Panasonic G1 chosen as 2008 Camera of the Year

The Panasonic Lumix G1 was chosen as the Camera of the Year for 2008 by Popular Photography.

Panasonic has redefined photography with the Panasonic Lumix G1 - the world's first electronic viewfinder interchangeable lens camera. Combining a DSLR-size sensor from a Four Thirds System camera with new lenses that are significantly smaller than those for conventional DSLR’s, this small camera opens up a whole new world of photographic experiences.

The G1 uses an impressive 1.44 million dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) instead of a prism viewfinder or a mirror-box mechanism to produce incredibly crisp and accurate photographs. It’s loaded with user friendly features known to “point and shoot” cameras and offers an Intelligent Auto mode making it easy to take beautiful photos every time. It also gives you the option of zooming in on your subject while focusing manually, or previewing aperture and shutter effects… right through the viewfinder as you compose your photo.

The 12.1 megapixel G1 amazingly delivers the resolution and picture-taking potential of a DSLR, but offers the convenience of a small-size camera. The lenses are smaller and lighter and the body is thinner and mechanically a lot simpler to use than a traditional DSLR camera. These are definitely appealing features for those who prefer a compact-size camera.

Panasonic has been the driving force behind the introduction of the first Micro Four Thirds camera with the G1 opening a new chapter in the evolution of digital interchangeable lens cameras. Now you can get the superiority of a DSLR without the bulk and complexity. It makes the perfect choice for people looking for the quality and versatility of DSLR, but achieving it with simplicity and portability. The G1 is like having a compact DSLR and a fully featured compact camera all packed into one attractive package. Visit your local foto source store and see for yourself. You’ll enjoy its impressive power the moment you first pick it up.

Click here for information on the Panasonic Lumix G1.

tips

Photos by Randy Weinzweig

Taking Underwater Pictures

Imagine capturing the stunning water clarity and amazing colours of the marine life along the shallow reef in Cozumel or the historical shipwrecks that can be found at the bottom of the waters of Bermuda. With today’s Digital Camera accessories such as “Underwater Housing” that allow you to take your camera underwater or with an underwater digital camera, you can now go to places you’ve never been before.

Capture amazing photographs by improving your underwater photography skills with the following tips:

• Prepare for the environment - A watery environment can be a dangerous environment so the first and most important step is to acquire the appropriate skills and training you need; whether it’s basic swimming lessons, snorkeling skills or scuba certification. Be sure to always follow basic safety procedures.
• Get the right equipment - Purchase a waterproof case or a special underwater camera. Ensure that your camera has a large LCD and image stabilization.
• Review your basic photography skills – Understand your camera’s functions and basic photography principles such as composition, exposure and more. If your camera has an “Underwater” scene mode use it to help set the white balance. Increase your ISO to 400.
• Understand how light behaves - In an underground environment, generally you’ll need an additional source of light to properly expose the frame. Underwater images tend to look monochromatic blue. The deeper you go, the more the colours (except blue) get absorbed by the water. In order to see the red and yellows, you may need to introduce artificial light.
  • In shallow waters - If you don’t want to use the flash, shoot in clear water in relatively shallow depths (less than 10 feet) and use image stabilization. If your camera has built in close up capability, try using your flash as it will not show backscatter (tiny particles in the water) because the flash isn’t as close to the lens; and therefore will not magnify the particles.
  • In deeper waters - If you are shooting in deeper waters use an external strobe as you need more light. Try experimenting with strobe placement and angles for creative results.
• Shoot upward - Photographing a subject from below looking up makes the subject stand out from the background. Shooting from above looking down makes a subject look smaller getting lost in the background.
• Get close - Get close to the subject for better results. Aim for two to four feet away.
• Don’t touch - Don’t touch the coral or harass the fish. Respect the underwater world.
• Consider enhancing photographs – If you want to enhance your photograph, apply basic Photoshop techniques to produce a more accurate representation of your underwater experience.

Underwater photography is a great way to add to your image library. It also gives you the opportunity to show your non-diving and non-snorkeling friends what you saw underwater. That’s pretty amazing. Being an underwater photographer can be difficult, but the results are certainly worthwhile.

travel shots

Royal Manitoba Winter Fair

One of Western Canada’s largest agricultural events is the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair which is held annually in Brandon, Manitoba at the Keystone Centre. This prestigious agricultural event has become a favourite event not only for the rural farmers, but for the city folk as well. In 2007, it celebrated its 100th anniversary with over 118,700 visitors over a six-day period. It is also one of the two fairs in Canada to receive Royal patronage from Queen Elizabeth II in 1970.

Right from the start, the Royal became a prestigious event, drawing spectators and exhibitors from around the province. People came from larger cities like Winnipeg to view the livestock exhibits and agricultural demonstrations. The Fair’s primary goal was the promotion of agriculture. Today, the organizers continue to focus on that goal but also strive to ensure that the Fair continues to evolve along side Canada’s agricultural industry.

It now includes displays of mechanized farm equipment, exceptional live entertainment and world class equestrian events, such as show jumping and heavy horse competitions. They also offer a variety of agricultural awareness programs such as “Thru the Farm Gate” where you learn the process of agricultural production starting from the farm all the way to the consumer. Other educations demonstrations include milking, chicks hatching, baby pigs and a seed show. You will also find a petting zoo where you can get up close with the animals.

The Royal Manitoba Winter Fair has become one of the largest agricultural events in Canada, taking up more than 12.5 acres of the Keystone Centre. It continues to attract almost 120,000 people every year. This year’s Royal will be taking place from March 30 to April 4, 2009. This Fair offers something for everyone. For more details, please go to www.brandonfairs.com.

foto source in Manitoba

If you are visiting either the city of Brandon or Winnipeg, be sure to drop by:

Brandon Photographics foto source, 848-18th Street, Brandon, MB, 204-727-3263. Open Mon. – Fri. 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Sat. 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Closed on Sundays.

Ipix Digital foto source, 1225 St. Mary 's Road #51, Winnipeg, MB, 204-253-8239. Open Mon. – Fri. 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Sat. 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Sun. 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m

Photo Central foto source, 499 Notre Dame, Winnipeg, MB, 204-774-4343. Open Tues. – Fri. 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Sat. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Click here to find a store near you!

special offers

Purchase a Panasonic G1 and a Lumix G Vario Telephoto zoom lens March 15 - 31, 2009 and save $75.00!

Click here for your printable coupon!

quick poll

Moments to Memories

In November, Foto Source Canada Inc. launched Moments to Memories, a free magazine filled with foto tips, projects, travel articles and money-saving coupons.

Did you get your copy? Maybe you hadn’t heard about it.

Either way, complete this month's survey to be entered into the April draw for a $25 foto depot gift certificate!

foto source fact

Get your Reusable and Biodegradable Bags at foto source

Help us preserve the environment while saving money by choosing to use foto source quality reusable and biodegradable bags. Ask for them at your local foto source store.

foto depot: what to do with your digital shots

Share your Photos Online

At foto depot you can easily share your photos with family and friends. Just log onto foto depot and click on “Share your photos or projects.” Now select the album and photos you would like to share and click on “Next.” This will take you to your “Sharing Contacts.” This is where you key in the contact information for those you wish to share your photos with and send them an email so that they can register on foto depot and view your photos. Now, when they log onto foto depot, they will automatically be able to see your shared photos or projects. No more emailing large files! With foto depot, it’s so easy!

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