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Posts Tagged ‘launches’

Library of Congress launches AI-powered, image-based Newspaper Navigator tool

26 Sep

The Library of Congress has launched a new AI-powered image-based tool for searching through old newspapers, enabling anyone to find historic images from more than 16 million scanned newspaper pages. Newspaper Navigator builds upon the LOC’s existing Chronicling America project, the result being a visual content recognition model capable of finding a variety of images in digitized newspapers, including maps, comics, photographs, illustrations, advertisements and more.

The Chronicling America project is the LOC’s historic newspaper archive. With this tool, anyone can use optical recognition technology (OCR) to search through a vast archive of digitized newspapers dating back to the late 1700s. Newspaper Navigator builds upon this, introducing the ability to search for images rather than text. The object detection model was trained using annotated newspaper pages from the Chronicling America project, enabling it to extract the visual content from 16,358,041 newspaper pages.

The new tool was created by LOC 2020 Innovator in Residence Benjamin Charles Germain Lee who detailed the project in a new video. In addition to offering a search tool online, the LOC has released the extracted visual content as prepackaged datasets available to download from Github. This prepackaged content is split up by year and includes a variety of metadata alongside the images.

Users can search through more than 1.6 million images sourced from newspapers dated from the year 1900 to 1963. The results are fairly accurate, though the use of optical character recognition for extracting descriptions of the content can be lackluster if the quality of the scanned newspaper text is poor.

The interface includes some useful options, including links for downloading the images, viewing the full newspaper issues, learning more about the newspapers and getting citations for images. This assumes one is using the online search tool and not the prepackaged downloadable image datasets available on Github, of course.

Newspaper Navigator is ultimately the largest single dataset of extracted visual content sourced from historic newspapers that has ever been assembled, according to the full study. Machine learning technology has produced an unprecedented way to rapidly sort through digitized materials that would otherwise be far too expansive to search manually.

As for using the images found through Newspaper Navigator, the rights and reproduction terms are found under the wider Chronicling America project. According to the project’s About page, the LOC:

…believes that the newspapers in Chronicling America are in the public domain or have no known copyright restrictions. Newspapers published in the United States more than 95 years ago are in the public domain in their entirety. Any newspapers in Chronicling America that were published less than 95 years ago are also believed to be in the public domain, but may contain some copyrighted third party materials. Researchers using newspapers published less than 95 years ago should be alert for modern content (for example, registered and renewed for copyright and published with notice) that may be copyrighted.

This new tool joins the LOC’s vast digitized archive of photographs, prints and drawings, all of which are readily accessible through the LOC website. The Library provides a considerable amount of information on most of the digitized images, including everything from photo medium and genre to dates, photographers, location and image descriptions.

Via: PetaPixel

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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KUVRD Launches Lens Hood That Fits 99% of Lenses

19 Sep

The post KUVRD Launches Lens Hood That Fits 99% of Lenses appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

universal lens hood

Lens hoods cause photographers a lot of frustration.

On the one hand, they’re necessary. They reduce unwanted flare while protecting the front element from damage.

On the other hand, they’re big, unwieldy pieces of plastic that take up space in your camera bag. And you generally need a different lens hood for every one of your lenses.

Which is why KUVRD, the company behind a universal lens cap, has just launched a new Kickstarter campaign:

For the Universal Lens Hood.

As KUVRD explains on its Kickstarter page, the Universal Lens Hood is carefully designed to fit 99% of lenses, by way of a clever stretch-and-fold system that allows you to expand the hood around your lens, then resize the hood depending on the lens you’re using.

The Universal Lens Hood also offers other innovative features, such as compactness (it can be folded up into a small ring that fits in your pocket) and filter compatibility (you can nestle any circular filter inside the lens hood, regardless of size).

Plus, the Universal Lens Hood promises to eliminate reflections from surfaces. If you’re shooting the skyline through a hotel window, for example, simply press the front of the hood up against the glass and watch as the reflections disappear.

And did I mention that it only costs $ 30 USD?

Now, there are a few drawbacks to the Universal Lens Hood worth highlighting:

First, it actually comes in two sizes, one designed for lenses with a 54mm to 76mm filter size, and the other designed for lenses with a 72mm to 112mm filter size. This isn’t a huge deal, but it does seem to undermine the idea of a single universal lens hood; if you have lenses of different sizes, you’ll need two of the hoods, not one.

Second, I do wonder about adjusting focus rings and zoom rings under the Universal Lens Hood. While KUVRD claims that it’s easy to fold the lens hood back and gain access to these controls, this seems inconvenient at best, especially if you’re trying to zoom and focus manually in a single shoot (and could potentially cost you images while you’re fiddling around).

While the Universal Lens Hood is technically still in the funding stage, it has already shot far beyond its $ 5000 USD Kickstarter goal, which means that orders will be shipped (likely in December). So if you’re looking for a lens hood that is ultra-compact, fits all your lenses, and includes some additional useful features, then the Universal Lens Hood is worth a look.

You can become a Kickstarter backer here, where you can grab a single copy of the Universal Lens Hood for $ 30 USD or two copies of the Universal Lens Hood for $ 50 USD.

Now over to you:

What do you think of the Universal Lens Hood? Is it something you’d be interested in? Do you get frustrated with your current lens hoods? Share your thoughts in the comments!

The post KUVRD Launches Lens Hood That Fits 99% of Lenses appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


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Datacolor launches lower cost ColorReader EZ for color measurement and matching

18 Sep

Color calibration and measurement specialist Datacolor has introduced a low cost portable color measuring device to its ColorReader range that allows users to take samples and record the exact color of reflective surfaces. ColorReader EZ is said to be 85% accurate and can describe colors in CIE Lab, RGB or HEX languages.

The ColorReader devices are designed to make matching paint colors easier, and the ColorReader EZ can give you the three closest matches from most paint brands, but also is able to give users a match for studio backdrops from Savage Universal.

Photographers shooting products or fashion will be able to measure the color of the subject to ensure it is accurately matched in the final images. The app also shows other colors that are close to the measured subject so that palettes can be created to match a mood or to produce harmonious scenes.

The ColorReader EZ differs from the ColorReader and ColorReader Pro as it uses only one LED to light the subject, it doesn’t use a lens and it doesn’t have its own display – relying on its smartphone app to communicate with the user. The device also uses a button battery instead of rechargeable lithium-ion, doesn’t support as many color formats and is slightly less accurate at 85% instead of 92%. At $ 59/€67/£65 though, it also costs about half the price of the standard ColorReader. For more information see the Datacolor website.

Press release:

New! Datacolor® ColorReader EZ – The Portable Tool that Simplifies Matching, Selecting and Coordinating Colours

Datacolor®, a global leader in colour management solutions, announces the launch of ColorReader EZ, the latest addition to the company’s ColorReader family of products that includes ColorReader and ColorReader Pro. The recommended retail price is £65 including VAT.

The affordable new device incorporates the company’s advanced colour technology in an easy-to-use tool that simplifies the often challenging and time-consuming process of colour matching and colour coordination both in the paint colour selection and digital workflow processes used by photographers and digital designers.

The portable, Bluetooth® connected ColorReader EZ device works in conjunction with the ColorReader mobile app (available for both iPhone and Android). The ColorReader app displays the exact measurement data in CIELAB, Hex and RGB as well as the three closest paint colour matches from the most popular paint brands. In addition to the RAL and NCS colour standards, the app includes colour fan decks from Farrow & Ball, Sikkens and also the colour set of Savage Universal who specialise in photography backgrounds, which makes ColorReader EZ especially interesting for portrait and studio photographers. In total, up to 20,000 colours are available for convenient access.

Along with their matched colours, users can build and organize colour palettes by project as well as create signature colour palettes that they can quickly share with anyone. The greater level of colour confidence afforded by ColorReader EZ saves users time and money on reworks due to colour error. ColorReader EZ is a must-have tool for anyone whose work or lifestyle includes colour decisions.

“The colour selection process can be a challenge for all of us, since so many factors can affect how we view colour. We wanted to bring a level of ease and colour-confidence to consumers with an affordable product that they would use whenever they needed to make a decision about colour. ColorReader EZ takes the guesswork out of selecting and coordinating colours. It lets you capture colour inspiration where you find it, with an accuracy you can’t get from a smartphone image. It’s easy to then bring that colour inspiration into your own work.” said Stefan Zrenner, Director of Sales & Marketing, Consumer Solutions, for Datacolor.

To learn more about ColorReader EZ, visit ColorReader.Datacolor.com

Disclaimer: The use of third-party trademarks is for identification purposes only and does not connote any affiliation with, or sponsorship or endorsement by, the respective trademark holders.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Google Images launches ‘Licensable’ badge, making it easier for users to identify creators and license images

01 Sep

In collaboration with Shutterstock, Google has announced the launch of licensable images on Google Images. This feature entered beta testing earlier this year and is now fully launched and integrated into Google Images, hopefully benefiting photographers. With the new ‘Licensable’ badge on Google Image search results, viewers can immediately identify which images can be licensed for varying uses and better understand the usage rights of individual images.

Shutterstock worked closely with Google to ensure the licensable images feature works effectively. Of the new features, Shutterstock’s VP of Content Operations, Paul Brennan, says:

‘Google Images’ new features help both image creators and image consumers by bringing visibility to how creators’ content can be licensed properly. We are pleased to have worked closely with Google on this feature, by advocating for protections that result in fair compensation for our global community of over 1 million contributors. In developing this feature, Google has clearly demonstrated its commitment to supporting the content creation ecosystem.’

When an image has specified license information on a website, the image can be displayed with the Licensable badge on image thumbnails in Google Images. This badge indicates to viewers that license information is available for the image and then provides a link directly to the license in the image viewer. From here, someone can learn how the image can be licensed and used.

Here you can see the ‘Licensable’ badge on the bottom left corner of images. When clicking on an image and accessing the image viewer, Google Images displays the creator, where the image can be licensed and also license details for the selected image. Image credit: Google

For Google to be able to discover and index images on a website, the images must be accessible without an account or by logging in. You must also follow Google’s Webmaster Guidelines and Google Images Best Practices. In addition to these existing steps, the new Licensable badge requires structured data or IPTC photo metadata to follow Google’s new guidelines. You can learn more about these requirements here.

Close-up image of the new image viewer in Google Images. Click to view larger. Image credit: Google

With the introduction of the Licensable badge, search results in Google Images can now be filtered to only display images that include licensing. Further, the dropdown Usage Rights filter has been streamlined, such that it now includes only options for ‘All’, ‘Creative Commons licenses’ and ‘Commercial & other licenses’.

It has long been far too easy for people to search for images on Google and use them without a license or permissions. Today’s changes to Google Images will hopefully reduce image misuse. At the very least, assuming a photographer has taken the steps to ensure their images are properly badged and filtered on Google Images, it will now be much easier for Google Images users to view creator information and licensing requirements.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon launches 1/1.8-inch sensor for video recording in extreme low light

27 Aug

Canon has announced a new CMOS image sensor that is designed to perform in extreme low light conditions. The LI7050’s is a sensor of the 1/1.8-inch variant which means it has the same size as many image sensors that can be found in smartphone cameras. However, this is not the new sensor’s intended use.

Instead it’s meant to be used for industrial applications that require extreme low light capabilities. For example, it could record low light video with realistic color and good detail in security cameras that are monitoring public areas, transport infrastructure or manufacturing facilities. Thanks to its compact dimensions it could also help improve image quality in underwater drones or wearable cameras for security personnel that operates in dark environments.

Canon says in its press release: ‘Conventional nighttime monitoring employs infrared cameras and records video in monochrome. However, network cameras equipped with the LI7050 can capture video at night in such locations as public facilities, roads or transport networks, thereby helping to identify details including the color of vehicles or subjects’ clothing.’

Thanks to the ‘architecture’ of its 4.1 µm pixels the sensor is capable of recording Full-HD color video in near darkness – light levels as low as 0.08 lux – and also comes with an HDR mode that dramatically expands the dynamic range. When recording in this mode the sensor can capture scenes with extremely high contrast (light levels between 0.08 lux and 80,000 lux) while avoiding clipping in both highlight and shadow areas of the frame, achieving a dynamic range of 120dB (approximately 20EV).

HDR mode merges a bright and a dark exposure into one frame and is only available at 30 frames per second. If you need faster frame rates of 60 frames per second the sensor can still avoid clipping anywhere between 0.08 and 500 lux and offers a dynamic range of 75dB (approximately 12.5 EV).

Those are impressive numbers and they are backed up by the low light footage in Canon’s sample clips which does not only have very good exposure but also maintains excellent detail in the bright illuminated areas of the frame, something that a lot of cameras struggle with.

Even though the sensor is marketed as a security and surveillance product there could be interesting applications in consumer imaging as well. Modern smartphones come with multi-camera arrays for different focal length already. Why not add a dedicated low light video camera?

Sample shipments of the LI7050 have started in August and official sales will be launched in late October. We’ll probably see sometime next year if the new sensor will be confined to its industry niche or possibly make it out to the wider consumer imaging market.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Netgear launches Meural WiFi Photo Frame with automatic wireless photo album syncing

26 Aug

Netgear has announced the Meural WiFi Photo Frame. The frame is designed to conveniently display your photographs using an accompanying smartphone application.

The Meural is a 13.5″ x 7.5″ frame with a 15.6″ diagonal display offering a 1920 x 1080 resolution and anti-glare coating. The display promises a wide viewing angle and ambient light sensor to ensure it looks good in any setting and from a large variety of angles. Including its bezel, the Meural Photo Frame is 16″ (408mm) wide, 10″ (259mm) tall and has a depth of 1.68″ (42.4mm). The frame weighs 2.9 lb. (1.3kg).

Like Netgear’s Meural Canvas before it, the smaller WiFi Photo Frame also utilizes touchless gestures for photo control, allowing you to scroll through images with a wave of your hand. The frame can also quickly be rotated between portrait and landscape orientation.

On the inside of the Meural is 1GB of DDR3 RAM, 8GB of storage (of which 4GB are utilized for storing photos), a Quad-core ARM processor and WiFi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (2.4GHz and 5GHz). The frame includes gesture sensors for both portrait and landscape orientation, an orientation sensor itself and an ambient light sensor to automatically adjust brightness. The frame utilizes a DC power port for power and Netgear states that it uses approximately 20W during typical usage. The included power cord is 6′ long.

Image credit: Netgear

Using an app on your smartphone, you can link existing photo albums to automatically upload and display on the Meural WiFi Photo Frame. The frame can also display location and data information so you will always know when and where images were captured by simply gesturing upward. You can also use the app to invite family and friends to upload their own photo albums to a specific Meural. This means that distant family and friends can upload new photos to your own Meural, allowing you to quickly share memories with one another via personalized photo playlists.

Image credit: Netgear

The Meural Photo Frame is compatible with Apple and Android devices. For iPhone and iPad users, you must have iOS 11 or later. On Android, the frame is compatible with Android 5.0 or later. For iOS users, the Meural Photo Frame supports Live Photos. When using either compatible device, you can also display short videos up to 15 seconds in duration.

In addition to the power cord, the Meural WiFi Photo Frame also comes with a cleaning cloth, wall mount, wall anchor and screws (for drywall), pre-loaded sample art images from the Meural art library and a quick start guide. Speaking of the Meural art library, the library contains more than 30,000 images and artworks in total. You can schedule the display of your favorite art from the library.

Image credit: Netgear

Of the Meural WiFi Photo Frame, Netgear’s David Henry, senior vice president for Connected Home Products, says, ‘So many photos are captured on smartphones every day, yet many are not seen on screens that showcase them in their fullest, richest detail, With our new Meural WiFi Photo Frame we’ve created a new way to enjoy and relive those special memories.’ Henry continues, ‘[with the included connectivity features] this new premium photo frame will also help to keep people close in a time when we all need to stay connected.’

The Meural Photo Frame is available to order now for $ 299.95 USD. The frame is available in one colorway: charcoal gray bezel with a wood-grain inlay. The full Meural art library membership is $ 8.95 USD per month or $ 69.95 per year. The membership is not required. However, membership does add 16GB to your Meural Cloud storage and allow you to send artwork to multiple frames using a single account. A subscription also includes 24/7 customer support, which is otherwise limited to the first 90 days with your Meural Photo Frame. You can learn more about the membership by clicking here.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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STC launches its over-sensor clip-in filters for Canon EOS R

19 Jun

Filter manufacturer STC Optics has announced its behind-the-lens filter system is now available for Canon’s EOS R bodies. The filters, which clip directly in front of the sensor inside the camera body, include a range of neutral density strengths, an IR cut and a version designed to cut light pollution for astrophotographers. The system has been available for EOS DSLR users for some time, as well as for a wide array of camera brands and models, but this is the first time the filters have been made for Canon’s full-frame mirrorless system.

STC says the benefits of mounting filters behind the lens include reduced flare as well as keeping the filter clean. Having these filters behind the lens also allows other accessories, or filters, to be attached to the front of the lens. Users also don’t need to keep a range of sizes or adapter rings to fit the thread of each lens, as the same filter fits over the sensor no matter what lens is on the camera. Having the filter in place also provides a degree of protection to the surface of the sensor.

STC Optics says the Astro NS filter reduces the orange glow of light pollution in night-sky photography making stars easier to see

The STC Clip Filters for Canon EOS R Mirrorless cameras are available now with prices from $ 90 / £93. For more information visit the STC Optics website.

Press release

STC Announce Brand New Interchangeable Clip Filter for Canon EOS R Mirrorless Cameras

STC continues to break the mould with imaging innovation with the announcement of the groundbreaking Interchangeable for Canon’s popular EOS R mirrorless cameras. An evolution of STC’s top-quality clip filter series, the Interchangeable Clip Filter for the Canon EOS R takes the product’s simple use and value for money to an entirely new level.

STC expands its range of innovative imaging products with the arrival of the new Interchangeable Clip Filters – for Canon EOS R mirrorless cameras.

As STC continues to produce ground-breaking products for photographers and videographers, the brand’s latest product has been designed specifically for Canon EOS R mirrorless cameras. Drop-in and clip filters are most commonplace in the motion picture industry and since STC launched their range of clip filters for consumer cameras, many users across the globe have been reaping the benefits of the ‘one filter, any lens’ message.

The same quality construction, high-quality glass and market-leading nanocoatings are all common factors in the new Interchangeable Clip Filter system.

The new system, which allows users to switch filters using a handy tool, (provided) arrives as a gamechanger for image-makers keen to use the best quality filters in the most economical manner.

Users familiar with STC’s clip filters will know that mounting and removal is fast and simple and safe. Designed to sit in the camera mount, between the lens and sensor, the new interchangeable clip filters, which are constructed with Aerospace grade 6061 aluminium alloy and processed with precision CNC machining, will sit completely flush within the camera with no chance of touching the sensor. Compatible with the Canon EOS R, Ra and RP, every filter comes complete with double-sided NANO anti-smudge coating, making them completely waterproof, grease-proof and easy to clean.

The new STC Interchangeable Clip Filter’s patented design keeps the glass completely fixed and steady within the frame, meaning zero distortion from pressure, thermal expansion or contraction. This ensures sharp images even at long focal lengths.

Ultimate Versatility

All STC Clip Filters can be combined with the brand’s traditional circular filters to give photographers and videographers an extensive palette of artistic and practical possibilities.

William Wu, CEO and Lead Design Engineer, STC, said: “The team at STC has been working tirelessly to produce this new type of clip filter. Building on the ‘one filter – any lens’ message, known by so many photographers and videographers across the globe with our existing clip filter systems, the new interchangeable version goes even further by giving ultimate ability to expand filter types within minutes. Our market-leading glass and nano filter coating technology carry through with the new system, meaning users can expect the same imaging excellence that STC is renowned for. We will be introducing this system for a number of popular brands, so watch this space as we make further announcements.”

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Ricoh launches ‘Street Edition’ version of its GR III with new paint and custom accessories

11 Jun

Ricoh Imaging has announced the release of the GR III Street Edition Special Limited Kit, a limited edition camera package that includes a new look and exclusive accessories.

The updated look gives the GR III a textured metallic grey paint job that Ricoh claims was chosen ‘to appeal to a street photographer, evoking the asphalt pavement in the city.’ Also new in this limited edition camera is the orange-yellow lens barrel ring that Ricoh says is ‘reminiscent of traffic lines painted on streets.’

Beyond the new paint job, the Ricoh GR III Street Edition comes with a detachable viewfinder with the same metallic grey finish (the standard version of this finder retails for $ 250), as well as a genuine- leather hand strap, the latter of which has an orange-yellow stopper meant to match the lens barrel ring. When turned off, the camera will also display a street-view image as well as a specialized product logo.

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Internally, the new Street Edition version of the GR III is identical to its less-colorful counterpart, complete with the 24MP APS-C sensor, the 28mm equiv. F2.8 lens and the hybrid autofocus system.

However, this camera will include Ricoh’s new ‘Full Press Snap’ feature, which allows users to pre-define a focal point and have the lens immediately snap focus to that point upon fully depressing the shutter and/or tapping the back LCD display. Ricoh notes this feature will be available on the standard GR III via a firmware update after the release of this limited edition camera, but no specific timeframe is mentioned.

The Ricoh GR III Street Edition Special Limited Kit is limited to 3500 units worldwide and is set to launch mid-July for $ 1199/£1099. If you don’t care for the entire kit or miss out on the limited-run, don’t fret — this coming autumn, standalone GR III Street Edition units will be available (no pricing information has been shared at this time).

Press release:

Ricoh launches RICOH GR III Street Edition Special Limited Kit

Limited-quantity package featuring high-end digital compact camera with a stylish metallic gray body and exclusive accessories

PARSIPPANY, NJ, June 10, 2020 – Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the launch of the RICOH GR III Street Edition Special Limited Kit. Available in a limited quantity of 3,500 units worldwide, the kit combines the RICOH GR III camera body, finished in a metallic gray color, with a compact, detachable viewfinder and a genuine-leather hand strap, both designed exclusively for this package.

Offering the same high image quality as the standard RICOH GR III, the small, lightweight camera body has been treated with a metallic gray finish designed to appeal to a street photographer, evoking the asphalt pavement in the city. The finish features an elegantly grained texture that is smooth in appearance but helps improve camera grip. It’s accentuated with an orange-yellow lens barrel ring, reminiscent of traffic lines painted on streets.

In addition to the camera, the kit includes a pair of exclusive accessories: a compact, detachable viewfinder featuring the identical metallic gray finish and a genuine-leather hand strap. The viewfinder has the number 28 imprinted on its top panel to highlight the camera’s angle of view, while the strap’s stopper is finished in orange-yellow identical to the camera’s lens barrel ring.

This camera allows the photographer to instantly activate the Full Press Snap feature* with a single touch on the LCD panel. This feature shifts the lens to a preselected focal point the moment the shutter release button is fully pressed. It can also be assigned to the LCD screen, assuring the photographer of flawless point-and-shoot photography to capture once-in-a-lifetime shutter opportunities. One of the strong points of the GR series, this feature comes in handy when taking snapshots on the street and will be available in the standard GR III via a firmware update that is scheduled for release later this year.

The RICOH GR III Street Edition, a high-grade digital compact camera that doesn’t include the viewfinder and the strap, is also scheduled to be launched in the autumn of 2020.

Pricing and Availability

The RICOH GR III Street Edition Special Limited Kit will be available mid-July at www.us.ricoh- imaging.com as well as at select Ricoh Imaging-authorized retail outlets nationwide for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $ 1199.95.

Main Features of the RICOH GR III Street Edition Special Limited Kit

The camera body has been treated with an attractive metallic gray finish that designed to appeal to a street photographer, symbolizing the asphalt pavement in the city. It’s also accentuated with an orange-yellow ring encircling the lens barrel. The exterior finish features an elegantly grained texture created by repeatedly spraying droplets of a coating material onto the camera body. Although smooth in appearance, this special paint also helps improve camera hold.

The camera comes with a pair of exclusive accessories: a compact, detachable viewfinder featuring the identical metallic gray finish, and a genuine-leather hand strap. The viewfinder has the number 28 imprinted on its top panel to highlight the camera’s angle-of-view, while the strap’s stopper is finished in orange-yellow identical to the camera’s lens barrel ring, to enhance the product image.

This camera allows the photographer to instantly activate the Full Press Snap feature* with a single touch on the LCD panel positioned on the camera’s back panel. This feature shifts the lens to a preselected focal point the moment the shutter release button is fully depressed. It can also be assigned to the LCD screen positioned on the camera’s back panel, assuring the photographer of flawless point-and-shoot photography to capture once-in-a-lifetime shutter opportunities. One of the strong points of the GR series, this feature comes in handy when taking snapshots on the street.

* This feature can be added to the standard GR III model by installing function expansion firmware, which is scheduled to be released after the time of the camera’s launch.

When the camera’s power is turned off, the camera displays an original termination screen consisting of the specially designed product logo and a street-view image that symbolizes the camera’s “street snapshot” concept.

Notes:

• The camera’s other specifications are identical with those of the standard GR III model.

• The design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Lexar launches $50 USB Type-C CFexpress card reader with speeds up to 1,050MB/s

06 Jun

Lexar has announced its upcoming Lexar Professional CFexpress USB 3.1 Reader, a budget-friendly CFexpress card reader that offers impressive speeds in a compact package.

The Lexar Professional CFexpress USB 3.1 Reader is based on the USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C interface and can deliver read speeds up to 1,050MB/s through its CFexpress Type B card slot. It measures in at roughly 5.6cm x 4.7cm x 1.3cm (1.1” x 1.5” x .14”), weighs just 21g (0.74oz) and can operate between -10°C to 70°C (14°F to 158°F) if you really feel like putting it to the test.

Despite having a USB Type-C host port on the reader, Lexar opted to only include a USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable within the box. So, if you’re wanting a USB Type-C to USB Type-C connection, you’ll need to supply your own cable.

The good news is, this omission likely plays a role in the affordability of this card reader. The Lexar Professional CFexpress USB 3.1 Reader is currently available to pre-order for just $ 50 (Adorama, B&H). At this time, it appears to be the cheapest CFexpress card reader from major brands, including SanDisk ($ 70), Sony ($ 100), ProGrade ($ 100), Delkin ($ 55) and even Wise ($ 59).

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Adobe launches Lightroom Ambassador program

16 May

Lightroom, a leading photo editing and organization software program from Adobe, now has its own Ambassador program. The product’s Marketing Manager for Photography, Pei Ketron, announced that she is ‘happy to have finally launched this program that I spent much of 2019 working on.’

‘Now more than ever, you live with a camera in your hand, ready to capture every moment. You want your photographs to reflect what you see, to tell the stories you want to tell, to match the vision you had when you captured the image. But cameras don’t always see what you see, and they don’t come equipped with inspiration or expertise. Only people can offer that,’ reads the introductory paragraph on the Lightroom Ambassador Program’s home page.

Ketron’s hope is that the community grows over time and its members, from beginners to seasoned photographers, continue to inspire each other. 10 ambassadors are currently on board to kick off the initiative: Aundre Larrow, Carmen Chan, Gloria Atanmo, Jennifer Chong, Johnie Gall, Mylo Fowler, Omar Robles, Paola Franqui, Summer Murdock, and Tobi Shinobi.

Adobe Lightroom is available on macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, and tvOS. Any questions about the Ambassador Program can be addressed to lightroomambassador@adobe.com.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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