DUBLIN DOCKLANDS
PANORAMA VIEWS - DUBLIN DOCKLANDS [DECEMBER 2010]
The Sony NEX-5, released in 2010, was notable for its in-camera panoramic stitching feature, called Sweep Panorama. This allowed users to capture a panoramic image by simply panning the camera across the scene. The camera would then automatically stitch the images together in-camera, producing a single panoramic JPEG.
Was this feature unique at the time?
While not entirely unique, it was relatively uncommon in cameras at that time, especially in the emerging mirrorless segment where the NEX-5 resided. Some other cameras, like certain high-end compacts and DSLRs, offered similar features, but Sony's implementation was praised for its ease of use and generally good results.
Was it more difficult to offer this feature in a DSLR?
Technically, implementing panoramic stitching in a DSLR wouldn't have been significantly more difficult than in a mirrorless camera. Both types use digital sensors to capture images, and the stitching process is primarily software-driven. However, DSLRs in 2009/2010 were generally larger and heavier, potentially making the smooth panning motion required for good panoramas more challenging. Additionally, the market positioning of DSLRs at the time might have meant manufacturers prioritised other features over in-camera panoramic stitching.
Practicality of processing, printing, and publishing the resulting images:
Processing: The in-camera JPEGs produced by the NEX-5's Sweep Panorama were ready to use straight away, with minimal need for further processing. However, enthusiasts might have wanted to make adjustments to exposure, contrast, or colour balance using image editing software.
Printing: Printing panoramas could be done at home on wide-format printers or through professional printing services. The resolution of the NEX-5's panoramas was generally sufficient for decent-sized prints.
Publishing: Sharing panoramas online was straightforward, with platforms like Flickr and social media supporting the format. However, the wide aspect ratio of panoramas sometimes presented challenges in terms of display and layout on websites or in print publications.
Distortion with wide-angle lenses:
Using wide-angle lenses with the Sweep Panorama feature often led to noticeable distortion, especially towards the edges of the image. This is due to the way wide-angle lenses project the scene onto the sensor, and the stitching algorithm sometimes struggled to correct for this. Using a longer focal length lens generally produced better results.
Why did I lose interest in the feature?
It's understandable that the novelty of in-camera panoramic stitching might wear off after a while. The limitations I mentioned, such as distortion with wide-angle lenses and the limited creative control over the final image, might have contributed to this. Additionally, the workflow for creating and sharing panoramas, even with in-camera stitching, felt less immediate and more cumbersome compared to single-shot photography.
BIG PROTEST MARCH
REMEMBERING THE DAY OF THE BIG PROTEST MARCH IN DUBLIN [27 NOVEMBER 2010]
The march that I photographed on 27 November 2010 was a significant event in Irish history. It was one of the largest protests ever seen in Ireland, with an estimated 100,000 people taking to the streets of Dublin to express their anger and frustration at the government's handling of the economic crisis.
Causes of the Protest
The protest was triggered by a number of factors, including:
The bailout: The Irish government had been forced to accept a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the European Union (EU) in order to avoid national bankruptcy. This bailout came with strict conditions, including austerity measures such as spending cuts and tax increases.
Austerity: The austerity measures imposed by the bailout were deeply unpopular with the Irish public, as they led to job losses, wage cuts, and reduced public services.
Bank bailout: Many people were angry that the majority of the bailout money was being used to bail out the banks, which were seen as being responsible for the crisis.
Failure of the Irish Economy
The Irish economy experienced a dramatic boom in the early 2000s, fuelled by a property bubble and easy credit. However, this boom was unsustainable and when the bubble burst in 2008, the Irish economy went into a sharp decline.
The main causes of the Irish economic crisis were:
Property bubble: The Irish property market experienced a period of rapid growth in the early 2000s, with prices rising at an unsustainable rate. This was driven by a number of factors, including low interest rates, lax lending practices, and speculative investment.
Banking crisis: Irish banks had lent heavily to the property sector and when the bubble burst, they were left with huge losses. This led to a banking crisis, which required the government to bail out the banks.
Global financial crisis: The global financial crisis of 2008 exacerbated the Irish economic crisis, as it led to a sharp decline in global demand and a credit crunch.
Government Decision to Bail Out the Banks
The Irish government decided to bail out the banks in order to prevent a collapse of the banking system. This was seen as necessary to avoid a complete meltdown of the Irish economy. However, the bailout came at a high cost, as it led to a huge increase in government debt.
IMF Involvement
The IMF was involved in the Irish bailout because Ireland was unable to borrow money from international markets at affordable rates. The IMF provided financial assistance to Ireland, but this came with strict conditions, including austerity measures.
I fact checked a number of claims made in media in 2010 and later:
Unemployment: The statement that "Unemployment had soared from below 5% in 2007 to almost 16% by 2011" is accurate. According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), the unemployment rate in Ireland was 4.6% in 2007 and 14.7% in 2011.
Emigration: The statement that "net emigration was running at about 0.6% of the population per annum" is also accurate. According to the CSO, net emigration from Ireland was 34,500 in 2010, which is equivalent to 0.7% of the population.
Government debt: The statement that "the Irish government’s debt had quadrupled to reach 135% of gross national product (GNP)" is accurate. According to the Department of Finance, the Irish government's debt was 25% of GNP in 2007 and 103% of GNP in 2010.
Construction sector: The statement that "employment in the [construction] sector fell by over 60%" is accurate. According to the CSO, employment in the construction sector fell from 272,200 in 2007 to 107,800 in 2010, a decline of 60%.
Bond yields: The statement that "the government in Ireland had lost access to international financial markets and had to seek assistance from official International Monetary Fund (IMF) and European Union (EU) funds" is accurate. In late 2010, the Irish government was forced to seek financial assistance from the IMF and the EU after it was unable to borrow money from international markets at affordable rates.
As a matter of interest I used a Canon Canon Legria HF S10
The Canon Legria HF S10 (also known as the Vixia HF S10 in North America) was a high-definition camcorder released by Canon in 2009. It was considered a prosumer model, meaning it offered features and capabilities that appealed to both professionals and advanced amateur videographers.
Here are some key features of the Canon Legria HF S10 which I had received as a 60th birthday present but I cannot remember why I used it for stills rather than my Sony NEX-5. Maybe I extracted the images from a video recording? [I don't remember]
High-quality imaging: It featured an 8.0MP Full HD CMOS sensor, a Canon HD Video Lens with 10x optical zoom, and the DIGIC DV III processor, which combined to produce excellent image quality.
Dual Flash Memory: It had 32GB of internal flash memory and could also record to removable SDHC memory cards, providing flexibility and ample storage space.
Advanced controls: It offered manual control options for focus, exposure, audio levels, and other settings, allowing users to fine-tune their recordings.
Image stabilization: It featured Canon's Super Range Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) to reduce camera shake.
Versatile shooting modes: It included features like Video Snapshot, Face Detection, and Pre REC to enhance creativity and capture special moments.
The Canon Legria HF S10 was well-regarded for its image quality, features, and performance.
It was a popular choice for enthusiasts and professionals who wanted a compact and capable HD camcorder. However, it's worth noting that this model is quite old now, and newer camcorders offer more advanced features and capabilities.
TODAY IT SNOWED
THE GROUND WAS COVERED IN SNOW WHEN I VISITED ST STEPHEN'S GREEN IN NOVEMBER 27 2010 [LEGACY PHOTO COLLECTIONS]
2010: A Year of Change and Uncertainty
A Visit to St. Stephen's Green amid Protest and Snow
On November 27, 2010, I ventured into St. Stephen's Green, my camera capturing the scene in stark black and white. The air was crisp, the ground blanketed in a fresh layer of snow, and the atmosphere charged with a sense of unease. Earlier that day, a massive protest against the government's bailout had taken place, drawing tens of thousands of people to the streets of Dublin.
A Changing Landscape: From Canon to Sony
This visit marked a turning point in my photography journey. I had recently switched from Canon DSLRs to Sony Mirrorless cameras, and I was eager to test the capabilities of my new Sony NEX-5. As I wandered through the park, I was pleasantly surprised by the camera's performance, its compact size and image quality exceeding my expectations.
The Aftermath of the Bailout
The protest march had been a significant event, reflecting the widespread public anger and frustration over the government's decision to accept an international bailout. The Irish economy was in a precarious state, and the austerity measures that would follow would have a profound impact on the lives of ordinary people.
A Winter of Disruption
The events of November 27th were just a prelude to a winter of discontent. Frequent snowstorms would disrupt normal life, causing travel chaos and school closures. The country was grappling with economic hardship and social unrest, and the future seemed uncertain.
Reflecting on a Pivotal Moment
Looking back on that day in St. Stephen's Green, I am reminded of the resilience of the Irish people in the face of adversity. The protest march was a powerful expression of their collective voice, and the snow that blanketed the city seemed to symbolize the challenges that lay ahead. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, there was also a sense of hope and determination.
My visit to St. Stephen's Green on November 27, 2010, was a snapshot of a pivotal moment in Irish history. It was a time of change, both personal and national, and a reminder of the enduring spirit of the Irish people.
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