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Democracy Bootcamp: Edmonton
Roughly 130 educators from Edmonton and the surrounding region took part in Democracy Bootcamp at The Alberta Teachers' Association.
Democracy Bootcamp: Edmonton was the fifth and final professional conference that CIVIX hosted in 2015 to inspire teachers' democratic engagement and support their delivery of Student Vote during this fall's federal election. We have officially trained more than 800 teachers throughout Canada in preparation for the largest Student Vote in the program's history!
The day began with a panel of high-level political operatives, who gave teachers a glance inside a campaign to explain how they are shaped, won and lost. The panel featured Tom Flanagan, Sally Housser, and Scott Reid and was moderated by The Edmonton Journal's Graham Thomson.
The afternoon's agenda included an all-candidate forum on federal politics hosted by Nancy Carlson of Global News Edmonton and a presentation of Student Vote's new tools and best practices.
Two other Bootcamps – Democracy Bootcamp: Calgary and Democracy Bootcamp: Montreal – were held just last week in their respective cities, and CIVIX organized two other Bootcamps in British Columbia and Ontario earlier this year.
CIVIX has organized Student Vote projects in Alberta during the last four federal and three provincial elections. In the recent provincial election, more than 92,000 Student Vote ballots were cast from 838 schools, representing the province's best ever participation in the program.
Already in this fall's federal Student Vote, Alberta has shattered its past participation records. The province has increased its best-ever participation by 31 per cent, with 1186 schools registered – that's more than half of all schools in the province!
Democracy Bootcamp: Edmonton is made possible with the support of The Alberta Teachers' Association, Edmonton Catholic School District, Edmonton Public Schools, Elections Alberta, Elections Canada, The Edmonton Community Foundation, The Max Bell Foundation, and Your Canada, Your Constitution.
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Democracy Bootcamp: Calgary
More than 300 teachers from across Calgary will participate in Democracy Bootcamp today at the TELUS Spark Centre. The conference is intended to inspire the democratic engagement of teachers and improve their delivery of Student Vote during this fall's federal election.
Democracy Bootcamp: Calgary will be our largest event in 2015, and the day-long agenda is packed with interesting speakers and special guests. In the morning, teachers will hear from political scientist Paul Fairie on the 'Math (or Magic?)' of polls, including their impact on elections, their implications for our democracy, and why pollsters get it right – and wrong.
An experienced panel of political operatives will then give teachers a glance 'Inside a Campaign' to offer insight on how campaigns are shaped, won and lost. The panel features Kathleen Monk, Scott Reid, and Jamie Watt and is moderated by The Globe and Mail's Campbell Clark.
The afternoon schedule includes an all-party forum on federal politics hosted by Linda Olsen of Global News Calgary and a presentation on Student Vote tools and best practices.
Another Bootcamp – Democracy Bootcamp: Montréal – is simultaneously being held in Montréal today, and another is scheduled for next Tuesday, September 29 in Edmonton. CIVIX also hosted two other Bootcamps in British Columbia and Ontario earlier this year. By next week, we will have trained more than 800 teachers throughout Canada to deliver our biggest and best Student Vote yet.
CIVIX has organized Student Vote projects in Alberta during the last four federal and three provincial elections. In the recent provincial election, more than 92,000 Student Vote ballots were cast from 838 schools, representing the province's best ever participation in the program.
In this fall's federal Student Vote, Alberta has already shattered past participation. The province sits at 120 per cent of its best ever registration, with 1,061 schools registered – that's more than half of all schools in the province!
Democracy Bootcamp: Calgary is made possible with the support of The Alberta Teachers' Association, Calgary Board of Education, Calgary Catholic School District, Elections Alberta, Elections Canada, The Calgary Foundation, The Max Bell Foundation, and Your Canada, Your Constitution.
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Democracy Bootcamp: Montréal
CIVIX is proud to welcome over 60 teachers and participants from across Québec for Democracy Bootcamp: Montréal today at Écomusée du fier monde. Participants will engage on the delivery of the Student Vote program for the 2015 federal election, and learn about democratic engagement in the classroom.
Graham Fox of the Institut de la recherche en politiques publiques will moderate a panel of expert political analysts, including Tasha Kheiriddin of the National Post, Philippe Orfali of Le Devoir, and Éric Montigny of Université de Laval, while they discuss the federal election.
Participants will also learn about polling accuracy and how to integrate the results of polls into the classroom, with Claire Durand of Université de Montréal. In the afternoon, participants will engage in group discussion sessions in order to share resources and their experiences with Student Vote, and to help teachers prepare to deliver the program.
The Directeur général des élections du Québec and l'Assemblée nationale du Québec will share tools and programs from the Québec government for civic education, including Vox populi: Ta démocratie à l'école and Par ici la démocratie.
CIVIX will also share the best tips, practices, and tools that teachers can integrate into their Student Vote programs this fall. With the advice from experienced participants, to the latest social media tools and videos, teachers will leave the day prepared to challenge their students into thinking about, and acting on their civic duty with the Student Vote program.
Another Bootcamp – Democracy Bootcamp: Calgary – is simultaneously being held in Calgary today, and another is scheduled for next Tuesday, September 29 in Edmonton. CIVIX hosted two other Bootcamps in British Columbia and Ontario earlier this year as well. By next week, we will have trained more than 800 teachers throughout Canada to deliver our biggest and best Student Vote yet.
CIVIX has organized Student Votes during the last four federal elections in Québec. In the last federal election, 322 schools in the province registered for the Student Vote program, resulting in over 36,000 ballots cast. The 2015 election has resulted in 110 per cent of our best ever participation in the province.
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Over 5,000 schools registered for Student Vote
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Democracy Bootcamp Ontario 2015
More than 200 educators from across Ontario are set to gather in Toronto today and tomorrow for Democracy Bootcamp!
Hosted by CIVIX at the Royal Ontario Museum and the Arcadian Court, Democracy Bootcamp will cover the basics of elections, voting research and trends, and techniques and tools to educate and engage students in our democracy. The conference is intended to improve the political knowledge, interest, and instructional capacity of classroom teachers, and enhance their delivery of the Student Vote program.
Democracy Bootcamp is made possible with support from Elections Canada, the Elementary Teachers' Federation, the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association, the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation, the Ontario Teachers' Federation and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
The schedule for the two-day event includes an all-party forum on federal politics hosted by Althia Raj, a pundits panel featuring Amanda Alvaro, Robin MacLachlan and Stockwell Day, and an insider's look at election campaigns hosted by Desmond Cole and featuring Kathleen Monk, Jaime Watt and David Herle. Additional discussions will feature Vote Compass, Samara Canada, Abacus Data and Twitter Canada.
CIVIX has organized Student Vote projects in Ontario during the last four federal and four provincial elections, as well as two municipal and school board elections (including the most recent municipal and school board elections in the fall of 2014). During last year's provincial election, more than 170,000 Student Vote ballots were cast from over 1,300 schools.
A British Columbia Democracy Bootcamp took place in Vancouver in February; photos are available here. Bootcamps in Quebec and Alberta are being planned for later this year.
The first Democracy Bootcamp for Ontario teachers was held in April 2011. Videos of the panels are available here. You can watch a video recap of the event here:
Follow us at @CIVIX_Canada and @studentvote to keep tabs on #DemocracyBootcamp.
Please contact firstname.lastname@example.com for more information.
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Bringing the Vital Signs Report to Student Vote classrooms across Toronto
Rahul Bhardwaj, President & CEO of the Toronto Foundation, recently met with a group of "budding city councillors" at a Toronto high school. These students were a part of a joint initiative between the Toronto Foundation and CIVIX, to bring the Toronto's Vital Signs® Report into Student Vote classrooms across the city.
Coinciding with official election periods, students learn about government and the electoral process, debate the issues, and participate in a parallel vote on the official local candidates.
In the fall of 2014, 1,640 schools registered and 133,202 ballots were cast as part of the Student Vote program for the Ontario municipal and school board elections. Toronto's civic elections were particularly exciting, and more than 30,000 students from across the city cast their ballots for mayor, council and school board trustee.
To increase engagement, CIVIX and the Toronto Foundation partnered to bring the Vital Signs® Report into nearly 300 Toronto schools.
One of 191 Community Foundations in Canada, the Toronto Foundation is an independent charitable foundation that connects philanthropy to community needs and opportunities across the city.
Published annually by the Toronto Foundation, the Report identifies the trends and issues affecting the quality of life in Toronto. It aims to inspire civic engagement and provide focus for public debate.
The Report and a specially developed classroom activity were distributed to registered Team Leaders in Toronto to accompany other Student Vote resources. Through the Vital Signs® Report, students learned about issues affecting their city in more detail, and encouraged discussion about how different candidates would address those questions.
One participating teacher said the Toronto Vital Signs® Report, "fostered interest in municipal politics and inspired my students to advocate for issues affecting their community" and added that it "gave us a lot of knowledge about our city and also provided an important framework within which I was able to bring up issues that were a part of municipal politics."
Teacher Alicia Roberge and her Grade 9 geography class at Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute provided a great example of how Student Vote and the Report could work hand in hand to increase youth civic engagement.
Alicia's students created a series of videos and presented their work to Toronto Foundation President & CEO Rahul Bhardwaj on November 27, 2014. You can watch a video recap of the visit here.
"CIVIX was delighted to work with the Toronto Foundation last fall and have the opportunity to provide interesting research and statistics to participating schools in Toronto. We know it fostered great dialogue in classrooms about important issues facing our city. It was a valuable experience for all involved," says Taylor Gunn, President and CEO of CIVIX Canada.
Overall, the partnership between CIVIX and the Toronto Foundation was successful in providing students with a greater understanding of the issues at hand in the municipal election. We look forward to working together again during the next Toronto election!
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Legislatures set to return for the fall session
Over the next few months, provincial legislatures and the House of Commons will return for their respective fall sessions. Here's our recap of the dates when each legislature is expected to resume:
- Canada: The House of Commons was adjourned on June 20 and will reconvene on September 15.
- Québec: The National Assembly of Québec is scheduled to return on September 16. The assembly was adjourned on June 13.
- Nova Scotia: The Nova Scotia Legislature is set to return on September 25. According to Premier Stephen McNeil, the fall session will begin with a Speech from the Throne.
- British Columbia: The Legislative Assembly of British Columbia was adjourned on May 29 and is scheduled to return for the fall session on October 6.
- Northwest Territories: The Legislative Assembly of Northwest Territories is scheduled to reconvene on October 16. The legislature adjourned on June 5.
- Ontario: The Legislative Assembly of Ontario was adjourned on July 24. Queen's Park is set to return on October 20.
- Nunavut: The Legislative Assembly of Nunavut will resume for the fall sitting on October 21. The legislature was adjourned on June 12.
- Saskatchewan: The Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan is scheduled to resume for the fall session on October 22. The Third Session of the 27 Legislative Assembly concluded on May 15.
- Yukon: The spring sitting of the first session of the 33rd Yukon Legislative Assembly was adjourned on May 15. The legislative assembly will reconvene on October 23.
- Prince Edward Island: The Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island will reconvene with a Speech from the Throne on November 12.
- Alberta: The Legislative Assembly of Alberta was prorogued by new Premier Jim Prentice. It is scheduled to reconvene on November 17.
- Manitoba: The Legislative Assembly of Manitoba will reconvene on November 20 with a Speech from the Throne.
- New Brunswick: The Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick will reconvene with a Speech from the Throne on December 3.
One legislature has not yet set a date for their fall return:
- Newfoundland and Labrador: The House Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador presently stands adjourned to the call of the chair.
Stay tuned for the latest news!
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International Election Digest
Turkey, Sweden and Fiji are in the midst of elections! Here's our breakdown of the latest news.
Turkey hosted their presidential election on August 10. After the first round of voting, current Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan (representing the Justice and Development Party) won the election with 51.9 per cent of the vote. Opposition candidate Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu secured 38.3 per cent of the vote. There will not be a run-off due to the "huge margin" of victory.
During this election campaign, Erdogan said that if elected he will amend the constitution to transform the ceremonial post of president into a "US-style executive powerhouse." Ihsanoglu expressed no interest in supporting an executive-style presidential system.
During the last presidential election in 2007, Abdullah Gül was indirectly elected as the president by the members of the Grand National Assembly. Constitutional amendments were made to allow the president to be elected directly to serve a five-year term.
The Swedish general election will take place on September 14, 2014. As per the constitution, the election must take place every four years in September to allocate the 349 seats in the Riksdag (Sweden's parliament). At the same time, elections will also be held for municipal assemblies and county councils. The Swedish electoral system uses proportional representation.
The last Swedish general election was held on September 19, 2010. After the official ballot count, the center-right "Alliance" – comprised of the Moderate Party, Centre Party, Liberal Party and Christian Democrats – secured 172 seats in parliament and won a second term. The "Red-Greens" – comprised of Social Democrats, the Left Party, and the Green Party – secured 157 seats in the parliament. Voter turnout was at 84.6 per cent and over 6 million voters participated in the election.
Presently, there are ten political parties participating in the fall election. According to opinion polls, the Social Democrats are leading with 30.8 per cent of voter support.
Fiji will host its first general election since the 2006 military coup on September 17, 2014. The election writ was recently drawn up by acting Chief Justice Anthony Gates, confirming the election date.
Prior to the adoption of a new constitution in 2013, Fiji had a bicameral parliament comprised of a Senate and the House of Representatives. Fiji now has a parliamentary system comprised of 50 seats, with each member serving for a five-year term. Members of parliament will be elected by a "multi-member open list system" of proportional representation.
On March 5, 2014, Rear Admiral and interim Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama successfully handed over the Fiji military command to Commander Brigadier Mosese Tikoitoga and announced his plan to run in the election as a candidate. Later in April, Bainimarama announced Dr. Jiko Luveni as the first candidate to join his Fiji First Party (FFP). There are currently five political parties participating in this election.
To ensure a free and fair election, Fiji will set up a task force to monitor the way media outlets report on the campaign.
Stay tuned for more international election news and coverage!
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Leadership Race Update
Over the next few months, ten political organizations from across Canada will elect new leaders. Here is our breakdown of the latest news surrounding these leadership races.
Newfoundland and Labrador
The Progressive Conservative Party of Newfoundland and Labrador leadership race began when Kathy Dunderdale announced her resignation as the premier and party leader on January 22, 2014. On January 24, 2014, Tom Marshall was sworn in as interim party leader and the province's 11th premier.
Nominations for the position of party leader closed on July 7, 2014 and Paul Davis, Steve Kent and John Ottenheimer were announced as leadership candidates. The election will take place during the PC leadership convention on September 13, 2014.
Prince Edward Island
Olive Crane stepped down as the leader of PEI PC Party on January 31, 2013. On the same day, Steven Myers was appointed as the party's interim leader. The PEI PC leadership convention was to be held this fall, but the convention date is being reconsidered now that the next provincial election will be held in 2016.
Nova Scotia
Darrell Dexter stepped down as the leader of the Nova Scotia NDP on November 23, 2013 and Maureen MacDonald was appointed as the party's interim leader. The leadership election date is yet to be decided. Both Maureen Macdonald and Peter Stoffer have declined to run for the leadership position.
The Parti Québécois leadership race began with Pauline Marois stepping down as PQ leader after her election defeat on April 7, 2014. The PQ caucus chose Stéphane Bédard as the interim party leader. The leadership election date is yet to be decided and the campaigning isn't expected to start before this fall. Prospective candidates include MNAs Pierre Karl Péladeau, Bernard Drainville and Jean-François Lisée.
Tim Hudak stepped down as the leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party on July 2, 2014. Following his resignation, the PC caucus elected Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson as the interim leader. Although no date has been decided for the leadership election, preparations have begun to seek a new leader. So far, Whitby-Oshawa MPP Christine Elliot has declared her candidacy and other possible candidates include MPPs Lisa MacLeod, Vic Fedeli and Monte McNaughton.
James Beddome resigned as the leader of the Green Party of Manitoba on November 16, 2013 and Alain Landry was appointed as the interim leader. The date for the leadership election has not yet been decided.
The Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta (PCAA) leadership race began when Alison Redford announced her resignation as the party leader and premier of Alberta on March 19, 2014. On March 20, 2014, caucus members elected Dave Hancock as interim leader and premier.
On June 2, 2014, the PCAA introduced Jim Prentice, Ric McIver and Thomas Lukaszuk as official leadership candidates. The leadership vote will be held on September 6, 2014 in a "two-round" voting system. If no candidate wins a clear majority, the two leading candidates will move to the second round of voting on September 20, 2014.
Alberta's New Democratic Party leadership race began after Brian Mason announced his resignation as the party leader on April 29, 2014. The leadership election date is set for October 18 and 19, 2014. So far, Edmonton-Calder MLA David Eggen, Edmonton-Strathcona MLA Rachel Notley and former candidate Rod Loyola have declared their candidacy.
British Columbia
The Green Party of BC is still in the process of electing a new party leader. Jane Sterk stepped down as the party leader on August 13, 2013 and Adam Olsen was appointed as the interim leader. No date has been finalized yet to formally elect the next party leader.
Assembly of First Nations (AFN)
Shawn Atleo resigned as the chief of Assembly of First Nations on May 2, 2014. During the 35th Annual AFN Conference in Halifax, native leaders voted to elect a new leader. Grand Chief David Harper of the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak said "any of the candidates to replace Mr. Atleo will have to campaign on promises of reform." The leadership vote will take place in Winnipeg this December.
Which leadership race are you most looking forward to?
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11 Things to Know about the 2014 Indian Election
Over the course of next month, Indian voters will elect 543 members of the 16th Lok Sabha, the lower House of Parliament. Here are eleven key things you need to know about the 2014 Indian general election and the Indian political system:
- As many as 814 million eligible could cast their ballots in this year's election. The last general election in India took place in 2009 with 713 million eligible voters. Due to the large number of voters, the election will be conducted in nine phases spread across five weeks. The election commenced on April 7th and will conclude on May 12th. The final results will be announced on May 16th.
- According to the Election Commission of India, 930,000 polling stations have been set up across the country to execute the electoral process. Polling stations have been equipped with 1.7 million EVMs (electronic voting machines).
- India's government is structured as a federal system and is constituted as a sovereign, secular, socialist, democratic republic. Like Canada, the country's government is divided into three branches: executive, legislative and judicial. Also similar to Canada, India uses the First-Past-The-Post electoral system where the candidate with the most votes wins.
- India has a bicameral legislature which is based upon the British Westminster system. There is an upper house (Rajya Sabha, or the Council of States) and a lower house (Lok Sabha, or the House of the People).
- The Lok Sabha is comprised of 545 seats, out of which 543 seats are directly elected and 2 are appointed by the country's president. According to constitutional requirement, Lok Sabha elections must take place every five years.
- The executive leader – the prime minister – is appointed by the lower house. The party holding a majority in the lower house elects its leader as the prime minister. If no party holds a majority of seats, parties forms coalitions until they acquire the required number of seats to elect a prime minister.
- India has a multiparty system. There are two are major national parties and an additional 50 state or regional parties. According to the Association of Democratic Reforms, there are a total of 1,600 political parties in India. The majority of such parties register with the Election Commission of India but never participate in any election.
- Party coalition plays an important role in Indian politics and legislative policies. No political party has won a majority since 1989 and support from other parties is required to form a working government. The United Progressive Alliance coalition (UPA), led by the Indian National Congress, along with the opposition Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) has been in power for past 10 years.
- This year's election will primarily be contested by three major political parties: the centre-left Indian National Congress party led by Rahul Gandhi, the right wing Bhartiya Janata Party led by Narendra Modi and the centre-left Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led by Arvind Kejriwal.
- Nepotism and criminality continue to undermine credibility of the candidates in the upcoming election. According to research, "nearly 30 per cent of current members of parliament are from political families; for parliamentary members younger than 40, the figure rises to two-thirds." Furthermore, according to a recently published research, almost a "fifth of candidates in India's upcoming elections are facing criminal charges."
- Indian youth will play a key role in this year's election. It is estimated that 150 million Indian youth between the ages of 18 to 23 years will cast their vote for the first time.
It will be interesting to see how the election unfolds and if any of the major political parties will manage to secure a majority or once again rely on regional support to form a coalition.
You can also read Abhi's blog on Republic Day of India and the Indian electoral system.
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Whether you're shooting a basketball game from the sidelines or the great wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara, you're going to want a camera with a lens that's fast enough to catch all of the action. While some prefer the flexibility of an interchangeable-lens system with a large sensor, others dislike the bulk and weight of the gear involved. Fortunately for us all, technology is catching up to those of us who want a small camera with a large sensor and the ability to change lenses. Whatever your preference may be—below is a list of ten cameras recommended for sports, wildlife, and action photography for your adventures in 2016.
For the absolute latest flagship release, the new Canon EOS-1D X Mark II features a 20.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor, Dual DIGIC 6+ processors, and a 61-Point High Density Reticular Auto Focus II with 41 cross-type points and a center point sensitive to -3 EV. This durable magnesium-alloy body has been designed for the pro shooter, delivering 16 frames per second when working in live view, and 14 fps when working with the viewfinder, not to mention the ability to record up to 170 raw files in a single burst when using a CFast 2.0 memory card. An expanded sensitivity range from ISO 50-409600 allows for greater low-light performance. Furthermore, the weather- and dust-proof EOS-1D X Mark II supports DCI 4K-resolution video recording at up to 60 fps, along with Full HD 1080p shooting at 120 fps for slow-motion playback. A built-in GPS module allows for in-camera geo-tagging and auto time sync while Wi-Fi sharing and wireless remote control is supported when using the optional WFT-E8A Wireless File Transmitter.
Another recent release, the Nikon D5 houses a 20.8MP FX-format CMOS sensor, an EXPEED 5 processor, and 153-point Multi-CAM 20K phase-detect auto focusing. Photographers wanting to capture a fast-paced sports game or animals in the wilderness running at top speeds will be delighted by the 14 fps maximum continuous frame rate with fixed focus and mirror lock-up. For those desiring full auto exposure and focusing, a slight drop to 12 fps is sure to capture the perfect action-packed moment with precise focusing. Nighttime wildlife feed times and night games won't be as challenging to shoot with the native sensitivity range from ISO 100-102400 and the expanded range of ISO 50-3280000. Photographers who also work in video will be pleased with the D5's 4K UHD video-recording capabilities. Wi-Fi connectivity is possible with the optional WT-6A transmitter.
For flagship performance in a compact DX-format body, the Nikon D500 DSLR Camera is another recent release to the market. Featuring a 20.9MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor, it houses the same EXPEED 5 processor and 153-point Multi-CAM 20K phase-detect autofocusing as the D5 for significantly less of an investment. Sports and wildlife shooters alike will readily take advantage of the 10 fps continuous shooting rate for up to 200 frames in a single burst. The native sensitivity range from ISO 100-51200 with an expanded ISO 50-1640000 is able to handle tough lighting situations. The D500 also offers up to 4K UHD video recording at 30 fps. Multiple sharing options like the built-in SnapBridge Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology, and Near Field Communication (NFC) are all supported to provide quick methods for connecting to your mobile device.
Another APS-C offering, this time from Canon, is the Canon 7D Mark II, which features a 20.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor with dual DIGIC 6 image processors and a continuous shooting rate of 10 fps. This fast action capture relies heavily upon the 65-point all cross type phase-detection AF system that makes it a great choice for sports and wildlife photographers. The combination of dual image processors and CMOS sensor contribute to the native ISO range of 100-16000, which can be expanded to ISO 51200. For those working across platforms, Full HD 1080p video recording is supported at up to 60 fps and benefits from Dual Pixel CMOS AF for fast focusing during video and live view.
For a lot of speed in a compact mirrorless body, the Nikon 1 V3, available here with the 10-30mm kit lens, combines an 18.4MP 1" CMOS sensor and an EXPEED 4A image processor to achieve 20 frames per second with full-time autofocus capabilities. Once the focus position is fixed after the first frame is recorded, continuous shooting captures up to 60 fps—perfect when you're close to the action. The intuitive Hybrid AF system combines both phase- and contrast-detection focusing methods to capture all of the action with extreme precision. In addition to the high-resolution still photographs, Full HD 1080p video recording is supported at 60 frames per second with a sensitivity of 12800 and full-time focusing for constant sharpness. While many photographers still wrinkle their noses at a tilting screen, it affords easier visibility from a variety of angles that would be otherwise impossible with a traditional viewfinder. For the traditionalist, an auxiliary electronic viewfinder is included. The camera's built-in Wi-Fi enables you to quickly share photos immediately after recording them. For existing Nikon shooters looking for a compact camera solution, slip the FT-1 Mount Adapter onto the Nikon 1 V3 so you can work with all your favorite F-mount glass.
Featuring a 24.35MP APS-C CMOS sensor, the Pentax K-3 II has a PRIME III image processor, optimized for high-speed shooting at 8.3 frames per second, and a competitive ISO range of 100-51200. Twenty-seven distinct phase-detection points include 25 cross-type for quickly and accurately pinpointing focus. Image quality and overall versatility is improved upon with a selectable anti-aliasing filter to gain higher resolution and sharpness or to protect against moiré. The sensor-shift design compensates for up to 4.5 stops of camera shake, aiding even the most experienced fast-action shooter, especially with longer focal lengths. Full HD 1080p video recording is supported in multiple frame rates along with time-lapse capture with the interval timer.
For those wanting to take advantage of Fujifilm's history in traditional film-based photography, several Film Simulation modes mimic some of the classic film types in the compact Fujifilm X-T1, which offers a 16.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor and an EXR Processor II, both contributing to its top continuous shooting rate of 8 frames per second. The expandable ISO range, from ISO 100-51200 is equally competitive, as is its proprietary X-Trans sensor, which takes advantage of a randomized pixel array instead of the more commonly used resolution-reducing optical low-pass filter. Digital Split Image and Focus Highlight Peaking enable fast and efficient manual focusing. Built-in wireless connectivity allows for instant sharing of photos and videos to your Android or iOS mobile device, as well as remote camera control and monitoring.
The Sony a77II features a 24.3MP APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor and a BIONZ X image processor that work together to produce continuous shooting at up to 12 fps for as many as 26 RAW frames. Translucent Mirror Technology enables the 79-point AF system with 15 cross-type points to work seamlessly while photographing in continuous shooting mode or while recording video and it enables full use of live view and the electronic viewfinder during shooting. Full HD 1080p video recording is supported at both 60 and 24 fps. Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and NFC are both available without a complex setup.
For a smaller and more compact Sony body, the 14.25 ounce Sony a6300 is an advanced mirrorless option featuring a redeveloped 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processor that work simultaneously to produce continuous shooting up to 11 fps. A 425-point phase-detection system with a 169-area contrast detection system allows for High-density Tracking AF for increased accuracy when following moving subjects across the image frame. Due to the on-sensor design of the AF system, it also works when shooting UHD 4K video, which is possible at a high 100 Mbps for maximum quality. Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and NFC are also supported in the a6300 for direct sharing online to social networking, via email, and to cloud storage sites.
For those wanting everything (or as close to everything as technology will allow) in one package, the Sony RX10 Mark II offers a 20.2MP 1" Exmor RS BSI CMOS sensor with a Carl Zeiss 24-200mm f/2.8 lens. This all-in-one camera offers a flexible built-in zoom that eliminates the need to carry additional lenses. Its constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 and sensitivity range of ISO 100-12800 provides excellent low-light capabilities. The BIONZ X processor enables continuous shooting up to 14 fps and contributes to the camera's precise and speedy autofocus, as well as UHD 4K video recording. Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and NFC round out the RX10 Mark II for direct sharing, as does its moisture- and dust-resistant construction, a built-in pop-up flash, and the Sony Multi-interface shoe for connecting flashes, microphones, lights, monitors, and other accessories.
While far from exhaustive, this list is meant to be a springboard into the pool of advanced, fast cameras 2016 has to offer for all of you sports and wildlife enthusiasts. As every photographer knows, cameras are only going to get smaller, faster, and more technologically advanced as the year goes on.
I am so glad I found this information, but I am still confused on which camera to buy. I am looking to get away from using my phone for pictures and would like a good camera for taking pictures at family functions, as well as my dogs in action. I am looking for clear clean shots as well as easy to use functions. I don't care if I need to purchase extra lenses as long as they are easy to put on and off.
Hi Carrie,
A great camera to consider in your case is the Sony A6300, B&H # SOA6300BK55A, being that it offers very fast autofocus, a fast continuous shooting rate, and excellent image quality. There are also a number of lenses you can easily use with it. https://bhpho.to/2A72LsS
First, thank you for all the wonderful insight in the articles and responses. I'm so grateful to have stumbled upon this website!
I'm looking to either upgrade my Nikon D60 completely, or maybe find a new lens (from the kit lens) to help my needs. I've managed to make it work for 12 years shooting plants and tiling landscapes.
Recently I've been shooting more speedskating. I'm able to get ok images in the low light situation - with acceptable motion blur - but my main issue is they're sort of grainy. The best balance I've found for shooting is 1/30, f5.6, ISO 800. Being a real amateur I'm not sure I can justify the cost of the D500 (oh but I want it!) but thought to ask if there is something all in around 2000 you might recommend.
Thank you again.
Depending on your budget, I would recommend either the Nikon D610 DSLR Camera (Body Only), B&H # NID610, or the Nikon D7500 DSLR Camera (Body Only), B&H # NID7500, for your usage needs. Both cameras are MUCH better in terms of low-light performance, dynamic range, and color depth as well as improved performance. Both cameras have almost 2 EV more dynamic range, have higher image resolution, and would have much less noise at higher ISO ranges, as well as having an expanded ISO range. The Nikon D60 used a 10 megapixel CCD sensor and had an ISO range of ISO 100-3200. The Nikon D610 uses a 24 megapixel CMOS sensor with an ISO range of ISO 50-25,600, and the Nikon D7500 uses a 20 megapixel CMOS sensor with an ISO range of ISO 100-1,640,000. While the Nikon D60 had a burst rate of 3 frames per second, the Nikon D610 has a burst rate of 6 frames per second, and the D7500 has a burst rate of 8 frames per second. Both have better performance for both sports/action and low-light photography performance. Of the two cameras, the Nikon D610 DSLR camera would be the better performer in low-lighting and has less digital noise when shooting at higher ISO settings. However, do note that the Nikon D610 is a full-frame camera. While you may use Nikon DX lenses designed for the smaller APS-C sensor on the camera, there will be a crop factor when using the DX lens on the camera. However, using a DX lens on the Nikon D610 will crop the sensor down from 24 megapixels to 10 megapixels. The good thing is, this is the same resolution as your current Nikon D60 DSLR camera, but would still have better low-light performance and faster burst speed, all while using your same lenses. The Nikon D7500 DSLR camera uses the same size APS-C sensor as the D60, so all of your current lenses will work on the D7500 with no crop factor issues. I would highly recommend either of these options for your usage needs. If you need a more economical option, my final recommendation would be the Nikon D5600 DSLR Camera (Body Only), B&H # NID5600B.
Thanks! Super helpful. Went with the 7500! Can't wait for it to get here :)
I have been studying camera bodies and lenses that will give me very sharp photos, fast speed and I want touchscreen. I also want good quality video with excellent auto focus. I am considering Canon 80D and Nikon D500. Are there telephoto lenses (200 - 400 mm) that work well with video on these cameras? I want both still and video photography for an upcoming trip to Africa. The wildlife is amazing - we've been twice before and I decided last time that I had to upgrade my equipment. Thank you!
Hi Janet,
Both the Canon 80D and Nikon D500 are excellent cameras, but I would recommend the D500 for the faster continuous shooting rate as well as the higher ISO range. A lens that is suitable for the D500 in the range that you mentioned is the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR Lens B&H # NI20050056VR which will provide you with fast autofocus and a constant aperture. https://bhpho.to/2c9sfYl
Hey I am having a hard time picking out a camera that would work best for me. I am going to europe this summer and would like to bring a camera with me besides the one on my phone to take high quality photos during the day and night, but also one that can focus fast and take continuous photos if needed. I also take pictures of family at sporting events or of our dogs. If it had a way that i could send the photos from the camera to my phone as well that would be amazing. Can you please help recommend a camera for me that is also great for somewhat beginners. Thanks!
A camera such as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2500 Digital Camera B&H # PADMCFZ2500 would be a good companion to your camera phone as it offers good low light performance, continuous video recording internally and a 12 FPS continuous shooting rate for stills. https://bhpho.to/2gmyGMq
Hi. I am really having a hard time figuring out what camera I need. There are just so many. I want a camera, that can shoot decent range for my sons golf tournaments, fast sports shots for other sons basketball and baseball and great motion shots for my daughters gymnastics and great portraits just in general. I want it to have that professional quality. My budget is $1000. Thank you in advance for taking the time to help me.
Hi Josie,
Among the cameras in the article, the best one within your budget would be the Pentax K3 II, B&H # PEK32. As for a suitable lens to go with this for sports photography, the Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD (IF) Macro AF Lens for Pentax AF B&H # TA7020028MP would be ideal for its long range and large constant aperture of f/2.8. https://bhpho.to/2saAevS https://bhpho.to/2hCpWTK
My son has a Canon T6i, but is looking to upgrade. What is a good camera for filming Football, recording video in 1080, recording slow motion and taking pictures?
If you need the camera to have 1080p HD video resolution and slow-motion capabilities while being an upgrade to the Canon EOS T6i DSLR cameras, that limits the available options greatly. However, the options I would recommend for your usage needs would be either the Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only), B&H # SOA9B, the Sony Alpha a6300 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16-50mm Lens, , or the Sony Alpha a6300 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16-50mm Lens, B&H # SOA6300BK, for your usage needs, depending on your budget. All three have slow-motion capabilities at 1080p HD video resolution, which is not currently available on any Canon EOS DSLR camera, and would be excellent for photographing sports and capturing images due to their fast autofocus speeds and great motion tracking.
Good morning. Looking for an all in one camera (no lens change outs please) that can capture my kids best in a gym playing basketball. Would like to keep it under $1000, if possible and ease of use is important. I've missed so many great shots over the years -- dark gyms and blurry action shots. Thanks so much!
Hello Traci,
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000, B&H # PADMCFZ1000K, would be an excellent choice in terms of image quality, zoom range, continuous shooting and ease of use.https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1073850-REG/panasonic_lumix_dmc_fz1000_digital_camera.html
Thanks so much. I will check it out!
Hi there. I shoot birds with a 7Dii, 400mm. However, I am going on a work trip to a tropical country where I won't be able to have my big rig with me on the job site. There are going to be birds EVERYWHERE and I want a point and shoot to have in my pocket so I can at least take ID shots. What is the best little camera with the longest reach and decent image quality? Would like to cap the cost at $500 if possible. Thanks!
Hello Bec Bee,
A good option to consider within your budget and with plenty of zoom is the Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 Digital Camera B&H # PADCFZ80B.https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1304874-REG/panasonic_dc_fz80k_lumix_dmc_fz80_digital_camera.html
Hello! Hoping you might be able to suggest a camera for me. I take a lot of pictures at friends weddings and one of my friends wants me to be her photographer (small wedding.) You see, the problem is I'm used to using an iPhone for the pics I take. I'm hoping I can find a camera that auto focuses quickly, focuses well with both indoor and outdoor lighting and can take multi shots of dancing without being blurry. Hoping to keep it under $1000. Thanks in advance :)
Hi Christina,
The Nikon D7200 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm and 70-300mm Lenses Kit B&H # NID7200DZLK would be a great option for your needs. It offers a standard and telephoto zoom lens, great image quality with a large buffer and the ability to shoot up to 6 FPS continuously. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1366792-REG/nikon_13533_d7200_dual_zoom_lens.html
Hi there, I was wondering if you could recommend me a good camera to bring with me to Alaska in March. I am going to catch the Northern lights there and not sure what camera will best for the night time photography as well as daytime (wildlife photography). I am also looking for something light, with a limit to 1k.
Hello Mia,
Based on your budget and the subject matter in which you are shooting, the Sony Alpha a6300 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16-50mm Lens B&H # SOA6300BK would be the best option for you. This camera would be excellent in low light, user friendly and offers fast AF and a fast continuous shooting rate up to 11 FPS. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1222773-REG/sony_soa6300bk_alpha_a6300_mirrorless_digital.html
Thank you in advance
Looking for a camera that is good at action shots. My main use is for gymnastics meets where lighting can be poor and different at each venue.
Hi Diana,
Being that you're shooting in low light and shoot sports, the Nikon D500 would be best for your needs. It would offer a very high ISO range up to 16400000, 10 fps in continuous shooting mode, and very fast autofocus.https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1214161-REG/nikon_1559_d500_dslr_camera_body.html
I need a camera for marching band and indoor drumline fast moving shots as well as stills also need crisp clear zoom shots, everyone I know recommends Nikon but which is the best for the money ?
Hi Vanessa -
Nikon is a terrific choice:
As the flagship model within Nikon's DX-format DSLR line, the D500 is characterized by its robust physical construction, apt imaging capabilities, and of course, a more compact, sleek form factor than its FX brethren. Revolving around a 20.9MP CMOS sensor and EXPEED 5 image processor, this camera appeals to both still and video shooters with its fast 10 fps continuous shooting rate and 4K UHD video recording abilities. The sensor and processor also combine to avail a native sensitivity range up to ISO 51200, which can be further expanded to ISO 1640000 for working in dark and difficult lighting conditions. Benefitting the fast shooting performance, the D500 is also characterized by its expansive Multi-CAM 20K 153-point AF system, which features 99 cross-type points for fast performance and accurate subject tracking capabilities. While sleek in stature, the D500 is by no means slim on functionality and versatility.
Besides the imaging assets, this advanced DSLR also features an impressive handling design that incorporates a 3.2", 2.36m-dot, tilting LCD touchscreen, which affords a comfortable means for working from high and low angles. An updated version of SnapBridge is also featured, which provides Wi-Fi connectivity with NFC, as well as Bluetooth Low Energy technology for linking your mobile device for wireless image sharing. In addition to the convenience features, the D500 is housed within a durable magnesium alloy chassis that is both dust- and weather-sealed for working in inclement conditions and harsh environments.
The Canon 7D Mark II would be a fine choice at its current promotional pricing and it comfortably performs in a range of challenging situations, and while ideally situated as a tool for sports and wildlife photographers, it resides equally as well in the hands of contemporary multimedia image-makers.
Would the Canon 77D be a good choice to take action shots inside and outside? Judging by samples it takes great pictures
Hi Dan -
It would be an excellent choice indoors or out! The 7D Mark II comfortably performs in a range of challenging situations, and while ideally situated as a tool for sports and wildlife photographers, it resides equally as well in the hands of contemporary multimedia image-makers.
Hi, my son runs track, indoor track and cross country ...any recommendations on an affordable camera that would take decent pictures...I was looking at the Canon EOS Rebel T6 DSLR would that be a good option or something else under $500 dollars ? Thanks
I need a good camera for action pictures both indoor and out. I currenly have a Canon Rebel Eos that does not shoot well indoors. Pictures are dark and grainy.
I'm looking for a good inexpensive action camera to take various types of action shots inside and outside and I was looking at the Canon EOS REBEL T7i. Would that be a good choice?
Hi Brad,
The Canon EOS Rebel T7i would be a great choice for your needs being that it can shoot up to 6 fps and it offers a very high ISO range.
How does the a77ii handle indoor action sport's such as gymnastics? I have grown up using Minolta and then transitioned into the Sony alpha family and currently use an a6000 which handles outdoor just fine but I am getting grainy images when shooting indoors. I would prefer to keep all my camera's in the Sony family if at all possible but need to the correct equipment for the job. Thank you
Andrew Powell
Aperture Imagery
Hi Andrew -
This camera will perform well indoors. Most professional sports photographers will go to a high powered flash when shooting indoor action though.
Expand your shooting possibilities with the advanced HVL-F43M External Flash from Sony which offers complete ADI / P-TTL support, Quick Shift Bounce technology, and wireless TTL ratio control. The flash offers a powerful guide number of 141' at ISO 100 and 105mm as well as a zoom head with a range of 24-105mm on full-frame cameras. This coverage can be extended to 15mm with use of the built-in wide-angle diffusion panel. Also, the Quick Shift Bounce system is implemented in this model which enables 90° pivot both left and right for keeping the flash head and LCD panel properly oriented, even when shooting vertically. Tilt is possible as well with an excellent range from -8 to +150°.
Wireless TTL is possible as both a controller or as a remote flash and the HVL-F43M has the option for ratio control, allowing users to control the output levels of 3 different flash groups (A, B, C) in relation to one another. This unit also features an LED light with an output of 1200 lux at 1.6', which makes this flash extremely useful to shooters constantly switching between stills and video. General shooting settings include slow, high-speed, first and second curtain sync as well as a recycle time of 0.1 to 5 seconds, depending on the power setting. Additionally, it runs on 4 AA batteries and comes with a terminal protector cap, mini-stand, and carrying case.
This unit is compatible with Sony's Multi Interface Shoe and is not natively compatible with the older Sony/Minolta Auto-Lock Accessory Shoe. Though, with the use of ADP-AMA Shoe Adapter, Sony cameras with the Auto-Lock Accessory Shoe can be adapted to use Multi Interface Shoe external flashes with full compatibility.
Hello, i want a camera for wild life. I will be using it for dogs and cats, and when i go hiking or on trips. I want one for budget use and another that is a it pricy but worth it. Any ideas?
Hi HM -
At the low-end:
Please consider the COOLPIX L340 Digital Camera from Nikon. Using a 20.2MP 1/2.3" CCD sensor combined with a 28x optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED VR lens, users will be able to create sharp, high-resolution images in a variety of situations, thanks to a vast 22.5-630mm zoom range. Also, the power of the EXPEED C2 image processor will help reduce noise in low-light conditions at sensitivities up to ISO 1600 and enable continuous shooting at up to 1 fps. A Dynamic Fine Zoom setting can further increase the camera's reach to 56x while built-in Vibration Reduction will minimize the effects of camera shake.
At the higher end:
Providing speed, reach, and versatile recording features, the Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV from Sony is a compact solution for the multimedia image-makers. Featuring an updated 20.1MP 1" Exmor RS BSI CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processor, the RX10 IV is capable of up to 24 fps shooting at ISO 12800, as well as recording UHD 4K/30p or Full HD 1080/120p video. The sensor's back-illuminated and stacked technologies afford a high degree of image quality with notable clarity and reduced noise to suit working in challenging lighting conditions. Complementing the shooting speed of the sensor and processor combination, this camera also offers a quickened 315-point focal plane phase-detection autofocus system for focus speeds as fast as 0.03 seconds.
Balancing the imaging capabilities, the RX10 IV is also characterized by its 25x Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* zoom lens, which spans an impressive 24-600mm equivalent focal length range and uses Optical SteadyShot image stabilization to minimize the effects of camera shake by up to 4.5 stops. Its optical design incorporates eight extra-low dispersion elements and six aspherical elements to control a variety of aberrations throughout the zoom range, and its f/2.4-4 maximum aperture range benefits working in low-light conditions.
What about a 400 or 500 camera? sorry to keep bugging you.
Hi HM -
The black Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V Digital Camera is a high-zoom camera that offers ease of use akin to a point-and-shot, but with the design and control of a DSLR. It features a 20.4MP 1/2.3" Exmor R CMOS sensor and a BIONZ X Image Processor for notable low light performance, as well as a 50x optical zoom Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T lens with a 100x Clear Image Zoom. A 4.3-215mm focal length with a 35mm equivalent of 24-1200mm allows this lens significant wide-angle and considerable telephoto shooting abilities. It also features a wide 2.8 aperture, which is especially useful in low-light as it allows for brighter images.
A 3" Xtra Fine 921k-dot tilting LCD monitor as well as an electronic eye-level viewfinder allow you to view and compose high-quality images. Capture full HD 1080p AVCHD video at 60p and 24p and use the optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization to compensate for camera shake in order to provide clearer images. This is especially useful in low light and when using the longer focal lengths. For sports photography and during motion-filled photo capturing moments, the HX400V features 10 frames per second continuous shooting at the full 20.4MP resolution, which ensures sharp, clear images that are less likely to be missed.
I am looking for a budget priced digital camera that would allow me to take photos of my grandkids at sporting events such as football ,volleyball ,and basketball. I would like one that I can use with a telephoto lens. I am definitely an amateur photographer. Any suggestions?
Hi Cathie -
Please consider the COOLPIX L340 Digital Camera from Nikon. Using a 20.2MP 1/2.3" CCD sensor combined with a 28x optical Zoom-NIKKOR ED VR lens, users will be able to create sharp, high-resolution images in a variety of situations, thanks to a vast 22.5-630mm zoom range. Also, the power of the EXPEED C2 image processor will help reduce noise in low-light conditions at sensitivities up to ISO 1600 and enable continuous shooting at up to 1 fps. A Dynamic Fine Zoom setting can further increase the camera's reach to 56x while built-in Vibration Reduction will minimize the effects of camera shake.
I am looking to upgrade from the Canon Rebel T5. I like taking action sport shots of soccer, football, lacross, volleyball and wildlife. I have the Canon 70-200mm 2.8 IS II USM. As we move into HS and beyond sports, the play is often at dusk to dark on poorly lit fields or in poorly lit gyms. I am looking to be able to capture the action without much noise. I use LR and am learning PS for image development, but my goal is to get it done in camera as much as possible. I was thinking the Canon D5 Mark IV. Thoughts?
I am looking for a camera that can take outdoor photos in various light settings and be compatible with additional lenses; teloscopic lenses, etc. as well as capture a clear image of a moving subject. This is mainly for use in nature and animal photography. Do you have any recommendations?
Thank you,
Hi Austin,
A great camera to consider for your needs is the Canon 7D Mark II, B&H # CAE7D2. This camera would offer high resolution, a fast image processor, fast autofocus and the ability to shoot up to 10 frames per second in continuous mode. A great lens to go with that is the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary Lens for Canon EF B&H # SI1506005CC, which gives you a long range for shooting wildlife.
I am looking for a camera that will easily take outside shots, in varied lighting for Cross Country runnning meets, and indoor track meets. I don't want to spend a ton of $.
Thanks for any help!
Hi Stacy -
The Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 II Digital Camera from Sony is a compact, point-and-shoot camera that features a large 20.2MP, 1" Exmor RS BSI CMOS sensor producing high resolution still imagery and internal-recording UHD 4K video up to 30 fps, and super slow-motion video up to 960 fps. This sensor's design utilizes a stacked CMOS image sensor with a DRAM chip and backside-illuminated technology to improve clarity and image quality when working in dimly-lit conditions as well as low-noise imagery and a sensitivity range of ISO 100-12800. The DRAM chip is integrated into the sensor, and combined with the BIONZ X processor allows for fast readout speeds, burst shooting up to 14 fps, and a maximum physical shutter speed of 1/3200 sec and a maximum electronic shutter speed of 1/32000 sec.
hello , im looking to get into taking pictures and video for high school american football , both day and night times , i have been looking into the Canon 80D , my price range isnt the best ($800 the highest) but i can get a canon 80D for $800 used , any suggestions ?
Hi Fernando,
For this inquiry, please e-mail us directly to email@example.com so we can assist you further. Thank you.
Hi, I am needing an affordable camera that will take pictures in low light sometimes of Barrel Racing - mainly slower action shots around the barrels and for cheerleading. I would like to stay under $800 if possible. any suggestions?
Hi Tina,
For your needs, I recommend the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 Digital Camera B&H # PADMCFZ1000B as it would be great in low light and fast with autofocus as well as continuous shooting.https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1057135-REG/panasonic_dmc_fz1000k_lumix_dmc_fz1000_digital_camera.html
Hello there.
Hope all is well.
I need an upgrade from my Nikon d3200 but I am stuck. I do the American football pictures of our team,Weddings and portraits . I looked at full frames(all sorts of lenses)but I am getting confused with all the different model's. I am not fussed about being able to film but the pictures need to be on point. Please help 😊
Thank you
Hi Mary-Lou -
Upgrading to a full frame camera makes sense. Consider the Nikon D750 for starters:
Championing a multimedia approach to photography, Nikon's D750 DSLR is an FX-format camera well-suited to both still imaging and video recording. Featuring a 24.3MP CMOS sensor, along with the EXPEED 4 image processor, this camera is capable of producing high-resolution imagery with smooth color gradations, low noise, and sensitivity to an expandable ISO 51200, at a continuous rate of up to 6.5 fps. In regard to video recording, full HD 1080p/60 is supported, along with the ability to record uncompressed video to an optional external recorder. Working from high and low angles is possible due to the tilting 3.2" 1,229k-dot LCD monitor or, for remote shooting, the D750 also features built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. Designed for the contemporary image-maker, this DSLR is poised to benefit still photographers and videographers alike with the versatility and performance to match any working situation.
Benefitting the imaging capabilities of the D750, an equally apt 51-point AF system, with 15 cross-type points, is available and can be configured to utilize five AF points as a single focusing point in the Group Area AF setting for heightened initial subject recognition. The 3D Color Matrix Metering III system, along with the 91,000-pixel RGB sensor, also benefits the focusing abilities as well as provides accurate exposure metering to suit a vast array of subjects and lighting conditions. Furthermore, benefitting creative applications, the D750 supports in-camera creation of time-lapse movies with automated exposure smoothing, and a range of Picture Control profiles can be applied to refine the color and tonal handling of imagery.
Included with the D750 body is the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR lens; a versatile wide-angle to telephoto zoom that features a constant f/4 maximum aperture. A pair of extra-low dispersion elements and three aspherical elements control chromatic aberrations throughout the zoom range while a Nano Crystal Coating helps to reduce lens flare and ghosting for increased contrast and clarity. A Silent Wave Motor produces fast, quiet autofocus performance and Vibration Reduction image stabilization minimizes the appearance of camera shake to better enable working in difficult lighting conditions and with slower shutter speeds.
I ama Nature / Wildlife lover using a Nikon P500 at present & wantingvery badly to upgrade. I am looking for possibilities to improve the image quality without limiting my mobility. What can you suggest ?
Hi Janaka -
Shoot the moon with the 83x optical zoom COOLPIX P900 Digital Camera from Nikon. The camera has a 16MP CMOS sensor and a built-in lens with a 35mm equivalent focal length of 24-2000mm. For an even further reach, the camera also has 166x Dynamic Fine Zoom, and 332x digital zoom, effectively quadrupling the optical zoom.
The P900 features Dual Detect Optical VR, providing up to five stops of compensation, and reducing the appearance of camera shake in your images. A vari-angle TFT LCD screen and an electronic viewfinder allow you to review and compose images, as well as navigate the menus. The camera also shoots full HD 1080p video, has built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, and GPS, and manual exposure control.
Photographer (my wife) desires an exceptionally reliable camera that is top rated for wildlife images -- not particularly fast moving wildlife but those in marine settings with competing sources of movement, such as wave action, millions of salmon and seagulls, which her current camera (Nikon Rebel) is failing to differentiate from and thus, is focusing on instead of the whales and sea lions and sea otters that she is trying to capture. The result is far more blurred images than clear, sharply focused ones (95% of images with blurred targets). We also need a system that captures wildlife in low light conditions. Ideally, a camera that also captures images of the northern lights (long exposures) in crisp detail. And with an image stabilizing system that is automatic rather one that must be operator adjusted, due to such a short window of time to capture the image (thousandths of a second to capture the marine life when it appears above the water, before returning to the depths) and a high tech device that is also capable of "point-and-shoot" minus the blur of cheap cameras. Ideally, under $1,000.00 USD but will spend whatever it takes to get her a TOP TIER CAMERA that accomplishes what it's used for and is free from the frustration/ disappointment of the Rebel which is grossly inferior despite its high cost and will be sold, because despite all the time to adjust settings and use of a tripod the images are always blurred.
Hi Marc,
I'm sorry to hear about the frustration your wife had with her Canon Rebel camera. Generally, the Rebel series is the most simple of Canon's line up in terms of the user interface. However, based on the type of imagery she would like to accomplish, the camera would need to be used in manual settings and you would need lenses that a larger maximum aperture to get the best results. If you stepped outside the budget, that could get you a Canon EOS 7D Mark II body, B&H # CAE7D2. This would give you a more rugged build quality in the body, a higher ISO range, up to 10 fps in continuous shooting mode and built in GPS. This would sacrifice a built in image stabilizer, which can be compensated with a lens that offers that feature. For the lenses to use with the 7D Mark II, the Tokina AT-X 11-20mm f/2.8 PRO DX Lens for Canon EF B&H # TO112028PDXC, can cover the images of the night sky while the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens B&H # CA702004LIS would offer built in image stabilization which great when shooting wildlife handheld.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
October 27, 2004
At some point in my recent travels -- Pittsburgh? Boston? -- I saw highway signs set in a new typeface I hadn't seen before. Apparently it's this new face called Clearview, and some very interesting research went into its design.
<=> | October 27, 2004
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Dextrin sulfates as anti HIV-1 agents and composition thereof
Dextrin sulfates as anti HIV-1 agents and composition thereof
Patent Drawings:
Date Issued:
August 8, 1995
June 22, 1993
Davies; Donald S.
(Beaconsfield, GB)
ML Laboratories
(Liverpool, GB3)
Primary Examiner:
Griffin; Ronald W.
Assistant Examiner:
Attorney Or Agent:
Rodman & Rodman
U.S. Class:
Field Of Search:
International Class:
U.S Patent Documents:
Foreign Patent Documents:
0240098; 0338092
Other References:
Sandstrom et al., "Anti-viral Therapy in AIDS", AIDS Press Limited, pp. 373-390, Sep. 1987..
Mitsuya et al., Retroviruses In Human Lymphoma/Leukemia, "Protection of T Cells Against Infectivity and Cytopathic Effect of HTLV-III in Vitro", pp. 277-288 (1985), Japan Sci. Soc. Press, Tokyo/VMU Science Press, Utrecht..
Biesert et al., "Inhibition of HIV and virus replication by polysulfphated polyxylan: HOE/BAY 946, a new antiviral compound", AIDS, vol. 2, No. 6, pp. 449-457 (1988)..
Ito et al., "Potent and selective activity of dextrin sulfphate against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 in vitro", Antiviral Chemistry & Chemothreraphy, vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 41-44 (1991)..
The invention provides an agent against HIV-1 and related viruses, the agent being or including dextrin sulphate containing at most two sulphate groups per glucose unit. The invention also provides a composition containing such an agent, and the use of the agent or composition against HIV-1 and related viruses. By restricting the degree of substitution of the dextrin sulphate to a maximum of 2, the invention makes it possible to produce a dextrin sulphate having adequate anti-HIV activity while maintaining toxicity within acceptable limits.
I claim:
1. An agent against HIV-1 and related viruses, the agent being or including dextrin sulphate containing at most two sulphate groups per glucose unit, and wherein the weight averagemolecular weight of the dextrin sulphate varies from 15,000 to 25,000.
2. An agent according to claim 1, wherein there are between 0.5 and 1.5 sulphate groups per glucose unit.
3. An agent according to claim 1, wherein there are up to 1.2 sulphate groups per glucose unit.
4. An agent according to claim 1, which is dextrin 2-sulphate, dextrin 6-sulphate or a mixture thereof.
5. An agent according to claim 1, wherein the dextrin sulphate contains at least 50% of glucose polymers of D.P. greater than 12.
6. An agent according to claim 1, wherein the dextrin sulphate contains less than 10% by weight of glucose polymers having a D.P. less than 12.
7. An agent according to claim 6, wherein the dextrin sulphate contains less than 5% by weight of glucose polymers having a D.P. less than 12.
8. An agent according to claim 1, wherein the dextrin sulphate is substantially free from polymers of molecular weight greater than 40,000.
9. A composition comprising an agent according to claim 1, together with an inert carrier or diluent.
10. An agent according to claim 1, adapted for intraperitoneal administration.
11. An agent according to claim 1, for use in the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of HIV-1 and related viruses.
12. The agent of claim 1, for use in a method of treatment of a human or animal subject carrying the HIV-1 virus or a related virus.
13. An agent against HIV-1 and related viruses, the agent being or including dextrin sulphate containing at most two sulphate groups per glucose unit, and wherein the weight average molecular weight of the dextrin sulphate is at least15,000.
This invention relates to pharmaceutically active materials and compositions and in particular to the use of such materials and compositions as agents against human immunodeficiencyvirus type I (HIV-1) and related viruses.
It is known that some sulphated polysaccharides have anti-HIV activity; see, for example, European Patent Specification No. 240,098. This specification discloses highly sulphated oligosaccharides obtained by sulphation of dextrins of relativelylow molecular weight.
According to the present invention there is provided an agent against HIV-1 and related viruses, the agent being or including dextrin sulphate containing at most two sulphate groups per glucose unit. Dextrin is a mixture of polymers of glucoseand the glucose units may be substituted in one or more of the 2, 3 and 6 positions by sulphate groups.
The present invention also provides compositions containing such an agent. In addition, the invention provides the use of such an agent or compositions against HIV-1 and related viruses.
A dextrin sulphate of use in the present invention may have up to two sulphate groups per glucose unit and preferred dextrin sulphates are those having about 1, or between 0.5 and 1.5, preferably up to 1.2, sulphate groups per glucose unit. Morepreferably, the agent is the 2- or 6-sulphate of dextrin or a mixture thereof.
We have found that dextrin 2-sulphate has about the same activity against the HIV-1 virus as the dextrin 6sulphate. However, the latter has a greater anti-coagulant activity and for this reason dextrin 2-sulphate is a particularly preferredagent.
We have also found that dextrin 3-sulphates have relatively poor anti-HIV activity, by comparison with dextrin 2- and 6-sulphates. It follows that for a given sulphate content the anti-HIV activity of a dextrin sulphate is inversely related tothe proportion of 3-sulphation. Under most reaction conditions the 3-OH group of the glucose residue in a dextrin has been found to be less reactive than the 2-OH and 6-OH groups. Therefore, enhanced anti-HIV activity per sulphate group can be achievedby keeping the degree of sulphation relatively low, thereby reducing the extent of 3sulphation.
However, in selecting particular sulphated dextrin as an anti-HIV agent conflicting factors are encountered. Thus, generally speaking:
1. For a given sulphate content:
a. the toxicity increases with increasing molecular weight, and
(b) the anti-HIV activity increases with increasing molecular weight.
2. For a given molecular weight:
(a) the toxicity increases with increasing sulphate content, and
(b) the anti-HIV activity increases with increasing sulphate content.
It has seemed that dextrin sulphates might in fact be unusable in practice as anti-HIV agents because satisfactory anti-HIV activity appeared to go hand-in-hand with unacceptable toxicity, either because the molecular weight was too high orbecause the sulphate content was too high.
By restricting the degree of substitution to a maximum of 2 the present invention makes it possible to produce a dextrin sulphate having adequate anti-HIV activity while keeping toxicity within acceptable limits. With a relatively low degree ofof substitution the proportion of 3-sulphation can be kept low, so that the toxicity imported into the dextrin sulphate by 3-substitution is avoided. If a dextrin is fully substituted, i.e. to give the 2,3,6-sulphate, one-third of the sulphate groupsare 3-sulphate groups, which give rise to additional toxicity out of all proportion to the extent to which they enhance the anti-HIV activity. The extent to which 3-sulphation occurs when the degree of substitution is kept below 2 varies with the natureof the sulphation process, but is normally substantially less than that of 2-sulphation or 6-sulphation. Presently available analytical techniques do not easily permit accurate analysis of the extent of sulphation at the three available sites, but anexamination of the n.m.r. spectrum of a dextrin sulphate gives a sufficient indication of this for practical purposes. The total sulphate content can of course be evaluated by conventional analytical methods, normally by determining the sulphurcontent.
The molecular weight of dextrin sulphate of use in this invention may vary over a wide range. By way of example, dextrin sulphate of use in the present invention may have a weight average molecular weight of from 15,000 to 25,000 as determinedon the dextrin used to prepare the dextrin sulphate. The technique used to determine molecular weight of the dextrin is high-pressure liquid chromatography using chromatographic columns calibrated with dextran standards, as designated by Alsop et al, JChromatography 246, 227-240 (1989).
Dextrin sulphate can be prepared by first hydrolysing starch to produce dextrin which may then be sulphated to produce dextrin sulphate. For example, use of a trimethylamine/sulphur dioxide complex in aqueous alkaline medium gives predominantlythe 2-sulphate. Treatment of dextrin with cyclamic acid in dimethylformamide gives the 6-sulphate. The 3-sulphate may be made by first acetylating dextrin, then sulphating it with trimethylamine/sulphur trioxide complex in dimethylformamide and finallyremoving the acetyl groups with aqueous sodium hydroxide.
It is preferred to use dextrin sulphate in which there is a low proportion of low molecular weight material. As has been mentioned above, dextrin is made by hydrolysis of search, typically by treatment of various starches with dilute acids orwith hydrolyric enzyme. Such methods produce glucose polymers with a wide range of polymerisation. The degree of polymerisation (D.P.) varies from one or two up to comparatively high numbers. The direct hydrolysis product of starch might contain up to60% by weight of material having a D.P. less than 12. In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the dextrin derivative contains a relatively high proportion of glucose polymers of D.P. greater than 12. Preferably, the dextrin derivativecontains at least 50% by weight of glucose polymers of D.P. greater than 12.
More preferably, the dextrin derivative contains less than 10% by weight of glucose polymers having a D.P. less than 12. Most preferably, the dextrin derivative contains less than 5% by weight of glucose polymers having a D.P. less than 12. Such dextrin derivatives are prepared from dextrin which has been fractionated to remove dextrin with a low D.P. Known fractionation techniques may be used, including solvent precipitation and membrane fractionation.
A method of preparing a glucose polymer mixture is described in GB 2122914 and a method for preparation of a glucose polymer mixture with a relatively low proportion of low D.P. glucose polymers is described in Example 2 of GB 2154469. Thismixture has a weight average molecular weight of 23,700 and contains 91.9% of polymers having a degree of polymerisation greater than 12 and 7.9% of polymers having a degree of polymerisation from 2 to 10.
It is also preferred that the dextrin derivative contains little or no material with a high molecular weight. More preferably, the dextrin derivative contains little or no material with a molecular weight greater than 40,000.
Dextrin sulphate is a particularly effective agent against HIV-1 and related viruses. Although the mechanism of its action is not understood, it may be that dextrin sulphate acts to block the attachment of the virus to cells. It appears thatbecause of its particular somewhat globular conformation, dextrin sulphate provides a carrier of relatively closely packed sulphate groups which can particularly effectively prevent attachment of the virus to the cell and hence entry of the virus.
Dextrin sulphate may be effective in relatively low concentrations. Furthermore, the above-mentioned globular conformation of dextrin sulphate appears to allow the material to be effective against HIV-1 and related viruses even with a relativelylow degree of sulphation. For instance, a degree of sulphation as low as one sulphate group per glucose unit, or even lower, is found to be effective at relatively low concentrations. This has the advantage that the amount of sulphation can be kept tosuch a low level as to avoid the side effects and toxicity which might otherwise be experienced with highly sulphated materials.
Dextrin sulphate can be taken enterally (including orally), but preferably is administered parentorally, for instance, intravenously. However, administration via the peritoneum may be more effective than intravenous administration in that itresults in entry of at least some of the dextrin sulphate directly into the lymphatic system, within which system vital replication may be extensive.
The invention also provides a composition comprising an agent as described above as being in accordance with the invention, together with an inert carrier or diluent.
Further, the invention provides the use of the agent or composition of the invention against HIV-1 and related viruses, the agent or composition preferably being administered intra-peritoneally. The agent of the invention is preferably adaptedfor intraperitoneal administration.
The invention additionally provides an agent as described above as being in accordance with the invention, for use in the manufacture of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of HIV-1 and related viruses.
Further, the invention provides a method of treatment of a human or animal subject carrying the HIV-1 virus or a related virus, comprising administering to the subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of the agent of the invention.
Thefollowing examples illustrate methods for the preparation of dextrin sulphate:
Example 1--Preparation of dextrin 3-sulphate
16.2 g of the aforementioned dextrin of Example 2 of GB 2,154,469 in dimethylformamide (150 mL) was stirred and heated until dissolved, then cooled to ambient temperature. Acetic anhydride (23 mL, 0.24 mole) was added slowly with stirring. Atransient precipitation occurred and when this had redissolved, triethylamine (25 mL, 0.18 mole) was added and the mixture stirred for 2 days. The solution was then poured in a thin stream with stirring into water (700 mL), the precipitate was filteredoff, washed with water and dried to give 23 g of white powder.
The acetylated dextrin (12.3 g) in dimethylformamide (75 mL) was stirred until dissolved then trimethylamine sulphur trioxide complex (15 g) was added and the mixture was stirred at ambient temperature overnight. Further trimethylamine sulphurtrioxide (10 g) was added and the mixture heated at 60C for 3 hours. The solution was cooled and poured into acetone (500 mL) to give a sticky residue. The supernatant was decanted and the residue kneaded with fresh acetone (50 mL) and then thesupernatant decanted. The residue was dissolved in water (150 mL) and the remaining acetone stripped off under vacuum. A solution of NaOH (5 g) in water (10 mL) was added giving trimethylamine gas. The strongly basic solution was stored for 2 h,dialysed against water for 4 days and freeze dried, to give 10.2 g. The I.R. spectrum showed peaks for acetate (1750 CM.sup.1) and sulphate (1240 CM.sup.-1).
The product (10 g) was redissolved in water (150 mL) and NaOH (1 g) in water added and the mixture stirred 3 h at ambient temperature. The solution was poured into ethanol (300 mL), the supernatant was decanted and the sticky residue kneadedwith fresh ethanol (150 mL) to give a solid. The solid was filtered off, washed with methanol and dried to a brown powder. The powder was dissolved in water (200 mL) and decolourising charcoal (5 g) added. The solution was warmed then filtered twiceand freeze-dried to give 7.2 g, sulphate, 46.9%.
Example 2--Preparation off dextrin 6-sulphate
10 g of the same dextrin as in Example 1 in dimethylformamide (100 mL) was heated and stirred at 78C When the dextrin had all dissolved cyclamic acid (22.5 g) was added and the reaction continued for 1.5 h. A solution of NaOH (5 g) in water (5mL) and ethanol (50 mL) was added and the mixture poured into diethyl ether (400 mL). The solid was filtered off, washed with ether and air dried. The solid was dissolved in water (100 mL), sodium acetate (50 g) added and the solution dialysed againstwater for 4 days then freeze dried to give 15.4 g, sulphate 47.2%.
Example 3--Preparation of dextrin 2-sulphate
40 g of the same dextrin as in Example 1 in distilled water (150 ml) were stirred in a round bottomed flask at 30.degree. C. When the dextrin had all dissolved trimethylamine sulphur trioxide (51 g) were added to the solution. The reaction mixwas stirred for thirty minutes. Sodium hydroxide (62.5 ml @ 40% w/v) was added dropwise to the reaction mix over a period of one hour. The reaction mix was then stirred for a further two hours and filtered under vacuum. The resultant solution wasdialysed for one day against tap water and one day against distilled water. The dialysed solution was then concentrated by evaporation at reduced pressure. The concentrated solution contained 30 g of dissolved solids at 36% w/w (wrt dry solids)sulphate.
The products of Examples 1, 2 and 3 have been identified as the 3-, 6- and 2-sulphates respectively by examination of their n.m.r. spectra.
The 13C n.m.r. spectrum of the original dextrin shows six lines. These can mostly be assigned, by reference to standard compounds, as: 100.3, C-1; 77.6, C-4; 73.9, C-3; 72.2 and 71.8, C2 and C-5; 61.1, C-6.
The n.m.r. spectra of both the 3- and 6-sulphates of glucose have been reported (S. Honda, Y. Yuki and K. Tabjura, Carbohydrate Research (1973) Volume 28, pages 130 to 150) and compared to the free sugars. Thus, 3-O-sulphation was observed tocause 8.5 or 9.5 ppm downfield shift for C-3, a 1.1 ppm upfield shift for C-2 and 2.2. ppm upfield shift for C-4, but little change for other positions. For 6-0-sulphation, a downfield shift of 6.2 ppm was observed for C-6 and upfield shifts of 1.7 ppmfor C-5 and 0.3 ppm for C-4, with little change in the other positions.
The n.m.r. spectrum of the product of Example 1 shows a strong signal at 61.1 ppm, characteristic of unmodified C-6-OH. Prominent new signals have appeared at 82.2 and 82.5 ppm. These are close to the chemical shift of 82.7 ppm reported for C-3in D-glucose-3-sulphate and are therefore assigned to dextrin-3-sulphate. This assignment is supported by the virtual disappearance of the signal at 77.6 ppm in the original dextrin for C-4. Substitution at 0-3 is expected to cause an upfield shift ofthe signal for C-4, taking it under the envelope of other signals. New peaks at 70.2 and 70.8 ppm are attributed to C-2 in a 3-sulphate by upfield shift from the original position at 72.2 or 71.8 ppm. The C-1 region shows six closely spaced linesbetween 100.1 and 98.3 ppm slightly upfield from that in the original dextrin. From this data it appears that the product of Example 1 is sulphated almost entirely in the 3-position.
The n.m.r. spectrum of the product of Example 2 shows that the original C-6 peak at 61.1 ppm has greatly diminished and new peaks have appeared at 67.5 ppm and 69.3 ppm, for C-6-O-sulphate (6.4 ppm downfield shift) and for C-5 adjacent to6-O-sulphate (2.5 or 2.9 upfield shift) respectively. This data indicates that the product of Example 2 is substituted primarily in the 6-position.
The n.m.r. spectrum of the product of Example 3, in comparison with that of the original dextrin, shows a major signal for unsubstituted C-6-OH at 61.1 ppm, unperturbed C-4 signal at 78.1 ppm, indicating free 3-OH and the major C-1 signal movedupfield to 99.8 ppm from its original position at 100.3 ppm. From this data it appears that the product of Example 3 is substituted primarily in the 2-position.
In the following Example, the effectiveness of dextrin sulphate against HIV-1 was tested and compared with other materials, namely, dextran, dextran sulphate and zidovidine (AZT).
Example 4--Effectiveness of dextrin 2-sulphate against HIV-1
The dextran sulphate had a molecular weight of 500,000 and was obtained from the Sigma Chemical Company and further purified by column chromatography. The dextran had a molecular weight of 90,000. The dextrin 2-sulphate (referred to as NBSD24and prepared as described in Example 3 above) contains one sulphate group per glucose unit as indicated by infra-red analysis.
Elemental analysis indicated 12.7% sulphur equivalent to 1.1 sulphate groups per glucose unit.
Normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were fractionated on Ficoll-Hypaque (Pharmacia Chemicals, Uppsala, Sweden) from venous blood collected in preservative-free heparin. They were mitogenetically stimulated with phytohaemaglutinin(PHA) (1 ug/ml) for 3 days and maintained in the medium RPMI 1640 supplemented by 20% foetal calf serum (FCS)+interleukin-2 (IL2) (50-100 g u/ml).
The human T-leukamic cell line C8166 was grown in RPMI 1640 with 10% FCS.
Various strains of HIV-1 (RF. IIIB, CBL-4, Z84 and Z129) were produced in chronically infected H9 cells. A five-fold excess of uninfected H9 cells was added to the culture five days prior to harvesting the supernatant which is clarified bycentrifugation and stored in liquid nitrogen.
Induction of cytopathic effects on CD.sub.4.sup.+ C8166 by HIV was assayed by multi-nucleated giant cell formation (syncytia).
The following table illustrates the sensitivity of HIV-1 to the two sulphated materials, the non-sulphated dextran and AZT in the C8166 infectivity assay, determined by syncytial induction:
______________________________________ Concentration (ug/ml) Drug 0 0.1 1.0 10 100 200 ______________________________________ NBSD24 -6 ND -4 -2 -2 Dextran -6 -6 -6 -3 cell death Sulphate Dextran -6 -6 -6 -6 AZT -6 -4 -3.5 -3 -3 ______________________________________
HIV-1 (RF) was titrated in 10-fold dilutions onto C8166 cells in the presence of varying concentrations of drug. Final dilutions of the virus at which syncytia are produced are shown. The figures in the table represent the logarithm to the base10 of the figure actually determined. For instance, a figure of -6 in the table represents a determined result of 10.sup.-6. ND means that a result was "not determined" for the particular drug concentration. At a concentration 10 ug/ml, dextrin2-sulphate and dextran sulphate each reduced the infectious titre by 3 logs, which compares favourably with the 3 log reduction effected by AZT. Dextran was ineffective against HIV replication. At 1 ug/ml, inhibition occurs with dextrin sulphate (2logs) and AZT (2.5 logs). These results were confirmed by a colorimetric assay as shown in the following table:
______________________________________ Concentration (ug/ml) Drug 0 0.1 1.0 10 ______________________________________ NBST24 + + - - Dextran Sulphate + + - - Dextran + + + - AZT + - - - ______________________________________
Inhibition of HIV-1 (RF), assayed by live cell (C8166) reduction of MTT, was estimated visually and is represented by a minus.
The following table illustrates the decrease in infectivity titre (log units) in C8166 cells of HIV-1:
______________________________________ Drug (ug/ml) RF IIIB CBL-4 ______________________________________ NBSD24 10 5 3 0 50 6 5 4 Dextran Sulphate 10 3 2 0 50 1 0 0 AZT 10 3 4 4 50 3 4 4 ______________________________________
These results indicate that dextrin 2-sulphate inhibits syncytial induction on C8166 cells with greater effect than either AZT or dextran sulphate.
Example 5--Toxicity of dextrin 2-sulphate
The relative toxicities of the materials tested in example 4 were evaluated by reference to cell viability in the presence of the drugs as measured by the relative uptake of [.sup.3 H]- thymidine. Human PBL (10.sup.6 cells/well) in 96 microtitreplates was stimulated with PHA in the presence of increasing concentration of drug for 3 days. Following a 5 hour probe with [.sup.3 H]- thymidine (0.5 uCi/well), the cells were harvested and counted. The results shown represent the mean ofquadruplicate experiments and are presented as the percentage incorporation of [.sup.3 H]-thymidine in the presence of drug, compared to control experiments without drug. The results are given below:
______________________________________ Thymidine uptake (% of control with no drug) Concentration (ug/ml) 5 10 25 50 71 100 200 ______________________________________ AZT 20 15 5 2 1 1 0 NSBD24 65 120 105 90 90 85 78 Dextran 95 97 80 70 6778 60 Dextran sulphate 105 113 110 66 57 30 15 ______________________________________
The dextran had a molecular weight of 90,000 and the dextran sulphate had a molecular weight of 500,000. In practice, there would be a need to use the particular drug in a concentration of around 200 ug/ml. It can be seen that, at this sort ofconcentration, AZT is very highly toxic and dextran sulphate is also highly toxic. By comparison, dextrin 2-sulphate is somewhat less toxic than the non-sulphated material dextran.
Example 6--Comparison of the effectiveness dextrin 2-, 3- and 6-sulphates
50 ul samples of dextran sulphate and of the 2-, 3- and 6-sulphate derivatives of dextrin of Examples 3, 1 and 2 respectively were pre-incubated at 37.degree. C. onto duplicate cultures of 4.times.10.sup.5 M8166 JH11 cells per ml (50 ul) atfinal concentrations of 50, 5, 0.5 and 0.05 ug/ul for one hour. 50 ul of 10.sup.3 TCID (IIIb, RF, CBL20) or 10.sup.2 TCID (RUT) was added and cultures were incubated until control cultures (absence of any effector) showed 90%+ syncytia (2-3 days). Theinhibitory concentration was taken to be the minimum concentration at which syncytia formation was found to be <10% that of controls at the end point. The results are shown in the following table:
______________________________________ IIIb RF RUT CBL20 ______________________________________ Dextran sulphate 5 50 50 50 Dextrin 2-sulphate 5 5 5 50 Dextrin 3-sulphate 50 5 50 >50 Dextrin 6-sulphate 5 5 50 >50 ______________________________________
The dextran sulphate had a molecular weight of 8,000. These results indicate the overall greater effectiveness of the 2- and 6-sulphates of dextrin compared with the dextran sulphate and dextrin 3-sulphate (the latter being more effective thandextran sulphate against RF).
Example 7--Comparison of the anti-coagulant activity of the dextrin sulphate
The materials to be tested were each dissolved in veronal buffer to a concentration of 1 mg/ml=1000 ug/ml and a further dilution of 100 ug/ml was made by a 1:10 dilution in veronal buffer. Pooled normal plasma (1 ml) was then placed into each ofnine plastic tubes. The solutions containing the materials to be tested were then added to the plasma to achieve a range of final concentrations from 1-300 ug/ml, in each case the volume being made up to 1.5 ml with veronal buffer. The resultantmixtures were incubated at 37.degree. C. for 30 minutes, following which two 0.2 ml aliquots were extracted from each sample into glass tubes (Samples A and B), and 0.1 ml 7 U Bovine Thrombin was added and clot formation timed. The following resultswere obtained:
__________________________________________________________________________ Time (secs) Dextrin Concn Dextran Dextrin Dextrin Dextrin 2,3,6- (.mu.g/.mu.l) Sample sulphate 2-sulphate 6-sulphate 3-sulphate sulphate __________________________________________________________________________ 0 A 17 17 17 17 17 B 17 16 17 17 17 1 A 17 20 19 17 25 B 17 20 19 18 25 5 A 21 32 47 22 42 B 22 33 48 24 46 10 A 27 53 91 30 >180 B 28 55 92 30 >180 20 A 31 83 16240 >180 B 33 83 166 41 >180 50 A >180 123 >180 62 >180 B >180 120 >180 64 >180 100 A >180 150 >180 85 >180 B >180 150 >180 87 >180 200 A >180 >180 >180 110 >180 B >180 >180 >180 114>180 300 A >180 >180 >180 >180 >180 B >180 >180 >180 >180 >180 __________________________________________________________________________
These results illustrate that the least anti-coagulant dextrin materials are the 2- and 3-sulphates.
* * * * *
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text:
How Brexit is Affecting Data Centers in the UK
The Brexit referendum is more than a year in the past now, but the effects of it are still being seen. In many ways, we won't know the full impact of this historic vote for many years to come, but we do know that it is having a significant impact on virtually every industry, even data centers.
Specific Impacts from Brexit
The following are just some of the biggest issues that data center companies either have already seen, or are preparing for as the Great Briton moves along the path of exiting the EU:
- Tech Worker Passports – Many tech workers who support data centers come from other countries around the EU. In the past, they didn't require a UK passport to come in and work in the country, but that is not going to be the case once Brexit has been completed. Outside of the EU, it will be more difficult for data centers to get the skilled employees they need.
- Financial Service Industry Impact – Banks and other financial institutions are among the biggest customers of data centers. An isolated UK isn't likely to attract as many financial sector companies, which could cause the demand to drop.
- Tech Industry Impact – Tech companies are another big user of data center floor space. When opening new offices, tech companies are likely going to look more favorably on a country that is part of the EU due to more standard and predictable laws and regulations.
- International Regulations – Data centers rely on a stable system of data lines that can easily cross international borders. Brexit certainly puts additional strain on international relations, which could have an impact on this type of thing.
- The Unknown – While the tech industry in general and data centers specifically are great at innovating, 'the unknown' is still a form of risk. A data center company may not want to invest millions of dollars into a facility when there is still so much they don't know about the future of the UK.
Potential Opportunities
While there are certainly challenges facing data centers in the UK, there are also some great opportunities. For one, current and potential data center companies operating in the UK can push to influence any new laws or regulations that impact the industry. While it isn't like the UK is starting from scratch with their government, there will be a lot of change coming, and influencing that change positively is very important.
Some people looking at the UK actually think that the future looks bright for data centers because the UK very well may have reduced overall governmental regulations on this industry. The EU often had to make regulations based on the most restrictive country's demands in order to come to an agreement. The UK won't be under any such pressures, and can therefore implement minimally invasive regulations for data centers and related industries.
One key example of a benefit that is already occurring is that the UK government is already providing tax breaks on data centers that meet green energy standards. Data centers have long led the way on green energy due to the cost savings and other benefits, so getting these types of tax breaks is an excellent opportunity and could help to draw more companies to build their data centers in the area.
Moving Forward
As the UK moves forward with their full exit from the EU there will be people in the data center industry who make wild claims saying it will usher in a golden era, and those who believe that 'the end is near' for data centers in the country. As with most things in life, the reality is going to be somewhere in between. Fortunately, the data center industry is extremely resilient and innovative, so it is almost certain that existing companies and those that move into the area will be able to adapt and thrive in the UK once Brexit is fully implemented.