The Astronaut's Self-Portrait

If you're a Facebook user, then the pose Astronaut Robert Satcher is striking should be all too familiar, which makes it even more surreal that this photo was taken while in outer space. The shot was captured during a six-hour and 37-minute spacewalk, while Satcher and Mike Foreman worked on a space station. I have been looking at it for a few minutes now and it's incredible how much there is to notice. Until I clicked on the high-res version, I didn't even see the other astronaut in the reflection. I would love to see some EXIF data. Click on the image above for a high-res version that's just begging to become your desktop background.

From: NASA

New Gear: Tamrac ZipShot Tripod

Tamrac has just unveiled one of the most innovative new tripod designs we’ve seen in years. Called the ZipShot, it was created with the intention of making a full-sized tripod that can fold down small enough, and is lightweight enough, to bring with you anywhere. And at 44-inches tall when fully set up, 15-inches when folded up, and weighing 11 ounces, it certainly fits the bill.

New Gear: Casio Exilim EX-G1

Casio has had a fair bit of success with their rugged watches (G-Shock) and cell phones (G'zOne), so it only makes sense that they would take a whack at making a tough camera. This burly compact has a stainless steel frame and a pressure sealed case, which make it resistant to shock, dirt, humidity, snow, extreme temperature and water. But, despite its ability to stand up to punishment, it still manages to keep a slim figure, checking in at just .78-inches thick. Inside you'll find a 12.1-megapixel sensor and a 2.5-inch LCD display, as well as a 3x (38-114mm equivalent) zoom lens.

One thing extreme athletes are sure to appreciate is the Advanced Dynamic Photo Function. The camera captures a series of images in which the subject is moving. The subject is then cut from each frame and placed against the static background from all of the images, creating a sequence much like the ones you'll see in the pages of just about any skateboarding, snowboarding or biking magazine on the shelves.

With its slim form factor and $299 price point, it seems like the EX-G1 has potential to be a real contender in this increasingly crowded market. Aside from Canon's blimp-like D10, it's really the only camera in the segment to try something drastically different aesthetically. Casio claims its futuristic design makes it more ergonomic on top of making look like something that was birthed by a Lamborgini. Check out all of the tech specs and more pictures after the break.

"Dead Season": The First Movie Shot Entirely on a Canon 7D?

It's no secret that the onslaught of HD-shooting DSLRs has been a boon for indie film-makers. The trailer (embedded after the link since it involves some violence and gore) is early footage for an indie zombie flick called Dead Season. The description claims that all of the footage was shot on the $1,800 7D with a grip of Canon glass to go with it. The footage looks impressive to me, personally. The 24p shooting mode really does give it that cinematic feel and the depth of field effects give it a unique quality. Sadly, the "jiggle" effect that typically happens with DSLR sensors shooting HD video is evident from time to time, especially during quick pans. Regardless, I'll happily add this to my Netflix queue should it make it to that point. Have thoughts about camera convergence? Leave them in the comments.

Inside The Guts Of An Olympus Lens

Pancake Lenses got their name for a reason: They’re super-flat. Skinny means light, too. The Zuiko 25mm f/2.8 weighs only 3.35 ounces. Why? Thank its dual-sided aspherical glass element. The Olympus Four Thirds sensor format makes this the equivalent of 50mm on a DSLR, Four Thirds, or Micro Four Thirds body. And its images are far from flat.

This $225 (street) Olympus Zuiko 25mm f/2.8 ED pancake lens: light, flat, and impeccably sharp, according to our tests.

1. Front Lens Elements

These two elements have high-quality optical multi-coating for accurate color reproduction as the light enters the lens. Among other things, multicoating helps filter out ultraviolet rays that might otherwise add too much blue tone to your image.

Timelapse: Stars Over California

Timescapes is a company that shoots beautiful timelapse footage and licenses it to other production companies. Their latest reel, which was shot entirely on a Canon 5D Mark II, has some incredible moving images that depict stars and other celestial bodies as they move across the California sky. The shots come from the well-photographed White Mountains and Yosemite National Park. Personally, I enjoy the footage of the satellite dishes. Combined with the music in the video, they almost look like they could be pieces of a music box. But, the real stars are, well, the stars. Watch the new video above or take the jump to see an older video with more amazing images.

You can also check out the Timescapes official site

Dave Black Brings Light Painting to Sports Photography

To get the shot, sometimes you do crazy things. Like clinging to a wall of ice in the dark, wielding a 2-million-candlepower spotlight. Then doing it over endlessly until you get it right.

That’s what sports shooter Dave Black did to make this incredible image. With no prior ice-climbing experience, he spent four long nights perched on the edge of an ice gorge in Ouray, CO, as world-class climbers Chris Alstrin and Mike Anderson repeatedly ascended for his camera.

Even crazier, he used a creative but unpredictable photo technique no one else uses for sports. He calls it “light painting.”

This involves holding the camera’s shutter open for a long exposure while sweeping light by hand across the subject.

New Gear: Olympus E-P2

The Micro Four Thirds parade marches on as Olympus has just unleashed the details about the follow up to the E-P1 we like so much. The camera body itself hasn't seen much of an upgrade. It boasts the same 12.3-megapixel Live MOS sensor as its predecessor and those hoping for a built-in flash are bound to be a little disappointed. But, each E-P2 will come standard with an articulating VF-2 electronic viewfinder to occupy the hot shoe. It works in conjunction with an "accessory port" that's new to the E-P2. While it opens up new possibilities for this camera, it also means that E-P1 users hoping to grab the viewfinder as a standalone will be out of luck. The accessory port can also be used for an external microphone using an EMA-1 Microphone adapter.

The rest of the upgrade list includes a black finish that more reminiscent of the classic Olympus PEN series as well as a Continuous Autofocus tracking system, which is a very welcome addition. Frequent video shooters will be glad to see that full shutter and aperture control is now unlocked in movie mode.

Two different kits will be available starting in February. Choose from an ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zuiko Digital Zoom Lens or a 17mm f2.8 Zuiko lens. Both will cost $1099 including the electric viewfinder. Get more pictures and the rest of the crucial specs after the jump.

Tech Support: DSLR Remote Control

Question: I need a remote shutter release for my Sony Alpha 300. The only models listed on the Sony website are the RM-L1AM, which seems compatible only with the A100, and the RM-S1AM, which doesn’t list any compatibility. Help! Billy Haake Charlotte, NC

Tech Support: Keeping Your Tripod Dry

Question: I visited the Outer Banks in North Carolina last spring, and while clamming with my friends I saw a perfect view of the shoreline. But the water was 3 feet deep, and getting the shot required a tripod. When I return next year, I want to be prepared. Can you suggest some type of waterproofing gadget for my tripod’s legs? Chaddie Crumm Via E-mail