Photo Club

New camera phone processor announced : Silicon Image, a manufacturer in semiconductors for the secure storage, distribution and presentation of high-definition content, announced the availability of its 12 megapixel (MP) camera processor IP core for integration into system-on-a-chip (SoC) semiconductors. This technology delivers professional picture quality and advanced camera functionality once only found in digital still cameras (DSCs), but now conveniently integrated into mobile camera phones, digital cameras, portable multimedia players (PMPs), ultra mobile PCs (UMPCs) and security cameras. Versions of this technology have already been licensed by five of the world’s leading mobile phone SoC suppliers.

12 Megapixel camera phone processor
Until now, mobile devices had fewer features and lower picture quality than available in standalone cameras. With the release of Silicon Image’s 12MP camera processor IP core, users of mobile devices can now experience imaging with the highest resolution and color quality from small form factor mobile devices. The 12MP version is the latest addition to Silicon Image’s family of sophisticated low-power camera processor IP cores which includes 2, 3, 5 and 8MP resolutions. In addition to JPEG encoding and image scaling, the image signal processor supports the following features:

- Continuous digital zoom
- Auto exposure
- Autofocus
- Lens shade correction
- Chromatic aberration correction
- Bad pixel detection and correction
- Image stabilization

Camera phone processor
“Our latest 12 Megapixel camera processor design reinforces our market position in high-quality, low-power camera processors for mobile implementations,” said Ron Richter, director of IP products at Silicon Image. “Our experience with delivering high-performance, low gate-count and CMOS sensor flexibility for SoC solutions enable our customers to maintain and grow their market presence. Today’s reality is people can have the high image quality in a very small form factor.”

High quality photo camera
Benefits of the 12MP camera IP core design include a lower gate count, a smaller die size requiring less space on a baseband processor, faster picture processing and compatibility with any complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensor as well as reduced power consumption. The camera processor is designed to accommodate any CMOS sensor by allowing the SoC or device manufacturers to utilize Silicon Image’s tools to generate software loadable parameters, ensuring high image quality and eliminating the need for hardware redesign. This is important to developers designing today’s mobile cell phones and looking to develop a single SoC design which can be used with CMOS sensors from multiple suppliers.

Professional photo quality
For baseband and SoC manufacturers, the 12MP camera IP core is readily incorporated into new and existing chip designs and works with a full camera feature set, in addition to supporting popular mobile interfaces including the Mobile Industry Processor Interface (MIPI). Manufacturers can seamlessly integrate this technology into any mobile device with a camera lens and CMOS sensor to take both still and moving pictures at a rate of up to 30 frames per second. This ensures a professional quality image with every click.

Competing software based camera solutions
Silicon Image’s unique camera processor design incorporates image signal processing, post processing and image compression in several efficient hardware blocks, requiring little software support. Compared to competing software based camera solutions, only about one million instructions per second (MIPS) in software processing is required to process each image, resulting in no noticeable wait time between pictures. In addition to high-quality, low-power camera processors for mobile device implementation, Silicon Image provides low-power HDMI Transmitter IP cores for use in mobile phones, portable multimedia players, high-definition digital camcorders security SoCs.

Ricoh G600 : Ricoh has launched the Ricoh G600, a new water and dust-resistant digital camera which will now be available along with the popular Caplio 500G Wide (launched in May 2006). The Ricoh G600 is smaller and lighter yet it still passes Ricoh�s shock resistance test for a 1.5 m fall, a test that conforms to US Department of Defense standards. In addition to the 5x optical wide-angle zoom lens (equivalent to 28-140 mm for a 35 mm camera), the Ricoh G600 continues to provide the same strong set of features as previous models, such as a 1 cm macro function and a flash range of 10 m. It is perfect for customers who want to take pictures in a variety of outdoor activities, such as marine sports, mountain climbing, and fishing.
Ricoh G600 camera – Consumer price
The new Ricoh G600 camera has some interesting features. Its superior water and dust resistance plus even greater shock resistance make the Ricoh G600 ideal for hard outdoor use. A shock resistant structure and stronger camera cone create a robust body able to withstand falls from 1.5 m onto 26 surfaces, in compliance with US Department of Defense “MIL Standard 810F” (previous models withstood 1.0 m). The Ricoh G600 camera is able to cope with rough handling outdoors. The camera is available in May 2008 at £ 349,99 inc vat.

Ricoh G600 outdoor camera – Water resistance and Operation
The Ricoh G600 boasts the same impressive water resistance as its predecessor’s, surpassing JIS protection grade 7 performance. Besides taking pictures in the rain, it can even take pictures underwater at depths of up to about 1 m. Dust resistance satisп¬Ѓes JIS protection grade 6. Pictures can be taken in environments, such as the seashore, where there are high concentrations of sand or dust. The well thought out design and positioning of the large buttons make operation easy even with gloves on, such as while skiing.

Ricoh G600 digital camera – Flash photography and Display
The new Ricoh camera is equipped with a powerful flash with effective range of up to 10m and ISO3200 sensitivity for low-light photography. The flash has an effective range of up to 10 m for wide-angle and 6.5 m for telephoto. The new ISO 3200 capability expands the range of scenes that can be photographed (previous model�s maximum sensitivity was ISO 1600). There is also an accessory shoe where an external flash can be attached. A large, high-definition 2.7-inch picture display is included. This enables accurate photography by making the picture display easier to see outdoors. A light sensor has been installed so that picture display brightness can be automatically adjusted based on ambient light level.

Ricoh G600 digital compact camera – Body and Accessories
The Ricoh G600′ compact body has a size of 116.5 mm (W) Г— 68.0 mm (H) Г— 32.0 mm (D). Light weight of 260 g (Previous model dimensions 133.05 mm (W) Г— 78.5 mm (H) Г— 74.0 mm (D); weight approx. 400 g. The flat design uses a non-protruding inner-zoom lens so that the lens does not extend out from the body regardless of whether the power is on or off. A neck strap attachment to the camera body means that as well as horizontal suspension, vertical suspension is now possible, making it easy to store the camera in a shirt or jacket breast pocket while the strap is still around your neck. The ricoh G600 camera comes with a rechargeable Battery DB-60 / Battery Charger BJ-6 / USB Cable / Neck strap.

Ricoh compact camera – Wide zoom and Dust resistant
The new Ricoh G600 is a 28-140 mm wide-zoom lens on a water and dust-resistant digital camera. The wide-zoom lens, equivalent to 28-140 mm, has been popular on other models. It can cover the whole of a large building and frame group pictures well in confined areas, and the 5x optical zoom can reach subjects it is not possible to shoot from close by. For even wider shots, there is an optional wide conversion lens equivalent to 22 mm. Size 37 mm filters can also be attached.

G600 Ricoh digicam – Macro and Lithium Ion battery
The large-capacity lithium ion battery provided with the camera gives long battery life for approximately 360 shots (CIPA standard). If the battery runs out, readily available AAA size batteries can be used instead. An optional AC adapter can be used indoors, so three different power sources are available. Macro mode gets as close as 1cm from the subject. When the camera is connected to a personal computer via a USB cable, it is recognized as an external storage device, so images in the camera can be transferred to the computer without using special software. Full, automatic transfer is also available with the special software.

Ricoh G600 – CCD image sensor and PictBridge standard
The high-quality CCD has an effective 10 million pixels. Skew correction mode can modify photographs taken at an angle so that they look as if they were shot from the front. This is a powerful tool for various situations, such as images shot for message boards and display panels. The Ricoh G600 is compliant with the PictBridge standard that allows direct connection to a printer without routing through a personal computer. More diverse printing is possible, such as printing on forms registered in the printer, when connected to Ricoh’s high-speed colour laser printers and MFP. An edit check function detects for image data tampering. This increases the reliability of the data when digital photographic images are submitted as corroborative evidence.

Digiscoping with Minox : A brilliant world first from the renown optical specialist Minox provides all birders, wild animal and nature observers with a completely new and very affordable digiscoping or viewing experience! With the new Minox Digital Eyepiece Camera (DEC 5.0) fitted to a quality telescope a fast and easy-fitting solution has been provided for taking digital pictures through a spotting scope. Simply fitted to the eyepiece bayonet of a вЂ?scope this highly innovative product is an exciting combination of digital camera with normal camera functions, 2.4“ TFT monitor and eyepiece all in one. What is even more exciting is that nature lovers need no additional equipment – such as brackets and special adapters – to get into practical digiscoping.

Fast digiscoping for nature photographers / observers
The engineers at Minox can now boast that they have been successful in bringing fast and convenient digiscoping to the general market through their overall knowledge and experience that has now enabled them to bridge the separate worlds of high-performance optics and digital camera technology into a compact, lightweight and economic package.

Minox Digital Eyepiece Camera
The very compact size of around 68 x 56 x 71 mm and weighing in at 220 grams the Minox Digital Eyepiece Camera is so convenient to carry and travel with that it looks to be the perfect accessory for every quality spotting scope. The large screen allows more than one person to not only view the subject at the same time but also see the pictures or video-clips taken or being taken. It’s just like using a powerful telephoto lens with an terrific 40x magnification. Due to its compact size and lightweight the DEC 5 megapixel вЂ?camera’ is very nice to hold while at the same time being multi compatible. Initially it will be made with different bayonet fittings for high quality вЂ?scopes from Zeiss, Leica, Swarovski and Kowa as well as the Minox MD 62 range. Being watertight and shock-proof the Digital Eyepiece Camera can comfortably be used in adverse weather conditions, although bright light is preferable for good result with digiscoping. It is also built to stand up to rough outdoor use in extreme cases if necessary.

2.4 inch Color TFT monitor
A convenient folding вЂ?flip-up’ built-in shield not only protects the TFT monitor and the operating controls during transportation and storage, but probably more important, when erected it acts as an antidazzle shield when the Digital Eyepiece Camera is in operation as it prevents interfering reflections on the viewfinder image and gives a better density of image in bright light conditions. The 2.4” inch color display monitor screen serves not only as a viewfinder for getting the subject into view but also for fine adjustment of the normal camera functions as well as for checking the images after shooting.

Advantages of digiscoping with Minox Digital Eyepiece camera
For those not yet into digiscoping the advantages of the Minox Digital Eyepiece Camera are more than obvious for use either alone, with a partner or friend, or in a small group. Hunters or those on safari can see game from a long way away and take pictures at the same time while birders are able to observe the species from a safe distance and capture images rich in detail, with a вЂ?camera’ resolution of up to five megapixels. To do this, a powerful lens – replacing the eyepiece – transfers the image to the sensor of the digital camera integrated in the DEC. To store the image data this exceptional вЂ?camera’ has an internal memory of 128 MB as well as a port for SD memory cards with a capacity of up to 4 Gigabyte. Power is provided by a replaceable high-capacity lithium-ion battery – guaranteeing extensive observation and photographic fun when out and about! The Minox Digital Eyepiece Camera comes complete with battery, soft pouch, remote control, USB cable and manual.

Ricoh has launched a new ‘water and dust resistant’ digital compact camera called the G600.

Hailed as ‘smaller and lighter’ than the firm’s current 500G Wide model, the 10MP camera is designed to be shock resistant down to 1.5m and water resistant to a depth of around 1m.

The G600 sports a lens delivering the 35mm viewing angle equivalent of a 28-140mm zoom. An optional wide conversion lens will allow wideangle shots of 22mm, in 35mm terms.

‘It is perfect for customers who want to take pictures during a variety of outdoor activities such as marine sports, mountain climbing and fishing,’ said a Ricoh spokeswoman.

The 260g newcomer also features manual focusing, a 2.7in screen and a top equivalent ISO of 3200.

It also boasts an accessory shoe for attaching external flash and can be powered by AAA batteries.

The G600 will accept 37mm-size filters, according to Ricoh.

Also on board are autobracketing and spot metering options.

Meanwhile, macro focusing is possible down to 1cm, claims the company.

The G600 will arrive in UK stores in May priced £349.99, in a kit that includes a DB-60 rechargeable battery.

The debutante measures 116.5x68x32mm.

Few will argue that Nikon’s DSLRs are among the most esteemed digital cameras available; however, the prevailing sentiment among photo enthusiasts is that the compact Nikon digicams often pale in comparison to their bigger siblings. All that’s about to change with the introduction of the shirt-pocket sized Nikon Coolpix P50 ($160, street), an 8.1-megapixel image-making dynamo.

The Coolpix P50 is nearly the size of Nikon’s flagship point-and-shoot, the Coolpix P5100, yet has none of the gizmos, fluff, and confounding extras that get in the way of everyday shooting. There are no WiFi features, complex button schemes to learn or even a hot shoe. What you’ve got instead with the P50 is a stripped-down hotrod of a camera for the casual snapshooter or budget-minded enthusiast.

Sure, you give up some high-end control for the cost, such as RAW capture and full manual exposure, but we’re OK with that at this price. Nikon is more than generous with shutter speeds though, having a full range from 8 seconds to 1/1000th of a second available and an ISO range of 64 to 2000. It is clear though that Nikon’s intent is to make the P50 a utilitarian image-producing machine.

The thought of trying to do digital astrophotography can appear to be a complex combination of expensive equipment and Herculean knowledge that goes beyond what most of us are ready or capable to undertake. Digital Astrophotography: A Guide To Capturing The Cosmos was written as a step-by-step guide to remove many of these barriers to entry.

Sure, there is some expense and some techniques you will need to work with, but by providing all the knowledge and information, it will now be easier to dip your feet in to the universal waters. Digital Astrophotography is 147 pages in length and is divided into five chapters.

Chapter 1, “Before you Start,” is provided to give you some background about what this book is all about and to provide a proper introduction to astrophotography. It is helpful for you to have some background about the celestial objects you want to photograph, as that is not the main focus of this book.

As with everything else, it is always best to start off small and work your way up. Because of the advances in technology, it is much easier to get good results even with small telescopes and inexpensive digital cameras. Here you will learn about the appropriate telescopes, interaction of camera and telescope, and how they work together.

Chapter 2, “The Digital Compact Camera,” goes into the characteristics of a digital compact camera. This chapter goes through the suitable motifs for this type of camera, how to work with and without a telescope, and what the advantages and disadvantages are to working with this type of camera. It also goes in to the kind of useful accessories for working with a digital compact camera and how to take longer exposures, as well as how to process your images.

Chapter 3, “The Webcam,” begins by describing what a webcam is; this is your standard web camera used for video conferencing and video phone calls. Ideal objects for use with a web cam are objects within our solar system. With a webcam you can quickly capture close-ups of details of the sun and moon. Please read the warnings. Chapter 3 describes how to set up the web cam, position it, and get it focused. Also discussed is how to process your images and the tools you will need.

Chapter 4, “The Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera,” discusses why the DSLR is considered one of the best types of cameras for astrophotography. It explains what can be done with and without a telescope, the advantages and disadvantages of using this type of camera, tips for buying a DSLR, and what the useful accessories are for a kind of camera.

This chapter goes into how to take astrophotos with the camera by beginning with mounting on a telescope, photographing through the telescope, focusing, and guiding the camera/telescope for longer exposures. Finally it ends with how to process your images once you collect them.

Chapter 5, “The Astronomical CCD Camera,” explains how the astronomical CDD camera is considered the Rolls-Royce of astrophotography cameras, especially with regard to deep space objects. As with the Rolls-Royce, the cost can be expensive. The camera starts at $700 and from there, pardon the pun, the sky is the limit. As with the other chapters, discussed are advantages and disadvantages, buying tips, and how to process your images.

While everyone admires the images that have been captured from space, especially deep space, most feel this is something beyond their ability no matter what their finances are able to provide. Digital Astrophotography shows that even on a modest budget, one can get into astrophotography. While there are costs involved, the results can be spectacular. Digital Astrophotography is concise, easily read, and very up to date. If you are contemplating astrophotography, this is probably the best primer on the subject.

Digital Astrophotography, unlike many books on the subject, does not overwhelm you with too much information that it becomes incomprehensible. Rather, it sticks to the basics while providing a large amount of information. If you have any interest in astrophotography, then Digital Astrophotography: A Guide To Capturing The Cosmos is highly recommended.

Sigma has finally launched its DP1 ‘high-end’ compact camera after a redesign and image quality issues led to lengthy delays.

The DP1 features the same 14-million-pixel Foveon X3 imaging sensor as featured in Sigma’s SD14 DSLR. The DP1′s sensor measures 20.7mmx13.8mm.

First unveiled in 2006 – as the world’s first digital compact to feature a near APS-C-size imaging sensor – the DP1 prototype underwent a redesign last year when a hotshoe was added.

Billed as a ‘high-end’ model the camera had been expected out in the UK last May but, in a bid to make image quality on a par with Sigma’s DSLR range, the firm then changed the digital compact camera’s ‘entire image-processing pipeline’ – further delaying its launch.

‘The DP1 is a completely new type of camera, offering the full spec and high image quality of a DSLR in the body of a compact camera,’ said the company in a statement released today at the PMA show in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States.

It includes a new Three-layer Responsive Ultimate Engine (TRUE) image processor, specifically designed for the Foveon sensor’s ‘three silicon embedded layer direct image sensor’.

Sigma claims that the camera delivers ‘high-definition images rich in gradation and impressive three-dimensional detail’.

The DP1 sports a 16.6mm f/4 lens, designed to deliver the 35mm viewing angle equivalent of a 28mm lens on a 35mm SLR.

The kit will include Sigma PhotoPro raw image conversion software.

Photographers can record images in raw or JPEG, in a choice of four resolution modes.

Features also include a built-in ‘pop-up’ flash, a hotshoe and a 2.5in LCD screen (230,000 pixel resolution).

Optional accessories will include an optical viewfinder (VF-11) and external flash (EF-140 DG).

A spokesman explained that the camera was developed to meet increasing consumer demand for this type of compact digital camera.

Sigma launched its first DSLR, the SD9, in 2002.

Last year Sigma UK’s office told us that interest in the DP1 has been ‘dramatic’ despite continued delays to its launch.

A UK price for the DP1 had yet to be confirmed at the time of writing.

Leica Camera AG is proud to announce the introduction of the LEICA M8 Upgrade Programme at PMA, an innovative concept adding lifelong value retention to the digital LEICA M8.

The first upgrades are due to be available from August 2008 (orders can be placed on www.leica-camera.co.uk from March 2008) and the programme will include a further reduced shutter sound, a scratch-proof sapphire glass cover for the LCD monitor, the installation of latest firmware and a fresh two-year warranty.  

A series of further upgrades are planned for the future, ensuring that Leica continues to offer the latest digital refinements and developments, whilst maintaining the camera’s status as a unique long-term investment.

Leica Camera will collect and return all LEICA M8s direct from customers who order the upgrade package, and camera functions will also be checked whilst the camera is in Leica’s care.   From August 2008, the upgraded LEICA M8 is due to be available as a finished product option to compliment the current M8.

Throughout the years, Leica M photographers have come to rely on superb picture quality, a special handling experience, and most importantly, a camera that will span generations.  The M8 Upgrade Programme ensures that this won’t change in the continually developing digital industry.

“While other digital cameras quickly become outdated and are replaced by newer models, our new concept extends the value retention that stands for the Leica brand.  Over time, we will gradually offer new product features and developments as upgrade options.” Comments Steven K. Lee, CEO of Leica Camera AG. “Our customers can therefore still invest in the photographic tools they need without worrying that they will miss out on improvement and technological developments along the way.  We are confident that this is the right approach for ensuring customer satisfaction and allowing them to continue to sharpen their vision and refine their skills with the Leica M8.”

The Nikon Coolpix P60 is a new 8 megapixel compact digital camera with 5x zoom (36mm-180mm). The Nikon P60 also offers a 2.5 inch LCD screen, electronic viewfinder and vibration reduction technology. “Its ergonomic design, powerful zoom lens and advanced features make the Nikon P60 a great choice for people who want to take outstanding pictures with a compact camera.” said Martina Beckmann, Manager Communications & Marketing Services for Nikon Europe. The estimated street price for the Nikon Coolpix P60 is €229 / $229.95, available in March.

Nikon Europe Press Release

Nikon COOLPIX P60 Compact Camera Puts Performance First

8.1 megapixel resolution, 5x optical zoom, vibration reduction provide powerful picture-taking abilities

Amsterdam, the Netherlands, January 29, 2008 – Nikon Europe today announced the new Nikon COOLPIX P60, a compact digital still camera that features 8.1 megapixel resolution, a 5x optical NIKKOR zoom lens and a large 2.5-inch LCD screen in a traditionally-styled, yet compact and lightweight camera body. The P60 offers Nikon’s VR vibration reduction technology, a wide range of image enhancement features and a handy mode dial that puts the user in control. Designed to work with standard AA batteries, the P60 will appeal to camera lovers with its comfortable handgrip and classic black colour. “The COOLPIX P60 brings professional features and quality to consumers in an easy-to-use package,” said Martina Beckmann, Manager Communications & Marketing Services for Nikon Europe B.V. “Its ergonomic design, powerful zoom lens and advanced features make the P60 a great choice for people who want to take outstanding pictures with a compact camera.”

Easy to Grip, Easy to Use
The P60 has the pleasing look and feel of a traditional photo camera. Designed for intuitive operation, it has an easy-to-hold grip providing stability and a solid shooting touch in a comfortable, compact body size. Framing a photograph is simple, using either the P60′s wide viewing angle 2.5-inch LCD screen, or the electronic viewfinder with included information display. The camera’s easy to use mode dial makes it simple for users to switch between manual and auto modes. In Programmed auto mode, it automatically selects shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure, while the Manual mode lets users select both shutter speed and aperture for greater control over results. The camera includes 15 scene modes optimised for pre-defined situations including Portrait, Landscape, Night Portrait, Sports, Party/Indoor, Close Up, Museum and even Fireworks Show. The P60 also has the capacity for movie recording with sound at 640 x 480 pixels at 30fps. Images are recorded on a removable SD memory card or in the 12MB internal memory.

Lens and Image Quality
The P60 is equipped with a 5x optical NIKKOR zoom lens that offers outstanding precision and sharp resolution. The lens has a focal length of 6.4-32mm, equivalent to 36mm-180mm in a 35mm format, and has aperture settings ranging from f/3.6-4.5. The camera can be used in a wide range of lighting conditions with sensitivities of ISO 80 to ISO 2000, enabling faster shutter speeds to help overcome subject blur or when shooting in places with insufficient light. In addition the P60 offers enhanced processing speed and image quality due to its EXPEED image-processing engine. For clear, stable results when shooting still images and videos, the incorporated image sensor shift VR technology reduces the effect of hand-held camera shake at slow shutter speeds. The P60 has a focal range of approximately 30cm to infinity. A macro mode allows shooting from as close as 10cm from the subject, while the new Active Zoom feature allows smooth zooming for close-ups.

Image Innovation
The P60 offers several in-camera innovations that make it easy to shoot beautiful portraits. An advanced version of Face-Priority AF (auto focus), detects up to 5 faces with precise auto focus. Another feature is In-Camera Red Eye Fix, which uses digital processing to restore natural eye colour when using the flash. A third image innovation is Nikon’s D-Lighting process, now faster than ever. Applied in the camera during playback and without the need for a computer, it compensates for excessive backlight or insufficient flash.

Accessories and Pricing
The P60 is supplied with two AA-size alkaline batteries, a USB cable, audio video cable, a strap and a CD-ROM with Software Suite for COOLPIX. A battery charger, rechargeable Ni-MH batteries and

AC adapter are available as optional accessories. The P60 measures 95.5 (W) x 63.5 (H) x 36 (D) mm with the lens retracted. It weighs approx. 160g without battery and SD memory card. The estimated street price for the P60 is €229.

Pentax has today announced plans to launch the 14.6MP K20D.

Speaking at a press launch in Dubai, Gabriele Remmers, marketing communications manager for Pentax Europe, described the K20D as a ‘mid-range’ model.

It will be available in March at a body only price of £899.99. The K20D will also be out in a £999.99 kit which includes a 18-55mm lens.

Designed to ‘build on the success’ of Pentax’s K10D the K20D uses a CMOS imaging sensor (the K10D uses a CCD chip).

Improvements over the K10D include a larger 2.7in screen, Live View and the addition of a X-sync socket for studio flash.

Weighing 715g the K20D contains an equivalent ISO sensitivity of 100-6400 and borrows the Shake Reduction technology from its K10D sister which it is expected to eventually replace.

Compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards the KAF2-mount camera features 11-point AF with nine cross-sensors (SAFOX VIII AF system) and individual AF point selection.

Pentax describes the camera’s ‘pixel mapping’ capability as follows: ‘Pixel mapping interpolates failed pixels, avoiding disturbing white spots in the final image. This function is completed automatically by the camera so that annoying and time-consuming retouching can be avoided’.

More details will appear in AP’s 2 February issue, due in shops on 29 January and available to subscribers from Saturday 26 January.

See the full specification here