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Canon launches updated EF 70-200mm F4L IS II

07 Jun

Canon has announced a new version of its popular 70-200mm F4L telezoom. The new Canon EF 70-200mm F4L IS II USM features numerous improvements over its predecessor, including five stops of stabilization – up from three in the older lens. The updated 70-200mm F4’s stabilization system is quieter, and now features three modes, designed specifically for shooting still and moving subjects.

Weighing 780g, the new 70-200mm F4L is 40g heavier than its predecessor. Optical construction comprises 20 elements in 15 groups, and the inclusion of Canon’s Super Spectra Coating should help minimize ghosts and flare. Meanwhile, front and rear elements gain fluorine coating, for ease of cleaning.

The Canon EF 70-200mm F4L IS II USM will be available later this month for $ 1299.

Press Release

CANON UPDATES LINEUP OF EF L-SERIES TELEPHOTO ZOOM LENSES WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF EF 70-200MM F/4L IS II USM AND EF 70-200MM F/2.8L IS III USM

Next Generation of EF 70-200mm Lenses Features a Variety of Updates Including Enhanced Optical Image Stabilization in the f/4 and the Inclusion of Air Sphere Coating in the f/2.8

MELVILLE, N.Y., June 7, 2018 – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today introduced two new telephoto zoom lenses, the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM and Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM. The new lenses serve advanced amateur and professional photographers in a variety of applications and solutions including wildlife, landscapes, portrait and sports photography. Canon EF 70-200mm focal-length lenses are a popular option for photographers in need of a long zoom range that maintains a relatively compact design. In addition, these updated lenses inherit the same overall build-quality and ruggedness photographers have come to expect from the Canon EF L-series line of lenses.

“At the core of image capturing, Canon believes the lens is just as important as the camera. A seamless relationship between the two allows photographers to produce emotion-evoking and timeless images,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and chief operating officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Canon is excited to offer photographers two distinct options in the 70-200mm focal-length, continuing to further expand our optics heritage.”

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM

The new Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM features numerous updates over its predecessor, making it an ideal lens for advanced amateur photographers using Canon DSLR cameras such as the EOS 6D Mark II or EOS 80D. Most notably, Optical Image Stabilization is upgraded from three stops to five shutter speed stops of correction over the original f/4 lens. The improved IS allows photographers to more easily capture crisp, in-focus images without the use of a tripod. The new lens also features three IS modes, each uniquely designed and suitable for a variety of shooting situations, such as the capture of still subjects, panning or fast moving objects2. Furthermore, the IS operational noise has been reduced, which proves ideal for photographers shooting in a concert hall or on-stage shooting at the theatre.

Additional noteworthy features of the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM include:

  • One fluorite lens and two UD lenses helps to provide high-image quality
  • Minimum focusing distance shortened from 1.2m to 1m (3.9ft to 3.3ft)
  • Super Spectra Coating technology and optimized lens element placement helps minimize ghosting and flaring
  • Circular nine blade aperture producing a beautiful bokeh quality, ideal for portrait shooting
  • Lens features 20 lens elements in 15 groups
  • Fluorine coating on front and rear elements helps to reduce smears and fingerprints
  • Inner focusing system with Ring Ultrasonic Motor

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM

The new Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM is an ideal lens for professional photographers who shoot with the Canon 1D and 5D series of DSLR cameras. The inclusion of Air Sphere Coating (ASC) technology helps to reduce flaring and ghosting, and suppresses the reflection of light.

Additional noteworthy features of the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM include:

  • Optical Image Stabilizer up to 3.5 shutter speed stops of correction
  • Fluorine coating on front and rear elements helps to reduce smears and fingerprints
  • Inner focusing system with Ring Ultrasonic Motor
  • One fluorite lens and five UD lenses helps to provide high-image quality
  • Minimum focusing distance of 1.2m (3.9ft)
  • Lens features 23 elements in 19 groups
  • Circular eight blade aperture

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II is scheduled to begin shipping in late June 2018 with an estimated retail price of $ 1,299.00. The Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III is scheduled to begin shipping in August 2018 for an estimated retail price of $ 2,099.00

. For additional information regarding the lenses improved performance over predecessors please visit, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFTBw7-8gdk&feature=youtu.be.

Canon EF 70-200mm F4L IS II specifications

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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DxO updates Nik Collection, releases PhotoLab 1.2 with U Point local adjustments

07 Jun
DxO Photolab 1.2 includes improved local adjustments.

DxO Labs – which split from DxO Mark in January – announced bankruptcy a few months back, but with a silver-lining: its flagship desktop software, Photolab, would receive a free update by summer. The company also announced that the Nik Software Collection – purchased from Google in late 2017 – would receive its first update since 2017.

As of today, both promises have been fulfilled, in a welcome indication that DxO Labs seems committed to its desktop editing business.

Nik Collection 2018

DxO engineers spent about six months working on code improvements to the Nik Collection, mostly with the aim of fixing bugs to ensure operational stability on the latest 64-bit Macs and PCs. There are no new features, but all seven plugins should also now work properly with the latest versions of Adobe Photoshop and Elements.

This is the first update to the collection since 2017, but it will come at a cost: until July 1st you can download the collection for $ 49.99 / £39.99 / €49.99. But after July 1st it will cost $ 69 / £59 / €69. There’s no word yet from DxO on how much future updates will cost, but we’re told that the company plans on releasing a new version yearly and it seems likely that those who download version 2018 will get a discount on future versions.

Download Nik Collection 2018 here.

Photolab 1.2

The latest version of Photolab, which is free for current users, incorporates the Nik Collection’s U Point technology, adding a much-loved set of local adjustments to the popular editing software. This update also adds hue and selective tone local adjustments, as well as support for recent cameras.

Download Photolab 1.2 here.

RIP DxO ONE Camera

This final bit of news should come as no surprise, but the DxO ONE camera is officially discontinued. The camera will continue to be sold by some retailers in the USA and France as long as they have inventory, so if you’ve been sitting on the fence about buying one, you’d better hurry.

Press Release:

With the Nik Collection 2018 by DxO and DxO PhotoLab 1.2, DxO continues to develop innovative solutions for photographers and creative professionals

The first update of the plugin suite that DxO acquired in late 2017, the Nik Collection 2018 by DxO offers full compatibility with the latest Mac and PC OSs and Adobe CC products, while DxO PhotoLab 1.2 enhances its local setup tools that incorporate exclusive U Point technology.

PARIS – June 6, 2018 – DxO, one of the world’s most innovative consumer imaging companies, today announced the immediate availability of the Nik Collection 2018 by DxO, an updated suite of Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop plugins for photographers and creative professionals. Eagerly awaited by the user community, this “by DxO” update marks the return to the market of the Nik Collection with the first stable version and with customer support. Also available today, DxO PhotoLab 1.2, an update of DxO’s acclaimed RAW and JPEG image processing software, adds new local correction features and adds support for seven additional cameras.

Nik Collection 2018 by DxO: Better user experience and stability

Since the acquisition of the Nik Collection from Google in late 2017, the DxO development team has spent several months analyzing and optimizing the code of the seven plugins that make up the software suite to make them stable and operational. “The process was long and complex,” explained Bruno Sayakhom, Product Owner at DxO. “It was necessary to recover and recompile source code that had not been maintained for a long time in order to make it compatible with the latest versions of Adobe products and the latest Apple OS updates. This is a first step that allows us to start afresh.”

The Nik Collection 2018 by DxO is now fully functional and compatible with all 64-bit Windows and Mac platforms, as well as with Adobe Lightroom Classic CC, Photoshop CC 2018, and Photoshop Elements 2017/2018. In addition, DxO now provides support in four languages on its website (http://nikcollection.dxo.com/), which will soon include exclusive tutorials. The software suite update, including the seven plugins, is now available in 13 languages, and includes a free 30-day trial period.

“We are proud to relaunch the Nik Collection, which users have been waiting for,” said Jean-Marc Alexia, DxO’s VP of Product Strategy and Marketing. “We have put all of our know-how into offering photographers and creative artists the best possible user experience. This is just the first step: using Uservoice-type surveys, we will be reaching out to the user community, from whom we greatly desire to gather feedback about their experiences and gain insight into their expectations.”

Designed for expert photographers and graphic designers, the Nik Collection includes seven powerful plugins for Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, and Photoshop Elements that offer a full range of creative effects and filters:

  • Analog Efex Pro applies analog film, camera and lens simulations to digital photos.
  • Color Efex Pro includes a set of filters for color correction, touch-up, and creative effects.
  • Dfine reduces the noise of digital images by analyzing the specificities of each device.
  • HDR Efex Pro processes images in HDR.
  • Sharpener Pro increases the accuracy and enhances the detail of digital images.
  • Silver Efex Pro is a black and white image conversion solution inspired by darkroom techniques.
  • Viveza locally adjusts the color and tone of specific areas of the image.

Thanks to exclusive U Point technology, the Nik Collection plugins allow you to apply local settings to specific areas in a fluid and precise way.

The Nik Collection 2018 by DxO is available for download on the DxO website (http://shop.dxo.com/us/photo-software/dxo-nikcollection) for $ 49.99 / £39.99 / €49.99 instead of $ 69 / £59 / €69 until July 1st, 2018.

DxO PhotoLab 1.2 improves its local adjustment tools that integrate U Point technology

Recently awarded the 2018 TIPA Award for Best Image Processing Software, DxO PhotoLab (formerly DxO OpticsPro) offers a complete RAW and JPEG processing solution based on optical corrections from mathematically established laboratory models, as well as such exclusive features as PRIME noise reduction technology and DxO Smart Lighting intelligent exposure optimization.

DxO has integrated Nik Software’s U Point technology, acquired from Google in late 2017, into DxO PhotoLab. This exclusive technology allows photographers to apply local settings in a non-destructive RAW stream to specific areas in an image.

With version 1.2 of DxO PhotoLab, DxO continues to enhance its software by adding the Hue (HSL) and Selective Tone settings, to unblock locally dark areas or recover overexposed areas. The tool’s equalizer system has been redesigned accordingly, and local settings are now grouped by categories: Light, Color, and Detail. Each category can be shown or hidden with a single click, for an efficient workflow.

In response to user requests, we have added a new keyboard shortcut that displays the U Point mask in grayscale and shows the area that will be affected by the correction.

Finally, DxO PhotoLab 1.2 adds support for images from the Sony A7 III; the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G9, TZ90, and GF9; the Canon EOS 2000D; and the Apple iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X. Thanks to the quality of DxO PhotoLab’s RAW conversion, which is based on prior calibration of each sensor in the laboratory, images taken with these cameras and smartphones will automatically be corrected for optical defects.

The ESSENTIAL and ELITE editions of DxO PhotoLab (PC and Mac) are available for download on the DxO website (http://shop.dxo.com/), and from retailers at $ 129 / £99 / €129 and $ 199 / £159 / €199, respectively (recommended retail prices).

Photographers who own a version of DxO OpticsPro can acquire an upgrade to DxO PhotoLab by logging into their customer account at www.dxo.com. A fully-functional trial version of DxO PhotoLab, valid for one month, is available on the DxO website: https://www.dxo.com/us/photography/download.

About DxO

For over 10 years, DxO has been developing some of the world’s most advanced image processing technologies, which have already enabled more than 400 million devices to capture images of unparalleled quality. DxO develops DxO PhotoLab (formerly DxO OpticsPro), as well as other image processing software for Mac and PC, which have been acclaimed by the world’s leading photographers.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Hot Wheels new ‘Zoom In’ car is a GoPro mount with wheels

07 Jun

As a kid, did you ever wish you could capture what it would be like to have a first-person perspective inside a Hot Wheels car as it raced around the tracks you’d built? If so, be prepared to relive the glory days.

Hot Wheels manufacturer Mattel has partnered with GoPro to launch a special edition vehicle designed specifically to carry a GoPro Hero5 Session onboard—the ‘Zoom In’.

This little vehicle, which is part of Hot Wheels’ ‘Experimotors’ lineup, is effectively the bottom half of a standard Hot Wheels car with a square cutout in the middle and a latch to help hold the GoPro in place. It features GoPro’s signature black and blue branding for colors, with a splash of red on the wheels.

YouTuber Izzy’s Toy Time has already tested out the ‘Zoom In’ with a Hero5 Session and shared the results:

The best part is, the ‘Zoom In’ costs no more than a standard Hot Wheels car, meaning you can probably pick one up for a dollar or so at your nearest supermarket or toy store. Of course, you’ll need a GoPro Hero5 Session camera as well, which is retailing for about $ 120 at the moment. But if you have one on hand, it’s well worth it to wrangle up a few quarters and take this thing for a spin around the track.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI: Video overview

07 Jun

The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI, is a 1″-type compact camera with a 20.1-megapixel Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor and a 24-200mm equivalent F2.8-4.5 zoom lens. We’ve been shooting with one since it was announced yesterday, and have prepared a brief overview video from the launch event in New York.

Learn more about the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Report: Instagram to allow posting of hour-long videos

06 Jun

When Instagram first introduced the ability to upload video files in 2013, the length of clips was limited to 15 seconds. Since then the limit has been increased to one minute, but that’s still not exactly long-form video.

Currently the only way to share longer videos is by live-streaming, but according to a report in The Wall Street Journal this could be about to change. Apparently the Facebook-owned mobile image sharing platform is working on the ability to allow uploads of videos with a length of up to one hour.

According to the report, Instagram is currently putting an emphasis on uploading and publishing video in vertical format, which given the platform’s popularity, could have serious impacts on how video will be shot and produced in the future in general. That said, some details could change before the feature is officially launched.

The company is also talking to video content creators about and publishers about creating longer videos for Instagram. Presumably this is done to ensure the availability of some high-quality content on the platform at the time of launch.

We’ll have to wait and see what the final product will look like but this latest Instagram move could be a big one, offering an alternative platform for video bloggers and even the ability to stream professionally produced shows and other types of content.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Peak Design acknowledges flaw with its Anchor connectors, is offering free replacements

06 Jun

For the fourth time since Peak Design launched its first camera strap system, the San Francisco-based camera bag and accessory manufacturer is changing its Anchor connectors—the little pieces that attach to your gear and snap into its camera straps.

The change comes after Peak Design realized its third version of the dyneema Anchor connectors, which were originally made to accommodate a larger variety of camera systems with smaller eyelets, are prematurely wearing out and failing.

According to Peak Design, there have only been seven reported failures of Anchor connectors of the more than one million sold since August 2017. That means only one in every 17,000 customers have been affected. But Peak Design said that’s still too high of a failure rate.

As seen in the above comparison image, Peak Design is fixing the issue by making the Anchor connector cord thicker once again.

Peak Design says it’s notified all customers who’ve purchased version three of its Anchor connectors, be it standalone or in a package with a camera strap. If you’re afraid you missed the email or otherwise want to double-check, Peak Design has created an Anchor update survey to help you see if you qualify. Also, as of May 22nd, 2018, all camera straps purchased through Peak Design’s website will come with a free Anchor Update Kit. According to a post on its support page, Peak Design said ‘eventually’ all Peak Design camera straps will contain version four Anchor connectors.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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PanoClip is a 360-degree smartphone lens

06 Jun

If you’ve been toying with the idea of trying 360-degree imaging but are reluctant to spend large amounts of money on specialist equipment, the newly announced $ 50 PanoClip might be worth a good look.

The PanoClip snaps onto a smartphone and lets you capture 360-degree photos by combining images from the device’s front and rear cameras. The latter are aligned with the PanoClip’s built-in super-wide-angle lenses and image output from both cameras is stitched in real-time in the PanoClip companion app.

The app also allows you to create a “Tiny Planet” effect and can convert 360-degree images into short video clips that showcase the scene in every direction. A number of filter effects are available as well and sharing options include Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook and other social platforms.

PanoClip looks like a clever idea. Smartphones already have front and rear cameras, so there isn’t really a need for 360-degree clip-on cameras to come with their own sensors and lens combos. Wide angle conversion lenses for the built-in cameras in the phone are enough and reduce cost. What’s the effect on image quality? We don’t know yet but we hope to get a test unit in our hands sometime soon.

PanoClip can now be ordered at PanoClip.com for $ 49.99 in two body configurations. The full version can be used with screen protectors and thin protective cases. The PanoClip Lite does not work with any any protective gear. Both are compatible with the iPhones 6/Plus, 6s/Plus, 7/Plus, 8/Plus and X. The PanoClip team is also working on a version for Android devices.

Press Release:

PanoClip Lets You Shoot 360° and ‘Tiny Planets’ from Your Phone for $ 49.99

The groundbreaking PanoClip launched today, letting anyone effortlessly take 360° photos and “Tiny Planet” shots straight from their phone. Using a cleverly designed dual-lens system, PanoClip snaps instantly onto a smartphone, and then creates a seamless 360° photo by combining images from the front and rear cameras.

Available today to iPhone users for $ 49.99 USD, PanoClip is the first device of its kind. It pairs perfectly with the cameras people use most – their phones – and makes 360° capture easier than ever before. An Android version will be available soon.

Introducing PanoClip: https://youtu.be/4hRdKWWExvA

How It Works

Traditional 360° cameras use two or more cameras to capture all angles of a scene, before stitching them together into a single image. PanoClip works on the same principle, but thanks to some ingenious tech, it achieves the same result with the two cameras that are likely already in your pocket.

Using PanoClip could not be simpler. Snapping it onto the top of a phone will align its super-wide-angle lenses with the phone’s front and rear cameras. Then, all that’s left to do is open up the companion app and start taking 360° snapshots.

PanoClip users will never miss a detail, and they’ll easily capture vibrant, dynamic scenes with action in every direction, such as music festivals or parties. When users want to focus on a particular part of the action, the screenshot feature lets them re-frame the best angles.

Sharing is effortless, with integrated publishing options for Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, Facebook and every popular social platform.

Karen Cheng introducing the PanoClip: https://youtu.be/3dPu4_pm1aM

Your Whole World… But Tinier

Along with capturing immersive 360° scenes that can be explored with a simple finger swipe, PanoClip also unlocks a world of creative possibilities for traditional “flat” pictures, such as the unique Tiny Planet effect.

Tiny Planet shots roll an entire 360° view into a traditional rectangular or square frame, allowing creators to get mind-bending effects that show the world in an all-new way.

How To Make a Tiny Planet (Karen Cheng Tutorial): https://youtu.be/fQ-Z8IC2IR4

Spin View, SkyWarp and Filter Effects

The PanoClip’s Spin View feature lets users take advantage of the benefits of 360° photos on any social media platform – even those that don’t natively support 360° content.

Spin View converts 360° snapshots into short, dynamic video clips that showcase the scene in every direction and bend it into eye-catching shapes.

Plus, users can apply the new SkyWarp effect to add a stunning twist to these video clips. For shots taken outdoors, the PanoClip app will automatically detect the horizon, and then swap out the sky with a variety of preset skyscapes that shift and flow in time with a music clip. It’s trippy, fun and will make your friends think you’ve got crazy editing skills.

The PanoClip app also offers a full range of colorful filters, and a variety of stickers to add a creative touch to any 360° scene.

PanoClip is available now at PanoClip.com. Two body configurations, a full and a Lite version, together offer compatibility for iPhone 6/Plus, 6s/Plus, 7/Plus, 8/Plus and X. An Android version is also on the way.

To purchase a PanoClip or learn more, visit PanoClip.com today.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Apple improves photo search and sharing, adds Camera Effects in iOS 12

06 Jun

At its WWDC developer conference in San Jose, Apple has showcased the beta version of its iOS 12 mobile operating system, which will be officially released this fall. And the new software comes with a few imaging-related improvements.

Photo search has been updated and now comes with search suggestions. If you are searching a photo on your device, even before you start typing, you’ll see suggestions for recent events you have attended, people you have photographed, and places you have been to. The suggestions are refined as you start typing and search results get even more precise if you use multiple keywords.

Photo sharing has been overhauled as well and the camera roll now features a new ‘For You’ tab. In the latter the best moments and events from your photo library are displayed. If people are detected in your images, the system suggests sharing the image with them. If your contacts are running iOS 12, they’ll also be prompted to share their photos from the same events with you.

Lastly, there is Camera Effects. This new feature allows you to create and share images and videos, directly in the Messages and FaceTime cameras, using Animoji, Memoji, filters, animated text effects, stickers, and other effects.

For a full list of all new features in iOS 12 head over to the Apple website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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DJI announces price and delivery date for Ronin-S gimbal

06 Jun

Chinese drone manufacturer DJI has announced that the Ronin-S, its first single-handed stabilizer, will be available from late this month at a cost of $ 699. The company says it is taking pre-orders now via its own store and at authorized resellers around the world.

The Ronin-S is designed to support cameras as large as the Canon EOS 5D IV and it will be able to carry up to 8lbs of camera and lens. It comes with a number of innovations including the ability to compensate for trombone zooms, a Push Mode that lets users adjust the pan, tilt and roll balances while the gimbal is still on, and a battery that DJI claims will last for up to 12 hours of shooting.

Despite early appearances, when released the Ronin-S will be fitted with a standard Manfrotto style quick release plate, and the whole rig will be controllable via the DJI Ronin app on a smartphone or with the optional Focus Command Center.
For more information see the DJI website.

Press release:

DJI Reveals Pricing And Availability Of Ronin-S

DJI’s First Single-Handed Stabilizer Offers Professional Quality At A Competitive Price

DJI, the world’s leader in creative camera technology, today revealed the pricing and availability of the Ronin-S, DJI’s first single-handed stabilizer for DSLR and mirrorless camera systems. The Ronin-S will retail for $ 699 USD with pre-orders beginning May 29 at www.dji.com, DJI flagship stores and authorized dealers worldwide, with shipments starting in late June.

About the Ronin-S
Utilizing DJI’s powerful three-axis gimbal technology, the Ronin-S delivers smooth, shake-free video and crisp photos, adding a cinematic and professional look to your work.

Powerful high-torque motors support a payload of 8 pounds to accommodate the most popular camera and lens combinations including the Canon 1D and 5D, Panasonic GH and Sony Alpha series. Its stabilization system compensates for zoom lenses with external zooming barrels and higher magnification ratios, while its advanced stabilization algorithms work with both in-camera and in-lens optical stabilization technology. When mounted to a vehicle, the maximum operation speed has been tested at 47mph with a Panasonic GH5 and 50mm lens utilizing an optional top hotshoe bracket.

Capturing stabilized video has never been easier because the Ronin-S was designed for easy setup and use. A new Push Mode lets you adjust the pan, tilt and roll axis by hand while the Ronin-S is powered on and an Auto Tune function automatically adjusts the strength of the motors to speed up gear prep so you can spend more time filming and less time setting up your gear. The Ronin-S has a comfortable, ergonomic design that helps capture smooth cinematic movements from upright to flashlight mode to underslung positions without obstructing the camera’s display. Ronin-S also features DJI’s intelligent battery system that is built into the handle and has an operating time of 12 hours.

The high-precision joystick changes the camera position to help frame your shot perfectly while a host of dedicated buttons allow operators to control various settings such as toggling between SmoothTrack profiles or to begin and stop recording.* An included Focus Wheel can be mounted to either side of the handle via the 8-pin ports on each side and a new Sport mode allows seamless transitions to fast movements with tight and quick subject following speed.

Harness intelligent shooting modes and advanced customization on the Ronin-S through the DJI Ronin mobile app such as creating complex camera moves automatically like Panorama, Motionlapse, Timelapse and Track that lets you designate specific camera positions in a scene and rotate between them on demand. Operators can also change SmoothTrack settings including the Speed, Acceleration and Deadband for each axis, save them in three profiles and toggle between them with the dedicated M button on the Ronin-S. Vital camera settings can be directly adjusted via the Ronin app and the optional Focus Command Center accessory allows for quick changes when needed.*

Ronin-S uses an industry standard Manfrotto quick release system and is compatible with a variety of DJI Pro Accessories to capture any scene and expand your creative freedom on set or on location. Supported optional accessories include a Focus Command Center consisting of a menu screen allowing for advanced gimbal, camera, and focus control without a mobile device; DJI Force Pro; DJI Master Wheels; the Ronin 2 remote controller; and an external focus motor for manual lenses that pairs with the included Focus Wheel. The Ronin-S can also be used with the DJI vehicle mount, jib mount and the dual-handle system for when an added level of comfort and stability is required.

The Ronin-S firmware that supports camera parameter control will become available in early July.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI: What you need to know

06 Jun

Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI: What you need to know

The sixth and latest in Sony’s popular RX100-series, the RX100 VI is (unsurprisingly) the most powerful yet. Still pocketable, but now offering a longer zoom than any of its predecessors and an updated AF system, the RX100 VI promises to be a highly versatile camera. We’ve been poring over the specs for a while – click through this article for a closer look.

New 24-200mm (equiv) F2.8-4.5 lens

Perhaps the most obvious addition to the RX100 VI compared to its predecessors is a substantially longer zoom lens, with a claimed 4EV of optical image stabilization. Whereas the RX100 V’s zoom topped out at a modest 70mm, the RX100 VI’s lens reaches all the way to 200mm (equivalent).

In one sense, this should make the RX100 VI a more versatile camera than its predecessors, but that additional zoom range doesn’t come for free. The RX100 VI’s maximum aperture is F2.8-4.5, which is significantly slower than the F1.8-2.8 of its predecessor, and it does not include the useful built-in ND found in earlier models.

New 24-200mm (equiv) F2.8-4.5 lens

As you can see from our equivalent aperture graph, the RX100 VI’s lens offers an equivalent (in DoF terms) maximum aperture of around F8 at 24mm, and it only gets darker from there. Whether this matters depends on several factors, not least ambient light. It’s worth noting though that subject/background separation will be more challenging with the RX100 VI compared to previous-generation RX100-series cameras. That being said, it should be noted that beyond 50mm (equivalent) the RX100 VI’s lens is significantly brighter than both the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 and the older ZS100. The maximum F12 equivalent aperture on the long end should mean less diffraction-induced softening than the F16 equivalent offered by the Panasonics.

The lens itself is comprised of 15 elements in 12 groups, featuring two ED (extra-low dispersion) aspherical glass elements and eight aspherical lens elements including four AA (advanced aspherical) lenses. Sony claims that this results in ‘outstanding sharpness from corner-to-corner at all focal lengths’ and we’ll be sure to test this for ourselves as soon as possible.

Upgraded tracking and better buffer

The RX100 VI incorporates an upgraded BIONZ X™ image processor and Front-end LSI. This has resulted in several improvements, including to autofocus speed (Sony claims an AF response time of 0.03 seconds) and superior Eye AF tracking, to the tune (again, claimed) of a 2x performance increase compared to the RX100 V.

The maximum stills capture rate of 24fps is unchanged compared to the RX100 V, but the new camera can shoot for up to 233 images, compared to around 150 in the earlier model.

Full-width oversampled 4K video

As we’ve come to expect from Sony’s RX-series as a whole, the RX100 VI offers impressive video specifications, in addition to its stills capture features. The new camera can capture 4K video at up to 30p, at a maximum bitrate of 100 Mbps. 4K video is oversampled from 5K, and the entire sensor area is utilized, resulting in very clean, detailed footage. High definition 1080p footage is also possible, at up to 120fps. High frame rate modes are available, with up to 960 fps capture.

New in the RX100 VI is an HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) gamma curve option within Picture Profiles, which in Sony’s words offers ‘an instant HDR workflow solution’. HLG gamma fits the entire dynamic range of the sensor into your video. While footage will look flat on a standard display like the rear LCD, plug the camera into an HDR display and enable its HLG mode and you’ll see your high dynamic range footage, from preserved highlights to detailed shadows, with the more lifelike contrast modern TVs offer. The use of HLG and zebras in stills also allows you perfectly expose your Raws, as we covered in our a7R III review.

Sadly, the RX100 VI omits a microphone socket, meaning that external recording will be necessary for any kind of serious filmmaking.

Touch-sensitive, tilting LCD

Oh happy day! The RX100 VI is the first RX100-series model to offer a touch-sensitive LCD. This enables touch to focus and touch shutter – both nice features that we’ve been enjoying for several years on competitive cameras. It’s particularly important for the RX100 series, which has always had limited controls and particularly cumbersome methods for selecting your AF point.

Touch-sensitive, tilting LCD

The tilt angle of the screen has also been expanded, to up to 90 degrees downwards and 180 degrees upwards. You know – for selfies.

Updated Menus

Not only have menus been updated to the far more organized structure we’ve come to expect on a7/a9 cameras, a My Menu has been added. You can populate it with your most accessed menu items, in your preferred order. This, combined with the customizable Fn menu accessible on-screen during shooting, should make it easy to quickly access your most used settings. This is particularly important on a camera with so few controls.

Redesigned ‘one push’ EVF

The RX100 VI’s XGA OLED pop-up EVF is similar to previous models in the series, but once popped-up, the finder optics no longer need to be manually extended for use. This might sound like a minor upgrade, but missing a shot because you forgot to pop out the finder window is an annoyance that will be familiar to many RX100 IV/V owners.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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