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Technical Camera is an iPhone camera app for advanced users

12 Jun

Dire Studio today launched Technical Camera, an iPhone app aimed at mobile still photographers who prefer manual control over auto modes, along with artificial intelligence and a range of interesting features.

The app offers a highly customizable interface, with manual exposure and focus, compensation and locks, focus peaking, and fully configurable auto ISO. The Smart Function Keys feature lets you customize the function of on-screen buttons and you can set the direction of the virtual dials in the user interface.

Advanced users will also appreciate the ability to shoot in Adobe RGB color space and – as far as we are aware – the ability to define image settings for different albums and shoot directly into these albums is unique. For example, you can set a small image size and turn geotagging off for images saved into a “Notes” folder, but toggle Raw capture and maximum image quality for your “Prints” folder.

If you are using a dual-camera iPhone the Framing Previsor feature should be useful as well. It allows you to preview the tele camera’s angle of view on the wide-angle camera’s live view image, giving you a direct comparison between the two lens options. In addition there are highlight and shadow clipping alerts and a range of grids to choose from.

Lastly, Technical Camera also looks like an interesting app for the users of super-wide-angle accessory lenses. The app can correct the distortion of a number of popular lenses and also offers basic corrections for non-supported lenses. More information and a list of all supported lenses can be found on the Technical Camera website.

The app is compatible with newer Apple devices running iOS 10.3 or later and can be downloaded now from the App Store for $ 6.99.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Manfrotto adds Befree Advanced Carbon, GT and Live Carbon models to travel tripod line

08 Jun

Manfrotto has updated its travel tripod range with three new tripod models: the Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber ($ 319.99 USD), Befree GT ($ 239.99 USD), and Befree Live Carbon Fiber ($ 349.99 USD). The first two models feature Manfrotto’s M-lock twist lock, which the company says improves both speed of use and compactness. The Befree Live Carbon Fiber, meanwhile, is designed for recording video using a DSLR or similarly sized cameras.

The Befree Advanced Carbon Fiber tripod, as the name suggests, is a version of the model that features carbon fiber, rather than aluminum, legs. This model feature the 494 Center Ball Head and weighs 1.2kg / 2.75lb.

The Befree GT model brings the Advanced’s ergonomic design and pairs it with the ability to fold down to 43cm / 17in while supporting up to 9.9kg / 22lb of equipment. The latter model is offered in both carbon fiber and aluminum and features the 496 Center Ball Head.

Finally, the Befree Live Carbon Fiber tripod is described as a video travel tripod with an ergonomic, lightweight design. This model weighs 1.3kg / 3lb and features the same carbon fiber legs used with the Befree Advanced Carbon. However, the Befree Live adds a leveling column and includes the Befree Live Fluid Head with a fluid drag system and knobs to independently lock/unlock pan and tilt.

Manfrotto is offering all three new travel tripod models through its website and authorized dealers. The Befree Live Carbon Fiber model will be available starting later this month.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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The new Honor 10 features portrait lighting and advanced scene recognition

17 May

Huawei has just launched the latest flagship model of its sub-brand Honor, and at 400 Euros (approximately $ 475) for the 64GB version or 450 Euros (approximately $ 530) for the 128GB variant, the Honor 10 offers the same Kirin 970 top-end chipset as Huawei’s flagships P20 and P20 Pro at a significantly lower price point.

The camera specifications are different to the Huawei models—unfortunately, there is no P20 Pro-like triple cam—but, at least on paper, the specs still look pretty good. The Honor 10 features a dual-camera setup that comes with a 16MP/F1.8 main camera and a 24MP monochrome secondary chip.

Image data from the latter is merged computationally with the main camera for advanced digital zoom, lower noise levels and better detail. And, of course, there’s a native monochrome mode as well.

Huawei puts a lot of emphasis on the camera software, too. As is currently en vogue, AI is used for object recognition, and the Honor 10 has 22 shooting modes that recognize and adjust to different objects and scenes in real time. However, the Honor 10 goes one step further than most similar systems.

It can identify several elements of a scene and optimize them individually, according to the context of the image. This can happen in real-time, thanks to dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU).

Finally, the Honor 10 also includes an Apple-like Portrait Lighting mode that works with both the rear cameras and the 24MP/F2.0 front-facing cam.

Other specs for the affordable flagship smartphone include 4 GB RAM, a 5.84-inch IPS LCD panel with Full HD+ resolution and 19:9 aspect ratio, and a 3,400 mAh battery. A 3.5mm headphone jack is included as well, but the phone does lack a memory expansion slot.

The Honor 10 is available in Europe starting today. No information for availability in other regions has been provided yet. To find out more, watch the video below or visit the Honor website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Video: Remember that your gear is more advanced than Ansel Adams’

25 Apr

“Every famous photograph was made with a camera less advanced than the one you are using now.” This paraphrased quote is the inspiration behind The Art of Photography’s latest YouTube video titled “Your camera is better than Ansel’s.” In the ten-minute video, Ted Forbes breaks down his thoughts on the idea that, instead of taking an introspective approach to our photography work, we tend to blame the gear and use that as an excuse to our shortcomings as artists.

How often do you hear the phrase “I don’t have the right lens to get the shallow depth of field I want” or “I don’t have this camera body that shoots 15 frames per second.” These laments aren’t uncommon among photographers, but according to Forbes, they miss the point.

Sure, it’s fun to gawk over the latest and greatest gear, but it’s by no means necessary in order to create fantastic artwork—this morning’s Behind the Scenes article by Michael Benanav should more than prove that point. As Forbes elaborates throughout the video, gear is little more than a tool to create the artwork we’ve envisioned in our head—a means to an end.

Forbes summarizes this concept in the video’s description:

The truth is that important work… work that matters… doesn’t have anything to do with the technology we have access to. It has everything to do with what we have to say and communicate visually. Photography is an act of speaking.

It’d be an oversight to say there’s never a time when you need new gear. After all, it’s almost impossible to properly photograph a deer a few hundred yards away without a 400mm lens. But it’s something to think about when considering new equipment. Is that new camera actually necessary to produce the results you desire? Or is the gear you’re lusting over little more than a crutch that will help you avoid addressing your lack of a vision or direction?

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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HP’s DreamColor Z27x G2 is the ‘world’s most advanced color critical display’

06 Apr

Credit: HP

In addition to the new lineup of powerful HP ZBook laptops for power users and creative professionals, HP also revealed a gorgeous new 27-inch DreamColor display that photo and video editors will want to seriously consider purchasing. Why? Because HP claims this display—officially named the HP DreamColor Z27x G2—is the “world’s most advanced color critical display.”

That might sound like hyperbole, and it’s definitely PR speak, but the specs back up the claim. The display was supposedly designed in conjunction with “leading visual effects studios” to make sure all of the most important specs and features were onboard.

Spec-wise, the 27-inch Quad HD 2560 ×1440 16:9 aspect ratio IPS panel covers 98% of Adobe RGB, 99% of DCI-P3 and 100% of sRGB (duh) at a respectable static contrast ratio of 1500:1. So far, so good; but what really makes it stand out are the features. The Z27x G2 comes equipped with an integrated pop-up sensor that calibrates your display on demand or on a regular schedule, and features “the world’s first integrated keyboard-based input switching KVM to easily switch between devices.”

Here’s a closer look at the DreamColor Z27x G2:

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The Z27x G2 will be officially released at NAB 2018, where it will join the 24-inch DreamColor Z24x and 31-inch DreamColor Z31x to round out the DreamColor display lineup.

To learn more about the whole lineup or dive into the datasheet for the HP DreamColor Z27x G2 Studio Display, head over to the HP website. The Z27x G2 will be available to purchase this month for $ 2,000.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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On1 Photo RAW 2018 announced: Adds HDR processing, advanced masking and more

06 Oct

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On1 just released the newest version of its stand-alone RAW photo manager and non-destructive editor: On1 Photo RAW 2018. Put another way, there’s now yet another alternative to Lightroom out there, and with this new update the program is more capable than ever, adding features like HDR merge and panorama stitching, advanced masking capabilities, and more.

You can get a decent overview of the new features in the 2018 version in the video below:

The main additions to this version of On1 Photo RAW are On1 HDR, panorama stitching, new advanced masking options like Feather and Density that allow you to alter a mask globally, Color range masking, versioning, selective noise reduction, and an updated UI that On1 characterizes as “clean and modern.” There’s also a new “Paint with Color Brush” that allows you to either paint with a solid color or leave the luminosity of the underlying layer intact to change things like eye or hair color.

You can get a full breakdown of these and other new features on the On1 blog.

The app is being released as a free Beta on Friday, with an official release slated for the end of October. The full app—which promises ‘much more’ when it arrives after the beta period—will cost $ 120 for new users, while current On1 users will have the option to upgrade for a discounted price of just $ 80 (usually $ 100). Both the full version and upgrade package are already available for pre-order.

To learn more about the app or pre-order your copy, head over to the On1 blog by clicking here.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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On1 Photo RAW 2018 announced: Adds HRD processing, advanced masking and more

04 Oct

You can get a decent overview of the new features in the 2018 version in the video below:

You can get a full breakdown of these and other new features on the On1 blog.

To learn more about the app or pre-order your copy, head over to the On1 blog by clicking here.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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LG launches V30 with super-wide-angle and advanced video features

31 Aug

LG has launched its V30 flagship phone at IFA in Berlin and like its predecessors in the V-series the V30 puts a lot of emphasis on camera and video features and performance. LG goes as far as to promise a “whole-new video experience”.

Like on most recent LG models, the V30 dual-camera combines a main camera with a 71 degrees angle of view with a secondary 120 degree super-wide angle. On the main camera a Sony IMX 351 1/3.1 sensor is coupled with a very fast F1.6 lens.

One of the six lens elements is made from glass rather than plastic which, according to LG, results in a 4% increase in light transmission and consequently better low light performance. The company also claims an increase in dynamic range which is mainly achieved in the shadow areas.

The super-wide-angle comes with a smaller Samsung sensor that features a 13MP resolution and 1.0um pixel size. There is an F1.9 aperture but no OIS which is easier to live without on a super-wide-angle.

Manual mode offers a full range of manual controls including shutter speeds up to 30 seconds but it is its video mode features where the V30 really stands apart. There is manual control over video shutter speed and sound recording levels among many other parameters.

You can also choose from 15 new Cine Effect color presets that are based on film genres, such as ‘romantic’ or ‘film noir’ to give your footage a certain look and the Point Zoom mode allows for stable zooming into a target in the frame rather than the center. The feature also comes with controllable zoom speed and looked quite impressive in a demo we were given at a launch event at IFA. In addition LG says color grading based on LG Cine-Log results in expanded dynamic range and a wider color gamut.

Sound recording is performed by two high-preformance mics that offer 24-bit high-definition audio with a high dynamic range and very little distortion. According to the LG engineers LG says this results in much improved sound recording in very loud environments.

Images and videos can be viewed on a 6″ QHD+ OLED FullVision display with a 18:9 aspect ratio that occupies almost the entire front of the device. HDR10 is supported as well. With the Snapdragon 835 the V30 offers Qualcomm’s latest top-end chipset and all components are wrapped up in Gorilla Glass 5-covered metal body that is sealed against dust and water.

We have our hands on a test unit and it’s fair to say the V30 comes with a very attractive industrial design and reassuring build quality. Despite its 6″ display the overall dimensions feel surprisingly compact, thanks to the FullVision design. We are planning to get our full review started as soon as possible.

Key specifications:

Dual-camera with 70 degree main camera and 120 degree super wide angle
Main camera: 16MP 1/3.1″ Sony IMX351 CMOS sensor, F1.6 aperture, OIS
Super-wide-angle: 13MP Samsung sensor with 1.0um pixel size, F1.9 aperture
4K video
5MP F2.2 front camera
6″ QHD+ OLED FullVision display
Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset
64/128GB storage, 4GB RAM
microSD card slot
3,300mAh battery with quick charging

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Canon opens its ‘most advanced’ service & support center yet in Burbank

13 Jul

A photo from our tour of the Canon lens factory in Utsunomiya, home of the L-series.

Today, Canon officially opens the doors to its latest and greatest Professional Technology & Support Center, a state-of-the-art facility in Burbank, California. Canon is calling this facility its “most advanced cinema industry resource to date.”

“Evolving from what began at Canon’s original Hollywood facility, the new state-of-the-art Canon Burbank facility provides these customers with enhanced technical environments and accessible service and support,” explains Canon. “Canon Burbank is poised to support Canon’s clients’ productivity through a dynamic mix of product evaluation and testing, product & workflow training, industry events and expedited repairs.”

The center was built mainly to support the Cinema EOS community, speeding up service and support times for studio customers in LA, but stills photographers in the area will be able to take advantage of it like any other CPS center. Just don’t expect the workshops, demos, and software trainings offered there to be focused on still imaging.

DPReview is actually going to the grand opening today, and we’ll have more to share in the very near future. In the meantime, head over to the official Canon Burbank facility webpage and have a look around.

Press Release

CANON U.S.A. CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING OF ITS MOST ADVANCED CINEMA INDUSTRY RESOURCE FACILITY TO DATE

New Professional Service & Support Center in Burbank, Calif., Becomes Dedicated Location for Studios, Post-Production Facilities, Suppliers and Professional Organizations

MELVILLE, N.Y., July 12, 2017 – Continuing its support of professional clients in the filmmaking and still imaging communities, Canon today officially opened its doors to its newest Professional Technology & Support Center in Burbank, Calif. Evolving from what began at Canon’s original Hollywood facility, the new state-of-the-art Canon Burbank facility provides these customers with enhanced technical environments and accessible service and support.

Canon Burbank is poised to support Canon’s clients’ productivity through a dynamic mix of product evaluation and testing, product & workflow training, industry events and expedited repairs. Every aspect of the new facility’s design and operation was made in consideration of improving customers’ experience with Canon products from input to output, and in improving access to the highly trained Canon service and support team. Facility highlights include:

Enhanced on-site repair capabilities
Industry standard 4K projection and DI capabilities
Workflow Lab for software training and NLE workflows
Image lab for in-depth camera & lens testing, demonstration and troubleshooting
Fully equipped multipurpose room for training, events, demonstration and shooting
Immersive product showroom

“Since our 2011 launch of Cinema EOS, Canon has been steadfastly committed to exceeding the high expectations of our professional clients in the production community,” said Eliott Peck, executive vice president and general manager of the Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Our new Burbank location represents the culmination of our commitment to listen to our clients, understand their needs and provide them with what they need to bring their artistic and passion projects to life. As Canon continues on its journey to support the production community and evolve with changes in this industry, our mission is now clearer than ever, to be a resource and a beacon for industry professionals.”

At Canon Burbank, customers may now take advantage of walk-in service Monday through Friday, with plenty of convenient parking. The location will feature a steady calendar of educational offerings from top professionals on the latest equipment and filmmaking techniques, the ability to color correct and screen content, and a lab for testing Canon cameras and lenses. The facility’s multipurpose room is also configurable for industry gatherings and special events..

The new Burbank location is yet another extension of Canon Professional Services’ (CPS) powerful support network for the region’s professional photographers, filmmakers, and videographers. CPS members are invited to visit Canon Burbank for all of their service needs, Canon Live Learning sessions, and professional training tailored to their needs.

For a virtual tour and more information on the Burbank facility – usa.canon.com/canonburbank

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† Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks of their respective owners.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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10 Tips for Advanced Lightroom Users

01 May

If you’ve been using Lightroom for a while maybe you’re ready to take your processing to the next level. Here are 10 tips for advanced Lightroom users and professionals, brought to you by Photos in Color: