Yep, Amtrak really does have a photography contest and their security staff according to media reports, to this day, still harasses photographers for taking pictures of the trains.
The entire idea that terrorists take photographs to plan an attack is silly and something only Hollywood does to fill time in a movie. Security experts and intelligence officials say that there isn't any evidence that any terrorists photographed their targets prior to carrying out their attacks.
The unfortunate truth is that most attacks have been done with little planning and the terrorists are smart enough to not attract attention to themselves by photographing or video taping their targets.
Security guards and officials need to start applying some common sense to this. You don't have to be FBI trained to get a feeling if someone is acting suspicious or not. Just because an individual is holding a camera doesn't mean they are up to no good and it alone shouldn't be a reason to harass them.
Posted in
Photography
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War on Terrorism
by usrbingeek at 2009-02-12 12:37 ET (GMT-5) |
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How does a photographer fix a broken dimmer light switch in their office that is stuck on high and making the light too harsh?
No, the answer is not to call electrician.
Nope, it's not to get out the tools and replace the switch.
You also guessed wrong if you think the lights would simply be turned off.
The correct answer is in the full post.
Read the full story after the jump....
Posted in
Photography
by usrbingeek at 2009-01-07 23:53 ET (GMT-5) |
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All the rumors are no longer rumors. Nikon officially announced the Nikon D3x SLR today. This professional digital SLR features a new Nikon designed sensor that delivers 24.5-megapixel resolution and RAW files that are at least 138 MB each!
The camera is strictly of interest to professional photographers and lawyers/doctors/dentists that can afford its estimated selling price (ESP) of $7999.95.
All the online forums and mailing lists are jumping with lots of Nikon and Canon users opining or making fun of the price. But to be truthful, I'm not too surprised by it. Its fair when you compare it similarly specced cameras.
Most of those complaining are making comparisons to the Canon 5D Mark II. But is this a fair comparison? While the Canon 5D Mark II is used by many pros it is certainly not pro-grade in terms of waterproofing, shock resistance, dust resistance, reliability and build quality. It's a "prosumer" product even according to Canon. A fair apples to apples comparison is the pro-grade Canon 1Ds Mark III which was released at $7999.00. Oh. My. God! What a nerve of Nikon to charge .95 cents more!
Besides, we all know no one charges the ESP after the initial shipments are sold. The prices start falling tens of dollars within 2 or 3 weeks of that and hundreds within 2 or 3 months. It should level off at $6,500 not before long.
I can't wait to start seeing the reviews of the Nikon D3x as I'm very eager to know if the 24.5 MP sensor lives up to the hype. Does it really perform as well as the D3 in low light? I wouldn't be surprised if it does but I wouldn't consider parting with any of my cash until confirming it does.
My biggest concern is that Nikon still hasn't refreshed the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom Nikkor Lens. While this workhorse lens is nothing less than fantastic on 35MM film bodes and digital DX sensor SLRs, such as the Nikon D300, it shows its age and deficiencies on the Nikon D3 and D700. In my opinion, it shouldn't be used on these bodies for professional work. So I always keep mine on my D300.
Nikon has released new lens essentially optimized for the FX sensor DSLRs such as the stunning 14-24mm and 24-70mm but there is such a large hole in the line up until you get up to the 200-400mm. Many pros that still had the 80-200mm on a shelf switched back to it. Others are using the Sigma 100-300mm F/4.
I must admit that the problems with the 70-200mm on the D3 has made me regret buying the D3. Had I known how it performed on it, I would have held off!
Short of an updated lens with F/2.8 and VR that covers the 70-200mm range on the market I'd hold off on even considering buying the D3x or any other FX sensor DSLR body. Nikon needs to fill this hole and fast! I cannot believe we're still waiting for it.
It was rumored to be announced on two previous occasions and many were saying up until last week we'd see it tonight too. I held out hope and thought we would see it updated along with the D3x tonight and possibly even seen the 80-400mm refreshed too. I have a feeling that Nikon is experiencing production delays or manufacturing problems that led them to pull back on announcing it. I really hope this is the case. I would actually feel better if I we heard this from Nikon, because it would be very alarming if they're not working on an update and no announcement is imminent! Nikon really needs to address this issue soon or at least speak out about it.
The D3x press release follows.
Read the full story after the jump....
Posted in
Nikon
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Photography
by usrbingeek at 2008-12-01 04:01 ET (GMT-5) |
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Earlier today, I was repeatedly asked why I won't help others start IRC networks, and why I won't even join any other networks. This person made some silly statements, and put me on the defensive about the issue.
I always politely decline these requests and state that I have too many windows open so I cannot connect to anymore networks, which is actually true. I run Parallels just so I can run mIRC, and it can barely handle all the channels I'm in on the three networks I connect to.
It's also a time management issue, especially when it comes to starting a new network. Explaining this is usually good enough and puts the issue to bed. However today, he kept pushing me for a more direct answer and I just didn't know how I could answer this question without offending the person asking.
Read the full story after the jump....
Posted in
IRC & WyldRyde IRC Network
by usrbingeek at 2008-11-29 22:35 ET (GMT-5) |
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