HANDS ON: Canon s100 and FujiFilm X10 (now in stock at B&H)

UPDATE

You may want to read this article instead:

COMPARISON: Nikon 1 V1, Fuji x10, & Canon s100 (plus Fuji x100 and Canon G12 & s95)

The Canon s100 and Fujifilm x10 are both in stock at B&H while supplies last. I got to check both of them out at Photo Plus in New York last week and was very impressed.

Click here to order your s100.

Click here to order  your x10.

Canon s100 Hands On Preview

The s100 is more compact (like the s95) but with an improved sensor, high ISO performance, and built-in GPS. The high ISO noise performance and burst mode have improved dramatically which make it a compelling upgrade for those looking for this form factor.

FujiFilm x10 Hands On Preview

This is the camera I’m super excited about getting my hands on. I hope to review it soon, but everything I saw at the Expo in New York indicated that it addresses all of the annoying aspects of the x100 – including the price – for only a minor drop in image and build quality. This is no x100, but its priced about the same as a s100 or G12 with what seems to be far superior image quality. I’d still say the Canon’s have the edge in usability, but the x10 is significantly more usable than the x100.

Improvements include a zoom lens which you twist to turn the camera on for instant start ups, easier to use controls and menus, plus above average image quality. It also didn’t seem to suffer from the AF issues that plague the x100 based on my early testing at the show. I can’t wait to get my hands on one of these to see if it will become my G12 replacement.

Here’s a snapshot of 36x40” print made from a photo taken with the x10. While I wouldn’t say it is x100 quality from my hands on experience, it’s pretty freakin amazing for a point and shoot at this price point:

Ordering Info

As of this post both are in-stock in limited supply at B&H:

Click here to order your s100.

Click here to order your x10.

Disclaimer

I may get a commission if you make purchases using my links. The units I used may not be production units so shipping units may vary. All opinions are my own subjective opinions, so yours may differ. I recommend purchasing from a place like B&H with a friendly return policy so you can try one for yourself while they are in stock.

Lots of Great News from PhotoPlus Expo New York Coming Soon…

Sorry for the silence on the blog this week, but I travelled out to New York City to attend the PhotoPlus Expo. I’ve got tons of great news to share about the Canon 1 X, the Nkon 1, the FujiFilm X10 and so much more. Trust me, you’ll enjoy hearing lots of great stuff here that you may not get from other sources for weeks.

Ron

Future of Photography: Synthetic Object Rendering Cinemagraph

While the phrase Rendering Synthetic Objects into Legacy Photographs may sound geeky, you are going to love what is going to be possible in the future of photo editing. Check this video out…

Learn more at http://kevinkarsch.com/publications/sa11.html

Here’s another cool photography advancement using animated photos called a Cinemagraph:

http://cinemagraphs.com/

Thanks Aleem Hossain for sharing this info with me.

Canon Instant Rebates Are Back

Click here to order between now and November 23rd.

Disclosure

I may make a commission if you make a purchase, but your cost will not be impacted. Thanks for supporting this blog by using my links.

Photo of the Week: W. W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory

Be sure to click this photo above and leave some feedback on Flickr so this reader can get your feedback both good and bad (be gentle) and feel the love from our readers here!

I love this shot because Larry Girk thinks not only of the subject but what is interesting in the background. The background is interesting, but it is not the focus (although it could stand to be a touch more underexposed to allow more contrast for the subject). As your eye drifts through the picture it always comes back to the main subject. This shot is very well done.

Learn more about how you can participate in the Photo of the Week contest by clicking here.

Disclosure

I may get a commission if you make purchases using links from this article.

Ron Martinsen to Speak at B&H in New York City on October 26th

I’m proud to announce that I will be speaking at the B&H Superstore in New York City on October 26th, 2011 from 3:00 – 5:00 PM.

This will be a presentation of my Which DSLR should I buy? and Which lens should I buy? articles at their mega superstore where you can get your hands on the gear afterwards. I’ll cover both Canon and Nikon products and custom pages on the B&H web site will be created for later reference.

I look forward to meeting my fans in New York as well as those attending the PhotoPlus Expo!

CLICK HERE to go to the web site where you can register.

MODELS & ASSISTANTS WANTED

I’m going to be doing a Times Square photo shoot while I’m in New York. I’m looking for physically fit female models and a couple of assistants. If you are interested then send me a message on my Facebook or Google+ page. You can also use the contact link at the top right of this blog.

REVIEW: Food Photography: From Snapshots to Great Shots by Nicole S. Young

Food Photography: From Snapshots to Great Shots is a great book for those who are interested in getting started in food photography for fun or as a career. I felt that this was a great book from start to finish that covered everything the beginner or intermediate would want to know in a nice concise way with plenty of examples. Some users might want a bit more depth, but I’d consider this a great appetizer to get started with the joy of food photography.

Chapter by Chapter Walkthrough

1. Photography Fundamentals – This book is really geared for the newbie. Most will be able to skip this chapter, but its short so if you have a few minutes then read it anyway.
   
2. Photography Equipment – This book as a Canon bias but what the author says here can be applied to any photography platform. Naturally I think I have better advice for you here on this blog, but some might find the logic as to how certain products work well for food photography to be very useful.
   
3. Lighting – This is an excellent chapter that features diagrams and tools of the trade needed to get great food photo shots. This is one you won’t want to miss.
   
4. Styling and Props – Unlike most food photographers who go through major lengths to make the food look its best (even if its unrealistic and inedible), the author gives you some practical tips on how to make your evening dinner look great for a quick shoot before you eat it. She also has great tips that still preserve the integrity of the product but enhance the appearance.
   
5. Framing and Composition – I enjoyed Nicole’s photos and felt that her lighting and composition was excellent on many shots. In this chapter she shares her thought process and details to help you get drastically better results.
   
6. Processing Images with Adobe® Photoshop® – Visit my What Photoshop Books Should I Read? article for my advice, but you’ll find some simple and practical tips for fast food photo editing techniques.
   
7. Behind the Scenes – This is a real solid chapter because Nicole pours through her workflow from start to finish including outtake shots, diagrams and photos of her configurations. This is the chapter you want to skim through in the bookstore to get yourself jazzed about getting this fun book.

Conclusion

I enjoyed Food Photography: From Snapshots to Great Shots so much that I couldn’t put this book down once I started it. I highly recommend it for those who are shooting because they enjoy photography and those would love to get photos of some of their favorite foods. The photos are great, basic photo info is included, and its easy to quickly pick up some great tips.

Click here  to get your copy and support this blog at the same time!

Disclosure

I was provided a copy of this book to review and I may get a commission if you make purchases using the links found in this article.

Canon U.S.A. Introduces The New Canon EOS-1D X DSLR camera, Re-Designed from the Inside Out

Featuring a Completely New 61-Point Autofocus, Fast Shooting up to 12 fps, 18-Megapixel Full-Frame CMOS Sensor, Full HD Video Recording and Much More

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., October 18, 2011 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, is proud to introduce a completely revolutionized EOS-1D series camera, the Canon EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera.* As the new leader in Canon’s arsenal of professional DSLRs, the EOS-1D X will be a high-speed multimedia juggernaut replacing both the EOS-1Ds Mark III and EOS-1D Mark IV models in Canon’s lineup. Enhancing the revolutionary image quality of the EOS-1Ds and speed capabilities of the EOS-1D series, the EOS-1D X DSLR features an 18-megapixel full-frame Canon CMOS sensor, Dual DIGIC 5+ Imaging Processors, 14-bit A/D data conversion and capable of shooting an incredible 12 frames-per-second (fps). Canon’s EOS DSLR cameras and accessories have a long-standing legacy of providing high-quality results to professionals in a wide range of markets, including sports, nature, cinematography, wedding and commercial studios. The addition of this new model will help take this tradition to a whole new level.

The EOS-1D X announcement comes on the heels of Canon’s recent manufacturing milestone with the production of the Company’s 50-millionth EOS-series SLR camera in September of 2011. Furthermore, Canon will achieve yet another milestone at the end of this month producing the 70-millionth EF lens.

“The EOS-1D X represents the re-invention of the EOS-1Ds and EOS-1D series, combining new proprietary Canon technologies with the culmination of customer feedback and requests from the field. We are proud to introduce this camera to the worldwide community of professional photographers and cinematographers with the features and capabilities they need to capture the great moments that display their talent,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies and Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.

The Camera With Three Brains

The EOS-1D X features three DIGIC processors, including Dual DIGIC 5+ image processors capable of delivering approximately 17 times more processing speed than DIGIC 4, and a dedicated DIGIC 4 for metering and AF control. In conjunction with the newly developed high-performance 18-megapixel full-frame Canon CMOS image sensor, the Dual DIGIC 5+ processors provide high-speed continuous shooting, lower noise, and a significant increase in data processing speed than previous EOS-1D models. This new level of data processing speed allows the EOS-1D X to perform many functions including chromatic aberration correction for various Canon EF lenses in-camera instead of through post-production software. The DIGIC 4 processor utilizes a new 100,000-pixel RGB Metering Sensor for enhanced exposure accuracy with color and face detection, and works together with the camera’s new EOS iTR (Intelligent Tracking and Recognition) AF.

The EOS-1D X employs a completely new imaging sensor, producing the lowest noise of any EOS digital camera to date for stunning portraiture and studio work. The new 18-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor utilizes large pixels – 1.25 microns larger than those in the EOS-1D Mark IV sensor and .55 microns larger than those in the EOS 5D Mark II sensor – together with gapless microlenses to achieve enhanced light gathering efficiency, higher sensitivity and less noise at the pixel level. The new sensor has improved on the already very high signal-to-noise ratio of sensor output of earlier EOS models for outstanding image quality, even in extremely low light. When combined with the Dual DIGIC 5+ imaging processors the results are stunning. The images produced with the EOS-1D X camera’s new sensor are so clean that files can easily be up-sized if necessary for even the most demanding high-resolution commercial applications. The EOS-1D X will also feature new Ultrasonic Wave Motion Cleaning (UWMC), Canon’s second generation self-cleaning sensor unit, which utilizes carrier wave technology to remove smaller dust particles from the sensor and it includes a new fluorine coating on the infrared absorption glass to help repel dust.

The low-light capability of the EOS-1D X is evident in its incredible ISO range and ability to photograph in extremely low-light conditions. Adjustable from ISO 100 to 51,200 within its standard range, the new model offers a low ISO 50 setting for studio and landscape photography and two high settings of 102,400 at H1 and 204,800 at H2, ideal for law enforcement, government or forensic field applications.

New 61-Point High Density Reticular AF

The EOS-1D X includes a brand new 61-Point High Density Reticular AF, the most sophisticated DSLR AF system Canon has ever released. The 21 focusing points in the central area are standard precision cross-type and effective with maximum apertures as small as f/5.6, depending on the lens in use. The center five points are also high-precision diagonal cross-type points for maximum apertures as small as f/2.8. All 61 points are sensitive to horizontal contrast with maximum apertures as small as f/5.6 and 20 of the outer focusing points function as cross-type points with maximum apertures as small as f/4.0. Other innovations of the new 61-point High Density Reticular AF include expanded AF coverage area, superior focusing precision and low light sensitivity, and greater low-contrast subject detection capability compared to earlier EOS AF systems. (See image below for AF point configuration)

All AF functions now have their own menu tab for quick and easy access (formerly AF custom functions in previous EOS models). A new AF Configuration Tool allows for customized setting of tracking sensitivity, the acceleration and deceleration of tracking subjects, and AF point auto switching, all of which are easily accessed and adjusted via the new AF menu tab. A built-in Feature Guide advises photographers on which settings to use according to subject matter.

Similar to the AF point selection options offered in the EOS 7D Digital SLR camera, the EOS-1D X offers six AF point selection modes: Spot, Single Point, Single Point with surrounding four points, Single Point with surrounding eight points, Zone selection and Automatic AF point selection. (See image below AF point selection options.)

EOS iTR AF: Intelligent Tracking and Recognition Enhances AF Performance

The Canon EOS-1D X features incredible new EOS iTR (Intelligent Tracking and Recognition) AF options ideal for wedding and event photography as well as sports and photojournalism. The default AF mode for the EOS-1D X uses phase detection AF information, while a new second option uses Face Detection technology to track recognized faces in addition to color information, ideal when shooting events such as tennis or dancing where facial recognition of the original subject will help keep that person in focus throughout the scene.

Exposure Control

For the first time in a Canon DSLR camera, a DIGIC processor is used exclusively with the metering sensor for fast, accurate exposure control. The Canon DIGIC 4 processor takes advantage of the EOS-1D X’s 100,000-pixel RGB Metering Sensor and utilizes 252 zones for general metering or 35 zones for low-light metering to help ensure accurate evaluative ambient or flash exposure. The new subject recognition capabilities enhance nearly all of the camera’s automatic functions, helping to adjust exposure, autofocus, Auto Lighting Optimizer and Automatic Picture Style to the scene being captured for enhanced image quality.

Multiple Exposure Modes

The EOS-1D X is the first EOS Digital SLR to feature Multiple Exposure capability. The camera can combine up to nine individual images into a single composite image, with no need for post-processing in a computer. Four different compositing methods are provided for maximum creative control, including Additive, Average, Bright and Dark. Compositing results can be viewed in real time on the camera’s LCD monitor, and there is a one-step Undo command that allows photographers to delete an image and try again if desired. The EOS-1D X’s Multiple Exposure mode even allows photographers to specify a previously captured RAW image as the starting point for a new Multiple Exposure composite image.

Super High Speed Mode

The Canon EOS-1D X camera breaks new ground in the world of digital SLRs, offering a Super High Speed Mode which increases shooting speeds up to 14 fps at full 18-megapixel resolution in JPEG mode[i]. The new camera is also capable of shooting RAW, JPEG, or RAW+JPEG at speeds up to 12 fps in One Shot AF or AI Servo AF for enhanced performance in sports photography and other applications requiring high-speed digital capture. This new level of performance is made possible by the combination of the EOS-1D X’s 16-channel readout CMOS sensor, Dual DIGIC 5+ image processors, and a completely new reflex mirror mechanism that has been engineered by Canon to combine high-performance with exceptional precision and reliability.

Enhanced EOS HD Video – New Compressions, Longer Recording

Centered around an all-new full-frame CMOS sensor with larger pixels than those found on the EOS 5D Mark II image sensor, the EOS-1D X utilizes new HD video formats to simplify and speed up post-production work. The two new compression formats offered on the EOS-1D X include intraframe (ALL-i ) compression for an editing-friendly format and interframe (IPB) compression for superior data compression, giving professionals the options they need for their ideal workflow. Answering the requests of cinematographers and filmmakers, the EOS-1D X includes two methods of SMPTE-compliant timecode embedding, Rec Run and Free Run, allowing multiple cameras or separate sound recording to be synced together in post production.

Canon’s all new full-frame CMOS sensor ensures that video footage captured on the EOS-1D X will exhibit less moiré than any previous Canon model, resulting in a significant improvement in HD video quality. A desired feature for many documentary filmmakers using Canon DSLRs was to enable recording beyond the four gigabyte (GB) file capacity and the EOS-1D X is the answer. The new camera features automatic splitting of movie files when a single file exceeds 4GB. The new file splitting function allows for continuous video recording up to 29 minutes and 59 seconds across multiple 4GB files; no frames are dropped and the multiple files can be seamlessly connected in post production, providing filmmakers the recording time they want in the same convenient DSLR form factor. The camera records Full HD at 1920 x 1080 in selectable frame rates of 24p (23.976), 25p, or 30p (29.97); and 720p HD or SD video recording at either 50p or 60p (59.94). SD video can be recorded in either NTSC or PAL standards.

The Canon EOS-1D X also includes manual audio level control, adjustable both before and during movie recording, an automatic setting, or it can be turned off entirely. A wind filter is also included. Sound can be recorded either through the internal monaural microphone or via an optional external microphone through the stereo mic input.

Enhanced Ergonomics & Optimized Design

Photographers familiar with Canon’s EOS 1D-series of cameras will notice the control configuration of the EOS-1D X takes a different approach to button placement. The re-designed exterior and ergonomic button configuration feels comfortable in your right hand, allowing seamless navigation through menu options.

The Live View Button has been conveniently placed near the user’s thumb for one-touch switching between Live View and Viewfinder shooting. The Quick Control Button and menu navigation controls will allow users to change camera settings using only their right hand, for fast, simple one-handed control using their thumb on the scroll wheel. The new multi-controller is positioned by the right hand thumb when the camera is held for vertical shooting and enables the same level of control to camera operators when shooting vertically as they have when shooting horizontally. On the front of the camera are four user assignable function buttons, two for vertical shooting and two for horizontal shooting, allowing customizable button control when shooting in either position. The camera also features a level of weather resistance equivalent to earlier professional models such as the EOS-1D Mark IV.

Canon has answered the request of many professional EOS photographers and incorporated Dual Card Slots into the new EOS-1D X DSLR camera. The dual CF card slots will allow photographers to carry only one memory card format and still achieve instant image back-ups and enhanced storage capacity.

This camera also features a new shutter design with even greater durability and precision. Rated to 400,000 cycles, the new carbon fiber shutter blades are more lightweight and durable, allowing the EOS-1D X to achieve over 100,000 cycles more than the shutter of the EOS-1D Mark IV. A new shutter motion and new motor help further reduce vibration in the camera. The EOS-1D X also features an electronic first curtain, new to the EOS-1D series DSLRs, for minimal in-camera vibration during image capture.

Connectivity

For professional photographers who prefer a wired workflow and transfer system, Canon has included a built-in LAN connection in the EOS-1D X DSLR. The built-in LAN connection features a gigabit Ethernet Jack capable of 1000BASE-T transmission speeds, offering photographers a stable wired connection for ultra-fast data transmission. If the network were to go down, the camera will attempt to resend images until the files are sent. The EOS-1D X also features a direct image transfer function whereby images can be selected for transfer, and only sent once a LAN or USB connection is established.

Accessories

Designed exclusively for the EOS-1D X, the new Canon WFT-E6A Wireless File Transmitter* features wireless LAN support for 802.11n network transfer rates providing users with increased communication speed when compared to previous models. With this new dust and weather resistant model, professionals can synchronize clocks on multiple cameras and use the unit to support linked shooting when utilizing multiple cameras. In addition, Bluetooth-compatible equipment can be easily linked to the device as well.

The EOS-1D X also offers an optional Canon GP-E1 GPS Receiver*, which can be easily integrated into the camera’s body. Powered by the camera, this GPS receiver provides the same weatherproof resistance as the EOS-1D X, even at the connector. With an electronic compass on-board, the GP-E1 will log movement – latitude, longitude, elevation, and the Universal Time Code – and allow viewing of camera movement on a PC after shooting. The receiver will also record camera direction when shooting, even when shooting vertically.

Pricing and Availability

The Canon EOS-1D X Digital SLR camera is scheduled for March 2012 availability and will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $6,800.00. The compact, lightweight WFT-E6A Wireless File Transmitter is scheduled to be available in March 2012 and have an estimated retail price of $600. Availability for the GP-E1 GPS receiver is expected in April 2012 with an estimated retail price of $300.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked fourth overall in the U.S. in 2010†, with global revenues of more than US $45 billion and is listed as number five in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine's World’s Most Admired Companies 2011 list. Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei – "all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future" – Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives. Additional information about these programs can be found at www.usa.canon.com/kyosei. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.

---

†Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Specifications, price and availability are subject to change without notice.

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

[i] Super High Speed Continuous shooting at 14 fps requires mirror lock and JPEG mode at ISO speeds less than 32000.

Photo of the Week - Guillaume at Bennelong, Sydney Opera House

While I’m not crazy about the distracting watermark (I agree it needs it, just not the placement), I think this is a very nice shot of the opera house that is different from what I traditionally see. This was taken with a Canon 5D Mark II at ISO 400 with a focal length of 24mm for 1/8 sec at f/6.3.

Be sure to click this photo above and leave some feedback on Flickr so this reader can get your feedback both good and bad (be gentle) and feel the love from our readers here!

Learn more about how you can participate in the Photo of the Week contest by clicking here.

Disclosure

I may get a commission if you make purchases using links from this article.

REVIEW: Canon iP2702–Affordable No Frills Printing (with custom paper profile tutorial)

Image Courtesy of B&H

Canon describes this printer as:

[An] entry-level single function printer, the PIXMA iP2702 offers a wide array of advanced features. Utilizing Auto Photo Fix II and Easy-WebPrint EX (Windows only), this new single function printer produces both photos and documents of tremendous quality. Additionally, a 4"x 6" borderless photo can be produced in approximately 55 seconds⁷, helping to ease the process of creating a keepsake photo album from a special event. In addition, the new matte black and polished finish further adds to the overall aesthetics of this printer making it a welcome addition to any home setting.

I think that’s a good sell, but the truth is that this is plain vanilla printer with no frills and a small footprint. It won’t satisfy the needs of the picky photographer, but it might be great for kids and grandparents. It’s not quiet and its not fast, but it gets the job done. Read my image quality section below to determine if this product meets your quality bar.

Image Quality

Canon iP2702 prints without (top left) and with custom paper profiles (bottom)

To test the image quality of this printer I first started by printing using the Easy-PhotoPrint EX software that is included with the printer (updated versions are available on Canon’s website). Accepting all of the defaults I got the image shown in the upper left hand corner which looks okay in all but the skin. The skin feels very yellow and oversaturated so I didn’t like this result very much. I tried a variety of different options on the printer and got similar results, so this is really the out of box experience for this printer. Images are a bit oversaturated with a strong push to the warm side which is really bad for indoor photos under tungsten light.

To understand the true ability of this printer and ink set I decided to create my own paper profiles using both ColorMunki Photo (because of its affordable price) as well as an i1Pro using i1Publish (available as the i1Publish Pro UV Cut Color Management System). The i1Publish System created the best possible result out of this ink set shown in the bottom right corner, but the limitations of the ink set in this form factor are obvious – you get what you pay for.

i1Publish Pro UV Cut Color Management System
creates the best paper profile for this printer

Above is an image on the right that is created by i1Publish that is designed to match against the ColorChecker Passport (review) on the left (from the same scan on a Epson V750. While its not a perfect match, the profile created by the i1Publish is pretty good. The lines indicate colors that can’t be fully represented by the color gamut of the ink set of the printer.

The ColorMunki Photo profile was definitely a big improvement and close enough to the i1Publish profile that many would find it to be “good enough” for a printer at this price point, but naturally the i1Publish gives the best and most accurate results.

One thing you’ll notice in all of the images above is that they feel a little washed out and muddy – that’s my biggest complaint of this printer. The ink set just lacks the rich blacks that you’d get from a higher end printer. Below you can see what a printer like the iPF6300 can do with using its built-in paper profile:

Scan of a Canon iPF6300 Print

I only include this image to show what is possible, but its important to keep in mind that the ip2702 cost less than one of the ink cartridges on the iPF6300!

My conclusion on image quality is simple – I find the printing from what’s included with the printer to be less than desirable. Using your own profile (or mine) you can probably get much better results when printing from Lightroom or Photoshop CS4 or earlier (I do not recommend CS5 for printing).

Using a Custom Profile with the iP2702 Driver

To use your own profile with this printer, you must do the following:

Step 1 – Create a new Setting for use in the future

Step 2 – Change Color/Intensity to Manual and Click Set…

Step 3 – Click the Matching Tab and Choose None

Step 4a – In Lightroom choose OTHER for the profile
and select your custom profile or one of the ones provided by Canon
(at the top of the list above)

Step 5a - Lightroom’s Print module
should look something like this

Step 4b – Photoshop should look something like this

For Lightroom and Photoshop, don’t forget that the first three steps are critical from the page setup buttons. You want to use the color management of Adobe’s products, not the driver so steps 1 through 3 are turning off color management so that the software can use your profile.

Conclusion

This is a very simple and basic printer. It has only two ink cartridges – one black and one color and the cost of those is about the same price as the printer. It does three sheet sizes, no rolls, no networking and doesn’t include the required USB cable to connect it to the printer (my biggest gripe). However, this makes a decent printer for kids or grandparents who don’t want complexity –they just want something that works and is easy to maintain. You lose some print quality when using this over more expensive alternatives, but if the target user is handy with Lightroom or Photoshop then they’ll get the most out of it by using a custom paper profile.

While this printer is advertised as providing color lab quality results, I honestly think that the prints you’ll get from Shutterfly, Costco, Smugmug, MPix, etc… are going to be much better than the results from this printer. It’s also a tad slow and noisy (even in quiet mode), but it gets the job done in a reasonably small footprint.

This isn’t a pro photographers printer, but it’s not intended to be. This is a entry consumer product that does a marginal job out of the box, but it can be improved with a good paper profile. At a price point that is under $50, it’s pretty hard to fault it. If you have a little more cash and desk space then I’d suggest stepping up to the iP4920 or perhaps the iP3600.

Ordering Information

You can buy one of these printers from Amazon or B&H, but make sure you also get a printer cable if you don’t have one already. You may also want to get some additional Canon Photo Paper Plus Glossy II from Amazon or B&H in 4x6, 5x7 or 8.5x11 sheets.

Disclosure

Canon USA provided me with a printer and paper to review for this article. I may also get a commission if you purchase using links in this article, so please support this blog by using my links – thanks!

Printing 101 Notebook: An Introduction to Fine Art Photography Printing by Ron Martinsen NOW AVAILABLE

After months of hard work, my 90+ page Printing 101 Guide is now available on Trey Ratcliff’s Flatbooks.com web site. Click here to view more details.

This book is a collection of my lessons learned during my massive printing series.

I hope you enjoy it.

Ron

P.S. Don’t forget that you can use the code RONMART15 to get a 15% discount on MOST products on StuckInCustoms.com.

Disclosure

I make a commission on all products sold when you use my coupon code, and on all copies of my book.

Photo of the Week–Industrial Tacoma

Now here’s a really cool shot from Larry Girk that shows off the power of Silver Efex (via Photoshop for the Mac) when paired with a good panorama shot. I love this one!

Be sure to click this photo above and leave some feedback on Flickr so this reader can get your feedback both good and bad (be gentle) and feel the love from our readers here!

Learn more about how you can participate in the Photo of the Week contest by clicking here.

Disclosure

I may get a commission if you make purchases using links from this article.

P.S. More reviews are coming soon, hang in there.

Times Square Shoot–Models, Assistants and Students Wanted–October 26, 27 or 28th

As announced last night, I’ll be speaking at B&H in New York City at the end of October 2011. While I’m there I’m there I will be doing a photo shoot in Times Square one night on October 26, 27 or 28th (final details TBD).

I’m looking for assistants and models for the Times Square shoot. I’m also happy to take on a very limited number of students on a photo walk for one or more nights.

Students – Sign up to shoot with Ron in New York City

Visit my contact page and send me a mail if you are interested in joining me while I’m in New York for a photo walk or to do a little shooting during my photo shoot. There is a fee for this service and you will be expected to meet me at a location in New York.

During the photo walk I am happy to teach you how to get the shot that you are envisioning and to give you ideas on what might be interesting to shoot. This is a fun and casual way to learn and get some great shots. See my Seattle Workshop article to get an idea of what it might be like – but just for one location for 2 hours or less.

Assistants Needed

If you are going to be in New York City during my visit and would like to volunteer to be an assistant for one or more of my shoots, please visit my contact page and send me your info.

Duties would involve holding reflectors, flashes, etc… and hauling gear to and from the shoot location.

Models – Casting Call Info

I’m looking for physically fit (see above) and pretty female models (no experience required, but preferred). If you are interested in applying for one of the slots, please check out my casting call and send me a message there or on my contact page.

A billboard advertisement in New York that seemed applicable here – ha, ha

Epson Stylus Pro $1000 Rebates - 7900 for only $2795 or 9900 for only $4799

Epson has a $1000 instant rebate program going right now for the 7900 and 9900. As of October 5th this translates to getting a 7900 for not much more than the cost of a 4900 – only $2795!!!! That is an INSANE deal for this printer! It’s larger sibling the 44” wide 9900 is only $4799!

See my printing series for more info about choosing the right Epson printer and read about the pros like Greg Gorman, Douglas Dubler, Vincent Versace, John Paul Caponigro, and more who use the Epson 7900 and 9900 printers.

Click here to buy the 7900.

Click here to buy the 9900.

***THIS OFFER EXPIRES OCTOBER 31ST***

Contact local companies like JVH to get a great deal and hands on service during the delivery.

Save $100 off Lightroom too when you toss it in the cart with this order.

Don’t forget that you can use the Bill Me Later service to get no payments for 6 months to make it easier to spread out the cost of this purchase. B&H also offers white glove delivery which I highly recommend as these are huge and heavy printers that can’t be moved easily.

US delivery ONLY

Photo of the Week – Morning Mist

I’m busy doing some behind the scenes product reviews so tonight is a good time for a Photo of the Week article. This is a cool shot from Tim Pursall taken with one of my all-time favorite Canon cameras – the Canon 40D (my #1 recommended used camera in my DSLR on a Budget article). This beauty was taken at f/11 for 1/60 sec at ISO 100 at a focal length of 97mm from a Sigma 18-125mm lens. It’s final processing took place in Lightroom 3.4.1 but it looks like it spend some time in Photoshop or at least some good third party plug-ins for Lightroom.

Be sure to click this photo above and leave some feedback on Flickr so this reader can get your feedback both good and bad (be gentle) and feel the love from our readers here!

Learn more about how you can participate in the Photo of the Week contest by clicking here.

*** WANTED: New Photo of the Week Submissions are needed ***

Disclosure

I may get a commission if you make purchases using links from this article.

Busy Imaging…

Sorry for the lack of articles lately, I’ve been busy working on my upcoming eBook and imaging. Here’s some eye candy for you to enjoy in the meantime:

The truth is that I spent a fraction of my time on the shot above and most of it on the family portrait below:

I enjoyed working on both as its nice to have some time to do some non-blog related imaging from time to time!

I’ll be back soon with some articles so keep checking.

Thanks for supporting this blog!

Ron