Posts for: jlocke
Oct 28, 2023 13:20:27 #
This from the Skylum Web site:
The brand-new generative AI tools include:
GenErase: A next-generation Erase tool that not only removes unwanted distractions from your images, but also intelligently replaces those areas using content-aware AI tools, providing a focused and distraction-free composition. This feature preserves the integrity of your photos by filling in the gaps with textures and other elements using AI to match the surrounding area. GenErase can seamlessly remove objects such as trash, street signs, utility poles, vehicles, graffiti, crowds, and more to preserve the beauty of the composition.
GenExpand: A revolutionary tool that empowers users to break free from traditional aspect ratios and add a new dimension to their original compositions. With GenExpand, you can effortlessly extend the boundaries of your photos, whether you're creating panoramic landscapes for vast mountain ranges, serene lakes, etc. or want to give your favorite images more breathing room to stand out against a beautifully balanced background.
GenSwap: This technology allows photographers to change the image composition by replacing or swapping objects or seamlessly adding new details generated by AI according to the user’s prompt. GenSwap allows you to also enhance images by adding elements such as trees, animals, and more, transforming your photos into mesmerizing visuals. For example, change an unpleasant tree for a better looking one, add a bird to the sky, or drop a stone in the desert to make the photo complete.
The brand-new generative AI tools include:
GenErase: A next-generation Erase tool that not only removes unwanted distractions from your images, but also intelligently replaces those areas using content-aware AI tools, providing a focused and distraction-free composition. This feature preserves the integrity of your photos by filling in the gaps with textures and other elements using AI to match the surrounding area. GenErase can seamlessly remove objects such as trash, street signs, utility poles, vehicles, graffiti, crowds, and more to preserve the beauty of the composition.
GenExpand: A revolutionary tool that empowers users to break free from traditional aspect ratios and add a new dimension to their original compositions. With GenExpand, you can effortlessly extend the boundaries of your photos, whether you're creating panoramic landscapes for vast mountain ranges, serene lakes, etc. or want to give your favorite images more breathing room to stand out against a beautifully balanced background.
GenSwap: This technology allows photographers to change the image composition by replacing or swapping objects or seamlessly adding new details generated by AI according to the user’s prompt. GenSwap allows you to also enhance images by adding elements such as trees, animals, and more, transforming your photos into mesmerizing visuals. For example, change an unpleasant tree for a better looking one, add a bird to the sky, or drop a stone in the desert to make the photo complete.
Oct 24, 2023 11:28:18 #
Oct 15, 2023 16:59:00 #
Oct 11, 2023 12:47:49 #
DaveyDitzer wrote:
In my experience, it is important to get a camera with a viewfinder (EVF) and not have to rely on the rear LCD.
I have a DS80 that I take to concerts, and I can't imagine trying to hold it up to look through the viewfinder. I don't think I've ever used the viewfinder at all.
On my Nikons (D750, Z6ii), I almost never use the rear LCD, except for menus.
Oct 9, 2023 08:20:45 #
bnsf wrote:
Yes I have. Still an excellent band. How many of the original members are still around?
Three original members still touring with the band (see the final photo). Walter Parazaider is the original saxophone player; he stopped touring in 2017 due to a heart condition.
Oct 9, 2023 00:07:32 #
Retired CPO wrote:
Thank you. And thanks for the link! 
By the way, the 'referee' in the ring for the duel was Keb' Mo'. He has 4 Grammy awards for Best Contemporary Blues Album (1996, 1998, 2004, 2017), and 1 Grammy for Best Americana Album (2020).
Oct 9, 2023 00:01:02 #
bnsf wrote:
Did they play Ballad of a girl from Buckcannon?
I believe they did; you mean ""Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon", the song also known as simply "Make Me Smile". They played mostly stuff from their early years.
Have you seen the video of their 1970 performance of this?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFWdkBvxDoA
Oct 8, 2023 13:59:44 #
My wife and I saw Chicago on 9/19 at the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio. These guys can still rock it! I first saw them when I was in high school (1973 or 1974). This is the 56th year anniversary of the band, with three original members still in the group.
All photos taken with my Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 at ISO-5000. This is a great camera for taking into shows; haven't had it refused yet. Of course, at ISO 5000, everything needed a trip through Topaz DeNoise AI.
All photos taken with my Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 at ISO-5000. This is a great camera for taking into shows; haven't had it refused yet. Of course, at ISO 5000, everything needed a trip through Topaz DeNoise AI.
"Saturday In The Park" - 12mm, f/6.1, 1/250
(Download)
Robert Lamm - keyboard, vocals, composer - 77mm, f/7.1, 1/400
(Download)
Lee Loughnane - trumpet, flugelhorn, songwriter - 114mm, f/6.2, 1/1250
(Download)
James Pankow - trombone, horn arranger, composer - 83mm, f/6, 1/640
(Download)
Ray Herrmann - saxophone, flute, clarinet - 67mm, f/6, 1/500
(Download)
Walfredo Reyes, Jr - drums, Ramon Yslas - percussion - 38mm, f/7.1, 1/400
(Download)
Tony Obrohta - guitar, vocals, Eric Baines - bass, vocals - 41mm, f/7.1, 1/125
(Download)
Loren Gold - keyboard, vocals - 129mm, f/6.4, 1/50
(Download)
Neil Donell - vocals, guitar - 72mm, f/7.1, 1/500
(Download)
James Pankow, Robert Lamm, Lee Loughnane; original 3 members - 38mm, f/5.6, 1/1000
(Download)
Oct 8, 2023 12:22:37 #
Retired CPO wrote:
Great photos and interesting story. What genre music do they play?
They play blues / blues-rock. His most recent album was nominated for a Grammy award in the Best Contemporary Blues Album category.
Here's a 'duel' with Joe Bonamassa... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjtosbQC4_g
Oct 8, 2023 11:04:44 #
My wife and I saw the Eric Gales Band at the Empire Theatre in San Antonio last week. He's quite the guitar player and is an interesting guy. He plays the guitar left-handed, but he's not left-handed. His brother is, and his brother taught him to play guitar. Notice also that he basically just flips the guitar over; the bass strings are on the bottom, and the treble strings on the top. They put on a great show.
All photos taken with my Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 at ISO-5000. This is a nice little camera that has been allowed at all the shows I've attended.
All photos taken with my Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS80 at ISO-5000. This is a nice little camera that has been allowed at all the shows I've attended.
45mm, f/5.8, 1/125
(Download)
31mm, f/5.8, 1/80
(Download)
62mm, f/6, 1/30
(Download)
Eric's wife, LaDonna, plays percussion in the band and their dog "Crown" sat with her through most of the show. 41mm, f/5.6, 1/50
(Download)
38mm, f/5.6, 1/100
(Download)
50mm, f/6.3, 1/60
(Download)
33mm, f/6.3, 1/125
(Download)
38mm, f/6.3, 1/200
(Download)
41mm, f/6.3, 1/60
(Download)
29mm, f/6.3, 1/100
(Download)
Sep 9, 2023 02:51:17 #
The grackles were enjoying the bird bath late this afternoon. I'm going to have to set up a schedule for the pool!
All with Nikon Z6ii w/Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3
All with Nikon Z6ii w/Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3
Sep 1, 2023 11:00:18 #
I just checked the NikonUSA site; no update for the Z6ii posted yet.
Aug 22, 2023 00:48:41 #
The FTZ adapter has no optical elements, so it shouldn't factor into the equation. Its only function is to position an F-mount lens the correct distance from the photo sensor. So, mount your FTZ on your Nikon Z-series camera, then attach your F-mount teleconverter, then attach your F-mount lens. Easy peasy.
Aug 19, 2023 20:32:12 #
I was looking out in the backyard earlier (North Austin), and there were all kinds and sizes of birds there, enjoying the feeders and the bird bath. I looked away, and when I looked back, all the birds were gone. Then I saw why...
Aug 18, 2023 10:26:58 #
elee950021 wrote:
BTW, you should check for yourself but I believe your lens requires a "screw-drive" DSLR body-mounted pin to fully use the AF and controls. Check Nikon's website for a list of useable lenses with the FTZ adaptor. The lenses that fully work are AF-S D, G types, etc. I wish Nikon would come out with an adaptor that allowed such lenses to be used!
BTW, you should check for yourself but I believe your lens requires a "screw-drive" DSLR body-mounted pin to fully use the AF and controls. Check Nikon's website for a list of useable lenses with the FTZ adaptor. The lenses that fully work are AF-S D, G types, etc. I wish Nikon would come out with an adaptor that allowed such lenses to be used!
The OP said the lens is "Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-200mm". Since it's an "AF-S"-type lens, it will work with any Nikon body that will accept the F-mount.
From Nikon:
... because AF-S NIKKORs have the focus motor built into the lens, they can be used on any current Nikon camera body, whether the body has a focus motor or not, because the lens itself controls the focusing function.