Like some previous Sony models the high-def HC7 plumps for the HDV format, which employs the mini DV tapes that most of us are familiar with. The ‘regular’ DV camcorders that have been on the market since 1996 use the DV codec, which runs at a data-transfer rate of approximately 25Mbps at standard-def (720 x 576) resolutions.

Naturally, the HC7 is capable of running in this mode when shooting standard-def footage. But for compatibility with the DV standard the same 25Mbps bitrate is required when shooting in the HDV mode.

To achieve this with high-def (in this case, a resolution of 1440 x 1080 as opposed to ‘broadcast’ 1920 x 1080) the HC7 switches to the ‘lossier’ MPEG2 codec.

Thankfully, the HC7 is both reassuringly heavy and larger than the average DV cam. With the handstrap in position, the stop/start button can be operated by the thumb. Your index finger, meanwhile, is poised over a multi-function knob that turns the unit on/off or selects mode - still photos (stored on Memory Stick Duo), video recording or playback. Unusually, the viewfinder is a widescreen version, while also in 16:9 is the 2.7-inch LCD screen.

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Latest - Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H7 Review at DP Review (added 13 July ’07)

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H7 Features Include:

• 8.1 megapixel
• HDTV output
• 15x stabilized zoom
• Automatic face detection
• ISO 3200
• 2.5″ LCD

Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-H7 Review Roundup includes summaries from all main digital camera expert reviewers as they become available, company specification sheet, owners manual, videos, Digital Camera Tracker’s unique review conclusion thermometer, and sample photos taken with the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H7.

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Latest Review Update - 13.07.07

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“Appreciation Depreciation” © 2007 Aaron Johnson

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Learn how to work with JPG files directly within the Camera Raw Utility of Photoshop CS3

Tutorial by MyDigitalWorks

Latest - Panasonic DMC LS60 Review by Cameras.co.uk (added 11 June ’07)

Panasonic’s Lumix DMC LS60 Review Roundup includes summaries from all main digital camera expert reviewers as they become available, company specification sheet, owners manual, videos, Digital Camera Tracker’s unique review conclusion thermometer, and sample photos taken with the Panasonic Lumix DMC LS60.

Panasonic Lumix DMC LS60 Features Include:

• 6.0 megapixel
• 3x optical zoom
• Optical image stabilizer
• 2.5” LCD
• ISO 1250

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Name: Aear Qviewer
Description: Qviewer is the advanced photo editor, image viewer and photo management tool for enthusiasts, amateurs, and professionals. View, edit, find, organize and print your photos faster and easier. Professional image edit tool such as erase, red eye remove, smudge remove, calendar , weather effects and more; Better image organization tools such as image star rating. More advanced slidedshows. Instant searching via a search field and a new Calendar Search that lets you find images by the date.
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If you have been paying attention to the photo history groups recently, you might have heard about the fantastic discovery of the darkroom in France, left untouched since 1855. Tim Atherton's Muse-ings blog has a nice summary with photos of the darkroom and some bio on the photographer, Fortune-Joseph Petiot-Groffier who died in 1855. Not too surprisingly, I had not heard of him, but I suspect his name will become more commonly seen in the coming months as his photographic time capsule gets cataloged and written up by curators in France. I think it's amazing that a room would be locked and left untouched for that long. I'm also wondering what kind of state the chemicals are in. The compounds that were used in those days were not necessarily the stuff you'd want to inhale, unless you wanted a shortened life. Daguerrotypists exposed themselves to mercury fumes...not good. However, reading a bit more about Petiot-Groffier, it seems that he moved over to Talbot's Caloptype process, which would have been a good move for many reasons. As interesting as Daguerrotypes are, they are a dead-end process. Every image is unique, since there is no negative to make more copies with (geez, sounds something like Polaroid). Talbot's negative/positive process is the one that we use today in analog photography. The materials are better, more sensitive and more varied, but I'll be Henry Fox Talbot...