RSS
 

Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ1000 II sample gallery

10 May

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_4998982555″,”galleryId”:”4998982555″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”isMobile”:false}) });

Panasonic’s Lumix DC-FZ1000 II is a modest update to one of our favorite enthusiast long zoom cameras, with a touchscreen, additional controls, a larger EVF and Bluetooth being the main changes. Check out how the image quality looks in our initial sample gallery.

See our Panasonic FZ1000 II gallery

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ1000 II sample gallery

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Samsung launches 64MP image sensor for smartphones

09 May

The ‘megapixel wars’ on smartphone cameras stopped some time ago but recently we are seeing an uptick in smartphone image sensor pixel counts, not because consumers demand higher resolution images but because many modern sensors use Quad-Bayer technology which combines four pixels into one, for better detail, lower noise levels and increased dynamic range.

Samsung has now launched the ISOCELL Bright GW1, the world’s’ first 64-megapixel sensor for smartphones. It comes with the same .8-micrometer pixels as the current 48MP sensor which means it will have a larger sensor surface and therefore better light gathering capabilities.

Cameras equipped with the new sensor model will typically output 16MP images, much in the same way as the current 48MP models from Samsung and Sony deliver 12MP images. That said, engineers will also have the option to read out complete 64MP images, which can makes sense in good lighting where noise and/or dynamic range are less of an issue.

In addition to the 64MP model, Samsung is also launching a new 48MP variant. Mass production is expected to start in the second half of 2019.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Samsung launches 64MP image sensor for smartphones

Posted in Uncategorized

 

The Red Bull Illume Image Quest 2019 competition is open for submissions

09 May

Red Bull has returned once again with its action and adventure sports photography competition, Red Bull Illume. This marks the fifth iteration of Red Bull’s photo competition and with it comes a few changes.

Most notably, the competition will now run once every two years instead of every three years. Additionally, Red Bull has added four new categories, bringing this year’s total to 11 individual categories.

A panel of 50 international photo editors and digital media experts will select the top 55 finalists—five per category—before ultimately deciding the 11 category winners and one overall winner. In November 2019, the winners will be unveiled at a winner award ceremony. Following the ceremony, the 55 finalist images will travel around the world to be showcased in indoor and outdoor exhibitions.

Below are the 11 categories in this year’s competition, with an explainer, provided by Red Bull, of what each category is (the new ones will be marked with an asterisk):

Best of Instagram by SanDisk* — Images submitted on Instagram – photographer’s most gram- worthy moments of show-stopping adventure and action sports. Stuff so cool you have to stop scrolling.
Creative by Skylum — Images that have been enhanced digitally or in the darkroom through alterations made in the production or digital editing process. This is an open category so anything goes!
Emerging* — A fresh approach offers new angles. The up-and-coming category is for rising talents to compete on similar footing – submissions accepted only from photographers 25 years old or less. No video, no image manipulation. Show us your greatest capture!
Energy — Images that demonstrate the force that powers an action and show the energy, speed and strength required for an athlete to perform.
Innovation by Sony — Images that reveal a unique angle, a visual idea, a different format, light and flash effects… something never seen before! It‘s the purely creative image.
Lifestyle — Images that visually capture the creativity of the lifestyle, music and culture that surrounds action and freesports, or represents what happens before, between, and after the action.
Masterpiece — Images that illuminate your artistic skill, your personal best, your unique style – give us your best shot!
Moving Images* — Images are no longer standing still. The Moving Image category is an open playing field for video sequences between 5 and 30 seconds. Ready… set… action!
Playground — Images that showcase the landscapes, locations, platforms, and environments in which athletes play.
RAW* — Shots that are straight out of the camera showcasing the real image. Composition, exposure, lighting done in front of the lens and in the scene, not behind a screen. That’s the Raw category — un-cropped, un-touched, no filter.
Wings — Images that capture the point in a performance in which the athlete jumps, catches air, free falls, soars.

The winners of the eleven individual category prizes will win a collection of prizes valued at that include a Sony a7 III with the 24-105 F4 G Master Lens, a ‘bundle’ of SanDisk memory cards, Skylum Luminar 3 with accompanying presets, and photography apparel/accessories from COOPH. Separately, the winner of the ‘Creative by Skylum’ category will be welcomed on as part of the Global Skylum Ambassador Team and the winner of the ‘Emerging by Red Bull Photography’ category will get a spot at the Red Bull Rising Talent photography workshop in 2020, travel, accommodation and boarding included.

Finally, the overall winner of the Red Bull Illume Image Quest 2019 will win ‘a shooting experience with the SanDisk Extreme Team and take home the Sony Alpha A9 camera with a 24-70mm f2.8 lens from the G-Master range.’

Any image captured after March 31, 2016 is eligible for the contest and submissions are open through July 31, 2019. After signing up for a Red Bull Illume account, you can submit up to 10 images in each of the eleven categories. An image can be used in no more than two categories; photographs must be JPEGs larger than 8MP and videos for the ‘Moving Image’ category must be Full HD (1080p) and between 5-30 seconds.

Red Bull has provided a thorough list of rules and regulations for the contest and the images submitted to it. Red Bull has also shared a video showing how to upload submissions to the contest. You can find the winners from past competitions on the Red Bull Illume website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on The Red Bull Illume Image Quest 2019 competition is open for submissions

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Canon announces the RF 85mm F1.2 L USM lens, the first RF lens to feature its BR optics

09 May

Canon has released the RF 85mm F1.2 L USM lens, a medium telephoto lens that’s the first RF lens, and only the company’s second lens, to feature Canon’s Blue Spectrum Refractive (BR) Optics. It will sell with a recommended price of $ 2699. There’s no news of the DS ‘Defocus Smoothing’ variant Canon has said is in development.

The lens features a new optical design compared to the EF version of the 85mm F1.2 II USM lens that includes one aspherical element, one ultra-low dispersion (UD) glass element and the aforementioned BR optics, which is placed between the concave and convex lenses and is designed to eliminate longitudinal chromatic aberration (typically seen as purple and green fringing in front of and behind the focal plane). In total, it contains 13 elements in 9 groups. Canon has also included its Air Sphere Coating (ASC), which helps to minimize lens flare and ghosting.

The RF 85mm F1.2 L USM lens has an aperture range of F1.2 through F16, a minimum focus distance of 85cm (2.79ft), an 82mm front filter thread and is weather-resistant with a dedicated fluorine coating. Like other RF lenses, the RF 85mm F1.2 features a customizable control ring at the front of the lens that can be used to adjust exposure compensation, aperture, ISO or shutter speed.

Below are three high-resolution sample photos provided by Canon:

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_6495027054″,”galleryId”:”6495027054″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”isMobile”:false}) });

The lens measures in at 10.4cm (4.1″) diameter, 11.6cm (4.6″) long and it weighs 1.2kg (2.6lbs). Compared to its EF counterpart, it’s both wider, longer and heavier.

The Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM lens is currently available to pre-order (Adorama, B&H) for $ 2,699 and is set to ship in June 2019.

Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type Prime lens
Max Format size 35mm FF
Focal length 85 mm
Image stabilization No
Lens mount Canon RF
Aperture
Maximum aperture F1.2
Aperture ring No
Number of diaphragm blades 9
Aperture notes Circular aperture blades
Optics
Elements 13
Groups 9
Focus
Minimum focus 0.85 m (33.46″)
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Ring-type ultrasonic
Full time manual Yes
Focus method Internal
Distance scale No
DoF scale No
Physical
Weight 1195 g (2.63 lb)
Diameter 103 mm (4.06″)
Length 117 mm (4.62″)
Sealing Yes
Power zoom No
Zoom lock No
Filter thread 82 mm
Hood product code ET-89
Tripod collar No

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Canon announces the RF 85mm F1.2 L USM lens, the first RF lens to feature its BR optics

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Aputure announces the Spotlight Mount, an add-on to shape light just right

09 May

New and unique in the world of light modifiers, Aputure have announced its new Spotlight. This unit interfaces with their range of C.O.B. lights, including the recently announced 120D MK II.

After the recent reveal at NAB 2019, more details have emerged for this unique light modifier. There are three lenses available at launch—19°, 26° and 36—each of which are user interchangeable to give either wider coverage or more pinpoint accuracy. This, together with the iris and shutter, allow more flexible creative options in shaping the beam.

Key features

  • Bowens mount to interface with Aputure’s 120D, 120D Mk II and 300D lights.
  • Available with a 19°, 26° or 36° lens.
  • Dual slots for included Gobo frame and gel holder or optional iris.
  • Internal shutters for precise beam shaping.
  • Lightweight aluminum die-cast alloy construction.
  • Dual Junior/Baby mount.
  • Includes B size Gobos
Precision lenses reduce chromatic aberrations and fall off

The Spotlight uses newly developed lenses to minimize color fringing at the edges of the projected beam circle down to less than 1 mm at 0.5 m. The new high resolution optics give 10x the native light output when used with a 120 D Mark II. This is combined with minimal light fall off and a color shift of less than 200° Kelvin.

The dual mount system also enables the spotlight to be mounted easily on C stands in the field or under slung on the lighting grid in the studio. Below is a quick video from Newsshooter detailing the new Aputure Spotlight:

The Aputure Spotlight is available to pre-order (Adorama, B&H) with one of the three lenses for $ 499. The lenses are also available separately at $ 259 (Adorama, B&H), as is the optional iris at $ 99 (Adorama, B&H). The Aputure Spotlight and accessories are expected to ship mid-May.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Aputure announces the Spotlight Mount, an add-on to shape light just right

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Kickstarter campaign presents Bokeh, a platform for privately sharing images

09 May

A Kickstarter campaign seeks funding for Bokeh, a new photo sharing platform that enables users to privately share images with friends and family. Bokeh is presented as an alternative to traditional social media services, offering users a focus on privacy and a lack of ‘creepy ads,’ according to Bokeh creator Tim Smith.

Bokeh is an ad-free image sharing service where accounts are set to private by default (the option exists to make them public), accounts are only searchable by username, and followers are hidden from public view. The platform includes features to help keep content private and users safe, such as an automatic prompt to block a user after their follow requests have been declined three times.

The Boken interface resembles Twitter profiles, at least based on the Kickstarter previews. Rather than selling user data and showing advertisements to fund the platform, Bokeh will charge users a fee to use the service. Individual accounts will cost $ 3/month with the option to pay $ 30 per year. Family accounts (up to five users) will be offered for $ 5/month or $ 50 per year.

Smith explains in his campaign:

I believe that your data shouldn’t be mined to sell you targeted ads, that your timeline should be chronological and not based on some algorithm, that tech CEOs shouldn’t allow hate groups to flourish on their platforms, and that we need more social networks that are privacy-focused and ethically sustained.

The Kickstarter funds would be earmarked to develop the service. As with any crowdfunding campaign, there are risks involved and a final product may never reach the market.

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)

 
Comments Off on Kickstarter campaign presents Bokeh, a platform for privately sharing images

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Voigtlander Nokton Classic 35mm F1.4 II lens for Leica M-mount will be released in June

08 May

Following a leak last week claiming the lens would soon be announced, the Voigtlander Nokton Classic 35mm F1.4 II wide-angle prime lens with single coating and multi-coating options has been announced. The updated model features ‘the latest optical material,’ according to Cosina Japan, while retaining nearly the same size and design as the original.

The Nokton Classic 35mm F1.4 II for Leica M-mount features 8 elements in 6 groups, an F1.4 to F16 aperture range, 10-blade diaphragm, 43mm filter size and 63° angle of view, mirroring the original model. The weight has been slightly reduced in the updated model, dropping from 200g (0.44 lb) to 189g (0.41 lb).

Cosina says it brought ‘the latest optical technology’ to the Nokton Classic 35mm F1.4 II lens, explaining that its new product:

Reproduces the unique depiction of the classic lens. At the open aperture, a gentle and gentle bokeh creates a three-dimensional effect. If you focus on it, it will be a sharp depiction, and a variety of expressions are possible with one lens … a gentle and beautiful bokeh when the aperture is open and a sharp notch when it is narrowed widens the width of the photographic expression.

The lens is offered in two variants: single coating (SC) for classic color reproduction and multi-coating (MC) for neutral color reproduction. The company will also sell the LH-6 lens hood for the new model as an optional accessory.

The Voigtlander Nokton Classic 35mm F1.4 II lens will be available starting in June for 75,000 JPY ($ 680 USD, £523, €607). The model isn’t yet listed on B&H Photo or Adorama, but can be pre-ordered in Japan through Yodobashi.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Voigtlander Nokton Classic 35mm F1.4 II lens for Leica M-mount will be released in June

Posted in Uncategorized

 

B&H effectively cancels out internet sales tax in US with its new ‘Payboo’ credit card

08 May

Just shy of a year ago, the United States Supreme Court ruled that out-of-state retailers are required to collect sales tax on internet sales. B&H has long been known for the absence of sales tax outside the state of New York and to account for the ruling, it’s decided to take a unique approach to effectively cancelling out the sales tax for B&H customers.

It’s called Payboo, and it’s a credit card B&H has created in partnership with Synchrony Bank that will automatically reward you, instantly, with the amount sales tax would effectively cost at checkout. As explained on B&H’s FAQ page about the new Payboo card, ‘B&H issues instant Payboo Card Savings on all non-tax-exempt purchases shipped to eligible states paid for with the Payboo Card in the form of a reward concurrently issued and redeemed directly on your order during checkout.’

B&H further explains the process under the question ‘How does the Payboo Card benefit really work?’

‘When you pay for B&H purchases with the Payboo Credit Card, B&H will charge the total of merchandise plus applicable fees and taxes; but we instantly issue and apply a reward on orders made in our SuperStore or shipped to eligible states right in checkout as a form of customer payment. Then, the amount charged to the Payboo Card is net of the benefit applied.’

In other words, consumers won’t notice any difference in the cost, as B&H effectively takes on the cost of the sales tax. Better yet, since B&H collects and disburses state sales tax in accordance with state sales tax laws and regulations, nothing needs to be done on the consumer’s end come tax season.

B&H says there will be no upper-limit on how much you can save using this benefit and notes that the savings will vary based on the zipcode products are being shipped to. To apply for the B&H Payboo Card, which doesn’t require an annual fee, you must have a valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) and a U.S. billing address. Of course, applying doesn’t guarantee a card, which is subject to credit approval.

B&H addresses further questions on its Payboo page and has a dedicated page for signing up.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on B&H effectively cancels out internet sales tax in US with its new ‘Payboo’ credit card

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Instagram posts will soon be screened by Facebook fact checkers

08 May

The amount of fake news and conspiracy theories on Facebook and Twitter is troublesome, but by no means limited to those two social media platforms. Instagram users have to deal with a fair share of general misinformation as well.

The company has already been working to reduce the reach of posts containing false information, but is now taking things one step further. Soon potentially misinforming posts will go through parent company Facebook’s fact checking procedures.

Posts that are identified as false will not necessarily be removed but won’t appear on the Explore page or hashtag search. Talking to Poynter, a company spokesperson said: ‘Our approach to misinformation is the same as Facebook’s — when we find misinfo, rather than remove it, we’ll reduce its distribution.’

The newly introduced measures now ensure the fact checkers also find images on Instagram that have not previously been flagged on Facebook.

According to reports Instagram has been working closely with Facebook’s fact checking teams since the US midterm elections. When images with misinformation are identified on Facebook, an image recognition algorithm can search for the same image on Instagram. The newly introduced measures now ensure the fact checkers also find images on Instagram that have not previously been flagged on Facebook.

According to Poynter, Instagram is also considering the option to add pop-ups that alert users who are searching for misinformation. It’s good to see the platform and its parent company Facebook taking a stronger stance against misinformation in social media but for many the measures to counteract fake news and hate messages are still not going far enough.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Instagram posts will soon be screened by Facebook fact checkers

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Olympus OM-D E-M1X review

08 May

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryStripV2({“galleryId”:”5346361820″,”isMobile”:false}) })

Sample photoSample photoSample photoSample photoSample photo
Silver Award

85%
Overall score
Jump to conclusion

The Olympus OM-D E-M1X is a dual-grip Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera aimed at pro sports and action photographers. It’s designed to be rugged, durable, fast and capable, and has a price tag to match that ambition.

The EM1X uses fast readout and fast processing both to provide high-level AF performance and fast burst shooting as well as a range of novel modes and features. It also promises new levels of performance in terms of weather resistance.

Key Specifications

  • 20MP Four Thirds sensor
  • 121-point autofocus system with deep learning-based subject recognition
  • Hand-held high-res shot mode
  • Up to 60 fps Raw + JPEG capture (up to 18 fps with autofocus)
  • Pro Capture mode records frames before you hit the shutter
  • Up 7.5EV of image stabilization (CIPA-rating) with supported lenses
  • ‘Live ND’ multi-shot mode simulates ND filters
  • Large 2.36M-dot LCD viewfinder able to work at up to 120 fps
  • Dual BLH-1 batteries giving 870 shots per charge (CIPA)
  • Dual UHS-II SD memory card slots
  • Extensive direct control, dual AF joysticks, articulating touchscreen
  • UHD 4K/30p video and DCI 24p at up to 237Mbps
  • Extensive, IPX1-rated weather sealing
  • USB charging

To a degree the E-M1X resembles a twin-grip E-M1 II with more powerful processors and two batteries. What makes the camera interesting is what it does with that extra power.

The E-M1X is sold body only at an MSRP of $ 2999, CAN $ 3899, €2999 and £2799.

What’s new and how it compares

The E-M1X brings improved AF, a hand-held high res mode and Live ND as the headline updates.

Click for more

Body and Handling

The E-M1X is the first Olympus digital camera to offer the dual-grip design favored by pro sports cameras. It’s also one of the few to receive a formal rating of its environmental sealing.

Click for more

Controls and Operation

There are plenty of direct control points on the E-M1X but also a lot that can be customized.

Click for more

Is the E-M1X right for you?

The E-M1X’s primary use cases are sports, action and wildlife photography. But that doesn’t mean the camera isn’t fit for other disciplines.

Click for more

Shooting Experience 1

Carey Rose was impressed by the performance of the E-M1X at a pre-launch shooting event, but there are some things he’d like to see improved.

Click for more

Shooting experience 2

When it comes to tennis, the E-M1X is faster than a Nikon D5, but its autofocus is less reliable.

Click for more

Image quality

The E-M1X likely uses the same sensor as the E-M1 II and image quality is top notch for a Four Thirds chip.

Click for more

Autofocus

The E-M1X offers impressively sticky AF tracking. However, AF-C performance falls behind the competition.

Click for more

Performance

Two processors give the E-M1X a decent amount of buffer depth. They also play a part in the camera’s stabilization, which is on par with the E-M1 II, but behind the Panasonic G9.

Click for more

Video

Video quality doesn’t blow us away, but the E-M1X just might have the smoothest in-camera video image stabilization around, but it comes with a slight crop.

Click for more

Conclusion

After all our testing and real world shooting, here’s the final takeaway.

Click for more

Sample gallery

We’ve spent a ton of time shooting with the E-M1X, here’s all our samples, including Raw conversions.

Click for more

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Olympus OM-D E-M1X review

Posted in Uncategorized

 
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »