360Photography

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  • Photographer Bill Frakes loses university position after sexual harassment report

    Photographer Bill Frakes, whose career has included shooting for the likes of Sports Illustrated and Coca-Cola, has been removed from his position as visiting professor at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. The decision was made by the university after it judged that a report claiming sexual harassment against Frakes was credible. News of the allegations first surfaced in documents obtained by The World-Herald.

    University of Nebraska spokesman Steve Smith confirmed the report to PDN, saying Frakes was originally appointed to teach through the Fall semester, but that following the university’s decision, “Prof. Frakes is not teaching any courses at Nebraska this Fall.” Additional details weren’t provided for the sake of privacy.

    The matter revolves around a report filed by student Calla Kessler. According to those who have viewed the leaked documents, Frakes was accused of violating university sexual harassment policies by commenting on female students’ bodies and clothing, as well as calling female editors “bit***s” and browsing photos of “scantily clad” women using his phone while in a car that contained female students. His actions are said to have only applied to women, not men.

    In addition, Frakes was accused of making threats to students that included the ability to “end their careers” and advising that students shouldn’t “piss [him] off.” The university reportedly corroborated the accusations with other witnesses to these alleged actions and statements. Following the investigation, UNL decided to remove Frakes from his role as visiting professor.

    For his part, Frakes has remained silent on the matter, stating the confidential nature of the proceedings. “The final hearing has not taken place,” he told PDN. “The university has directed the process be confidential, and I intend to honor that request.” Though he didn’t offer any further statements on the matter, he did reveal that he is appealing the university’s decision.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Video: How to edit photos in Lightroom with a PlayStation controller

    Industrious photographer Ben Stewart has demonstrated an excellent way to edit photos in Adobe Lightroom: using a PS3 or PS4 wireless controller. The process, which Stewart explains in the video above, enables Lightroom users to quickly scroll through photos, select tools, and make image adjustments without ever touching their keyboard or mouse.

    It quite literally turns curating and editing large photo shoots into a game, and once you get the hang of it, the technique has the potential to seriously speed up your workflow.

    Stewart recently demo’d editing an image using a PS3 controller, which had been mapped to various Lightroom shortcuts, and he walks others through the process of setting up their own wireless controller system n the video. His process involves two pieces of software for Windows PCs, SCPToolkit and JoyToKey, though macOS users will need to use an alternative mapping application such as Joystick Mapper. And if, for some reason, you’re not a big fan of PlayStation, you can use wireless controllers from other companies as well.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • DJI launches Phantom 3 SE entry-level camera drone

    DJI has added a new drone model to its portfolio. The DJI Phantom 3 SE is targeted at beginner pilots and offers a flight time of 25 minutes. A key differences to the standard Phantom 3, is that the SE features a vision positioning system that lets the drone hover and fly in a stable manner indoors or in areas without connection to GPS satellites.

    The SE model also offers a video transmission range of up to 2.5 miles versus only 0.5 miles on the Phantom 3, and records video in 4K resolution at 30 frames per second compared to the standard version’s 2.7K footage.

    In still image mode the camera can capture 12MP images, with the lens offering a 94-degree field of view. Other key features include flight speeds of up to 35mph and the capability to return automatically to a recorded home point when the battery levels of the drone or the remote controller get too low.

    The DJI Phantom 3 SE is available now for $ 600. More information and detailed specifications are available on the DJI website.

    Press Release

    DJI Phantom 3 SE Now Available in Select Markets Worldwide

    DJI has announced the availability of its final model in the iconic Phantom 3 product line with the Phantom 3 SE camera drone.

    The Phantom 3 SE features several improvements over its predecessor, the Phantom 3 Standard, including the ability to record 4K ultra high-definition video, and a Vision Positioning System for precise navigation and flight stability. It also has an improved dual-band Wi-Fi remote control with a transmission range of up to 2.5 miles delivering over four times the range of the Phantom 3 Standard.

    The Phantom 3 SE is available in select markets worldwide on store.dji.com and through DJI Authorized Dealers including Europe, Korea, Latin America, New Zealand, North America, and Taiwan. The U.S. retail price is $ 599 USD.

    For more info and local pricing, please visit store.dji.com.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Lonely Planet unveils Instagram-like Trips app for sharing travel photos and tips

    Lonely Planet, the world’s largest travel guide book publisher, has just launched an Instagram-like mobile app called Trips that allows anyone to share their travel photos and create their own travel guides. The app, which is only available for iOS at the moment, serves as a platform for users to catalog trips they’ve taken and publish guides for the places they’ve visited. The guides include text, photos and captions, though the app’s main focus is ultimately on sharing photos.

    Lonely Planet describes its new app as “a beautiful, simple and intuitive way to share travel experiences.” Each user has their own timeline, and their content can be shared with both other travelers using the app as well as family and friends.

    Speaking to Engadget, Lonely Planet CEO Daniel Houghton explained, “We don’t expect people to abandon other photo-sharing apps.” Underscoring that there is an option in Trips for users to link to their Instagram account and show off the photos they have shared on that platform.

    For travelers, though, Trips offers a way to share content that is more trip-focused than what’s possible on photo sharing services like Instagram. In addition to being able to arrange photos chronologically in trip reports, users can also add a map to their report, better enabling viewers to see exactly where the adventure took place. Plus, Trips can be used in conjunction with Lonely Planet’s popular Guides app, which offers travel guides from experts for regions around the world.

    Trips is currently only available on iOS. An Android version of the app will arrive later this fall.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Canon EOS Rebel SL2 sample gallery

    Photo by Barney Britton

    The Canon EOS Rebel SL2’s diminutive size makes it very easy to carry around, despite some impressive tech under its skin. With the same sensor and processor as the more expensive Rebel T7i and EOS 77D, we’ve had high hopes that this small camera would put out big image quality for its price point, and we weren’t disappointed. From the zoo to the islands and even to a very dim pinball joint, take a look through our gallery to see what the EOS Rebel SL2 can do with a variety of both prime and zoom lenses.

    See our Canon EOS Rebel SL2 sample gallery

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Lensrentals is now renting out drones and VR/360 equipment

    Popular gear rental (and astute gear commentary) company Lensrentals announced some big news this morning: they’re going to start renting DJI drones and Virtual Reality/360° equipment.

    Lots of photographers are considering adding a drone to their kit or dabbling in Virtual Reality and 360° capture, but if you’re not sold on the idea, buying expensive VR or aerial photography gear might seem excessive. Lensrentals expansion into drones and VR offers a try-before-you-buy option that won’t set you back thousands.

    Starting today, you can rent the Mavic DJI Pro, DJI Phantom 4 Pro and DJI Inspire 2 drones alongside “a number of supporting equipment items” in the company’s Drones section, as well as the Orah 4i VR camera, Nikon KeyMission 360 action cam and their accompanying accessories under the VR/360 section.

    To give you an idea on price, renting a DJI Mavic Pro will run you $ 213 for 7 days, a Nikon KeyMission 360 action cam costs just $ 57 for the same period, and the more powerful Orah 4i VR camera costs $ 270 for that week-long rental. And if you like what you try, you can keep the drone/camera and apply your rental fee towards a purchase through Lensrentals’ Keeper program.

    To learn more about the company’s new rental options, or take advantage for yourself, head over to the Lensrentals website.

    Press Release

    Lensrentals Adds Drone and Virtual Reality / 360 Equipment to Nationwide Rental Program

    DJI Mavic Pro, DJI Phantom 4 Pro and DJI Inspire 2 Drones, Orah 4i and Nikon VR Gear Added to Inventory

    Memphis, TN – August 10, 2017 – Lensrentals, the largest online provider of photography and video equipment for rental throughout the US, today announced a trial of drone and virtual reality (VR) equipment for rental nationwide. From today the Mavic DJI Pro, DJI Phantom 4 Pro and DJI Inspire 2 drones, and a number of supporting equipment items can be found under the video section of Lensrentals.com. Similarly, Orah 4i and Nikon virtual reality/360 equipment will also be available on Lensrentals.com, with a variety of accessories to enable professional quality image capture.

    Following a recent successful trial, Lensrentals will extend the nationwide drone rental program to identify the most robust packaging, efficient maintenance and supplemental equipment options, to ensure the company continues to provide equipment with the lowest failure rate in the industry.

    “With any new photo and video rental categories, we need ensure we’re maintaining our high standards for providing ‘like new’ equipment to enable our customers to capture the best quality imagery. ” said Lensrentals, Co-owner, Drew Cicala. “As drone technology has improved, especially stability control reducing the chances of accidental landings, and VR gear quality has increased, we’re more confident that we can maintain an inventory of professional equipment that can be rented repeatedly throughout the U.S.,” Cicala added.

    Lensrentals expansion into drones and virtual reality equipment categories create opportunities for individuals seeking to try and buy gear through the Lensrentals Keeper program – that allows customers to rent equipment, keep the equipment and apply rental fees towards the purchase.

    To comply with FAA regulations, customers adding a drone to their cart for rental or purchase will be directed to the remote pilot airman certification page at checkout.

    In addition to new equipment packages, updated branding, amended layout and a smart shopping cart, customers that visit the Lensrentals website, will notice more streamlined navigation beginning with the type of content they are looking to create. By choosing photo or video customers are able to explore by type of equipment, brand etc., and receive recommendations of packages of equipment compiled by staff members based on the items most frequently rented together.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • LG V30 to feature glass lens and F1.6 aperture, fastest ever on a smartphone

    LG’s upcoming flagship phone, the V30, will be launched at IFA in Berlin on the 31st of August and we’ll be present to report from the event. However, LG has a fun habit of trickling out some device details before launch, and today it has done just that with some news about the V30’s camera specifications.

    LG tells us that the new device, “will include the world’s largest aperture and clearest lens ever to be featured in a smartphone.” In real terms, this means that the V30 will, presumably only on the main camera of its dual-cam setup, come with an F1.6 aperture which would be the fastest we have seen on a smartphone camera so far.

    In addition, the lens is made form glass instead of the usual plastic materials which, according to LG, delivers improved light transmission over its predecessor and competitors. Together, those two technical details should make the V30 a great candidate for low-light photography with a smartphone.

    In its press release, LG also says the wide angle camera in the dual-cam setup will have 30% lower edge distortion compared to the V20. However, it was also announced that the rear camera module will be 30% smaller than before, which could mean a reduction in sensor size and therefore reduce at least some of the fast aperture’s low-light advantage.

    We’ll have to wait until the end of the month for the full specifications, but it seems the V30 could be a very interesting option for mobile photographers.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Manfrotto targets 360° VR creators with new range of accessories

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    Accessory creator Manfrotto has just launched a new range of bases, booms, heads and dollies aimed at Virtual Reality content creators. The company claims to be the first to produce, “unique, dedicated products designed to support professionals and enthusiasts shaping the future of photography and videography,” and that its new range makes VR creation easier and more enjoyable.

    The Manfrotto 360° Virtual Reality range includes:

    • VR Clamp and VR Adjustable Dolly
    • VR Mini Tripod Kit
    • VR Aluminium Base with/without half ball
    • VR Pump Cup with spigot adapter
    • VR Carbon Tripod
    • VR Panoramic Head
    • VR Carbon Fibre Boom (Small, Medium, Large)

    The company says that the bases have been designed to provide solid, motion-free support ensuring cameras remain as still as possible, and that their foot-prints are small enough that they won’t appear in the frame. The bases offer a choice of carbon fibre or aluminum materials, and booms are provided to enable images to be taken at various heights.

    Prices for the range start at £30/$ 35 for a clamp and top out at £680/$ 690 for the Multi-Row Panoramic Head. For more information, visit the Manfrotto website.

    Press Release

    PRESENTING – MANFROTTO 360° VIRTUAL REALITY

    • The first dedicated range of solutions supporting virtual reality creation
    • Pro and enthusiast solutions for immersive content creation
    • Reliable, high-performance bases, accessories and extension booms
    • Engineered with high-quality materials and careful attention to ergonomics and detail

    UK 9th August 2017 – Manfrotto, world leader in the photography, imaging equipment and accessories industry, is excited to introduce the brand new 360o Virtual Reality range and to be the first player to bring unique, dedicated products designed to support professionals and enthusiasts shaping the future of photography and videography.

    Manfrotto’s new 360° Virtual Reality offering includes bases, accessories and extension booms that make it easier and more fun to create amazing 360-degree videos and photos.

    With this new range, Manfrotto is facilitating the transition that is taking immersive content creation into the mainstream: from niche professional to widespread consumer application. Leveraging Manfrotto’s innovative offering, photographers and videographers can effortlessly capture entire scenes around their camera, enabling anyone viewing the content to look around and feel like they are experiencing the scenery in real life.

    Manfrotto’s new 360° Virtual Reality Range provides a wide choice of combinations for individual content makers to select according to their specific needs and objectives.

    Manfrotto VR bases provide reliably stable support and are compact enough not to show in 360° shots. They guarantee the stability photographers and videographers need to get a few meters off the ground and are available in a variety of sizes and materials to suit individual creative requirements.

    Manfrotto’s VR accessories range makes flawless 360° shooting quicker and easier. These innovative accessories are compatible with all products in the range for the best results every time.

    Manfrotto’s VR boom extensions maximize camera height when required. They can be connected to all the bases in the Manfrotto VR range, enabling users to achieve a wide variety of heights for the most breath-taking content.

    The Manfrotto 360° VR range features a convenient selection of kits designed to make 360°content creation incredibly easy and intuitive. They are compatible with the most popular 360° cameras and are the smartest choice for anyone who wants to start creating high-quality immersive content easily, right away.

    The Manfrotto 360° VR range starts from RRP £29.95 to £634.95

    For more information, please visit www.manfrotto.co.uk

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Edelkrone launches SurfaceONE 2-axis smart motion control system

    Edelkrone has launched the SurfaceONE 2-axis motion control system which, according to its branding, is “the world’s smartest 2-axis motion control system.” The system is designed to capture straight, curved (targeted) and panning shots, all of which can be combined with a timelapse mode for smooth motion sequences.

    The SurfaceONE is controlled through an Android or iOS app, and Apple Watch support will be available soon as well. Subjects can be targeted independent of distance and the system can be used as an endless slider or for automatic pans with angular speed adjustment.

    When shooting timelapses with the SurfaceONE, speed, shooting interval and other parameters can be set in the app. Once set up, your camera is supported by a flexible tilting head, which allows for easy fine-tuning of the lens angle and keeps the rig stable. Edelkrone also says the SurfaceONE motor is very silent and should therefore not be audible in video clips.

    More information is available on the Edelkrone website, where you can order the SurfaceONE for $ 690.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Consumer Reports no longer recommends Microsoft Surface devices: too unreliable

    Photo by Jared Brashier

    Yikes. Microsoft’s Surface devices—particularly the versatile Surface Pro tablet computers—have become popular among photographers. But if you’re considering taking the plunge on the new Surface Pro, you might want to consider this news from Consumer Reports. The respected car, appliance, and gadget tester just completed a survey of over 90,000 Surface owners, and what they found forced them to remove the ‘Recommended’ label from the Microsoft devices.

    According to the report on CR, the breakage rate of Surface devices is ‘significantly worse’ than competing laptops and tablets. How much worse? According to its survey, CR says 25% of Surface owners will run into issues within the first 2 years of ownership. This finding applies to Surface Pro tablets, Surface Book laptops, and standard clamshell Surface laptops.

    Common problems reported by survey participants include freezing, unexpectedly shutting down, and have issues with their touchscreens.

    For its part, Microsoft disputes the report, claiming their own support numbers don’t track with the CR survey. “We don’t believe these findings accurately reflect Surface owners’ true experiences or capture the performance and reliability improvements made with every Surface generation,” said the company in a statement.

    To read the full report, head over to Consumer Reports.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)