The Consumer Electronics Show hasn’t even officially begun, but product announcements and press releases are already flying around.

There are plenty of new, amazing, and often routinely updated camera features, point-and-shoots, and swanky add-ons like the upgraded Eye-Fi 8GB Pro X2. In addition to our regular content, we’ll be discussing some of the gear on PetaPixel and sharing noteworthy photo-related news links over the next few days as CES kicks off.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HXV5 has GPS Feature

Sony’s got an interesting concept: the Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V features a built-in GPS and compass, on top of the included Sony G 25mm-equivalent lens, 10x optical zoom, and a 10-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor, a full HD video mode, and 10fps. Impressive. However, for consumers who already have a functioning GPS system or a smart phone, GPS as a camera feature seems a bit redundant.

Read the Sony release here.

Sony starts new line of SD memory

Sony made a surprising announcement that they are to produce a new line of SD memory cards. In the press release, Sony claims the inclusion of SD technology in more products, along with manufacturing Sony branded cards will “compliment Sony’s existing Memory Stick line, satisfying the needs of a broader range of users.”

Read the release here.

Kodak and Canon release Wi-Fi enabled printers paired with Apps

Kodak’s new ESP 6150/ESP7250 models (ESP 7250 shown on left) are compatible with the Kodak Pic flick application which allows smartphone users to print images directly.

Canon multifunction printers (Pixma MX870 on right) also utilize the new Easy-PhotoPrint EX application for the Apple iPhone.

Read more on Kodak and Canon printers.

LaCie’s WhizKey and CooKey modern USB design

While not directly photo-related, the new LaCie key-shaped USB defices are worth a second look. LaCie came out with the innovative design last year, but jazzed the 2010 with faster transfer rates and a more durable handle.

Take a look here.

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More cool news and products:

• Panasonic introduces brand new SDXC card memory
• Snow Goggle Camera by Liquid Image

Stay tuned for more CES 2010 news and product finds later today on PetaPixel.

Animated films have had enjoyed increased exposure on the big screen this year. Films like Pixar’s Up, Miyazaki’s Ponyo, and Ari Folman’s animated documentary, Waltz with Bashir,  have received widespread critical acclaim, demonstrating that while animated films can be family-friendly, they are at their core a dynamic and imaginative medium with impressive potential.

Two major animated films this year, Henry Selick’s 3D film, Coraline, and Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox, utilize an old animating technique that has been used for nearly a century: stop-motion.

According to the IMDB websites of both films, the individual frames of Coraline and Fantastic Mr. Fox were captured with Nikon DSLRs: the Nikon D80 and D3, respectively, along with a variety of other lenses, bodies, and equipment. Additionally, several Canon bodies can be spotted in a Wired.com video feature on Fantastic Mr. Fox.

Producer Jeremy Dawson notes how differently the film was produced because it was on a digital medium: instead of director Wes Anderson being present during the entire filming process, captured photographs could be remotely accessed and viewed for his approval, no matter where he was physically. The final film consists of 5,229 shots, 621,450 frames, an average of 120 gigabytes of data was captured per day, and the total storage for the images took up 18.5 terabytes of space.

Coraline also seems to have its share of behind-the-scenes camera aficionados; the titular character can be seen in one scene using a Leica camera.

Both films are visually captivating. Coraline director Selick does not stray far from the styles of his previous animated masterpieces, James and the Giant Peach and The Nightmare Before Christmas. Director Wes Anderson’s trademark vintage color palette also stays consistently impressive.

The behind the scenes featurettes of the films are worth a watch as well, and provide some interesting insight into the tedious effort and tremendous amount of time put into making these gorgeous motion pictures.

The Making of Coraline

Behind the Scenes of Fantastic Mr. Fox

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Image and Video Credits: Fox Searchlight (Fantastic Mr. Fox) and Focus Features (Coraline).

Personalized mugs with your mug on it, photo blankets, and good ol’ fashioned framed pictures are all fine and dandy, but they can get old fast.

We posted a few personalized photo gifts in yesterday’s PetaPixel Photography Gift Guide 2009, but here are a few more ideas to get out the old and in with the inspired:

The Old Gift: Framed Photos

I have a few wonderful friends who have gifted me with a growing number of framed photos, but quite frankly, I have no place to put them anymore! And some of the photos are so outdated (visualize: awkward age) that they’re a tad embarrassing to have out in the open.

The Inspired Gift: The DIY Photo Book

Self-published photo books are a modern twist on the photo album, and have a classy look and feel. Even better, they can be stored easily on a bookshelf!

There are a lot of great photo book sites and software out there, and especially around this time of the year, most of the sites have some sort of discount.

These are just a few to check out:

• Mixbook
• Blurb
• MyPublisher
• Lulu
• SnapFish

The Old Gift: Giant Photo Print

Sure, mounted 11X17 prints are pretty epic, but over time, most digital prints can deteriorate.

The Inspired Gift: Canvas Print

Showcase your masterpiece on canvas! It’s pricier, but even more epic. Costco offers photos printed on canvas starting at $29.99 for an 8X10 print.

But remember, if you give the gift of a photograph, pick something that is timeless, iconic, or extremely significant. Instead of framing a posed, toothy photo of your buddy and you, pick a candid photo or one that captures a special moment in your friendship. Or better yet, use one of your favorite still life, landscape, or street scene photos as a gift. Let your photography shine!

The Old Gift: Digital Picture Frame

Digital picture frames are so 2008, but they still make fresh gifts if you spruce it up a little!

The Inspired Gift: Digital Picture Frame — with your own photo project!

Instead of gifting an empty frame, or generic photos, try something unique utilizing the frame’s display. Make a stop-motion film that will loop with the playback feature of the frame.  Use the frame to share a photo story or take photos with a certain theme and make the gift-receiver guess the theme.

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If you’ve got a great DIY photo gift project or idea you’d like to share, leave a comment!

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Image Credits: Photo Arrangement by palindrome6996, Maine spread in Blurb Book by Kelly Gifford, Grandeur by Johnath

Some members of the photography industry have been up in arms the past few days over an internship offered by the private studio of seasoned pro photographer James Nachtwey.

New York based Nachtwey is offering a three month position as his assistant, which seems like a great experience, since Nachtwey is an award-winning photojournalist who has been in the industry for nearly 40 years now.

However, the main gripe commentators on forums and in the blogosphere seem to be making is the fact that the position, which calls for experienced photography students or early-career photographers, seems to involve a lot of post-processing and lab work, and is unpaid. Outrage ensues.

Read the job description here, along with reactions.

But the bigger issue here is the idea of unpaid internships in general, and the situation many photographers face when trying to become professionals.

Ideally, internships offer valuable work experience, a learning environment, and networking connections. Unpaid internships usually come coupled with class credit as compensation. Paid internships offer a nominal stipend, sometimes enough to pay rent and cover some living expenses. The emphasis, in either case, is that the experience is the best reward.

Plenty of publications and non-profits offer unpaid photography internships, and there is always a cutthroat amount of competition for those positions. Having that name and experience on a resume might be worth time and energy.

However, there are a lot of publications, particularly newspapers, that can barely afford to keep their current staff employed, but who still pay interns around $500 a week for the duration of their internship.

Outraged commentators note that Nachtwey’s position is slightly different; he privately owns his studio, runs a for-profit business, and can’t offer class credit for photographers who are not in school. Additionally, many feel that the position likely will not improve or stretch their own photography skills, since it appears they will be functioning as post-processing specialists, rather than as photographers in the field, as for most newspaper internships.

And what’s more, many feel that the situation exemplifies the experience of emerging photographers, that they are being exploited because of their youth in the field, rather than being paid according to their ability.

Photographer Matt Brandon defends Nachtwey on his blog, The Digital Trekker, noting that paid photo internships are far and few, and often wishful thinking. Additionally, it would be an honor to work alongside Nachtwey, even if doing the equivalent of photography menial work. Nachtwey is a veteran of the industry and of the battlefield, as he has covered numerous wars internationally.

Others maintain that if Nachtwey offered the position as a unique workshop, people might actually pay out of their own pockets to work for him. Or if he called the position a volunteer position, rather than an unpaid internship, the issue would not exist.

This whole debate is pretty emotional.

On one hand, there’s a great deal of frustration coming from the ranks of early career photographers who are struggling to find jobs after graduating.

On the other hand, there are those who argue that photography is in general a tough industry to break into; those who weather the waves of competition (and an inglorious internship) may not make money initially, but require that sacrifice in order to rightfully enter the ranks of professionalism.

And there are also those who wonder if as a whole, the photography industry is defeating itself by offering free or cheap photography services for exposure instead of demanding a fair price commensurate with ability and quality.

Read more on the debate:

• Lightstalkers forum
• The Online Photographer
• Jamies List

What do you think? Should photographers, regardless of experience, draw the line somewhere? Have you had a similar internship experience that you found either rewarding or otherwise?

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Image Credit: March of the Cameras by The Suss-Man

Many many years ago, in 2005, the rapidly expanding social photo-sharing domain, Flickr was purchased by the larger web empire, Yahoo!

Three years afterwards, Flickr co-founder Stewart Butterfield left his kingdom, returning to his original life as a “tin-smith,” as he called himself in his resignation letter.

Now, Butterfield’s back in the game–literally.

According to reports by Canada’s Globe and Mail and the Business Insider, Butterfield’s revisiting his original project, Game Neverending, which is a massively multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG).

Apparently, Butterfield and his group, Ludicorp, now Tiny Speck Inc., dreamed up the game and even had a closed Beta version up and running a year before Flickr launched.

Flickr was originally going to be an element of the gameplay, says the Business Insider–but whether the photo-sharing feature will exist in the new version is unknown.

The Game Neverending site is up, but outdated, with sparse information.

GNE Museum also has some cryptic information, including prototype screenshots that bring to mind 1980s video game artwork and a subway map:

According to GNE Museum, the game involves the ability to travel to cleverly named locations, a humorous array of collectible items, and paper (as in reams, sheets, etc.) currency.

While there isn’t much information on the game itself, it’s probably the most honestly titled MMORPG out there–I mean honestly, when does anyone ever ‘finish’ playing WoW or DoTA, or Mafia Wars for that matter?

In any case, casual and social gaming like Facebook apps by Playfish/EA and countless iPhone games are prolific and easily accessible to a mainstream audience more than ever nowadays.

But after letting the project sit idly for so long, only time will tell whether Butterfield’s still got what it takes to ride the waves of Internet trends.

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Image Credits: Stewart Butterfield by Wikimedia Commons and GNE Screenshot from GNE Museum

The journalism industry is going through particularly tough times, with revenue from ads and subscriptions declining considerably.

However, during the harshest economic climates, innovative ideas flourish more than ever, and news outlets are tapping into the power of convergence: mixing forms of communication to create multimedia packages that deliver stories that are accessible by the “Web 2.0″ generation.

Fortunately for photographers, visuals are an integral part of the multimedia wave.

Hopefully, you’ve had a chance to check out our August post on some of the best newspaper photo blogs out there, as well as some of the multimedia features on most newspaper sites, like the New York Times, SF Gate, the San Jose Mercury News, and some college newspapers, including my alma mater, the Daily Bruin.

Many sites feature audio slideshows, which are one of the simplest and easiest forms of multimedia storytelling–if you’ve got the right tools and elements:

1. Photos that tell a story.

Whether you’re photographing a family holiday, sporting event, or documentary news, try to shoot a variety of images from different angles of different moments. Take close-up and wide photographs.

After the shoot, pick photos that have a narrative or chronological order of events and happenings.

2. A recorder and quality audio that matches the story.

Use a digital recorder that can transfer sound files onto your computer. I usually use a MicroMemo attached to my iPod video (ancient, I know). I’ve also had some hands-on time with the Olympus DS series, which capture very crisp audio. The higher end model, the DS-61 has different modes to capture directional sound, which is very useful when recording specific types of sounds such as ambient noise versus a single person speaking.

When recording audio, find a quiet place to capture interviews and voices, to reduce distracting background noise.

3. Audio editing software.

Audacity is a free audio editing program that can be used to cut, edit, splice, and record audio–all very straightforward.

You can also use programs like Adobe Audition for more in-depth editing.

4. Slideshow software.

Several publications use Final Cut Pro to put together an audio slideshow. iMovie also can do the job.

For fast production and ready web publishing, try Soundslides. A free demo is available on the site.

Soundslides is a very intuitive program for uploading photos and audio, and adjusting timing points and transitions. It also has a feature for exporting to web if you have an FTP set up.

5. Share.

Share your project on your website. If you don’t have one, check out Weebly.com to make a free customizable site.

6. Be inspired.

Check out some of the links above and explore a bit for ideas.

One of my favorite examples of the simple, yet powerful integration of photography with another medium is the package by New York Times, One in 8 Million.

The project tells one story each week, focusing on one central character, someone you might brush shoulders with on the subway of New York. The subject describes, in his or her own words, anything from their own personal struggles, triumphs, daily life or something that defines them. The images work to visually capture the story with a timeless quality, in black and white.

Together, the two mediums form a very intimate local human-interest story that fosters a sense of community–which is quite an impressive undertaking considering the expansiveness of New York City.

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If you’ve got a favorite multimedia site or an audio slideshow to show off, share a link!

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Image Credits: Shure SM58 by laffy4k, Shot Glass by S. Su, rage by murplejane, IMG_0864 by emkladil

Adding a vignette to a photograph can add depth to the composition and draw attention to interesting details.

However, a cautionary word: overdoing post-processing and editing techniques like vignetting can be at best distasteful. At worst, it might seem to over-compensate for what might simply be an otherwise uninteresting photograph.

Generally, the less editing needed on a photograph, the better the photograph. And naturally, the better the photograph, the better the photographer.

The same idea can apply to using vignettes: less is more.

Most editing programs like Photoshop and Adobe Camera Raw have a setting that adds vignettes, but I prefer the freedom of selecting my own areas and levels to add the effect.

Here’s a quick how-to guide on manually making a subtle vignette in Adobe Photoshop to complement an image:

1. Use the marquee tool to select the part of the image that you want to emphasize.

The default shortcut key: ‘M’*

*Windows shortcuts denoted in (parenthesis) when different

Depending on the area you want to emphasize, you may want to use a shaped marquee.

In this example, I’m using a rectangular marquee because the photo has a lot of horizontal lines and I want to focus on the farmers in the general center of the photograph.

2. Select Inverse.

Default shortcut key: Command (Ctl) + Shift + I

Now, the area to be edited is selected.

3. Feather generously.

Default shortcut key: Option (Alt) + Command (Ctl) + D
Note: If you’re using a Mac, you may need to turn off the default keystroke shortcut for toggling the Dock; the shortcut is the same.

The Feather Radius depends on the size of the original paragraph, but for most photos, it’s best to feather generously, above 60 pixels.

Note: In Photoshop CS4, the option will be listed as “Refine Edge” or a feathering option will show up on the menu bar while using the select tool. CS4′s Refine Edge mode is useful because it shows how much of the image will be selected when feathered.

By feathering, the selection will be rounded and blended more naturally with the rest of the photograph. The larger number radius, the more blended the feathered area becomes.

4. Create a new layer for levels and adjust the midtones.

It’s usually a good idea to create a new layer for each type of adjustment. Once they’ve been made, they can be toggled back and forth to compare the original to the adjustments made.

To create a new adjustment layer, click the half-shaded semi-circle at the bottom of the layers window.

The layer will only affect the currently selected area.

Move the mid-tones slider towards the whites to darken the mid-tones to the desired effect. Toggle the preview button to compare.

5. Hide the marquee to see the vignetted area.

Default shortcut key: Command (Ctl) + H

By hiding the marquee, the overall photograph is more visible and the effects of the adjustment are more apparent.

Continue to adjust the mid-tones to the desired darkness. In this case, I’ve only moved it from the normal 1.00 to 0.73 for a subtle, yet clearly present vignette effect.

The Final Product:

Mouseover to compare to the original.

Another example of vignette editing, with the marquee drawn closer to the subject:

Seldom do the wonderful worlds of video games and photography meet, but when they do, fun often ensues.

Photography has had a relatively quiet but constant presence in video games over the last two decades, usually featured in video game titles as a mini-game or bonus mode. A few incorporate photography into the main storyline.

Here’s a roundup of some of my favorite photo-related titles over the years, ranked by their incorporation of photographic elements into the gameplay.

#1. Pokémon Snap (1999)

Developer: Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo 64
Genre: Action

Gotta photograph ‘em all doesn’t quite sound as snappy, but Pokemon Snap is the first and arguably most successful Pokémon spinoff console-based title. Aptly named amateur photographer Todd Snap ventures through seven different landscapes, on assignment by Professor Oak to be the very best Pokemon photographer–like no one ever was.

For nostalgic gamers who want to party like it’s 1999, Pokémon Snap is now available for download on Wii’s Virtual Console.

#2. Dead Rising (2006)

Developer: Capcom
Platforms: Xbox 360
Genre: Action/Survival horror

Freelance photographer Frank West is out get the scoop in a small suburban town that seems to have a slight zombie infestation. Fortunately, Frank West happens to be remarkably in shape–like most seasoned war photographers, apparently. Not only can he gain experience points as he takes unnaturally zoomed photos with what looks like a 17-35mm, Nikon D1X, West can use almost anything as a weapon: mall benches, lawn mowers, chainsaws, trash cans, other zombies–you get the picture.

#3. Fatal Frame Series (2002-2008)

Developer: Tecmo
Platforms: PlayStation 2, Xbox, Wii
Genre: Survival horror

The protagonist of Fatal Frame combats angry spirits of the dead with a camera while roaming around creepy environments. The gameplay is very similar to a first-person shooter game, except the main character wields an antique camera in lieu of a shotgun. Published at the onset of the digital photography era, this game pays an homage to film photography, as ammunition comes in the form of special types of film.
Fatal Frame is the first in its series, which includes Fatal Frame II, III, and a Japanese version of IV for the NintendoWii.

#4. Beyond Good and Evil (2003)

Developer: Ubisoft
Platform: PC, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo GameCube
Genre: Action Adventure

Much like Frank West in Capcom’s Dead Rising, the protagonist in Beyond Good and Evil is an investigative reporter with above-average athletic prowess–she knows her martial arts. Set in a rustic future, young journalist Jade tackles the tough issues of human trafficking and propaganda, armed with her camera and a jō staff.

#5. Spider-Man 3 (2007)

Developer: Treyarch, Vicarious Visions
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, PSP, Wii
Genre: Action

Even Spider-Man has bills to pay. In Spider-Man 3, freelance photojournalist Petey goes on assignment around the city, occasionally taking self-portraits. Is that ethical?

In any case, at least his thin wallet is true-to-life.

#6. Bully (2006)

Developer: Rockstar
Platform: PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, Wii
Genre: Action/Adventure

Never had the time to take a photography course? In Rockstar’s schoolhouse adventure, Bully, a photo class is in the required curriculum. Jimmy Hopkins, the anti-hero, roams the halls of Bullworth Academy to complete his homework assignments.

#7. Metal Gear Solid (1998), Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (2001), and Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (2008)

Developer: Konami
Platform: PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3
Genre: Third Person Action

Amidst Hideo Kojima’s thought-provoking storyline, an excellent soundtrack, and groundbreaking graphics, Kojima gives a nod to photography in several Metal Gear Solid titles.

Special espionage commando Solid Snake uses a camera in the Tank Hangar basement in the first Metal Gear Solid.

In MGS 2, Solid Snake and sidekick Raiden sneak stealthily around industrial settings, avoiding exclamatory guards and disabling weapons of mass destruction. Solid Snake uses a spy camera in a mission, which can be unlocked and equipped after the game is completed once.

Metal Gear Solid 4 contains a bizarre photo shoot Easter Egg. While fighting the Beauty bosses, avoid combat for three minutes and the photo shoot mode will be activated.

#8. BioShock (2007, 2008)

Developer: 2K
Platforms: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Genre: First-Person Shooter

Released initially for the Xbox 360 and later as a port to PlayStation 3, BioShock’s silent protagonist makes his way through a submarine 1940s dystopia that has been ravaged by the excesses of its vain, idealistic society. Along the way, he collects a research camera with which he can photograph enemies to improve fighting ability in future encounters.

Honorable Mentions:

Grand Theft Auto 4

Photography plays a very minor role in the gameplay of GTA 4, appearing in an assassination mission. Protagonist Niko uses a camera phone (no fancy SLR in this gritty game) to take a photo of and confirm a hit via photo messaging. How convenient!

Myst IV: Revelation

The last installment of the Myst series provides a camera for collecting clues to solve hair-pulling puzzles.

Screenshot Photography Modes, Various Titles

Other games include a photography feature, separate from the gameplay. Most recently, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves includes a screen capture, or photo mode (Visit The Sixth Axis for a screen capture forum here).

More titles with a screen capture mode include Gears of War 2, Halo 3 (for tips on capturing boast-worthy screenshots, visit Paradox460 ) and Gran Turismo 4, which has its own flickr group. Additional racing titles also have this feature, such as Forza 2, MotorStorm Pacific Rift, Wipeout HD, Tourist Trophy, and more.

Game Face Feature, EA Sports Titles

This past September, EA Sports introduced a new feature, Game Face, an upgrade of Photo Game Face, which works with games such as FIFA 10, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10, Facebreaker and Fight Night Round 4 on Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3. Game Face incorporates photography into character customization by letting players upload their own faces into different games as well as while creating their own avatar. The program is an interesting, though fluffy feature, akin to the PlayStation Eye and EyeToy, neither of which fared particularly well on the market. Game Face is still in its BETA stage, so we’ve yet to see whether it takes off.

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We hope you enjoyed our virtual photo roundup. If you’ve got a favorite video game photo op moment, please share it with us!

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Image credits: All images credited to their respective developers.

Keep your eyes on the sky — NASA says next week’s Leonid Meteor Shower may be the best of its kind in years.

The meteor shower, which will peak on November 17th at around 1am PST (4am EST) over the Americas, coincides with the new moon phase. In other words, the stars will appear brighter and meteors will be easier to spot–and photograph.

Meteor shower photography takes a bit of planning and consideration, but we’ve summarized and compiled some tips and resources to start you off.

Where to Go

Check the Clear Sky Chart for your geographic area to see where and when the night sky is most visible. Various factors affect visibility, such as clouds, the position of the sun, and transparency of the atmosphere (affected by variable amounts of water vapor).

Avoiding light pollution, or excessive artificial light, can also increase the relative darkness of the night sky, and more heavenly bodies are visible. Head towards the desert, mountains, farmlands, or a clearing in the park–anywhere with fewer people and street lights– for reduced light pollution.

What to Bring

Most astrophotographers recommend at the very least:

• A tripod
• A wide-angle lens
• A lens cloth to wipe off nighttime dew

If you’ve got it, bring:

• A fisheye lens and/or a lens with f/2.8
• A remote or cable release (this reduces vibration on the actual camera)

It’s also a good idea to dress warmly, pack a flashlight, bring a picnic blanket, and bring company.

What to Do

Aim towards the Leo constellation and Mars. View a star map for November 17 here.

In general, a reasonably high ISO/ASA (around 800-1600), long exposure (around 30 seconds) and a shallow depth of field (around f/2.8-3.5) tend to do the trick.

Note that stars move during the night, so stars will streak naturally in long exposures.

Additional Resources

Check out the Wired how-to wiki for an overview of star photographs.

Spaceweather.com has a helpful meteor photo gallery in which several photographers included the settings on which they shot.

Astrophotographer Doug Murray also offers his film shooting tips, which can be applied to digital as well.

Dpreview.com also has a forum with helpful tips on shooting meteors, asteroids, and comets.

Happy shooting, and enjoy the view!

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Image credit: Shooting Stars by *BZd*