Lens mounts are an integral part of understanding whether or not a lens will work with your camera system. Most often we are not given that choice because entry-level cameras come bundled with a kit lens. However, once we want to go beyond a kit lens and want to buy an extra lens comes the inevitable question – will this Continue Reading
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Posts Tagged ‘Doesn’t’
Camera Lens Universality Guide: What Works and What Doesn’t?
21
Aug
Nikon Z5 is an entry-level full-frame camera that doesn’t cut corners
21
Jul
 |
Nikon has announced the Z5, an entry-level full-frame camera that uses the Z-mount. The Z5 has much in common with the Z6 (priced $ 600 higher), including its in-body image stabilizer, autofocus system, and a lot of design aspects.
The Z5 has a 24MP FX-format CMOS sensor – not the BSI variant used in the Z6 – but features the same Expeed 6 processor. The Z5 has in-body image stabilization that can reduce shake by up to five stops (per CIPA).
While the Z6 features an all magnesium-alloy chassis, the Z5 employs polycarbonate for its rear and base plates, but remains sealed against dust and moisture, to the same level as the higher-end models. The top plate has been simplified, with a traditional mode dial in place of the Z6/7’s status screen. The Z5 is the same size and exact weight as the Z6, at 675 grams (1.5 pounds).
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The Z5 features a large OLED viewfinder with 3.69 million dots as well as a tilting 3.2″ touchscreen. Unlike the Z6/7 it offers dual SD card slots that support UHS-II speeds. It uses a new EN-EL15C battery, which offers 470 shots per charge using the LCD and 390 shots with the viewfinder. The camera is backward compatible with other EN-EL15 batteries: just expect fewer shots per charge. The Z5 can use the same MB-N10 battery grip as the Z6 and Z7. The camera supports USB Power Delivery for charging and powering the camera during operation.
Video is less of a focus on the Z5. It can capture 4K/30p video, though there’s a 1.7x crop to contend with. Video recorded at 1080 uses the full width of the sensor. Nikon did not include any high speed video modes on the Z5. The camera has both headphone and mic sockets.
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The Nikon Z5 will be available in three kits: body only for $ 1399, with the new 24-50mm F4-6.3 lens for $ 1699, and with the versatile 24-200 F4-6.3 VR for $ 2199.
Official sample photos
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Press release
EMBARK ON THE FULL-FRAME MIRRORLESS JOURNEY: NIKON UNVEILS THE Z 5, AN INNOVATIVE AND FEATURE-RICH MIRRORLESS FX-FORMAT CAMERA FOR EMERGING CREATORS
Nikon Expands the NIKKOR Z Lens Lineup with the Addition of the Extremely Compact and Versatile NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 as well as the new Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0X and TC-1.4X; Nikon Also Announces Free Webcam Utility
MELVILLE, NY (July 21, 2020) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the Z 5, the new full-frame (FX-format) entry-point into its award-winning lineup of Z series mirrorless cameras. The Nikon Z 5 combines sophisticated features inherited from the Z 7 and Z 6 with the benefits of Nikon’s next generation Z mount at an unprecedented value. For those new to mirrorless or creators looking to push the limits of their craft with the power of full-frame, the compact Z 5 will exceed expectations. With an incredibly robust feature set, including in-camera vibration reduction (VR) image stabilization (IBIS) and the perfect balance of seamless automation and full manual control, creators can effortlessly share their artistic passions, travel adventures and so much more.
Nikon also unveiled the new NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3, the shortest, lightest and most affordable full-frame zoom lens in the NIKKOR Z lineup. Designed for on-the-go creators, the 24-50mm lens is the ideal companion for Z series users who want to capture it all – from vast landscapes and cityscapes, to street photography and striking portraits.
“The Nikon Z 5 offers the next generation of creators a gateway into the full-frame Z series lineup, opening the door to the limitless possibilities of mirrorless photo and video capture, while providing the means to share their creativity with others,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “With the addition of the NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3, Nikon is introducing the smallest full-frame NIKKOR Z lens to date, providing an extremely lightweight, versatile option to help users pursue all creative endeavors, regardless of which Z series camera they use.”
Nikon Z 5: The Full-Frame Journey Starts Here
As the new entry point to Nikon’s full-frame mirrorless lineup, the Nikon Z 5 offers a lot of power and capabilities at an attractive price, empowering the next generation to begin their journey with the confidence to learn and grow as creators.
- Incredible Image Quality: Featuring a powerful FX-format 24.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, the Z 5 is the gateway to the benefits of full-frame, helping creators to capture intensely detailed images, ultra-shallow depth of field and clean low-light shots with unrivaled consistency. From portraits that flatter, nighttime landscapes that astound and street shots that impress, the gorgeous tones, faithful colors, minimal noise, and revered Nikon color science all play a part to help users capture images that are true to their vision.
- High Speed Performance and Processing: Engineered with the EXPEED 6, Nikon’s fastest image processor to date, the Z 5 is a dependable, high-performance tool designed for content creation. EXPEED 6 allows for a boost in processing power and energy efficiency while rendering subtle textures and small details with amazing results.
- Stellar Low-Light Performance: With an ISO range up to 51,200 (expandable to 102,400), the camera effectively reduces noise, maintaining both high sensitivity and resolution to excel in low-light situations, making it ideal for shooting everything from low-light events to an all-nighter under the Milky Way.
- Capture with Speed: With shutter speeds up to 1/8000, the Z 5 can capture fast-moving subjects with clarity including fast-action sports and wildlife. This higher maximum shutter speed enables photographers to better tame even the brightest mid-day light to unleash the potential of fast-aperture NIKKOR glass. When the moment strikes, the camera can also capture full resolution bursts at 4.5 fps with full AF/AE.
- Silent and Smooth: The combination of the camera’s silent photography mode and In-Body 5-Axis VR stabilization provides quiet, stable shooting to document sensitive moments without distractions.
- Vast Lens Selection: Whether shooting glamorous portraits from a studio on the sidewalk, long-distance wildlife, epic wide landscapes in the field or street photography, the growing lineup of NIKKOR Z lenses provides Z 5 users the versatility to capture incredible shots with sharpness across the frame and superior light gathering in any situation. For even more flexibility, the vast array of traditional F-mount NIKKOR lenses can be used via the Mount Adapter FTZ to enhance images with a unique focal length or beautiful bokeh, while gaining the benefits of in-body stabilization.
- Dual UHS-II SD Card Slots: Equipped with two UHS-II card slots for overflow, backup or separating RAW and JPEG photos, the Z 5 enables photographers to shoot with extreme confidence when using widely available consumer SD cards.
Simple Yet Sophisticated for Expanding Creativity
A great option for emerging creators getting started, the Nikon Z 5 is packed with powerful tools and user-friendly controls to help users explore and capture their artistry with ease.
- Focus Anywhere: The Z 5 boasts 273[1] on-sensor AF points, to quickly and accurately track subjects throughout the frame, while Eye-Detection AF capabilities help precisely capture the eyes of humans and animals. The wide array of AF points covers nearly the entire frame, and multiple AF modes allows the user to have pinpoint control or fully automatic assurance to easily lock onto a subject.
- Easily Shift Gears: The Nikon Z 5 offers the ability to effortlessly switch between manual mode for the ultimate in control, as well as a large variety of automatic creative modes to help mirrorless users capture truly distinct images and video.
- Creativity Built-in: Equipped with 20 Creative Picture Controls, and advanced features like Focus Shift Shooting and multiple exposure mode, users can compose unique images, produce extraordinary depth of field, or combine several shots and layer images on top of each other with the in-camera image overlay function.
- Advanced Video Capture: The Z 5 makes it easy to document any creative vision in 4K UHD/30p[2] or in 1080/60p (full-frame). When recording video, the PDAF system is rapid to react, allowing users to quickly lock critical focus on subjects, and is fully customizable to fit any production style. In-camera VR image stabilization and electronic VR reliably eliminate the shake when shooting video, plus users get the added benefit of focus peaking and the ability to capture stills while recording.
- Flexible Recording Modes: In addition to the traditional interval timer and in-camera time-lapse modes, the Nikon Z 5 is equipped with a new Time-Lapse Movie mode that gives users the best of both worlds for more streamlined movie making – the ability to use images from interval timer mode and create a time-lapse in-camera.
- Unique Lighting Options: For enhanced creative control, the camera features a hot shoe, and is fully compatible with the Nikon Speedlight wireless lighting system.
- Get Connected: The Nikon SnapBridge[3] app makes it easy to remotely control the Z 5 or seamlessly transfer and share content to a smartphone, tablet, Mac, or PC thanks to built-in Wi-Fi[4] and Bluetooth[5] connectivity.
Rugged Reliability and Engineered for Versatility
In addition to providing high-quality imaging capabilities, the Nikon Z 5 is compact and comfortable in-hand while promising the rugged reliability as well as innovative features and controls that Nikon is known for.
- Legendary Nikon Build: Designed with a durable, weather-sealed exterior for worry-free use, the Z 5 employs the same magnesium alloy shell and robustness as the Z 6 and Z 7. Both the camera and NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens are built with consideration for dust and drip resistance and are ready to tackle the next adventure.
- Functional Operability: The camera sports a powerful, high-resolution 3.2-inch LCD monitor with the capabilities to tilt, touch, tap, swipe, and pinch for an intuitive and flexible user-experience. Meanwhile, the 3.6M-dot Quad-VGA EVF ensures users can see exposure, ISO, white balance and creative picture controls in real time, making the transition from optical viewfinders seamless for new mirrorless shooters.
- Packed with Power: Powered by the new EN-EL15c battery, the Z 5 offers significant advancements in the number of shots per charge and is the first Nikon camera to enable constant power through the USB port, even with select portable USB power banks[6]. For added power and grip, the camera is also compatible with the MB-N10 hot-swappable battery pack.
- Webcam Ready: When connected via the USB-C cord, the Z 5 can be used as a webcam, making the camera a great option for modern vloggers, influencers and gamers looking to improve their livestreaming capabilities.
NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3: Portable, Yet Powerful
The NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 is the latest addition to the rapidly expanding lineup of NIKKOR Z lenses and is the smallest FX-format NIKKOR Z lens yet. Optically designed to take advantage of the advancements of the wide Z mount, this lens delivers sharpness across the entire frame and a versatile zoom range for everyday use. The 24-50mm is less than three inches long when retracted, making it the perfect lens for shooters seeking a versatile yet compact option for lightweight travel and street photography. When used together, the Z 5 and 24-50mm lens are the ideal discrete travel kit that can easily be packed and carried for all-day adventures. This compact NIKKOR Z lens is also an enticing option for Z 6 and Z 7 users who want a small all-around lens for portraits, landscapes, and street photography.
New Z Teleconverters Take NIKKOR Z Lenses to New Lengths
Designed for photographers and videographers who need more telephoto reach in their kit, the new Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4X and Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0X bring added versatility with 1.4x and 2.0x magnification to select NIKKOR Z lenses. These lightweight teleconverters are great tools for those photographing sports, wildlife and aviation, reducing the need to crop images and allowing for tighter compositions with maximum resolution.
The new TC-1.4X and TC-2.0X teleconverters maintain superior rendering performance and minimize various lens aberrations, while retaining focusing speed, VR functionality and minimum focusing distance. As an added benefit, the new teleconverters allow Nikon Z series cameras to retain functionality on all focus points up to f/11, making it easy to focus on and track subjects throughout the entire frame. Featuring the same robust construction as NIKKOR Z lenses, the teleconverters are designed with a fluorine coating on the front and rear elements to resist dirt and smudges, and offer a durable, weather-sealed body to protect against the elements.
When the teleconverters are used with the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S (availability scheduled for late August), the focal length on the telephoto end is extended to 280mm (1.4x) or 400mm (2.0x) producing a significant expansion of this telephoto lens’ shooting range. These new teleconverters will also be compatible with applicable interchangeable lenses for Nikon Z mount mirrorless cameras that Nikon will release in the future.
New Webcam Utility Software for Nikon Cameras
In August, Nikon will release a beta version of the Webcam Utility software for many Nikon DSLR and Z series mirrorless cameras, including the new Z 5. Initially available for Windows 10, the free software will allow compatible Nikon cameras to be used as webcams. When connected via USB, this free software will provide users with incredible sharpness, clarity and flattering depth of field for all of their livestreaming needs including teleconferencing and gaming.
For more information on how to use your Nikon camera as a webcam, please visit https://www.nikonusa.com/en/learn-and-explore/live-streaming-with-nikon-cameras.page
Pricing and Availability
The Nikon Z 5 will be available in August in several configurations, including body-only for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $ 1,399.95*, a one-lens kit with the new NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 for an SRP of $ 1,699.95* and a one-lens kit with the NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR lens for an SRP of $ 2,199.95* for those seeking extra reach when photographing wildlife or travel adventures. Also available in August, the NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens can be purchased separately for an SRP of $ 399.95*. The new Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4X and TC-2.0X will have an SRP of $ 549.95 and $ 599.95 respectively and will be available in late August.
For more information on the latest Nikon products, including the new Z 5 and NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens, as well as the full Nikon Z mount system, please visit?www.nikonusa.com.
Specifications, equipment, and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.
*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
1. With recording of still images using the FX-format image area and single-point AF. 231 focus points with movie recording.
2. When using this mode, the frame is cropped approx. ×1.7.
3. Using the SnapBridge App System Requirements:
a. Android 5.0 or later or 6.0.1 or later
b. A device with Bluetooth 4.0 or later (i.e., a device that supports Bluetooth Smart Ready/Low Energy) is required.
c. The SnapBridge app is available for compatible iPhone®, iPad® and/or iPod touch®, and for smart devices running the AndroidTM operating system. The app can be downloaded free of charge from Apple’s App Store® and GooglePlayTM. SnapBridge can be used only with compatible cameras.
4. This camera’s built-in Wi-Fi® capability can only be used with a compatible iPhone®, iPad®, and/or iPod touch® or smart devices running on the Android™ operating system. The Nikon SnapBridge application must be installed on the device before it can be used with this camera.
5. The camera’s built-in Bluetooth® capability can only be used to connect the camera to a compatible smart device running the SnapBridge app, and to take advantage of SnapBridge features.
6. Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD 45W is the recommended portable charger. Use a USB cable with two Type-C connectors supplied with the portable charger. For more information about the portable charger, please visit the manufacturer’s website: Anker.com/support
Nikon Z5 specifications
| Price | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $ 1399 (body only), $ 1699 (w/24-50mm lens), $ 2199 (w/24-200mm lens) |
| Body type | |
| Body type | SLR-style mirrorless |
| Body material | Magnesium alloy, composite |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 6016 x 4016 |
| Image ratio w:h | 1:1, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 24 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 25 megapixels |
| Sensor size | Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | Expeed 6 |
| Color space | sRGB, Adobe RGB |
| Color filter array | Primary color filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 100-51200 (expands to 50-102400) |
| Boosted ISO (minimum) | 50 |
| Boosted ISO (maximum) | 102400 |
| White balance presets | 12 |
| Custom white balance | Yes (6 slots) |
| Image stabilization | Sensor-shift |
| Image stabilization notes | 5-axis |
| CIPA image stabilization rating | 5 stop(s) |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, normal, basic |
| File format |
|
| Optics & Focus | |
| Autofocus |
|
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 273 |
| Focal length multiplier | 1× |
| Screen / viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Tilting |
| Screen size | 3.2″ |
| Screen dots | 1,040,000 |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Electronic |
| Viewfinder coverage | 200% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.8× |
| Viewfinder resolution | 2,369,000 |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/8000 sec |
| Exposure modes |
|
| Built-in flash | No |
| External flash | Yes (via hot shoe) |
| Flash modes | Front-curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync, slow rear-curtain sync, off |
| Flash X sync speed | 1/200 sec |
| Continuous drive | 4.5 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2, 5, 10 or 20 secs) |
| Metering modes |
|
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | Yes |
| Videography features | |
| Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Modes |
|
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II compatible) |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) |
| USB charging | Yes |
| HDMI | Yes (micro HDMI) |
| Microphone port | Yes |
| Headphone port | Yes |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11ac (dual band) + Bluetooth |
| Remote control | Yes (via smartphone) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | Yes |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | EN-EL15c lithium-ion battery & charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 470 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 675 g (1.49 lb / 23.81 oz) |
| Dimensions | 134 x 101 x 70 mm (5.28 x 3.98 x 2.76″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | Yes |
| GPS | None |
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Instagram CEO reveals the simple reason the company doesn’t have an iPad app
18
Feb
 |
Despite the popularity of both the social media platform and the gadget, Instagram still lacks an iPad app. This omission remains frustrating, particularly in light of the iPad Pro and its suitability as a laptop replacement for some photographers. In a recent Instagram story, the company’s CEO Adam Mosseri briefly discussed the topic, stating that Instagram wants to launch an iPad app.
The information surfaced in one of Mosseri’s Instagram stories; it was spied by The Verge editor Chris Welch who tweeted the details to his followers.
In addition to revealing that some Instagram users don’t see advertisements, Mosseri reportedly also said in the story that Instagram ‘would like to build an iPad app,’ but that ‘we only have so many people, and lots to do, and it hasn’t bubbled up as the next best thing to do yet.’
This, of course, has raised questions over whether an iPad app will ever be ‘the next best thing’ on Instagram’s list of priorities. The iPad’s 10th anniversary is in less than two months and device owners have been requesting a proper iPad app for years.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Photographing on Overcast Days: The Light Simply Doesn’t Get Any Better
17
Nov
The post Photographing on Overcast Days: The Light Simply Doesn’t Get Any Better appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Herb Paynter.
Lighting is everything in photography, but some “poor” conditions may surprise you. Am I alone here? Does anybody else get excited about photographing on overcast days?
I use to think I was a contrast junkie, but I discovered that my passion is for detail, more of an internal contrast issue than one of overall contrast. Internal contrast (the clear distinction between tones inside the extremes of white and black) is what delivers the distinctions we call detail.
Hot highlights and deep shadows
When you consider the dynamic range of most digital camera image sensors, typical bright sunny days can present two challenges right off the bat: hot highlights and deep shadows. When the highlights in the original image are very hot, and the shadows are very deep, extracting detail in the “near shadows” and “near highlights” turns into an editing issue.
This is why photographing on overcast days is the easiest lighting condition to deal with.
The holy grail of photographic exposure range is located well within those bookend extremes. On a typical Florida day, with the Sun blaring on a scene, the trick is to keep the quarter, middle, and three-quarter tones ideally balanced in order to capture critical detail.
With highlights too “hot,” the inevitable shadows cast by the tropical Sun tends to push critical three-quarter tones (shadow detail) into the mud. Shooting in RAW mode allows most images to recover all but the most severe edges of dark and light, though it can take a careful adjustment to do so.
Filtering effect of clouds
When photographing on overcast days, the filtering effect of clouds mellows the Sun’s harsh light, revealing significant quarter tones (highlight detail).
The wonderful byproduct of this softer “diffused” light is softer shadows, which in turn deliver more shadow detail.
It is much easier to boost the highlights and deepen the shadows with a little help from overcast weather. On very sunny days, you might have to use a reflector or fill flash to open up the shadows, but on cloudy days, they’re already open! This natural diffuser renders rich colors and a full range of tones from the deepest shadows to the lightest highlights.
This lighting is the ideal time to press your 18% gray card into action.
Gray card
There is a reason why photographers like to balance their lighting around an 18% gray card. That 18% value just happens to be the same reflective value as average Caucasian skin color. And that value is the sweet spot of all photographic exposure.
Your camera’s image sensor is tuned to record skin tones in the very center of the contrast range. Image sensors do their best work when you point them at this reflective value. Once the camera knows this value, the lighter and darker tones fall quite naturally in line. And when the outdoor lighting falls neatly within the camera sensor’s “cruising range” (with headroom on either side of the scene’s histogram), that my friends, delivers top drawer results.
Photographing on overcast days may well become your favorite lighting.
Middle tone emphasis
Don’t be afraid to put the scene’s tones well within the middle of the histogram.
There is no hard, fast rule that says that every image has to contain extreme highlights or near-black shadows. Real-life simply doesn’t appear that way to your eyes. Not even high-key photography mandates that the lightest tones must be extremely bright. Some of the most moving photos are nearly void of overall contrast.
Don’t fall into the trap of “optimizing” every photo’s range so that it produces bright highlights and deep shadows. Allow nature to dictate the visual mood. Realistically speaking, the only thing in nature that is truly “black” is the inside of a cave at midnight. The only thing pure “white” is a direct view of the Sun at noon.
Auto levels
It’s okay to have highlights that aren’t pegged up against the right side of the histogram. Please think twice before you hit the dreaded Auto button in the Levels dialog of Photoshop. That kind of cookie-cutter photography should be left to those who don’t know any better. Let the scene set the mood and simply convey what you experienced.
Occasionally, dynamic adjustments within software applications tempt us to automatically force nature into conditions that aren’t natural.
White balance
The next time you find yourself in the shadow-free lighting of a clouded sky, go and get your camera. Great color (and fabulous black and white) photography is there for the taking. However, do keep in mind that outdoor shots under cloud cover will appear slightly bluish because those clouds are absorbing the shorter wavelengths.
Set your camera’s white balance to Overcast or Cloudy. This setting will compensate for the bluishness of the scene. If you are using a gray card and have the time to set a situational white balance, you can zero in on the color even more accurately.
Conclusion
Next time you shoot outdoors in overcast weather, search the scene for something interesting and unique, something that will bring a smile to your face. I’ve found that I find whatever I’m looking for in life, and that includes dismal weather. There is a bright spot in just about every situation if you keep your eyes (and your mind) open.
I hope this inspires you to look forward to photographing on overcast days. These special days deliver great natural lighting and provide many opportunities to see a different side of life.
Do you photograph on overcast days? What are your thoughts? Share with us in the comments!
The post Photographing on Overcast Days: The Light Simply Doesn’t Get Any Better appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Herb Paynter.
The Pixel 4 can’t beat a compact camera, but that doesn’t matter
13
Nov
 |
With its newly improved Super Resolution Zoom, the Pixel 4 makes a case for itself as a replacement for a compact camera with a 4-6x zoom range. The kind you might bring on vacation – something with a sensor that’s a little bigger and a modest zoom that won’t be too cumbersome while you explore your destination.
I took the Pixel 4 as my primary camera on a recent trip, but just to satisfy my curiosity, packed the Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II alongside it. The Pixel 4 fell short in a couple of ways, but overall it did the job well enough that I wouldn’t have regretted taking it as my only camera. Here’s what it did well, what the dedicated camera still does best, and why I think those differences don’t matter much to most people who take pictures.
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A military fort-turned-prison is kind of a weird place to take someone for their birthday, but my fiancé is into that kind of thing. Plus, it was a great excuse to quote Sean Connery saying ‘Welcome to the Rock,’ for several weeks leading up to the trip. I’d been to Alcatraz before, so I was happy to spend a little more effort and concentration on taking photos.
As you might imagine, a jailhouse provides lots of low light photography opportunities – a task that the Pixel 4 is well equipped for. Night Sight does a little bit of computational magic to create surprisingly detailed images in low light (and good light for that matter). But even the default camera mode does a very nice job in dim conditions, thanks to its ability to capture multiple frames, analyze them and assemble the best bits into one final image on the fly. In fact, it out-performed the Canon G5 X II in the situations where I tested both.
The moderately low light images below show the Pixel 4 producing a slightly more detailed, less noise-smudged image in its standard camera mode versus the Canon G5 X II’s out-of-camera JPEG.
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Pixel 4 – 100% crop |
Canon G5 X Mark II – 100% crop |
Zoom is another story. Google has improved the Super Resolution digital zoom in the Pixel 4, boosting image quality thanks to a combo of clever algorithms and the new telephoto lens. The company claims that the camera will produce decent results up to 6x zoom, but admit that zoom is a difficult problem to solve with the current technology.
Absolutely nobody is claiming that the phone’s 4-6x zoomed images can take on a traditional camera’s zoom pixel-for-pixel, but because I’m curious I checked it out anyway. Both cameras are at 5x zoom in the example below (about 135mm equiv. for the Pixel 4 and 122mm equiv. on the G5 X II).
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Pixel 4 @ 5x digital zoom – 100% crop |
Canon G5 X II 5x optical zoom – 100% crop |
The difference is obvious in the 100% crops above, and can be easily seen even at 50% – but then again how often will those photos be viewed on anything bigger than a computer screen? If I planned on making prints of these images, I’d still want a traditional optical zoom. But I rarely print images and I suspect I’m in the majority of the picture-taking public.
There was one more Pixel 4 camera feature that I found myself relying on that the G5 X II doesn’t offer: Dual Exposure Controls, which doesn’t mean what you think it means.
Dual Exposure Control puts a higher level of control over shadows and brightness, along with the ability to adjust them independently of each other, all before image capture
An advanced compact such as the G5 X II provides plenty of manual controls over exposure settings. What it doesn’t provide is the ability to finely tune shadows and brightness before you press the shutter: you can instead select low, medium or high levels of its Auto Lighting Optimizer.
The Pixel 4’s Dual Exposure Control gives you direct control over shadows and brightness, along with the ability to adjust them independently of each other, all before image capture. This phone and previous Google devices would do this automatically expose for backlit subjects and high-contrast scenes, but the dual controls allow you to increase or minimize the effect, depending on what you want.
 |
| The Pixel 4’s Dual Exposure Controls allowed me to slightly boost shadows in this image before pressing the shutter. |
Of course the G5 X II offers plenty of editing flexibility with in-camera Raw processing, but control over settings is limited. For anything more advanced than some basic tweaks, you’ll need to take your Raw images into Lightroom or the like. On the Pixel 4, it all happens in-camera.
This potentially changes how you approach a high-contrast scene. Normally I’d expose for the highlights and bring up the shadows later, which works well but leaves me without an image to share now. This is annoying because social media has robbed me of any patience I once had. The Pixel 4 lets me make those adjustments before I take the photo – rather than having to wait until I can process the image later.
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If I was keeping score, I could award a lot more points in favor of either device. Color science backed by decades of fine tuning, better picture-taking ergonomics, flip-out touchscreen for low angle shots: all points for the traditional camera. Integrated photo storage, seamless image sharing, always in your pocket: point, point, point for the Pixel 4.
What speaks louder than any arbitrary score-keeping though is the fact that I saw few, if any, compact cameras among my fellow tourists at Alcatraz. I saw mirrorless cameras, DSLRs, a few superzoom cameras and of course, lots of phones. To most of the photo-taking population though, the compact camera – even a really nice compact camera – is already history.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
The ultra-wide camera in the iPhone 11 models is fixed-focus, doesn’t support Raw capture
24
Sep
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Last week, Apple debuted its new iPhone 11 devices, all three of which feature an ultra-wide camera module. This marks the first time Apple has put an ultra-wide camera in an iOS device and with the new camera comes all-new capabilities and shooting modes.
Not all of the cameras are made equal though. In addition to not having optical image stabilization, it’s been revealed the ultra-wide camera unit on all three models isn’t yet capable of capturing Raw image data or manual focus, unlike the wide-angle camera (and telephoto camera on the iPhone 11 Pro models).
It looks like the ultra wide angle camera doesn’t support RAW, or manual focus. ? pic.twitter.com/dczJ9T0WEV
— Ben Sandofsky (@sandofsky) September 21, 2019
Revealed by Halide developer Ben Sandofsky, the ultra-wide camera has a fixed-focus lens and doesn’t offer any Raw photo output. The reasoning isn’t yet known, but as noted by a number of responses to Sandofsky’s tweet, it’s possible the reason for not offering Raw output from the ultra-wide camera is due to the barrel distortion present in the uncorrected images from the ultra-wide camera. If not corrected, the distortion would be dramatic considering the 13mm (35mm equivalent) focal length, and without having iOS apps with that correction built-in it would result in rather distorted images.
It’s possible Apple could turn on Raw support in a later iOS update, but for now, Raw capture is limited to the other two camera modules.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Instagram starts demoting ‘inappropriate’ content, even if it doesn’t violate its rules
12
Apr
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In a meeting with journalists yesterday, Facebook detailed changes it is making to its family of products aimed at dealing with what it calls ‘problematic content.’ For Instagram, this change means a demotion of content Facebook refers to as ‘inappropriate,’ though the posts don’t violate the platform’s Community Guidelines.
Demoted content will not appear in Instagram’s Explore or hashtag pages, according to a new page on the platform’s Help Center. The demotion applies to posts that ‘might not be appropriate for our global community,’ even if those posts aren’t in violation of the Community Guidelines, the company explains.
Instagram’s Help Center page, seen in the screenshot below, doesn’t offer any visual examples of ‘inappropriate’ content, only providing ‘sexually suggestive’ as one category that will be demoted. This change doesn’t apply to the user Feed at this time, but there’s no word on whether Facebook will lower the Feed ranking of these posts in the future.
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TechCrunch has published multiple images from Facebook’s press event that include visual examples of ‘non-recommendable’ content set for demotion on Instagram. Though dealing with certain posts, such as ‘likes’ spam and fake news, would obviously be a good thing for users, other categories encompass large, vague content segments with no clear definition of what is and isn’t ‘appropriate.’
Based on the images from Facebook’s press event, Instagram will demote posts that feature sexually suggestive, ‘graphic/shocking,’ and violent content. Examples include, among other things, images of someone being sprayed with pepper spray, a woman in a bikini and a skull.
The vague nature of Facebook’s sweeping ‘non-recommendable’ categories leaves many users in a state of uncertainty and may reduce the platform’s overall usefulness for certain creatives and brands. Though a user’s existing followers will still see the ‘inappropriate’ posts in their respective Feeds, being filtered from Explore and hashtag pages greatly limits the user’s ability to gain new followers.
Though Facebook didn’t go into details in its press release about the changes, TechCrunch reports that the company will use AI algorithms to determine which posts are demoted. Human content moderators have been tasked with labelling ‘non-recommendable’ content; Instagram will use those labels to train machine learning algorithms on identifying borderline content.
Instagram’s content demotion effort is now underway.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Instagram clarifies its algorithmic feed doesn’t limit post reach, despite viral claims
24
Jan
 |
Instagram has released a statement clarifying a viral image that claims only 7% of a user’s followers can see content they share on the platform. Images of the clickbait claim have been making their rounds on the platform for months, usually with the header, ‘This is a test.’
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| A collection of posts with the hashtag #thisisatest that can be found when searching Instagram |
According to a series of tweets from the company, Instagram hasn’t made any recent changes to its feed algorithm and doesn’t hide any posts from users.
We have not made any recent changes to feed ranking, and we never hide posts from people you’re following – if you keep scrolling, you will see them all. Again, your feed is personalized to you and evolves over time based on how you use Instagram.??
— Instagram (@instagram) January 22, 2019
Instagram addressed the claim in multiple tweets yesterday, stating that its users will see all posts from all accounts they follow, assuming they “keep scrolling” long enough.
Instagram replaced its chronological feed with one sorted by an algorithm in 2016. Since that time, Instagram users see content presented based on a number of factors, including how often they engage with a particular account and how often they check their feed. Some users have been confused by this change, which can make it appear that posts by some accounts are missing from the feed.
In March 2018, the company announced that it would tweak its algorithm based on this feedback so that newer posts were more likely to show up near the top of the feed.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Escura Instant 60s is a retro-inspired instant camera that doesn’t need batteries
04
Nov
 |
Battery-free instant cameras and printers appear to be all the rage right now. So, naturally, another company is tossing its hat in the ring. Hong Kong-based CARBON, a brand under the Graphic Guides Design Company, has launched a Kickstarter campaign for the Escura Instant 60s, a hand-crank Instant camera that uses the ubiquitous Instax film.
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The camera, which is built with a retro 60s-inspired design, features a 60mm equivalent lens, two aperture options — F8 and F11 — and a shutter speed of roughly 1/100th of a second. There’s also a bulb shutter mode when using the optional spring shutter release cable. It’s also possible to capture multiple exposures on a single Instax print.
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As with past battery-free cameras and printers we’ve seen, the process is as simple as turning the winding mechanism after capturing a shot. As you turn it, the print runs through the rollers and is fed out the top, ready to sit and be developed over the course of 90 seconds or so.
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CARBON has also developed an external flash designed to be used with the Escura Instant 60s. It features the same retro design and is automatically synchronized with the shutter release.
The Escura Instant 60s is expected to ship in February 2019. Pledges start at roughly $ 55 (converted from HK$ ) for a single camera and go up as more cameras and add-ons are included. To find out more information and to secure your pledge, head on over to the Kickstarter campaign.
Disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Holga launches hand-crank instant printer that doesn’t require batteries
12
Oct
Holga Digital has launched a new hand-cranked instant photo printer that works with smartphones. The device is being funded on Kickstarter, where the company presents an Instax printer that “looks like a Holga 120 without the lens.” It’s crafted with molded polymer and works with any smartphone camera.
The Holga Printer has a relatively unique design, requiring the user to unfold components into an elevated platform upon which a smartphone is placed. Printing requires the user to press the shutter, then hand-crank a knob to print the Fuji Instax instant photo. The device doesn’t require batteries or wireless connectivity.
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Holga Digital is offering backers a Super Early Bird Holga Printer for pledges of $ 51 ($ 398 HK). The device is estimated to start shipping to backers in March 2019 with global availability. Holga plans to release a mobile app for Android and iOS that’ll launch alongside the printer. This app will allow users to apply Holga filters to digital images, as well as add text and icons. Supported effects include a color mode, black & white, double exposure, and Holga effect.
For more information and to secure your pledge, head over to the Kickstarter campaign.
Disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
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