360Photography

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  • Idaho in the spring: 9 must-shoot spots

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    It probably hasn’t made your landscape photography bucket list just yet, but there’s a good reason to visit Idaho. In fact, there are many good reasons, and photographer Michael Bonocore spent this spring traveling around his new home state, capturing the grandeur of the local landscapes.

    Using the Visit Idaho website as his guide, Bonocore trekked all over the state and found nine ‘must-see’ destinations for all of the photographers out there. Especially in the spring, these spots offer “a perfect mix of still snow-capped mountain peaks, vibrant wildflowers and warming temperatures.”

    From Sun Valley, to the town of Stanley (population 62), to Redfish Lake and beyond, he put his findings and some stunning photographs together into a photo essay, which you can read over on Resource Travel. And if you want a taste before you jet off, check out the slideshow above.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Nikon updates firmware for D600, D610, D750 and KeyMission 80

    Nikon has updated multiple camera models with new firmware, bringing many bug fixes, as well as some new lens support and improvements to the D600 (version 1.03), D610 (version 1.02), D750 (version 1.12), and KeyMission 80 (version 1.2). All four updates are available to download now from the Nikon website. The full update changelogs are listed below:

    Nikon D600 v1.03

    • Added support for the following features of AF-P lenses:
      • If the standby timer expires after the camera has focused, the focus position will not change when the timer is reactivated.
      • In manual focus mode, the focus indicator in the viewfinder (or in live view, the focus point selected in the monitor) will flash to show that infinity or the minimum focus distance has been reached by rotating the focus ring.
    • Added support for AF-P DX lenses.
    • Fixed the following issues:
      • Optimal exposure would sometimes not be achieved in photos taken in live view using a lens with electromagnetically controlled aperture (type E lenses).
      • When used to take pictures after an option was selected for Custom Setting d10 (Exposure delay mode) in the CUSTOM SETTING MENU, Camera Control Pro 2 would sometimes display the error “The camera was not able to take a picture.” despite having actually taken the picture.

    Nikon D610 v1.02

    • Added support for the following features of AF-P lenses:
      • If the standby timer expires after the camera has focused, the focus position will not change when the timer is reactivated.
      • In manual focus mode, the focus indicator in the viewfinder (or in live view, the focus point selected in the monitor) will flash to show that infinity or the minimum focus distance has been reached by rotating the focus ring.
    • Added support for AF-P DX lenses.
    • Fixed the following issues:
      • Optimal exposure would sometimes not be achieved in photos taken in live view using a lens with electromagnetically controlled aperture (type E lenses).
      • When used to take pictures after an option was selected for Custom Setting d10 (Exposure delay mode) in the CUSTOM SETTING MENU, Camera Control Pro 2 would sometimes display the error “The camera was not able to take a picture.” despite having actually taken the picture.

    Nikon D750

    • Added support for the following features of AF-P lenses:
      • ?If the standby timer expires after the camera has focused, the focus position will not change when the timer is reactivated.
      • ?In manual focus mode, the focus indicator in the viewfinder (or in live view, the focus point selected in the monitor) will flash to show that infinity or the minimum focus distance has been reached by rotating the focus ring.
    • Fixed the following issues:
      • ?When pictures were viewed after shooting with Overflow selected for Role played by card in Slot 2 in the PHOTO SHOOTING MENU, the camera would sometimes display the second-last picture taken.
      • Microphone sensitivity would sometimes not be correctly adjusted when movies were recorded with Auto sensitivity > Microphone sensitivity.

    Nikon KeyMission 80

    • Improved an issue that interfered with pairing or resulted in unreliable connections when the camera was used with the Android edition of the SnapBridge app.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Lomography unveils chrome-plated Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Art Lens

    Early last year, Lomography launched its then-new Daguerreotype Achromat 2.9/64 Art Lens on the crowdfunding website Kickstarter. The funding campaign was successful, and Lomography has decided to release a new version of the lens because of that success: the Chrome Plated Edition. The chrome plating lends the Art Lens a ‘classic, timeless look’ that is ‘stunning on both analogue and digital cameras,’ according to Lomography.

    The Daguerreotype Achromat Art Lens offers an F2.9 to F16 aperture range alongside a 64mm focal length, minimum 0.5m focusing distance, and construction that features 2 elements in 1 group. This particular lens model was designed by Lomography based on the lens used with the Daguerreotype camera in 1839; it includes a Waterhouse Aperture Plate and can be used for effects ranging from ‘silky soft focus’ to ‘crisp sharp shots.’

    The Chrome Plated version of the lens is being offered in Nikon F and Canon EF mounts, though Lomography notes that support expands beyond those with the use of adapters. The lens is available now through Lomography’s online store as well as Gallery Stores across the world for $ 499/€499.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • New TSA rules require separate screening for cameras

    Photo by Josh Hallett. Licensed under Creative Commons

    Photographers who fly frequently in the US may want to finally pay for TSA Pre-check status. New rules state that in standard security lines, cameras will need to be placed in a separate bin for screening. According to new procedures announced by the TSA today, any electronic device larger than a cell phone will need to be removed from its case or bag and placed in a bin with nothing above or below it.

    Now, not only will your laptop need its own bin, but potentially every camera body, lens, flashgun and tablet in your carry-on bags will need to be placed in bins for X-ray screening. A photographer traveling with a full complement of gear for a shoot is going to need to budget a little extra time for all of the un-packing and packing at the airport.

    TSA mentions that the heightened security requirements come as a response to ‘an increased threat to aviation security.’ The new procedures are already in place at ten airports and will be phased in to all airports in the ‘weeks and months ahead.’ There’s also no change in what items are permitted through security.

    Anyone enrolled in TSA’s Pre-check program will be able to keep their electronics in bags just as before. If you do a great deal of flying through the US with photo equipment, that’s probably going to sound pretty appealing.

    Here are the airports where the new rules are already in place:

    • Boise Airport (BOI)
    • Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
    • Colorado Springs Airport (COS)
    • Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW)
    • Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
    • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
    • Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport (LBB)
    • [Las Vegas] McCarran International Airport (LAS)
    • Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
    • [San Juan] Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU)

    Have you flown through any of the airports with the new regulations in place? Let us know about your experience in the comments.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • New photos appear to show Nikon D850: Illuminated controls, tilting LCD, no built-in flash

    This image, obtained by nikonrumors.com purports to show Nikon’s forthcoming DSLR, the Nikon D850.
    If genuine, the pictures indicate that the D850 will offer illuminated controls and a tilting LCD screen, but will lack a built-in flash.

    Images have been obtained by nikonrumors.com that seem to show Nikon’s forthcoming D850 DSLR, the development of which was announced this week. If genuine, the pictures indicate that the D850 will offer illuminated controls and a tilting LCD screen, but no built-in flash. While some photographers won’t be sorry to see the flash deleted, we hope that if it does indeed lack this feature, the D850 includes some kind of option for built-in wireless flash triggering.

    We’re still waiting for detailed specifications on the new camera, but in the meantime, we put together a wish-list of features we’d like to see. Perhaps we can check a couple off the list…

    Click here for what we hope to see in the forthcoming Nikon D850

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Motorola Moto Z2 Force Edition comes with dual-cam and depth mode

    Motorola has unveiled its 2017 flagship smartphone, the Moto Z2. Unsurprisingly the design is quite similar to the original Moto Z and comes with electronic contacts on the back, allowing for the attachment of Motorola’s Moto Mod accessory modules, such as the Hasselblad TrueZoom camera module.

    At 6.1mm the device is very thin and comes with a full-metal shell that features a water-repellent nano-coating. In addition, the 2560×1440 Super AMOLED display is shatterproof, making the Z2 more rugged than most of its competitors in the premium segment of the market.

    Android 7.1.1 is powered by Qualcomm’s current top-end chipset Snapdragon 835 but at 2730mAh is smaller than on many other high-end phones, which is probably owed to the thinness of the device.

    The Moto Z2 is Motorola’s first smartphone to feature a dual-camera setup. Similar to the concept used in Huawei’s recent top-end phones the Moto combines a Sony IMX 1/2.9″ RGB sensor with a monochrome imager and uses image-fusion technology to optimize detail, noise levels, dynamic range and other aspects of image quality.

    A depth-mode for simulating a shallow depth-of-field is on board as well and, compared to previous high-end Moto models, Motorola has significantly improved the panorama mode which can now produce much larger image output and fewer ghosting artifacts on moving subjects.

    In video mode the Moto Z2 camera is capable of recording 4K footage and 720p slow-motion video at 240 fps or 1080p clips at 120 fps. The front camera offers a 5MP resolution and comes with a wide-selfie mode. A Pro mode provides manual control over shutter speed and other camera parameters and the DNG Raw format is supported with third-party camera apps.

    With the dual-cam, improved panorama and slow-motion modes and new features, the Moto Z2 looks like a very promising update to the original Z2, especially in the camera department. You will be able to pre-order the Moto Z2 Force Edition from tomorrow. The device will be available from August 10 launch at a base price of $ 720.

    Key specifications:

    • 12MP dual-cam with Sony IMX 386 1/2.9″ RGB and Monochrome sensors, 1.25µm pixel size
    • F2.0 apertures
    • Dual-LED flash
    • Laser and phase detection AF
    • Depth mode
    • Manual camera controls
    • Raw-support with third-party apps
    • 4K video
    • 240fps/720p and 120fps/1080p slow-motion video
    • 5MP front camera
    • 2560×1440 Super AMOLED ShatterShield display
    • Snapdragon 835 chipset
    • 4/6GB RAM (depending on region)
    • 64/128GB of storage (depending on region)
    • microSD slot up to 2TB
    • 2730mAh battery
    • Water-repellent nano-coating
    • Fingerprint reader

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Phottix replaces Para-Pro lineup with new Premio Parabolic Umbrellas

    Phottix has just launched its new Premio Parabolic Umbrellas series, a replacement for its previous Para-Pro product lineup. The Premio series boasts an entirely new locking mechanism that is both simpler and stronger than the version found on the Para-Pro models, as well as deeper umbrellas and fiberglass spokes.

    In all, there are eight versions of the Premio umbrellas you can put together: 47in / 120cm and 33in / 85cm umbrellas can be purchased in either ‘shoot-through’ or ‘reflective’ models, with reflective black backing available for the shoot-through models (2 stops of additional light) and white diffusers available for the reflective models.

    All four models, plus reflective backing and diffusers, are available now at the following prices:

    • 85cm Reflective Umbrella: $ 45
    • 120cm Reflective Umbrella: $ 55
    • 85cm Shoot-through Umbrella: $ 40
    • 120cm Shoot-through Umbrella: $ 50
    • 85cm White diffuser: $ 15
    • 120cm White diffuser: $ 25
    • 85cm Black backing: $ 15
    • 120cm Black backing: $ 25

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Nikon celebrates 100th anniversary with new vision and crazy music video

    Today is Nikon’s 100th anniversary. Founded on this day in 1917 as Nippon Kogaku K.K., the Nikon Corporation has transformed from a manufacturer of precision optical glass into one of the most iconic photographic brands in the world. Their camera legacy began in 1948 with the Nikon Model I and continues on to this day. And regardless of your opinion of Nikon today, the past 100 years are certainly worth celebrating.

    The festivities has been going on all year, with videos, a dedicated website, a series of special edition products, posters paying tribute to the company’s most iconic cameras and a lot more, all released this year under the “100th Anniversary” seal.

    But today is THE day, and in addition to teasing the upcoming D850 DSLR Nikon has released an official statement from its president about the future of the company, posted a couple of tribute videos, and released one of the wackiest music videos you’ve ever seen.

    Tribute Videos

    The music video in question was posted to the Nikon Anniversary website, and it’s an “anniversary dance movie featuring Nikon employees and a new generation Japanese rock band, Mrs. Green Apple!” Take a look for yourself:

    But Nikon didn’t stop there. We also found this tribute to the F-Mount:

    And this charming video titled “Passage of Light”, which pays tribute to the Nikon family.

    The Future of Nikon

    Finally, on a more serious note, the company published an official press release alongside a personal message from president Kazuo Ushida.

    You can read the full press release and statement below, but the most intriguing bit is the part where Mr. Ushida lays out the company’s vision for the next 100 years. “The difference from our past strategies is that we will offer not only products, but also ideas and solutions as well,” says Ushida. “Nikon will be reborn as a solution company providing superior technologies and ideas, holding ‘light’ as our core competency.”

    The Nikon vision moving forward is summed up in a single phrase: unlock the future with the power of light. We’ll just have to wait and see what they means in practical terms, but we can only hope the next 100 years are as innovative and groundbreaking as the last hundred.

    Happy Birthday Nikon.

    Nikon Celebrates the 100th Anniversary of its Founding

    July 25, 2017 – Nikon Corporation (Kazuo Ushida, President, Tokyo) was established in 1917 (as Nippon Kogaku K.K.). Since then, we have been creating unique value all over the world by providing consumer and industrial optical equipment, including lithography systems and microscopes as well as cameras, based on opto-electronics and precision technologies.

    Today, Nikon celebrates the 100th anniversary of its founding.
    We deeply express our sincere gratitude to all of our stakeholders who have faithfully supported our development that met the needs of the last 100 years.

    Over these 100 years, Nikon has contributed to industries and people’s quality of life with its state-of-the-art technologies during each era. We were able to successfully focus on and overcome continuous challenges because we were fully supported and trusted by our stakeholders.

    In order for people to create progress toward a prosperous future over the next 100 years, Nikon will continue to contribute to the world.

    President’s message

    Today, Nikon celebrates the 100th anniversary of its establishment. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all of our customers who use our products in their everyday lives, and the stakeholders who have supported our businesses, from the bottom of my heart.

    For the past 100 years, consumer demand has called for convenient products that enhance daily life, and Nikon answered with its manufacturing skill and knowledge. However, society and consumer needs are rapidly changing today. We would like to effectively respond to these needs with the world’s highest-class opto-electronics, precision technologies and solutions.

    The difference from our past strategies is that we will offer not only products, but also ideas and solutions as well. Nikon will be reborn as a solution company providing superior technologies and ideas, holding “light” as our core competency.

    Following our corporate philosophy of “Trustworthiness and Creativity”, we hold a new vision of building the foundations of the next 100 years. We ask for your continued support as we move forward.

    Celebrating our 100th anniversary of establishment today, we also introduce our new vision for the next 100 years. As well as this, we are announcing various events planned ahead including new contents in Nikon 100th anniversary site.

    New vision and qualities of mind

    Marking our centennial year, we announce our new vision that actively leads to our next 100 years.

    Our Vision

    Unlock the future with the power of light

    Unleashing the limitless possibilities of light.
    Striving to brighten the human experience.
    Focused, with purpose, on a better future for all.
    THIS IS THE ESSENCE OF NIKON

    Our Qualities of Mind

    Curiosity

    We show our passion for progress through
    a wide range of interests to cultivate fresh ideas.

    Acceptance

    We warmly embrace diverse ideas
    and delight in differences among people and cultures.

    Inspirational Power

    We share our ideas with infectious enthusiasm
    to effect positive change in the world.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Leica Chairman Andreas Kaufmann says he wants a ‘true Leica phone’

    Last year, Leica teamed with Chinese company Huawei to co-engineer the dual-lens camera found on the back of the Huawei P9 smartphone. That may be just the start of Leica’s phone dabbling, though, based on comments made by company Chairman Andreas Kaufmann in a recent interview with CNBC’s ‘Managing Asia.’

    Kaufmann touched on the topic of Leica’s Huawei partnership and future plans under it, but also revealed his personal ‘dream’: the creation of a full Leica smartphone.

    Kaufmann talked about some of the problems with smartphones and how they relate to modern photography, saying, “Every smartphone is wrong for photography at the moment… the phone nowadays is not fit really for photography… it’s used as a camera, it’s used as a video camera, but it’s not built that way and I think there’s a long way to go still.”

    While Kaufmann didn’t detail any specific issues he sees with modern phones as photography gear, he did say that he’d like to see Leica step up with its own smartphone to solve the problems. “I am not sure whether the company can do [this]…[but] one dream would be my personal dream: a true Leica phone,” he said, leading to many a raised eyebrow among Leica lovers.

    Whereas the P9 is a Huawei phone with Leica camera tech, a ‘true Leica phone’ would presumably be fully Leica-branded and designed specifically for the company’s customer base.

    Though he didn’t have more to say about that dream, Kaufmann did tease CNBC with hints of Leica’s future plans with Huawei, saying, “It get a bit confidential, but you could think of this: are two camera systems enough for a smartphone? And that could give you a hint into the future.” Looks like the 16-camera Light L16 camera might have some competition from Leica and Huawei in the future.

    To check out Kaufmann’s full interview, click here.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Rode releases pricing and shipping date for VideoMic Pro+

    The long anticipated replacement for the popular Rode VideoMic Pro is almost ready for shipping. The UK price of the upgraded VideoMic Pro+ will be £290 (approx. $ 350) when it goes on sale in mid-August.

    The new version of the on-camera microphone will feature interchangeable power options with a supplied rechargeable lithium ion battery that can be replaced with AA cells. A USB port also allows the mic to be powered or recharged via an external battery pack. The mic will save power by shutting itself down when not in use, and Rode has improved the battery door handling so that it doesn’t come off.

    The company also says that it has improved digital noise reduction processes to reduce background interference and to enhance clarity for DSLR and mirrorless users.
    The Rode VideoMic Pro+ comes with a Rycote Lyre suspension system and a ten-year warranty. For more information visit the Rode website.

    Press Release

    The On-Camera Microphone You’ve Been Waiting For is Here: Meet the VideoMic Pro+

    Pro-audio brand RØDE Microphones is announcing a new addition to its best in market on-camera category – the VideoMic Pro+.

    Announced at RØDEShow 2017, Freedman Electronics 50th anniversary celebration, the VideoMic Pro+ is set to prove that RØDE Microphones has yet again upped the game for the prosumer filmmaker.

    Still with the best-in-class Rycote Lyre suspension system on board, the VideoMic Pro+ improves on the existing VideoMic Pro capsule/line tube and windshield, plus boasts a host of new features:

    • Automatic Power Function (subject to plug-in power availability) is perfect for the run-and-gun shooter, automatically turning the microphone off when unplugged from the camera
    • Built-in Battery Door makes replacing the battery a breeze and far less cumbersome than previous VideoMic models – plus it won’t get lost.
    • Power options – the VideoMic Pro+ can be powered by the all-new and included RØDE LB-1 Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery, 2 x AA Batteries or continuously via Micro USB
    • Digital Switching – will ensure the user has ultimate capture of the audio signal at the source, reducing post production and editing times. The Digital Switching includes:
      • 2-Stage High Pass Filter to reduce low frequencies such as rumble from traffic or air conditioning
      • 3-Stage Gain Control, with +20dB function – designed to improve audio quality on DSLR or mirrorless cameras
      • High Frequency Boost will boost high frequencies enhancing detail and clarity in the recording
      • Safety Channel to help ensure the signal does not clip when unexpected spikes occur

    “The VideoMic Pro+ is a new benchmark in on-camera microphones,” comments Damien Wilson, RØDE and Freedman Group CEO. “We have listened to our customers and are delivering the microphone they’ve asked for, with features such as the built-in battery door, automatic power function and included Lithium-Ion Battery.”

    The VideoMic Pro+ ships with a 3.5mm TRS Cable, LB-1 Lithioum-Ion Rechargeable Battery and includes RØDE’s 10-year warranty and is now available at authorised RØDE dealers. For more information please visit: www.rode.com/microphones/videomicproplus

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)