Sigma announce ELECTRONIC FLASH MACRO EM-140 DG for Sony and Pentax

2008.9.23

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce the new ELECTRONIC FLASH MACRO EM-140 DG for Sony and Pentax cameras.

ELECTRONIC FLASH MACRO EM-140 DG is designed to work with both AF 35mm film and Digital SLR cameras. The EM-140 DG Macro Flash is ideal for photographing subjects in fine detail when the shadowless mode is used and is extremely effective for scientific and medical applications. Dual flash tubes can fire simultaneously or separately. Using only one flashtube creates shadow, which can give a three-dimensional feeling to the subject. The flash features a guide number of 14 w/ISO 100. The Modeling Flash function makes it possible to check for reflections and shadows before actually taking the flash picture. A wireless flash function is also available, when the EM-140 DG is used as master and the EF-530 DG SUPER as a slave unit for creating fine shadow details. High Speed Synchro and Exposure compensation functions are also available for advanced flash photography.

MACRO FLASH ADAPTER (55mm, 58mm) included

Features

* Ideal for Close-up photography, especially medical and scientific applications
* Fully dedicated with the latest TTL auto exposure systems
* Flash tubes can be switched on or off for creative flash control
* Wireless Flash Control
* High Speed Synchro Flash

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Sigma announce the DP2 at Photokina

SIGMA DP2 - SIGMA CORPORATION

Sigma announces the development of a 14 megapixel high definition digital camera,
packing the full spec of a DSLR into the body of a compact camera.

2008.9.23




The Sigma Corporation (COO: Kazuto Yamaki) is pleased to announce the new Sigma DP2 compact digital camera featuring a 14 megapixel FOVEON X3 direct image sensor (2,652 × 1,768 × 3 layers) as used in the Sigma SD14 digital SLR.

Sigma introduced the DP1 with a direct image sensor as used in the Sigma SD14 digital SLR to the market in March 2008 as a “unique, groundbreaking, compact digital camera with all the power of a digital SLR”. The multi award winning DP1 has established strong support from a wide range of photographers both amateur and professional. Building on this success, the DP2 is equipped with a 24.2mm F2.8 lens, equivalent to 41mm on a 35mm SLR camera, for increasing creative possibilities and superior image quality, improving handling and performance.

This product is showcased at Photokina 2008 in Koln, Germany.

Main features
SLR-sized image sensor:
The size of the image sensor used in the DP2 camera is 20.7mm x 13.8mm. It is approximately seven to twelve times larger than the 1/1.8inch to 1/2.5inch image sensors used in ordinary compact digital cameras. The pixel size of the image sensor is 7.8μm. The large photodiodes deployed at a large pixel pitch capture pure, rich light efficiently and give the DP2 its high resolution and richly-graduated tones.

Full-color image sensor:
The DP2 uses the same 14 megapixel (2,652×1,768×3 layers) direct image sensor as the SD14 and DP1. Utilizing the special features of silicon, which is penetrated to different depths by different wavelengths of light, this direct image sensor succeeds in full-color capture with the full RGB in a single-pixel location. Since the moiré is not generated, use of a low-pass filter is not needed because full information of light and color can be captured with three-dimensional feeling.

"TRUE II" image processing engine:
The DP2 incorporates "TRUE II" which is an improved version of "TRUE" (Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine), the world's first image processing engine suited for the three silicon embedded layer direct image sensor. The unique image-processing algorithm, which has been developed throughout the development of the SD series digital SLR cameras and DP1, is incorporated into "TRUE II".

24.2mm F2.8 lens designed exclusively for the DP2:
The DP2 is equipped with a 24.2mm F2.8 lens, equivalent to 41mm on a 35mm SLR camera, which has been designed exclusively for DP2. Two molded glass aspherical lenses provide superior image quality. The Super Multi Layer Coating reduces flare and ghosting. This lens and SLR-sized image sensor combination provides natural shallow depth-of-field and attractive bokeh effect.

RAW format recording:
The DP2 includes a RAW recording mode for retaining full image capture detail of the utmost quality plus a JPEG recording format for convenience. The RAW data format uses lossless compression for more compact, yet uncompromised, data files. The RAW data format of the DP2 keeps brightness and color data in a 1:1 ratio without relying on interpolation. Each pixel location captures the full color of RGB data which, when processed in Sigma Photo Pro, will preserve the balance of the natural data for the best photos with the best image quality.

Exclusive Sigma Photo Pro Software (Supplied with the DP2)
The DP2 comes complete with SIGMA Photo Pro software, a RAW image developer that converts all RAW data quickly and easily. djustments can be made in three separate modes. The X3F Mode stores the original settings of the image at the point of capture. In the Auto Adjustment Mode, the software analyzes and automatically makes adjustments to the RAW data. The Custom Mode allows the photographer to make individual adjustments. The photographer can make changes easily and quickly by simply adjusting the slider controls within the software.


Compact and lightweight body:
The DP2 has compact dimensions of 113.3mm/4.5in(W)x59.5mm/2.3in(H)x54.6mm/2.1in(D). Its compact body and lightweight design makes it easy to carry everywhere.

Three metering modes and four exposure modes:
The DP2 has three metering modes, Evaluative Metering, Center Weighted Average Metering and Spot Metering. It is also possible to select the exposure mode from Program AE, Shutter Priority AE, Aperture Priority AE or Manual. Exposure compensation can be set in 1/3 stop increments from +3.0 to -3.0 stops and an auto bracketing function is also available.

Pop up (manual) built-in flash:
The DP2 is equipped with a pop up (manual) built-in flash. It is possible to use Normal Flash, Red-Eye Reduction Flash and Slow Synchro Mode. It also features flash exposure compensation in 1/3 stops increments.

Manual Focus:
Manual Focus is available for use when autofocus or focus lock is not effective. It is also possible to magnify the display to ensure precise focusing.

Large 2.5" TFT Color LCD Monitor:
The DP2 camera features large 2.5 inch TFT color LCD monitor. The LCD monitor displays 100% of the images, allowing the photographer to easily and accurately confirm the image compensation.

Hot Shoe:
The DP2 camera is equipped with a hot shoe, allowing use of the dedicated external flashgun EF-140 DG (optional) as well as Sigma electronic flashguns for SD series such as EF-500 DG and EF-530 DG. This hot shoe is also used to attach high performance view finder VF-21 (optional).
* EF-500 DG and EF-530 DG flashgun series can be used in manual mode only.

Dedicated lens hood (HA-21):
It is possible to attach the dedicated lens hood to block out extraneous light. It also functions as an adapter, designed to accept the 46mm Close-up Lens and 46mm filters.

* A hood adapter HA-21 is sold separately

Price TBC

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Sigma announce SD15

Sigma has announced the follow-up to its SD14 at Photokina 2008.

The Sigma Corporation (COO: Kazuto Yamaki) is pleased to announce the new SIGMA SD15 digital SLR camera. This camera is the latest model in Sigma’s digital SLR camera SD series, powered by the 14 megapixel Foveon X3 direct-image-sensor it can capture all primary RGB colors at each and every pixel location arranged in three layers. The developing SD15 incorporates the “TRUE II” new image processing engine. It provides high resolution power and reproduces high definition images rich in gradation and impressive three-dimensional detail. Incorporation of the large 3.0 inch LCD monitor and improved processing speed provide ease of operation of the camera.

This product is showcased at Photokina 2008 in Koln, Germany.

Price TBC

Since October 2002, Sigma has introduced three digital SLR cameras, the SD9, SD10 and SD14 to the market. In March 2008 Sigma also introduced a high-end compact digital camera, the DP1 which uses the same large image sensor as is featured in Sigma’s digital SLR cameras. They have established a strong following from a wide range of photographers, both amateur and professional. Photographers expressed a desire to incorporate the image processing engine “TRUE”, which is used in the DP1, into a digital SLR camera. In order to meet this demand, the SD15, with high resolution direct image sensor, has been designed around the new “TRUE II” image processing engine. This combination delivers superior image quality as well as improved processing speed, operation and performance.

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Featured image in 'Dawn and Dusk Light' Group on redBubble!

From Flock Photos

One of my image has been featured in a RedBubble Group again!

Leica announce radical new S-System!

Leica have introduced their new radical platform to provide medium-format quality and resolution in a DSLR size body.

The Leica S2, with its premium AF objectives including everything from ultra wide to super telephoto, is an absolute photographic highlight. The digital SLR camera has a special new sensor with 30 x 45 mm and 37.5 megapixels. The S2's metal body is appreciably smaller and easier to carry than similar models from other camera brands, and yet it's also nearly twice as fast thanks to ultra modern processor technology.

With the S2, Leica has created an entirely new class of camera – technically innovative but incredibly flexible thanks to a wide selection of accessories. It's a must for every professional photographer who is looking to upgrade from standard 35mm SLR systems.

Price is TBC but in the region of €20,000.

Leica is also developing a new range of lenses specially designed for the S system.

Nine new lenses will be introduced over the next two years.

Four prime lenses will be released when the S2 is launched: the Summarit-S 35mm f/2.5 CS ASPH, the Summarit-S 70mm f/2.5 CS ASPH, the Apo-Macro-Summarit-S 120mm f/2.5 CS, and the Apo-Elmar-S 180mm f/3.5 CS.

They will be followed by five further primes (24mm, 35mm, 100mm, 120mm and 350mm), a 30-90mm zoom lens and a 30mm tilt-and-shift lens.

The dual shutter system, which sees the S2 incorporating its own in-body shutter blades, will allow photographers to use shutterless lenses, expanding the range of optical options at their disposal.

More info here

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BBC Photography Portal

The BBC is a rich source of resources for creative endeavours. Photography, as one of the most popular creative activities on the planet is well catered for.

The Photography Portal offers something for everyone, whatever their level of expertise. There are tips on how to take better photographs, masterclasses from Tom Ang and various galleries to inspire.

You can also your historical images to the extensive gallery online. In these days of family history mania, this is a good move by the Beeb.



On of my favourites is the Genius of Photography Gallery, linked to the TV series of the same name. Its a great lace to start learning about the history of the art and about many of its most famous artists.



Why not check it out here.

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Casio HIGH SPEED EXILIM Pro EX-FH20 Camera

Casio HIGH SPEED EXILIM Pro EX-FH20 Camera
with Ultra High-Speed Burst Shooting and HD Movie Functions, the EX-FH20 takes 40 shots per second and records high speed movies at 1000 fps. Its a better specified follow-up to the ground-breaking EX-F1. However, in order to up the pixel resolution, Casio have slowed it down a bit, not that you'd really notice with its 1000 fps video! Pixel resolution is now a useful 9.1 MP compared to the 6 MP of the EX-F1. It also has an improved zoom, with a focal length of 26 - 520 mm (35m,m equivalent). That's a whopping 20x optical!


Key product highlights include:

9.1 effective megapixels and a high power, wide angle zoom lens
The EX-FH20 is equipped with a 26 mm-equivalent wide angle zoom lens that can close in on subjects with a powerful 20x optical zoom. The camera also features a CMOS shift anti-shake function to support power-zoom shots.

Never miss a photographic opportunity, with high speed burst shooting up to 40 fps
The EX-FH20 can capture action in high definition, 7 megapixel (3072 x 2304 pixel) images with ultra-high speed burst shooting at up to 40 fps. Users can select from seven burst settings, allowing them to capture from 1 fps up to 40 fps in a single burst. Further, users can prerecord up to 40 still images not just at the instant they press the shutter button, but before! Even if they press the shutter a little late, they will still catch that vital moment.

High speed movie recording at up to 1,000 fps
The EX-FH20 can record high speed movie footage of motion too fast for the human eye, for ultra slow motion playback. Users can select from recording speeds of 1,000 fps, 420 fps or 210 fps and can also switch from the standard speed of 30 fps to high speed recording at 210 fps during recording at the touch of a button. The EX-FH20 makes it easy to capture critical moments on video.

High Speed Anti-Shake function
This function corrects images by automatically synthesizing multiple images captured during high speed burst shooting.

High Speed Night Scene setting
With or without a tripod, this feature ensures that high speed night shots come out clear and beautiful.

HD Movie function
The EX-FH20's HD Movie function records at 1280 x 720 pixels, at 30 fps.

UK Price:TBC but in region of £399.

Apple Expo 2008 | PARIS

Apple Expo is currently underway as we speak, in Paris, France.

Although Apple doesn't exhibit, its a big affair. Running until the 20th September, there are over 100 exhibitors including:

• Adobe
• Aquafadas
• Brother
• Canto Software
• Elegato
• Extensis
• Fujitsu
• Gear 4
• Griffin Technology
• Iomega
• JVC Pro
• Kensington
• Macally
• Microsoft
• Nike & Nike +
• Orange
• Parallels
  
• Pro-Tech Ltd
• Quark
• Roxio
• Sonnet Technologies
• VMWare
  

This is just a selection, of course and not in any way meant to be an exhaustive one.

Major themes are Graphics, Photography, Video, Music and Lifestyles.

Date and Location
Wednesday september 17th 2008
Opening hours: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm

Thursday september 18th 2008
NEW Opening hours: 10:00 am to 9:00 pm

Friday september 19th 2008
Opening hours: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm

Saturday september 20th 2008
Opening hours: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm

Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles, Hall 5

Info
Entrance fee : 12€
(free entrance for disabled visitors, and kids under 12 years old).
The visitor badge is available for the duration of the 4 days show.
Pets are not allowed in the exhibition center.

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Pre-Photokina Product Announcements Coming Thick and Fast!

Canon PowerShot G10
Digital Compact Camera

In the run up to this year's Photokina, the product announcements are coming thick and fast. Just looking at serious amateur and semi/pro cameras we have had the Nikon D90, Sony A900 and Canon 5D Mk II. Now Canon have also announced the G10 digital compact, their replacement for the excellent G9.

Features

• 14.7 Megapixels
• Genuine Canon 5x wide-angle lens with optical IS
• RAW and DPP support
• DIGIC 4
• Anti-blur technology
• 3.0” PureColor LCD II and optical viewfinder
• Exposure Compensation and ISO dials
• i-Contrast
• 26 shooting modes
• Range of accessories

The most notable features are the 28mm F2.8 lens and the new Digic 4 processor. The Canon G9 lost out to some of its rivals as it didn't have a 28mm lens; the G10 has corrected this oversight. The Digic 4 processor promises even better image quality, something that came in buckets with the G9.

The extra resolution, at 14.7 MP is welcome, as long it doesn't degrade image quality. The sensor size (at 1/1.7") is the same as the G9 so hopefully the Digic 4 processor will compensate for any impact this might have.

Although there is still a movie mode, it hasn't been upgraded to HD light the 5D Mk II, remaining at 640 x 480, 30 fps. However, you can record for longer at up to 1 hour on a 4GB card.

Price is stated on Canon (US) site as being $499.99, so I guess we in the UK will be expected to pay something like £349 initially, discounted to £299 quite quickly. It would be nice if they started out at a true exchange conversion though.

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Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Canon have followed up quickly Sony's announcement of the A900 with their own about the EOS 5D Mark II.

Features

• 21.1MP full frame CMOS sensor
• DIGIC 4 processor
• ISO range expandable to 25600
• Full HD (1080, 30fps) movie recording
• High-res 3.0” VGA LCD with Live View
• 3.9fps JPEG shooting up to card capacity
• 9-point AF + 6 Assist AF points
• Magnesium alloy body

As can be seen, it compares favourably with the A900 on features, in particular as regards resolution and HD Video.

Price wise its looks like it will be available from the end of November, priced £2300 for the body only, or £3050 in a kit including an EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS USM zoom lens.

More info can be found on the Canon site.

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Robots Need Love Too

Robots Need Love Too by Randy Monteith is the latest work I have chosen to highlight from the RedBubble Community. Randy has creating digital artwork seriously for the last 4 years.

His artwork has been featured in magazines including PhotoShop Creative Magazine and Advanced PhotoShop Magazine.

Be sure to check him out by visiting his RedBubble Gallery.

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Panasonic announces the brand new LUMIX G Micro System

Announcing the world's first full-time Live View Digital Interchangeable Lens Camera Adopting New-Generation Micro Four Thirds System Standard DMC-G1 from LUMIX G Micro System, Panasonic has made it even harder for the consumer to decide which system to adopt when moving up from compact digital cameras.

Based on the Four Thirds System, it remains compatible with it, meaning that lenses for the larger system can be used utilising an adaptor. The DMC-G1 is the first model released.



Specification (brief):

    * Full-time Live View both for LCD and LVF
    * Advanced AF featuring iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode such as AF Tracking
    * 4/3-type 12-megapixel Live MOS sensor and Venus Engine HD
    * Bundled with LUMIX G VARIO 14-45mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH./MEGA O.I.S.
    * Dust reduction system - Supersonic Wave Filter
    * Unique color variation [Some colors may not be available in some countries]

The reason Panasonic has developed the GI is to counteract the perception that DSLR's are all bulky and heavy. Funnily, I thought that was the reason they developed the original Four Thirds System, but who am I to bring that one up! To quote them: "Combining a downsized body and advanced camera features that realize the operational comfort even as easy as that of compact cameras, the super-mobile G1 shatters the old notion that all digital SLRs are bulky, heavy and hard to use."

Whether this will bring any greater success than the original Four Thirds System has failed to achieve is yet to be seen. With the growth in the DSLR market there is obviously an incentive to capture a greater share than they have managed so far. However, one reason for the lack of success with the original Four Thirds System was its poor signal to noise performance  which meant that it falls behind larger sensor sized DSLRs.

Oh, and why, if Panasonic see the future lying with the Micro Four Thirds System, why have they just released the LUMIX LX3?

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LUMIX LX3 announced

Panasonic has announced the LUMIX LX3, a compact that aspires to be like its big brothers and sisters in the DSLR family.



Specification (brief):

• 10.1 Mega pixels
• RAW/RAW + JPEG format, 2.5 frames/sec for up to 3 frames in RAW
• Video Mode - 640 x 480 30 fps; 1280 x 720 24 fps
  
• 1/1.63" sensor
• 2.5x optical zoom
• LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMICRON 8 elements in 6 groups (4 Aspherical Lenses / 4 Aspherical surfaces)
• 12.8mm (35mm Equiv.: 24-60mm) lens F2.0 - F8.0
• MEGA O.I.S. (Auto/Mode1/ Mode2) optical image stabiliser
• Face / AF tracking / multi-area / 1-area high speed / 1-area / spot metering
• ISO 80 - 3200
• 8 - 1/2000 sec shutter speed Program Mode; 60 - 1/2000 sec Manual Mode; 15, 30 & 60 sec Astronomy Mode
  

Available now at @ £359.99 inc. VAT, it is being touted by some as a rival to the excellent Canon G9 (street price @ £299.99 inc. VAT). The G9's sensor size is 1/1.7", so its slightly bigger than the LX3's. How this translates into which has the better image quality remains to be seen. The G( also has the edge on resolution with its 12.1 MP compared to the LX3's 10.1.

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Sony announce the world's first full-frame DSLR with 24.6 megapixels

Just when you thought it was safe to take a breather from all the recent announcements from Canon and Nikon, along comes Sony and trumps both of them!

DSLR-A900

The 24.6 megapixel DSLR-A900 comes with a full-frame CMOS sensor with Exmor™ technology. It has a high-performance pentaprism viewfinder with 100% coverage, a high-speed 9-point AF, SteadyShot and a photo quality 3.0-inch 921k dot LCD.

With 5 fps continuous shooting at full resolution 24.6 MP, it certainly offers a strong challenge to anything Canon or Nikon can offer. Allowing up to 105 JPEGS or 12 RAW images is what its competitors can manage. Bear in mind however, that the Sony is doing this at 24.6 MP!

Its 9-point centre cross AF system has 10 focus assist points and is claimed to be fast and accurate. We have every reason to accept Sony's claim here but the final verdict will have to wait for comparative tests.

With the usual SteadyShot image stabilisation offering 2.5 - 4.0 extra steps of performance, it certainly compares well with Nikon and Canon's offerings.

The Dual anti-dust systems and the D-Range Optimiser are two other features that make this an attractive proposition and compare well with the similar systems in Nikon's and Canon's offerings.

What differs, surprisingly, is the lack of Live View or a built-in pop-up flash. Sony's implementation of Live View in the A350 was widely praised and so its absence here is something of a surprise. The lack of built-in pop-up flash is less of a problem. What the market will make of this remains to be seen. For professional photographers this may be less of an issue than for the enthusiast or semi-pro. However, one of the benefits of the Live View system is in low-level photography, such as macro-photography out in the field.



Another feature lacking is video, which in light of the Nikon D90 offering HD video (5 mins recording at a time), may be a minus point for some. It does, however, offer HDMI output at 1920 x 1081i, which is better than the 720p offered by the Nikon.

The α900 full-frame digital SLR will be available from October 2008. The Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM and 70-400mm F4-5.6 G SSM lenses will be available from early 2009. Price TBC

UPDATE: Thinkcamera is stating that the price will be £2,200 (body only) when the camera is available, which makes it very competitive with the likes of Nikon's D3 (£2,679.00 inc. VAT, body only, street price), which has only 12.2 MP sensor. The Canon EOS-1 Mk III offers 21 MP and is available for around £4,739.99 inc. VAT.

Prices on the new 70-400mm f/4-5.6 and 16-35mm f/2.8 lenses to go with the camera are yet to be confirmed. Note: These are professional lenses though and not the usual kit lenses you get with the cheaper cameras lower down the range (such as A200 and A350). Expect prices to be in the region of £400+ per lens.

UPDATE:
The Daily Telegraph is reporting the list price will be £1,195 (body only) when the A900 comes out in October. If true, we could see a price war starting out with Canon and Nikon having to make substantial cuts to compete. Especially as the price may well drop from the list price by Christmas, maybe to £995.

Latest News:
British Journal of Photography is reporting the following on the issue of price:

The A900 will be available early next month, officially retailing at £2100. However, according to Sony, some retailers have indicated that they will be selling the body at £1800 - an extremely aggressive price for a camera of this resolution.

So, its looking like the Daily telegraph made a typo!

UPDATE!
Sony is quoting £ 2,089.00 Incl Vat in their website for body only.

Compatible Lenses:

SAL-85F14Z - 85mm F1.4 ZA Carl Zeiss Planar T* lens priced at £ 1,039.01 Incl Vat

SAL-135F18Z - 135mm F1.8 ZA Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* high performance telephoto lens at £ 1,089.00 Incl Vat

SAL-2470Z - 24-70mm F2.8 ZA SSM Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* zoom lens at £ 1,289.00 Incl Vat

Lexar Professional UDMA 300x CompactFlash

Lexar has announced a new 16GB UDMA Compactflash card with a rated speed of 300X. Aimed at the professional market, the card is also available in 2, 4 & 8 GB capacities.

Product Highlights

• Maximum high-speed UDMA performance and reliability
• Dramatically improves transfer speeds from card to computer*
• Includes Image Rescue™ 3 software to recover lost or deleted photo, video, and audio files**
• Limited lifetime warranty

On Lexar's site, there is a table showing what the storage capacity of each card is for various file sizes:


Actual number of photos will vary depending on camera/device model, format resolution and compression, usable capacity, and bundled software. Actual usable memory capacity may vary. 1MB equals 1 million bytes; 1GB equals 1 billion bytes.

MB = megabytes, GB = gigabytes

The 4 GB card is currently available on eBuyer for £35.75 inc. and the 16 GB VAT., the 8 GB at £67.84 inc. VAT. Te 16GB is currently unavailable on the eBuyer stor.

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Featured work in 'Photographer's Craft' Group on RedBubble!

My 'Dandelion in Sepia' work has been featured in the 'Photographer's Craft' Group on RedBubble.




You can purchase cards and prints featuring it from RedBubble.

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