The previous winner of our ‘Best cameras under $ 500’ buying guide was the Canon EOS M100, and the recently announced M200 – which offers an improved AF system and 4K video capture – is the obvious choice to take over first place.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
When choosing the right camcorder for your needs, you need to have a general understanding of all the important camcorder features. Knowing about these features as well as how to control them will make your video making process easier and quicker.You can also be confident that you’ll be able to handle any situation you’ll face that might prevent you from Continue Reading
The post Features You Need To Know Before Buying Camcorders under $ 500 appeared first on Photodoto.
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Bargain hunters looking for a high quality monitor for designer work or photo editing, there’s a new panel in town that you will want to consider. Meet the Philips 328P6AUBREB P-line display, a 32-inch Quad HD (2560 x 1440) monitor with 100% sRGB coverage, 99% Adobe RGB coverage, and HDR technology.
This monitor is essentially Philips response to BenQ’s 27-inch SW2700PT, which retails for $ 600 and features nearly identical specs, albeit in a slightly smaller screen. Depending on your needs, you might actually prefer the higher PPI of the smaller BenQ monitor, but the ability to get a slightly higher contrast ratio—1,200:1 on the Philips vs 1,000:1 on the BenQ—and a bit more screen real estate for $ 100 less is definitely tempting.
Regarding the ‘HDR technology’ mentioned above, HDR viewing will definitely benefit from the relatively bright (for computer monitors, anyway) 450 nits typical brightness, and the wide color gamut support. However, the low contrast typically associated with IPS displays means you won’t want to use this as a primary HDR viewing or grading monitor.
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Finally, before you put it on your wish list, there is one more thing to consider. Despite diving into the user manual, we couldn’t find any mention of direct access to the 12-bit internal LUTs for color calibration on the Philips monitor.
The BenQ monitors, by comparison, come with calibration software that directly addresses the 14-bit internal LUTs to calibrate your monitor without sacrificing the overall bit-depth of the display, minimizing the risk of banding. The color calibration solution BenQ provides, while of course requiring the purchase of a separate colorimeter or spectrophotometer, is definitely an advantage of its lineup.
The Philips 328P6AUBREB P-line display will officially go on sale in January for £439 / 499 EUR/ 499 USD, and if you’re like some of the folks at our office, you’re seriously tempted by this display… at this price.
Press Release
Amsterdam, 30 November 2017 – MMD, the leading technology company and brand license partner for Philips monitors, is rolling out a new Philips Brilliance QHD docking USB-C monitor with High Dynamic Range (HDR). The 32-inch 328P6AUBREB delivers great image quality and one-cable docking for enhanced productivity and effortless convenience.
Connectivity made simple
The 328P6AUBREB is equipped with the extremely versatile connectivity of the latest-generation USB 3.1 Type C technology. Featuring a slim, reversible connector, USB-C enables users to charge, transfer audio and video signal, and connect to the Internet – all with one single cable. Hence, the monitor instantly becomes a hub and serves as a docking station, just without using that extra space on the desk. It also enables easy linking of multiple monitors, which is useful for graphic designers for example. Consequently, USB-C extends the limited connectivity of notebooks and allows users to transfer data securely at ultra-fast speeds. USB 3.1 is 20 times faster than USB 2.0, making data transfer a breeze. And, for those whose devices seem to always be running low on battery, USB-C with power delivery can even charge notebooks.
An unparalleled visual experience
Explaining the display’s positioning, Artem Khomenko, Product Manager Philips Monitors Europe at MMD, says: “The P-line monitors are designed to deliver precise, accurate and colour-critical colour performance. We are proud to bring this new model to the market, and to meet the high standards of professionals. This model is the perfect fit for graphic designers, CAD engineers, photographers, video editors and other professionals who rely on an outstanding on-screen reproduction of fine details.”
With Quad HD, you will enjoy an excellent viewing experience with high-resolution visuals. HDR technology ensures exceptional brightness and contrast, as well as a rich palette of captivating new colours never before seen on a display. The 10-bit display offers 1.074 billion of them, supported by 12-bit internal processing for natural colours and smooth gradients. With 99% Adobe RGB and 100% sRGB (CIE 1973), the 328P6AUBREB offers professional colour standards and 2560 x 1440 pixels deliver crystal-clear images and make graphics come alive. Thanks to IPS technology, the monitor can be viewed from an angle of 178° without losing any of the colour accuracy or consistent brightness that professional applications demand.
An extra dose of convenience
Beyond its connectivity and stunning visuals, this 32-inch QHD display boasts many of the standout features that have earned Philips monitors their reputation: the SmartErgoBase ergonomic adjustable stand enables users to tilt, swivel and raise the display for maximum viewing comfort. It also features Philips LowBlue Mode which reduces potentially harmful shortwave blue light. Flicker-free technology regulates brightness and reduces flicker for even more comfortable viewing; built-in stereo speakers provide excellent audio reproduction while eliminating the need for peripheral speakers; and what is more, with 65% post-consumer recycled plastics, this monitor is a good choice for eco-friendly users.
The Philips 328P6AUBREB P-line display, with an RRP of £439, will be available in January 2018.
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Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
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| Newly leaked photos of the GoPro Hero6 form a Best Buy in Canada. Photo credit: The Verge |
Days after the first photo of the upcoming GoPro Hero6 action camera leaked online, showing that the little cam will finally be able to shoot 4K at 60fps, another set of images has appeared after the camera was put up (by mistake, we assume) at a Best Buy in Canada. The photos were sent to tech site The Verge by a tipster who got to see that camera, and the leak reveals two more tantalizing details about the Hero6.
In addition to confirming the 4K 60fps news, the photo shows that the Hero6 will also be able to shoot FullHD 1080p video at 240fps slow motion, and the camera will sell for $ 650 CAD, or approximately $ 500 USD when it’s released.
The Verge is also reporting that GoPro will no longer use an Ambarella processor from the Hero6 onwards. Instead, the new camera will reportedly contain a custom-built processor known at GoPro as the “GP1,” leaving many to hope that this new chip will translate into better battery life and higher performance from GoPro’s future models.
Finally, the last piece of the puzzle is a release date, which was also leaked today. According to Twitter user Konrad Iturbe, who was able to gain access to GoPro’s staging website, the announcement/release date is set for September 28th.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
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Switching brands is a painful and expensive process, but a new “trade up” promotion from Sony is trying to take a little bit of the sting away. For a limited time, people interested in stepping up to a Sony a7 II, Sony a7S II, Sony a7R II, or Sony a9 can get several hundreds of dollars in credit + trade-in value when they hand over their working DSLR or mirrorless camera.
These kinds of trade-in programs are not uncommon in the photo world, but we’re more accustomed to seeing them from brands like Hasselblad and Leica, where the price tag for upgrading from one model to the next is so high that a significant discount for trading in your older camera is a serious boon.
Sony’s promotion isn’t quite as intense, but trading in an eligible DSLR or mirrorless will snag you $ 500 + trade-in value towards a new a9, $ 300 + trade-in value towards an a7R II and a7S II, and $ 100 + trade-in value towards a new a7 II. What’s more, these discounts are being offered in parallel with instant-rebates of up to $ 200 on the same cameras.
If you’re looking for an a9, there is a (long) list of eligible cameras that will earn you that $ 500 bonus; however, if you’re interested in an a7 II, a7S II, or a7R II, “any working digital interchangeable lens camera” is acceptable. To learn more or take advantage of the program, read the press release below or head over to the trade up website at this link.
The ‘trade up’ promotion runs from August 13th through September 30th.
Press Release
Program offers up to $ 500 bonus offer on trade-in DSLR or mirrorless cameras toward purchase of Sony full-frame cameras, lenses and accessories
San Diego, August 14, 2017, Sony Electronics, a worldwide leader in digital imaging, today announced a new nationwide “? Trade Up” retail event with up to $ 500 bonus offer on top of the trade-in value of a working DSLR or mirrorless camera. The bonus offer can be applied to the purchase of several full-frame Sony cameras including the flagship ?9 as well as the ?7R II, ?7S II and ?7 II models. A variety of ? full-frame lenses and ? accessories are also eligible.
The trade-in and trade-up summertime bonus deal runs now through September 30, 2017, and runs in parallel with instant rebates of up to $ 200 on the same eligible products. Sony is also offering limited time 24-month interest free financing at participating retailers on select Sony imaging products. Combine all offers to maximum savings.
All eligible trade-in products must be in working condition. See below for a list of eligible trade-in products and requirements for eligibility. Customers are restricted to one bonus offer per item they trade-in at participating Sony Authorized Dealers.
Sony ?9 bonus offer of $ 500 on eligible trade-in products
Sony ?7 series bonus offers and eligible trade-in products:
FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information on this promotion, please visit https://alphauniverse.com/tradeup.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
I am an amateur photographer, but I make around $ 500 in revenue from my photos each month. Photography is a hobby for me, but it can be an expensive hobby at times. This money pays for photography software, computer hardware, and lenses, so the hobby I love doesn’t cost a dime. This article will discuss how I did this with microstock, and provide tips on how you can do the same.
In 2010, I wanted to improve my photography so I purchased an entry-level DSLR and started to actively study how to become a better photographer, mainly from resources on the internet. As I tried different techniques, compositions, and camera settings, I posted my photos to sites like Flickr, Facebook, and 500px. In the beginning, I didn’t get very many views or likes but still enjoyed posting and learning from other photographer’s photos on those sites.
After shooting, learning, and posting for two and a half years, a design company saw a photo of mine on Flickr and asked if they could purchase a commercial license. I did a couple of quick searches about licensing and pricing on the internet, then sold my first commercial license for $ 75. This is the first photo I ever licensed.
Before this first sale, I hadn’t considered selling licenses to my photos. However, I had gotten to the point where I wanted to upgrade my entry level DSLR and lenses to a full frame system but couldn’t justify the cost for my hobby. However, I could justify the cost to myself (and my wife) if the money for the upgrade came from licensing my existing photos.
So, I started researching photo licensing and learned about microstock sites. These sites are websites that act as an intermediary between buyers of photo licenses and photographers. They are called “micro” because they typically sell photo licenses for less than where professional photographers have historically set their prices.
As a result, there is a lot of negative information about microstock sites on the Internet. Despite this negative information I decided to try posting my photos on Shutterstock, one of the most popular microstock sites. At the time, I had only made one sale ever so I felt that getting a small payment for each sale was better than no payment at all.
The first month I made less than $ 10 with 55 photos accepted by Shutterstock. However, I kept uploading my photos when I had time. A monthly later I had 100 photos on the site. In my third month, I checked my stats one morning and found I made $ 56 dollars from selling extended licenses from these two photos.
This was a bit of beginner’s luck because after that I didn’t have a day with more than $ 50 in sales for many more months. But it kept me motivated to continue uploading my photos to Shutterstock and even upload to multiple other microstock sites as well.
I also started uploading my better photos to art-on-demand sites like Fine Art America. These sites allow you to upload your photos, set a price, and create a storefront for anyone to purchase prints of your photos. When someone purchases the art, these sites handle the payment, printing, and shipping of the photo and send you money from the sale.
Lastly, I upgraded my photo blog to sell licenses directly from my website. Despite the fact that my photos are available on all the popular microstock sites, stock photo buyers continue to see my photos on social media and purchase licenses directly from my website.
Two years after my first photo license sale, my monthly revenue from photos was about $ 500 a month. This $ 500 is an average, with my biggest month was $ 1400, while some months have been lower. Now that my photos have been posted, they can continue to get sales indefinitely. In 2016, I did not have much time for photography and only posted eight photos over the course of the year. However, I still averaged $ 460 a month in revenue from the photos I had posted in previous years.
These revenue numbers are for all the photos I have posted online. I only post my best photos from each day out shooting. My current online portfolio of all my photos is around 700 total. Microstock sites don’t accept all of my images, so on some of the sites, I only have 300 photos accepted and up for sale there. Doing the math, my photos earn less than $ 1 a month on average (per photo). And in reality, it is even less because I have one photo that has earned over $ 4000 over the years, while others have gotten no sales.
However, I am fine with this because I take the photos I want to take and then post to stock sites to see if they sell. Photography is still a hobby and the pleasure it gives me comes first, making money is secondary. Often, the photos I like best are not the best sellers on microstock sites. For example, I prefer the photo of me and my shadow below because I really enjoyed making it, but the snapshot I took of a split trail while on a hike, sells much better.
Although I have posted a portion of my collection to over 20 sites over the years, all of these sites can be categorized into one of two types; microstock and art-on-demand. 75% of my photography revenue has come from microstock sites, while only 8% came from art-on-demand sites. The remaining 17% is through direct sales from my photography website.
I have tried a number of art-on-demand sites over the years but currently only post to Fine Art America because it is the only site where my images consistently sell. I have also tried many microstock sites. Typically, if I hear of a new one, I will upload 100 of my best photos to begin. If I start to get sales, then I will upload the rest of my collection. Here are my top five microstock sites based on earnings. I currently only post to these five sites as I have found the other ones aren’t worth the time it takes to post the photos.
If you are an amateur photographer who wants to make additional revenue from photo licenses, here are the steps you can take:
It has been seven years since I decided to take photography seriously and I have improved a lot over the years. However, I still have a lot to learn, but these days the software, courses, and gear that help me make photos are all paid for by revenue from the sale of photo licenses, rather than out of the family budget from my day job.
NOTE from the dPS team: Check out our Going Pro Kit with more stock photo success tips and other ways to make money through your photography
The post How to Make $ 500 a Month From Your Photography Hobby with Microstock by James Wheeler appeared first on Digital Photography School.
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DJI unveiled the Spark mini drone this morning, an entry-level product aimed at casual users and enthusiasts. It is capable of 1080p HD video capture, features a 2-axis gimbal and uses a 1/2.3-inch 12MP CMOS sensor.
The size of a soda can, the unit weighs just 300 g. Despite its small footprint, Spark can fly up to 50 kph, offers a 100 m range (when controlled by a smart device) and has a 16 min flight time. Other highlights include multiple sensors for accident avoidance, gesture control, micro-USB charging and DJI’s Intelligent Flight modes. The unit can be controlled via hand gestures alone, a smart device or a controller.
A neat new feature called QuickShot shoots one minute of footage and automatically edits it down to 10 secs for sharing on social media. When using the Quickshot feature, Spark offers 4 different automatic flight patterns. One of them, called ‘Helix,’ sends the drone spiraling upward away from you. Spark also features a new panorama mode and a ShallowFocus mode.
It comes in five colors including: Alpine White, Sky Blue, Meadow Green, Lava Red, and Sunrise Yellow. An accessory package will also be sold alongside the Spark which includes a physical controller, extra battery, propeller guards and a charging hub for $ 200.
Both will be available June 15th. You can pre-order here.
Press Release
The Company’s First Mini Drone Lets You Capture Special Moments From The Air Just By Moving Your Hands
DJI, the world’s leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, Wednesday launched Spark, an easy-to-use, fun-to-fly mini camera drone that lifts off from the palm of your hand to capture and share the special moments in your life on the go.
Thanks to DJI’s powerful technology, Spark is the first drone that users can control by hand gestures alone, successfully removing the barriers between you and your camera in the sky. Even if you’ve never flown a drone before, flying Spark is easy because the only remote controller you’ll need is your hand.
When Spark takes off from your hand, it automatically enters Gesture Mode. This features new advanced gesture controls like PalmControl, which lets users control Spark with hand movements.[1] In Gesture Mode, you can also send Spark up and away from you, take a selfie, and call it back with just your hands.
“Controlling a camera drone with hand movements alone is a major step towards making aerial technology an intuitive part of everyone’s daily life, from work and adventure to moments with friends and family,” said Paul Pan, Senior Product Manager at DJI. “Spark’s revolutionary new interface lets you effortlessly extend your point of view to the air, making it easier than ever to capture and share the world from new perspectives.”
Spark has been designed to be the perfect lifestyle accessory you can take anywhere. It fits easily in almost any bag and weighs just 10.6 ounces (300 grams) – less than a can of soda. Spark is ready to launch within seconds whenever inspiration strikes and can be operated by a remote controller, a mobile device, or hand gestures alone. Spark will be available in five different colors: Alpine White, Sky Blue, Meadow Green, Lava Red, and Sunrise Yellow.
Visually Smart, Incredibly Intuitive
Spark comes with new and exciting flight options that empower you to effortlessly capture and share your memorable moments. The new QuickShot Intelligent Flight Mode makes creating professional videos fun and easy. Select a QuickShot, and Spark will fly along a preset flight path while recording a short video and tracking a subject along the way.
Four QuickShots are available: Rocket, sending Spark straight up into the air with the camera pointed down; Dronie, flying up and away from your subject; Circle, rotating around the subject; and Helix, spiraling away from a subject as it flies upward. For each QuickShot, Spark will automatically create a 10-second video from your flight that is ready to share on social media, where everyone can see your special moments.
Previously introduced Intelligent Flight Modes such as TapFly and ActiveTrack can also be found on Spark. Developed based on DJI’s vision technology, a new TapFly sub mode called Coordinate allows Spark to fly to a location you tap on your mobile device screen. TapFly’s Direction Mode lets you keep flying in the direction you tap on the screen. Using ActiveTrack, Spark will automatically recognize and track an object you choose, keeping it at the center of the frame for perfect shots of objects in motion. Whether you are using TapFly or tracking a subject, Spark’s 3D Sensing System will actively sense obstacles in front of the aircraft.
With the remote controller accessory, operators can switch to Sport Mode and unleash Spark’s speed potential of up to 31 mph (50 kph). Sport Mode sets the gimbal to first-person view (FPV) by default, so the camera moves with you as you fly. Spark will also be compatible with DJI Goggles for an immersive FPV flight experience.
Shoot Like a Pro
Spark houses an impressive camera with a 1/2.3” CMOS sensor that captures 12 megapixel photos and shoots stabilized HD 1080p videos. Spark’s 2-axis mechanical gimbal and UltraSmooth technology dramatically reduce shake and rolling shutter effect to capture cinematic shots effortlessly.
Spark includes many previous DJI drone shooting modes with two new additions: Pano and ShallowFocus. In Pano Mode, the camera creates horizontal or vertical panoramas by automatically adjusting its gimbal and heading, taking a series of pictures and stitching them together. ShallowFocus allows you to put part of a picture into sharp focus while the rest of the image is softened, creating photographs with a shallow depth of field. An array of filters and automatic editing templates available in the DJI GO 4 app enables creators to quickly edit videos and share them directly to Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms.
Fly with Safety, Accuracy, and Precision
Spark’s FlightAutonomy system consists of the main camera, a downward-facing vision system, a forward-facing 3D Sensing System, dual-band GPS and GLONASS, a high-precision inertial measurement unit, and 24 powerful computing cores. These features allow Spark to hover accurately with vision system assistance at up to 98 feet (30 meters) and sense obstacles from up to 16 ft (5 m) away.
Like all recent DJI drones, Spark can return to its home point automatically with a sufficient GPS signal. While using the remote controller, if the battery gets too low, connection is lost, or the operator presses the Return to Home (RTH) button, Spark flies back to the preset home point while sensing obstacles in its path. Spark also integrates DJI’s GEO System or NFZ geofencing to provide you with up-to-date guidance on areas where flight may be limited by regulations or raise safety or security concerns – helping you fly safely and responsibly.
For optimal performance, Spark is powered by a high-energy density LiPo battery and has a maximum flight time of up to 16 minutes. When flying with the remote controller accessory, Spark allows for 720p real-time video transmission from up to 1.2 miles (2 km) away.[2]
Price and Availability
The US retail price of a DJI Spark, including an aircraft, a battery, a USB charger and three pairs of propellers, is $ 499 USD. The Spark Fly More Combo includes an aircraft, two batteries, four pairs of propellers, a remote controller, propeller guards, a charging hub, a shoulder bag and all necessary cables, with a US retail price of $ 699 USD. Pricing and availability of other accessories for Spark will be announced at a later date.
Spark will be available for pre-order at store.dji.com, four DJI Flagship Stores, and authorized dealers. Spark pre-orders will start shipping in mid-June. Color options and Fly More Combo availability may vary at different sales channels.
DJI Care for Spark
DJI Care Refresh for Spark, a new one-year coverage plan, will enable Spark customers to obtain up to two full replacements that are new or equivalent to new, for a small additional charge. DJI Care Refresh for Spark is currently available in select countries, including China, Hong Kong, the United States, Canada, 28 European Union countries, and Australia.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
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Entry-level interchangeable lens cameras have never been so affordable or more capable. There are plenty of choices around the $ 500 mark that will take better pictures than most cameras ever made.
They don’t always have the very latest sensors or the premium build quality of their more expensive midrange siblings – and their controls tend to err on the side of simple, rather than extensive – but they tend to be excellent value and comparatively easy to use.
All of these cameras – both mirrored and mirrorless – produce good image quality, offer respectable performance and can record Full HD video. The majority have Wi-Fi to make it easier to share images to a smartphone. Many of them are targeted toward beginners, with ‘help’ systems that point out the best settings to use for various shooting situations.
Those unfamiliar with DSLR and mirrorless cameras may be wondering what advantages and disadvantages each brings to the table. DSLRs are larger cameras, with a more ‘traditional’ shape and control layout, as well as an optical viewfinder. While they’re great for shooting stills, they’re not as well suited to video capture, and focusing using live view tends to be sluggish. Mirrorless cameras are typically smaller and are very capable video shooters, and live view focusing is much faster than most DSLRs. Two negatives about mirrorless cameras are that battery life isn’t nearly as good as a DSLR and – especially true in this class – they often lack a viewfinder.
Let’s take a look at several entry-level ILCs, with US MSRPs in the $ 500 region, kit lens included:
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)