Carl Rytterfalk Photography

Sigma 17-70 2.8-4 OS – preview

Published

on March 7, 2010

in 17-70 OS, All, Full size, High ISO/ASA (400+), ISO50, Sigma Photo Pro and Sigma SD14

. 1 Comment

Some time ago I was sent a pre-production unit of the 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM lens made by Sigma. It has been out for some time for other cameras such as Canon and Nikon but my version was of course made for Sigmas SA mount. It was a pre-production unit and I couldn’t really utilize the full OS capability as it wasn’t yet optimized but I did get some real stunner from it with OS and even more so without. Some shots below has had the OS enabled and they appear less sharp in full view, I’m told this will not be the case with the final version.

Those of you that used the older 17-70 will most likely enjoy this new version as well as it’s now more of an EX lens although no EX branding on it. The build quality is very high and it’s bit heavy and feels very solid. It’s like a bigger brother to the current 18-50 2.8 EX – same materials but a bit longer and fatter. Both lenses can produce stunning captures.

Full size version

(another, ISO400 with OS on) View big. (notice that focus is slightly behind)

Full size version

The quality produced by this lens is quite extraorinary, to be a none EX lens and a zoom.

Full size version (look at his chest!, that’s where focus is)

Full size version

Final verdict will as you might understand comes later when I have the “real deal” to play with but what’s seen so far is pretty amazing. Good stuff! Just take a look at this last picture of the trees, detail is not bad and I’m told that it might give up to four full stops of stability. I did get some 1/10s shots that I might show later using ISo3200 (very dark environment) and they looked very nice! :) Me like.

Ranger Quadra Ringflash!

Published

Carl Rytterfalk

on March 2, 2010

in Link

. 1 Comment

Ahh, finally! A ringflash for my Quadra! I can already see how cool images I’ll be able to take with the SD15! :D

Linn shot using Quadra. :)

Published

Carl Rytterfalk

on March 2, 2010

in Full size and Sigma SD14

. 8 Comments

This image (as the first black and white version) is shot with my Elinchome Quadra as main light. There is one detail in above photo that shows how it’s made. Do you know how and can you find the mistake?

Picture of the day. Sven.

Published

Carl Rytterfalk

on March 1, 2010

in Sigma DP2

. 2 Comments

Click image for full size. Pretty long exposure using Sigma DP2.

Chinese water color art by Linn

Published

Carl Rytterfalk

on February 28, 2010

in 30mm 1.4, Sigma DP2 and Sigma SD14

. 7 Comments

Half transparent rice paper wasn’t as easy as I thought to photograph. I know you can glue it onto some harder surface but Linn didn’t want that.. Here’s how I did:

carl
(above taken by Linn with DP2)

Continue reading ‘Chinese water color art by Linn’

Family picture from tonight..

Published

Carl Rytterfalk

on February 28, 2010

in High ISO/ASA (400+), Sigma DP2 and Sigma Photo Pro

. 3 Comments

Here’s my family from a couple of hours ago. Sigma Photo Pro saved as color, made black and white using Alien skin Exposure 2. Can you find me? And yes, some of my sisters and brothers wanted to pull a face.

Camera, Sigma DP2
Exposure ISO600 and 1/15s.
Incandescent light.

Should have left a little bit more space above heads but the table didn’t give enough freedom. And honestly didn’t notice before checking now. Perhaps you wonder why I made it black and white? Well, it was really bad light, no flash available and I had HDR mode on, so three shots – well this one looked funny and was one of the under exposed shots of the three. so. :)

Linn

Published

Carl Rytterfalk

on February 27, 2010

in 10-20, Flash, Full size, Sigma Photo Pro and Sigma SD14

. 10 Comments

Linn doing her thing, actually, she’s painting the front of our wedding invitation card. Jaij! She’s a really talented painter in case you didn’t know.. maybe I’ll post some of her works.. :)

Raw Developer revisited #2

Published

Carl Rytterfalk

on February 26, 2010

in Flash, Full size, Portraits, Raw Developer, Sigma SD14 and Studio

. 3 Comments

Raw Developer is my preferred tool when dealing with images that I think of in terms of black and white and the SD14 is my preferred camera. Last week I had one of my studio classes (that’s when we did the milk thingi) I took some shots when preparing the light – also because I wanted to test a lens that I’ll come back to later. Raw Developer has lots of interesting settings to play with – today I played with the curve tool and “lightness” channel. Recommended!

This whole post is Bob’s fault and can be viewed as full size (some saved at 200%)

And some in color: (Photo of Dad is ISo200 with noise reduction turned off)

Last shot has been saved at 200% size – Have a look!
OBS! Noise reduction is turned off.. (on all above images)

Introducing DP1x and DP2s!

Published

Carl Rytterfalk

on February 26, 2010

in All, Sigma DP1 and Sigma DP2

. 4 Comments

and

As many of you know, I’m a full blood lover of Sigmas smaller cameras – the DP1 (24mm) and DP2 (42mm) – Cameras known for their extremely nice optics and fantastic sensor.

Now, the DP1s was introduced not long ago and for me it was a disappointment as it didn’t get the TRUE II that we love from the DP2 – and it also lacked those cool color modes that many of us discovered as fun and useful. And the last part, with heavy use of both DP1 and DP2 you soon realize that different buttons doing different things on two similar looking cameras is very frustrating. And the DP1s didn’t change any of this. Dp1s did get a better coating and therefore getting better coloristics.

Now, The DP1x comes with answers! Both the TRUE II processor as well as a new AF algorithm, providing high speed auto focusing. In addition, the user interface has been unified with the DP2 series by changing the Set Up Menu and adopting the QS (Quick Set) button. Finally both cameras can be handled without making life hard! In addition to the addition there is a new power save mode that enabled a greater number of pictures be taken on a single charge.

Back of both DP2s and DP1x:

The DP2s has all the goodies from the DP1x added and both cameras can do ISO50 all the way up to ISO3200 in RAW mode and finally Sigma has introduced a new very welcome slider in Sigma Photo Pro 4, a noise reduction slider! This will greatly enhance photo processing in the future for all of Sigmas cameras. At least we hope they will enable the slider for all and not only TRUE II equipped models.

Sigma!
Still there is no monochrome WB mode! Why you say, there is a black and white mode? Yes, up to ISO800 and only when using JPEG. Now, true black and white artists uses RAW only – and seeing the world in black and white when you want black and white result is MUCH better then the current noisier color view when shooting in bad lit situations. So, PLEASE Sigma – add monochrome white balance mode! It’s so simple and yet sophisticated and will truly help a lot of photographers to further enjoy your amazing cameras!

Please Please Please!

some DP2 and SD14 from today..

Published

Carl Rytterfalk

on February 25, 2010

in 120-300, 50mm 1.4, Adobe Lightroom, Full size, High ISO/ASA (400+), ISO50, Polarizer / Filter, Portraits, Sigma DP2, Sigma Photo Pro and Sigma SD14

. 4 Comments

First some DP2 shots.. (all images, mixed ISO between 50-400)

Continue reading ’some DP2 and SD14 from today..’

The Yamaki interview..

Published

Carl Rytterfalk

on February 23, 2010

in All

. 6 Comments

Kazuto Yamaki, Coo Sigma Corp. Photo Carl Rytterfalk, Photokina 2004

Interview made by Dpreview.com.

From an interview made yesterday with Sigma COO Kazuto Yamaki, Yamaki said “Sigma plans to make a mirrorless, interchangeable lens camera with one of its Foveon sensors, the company’s Chief Operating Officer has told dpreview.com”

Now, that’s cool and something that many of us has been wishing for since the release of the DP1 – and perhaps even more so when competition became harder. Jealousy. ;) Now, he then continue the interview by talking about the new FLD glass that they have developed in cooperation with Hoya. This is all good folks, Sigma is really trying hard to satisfy it’s current SA user base. :) Now, I need one of those Tilt and Shifts too! And a really fast wide angle alternative, preferably a high end prime. A 12mm 1.4? Yes.

In the end another classic statement was made and this is perhaps why I’m staying with Sigma, I Quote ‘They are working very hard to try to make the best ever Foveon sensor for high end cameras.’

MmMmmm, that’s such sweet words to my ears. Hopefully some fruit is out in a not too distant future! Future IS bright :D And, Thanks Ted Johnson for the heads up! And for your Leica X1 vs DP2 comparison. If you wish to share it, please do so as a comment. :)

A tiny Sigma SD14 vs Nikon D90 comparison..

Published

Carl Rytterfalk

on February 23, 2010

in 18-50, Flash, Nikon and Sigma SD14

. 20 Comments

Some time ago I had this photo session for a company – some portraits made “on location” using my Quadra. Now, I had this 18-50 lens that I adore but that had a bit of a focus issue on my SD14 so I brought one of my photo students Nikon D90 to be on the safe side (same sensor as seen in the D300s). I took all shots with both cameras. The Nikon had the regular 18-105mm VR lens – I have no idea how that one compares to Sigmas 18-50 but the Nikon cost about the same when it hit the market (about $400).

The Nikon has been shot at F10, the Sigma at F8. Nikon with ISO200 and Sigma at ISO100. (ISO200 is standard on the D90). Also, notice that the Sigma is slightly closer. Nikon is set at 66mm and Sigma at 50mm. So the Sigma’s at maximum zoom level (which normally is a disadvantage).

Sigma on the left, Nikon on the right.

You can’t click the above shot to zoom in, but the other two shots below. Notice that the Sigma has no extra sharpening applied. Just standard from SPP3. Nikon is sharpened normally in Lightroom 3.

Sigma with 4.6MP | Nikon at 12,3MP (here at 100% crop - click for full)

At 200% crop | Sigma processed using Sigma Photo Pro, Nikon using LR3 (click for full)

Conclusion? Those 4.6MP’s are truly insane!

Sigma SD15 announcement! [UPDATED]

Published

Carl Rytterfalk

on February 21, 2010

in All and Sigma SD15

. 13 Comments

New comments added in GREEN further down!

The SD15 has taken a very long time to find it’s way out and during the long wait many of us has asked Sigma for some specific changes to be made from a SD14 point of view.We already knew that they wouldn’t use their next generation sensor but instead use the current SD and DP sensor but with the new image processing engine seen in DP2. And with magic image quality seen by todays cameras we can be certain of seeing improved magic!

So, here’s the main news, and I’ll try to comment a little on each

SD card
The SD15 adopts the SD card (compatible with SDHC) which is also used with the DP series of Sigma cameras, improving convenience to users of both camera systems.

My comment: This is actually something I wished for, SD’s are growing in size and speed and are now available as 30GB with 30mb/s and there is no real reason to stay with CF. Also New mac’s comes with SD reader built in. :D Saving speed should be similar to that of the DP2 and if that’s the case then 21 images will be cleared in about 21 x 2.6s = 54s. In reality my guess is that you will never notice a full buffer. Why? Because camera saves images when you’re shooting too. So this is all great news! :)

21 frames can be captured continuously in RAW mode
The SD15 is equipped with DDR II buffer memory which is twice as large in capacity as the SD14’s buffer. The camera’s high-speed image processing circuits are capable of handling the large data files generated by the high-resolution 14 megapixel sensor. The SD15 features a continuous shooting speed of 3 frames per second with up to 21 RAW Images that can be captured in continuous shooting mode.

My comment: 21 frames is a HUGE improvement from todays 6 images – and if it really can do 3fps – which was never really true with the SD14 which was closer to 2.3 – then I think we have a winner! I’d love to have 5fps but it seams like I can’t get everything. :) Oh. btw, the Nikon D3 and the SD15 now has the same amount of internal memory.

77-Segment AE Sensor
The SD15 features a new 77-segment AE sensor which allows advanced AE algorithms, improving exposure accuracy. Exact control and collaboration with the AF point ensures the camera exposes accurately even in difficult lighting conditions.

My comment: I’ve shot with lots of different cameras over the years and one thing that the Sigma does great is metering. And with this improved 77-segment AE sensor I’m sure it gets even better. The Canon 7D has 63 segments and well, perhaps it doesn’t say much but it’s definitely a step up from 8-segments in the SD14!

Large, highly visible 3.0” TFT color LCD Monitor
The SD15 camera features a 3.0 inch TFT color LCD monitor. This 460,000 pixel resolution LCD monitor benefits from a wide viewing angle, making it easy to check focusing and composition. It is possible to review the captured images with a Contact-Sheet View (nine thumbnail images), Single-Image View or Zoomed-In View (it is possible to select the magnified area by using the 4-way controller). While reviewing images, it is possible to display the detailed shooting information such as shutter speed and F-value by pressing the INFO button.

My comment: 460,000 is a definite step up from 150,000 that the SD14 has. 3″ is also a an improvement from todays 2,5″ – I’m sure everything will look a lot better on this screen. But where is the Live view? They know how to do this as they already made DP’s with it. hmmrpf.

New, intuitive user interface
The improved user interface provides faster and more convenient operation of the camera. The Quick Set button activates the display of the most commonly used camera functions such as Color Mode, White Balance, Image Quality and Image Size on one screen. The 4-Way Controller ensures faster operation of these features. The FUNC button enables functions such as Flash Mode and Synchro Mode.

My comment: Well, this is all good, but has to be operated I guess. Will get back to this.

Improved Auto Bracketing function
In addition to the usual three frame bracketing, five frame bracketing has now been added to the Auto Bracketing function. It allows users to get a more detailed and accurate exposure.

My comment. Yes, this is exciting news and something I’ve been wishing for a long time! Together with a 21 image buffer I can already see those nice HDR panoramas coming to life. But why stop at 5 frames when you have a buffer of 21? I’d like to see 7 and 9. :) Not sure if I’ll ever need that many but it’s nice to get that perfect rolloff when doing HDR photography.

Dedicated rechargeable battery with a large capacity
The dedicated BP-21 Lithium-ion battery is supplied as standard with the SD15. It is possible to shoot approximately 500 images on one full charge. The battery takes about 120 minutes to fully charge with the supplied BC-21 Battery Charger. The optional AC Adapter SAC-4 enables the Sigma SD15 to obtain power from the main supply.

My comment: If you can get 500 shots from a single battery, then that’s great news! We should of course only compare to Sigmas here becuase if we compare to Nikon then we still have a long way to go. I wonder how many shots we’re able to squeezes with the additional battery pack?. :) My Vertical grip / battery pack is always on and I’m not sure If I can get 500 images with two batteries on the SD14

Article continued..

TRUE II image processing engine
The SD15 incorporates the “TRUE (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine) II” image processing engine which improves the processing speed and overall image quality. The unique image-processing algorithm provides high resolution power and reproduces high definition images with richly graduated tones.

My comment: This is the same engine seen in the DP2, and the DP2 has delivered very nice image qualities – even surpassing the SD14 in many cases (perhaps I should study this closer?!). Pretty amazing what you can do with data from the same sensor. Also, speed is of importance! Especially in an SLR type of camera.

ISO50 available
It is possible to select ISO sensitivity value from 100 to 1600. When the camera is in the extended mode, ISO 50 and ISO 3200 can be selected.

My comment: If you haven’t had a chance to enjoy the Silky smooth ISO50 taken with the DP2 then you really need to check these out. This is all good but what I also want is a monochrome white balance mode to be selected (or that I can select) when using higher ISO. Please Sigma, add this! It’s sooo helpful. You can select monochrome picture mode if you’re shooting JPEG’s – which I never do – but that mode is disabled if you go above ISO800 on the DP2. Now, this might be different on the SD15 but I doubt it.

Why? Carl, Why? I feel much more keen on higher ISO’s if I see the final image on LCD in monochrome white balance (WB means you can still go back to color if wanted in SPP4) – I get uncomfortable seeing less than perfect white balance or noise or whatever on the LCD. Especially when shooting musicians with a heavy change in light and colors and dark alleys at night with really really bad street light as main light source or even in a dark church trying to shoot a wedding without a flash and using high ISO. Please Sigma! This is important to me. :´(

Also – I want AutoISO – All the way (50-3200) and with full manual control so that I can decide what my lowest shutter should be, or what thumb rule it should follow. (like using a 70-200 and when using 70mm, then 1/80s is my lowest, but if I zoom in to 200mm then 1/200s is my lowest. etc)..

AFE（Analog Front End)
AFE (Analog Front End) converts the color data, which full-color capture systems record, to a digital signal. This enables the camera to reproduce high definition and richly colored images.

My comment: This sounds very cool, AFE!! Have no real clue yet about what it does but it sounds good. I seems like it will produce very good, rich colored images. :)

Bright viewfinder image by the incorporation of a pentaprism
The SD15 features a pentaprism viewfinder with 98% (vertical and horizontal) coverage, 0.9x magnification and an 18mm eye point. A diopter adjustment is also equipped which can be adjusted from -3 to +1.5 dpt.

My comment: On paper same as SD14.. Was hoping for something bigger here – not that todays is bad in any ways but hey, I want it round too, as Nikon F90.

Two motor systems for the prevention of camera shake
Two motor systems are driven by the mirror-drive and shutter charge which lowers the vibration of the mirror movement, preventing camera shake.

My comment: I was searching old SD14 information PDF’s etc to find out if this is same as on the SD14 but this looks like something new. And as you might know the SD14 has a VERY SILENT shutter already! It’s a joy to use on weddings in churches etc (especially compared to Canons and Nikons that sound more like machine guns) – Lower vibrations are always welcome and I know this was a real problem back with the SD9/10. Not so much with the SD14.

SIGMA Photo Pro 4.0 (supplied)
The supplied image processing software of “Sigma Photo Pro 4.0” converts RAW data quickly and easily. Incorporation of a new noise reduction algorithm reduces Chroma and Luminance noise when processing X3F files taken at ISO400 or more. It is possible to adjust the level of reduction for noise just by moving the slider in the control pallet. This software is compatible with multi core CPU’s, ensuring high speed image processing. It also incorporates functions such as Loupe, slideshow, Printing, JPEG conversion and batch white balance settings.

My comment: YES, finally I can adjust noise reduction to my own liking! I also hope that it’s as fast as it sounds. On the Mac, SPP has been a really slow beast and has often been beat by the windows counterpart even running side by side on a Mac running windows in VMWare. I have high hopes for this enhanced version! –

Also as a side note – the function to extract JPEG’s from the raw actually means that you’re always shooting RAW + JPEG when RAW is selected. This is true with the SD14 too but even more so with this new SPP4 as it gets easier to extract the jpg from the RAW file.

Plus, Right now we’re in the middle of the coldest winter in about two hundred years in Sweden and cold means bad battery performance. And bad Carl performance. I hate being out in the cold taking pictures. China where are you? My city in China is Kunming, and they have the hottest winter in many many years. Instead of the normal 10C they now have more than 23!

Finally, with the announcement of EX OS lenses we’re in for an exciting spring / summer and I feel that my up’n’ coming weddings must have the SD15 to work and I badly want all those new lenses. Linn?? :D

SD15 special site : www.SIGMA-SD.com/sd15
SD15 product page : www.sigma-photo.co.jp/english/camera/sd15/index.htm

Brushes vs Sketchbook continued..

Published

Carl Rytterfalk

on February 19, 2010

in Apple, Full size, Movie and iPhone related

. 4 Comments

I never really wanted to make a second post about this, but I was perhaps a bit fast to post the first one so here comes a second.. :) My thinking is that lots of photographers such as myself often has this artistic gene that somehow has to be let out – with the iphone you can do that using various different software. Also, I’ve been searching for a good tool for long time and couldn’t find any tests between these two. Brushes are more known to the public because of the “new yorker” and iPad release show – and sketchbook more known to people already using sketchbook for Mac or PC I guess. I can’t wait to try either of these two on the iPad. :D Or another dream, why not add a pressure sensitive pen sending some pressure blue tooth signal to the iPad – what a drawing tool!

Now, I wanted to make a little test – I was at the dentist this morning and in the waiting room I painted this colorful tree image – first using sketchbook and later using brushes. I used three painting tools – the pen, the brush and a spray. Pen for outlines, brush for background and spray for the foggy effect. And the way that oil brush thing works is very different from app to app. Also I noticed that it’s nearly impossible to make dots in Brushes, you have to make the dot as a tiny line in order to make it work. In Sketchbook it’s very easy. I tried to show that by adding some stars and some, not sure, mosquito looking things on the right side of the foremost tree.

Conclusion..
Sketchbook:
Gives more realism, better brushes and more sensitive to small touches. You feel and it looks like you’re actually doing something on paper. Preferable a iPhone 3Gs should be used as it gives you more layers and bigger canvas. (I only have the old 3G model). It’s sometimes tricky to zoom in, as either the menu opens or you by mistake draw a line. Easy to fix but still irritating. This is never a problem in Brushes.

Brushes:
It feels faster, but after testing both beside each other I don’t think it is. Gives me the feeling of doing everything with a marker pen (although with more options). If you work longer with a painting you get a much better result (duh!) and you can create stunning visuals. Too bad resolution on working canvas is so low, you zoom in and everything becomes pixelated fast. The good, you can resize on the mac later with the “re-paint” function and make movies such as above. Very very cool.

Part 1 of this article..

Brushes on iPhone – impressions vs sketchbook.

Published

Carl Rytterfalk

on February 18, 2010

in All and iPhone related

. 1 Comment

I’ve been a long time fan of using iPhone as a painting / sketching device and I tried several software and got sort of stuck using SketchBook app which I love. Now, I’ve seen these cool videos online showing people doing speed paint – and I also saw the iPad doing some cool stuff using Brushes app, so I got it, and me like. Almost to the fully. Being an old time sketchbooker, here’s my brushes vs sketchbook impressions.

Now, as a painting tool, Brushes is good. It’s very fast and reacts instantly and directly to every touch but it never really feels like paint – not the same way as Sketchbook does. Sketchbook on the other hand is slightly slower and a little less responsive (before trying brushes I didn’t know it was “less responsive”) – probably because of the higher resolution of the “paper” but also down to the more advanced brushes. Now what brushes does is that it records all strokes made and they can later be replayed on your Mac – and your painting can be repainted on a bigger, more high resolution canvas and also saved as a quicktime movie of nearly any resolution wanted.

Above sketches are all made using Sketchbook. (except the movie, which is Brushes)

Also, in sketchbook it feels like you have a pressure sensitive pen or brush because it changes slightly with your speed of drawing and I feel I have control over a light touch and a heavy one. In brushes all strokes are precisely the same.

But, being able to make both a movie of your works AND being able to later reply that on a bigger canvas with more pixels gives the edge to brushes. THAT I want with sketchbook!

Link to Brushes homepage
Link to AutoDesk Sketchbook homepage