PhotonJohn Blog

Just what is a GigaPan? It’s a device capable of capturing multi-gigapixel , explorable panoramas with most off-the-shelf digital cameras.

(Credit: Global Connection Project)

Check it out at the Global Connection Project.

I like doing panoramas using a Panosaurus mounted on a tripod.

(Credit: Panosaurus)

Combining high dynamic range imaging (HDRI), super-resolution (SR), and pano, is a winner, and time consuming. SR increases pixel count by 2x in each direction.

Using these technologies, I’ve created ((8 Megapixel camera) X (2x height) X (2x width) X ((4 pano panels) - (1 panel for overlap and cropping))) =~ 92 Megapixel image.

Here is a sample that has been cropped and optimized for the Web.

(Credit: Mary Telford, Fiber Artist)

Not bad for a Canon 350D.

I’d like to use a GigaPan to speed up the process and include more pano panels. Unfortunately, the GigaPan doesn’t yet support D-SLRs, so I’d probably use a Canon G9.

…John

Digital Photography Review had a look-see at the new and improved Canon EOS 450D / Rebel XSi camera back in January.

(From: Digital Photography Review)

Pre-PMA 2008: We’ve had a little more time to really dig around in the new features of Canon’s latest baby DSLR, the 450D (Digital Rebel XSi). Many of its new features have been passed down from the semi-pro-level EOS 40D, meaning the 450D promises to put a lot of power in your hand for a very reasonable sum. Here are some further details about the features it offers over the 400D / XTi.

In our brief hands-on look at the Canon 450D we highlighted the new features the 450D offers over the 400D. We’ve now had a bit more of a look through them so that we can bring you some more details and respond to the questions we’re seeing asked.

Check out the Canon EOS Rebel XSi Web page for more details. While you’re at it, check out the Canon press release for this camera.

The Canon EOS Rebel XSi will be hitting the shelves sometime in April 2008. My Rebel 350D is serving me well. None the less, I’m lusting after the Rebel 450D because it is sporting 12.2-megapixels, 3-inch LCD monitor, 14-bit A/D processor, Live View, improved autofocus and framing rate, and integrated cleaning system. These are the technology features I was drooling over when the EOS-1D Mark III camera was introduced. Now they are incorporated in the 450D. Wow!

…John