Welcome Franklin Viola

John Tworsky

 

Franklin Viola
After working at Bergen County Camera in 1988 / 89, Franklin Viola followed his dreams and became an award winning Commercial and Editorial Photographer. Combining his studies in Marine Science (BS Texas A&M Galveston’82), Scuba Diving (NAUI Instructor 1986) and self-taught photographic skills, Franklin traveled the world shooting underwater photo-stories for such magazines as National Geographic WORLD, Ranger Rick, Boy’s Life, Sport Diver and Natural History to name a few. In 1994, the British Museum of Natural History (London) awarded Franklin one of the top 10 Wildlife Photographers of the Year.

BCC welcomed Franklin back for the 2011 Holiday Season to share his photographic knowledge with our customers and his business savvy with our professional team. As a featured contributor on BCC’s photography blog, Franklin will open up his treasure chest of ‘tips’ for capturing great photographs.

You may see more of Franklin’s work at www.violaphoto.com

Look for Franklin’s first post in a few days.

Fuji introduces the X-Pro1

John Tworsky

 

Fuji X-Pro-1

Bergen County Camera is happy to report Fuji’s announcement of  the 16 megapixel Fujifilm X-Pro1 interchangeable lens camera. The camera has earned a CES “Best in Show” designation. Our buyer who is at CES will share his review when he returns from Las Vegas. The X-Pro1 uses APS-C X-Trans CMOS sensor™,  a brand new X lens mount, along with three brand new prime lenses. Bergen County Camera is currently taking orders for the Fuji X-Pro1. Please email or call 201-664-4113 if you would like to add your name to our first come first served list, no deposit required. Should you have questions, our staff of photographic experts are ready to assist.

Download the complete X-Pro1 brochure from Fuji’s website

Here are the Specifications from Fuji’s website

Model Name FUJIFILM X-Pro1

Number of effective pixels 16.3 million pixels

Image sensor 23.6 mm x 15.6 mm (APS-C) X-Trans CMOS with primary color filter – Sensor Cleaning system: Ultra Sonic Vibration

Storage media SD memory card / SDHC memory card / SDXC (UHS-I) memory card*1

File format still image

  • JPEG (Exif Ver 2.3)*2
  • RAW (RAF format),
  • RAW+JPEG
  • (Design rule for Camera File system compliant / DPOF-compatible)
  • movie: H.264 (MOV) with Stereo sound

Read more →

Lightroom 4 Beta Released

John Tworsky

10 years after Lightroom made its debut we have a new beta version from Adobe Labs, Lightroom 4! Lightroom’s history is outlined on this Wikipedia page. Beta software is not for everyone so be sure to backup your work, and understand this beta software should be used for learning features, testing and tinkering. The final release may or may not be compatible with what you do in the beta so keep this in mind. Lightroom 4 beta will be available for download until the products expiration on March 31, 2012. We’ll post our impressions just as soon as we have a chance to test it out.

Download the Lightroom 4 beta

Here’s a quick look at the new features from Adobe’s website

New Features in Lightroom 4 Beta

  • Highlight and shadow recovery brings out all the detail that your camera captures in dark shadows and bright highlights.
  • Photo book creation with easy-to-use elegant templates.
  • Location-based organization lets you find and group images by location, assign locations to images, and display data from GPS-enabled cameras.
  • White balance brush to refine and adjust white balance in specific areas of your images.
  • Additional local editing controls let you adjust noise reduction and remove moiré in targeted areas of your images.
  • Extended video support for organizing, viewing, and making adjustments and edits to video clips.
  • Easy video publishing lets you edit and share video clips on Facebook and Flickr®.
  • Soft proofing to preview how an image will look when printed with color-managed printers.
  • Email directly from Lightroom using the email account of your choice.

Free Saturday Focus Sessions – January and February

Brendan Rahl

Focus sessions are free and take place in the Westwood store from 9:30 am – 10 am and our Englewood location from 10:30 am – 11:00 am. All sessions will allow for questions and answers. Please bring your camera and any images along that you have questions about.

Hit the “Like Button” to let your friends know. Have suggestions for future focus sessions? Feel free to leave a comment.

Here’s the schedule for January and February:

January 7 – Great Portraits With Your Flash

January 14 – Great Winter Landscape Photos

January 21 – Online Photo Services – How to Use etc.

January 28 – Show Us Your Photos / Critique – All photos in print form

February 4 – Sensor Cleanings

February 11 – Indoor Sports Photography

February 18 – Getting Started with Photo Books

February 25 – Tripods and Monopods

These are free events – bring a friend along if you’d like. Share with your friends on Facebook – Click the Like button below. Hope you can join us!

Leica Firmware Updates D-Lux 5 and S2

John Tworsky

D-Lux 5 Update

The new firmware will improve the following:

  • Auto Focus speed-up.
  • The upper limit of the shutter speed in Manual Exposure Mode has been raised (max. 250 seconds).
  • [HIGH ISO NR] for ISO 1600 and ISO 3200 has been added to the [REC] menu.
  • When [MF] is set, you can make fine adjustments to the focus using a simpler operation than before.
  • Improved auto white balance performance. • The position and size of the AF area you have set are now stored.
  • [ACTIVE MODE] has been added to the [MOTION PICTURE] menu.
  • The AF/AE Lock operated by half-pressing the shutter button has been improved.
  • [MINIATURE EFFECT] has been added to My Color Mode
  • [MONITOR] / [VIEWFINDER] has been added to the [SETUP] menu.

 

Leica s2 Firmware Update

The new S2 firmware adds support for the new S-Lens Leica Elmarit-S 30 mm/f2.8 ASPH.

Adobe updates Camera Raw to 6.6 and Lightroom to 6.6

John Tworsky

Adobe Labs has completed beta testing of Adobe Camera Raw (ACR) version 6.6 (adds support for several newer digital cameras). You can get this update by using the check for updates option in your Adobe software or by visiting the Adobe Labs Camera Raw page for this download. This page is the place to visit for the latest ACR release and beta test versions when available.

Camera support for Photoshop CS5 and Lightroom 3

Support for the following cameras has been added from Camera Raw 6.6 to 6.6 and Lightroom 3.5 to 3.6.

Canon Powershot S100
Fuji FinePix X10
Leica V-LUX3
Nikon 1 V1
Nikon 1 J1
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1
Ricoh GR Digital IV
Samsung NX5
Samsung NX200
Sony NEX-7

Lightroom 3.6 has just been released after completion of beta testing. In addition to adding support the cameras above it also addresses some minor issues uncovered in the previous versions of LR. You can get this update by checking for updates inside Lightroom.

Olympus introduces new 12-50 mm f3.5-6.3 EZ Lens

John Tworsky

Olympus 12-50 Micro 4/3 lens

This zoom lens has a maximum magnification of 4.2X, covering a range that extends from a wide angle of 24mm (35mm camera equivalent) – ideal for taking wide shots even indoors – to a medium telephoto focal length of 100mm (35mm camera equivalent), – optimal for portraits. A newly developed motorized zoom mechanism makes smooth, quiet zooming while shooting movies possible. The AF system is based on the MSC (Movie & Still Compatible) mechanism, and enhanced by a newly developed “Linear Motor Drive” that enables faster, quieter focusing. Macro shooting as close as 7.87 inches with a maximum image magnification of 0.72X (35mm camera equivalent) is possible. Dust and Splash Proof construction lets you shoot in harsh conditions without worry.

We are expecting this lens in January 2012. If you have questions or would like to put your name on our waiting list, please email or give us a call at 201-664-4113.

Leica M9 Upgrade Program

Brendan Rahl

 

 

 

 

 

Bergen County Camera is pleased to offer Leica’s M9 upgrade program. M9 owners can now upgrade their M9 cameras with the product features of the M9-P. Leica Camera is offering two upgrade packages which will be available through Bergen County Camera.

Leica M9 Upgrade Package 1 – Sapphire Glass – $1,295
• The display cover will be replaced with the sought after sapphire glass of the M9-P.
• Choice between Vulcanite Leatherette or Smooth MP-Style Leatherette.

Leica M9 Upgrade Package 2 – Top Cover and Sapphire Glass – $1,995
• The display cover will be replaced with the valuable sapphire glass of the M9-P.
• The top cover will be replaced with either the silver chrome or black painted M9-P top cover.
• The bottom cover will be replaced with the corresponding color.
• Choice between Vulcanite Leatherette or Smooth MP-Style Leatherette.

The M9 upgrade service:
• Please call us to begin your upgrade.
• All work is done at Leica’s facility in Allendale, NJ.
• This upgrade is considered part of a regular repair service.
• All service fees will be paid to Bergen County Camera.
• Turn around will depend on volume for the M9 upgrades & customers can request to be informed of the return ship date.
• Warranty of the M9 with the upgrade will be extended by another year from the original warranty expiration date.
• The upgraded M9 will be shipped back to the dealer.

If you have any questions about the M9 upgrade service, please do not hesitate to contact Bergen County Camera.

Below is a list of FAQs regarding the M9 Upgrade Program.

Can any M9 be upgraded?
Yes, any M9 can be upgraded.

Where will the upgrades be done?
The upgrades will be done at Leica Camera USA’s facility in Allendale, NJ.

How long will the upgrade take? How long will I be without my camera?
Leica’s upgrade capacity is limited. Let us know when you are interested and we’ll get the timing and the day that Leica needs the camera coordinated for you. Leica’s goal is to have a door-to-door time of less than 4 weeks.

For the cost of the M9, should it not have come with these features?
The sapphire glass is unique on cameras. The sapphire glass has a very high material cost. It would raise the prices on standard cameras; therefore we are offering this as an upgrade.

Is this not just Leica charging the customer to fix design flaws in the camera?
The LCD glass is standard in the industry and does not represent a design flaw.

Will I be able to purchase a new M9 with these upgrades? Will they become ‘standard’?
A new M9 will not have these upgrades. The upgrades will not become ‘standard’ to the M9. Customers should instead buy the M9-P.

Will the Sapphire Glass cover be available as a part?
The sapphire glass will not be available as a single spare part.

Can I have either Upgrade Package without the Warranty Extension for a reduced cost?
No.

Can I have a top plate in one color and bottom plate in another color?
No.

Can the leatherette on an M9 be changed?
Yes, it can be changed for an additional charge if not done as part of the upgrade.

What happens to the serial number?
The serial number remains the same.

Is the lettering “M9-P” engraved on the existing horse shoe?
No, it will not have the lettering “M9-P”.

Other questions? Please call Bergen County Camera and we’ll get the answer for you.

Leica announces V-LUX 3

John Tworsky

Leica Camera just announced the Leica V-LUX 3, a fantastic addition to Leica’s line-up of digital compact cameras. The V-LUX 3 focal length range of 25mm – 600 mm and its full HD video recording function, the new Leica V-LUX 3 expands Leica’s range of digital compact cameras. This innovative “all-in-one” camera combines classic photography functions with video quality that is on par with premium camcorders. We’ll post again once we’ve got a chance to check the camera and have some images to share. Read on for specifications and features from Leica.

Leica V-LUX 3 digital camera

Leica V-LUX 3:
• Focal range of 25mm – 600mm, with a 24x super telephoto zoom for photo and video modes
• 12.1 MP CMOS sensor and a burst shooting speed of 12 frames per second at full resolution
• Full HD video recording function with stereo sound
• Electronic viewfinder and 3 inch tilting display
• Compact design but packed with features of an entry-level DSLR camera
• Packaged with Adobe Photoshop Elements and Adobe Premier Elements
• 2-year warranty
Features of the Leica V- LUX 3
The Leica Vario-Elmarit 4.5-108mm f/2.8-5.2 ASPH. lens has an impressive focal length range, from 25mm super wide angle to 600mm (35mm equivalent), with 24x super telephoto zoom for photo and video modes, providing the perfect solution for almost any photographic situation. The newly developed 12.1 MP CMOS sensor delivers exceptional picture quality and a burst shooting speed of 12 frames per second at full resolution, making it one of the fastest in its class. The camera also delivers full HD quality videos with stereo sound and HDMI connectivity. The 3″ tilting display can be rotated in almost every direction, making it easy to take worm’s eye view or overhead shots. Compact in design, the camera is easy to transport, making it the ideal companion wherever one goes.

Adobe Photoshop Elements Premiere Elements will be offered as free downloads, a complete software package for editing photos and videos. Customers can request this by registering in the “Customer Area” of Leica Camera’s homepage.