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Photography

Leica + Hermes = $$$$$ With Style

Leica Hermes M7 Special Edition

Just when you think Leica couldn’t possibly get anymore luxurious with its limited special editions, it shoots out this “Very Special Edition” of M7 crapped in calfskin and a Hermes name.

It has all the usual (analog) M7 components & specs with some minor (yet so important) tweaks, for cohesiveness in design. No red logo. Logo is on top of the camera instead of smack in the middle of the front (I never really liked that element). “Auto” dial apparently matches the color of the calfskin. And at this price, Leica better throw in a matching leather shoulder strap and lens hood.

This limited edition with only 200 units will be sold at roughly $14,000 a piece (£8550).

Put it on your Christmas list.

Leica Hermes M7 Special Edition - Orange

Nachtwey’s Powerful Work on XDRTB.org

Take a look at the slideshow below by James Nachtwey in an effort raise awareness of extremely drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) around the world.

See ALL THE PHOTOGRAPHS without audio.
Read more about XDRTB.org’s project and mission.

As the focus of visual journalism on the web shifting more and more to video, still photographers and still images seem to be left in the dust. But, still images, by capturing the decisive and memorable moments, at times can be so much more powerful in delivering a message.

Don’t get me wrong. Video is a wonderful and persuasive storytelling tool. It can do what still images can’t (otherwise there wouldn’t be this billion-dollars “moving pictures” business). And I enjoy shooting videos myself.

I just wonder if some are giving up on still images as a storytelling tool too easily.

Video by Vincent Laforet with Canon EOS 5D Mark II

As I was just trying to ignore the coolness of Canon EOS 5D Mark II (my previous post), this video comes along

Watch Laforet’s sample video using this Canon model:

Click to watch video

(It would be really nice if they offered a video-embed feature. Surprised Canon PR people didn’t put it up on Youtube like Sony often does.)

I think the video speaks for the picture quality itself. Sure, it’s not XH A1. But as Laforet noted, it’s an exciting time. The video is in true Laforet-style - sleek, vibrant, New York and those helicopter-shots. Also check out his blog to watch the equally cool and entertaining behind-the-scenes videos.

How many pro-photographer is going out to buy this? Well, I would be one if I had the money to switch all my gears from Nikon to the big C.


Updated 10/13: Video is now back online temporarily on Laforet’s blog.

Casio EXILIM EX Z150 - on my to-buy list

Don’t get me wrong, I wish I could afford a new Nikon D3.

Well, as long as I am wishing here - I wish I could afford to switch to all Canon gears and buy the new EOS 5D Mark II.

But since I can’t afford either, I’ll just keep my sights lower - a wide-angle, compact, point-and-shoot with manual settings AND cheap. And the winner is - Canon EXILIM Zoom EX-Z150! (review on zdnet)

Before I saw the Casio EXILIM, I had seriously considered buying either the Canon Powershot (and not because of all the Sharapova commercials) or Leica’s wide-angle model.

Powershot didn’t have any manual settings and also a bit pricey at about $300. Leica was more than I’m willing to pay at almost $400. Though the lure of a Leica was so hard to resist. I mean, it’s a Leica!! (plus the look is so retro that it’s adorable.)

Now, I just have to buy it! Simple enough. :)

Canon new SLR shoots videos!

Beats out the new Nikon D90 that also captures videos (but with lots of limitations).

Canon Introduces EOS 5D MARK II DSLR CAMERA featuring full-frame HD video capture.

This is totally AWESOME with a price tag of about $2500. Yes, sure it’s more than many pro-sumer models by $1000. But considering when I bought the now-crappy Nikon D1H, I paid $2000+ for a used one. I’d say - not bad. The price of digital camera has fallen in just a few year’s time. So…maybe it’s best to wait! Switching gears is no small feat.

p.s. check out Pogue’s D90 review.