Canon PowerShot G1 X: Born out of Legends

Canon recently  announces the launch of the PowerShot G1 X, a new prosumer compact camera for photography enthusiasts seeking the best in imaging. The new flagship camera in the PowerShot series inherits technologies from Canon’s EOS range of DSLRs, such as the new 1.5-inch, 14.3-megapixel CMOS sensor and the DIGIC 5 image processor contributing to Canon’s high-sensitivity (HS system) for stunning image quality.  Along with advanced optics, a maximum ISO speed of 12,800, and Intelligent Image Stabiliser (IS), the PowerShot G1 X is the perfect instrument for those who want the power of an EOS camera in a smaller package.

“Most camera users want their camera to produce outstanding images, without the need for post-processing”, said Andrew Koh, Senior Director and General Manager of Consumer Imaging and Information Products Group, CanonSingapore. “With a larger image sensor, the latest DIGIC 5 image processor and intuitive controls, the PowerShot G1 X promises to be a powerful device that has once again raised the standard for prosumer compact cameras.”

New 1.5-inch high sensitivity CMOS sensor

The PowerShot G1 X features a new 14.3-megapixel CMOS sensor measuring 18.7mm x 14mm, close to the APS-C class sensors (22.2mm x 14.8mm) used in the Canon EOS DSLRs. The 1.5-inch type large format sensor is specifically designed for the PowerShot G1 X and is 6.3 times larger than the sensor used in the PowerShot G12, delivering the highest image quality in a compact camera yet. The larger sensor is also able to achieve the attractive depth-of-field background blur that DSLRs are often sought after for (also known as the “bokeh” effect). The 14.3 megapixels allow for easy output of large-sized prints, and permits images to be cropped freely without excessively losing resolution.

 

Upping the ante for low light capabilities

Paired with this powerful sensor is Canon’s latest DIGIC 5 image processor. With Canon’s HS system, the PowerShot G1 X sets new standards for low-light photography with a maximum ISO speed of 12,800. This allows for faster shutter speeds and hence sharper images in low-light environments or fast-moving subjects. The enhanced processing power in DIGIC 5 greatly reduces image noise to preserve image quality at even the highest of ISO speeds.

Clear group photos

The 4x-optical zoom (28mm to 112mm) with a maximum aperture range of f/2.8-5.8 (adjustable up to f/16) and Canon’s Optical Image Stabiliser makes it effortless to capture different scenes such as sunrises and group photos. The 6-bladed circular aperture is perfectly paired with the image sensor to ensure smooth bokeh of background lights.

Further to the addition of EOS technologies is 14-bit RAW signal processing, which gives images a notably richer touch and smoother gradation. 14-bit RAW files offer a 4 times increase in RAW data to preserve more image data, and grant much wider flexibility when editing photos. The PowerShot G1 X also offers the option to record RAW and JPEG images simultaneously, for easier review of images in JPEG and access to RAW files for any detailed editing.

Fast moving actions captured by High Speed Burst HQ

The ability to handle large amounts of data by the DIGIC 5 processor allows the PowerShot G1 X to shoot up to 6 continuous frames in full resolution at a speed of 4.5 frames per second (fps), with its High Speed Burst HQ feature. This level of speed ensures that users are able to capture the perfect frame during dynamic, fast-moving action.

New lens with UA lens Technology

The new 28-112mm f/2.8-5.8 lens in the PowerShot G1 X utilizes the optical technology of Canon’s EF lenses, built to achieve professional levels of image sharpness and colour. Utilizing Ultra high refractive index Aspherical (UA) elements and precision glass moulding technology, the lens achieves both a compact size and tack-sharp clarity.

The New Intelligent IS

Created for the PowerShot G1 X is a new version of Intelligent IS which helps to ensure optimum image and Full HD movie clarity. This is done by determining focal distance and type of camera shake to reduce the blur images associated with the motion of a camera during exposure. With these calculations the camera automatically applies the most appropriate form of stabilisation, allowing the photographer to concentrate on capturing the moment.

Smart Auto 32 Scenes assesses and automatically recognises 32 types of shooting situations and automatically optimises camera settings for the best possible results, making it simpler and easier than ever for users to capture memories in full glory. Facial and motion tracking is included in Smart Auto to ensure that optimum focus is maintained on key subjects.

Full HD movie recording with HDMI Output

The new PowerShot G1 X records Full HD video (1080p) at 24 frames per second (fps) with stereo sound, via a dedicated movie recording start/stop button. Taking full advantage of the camera’s large CMOS sensor, high ISO capabilities, and full digital zoom at recording, users can experience high quality movies, even in low light conditions. The movies are easily viewable on a HDTV via the camera’s built-in HDMI terminal or downloadable to a computer via USB.

Viewing your picture as you like it

With a 3” Vari-angle LCD monitor at a high resolution of 922,000 dots, users can innovatively frame their shots, by flipping the monitor out and swiveling it at almost all angles for easy viewing, whether it is a high or low-angle shot. The PowerShot G1 X’s optical viewfinder also zooms in and out along with the lens, providing users with accurate points of reference to frame their shot.

Copyright Information

As with EOS cameras, the PowerShot G1 X Copyright Information feature allows the photographer’s name and copyright details to be registered in up to 63 characters of ASCII text. Copyright information can also be registered using the bundled ZoomBrowser EX.

Extensive accessories to explore full potential of the PowerShot G1 X

The Canon PowerShot G1 X offers compatibility with an array of EOS system accessories, allowing photographers to instantly explore and easily expand the potential of the camera. Users can either work with the newly-integrated manual pop-up flash, or attach external Speedlite flashguns via the hotshoe for more creative lighting.

Taking underwater shots or shooting under heavy rain can be a breeze with the optional WP-DC44 waterproof case which provides a sealing up to a depth of 40m while maintaining full access to all controls. An optional lens filter adapter, FA-DC58C, also enables photographers to use a range of filters, such as circular polarizer, to accentuate the sky and greenery in a scene. Portability is thus created for photographers and travelers who expect DSLR-like image quality in a compact camera.

The PowerShot G1 X maintains manual exposure controls as with previous G-series models, providing advanced users with full control over their images. It also features a retractable zoom lens for protection during storage and improved durability of the shutter unit by more than 2 times compared to the PowerShot G12. Frequently gripped areas are covered by hatch rubber to maintain a high-quality grip.

Price & Availability

The PowerShot G1 X will be available in early March at authorized Canon dealers at the recommended retail price of S$999.

About Canon Singapore Pte Ltd

Canon is a global leader in photographic and digital imaging solutions.  Canon Singapore Pte Ltd is the headquarters for South & Southeast Asia driving sales, marketing and service strategies. Besides handling the domestic market, the company leads 18 other countries including subsidiaries in India, Malaysia, Thailandand a representative office in Vietnam. The parent company Canon Inc has a global network of close to 300 companies and employs close to 200,000 people worldwide.  It is dedicated to the advancement in technology and innovation and commits about 10% of its total revenue each year to R&D.  Canon is consistently one of the top few companies to earn the most number of patents over the last 19 years.

As a Fortune Global 500 company, Canon is guided by its kyosei philosophy that focuses on living and working together for the common good.  More information is available at www.canon.com.sg.

The New Revolution in Beauty…???

I am a big photoshop fan, but this ad takes photoshop to a whole new level.

Its freaking hilarious, tell me you didnt chuckle watching this….

Happy Monday All!

xoxo

Gamelan @ the Gardens, and yes, I am performing!

National University of Singapore’s Singa Nglaras Gamelan Ensemble presents ‘Gamelan @ the Gardens’. And I am performing all over again!!

 

Venue: Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage, Singapore Botanic Gardens

Date: Feb 4, 2012

Time: 5 – 8pm.

 

Singa Nglaras has been formed since Jan 2004 and is managed by Prof Jan Mrazek. The name Singa Nglaras means “relaxing lion”; the word nglaras means both to relax and to harmonise, or tune. True to its name, the ensemble’s primary motivation is the relaxed enjoyment and appreciation of gamelan music.

 

‘Gamelan @ the Gardens’ also features guest ensemble Gamelan Naga Kencana.

 

As in the courts, palaces and community locales found in Java, come and gather with your family and friends as both ensembles entertain you with the relaxed, meditative sounds of the gamelan.

 

Bring your mats and i see you there!

 

xoxo

Are you smart? Then you must have loved alcohol…

Why Intelligent People Drink More Alcohol?

Photo from wastedsg.com.

More intelligent people are more likely to binge drink and get drunk. Really?

 

Drinking alcohol is evolutionarily novel, so the Hypothesis would predict that more intelligent people drink more alcohol than less intelligent people.

The History of Alcohol.

The human consumption of alcohol probably originates from frugivory (consumption of fruits).  Fermentation of sugars by yeast naturally present in overripe and decaying fruits produces ethanol, known to intoxicate birds and mammals.  However, the amount of ethanol alcohol in such fruits ranges from trace to 5%, roughly comparable to light beer.  (And you can’t really get drunk on light beer.)  It is nothing compared to the amount of alcohol present in regular beer (4-6%), wine (12-15%), and distilled spirits (20-95%).

Human consumption of alcohol, however, was unintentional, accidental, and haphazard until about 10,000 years ago.  The intentional fermentation of fruits and grain to yield ethanol arose only recently in human history.  The production of beer, which relies on a large amount of grain, and that of wine, which similarly requires a large amount of grapes, could not have taken place before the advent of agriculture around 8,000 BC and the consequent agricultural surplus.  Archeological evidence dates the production of beer and wine to Mesopotamia at about 6,000 BC.  The origin of distilled spirits is far more recent, and is traced to Middle East or China at about 700 AD.  The word alcohol – al kohl – is Arabic in origin, like many other words that begin with “al,” like algebra, algorithm, alchemy, and Al Gore.

Human experience with concentrations of ethanol higher than 5% that is attained by decaying fruits is therefore very recent.  More importantly, any unintentional, accidental, and haphazard consumption of alcohol in the ancestral environment, before the advent of agriculture about 10,000 years ago, happened as a result of eating, not drinking, whereas alcohol is almost entirely consumed today by drinking, not eating.  (Deep-fried beer is a very recent exception.)  The Hypothesis would therefore predict that more intelligent individuals may be more likely to prefer drinking modern alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, and distilled spirits) than less intelligent individuals, because the substance and the method of consumption are both evolutionarily novel.

Now, the real scoop.

Consistent with the prediction of the Hypothesis, more intelligent children, both in the United Kingdom and the United States, grow up to consume alcohol more frequently and in greater quantities than less intelligent children.  Controlling for a large number of demographic variables, such as sex, race, ethnicity, religion, marital status, number of children,education, earnings, depression, satisfaction with life, frequency of socialization with friends, number of recent sex partners, childhood social class, mother’s education, and father’s education, more intelligent children grow up to drink more alcohol in the UK and the US.

The following graph shows the association between childhood intelligence (grouped into five “cognitive classes”: “very dull” – IQ < 75; “dull” – 75 < IQ < 90; “normal” – 90 < IQ < 110; “bright” – 110 < IQ < 125; “very bright” – IQ > 125) and the latent factor for the frequency of alcohol consumption.  The latter variable is constructed from a large number of indicators for the frequency of alcohol consumption throughout adult life and standardized to have a mean of 0 and a standard deviation of 1.0.  The data come from the National Child Development Study (NCDS) in the United Kingdom.  There is a clear monotonic association between childhood intelligence (measured before the age of 16) and the frequency of alcohol consumption in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.   “Very bright” British children grow up to consume alcohol nearly one full standard deviation more frequently than their “very dull” classmates.

The following graph shows the association between childhood intelligence and the latent factor for the quantity of adult alcohol consumption decades later among the British NCDS respondents.  Once again, there is a clear monotonic association between childhood intelligence and the quantity of adult alcohol consumption.  “Very bright” British children grow up to consume nearly eight-tenths of a standard deviation more alcohol than their “very dull” classmates.

The following graph shows the association between childhood intelligence, measured in junior high and high school, and adult alcohol consumption seven years later in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) data in the United States.  The association is clear and nearly monotonic.   The more intelligent Americans are in their childhood, the more alcohol they consume as young adults.

It is important to note that both income and education, as well as childhood social class and parents’ education, are controlled in multiple regression analyses of these data.  It means that it is not because more intelligent people occupy higher-paying, more important jobs that require them to socialize and drink with their business associates that they drink more alcohol.  It appears to be their intelligence itself, rather than correlates of intelligence, that inclines them to drink more.

Indicators of alcohol consumption in the Add Health data include the frequency of binge drinking (drinking five or more units of alcohol in one sitting) and the frequency of getting drunk.  That such behavior is detrimental to health and has few, if any, positive consequences, is irrelevant for the Hypothesis.  It does not predict that more intelligent individuals are more likely to engage in healthy and beneficial behavior.  Instead, it predicts that more intelligent individuals are more likely to engage in evolutionarily novel behavior.  Since the consumption of modern alcoholic beverages – including binge drinking and getting drunk – is evolutionarily novel, the Hypothesis would predict that more intelligent individuals are more likely to engage in it, and the empirical data from the UK and the US confirm it.

 

So, anyone up for a drink?

xoxo

6 in-flight myths, busted! Now go do what you want during your flight!

Why do you always get sick on a flight? Why do we “brace?” Why do flight attendants talk like that?

 

From the moment you enter an aircraft you are pummeled with instructions: turn your phone off, put your window blind up, put your seat upright, eat this slop.

How often do you stop to question why?

Airlines aren’t trying to make travel painful. There’s a good reason for nearly every in-flight burden.

 

She, and flight attendants, know how to make you listen.

1. Why flight attendants talk like cyborgs

Myth: Flight attendants are bossy robots.

Fact: Flight attendants need you to listen and cooperate.

Does your flight attendant remind you of “Seven of Nine” from “Star Trek — Voyager”? Flight attendants often take on the hot Borg’s direct and robotic demeanor to make passengers listen.

They “will go ahead and put your seat in the up-right position” and they’re going to “need you to take your seat.”

A recently published article at Forbes, written by staffer Jeff Bercovici, took an inquisitive look at the assertive vocabulary used by flight attendants.

The article found that the extraneous words like “will go ahead” are linguistic techniques to catch the passenger’s attention early in a sentence so the request doesn’t have to be repeated, which is especially handy in an emergency.

“I’ll just make do for the last 30 minutes.”

2. Why we open window blinds and put seats upright

Myth: We do this to “reset” the plane for the next round of passengers.

Fact: It’s a subtle safety feature. Pulling up the blinds makes us alert to potential hazards.

Elin Wong, corporate communications manager for Cathay Pacific, explains, “We ask all passengers to pull up the window shelf before landing, so that any abnormalities outside the aircraft can be duly observed by the cabin crew or passengers and be reported to the cockpit crew if necessary.”

As for that stiff 90-degree seated incline, it’s all about reducing impact. A former Air Canada flight attendant tells us that shifting those few centimeters forward reduces the distance from your head to the seat in front of you.

It also makes it easier for the passenger behind to evacuate.

 

That arm rest is dirtier than what’s going through that mask.

3. Why we get sick from planes

Myth: Re-circulated air in a plane makes us sick.

Fact: Re-circulated air is actually very sanitary; we get sick from what we touch.

According to Boeing, cabin air is constantly being replaced by pressurized fresh air from outside. That air also passes through filters that remove 99.97 percent of any airborne pathogens like bacteria and viruses.

But frequently used surfaces like tray tables, pillows, seat arms, seats, toilets and sinks are less sanitary, often contacted by hundreds of passengers in a single day.

Popular science and technology blog iO9 consulted microbiology experts who explained that one toilet per 50 passengers is a far more likely reason you’ll fall ill than the air.

The answer — don’t bother with the facial mask, opt for disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer instead.

Silence makes the taste grow fonder.

4. Why airline food tastes bad

Myth: Airline food is disgusting because it’s cheap and pre-processed.

Fact: Airline food actually tastes OK; it’s the noise from the engine that distracts us.

It’s hard to comprehend at first, but the University of Manchester research article, “Effect of background noise on food perception” published by the BBC, reported that if background noise is too loud, it might draw attention away from the taste of food and towards the noise.

In the article, researcher Andy Woods fed various foods to people while they were listening to nothing or noise through headphones. He found that noisy conditions caused the subjects’ perception of saltiness and sweetness to lower, and their perception of crunchiness to increase.

So the loud and constant noise from an aircraft’s engines could have the same effect, he explains.

 

A proven position for injury minimization.

5. Why we brace during an emergency

Myth: We brace to make us feel like we have a chance of surviving; we brace to ensure we are still and calm during an emergency; we brace to preserve our dental records so coroners can identify us after a crash.

Fact: The Australian Government Civil Aviation Safety Authority clarifies, “It has been proven that passengers who assume the brace position sustain substantially less serious injuries than other passengers.”

Furthermore, the Federal Aviation Administration regulatory guideline says bracing is meant to reduce secondary impact, by positioning the body (particularly the head) against the surface it would strike during impact.

The other reason to brace is to reduce flailing around. And we all know that flailing — in any situation — will get you hurt.

“Words With Friends” can get you, and your airline, into trouble.

6. Why we turn off cell phones

Myth: Cell phone signals interefere with aircraft electronics.

Fact: Airlines are adhering to aviation guidelines that restrict the use of personal electronic devices (PEDs), even though evidence that they interfere with aircraft systems is lacking.

Airlines aren’t actually 100 percent sure that phones will interfere with aircraft systems. After all, a recent study claimed nearly 6.5 million people in 12 months left their phones on while they flew in and out of the United Kingdom without any problems.

But most aviation authorities, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), prohibit the use of cell phones and other PEDs unless it can be proved they definitely do not interfere.

To get approval to use a mobile, the airline would have to test every single model of phone with every single model of aircraft to make sure it doesn’t interfere with both the plane and ground networks — which would be just a little too time consuming and expensive.

It’s far easier just to ask people to turn their phones off.

 

So now that you know it all, how will your flying attitude changes?

 

xoxo

 

Article courtesy of BBC.

Canon releases an iPhone app, CanonSGLens.

Canon Singapore is pleased to announce its free iOS app for DSLR users, CanonSGLens. Available from today at the Apple iTunes store, the free app features detailed lens specifications of all Canon DSLR lenses sold in Singapore. The application also contains a unique interactive simulator that allows you to compare the field of view between two camera-lens combinations, using the current catalogue of Canon EOS digital SLRs and lenses.

CanonSGLens is designed to help both beginners and professional EOS DSLR users alike. Beginners can learn more about the physics behind capturing an image, while professionals can make use of features like the depth-of-field calculator to help them achieve optimum focus.

Featured Content

• Detailed lens specifications of all Canon EF and EF-S lenses sold in Singapore.
• Compare lens specifications side by side, with differences indicated.
• Compare high resolution MTF charts. * Compare high resolution lens construction diagrams.
• Field of View simulator featuring multiple photos taken of the same scene in Singapore using different camera-lens combinations.
• Depth of Field simulator.
• Depth of Field calculator.
• In-depth topic with interactive simulators explaining how aperture and shutter speed affect exposure, depth of field, and motion blur in the various exposure modes.

App Features

• Highly visual interactive simulators
• Bookmark your favourite pages
• Add your own notes to any page
• Content optimized for both portrait and landscape orientations
• No Internet connection required

CanonSGLens is available at the iTunes store at http://itunes.apple.com/sg/app/canonsglens/id490527073?ls=1&mt=8

Have you download it to your iPhone already? its exclusive to the Singapore market only!

For more information, please visit http://www.canon.com.sg/home

xoxo

What happened every 60 seconds?

I found this accidentally somewhere and i think its just mind bloggling what happened to the digital world every 60 seconds!

Click the picture to see it bigger, of course!