Thanksgiving Weekend, sailing on Lac Deschenes

Thanksgiving Weekend, sailing on Lac Deschenes, Ottawa. October 14, 2013. Beautiful day, could be the last weekend to sail of 2013.  The above normal summer like weather had the small sailboats from The Britannia and Nepean Sailing clubs out on the Lake.

New Pentax Flagship dSLR, alas not Full-Frame

New PENTAX K-3 advanced enthusiast DSLR features 24 megapixel sensor, selectable anti-aliasing filter and fast 8.3 frames per second frame rate

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.

Pricing and Availability

The PENTAX K-3 will be available for purchase  at retailers nationwide in November 2013 for a suggested retail price of CAD $1,299.95.



The PENTAX K-3 Premium Silver Edition* will also be made available in a limited quantity with only 2,000 units being offered worldwide. This limited-edition model features a silver body with a silver BG-5 battery grip designed exclusively for the K-3, making it a perfect match for the silver HD PENTAX DA Limited lens series, which is designed for unrivaled
image rendering. This special package also includes an exclusive leather strap and silver
D-BG5 battery grip. The PENTAX K-3 Premium Silver Edition will be available for purchase at retailers nationwide in November 2013 for a suggested retail price of $ 1,599.95.

To learn more about Ricoh Imaging’s unmatched lineup of APS-C DLSRs and
lenses as well as other Ricoh Imaging products, please visit Ricoh-Pentax Canada

 

* The specifications of this limited-edition model are identical to those
of the PENTAX K-3.

Pentax K-3 specifications

Price
MSRP	$1299 body only, $1699 with 18-135 WR lens, $1599 for limited edition silver body
Body type
Body type	Mid-size SLR
Body material	Magnesium alloy
Sensor
Max resolution	6016 x 4000
Other resolutions	4608 x 3072, 3072 x 2048, 1920 x 1080
Image ratio w:h	3:2
Effective pixels	24 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors	25 megapixels
Sensor size	APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
Sensor type	CMOS
Processor	Prime III
Color space	sRGB, Adobe RGB
Color filter array	Primary Color Filter
Image
ISO	Auto, 100 - 51200
White balance presets	9
Custom white balance	Yes (3)
Image stabilization	Sensor-shift
Uncompressed format	RAW
JPEG quality levels	Best, better, good
File format	RAW 14 bits (PEF, DNG) JPEG (Exif 2.3) DCF 2.0
Optics & Focus
Autofocus	Contrast Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi-area Center Selective single-point Tracking Single Continuous Face Detection Live View
Autofocus assist lamp	Yes
Digital zoom	No
Manual focus	Yes
Number of focus points	27
Lens mount	Pentax KAF2 mount
Focal length multiplier	1.5×
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD	Fixed
Screen size	3.20″
Screen dots	1,037,000
Touch screen	No
Screen type	TFT LCD monitor
Live view	Yes
Viewfinder type	Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage	100%
Viewfinder magnification	0.95×
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed	30 sec
Maximum shutter speed	1/8000 sec
Exposure modes	Green Hyper Program (P) Sensitivity Priority (Sv) Shutter Priority (Tv) Aperture Priority (Av) Shutter and Aperture Priority (TAv) Metered Manual (M) Bulb X-Speed User (3)
Built-in flash	Yes (Pop-up)
Flash range	13.00 m (at ISO 100)
External flash	Yes (Hot-shoe, Wireless)
Flash modes	Auto, on, off, red-eye, slow sync, slow sync + red-eye, trailing curtain sync, high speed, wireless, manual
Flash X sync speed	1/180 sec
Drive modes	Single Continuous shooting (Hi, Med, Lo) Self-timer (2 or 12 sec) Remote control (0 or 3 sec, or continuous) Exposure bracketing Mirror lockup HDR capture
Self-timer	Yes ( 2 or 12 seconds)
Metering modes	Multi Center-weighted Spot
Exposure compensation	±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
AE Bracketing	±2 (2, 3, 5 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
WB Bracketing	No
Videography features
Format	MPEG-4 H.264
Microphone	Mono
Speaker	Mono
Resolutions	1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p)
Storage
Storage types	Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC
Connectivity
USB	USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec)
HDMI	Yes (mini)
Remote control	Yes (optional, wired or wireless)
Physical
Environmentally sealed	Yes (Weather and dust resistant)
Battery	Battery Pack
Battery description	Lithium-Ion D-LI90 rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	560
Weight (inc. batteries)	800 g (1.76 lb / 28.22 oz)
Dimensions	131 x 100 x 77 mm (5.16 x 3.94 x 3.03″)
Other features
Orientation sensor	Yes
Timelapse recording	Yes (up to 9999 pictures)
GPS	Optional
GPS notes	O-GPS1

Nikon Announces the D610

The Nikon D610 HD-SLR Delivers FX-Format Quality and Pro-Level Features for Enthusiasts Ready to Take Their Passion to the Next Level

MELVILLE, NY (October 8, 2013) – Nikon Inc. today announced the Nikon D610, the latest FX-format HD-SLR to incorporate cutting-edge features and superior operability to help photographers create amazing images and Full HD video.  Engineered for those enthusiasts who focus on the color, sharpness and clarity of their images, the D610 provides enhanced performance and image quality improvements, coupled with Nikon core technologies, all in a lightweight form factor. With image quality rivaled only by the 36.3 megapixel Nikon D800, the D610 is an attractive option for those willing to step up to FX-format.

"For many of us, photography is an unexplainable passion; a relentless pursuit of sharpness and fidelity in every image captured, as we endlessly seek a way to express ourselves," said Masahiro Horie, Director of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. "The Nikon D610 is a tool to help us capture and share our creative vision with all the benefits of a full frame sensor, including expanded depth-of-field control, wide dynamic range, high image quality, low noise, fine color, and low-light capability."

Superior Image Quality
Inside and out, the Nikon D610 is dynamically engineered to deliver the outstanding balance of image quality, performance and operability that only a full-frame camera can offer. The large 24.3-megapixel FX-format (35.9 x 24mm) CMOS sensor is capable of creating low-noise images with amazing dynamic range, clarity and precise color, even in challenging light. No matter the type of photography, from landscapes to wildlife, portraits to sports, the Nikon D610 excels, delivering stellar sharpness, superior handling, and the ability to enjoy the full resolution benefits of a wide variety of NIKKOR glass. Image quality and performance are further bolstered with the aid of Nikon's EXPEED 3 image processing engine, which helps to provide vivid colors and an exceptionally broad tonal range while quickly processing image data transfer from capture to card. Additionally, EXPEED 3 contributes to surprising energy efficiency for all-day shooting.   

Serious Performance for the Advanced Photographer
Whether capturing an awe-inspiring vista at the golden hour, or portraits that absolutely have to flatter, the swift response and advanced feature set will appeal to a wide range of users. From Nikon core technologies to thoughtfully laid-out controls, the robust and innovative feature set of this D-SLR will satisfy even the most demanding enthusiast.

• 
  Low-Light Performance:  A wide ISO range helps the user master any lighting challenge. From a clean ISO 100 to a versatile 6,400 (25,600, Hi-2), the D610 provides minimal noise and maximum confidence.


• 39-Point AF System and Scene Recognition System:  Users can select single point, continuous, dynamic or 3D autofocus modes to adapt to any shooting situation from static subjects to dynamic athletics. The Nikon D610's 39-point AF system quickly acquires focus throughout the frame, even on fast moving subjects. For further accuracy, the system uses Nikon's exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II 2016 pixel RGB Sensor in conjunction with the Scene Recognition System to analyze the scene and adjust exposure, white balance and focus. The resulting images display a more balanced exposure, precise sharpness and accurate color. Furthermore, the D610 utilizes nine cross-type sensors, seven of which retain AF ability up to f/8, a true boon to wildlife and sports photographers who rely on teleconverters for maximum distance.


• New Improved Automatic White Balance (AWB):  With an updated AWB algorithm, users can capture more vivid skies, and more natural-appearing reproduction of artificial light than ever before. Additionally, more natural skin tones can be captured, rendering faces with a more three-dimensional appearance.


• New Increased Speed and Performance: A new shutter mechanism in the D610 affords a faster frame rate. Users can now capture the action at a continuous 6 frames-per-second (fps), which is ideal for photographing action sports or elusive wildlife.


• New Quiet Continuous Shutter Mode: Ideal for weddings and other sensitive events, the D610 features a new Quiet Continuous Shutter Mode. When selected via the main command dial, users can shoot discreetly at up to 3 fps.


• 100% Frame Coverage and 3.2-inch High Resolution LCD: Shoot all day comfortably and compose easily through the wide and bright optical viewfinder, which offers 100% frame coverage. Additionally, the high-resolution 921K dot, 3.2-inch LCD screen is viewable from a wide variety of angles making it easy to compose, review and share.


• Unleash Creativity with Advanced Modes:  With a wide variety of creative modes designed for enthusiasts, users can continue to express themselves in new, creative ways. A series of images with multiple exposures can be combined with built-in HDR, while users can explore their inner artist with an automatic Time Lapse Mode, or the intervalometer found in all advanced Nikon D-SLR's. To adjust color, saturation and other image parameters on the fly, Picture Controls can be applied to both stills and HD video.


• Dual SD Memory Card Slots: The Nikon D610 accepts two SD memory cards, which users can set to copy and overflow, or mark as one dedicated video when shooting multimedia. Additionally, the D610 accepts blazing-fast and high capacity SDXC and UHS cards.


• Full High Definition Capabilities: Capture stunning Full 1080P HD video in a variety of frame rates, including a cinematic 24p, 30p and 60i. A useful feature inherited from professional Nikon cameras, the Nikon D610 can feed 100% full screen, uncompressed video via HDMI to an external device such as a monitor or digital recorder. Additionally, a stereo microphone and headphones can be connected through thoughtfully placed auxiliary input jacks for capturing and monitoring audio.


• Share a Stellar Shot Instantly: When using the optional WU-1b Wireless Mobile Adapter1, unbelievable images can be shared directly to a compatible smart mobile device such as a phone or tablet. Users can then share these images with friends and family through their own social networks or photo sharing applications.


• Robust Construction: The Nikon D610 is sealed and gasketed, with dust and moisture resistance of the same caliber as the Nikon D800. The top and rear covers of the camera are made of magnesium alloy for maximum durability, while the shutter unit is tested to 150,000 cycles.

NIKKOR, Speedlight and System Compatibility 
The Nikon D610 is compatible with a wide variety of NIKKOR Lenses, allowing users to truly realize a lens' potential with an FX-format camera. For eighty years, photographers have come to rely on Nikon's heritage of optical excellence for lenses that deliver the pinnacle of optical quality. Additionally, the Nikon D610 is fully compatible with Nikon's Creative Lighting (CLS) System, and can act as a Commander to control up to two groups of Speedlights, in-camera.

Price and Availability
The Nikon D610 D-SLR will be available in late October 2013 in a variety of configurations.

• Body Only – $2,099.95* Suggested Retail Price (SRP)


• With AF-S NIKKOR 24-85MM F/3.5-4.5G ED VR Lens - $2,599.95* SRP

*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
Nikon D610 specifications

Price
MSRP	$1999 (body only), $2599 (with 24-85mm F3.5-4.5 lens)
Body type
Body type	Mid-size SLR
Body material	Magnesium alloy top and rear, polycarbonate front-plate
Sensor
Max resolution	6016 x 4016
Other resolutions	4512 x 3008, 3936 x 2624, 3008 x 2008, 3008 x 1688, 2944 x 1968
Image ratio w:h	3:2
Effective pixels	24 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors	25 megapixels
Sensor size	Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm)
Sensor type	CMOS
Processor	Expeed 3
Color space	sRGB, Adobe RGB
Color filter array	Primary Color Filter
Image
ISO	100 - 6400 in 1, 1/2 or 1/3 EV steps (50 - 25600 with boost)
White balance presets	12
Custom white balance	Yes (4)
Image stabilization	No
Uncompressed format	RAW
JPEG quality levels	Fine, Normal, Basic
File format	NEF (RAW): 12 or 14 bit, lossless compressed, compressed or uncompressed JPEG
Optics & Focus
Autofocus	Contrast Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi-area Center Selective single-point Tracking Single Continuous Face Detection Live View
Digital zoom	No
Manual focus	Yes
Number of focus points	39
Lens mount	Nikon F mount
Focal length multiplier	1×
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD	Fixed
Screen size	3.20″
Screen dots	921,000
Touch screen	No
Screen type	TFT LCD monitor
Live view	Yes
Viewfinder type	Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder coverage	100%
Viewfinder magnification	0.7×
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed	30 sec
Maximum shutter speed	1/4000 sec
Exposure modes	Program (P) Shutter-priority (S) Aperture priority (A) Manual (M)
Built-in flash	Yes (Pop-up)
Flash range	12.00 m (at ISO 100)
External flash	Yes (Hot-shoe, Wireless)
Flash modes	Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain
Flash X sync speed	1/200 sec
Drive modes	Single-frame [S] mode Continuous low-speed [CL] Continuous high-speed [CH] Mirror-up [Mup] Quiet Shutter Release Self-timer
Continuous drive	Yes
Self-timer	Yes
Metering modes	Multi Center-weighted Average Spot
Exposure compensation	±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps)
AE Bracketing	(2, 3 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV, 2 EV steps)
WB Bracketing	Yes (2 or 3 frames in steps of 1, 2 or 3 mired)
Videography features
Format	MPEG-4 H.264
Microphone	Mono
Speaker	Mono
Resolutions	1920 x 1080 (30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50, 30, 25 fps)
Storage
Storage types	SD/SDHC/SDXC x 2 slots
Connectivity
USB	USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI	Yes (Mini Type C)
Wireless	Optional
Wireless notes	Wu-1b mobile adapter
Remote control	Yes (Optional, wired or wireless )
Physical
Environmentally sealed	Yes (Water and dust resistant)
Battery	Battery Pack
Battery description	Lithium-Ion EN-EL15 rechargeable battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	900
Weight (inc. batteries)	850 g (1.87 lb / 29.98 oz)
Dimensions	141 x 113 x 82 mm (5.55 x 4.45 x 3.23″)
Other features
Orientation sensor	Yes
Timelapse recording	Yes
GPS	Optional
GPS notes	GP-1

For more information visit Nikon Canada's Website

Darrell A. Larose

Ottawa, Canada

Cottage September 27~30, 2013

Overall a lovely weekend, weather was above normal in temperature, sunny for the most part.   Autumnal colours were everywhere, as Mother Nature extended her pallet.



Maple leaf



Sumac



Sumac



Birch reflections



Birch reflections



 

 

Lake reflection

Saturday the 28^th we awoke to find the lake was missing under a thick white shroud of fog that burned off by 10:00am. Looking out was surreal, as the dock and canoe were visible, but the field of vision that would have been skyline, lake and distant lake shore was just a backlit white area of negative space.



Canoe in morning fog



Canoe in morning fog



Pine in fog



Slowly the fog lifts



Fog burning off in morning sun



Fog burning off in morning sun



Fog burning off in morning sun



Fog burning off in morning sun



Fog burning off in morning sun

Warm Fall days usually mean the ladybugs were plentiful, as they seek out  tree bark, hollow logs and the eaves of cabins.



Ladybuc on Sumac leaf

Monday a family of Common Merganser (Mergus merganser), drifted by, one scored a sunfish in the shallow water, but missed that shot. Soon they will leave the lake to seek out open water, that won’t freeze over. The females sporting their rusty head plumage.



Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) female



Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) females



Common Merganser (Mergus merganser) wing stretching

A docile American Toad (Bufo americanus americanus), sluggish in the early day coolness warmed enough to forage to food to fatten up for it’s long winter nap.



Darrell Larose
Ottawa, Canada

Random photos September 8, 2013

A small sampling of photos I took yesterday (September, 2013)



[caption id="attachment_1815" align="alignleft" width="655"] Lac Dechenes (top) and Mud Lake (forground) at dusk from the balcony.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1813" align="alignleft" width="655"] Lac Dechenes at dusk from the balcony.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1814" align="alignleft" width="655"] Last fingers of sunlight illuminating a tree top from the balcony.[/caption]

And as the evening glow fades...

Darrell A.  Larose
Ottawa, Canada

Ottawa Air traffic September 5-6, 2013

Just posting some aviation photos that I took over the past couple of days.

[caption id="attachment_1793" align="alignleft" width="655"] NASA 900, T-38 @ CYOW 5-September-2013, rwy 32 18:40 EDT[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1791" align="alignleft" width="655"] Air Canada A319 CYOW 5-September-2013 RWY 32 @19:00 EDT[/caption]

 

 

 

[caption id="attachment_1794" align="alignleft" width="655"] Air Canada A319 CYOW 5-September-2013 RWY 32 @19:00 EDT[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_1792" align="alignleft" width="655"] CYOW Runway 32 approach lights[/caption]

 

 

 

 

Now I didn't make it to CYOW today, but I was able to get a RCAF C-17 (CC-17701) that did 3 "tough-and-goes" off rwy 32 at Ottawa Airport. I was close enough with my 300mm lens.

 

[caption id="attachment_1795" align="alignleft" width="655"] RCAF C-17 (CC-17701) CYOW, 5-September-2013[/caption]



[caption id="attachment_1798" align="alignleft" width="655"] RCAF C-17 Globemaster III (CC-17701) 6-September-2013, CYOW rwy 32.[/caption]

All photos Pentax *istD, w/ SMC Pentax-M★ 300mm f:4 lens.

 

Darrell A. Larose

Ottawa, Canada