360Photography

Category: Uncategorized

  • DJI expected to release at least 3 new drones in 2020, starting February

    The Mavic 2 is suspected to be succeeded by the next-generation Mavic drone.

    Last May, DJI made an important announcement: starting January 1, 2020, every drone model weighing over 250 grams will have AirSense Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) receivers installed. By identifying helicopters and airplanes nearby, drones equipped with ADS-B sensors will be able to detect obstacles and avoid collisions. It would only make sense that DJI plans on rolling out new models soon, especially after a relatively quiet 2019.

    A DJI Mavic 3 was expected by the end of this month. However, according to DroneDJ, invites for an industry release party have yet to be sent out. This is certainly not a promising sign. There are two reasons for this possible delay – the Skydio 2 and Autel EVO II. The latter is the most concerning as it blows the Mavic series out of the water with superior specs including the first consumer-grade 8K camera.

    A delay in the Mavic 3 may mean the DJI Mavic Air 2 will be the first consumer-grade model featuring ADS-B technology to be released in 2020. Rumored upgrades to the original Mavic Air include longer battery life, 360º obstacle avoidance, aerodynamic propellers for quieter flights, and improved 4K video with an Ambarella processor.

    The Matrice 300 is expected to arrive before the end of February. The Matrice 200 and 210 models are primarily used by search and rescue teams, police forces, and firefighters. The enterprise-grade drones started malfunctioning and falling from the sky, according to a report by the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch. A Matrice 600 is also a possibility toward the third or fourth quarter of this year.

    Keep in mind these are only rumors. DPReview has not received any confirmation on new releases for 2020 from our contacts at DJI.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Hands-on with new Fujifilm X-T200

    Hands-on with new Fujifilm X-T200

    Pitched to us by Fujifilm representatives as ‘an X-A7 with an EVF’ (hey, we’ll take it), the X-T200 is arguably the company’s most compelling entry-level option yet. Offering updates across the board, the X-T200 appears to improve on an already well-featured camera – especially when it comes to autofocus and video.

    Click through for a closer look at the new Fujifilm X-T200.

    Body and Design

    While the X-T200 looks a lot like its predecessor, it’s actually slightly lighter than the X-T100, by 80g (about three ounces). And there are some key differences, ergonomically. For starters, the X-T200 gains a front control dial (around the shutter button), and as you can see in this image, a deep, sculpted grip.

    New top-plate controls

    From the top, the new control layout is more obvious. The X-T200 inherits the same rather awkward ‘Fn dial’ as its predecessor on the far left (which can be customized to switch between various functions, including film simulation modes and – by default – shutter speed in movie mode), but the X-T100’s small, thin rear control dial has been deleted.

    The X-T100’s ‘big top dial and skinny rear dial’ interface has been replaced by a more conventional twin top-dial arrangement in the X-T200, which on balance we prefer.

    New sensor

    Although it offers the same 24MP resolution as its predecessor, the X-T200 almost certainly borrows its APS-C format sensor from the X-T2, meaning that it offers a more advanced copper-wiring design, capable of up to 3.5X faster data transmission and (Fujifilm claims) greatly reduced rolling-shutter.

    Bayer-pattern sensor design

    Unlike the X-T2 however, the X-T200 uses a conventional Bayer-pattern design, rather than Fujifilm’s unique ‘X-Trans’ technology, which the company reserves for higher-end cameras. This may result in slightly less detailed JPEGs at standard settings, but has the benefit of making Raw files more manageable across a wide range of Raw processing software.

    Continuous shooting

    This extra speed pays off in faster continuous shooting. The X-T200 is capable of capturing photos at up to 8 fps with autofocus, which makes it pretty competitive in its class, and compares well even against some more expensive cameras.

    This shot shows the X-T200’s fairly pared-down rear control layout, which includes a small but usable joystick for AF positioning, and a fairly substantial rear thumb rest to the upper right of the articulating LCD, where the X-T100’s rear control dial used to live. The two unlabeled buttons to the right of the EVF can be customized.

    Updated autofocus

    Another consequence of using a new sensor and processor is a major bump in the autofocus capabilities of the X-T200 compared to its predecessor. We weren’t particularly impressed by the performance of the X-T100’s AF system, but the X-T200 looks much more promising, with 425 on-sensor phase-detection AF points (compared to 91 in the X-T100) and updated face and eye-detection.

    Viewfinder and LCD

    The DSLR-style X-T200 offers a high-quality electronic viewfinder, with 2.36 million dots, and 100% frame coverage. The rear LCD is very large for a camera in this class, measuring 3.5 inches, in a 16:9 aspect ratio, and its 2.76 million-dot resolution is impressive for a camera in this class. As we’d expect, the screen is touch-sensitive, and as you can see it’s also fully articulating.

    The rear panel is also brighter than most, hitting a peak of around 1000 nits, with a ‘bright’ mode for use in bright light.

    Proper 4K video

    A major deficiency of the X-T100 was its video mode, infamous for topping out at an (impressive) 4K resolution but at a (less impressive) frame rate of 15 fps. We’re pleased to see that this has been fixed in the X-T200, which now offers a genuinely convincing-looking video feature set, including un-cropped UHD 4K at 30p and HD capture at up to 120p.

    Electronic image stabilization is included for video capture and is available in 4K mode, with just a slight crop. If you plan to move as you shoot, or you’re shooting from an unsteady position, there’s a Digital Gimbal mode in 1080, though this imposes a very heavy crop.

    Battery and UHS-I SD card slot

    The X-T200 has a single card slot, which supports the UHS-I standard. Under the same door in the base of the camera you’ll also find a NP-W126S battery, with a (CIPA) rated capacity of 270 frames, but up to 450 frames in ‘Economy’ mode.

    We’re pleased to see a USB Type-C socket in the X-T200, which supports in-camera charging and data transfer up to USB 3.1 speeds. Videophiles will be very pleased to see that the X-T200 includes a 3.5mm headphone socket (via an included adapter) in addition to an input for an external mic.

    What do you make of the new X-T200? Let us know in the comments.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Spider Holster launches updated Hand Strap and Lens Collar Plate, as well as two new products

    Spider Holster, the company best known for its camera-carrying accessories, has launched four new products, including updated versions of its SpiderPro Hand Strap and its Lens Collar Plate. All four products are available from the company’s website now, making it easier to carry around a camera, attach it to tripods and tote around all of your photography accessories.

    Most notable among the new products is the company’s new SpiderPro Hand Strap v2, a new version of the camera-carrying strap already offered by Spider Holster. This strap can be used with mirrorless and DSLR cameras, this time featuring Nylon cores for slowly conforming to the shape of the user’s hand.

    As well, the updated version can be installed more quickly using a three-snap attachment feature, plus there’s a new Graphite version of the strap made from synthetic Hypalon fiber with a carbon fiber finish. This, Spider Holster explains, is an alternative for customers who don’t want to purchase the leather version. The model is available now for $ 70.

    Joining the updated Hand Strap is the new Lens Collar Plate v2, an updated model that can be used to holster a telephoto lens with a tripod collar to the company’s SpiderPro Single and Dual camera-carrying products. The updated version of this product is Arca-Swiss compatible for use with tripods, features a built-in 1/4″-20 thread, built-in hex wrench, as well as a pair of Spider pins and a Spider Tether Bail. The model is available now for $ 55.

    Spider Holster has also launched the new Spider Light Z Plate specifically for the Nikon Z6 and Z7 cameras, a model that can be used or without the FTZ Mount Adapter. The Z Plate can be used with any Arca-Swiss tripod in addition to the holster, plus it allows access to the camera’s battery door. The Spider Light Z Plate is currently available to preorder for $ 32.

    Finally, Spider Holster has also launched its new SpiderMonkey Ultimate Kit, a bundle that features the entire SpiderMonkey product line, including the SMv2 Tab, Studio Assistant, Rain Cover, rotating and non-rotating Action Grip, Utility Pouch, Backpack Adapter, Bag Strap Clamp and more. With these accessories, users can easily clip a variety of camera gear to belts, backpack straps and bags.

    The SpiderMonkey Ultimate Kit is available now in Essentials and Ultimate bundle options for $ 55 and $ 75, respectively.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Tokina issues compatibility notice for Nikon Z owners using its F-mount lenses via adapter

    Tokina has published a compatibility noticed for Nikon Z-series owners, regarding a few issues the company came across while ‘thoroughly’ testing the functionality of its F-mount lenses when used on Z-series cameras with Nikon’s FTZ adapter.

    The notice highlights four lenses that can’t use autofocus with Nikon’s FTZ adapter and one lens that has slightly slower autofocus when used with the adapter.

    The four lenses without autofocus functionality are the Tokina AT-X 70–200mm F4 FX VCM-S, Tokina AT-X M100 AF PRO D, Tokina AT-X 107 AF DX NH Fisheye and Tokina AT-X 107 AF DX Fisheye. When put in manual focus mode, however, all of these lenses will work without issue, according to Tokina.

    Tokina notes its opera 50mm F1.4 FF lens works when autofocus is on, but notes that when ‘Compared with general conditions depending on aperture value AF speed might be slower.’

    Compatibility notice:

    Tokina Compatibility Notice for Nikon Z-Series Mirrorless Camera Owners

    Thank you for using Tokina products.

    We have thoroughly tested all current Tokina interchangeable lenses (Nikon F mount) with the Nikon Z 6, Nikon Z 7 and Nikon Z 50 mirrorless camera using the Nikon mount adapter FTZ.

    The results confirm that current Tokina lens models showed no issues in general operations with the following exceptions:

    Tokina opera 50mm F1.4 FF Issue: Compared with general conditions depending on aperture value AF speed might be slower. Tokina AT-X 70–200mm F4 FX VCM-S Issue: AF communication error. However, the lens will operate normally in manual focus mode.

    Please, note that due to mount adapter FTZ specifications, the following Tokina lenses do not AF but will operate in manual focus mode:

    Tokina AT-X M100 AF PRO D Tokina AT-X 107 AF DX NH Fisheye Tokina AT-X 107 AF DX Fisheye

    For any question about compatibility of Tokina interchangeable lenses with Nikon Z 6, Nikon Z 7 and Nikon Z 50 mirrorless camera contact us via contact form.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • DPReview TV: Fujifilm X-T200 hands-on preview

    Fujifilm just announced its newest camera, the X-T200. In this hands-on preview, Chris and Jordan explain how it fits into Fujifilm’s lineup and why they like it.

    Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get new episodes of DPReview TV every week.

    • Introduction
    • Sample photos
    • Compared to the X-T100
    • Design and ergonomics
    • Interface
    • Displays
    • Light trails
    • Autofocus and buffer
    • Film simulations
    • Video features
    • Conclusion

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Fujifilm X-T200 review in progress

    The Fujifilm X-T200 is an inexpensive mirrorless camera that uses the company’s X-mount. It replaces the X-T100, a camera that seemed promising when it was announced, but whose sluggish performance was a big letdown. Thankfully, Fujifilm has put a lot of work into making the X-T200 both more responsive and full-featured.

    Key specifications:

    • 24MP APS-C sensor with Bayer color filter and faster readout speeds
    • Updated hybrid autofocus system with 425 phase-detect points
    • Refined ergonomics, lighter body
    • 3.5″, 16:9 fully articulating LCD with 2.76 million dots
    • Easy-to-use touch menus
    • 2.36M-dot OLED viewfinder with 0.62x magnification
    • 8 fps burst shooting
    • New ‘Clarity’ effect
    • Oversampled 4K video with no crop
    • Audio level controls
    • Microphone and headphone inputs (latter via USB-C adapter)
    • New Digital Gimbal and HDR video options

    The X-T200 will available in late February for $ 699 body-only or $ 799 with the XC 15-45 F3.5-5.6 OIS power zoom lens. This lens has received some cosmetic changes: the black finish is more matte and the zoom/focus dials have been improved, but it’s optically the same as previous models.

    For those looking for an inexpensive prime lens, the new $ 199 XC 35mm F2 might be what your’e after.

    The camera itself will come in what Fujifilm calls dark silver, silver and champagne gold.

    What’s new and how it compares

    While the X-T200’s design has updated, what’s really changed is what’s inside the camera.

    Read more

    Body, controls and handling

    Changes to the design of the camera are both good and bad, but using the X-T200 is similar to that of other Fujifilm cameras.

    Read more

    First impressions

    The X-T200 is what the X-T100 should’ve been, according to DPReview editor Jeff Keller.

    Read more

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Ricoh unveils HD Pentax-D FA 70–210mm F4 ED SDM WR telephoto zoom lens

    Ricoh has announced the HD Pentax-D FA 70–210mm F4 ED SDM WR, a new telephoto zoom lens for its full-frame K-mount DSLR camera systems.

    The lens, which strongly resembles the Tamron 70-210mm F4 Di VC USD, is constructed of 20 elements in 14 groups, including three extra-low dispersion (ED) elements and two anomalous dispersion elements. It features a minimum focusing distance of 95cm (3.1ft), a nine-blade aperture diaphragm, uses Pentax’s high-definition (HD) multi-layer coating on its elements and features a weather-resistant design that works alongside Pentax’s weather-resistant DSLR cameras to provide a tight seal against the elements.

    Powering the autofocus is a ring-type supersonic direct-drive motor (SDM) and a quick-shift focus system makes it easy to switch from autofocus to manual after the shutter has been half-pressed. The lens measures in at 175mm (6.9in) long, 78.5mm (3.1″) diameter and weighs 859g (1.89lbs) with the lens hood on.

    The HD Pentax-D FA 70–210mm F4 ED SDM WR will be available starting February 15, 2020 for an MSRP of $ 1,100.

    Ricoh announces compact, lightweight, high-performance telephoto zoom lens for use with 35mm full-frame digital SLR cameras

    New HD PENTAX-D FA 70–210mm F4 ED SDM WR provides great portability in a variety of applications, from nature and scenic photography to active fieldwork

    PARSIPPANY, NJ, January 22, 2020 – Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the HD PENTAX-D FA 70–210mmF4ED SDM WR zoom lens for use with PENTAX K-mount digital SLR cameras. This high-performance telephoto zoom lens features a compact, lightweight body with weather-resistant construction for great portability in a variety of outdoor applications.

    Featuring a highly portable design, this high-performance zoom lens covers the image circle of 35mm full-frame digital SLRs, and provides a focal length range of 70mm to 210mm ideal for handheld outdoor photography. A constant f/4 maximum aperture ensures consistent brightness throughout the zoom range and enables increased control over depth of field for selective focus effects. When used with an APS-C-format camera, its focal length range is extended to the equivalent of 107mm to 322mm in the 35mm format. The new lens has a minimum focusing distance of 0.95 meters and a maximum magnification of 0.32 times, providing greater macro coverage than previous models. It also features a Quick-Shift Focus System that enables an instant shift to manual-focus operation after locking a subject in focus during autofocus operation.

    This lens is ideal for active field photography in a wide range of outdoor applications including scenic photography, landscape shooting with a beautiful bokeh effect in the fore- and background, close-up photography of animals and plants, and sports and wildlife photography where its outstanding portability really comes in handy.

    A high-grade, multi-layer high-definition (HD) coating has been applied to the optical elements of the lens, enabling the capture of high-contrast images with edge-to-edge sharpness and minimizing flare and ghost images. A super-protective (SP) coating, highly repellent to water, grease and dirt, has also been applied to the lens’ front surface, making it easy to wipe off stains or fingerprints.

    Pricing and Availability

    The HD PENTAX-D FA 70–210mmF4ED SDM WR will be available for sale on February 15, 2020, at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com and retail outlets nationwide for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $ 1099.95.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Flickr increases Pro subscription price after warning the company is losing money

    Flickr has notified its Pro subscribers about a price increase that brings the current annual rate to $ 60, a ten dollar increase over the previous $ 50 annual fee. Customers are also offered other plan options, such as a monthly subscription for $ 7, a three-month subscription for $ 19 and a two-year subscription for $ 118.

    The price increase is not surprising in light of CEO Don MacAskill’s impassioned plea for more Flickr Pro subscribers published in mid-December. In it, MacAskill explained that parent company SmugMug didn’t acquire Flickr because it is a wealthy company — in fact, MacAskill says, ‘Flickr was losing tens of millions of dollars a year.’

    Despite the work that SmugMug put into Flickr, MacAskill had explained that the company was still losing money and that it needed more of its users to sign up for the Pro subscription. This subscription offers a number of benefits for users, including unlimited storage, ad-free browsing, discounts from partners, access to advanced account states, priority exposure in the service’s Explore section and more.

    The price increase went into effect yesterday, on Tuesday, January 21. Existing Pro customers are given the option of immediately renewing their plan at the lower price using a link in the notification email sent to users. In explaining why it decided to increase the price, Flickr points toward MacAskill’s December letter and states that the company ‘cannot continue to operate at a loss.’

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • DynaLite Lighting company shuttered after 50 years over struggle to remain competitive

    DynaLite Lighting, the New Jersey-based company founded in 1970, has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy and will shut down operations. The company’s CEO Peter Poremba revealed in the news in a statement on the DynaLite website, saying, ‘It is with sincere regret and heavy heart that I announce that DynaLite…has closed its doors.’

    Poremba cites the ‘decline in the photography market’ as the reason for shuttering the company. His full statement reads:

    It is with sincere regret and a heavy heart that I announce that DynaLite Inc. has filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy and has closed its doors.

    For over 50 years, DynaLite has been providing lighting solutions for photographers. We are extremely proud of what we have accomplished and the careers we have helped. Unfortunately, due to the current decline in the photography market, we have found it difficult to remain competitive.

    I want to thank you all for the years of support. It has been a pleasure servicing the photographic community.

    DynaLite sold a large variety of products during its time, including power packs, mono lights, heads, lighting kits, portable lights, light modifiers and more. The photographic lighting industry has seen a large uptick in companies offering affordable products over the years, no doubt making it harder for some businesses to stay afloat.

    Though many products are still listed on the DynaLite website, it doesn’t offer a way to directly purchase them. However, existing inventory remains available to buy from third-party retailers like Adorama.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H 4K sample reel

    As part of our upcoming review, here’s our 4K sample reel, shot using the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H at Seattle’s Emerald City Soul Club.

    All footage is DCI 4K, 23.98p in the 400Mbps mode, with the exception of a short 60p clip, marked in the video. The camera’s Cinelike D2 color profile was used throughout, with minimal color grading subsequently applied.

    Interview footage was all shot from a tripod, using the Panasonic 24-70mm F2.8 lens. The bulk of the in-club footage was shot using an L-mount Sigma 24mm F1.8 Art, and mounted on a DJI Ronin-S gimbal unless otherwise noted. All clips were manually focused due to the extreme low-light nature of the club.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)