Whether you’re looking for a compact camera with image quality exceeding that of your smartphone or just want an inexpensive second camera, there are some impressive options that won’t bust your wallet.
Category: Uncategorized
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Phase One unveils Capture One 11 with ‘next level layers’ and more
Watch out Adobe. Early this morning, Phase One unveiled the next major update to Capture One. The new version, Capture One 11, promises improvements in every regard: from “new, highly responsive tools,” to “workflow enhancements” to a new “finely tuned processing engine.”
Here’s a quick introduction to what’s new in Capture One 11 straight from Phase One itself:
The major improvements can be broken down into three categories: layers, workflow, and performance.
Performance
When Phase One talks about ‘optimized’ performance, the company is not just talking about how quickly Capture One can open and edit your Raw files. Included in these improvements is ‘re-engineered’ color handling, as well as the addition of a LAB Readout option for “customers who wish to measure image output to critical values.”
‘Next Level Layers’
With this update, Phase One is now characterizing Capture One 11 as a ‘layer centric application.’ All of the program’s adjustment tools are now compatible with layers, masking tools have been improved with the ability to refine and feather masks after drawing, and you can now control the opacity of individual layers.
Workflow
Since Capture One 11 is trying to be “the professionals’ choice in imaging software,” several improvements have also been made on the workflow side.
You can now add annotations and graphics on top of your image as overlays, and export them as separate layers in a PSD file; crops can be added as a ‘Path’ when exporting to a PSD file, so you don’t lose any pixels if you transfer out to Photoshop; and, finally, you can now export watermarks as a separate layer in an exported PSD file as well.
As with all major Adobe competitors—and Capture One is arguably one of the best-known and most widely-used—the message Phase One wants to send loud and clear is, “we care about our customers’ needs.” In fact, you could say Phase One stopped just short of calling Adobe out by name in its announcement:
In keeping with Phase One’s commitment to its customers’ choice, Capture One 11 is available for purchase by either perpetual license or by subscription – whichever best suits the customers’ needs.
For photographers eager to escape Adobe’s subscription-only model, Capture One 11 represents a very tempting choice.
Capture One 11 is available now for both Mac and Windows at $ 300 for a brand-new perpetual license or $ 20/month on subscription (or $ 180 if you pay for a year in advance). If you already own Capture One Pro 9 or 10, you can get a perpetual license for just $ 120, and if you purchased Capture One Pro 10 on October 31st, 2017 or later, you can actually upgrade to Capture One 11 for free by using your same license key.
To learn more or download a fully-functional 30-day free trial, head over to the Phase One website.
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Hasselblad launches its own online store, offers 5% off for a limited time
Iconic medium format manufacturer Hasselblad has opened its own online store, allowing users all over the world to skip the third-party vendors and local dealer and buy direct from the manufacturer itself. Following in the footsteps of Hasselblad’s first brick-andmortar stores in Sweden, China, and Japan, the online ‘Hasselblad Store’ will be open to resident of the USA, China, UK, Germany and France.
Currently, the Hasselblad Store is selling both X1D and H6D cameras, as well as a limited number of lenses. Opening offers include 5% off some X1D kits and the body-only price, while H6D buyers can get a free hard case with their purchase. These discounts will last until December 7th.
The company’s hope is that an official online store will broaden the availability of its products:
The launch of the ‘Hasselblad Store’ is one of our core initiatives derived from our strategy that focuses on not only making our products more accessible to photographers seeking hands on experience with the Hasselblad product line-up, but also to inspire fans with great images and stories.
For more information or if you want to purchase a brand new Hassy from the company itself, check out the Hasselblad Store for yourself.
Press Release
Hasselblad Expands Into E-Commerce with Launch of ‘Hasselblad Store’
Hasselblad’s New Online Store is Now Open To The USA, China, UK, Germany and France
Hasselblad, the leading manufacturer of digital medium format cameras and lenses, is pleased to announce the launch of its new online ‘Hasselblad Store’. The online store will broaden availability of Hasselblad’s iconic high- performance cameras and lenses to photographers in the USA, China, UK, Germany and France.
“The launch of the ‘Hasselblad Store’ is one of our core initiatives derived from our strategy that focuses on not only making our products more accessible to photographers seeking hands on experience with the Hasselblad product line-up, but also to inspire fans with great images and stories” said Bronius Rudnickas, Hasselblad Marketing Manager.
The online store follows closely behind the new Hasselblad website and the ‘Rent a Hasselblad’ program that was launched earlier in November.
‘Rent a Hasselblad’ is a global online reservation service for Hasselblad cameras and lenses. Whether renting a Hasselblad system for a speci c photoshoot, booking a camera to try it out before purchasing, or reserving gear to pick up and use at their next travel destination, the rental service provides photographers with more freedom and greater accessibility to Hasselblad systems.
During the opening week of the online store, customers will be eligible to receive a ve percent (5%) discount on the award winning X1D and the XCD 45mm and 90mm lenses. In addition, for every customer purchasing an H6D-50c or H6D-100c camera, an H System Camera Hard Case will be included. This offer will end on December 7th, 2017.
Access to the ‘Hasselblad Store’ at:
https://store.hasselblad.com/ -
Gear of the Year 2017 – Dan’s choice: Sony a9
It’s been fascinating to watch the rise of mirrorless cameras over the course of my 7+ years writing about digital photography. And Sony in particular has been fun to watch as they’ve lead the mirrorless charge in terms of sensor size and resolution.
I’ll never forget the moment the Sony NEX-7 was unveiled in a pre-launch briefing in 2011 – it was the first time I truly craved a mirrorless body – the publication I worked for at the time even named it ‘Camera of the Year’. Up until that point mirrorless still felt like something of a novelty: a nice option for amateurs craving a small, light ILC alternative to a DSLR, but certainly not a replacement for one, especially for those ‘serious’ about their photography.
It’s often been Sony in particular making the mirrorless cameras I’m most eager to get my hands on.As the mirrorless market continued to take off and cameras like the original Sony a7 were unveiled, my interest in what originally seemed like a niche continued to grow. And while a lot of brands have contributed serious innovation to the mirrorless market, it’s been Sony in particular making the mirrorless cameras I’m most eager to get my hands on – an opinion not shared by all my colleagues, mind you.
But time and time again I found my expectations of shooting a Sony mirrorless camera never quite matched the reality of using the product. For instance, when it came to the Sony a7, sure it packed a full-frame sensor in a super compact mirrorless body – something that’d never been done, but the user interface of the camera, to put it simply, felt unfinished. This led to an overly frustrating shooting experience.
The Sony a9 is the brand’s first truly refined mirrorless camera, in this writer’s opinion.
ISO 1000 | 1/1000 sec | F5.6To make matters worse, many of Sony’s early mirrorless UI stumbling points were uniquely their own: slow startup times, vague error messages, and batteries draining while the camera’s shut off were problems other manufacturers had long since addressed (not to mention poor battery life). And while no one has the perfect menus, Sony’s have historically been the most cluttered and confusing.
But time and time again I found my expectations of shooting a Sony mirrorless camera never quite matched the reality of using the product.For years, early Sony mirrorless adopters defended their decision to go all-in citing that, eventually, you do get used to the annoying UI and find workarounds. And indeed I’m sure they did. But a good camera shouldn’t force you to work around it: it should work with you. And as the Sony a7 II-series came to market, it seemed clear the brand was intent on fixing a lot of these issues and shaking its image as the camera brand with bad UI.
And then came the Sony a9
But it wasn’t until the release of the Alpha 9 this year, that a Sony camera has felt as refined in use as it DSLR counterparts. A year early, the Sony a6500 came pretty close to hitting this mark, but it’s the Sony a9 that’s finally won me over as a whole-hearted mirrorless believer.
Make no mistake, the a9 is meant to compete against the likes of the flagship Nikon D5 and Canon EOS 1D X Mark II. What it lacks in built-in vertical grip, it makes up for in a faster burst (20 fps on the Sony, 14 fps on the Canon and 12 fps on the Nikon). But it has more appeal to me than as just a sports camera.
The a9 is a sports camera, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t also well-suited for shooting candids. In fact it’s flip-out touchscreen is perfect for discreetly focusing on a subject.
ISO 100 | 1/640 sec | F5.6For me, the mark of a truly good camera is one you find yourself reaching for regardless of the assignment or subject matter. Since the a9 landed in our office, it’s been a camera that I’ve found myself grabbing for both static and moving subjects. Because as well-suited as it might be for sports photography, it’s also a great street photography camera with lenses like the FE 28mm F2 attached. I find that using the flip-out touchscreen to select a point of focus is a great way to shoot candids.
Since the a9 landed in our office, its a camera that I’ve found myself grabbing for both static and moving subjects.I recently took a trip to Jackson, Wyoming where I expected to shoot a mix of wildlife, landscapes and video, and found myself bringing the a9 because it offered a fast burst rate with good AF, 4K video without any heavy crop factor and excellent dynamic range. But moreover, I packed it because it is a camera I enjoy shooting with and can, with some time spent, customize to complement my shooting style perfectly.
I picked the Sony a9 for a once in a lifetime trip to Jackson, Wyoming because of its small size, dynamic range, 4K video and burst speed.
ISO 50 | 1/640 sec | F8That’s a big step forward for Sony. They’ve long made cameras that out-spec’ed the competition but for me personally, were not enjoyable to use. But the a9’s menus have been overhauled and are less confusing, its also responsive (starts up fast) and rarely throws confusing errors messages. These may sound like little things, but they add up to vastly more pleasant shooting experience compared to Sonys of years past.
I packed it because it is a camera I enjoy shooting with.Improvements like a new, larger capacity battery that doesn’t self-drain, gave me more confidence in grabbing the Sony for what was likely a once in a lifetime shooting excursion. Plus, compared to a D5 or 1D X II, the a9 is a much smaller lighter camera to pack. And its in-body + lens stabilization allows me the flexibility to shoot handheld at slower shutter speeds and avoid lugging a tripod around. This was something that mattered to me as I was to do a lot of hiking in Jackson.
These bison may be nursing, and therefore stationary, but they can run at speeds up to 40 MPH. Good thing the Sony a9 can shoot at 20 fps.
ISO 100 | 1/500 sec | F5.6Where Sony can go from here
The Sony a9, and its recently-released cousin, the Sony a7R III are both exceptional cameras. I used to hesitate to pick up a Sony camera; with this recent generation, no longer. That said, there are still some areas these cameras could improve to truly leave their DSLR pals in the dust, specifically: weather-sealing and subject tracking.
‘Nikon’s 3D Tracking is still superior to Sony’s Lock-on AF for subject tracking.’The Sony a9 is dust and moisture resistant to certain degree, but the lack of robust rubber gaskets on the ports, SD card and battery doors does not lead me to trust its ability to survive shooting in conditions such as a lacrosse game in torrential downpours – I’d be much more comfortable grabbing a Nikon D5 of Canon 1D X II.
The same goes for any assignment/circumstance were nailing focus on the shot is mission critical: Nikon’s 3D Tracking is still superior to Sony’s Lock-on AF for subject tracking.
There are some other minor grievances I have with the a9, like the inability to enter menus while the buffer clears. Another: the omission of video gamma and color modes found in most other Sony cameras. But these are all things that can easily be added/improved in the next generation. And if there is one thing I’ve learned covering Sony’s camera technology, it’s that the brand listens to customers and industry feedback.
Note: This was shot through a seaplane window.
ISO 800 | 1/2000 sec | F5.6It’s no secret that Sony is hungry for a piece of the professional sports photography market, eager to get mirrorless cameras on the sidelines of the Olympics and Super Bowl. And with the Sony a9, there’s compelling reason to at least acknowledge Sony as a legit player. I think it will take a few more generations of cameras for Sony to blow past the competition, giving pros a concrete reason to consider switching. But if they keep moving in the direction they have been, I see no reason why more and more pros wouldn’t give them a chance.
So for winning me over and being the first Sony mirrorless camera I truly love shooting with, the a9 is my pick for 2017 gear of the year.
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Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com) -
Leica unveils retro version of the APO-Summicron-M 50mm F2.0 ASPH to honor the LHSA
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Hot on the heels of yesterday’s Noctilux-M 75mm F1.25 ASPH announcement, Leica has debuted yet another lens this week. This time, it’s a special edition: the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm F2 ASPH ‘LHSA’ released in honor of the 50th anniversary of The International Leica Society (LHSA).
What makes this lens special is, basically, that it meshes the styling of the original Summicon 50mm F2 from 1954 with the optics of the current APO-Summicron 50mm F2 ASPH released in May of 2012. Optically, it’s identical to the 2012 lens, but on the outside it features either a black paint or silver chrome finish, a 1950s style lens hood, and red engravings of the distance scale. Other special markings include:
The special serial number is engraved on the aperture ring and is picked out in black on the silver chrome version and is not coloured on the black paint lens. Further engravings are found on the bayonet ring: ‘MADE IN GERMANY’ and the LHSA Logo – both of which are not picked out in colour.
This special edition Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm F2 ASPH ‘LHSA’ will be limited to just 500 copies—300 in the black finish and 200 in silver—and each of them will come in ‘high quality packaging’ with a certificate of authenticity.
Both colors will be available starting the 4th of December, and according to our contacts at Leica it will retail for $ 9,595. That’s $ 1,800 more than the non-special edition lens retails for.
To learn more about this lens, visit the Leica website.
Press Release
Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. ‘LHSA’: Special Edition to Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of ‘The International Leica Society’ (LHSA)
Wetzlar, 30 November 2017 – For the past 50 years, ‘The International Leica Society’ (LHSA) has dedicated itself to researching the history of Leica and the use of the company’s products. The beginning of the celebration of the 50th anniversary in 2018 will be marked by the launch of a special edition of the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH. produced especially for the occasion. The appearance of the lens is reminiscent of the Summicron 50 mm f/2 from 1954. The special edition thus unites the outstanding imaging performance of the current lens—which was the first to be able to fully exploit the contrast and resolution offered by modern digital cameras—with the look of the nineteen-fifties.
Depending on the choice of colour of the ‘LHSA’ special edition, the outer brass elements of the lens are finished either in black paint or in silver chrome. This also applies to the separate lens hood in the style of the nineteen-fifties that is also made of brass. While the engravings of the distance scale in feet are picked out in red on both versions, the other engravings vary in colour depending on the version of the lens selected: these are in white on the black paint version and black in the case of the silver chrome option. The special serial number is engraved on the aperture ring and is picked out in black on the silver chrome version and is not coloured on the black paint lens. Further engravings are found on the bayonet ring: ‘MADE IN GERMANY’ and the LHSA Logo—both of which are not picked out in colour.
The cordial collaboration between Leica and the LHSA has a long tradition and has already been the source of a number of special editions in the past. These include, for example, a set comprising a silver chrome Leica M6 and three Summicron-M lenses of different focal lengths produced in 1993 and a Leica MP from 2003 finished in a special hammertone lacquer.
The LHSA special edition of the APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH. is strictly limited to 500 examples, 300 in black paint finish and 200 in silver chrome. Both versions will be supplied together with a certificate of authenticity in particularly high-quality packaging and will be available from 4 December 2017.
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Leaked government memo claims DJI is spying on the US for China
Drone maker DJI’s security troubles continue to grow, as a newly leaked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) memo claims the company may be spying on the US on behalf of the Chinese government. Per the memo, DJI drones and mobile apps are possibly being used to gather data on critical US infrastructure, law enforcement, and more.
The ICE memo was issued on August 9, 2017, and is unclassified. In it, the memo claims that DJI is “likely” providing the aforementioned data to the Chinese government, an assertion that is “based on information derived from open source reporting and a reliable source within the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industry with first and secondhand access.”
The claims aren’t a certainty, according to ICE, which says in the memo that Special Agent in Charge Intelligence Program (SIP) Los Angeles has “moderate confidence” that DJI is providing law enforcement and critical infrastructure data to China. However, the memo claims that SIP LA has “high confidence” that DJI is “selectively targeting government and privately owned entities within these sectors to expand its ability to collect and exploit sensitive U.S. data.”
SIP Los Angeles makes some alarming claims about the DJI GO and SkyPixel mobile apps, saying in part that they grab facial recognition data even if the feature is disabled. The collected data, which is said to include sensitive personal info like full names, images and videos, phone numbers, and computer credentials, are automatically uploaded to unspecified “cloud storage systems” in Hong Kong and Taiwan “to which the Chinese government most likely has access.”
The memo goes on to state that SIP LA has “high confidence [that] a foreign government with access to this information could easily coordinate physical or cyber attacks against critical sites.”
Sources of information (SOI) have informed officials, according to the document, that:
The Chinese government is using DJI UAS as an inexpensive, hard-to-trace method to collect on U.S. critical assets … directorates most likely receiving the data from DJI’s cloud are the offices responsible for defense, critical infrastructure, traffic controlling, and cyber offense…
This isn’t the first time DJI has been the source of security concerns. Earlier this year, the U.S. Army issued a memo, as pointed out in this most recently leaked document, that ordered its units to immediately cease use of DJI products over security concerns. Additionally, security researcher Kevin Finisterre recently claimed that DJI threatened him after he submitted a bug bounty report highlighting serious security issues he had discovered with the company’s system.
For its part, DJI has released an official statement on the leaked ICE memo, saying:
The bulletin is based on clearly false and misleading claims from an unidentified source. Through the law firm of McDermott Will & Emery, DJI provided ICE a detailed rebuttal of the report, explaining why the data behind its conclusions is deeply flawed.
As DJI explained to ICE, the allegations in the bulletin are so profoundly wrong as a factual matter that ICE should consider withdrawing it, or at least correcting its unsupportable assertions. DJI further urged ICE to consider whether the source of the allegations may have had a competitive or improper motive to interfere with DJI’s legitimate business by making false allegations about DJI.
The company states that some of the claims in the ICE memo can be “easily disproven,” including with “a simple internet search,” while other claims are said to be “unsupported by facts or technical analysis.”
That said, the ICE memo claims, “Much of the information collected [by DJI products] includes proprietary and sensitive critical infrastructure data, such as detailed imagery of power control panels, security measures for critical infrastructure sites, or materials used in bridge construction.”
DJI is allegedly “focused on targeting” the utility companies that provide drinking water in four big locations: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New Jersey. The memo claims the drone maker is also focused on railway companies located in Los Angeles, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Omaha, the Milan Army Ammunition Plant in Fort Riley, Kansas, and it is allegedly also providing the Chinese government with data to help it determine which assets to acquire in the U.S.
The complete ICE memo can be found here.
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The Isolite intelligent modifier system lets you change a photo’s lighting after it’s taken
An intriguing new lighting system called Isolite just launched on Kickstarter. The system of hardware accessories for strobes and speedlights comprises what parent company Phototechnica calls the “first ever intelligent light modifier.” What does that actually mean? Basically, with Isolite, photographers are able to modify the lighting in an image after taking it.
Phototechnica stresses that this process involves turning on and off actual lighting in the image, not simply lightening /darkening it or adjusting contrast—this is the real deal, not a post-processing trick.
The Isolite system doesn’t require a 3D render or special camera to enable light changes during post-processing. Raw images are converted by the Isolite converter, which enables users to adjust the image’s lighting before outputting it as a raw DNG file. That final DNG file can then be edited with compatible software like Capture One and Lightroom.
Phototechnica lists the following capabilities on its Kickstarter campaign:
- Turn real lights on and off after the capture has been made.
- Push, Pull, Paint light after the capture has been made.
- Hard and soft light in one capture.
- Adjust the exposure and ratio of each light source after the capture has been made.
- With selective masking of each light source, difficult or impossible lighting control can be done with ease.
- Light can be animated after capture turning still image captures into full motion video.
- Using our proprietary tools, online images can be brought to life with light.
Here’s a video intro the further explains what the Isolite system is and how it works:
As far as hardware is concerned, the Isolite system features the Duolite and Beauty Dish Kit. The gear is designed to work with popular Speedlight sizes, most legacy Speedlights, the newest Profoto and Tri/Bowens Mount Strobes, plus there are adapters for using it with Elinchrom products.
Phototechnica is offering the Isolite Dualite through Kickstarter for pledges of at least $ 195 CAD (~$ 150 USD), a Dualite Speedlight Kit for $ 250 CAD (~$ 195 USD), Isolite Studio for $ 500 CAD (~$ 390 USD), and the Isolite Deluxe Studio for $ 1500 CAD (~$ 1,165 USD). The campaign is also offering early bird versions to backers who make pledges starting at $ 95 CAD (~$ 75 USD).
For now the campaign has a long way to go before its funding goal is met, and only 15 days to get there, so we’re not holding our breath on this one. But if the campaign is successful, shipments to some backers are estimated to start in May 2018.
To find out more or put down your own pledge, head over to the Kickstarter campaign.
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Nikon’s redesigned SnapBridge app adds full manual camera control and ‘intuitive’ UI
Nikon just released a new version of its camera connectivity app SnapBridge. The new SnapBridge Version 2.0—which is available for both iOS and Android devices starting today—has been redesigned with an easier-to-use interface and a bunch of new features like the ability to register up to five devices, and full-manual control of select cameras.
On the UI side, both the screen design and the menu structure have been updated to be ‘more intuitive’ and offer direct access to Help functions. The app has also now been equipped with a ‘power saving mode’ that keeps SnapBridge from draining your smartphone or tablet’s battery when you’re not connected to a camera (i.e. when it’s not in use).
On the feature side, the major addition is full manual control. If you have a compatible camera—according to Nikon, these include the Nikon D850, D500, D7500, and D5600—you’ll now be able to control exposure modes (P/S/A/M), shutter speed, aperture, exposure comp, ISO, and white balance.
You can learn more about the new SnapBridge app by reading the full press release below, or downloading it yourself off of the iTunes App Store or Google Play.
Press Release
Nikon Announces Updated Version of SnapBridge Camera Connectivity App for Seamless Image Transfer and Sharing
Easier to Use, More Intuitive and Simpler Connection with SnapBridge Version 2.0*
MELVILLE, NY (November 29, 2017 at 11:00 P.M. EST) – Today, Nikon is pleased to announce the release of version 2.0 of Nikon SnapBridge, which offers enhanced functionality, stability and ease of use. SnapBridge is the Nikon app that enables users to easily and seamlessly share images and control select Nikon digital camera via Bluetooth** and Wi-Fi® connection with a compatible smart device such as a phone or tablet.
Enhanced Interface and Connectivity
SnapBridge version 2.0 reflects feedback from users of earlier versions of the app and represents a significant update of the user interface (GUI). Screen design and menu structure have been significantly revised in several ways, including the adoption of progress displays to provide visual confirmation of the status of an operation (e.g. when a smart device is paired with a camera or connection is changed to a Wi-Fi connection). Direct access to help functions from the app menu are also now available. The app also offers different instructions for each category of camera to ensure easier setup, navigation and usage.
Additionally, up to five cameras can now be registered with the device running the app. This makes switching between cameras much easier for those who own multiple Nikon cameras.
The app is also equipped with a new power-saving mode that controls the amount of smart device power consumed by the app when it is not connected to a camera for an extended period of time. SnapBridge Version 2.0 also features a location data accuracy setting that allows users to choose between lower power consumption and greater location data accuracy by selecting how often the smart device updates location data.
Greater Remote Photography Functions
For even more creative control with select Nikon cameras, important digital SLR camera settings can now be controlled from the SnapBridge app through remote photography*. The live view display on the smart device can be used to confirm and adjust camera settings, allowing users to enjoy more full-scale shooting. Users also now have access to exposure modes (P/S/A/M), shutter speed, aperture value, exposure compensation, ISO sensitivity, and white balance. Controls will vary among various camera models.
Nikon Image Space Integration
Nikon SnapBridge Version 2.0 has a dedicated tab that makes it easier than ever to use NIKON IMAGE SPACE. With SnapBridge 2.0 and a NIKON IMAGE SPACE account a user can automatically upload an unlimited number 2MB images ideal for sharing on the go. In addition, photos taken using remote photography can now be uploaded to NIKON IMAGE SPACE automatically.
Nikon will continue to enhance the app’s usability and strengthen its functions to provide users with ever increasingly rich imaging experiences well into the future.
For more information about Nikon SnapBridge and the latest Nikon cameras and other products, please visit www.nikonusa.com.
*Functions available with the SnapBridge and SnapBridge 360/170 apps differ.
- iPhone®, iPad®, iPod touch®, and Android™ devices to which the SnapBridge app has been installed can be used. The SnapBridge app can be downloaded free of charge from the App Store® and Google Play™. See Nikon’s website for further information.
- Operation of this app is not guaranteed with all devices.
- Nikon SnapBridge 2.0 Compatible Cameras:
- Nikon D850, D500, D7500, D5600, D3400,COOLPIX A900, A300, B700, B500, W100, W300, KeyMission 80
**The Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth® functions built into cameras are effective only when connected to a smart device on which the SnapBridge app has been installed.
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Fujifilm releases X Raw Studio and updates X-T2, X-T20, GFX 50S firmware
Fujifilm has announced its X Raw Studio Conversion System software, which it first teased back at Photokina. The software is essentially a viewer for the in-camera Raw converters that already exist on X and GFX series cameras. In fact, the software doesn’t actually do any processing – the camera does, over a USB connection. Fujifilm claims that X Raw Studio is more than twenty times faster than the SilkyPix-based converter. The macOS version is available for download today, with a Windows application to follow in February.
The software adjusts exactly the same parameters as on the camera and supports batch processing and saving conversion profiles. As you’d expect, a side-by-side viewer is available. As of today only the GFX 50S and X-T2 are supported, with the X-Pro2 and X100F to follow in December, all via firmware updates.
Speaking of which, the company also posted firmware updates for the X-T2, X-T20 and GFX 50S that were announced at Photokina. Changes include:
FUJIFILM X-T2: V.3.0 Key Features:
- New AF tracking algorithm enhances AF-C to track moving subjects half the size, or moving twice as fast as previous models.
- Supports FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO which enables users to convert RAW files with X Processor Pro.
- Supports Instax SHARE SP-3 and higher resolution prints for SP-2.
- Allows users to choose RGB and brightness histogram with or without highlight warnings.
- Improves radio flash controller usability allowing users to shoot with compatible third party studio flash in high speed sync or TTL mode via their radio controllers.
- Supports backup and restore of camera settings from one camera to another via FUJIFILM X Acquire.
FUJIFILM X-T20: V.1.1 Key Features:
- Touch panel operation while looking into the electronic viewfinder.
- Supports Instax SHARE SP-3 and higher resolution prints for SP-2.
FUJIFILM GFX 50S: V.2.0 Key Features:
- Supports FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO which enables users to convert RAW files with X Processor Pro.
- Supports Instax SHARE SP-3 and higher resolution prints for SP-2.
- Improves radio flash controller usability allowing users to shoot with compatible third party studio flash in high speed sync or TTL mode via their radio controllers.
- Supports backup and restore of camera settings from one camera to another via FUJIFILM X Acquire.
- Addition of “Eye Sensor + LCD Image Display” in View Mode that allows for shooting through the viewfinder and checking images on the LCD.
- ON/OFF for 1/3-step shutter speed adjustment.
- Addition of “Shoot Without Card” mode so camera will not shoot without SD card inserted.
- Addition of “-6” and “-7” to EVF’s brightness settings.
Press Release
FUJIFILM ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF NEW FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO CONVERSION SYSTEM
New Firmware Updates for GFX and X Series Cameras available now
Valhalla, N.Y., November 29, 2017 – Fujifilm North America Corporation today announced the launch of FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO, a new conversion software that allows photographers to quickly and easily convert RAW files while maintaining outstanding image quality.
Also available today are Firmware updates for the FUJIFILM X-T2 and X-T20 X Series cameras, and the FUJIFILM GFX 50S.
New FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO
FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO enables users to convert RAW files with ease, offering exceptionally fast conversions. Due to the size of RAW files, photographers can often find batch conversion extremely time consuming. X RAW STUDIO utilizes the connected camera’s X-Processor Pro high-speed image processing engine, allowing for quick and effective conversion without compromising on image quality. Compatible with both Mac and PC systems, the new X RAW STUDIO enables batch conversion of a selection of images. Users can store conversion settings or copy settings between images, and variable image processing conditions can be adjusted in the same way as in-camera RAW conversion.
Fujifilm X RAW STUDIO Key Features:
- Supports single or batch conversion for RAW images through a Mac or PC system.
- Image processing settings can be adjusted like the in-camera RAW conversion.
- All conversion parameters available through in-camera RAW conversion are adjustable, enabling photographers to monitor results in a preview window when changing settings.
- Displays before and after images side-by-side for easy comparison while changing adjusting settings.
- Enables users to save, load, or copy conversion profiles onto another RAW image.
Availability & Pricing
FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO for Mac is available now, and is set to launch for Windows in February 2018. X RAW STUDIO is available to users at no cost.
New GFX Firmware Updates
Fujifilm has released firmware updates for the GFX 50S that add new support for FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO, improved third party studio flash controller usability and new functions to improve operability.
FUJIFILM GFX 50S: V.2.0 Key Features:
- Supports FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO which enables users to convert RAW files with X Processor Pro.
- Supports Instax SHARE SP-3 and higher resolution prints for SP-2.
- Improves radio flash controller usability allowing users to shoot with compatible third party studio flash in high speed sync or TTL mode via their radio controllers.
- Supports backup and restore of camera settings from one camera to another via FUJIFILM X Acquire.
- Addition of “Eye Sensor + LCD Image Display” in View Mode that allows for shooting through the viewfinder and checking images on the LCD.
- ON/OFF for 1/3-step shutter speed adjustment.
- Addition of “Shoot Without Card” mode so camera will not shoot without SD card inserted.
- Addition of “-6” and “-7” to EVF’s brightness settings.
New X Series Firmware Updates
Additionally, Fujifilm has released firmware updates for the FUJIFILM X-T2 and X-T20 X Series cameras to add new functionality and improve operability. These updates include new support for FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO, dramatic improvements to the AF-C tracking algorithm in zone and tracking AF mode, addition of 4K video support and computer tethering functions and enhancements to touch panel operations.
FUJIFILM X-T2: V.3.0 Key Features:
- New AF tracking algorithm enhances AF-C to track moving subjects half the size, or moving twice as fast as previous models.
- Supports FUJIFILM X RAW STUDIO which enables users to convert RAW files with X Processor Pro.
- Supports Instax SHARE SP-3 and higher resolution prints for SP-2.
- Allows users to choose RGB and brightness histogram with or without highlight warnings.
- Improves radio flash controller usability allowing users to shoot with compatible third party studio flash in high speed sync or TTL mode via their radio controllers.
- Supports backup and restore of camera settings from one camera to another via FUJIFILM X Acquire.
FUJIFILM X-T20: V.1.1 Key Features:
- Touch panel operation while looking into the electronic viewfinder.
- Supports Instax SHARE SP-3 and higher resolution prints for SP-2.
