Saturday, July 27, 2013

Latest toy for digital cameras hails from the 19th century

Photography

17 hours ago

Lomo petz

Lomography

The Petzval lens, mounted on Canon and Nikon cameras.

While digital camera makers compete on the sleekest, most high-tech lenses and image stabilization, analog photo lovers at Lomography have decided to take inspiration from the earliest days of the art instead, recreating a unique and influential lens that first appeared back in 1840 ? right down to its brass case and distinctive background blur.

Cameras in the 1840s weren't quite as capable as the ones we have today. Part of this was that the actual photographic process wasn't quite mature, and formulas for photosensitive plates and prints were constantly competing and being revised.

But the lenses used then were also fairly crude ? couldn't gather much light, required long exposures ? and were not nearly as precise or complex as today's. Joseph Petzval, a 19th century math professor at the University of Vienna, worked out a better lens design that hit F/3.6, making it many times faster than its rivals.The Petzval lens was widely used in the 1800s, but times changed, and it was more or less left in the past ? until now.

Lomo pix

Lomography

The Petzval's distorted bokeh, or background blur, is a highly sought-after effect.

Lomography wanted to recreate this historic lens, which these days is coveted for its interesting optical effects. So the staff worked with a Russian optics company to figure out what made the Petzval lens tick. Amazingly, they've managed to remake it, funky aperture system and brass casing included.

In fact, they've actually improved it, at least for today's cameras. The new Petzval not only features a wider aperture (F/2.2), but it will be available on both Canon and Nikon DSLR mounts. Before, you'd have to buy some weird adapter, but not anymore.

But most importantly, the beautiful, swirling background blur is there in all its glory. Sure, you can get a similar effect on certain Russian lenses from a few decades back (for cheaper, too) ? but there's nothing like the original. Or at least a reinvention of the original.

The new Petzval lens hit Kickstarter Thursday morning, and as of this writing just crossed the $400,000 line ? four times its initial goal. You can still pledge and receive a lens for $400, which is $100 less than what it will go for once it enters production.

Devin Coldewey is a contributing writer for NBC News Digital. His personal website is coldewey.cc.

Source: http://feeds.nbcnews.com/c/35002/f/663301/s/2f2b0f6b/sc/4/l/0L0Snbcnews0N0Ctechnology0Clatest0Etoy0Edigital0Ecameras0Ehails0E19th0Ecentury0E6C10A754630A/story01.htm

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Friday, July 26, 2013

This Week On The TC Gadgets Podcast: Nexus 7, Cheap iPhone 4s, And Chromecast

gadgets-chrome-nexus-iphone4Does the high-res Nexus 7 beat out the iPad mini? Why has Apple's average selling price gone down? Is Google's new Chromecast dongle an Apple TV/Airplay killer?

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/dYPN8t9E2W8/

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Sony Pictures Revs up GRAN TURISMO Movie

?gran-turismo-slice

I?ve never quite understood the Gran Turismo games.? Other racing games, I get.? I enjoy the colorful nature of kart games, I can marginally understand the thrill of the Need for Speed when it comes to escaping from the cops, and the Burnout series is a blast for pure, destructive joy.? But from what I gather about Gran Turismo, it?s got great graphics, you can drive real-world cars, and make them go around a track.? Whoopee.

And yet, it?s one of PlayStation?s best-selling series of all-time, so naturally it?s time to figure out how to make it into a movie.? Hit the jump for more.

According to The Wrap, Fifty Shades of Grey producers Mike De Luca and Dana Brunetti are developing an adaptation of the game, which could conceivably compete with Fast & Furious, Need for Speed for starring Aaron Paul, and Legendary trying to get director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo (28 Weeks Later) or Simon Crane in the driver?s seat of Hot Wheels.? But Gran Turismo distinguishes itself not just on the quality of its visuals, but that gamers can use actual cars, and presumably the companies allow this because the games aren?t about highlighting crashes.? They?re about handling and physics, and the only way that translates to a movie is the same way it translates to a car commercial.

And that?s what a Gran Turismo movie could end up being.? It could have the most insane product placement where every car logo is lovingly and longingly given a close-up so audience members can know that they can never own the BMW 135i.

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Source: http://collider.com/gran-turismo-movie-adaptation/

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Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Snowden seeks temporary asylum in Russia: lawyer

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Former U.S. spy agency contractor Edward Snowden, who is wanted in the United States on espionage charges, has requested temporary asylum in Russia, a Russian lawyer said on Tuesday.

Snowden hopes to find refuge in Latin America after leaking details of U.S. government surveillance programs but has been unable to get there since arriving at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport from Hong Kong on June 23.

"He reached the conclusion that he needs to write an application for temporary asylum (in Russia), and his procedure has just been done," said Anatoly Kucherena, a lawyer who met Snowden on Friday with human rights activists.

Kucherena, who says he has been advising Snowden, did not make clear how the American had filed his application or whether it had already reached the Russian authorities.

Snowden, who is holed up in Sheremetyevo's transit area, said on Friday that he would seek refuge in Russia only until he is able to travel on to Latin America, where three countries have offered him political asylum.

He said he had to do this because the United States and its allies were preventing him reaching Latin America. The United States has revoked Snowden's passport and urged nations worldwide not to help him reach an asylum destination.

Kucherena said he expects a decision on Snowden's asylum request "soon". The process for seeking temporary asylum is different from that for political asylum, which Kucherena said would require a decree from President Vladimir Putin.

(Reporting by Alessandra Prentice and Maria Tsvetkova, Writing by Steve Gutterman, Editing by Timothy Heritage)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/snowden-seeks-temporary-asylum-russia-lawyer-114033344.html

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Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Good morning, sports fans: Now that the Nittany Lions are headed to Ireland, it's time to plan your trip

The worst-kept secret about Penn State?s 2014 schedule is finally official.

The Nittany Lions will open the season against Central Florida in Dublin?s Croke Park.

The stadium will seat 69,000 fans for the Aug. 30 game that kicks off at 1:30 p.m. local time. That will be great for fans who like their breakfast with a side of college football.

The Croke Park Classic will be the eighth American college football game played in Ireland, and the Big Ten Conference?s first international game since Michigan State and Wisconsin met in Tokyo in 1993.

It didn?t take long for news of the game to hit Twitter. Former player and current member of the board of trustees Adam Taliaferro ordered a round of ?shamrock shakes for PSU.?

Mike Wierzbicki is looking forward to Penn State coach Bill O?Brien vs. Central Florida coach George O?Leary.

The Penn State Alumni Association is already offering four- and eight-day travel packages that include tickets to the game and sightseeing options. Some packages even include a Penn State party at the Guinness-Storehouse.

These packages range in price from $1,519 to $2,299, but do not include airfare or transportation to or from the airport.

It?s too soon to determine how much the airfare will set fans back because reservations can only be booked 330 days in advance. The closest you can get is June 2014 prices, which would be slightly under $1,000 roundtrip.

Elsewhere

Hampden tops Red Land to win Cumberland County Legion title

Mick Hutchinson, Ed Short hold on to win Stringfell Four Ball

Tony Stewart?s harsh words toward Steve Kinser a heat-of-the-moment incident

Top news from the pro ranks

Baseball: Ramon Cabrera and the clutch Erie SeaWolves earn series split with anti-clutch Harrisburg Senators

MLB: Mayberry singles in the 10th as Phillies top White Sox

MLB: Davis hits 37th homer as Orioles top Blue Jays

or more great central Pennsylvania sports coverage?click here to go to PennLive.com/sports.

Latest professional scores, standings and news links:
U.S. pro leagues:?? MLB?|?? NBA?|?? NFL?|?? NHL?|?? WNBA
NCAA football:?? Bowl Subdivision?|?? Championship Subdivision
NCAA basketball:?? Men's?|?? Women's
Soccer:?? MLS?|?? English Premier League?|?? Champions League
Golf:?? PGA?|?? LPGA?|?? Nationwide?|?? Champions?|?? European
Tennis:?? Men?|?? Women
Motor Sports:?? NASCAR?|?? Nationwide?|?? Truck?|?? IRL?|?? F1
More:?? America's Line?|?? Penn National?|?? Fan Line

High school sports scores, standings, news and more:
Spring sports:?? Baseball?|?? Softball?|?? Boys' Lacrosse?|?? Girls' Lacrosse?|?? Boys' Track and Field?|?? Girls' Track and Field?|?? Boys' Tennis?|?? Boys' Volleyball
Fall sports:?? Football?|?? Field Hockey?|?? Boys' Soccer?|?? Girls' Soccer?|?? Boys' Cross Country?|?? Girls' Cross Country?|?? Girls' Volleyball?|?? Golf?|?? Girls' Tennis
Winter sports:?? Wrestling?|?? Boys' Basketball?|?? Girls' Basketball?|?? Boys' Swimming?|?? Girls' Swimming?|?? Boys' Ice Hockey

Source: http://www.pennlive.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/07/good_morning_sports_fans_now_t.html

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AG calls Martin killing an 'unnecessary shooting'

Attorney General Eric Holder speaks at the Delta Sigma Thetas Social Action luncheon, part of the sorority's 51st National Convention in Washington, Monday, July 15, 2013. Holder said the killing of Trayvon Martin was a "tragic, unnecessary shooting" and that the 17-year-old's death provides an opportunity for the nation to speak honestly about complicated and emotionally charged issues. In his first comments since the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the Martin case, the attorney general said that Martin's parents have suffered a pain that no parent should have to endure. He said the nation must not forgo an opportunity toward better understanding of one another. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Attorney General Eric Holder speaks at the Delta Sigma Thetas Social Action luncheon, part of the sorority's 51st National Convention in Washington, Monday, July 15, 2013. Holder said the killing of Trayvon Martin was a "tragic, unnecessary shooting" and that the 17-year-old's death provides an opportunity for the nation to speak honestly about complicated and emotionally charged issues. In his first comments since the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the Martin case, the attorney general said that Martin's parents have suffered a pain that no parent should have to endure. He said the nation must not forgo an opportunity toward better understanding of one another. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Attorney General Eric Holder, right, is introduced by Alexis Margaret Herman, left, before speaking at the Delta Sigma Thetas Social Action luncheon, part of the sorority's 51st National Convention in Washington, Monday, July 15, 2013. Holder said the killing of Trayvon Martin was a "tragic, unnecessary shooting" and that the 17-year-old's death provides an opportunity for the nation to speak honestly about complicated and emotionally charged issues. In his first comments since the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the Martin case, the attorney general said that Martin's parents have suffered a pain that no parent should have to endure. He said the nation must not forgo an opportunity toward better understanding of one another. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Attorney General Eric Holder speaks at the Delta Sigma Thetas Social Action luncheon, part of the sorority's 51st National Convention in Washington, Monday, July 15, 2013. Holder said the killing of Trayvon Martin was a "tragic, unnecessary shooting" and that the 17-year-old's death provides an opportunity for the nation to speak honestly about complicated and emotionally charged issues. In his first comments since the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the Martin case, the attorney general said that Martin's parents have suffered a pain that no parent should have to endure. He said the nation must not forgo an opportunity toward better understanding of one another. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

WASHINGTON (AP) ? Attorney General Eric Holder on Monday called the killing of Trayvon Martin a "tragic, unnecessary shooting," and said the Justice Department will follow "the facts and the law" as it reviews evidence to see whether federal criminal charges are warranted.

In his first comments since the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the Martin case, the attorney general said the 17-year-old's death provides an opportunity for the nation to speak honestly about complicated and emotionally charged issues.

He said the nation must not forgo an opportunity toward better understanding of one another.

On Sunday, the Justice Department said it is reviewing evidence in the case to determine whether criminal civil rights charges would be brought.

The department opened an investigation into Martin's death last year but stepped aside to allow the state prosecution to proceed.

Holder said, "We are ... mindful of the pain felt by our nation surrounding the tragic, unnecessary shooting death of Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Fla., last year." The attorney general's characterization of the killing drew strong applause from the audience at the 51st national convention of the Delta Sigma Theta, the nation's largest African-American sorority.

"Independent of the legal determination that will be made, I believe that this tragedy provides yet another opportunity for our nation to speak honestly about the complicated and emotionally charged issues that this case has raised," Holder said.

"We must not ? as we have too often in the past ? let this opportunity pass," he added.

"I hope that we will approach this necessarily difficult dialogue with the same dignity that those who have lost the most, Trayvon's parents, have demonstrated throughout the last year ? and especially over the past few days," said Holder. "They suffered a pain that no parent should have to endure ? and one that I, as a father, cannot begin to conceive."

The Justice Department says the criminal section of the agency's civil rights division, along with the FBI and federal prosecutors in Florida, are all continuing to evaluate the evidence generated during the federal investigation, plus evidence and testimony from the state trial.

The NAACP and others are calling on the Justice Department to file civil rights charges against Zimmerman. Thousands of demonstrators from across the country protested the jury's decision to clear Zimmerman in the shooting death of the unarmed black teenager.

Also on Monday, the White House said President Barack Obama won't involve himself in the Justice Department decision on whether to pursue civil rights charges against Zimmerman. White House spokesman Jay Carney said it would be inappropriate for Obama to express an opinion on how the department deals with Zimmerman.

Barbara Arnwine, president and executive director of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, called the verdict "a travesty and miscarriage of justice" and urged the Justice Department to bring criminal civil rights charges against Zimmerman.

___

AP reporters Ben Nuckols in Washington and Michael Schneider in Orlando, Fla., contributed to this report.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/89ae8247abe8493fae24405546e9a1aa/Article_2013-07-15-Neighborhood%20Watch-Justice%20Dept/id-59e552b7d85c4124b97b195dca179b8d

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Apple reportedly hiring new talent to solve iWatch design problems

 Apple reportedly hiring new talent to solve iWatch design problems

Rumors, suggestions and trademark applications have been building a case for an wrist-worn Apple product for some time now -- an official iWatch to fulfill the wearable potential of the iPod Nano. Now, the Financial Times says the company is "aggressively" hiring to help it get the product ready for release. According to the usual sources familiar with the matter, the new staff might have been sought out to help Apple wrap its head around wearable computing, moving the project to the next stage of development. The timing of the hires might also imply that the iWatch won't be ready until late next year. Of course, if you can't wait that long, you can always just make your own.

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Via: MacRumors

Source: Financial Times

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