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Posts Tagged ‘rear’

Aurora Aperture unveils new rear mount filter system for Canon, Nikon, Sigma & Sony ultra wide-angle lenses

16 May

Aurora Aperture Inc. has announced a next-generation rear mount filter system for wide-angle lenses. The new filter system is designed to allow for the use of filters with many popular ultra wide-angle lenses, including those which do not include a front filter thread.

In 2017, Aurora Aperture released a rear mount filter system for the Canon EF 11-24mm F4L USM lens. The newly-announced next-generation system works with the 11-24mm lens, plus the Canon EF 8-15mm F4L Fisheye USM, EF 14mm F2.8L USM (versions I and II), EF 15mm F2.8 Fisheye, EF 16-35mm F2.8L USM (versions II and III are not supported), EF 17-35mm F2.8L USM and EF 17-40mm F4L USM. In addition to Canon lenses, Aurora Aperture’s new filter system is also compatible with the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 14-24mm F2.8G ED, Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG HSM Art (Canon EF, Sony E and L mount versions), Sigma’s 14mm F1.8 DG HSM Art for Canon EF mount and the Sony FE 12-24mm F4 G lens.

Not only is Aurora’s latest rear mount filter system compatible with a wider array of lenses, but it also includes other new features. The new rear mount filter system utilizes a magnetic quick-release structure, allowing for easier installation and removal from the lens. In addition, there are a variety of new filters available for the system, including graduated neutral density filters and light pollution reduction filters.

Neutral density – Aurora Aperture refers to them as PowerND – filters are available in 2, 4, 6, 8 and 12 stop variants. Graduated neutral density (GND) filters are available in 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 stop densities. Each GND filter features a soft transition at 60 percent of the image frame height. Finally, the new PowerDusk filter is designed to filter out artificial lighting and reduce visible light pollution in urban areas, which Aurora Aperture states will allow for better astrophotography and even improved nighttime street photography. For specific information on how the PowerDusk filter reduces the light which hits your image sensor at different wavelengths, click here.

Image credit: Aurora Aperture

In order to utilize the magnetic filters on the rear of your wide-angle lens, you must first install the new rear mount filter system. The installation process will vary depending on the lens in question, but it ranges from using specialty adhesive to replacing existing gel filter holders. Once the filter holder adapter has been installed, using and changing filters is as placing a small glass filter into the magnetic filter holder.

The Aurora Aperture next generation rear mount filters will be available through a Kickstarter campaign starting this month and general availability is expected in September. The price of lens adapters range from $ 35 to $ 41 USD and filter prices range from $ 43 to $ 113. Stay tuned to Kickstarter and to Aurora Aperture’s website for additional information and availability.

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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OnePlus teases prototype smartphone with disappearing rear camera

03 Jan

OnePlus is expected to display its Concept One prototype smartphone at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas next week. At this point there are no plans to put the Concept One into production, instead, the device is meant to showcase OnePlus innovation in mobile device tech.

Ahead of the show the company has already posted a teaser video on Twitter, showing an ‘invisible’ rear camera that can be hidden under the glass rear panel. According to OnePlus ‘color-shifting glass technology’ is used to achieve the effect.

The team at Wired already had the chance to have a closer look at the technology and reports OnePlus is using the same technology found in sunroofs to control the transparency of the glass panel. When inactive the camera is hidden under tinted glass. When the camera is in use, the tint can be adjusted via an electrical signal and the camera and lenses become visible behind the panel.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Fujifilm teases development of X-Pro3 with titanium body, mini rear LCD, hidden display and more

21 Sep

At its Fujifilm X Summit in Tokyo, Japan today, Fujifilm announced the development of its forthcoming X-Pro3 and teased several new and intriguing features the rangefinder-like mirrorless camera will have.

The first detail Fujifilm noted in its presentation is that the X-Pro3 will be built with a titanium body, which will come in three colors: Black, DURA Black and DURA Silver. The standard ‘Black’ version appears to be painted, while the ‘DURA’ versions are coated in some manner. Titanium is a challenging metal to work with, but more durable and lighter than other metal alloys traditionally used in camera bodies.

Fujifilm also talked about the improved hybrid viewfinder in the X-Pro3. Inside the viewfinder is a new electronic viewfinder (EVF) that will offer higher resolution, higher contrast, wider-gamut color space, improved brightness and a higher refresh rate. Fujifilm also says it’s managed to decrease distortion and improve the angle of view inside the viewfinder.

Note the ‘Provia’ film stock icon shown on the compact LCD on the rear of the camera. This film stock icon will stay there and is dynamic in that the ISO rating in the icon changes as you change it on the camera.

Further switching things up, Fujifilm announced that it will be repositioning the standard rear LCD in favor of a compact LCD that is comparable to the top LCD on the GFX cameras, except on the back of the camera. In a neat little trick that nostalgia-seeking photographers will love, this compact LCD can also be used to show the film simulation in use, a nod to the days where you’d rip off part of the film package and place it in the mount on film cameras.

You’ll note we said reposition because, as Fujifilm demonstrated, the display is still there, it’s just hidden. Now, the main rear display sits on the back of a hinged panel, meaning you have to flip it down to navigate the menu or review images/video. Fujifilm says the repositioning of the LCD was done to ‘keep photographers looking through the viewfinder’ rather than ‘chimping’ at the back of the camera.

It’s an unusual approach and, while we can see it appealing to waist-level street shooters, we’ll have to wait to see what it’s like for other types of photography. There have been a lot of calls for an articulated screen on the X-Pro and X-100 series cameras, but we’re not sure this solution will satisfy everyone, either. It will, at least, create a more obvious distinction between the X-Pro and X-T series: with the rangefinder-shaped model being the one you shoot through the viewfinder.

‘Classic Negative’ will be the 10th film simulation Fujifilm has released.

Lastly, as has been rumored, Fujifilm its 10th film simulation called ‘Classic Negative’ that will resemble the look of Fujicolor Superia.

Despite being billed as a ‘development’ presentation, Fujifilm spilled quite a few details about its upcoming X-Pro3 camera system. The camera will officially be announced on October 23rd. To get to all of the details regarding the new X-Pro3 system, skip to roughly the 1:10:00 mark in the above video.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Google confirms that Pixel 4 will offer multiple rear cameras

13 Jun

Leaked renderings of the upcoming Pixel 4 seem to have prompted Google to get ahead of its own story by tweeting an image of the device well ahead of its expected fall launch date. Prominently featured is a square “bump” that appears to house two rear-facing cameras, a flash and two smaller sensors, one of which is visible if you raise the image’s shadows.

We imagine that the small sensor to the right of the flash is a spectral + flicker sensor, something that helps avoid banding with flickering light sources and also helps the auto white balance algorithm estimate the dominant illuminant for better color reproduction. The Pixel 3 has one of these sensors next to its flash, too.

The fourth sensor, positioned above and centered between the two main cameras, appears too small to be another camera unit. We’ve often wondered about the future inclusion of a Time-of-Flight (ToF) camera in the Pixel lineup. Competitors like Huawei and Samsung have been adding these sensors to their devices to help with depth mapping. The Pixel 3’s portrait mode images were already among the best from current mobile devices, so we’re interested to see what the addition of a secondary camera – and whatever that additional sensor is – might add up to.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Aurora Aperture launches 16-stop ND filter and rear filters for Canon’s super-wide lenses

28 Apr

US filter brand Aurora Aperture has announced a neutral density filter that it claims reduces exposure by 16 stops. The company has launched a new family of fixed factor ND filters called PowerND and is offering strengths of 6, 12 and 16 stops in screw-in and square formats.

The ND64, ND4000 and ND65000 filters will be available for threads of 37-95mm as well as a special 105mm version that will fit an adapter for the Nikkor AF-S 14-24mm F2.8G ED wide-angle zoom. Those preferring a filter system will be able to use the 100 x 100mm square filters. The 16-stop filter is designed for those wanting to make long exposures in daylight conditions and can knock a 1/1000sec shutter speed situation down to 1 minute.

Aurora Aperture has also introduces a series called Aurora CR with filters designed to fit over the rear mount of Canon super-wide lenses. The arch-window-shaped Gorilla Glass filters slide into a holder that screws on to the rear of the lens, and while aimed at users of the Canon EF 11-24mm F4 L USM the system will work with a range of the company’s wide-angle zoom lenses.

The filters are available via Kickstarter with delivery and general sales due to begin in August. Prices start from $ 34 for small screw-in filters of any of the strengths, to $ 117 for the 150mm circular filter. The CR kit including the holder and three filters is $ 165. For more information see the Aurora Aperture website and the company’s Kickstarter page.

Press release

Aurora Aperture Introduces PowerND Family and an Industry First Rear Mount Glass Filter for Canon EF 11-24mm F4L USM

Aurora Aperture Inc., a Southern California startup, today has introduced the PowerND family of high quality fixed neutral density (ND) filters.

The PowerND family consists of three ratings of light reduction capability: ND64 (6 stops),ND4000 (12 stops), and ND65000 (16 stops). Four different formats are available: circular filters from 37mm to 95mm, 100 x 100mm square filters compatible with popular square filter adapters, 150mm circular filters with an adapter for the Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lens, and the Aurora CR format, an industry first, a rear mount glass filter for the Canon EF 11-24mm F4L USM lens.

The 6 stop filter is typically used in low light conditions such as during sunrise or sunset for sub-second shutter speed. The 12 stop filter can slow down shutter speed to minutes in dusk and dawn conditions. The 16 stop filter can do magic on a bright day, allowing photographers to expose up to several minutes or more.

The ND4000 and ND65000 have distinct advantages in having more stops than the typical ND1000 or ND32000. They allow users to avoid diffraction softening by enabling users to avoid very small aperture settings or alternatively allowing for longer exposures. In the case of the PowerND 4000 that means two more stops than the typical ND1000 and for the Power ND65000 there’s one additional stop.

“We introduced a variable ND family last year and it was embraced by photographers and videographers worldwide,” said Jinfu Chen, founder and CEO of Aurora Aperture Inc. “the fixed ND family we introduce today is much more powerful in terms of light reduction capability and offers even better optical performance, along with more formats for different camera lenses.”

A small rear mount filter using Gorilla® Glass for the Canon EF 11-24mm F4L USM is an industry first. Prior to this users would have to use extremely large filters with diameters up to 186mm with a bulky front lens shade adapter. The Aurora CR format filter mounts in the rear of the lens, making it much easier to carry and lower in cost. Other Canon lenses that Aurora CR format filter can be used in* are the EF 8-15mm f/4L Fisheye, EF 11-24mm F4L USM, EF 14mm f/2.8L US, EF 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye, EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM, and EF 17-40mm f/4L USM.

Designed in California by Aurora Aperture, the Aurora PowerND filters employ up to 128 layers of double sided nano coating** in order to achieve color accuracy and powerful light reduction capability. Hydrophobic and oleophobic coating is applied to filter surface with PFPE coating. The end result is that water droplet on the filter surface can maintain a static contact angle of 110 degrees, one of the best in the industry.

Availability and Pricing
The Aurora PowerND family will be available through Kickstarter starting in April 2017 and to dealers and direct orders in August 2017. List price starts at US$ 42 and varies depending on filter format and size.
http://www.aurora-aperture.com
info@aurora-aperture.com
* As of April 21, 2017
** ND4000 and ND65000

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Alcatel Flash features front and rear dual-cams

05 Apr

TCL-sub-brand Alcatel might not be the best-known smartphone manufacturer out there but some of its models definitely deserve some attention from mobile photographers. The Flash, which was announced today, is such a device. Its main imaging module uses a dual-camera setup that applies a similar concept as the cameras used in recent models from Huawei, combining a monochrome sensor with an RGB chip for improved image detail, noise levels and dynamic range.

The camera module houses two 13MP image sensors. One is a monochrome variant, the other a 1/3.06″ Sony IMX258 RGB sensor. Both 6-element lenses come with F2.0 apertures and Alcatel claims on-sensor phase-detection allows for focus speeds as fast as 0.15 sec. 4K video is supported as well. As if that weren’t enough, the Flash also offers a dual-cam at the front, albeit a much simpler setup. An 8MP main sensor is supported by a 5MP chip for shallow DoF-effects. As on the back, both front lenses come with an F2.0 aperture and you also get a dual-LED flash at the front as well. 

The rest of the specification looks very solid, too. Images can be viewed on a a 5.5″ FullHD IPS display and processing power is provided by a Mediatek Helio X20 deca-core CPU. There are 3GB of RAM, 32GB of expandable internal storage, a 3100mAh battery and a rear-mounted fingerprint reader. Unfortunately, Alcatel has not released any information on pricing and availability yet.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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CMRA band for Apple Watch features front and rear cameras

03 Nov

If you’re worried that having to pull your smartphone out of your pocket might make you miss the decisive moment, the CMRA band for the Apple Watch could be just what you’re waiting for. The watch band comes with not one but two built-in cameras. An upward-facing 2MP module is meant to be used for video calls, via a dedicated app, and the occasional selfie. The outward-facing camera captures 8MP images or HD-video clips right from your wrist.

To do so you have to tap a button that is built into the band or long-press it for video recording. A double-tap of the button switches between cameras. The makers of the CMRA claim you can capture ‘hundreds’ of images with one battery charge or record approximately 30 minutes of video footage. 

Recorded images and videos are accessible via Apple’s stock Photos app, so they can be easily sorted, edited and shared. In terms of storage the CMRA offers 8GB of built-in memory. The band comes with a dual-charging dock that charges Apple Watch and CMRA band at the same time.

The CMRA band is expected to launch in Spring 2017, but those interested can already put a pre-order in at an early bird price of $ 149 for either the 38mm or 42mm version. The estimated retail price after launch is $ 249. More information is available in the video below or on the CMRA website where you can also order the band.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Manfrotto launches secure backpack with concealed rear opening

11 May

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Accessory manufacturer Manfrotto has launched a new backpack that hides the opening of its main camera compartment between the bag and the person carrying it. The Advanced Rear backpack’s main compartment zipper is between the shoulder straps on the back side of the bag, so that when it is being carried no one can open it from behind.

Manfrotto says that the lower part of the bag is big enough for a professional DSLR along with three wide aperture zooms as well as accessories such as flash units. The camera compartment in this lower section is removable and comes with its own zipped cover so items can be stored when the rest of the bag is being used for something else.  The top section can be used for more accessories or personal belongings.

An additional pocket is suitable for a 13in laptop, a tablet and documents up to A4 in size. A tripod can be attached via the tripod pocket, and a cover is built-in to protect against rain and dust. The company says that the pack is a suitable size to carry as hand luggage on most airlines.

The Manfrotto Advanced Rear backpack costs $ 159.99/£119.95. For more information visit the Manfrotto website.

Press release:

MANFROTTO PRESENTS: Manfrotto Advanced Rear Backpack

Manfrotto, world leader in the photography, imaging equipment and accessories industry, announces the launch of the new Manfrotto Advanced Rear Backpack.
The Advanced Rear Backpack can be used as a camera backpack, a laptop backpack, or just as a protective camera case.

Protective for photographers
Featuring the Manfrotto Protection System, the lower part of the bag is dedicated to holding photographic equipment, and will safely hold a professional DSLR camera body with up to 3 lenses. The zip for the camera compartment is hidden on the back of the bag, giving maximum security to your equipment. The camera compartment is completely removable, meaning the bag can be transformed into a spacious daypack.

Practical for travellers
The new Manfrotto Advanced Rear Backpack features plenty of space for personal belongings when you are travelling. The front pocket can store a 13” laptop, A4 documents, 10” tablet and small book and can be opened separately without affecting your camera equipment. The side pocket is suitable for a notebook and water bottle and the upper compartment can contain other documents and personal items. The zips can also be locked for further security.

The bag comes with a dedicated tripod compartment, a side pocket perfect for a small tripod and a branded rain cover to keep equipment protected in all weather conditions.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Leica launches M-D (Typ 262) digital rangefinder with no rear screen

29 Apr

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German camera manufacturer Leica has announced a new M digital rangefinder that has no LCD panel. The Leica M-D (Typ 262) will be almost exactly the same as the existing M (Typ 262) but without a rear screen for reviewing images and working the menu. The company says it has produced a camera with only the ‘essentials of photography’, or ‘Das Wescentliche’, and that it will help photographers concentrate on the important elements of image making rather than getting distracted with the camera functions.

This isn’t the first time Leica has produced a digital M with no rear screen, as the company launched the limited edition M Edition 60 to mark the sixtieth anniversary of its rangefinder camera system. Leica made only 600 of these models, and they sell for about $ 18,000/£12,000, but the M-D (Typ 262) will be the first full production model without a rear LCD.

This new model will feature the standard 24MP CMOS sensor, will have an ISO range of 200-6400, and will have brass base and top plates. The viewfinder has a magnification of 0.68x and offers bright-frame markings for 35/135mm, 28/90mm and 50/75mm lenses. The body has no traditional red dot as Leica says it wants the camera to be discrete, and the single frame mode uses a particularly quiet shutter cocking system.

Users will have control only of aperture, shutter speed and ISO settings, and the camera records in DNG Raw format only.

The Leica M-D (Typ 262) will go on sale in May with a price of $ 5995/£4650. The M (Typ 262), which does feature a rear screen, actually costs less, at $ 5195/£4050, but it doesn’t have the quiet shutter or brass top and bottom plates.

For more information visit the Leica website.

Press release:

Leica M-D: The return of anticipation

New digital Leica rangefinder focuses on the absolute essentials of photography, and excludes an LCD screen
 
Leica Camera has extended its iconic rangefinder camera series with a new model: the Leica M-D (Typ 262). The fifth product in the Leica M range, the Leica M-D joins the Leica M and M-P (Typ 240), the Leica M (Typ 262) and the Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246), offering a greater choice for photographers looking for specific functionality from their rangefinder camera.
 
The Leica M-D is the first serial production model of the digital M family to be made without an LCD monitor screen. The standard location of the screen on the back of the camera is taken by the ISO sensitivity setting dial – one of the few, but essential, features of the camera. Although the Leica M-D embodies the entire range of technical developments perfected over decades for the Leica rangefinder system, it intentionally omits all but the most vital features. Concentrating entirely on the key parameters required for photography: shutter speed, aperture, distance and ISO sensitivity, the Leica M-D focuses the user on the most essential aspect – the picture they are taking – and brings back the anticipation of discovering the results later in the process, as when shooting with film.
 
Jason Heward, managing director, Leica UK, said, “With the exclusion of the ubiquitous LCD screen, photographers must return to the principles of photography when shooting with the Leica M-D: accurate framing and composition, selecting the appropriate parameters and settings, and ensuring that they capture the decisive moment with the thought and consideration that has always been necessary in analogue photography. This unique rangefinder camera also brings back the fascination and expectation associated with film – returning photography to its origins during the capturing process, whilst maintaining the obvious convenience and benefits of digital technology.”
 
Principally, the technical features of the Leica M-D are based on those of the Leica M (Typ 262). As with all other digital Leica M cameras, the Leica M-D (Typ 262) features a high resolution CMOS full-frame sensor, which has been designed exclusively for rangefinder photography, and supports neither video recording nor Live View. Its 24 megapixel resolution delivers exceptional image quality and extreme sensitivity, making it perfect for available light situations. At the same time, the camera’s Maestro processor guarantees fast processing of image data. Exposures are captured exclusively as RAW data in DNG format, enabling photographers to apply the required adjustments in post-processing software.
 
Leica’s focus on ‘Das Wesentliche’ (the essentials of photography) is immediately recognisable in the design of this camera. The Leica M-D expresses purely functional, formal clarity, and features characteristics such as a brass top plate with a ‘step’ at the end, referencing the design of the Leica M9. The Leica ‘red dot’ logo has been omitted from the front of the camera for ultimate discretion.
 
Furthermore, the barely audible shutter of the Leica M-D ensures the camera is inconspicuous when shooting: an invaluable advantage in scenarios where the photographer wishes to remain unobtrusive. As an aid to this, the camera features a shutter cocking system that is particularly quiet in single exposure mode, and enables a shutter release frequency of up to two frames per second. In continuous mode, the Leica M-D has the same sequential shooting speed as its sister model and shoots up to three frames per second.
 
The Leica M-D is available in a black paint finish, and includes a real leather carrying strap in full-grain cowhide.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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HTC 10 is the first smartphone with OIS in front and rear cameras

13 Apr

Taiwanese smartphone maker HTC has today launched its latest flagship model, the HTC 10. While the predecessors we tested were frankly disappointing in the camera department, looking at its specs it seems like the 10 has the potential to turn things around for HTC. Read more

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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