Wednesday, October 30, 2013

The Ricoh GR is proving to be an exceptional digital compact camera.

Email: brqyvn@gmail.com 

 Hi Photographer friends,

I am currently writing another e-book, this time for the Ricoh GR. That's one impressive little camera. I had my wife taking pictures with it for the past few days. She likes it enough that she wants to sell her Pentax K-r and get the GR.

We are currently driving across the U.S. with our RV and plan to take a lot of photos. The new Ricoh GR is being used at this time so that the images in the new e-book will be of our trip between San Diego and South Texas.

By the time I'm done with the Ricoh GR e-book, the new Pentax K-3 will be coming on the market. Of course I will write an e-book for it and can't hardly wait to get my hands on one.

In the meantime, if you own a Pentax DSLR, and want to learn more about using it, visit our e-book site; .http://www.ebooks4cameras.com/










Thanks for reading,

Yvon Bourque

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Pentax employees video.

Email: brqyvn@gmail.com

 Hi Photographer friends,

This is Amber ...she works at Ricoh / Pentax and she's a photographer.


This is Carolyn ...she works at Ricoh / Pentax and she's a photographer



Enjoy,

Yvon Bourque

Monday, October 21, 2013

Ricoh GR Limited Edition.

Email: brqyvn@gmail.com

Hi Photographer friends,










DENVER, CO, October 21, 2013Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation (Ricoh Imaging) today announced the Ricoh GR Limited Edition. Retaining the advanced feature-set found in the Ricoh GR which was introduced in April 2013, the Ricoh GR Limited Edition sports elevated styling and new premium accessories.

The Ricoh GR Limited Edition features a magnesium-alloy body sheathed in a metallic vintage green wave-tone finish with a high-gloss shine. Trimmed with a marbleized ebony grip patterned in burl wood, this Limited Edition is accented with a charcoal mode dial, settings buttons and four-way selector.  Also included with the Ricoh GR Limited Edition is the GH-3 hood and adapter in a special textured finish as well as newly designed genuine leather camera case and strap, tinted in a chocolate hue emphasizing the high-end design of this award-winning camera. The Ricoh GR Limited Edition features a special exit screen that brandishes the Ricoh GR Limited Edition logo when the user powers the camera off.

“Since its introduction, the response to the Ricoh GR has been tremendous,” said Jim Malcolm, Executive Vice President, Ricoh Imaging. “This multi-award winning camera not only supports photographers creativity with an outstanding feature set but also enables photographers to differentiate themselves through a unique design that shows off its exterior styling and premium accessories.”

Featuring a 16 megapixel, APS-C-sized CMOS sensor, no low-pass filter the Ricoh GR is built for superb image performance.  Its 18.3mm (28mm in 35mm format) F2.8 lens compactly provides high-resolution, wide-angle images with stunning edge-to-edge sharpness all while minimizing chromatic aberration and distortion.  The camera’s category-leading, nine-blade aperture diaphragm produces a rounded bokeh effect across a wide range of apertures.

Pricing and Availability
The Ricoh GR Limited Edition includes the newly designed camera case and strap and the GH-3 hood and adapter. The Ricoh GR Limited Edition will be available in limited quantity at www.us.rcoh-imaging.com  in November 2013 for a suggested retail price of $899.95.


 Look at the vibrance of this image taken with the Ricoh GR.

Friday, October 18, 2013

New e-book coming soon for the Ricoh GR. This is a compact camera with a 16.3 Megapixels APS-C sensor like the Pentax K-5.

Email: brqyvn@gmail.com 


New e-book coming soon. This is my first Ricoh e-book.

 Hi Photographer friends,

I believe that the marriage of Ricoh and Pentax is producing  great new cameras. The Pentax K-3 has just been announced and it's going to be another innovative DSLR.  

Ricoh has done more for the Pentax legacy than Hoya ever did. Since Ricoh already produced cameras of their own, blending the technology of both companies can only be a plus. For that reason, I will accept the Ricoh cameras as part of the family. Ricoh and Pentax cameras are like brothers and sisters. I will be publishing a new e-book for the Ricoh GR. I will be available in a few weeks through ebooks4cameras.com

-------------------------------------------

A little while back, April 2013, Ricoh introduced the Ricoh GR with an APS-C, 16.3 Megapixels CMOS sensor. That is the same size as the sensor used for the Pentax K-5. 

I got the Ricoh GR yesterday and I am writing an e-book about it. It is really an exceptional compact camera with so much capabilities. It is an ideal camera for travelling and for street photography. It allows sophisticated customizing and produces fantastic images. The lens has an aperture of  f/2.8 with 9 diaphragm blades. The bokeh is great.

Here is what DPReview had to say about the GR:

  • Excellent image quality in Raw, very good in JPEG
  • Sharp lens with consistency at wide apertures and close working distances
  • Large sensor in genuinely small body
  • Highly customizable and responsive user interface
  • Excellent build quality
  • Extensive feature set (built-in ND filter, Snap Focus, time lapse and 35mm crop mode)
  • Good live view magnification allows precise manual focus
  • USB charging can be convenient



Thanks for reading,

Yvon Bourque

Thursday, October 10, 2013

The Pentax K-50/K-500 e-book is now available here.

Email: brqyvn@gmail.com

 Hi Photographer friends,

The Pentax K-50/K-500 e-book is now available here:
ebooks4cameras.com 



I am currently working on an e-book for the Ricoh  GR which is an excellent compact camera with a large APS-C sensor.

As soon as the new Pentax K-3 is available, I will definitely write an e-book for it. This is going to be another revolution from Pentax, even though they are now owned by Ricoh. I view this acquisition as a good thing, and certainly better than when Hoya purchased Pentax.


Thank you for rerading,

Yvon Bourque

Monday, October 7, 2013

More photos of the new Pentax K-3 and links.

Email: brqyvn@gmail.com

 Hi Photographer friends,

Click image for viewing all images full size.
The following list shows images, specifications, reviews, etc, from various sites.



New Pentax K-3 and new new HD Pentax-DA 55-300 mm F4-5.8 ED WR announced.

Email: brqyvn@gmail.com 

 Hi Photographer friends,










More pictures later on tonight.

DENVER, CO, October 7, 2013 – Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation (Ricoh Imaging) is pleased to establish a new standard of performance with the debut of the PENTAX K-3 advanced enthusiast DSLR. As the Premiere DSLR in Ricoh Imaging’s robust and full-featured APS-C lineup, the PENTAX K-3 brings unparalleled technology and advanced specifications presenting photographers with a solution that raises the bar while removing limitations.
Elevating standard performance, the PENTAX K-3 boasts a 24 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, incredibly fast 8.3 fps (frames per second) frame rate, innovative selectable anti-aliasing (AA) filter technology and outstanding HD video performance; all while giving demanding photographers dual card slots for quick and easy image recording and seamless wireless remote capture and image transfer capabilities.
“Ricoh Imaging has made an investment to ensure that our product lineup features the most complete and capable APS-C offering in our history,” said Jim Malcolm, Executive Vice President, Ricoh Imaging.  “This goal was realized with the introduction of the K-3. Its unmatched feature set and revolutionary technology set a benchmark of excellence that raises the bar for the entire APS-C category.”
Housed in the PENTAX K-3’s sleek and ergonomic body is a host of cutting-edge technology including the innovative and proprietary selectable AA filter which allows photographers to toggle anti-aliasing functionality on or off using the lauded PENTAX SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism. This breakthrough in imaging technology empowers photographers to retain greater control of image output while eliminating the need to commit to supreme resolution or superior moiré control by providing both options in a single camera body. Also new to the PENTAX K-3, and the APS-C category, is the PENTAX FLU SDHC memory card that delivers wireless connectivity with unprecedented functionality to a compatible PC or connected device via a web browser. Using this advanced technology, photographers are able to perform a variety of functions including inspect a live-view image, release the K-3’s shutter, shift the AF sensor point, and check images recorded on the card using any connected device with a web browser. And, thanks to its SD card-based, internal placement the PENTAX K-3 retains its weather-resistant, moisture-tight capabilities with no protruding devices preventing door closure.
The K-3 also features an enhanced video recording experience including the ability to change from still image to video recording with the flip of a dedicated switch to capture full HD movie recording in H.264 format. The K-3 comes equipped with a headphone terminal and stereo mic terminal for external microphone connection. The user can also adjust the audio recording level manually and monitor sound levels during recording. In addition to a variety of creative special-effect modes, the K-3 also provides an upgraded interval movie mode, which captures a series of 4K-resolution movie clips (3840 x 2160 pixels) at a fixed interval. 
Rounding out the new and advanced capabilities offered in the PENTAX K-3 is a newly designed autofocus module, SAFOX11, which boasts 27 AF sensors and high light-sensitivity, covering a wide AF working range of –3EV to +18EV.  Finally, the new Real-Time Scene Analysis System features an 86,000 pixel RGB light-metering sensor and improved algorithms that further enhance the accuracy of exposure, white balance and auto-focusing.


Major Features:
1.    High-resolution images produced by a brand-new sensor with approximately 24 effective megapixels and a new imaging engine
The K-3 is equipped with a new 24 megapixel APS-C-sized CMOS image sensor (23.5mm×15.6mm) with approximately 23.4 effective megapixels. By coupling this sensor with a newly developed PRIME III imaging engine with high-efficiency noise and image processing capacities and an anti-aliasing filter-less design, the K-3 delivers high-resolution, fine-gradation images. It also offers a top sensitivity of ISO 51200, for the photography of detailed images even under extremely poor lighting conditions.
2.    PENTAX-original SR mechanism reduces moiré as effectively as an optical anti-aliasing filter
-       In-body SR mechanism
The K-3 features a PENTAX-developed SR (Shake Reduction) mechanism that can be used with any compatible PENTAX interchangeable lens.** Thanks to the addition of an SR-dedicated servo controller and an increase in the magnetic force driving the SR unit, this mechanism assures more stable, effective camera-shake compensation than ever before.
-       The World’s-first, innovative anti-aliasing simulator function***
Newly developed for the K-3, the anti-aliasing simulator**** applies microscopic vibrations to the image sensor unit at the subpixel level during image exposure, generating the same level of moiré-reduction effect as an optical anti-aliasing filter. Unlike an optical anti-aliasing filter that always creates the identical result, this innovative simulator allows the user not only to switch the anti-aliasing filter effect on and off, but also to adjust the level of the effect. This allows the user to set the ideal effect for a particular scene or subject.
-       User-assisted shooting functions
The SR unit’s flexible design, which tilts the image sensor unit in all directions, enables the K-3 to offer a host of handy shooting functions, including auto level compensation, image-composition fine-adjustment, and ASTRO TRACER, which simplifies advanced astronomical photography in combination with the optional O-GPS1 GPS Unit.
** Lenses compatible with this mechanism:  K-, KA-, KAF-, KAF2-, and KAF3-mount lenses; screw-mount lenses, (with adapter); and 645- and 67-system lenses (with adapter). Some functions may not be available with all lenses.
*** World’s first interchangeable-lens camera to carry this functionality as of October 2013.(Based on RICOH IMAGING COMPANY’s research)
**** This function is most effective with a shutter speed of 1/1000 second or slower. This function is not available during HDR shooting.
3.    High-speed continuous shooting with a maximum speed of approximately 8.3 frames per second
The K-3 continuously records as many as 22 images in the RAW format or 60 images in the JPEG format***** in a single sequence, at a maximum speed of approximately 8.3 images per second. This has been made possible through the use of several innovative technologies, including a high-speed, high-accuracy control mechanism that regulates the shutter, mirror and diaphragm independently; a damper mechanism that effectively minimizes mirror shock; and a high-speed data transmission system incorporated in the PRIME III imaging engine.
***** JPEG Recorded Pixels:L, JPEG Quality:???
4.    Full HD movie recording with creative tools
The K-3 captures beautiful Full HD movie clips (Full HD-1920x1080, 60i/50i/30p/25p/24p & HD 1280x720, 60p/50p/30p/25p/24p) in the H.264 recording format, which assures flawless, high-quality movies even with fast moving subjects. It also comes equipped with a stereo mic terminal for external microphone connection and a headphone terminal. The user is also able to adjust the audio recording level manually and monitor sound levels during microphone recording. In addition to a variety of creative special-effect modes,****** the K-3 also provides an upgraded interval movie mode, which captures a series of 4K-resolution movie clips (3840 x 2160 pixels) at a fixed interval.
5.    Newly designed SAFOX 11 AF module with 27 auto focus points
The K-3 features a new SAFOX 11 AF module with an expanded image-area coverage using 27 AF sensors (25 cross-type sensors positioned in the middle). The center sensor and two sensors just above and below it are designed to detect the light flux of an F2.8 lens, making it easy to obtain pinpoint focus on the subject when using a large-aperture lens. This newly developed AF module is highly light-sensitive and covers a wide AF working range of –3EV to +18EV. Since the AF module takes data from RGB light sensors into account to optimize AF operation, the K-3 also provides such advanced functions as high-accuracy auto-focusing during the shooting of fast-moving subjects, and the zone-select AF mode to automatically select the best possible in-focus point within a designated nine-sensor zone.
6.    High-precision exposure control with new PENTAX Real-Time Scene Analysis System
The K-3 is equipped with the newly introduced PENTAX Real-Time Scene Analysis System that consists of an 86,000 pixel (approximately) RGB light-metering sensor and improved algorithm, which allows it to not only control the exposure with extreme accuracy, but also to utilize the data taken in by the light-metering sensor to further enhance the accuracy of auto-focusing and white balance adjustment. This has expanded the measurable minimum luminance level to as low as –3EV. By detecting the type of scene or subject using the light sensor, the K-3 also can not only select the exposure settings that are more consistent with the photographer’s creative intentions, but also make more precise distinctions between  the main subject and the background to improve the accuracy of flash discharge level.
7.    Optical viewfinder with new optics, to provide a nearly 100% field of view and a larger, brighter viewfinder image
The K-3’s glass prism has been treated with a new coating that was designed to improve reflectance, resulting in a much brighter viewfinder image. The eyepiece optics have been completely redesigned to assure an approximately 0.95-times viewfinder magnification to provide a broader image field, making it easier for the photographer to confirm the subject’s focusing status and compose the image.
            ****** When special image processing is required, the frame rate may vary depending on the selected special-effect mode.
8.    Smartphone-support functions*******
            By installing the optional FLU CARD for PENTAX 16GB memory card in the K-3, the user can release the K-3’s shutter, check the live-view image, shift the AF sensor point, and browse and download the images recorded on the card using a smartphone.
            ******* This software supports smartphones operating on iOS6 or later and Android 4.2 or later.
9.    Large, easy-to-view 3.2-inch LCD monitor with approximately 1,037,000 dots
On its back panel, the K-3 features a newly designed 3.2-inch high-resolution LCD monitor with approximately 1,037,000 dots (in a 3:2 aspect ratio). In addition to its wide-view design, this monitor also features a protective tempered-glass front panel for added durability, and a unique air-gapless construction in which the air space between LCD layers is eliminated, effectively reducing the reflection and dispersion of the light to improve visibility during outdoor shooting. During playback, the K-3 even allows the user to check recorded images at life-size magnification.
10.  Compact, solid body with dustproof, weather-resistant construction perfect for outdoor shooting
The K-3’s exterior casing is made of sturdy yet lightweight magnesium alloy. Thanks to the inclusion of 92 special seals in the body, it boasts a dustproof, weather-resistant and cold-resistant construction, assuring solid operation at temperatures as low as -10°C. It also features a dependable, durable shutter unit that can handle some 200,000 shutter releases. Despite all these features, the K-3 has been designed to be compact and maneuverable, assuring exceptional operability and swift response in the field.
11.  Other features
-       Dual SD card slots for memory card flexibility (compatible with SDXC UHS-1 speed class in SDR104 bus speed mode)
-       DRII (Dust Removal II) mechanism for effective elimination of dust on the image sensor using ultrasonic vibration
-       HDR (High Dynamic Range) shooting mode with RAW-format data filing
-       PENTAX-invented hyper control system for quick, accurate response to the photographer’s creative intentions
-       Mode dial with a choice of lock mechanism engagement (ON or OFF)
-       Redesigned, resized grip for steady, comfortable hold of the camera
-       Compensation of various parameters: lens distortion, lateral chromatic aberration, brightness level at image-field edges, and fringe effect (available in RAW-format processing only)
-       Compatibility with Eye-Fi wireless LAN memory cards
-       Compatibility with USB3.0-standard interface accessories, with HDMI (type D) terminal
-       Newly designed Digital Camera Utility 5 software included, to provide upgraded programs and enhanced overall performance
Optional Accessories
D-BG5 Battery Grip
Exclusively designed for the PENTAX K-3, this optional battery grip accepts six AA-size batteries as well as the standard lithium-ion rechargeable battery. It provides an extra set of shutter-release, AE-lock, AF, ISO, exposure-compensation and green buttons, as well as a preview lever and dual electronic dials to facilitate vertical-position shooting. It features the same dustproof, weather-resistant construction as the K-3 body.
O-FC1 FLU CARD FOR PENTAX 16GB
Newly developed for the PENTAX K-3, this SDHC memory card offers wireless LAN connection to a compatible smartphone. Via a designated Web browser, the user can inspect a live-view image, release the K-3’s shutter, shift the AF sensor point, and check images recorded on the card using the smartphone screen.
O-ST1401 Camera Strap
This versatile camera strap measures four centimeters wide and 50 centimeters long — a very functional length when the photographer wants to wrap it around a hand or wrist. It comes with a PENTAX logo, and offers a choice of black or red version.
Note: Designs and specifications are subject to change without notice.









 Ricoh Imaging Adds New Lens to its Industry-Leading APS-C Optimized Lens Lineup
HD PENTAX-DA 55-300 mm F4-5.8 ED WR Marks 28th APS-C Optimized Lens for Ricoh Imaging’s Robust APS-C Camera Offering
DENVER, CO, October 7, 2013 – Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation (Ricoh Imaging) today announced the introduction of a new HD PENTAX-DA lens. Specifically designed for PENTAX K-mount DSLRs, the new HD PENTAX-DA 55-300 mm F4-5.8ED WR is a versatile telephoto zoom lens that features the PENTAX high-grade multi-layer High Definition (HD) coating and dependable weather-sealed construction.
Complementing the largest offering of APS-C optimized lenses in the imaging industry, the new HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm lens is the 28th in the Ricoh Imaging lineup of PENTAX K-mount lenses architected and engineered to perfectly pair with an APS-C-sized sensor. With a zoom ratio of approximately 5.5 times, the  55-300mm range  covers a wide range of focal lengths from medium to super telephoto and thanks to the sturdy and dependable weather-sealed construction the HD PENTAX-DA 55-300mm lens can also handle a wide variety of weather conditions ensuring moisture or rain are never the cause for a missed photo. Additionally, thanks to the treatment of the PENTAX HD coating, photographers are assured much higher light transmittance than conventional multi-layer coatings, delivering sharp, clear images with significantly reduced flare and ghosting, even under demanding, backlit conditions.
“With the announcement of the  our new long zoom 55-300mm lens, Ricoh Imaging now offers twice as many APS-C optimized lenses as some of our competitors,” said Jim Malcolm, Executive Vice President, Ricoh Imaging. “Pair this with our robust family of APS-C DSLRs, which includes the newly announced PENTAX K-3, and consumers a guaranteed an unequaled imaging experience that combines sharp optics with powerful electronics to create beautifully crisp and clear images.”
Ricoh Imaging’s full line of APS-C cameras includes the full-featured, entry-level K-500; the customizable, weather-sealed K-50; the robust, highly-regarded K-5IIs as well as the standard setting K-3, which touts a host of professional-grade features like a high-resolution 24 megapixel image sensor, fast 8.3 frames per second frame rate, selectable anti-aliasing filter and easy and seamless wireless connectivity with unprecedented functionality.
Pricing and Availability
The HD PENTAX-DA 55-300 mm F4-5.8ED WR will be available for purchase online at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com and at retailers nationwide in November 2013 for a suggested retail price of $449.95.
To learn more about the new PENTAX K-3 and Ricoh Imaging’s unmatched lineup of APS-C DLSRs and lenses as well as other Ricoh Imaging products, please visit www.us.ricoh-imaging.com.

Major Features
1.    Approximately 5.5-times zoom ration in telephoto range
With its wide zoom coverage of approximately 5.5 times, the lens offers focal-length coverage from 84.5 medium telephoto to 460mm super telephoto (in the 35mm format), making it ideal for use with a wide variety of subjects and applications including portraits, sports and landscapes. It incorporates two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements in its optics to effectively compensate for chromatic aberrations over the entire zoom range and deliver well-defined, true-to-life images.
2.    High-grade HD coating* for exceptional image rendition
The lens is treated with HD coating,* a PENTAX-exclusive multi-layer lens coating that assures higher light transmittance and lower reflectance than conventional multi-layer coatings, producing sharp, clear images free of flare and ghosting, even under such adverse lighting conditions as backlight.
* HD stands for High Definition.
3.    Dependable weather-resistant construction
The lens features weather-resistant construction to prevent the intrusion of water and moisture into the lens barrel. When mounted on a PENTAX weather-resistant digital SLR camera body, the user is assured of greater durability and reliability when shooting in rain or mist, as well as at locations subject to a spray or splash.
4.    Quick-Shift Focus System
The lens features the PENTAX-developed Quick-Shift Focus System, which allows the user to instantly switch to manual-focus operation after the subject is captured in focus by the camera’s AF system.
5.    Other features
-       SP (Super Protect) coating to keep the front surface free of dust and stains.
-       Highly dependable metallic lens mount.
NOTE: Design and Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, Point Loma, San Diego. Viewed with a Pentax K-5 and turned Black & White.


Hi Everyone,

I heard of the new Pentax K-3 rumors everywhere. Hopefully there is some truth to it and we'll soon have a new Pentax Pro-Camera and hopefully Full Frame. I'm just fine with APS-C but apparently, the public perception can't be swayed.

______________________________

On another note, while I am in San Diego, I tried to visit Point Loma and the Old Light House. Unfortunately, it is under the Federal Park services and it was close on account of the Government shutdown. That's bad, but I won't talk Politics, It would be a very long blog. Republicans and Democrats are to be blamed and yet Republicans and Democrats blame each other, while "We the people" pay the price and get inconvenienced.

Anyway, although I couldn't get in the Park, Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery was accessible. It covers 77+ acres of veterans of all wars. I'st rows after rows of monuments. I had my K-5 and took several pictures. Because the images represents the past, I decided to turn them to Black and White and some with a vintage look or ethereal look. I think it's more respectful of the military personal buried here after serving the Country.

It goes on as far as eyes can see.
Walking in the Cemetery, you can almost feel the presence of the brave souls buried here.
I turned this image to light sepia color and added the caption. It looks like an old Postcard, don't it?
You can see the famous Hotel el Coronado in the distance.

Feel the souls?

A loved one left flowers.

This is a peaceful place for resting souls.

This is so sad and also recent. Was his life given in vain?

Thank you for reading,
Yvon Bourque
brqyvn@gmail.com