Observin

Apple iPad

Kyle — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 21:34:55 +0000

Today Apple launched their highly anticipated iPad tablet. It has a 9.7 inch multitouch screen with 1024-by-768-pixel resolution at 132 pixels per inch (ppi). It is an impressive 0.5 inches and 1.5 lbs. It uses a custom 1ghz A4 apple processor. The iPad runs with the same 140,000 apps which developers will be able to optimize for the larger screen. The battery lasts for 10 hrs.

The device comes in multiple storage sizes:

16gb – $499
32gb – $599
64gb – $699

What is possibly most interesting is you can purchase a data plan version which costs $29.99 monthly for an unlimited plan. No contract is required. Add $130 to the wifi only versions for the 3G enabled.

Check out a cost analysis of the data plan : http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/27/ipad-vs-iphone-what-does-3g-cost-you/

Issues

No multi-tasking (maybe in the near future?) is a huge setback, not being able to run apps in the background is disappointing, limiting its uses. If they do play on updating it with multi-tasking its odd that they didn’t do it at launch.

No Flash. Ugh.

No camera. Not a big deal for me personally, but it would be a great device for video conferencing.

Check Out

Hands on: http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/27/apple-ipad-first-hands-on/

Check out the official apple iPad site: http://www.apple.com/ipad/

Amazing Architectural Animated Short

Kyle — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 01:34:10 +0000

My architecture prof sent me a link to another video by this guy a couple months ago. I was amazed. This short is one of the most inspirational sequences that I have ever seen. It’s worth watching more than once.

It is done entirely in CGI using 3ds max, after effects and premiere.

The Third & The Seventh from Alex Roman on Vimeo.

Also check out his website : http://www.thirdseventh.com/

Iron Man 2 Trailer

Kyle — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 01:00:31 +0000

The official movie trailer for Iron Man 2 just came out. Robert Downey Jr. returns as Tony Stark (aka Iron Man). Some of the moments in the first movie that I enjoyed were of the interfaces that Tony Stark used, especially the 3D interface in which Stark developed the Iron Man suit.

Check out the official trailer for Iron Man 2 : http://www.apple.com/trailers/paramount/ironman/

Tony Stark

Whiplash

Ivan Vanko

Check out the rest of the gallery at : http://www.apple.com/trailers/paramount/ironman/gallery/

Iron Man 2 comes out to theaters May 2, 2010.

2009 Winter Holiday Tutorials, Downloads & Inspiration

Kyle — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 04:24:59 +0000

Last year’s list of winter tutorials and downloads was quite popular so I’ve compiled another one. Whether its to create a Christmas card for your family or introduce winter inspiration to your designs, this list should help. Enjoy!

Check out last year’s list: Wonderful Winter Photoshop Tutorials & Brushes

Tutorials

Inspiration

Free Downloads

Canon 7d w/ Samples

Kyle — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 23:22:24 +0000

Canon’s latest DSLR the 7D is a 18mp APS-C camera with full HD movie mode, 8 fps and 19-point AF system.

18mp APS-C
8fps
Dual Digic 4
19-point AF
Full HD with 30p, 24p & 25p (720 HD at 60p & 50p) w/ Manual Controls
1.0x Magnification
Wireless flash control
Weather-sealing

US Pricing : $1699 body
Canada Pricing: $2099 body
UK Pricing : £1699

Buy 7d From Amazon.com
Buy 7d w/ 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM From Amazon.com

From Canon

A Whole New Class of EOS.

With a host of brand new features designed to enhance every facet of the photographic process, from still images to video, the new EOS 7D represents a whole new class of camera.

Made to be the tool of choice for serious photographers and semi-professionals, the EOS 7D features an all-new 18.0 Megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor and Dual DIGIC 4 Image Processors, capturing tremendous images at up to ISO 12800 and speeds of up to 8 fps. The EOS 7D has a new all cross-type 19-point AF system with improved AI Servo AF subject tracking and user-selectable AF area selection modes for sharp focus no matter the situation.

The EOS 7D’s Intelligent Viewfinder, an entirely newly-designed technology, provides 100% coverage and displays user-selected AF modes as well as a spot metering circle and on demand grid lines. New iFCL Metering with 63-zone dual-layer metering system uses both focus and color information to provide accurate exposure even in difficult lighting.

The EOS 7D also captures Full HD video at 30p (29.97 fps), 24p (23.976 fps) and 25p with an array of manual controls, including manual exposure during movie shooting and ISO speed selection.

The EOS 7D features a magnesium alloy body that is dust- and weather-resistant and shutter durability of up to 150,000 cycles.

Compatible with over 60 EF and EF-S lenses as well as with EOS System accessories, the creative opportunities – not just with stills but also with video – are beyond amazement.

Samples

Stills

Although the image quality seems to be better then the 50d by the sample images, I’m slightly disappointed by images at a high ISO. Its too early to draw an conclusions without more images. I guess we will have to wait awhile.

http://www.dpreview.com/previews/canoneos7d/page14.asp

Movie Mode

There haven’t been many video clips shot on the 7d that show much what the 7d can do. If this camera can do close to what the 5d mkii can do at the price it is I will definitely be looking closely at getting one.

I’ll update this as more videos come in. *Note – Keep an eye on Philip Bloom’s website for 7d movie examples.

Philip Bloom
Shaving It Back – First decent short
http://www.twitvid.com/5F538

ISO 6400
http://www.vimeo.com/6413346

ISO 800
http://www.vimeo.com/6413483

ISO 100
http://www.vimeo.com/6413439

720 at 60fps
http://www.vimeo.com/6394796

Canon Japan
http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/samples/eos7d/

Shadowness Version 8 Sneak Peek

Kyle — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 19:33:06 +0000

Some of you may know Shadowness, if not Shadowness is an art community that allows artists to share their work with others. It is a great way to learn, get some critiques/comments about your work and even find potential work.

Shadowness was formed into an art community in 2001 by Meng To. Shadowness quickly became a way for artists to interact with each other, improve, share their work and promote themselves. Going into its eighth version, Shadowness continues to be a home for artists to share and learn from others.

I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek into what the new version of Shadowness will be all about and ask Meng some questions.

Kyle
How will Shadowness be different? Will the layout change much?

Meng
It’s only the database that’s not going to be rebooted. The concept of following will be the main focus, building a follow base and promoting your work and personal website. It’s going to use twitter connect and be a platform to share work.

Updates will be like twitter, comments like facebook but where it is unique is with how you manage and show your gallery. We will be able to collect art and those collections will become like blogs.

Kyle

How far along is this next version?

Meng To
I am designing all the pages pixel perfect. Planning all the scenarios first and features, something I’ve never done with SN. I’ll know when I finish the wireframes. I’ll be showing much more later on this weekend.

From what I’ve talked to Meng about and what I’ve seen so far, Shadowness is going to become a great place for artists to connect, not only within the community but as well with other social networks and websites.

Make sure you register for Shadowness at shadowness.com
You can follow the updates for Shadowness 8 at http://twitter.com/Shadowness8

Btw you can find me on Shadowness as LostEagle

Earth Day 2009 – Inspire

Kyle — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 09:52:23 +0000

Today, April 22, is Earth Day. Earth is inspirational, but sometimes we forget how beautiful it really is. Hopefully this Earth Day you are inspired to show your appreciation for our incredible planet and our important environment.

Visit Earth Day Network / World Wildlife Fund to learn more about Earth Day.Inspiration is everywhere.

Also don’t forget to check out Earth by Disney in theaters starting today (click here for the trailer)

What is going on at Observin

Kyle — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 04:03:58 +0000

The reason Observin has been so inactive is that I have had an incredibly busy last couple months. I have almost finished by Spring semester at university and am going to take it much easier over the summer. This will hopefully give me time for Observin.com and similar projects.

Here’s a little overview of the work I have been doing.

Worked on various projects from information visualizations for search results to information maps and finally designing a prototype system to improve the university campus. Filmed two shorts, one didn’t turn out as great as hoped due to time constrictions but the other turned out quite well. Wrote a couple papers primarily around modernist and postmodernist architecture and I wrote a proposal for an interactive art installation at a local tech gallery.

All in all it has been a busy but interesting last couple months and I hope everyone reading has had a good year so far.

On Another Note

I have started working on a couple posts but they might take awhile since I still have work to finish up. If there are any post suggestions or ideas that you might be interested in reading about leave me a message!

Check back soon for more updates & information.

Thanks,

Kyle Thacker

Nikon D5000 Release

Kyle — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 03:32:59 +0000

Just got specs in for the new D5000 by Nikon.

12.3MP
ISO 200-3200 (expendable 100-6400)
11 Point AF
1280×720 High Definition Video Recording @ 24 fps
2.7 inch Variable LCD monitor
Live View
Quiet shooting reduces sound of internal camera mechanisms

Body Only RRP: £719.99 / €878.00
D5000 + 18-55 VR kit: £799.99 / €972.00
Sales start date: 1st May 2009

The D5000 is a powerful and versatile SLR camera that delivers superb still images and high-definition D-movie clips with sound. Incredibly easy to use, it boasts a range of automatic features that help capture the shots you want and an impressive 12.3 megapixel DX format image sensor that ensures exceptionally detailed results. The innovative vari-angle LCD monitor makes it easy to shoot from any angle, bringing an exciting new twist to using Live View. Whether you shoot still or moving images, you can flip, tilt or turn the monitor to take shots from above, below, to the side, or to create self-portraits. An array of automatic scene modes make it simple to capture clear images in a variety of situations and a range of retouch functions let you enhance photos in-camera. With so many powerful features packed into its compact, lightweight body, the D5000 offers people on the go a fantastic way to capture stunning shots from any angle.

Source: Nikon UK

Check out Nikon Rumors for more information

2008 Design Article Round-Ups

Kyle — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 06:02:19 +0000

2008 has been filled with an assortment of useful articles. Before the year ends I want to sum up some great year end lists that are packed full of incredibly useful design articles and tutorials.

Noupe

One of my favorite websites, they have given me many hours of useful posts that I always enjoy. Thanks Noupe!

50 Most Beautiful Icon Sets Created in 2008

Smashing Magazine

An everlasting battle of which of their articles to read first.

Smashing Highlights of 2008

Just Creative Design

Started reading only a short while ago, Jacob Cass has helped the design community in many ways.

2008 Round Up

CrazyLeaf Design Blog

A blog full of many useful resources.

Most Beautiful Websites of 2008