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  • DJI adds ‘voluntary identification’ for drone pilots who want to broadcast their credentials

    DJI has updated its AeroScope drone tracking and identification system to include an optional self-identification feature for drone operators who choose to broadcast the info. With this update, operators can now “voluntarily identify their flight operations to authorities,” DJI explained in a press release. That info will join the serial number and telemetry data DJI drones broadcast to AeroScope receivers used by authorities.

    AeroScope was created as a solution for airport officials and law enforcement who need to identify drones operated in ways that violate regulations, such as near an airport. The system picks up on the telemetry data and serial number of a drone using the communications link between the drone and its remote controller. This localized data broadcasting limits surveillance potential by avoiding the Internet altogether.

    You can see the tech in action in this video.

    Via updates to both the DJI GO 4 app and DJI drones, operators will now have the option of broadcasting their Unique User Identification Code (UUIC), which is connected to their DJI pilot account, as well as providing Identification & Flight Information. With that latter option, drone operators can choose to share information about their flight with authorities who may be nearby with an AeroScope receiver.

    Though AeroScope remains a point of contention for many DJI owners, the added ability to voluntarily provide information about a flight could prove beneficial for pilots, enabling them to directly provide law enforcement or other authorities with details about the nature of flight and why it is taking place.

    The feature started rolling out late last week, first arriving via an update for the DJI Mavic Pro.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Video: Incredible 1,000fps slow-motion 4K lightning footage

    If you need something to get your week off to an ‘epic’ start, look no further than DP Dustin Farrell’s incredible storm chasing video he just released yesterday. Captured mostly with a Phantom Flex4K slow-motion camera at 1,000fps, it’s a slow-motion masterpiece with lightning footage that left this writer’s jaw slack.

    The video, titled Transient, is a compilation of Farrell’s best storm chasing shots from the 2017 season. Over the course of 30 days he says he drove over 20,000 miles—developing a deeper “respect and admiration for storm chasers” all the while. He also shared some technical details in the video’s description:

    Most of the lightning footage was captured in uncompressed raw at 1000 frames per second with our Phantom Flex4K.

    […]

    The Phantom Flex4K is a camera that must be post triggered while shooting high speed. This works out well for capturing lightning because the camera is always recording and rewriting to internal ram. As soon as a bolt appears in my view finder I trigger the camera to save what has been stored in the ram. Shooting at high frame rates requires a lot of light. Therefore, I mostly used my Zeiss Otus 28, 55, and 85mm lenses wide open at f1.4. In all, I captured 10TB of data during this production.

    But don’t let the plethora of awesome footage fool you, this was an incredibly challenging project:

    This is one of the most difficult projects I have ever attempted in my career […] Chasing storms with a Phantom Flex4K is stressful even when things are going well. There were at least 10 days where I returned home with my tail between my legs and nothing to show after a ten hour chase and 500 miles. There were also a couple of days that I drove home with an ear to ear smile that lasted for hours.

    Check out the results for yourself above, but don’t forget to do it right: shades drawn, headphones on, volume up, and resolution set to 4K. It is 100% worth it. And if you like what you see, definitely head over to Farrell’s website or give him a follow on Facebook and Instagram.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Video: Shooting the Milky Way hand-held with the Sigma 14mm F1.8 Art

    More than once, we’ve called the Sigma 14mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art lens an astrophotographer’s dream lens. From the moment it was announced, we were dying to get our hands on it; and once we did, it did not disappoint. But what’s the big deal? Why pay $ 1,600 for this lens when the very capable Samyang/Rokinon 14mm F2.4 will cost you half as much and resolve nearly as much detail (if not more)?

    Light… that’s why. A point explained beautifully by photographer Alyn Wallace, who recently took the 14mm F1.8 Art out for a spin in the night. After managing to take a hand-held photograph of the Milky Way—an insane and somewhat-pointless but also kind-of-fun experiment to see what F1.8 can really do—he pops the lens onto a tripod for some proper astrophotography and is immediately blown away.

    “This lens is a light vacuum,” he says. “It’s like I’ve stuck a black hole on the front of my camera.”

    DPReview’s Dale Baskin felt similarly after shooting the Aurora with the Sigma 14mm F1.8 Art, writing in his Gear of The Year post, “Once I tried the Sigma 14mm F1.8 it was game over. I knew I had found the one.”

    Of course, the lens isn’t perfect, and Wallace gets into that as well, looking closely at the corners and revealing where pushing this lens to F1.8 is going to cost you. To see his results and drool a bit over a piece of glass that may make its way onto your very own “treat yourself” list this holiday season, check out the full video up top.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • This 32-inch QHD Philips monitor with 99% Adobe RGB only costs $500

    Bargain hunters looking for a high quality monitor for designer work or photo editing, there’s a new panel in town that you will want to consider. Meet the Philips 328P6AUBREB P-line display, a 32-inch Quad HD (2560 x 1440) monitor with 100% sRGB coverage, 99% Adobe RGB coverage, and HDR technology.

    This monitor is essentially Philips response to BenQ’s 27-inch SW2700PT, which retails for $ 600 and features nearly identical specs, albeit in a slightly smaller screen. Depending on your needs, you might actually prefer the higher PPI of the smaller BenQ monitor, but the ability to get a slightly higher contrast ratio—1,200:1 on the Philips vs 1,000:1 on the BenQ—and a bit more screen real estate for $ 100 less is definitely tempting.

    Regarding the ‘HDR technology’ mentioned above, HDR viewing will definitely benefit from the relatively bright (for computer monitors, anyway) 450 nits typical brightness, and the wide color gamut support. However, the low contrast typically associated with IPS displays means you won’t want to use this as a primary HDR viewing or grading monitor.

    Finally, before you put it on your wish list, there is one more thing to consider. Despite diving into the user manual, we couldn’t find any mention of direct access to the 12-bit internal LUTs for color calibration on the Philips monitor.

    The BenQ monitors, by comparison, come with calibration software that directly addresses the 14-bit internal LUTs to calibrate your monitor without sacrificing the overall bit-depth of the display, minimizing the risk of banding. The color calibration solution BenQ provides, while of course requiring the purchase of a separate colorimeter or spectrophotometer, is definitely an advantage of its lineup.

    The Philips 328P6AUBREB P-line display will officially go on sale in January for £439 / 499 EUR/ 499 USD, and if you’re like some of the folks at our office, you’re seriously tempted by this display… at this price.

    Press Release

    New Philips Adobe RGB, QHD, docking USB-C monitor

    • USB-C docking for simplicity and single-cable peripherals docking
    • Designed for professionals whose work demands a maximum of quality

    Amsterdam, 30 November 2017 – MMD, the leading technology company and brand license partner for Philips monitors, is rolling out a new Philips Brilliance QHD docking USB-C monitor with High Dynamic Range (HDR). The 32-inch 328P6AUBREB delivers great image quality and one-cable docking for enhanced productivity and effortless convenience.

    Connectivity made simple

    The 328P6AUBREB is equipped with the extremely versatile connectivity of the latest-generation USB 3.1 Type C technology. Featuring a slim, reversible connector, USB-C enables users to charge, transfer audio and video signal, and connect to the Internet – all with one single cable. Hence, the monitor instantly becomes a hub and serves as a docking station, just without using that extra space on the desk. It also enables easy linking of multiple monitors, which is useful for graphic designers for example. Consequently, USB-C extends the limited connectivity of notebooks and allows users to transfer data securely at ultra-fast speeds. USB 3.1 is 20 times faster than USB 2.0, making data transfer a breeze. And, for those whose devices seem to always be running low on battery, USB-C with power delivery can even charge notebooks.

    An unparalleled visual experience

    Explaining the display’s positioning, Artem Khomenko, Product Manager Philips Monitors Europe at MMD, says: “The P-line monitors are designed to deliver precise, accurate and colour-critical colour performance. We are proud to bring this new model to the market, and to meet the high standards of professionals. This model is the perfect fit for graphic designers, CAD engineers, photographers, video editors and other professionals who rely on an outstanding on-screen reproduction of fine details.”

    With Quad HD, you will enjoy an excellent viewing experience with high-resolution visuals. HDR technology ensures exceptional brightness and contrast, as well as a rich palette of captivating new colours never before seen on a display. The 10-bit display offers 1.074 billion of them, supported by 12-bit internal processing for natural colours and smooth gradients. With 99% Adobe RGB and 100% sRGB (CIE 1973), the 328P6AUBREB offers professional colour standards and 2560 x 1440 pixels deliver crystal-clear images and make graphics come alive. Thanks to IPS technology, the monitor can be viewed from an angle of 178° without losing any of the colour accuracy or consistent brightness that professional applications demand.

    An extra dose of convenience

    Beyond its connectivity and stunning visuals, this 32-inch QHD display boasts many of the standout features that have earned Philips monitors their reputation: the SmartErgoBase ergonomic adjustable stand enables users to tilt, swivel and raise the display for maximum viewing comfort. It also features Philips LowBlue Mode which reduces potentially harmful shortwave blue light. Flicker-free technology regulates brightness and reduces flicker for even more comfortable viewing; built-in stereo speakers provide excellent audio reproduction while eliminating the need for peripheral speakers; and what is more, with 65% post-consumer recycled plastics, this monitor is a good choice for eco-friendly users.

    The Philips 328P6AUBREB P-line display, with an RRP of £439, will be available in January 2018.

    Technical Specifications:

    Specification
    • Philips 328P6AUBREB P-line display

    LCD panel type
    • IPS technology

    Backlighting technology
    • W-LED

    Panel size
    • 31.5 inch / 80.1 cm

    Aspect ratio
    • 16:9

    Optimum resolution
    • 2560 x 1440 @ 60Hz

    Effective viewing area
    • 698.11 (H) x 392.69 (V)

    Viewing angle
    • 178° (H) / 178° (V), @ C/R > 10

    Brightness
    • 450 cd/m²

    Display colours
    • 1.07 billion

    Colour gamut
    • 99% Adobe RGB (CIE 1973); HDR400

    SmartContrast
    • 50,000,000 :1

    USB Connectivity
    • USB-C (upstream), USB 3.0×2 (downstream, w/fast charging)

    Connectivity
    • Signal Input: VGA (Analog ), DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0 x 1, USB-C (DP Alt mode, PD, data)
    • Sync Input: Separate Sync, Sync on Green
    • Audio (In/Out): PC audio-in, Headphone out
    • RJ45

    Convenience
    • Built-in speakers: 3 W x 2
    • SmartImage, Input, Brightness Menu, Power On/Off
    • Control Software: Smart Control
    • Kensington lock, VESA mount (100 x 100 mm)
    • Plug & Play Compatibility: DDC/CI, Mac OS X, sRGB, Windows 10 / 8.1 / 8 / 7

    Stand
    • Height adjustment: 180 mm
    • Pivot: 90 degree
    • Swivel: -170/170 degree
    • Tilt: -5/20 degree

    Sustainability
    • Environmental and energy: EnergyStar 7.0, EPEAT Gold, RoHS
    • Recyclable packaging material: 100 %
    • Post-consumer recycled plastic: 65%
    • Specific Substances: PVC / BFR free housing, Mercury free, Lead free

    Compliance and standards

    Regulatory Approvals: CE Mark, FCC Class B,
    VCCI, RDM, BSMI, ICES-003, J-MOSS, cETLus, EPA, PSB, CU-EAC, SEMKO, SASO, KUCAS, UKRAINIAN, PSE, CECP, WEEE, TUV Ergo, TUV/GS

    Cabinet
    • Front bezel, rear cover and foot: Black
    • Finish: Texture

    What’s in the box
    • Monitor with stand
    • Cables: D-Sub cable, DP cable, HDMI cable, USB-C to USB-C cable, USB-C to USB-A cable, Power cable, Audio cable
    • User Documentation

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • CIPA figures show disappointing October sales, but mirrorless continues to rise

    Graph: CIPA

    The Camera & Imaging Products Association (CIPA) has released its statistics for October 2017, and in contrast to previous years, we did not see the Black Friday/Thanksgiving induced spike we’re used to seeing, with month-to-month shipments remaining fairly flat (read: disappointing).

    In fact, year-on-year total camera shipments in October are down a whopping 13 percent, although we did see an overall year-over-year increase of 11 percent in the digital camera market for the January-to-October timeframe, and 6 percent for ILCs. Part of this development could be due to production coming back online after the Kumamoto earthquake; however, this trend is likely to continue for another couple of CIPA reporting periods or so.

    Compared to October 2016, only 78 percent of DSLRs were shipped globally, but 112 percent for mirrorless, indicating that mirrorless is continuing its rise while simultaneously cannibalizing market share from its DSLR cousins. Most of the mirrorless shipments are going to the Asia region, though, which still accounts for more than 50 percent of all mirrorless cameras shipped. Globally, mirrorless is now 36 percent of the total market for ILC.

    With smartphones fulfilling most consumer imaging needs and a big manufacturer like Nikon thinking about re-entering the mirrorless segment, we’ll be watching closely to see how those numbers develop over the coming months into 2018.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Have your say! 2017 Readers’ Choice Awards open for voting

    It’s time: make your voice heard and vote for your favorite photography products of the year. Polls are currently open in all seven categories but don’t deliberate too long – they close December 18th.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • 2017 Buying Guide: Best cameras under $2000

    As you approach the $ 2000 price point you’ll find flagship APS-C and Four Thirds cameras, built for speed and durability. You’ll also find a handful of full-frame ILCs and DSLRs, with their own unique selling points. Find out which cameras are best-in-class in this price range.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • These are the best cameras you can buy right now

    Best cameras you can buy right now

    Suppose you’re the kind of person who reads movie spoilers online, or unwraps all of your presents on Christmas Eve. Does that make you a monster? Sure, but we’re not here to judge. You’d probably also like to know which are the very best cameras on the market right now without reading our meticulously prepared and exhaustively researched buying guides. That’s fine. You can cut right to the chase and find out which cameras we picked as category winners right here, you utter fiend.

    Canon EOS M6

    It’s light, offers a healthy dose of direct controls and includes Canon’s excellent Dual Pixel autofocus technology. It’s our pick for parents, but it’s a great option for someone who wants DSLR-like capabilities and controls in a compact package.

    Read more about the Canon EOS M6

    Canon EOS M100

    It’s an incarnation of the M6 with less direct control, but it’s also several hundred dollars cheaper. We think it’s an ideal lightweight point-and-shoot and it’s our top pick if you’re looking to spend around $ 500 on a new camera.

    Read more about the Canon EOS M100

    Canon EOS Rebel SL2

    Beginners looking for an unfussy DSLR to get started will feel right at home with the SL2. We think its Feature Assistant is useful, and it offers all of the same guts of the M6 in a more approachable form.

    Read more about the Canon SL2

    Fujifilm X100F

    You love it. We love it. Everyone loves the X100F. It’s truly the photography press’s darling, and it’s our pick in the fixed prime lens category thanks to its excellent JPEG processing and dreamy form factor. To a large chunk of the photo-taking population it’s an impractical novelty, but it sure is nice if you just want to enjoy the heck out of making photos.

    Read more about Fujifilm X100F

    Nikon D5600

    The D5600 is our pick for both photography students and anyone looking to spend less than $ 1000. It’s not sexy, but it’s reliable, versatile, and offers modern refinements like a touchscreen and Wi-Fi with Bluetooth.

    Read more about the Nikon D5600

    Nikon D7500

    We recommend the D7500 in the sub-$ 1500 category for many of the reasons we picked the D5600 in the category below it: it’s just an extremely well-rounded camera. Impressive subject tracking, good AF, and a proven 20.9MP sensor all contribute to making this the best buy in its price category.

    Read more about the Nikon D7500

    Nikon D750

    Speaking of cameras that just don’t quit, the D750 is over three years old but it’s still competitive – and is attractively priced lately. Despite its age we think it’s the best you can do for under $ 2000 thanks to reliable autofocus and excellent image quality.

    Read more about the Nikon D750

    Nikon D850

    The D850 shares a spot with the Sony a7R III as a top pick for landscape photographers and cameras over $ 2000. ISO 64 gives it a slight edge for photographers who need the ultimate in dynamic range, and it inherits a highly capable autofocus system from the D5. It comes up a little short in terms of pro video capabilities, but outside of that it’s simply one of the best all-around performers you can buy now.

    Read more about the Nikon D850

    Nikon D5

    For sports, the D5 is hands-down the most capable camera out there. It’s ultra-tough and couples 14 fps shooting with the best phase-detection AF on the market. Plenty of shooters would find its smaller sibling, the D500 to be more than enough to suit their needs, but for the pro who needs the absolute best, there’s nothing to top it at the moment.

    Read more about the Nikon D5

    Panasonic Lumix GH5

    If you’re serious about video and you want the best hybrid camera money can buy, get the GH5. It’s outfitted with pro-level tools and boasts excellent stabilization for handheld shots. Oh, and it’s a pretty darn good stills camera too.

    Read more about the Panasonic GH5

    Sony a7R III

    The a7R III ranks as one of the very best cameras we tested this year, tying the equally impressive Nikon D850 as winner in the best for landscape photography and $ 2000 and up category. It’s also our top pick for event photography, thanks to incredibly fast and accurate Eye-AF.

    Read more about the Sony a7R III

    Sony Cyber-shot RX10 III

    Our top pick for travelers is the previous-generation RX10, which saves you several hundred dollars off the price of the Mark IV if you can live without a touchscreen and state-of-the-art autofocus. You’ll still get that generous 24-600mm equiv. zoom range and top notch 4K video capture for all of those vacation memories.

    Read more about the Sony RX10 III

    Sony Cyber-shot RX10 IV

    If we’re going to talk about the very best cameras available now, we do need to mention the latest and greatest in the RX10 series. If there’s a superzoom that can convince us we’re shooting with a pro sports camera, this is it. It’s incredibly pricey but its hybrid AF, 24 fps shooting and oversampled 4K are unparalleled in its class.

    Read more about the Sony RX10 IV

    Sony Cyber-shot RX100 V

    Ten years ago, if you’d told us that a camera that fits in your pocket can record incredible 4K video, shoot 24 fps, and offer 315 point phase detection AF we’d have laughed in your face. Yet here we are in the year 2017, and the RX100 V has made fools of us all. Do you pay handsomely for all of that cutting edge technology? Of course. But if you’re looking for the best of the best, look no further.

    Read more about the Sony RX100 V

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • 2017 Buying Guide: Best cameras under $1500

    If you’re getting serious about photography and don’t mind spending a bit more money, you’ll find some amazing cameras in the $ 1000-1500 price range. In this buying guide, we’ve rounded up our recommendations for the category.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Photo story of the week: The Milky Way over the Dolomites

    Gazing at the Milky Way over Tre Cime in the Dolomites

    I have wanted to visit these mountains for a very long time. The incredible shapes and formations found in the Dolomites are like something out of a fairytale.

    The hike up to Tre Cime was absolutely gorgeous and the location is really accessible. On this night, hiking under the stars wth my girlfriend Serena, who is also a landscape photographer, barely felt like reality… okay, I suppose once the wind picked up, it started to feel a bit real again.

    Once we got up there, we walked around a little bit to check out different views and angles. The night was particularly chilly and we weren’t prepared for it. We hunkered down by some rocks and halfway through the night, noticed an incredible flash of light that lit up the sky for a few seconds. It was one of the brightest shooting stars that I’ve ever seen in my life. The whole evening just felt really magical.

    I used the Sony A7S with Canon 16-35 for this Panorama image, the wide perspective was created by 8 vertical images, stitched together. The orange glow on the horizon is light bouncing off nearby towns and creating light pollution.

    The photograph was processed and color corrected using both Lightroom and Photoshop.

    Michael Shainblum is is a landscape, timelapse and aerial photographer based in San Francisco, California. He has been working professionally as a photographer and filmmaker for 11 years since the age of 16.

    To see more of his work, visit his website or give him a follow on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)