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Fujifilm X-T100 sample gallery

02 Jul

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The Fujifilm X-T100 sits between the entry-level X-A5 and midrange X-T20 and features a 24MP APS-C sensor, eye-catching design and a unique articulating LCD. Our sample gallery was shot with a number of lenses, including the 15-45mm equiv. kit lens and several primes.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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DPReview TV: Instant Camera Roundup

01 Jul

In anticipation of our in-depth buying guide, our friends in the North have been looking at a handful of the latest instant cameras.

Chris and Jordan stocked up on Instax Mini film to feed the twin-lens reflex Mint TL70 and the simpler (and strangely similar) Fujifilm Neo 90 and Leica Sofort. Then, just for some variety, they grabbed the square-format Fujifilm SQ6.

Which seemed like a good excuse for a party…

And make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to get new episodes of DPReview TV every week.

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Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Leica introduces new features and enhancements to five cameras in mass firmware release

30 Jun

Leica has released new firmware for five of its camera models, making significant changes to the way existing features operate while also adding totally new functions in some cases. The updates effect the M10 rangefinder, the Q compact and the new CL, as well as the TL2 and the T/TL.

The highlights of the update include allowing four minute exposure times in the M10 at base ISO, and the addition of aperture value recording in the camera’s EXIF data – even though it will be an estimate. Q users get a favourites menu that can hold up to 15 items for especially quick access, and the ability to determine that the electronic shutter should be constantly on. They will also welcome faster processing of the camera’s DNG Raw files.

The CL now offers users the option to transfer the functions of the two main dials between each other, and for those who find themselves accidentally pressing buttons on the small body a new lock feature deactivates access points to keep them from being unintentionally altered.

Control over the shutter mode comes to the TL so users can choose when to shoot with the electronic or mechanical shutter, and the firmware brings focus peaking to users of the M adapter and to those using R lenses on this little camera. The T and TL bodies get better chromatic aberration correction and support for the Elmarit-TL 18mm F2.8 ASPH lens.

The firmware is available to download now, or you can take your camera to a Leica store and have someone do the job for you. For more detail see the listing from Leica below, or visit the Leica website.

Press Information

Extensive updates for Leica Cameras: New firmware releases with numerous improvements and entirely new functions.

Leica Camera AG has released a series of extensive firmware updates for the Leica M10, Leica Q, Leica CL, Leica TL2 and Leica T/TL camera models. Alongside further improvements of existing features, these updates also introduce a considerable number of new camera functions.

Leica M10 (v2.4.5.0)

  • Optimisation of the delete menu: The graphic user interface for the deletion of pictures has been revised.
  • Longer exposure times: Exposure times of up to four minutes are now possible at base ISO.
  • New continuous shooting mode with lower frame rate: An additional continuous shooting mode is now available (Continuous Low Speed, three frames per second).
  • ‘Load profile’ is now available in the favourites menu.
  • Aperture value in EXIF data: The camera compares the brightness measured through the lens with the measured ambient brightness to estimate the aperture used. This value is then written to the EXIF data. In some cases, the interpretation of the subject or scene may lead to incorrect estimation of the aperture value, for instance when shooting subjects or scenes with high contrast and black or white objects.
  • LED deactivation: The red LED on the back of the camera can now be deactivated in the control elements menu.
  • Auto-ISO setting: Auto-ISO for base ISO is set to the default value of ISO 200 to optimise dynamic range.

Leica Q (v3.0)

  • Favourites Menu: Users can now enter and save up to 15 settings for faster access in a Favourites Menu.
  • Power Saving Mode: If required, the camera can now be set to switch to Stand-By Mode after 10 seconds.
  • Extended functions for the Fn button: Even more options can now be selected for programming the multi-function button.
  • User Profiles: Profiles can now be imported from and exported to a memory card.
  • OIS – optional ‘Auto’ setting: This setting enables automatic activation of optical image stabilisation at shutter speeds of 1/60 s and slower.
  • EVF/LCD setting options: This menu item can now be assigned to the Fn button.
  • Settings for the electronic shutter: The electronic shutter can now be set to permanently active.
  • DNG files: The processing speed of DNG files in the camera has been increased.
  • Autofocus fields: The last AF field used is now memorised and recalled when switching the camera off and on again.
  • Self-timer: The setting is now memorised and recalled when switching the camera off and on again.
  • Exposure preview deactivation option: Exposure preview can now be deactivated in manual mode (especially useful when shooting in the studio with flash systems, underexposed settings or in dark environments).
  • Image review: Automatic image review remains active as long as the shutter release button is pressed.

Leica CL (v2.0)

  • Programming of setting dial functions: The programming of the two setting dials can now be swapped from one to the other.
  • Button lock: Pressing and holding the left-hand setting dial activates button lock (this does not lock the on/off switch, the shutter release or the left-hand setting dial).
  • Power Saving Mode: If required, the camera can now be set to switch to Stand-By Mode after 10 seconds.
  • Touchscreen autofocus: The AF metering points can now also be shifted with the joystick control in Touch AF mode when using the electronic viewfinder.

Leica TL2 (v1.4)

  • Selection of LCD / viewfinder settings: It is now possible to select when and where the content is displayed (up until now, display was simultaneous).
  • Customisable left function menu: The items of the left function menu can now be customised by the assignment of up to six of a total of thirteen functions.
  • Extended functions for the Fn button: Now, one of a total of six different functions can be assigned to the Fn button.
  • Settings for the electronic shutter: The electronic shutter can be deactivated, permanently activated or set to complement the mechanical shutter.
  • Focus Peaking in AF Mode: Manual focus corrections can now be applied in AF Mode with the MF-ring. In the meantime, Focus Peaking is available from FW 1.4.
  • Focus Peaking with M-/R-Lenses: Focus Peaking is now also available when using M- R-Lenses with the M-Adapter L.
  • Exposure correction during video recording: The left-hand setting dial can now be used to apply exposure correction during video recording.
  • Zoom-in when reviewing images in the EVF: The right-hand setting dial allows users to zoom in while viewing images in the EVF.

Leica T/TL (v1.8/v2.3)

  • Simpler connection between the camera and a smartphone by app
  • Reduction of chromatic aberration for all TL-Lenses
  • Support and auto-update for the Elmarit-TL 18 mm f/2.8 ASPH.

The firmware updates are available from the Leica website (https://www.leica-camera.com). Users can either download and install the update themselves or have it installed within the scope of the free update service offered in all Leica Stores.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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SD Express SDUC memory cards will give you 985MB/s transfer speeds and 128TB of storage

29 Jun

The SD Association has released the name and official specifications for SD Express, the latest Secure Digital (SD) memory card format, as part of its SD 7.0 specification. Created as a successor to UHS-III cards, SD Express is next-next-gen technology that will work alongside a new SDUC card to provide fast, high-capacity memory cards in a familiar package.

As the name suggests, SD Express cards are going to be fast. The SD Express format uses third-gen PCIe and NVMe transfer protocols on top of the dual-level pin layout interface to achieve a maximum transfer speed of 985MB per second—almost a gigabyte per second and roughly 1.5 times faster than UHS-III cards, which still haven’t hit the market yet.

In order to achieve the maximum transfer speed of SD Express cards, you’ll need a camera or device that supports the new format as well. If you end up sticking your brand new SD Express card inside your 5D Mark III, it’ll simply default back to the speed of UHS-I cards.

SD Express cards will be available in SDHC (High Capacity) and SDXC (Extended Capacity), as well as an all-new SDUC (Ultra Capacity) format. The new SDUC cards will have a maximum storage capacity of 128TB, a large leap from the maximum 2TB capacity of SDXC cards.

Infographic provided by the SD Association that details the various specs and classifications of different SD cards.

It also appears as though it’ll be possible for memory card manufacturers to make SDUC cards for slower SD bus interfaces. So, according to the above graphic, you could theoretically have a 128TB High Speed SD card. With a little back-of-the-napkin math, that means it would take 1,481 days to transfer all 128TB of the card based on the 25MB per second speeds of High Speed SD cards.

To find out more and read more details about the SD Express and SDUC formats, be sure to check out the SD Association’s press release. The SD Association has also released a white paper detailing the new capabilities and features found in the SD 7.0 specifications if you’re interested in really digging deep.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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2018 National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year winner announced

29 Jun

2018 National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year winners

Nature 1st Place – and Grand Prize winner
Photo and Caption by Reiko Takahashi / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest | MERMAID

Reiko Takahashi’s image of a humpback whale calf’s tail has been named Grand Prize winner of this year’s National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year contest. Her caption for the photo reads:

I was fortunate to have encountered a humpback whale with her calf on my first day snorkeling near Japan’s Kumejima Island. Most of the time, the calf stayed close to her mom. At one point, the calf began jumping and tapping its tail on the water near us—it was very friendly and curious. Finally, the mother, who was watching nearby, came to pick up the calf and swim away. I fell in love completely with the calf and it’s very energetic, large and beautiful tail.

Winners in three categories have also been chosen, from over 13,000 total entries. Takahashi’s photo, titled Mermaid, also took first place in the Nature category – Cities and People round out the categories.

Take a look through the winning images above and see more outstanding photos from the weeks leading up to this announcement at National Geographic’s website.

2018 National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year winners

Nature 2nd Place
Photo and Caption by hao j. / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest | FLAMINGOS TAKING OFF

Thousands of flamingos are seen taking off from the colorful Lake Natron in Tanzania. Before taking off, flamingos need to take a short run on water to build up some speed. At that moment, their long, red legs create a series of water ripples on the surface of the lake. Looking down from the helicopter, these ripple lines look like giant aquatic plants flowing in the water. This photo was taken from a helicopter.

2018 National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year winners

Nature 3rd Place
Photo and Caption by Marco Grassi / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest | MARS

These natural sand towers, capped with large stones, are known as the Earth Pyramids of Platten. They are situated in Northern Italy’s South Tyrol region. Formed centuries ago after several storms and landslides, these land formations look like a landscape from outer space and continuously change over the years and, more accurately, over seasons. This natural phenomenon is the result of a continuous alternation between periods of torrential rain and drought, which have caused the erosion of the terrain and the formation of these pinnacles. As the seasons change, the temperatures move between extremes and storms affect the area, pyramids disappear over time, while new pinnacles form as well.

2018 National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year winners

Cities 1st Place
Photo and Caption by Hiro Kurashina / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest | ANOTHER RAINY DAY IN NAGASAKI, KYUSHU

This is a view of the main street from a tram in Nagasaki on a rainy day. The tram is vintage, but retrofitted with modern ticketing equipment. A conductor is no longer on board—only the lone driver. The quiet streetscape seen through the front windshield of the tram somehow caught my attention. This view presents quite a contrast to busy urban centers in Japan, such as Tokyo and Osaka. The ride on a vintage tram through the relatively quiet main street was a memorable experience during our week-long visit to the historic city of Nagasaki.

2018 National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year winners

Cities 2nd Place
Photo and Caption by Enrico Pescantini / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest | Geometry of the Sun

Teotihuacan means ‘the place where the gods were created,’ and that’s the exact feeling visitors have when they walk along the Avenue of the Dead at this Mexican archeological site. This pyramid was dedicated to the god of Sun, and I found it mesmerizing how the rising sun in the picture conquered just half the image, while the other half is in the shadows. I have always loved archeology and ancient civilizations, so I couldn’t wait to visit Mexico and explore the remains of the pre-Columbian civilization. I planned my visit to Teotihuacan at sunrise, to get a combination of golden sunlight, play of shadows, and few crowds around. I flew my drone to see if the image I had in my mind was really out there: luckily for me, this frame was just waiting for my camera!

2018 National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year winners

Cities 3rd Place
Photo and Caption by Gaanesh Prasad / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest | REFLECTION

On an early morning, I wanted to photograph the fog, which is epic in Dubai every year from December to January—and almost every photographer’s dream in this part of the world. Sadly, I could not get access to the rooftop and so I peeped through the glazed window on a lower floor. I was overwhelmed and excited to see how beautiful the city looks, and my excitement was quadrupled as soon as I saw the reflection of the road and building on the building that I was in. I immediately opened the window to the maximum permissible amount and clicked a single shot with stretched hands.

2018 National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year winners

Cities Honorable Mention
Photo and Caption by Gary Cummins / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest | ALONE IN THE CROWDS

In this photo, I tried to bring the intense and stacked living conditions that Hong Kong is famous for into perspective for the viewer. With so many people living in small spaces, it’s strange to see all these amenities empty. As a solo traveler, I’m often alone in crowds and this photo resonates with me. I barely scratched the surface of this incredible urban environment, but this image really summarizes my experience here.

2018 National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year winners

People 1st Place
Photo and Caption by Alessandra Meniconzi / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest | TEA CULTURE

For a long time, I have been fascinated by the ancient Mongolian method of hunting with Golden Eagles. In early 2018, I followed one family of eagle hunters during their migration from winter camp to spring camp. Mongolia is sparsely populated, but the inhabitants have a very hospitable and welcoming culture. Tea for Kazakh culture is one of the attributes of hospitality. Tea isn’t just a drink, but a mix of tradition, culture, relaxation, ceremony, and pleasure. Damel, seen here wrapped in heavy fur clothes, drinks a cup of tea to keep warm from the chilly temperatures in Western Mongolia.

2018 National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year winners

People 2nd Place
Photo and Caption by TATI ITAT / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest | LEIDA AND LAELLE – I WILL LIFT YOU UP

Since 2016, I’ve been involved with Haitian immigrants and refugees living in my city, Estrela. I have become friends with some families, and especially with twin sisters, Leïda and Laëlle. They say living in Brazil is like living in paradise—very different from the reality of their country of origin. They dream of becoming models and teachers, as a way to earn money to bring their other relatives from Haiti to Brazil, to live all near one another. On this day, they were playing in front of their home, improvising exercises to develop their imagination and creativity, as if they were actresses, and playing an imitation game with poses. Laëlle reached for Leida’s face and lifted her head up, showing her where she should look. At this brief moment, I took the photo.

2018 National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year winners

People 3rd Place
Photo and Caption by MD Tanveer Hassan Rohan / National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year Contest | CHALLENGING JOURNEY

This photograph was taken from Dhaka’s airport rail station during the Eid vacation. People were returning to their village homes to spend Eid with families, and the rush at the last hour was immense. One man caught my attention: he was dangling on a train’s handle with his family, trying to get inside the train. At that time, rain started and the train began to slowly move. The family had tickets to board the train, but couldn’t get to their seats. There are many people like him, who come to Dhaka for work—leaving their families and home villages—so when they get vacation, they don’t want to miss the opportunity to spend time with dear ones, no matter what.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon EOS Rebel T7 sample gallery

29 Jun

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The Canon T7/2000D is about as affordable as DSLRs come – the 24MP camera goes for €470 with a kit lens in Europe and $ 500 in the US (from Canon directly only at the moment). We’ve been out shooting it with both the 18-55mm F4-5.6 IS STM and the compact 24mm F2.8 STM for good measure – take a look.

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Pentax FA* 50mm F1.4 SDM AW lens shipping in July for $1199

29 Jun

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First announced last October, Ricoh is ready to ship the HD Pentax-D FA* 50mm F1.4 SDM AW, a weather-sealed fast prime for the company’s full-frame DSLRs. The lens has 15 elements in 9 groups: one anomalous dispersion and three aspherical. A newly developed SDM ring-type motor has 7.5x as much torque as previous models in order to move all of that glass quickly and smoothly. As the lens uses an electromagnetic diaphragm, it is fully compatible with only the K-1 Mark II, K-1, K-3 II, K-3, KP, K-70, K-S2 or K-S1.

HD and Aero Bright II coatings reduce flare and ghosting while a Super Protect coating on the front element should help repel dirt and precipitation. The lens is sealed against dust and moisture and weighs in at 910g / 2lbs. The 50mm F1.4 has nine rounded aperture blades, and a minimum focus distance of 40cm / 15.6″. The maximum magnification is 0.18x.

You’ll be able to pick up the FA* 50mm F1.4 SDM AW in late July at an MSRP of $ 1199.

Official samples:

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Press Release:

RICOH ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF HD PENTAX-D FA? 50mm F1.4 SDM AW STAR-SERIES LENS

First model in new generation of high-performance K-mount lenses delivers exceptional imaging performance and superior dependability in a wide range of shooting conditions

WEST CALDWELL, NJ, June 28, 2018 ?Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the availability of the first model in its new generation of PENTAX Star series lenses, the HD PENTAX-D FA?50mm F1.4 SDM AW. This large-aperture, prime lens delivers stellar imaging performance and maximum light transmission—the hallmarks of the acclaimed Star series line—and is the perfect companion to any K-mount digital SLR camera including the full-frame PENTAX K-1 and new PENTAX K-1 Mark II models.

Premium-quality Star-series lenses deliver the highest performance among the PENTAX SLR interchangeable lens series, and have enjoyed enthusiastic support from PENTAX SLR camera users since the days of film. In addition to the initial design concepts of optimum image quality and large apertures for maximum light transmission, the series has embraced the additional concepts of exceptional toughness and outstanding operability, achieved through the development of a dustproof, weather-resistant lens housing. The resulting lenses provide superior dependability in wide range of shooting conditions.

The HD PENTAX-D FA?50mm F1.4 SDM AW lens delivers exceptional resolving power from the center to the edges of the image field, even when set to open aperture. The lens incorporates state-of-the-art PENTAX-developed lens coating technologies — including the new Aero Bright Coating II for exceptionally low reflectance and high-grade high-definition (HD) Coating — that enable it to produce extra-sharp, high-contrast images free of flare and ghost images. The lens’s dustproof, weather-resistant body also makes it extremely dependable and durable for shooting in demanding outdoor conditions. Its PENTAX K-mount covers the image circle of a 35mm-format full-frame image sensor.

The new lens is the first produced following Ricoh’s extensive review of standards for the top-of-the-line Star series. Engineers evaluated a variety of approaches to minimize aberrations and deliver the highest image quality. The HD PENTAX-D FA?50mm F1.4 SDM AW lens is designed to deliver optimum imaging performance with all compatible camera bodies, including next-generation digital SLRs.

| Key Features |

  1. New-generation, high-performance Star-series lens with large F1.4 maximum aperture

This lens has been developed as a new-generation member of the high-performance Star series — a lineup designed to deliver extra-clear, high-contrast images with edge-to-edge sharpness while keeping aberrations to a minimum. The lens, which is the result of an extensive review of traditional Star-series standards, provides greatly improved resolving power, which enables it to deliver excellent imaging performance even with more advanced, next-generation camera bodies. Developed as the first model of the new-generation Star-series lenses, the new lens boasts an extra-large F1.4 maximum aperture, useful with many different subjects in a range of applications, including portraiture with an effectively de-focused (bokeh) background, and handheld shooting of indoor scenes. It provides exceptional image quality even at open aperture, as well as outstanding performance at close ranges.

  1. State-of-the-art optical technology

The lens is treated with PENTAX-developed Aero Bright Coating II — a lens coating developed using a state-of-the-art nanotechnology process. It consists of a silica aerogel layer with a uniform porous structure over a regular multi-coating layer that reduces surface reflections across a wide wavelength range and produces crisp, high-quality images.

By coupling this advanced lens coating with the high-grade, multi-layer HD (high definition) Coating, average reflectance in the visible ray spectrum is reduced to less than 50% compared to conventional multi-layer coatings. As a result, the lens effectively reduces flare and minimizes ghost images even in demanding lighting conditions, such as backlighting. The lens incorporates three super-low dispersion glass elements and one aspherical element to effectively compensate for chromatic and spherical aberrations, enabling it to produce brilliant, high-contrast images with edge-to-edge sharpness. Since distortion is minimized even at a focusing distance of approximately one meter, the lens produces crisp, distortion-free images over the entire focusing range, from the minimum focusing distance to infinity.

  1. Dustproof, weather-resistant construction

Developed as an AW (all weather) model, this lens features a dependable dustproof, weather-resistant body with eight special seals to prevent the intrusion of water and dust into the lens interior. When paired with a PENTAX weather-resistant digital SLR camera body, it forms a durable, reliable digital imaging system that performs superbly in demanding conditions — even in rain or mist, or at locations prone to water splashes or spray.

  1. Newly developed ring-type motor

This lens features a newly developed ring-type SDM (supersonic direct-drive motor), which generates as much as 7.5 times the torque as the SDM installed in previous-generation lenses. This enormous driving power assures a smooth, high-speed shift of the heavy, multi-element rear lens group during focusing operation.

  1. Other features

?Nine-blade, round-shaped diaphragm produces a natural-looking de-focus (bokeh) effect up to an F2.8 aperture setting, while minimizing the streaking effect of point light sources

?A minimum focusing distance of 0.4 meters, effective for capturing images with a de-focus effect

?Electromagnetic diaphragm-control mechanism,* for flawless, high-precision exposure control during movie recording

?SP (Super Protect) coating to keep the front surface free of dust and spots

* This mechanism is available when the lens is mounted on a PENTAX K-1 Mark II, K-1, K-3 II, K-3, KP, K-70, K-S2 or K-S1 camera body.

| Pricing and Availability |

HD PENTAX-D FA?50mm F1.4 SDM AW will be available in late July 2018 at www.ricohimaging.com and retail outlets nationwide for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $ 1,199.95.

HD Pentax-D FA* 50mm F1.4 SDM AW specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type Prime lens
Max Format size 35mm FF
Focal length 50 mm
Image stabilization No
Lens mount Pentax KAF4
Aperture
Maximum aperture F1.4
Minimum aperture F16
Aperture ring No
Number of diaphragm blades 9
Optics
Elements 15
Groups 9
Special elements / coatings 1 aspherical + 3 anamalous dispersion elements, Aero Bright II + HD + Super Protect coatings
Focus
Minimum focus 0.40 m (15.75″)
Maximum magnification 0.18×
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Ring-type ultrasonic
Full time manual Yes
Focus method Internal
Distance scale Yes
DoF scale No
Physical
Weight 910 g (2.01 lb)
Diameter 80 mm (3.15″)
Length 106 mm (4.17″)
Sealing Yes
Colour Black
Filter thread 72 mm
Hood supplied Yes
Tripod collar No

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Phottix announces larger LED panels with the Kali600

29 Jun

Lighting brand Phottix has announced a new LED panel for videographers and stills photographers called the Kali600. Larger than the company’s hotshoe Nuada series, the Kali600 is designed for location and studio work and to be mounted on a stand.

The panel has 600 LEDs and can produce light across a range of 3200-5600K while offering a maximum brightness of 3000Lux. With a pair of battery plates the panel can be run from two optional Sony NP-type batteries or directly via the mains using the supplied AC adapter. A set of barndoors and a diffuser are included, as is a wireless remote that can be used to control the brightness and color temperature of the output.

The Phottix Kali600 costs $ 170 and is shipping straight away. For more information see the Phottix website.

Press release

Feel the power – Meet the Phottix Kali600 Video LED

Following the success of the Phottix Nuada series LEDs, Phottix is announcing a new LED lighting line-up: the Phottix Kali.

The new series will debut with the Kali600 model – a larger studio-style LED Panel for video and general studio and location photography.

Features:

  • Excellent color rendering – CRI 95+
  • Digital Power Control: 10% – 100%
  • Digital Color Control: 3300K – 5600K
  • Uses 2 Sony-compatible batteries or AC Adapter

The Phottix Kali600 will feature a maximum brightness of 3000Lux (36W). Being both mains and battery powered it can be used in the studio or on-location. The Kali600 offers power and color temperature control – via the panel as well as a wireless radio remote. Barndoors, white diffuser panel and AC Adapter are included.

What’s included:

  • Kali600 LED Main Panel with Barndoors and Diffuser Panel
  • Remote Control Unit
  • AC adapter ( US & UK & AU & EU plug )
  • Printed User Manual

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon patent application teases full-frame 58mm F1.4 ‘soft-focus’ lens

28 Jun

An interesting new patent application from Canon details a series of potential lens designs with an adjustable soft-focus feature.

Japanese patent application number 2018-97240 lays out the groundwork and schematics for four different full-frame camera lens designs that feature a dual-focus system: a 58mm F1.4, a 35m F1.8, a 105mm F2 and a 70-200mm F4.

According to the patent application, the first focusing module would be used for the traditional purpose of focusing on the subject matter. The other module, however, isn’t for the sake of focusing, but to intentionally soften the image using spherical aberration.

The patent application details two specific challenges designing such a lens: trying to focus the lens, which is a challenge to do when spherical aberration is present in the image, and having variable soft-focus, so you can add as much or as little spherical aberration as you see fit for the scene—something not possible with past soft-focus lenses.

Below is the computer-translated text from the patent detailing how the soft-focus module would work:

A second arrangement state by which said 1st focus group and said 2nd focus group are arranged so that a second aberration amount which will be in a focusing state in the aforementioned predetermined object distance, and is different from said first aberration amount may be generated.

Regardless of whether or not one of these lens designs ever makes it to market, this isn’t the first time a soft-focus lens has been made. In 1935, Leitz created the Thambar 90mm F2.2, a classic Leica lens renowned for its dream-like aesthetic. In fact, Leica released a modernized M-mount version of the Thambar 90mm F2.2 late last year as well.

As with all patents and patent applications, this design may never leave the metaphorical paper. But it’s interesting nonetheless.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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‘Potato Camera’ project creates camera out of a potato – what did you expect them to do?

28 Jun

It seems that there really is no limit to human ingenuity – at least at the lower end of the scale. Evidence: the Potato Camera.

The folks at Corridor Crew have published a new project video showcasing the creation of a sorta-interchangeable lens camera features a large potato as the camera body, hollowed-out to accommodate a custom 3D-printed film chamber. The lens is essentially smashed into the front of the potato with the addition of some light-blocking material, and the film is cut into 9in / 22cm strips.

We were somewhat surprised to see that it actually works. We were not at all surprised, on the other hand, to see that it does not work well.

Via: Boing Boing

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on ‘Potato Camera’ project creates camera out of a potato – what did you expect them to do?

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