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Posts Tagged ‘Systems’’

Laowa delays the release of its 4mm F2.8 Fisheye lens for MFT camera systems

11 Sep

In a post on Sightron Japan’s website, it has announced that the Laowa 4mm F2.8 Fisheye lens for Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera systems has been postponed.

In a very brief notice (translated) on its information page, Sightron says the lens, which was set to be released this coming Friday, has been delayed. The machine-translated version of the notice reads ‘since there is a possibility that a problem individual was mixed, we decided to postpone the release.’

Based on that translation, it seems as though a number of lenses had issues, but Laowa couldn’t pinpoint down exactly what lenses were affected and are therefore going back through and testing the units that have already been produced.

Sightron, says ‘details regarding the release date will be announced as soon as they are determined.’ It ends the post by thanking interested parties for their understanding and patronage. We’ve contacted Venus Optics for additional details and confirmation on what regions are affected by this delay. We will update this article accordingly when we hear back.


Update (September 11, 2019): This article originally mistated the relationship between Sightron Japan and the Laowa brand. It has been updated accordingly.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Venus Optics announces Laowa 4mm F2.8 lens with 210º FOV for MFT camera systems

11 Aug

Venus Optics has announced the pricing and availability of its Laowa 4mm F2.8 Circular Fisheye lens for Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera systems.

When placed on a MFT camera, the 4mm F2.8 features an 8mm 35mm equivalent focal length and features a whopping 210º field of view. This means a full 360º image can be captured and stitched together with plenty of room to spare using just two photos. The lens also makes for an interesting pairing when used with MFT-compatable drones, such as DJI’s Inspire X5 drone, as demonstrated in the video below:

The Laowa 4mm F2.8 is constructed of seven elements in six groups and features a seven-blade aperture diaphragm. It has a minimum focusing distance of 8cm (3.15in) and measures in at 25.5 x 45.2mm (1 x 1.78in) and weighs just 135g (4.76oz).

Below are a few (non-high-res) sample images shared by Venus Optics:

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The lens is expected to retail for $ 199 from Venus Optics and authorized retailers with the first units expected to ship out in mid-August 2019. For more information and additional sample images, check out Venus Optics’ product page.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon patent application details wireless charging setup for camera systems

07 Aug

Wireless charging has become a standard in flagship smartphones, but like so many other technologies, the camera world seems a bit behind. Canon seems interested in changing that though if a recent patent application is any indication.

United States patent application 10,375,639 B2 details the schematics for a wireless charging setup that uses a combination of a power mat and a compatible device to offer wireless charging capabilities. The patent doesn’t limit the device being charged to cameras, but does explicitly say ‘the electronic apparatus [being charged] can be an imaging apparatus.’

According to the patent application text, the mat would be able to detect when a camera is present via near field communication (NFC) and adapt the power output to match the required power of the camera unit while also monitoring the temperature to prevent overheating.

It’s not clear whether Canon would rely on a pre-existing wireless charging standard, such as the Wireless Power Consortium’s Qi standard, but considering Qi’s ubiquity, it’s likely to be the case. Of course, there’s always the possibility this patent application never sees the light of day, so don’t get too excited.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Lomography announces Petzval 55mm F1.7 lens for full-frame mirrorless systems

25 May

Lomography has announced it’s opened pre-orders for the Petzval 55mm F1.7 MKII, its first lens designed specifically for full-frame mirrorless cameras.

According to Lomography, the lens ‘is created with discerning photographers and filmmakers in mind’ and ‘designed to allow full creative flexibility, with its 7 levels of Bokeh Control and Dual Aperture system.’ Like other Lomography lenses, the Petzval 55mm F1.7 MKII comes with various plates to shape the bokeh in images.

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Below is a gallery sample photos captured with the Petzval 55mm F1.7 MKII and shared by Lomography:

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The lens is available Sony E, Canon RF and Nikon Z mounts and comes in three varieties: black brass, satin-finish brass and black anodized aluminum for $ 499, $ 449 and $ 399, respectively. Pre-orders are open now; the first aluminum units are expected to ship in July 2019 and brass units will follow shortly after in August 2019.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sony announces the Remote Commander, a wireless Bluetooth controller for its camera systems

27 Feb

Sony has announced the impending release of a new Wireless Remote Commander that offers wireless control of Sony camera systems using Bluetooth connectivity.

The remote, officially named RMT-P1BT, operates entirely through Bluetooth connectivity and features a fast 0.05 seconds release time, which is more than fast enough for even the most precise of applications.

The Wireless Remote Commander features an external LED for indicating operation status and is also dust and moisture resistant with the ability to operate in extreme temperatures.

As for functionality, the RMT-P1BT offers focus buttons for manual control over focus changes, a customizable C1 button, Start/Stop buttons for movies and control over power-zoom or digital zoom as well. It shouldn’t come as a surprise the RMT-P1BT also includes a dedicated Bulb mode that can be started and stopped with a button press so it doesn’t need to be held down the entire time.

The RMT-P1BT Wireless Remote Comander works with Sony’s a6400, A7III, A7RIII and A9 cameras. It will ship this April for $ 80 USD / $ 110 CAD. It will be available through authorized Sony retailers.

Sony Electronics Inc. Introduces New Remote Commander with Bluetooth Wireless Technology

New RMT-P1BT Provides Reliable and Precise Wireless Shooting

SAN DIEGO — February 26, 2019 — Sony Electronics Inc. has today introduced a new Wireless Remote Commander (model RMT-P1BT) via Bluetooth® wireless technology that provides a reliable, responsive solution for imaging enthusiasts that want to precisely control their camera during landscape shooting, architectural photography, astrophotography, still motion photography, group portraits and more.

The new RMT-P1BT wireless remote commander operates via Bluetooth connectivity, eliminating the need for wires, cables or receivers to connect the remote directly to the camera.The remote features an extremely fast response, within approximately 0.05 seconds release time-lag, that ensures the shutter can be released with precise accuracy.There is also an LED light that indicates operating status to camera by flashing or lighting continuously.Additionally, the remote is designed to resist dust and moisture plus hot and cold temperatures, offering reliable operation in a wide variety of environments and weather conditions.

To maximize control over camera functionality, the new RMT-P1BT wireless remote commander features focus buttons for manual control over subtle focus changes, a remote C1 custom button that can be adjusted based on users preferences.It also includes Start/Stop movie recording and control over power-zoom or digital-zoom functionality, making it the ideal accessory for remote movie shooting.For photographers that prefer to shoot on ‘Bulb’ exposure mode, the remote commander can be set to open and close the shutter with respective clicks of the main button, eliminating the need to press and hold the button throughout exposure time.

Pricing and Availability

The RMT-P1BT Wireless Remote Commander will ship this April for approximately $ 80 US and $ 110 CA. The remote commander will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers throughout North America.

A variety of exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new remote commander in combination with other Sony’s Alpha™ products can be found at www.alphauniverse.com, a site built to educate and inspire all fans and customers of the Sony’s Alpha brand.

Detailed information on these new products can be found at:

  • RMT-P1BT (US)
  • RMT-P1BT (CA)

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Fujifilm announces firmware version 2.00 for its X-T100 and X-A5 camera systems

15 Feb

In addition to a barrage of product announcements, Fujifilm has also updated the firmware for its X-T100 and X-A5 camera systems.

Both cameras will receive firmware 2.00 sometime this month, which will include three new and improved features.

The first of the three major features in the updates is a new ‘Bright Mode,’ which Fujifilm says ‘provides a brighter and more vivid image when using the Advanced SR Auto mode.’ If the feature isn’t wanted, it can easily be turned on and off with a tap on the LCD touchscreen on either camera.

Fujifilm has also added its Portrait Enhancer Mode to the X-T100 and X-A5 in these updates, which makes it easy to select from three levels of skin tone enhancement using the touchscreen.

The last major addition is a new Night+ Setting. This new setting automatically adjusts ISO, brightness and vividness of the picture to better render the image in low or poor light situations.

Firmware version 2.00 for the X-T100 and X-A5 and instructions on how to install it can be found on Fujifilm’s website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Three Legged Thing launches ‘Ellie,’ a versatile L-bracket for modern camera systems

14 Feb

Tripod manufacturer Three Legged Thing has developed a new L-bracket that’s designed to be adaptable to fit a wider range of cameras, and which will allow users to mount their camera in a variety of ways. Called Ellie, the bracket features sliding bars that allow size adjustment, dual Arca-Swiss mounting platforms and additional threads for attaching accessories such as microphones.

Ellie is made from ‘aerospace grade magnesium alloy’ and uses a pair of stainless steel sliding bars that allow users to tailor the length of the baseplate to suit the size of the camera. Two screw threads on the base offer a choice of mounting positions, while an opening in the construction provides space and access when L-shaped cables need to be connected to ports on the camera body.

As the position of these cable ports varies from one model to the next the bracket allows four mounting configurations to ensure the cut away section will correspond with ports in as many cameras as possible.

The bracket can be dissembled so the base doubles as a quick release plate, and both ends of the vertical standard feature two screw threads that will accept macro arms, flash attachments or audio equipment.

Ellie will be available in anodised copper or metallic slate grey color options in mid-March and will cost £64.99 / $ 69.99.

For more information see the Three Legged Thing website.

  • Horizontal Aspect Length: 95 mm – 128 mm / 3.74 “ – 5.04 “
  • Horizontal Aspect Width: 38 mm / 1.5 “
  • Vertical Aspect Height: 85 mm / 3.35 “
  • Vertical Aspect Width: 38 mm / 1.5 “
  • Weight: 96 g / 0.21 lb
  • Compatibility – Standard Arca-Swiss

Press release

3 Legged Thing Introduces Next Evolution of Universal L-Brackets

The award-winning British tripod maker announces a new Universal L-Bracket with increased compatibility with a wider range of cameras, and advanced functionality.

3 Legged Thing has announced a new evolution of universal L-Bracket. Following on from the huge success of the world’s best-selling L-Bracket 3 Legged Thing’s QR11-L, Ellie brings another dimension of compatibility with a wide range of mirrorless and DSLR cameras, and an unprecedented level of innovation.

L-Brackets are primarily used to switch from landscape to portrait on a tripod, whilst maintaining the focal plane and horizon. They are particularly popular with landscape, architecture, and studio photographers, yet used by photographers across all genres.

3LT Founder & CEO Danny Lenihan commented: “Ellie is the culmination of a year’s development and testing, and is built on the foundations of QR11 and hundreds of comments and emails from customers since the QR11 launched in 2017. It’s been a fantastic challenge for myself and the team, with more than a few hiccups in the process, but I’m delighted to be introducing what we believe is a new chapter in L-Bracket innovation.”

Compatible with standard Arca-Swiss clamps, Ellie’s design features 2 different screw mount slots in the base, allowing users to position the L-Bracket in the optimal position for their camera. The length of the bracket base can be adjusted thanks to two rigid stainless steel sliding bars which are then fixed into position by the user. The rear edge of the base is sloped to better enable screen access.

Ellie’s vertical aspect has an opening in one side, allowing users with L-shaped cable pins to connect accessories to their cameras more easily. Thanks to the dual Arca-Swiss profile and identical mount-ends,this opening can be placed in one of four positions, by inverting or reversing the vertical aspect, which is secured to the base via two adjustable stainless steel rods. A handy mini tool with two sizes of Allen key to adjust the sliding bars, and the vertical aspect, is also supplied with Ellie.

Both ends of the vertical aspect house two 1/4”-20 threads, allowing users to attach accessories, including microphones or mounting arms, to the bracket. The base of the bracket also features a strap attachment slot. Ellie’s base plate is beautifully contoured so that it can also be used separately as a quick release plate without the upright.

Adding a different type of functionality, Ellie’s vertical aspect can also be mounted downwards from the plate, effectively creating a rocker head when used with the tripod head adjusted into the 90 degree position.

Made from aerospace grade magnesium alloy, Ellie will be available in two anodized finishes – Copper(orange) and Metallic Slate Grey. The product is available to pre-order today from 3 Legged Thing’s website, and from local camera stores, with a suggested retail price of £64.99 / $ 69.99. Ellie will be released in mid March 2019. Visitors to The Photography Show 16-19th March at the NEC, Birmingham, UK will be able to see Ellie there on 3 Legged Thing’s stand #E71.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Kamlan announces new 7.5mm F3.2 fisheye lens for Micro Four Thirds systems

12 Feb

Chinese optical manufacturer Kamlan Optical has announced its next lens will be a 7.5mm F3.2 fisheye for the Micro Four Thirds system. The lens joins an existing line-up of manual focus primes for APS-C and MFT systems, and will be shown at the CP+ show later this month.

The FS 7.5mm f/3.2 will provide an angle of view of 160° with a construction that consists of seven elements in six groups. It will focus as close as 10cm and will have a minimum aperture of F16. The manufacturer says the lens will measure 48x58mm, will weigh 250g and it will be impossible to mount a filter in the conventional way because of the shape of the built-in hood.

According to DC Watch, the price in Japan will be about 25,000 yen, which is approximately $ 230. For more information see the Kalman website

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Cosina announces Voigtlander 21mm F3.5 lens for Sony E-mount systems

21 Sep

Cosina has announced its new Voigtlander Color Skopar 21mm F3.5 E-mount lens.

This is the eighth Voigtlander lens designed specifically for Sony’s full-frame E-mount support. As with past lenses, the Color Skopar 21mm F3.5 features full EXIF support. In addition to having the extra metadata there, this also means Sony’s in-body image stabilization should work without issue when shooting with the lens.

The lens constructed of nine elements — including one aspherical element and one anomalous partial dispersion element — in eight groups. It has a minimum focusing distance of 20cm/7.87in and uses a ten-blade aperture diaphragm.

The diameter of the lens is 62.8mm/2.47in and the length is 39.9mm/1.57in. It weighs just 230g and features a 52mm filter size.

Below are a collection of sample images provided by Cosina:

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The lens is currently available for pre-order and is expected to start shipping in October 2018. Cosina has it listed for ¥85,000, which equates to roughly $ 758 at the current exchange rate. Fred Miranda notes though that the price is suspected to be $ 799 when it lands stateside.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Adobe won’t support older operating systems with its next major Creative Cloud update

29 Aug

If you’re not one to update your computer gear often, you might want to reconsider. Adobe has issued a notice future releases of Creative Cloud programs will no longer support older versions of MacOS and Windows operating systems.

‘As we prepare for our next major release of Creative Cloud, we wanted to share some information on updated operating system requirements,’ says Adobe. ‘To take advantage of the latest operating system features and technologies, the next major release of Creative Cloud will not support Windows 8.1, Windows 10 v1511 and v1607, and Mac OS 10.11 (El Capitan).’

Adobe notes all past and current versions of Creative Cloud applications will continue to work on the aforementioned operating systems. Creative Cloud Desktop — the management application for all Creative Cloud apps — will continue to be supported on Windows 7 or later and MacOS 10.9 (Mavericks) and later.

According to Adobe, ‘focusing [its] efforts on more modern versions of Windows and Mac operating systems allows [it] to concentrate on developing the features and functionality most requested by members, while ensuring peak performance that takes advantage of modern hardware.’

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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