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Posts Tagged ‘Tests’

Video: Hasselblad shows how it produces, tests its X System medium format cameras

21 Jul

Hasselblad has released the third video in its ongoing ‘Hasselblad Home’ series, showcasing how the Swedish company produces and tests its X System medium format cameras inside its Gothenburg headquarters.

Throguhout the four-minute video, Hasselblad shows the five-step production and testing process it uses to ensure all X System cameras are properly constructed and programmed to get the best image quality possible. The first step in the process is a cosmetic check to ensure the camera body itself is undamaged from the manufacturing process. If it clears the cosmetic check, that camera is assigned a serial number, which will follow it until it reaches the hands of the customer.

With the serial number assigned, it’s onto installing the software of the camera and completing more assembly of the main camera unit. Hasselblad says it tests each sensor independently — by capturing over 700 test shots — and uses that data to create a calibration profile that is then installed on the camera that specific sensor unit is installed in. The camera will apply that specific calibration profile to each image before data is saved to the recording media.

From there, it’s onto the digital unit test, wherein Hasselblad workers adjust focus, remove dust and apply other quality control measures before moving onto the final photo quality test. Using both studio scenes and color charts, Hasselblad tests the image quality of each camera using both automated and manual verification to ensure no anomalies are seen in the resulting photographs.

The video is yet another unique look into a process usually hidden within the factory walls. Regardless of whether or not you own — or have even shot with — a Hasselblad, it’s hard not to respect the level of precision and attention to detail that goes into each camera unit before it’s packaged up and shipped off.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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A photo history quiz tests the impact of color on guessing when images were captured

29 Oct

Does how we place an image in history depend upon its presentation? A new quiz (and experiment) by Matt Daniels and Jan Diehm aims to test this question. The quiz, published on The Pudding, shows users a series of five images captured in the United States during the last century and asks you to estimate the year the photo was taken.

We recommend taking the quiz before reading the rest of this article to preserve the integrity of the data results.

The quiz shows some images in color, and others in black and white. In some cases, the black and white image has been digitally altered from its original color presentation. Daniels and Diehm want to know if users estimate the age of the same image in black and white as being older than that image in color.

The pair were inspired to construct the experiment after reading this tweet from Hannah Beachler, Academy Award Winning production designer. In her tweet, Beachler shared a series of color photos from the Civil Rights movement and posited that showing this important period in American History as digitally altered black and white images leads people to believe it took place longer ago than it did, which may very well impact the general societal conception of the movement, particularly among a younger generation.

Daniels and Diehm write, ‘How we view history is largely defined by the aesthetics we associate with each period. When you were dating the photos, you probably looked for context clues — what people were wearing, if there were any familiar buildings, and if you recognized any faces. You were probably also looking at color…we wanted to test how color does or does not warp our perception of time.’

On the results page, you see the five photos you were shown again, this time with the color original and black and white versions. You then see how your guess compares against the average guesses for both the color and black and white versions. For example, one of the images I was shown in color was captured in 1987. In this case, users shown the same photo in black and white guessed that it is seven years older than it is. This same gap was present in another photo I was shown in color.

You can also view an additional series of images others saw when they took the quiz. In some cases, users guessed that the black and white versions were upwards of 14 years older than the same image in color. In the case of every image, participants guessed that the black and white version was older.

The photo, typically visible to the left in color (top) and black and white (bottom) has been removed. Here we can see that the average guess when presented the black and white version of the image is seven years older than the same image in color. While the difference varies, this pattern is consistent.

Color photography has been around for a long time, since the 19th century in fact, but its mainstream adoption lagged far behind for decades. While The Milwaukee Journal first printed a color image in 1891, many newspapers were very slow to follow suit. Even in 1993, when The New York Times wrote ‘newspapers’ adoption of color nearly complete,’ there were still newspapers in North America printing exclusively in black and white.

Given the results of the quiz, it appears that the presentation of an image does impact how users place the photograph in historical context. Further study, repeated testing and peer review are needed to produce definitive conclusions, but Daniels and Diehm intend to build analysis in the future.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Roger Cicala tests new Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM, confirms ‘insanely good’ MTF results

12 Mar

Roger Cicala is a hard man to impress. His team tests a lot of lenses, but the new Sony FE 135mm F1.8 GM is a cut above the rest. Literally, all the rest. Roger’s verdict? ‘This is the sharpest lens we’ve tested. Period’.

We already knew that the FE 135mm F1.8 GM was good, but the MTF results are quite spectacular. In Roger’s words, ‘curves higher than anything I’d ever seen in a normal-range lens’. Compare the Sony’s performance at F1.8 to the Zeiss Batis 135mm F2.8, below. Even if you’re not familiar with MTF curves (in brief – the center of this graph shows resolution at the center of an image, the extreme right and extreme left represent corner sharpness, and higher lines are better), it’s clear that the Sony outperforms the Zeiss in the center and compares well towards the edges, even wide open.

And this isn’t just a standout outlier sample hand-picked by Sony to give the best results – these graphs are created from data averaged from ten copies of the lens.

The 135mm F1.8 was so sharp, in fact, that just for fun Roger ran tests at 100 lp/mm as well as the usual 50 lp/mm, which – again – showed that Sony’s latest lens should perform brilliantly for several generations of even higher-resolution full-frame cameras to come.

Read Roger’s full article on the Lensrentals blog

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Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Instagram tests redesigned profiles that emphasize user bios, shrink follower count

27 Nov

Instagram has introduced redesigned user profiles that will be rolling out to users over the next several weeks. The company describes the rollout as a test that retains common profile elements, but rearranges them to provide a new look emphasizing bios and taking the focus away from follower counts.

Though user content posted to the grid remains unchanged, Instagram has repositioned buttons, icons, and other profile elements. User bios are given the most focus with a prominent right placement, whereas follower counts are now listed in small text beneath both the bio and links. Total post counts have been eliminated.

The company hopes its redesigned profiles offer easier navigation and a cleaner look. Testing will take place in multiple phases and “combinations,” Instagram said last week. User feedback on the new look will help shape the experiment and potentially the final design. It’s unclear how many users will see the new profile.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Video: How Nikon tests its D850 DSLR against the elements

16 Aug

If you’re sensitive to gore, you might want to turn your head. Nikon Asia has published a video on its YouTube channel that dives into the brutal depths the company goes to in order to test the ruggedness of its DSLR cameras — specifically the Nikon D850.

In the two-minute video, Nikon ambassadors and workers detail the amount of thought, research and methods that go into practically testing how its cameras will handle tough environments. Although there are plenty of automated tests going on, this particular video, titled ‘True Reliability’ takes a look at the more hands-on testing.

Specifically, the video shows how Nikon tests its cameras in dusty conditions, wet environments and extreme temperatures, all well beyond what you could reasonably expect from even the most challenging shoots. There’s even a few drop tests in there for good measure.

It’s not as long or in-depth a look as we would like, but it goes to show how few stones are left unturned when checking for resiliency in Nikon cameras.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Instagram launches Mute button, tests ‘all caught up’ feature

23 May

Ever after Instagram decided to abandon its chronological feed and reorder user feeds using an algorithm, it has been difficult to keep track of what you’ve already seen. This, in turn, keeps some users nervously scrolling through their feeds to make sure they don’t miss any important posts from the people they follow. According to TechCrunch, Instagram is testing a new feature that will help alleviate this anxiety.

The feature notifies you when you’re all caught up so you can turn your attention to another app or, heaven forbid, even put your phone away. In practice, the feature will be very simple: as you scroll through your feed, you’ll get a notification saying “You’re All Caught Up – You’ve seenall new post from the past 48 hours.”

In combination with the recently announced “time spent” feature—which will give users a better idea of how much time they spend with the app once implemented—this latest function is aimed at helping Instagramers control and manage their time in a more efficient way.

Of course, one could argue that simply going back to the original chronological feed would have been the simpler solution… but we digress.

In addition to testing ‘all caught up’, Instagram today introduced a new feature that allows you to mute accounts in pretty much the same way as on parent platform Facebook. You can hide posts in your feed from certain accounts without unfollowing or blocking them, allowing for a more personalized feed.

Like on Facebook, you can still see posts from muted accounts on their profile, and will still be notified if you are tagged in a post or comment. Muted users are not aware of their status and, of course, you can always unmute an account if you’ve changed your mind.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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UK government will require drone users to register and take safety tests

25 Jul

The UK has announced new upcoming regulations that will require some drone owners to register their aircraft and to complete safety awareness tests related to drone operation.

The requirements will be implemented for all drones weighing a minimum of 250g / 8.8oz and registration will be possible both online and via apps, though the UK government says it is still exploring potential plans. The tests, meanwhile, will require drone operators to demonstrate knowledge of the UK’s various regulations related to drone usage, privacy, and safety.

The new requirements were detailed over the weekend by the UK government, which explained in a statement that these new measures will “improve accountability and encourage owners to act responsibly.” A recent safety research study is cited as one of the reasons for the planned regulations. In the study, various UK authorities found that drones weighing as little as 400g / 14oz can damage the windshields on helicopters.

Many details about the UK’s drone registration plans are still missing, including how much such registrations may cost, how long the registration is good for, the extent of identifying details the drone operator must provide, and more. The UK’s statement indicates that it is still developing its plans and hasn’t yet established these finer details.

The new regulations will follow the drone code established by the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority in 2016. That drone code establishes operational rules for drone owners, including requiring that the drone stay within sight of the operator, that it stay below 120m / 400ft, avoid all things related to airports and aircraft, and maintain acceptable distances from property and people.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Around the world in 10 videos: 2016 Field Tests

02 Jan
DPReview’s Carey Rose, doing what he does best. Staring at women. In this case, rodeo Queens at a rodeo in Nyssa, Oregon, during a DPReview Field Test of the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II.

DPReview has been around the world in 2016, from the deserts of the Southwest to the lush jungles of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsular. We’ve used everything from enthusiast compacts to high-end professional DSLRs, and along the way we’ve met some amazing photographers. 

Click here to See our full series of Field Test videos

You can check out the full series at the ^ link ^ right ^ there ^ but in this article, I want to take you back through the ten videos that we’ve published this year, and hopefully in the process, let you share a little in some of the sights, the sounds and the smells of DPReview’s Year in Field Tests. OK, not the smells, but definitely the other things.

Before we continue, I am legally obligated to let you know that all of the videos featured on this page are sponsored content, made possible with the support of Amazon and the manufactures featured in the videos. Click here for more information about DPReview sponsored content.

All clear? OK then – let’s watch some videos!

February: Sony Cyber-shot RX100 IV in the Yucatan

Shot at the end of last year, this Field Test, featuring Sony’s Cyber-shot RX100 IV was one of our most ambitious. Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsular is a beautiful place, full of amazing scenery, vivid history, and corner shops that sell antibiotics over the counter to weak-stomached gringos. 

We took advantage of all of these things during our trip, and as a bonus, you get to see me try to speak Spanish. Just be grateful for what you don’t get to see me doing.

March: Canon PowerShot G5 X on the Olympic Peninsula

Even on a grey weekend in early spring, the Olympic Peninsular is still a stunningly beautiful place. In this video, featuring the Canon PowerShot G5 X, DPReview writer Carey Rose spent a couple of days bro-ing down hard with local photographer and keen fisherman Kyle Johnson.

A little bit of trivia for you – this video actually breaks the world record for most amount of plaid featured in the least amount of screen-time. If you have trouble telling some of the men in this video apart from one another, don’t worry – so do I, and I know all of them.

April: Claire Bangser and the Olympus PEN-F

In April, we headed to Mississippi with the Olympus PEN-F, where Editorial Manager Wenmei Hill joined New Orleans-based photographer Claire Bangser on the Blues Trail. Claire and Wenmei spent a couple of days on the trail, photographing the local sights and people of the area. And yes – they used all the Art Filters. 

May: Shooting stars with the Nikon D810 & D810A

In May, we cast our eyes skywards. In this Field Test, DPReview’s Dale Baskin joined astrophotographer José Francisco Salgado in Death Valley, for a celestial shoot with Nikon’s D810 and D810A. One of the things I like most about this video is the way that José says ‘stars’. It’s hard to explain – you’ll just have to watch it.

May: Building a kayak with the Canon EOS 80D

While Dale was star-gazing in Death Valley, I was closer to home, learning how to make a traditional Greenland-style skin-on-frame kayak, in Seattle. I documented the entire process using the Canon EOS 80D. I’m proud to say that despite the countless mistakes, including several holes drilled in the wrong place, Aril still floats.  

July: DPReview goes to the rodeo with the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II

From slow, methodical action to fast, energetic action. In July, we drove down to Nyssa Oregon, with Canon’s professional flagship DSLR, the EOS-1D X Mark II, to cover the annual ‘Nite Rodeo’. This one is worth watching just for the sight of me and Carey wearing cowboy hats. Quote of the trip, from a rodeo spectator: ‘Y’all sure as hell don’t look like cowboys’. 

September: Shooting Action with the Nikon D5

DPReview’s Technical Editor Rishi Sanyal is a super-nerd. Given a chance, he’ll talk your ear off about everything from signal-to-noise ratio to smart lightbulbs. But what he’s probably most nerdy about is autofocus. In this video, featuring the Nikon D5, Rishi gets to indulge his AF obsession for almost 15 minutes. You’re welcome, Internet.

October: Birds in flight with the Nikon D500

In October, we traveled to Montana with the Nikon D500, to join wildlife photographer and friend to the wolves Ronan Donovan, at a nature reserve. It was a short, packed shoot, the dubious highlight of which was when I got dive-bombed by a hawk.

Fun fact: this is the only DPReview Field Test to feature a moose.

Wedding photography with the Fujifilm X-T2

Guemas Island is a tiny dot on a map of the Pacific Northwest, but it’s one of the most beautiful spots for a daytrip, weekend getaway, or a wedding. In this Field Test, Carey and Wenmei took the Fujifilm X-T2 to Guemas Island to document a very special day. Carey really covered himself in glory on this one, by forgetting to shoot Raw.

Dog Portraits with the Sony a6300

They say that dogs are man’s best friend. They also say you should never work with animals. Who are ‘they’ anyway, and where do they get their sayings? We may never know. In this video, Sam Spencer took Sony’s a6300 to a dog adoption shelter, to shoot some professional portraits of their canine residents. I’ll remember this shoot because it was the closest I’ve ever come to adopting an animal. See if you can spot which dog melted my heart.

Anyway – this video is cute. You should show it to your mum.

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All of the videos featured on this page are sponsored content, made possible with the support of Amazon and the manufactures featured in the videos. What does this mean?

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Review and Field Tests of the new Canon 5D Mark IV – Is it Worth Upgrading?

28 Nov

Canon recently announced the new incarnation of its 5D lineup, the Canon 5D Mark IV. I myself have owned the 5D Classic (Mark I), and I currently own the Mark III. Personally, I don’t have any plans to upgrade as I went another way instead, choosing to shift to the Fuji X-series as they are smaller and lighter for traveling. However, I am eyeing the new X-T2!

For those of you considering an upgrade on your Canon camera body, here are some reviews and field tests I found for the 5D Mark IV. Whether you’re going from an APS-C camera up to full frame, or just looking to upgrade from an older 5D model, do your own testing and decide if it’s the right move for you.

The Camera Store Guys

This store is in Calgary, AB, Canada – a mere four hours drive from my city. Not the place you’d expect world class camera reviews to come from – but these guys really do some great tests, in real-world situations and they produce some great videos that are totally impartial. If they find a flaw or sticky bit, they will tell you about it. I like that.

Let’s see what they had to say about the Canon 5D Mark IV:

Hmmm, interesting! Watch to the end where Chris sums up his thoughts on the 5D Mark IV they may surprise you. He’s very honest about it.

PhotoRec TV – Comparison of three cameras

The Canon 5D Mark IV, 5D Mark III and the Sony A7RII

Toby from PhotoRec TV has some notes for you comparing three different cameras including the 5D Mark IV’s predecessor, and the Sony A7RII full frame camera. He talks about what’s new and improved from the Mark III and how it compares to the Sony.

Dphog discusses the new dual-pixel RAW capability

This is a new introduction by Canon, dual-pixel RAW format. What does that mean? Quoted from Canon’s UK site:

Using the Dual Pixel RAW Optimizer in Digital Photo Professional software, users can make use of the Dual Pixel data recorded with the Dual Pixel RAW image for micro-adjustments of the position of maximum sharpness using the depth information contained within the file.

Is it worth it? Would you use this feature?

Pye from SLR Lounge shot a wedding with the Mark IV

Pye has done quite a few articles for us here on dPS, so you may be familiar with him. He took this camera to a wedding shoot and put it to work. He pushed the limits on it in many areas and tested ISO, dynamic range, the new dual-pixel RAW and some of the great new focus features.

Conclusion

So are you considering buying the Canon 5D Mark IV? If so you can price them out here:

  • On Amazon.com
  • On B&H Photo’s site

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention there have been some reported issues with the 5D Mark IV. So do some research and due diligence if you are thinking about buying this camera.

Have you tried one of these cameras out yet? Give us your thoughts in the comments below.

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The post Review and Field Tests of the new Canon 5D Mark IV – Is it Worth Upgrading? by Darlene Hildebrandt appeared first on Digital Photography School.


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LensRentals tests the Nikon 70-200mm F2.8 FL ED

22 Nov
Sarah McAlexander, Lensrentals.com, 2016

Our friends at LensRentals have acquired a supply of Nikon’s new 70-200mm F2.8E FL ED AF-S VR. Nikon’s PR department has been making big claims about this third generation of its workhorse zoom, so Roger Cicala et al. have done us all a kindness by putting it on their optical bench and publishing the results. 

While he finds a bit of sharpness gained at the wide and long end of the range, Cicala is most impressed with performance at 135mm, calling it ‘night and day’ compared to its predecessor. 

Take a look at the full blog post for all of the test results, and yes – even a comparison against Canon’s 70-200mm F2.8L IS II USM.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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