What the eye sees – Illusions

What the eye sees – Just illusions, or is is time to upgrade to a new camera body?the Nikon D4 has been announced.

When we look at an image, our minds are filling in the blanks. We connect lines where lines might not exist. We smooth colours across a series of dots at some level of measurable resolution. We imagine what might be around the corner. All of these factors contribute to what each person sees in an image that is captured by that magical box, the camera. Sometimes, one individual will look at an image and appear to see something completely different than what someone else standing beside them might have seen.

I decided today to start working on some shots from a Boxing Week visit to Casa Loma in Toronto. Along the hallways at this tourist attraction, they have a number of optical illusions on display. These are not new but they always get my attention and, depending on the time of day or the particular lighting, I can see the double image without a problem, Other times, my mind locks in on only the one choice and, try as I might, I can not get my focus readjusted to see the second option.

Each time that someone announces a new camera with the latest and greatest in technology. we have to wonder whether the benefits of the new technology will help us to capture and transmit better pictures. Of course, the technology is only one part of the equation of what makes a great photo, but each time that a new model arrives there is always a great focus on the technological improvements – more pixels, faster transfer rates, better white balance, instant face recognition – you name it, the list goes on and on.  Then, there is the ergonomic issue.  Were the buttons all in the right place, etc., etc., etc.

Since both Graeme and I are Nikon users, the announcement this week of a new Nikon flagship camera, the Nikon D4, was of immediate interest. The Nikon D4 is the first high end DSLR announced that will be capable of using a new form of XQD memory, a new camera plus a new memory card which will allow users to capture an amazing amount of photographic information at speeds faster than my eye can see. How much of this camera’s improvement will be illusory and how much will be of real value to the end-user, only time will tell. The early adopters and the on-line reviewers will be first off the line to get their hands on the still hot model.  For those, who like to try to be ahead of the technological curve, the Nikon D4 pamphlet is now available for on-line download and reading here: Nikon D4 pamphlet. Sony appears to be the first one out with a memory card supporting the new XQD standard which was first announced in  November 2010.  Information on their new card is here:  Sony XQD Memory Card and will have a suggested retail price of around $230/32gb.

Now that I have read all of that and figured out what I don’t know enough about, I’ll return to working on my Casa Loma blog entry :-).

About Ron

Ron has long had an interest in photography and traveling and, in recent years, has had more time to devote to both activities. Long a Pentax user, Ron switched to Nikon gear when he went digital. The advent of the digital SLR camera, and the ease of the internet blogging process, has provided a venue for sharing his photography and travel experience at the local, national and international level. More about Ron
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2 Responses to What the eye sees – Illusions

  1. William Hay says:

    Ron. I’ve still got the D5000 but I like the universal sd4 memory cards. More often not I download straight from camera. I think you overlook the training that comes with better photography. I see how much better your pro shots are but I think it’s like a symphony violinists develops ear’s capacity to appreciate a superior recording. I was at London Drugs looking at the row of television screens and while I really appreciated the highest end from lowest end couldn’t appreciate between the upper third as well . Our taste refines with traing. The new d4 would be wasted on me but I do think you’d appreciate it. Are you going to sell me your old d4? Would I want it? Right now I can still blame my inferior picture quality on technology!

  2. Ron says:

    LOL – for us older folks, the new sensors are beginning to out-resolve our eyes!!! I don’t have any immediate plans to upgrade but window-shopping is permitted :-).

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