BUZZBUZZIssue 17 Canon digital imaging lifestyle magazine
InsideInside thethe mindmind ofof thethe LavaLava HunterHunter Staying focused under the maddening heat
Photograph by Robert W. Madden © National Geographic Society In Contact
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTOGRAPHER BOB MADDEN SHARES WITH CANON BUZZ VALUABLE INSIGHTS DRIVING HIS PHOTOGRAPHY. ©Robert W. Madden
National Geographic photographer Bob Madden, now known to the world as the “Lava Hunter”, spoke to a full-house crowd of 300 people at the Luxe Museum during the “Capture The Heat of the Moment” photography seminar organised by Canon and National Geographic Channel on November 14, 2009.
Robert Capa famously said “if your How important is interaction with your When looking through the viewfinder of a pictures aren’t good enough you’re not subject during an assignment? How do DSLR, all photographers have a tendency close enough”. How true or relevant is you “break the ice” with unwillingly or to look directly at the subject that is the statement for you in your field of difficult subjects? invariably in the middle of the frame. The work? better photographers direct their attention Photographing strangers is one of the to the corners of the frame, trying to assess What Capa was referring to was most difficult tasks that a photographer what is important to leave in or out of the presenting the immediacy of the situation undertakes. It stems from feeling that you composition. For amateurs, this is a good by being “up close and personal”. My are invading a person’s privacy. To alleviate habit to get into. “normal” lens is the Canon EF16 – 35mm/ this, I try to build up an understanding 2.8 zoom. I am a “people photographer”, with my subjects based on trust. I rarely What should one look out for in the and with this lens, I can get close to my “sneak” a picture. I trade information with editing of pictures, especially in the subjects to give viewers the feeling that s/ the people about whom I represent and digital age when high volumes of he is right there with me. The Lava Hunter why I want to take their picture. I try to captures is the norm? series is a perfect example of getting up make it a positive experience for them. If close. With longer lenses, the final image they really do not want their picture taken, is compressed and “flattened”. I will not force them. I will keep the camera away and just talk to them, learning about Where do you draw a line between their lives and experiences. Many times getting THE PICTURE and putting these conversations lead to other images yourself in harm’s way? within the locale.
It is difficult to determine beforehand if you You were also Director of Design with are putting your life in danger. Experience National Geographic Magazine. How helps, but it is not infallible. A local expert important is the ability to crop a picture would help tremendously. On the Lava well? Hunter assignment, volcanologist Robin Holcomb gave me great advice on where Cropping can be important, but at National and where not to stand. Geographic, most of the pictures run full- ©Robert W. Madden In addition, you have to assess whether frame. This is because the photographers the final image will be worth the risk. If it at the National Geographic Society are isn’t, I try not to take any risk. If it is, one interested in a complete image that must tread carefully. expresses exactly how they feel about their subjects.
BUZZ In Contact
©Robert W. Madden
In today’s digital world, any serious photographer needs a some of these “missing” places, such as the Serengeti in Kenya/ software application that can help them organise their work. Tanzania. Several that come to mind are Lightroom, Aperture, Photo Mechanic, etc. With these tools, image editing is made easier, but Lastly, tell us the gear you use now. there is still a volume issue. For example, _MG_0802.CR2 really doesn’t help one understand the content of an image, but may be I have a rather compact camera bag. My belief is that you need the unique number that the camera has assigned it. to decide how big of a bag you want to carry, as you will fill it up no matter what size it is. I edit by looking at all images from the take. I wait several days and do it again. After losing some of the euphoria from the first My bag carries a Canon 7D or 5D body with the following lenses: review, I am able to look at them with a “colder” eye. I then make a 16 - 35mm/2.8, a 100mm macro/ 2.8, a 50mm/1.2, and a 100 a rough edit to 15% of the images — THROWING OUT the others - 400mm/ 4-5.6. I have a Canon EZ 530 Speed light with a flash — refining the remaining 20 to 30 photographs that I name, add cord, 32Gb of memory, an extra camera battery, extra flash metadata and post process for each image. I save all RAW files in batteries, a 4Gb thumb drive and pen and paper for captions. case I want to return to the “digital original”. When traveling, I also include my MacBook laptop, a card reader and a Canon battery charger. On longer shoots, I take more than Having covered all seven continents in your long career, what one camera body, but this is for the client’s edification, as I find that do you hope to achieve next? the camera is one of the most reliable pieces of gear in the bag. A tripod and a folding reflector complete the basic equipment. Because I was assigned to the places that I covered for various Obviously, specialised assignments call for a variation of gear. publications, I have some “holes” in where I have been in the world. I am an insatiable traveler and am anxious to photograph Catch Madden in National Geographic Channel’s “Nat Geo’s Most Amazing Photo: Lava Hunter” on December 20th and 27th on NGC HD (Starhub channel 301)
©Robert W. Madden
BUZZ What’s Up
“Lava Hunter” Bob Madden leads exclusive photography workshop in Singapore
After bringing some 300 seminar participants through his Besides delivering invaluable pointers and sharing his extensive body of work garnered through a career spanning techniques, Madden also took the workshop participants more than 30 years, National Geographic photographer through the paces of photo editing and critique. Bob Madden led 15 lucky participants and members of the Singapore press on a half-day workshop on November 14, 2009.
1. Jenson Button autographs a Brawn GP jersey. 2. Mr Satoshi Kimura, CEO and President Canon 3. Mr Melvyn Ho (C), Vice President of Singapore, shakes hands with Brawn GP Team Canon Singapore, chats with invited guests. Principal Ross Brawn.
BRAWN GP STARS MAKE APPEARANCE AT CANON PRODUCT LAUNCH
Canon Singapore announced the launch of more than The stars of the Brawn GP team were also in attendance, 30 new products during a star-studded event held at the fresh after Canon Singapore’s announcement of a special Capella hotel on September 25, 2009. sponsorship deal with the team for the Singapore Grand Prix.
Sharing the limelight though were not just cutting edge cameras and camcorders.
BUZZ What’s Up
Paul Henri Cahier (L) and Andrew Koh (R), General Manager and Director Canon Singapore, listen to Rubens Barrichello during a discussion at Raffles Hotel.
Photography enthusiasts and Formula second edition of the Singapore Grand octane world of Formula One. One fans got more than they bargained for Prix, the only night race in the Formula at Raffles Hotel on September 23, 2009 One race calendar. Cahier had been given his first camera at when Brawn GP’s Rubens Barrichello the age of 13 by the “Cartier-Bresson of (now signed on to Williams for the 2010 With 288 races under his belt (at the end Motor Racing”, his father Bernard. season) made a surprise appearance of the 2009 season) Barrichello can be during a Canon seminar featuring considered one of the most experienced Participants at the gathering were treated to photographer Paul Henri Cahier, a staple drivers on the circuit. Cahier’s pictures from the 2008 Singapore on the F1 calendar in his own right. Grand Prix, with shooting tips freely Cahier on the other hand was no stranger dispensed and technical data displayed. Both men were in Singapore for similar behind the lens when it comes to missions - to make their mark in the capturing the glamour, drama and high-
Canon PhotoMarathon 2009 scales new heights
Back for a seventh successful year, Participants in Asia’s most anticipat- the Canon PhotoMarathon saw more ed one-day photo competition raced than 1,300 shutterbugs of all ages vy- to snap their interpretations of each ing for top honours in three shooting Theme. At stake was the grand prize themes released throughout October of a nine-day, all-expenses paid pho- 10, 2009. to clinic to Japan worth $6,000 each for the Best Of Show winners of the The turn-out at Suntec City once Open and Student categories. again garnered a mention in the Sin- gapore Book of Records for the one- To view the winning works, visit: http://www.canon.com.sg/digitaldreams/photomarathon/ of-a-kind event.
BUZZ Technology
A new workhorse gallops into town Canon’s flagshipPIXMA MP996 makes printing, scanning and copying a breeze
The new PIXMA MP996 puts the photo tones. Innovative warm and cool tone scanning capabilities for both negatives printing lab on your desktop. printing options can also be selected to and slides. bring the most out of black and white Featuring a six-ink system powered by pictures. The PIXMA MP996 also offers the Canon’s ChromaLife100+ ink technology convenience of both built-in Ethernet and and resolution of 9600 x 2400 dpi, prints Complementing its print performance, Wi-Fi connectivity for seamless printer from the MP996 will make more than a the PIXMA MP996 boasts a scanning sharing over a network. Connectivity is lasting impression. resolution of 4800 x 9600 dpi. The CCD enhanced with direct support of memory scanner utilises a highly energy efficient cards and USB flash storage drives. A dedicated grey ink means monochrome white LED lamp that delivers near-instant prints contain stable and neutral gray warm-up. It is also equipped with film For more information, call 1800-799 8686
IPM – Images Per Minute
A new standard in measuring the productivity of digital printing devices
In 2009, the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) introduced the new ISO 24734:2009 standard.
Measured in IPM (Images Per Minute), the new standard is intended for use for black and white as well as colour digital printing devices.
Canon has since adopted the new For more information, visit: standard for all its printers launched http://goto.canon-asia.com/isoprintcopy/ from 2009. For more information, call 1800-799 8686
Welcome to the Canon Creative Park, New creative uses for your Canon printers where one can find exciting new uses for imaginative projects using Canon printers.
The Creative Park is an online collection of printing resources, all of which can be downloaded for free.
Users can find templates for greeting cards, calendars, materials for scrapbooks and more.
With infinite project ideas, let your creativity roam freely in the Canon Creative Park today and surprise yourself with the unlimited potential of Canon printers.
Visit: www.canon.com.sg/creativepark
BUZZ Hot Gear
October 20, 2009 marked the worldwide Key specifications: rates (1080: 30p (29.97) / 24p (23.976) announcement of the highly anticipated • New 45-point Area AF sensor / 25p, 720: 60p (59.94) / 50p, 480: 60p successor to the Canon EOS 1D Mark III. including 39 cross-type AF points (59.94) / 50p). with f/2.8 support plus new AI Servo The EOS 1D Mark IV extends the fine II AF with improved algorithm • 16.1 Megapixel APS-H CMOS sensor lineage of EOS 1-series professional and Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors for cameras in Canon’s stable. • ISO 100 - 12800 (expandable to high image quality and speed. L: 50, H1: 25600, H2: 51200, H3: 102400) for shooting from bright to Visit http://web.canon.jp/imaging/ dim light with low noise levels. eosd/samples/eos1dm4/ for a sample movie and images from the EOS 1D • EOS HD movie with manual Mark IV exposure control and multiple frame
Bring out the professional videographer in you with Canon’s Legria new HD series
CCD TYPE 1/2.6-inch CMOS sensor, 1/4-inch CMOS sensor, approx. 8.59 megapixels, approx. 3.89 megapixels, RGB primary colour filter RGB primary colour filter The Canon Legria (pronounced ler-gree-yer) series of camcorders Optical/Digital Zoom 10x optical zoom/ 40x/200x 15x optical zoom/ 60x/300x delivers supreme quality through simple operations and elegance. (Movie mode only) (Movie mode only) The name Legria was adapted from Image Stabiliser Super Range OIS Super Range OIS the Spanish word “Allegria”, meaning joy or cheer; and the latest additions LCD Screen 2.7-inch widescreen colour, 2.7-inch widescreen colour, to the Legria line-up deliver just that. approx. 211,000 dots with approx. 211,000 dots with dimmer setting dimmer setting With Legria camcorders, anyone can preserve life’s precious moments in professional-level HD video. AV Terminal Mini HDMI, Component, AV Mini HDMI, Component, AV Cable Cable
For more information, visit http://goto.canon-asia.com/Legria/#/home/
BUZZ What’s Up
CANON POWERSHOT S90 STREET PHOTOGRAPHY CHALLENGE
Street photography has been described as holding a mirror to society, capturing its raw moments - be it candid, joyous or poignant.
Practioners of street photography often times try to be discreet in their craft as they attempt to capture unguarded moments.
In conjunction with the launch of the compact yet powerful PowerShot S90, the Street Photography Challenge celebrates the spirit of street photography and life’s “decisive moments”.
Visit: http://www.canon-asia.com/pss90/ streetphotography.html
CANON POWERSHOT S90 Putting power in your hands The last warrior in the Canon PowerShot S-series was the S80 introduced in 2005. Four years on, the new S90 promises to press the right buttons with serious photographers and enthusiasts alike.
In the glitzy world of digital compact cameras, the PowerShot S90 stands out with its minimalist styling that packs a hefty punch when delivering high quality images.
For Canon Singapore’s resident photography trainer Jino Lee, the pocket- sized S90 means making pictures is a snappy affair.
“I conduct overseas workshops and make personal trekking trips regularly carrying my DSLRs.”
He added, “The S90 complements my gear and lifestyle perfectly with its advanced features and excellent image quality. When I feel like traveling light, I know I have a reliable machine in my pocket so I won’t miss a pretty picture.” Key Specs:
• Lens Control Ring • 28-105mm optical zoom with fast f/2.0-4.9 aperture • 10MP sensor • Dual Anti-Noise System • RAW shooting • Optical Image Stabilization
BUZZ Technology
LaserShot LBP9100CDN The latest addition to the LaserShot line is the LBP9100Cdn – an affordable A3-size colour printer with impressive print speeds. An ideal printer for small to medium-sized offices, the compact LBP9100Cdn boasts an innovative design that lowers energy consumption and a redesigned print system that minimises wastage.
With “on-demand fixing” technology, the LaserShot LBP9100Cdn is capable of recovering quickly from its sleep mode. Black and white prints are completed in 10.5 secs with a native resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi (max.) and an enhanced resolution print of up to 9600 x 600 dpi.
When the printer is set at ‘ready’ state, print speed is fast at 20ppm for both monochrome and color A4-size prints. This is achieved through Canon’s Advanced Printing Technology (CAPT 3.0) and Hi-Smart Compression Architecture (Hi-SCoA). These technologies draw on the host computer’s memory and processing capabilities instead of relying on the printer’s in-built memory. The result is exceptionally quick first printouts for both LASERSHOT LBP9100CDN monochrome and colour A4 prints (10.5sec and 13.3 sec respectively).
LaserShot LBP7750CDN With the LBP 7750Cdn network printer, businesses can achieve so much more. Featuring a high-speed print engine that offers 30ppm performance in both color and black and white printing.
The LBP 7750Cdn’s built-in networking capability makes sharing a breeze. With duplex printing a standard feature, double-sided documents can be created with ease.
Equipped with a highly efficient in-line print engine and a horizontal 4-drum cartridge design, the LBP 7750Cdn sports the shortest paper path for its class. Rated at 30ppm for both color and black and white prints, it’s a fast printer any small office can count on. LASERSHOT LBP 7750Cdn
With industry leading WUXGA resolution (1920 x 1200), the XEED WUX10 Mark II WUX10 Mark II projects widescreen images and Full HD video at 3200 lumens – making it perfect for business and specialist AV applications.
Features: • Native WUXGA resolution and Full HD capability • Canon LCOS technology with AISYS Optical System • 3200 lumens brightness and 1000:1 contrast ratio • 1.5x zoom lens with 10:0 offset • PHOTO image mode • Auto setup • DVI and HDMI™ connectivity
With SXGA+ resolution and 3000 lumens, the XEED SX80 XEED SX80 Mark II Mark II produces crystal-clear images. Superb connectivity enables projection from almost any source, including DVI, HDMI and even USB flash drives.
Features: • Native SXGA+ resolution with Canon LCOS technology • 3000 lumens brightness and 900:1 contrast ratio • 1.5x zoom lens with 10:0 offset • PHOTO image mode • Auto Setup • PC-Less presentation • DVI and HDMI™ connectivity • RJ-45 network port For more information, call 1800-799 8686
BUZZ New Gear
Built specifically to withstand challenging conditions, Canon’s new VB-C500VD is suitable for any location.
The new dome-shaped VB-C500VD comes designed and crafted with a high quality, shock absorbing mechanism that protects it from being damaged in the event of an accident or vandalism. With both internal and external shock absorbing mechanisms, the new Canon VB- C500VD is a hardy monitoring device suitable for high risk locations.
The state-of-the-art VB-C500VD is equipped with a high speed 2.4x optical zoom (4x digital) and an exceptionally wide 82-degree horizontal viewing angle.
Coupled with powerful, bright varifocal lens and low- light performance (at 0.2 lux in full colour), there is clear visibility even in dark environments. It also intuitively switches to Digital Night Mode in low light conditions, and together with Canon’s proprietary in-camera Smart Shade Control (SSC) technology, image contrasts is automatically adjusted for optimal image performance. For more information, call 1800-799 8686
COMPLETE YOUR CANON TREXI COLLECTION TODAY
Singapore-based company Play Imaginative has collaborated with Canon once again to extend the collection of sought-after trexi figurines.
Since the introduction of the trexi in 2004, the world has seen numerous interpretations of the trexi by global celebrated designers and multinational brands.
The Canon trexi is available in two series of different sizes.
The 3-inch Sweet Tooth and Dark Eye trexis each sports a thumbdrive. These are only available through promotions, such as the contest in this issue of Canon Buzz.
For a quicker trexi fix, collect the eight 1.5-inch Pixma trexis currently bundled with Canon’s value pack of Pixma ink cartridges.
EXCITING NEW CANON PREMIUMS NOW AVAILABLE New EOS Tote Bags protect your gear fashionably Shutterbugs looking for a multi- carried as a tote or used with the purpose carry-all are in for a treat. supplied shoulder sling.
Canon Singapore has launched a On your non-shooting days, simply new EOS Tote Bag that offers the remove the insert to use the bag as protection all your gear needs. a roomy and fashionable sling or shoulder bag. Featuring a removable compartmentalised insert that The new EOS Tote Bags retail for allows easy organisation of $80 each and are available in two camera bodies, lenses and other colours at Canon LiNK in Vivo City. accessories, the new bag can be
BUZZ Interviews
CANON SEA GAMES CONTEST
Two seasoned winners of local and international photography-related competitions bagged the top prizes in the Canon SEA Games Photo Contest held jointly with the Straits Times Pictures Desk. Canon Buzz fires a few quick questions at Wee Keng Hor and Suhaimi Abdullah before they jet off to shoot the 25th Southeast Asian Games in Laos. Wee Keng Hor What kind of expectations will you be images to get inspiration and ideas. Pre- What is the most prestigious or highest- bringing to Laos for the SEA Games? visualise and jot down a list of images that I valued photography competition you have To live and experience the life of being a would like to capture. won? photojournalist! And of course to capture Grand winner of the 2006 Canon great images from the Games! You are a seasoned winner at photography Photomarathon. The prize is not of the highest competitions in Singapore. Is there a value but the media exposure was gratifying. Is there a particular sport you will be secret to your success? focusing on? For some, I can select a suitable image from Lastly, what does photography mean to Swimming and track & field. my stock of images to match the theme of the you? contest. For others, I will have to try to shoot Self fulfillment through the creation or How will you prepare for this something different. I try to have an image capturing of something visually artistic. “assignment”? that will create a strong visual or emotional Browse through some of the great sports impact on the viewer.
Suhaimi Abdullah
What kind of expectations will you be Do my homework after I arrive as well. Who The Scott Kelby PhotoWalk in 2008. I bringing to Laos for the SEA Games? are the key players? Which players are the feel honored to be chosen as the overall I try not to set any expectations. With most dangerous opponents? Get players’ champion by Scott Kelby himself, and beat expectations come undue stress, pressure name and numbers and keep my eyes glued participants from over 230 cities / countries, as well as anxiety. Just go to Laos, enjoy to them. walked away with US$5,000 worth of prizes myself there and the rest will follow. and the opportunity to attend the NAPP’s Finally, be prepared for everything - bad Scott Kelby Photoshop Conference in USA. Is there a particular sport you will be weather, poor lighting, dead batteries and so focusing on? on. Lastly, what does photography mean to Obviously sports that Singapore has the you? highest hope in winning a medal such as You are a seasoned winner at photography How do you capture a fleeting moment and swimming and table tennis. Track and competitions in Singapore. Is there a recollect the emotions that were present at field is another sport that I would like to secret to your success? that moment? How do you allow your creative focus on. Well, no hidden secrets at all. It all boils down side of mind to work? How do you view life to how much your desire is to win. You have and see things you normally don’t see? How How will you prepare for this to believe in yourself that YOU can do it and do you stop time? That is photography to me. “assignment”? work hard towards your goal. Have faith in Know a little bit about the sport before your abilities for faith is building on what you I get there. How do they score points? know is here, so you can reach what you What causes a penalty, the game play know is there. and so on. Knowing and understanding the game will help me anticipate where What is the most prestigious or highest- the best action will be taking place. valued photography competition you have won?
BUZZ The rear view Contact Us
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Congratulations! Chin Ah Keow S069XXXXE Ramlan Rahmat S182XXXXJ You are the three lucky winners from the contest of the previous issue. We will contact you for the prize collection. Kee Wee Kiong S712XXXXC
This Issue’s Contest The answers can be found inside this issue. Just mail the contest portion to Three lucky winners the following address: will each win a Dark The Editor, Canon Buzz Eyes trexi or a Sweet Canon Singapore Pte Ltd Tooth trexi! 1, Harbour Front Avenue #04-01 Keppel Bay Tower Singapore 098632 Closing date is 10th February 2010
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How did you receive our newsletter? Q1. Name two key features of the EOS 1D Mark IV
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