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Slideshow: Agora presents The World’s Best Photos of #Water2019

30 Oct

The World’s Best Photos of #Water2019

Agora, a free-to-use social photo app consists of a global community with over 3.5 million users from 193 countries. Every week, its users participate in an international photography contest that revolves around one of 52 annual hashtags representing universal themes. The #Water2019 contest drew almost 17,000 entries and was narrowed down to 49 finalists. From there, users, along with guest judge Victor de Valles (@victordevalles), voted on the overall winning image.

‘Tides,’ captured by British photographer Lee Mumford (@leemumford8) was selected as the winner and received a $ 1,000 cash prize. ‘Truth be told, this was such a hard decision as the quality of the Top 50 was so much higher than expected, but there can only be one winner! I have chosen @leemumford8’s shot…because of its super original composition which I just love, its use of the water as its principal element and its perfect balance and mixture of colors that make it so aesthetic,’ said de Valles.

When using Agora, you start out with a few credits. Each photo uploaded counts for one credit. Users can gain a credit every 8 hours by watching a sponsored ad and receive 10 more for referring new users. Credits can be purchased through the app store as well. Every week, users can enter competitions for a chance to win cash prizes ranging from $ 1,000 to $ 25,000, photo gear, and other life-changing experiences.

Tides

WINNING PHOTO: Tides by Lee Mumford (United Kingdom)

About the photo: Lee Mumford has been living and working in Hong Kong for the past couple of years. His journey into photography started at a young age, where he learnt how to develop his own rolls of film and print his own images in the darkroom. His passion grew after he fulfilled his dream to become an airline pilot, enabling him to travel the world with his camera.

‘Tides’ was captured in Mona Vale, Sydney – one of the many rock pools on the eastern coast of Australia, with a Mavic 2 Pro drone.

Drinking Water

Finalist: ‘Drinking water’ by Hla Moe Naing (Myanmar)

Drywater

Finalist: ‘Drywater’ by Phyo Moe (Myanmar)

A Big Drop

Finalist: ‘A Big Drop’ by Theo Widharto (Indonesia)

Inception

Finalist: ‘Inception’ by Cuno de Bruin (Netherlands)

Rainbow childhood

Finalist: ‘Rainbow childhood’ by Sujit Saha (India)

Rainy Day

Finalist: Rainy Day by Hendy mp

Rainy

Finalist: Rainy by Andy Darmawan (Indonesia)

Sardine world

Finalist: Sardine world by Carles Alonso (Spain)

Stunning blue color from the Mediterranean sea in Greece

Finalist: Stunning blue color from the Mediterranean sea in Greece by Henry Do (USA)

Travelers

Finalist: Travelers by Pedro Luis Ajuriaguerra Saiz (Spain)

Water is Life

Finalist: Water is life by Debasish Chakrabarty (India)

Boat Cruising Past Old Harry Rocks, Dorset

Finalist: Boat cruising past Old Harry Rocks, Dorset by Joe Shelly (UK)

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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NVIDIA’s latest AI project is ‘face swap’ for animals. Kind of…

30 Oct

NVIDIA researchers are back with another project that uses artificial intelligence to generate entirely new images from existing source images. Unlike past work that involved portraits of humans, however, this latest work — called GANimal — transforms an image of an animal into different animals, including other species.

Using an AI technique called generative adversarial networks (GANs), among other things, the researchers developed GANimal, an app that takes the expression of an animal from an image and recreates it on an image of a different animal. Examples include taking an expression from one breed of dog and replicating it on other dog breeds.

Though this is a fun example of the underlying technology, NVIDIA researchers say it could one day be put to use in more serious work. One given example of GANimal’s potential use is engaging filmmakers to shoot images of a tame animal doing stunts, such as a dog, and then using the AI to apply those movements onto a less tame animal, such as a tiger.

NVIDIA’s past artificial intelligence research includes an AI that can accurately scrub noise from images, generate portraits from source images, and transform simple sketches into photorealistic photos.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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The new Loupedeck Creative Tool editing console packs improved software integrations

30 Oct

Loupedeck has introduced Loupedeck Creative Tool (CT), the latest product in its line of editing consoles for creatives. The Loupedeck CT is small and nearly square at 160 x 150 x 30mm (6.3 x 5.9 x 1.2in) with a weight of 365g (12.9oz). The new model joins the previously released Loupedeck and Loupedeck+ consoles, offering a design that can ‘work in sync with all editing tools and software.’

The Loupedeck CT is a plug-and-play console with native integrations for a variety of popular software, including Final Cut Pro X, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and Lightroom Classic. This model also introduces Loupedeck console support for Adobe Illustrator and music production software Ableton Live; later on this year, there will also be support for Autodesk Fusion 360.

The ‘fully adaptable’ Loupedeck CT is made with a high-quality aluminum cover and dials, plus it features LED backlighting, touchscreens, and what Loupedeck says are machine-quality ball bearings. The console packs preset workspaces designed for each software product integration, as well, though users retain the ability to customize the workspaces to meet their own needs.

Loupedeck designed its latest console with portability in mind; joining its small size is a removable USB cable. In addition to its software integrations and various buttons, dials, and touchscreens, the Loupedeck CT features Bluetooth 5 LE connectivity and support for macOS 10.12 or later and Windows 10. Below is a short intro tutorial shared by Loupedeck:

The new model is available to preorder now for $ 549 from Loupedeck and B&H Photo; shipping is expected to start on November 11.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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This app can modify Aperture and iPhoto so they will continue to work with macOS Catalina

30 Oct

Apple’s new macOS Catalina operating system added plenty of new features, functionality and performance improvements, but in streamlining the experience, Apple also killed off a number of apps. While plenty more apps (including all 32-bit apps) were killed off, two photo-specific apps macOS Catalina can no longer run include Aperture and iPhoto.

Thankfully, there are determined developers and programmers who are always looking for the next problem to solve. Tyshawn Cormier is one of those programmers who has created an app called Retroactive that modifies both Aperture and iPhoto so the apps are usable on Apple computers running macOS Catalina.

Aperture was effectively neutered back in 2014 when Apple announced it was ceasing development of the pro-oriented photo management and editing application. Despite this, many clung on to the last update, which worked until macOS Catalina. If you’re one of those photographers who has loyally clung to Aperture, Retroactive should ensure you can continue to use the app without having to avoid the latest macOS update.

Likewise, Apple’s iPhoto app can also be modified to run in macOS Catalina with Retroactive. The app has since been replaced with Apple’s Photos app, but whether for nostalgia purposes or something else, you can now run iPhoto.

In order to use Retroactive, you’ll need to make sure you still have a copy of Aperture or iPhoto still on your computer. If you do, it’s simply a matter of downloading Retroactive from GitHub, giving it the required permissions to alter the apps and letting it do its thing.

Not all functionality is salvaged, but by and large the apps still run without much issue. Specifically, neither Aperture nor iPhoto are able to play videos or export slideshows, but aside from that all former functionality remains.

You can download Retroactive from GitHub and read through a wonderfully detailed guide on how to install and run Retroactive on macOS Catalina.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sony a6100 review: Should it be your next family camera?

29 Oct

The Sony a6100 is a 24MP APS-C mirrorless camera, aimed squarely at beginners and people who want attractive photos but don’t necessarily think of themselves as photographers. A new, powerful autofocus system makes it one of the easiest cameras to use, if you just trust it to do its thing and concentrate instead on what you’re shooting.

The a6100’s specifications aren’t cutting edge, and it’s priced accordingly. But that simple, effective autofocus system means it makes it easy to get the photos you want, and hence, arguably, it’s better value than those less expensive rivals. On paper it looks a lot like the bargain-basement a6000 but in use this is a vastly better camera.

Our main doubts about the camera come if you want to get more involved in the photographic process.

Key features:

  • 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor
  • Advanced AF system with highlight dependable subject tracking
  • 1.44M dot OLED electronic viewfinder
  • 0.9M dot LCD tilting rear touchscreen
  • Wi-Fi for image transfer to smart devices (with NFC for quick connection)
  • 4K video capture
  • USB charging

The Sony a6100 has a list price of $ 750, a $ 50 premium over the launch price of the original a6000, which suggests it may take a similar low-cost position in the lineup, long term. It has a list price of $ 850 with the small but uninspiring 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 power zoom. A two-lens kit adds a 55-210mm zoom for an additional $ 250.

What’s new and how it compares

The a6100 contains many familiar components, combines them in a way that can be excellent as a family camera. After some initial setup.

Click here to find out the camera, its features and its rivals

Image quality

Improved JPEG color, a good sensor and sophisticated processing mean the a6100 delivers attractive images.

Click here to take a closer at the a6100’s images

Autofocus and Video

Autofocus is the camera’s great claim-to-fame, and its video is easy to capture.

Click here to read more

Conclusion

The a6100 has probably the most powerful, easy-to-use autofocus systems on the market. But there are a few too many inconveniences, we feel.

Click here to read what we found

Sample gallery

We think the a6100 can turn its hand to a bit of everything, see what you think of its performance.

Click here to see our sample gallery

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Kipon releases two Mamiya 645 to Sony E mount adapters with electronic aperture control

29 Oct

Photography accessory manufacturer Kipon is now shipping two new adapters for mounting medium format lenses to Sony E mount camera systems.

The adapters come in two varieties: the M645-S/E E, which adapts Mamiya brand Mamiya 645 mount lenses to Sony E mount cameras while the M645-S/E ES adapters Phase One or Schneider brand Mamiya 645 lenses to Sony E mount cameras.

The two adapters are constructed of aluminum and brass, offer an infinity focus feature, and offer electronic aperture control through the camera. A previous Mamiya 645 to Sony E mount adapter has been available for some time, but it doesn’t offer the electronic contacts for aperture control and features a less pleasing design.

The M645-S/E E and M645-S/E ES are available to purchase for $ 289 and $ 389, respectively. Shipping dates vary depending on your geographical location.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Pixel peeping the everyday: Explore our Google Pixel 4 sample gallery

29 Oct

Google’s Pixel 4 promises many clever benefits thanks to computational photography, but what does that mean when you go out and shoot with it?

We’ve been using a Pixel 4 as our always-with-us camera for the past week, trying out many of the modes and unique features available to it, including ‘Night Sight’, ‘Dual Exposure Controls’, and multiple zoom ratios. We’ve captioned each image with the mode it was shot in. Have a look at what the results look like.

We’ve also included Raw files for download, which are the result of Google’s burst photography modes with its robust align and merge algorithms.

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_0674242834″,”galleryId”:”0674242834″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”isMobile”:false}) });

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sony Japan says the RX10 IV will soon receive real-time Animal Eye-AF via firmware update

29 Oct

Sony Japan has announced its RX10 IV superzoom bridge-camera will receive the company’s Animal Eye-AF feature via an upcoming firmware update.

The impending firmware will add real-time Animal Eye-AF support for still images, improve the reliability of the real-time Eye-AF already present in the camera and overall improve general stability. No definitive date has been given for the update, but Sony says it should be out before the end of the year.

Translated press release:

RX10IV main unit software update schedule

Target product: “DSC-RX10M4”

Software update contents:

1. Real-time pupil AF support for animals (still images only)
2. Real-time pupil AF operability improvement (Support for half-pressing the shutter button)
3. Improved operational stability

Scheduled release date for software updates: Scheduled for 2019

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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‘Pro’ (noun.), abbreviation of ‘Professional’: born 1798, died 2019, aged 221 after a long illness

29 Oct
We cannot stress this enough: There is no such thing as a professional AirPod user.

We are sad to report that the word ‘Pro’, an abbreviation of the noun ‘Professional’, has died, aged 221.

‘Professional’, meaning “one who does it for a living,” was first defined in modern English in 1798. it rose in popularity in the early 20th Century but in recent decades has been under near-constant attack.

Along with its abbreviation ‘Pro’, the noun form of ‘Professional’ had been showing signs of ill health for some time, but its decline accelerated in the mid-2000s, after which point it was routinely and arbitrarily appended to everything from computers and software to smartphone apps and kitchen equipment. Even then, it hung on bravely for a while, still managing to retain some of its original meaning in the face of determined misapplications which would have killed a lesser word years ago.

When Apple added ‘Pro’ to the name of its latest smartphone, friends were warned to prepare for the worst.

But the writing was on the wall. As a word originally created to describe a person that gets paid for doing something, it was clear by the end of the first decade of the 21st Century that ‘Pro’ had been tortured into taking an almost opposite meaning: Something that a person has to pay for.

When Apple added ‘Pro’ to the name of its latest smartphone last month, friends of the word were warned by etymologists to prepare for the worst.

Sadly, with the launch this week of Apple’s ‘AirPods Pro’, the word has finally been rendered meaningless, and as such, dead. Killed by professional marketing executives.

==

Published from my iPhone 11 Pro

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Adobe gets license from US government to continue offering Creative Cloud in Venezuela

29 Oct

Earlier this month, Adobe made the controversial announcement that its customers in Venezuela were going to lose access to Creative Cloud services as a result of an Executive Order in the United States. In an update on the matter shared on Monday, the company’s Customer Experience VP Chris Hall revealed that Adobe has been granted a license that will allow it to continue offering its services and products in Venezuela.

Customers in Venezuela who already lost access to the services they paid for will see that access restored ‘within a week,’ according to Adobe, which will do so free of charge. Adobe will give these reactivated users 90 days of access to the same products and services for which they previously received a refund.

For customers whose subscriptions are still active, Adobe says they’ll be able to continue accessing both Creative Cloud and Document Cloud like usual. ‘As always,’ Hall said in the blog post, ‘we continue to be deeply committed to powering creativity for all, and we’re delighted to have the ability to continue to do so in Venezuela.’

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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