Category: Uncategorized

  • Latest Nikon mirrorless teaser gives a closer look at body and lens mount

    Nikon has published a new 30 second teaser video about its upcoming mirrorless system, which will be announced on August 23rd. As with most teasers there aren’t many details here (though there’s a nice tour of classic Nikon bodies), but at the end we get a good look at the DSLR-style design of the camera (complete with what looks like a very D850-style handgrip) and its new mount.

    Of some possible significance is the fact that the D/SLR bodies featured in this latest teaser video are all professional models…

    Given all of the ‘coming soon’ placeholders on Nikon’s website, it’s safe to assume that more videos are forthcoming. What do you make of the latest teaser? Let us know in the comments.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Think Tank Photo and MindShift Gear merge into a single company

    Camera bag and accessory manufacturers Think Tank Photo and MindShift Gear have officially merged to become a single company under the Think Tank Photo brand.

    Formerly sister companies, founded by overlapping parties but operated as individual entities (Think Tank Photo Inc. and MindShift Gear LLC, respectively), the two companies will now operate under the same roof with combined business operations in Santa Rosa, California. Think Tank founder, president and lead designer, Doug Murdoch, will serve as Chairman of the Board and president of the combined company.

    Despite the merger, MindShift will remain a distinct product line under the Think Tank brand, offering outdoor photography bags and accessories. As it has for more than 15 years, Think Tank Photo will continue to put out its diverse lineup of photography bags and accessories.

    ‘We celebrate a milestone today as we formally join two of the top brands in camera bags and photo accessories, Think Tank and MindShift,” said Doug Murdoch in the press release. ‘Combined under the Think Tank umbrella, and with MindShift’s powerful position in the outdoor photography market, we will draw on our decades of experience to push the boundaries of carrying solutions and enhance our reputation as the choice of working professionals.’

    Starting today, MindShift Gear’s website will redirect to Think Tank Photo’s website, where you can find the MindShift product lineup.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • OKO is an immersive viewfinder for your smartphone camera

    There’s an abundance of smartphone camera accessories available but until now we’ve been missing one item: a viewfinder. Thanks to the OKO crowdfunding project on Kickstarter this gap might soon be filled, however.

    The OKO is designed to do pretty much the same things as a conventional viewfinder. It blocks screen reflections, offering an immersive and undistracted view of the scene and allowing for a more stable shooting stance when holding it up to your face. Its design is far from conventional, however.

    The OKO resembles a VR-headset and is compatible with most 4.7″ and larger smartphones. The mobile device is inserted at the front and in the bottom there is a fairly large hole, allowing you to control the camera on the touch screen of your phone (but probably also letting some light in).

    In front of the phone screen two 6x magnifying oculars provide a view that should be much closer to the real scene than what your smartphone display alone can provide and many photographers might find that using two eyes to frame your shots is more comfortable than just using one, like with a traditional camera viewfinder.

    The OKO’s major downside is pretty obvious: you’ll look pretty ridiculous wearing the thing on your head while hunting for photo opportunities. For some this might be a small price to pay for the perfect shot, however.

    If you fall into that latter group, you can now pledge between $ 39 for the early bird basic kit and $ 160 for a full-blown package including 4 accessory lenses. At the time of writing the project has almost reached its funding goal with 56 more days to go, so there’s a good chance the project will go ahead. Shipping is expected in March 2019.

    Watch the video below for more information or head straight to the OKO Kickstarter page.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Magix speeds up Photostory slideshow software and adds new effects

    Imaging software developer Magix has released the 2019 version of its Photostory Deluxe slideshow application that it says is completely redesigned, easier to use and much faster than before. The company has used the engine from its Video Pro X movie editing program to run Photostory Deluxe, so it can now handle up to 16 tracks of effects to create more interesting presentations.

    Magix says that the process of creation is also much faster, and a new Effects Assistant makes it simpler to apply and control transitions, music and photo looks to the slideshow and the images it contains. The program offers 1500 effects, pieces of music and sounds for users to choose from, while 24 pre-set styles are available to jazz up your images.

    Users can also match the color and tonal atmosphere of two or more images to create a consistent feel to a slideshow, or import third-party pictures or movies to copy styles from external sources. Looks, styles and effects can be applied to single images or groups of selected images simultaneously to speed up the process, and now GIF files can also be used alongside high-resolution stills and 4K video. Shaky video can be stabilized using the system borrowed from the company’s proDAD Mercalli V2, and further updates to the program can be added to the application for free over the course of the first year.

    Magix Photostory Deluxe 2019 is available now and costs £59.99/ $ 69.99. For more information visit the Photostory pages on the Magix website.

    Press release

    MAGIX Releases New Photostory Deluxe – With Twice As Many Tracks For More Effects

    With the latest version of Photostory Deluxe, it is now possible to create even more impressive photo shows with significantly more effects thanks to twice as many tracks. Effect handling has never been easier – the new Effect Wizard makes it possible.

    MAGIX has equipped the new Photostory Deluxe 2019 with a 16-track program engine and noticeably simplified the application of effects. With the award-winning slideshow software, even large projects can now be realized quickly and easily. Innovations such as 24 pre-designed photolooks for 1-click colour enhancement or advanced image editing make every photo show a real eye-catcher in no time.

    Twice the tracks

    There are almost no boundaries to creativity when creating slideshows. The latest Photostory Deluxe now offers a total of 16 tracks for even more effects, because the program now features the powerful engine from MAGIX’ professional video editing software, Video Pro X.

    Easier, quicker effect handling

    Photostory Deluxe contains over 1,500 effects, music and sounds for use when creating your slideshows. With the new Effects Wizard, these can be applied in just a few clicks. Never before has it been so much fun to explore the creative possibilities of the software. Digital slideshows can be designed in a no time – unique and full of effects.

    click photolooks and advanced image editing

    Photostory Deluxe users can now access “photolooks” to enhance images. With just one click, shots get a harmonic colour tone – matching the respective project. For more freedom of design there is the advanced image editing. From precise colour corrections with gradation curves to determining the optimal white/black values, everything is possible.

    All the highlights of the new Photostory Deluxe 2019 at a glance:

    • Twice as many tracks for slideshows full of effects
    • Effect Assistant for simple, intuitive application of effects
    • Stylish photolooks for fast colour enhancement
    • Advanced image edition functions
    • Grouping functions & drag & drop import
    • Optimized effects area with title tab
    • GIF import

    Price and availability:

    Photostory Deluxe 2019 –£59.99/ $ 69.99

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Reader poll results: What would you want from Nikon and Canon full-frame mirrorless?

    We asked, and you responded. Thousands of you, in fact. We’ve already voiced some opinions about what we’d like to see from a full-frame mirrorless camera from the remaining two of the ‘Big Three’ manufacturers. So when Nikon went public with its development announcement recently, and with rumors swirling about something big coming from Canon, we turned the microphone over to you – our readers. We asked what you wanted to see from a Canikon mirrorless, and here’s what you had to say.

    The number one request across the board was for full compatibility with existing lenses. When Sony created the E mount, it was starting (almost) from scratch and primarily aiming to attract new customers rather than maintain an existing base.

    Ironically, creating a new system is much more daunting for Canon and Nikon since there are literally millions of F and EF-mount lenses in circulation, a huge number of them in the hands of working professional photographers. These customers just need their gear to work and can’t afford the time or expense of replacing tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of lenses and relearning an entirely new system. Equally as important are Canon and Nikon’s non-professional users, who even if they wanted to, couldn’t afford to replace their ‘old’ lenses overnight.

    For these reasons, we would hope that ensuring compatibility with these legacy lenses will be a major priority for both Canon and Nikon and we weren’t surprised to see this concern reflected in our poll results.

    Nikon’s 1-series showed that the company knows how to make a fast hybrid AF system, and Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus has been impressing us for years

    Coming in second is a request for a high resolution sensor, followed closely by a sports-ready AF system and a lifelike viewfinder in third and fourth place, respectively. It remains to be seen how ‘pro’ any eventual full-frame Canikon mirrorless product/s will be, but we know from interviewing senior executives at both companies that matching the DSLR viewfinder and autofocus experience is key to their vision of what a competitive high-end mirrorless camera should look like.

    If nothing else, Nikon’s much-maligned 1-series showed that the company knows how to make a fast hybrid AF system, and Canon’s mirrorless-ready Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus has been impressing us for years.

    Many of you want to see in-body stabilization too, which we’ve come to really appreciate in the Sony a7/a9-series, as well as in mirrorless ILCs from Olympus and Panasonic. In-body stabilization has never been a standard feature on DSLRs (notwithstanding the sterling efforts of Minolta/Sony and Pentax) and it’s hugely useful for both stills and video capture.

    Comments on Facebook, Twitter and on our site ran the gamut from serious and reasonable to not at all serious and wholly unreasonable. Here are a couple of our favorites.

    We won’t be left hanging for too long – Nikon will be livestreaming its ‘special event’ on August 23rd. Until then, the speculation continues and you can view the full results of our poll below.

    Have your say

    $ (document).ready(function() { Poll({“pollId”:”5717924829″,”openForVoting”:false,”mainElementId”:”poll0″,”slot”:null,”isSingleChoicePoll”:false,”minNumberOfChoices”:1,”maxNumberOfChoices”:3}); })

    What are the most important things you'd want from a Canon or Nikon mirrorless camera?
    • High resolution sensor11.3%
    • High speed shooting1.9%
    • Good quality video3.8%
    • Sports-ready AF system10.7%
    • Easy-to-use AF system4.0%
    • Lifelike viewfinder10.2%
    • Responsive controls and menus3.4%
    • Configurable controls/interface1.4%
    • Pro video features such as waveforms / 10-bit capture1.5%
    • Small, affordable primes5.4%
    • Fast primes2.5%
    • Tele zooms0.5%
    • Full compatibility / full performance with existing lenses13.0%
    • Lightweight4.3%
    • Compact size6.3%
    • Substantial grip1.6%
    • Good battery life4.5%
    • 16-bit Raw1.4%
    • Top plate settings display0.3%
    • Dual card slots1.0%
    • Effective weather sealing3.2%
    • In-body stabilization7.9%
    Total voters: 3,783

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • LG G7 ThinQ review

    83%
    Overall score

    The G7 ThinQ is the latest incarnation of LG’s high-end G-series smartphone and comes with many of the latest must-have specs, including a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset, plenty of RAM and a high-resolution display.

    In the camera department the Korean manufacturer sticks to its strategy of offering an alternative to the tele-zoom systems of the competition by installing a super-wide-angle next to main camera in the device’s dual-cam setup.

    For the most part, the LG G7 ThinQ produces images with balanced exposures, and even tackles low lighting conditions relatively well – though pixel-level detail suffers from overly aggressive noise reduction. Still, its super-wide lens is still relatively uncommon among high-end phones and like previous LG devices offers a surprising level of control over video settings.

    Behind both lenses you’ll find a 16MP 1/3.1″ sensor. According to the spec sheet the super-wide-angle offers an angle of view of 107 degrees (approximately 16mm equivalent) and an F1.9 aperture. The main camera comes with a 71-degree angle of view (approximately 30mm equivalent), an F1.6 aperture and optical image stabilization. The autofocus system uses both phase detection and laser assist.

    Key specifications:

    • Dual-camera
    • Main camera: 1/3.1″ 16MP sensor, F1.6, OIS, 71-degree FoV
    • Secondary camera: 1/3.1″ 16MP sensor, F1.9, 107-degree FoV
    • Laser and PDAF
    • LED flash
    • 4K video at 30 fps
    • 720p slow-motion at 240 fps
    • 8MP / F1.9 front camera
    • 6.1″ IPS LCD display, 1440 x 3120 resolution
    • Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset
    • 64/128GB storage, 4/6GB RAM
    • 3000 mAh battery

    The LG G7 ThinQ in use

    We’ve had the chance to use the LG G7 ThinQ for a few weeks. In general use, the LG feels just like most recent high-end Android phones: swift and responsive. The screen is bright and clear and nice to view even in bright light. It’s also worth mentioning that the LG still features a 3.5mm headphone jack and a microSD slot.

    Battery life appears to be a bit of a weak point, however. The 3000 mAh battery doesn’t last as long as the beefier units in some of the competitors we’ve recently tested. Under heavy use, you’ll likely have to recharge at some point in the evening.

    LG G7 ThinQ AI Cam

    Like on the V30S, the G7 ThinQ’s camera operation is enhanced by LG’s artificial intelligence technology that can detect objects and scenes and auto-adjust camera settings accordingly. In practice the new mode is more of a gimmick than anything else. It often detects objects correctly but has also been wrong quite frequently during our testing. The impact on image output isn’t really noticeable either.

    For now, we recommend that you just keep shooting in standard auto mode but LG should be applauded for being among the first to implement such a feature, and we’re looking forward to future iterations.

    But now let’s have a look at the all-important image output.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Compact Canon PowerShot SX740 HS offers 40x zoom lens and 4K video

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    Canon’s new PowerShot SX740 HS is an ultra-compact long-zoom camera that replaces the SX730. As with that camera, it features a 24-960mm equivalent F3.3-6.9 lens, 20MP 1/2.3″ BSI-CMOS sensor and flip-up LCD.

    The SX740 gains Canon’s latest processor (Digic 8), which brings with it UHD 4K video capture and 7.4 fps burst shooting with continuous AF. The camera also features Wi-Fi with NFC and Bluetooth, with the latter providing the ability to automatically transfer images to both mobile and desktop devices.

    The PowerShot SX740 HS will be available in August, in silver or black, at a list price of $ 399.


    Canon PowerShot SX740 HS specifications

    Price
    MSRP $ 399
    Body type
    Body type Ultracompact
    Sensor
    Max resolution 5184 x 3888
    Image ratio w:h 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
    Effective pixels 21 megapixels
    Sensor photo detectors 20 megapixels
    Sensor size 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
    Sensor type BSI-CMOS
    Processor Digic 8
    Color space sRGB
    Color filter array Primary color filter
    Image
    ISO Auto, 100-3200
    White balance presets 5
    Custom white balance Yes
    Image stabilization Optical
    Uncompressed format No
    JPEG quality levels Super fine, fine
    File format
    • JPEG (Exif v2.31)
    Optics & Focus
    Focal length (equiv.) 24–960 mm
    Optical zoom 40×
    Maximum aperture F3.3–6.9
    Autofocus
    • Contrast Detect (sensor)
    • Multi-area
    • Center
    • Tracking
    • Single
    • Continuous
    • Face Detection
    • Live View
    Autofocus assist lamp Yes
    Digital zoom Yes
    Manual focus Yes
    Normal focus range 5 cm (1.97)
    Macro focus range 1 cm (0.39)
    Screen / viewfinder
    Articulated LCD Tilting
    Screen size 3
    Screen dots 922,000
    Touch screen No
    Screen type TFT LCD
    Live view Yes
    Viewfinder type None
    Photography features
    Minimum shutter speed 15 sec
    Maximum shutter speed 1/3200 sec
    Exposure modes
    • Auto
    • Program
    • Aperture priority
    • Shutter priority
    • Manual
    Built-in flash Yes
    Flash range 5.00 m
    External flash No
    Flash modes Auto, on, slow synchro, off
    Drive modes
    • Single
    • Continuous
    • Self-timer
    Continuous drive 10.0 fps
    Self-timer Yes (2 or 10 secs, custom self-timer)
    Metering modes
    • Multi
    • Center-weighted
    • Spot
    Exposure compensation ±2 (at 1/3 EV steps)
    Videography features
    Format MPEG-4, H.264
    Modes
    • 3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MP4, H.264, AAC
    • 1920 x 1080 @ 60p, MP4, H.264, AAC
    • 1920 x 1080 @ 30p, MP4, H.264, AAC
    • 1280 x 720 @ 60p, MP4, H.264, AAC
    Microphone Stereo
    Speaker Mono
    Storage
    Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-I compatible)
    Connectivity
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    HDMI Yes (micro HDMI)
    Microphone port No
    Headphone port No
    Wireless Built-In
    Wireless notes 802.11b/g/n + NFC + Bluetooth
    Remote control Yes (via smartphone)
    Physical
    Environmentally sealed No
    Battery Battery Pack
    Battery description NB-13L lithium-ion battery & charger
    Battery Life (CIPA) 265
    Weight (inc. batteries) 299 g (0.66 lb / 10.55 oz)
    Dimensions 110 x 64 x 40 mm (4.33 x 2.52 x 1.57)
    Other features
    Orientation sensor Yes
    Timelapse recording Yes (up to 4K)
    GPS None

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Nissin MG10 hammerhead flash goes on sale

    The MG10 hammerhead flash unit from manufacturer Nissin will be available from the end of this month priced $ 599. The handle-mount flash is designed to be used both attached to the camera and as a studio-type head, and has a maximum guide number of 262ft/80m@ ISO 100 and with the zoom set to the 200mm position.

    When connected to the camera via the company’s 2.4Ghz Nissin Air System radio communication the flash can be remotely triggered and controlled, and the zoom head will automatically synchronize with the focal length of the lens in use. The head can adjust to cover focal lengths of between 24mm and 200mm, while an additional diffuser panel expands the coverage to 18mm. Using the Air system the flash unit can be used to trigger the camera too, as it has a shutter release button built-in to its grip.

    The handle can be mounted on the left or the right side of the camera, and is powered by either eight AA cells or a pair of rechargeable PS8 lithium ion batteries. When the Li-ion batteries are in use recycling time drops from 3.5 seconds to just 1.5 seconds at full power, and we should expect 500 full power bursts per charge.

    A modeling light is included to assist pre-visualization, and every unit comes with a quick release L mounting bracket, AA magazine, a ball head and a filter holder. Via the Nissin Air System the MG10 can wirelessly operate with up to eight groups of other flashes in TTL and M modes, and a MicroSD card slot is designed to allow users to update firmware themselves when improvements are released.

    For more information see the Nissin website.

    Press release

    The ultimate power – Nissin MG10

    An advance NAS 2.4Ghz Wireless strobe for on-camera and studio shoot

    Nissin Japan Limited (Chairman Mr. Goto Chikara) proudly announces the MG10, an advance NAS (Nissin Air System) 2.4Ghz Wireless strobe for both on-camera and studio shoot, available in the bottom of Jun 2018

    The MG10 is a high power (80GN, 165 w/s) advance strobe in the N.A.S., Nissin Air System*1. The flexible hand grip arrangement which can be used both left and right side with height level adjustment. Every single MG10 included a quick release mounting magnesium “L” bracket, AA battery magazine, Li-Ion battery magazine, ball head, filter holder and wide-angle diffuser. There is a shutter release button on top of the handle and standard adapter screw under the flash head for using in the studio shooting. It also fully supports Air 10s and Air 1 commander wirelessly.

    Patented design – magnetically contacted motorized zoom head *2

    The removable external motorized zoom allows MG10 to zoom 24 ~ 200mm and 18mm with diffuser. It can also control in manual and auto synchronize lens focal length via Air 10s.

    Fast recycling time with full power

    When two Li-ion batteries with PS8, type 26650, the recycling time is only 1.5 seconds (500 flashes with 5000mAh batteries or higher). With 8 AA re-chargeable batteries the recycle time is approximately 3.5 seconds*3.

    High power modelling light (LED)

    The powerful modelling light without zoom head which is perfect match for applying to the studio usage.

    Set your group of strobes free – The Open Mode allowing multiple Air10s pair to the same group of strobes

    The “open mode” allows for multiple Air10s units to pair the same group of the MG10 strobes which means the need to re-pair devices is eliminated. Even if cameras are changed, the same settings can be used as the shoot continues. This convenient functionality allows multiple cameras and commanders to share a same group of NAS strobes (MG10).

    New wireless remote shutter replaces the camera shutter button

    With the wireless remote button from flash, signal can transfer through the shutter cable socket (2.5mm) on Air 10s and then go to the camera. It is more flexible for holding MG10 as shutter release to moving around during shooting.

    Independent control of maximum 8 groups

    MG10 supports the basic and advance groups in maximum 8 groups via Air 10s. The basic group which is independently control the exposure setting in TTL or M mode. The advance group which is control both TTL and M mode in the mixing setting.

    Sustainable performance – easily updated via a Micro SD card slot

    The MG10 equipped with a Micro SD card slot that allows user to update the device easily by themselves. Nissin plans on putting a Micro SD card slot on all future strobes and commanders.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • You can now use Elinchrom’s ELB 500 TTL light with Sony, Olympus cameras

    Elinchrom has announced a firmware update for its Transmitter PRO — formerly named Skyport Plus HS — that brings support for its ELB 500 TTL for Sony and Olympus cameras.

    Firmware version 2.1 for Sony and Olympus now includes TTL, High Speed Sync (HSS) and Hi-Sync (HS) functionality when used with the ELB 500 TTL. These features, which are described in detail on Elinchrom’s website, bring more robust creative control to Sony and Olympus camera systems. Now, Canon, Nikon, Sony and Olympus users can all take full advantage of Elinchrom’s different flash modes.

    Below is a full list of the release notes for firmware version 2.10 for Sony and Olympus (Canon and Nikon are on firmware version 2.20):

    • Skyport Plus HS is now named Transmitter PRO.
    • 2 modes are available: Manual, compatible with all Elinchrom units, and TTL for the ELB 500 TTL.
    • Swapped position of unit selection and modeling light feature on main dashboard.
    • Improved menu ergonomics – access features in the setup menu with the wheel and setting selection is clearer.
    • Automatic switch to HS mode – the camera’s shutter speed dictates which mode is activated.
    • Possibility to display power in F-Stops or Ws.
    • Unit name or unit ID can now be displayed.

    Elinchrom also notes in the press release that Fujifilm users ‘will soon be rewarded for their wait.’ According to Elinchrom, the Transmitter PRO for Fujifilm will be available in September 2018.

    You can download the latest firmware on Elinchrom’s firmware updater page.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • DJI Mavic 2 drones leak with Zoom and Pro model variants

    DJI will release two variants of its upcoming Mavic 2 drone, according to a leaked product listing. The Mavic 2, which hasn’t been officially announced, appeared in a catalog issued by UK retailer Argos, which lists two model variants: the Mavic 2 Pro and Mavic 2 Zoom.

    The catalog listing, which was shared on Twitter by Brett Thake, describes the DJI Mavic 2 as a small drone with a 45mph / 72kph top speed, 31-minute max flight time, omni-directional obstacle sensing with APAS and Active Track 2.0, and an 8km / 5-mile transmission range, including 1080p video transmission. The Mavic 2 Pro is described as having a 1-inch CMOS Hasselblad camera, while the Mavic 2 Zoom variant advertises a 24-48mm equiv. 2x optical zoom.

    DJI confirmed the leak in a statement to CNET, explaining that catalog was preprinted and scheduled before July 18, the date DJI originally planned to launch the Mavic 2

    Assuming the catalog details are correct, this represents a significant upgrade from the original Mavic Pro and Pro Platinum. In particular, a 1-inch CMOS sensor should deliver significantly better performance than the 1/2.3″ sensor found in the earlier models, and has been one of the most frequently requested features from users.

    Additionally, The Verge is reporting that users will be able to switch lenses on the camera.

    The new models will also see an increase in flight time from 27 minutes to 31 minutes, as well as a top speed increase from 40mph to 45mph. Pricing information was not leaked by the catalog, but it does feature a partial image of the two drone variants.

    DJI confirmed the leak in a statement to CNET, explaining that catalog was preprinted and scheduled before July 18, the date DJI originally planned to launch the Mavic 2. The event was ultimately postponed, but Argos apparently didn’t get the memo, proceeding with publication of the catalog including the Mavic 2 details. We’ve reached out to DJI for a statement and will update this article with any new information.

    “This early look just hints at the many exciting features and capabilities DJI will announce at the proper time,” the company said in its statement.

    Via: DroneDJ

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)