimized all-around performance that lets photographers respond to any sudden shutter opportunities.
* When shooting in JPEG, TIFF, or 12-bit NEF (RAW) formats

Scene Recognition System
By improving the 1,005-pixel RGB sensor, which was first incorporated in the Nikon F5, information from the sensor can be utilized for auto exposure, auto white balance and autofocus. For example, 3D tracking in AF realized by using the Scene Recognition System tracks subject position, and automatically shifts AF points to be used according to the subject’s movement within the frame. This system also contributes to improved accuracy of auto exposure and auto white balance.
* For details, see “Scene Recognition System for more accurate autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance”

AF system employing high-density 51-point AF
Multi-CAM 3500DX autofocus sensor module featuring 51 AF points is incorporated. 15 cross-type sensors located in the center provide subject detection capability with lens apertures as small as f/5.6. 51 AF points can be utilized in various focus area modes selected according to subject condition. In many aspects, the functions of AF points are linked with the Scene Recognition System to offer superior subject detection and focus tracking performance. A single AF point can be selected from 51 or 11 focus points. Dynamic AF mode enables appropriate focusing by detecting subjects with a zone containing many AF points located densely. In this mode, the number of AF areas, including user selected AF points and backup points, can be selected from either 9, 21 or 51. In addition, newly employed “3D tracking” mode shifts the focus point automatically to respond to the subject’s movements. Auto-area AF mode gives greater priority to the subject’s position in selecting AF points.

Picture Control System
Picture Control System is a new function to enable selection and adjustment to create pictures easily according to skills of users from novices to professionals. When settings are the same, even with different cameras, you can get the same picture tone. Picture Control System offers four fundamental setting options – Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome – enabling image parameters (sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, tone and saturation) to be easily adjusted and customized.
* For details, see “Picture Control System’s image optimization functions enable easy adjustments”

Two Liveview modes available
Liveview function enables shooting while confirming subjects in the LCD monitor.
In Handheld mode, which allows recomposing of the frame prior to actual shooting, ordinary TTL phase-difference AF using all 51 AF points including 15 cross-type points is activated.
Tripod mode is designed for precise focus accuracy with still subjects and tripod stabilization. In this mode, focal-plane contrast AF on a desired point within a specific area is possible. Remote view, focusing and shooting are also made possible on a PC (wired or wirelessly).

Large, bright viewfinder that achieves 100% frame coverage
TThe D300's new eye-level pentaprism viewfinder aids composition and adds assurance to focus operations by providing full 100% frame coverage and large 0.94x magnification, as well as an eyepoint of 19.5 mm (at -1.0 m-1) and built-in diopter adjustment range of -2 to +1 m-1.

Durability that will go the distance
Testing to 150,000 cycles stands as firm testament to the durability of the new shutter unit for the D300. Its magnesium alloy chassis combines light weight with solid durability, while the body features an enhanced sealing system that helps protect against moisture and dust.

Active D-Lighting
D-Lighting incorporated in the conventional digital SLRs enables editing after the image is taken. In addition to the D-Lighting, newly developed Active D-Lighting is employed in the Nikon D300.
Active D-Lighting lets users choose the intensity from among “High”, “Normal”, “Low” or “Unchanged” prior to shooting. The conventional method of simply expanding dynamic range is not employed in compensation. Instead, localized tone control technology is utilized to prevent images from looking flat with low contrast. As a result, “lost highlights” and “lost shadows” are well compensated while maintaining proper contrast.

Self-cleaning Sensor Unit for efficient dust reduction
The D300 is the first Nikon D-SLR camera to employ a Self-cleaning Sensor Unit. Four different resonance frequencies vibrate the optical low pass filter in front of the image sensor to shake particles free and reduce the presence of dust.

Exclusive Wireless Transmitter WT-4 (optional)
The WT-4 supports wired LAN (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX) and wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11b/g, 11a), and incorporates thumbnail mode as a new function.
It realizes wireless connection of cameras with a PC, enabling thumbnail display of images taken with up to five of them and downloading of images selected. Also, by using Camera Control Pro 2 (optional), wireless remote view/control shooting is made possible with the D300’s Liveview function.
* For details, see “WT-4 / Camera Control Pro 2 Software”

Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 (optional)
The optional new Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 supports 3 types of batteries and features sequential power supply with auto-switching to the battery installed inside the camera body. When attached, it also enables high-speed continuous shooting at a rate of 8 fps*1 for up to 100 consecutive shots*2.


*1 When using batteries other than the Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e
*2 NORMAL – LARGE image setting, using a SanDisk Extreme IV CompactFlash 1GB card

Other Features

• The large top control panel (46 x 20.8 mm) features an improved interface with lettering that can be switched to best match shooting conditions
  
• HDMI Output supports HDTV display
  
• Supports GPS devices via optional GPS Adapter Cord MC-35
  
• Retouch Menu provides handy access to Filter Effects, Trimming, Red-eye correction, Image overlay and other in-camera editing functions
  
• Software Suite CD-ROM included

Nikon Digital SLR Camera D300 Specifications

Type of Camera
Single-lens reflex digital camera

Effective Pixels
12.3 million

Image Sensor
CMOS sensor, 23.6 x 15.8 mm; total pixels: 13.1 million; Nikon DX format

Image Size (pixels)
4,288 x 2,848 [L], 3,216 x 2,136 [M], 2,144 x 1,424 [S]

Dust-reduction
System Clean image sensor,
Image dust-off data acquisition (Capture NX required)

Sensitivity
ISO 200 to 3200 in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV with additional settings of approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1 EV (ISO 100 equivalent) under ISO 200, and approx. 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1 EV (ISO 6400 equivalent) over ISO 3200
File System Compliant with DCF 2.0, DPOF and Exif 2.21

Storage System
NEF 12-bit or 14-bit (uncompressed, lossless compressed or compressed RAW)
TIFF (RGB)
JPEG: JPEG baseline-compliant

Storage Media
CompactFlash (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA), Microdrives

Release Modes
1) Single frame [S] mode
2) Continuous low speed [CL] mode: 1 to 7*1 frames per second
3) Continuous high-speed [CH] mode: 8 frames per second*1, 6 frames per second*2
4) Liveview [LV] mode
5) Self-timer mode
6) Mirror-up [Mup] mode
*1. When using AC Adapter EH-5a/EH-5 or Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 with batteries other than Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e
*2. When using Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e (When shooting in Continuous-servo AF (C), Shutter-Priority Auto [S] or Manual [M] exposure modes, at a shutter speed of 1/250 sec. or faster with other settings at default)

White Balance
Auto (TTL white balance with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor), seven manual modes with fine-tuning, color temperature setting, white balance bracketing possible (2 to 9 frames in increments 1~3)

Liveview Hand-held mode: TLL phase-difference AF with 51 focus areas (15 cross-type sensors)
Tripod mode: focal-plane contrast AF on a desired point within a specific area

LCD Monitor 3-in., approx. 920,000-dot (VGA), 170-degree wide viewing angle, 100% frame coverage, low-temperature polysilicon TFT LCD with brightness adjustment

Playback Function
1) Full frame
2) Thumbnail (4 or 9 segments)
3) Zoom
4) Slideshow
5) RGB histogram indication
6) Shooting data
7) Highlight point display
8) Auto image rotation

Delete Function
Card format, All photographs delete, Selected photographs delete

Video Output
NTSC or PAL; simultaneous playback from both the video output and on the LCD monitor available

HDMI Output
Supports HDMI version 1.3a; Type A connector is provided as HDMI output terminal; simultaneous playback from both the HDMI output terminal and on the LCD monitor not available

Interface
Hi-Speed USB

Text Input
Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input available with LCD monitor and multi-selector; stored in Exif header

Lens Mount
Nikon F Mount with AF coupling and AF contacts

Compatible Lenses
1) DX AF NIKKOR: All functions possible
2) D-/G-type AF NIKKOR (excluding IX NIKKOR lenses): All functions possible (excluding PC Micro-NIKKOR)
3) AF NIKKOR other than D-/G-type (excluding lenses for F3AF): All functions except 3D Color Matrix Metering II possible
4) AI-P NIKKOR: All functions except Autofocus, 3D Color Matrix Metering II possible
5) Non-CPU AI NIKKOR: Can be used in exposure modes A and M; electronic range finder can be used if maximum aperture is f/5.6 or faster; Color Matrix Metering and aperture value display supported if user provides lens data

Picture Angle
Equivalent in 35mm [135] format is approx. 1.5 times lens focal length

Viewfinder
SLR-type with fixed eye-level pentaprism; built-in diopter adjustment (-2.0 to +1.0 m-1)

Eyepoint
19.5 mm (-1.0 m-1)

Focusing Screen
Type-B BriteView Clear Matte screen Mark II with superimposed focus brackets and On-Demand grid lines

Viewfinder Frame Coverage
Approx.100% (vertical and horizontal)

Viewfinder Magnification
Approx. 0.94x with 50mm lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1

Autofocus
TTL phase detection, 51 focus points (15 cross-type sensors) by Nikon Multi-CAM 3500DX autofocus module; Detection -1 to +19 EV (ISO 100 at 20°C/68°F); AF fine adjustment possible
Focal plane contrast [in Liveview (Tripod) mode]

Lens Servo
1) Autofocus: Single-servo AF (S); Continuous-servo AF (C); Focus tracking automatically activated according to subject status
2) Manual focus (M) with electronic rangefinder

Focus Point
Single AF point can be selected from 51 or 11 focus points
Liveview (Tripod mode): Contrast AF on a desired point within entire frame

AF Area Mode
1) Single point AF
2) Dynamic Area AF [9 points, 21 points, 51 points, 51 points (3D-tracking)]
3) Automatic-area AF

Focus Lock
Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing AE-L/AF-L button

Exposure Metering System
TTL full-aperture exposure metering using 1005-pixel RGB sensor
1) 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses); color matrix metering (non-CPU lenses if user provides lens data; metering performed)
2) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 6, 8, 10, or 13 mm dia. circle in center of frame or weighting based on average of entire frame (8 mm circle when non-CPU lens is used)
3) Spot: Meters approx. 3 mm dia. circle (about 2.0% of frame) centered on selected focus point (on center focus point when non-CPU lens is used)

Metering Range
1) 0 to 20 EV (Matrix or center-weighted metering)
2) 2 to 20 EV (Spot metering) (ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens, at 20ºC/68ºF)

Exposure Meter
Coupling Combined CPU and AI

Exposure Modes
1) Programmed Auto [P] with flexible program
2) Shutter-Priority Auto [S]
3) Aperture Priority Auto [A]
4) Manual [M]

Exposure Compensation
±5 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV

Exposure Lock
Exposure locked at detected value with AE-L/AF-L button

Exposure Bracketing
Exposure and/or flash bracketing (2 to 9 exposures in increments of 1/3, 1/2, 2/3 or 1 EV)

Picture Control System
Four setting options: Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome; each option can be adjusted

Shutter
Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter, 1/8,000 to 30 s. in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV, Bulb

Sync Contact
X=1/250 sec.; flash synchronization at up to 1/320 sec. (FP) adjustable with Built-in Speedlight or optional Speedlight (will reduce GN)

Flash Control
1) TTL: TTL flash control by 1,005-pixel RGB sensor
Built-in Speedlight, SB-800, SB-600 or SB-400: i-TTL balanced fill-flash and standard i-TTL flash
2) AA (Auto Aperture-type) flash: Available with SB-800 used with CPU lens
3) Non-TTL Auto: Available with Speedlights such as SB-800, 28, 27, and 22S
4) Range-priority manual flash; available with SB-800

Flash Sync Mode
1) Front-curtain Sync (normal)
2) Red-eye Reduction
3) Red-eye Reduction with Slow Sync
4) Slow Sync 5) Rear-curtain Sync

Built-in Speedlight
Manual pop-up with button release

Guide number
(ISO 200, m): approx. 17 (manual 18) (ISO 100 equivalent, m): approx. 12 (manual 13)

Flash Compensation
-3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV

Accessory Shoe
ISO 518 Standard hot-shoe contact with safety lock provided

Sync Terminal
ISO 519 standard terminal

Creative Lighting System
With Speedlights such as SB-800, SB-600, SB-400, SB-R200, supports Advanced Wireless Lighting, Auto FP High-Speed Sync, Flash Color Information Communication, modeling flash and FV lock

Self-timer
2 to 20 seconds duration

Depth of Field Preview
When CPU lens is attached, lens aperture can be stopped down to value selected by user (A and M mode) or value selected by camera (P and S mode)

10-pin Terminal
1) GPS: NMEA 0183 (Ver. 2.01 and 3.01) interface standard supported with 9-pin D-sub cable and GPS Cable MC-35 (optional)
2) Remote control: via 10-pin terminal

Supported Languages
Chinese (Simplified and Traditional)
Dutch
English
Finnish
French
German
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Polish
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish
Swedish

Power Source
One Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 (optional) with one Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a, EN-EL4 or EN-EL3e or eight R6/AA-size alkaline (LR6), Ni-MH (HR6), lithium (FR6) batteries, or nickel-manganese ZR6 batteries, AC Adapter EH-5a (optional)

Tripod Socket
1/4 in. (ISO 1222)

Custom Settings
48 settings available

Dimensions (W x H x D)
Approx. 147 x 114 x 74 mm (5.8 x 4.5 x 2.9 in.)

Weight Approx.
825 g (1.82 lbs.) without battery, memory card, body cap, or monitor cover

Operating Environment
Temperature: 0-40°C/32-104°F, Humidity: under 85% (no condensation)

Supplied Accessories(may differ by country or area)
Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL3e, Quick Charger MH-18a, USB Cable UC-E4, Video Cable EG-D100, Strap AN-D300, LCD monitor cover BM-8, Body cap, Eyepiece Cap DK-5, Rubber Eyecup DK-23, Software Suite CD-ROM

Main Optional Accessories
Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10, Wireless Transmitter WT-4, Magnifying Eyepiece DK-21M, AC Adapter EH-5a, Capture NX Software, Camera Control Pro 2



CompactFlash and Extreme are registered trademarks of SanDisk Corporation. Products and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. August 2007

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III Announced

Canon raises the stakes in the professional photography market with the launch of the 21 Megapixel, 5 frame per second Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III 21.1MP. Delivering 14-bit depth resolution from a newly developed 35mm full frame CMOS sensor, Canon’s new flagship digital SLR produces files that convert to over 100MB uncompressed 16-bit TIFF, setting a new benchmark in image resolution and sharpness for 35mm-format digital photography.
As well as producing outstanding colour rendition, Dual DIGIC III processors drive 5 fps continuous shooting for up to 56 Large JPEGs (12 RAW) – unrivalled by any other camera at this resolution. This capacity to shoot such large images uninterrupted is regarded as a big driver in switching studio photographers to the EOS platform.

The EOS-1Ds Mark III inherits the new technology platform introduced earlier this year in the
EOS-1D Mark III, including 63-zone exposure metering, 19 cross-type auto focus system, a 3.0” LCD with Live View mode and EOS Integrated Cleaning System. The Highlight Tone Priority function expands dynamic range for more depth and detail in bright areas. The launch is supported with the announcement of Canon’s new ultra wide-angle lens, the Lens 2.
“Taking image quality and versatility to unprecedented levels, the EOS-1Ds Mark III redefines commercial photography conventions”, said Karz Suzuki, Head of Canon Professional Services. “The camera will strengthen Canon’s popularity amongst professional studio photographers. Culminating 20 years of EOS development, the EOS-1Ds Mark III represents a definitive moment in our company’s photographic history.”
Key features

• 21 Megapixel full frame (35mm) CMOS sensor


• 5 fps continuous shooting for up to 56 frames


• Dual “DIGIC III” processors


• Highlight Tone Priority


• Auto focus system with 19 cross type sensors and 26 focus assist points


• EOS Integrated Cleaning System


• ISO 100-1600 (expandable to L:50 H:3200)


• 3.0” 230K pixel LCD with Live View mode


• Redesigned viewfinder now wider and brighter

Image quality
The EOS-1Ds Mark III produces files that exceed the standard resolution requirements of leading agencies and stock libraries. The third generation CMOS sensor incorporates a new pixel design with on-chip noise reduction circuitry to ensure high image quality all the way to ISO 1600. 14 bit A/D converters provide a total colour depth of 16,384 tones per pixel - delivering smoother gradations and more accurate colour reproduction.
The option to expand to H:3200 will be welcomed by professionals working in churches and sensitive situations where the use of flash is not permitted or desired. Where discretion is paramount, a silent drive mode delays shutter re-cocking for as long as the shutter release remains depressed.
Highlight Tone Priority mode gives wedding and landscape photographers the option to boost dynamic range for highlights when shooting above ISO 200 – reproducing more tonal detail from wedding dresses, clouds and other bright objects.

Precision and control
The auto focus system includes 19 cross-type sensors with sensitivity up to f/2.8, spread across the AF area to better accommodate off-centre subjects. An additional 26 AF assist points help with AF tracking accuracy.
The control layout includes a dedicated AF-ON button on the back of the camera, allowing users to instantly switch auto focus on when composing. The viewfinder is now brighter with a wider angle of view, while the 63-zone metering system gives photographers a greater degree of control over exposure.

New LCD with Live View
The bright 3.0” LCD monitor provides 230K pixels resolution for precise framing and reviewing. Live View mode displays a real-time image on the LCD, including a selectable grid overlay and a live histogram that simulates image exposure. For the studio environment, remote Live View lets the photographer compose, adjust settings and capture the shot from a PC using the supplied EOS utility software.



New controls and menu
The EOS-1Ds Mark III’s menu incorporates a tab structure that eliminates scrolling for vastly improved readability and ease of use. Improving on previous models, personal settings and custom functions are consolidated into 57 custom functions grouped into four logical categories. Photographers can also now see at a glance any default setting changes. The My Menu option allows photographers to store frequently used settings on a separate menu for immediate access. Settings for recently released accessories such as the Speedlite 580EX II and the Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2 can be controlled directly from the LCD. Along with a new dedicated ISO button, ISO is permanently displayed on the top LCD panel.

Reliability
Shutter durability is increased by 50% to 300,000 cycles. A magnesium alloy casing with dust and moisture resistant seals protects the body. The EOS Integrated Cleaning System reduces, repels and removes dust from the sensor to significantly limit the need for manual cleaning. To avoid image loss, a warning alarm sounds if the memory card door is opened while images are still being written.

Connectivity
Interfaces include video out (for display in both NTSC and PAL formats – with the
Live View mode ideal for live display to clients during the shoot) and USB 2.0. To prevent the USB cable becoming accidentally dislodged during shooting, a special connection secures it to the camera body.

Compatibility and accessories
As well as full compatibility with all EF lenses and EX Speedlite flashes and accessories, the EOS-1Ds Mark III is supported by the recently released
Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E2. The WFT-E2 enables secure wireless uploads to FTP servers as well as remote access via HTTP and PTP protocols. The unit also connects wirelessly to external storage media and supports GPS tagging when used with a portable GPS device. For assignments where image protection and authenticity are crucial, the EOS-1Ds Mark III is compatible with the Original Data Security Kit OSK-E3.

New lens
Today’s launch coincides with the release of the EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM: Canon’s new professional
L-series ultra wide-angle lens for the photographer requiring a slightly different perspective. As with many L-series lenses and the Speedlite 580EX II, the EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM incorporates environmental sealing to match that of the EOS-1Ds Mark III, creating a fully weatherproof camera system. Aspherical and UD lens elements produce exceptional image quality with improved corner-to-corner sharpness. The ring-type USM delivers fast, silent auto focus with full-time manual focus override. A circular aperture produces pleasing bokeh at wide apertures and Super Spectra coatings suppress ghosting and flare by suppressing internal reflections from lens element and sensor surfaces.

Software
The EOS-1Ds Mark III is packaged with a comprehensive software suite to streamline the photographer’s workflow. This includes Digital Photo Professional (DPP) RAW conversion/processing software for complete RAW image processing control. DPP also integrates with camera features such as the Dust Delete Data and Picture Style. The camera also comes with EOS Utility, ImageBrowser/Zoom Browser and Photostitch.

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III specifications

List price (body only)
US: $7,999
EU: €7,999


Body material
Magnesium alloy (exterior, chassis and mirror box)


Sensor *
• 36 x 24 mm CMOS sensor
• Full 35 mm size frame
• RGB Color Filter Array
• Built-in fixed low-pass filter (with self-cleaning unit)
• 21.9 million total pixels
• 21.1 million effective pixels
• 6.4 µm pixel pitch
• 3:2 aspect ratio


Image processor *
Dual DIGIC III


A/D conversion *
14 bit


Image sizes
(JPEG) *
• 5616 x 3744 (L; 21.0 MP)
• 4992 x 3328 (M1; 16.6 MP)
• 4080 x 2720 (M2; 11.0 MP)
• 2784 x 1856 (S; 5.2 MP)


Image sizes
(RAW) *
• 5616 x 3744 (RAW; 21.0 MP)
• 2784 x 1856 (sRAW; 5.2 MP)


File formats
• RAW (.CR2; 14-bit)
• JPEG (EXIF 2.21) - Fine / Normal
• RAW + JPEG (separate files)


File sizes (approx.) *
• JPEG L: 6.4 MB
• JPEG M1: 5.2 MB
• JPEG M2: 3.9 MB
• JPEG S: 2.2 MB
• RAW: 25.0 MB
• sRAW: 14.5 MB


JPEG quality options
Each JPEG size (L, M1, M2, S) can be set to a quality level of 1 to 10 (1 high compression, low quality - 10 low compression, high quality)


Lenses
• Canon EF lens mount (does not support EF-S lenses)
• No field of view crop (1.0x)


Dust reduction *
• "EOS Integrated Cleaning System"
• Self-cleaning sensor unit (filter in front of sensor vibrates at high frequency at start-up and shutdown - can be disabled)
• Dust Delete Data - Data from a test shot is used to 'map' dust spots and can be later removed using Canon DPP Software


Auto focus
• 45-point TTL
• 19 cross-type points, require F2.8 or faster lens *
• Center cross-type point requires F4.0 or faster lens
• 26 assist points, require F5.6 or faster lens *
• TTL-AREA-SIR with a CMOS sensor
• AF working range: -1.0 to 18 EV (at 23°C, ISO 100)


Focus modes
• One shot AF
• AI Servo AF
• Manual focus


AF point selection
• Auto
• Manual (all 19 or inner 9 / outer 9)


AF assist
External Speedlite only


Exposure modes
• Program
• Aperture-priority
• Shutter-priority
• Manual
• Bulb


Metering
• 63 zone metering linked to 19 AF points *
• Metering range: 0 - 20 EV
• Modes: Center, Linked to AF point, Multi-spot (up to 8 readings)


Metering modes
• Evaluative (63 zone linked to active AF point)
• Center-weighted average
• Partial (8.5% of picture area)
• Spot metering (2.4% of picture area)




AE lock
• Auto: One Shot AF with evaluative metering
• Manual: AE lock button


Exposure compensation
• +/- 3.0 EV
• 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments


Exposure bracketing
• 2, 3, 5 or 7 shots
• +/- 3.0 EV
• 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments


Sensitivity
• ISO 100 - 1600
• 0.3 or 1.0 EV increments
• ISO 50 (Enhanced L)
• ISO 3200 (Enhanced H)


Shutter
• Focal-plane shutter
• 300,000 exposure durability *
• 30 - 1/8000 sec
• 0.3, 0.5 or 1.0 EV increments
• Flash X-Sync: 1/250 sec
• Bulb


Aperture values
• F1.0 - F91
• 0.3, 0.5 or 1.0 EV increments
• Actual aperture range depends on lens used


Noise reduction
• Long exposure (1 sec or longer)
• Optional for High ISO (default Off) *


White balance
• Auto
• Daylight
• Shade
• Cloudy
• Tungsten
• Fluorescent
• Flash
• Custom (up to 5 can be stored)
• Kelvin (2500 - 10000 K in 100 K steps)
• Personal WB (up to 5 can be preset in software *)


WB bracketing
• +/-3 levels
• 3 images
• Blue / Amber or Magenta / Green bias


WB shift
• Blue (-9) To Amber (+9)
• Magenta (-9) to Green (+9)


Picture style *
• Standard
• Portrait
• Landscape
• Neutral
• Faithful
• Monochrome
• User def. 1
• User def. 2
• User def. 3


Custom image parameters *
• Sharpness: 0 to 7
• Contrast: -4 to +4
• Saturation: -4 to +4
• Color tone: -4 to +4
• B&W filter: N, Ye, Or, R, G
• B&W tone: N, S, B, P, G


Color space
• sRGB
• Adobe RGB


Viewfinder
• Eye-level pentaprism
• 100% frame coverage
• Magnification: 0.76x * (-1 diopter with 50 mm lens at infinity)
• Eyepoint: 20 mm
• Dioptric adjustment: -3 to +1 diopter
• Precision matte screen Ee-C IV (interchangeable)
• Eye-piece shutter available via lever


Mirror
• Quick-return half mirror (transmission:reflection ratio 37:63)
• Mirror lock-up (once or multiple exposures)


Viewfinder info
• AF points
• Focus confirmation light
• Metering mode
• ISO sensitivity *
• Shutter speed
• Aperture
• Manual exposure
• AE Lock
• Exposure compensation amount
• AEB level
• Spot metering circle
• Flash ready
• Red-eye reduction lamp on
• High-speed sync
• FE Lock
• Flash compensation amount
• Warnings
• Maximum burst for continuous shooting
• Buffer space


LCD monitor *
• 3.0" TFT LCD
• 230,000 pixels
• 7 brightness levels


LCD Live view *
• Live TTL display of scene from CMOS image sensor
• 100% frame coverage
• Real-time evaluative metering using CMOS image sensor
• Best view or exposure simulation
• Grid optional (thirds)
• Magnify optional (5x or 10x at AF point)
• Aspect ratio masking for 6:6, 3:4, 4:5, 6:7, 10:12 and 5:7
• Remote live view using EOS Utility 2.0 (via USB or WiFi/Ethernet using WFT)
• Manual focus only


Record review
• Off
• On (histogram via INFO button)
• Display mode same as last used Play mode
• 2 / 4 / 8 sec / Hold


Playback modes *
1. Single image with exposure, file number, storage slot
2. As 1 but also image count and quality
3. Detailed exposure information, thumbnail and luminance histogram
4. Less detailed exposure info.,thumbnail, luminance and RGB histograms




Playback features
• Optional blinking highlight alert
• Optional AF point display
• Magnified view (up to 10x)
• 2x2 or 3x3 thumbnail index
• Jump (by 1, 10, 100 images / by screen, date or folder) *
• Delete / Protect
• Record audio clip up to 30 seconds


Flash
• No built-in flash unit
• E-TTL II auto flash / metered manual
• Flash compensation +/-3.0 EV in 0.3 or 0.5 EV increments
• X-Sync: 1/250 sec
• High-speed flash with EX-series speedlites up to 1/8000 sec
• Hot-shoe & PC Terminal


Drive modes
• Single
• Silent (single frame) *
• High-speed continuous: 5 fps *(adjustable 5 - 2 fps)
• Low-speed continuous: 3 fps *(adjustable 4 - 1 fps)
• Self-timer: 2 or 10 sec (3 sec with mirror lock-up)


Burst buffer *
• Large/Fine JPEG: 56 frames
• RAW: 12 frames
• RAW+JPEG: 10 frames


Orientation sensor
Yes


Auto rotation *
• On (recorded and LCD display)
• On (recorded only)
• Off


Custom functions *
57 custom functions in 4 groups


My Menu *
Up to six menu options can be customized


Menu languages *
• English
• German
• French
• Dutch
• Danish
• Portuguese
• Finnish
• Italian
• Norwegian
• Swedish
• Spanish
• Greek
• Russian
• Polish
• Simplified Chinese
• Traditional Chinese
• Korean
• Japanese


Firmware
User upgradable


Wireless
Via WFT-E2/E2A (optional)


Connectivity
• USB 2.0 Hi-Speed *
• Video out
• N3 type wired remote control
• PC Sync flash terminal


Storage
• Compact Flash Type I or II (supports UDMA) *
• SD card slot (supports SD/SDHC) *
• External USB hard drives (requires WFT-E2/E2A) *
• Canon Original Data Security Kit supported ("Original Image Data")


Storage options *
• Record to one memory card
• Record same image to both CF and SD cards (backup)
• Record RAW image to CF and JPEG to SD card
• Overflow (once one card becomes full camera uses next card)
• Copy from one card to another


Power
• Lithium-Ion LP-E4 rechargeable battery *(supplied & charger)
• AC adapter


Power information
• Current power source
• Remaining capacity
• Current shutter count on this battery charge
• Recharge performance


Dimensions *
150 x 160 x 80 mm (6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1 in)


Weight (no batt) *
1205 g (2.7 lb)


Weight (inc. batt) *
1385 g (3.1 lb)


* New or changed compared to the EOS-1Ds Mark II

Technologies Explained

CMOS



Canon’s CMOS technology is one of the company’s key competitive advantages, with noise reduction circuitry at each pixel site delivering virtually noise-free images. In comparison with CCD technology, the lower power consumption characteristics of Canon’s CMOS sensors also contribute to longer battery life.

Signal conversion in Canon’s CMOS sensors is handled by individual amplifiers at each pixel site. Unnecessary charge transfer operations are avoided, vastly speeding up the process of getting signals to the image processor. Noise generation is reduced, power consumption is limited and faster frame rate potential is increased.
EOS Integrated Cleaning System
The EOS Integrated Cleaning System combats sensor dust in three important ways: Reduce, Repel and Remove.

1. Reduce – Internal camera mechanisms are designed to minimise dust generation. The redesigned body cap prevents dust generation through wear on the cap itself.
   
   


2. Repel – Anti-static technologies are applied to the low-pass filter covering the front of the sensor so as not to attract dust.
   
   


3. Remove – A Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit uses hi-frequency vibrations to shake dust from the infrared filter for a period of approximately one second after each start up. For instant shooting after power up, this feature is disabled immediately the shutter release is depressed.

Canon has also developed an internal Dust Delete Data system, which can map the position of visible dust on the sensor. This can then be deleted automatically after the shoot with the latest Digital Photo Professional software.

Picture Style
Picture Style pre-sets simplify in-camera control over image qualities. Picture Style pre-sets can be likened to different film types – each one offering a different colour response. Within each selectable pre-set, photographers have control over sharpness, contrast, colour tone and saturation. The camera’s factory default configuration is set to deliver immediately-usable JPEG images without need for additional menu settings. Picture Style pre-sets applied to a RAW image can be revised with Canon’s Digital Photo Professional software.

The six presets include:

• Standard – for crisp, vivid images that don’t require post-processing


• Portrait – optimises colour tone and saturation and weakens sharpening to achieve attractive skin tones


• Landscape – for punchier greens and blues with stronger sharpening to give a crisp edge to mountain, tree and building outlines


• Neutral – ideal for post-processing


• Faithful – adjusts colour to match the subject colour when shot under a colour temperature of 5200K


• Monochrome – for black and white shooting with a range of filter effects (yellow, orange, red and green) and toning effects (sepia, blue, purple and green)

The User Defined Picture Style can be used to store up to three customized
pre-sets, or any of the pre-sets available for download from Canon’s web site at http://www.canon.co.jp/Imaging/picturestyle/file/index.html. Additionally, users can create their own custom Picture Style pre-sets using the supplied Picture Style Editor software.

Software

Digital Photo Professional Software
Digital Photo Professional software provides high speed, high quality processing of lossless RAW images. Processing with Digital Photo Professional allows real-time display and the immediate application of image adjustments, giving control over RAW image variables such as white balance, dynamic range, exposure compensation and colour tone. Images can be recorded in camera with sRGB or Adobe RGB colour space. Digital Photo Professional supports sRGB, Adobe RGB, ColorMatch RGB, Apple RGB and Wide Gamut RGB colour spaces.
ICC (International Colour Consortium) profiles can be attached to TIFF or JPEG images when converted from RAW. This allows faithful reproduction of colours in software applications that support ICC profiles, such as Adobe Photoshop. For improved efficiency, a set of image adjustments can be saved as a combination and applied.
Improvements in the latest version of Digital Photo Professional include three times faster image previews, an enhanced Noise Reduction tool and simultaneous batch processing of TIFF and JPEG images.

EOS Utility
The latest version of EOS Utility provides essential support for remote shooting control, camera configuration, remote Live View support and configuration of the new Original Data Security Kit OSK-E3 and Wireless File Transmitter WFT-E3 accessories. EOS Utility can be configured to monitor ‘hot’ folders, automatically renaming and moving incoming images to a structured file system – ideal for Wi-Fi transfers, or for commercial and studio photographers who want to shoot direct to a computer.


Amazon Link: Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III 21.1MP

Canon expands EF-S range with two new lenses (EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS and EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS)

Canon today strengthens its EF-S series of lenses with the launch of the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS and EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS. With equivalent focal lengths of 29-88mm and 88-400mm respectively, the lenses are the first in the EF-S series to incorporate a 4-stop Image Stabilizer, dramatically extending low-light performance. Both lenses incorporate specialist optics to achieve exceptional image clarity - the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS employing an aspherical lens element with the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS benefiting from an Ultra-Low Dispersion (UD) lens element.

The lenses are built to fit exclusively on those EOS cameras with an EF–S lens mount – including the new EOS 40D, EOS 30D, EOS 400D and earlier models.

EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS




The EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS is a lightweight general-purpose zoom lens that is ideal for handheld photography in a wide range of lighting conditions. Offering high optical quality, the lens has an 11 element, 9 group construction, including one aspherical element for crisp corner-to-corner detail. The lens maintains a closest focusing distance of just 25cm throughout the zoom range, giving photographs the flexibility to frame up close when needed.

EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS



Compact and lightweight, the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS offers the longest zoom range in the EF-S series to date. The 88-400mm equivalent focal length opens up new framing possibilities for owners of EF-S mount cameras shooting wildlife, sports and travel photography. Optical quality is assured through a UD element, which minimises chromatic aberrations that could otherwise cause reduced contrast and colour fringing.

4-stop Image Stabilizer



Canon’s latest optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology provides up to 4-stop compensation for image blur caused by camera shake and slow shutter speeds. Photographers normally shooting handheld at 1/250 sec can switch on IS to obtain a similarly steady and blur-free result with a shutter speed of just 1/15 second. The inclusion of automatic panning detection makes it easier for photographers to track wildlife and other moving subjects. To ensure consistently accurate results at all zoom positions, the IS system within each lens has been optimised for that lens’ specific focal length range. Since the IS system is based within the lens, the results are visible through the viewfinder when framing the image.


Appealing background blur

Both lenses also incorporate a circular aperture. This helps create an even background blur when depth of field is minimised, giving photographers more creative options for portraiture and similar types of photography.

Super Spectra coatings

Both models employ Canon’s patented Super Spectra coatings to suppress flare and ghosting – more prone to occur with digital cameras due to reflection off the image sensor. By increasing light absorption, coatings reduce reflections off lens element surfaces to deliver crisp, undistorted images with natural colour balance.

E-TTL II flash integration

The lenses transmit distance information to the E-TTL II flash system of all current model digital EOS cameras, improving flash exposure metering when used in conjunction with Canon’s range of EX Speedlite flash units.

In keeping with Canon’s Kyosei philosophy of living in harmony with the environment, the lens features only lead-free glass.

Additional images