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Ricoh announces rugged WG-6 and industrial-strength G900 cameras

23 Feb

The WG-6 is Ricoh’s latest ‘top-of-the-line’ waterproof camera, offering a 20MP, 1/2.3″ BSI-CMOS sensor, 28-140mm F3.5-5.5 lens and a built-in macro ring light. The WG-6 is waterproof to 20m/65ft, shockproof from 2.1m/6.5ft and functional down to -10°C/+14°F.

The WG-6 has a built-in GPS and electronic compass, a 3″ (non-touch) LCD, remote control receivers on the front and back and a USB-C socket. It’s also capable of capturing 4K/30 video. The WG-6 does not have optical image stabilization, and wireless connectivity is only available by using optional FlashAir SD cards.

The camera will be on the market shortly for $ 399. Available colors include orange and black.

The G900 is a more rugged version of the WG-6 and is designed for industrial applications. In addition to being water, dust, and drop-resistant, it’s also crushproof to 100kgf/220lbf and chemical-resistant (to which ones, we do not know).

It also adds text and voice memos, password protection and barcode scanning. The G900 has a whopping 6.5GB of internal memory, as well.

The G900 will be priced at $ 799.

Press Release

Ricoh Imaging introduces top-of-the-line model in its WG series of ultra-rugged digital compact cameras

Waterproof, shockproof RICOH WG-6 camera packs 20 megapixels and 4K-resolution video functionality in a small and durable package

WEST CALDWELL, NJ, February 21, 2019-Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the RICOH WG-6, a compact, waterproof and shockproof digital camera that produces super high-resolution photos and 4K video. Equipped with a 5x optical zoom lens with 28mm wide-angle coverage and a large, wide-frame LCD monitor, the new, top-of-the- line model in the rugged WG series makes it easy to capture a range of images – from eye- catching close-ups to sweeping landscapes – in the most extreme conditions.

The RICOH WG-6 adds a host of newly designed features including a multi-application ring light ideal for macro-photography and the most dependable waterproof body in WG-series history, capable of shooting to a depth of 65 feet, for up to two continuous hours. The WG-6 body is shockproof against a fall from heights of 6.5 feet and operational in temperatures as low as -10°C.

Equipped with a state-of-the-art back-illuminated CMOS image sensor with approximately 20 effective megapixels and a high-performance imaging engine, the RICOH WG-6 delivers super-high-resolution still images and 4K-resolution video clips. In addition to the conventional Movie SR (Shake Reduction) mode, it features a new Movie SR+ mode to assure high-quality shooting with more active, fast-action outdoor activities.

A six-LED ring light unit positioned around the lens allows use of a faster shutter speed to minimize camera shake and subject shake in macro and close-up photography. This feature also allows the photographer to choose specific LEDs to illuminate a subject more three- dimensionally and emphasize its delicate contours.

Additional outdoor-friendly features include a GPS module to record position data and travel log data onto captured images; an electronic compass; and the innovative Handheld Night Snap mode, which automatically captures several images of the same nighttime scene and produces a single blur-free composite image of them.

| Pricing and Availability |

The RICOH WG-6 will be available for pre-sale at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com and retail outlets nationwide for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $ 399.95.

Ricoh Imaging announces heavy-duty industrial digital camera ideal for construction, civil engineering and disaster relief

Resistant to water, dust, shock and chemicals, the new RICOH G900 produces high- resolution images in the most challenging conditions

WEST CALDWELL, NJ, February 21, 2019-Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the RICOH G900, a heavy-duty, compact digital camera designed for capturing high- quality images and 4K video in demanding industrial environments. Waterproof, dustproof, shock- and chemical-resistant, the G900 is optimized for use in challenging conditions subject to water, rain, dust and dirt, and in industries such as construction, civil engineering, disaster relief and healthcare.

The successor to the RICOH G800, the RICOH G900 offers a new, back-illuminated CMOS image sensor with approximately 20 effective megapixels that captures high-resolution images even in low-light conditions. It features a 5X optical zoom (equivalent to 28-140mm in 35mm format), and a six-LED ring light unit positioned around the lens that allows use of a faster shutter speed to minimize camera shake and subject shake in macro and close-up photography.

Approximately 26 percent more compact than its predecessor, the rugged RICOH G900 is waterproof to a depth of 65 feet for up to two hours of continuous operation, and its enhanced shock-resistant body is capable of withstanding a fall from 6.5 feet.

The camera offers an array of features designed to facilitate shooting in industrial environments, including an advanced GPS system and an electronic compass that records accurate position and direction data; easily accessible controls; a comfortable, contoured grip; and the wide neck strap of its predecessor, which enables two-point, cross-shoulder suspension to make the RICOH G900 easy to carry and handle at worksites.

The RICOH G900’s unique, enhanced camera memo function mode greatly reduces the workload needed for post-shooting data management. Previously created text or audio can be easily attached to a captured image, and reference images such as plans or blueprints can be browsed on the camera’s 3-inch LCD monitor. A transparency guide allows the user to recall a previously captured image on the monitor to compare images side-by-side and measure progress of work that has been completed. Additional features include a barcode scanning function, password- protected camera lock, 6.5GB of built-in memory and an electronic level.

| Pricing and Availability |

The RICOH G900 will be available for pre-sale at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com and retail outlets nationwide for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $ 799.95.

Ricoh WG-6 / G900 specifications

	Ricoh WG-6	Ricoh G900
Price
MSRP	$ 399	$ 799
Body type
Body type	Compact
Body material	Composite
Sensor
Max resolution	5184 x 3888
Image ratio w:h	1:1, 4:3, 3:2
Effective pixels	20 megapixels
Sensor size	1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
Sensor type	BSI-CMOS
Color space	sRGB
Color filter array	Primary color filter
Image
White balance presets	8
Custom white balance	Yes
Image stabilization	Digital only
Uncompressed format	No
File format	JPEG
Optics & Focus
Focal length (equiv.)	28–140 mm
Optical zoom	5×
Maximum aperture	F3.5–5.5
Autofocus	Contrast Detect (sensor) Center Tracking Single Continuous Face Detection Live View
Autofocus assist lamp	Yes
Digital zoom	Yes (8.1X)
Manual focus	Yes
Normal focus range	50 cm (19.69″)
Macro focus range	1 cm (0.39″)
Number of focus points	9
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD	Fixed
Screen size	3″
Screen dots	1,040,000
Touch screen	No
Screen type	TFT LCD
Live view	Yes
Viewfinder type	None
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed	4 sec	1/4 sec
Maximum shutter speed	1/4000 sec
Exposure modes	Program
Scene modes	Auto Picture Program HDR Handheld Night Snap Movie High Speed Movie Digital Microscope Landscape Flower Portrait Underwater Underwater Movie Interval Shot Interval Movie Surf & Snow Kids Pet Sport Night Scene Fireworks Digital SR Report Green Depth of field composition	Auto Picture Program HDR Movie High Speed Movie Digital Microscope Interval Shot Interval Movie Surf & Snow Digital SR Report watermark Firefighting Skew Correct Text Zoom Macro Haze removal Depth of field composition
Built-in flash	Yes
Flash range	5.50 m (with Auto ISO)
External flash	No
Flash modes	Flash on, flash off
Drive modes	One-shot Self-timer Continuous Burst M continuous S continuous Remote control Auto bracketing
Self-timer	Yes
Metering modes	Multi Center-weighted Spot
Exposure compensation	±2 (at 1/3 EV steps)
AE Bracketing	±2 (3 frames at 1/3 EV steps)
WB Bracketing	No
Videography features
Format	MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone	Stereo
Speaker	Mono
Storage
Storage types	Internal + SD/SDHC/SDXC card
Storage included	27MB	6.5GB
Connectivity
USB	USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec)
USB charging	Yes
HDMI	Yes (micro-HDMI)
Microphone port	No
Headphone port	No
Wireless notes	Supports FlashAir SD cards
Remote control	Yes (Receivers on front and back)	Yes
Physical
Environmentally sealed	Yes
Durability	Waterproof, Shockproof
Battery	Battery Pack
Battery description	DB-110 lithium-ion battery & USB charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	340
Weight (inc. batteries)	246 g (0.54 lb / 8.68 oz)	247 g (0.54 lb / 8.71 oz)
Dimensions	118 x 66 x 33 mm (4.65 x 2.6 x 1.3″)
Other features
Orientation sensor	Yes
Timelapse recording	Yes
GPS	Built-in
GPS notes	Includes e-Compass

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Ricoh GR III sample gallery

23 Feb

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The Ricoh GR III made its official debut today, and DPR contributor Damien Demolder got his hands on the camera for a quick photo walk through London. Take a look at the JPEG output from the GR III as well as a few converted DNGs.

See our Ricoh GR III sample gallery

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Tokina releases 16-28mm wide zoom with constant F2.8 aperture

23 Feb

Lens manufacturer Tokina has officially released details, price and on-sale dates for the Opera 16-28mm F2.8 lens it first showcased at Photokina last September. Expected to ship mid-March the full-frame wide angle zoom will cost $ 699 and will be available in two versions for Canon EF and Nikon F DSLR mounts.

The lens joins the previously-released 50mm F1.4 in the Opera series. Tokina says it used the Opera name as it hopes these lenses will help photographers to create works of art. The company also says that these lenses are not designed to be small and lightweight but with image quality as a priority.

Using 15 elements in 13 groups the Opera 16-28mm F2.8 weighs 940g (~2lb) and measures 89 x 133.5mm. It also offers a nine-bladed iris for improved rendering of out-of-focus highlights and an upgraded AF system that is claimed to be both faster and more accurate than the original AT-X 16-28mm F2.8 PRO FX.

See the Tokina website for more information, and B&H Photo for sample shots taken with the lens and a first impressions review.

Press Release

New Tokina opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF

Inspired by the focal length and aperture of the widely acknowledged Tokina AT-X 16-28mm F2.8 PRO FX lens, Tokina opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF has been developed with the same concept as the already released opera 50mm F1.4 FF, to offer the photographers another contemporary tool for professional photography.

Super wide angle, superior resolving ability coupled with high contrast and beautiful bokeh rendering, fast f/2.8 constant aperture throughout the zoom range and accurate AF drive system make this lens attractive for photographers who specialize in landscape, interior architect, documentary, environmental style portrait and night sky/time lapse photography genres.

Sales start date worldwide: March 15th, 2019

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Hands-on with the Ricoh GR III

23 Feb

The wait is over

Fans of the Ricoh GR, which was announced way back in 2013 (and preceded by both smaller-sensored and film GRs,) have been waiting a long time for an updated model. Sure, there was the GR II in 2015, but the biggest new feature on that model was Wi-Fi.

Four years later, the true replacement of the GR is here, in the Ricoh GR III. It has a higher-res sensor, a redesigned lens, in-body image stabilization and a hybrid AF system, to name just a few things. And Ricoh did all that without increasing the size of the camera, a favorite of street photographers.

New 24MP sensor and in-body stabilization

The GR III now has a 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor, up from 16MP on its predecessors. It offers an ISO range of 100 – 102,400 and uses 14-bit DNG as its Raw format.

Probably the most significant addition to the GR III is in-body image stabilization. By shifting its sensor, the GR III is able to provide up to four stops of shake reduction, according to Ricoh.

While the new 24MP sensor has no anti-aliasing filter, the GR III can take advantage of its shake reduction system to simulate one. If this sounds familiar, it’s because Pentax DSLRs have had this feature for many years.

Ricoh has also made an effort to keep dust off of the sensor, which was an issue for some owners of previous GR models. Like modern DSLR and mirrorless cameras, it uses ultrasonic vibrations to literally shake the dust away.

Redesigned lens and on-sensor phase detection

While it maintains the same 28mm equivalent focal length and F2.8 maximum aperture of the previous GR models, the GR III’s lens has been totally redesigned. It has six elements in four groups, with two of the elements being aspherical.

The lens has a built-in two-stop neutral density filter, which can now be set to engage automatically, meaning you can keep using the maximum aperture in bright light. The maximum shutter speed on the GR III, which continues to use a leaf shutter, is 1/4000 sec.

However, because it’s a leaf shutter, it can’t maintain this maximum speed when shooting at F2.8. Instead the maximum shutter speed tops out at 1/2500 sec at F2.8 (1/3EV improved, compared with the GR II). This, combined with the 2-stop ND and near-silent operation should mean you’ll rarely find yourself limited by the absence of a full-electronic shutter mode.

As you can see from the above photo, the lens ring can be removed so the optional GW-4 wide-angle lens can be attached. This brings the focal length of the lens down to 21mm equiv. and it’s a new optic designed to match the GR III’s new lens – so sorry, if you own the wide adapter for the GR or GR II, it won’t work on the new camera.

Another big feature on the GR III is on-sensor phase detection autofocus. We don’t know much about the system at this point, such as the number of points or frame coverage, but we hope that the combination of the updated AF system and new lens will give the GR III’s focus speeds a boost.

Touchscreen and rear controls

The back of GR III has been significantly redesigned. It includes a 3″ touchscreen LCD for the first time in the series’ history. This make selecting an AF point quicker and easier than on GRs past. Touch operation is responsive, but menu navigation can be a little awkward as the GUI isn’t designed for fingers.

Long time fans of the GR might miss the auto exposure/focus lock and vertical rocker switch from previous models. But we can assure you the camera has a familiar form factor, size and weight. The familiar rocker control is still directly under your thumb for applying exposure compensation.

Top plate controls and missing pop-up flash

The top of the GR III is nearly unchanged from recent models. It retains the iconic pill-shaped shutter release. Top plate controls, including the vertical dial, on/off switch and mode dial, are also unchanged.

We’d come to know and love the small tilt-up flash found on previous GR models, sadly it did not find its way into the GR III. Good thing the hot shoe did.

Another small change: TAv mode has been removed as an option from the mode dial. Fortunately, the basic premise of TAv should be achievable using Auto ISO in Manual exposure mode. Anyone familiar with the Pre-APS-C GR Digital models probably won’t notice this absence.

Video and connectivity

The GR III offers modest video specs, with the ability to capture 1080/60p footage. Recording is capped at 25 mins or 4GB of footage. The camera includes a built-in stereo mic, but not microphone or headphone sockets.

While the GR II had Wi-Fi, Ricoh has given the GR III Bluetooth, as well. This should make pairing a bit quicker while allowing for a constant connection between camera and smartphone.

Battery and charging

The GR III’s battery life has taken a serious nosedive, dropping 38% over the GR II. It offers a CIPA-rated 200 shots per charge which isn’t great. Our first attempt shooting with this new model gave us less than an hour-and-a-half of shooting time, so that’s something we’ll keep a close eye on when we get our hands on a camera running final firmware.

Since the new DB-110 battery is more powerful than the one on the GR II, it’s likely that the IBIS system is the main culprit for the drop.

On a more positive note, the GR I/II’s proprietary charging port has been replaced by USB-C. I supports USB-PD which allows it to be powered by external power banks.

Limited edition GR III and accessories

The GR III will be shipping in mid-March for $ 899 / £799 ($ 100/£200 more than the previous version). In some regions, that snazzy blue lens ring pictured above will be included.

Accessories include the WG-4 wide-angle conversion lens, the GV-1 and GV-2 optical viewfinders and the usual assortment of cases and straps.

First impressions

There was some concern when Ricoh first unveiled mockups of the GR III, with long-time fans of the series concerned about the impact of the control changes that have been introduced.

Our first impressions are that the main command dial and rear jog control are just where you expect them, so the shooting experience isn’t too significantly changed. The loss of dedicated buttons will take some getting used to, but we found we still had access to the things we change most.

The touchscreen makes it much easier to quickly position the AF point than on previous GRs. At least for now there’s a considerable lag if you use the rear screen for touch shutter. Even with the new focus system, there’s still a noticeable pause even if you’ve placed the AF point and use the shutter button to fire. We’ll see whether responsiveness picks up with final firmware.

Of course the alternative is to use Snap Focus to keep the lens focused at a predetermined point. Which, if you’ve used an GR before, may already be your preferred way of working.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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InukTech will launch Inuk, a carbon fiber tripod alternative, on Kickstarter next month

23 Feb

On March 1st, InukTech will launch a Kickstarter campaign for Inuk, a portable folding camera tripod alternative. Unlike traditional tripods, Inuk features flat carbon fiber arms and legs joined by reinforced technopolymer hinges and soft rubber feet. The rig’s three legs and two arms can be folded flat against the device’s carbon fiber plate for compact storage.

Inuk supports payload weights up to 1.5kg / 3.3lbs and features a ¼” -20 universal screw for connecting cameras and mounts. In addition to supporting cameras and smartphones, Inuk can accommodate accessories like microphones, flashes, and lights.

Though the support can be used like a tripod, Inuk’s legs can also be folded for uneven surfaces, and accessories will be available for connecting the support to different structures. At this time, InukTech says its connection accessories include a magnet, suction cups, super suction cups, straps, and clamps.

When folded, Inuk measures 17 x 9 x 2.5cm / 6.7 x 3.5 x 0.98in and weighs 160g / 0.35lbs. The model can extend up to 12cm / 4.3in in height with a 30cm / 11.8in footprint and 42cm / 16.5in arm width.

InukTech hasn’t revealed any other information about the model, but plans to officially launch it on Kickstarter next month. Consumers will have the opportunity to ‘pre-order’ the camera support at up to 50% off the expected retail price with prices starting at $ 39.95 for the basic ‘Starter Kit’ and going up to $ 56.95 for the ‘Video Maniac’ kit.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Ricoh GR III, with updated lens, 24MP APS-C sensor and in-body IS to ship in March

22 Feb

Five months after its development announcement, the Ricoh GR III will be shipping this March for $ 899. Unlike the GR II, which was a very minor upgrade to the original, the major components on the GR III are all-new.

The controls have received a major shake-up as the GR III becomes the first in the series to use a touchscreen. The screen is a 3.0″, 1.04M-dot LCD, with all of the usual features like AF point selection, menu navigation and image review onboard.

It also gains image stabilization, with a 3-axis sensor-shift system offering shake reduction rated at up to four stops. This ‘SR’ system can also be used to simulate an AA filter for when moiré reduction is desired. And there’s now an ultrasonic dust reduction system for the sensor, which is perhaps a nod to the dust problems that some encountered on the GR I and II.

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The GR III’s autofocus system has been overhauled, with the addition of on-sensor phase detection. This, along with a redesigned lens, gives us hope that the GR II’s autofocus will be quicker than its predecessors. Ricoh is yet to provide any technical details but says it will be ‘faster and more responsive.’

The GR III’s 28mm equiv. F2.8 lens has six elements in four groups, with two elements being aspherical. The lens can now focus as close as 6cm (2.4″), compared to 10cm (3.9″) on the previous models. The GR III continues to offer a built-in 2-stop ND filter.

The resolution of the GR III’s APS-C sensor has been bumped from 16MP to 24MP, with a fully expanded ISO range of 100 – 102,400. The GR III can now record 1080/60p video, but no 4K. Ricoh has added a Type-C USB 3.0 port on the camera (which can be used to charge the battery,) and connectivity options now include Bluetooth in addition to Wi-Fi.

Two things that the GR III lost are its built-in flash and a fair amount of its battery life. The latter has plunged from 320 shots to 200 shots per charge – a 38% drop – despite using a higher capacity battery. More than likely, the addition of in-body IS puts the biggest hit on battery life.

As mentioned above, the GR III will be yours to purchase in March for $ 899. A new 0.75x wide-angle adapter (GW-4) will also be available for $ 249.

Press Release

Ricoh launches RICOH GR III high-end, compact digital camera

Newest model in the popular RICOH GR series delivers exceptional image quality in a smaller, lightweight body, making it ideal for street photography

WEST CALDWELL, NJ, February 21, 2019 – Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the launch of the highly anticipated RICOH GR III camera. The new camera is the latest model in the RICOH GR series, a lineup of high-end digital cameras providing exceptional image quality in a compact, lightweight body ideal for street photography, travel and capturing candid images.

The RICOH GR III features a newly designed lens, image sensor and imaging engine that further upgrade image quality, enhance functionality and improve usability. The 18.3mm F2.8 lens delivers exceptional imaging performance with a slim design, consisting of six optical elements in four groups, while retaining the 28mm angle of view. It produces the clearest, sharpest images in GR-series history while reducing distortion and chromatic aberration. It also comes equipped with a macro shooting capability with a minimum focusing distance of six centimeters.

In keeping with the GR-series concept of packaging high image quality in a compact design, the RICOH GR III camera body is smaller than its predecessor, and is equipped with a large APS-C-size CMOS image sensor with approximately 24.24 effective megapixels to produce high-resolution images. Its short start-up time of approximately 0.8 seconds allows for quick, responsive shooting. The camera’s high-definition LCD monitor features touchscreen operation, offering intuitive control of various camera functions right on the screen.

The camera also features a high-speed hybrid autofocus system, built-in shake reduction, in- camera image finishing options, USB Type-CTM, Bluetooth and wireless LAN connectivity options. An accessory wide-angle conversion lens designed exclusively for use with the RICOH GR III is also available. The GW-4 Wide Conversion Lens expands the angle of view to 21mm ultra-wide angle.

“The Ricoh GR III is the ultimate street camera,” said William Hereford, a Brooklyn-based pro photographer, who has been shooting with GR series cameras for years. “The image quality and ease of use are equally amazing. I literally don’t leave my house without this camera. The GR III fits perfectly both in my hand and my pocket, so it is always available to capture a moment.”

Hereford says that the image quality is so great, that photos taken with his GR cameras have the potential to be used in national ad campaigns and magazine articles.

Designed to be the ultimate street photography camera, the RICOH GR III is a totally new breed of GR camera that will give the user new and different creative possibilities.

| Pricing and Availability |

The RICOH GR III will be shipping in March 2019 and will be available at www.us.ricoh- imaging.com and retail outlets nationwide. Price is $ 899.95 for the camera, $ 249.95 for the GW-4 Wide Conversion Lens.

Ricoh GR III specifications

Price
MSRP	$ 899 / £799
Body type
Body type	Large sensor compact
Body material	Magnesium alloy
Sensor
Max resolution	6000 x 4000
Image ratio w:h	1:1, 3:2
Effective pixels	24 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors	25 megapixels
Sensor size	APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
Sensor type	CMOS
Color space	sRGB, Adobe RGB
Color filter array	Primary color filter
Image
White balance presets	8
Custom white balance	Yes
Image stabilization	Sensor-shift
CIPA image stabilization rating	4 stop(s)
Uncompressed format	RAW
File format	JPEG (Exif v2.3) Raw (14-bit DNG)
Optics & Focus
Focal length (equiv.)	28 mm
Maximum aperture	F2.8–16
Autofocus	Contrast Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi-area Center Selective single-point Tracking Single Continuous Touch Face Detection Live View
Autofocus assist lamp	Yes
Manual focus	Yes
Normal focus range	10 cm (3.94″)
Macro focus range	6 cm (2.36″)
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD	Fixed
Screen size	3″
Screen dots	1,037,000
Touch screen	Yes
Screen type	TFT LCD
Live view	Yes
Viewfinder type	Optical (optional)
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed	30 sec
Maximum shutter speed	1/4000 sec
Exposure modes	Program Aperture priority Shutter priority Manual
Built-in flash	No
External flash	Yes (via hot shoe)
Flash modes	Auto, Flash On, Flash On+Red-eye, Slow-speed Sync, Slow Sync+Red-eye
Flash X sync speed	1/4000 sec
Drive modes	Single Frame Continuous Shooting Bracketing Multi-exposure Interval Shooting Interval Composite
Continuous drive	4.0 fps
Self-timer	Yes
Metering modes	Multi Center-weighted Highlight-weighted Spot
Exposure compensation	±5 (at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features
Format	MPEG-4, H.264
Modes	1920 x 1080 @ 60p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM 1920 x 1080 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM 1920 x 1080 @ 24p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
Microphone	Stereo
Speaker	Mono
Storage
Storage types	Internal, SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I supported)
Storage included	2GB
Connectivity
USB	USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec)
USB charging	Yes
HDMI	No
Microphone port	No
Headphone port	No
Wireless	Built-In
Wireless notes	802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth
Remote control	Yes (via smartphone)
Physical
Battery	Battery Pack
Battery description	DB-110 lithium-ion battery & USB charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	200
Weight (inc. batteries)	257 g (0.57 lb / 9.07 oz)
Dimensions	109 x 62 x 33 mm (4.29 x 2.44 x 1.3″)
Other features
Orientation sensor	Yes
Timelapse recording	Yes
GPS	None

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Light and Sony team up to make the next-generation of multi-camera smartphones

22 Feb

Light, the computational imaging company behind the L16 camera, has announced it’s partnering with Sony Semiconductor Solutions ‘to jointly work on development and marketing of multi-image sensor solutions.’

According to a press release shared today, the two companies have signed an agreement that ‘allows Light to use and recommend to its customers and partners, Sony’s image sensors built in Light’s computational imaging solutions and reference designs.’

Simply put, the agreement means Light will combine its experience and intellectual property in the world of multi-camera designs and computational photography with Sony’s imaging sensors to build future devices. Specifically, the press release mentions the partnership will help ‘to create new multi-camera applications and solutions beginning with the introduction of smartphones containing four or more cameras.’

Light previously announced its intentions of bringing its multi-camera technology to smartphones, going so far as to show off various concepts and prototypes it’s developed that include between five and nine camera modules.

Bradley Lauterbach, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Product Design at Light, also said back in December 2017, ‘one manufacturer is already at work on a Light-enabled phone, and more are in the works.’ It’s unknown if Lauterbach was referencing Sony, but whoever the manufacturer was, it appears clear now Sony will be the company behind the sensors.

Press release:

Light Announces Joint Development with Sony Semiconductors Solutions Corporation of Multi-Image Sensor Solutions Reference Designs

Focused on Multi-Camera Applications for Smartphones with Four or more Cameras

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 21, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Light, the leader in advanced computational imaging announces the agreement with Sony Semiconductor Solutions, the leader in the Image Sensor industry to jointly work on development and marketing of multi-image sensor solutions.

The agreement allows Light to use and recommend to its customers and partners, Sony’s image sensors built in Light’s computational imaging solutions and reference designs. These new reference designs combine Light’s multi-camera technology together with Sony’s image sensors to create new multi-camera applications and solutions beginning with the introduction of smartphones containing four or more cameras.

“Sony is the recognized quality and market share leader in image sensors and we are thrilled to partner with them,” said Dave Grannan, CEO and co-founder, Light. “We are entering an entirely new era of intelligent imaging applications that will transform smartphones, autonomous vehicles, and security systems. With Sony’s world-class image sensors, we can introduce new innovations in the multi-camera imaging space.”

“We are excited to be working with Light and driving multi-sensor-based products and solutions into the market,” said Hank Ochi, president of Component Solutions Business Division, Sony Electronics Inc. “Light and its technology are transforming how devices see the world. This new partnership will allow us to work together to evolve and speed up the design of today’s multi-image sensor enabled connected devices. Starting today, our jointly developed reference designs will help our smartphone OEMs to quickly and easily enhance the imaging capability of multi-camera enabled smartphones.”

For more information, please visit https://light.co/.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Ross Lowell, founder of Lowel-Light and the creator of gaffer tape, dead at 92

22 Feb

Photographer, cinematographer, Lowel-Light founder and creator of gaffer tape Ross Lowell died on February 15 at the age of 92, according to PDN. Lowell lived in Pound Ridge, New York, at the time of his passing, leaving behind his wife Marilyn Shapiro-Lowell and four children. Above is a video he participated in wherein he talks about various lighting tools and techniques.

Over the course of his long career, Lowell pioneered numerous lighting solutions for photography and cinematography, ultimately registering more than 25 patents, founding lighting company Lowel-Light and publishing the book Matter of Light & Depth. Among Lowell’s inventions is gaffer tape, a type of cotton cloth tape popularly used during production and staging work.

From the mid-1960s through 1985, Lowell also shot, directed, wrote and produced multiple documentaries and short films, including Oscar-nominated Oh Brother, My Brother. Lowell received multiple awards during his career, including a Technical Achievement Academy Award, the John Grierson Gold Medal and Lightfair Technical Innovation Award.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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The Lomogon 32mm F2.5 lens features perfectly round apertures on a rotating wheel

22 Feb

Lomography has launched the Lomogon 32mm F2.5, a compact lens with full frame sensor coverage and a unique wheel of aperture stops that protrudes from the barrel.

Fitted with the Lomogon Circular Aperture Disk the lens uses a series of five round holes cut into a disk of metal as its aperture control. The toothed disk sticks out from the lens and is turned by the user to drop the desired hole behind the front element – a bit like Waterhouse stops from the 1850s. The holes in this disk correspond to F2.5, F4, F5.6, F8 and F11 – and each is completely round as they aren’t created by an iris.

The Lomogon uses 6 coated elements in 6 groups, has a 62mm filter thread and a closest focus distance of 0.4m. Developed with Russian manufacturer Zenit and built in China, Lomography says the Lomogon uses ‘the finest glass optics’ and is assembled by hand. The result, according to the company, is high micro-contrast and ‘enhanced colors’. It will be available in Nikon F and Canon EF mounts, and adapters can be used for other camera fittings.

Technical Specifications

Focal Length: 32 mm
Lens Construction: 6 elements in 6 groups
Maximum Aperture: f/2.5
Regular Apertures: dial aperture stops, f/2.5, f/4, f/5.6, f/8, f/11
Image Circle: 44 mm
Field of View: 68 degrees
Lens Mounting Profile: Canon EF and Nikon F
Electronic Contacts: No
Closest Focusing Distance: 0.4 m
Focusing Mechanism: Helicoid
Filter Thread: 62 mm

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If all goes well the Lomogon will begin shipping in November 2019 and will have a retail price of $ 499. During the Kickstarter campaign though, it can be had for as little as $ 299.
For more information see the Lomogon Kickstarter page.

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)

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Open source image editing program digiKam now has video support, new export tools and more

22 Feb

digiKam is an open-source photo management application that runs on Linux, Windows, and MacOS platforms and comes with tools for importing, managing, editing, and sharing photos and raw files.

Now version 6.0.0 of digiKam has been released after a 2-year development phase and comes with a heap of new features and improvements.

The biggest news is that the software can now also handle video files, offering many of the importing, sharing and editing functions that are also available for still image. Videos can also be played back without the need for an external player.

In addition import/export web-service tools are now available across all modules in digiKam – LightTable, Image editor and Showfoto. The same is true for other tools, such as metadata and geolocation editors, allowing for a more seamless user experience.

There are also new tools to export your images directly to Pinterest as well as the Microsoft OneDrive and Box cloud storage services, and the Raw engine has been updated to process images from a long list of new cameras and smartphone.

In addition to the new features the digiKam team says it has been able to clean the applications code in order to simplify application compilation, packaging and maintenance for the future.

For a full list of new features and supported cameras, download links and more detail about the work that has gone into the update, head over to the digiKam website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Ross Lowell, founder of Lowel-Light and the creator of gaffer tape, dead at 92

The Lomogon 32mm F2.5 lens features perfectly round apertures on a rotating wheel

Open source image editing program digiKam now has video support, new export tools and more

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