Design Art and Photography » 2008 » October

Fujifilm FinePix S100FS review

Fujifilm S100fs review : Fujifilm enters the battlefield with the Fujifilm S100fs, a camera that has by now received a number of awards. Striking detail on the S100fs is the image sensor being quite large. Naturally, this is a Super CCD of already the eighth generation. The 11.1 Megapixel on the Super CCD VIII HR are being processed by a new RP (Real Photo) III processor. A special feature is the dynamic range that can be increased to 400%, or 2 stops. The Fujifilm FinePix S100fs is the first camera besides the S5Pro digital SLR offering this functionality. In addition, and also retrieved from the reflex is film simulation; the fs behind the type number indicate this.

вЂў Read our full Fujifilm FinePix S100fs review.
Fujifilm FinePix S100fs digital camera
A Megazoom can be called a Megazoom when it features a large range. And this is certainly the case for the Fujifilm FinePix S100fs. The camera offers no less than a 14.3x optical zoom. Thankfully, the range starts at 28 mm and carries on until 400 mm. This range makes the Fujifilm S100fs a truly versatile camera. I can't think of one subject that cannot be captured with this range. Extreme focal lengths cause blur due to jitter of the photographer's hand, which is why Fujifilm have equipped the camera with dual image stabilization. This exists partially of increasing ISO sensitivity to have a faster shutter speed and thus freeze the movement. Not a real image stabilization, though. However, Fujifilm have also equipped their Megazoom with physical image stabilization, for the first time. The lens contains 'floating elements' that compensate the movement of the camera.

Fujifilm S100fs test
The hand-fit of the Fujifilm FinePix S100fs is excellent. The camera offers a nice and deep hand-grip providing a solid feeling even though a lot of plastic was used on it. The zoom ring works fine whilst the focus ring doesn't. I am happy with the camera featuring a real focus ring, however, just like is the case with other Fujifilm models; it turns too loosely and too lightly. As if something is not attached properly. A bit more resistance would be a lot more pleasant and the ring could be somewhat broader or placed on a larger distance from the camera body.

The market for the so-called bridge cameras is very much under pressure due to the DSLR cameras becoming cheaper and cheaper. And yet the bridge cameras are obviously in favour, especially when they have a huge zoom range. It's quite clear that a camera offering an all-round zoom range puts less weight and costs on you than a similar DSLR camera. Fujifilm have broad experience and has been active for years in this segment. Bringing out the FinePix S100fs, Fujifilm start attacking the cheaper reflex camera and have their own alternative to the entry-level reflex cameras of the competition. Continue to read the full Fujifilm S100fs review.

Victoria’s Secret unveils 2008 ‘Fantasy Bra’

Hoya launches new photographic filters

Hoya has launched a new range of 'High Definition' (HD) filters.

Priced from £32.99 they come in three versions: Protector, UV and Circular Polariser, in sizes ranging from 52mm-82mm.

The filters are claimed to deliver 99.35% light transmission from an 8-layer, anti-reflective, multi-coating that is designed to be scratch and stain resistant.

They use the same polarising film as used in the latest HD LCD televisions, according to Hoya.

'It has 25% higher light transmission than standard polarising film used in current photographic filters,' adds the firm.

Hoya claims that the filters hardened optical glass is built to withstand 'steel balls of varying size and weight dropped from a height of 50in onto the glass'.

Olympus debuts В‘Crystal camera’

Olympus has unveiled a limited edition 10-million-pixel camera studded with 'crystallized' Swarovski Elements.

Priced around £175, the 'midnight black'-coloured Olympus mju 1040 Crystal sports a lens designed to deliver the 35mm viewing angle equivalent of a 38-114mm zoom.

Olympus UK has confirmed that fewer than 1,000 units are expected to go on sale in the UK and Ireland.

'It's just as much at home capturing the glamour at a fashion show as it is taking pictures of friends and family while on a weekend getaway,' said an Olympus spokesman.

Features also include a 2.7in HyperCrystal LCD screen and a TruePic III image processor.

The Olympus mju 1040 Crystal is due out at the end of October.

Photographer in apple pictures ban

A photography enthusiast has been banned from taking pictures of apples on trees in a Birmingham orchard.

Philip Foster feels staff from nearby Crowley House Probation Hostel overreacted when they spotted him taking pictures from a footpath he says is regularly used as a shortcut by members of the public.

Though Philip concedes that the path crosses private land, he feels he has been the victim of discrimination by being seen with a camera.

'It is photographerВ–ismВ… the truth is that the owners have not stopped anybody else using it. Nobody else gets harassed, the gates are unlocked - my wife uses it without incident,' said the 40-year-old.

During the confrontation, on 22 September, the probation hostel staff member demanded to see the images he had taken.

'After looking at the shots she seemed satisfied,' said Philip.

But, the next day, Philip said he was banned from using the footpath altogether, even though he had no intention of taking any more photos. 'The lady informed me that I was now recognised because of my camera and therefore banned from using the footpath as a short cut.'

Philip had been using a Nikon D300 digital SLR with a Tokina 12-24mm f/4 lens.

A probation service spokesman told (AP): 'Probation West Midlands does not permit visitors to photograph on our premises without written consent. The photographer was on a pathway that was clearly marked as being on private grounds and was asked by staff not to photograph while on the property.'

The spokesman added: 'A man was seen on the premises the following day and was approached by a member of staff...

'He was recognised as the same person that had been told not to photograph on the premises the day before and was asked to leave.'

However, the hostel denies it has completely banned Philip from using the path.

They say that the footpath is for the exclusive use of local residents visiting a nearby church.

AP understands that the probation service is concerned about a breach of security because such buildings house offenders on bail from prison. They also cater for offenders on community sentences and post-custodial sentences.

The probation service is also known to be worried about press photographers getting unauthorised pictures of hostel residents.

Philip continued: 'The lady acted in a reasonable manner although the upshot was anything but. She seemed intelligent and polite but her actions, in my mind, have overstepped the mark.'

Picture credit: Philip Foster

Van Cleef settles case with Mouawad, Heidi Klum

Olympus digital cameras at Photokina

Olympus Micro FourThirds camera concept at Photokina : Most surprising was the presentation of a twosome so-called Micro FourThirds system concept models at the Photokina 2008. However, it does not come across as a well thought-out strategy; on the contrary, it seems that Olympus wants to tickle us with something that in the end might not be available. At least, that is what it looks like to an outsider. However; when talking to various R&D employees of Olympus, the official statement is that Olympus doesn't find the time is right to present a camera fully based on the Micro FourThirds system. In order to develop a true compact Micro Four Thirds System camera with the highest possible image quality, Olympus takes its time, unlike Panasonic; since this company already presented a working camera with the aforementioned system.

Olympus Micro FourThirds camera concept
The design concept showcased at Photokina, should offer a sneak peek as to what Olympus plan to do with the Micro Four Thirds System. Whereas the Panasonic LUMIX G1 still slightly resembles the traditional DSLR, the concept Olympus is showing is completely different. Its design looks more like a rangefinder camera, or a standard compact camera if you wish. In addition, Olympus announced to enable support of the current series of Four Thirds lenses through the availability of an adaptor. This type of camera is expected to become available in 2009.

Olympus FourThirds camera concept
A second concept, this time one of the FourThirds system, was also showcased in the Olympus booth. This camera will be available in the first half of 2009. The Olympus E-xx is quite similar to the Olympus top model DSLR camera; the E-3 of the company's Four Thirds line. The camera will feature a vari-angle and fold-down LCD monitor in its final version, and emphasis will be put on the possibility of more creative shooting using special creative filters and such. More information about both concepts is expected in the near future.

Olympus Mju compact cameras at Photokina 2008
The Olympus booth looked good; with enough space and light to show certain typical Olympus camera functions in various demonstrations. The waterproof features of some Mju compact cameras were proven by pushing the cameras under water, and also special some underwater housings were demonstrated as an option for the aquatic sports lover. Unfortunately, the camera line introduced last month was not able to surprise us. Although some cameras offer some handy new features, it isnвЂ™t exactly groundbreaking, and all of it is based on previous models.

Olympus product line-up at Photokina 2008
вЂў Olympus Micro FourThirds camera
вЂў Olympus FourThirds camera
вЂў Olympus E-3
вЂў Olympus E520
вЂў Olympus E-420
вЂў Olympus SP-565 UZ
вЂў Olympus Mju 1060
вЂў Olympus Mju 1050SW
вЂў Olympus Mju 1040
вЂў Olympus FE-370
вЂў Olympus FE-360
вЂў Olympus FE-20

Photokina 2008 Booth Tours
вЂў Canon
вЂў Casio
вЂў Fujifilm
вЂў Hasselblad
вЂў HP
вЂў Kodak
вЂў Leica
вЂў Nikon
вЂў Nikonians
вЂў Olympus
вЂў Panasonic
вЂў Pentax
вЂў Samsung
вЂў Sigma
вЂў Sony
вЂў Tamron

Olympus digital photography

Olympus booth at Photokina 2008 in Cologne, Germany

Olympus macro photography

Macro photography at the Olympus booth

Light weighted Olympus DSLR camera

Olympus digital SLR cameras and lenses

Olympus digital cameras

Olympus camera test opportunity

Olympus voice recorder

Gold classics with twist emerge in face of higher prices

These earrings by Shaill feature mother-of-pearl and diamonds in 18-karat yellow gold; suggested retail price is $1,850. (212) 995-9107 or Shaill.com By Catherine Dayrit

New York—The upward swoop of gold prices might be deterring some, but a heightened cost can also help to drive desire, and a variety of innovative designs are keeping gold jewelry at the top of many a fashionista's wish list.

The latest looks highlight texture, detail and color, but often keep metal weight in check through openwork design.

For the eco-conscious consumer, designers are increasingly offering recycled gold jewelry that keeps the style factor on high.

For the latest information on gold jewelry designs, gold prices, gold merchandising and marketing, download Gotta-have-it gold.

Editor's note: This story first appeared in the August 2008 print edition of National Jeweler.

Fujifilm launches its first SD cards

Today Fujifilm announced the launch of its first-ever line of SD cards. Designed for high resolution digital cameras and video capture, with large capacities and faster speeds, the SD cards are available in 1GB and 2GB capacities. SDHC cards start at 4GB, with 8GB and 16GB SDHC versions also available.

Micro-SD cards will come in 1GB and 2GB capacities and 4GB and 8GB in the micro-SDHC format.

The navy blue cards feature a Fujifilm green label and packaging, with color coding to distinguish between each format: SD (Blue), SDHC (Red), Micro-SD (Magenta), and Micro-SDHC (Orange). Look for the cards this October. www.fujifilm.com

Hollywood ingenues draw young ladies to jewelry

This image of "Gossip Girl" star Blake Lively has appeared in the pages of "OK" and "Life and Style Weekly" magazines. Lively wears nine necklaces from jewelry designer Margo Morrison, a coup that the designer has promoted in marketing materials. By Catherine Dayrit

New York—Rather than flipping through Vogue and Harper's Bazaar for style tips, fashion-loving teens and 20-somethings are more likely to mine celebrity gossip magazines each week to see where their favorite stars are vacationing, whom they're dating—and, of course, what they're wearing.

Seizing the trend, jewelry designers have been whipping up collections inspired by Hollywood's style-setters and, in some cases, even collaborating directly with the stars.

Fashion mavens Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who already have a bona fide design résumé via their high-end apparel collections, The Row and Elizabeth and James, are now moving into jewelry through a licensing partnership with Robert Lee Morris.

The collection features signature Robert Lee Morris styles such as thick metal cuff bracelets and rings, along with motifs requested by the Olsens, such as scarab symbols, snakes and crosses. Falling under the label Robert Lee Morris for Elizabeth and James, it debuted in September in Intermix apparel stores nationwide.

"I am very happy about the collaboration because it introduces my name to a whole new generation of hip kids, as well as savvy young dressers in their 20s and 30s," Morris says. "The association simply highlights the genius of collaboration of brand names in a time of questionable economic times."

Helena Krodel, associate director of the Jewelry Information Center, says such ties make sense for designers and retailers trying to reach teens and 20-somethings.

"I think it's important to note that the reason [the celebrity gossip magazines are] so successful is that people from those age groups are really influenced by what celebrities wear," she says.

Fueled by the Internet, Krodel says, consumers today are learning faster than ever what their favorite stars are wearing, so it's important that retailers stay on top of the trends as well.

Pop star Christina Aguilera's glam style inspired the Stephen Webster "Silver Collection," which features edgy pieces such as these "Superstud" fringe earrings; suggested retail price is $400. (212) 226-6160 or Stephenwebster.comA Gossip Girl get Jewelry designer Margo Morrison helps retailers to do just that by sending e-mails and postcards to storeowners and the media, alerting them to who's wearing her jewelry. She has become a favorite of Gossip Girl's Blake Lively, who wears Morrison's jewelry both on the much-buzzed-about CW television show and to events. One recent postcard features an image of Lively, who is quoted as saying her outfits "wouldn't be anything" without Morrison's jewelry.

Morrison says the appeal of celebrities to teens and young women is clear.

"When a model wears an outfit, you know they're making their day rate," Morrison says. "When a celebrity wears it—you hope, anyway—that they actually like it, and that they are choosing to put it on their body."

While star power is important, Krodel says teens and young women like to be their own stylists and create their own individual looks.

"That generation does not do matchy-matchy," she says. "The high-low is very important to them. Very few of them will wear all designer labels, but they might have one designer piece. Fine jewelry needs to be viewed as accessible and fun."

Mouawad, no stranger to celebrity collaborations, has joined with actress Nicole Richie to produce a costume jewelry line, which the company says is designed like a fine jewelry line, with each piece set by hand. The line, named House of Harlow 1960 in honor of Richie's daughter, will consist of about 30 pieces featuring unexpected combinations of materials, including fabrics, feathers and gold-plated materials. It was slated to launch in select boutiques this fall, with pieces retailing between $50 and $150.

"It's different in that it targets Nicole's fans, a younger audience," Mouwad owner Pascal Mouawad says. "[Richie is] really a fashion icon herself. Whatever she wears, people like to wear. Her wearing it and promoting it will attract her fan base."

"Shattered" blue goldstone ring from the Stephen Webster "Silver Collection;" suggested retail price is $610. (212) 226-6160 or Stephenwebster.comWhile Mouawad doesn't necessarily see the line leading to sales of his more high-end jewelry, he welcomes the Hollywood credibility factor.

"I don't think it'll affect my fine-jewelry line per se, but it will confirm my status as a jeweler to the stars," Mouawad says.

The big question that remains, however, is this: How do you market to young women who think little of spending on more ephemeral accessories such as handbags and shoes while forgoing jewelry, which can last forever?

Jewelry designer Stephen Webster is offering an entryway to the fine-jewelry realm with his new sterling silver collection. Inspired by pop star Christina Aguilera, the line is Webster's first foray into the women's silver jewelry market, which offers a significantly less expensive choice to consumers who crave the Webster label.

"The collection can certainly stand on its own," Webster says. "But for those long-time aspiring customers, the silver collection offers the opportunity to wear amazing statement pieces while saving up for their first piece from our fine-jewelry collections, such as 'Crystal Haze.'"

The hope is that once customers are introduced to the work and learn about the artistry and craftsmanship behind each piece, they'll forge a personal, lasting link to the brand.

The personal is a point on which Krodel believes retailers need to focus, stressing emotion over price. And even if this generation doesn't currently have the money to spend, it will someday.

"Retailers need to start talking to [that generation] now because they're going to use their discretionary dollars for bags and shoes if we're not educating them on how jewelry is precious, eternal and can be passed down for generations to come," she says.

TIPS: Reaching young female customers

—In addition to having a Web site, look into social networking options such as Facebook. According to a survey for NASPA, a student affairs administrators resource, 75 percent of college students have a Facebook account.

—Read up on fashion magazines, celebrity gossip magazines and blogs, and keep tearsheets to show your customers similar styles available in your store.

—Arrange jewelry in showcases so that items are pulled together as a trend rather than displaying all diamond jewelry or the usual designer vignettes.

E-mail: cdayrit@nationaljeweler.com

Editor's note: This story first appeared in the August 2008 print edition of National Jeweler.