360Photography

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  • That crazy 16-module Light L16 camera is finally shipping today

    The Light L16 boasts a crazy 16 total camera modules, creating images by blending photos taken with all 16 simultaneously. Photo: Light.co

    It took four years, but Light.co’s L16 computational photography camera is officially shipping to pre-order customers. The 16-module camera is about the size of a regular smartphone, but by using 16 cameras at once, it claims to shoot the kinds of photos we’re used to seeing from DSLRs.

    The announcement dropped just a couple of hours ago on the Light.co website, where the company seemed to go to great lengths to justify the last 4 years.

    “We’ll admit, bringing this breakthrough computational camera to market hasn’t been easy,” reads the blog post. “You see, Light is not just building a camera. Or an app. Or an algorithm, as most other startups do. We’re building all of these things and then combining them to create something radically different.”

    Creating this crazy camera has involved a wide variety of engineering feats: designing camera-modules, building new chipsets, creating proprietary computational-imaging software, building out an e-commerce platform, and putting it all into a mobile device.

    The camera that came out the other end is allegedly, “something the world has never seen before.”

    Light.co Director of Hardware Engineering, Brian Gilbert, holding the first ‘lunch box’ model of the L16 Photo: Light.co

    “Like any other new invention, revolutionizing the camera has taken some time. For years, we’ve been maniacally focused on producing the highest-quality images possible,” continues the announcement. “Our standards are extreme—they have to be if we are truly reinventing the camera—and we hope you can understand why it’s taken so long for the L16 to reach the high bar we’ve set for ourselves.”

    With words like that, the real deal had better be something spectacular. Fortunately, we won’t have to wait long to find out.

    Light.co is determined not to rush things, or send out an unfinished product, but the first pre-orders shipped today and the company is working hard to get the rest “in the mail as soon as [they’re] ready—but not any sooner.” For our part, we’ll be reaching out and hoping to get an L16 into the DPReview studio ASAP.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Leica M10 1.9.4.0 firmware arrives with major bug fix

    Leica has released firmware 1.9.4.0 for the M10, correcting a bug from firmware 1.7.4.0 that produces black images in some cases during short exposures. The company has also advised M10 owners on how to handle SD cards issues that may arise in some circumstances, stating that cards with speeds of at least 80MB/s should be used.

    The latest firmware can be downloaded here.

    The full M10 firmware v. 1.9.4.0 change-log reads:

    • With the previous firmware 1.7.4.0, a larger selection of SD cards were made compatible with the Leica M10. Unfortunately we discovered, that in certain cases, the firmware 1.7.4.0 could produce black images when using short exposure times. This bug has now been fixed with firmware 1.9.4.0.
    • All improvements from previous firmware versions are included in firmware 1.9.4.0. We apologize for any inconveniences this may have caused.

    Improvements of SD card compatibility

    • With the Firmware 1.7.4.0 a larger choice of SD cards is compatible with the Leica M10.
    • With the last Firmware, certain SD cards were not recognized, or the complete write speed could not be used with the camera.
    • The Leica M10 supports SDHC/SDXC cards from 1GB up to 512 GB. We recommend to use cards with write speed 80 MB/s or higher in order not to restrict the cameras performance. In single cases it can occur that the speed, stated by the cards manufacturers, differs from the effective read or write speed in the Leica M10.
    • Use UHS I cards instead of UHS II. The M10 is compatible with UHS II cards, but does not use the full UHS II speed. Leica performs ongoing compatibility tests of the latest cards available in the market. We ask for your understanding that due to changes in production and software, Leica cannot guarantee a 100% compatibility of the recommended cards.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Photographer behind famous ‘monkey selfie’ is broke after years-long copyright battle

    The infamous photo, captured when the monkey pressed the shutter, has become the subject of a years-long copyright dispute that has left Slater broke. Photo: David Slater

    Freelance photographer David Slater, once one of the most talked-about photographers in the world because of his serendipitous ‘monkey selfies,’ is now considering dog walking… or giving tennis lessons. According to The Guardian, the selfsame selfie that made Slater famous has left him broke after years of legal disputes between Slater and both Wikimedia and PETA.

    In case you’ve not been following this strangest of copyright battles, the details are as follows. In 2011, Slater traveled to Sulawesi, Indonesia where, by his account, he managed to coax some macaques to start playing with his camera gear. Slater did this on purpose, he says, because he was having trouble getting a close up wide-angle shot of the monkeys with their eyes open.

    His gambit worked. One of the macaques took a few ‘selfies’ that immediately went viral, earning Slater a few thousand pounds… then the legal troubles started.

    Wikimedia refused to take down the photo at Slater’s request, claiming that he wasn’t the copyright holder since he didn’t press the shutter. Then the US Copyright Office ruled that animals cannot own copyrights, leaving the photo ostensibly author-less. And finally, since Slater continues to claim copyright, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) sued him on behalf of the macaque in 2015.

    That pretty much brings us to yesterday’s article in The Guardian, in which Slater admits that years of legal battles have left him broke and ready to ‘pack it all in.’ He couldn’t even afford the airfare to attend his own trial in San Francisco this week—instead, he watched a livestream of the trial from his home in the UK.

    Slater’s current predicament isn’t just a cautionary tale for photographers who dream of going viral, it offers fascinating insights into the archaic laws surrounding authorship and copyright. Of course, the idea that this case might prevent future photographers from going through something similar is probably small consolation for Slater at this junction.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Macphun launches beta of Luminar photo editor for Windows

    Mac-software maker Macphun has launched its first product for Windows PCs: a public beta of its award-winning photo editor Luminar. The beta is free of charge and comes with many of the most important features of the Mac version, including the artificial intelligence powered Accent AI Filter, which replaces traditional controls like shadows, highlights, contrast, tone, saturation and exposure with a single slider.

    Unfortunately, a number of functions remain under development for the Windows platform, including workspaces, plug-in integration, object removal and noise reduction; however, the public beta will be updated as those features are being integrated and Macphun is envisaging a full cross-platform release in late in 2017.

    “We are thrilled to release our first PC product today and give photography enthusiasts around the world the first taste of our best-selling Mac product,” said Kevin La Rue, Vice-President at Macphun. “By test-driving Luminar for Windows, beta testers can help shape our software and make the final release a perfect fit for everyone.”

    You can download the free public beta of Luminar for Windows on the Macphun website now.

    Press Release

    Macphun debuts its first-ever software for the PC, heralding a new era of cross-platform solutions for photographers

    San Diego, CA – July 13, 2017 — Macphun, the California-based developer known for delivering award-winning products for Mac, today launched the free public beta of its award-winning photo editor Luminar for Windows. To download the beta, please visit macphun.com/beta.

    Luminar is a powerful photo editor designed to tackle anyone’s photography needs, from correcting challenging image problems to artful stylizing. Users can choose between levels of image processing complexity based on their experience, and adapt the workspace controls to their skill level, moving up to more advanced modes as they learn. Luminar works in non-destructive fashion and aims to take “work” from photo editing “workflow” for photographers worldwide.

    In April, only 5 months after its launch, Luminar for Mac won the prestigious TIPA award for Best Imaging Software 2017. This all-in-one photo editor is a cutting-edge solution for creating fascinating images without extra hassle. Luminar includes over 300 robust tools that make fixing, editing and perfecting a photo as easy as moving a slider.

    “We are thrilled to release our first PC product today and give photography enthusiasts around the world the first taste of our best-selling Mac product,” said Kevin La Rue, Vice-President at Macphun. “By test-driving Luminar for Windows, beta testers can help shape our software and make the final release a perfect fit for everyone,” concluded La Rue.

    The public beta is free of charge and already matches some of the most important features of Luminar, such as the newest and most advanced tool developed by Macphun’s Research and Development Lab – the Accent AI Filter, powered by artificial intelligence technology. The filter allows anyone to create stunning images with a single slider, substituting for dozens of traditional controls like shadows, highlights, contrast, tone, saturation, exposure, details and many others.

    Admittedly, several features from the Mac version of Luminar remain in development for the Windows platform, among them workspaces, plug-in integration, object removal, noise reduction, and more. As these are completed, the public beta will be updated regularly leading to a full cross-platform release late in 2017.

    Key features of the Luminar for Windows public beta:

    • Adaptive user interface – Exactly matching the Mac version, the software adapts to the skill level and preferences of the photographer.
    • One-click presets – Over 50 pre-defined styles for every photography style.
    • Photo Editing Filters – Over 40 custom filters, each with built-in visual tips and a unique set of easy-to-use controls for correcting, enhancing and stylizing images.
    • RAW file conversion – Support for the latest RAW file libraries.
    • Non-destructive workflow – Edit without fear.

    Recommended System Requirements – Windows 10, Core i5 2.2 or better, 8GB RAM, 1GB GPU RAM, SSD with 20+GB free space.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • 3 Legged Thing launches low-cost, lightweight universal L-Bracket

    UK tripod manufacturer 3 Legged Thing has introduced a new, lightweight universal L-Bracket that offers full cable port access for a range of Canon and Nikon cameras, and which has a thread on its upright so users can attach accessories such as mics or flash brackets.

    The QR11-L is designed to make switching from landscape orientation to portrait quick and easy when using a tripod. It is made from magnesium alloy, to be lightweight while still protecting the camera, and features a large cut-out area that offers varying degrees of access to microphone, headphone and USB/HDMI ports located on the camera’s end panel depending on the brand and model of camera. (We’ve included a compatibility list is below).

    Each axis has a strap lug and the base rail is shaped to be clamped into Arca Swiss style heads. For storage, the two plates come apart using a supplied tool and the whole kit fits into a drawstring bag for transportation.

    The 3 Legged Thing QR11-L comes in a choice of Copper or Slate colors and will cost £49.99/$ 49.99 when shipping begins on August 1st. For more information see the 3 Legged Thing website.

    Manufacturer information

    A GUIDE TO COMPATIBILITY

    One of the most common questions we receive is about compatibility with cameras. This guide is designed to show you what you should expect. The QR11 fits most modern cameras, but may require some adjustment or compromise.

    Full compatibility.

    The following cameras support the QR11, and enable full access to battery and cable doors.

    • CANON – 760D, 80D
    • NIKON – D3300, D3400, D5300, D5500, D5600, D500, D610, D700, D7000, D7100, D800, D810

    Very compatible.

    The following cameras support the QR11, and with a small adjustment, enable access to battery, cable door, or both.

    • CANON – 5D II, 5D III, 5D IV, 6D, 7D, 7D II, 700D, 750D
    • NIKON – D750

    Partial compatibility.

    The following cameras support the QR11, but access to the cable and battery doors is impeded.

    • CANON – 100D, 1300D, M3, M5
    • NIKON – 1V3, 1J5
    • SONY – A68, A77, A99, A99ii, A5000, A6000, A6300, A6500, A7, A7ii, A7r, A7s
    • FUJI – X100/S/T, X-E2/S, XT1, XT2, XT10
    • OLYMPUS – E-M1, E-M1 II, E-M10 II, E-M5 II, E-PL7, E-PL8, PEN-F
    • PENTAX – K-1, K-3 II, K-50, K-70, K-S2

    3 Legged Thing QR11-L Universal L-Bracket

    The new QR11-LG Quick Release Plate comes with a 110mm base, side bracket with cable access and 1/4”-20 accessory mount, compatible with standard Arca Swiss® clamps and heads. Designed to make the switch from landscape to portrait quick and easy, and with a side mount for optional accessories, the QR11-LG takes L Bracket functionality into the 21st century.

    SO, WHAT’S IN THE KIT?

    • QR11-LG Quick Release L Bracket
    • Stagsden Stainless Steel camera screw
    • Retaining bolts (2.5mm hex) for horizontal axis security
    • Toolz – Multi Tool, hex key, coin key, key ring, carabiner and bottle opener
    • Tough drawstring bag
    • Elevated Street Credibility (not guaranteed)

    FEATURES

    • Two piece L Bracket, that can be disassembled for when stowage space is limited
    • 1/4″-20 side mount, for adding accessories (monitors, microphones etc)
    • Precision engineed plate profiles for secure connection to your tripod head
    • Base slot for strap attachment or Peak Design® Anchor connection

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Nikon expands D750 shutter recall yet again, more cameras affected

    The Nikon D750 shutter unit has been causing problems for 2 years. Photo: Nikon

    It seems Nikon D750 shutter issues are still plaguing the company 2 full years after it initially issued a recall on some serial numbers produced between October 2014 and June 2015. In another update issued yesterday, Nikon expanded the recall to include more cameras—specifically: models produced between July 2014 through September 2014 and from July 2015 through September 2016.

    This issue first cropped up on the Nikon advisory page in July of 2015. At the time, Nikon claimed the issue—which could result in the shutter shading a part of your photo—was limited to units made in October and November of 2014.

    Then, in February of 2016, Nikon expanded the recall to include units made between December 2014 to June 2015.

    Today’s update makes three, and expands the recall to include units manufactured between July 2014 to September 2014 and those made between July 2015 and September 2016. If you’re keeping score, that means that affected units were being manufactured from July of 2014 all the way through September of last year.

    Check your serial number using Nikon’s website to find out if your camera is affected. Photo: Nikon

    As with the original advisory and the previous update, D750 owners can check to see if their camera is affected by using Nikon’s serial number lookup tool at this link. If your camera is affected, that tool will provide instructions on sending your D750 to Nikon for repair free of charge regardless of warranty status.

    Read the full service advisory text below for more details.

    UPDATED NIKON D750 SERVICE ADVISORY AS OF JULY 12, 2017.

    Technical Service Advisory for users of the Nikon D750 digital SLR camera

    Thank you for choosing Nikon for your photographic needs.

    In February of 2016, we announced in an update that the shutter in some Nikon D750 digital SLR cameras manufactured between October 2014 through June 2015 may not function normally, sometimes resulting in a shading of a portion of images. Since that time, we have learned that the same issue may affect D750 cameras manufactured from July 2014 through September 2014 and from July 2015 through September 2016.

    For those who have already purchased a D750 and would like to have their camera serviced for this issue, free of charge, Nikon service centers will service cameras as indicated below. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this issue may have caused.

    Identifying affected D750 cameras

    To check whether or not your camera may be one of those affected by this issue, click the Check Your Serial Number link below and enter your D750’s serial number as instructed.

    If your D750 camera is one of those that may be affected, instructions for obtaining service will be displayed. If your D750 camera is not one of those to which this issue may apply, rest assured that service to your D750 camera as to this issue is not necessary and you may continue using your D750 camera without concern for this issue.

    Check Your Serial Number

    The camera’s serial number is the 7-digit number indicated by the red frame in the image above.

    Resolution

    If your D750 camera may be affected, as confirmed with the serial number check above, you will be provided with the necessary information to obtain service for this issue free of charge. Once your D750 camera is received by Nikon, your D750 camera’s shutter will be examined and replaced, and your D750 camera returned to you free of charge, even if your D750 camera warranty has expired.

    We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this matter may have caused you.

    Nikon will continue to take all possible measures to further improve product quality. Therefore, we hope that you will continue to choose Nikon for your photographic needs.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • The Airdog ADII is a lightweight, autonomous ‘extreme sports’ drone

    Helico Aerospace has launched its new Airdog ADII camera drone on the crowdfunding website Kickstarter, seeking funds for the sequel to its original Airdog drone launched in 2014. This next-generation Airdog packs both intelligent features and a portable, durable design, the combination of which makes this model suitable for ‘extreme sport’ activities, according to Helico.

    The ADII camera drone sports a built-in ‘enhanced’ gimbal system that is compatible with the GoPro HERO 5 Black action camera. This gimbal system includes a trio of brushless motors, as well as an adapter that charges the GoPro while it is connected. The drone is equipped with a start/stop recording function, as well, that is triggered upon take-off and landing.

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    The main selling point of the Airdog ADII is that it offers hands-free operation through a combination of software and hardware that enable automatic follow modes.

    The ADII can be set to follow a specific perspective or remaining locked onto that angle, via a mode called ‘fixed follow.’ The drone also offers an ‘adaptive follow’ mode, tracking a specific subject as they move. Dynamic shots are also possible thanks to a ‘circle’ mode, which causes the drone to circle around a specific subject.

    Tracking and precision, meanwhile, are made possible via an array of sensors, including: GPS, gyroscope, magnetometer, accelerometer and LiDAR. The drone is suitable for use in wind speeds ranging up to 30 knots, and boasts a top operating speed of 45mph / 72km/h and a maximum operational ceiling of 11,500ft / 3500m above sea level.

    The ADII’s battery is rechargeable and interchangeable, able to power the drone for between 10 and 20 minutes per charge.

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    The Airdog Kickstarter campaign is offering interested consumers a single ADII model for pledges of at least $ 1,200 USD; shipping to these backers is estimated to start in October 2017 and will be limited to ‘certain’ countries.

    Visit the Airdog Kickstarter to find out more.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Sigma announces pricing and availability of 14mm and 135mm T2 Cine Prime lenses

    The 14mm T2.0 will cost $ 4999 when it starts shipping later this month. The 135mm T2.0 will also ship in late July, for the same price.

    Sigma has announced pricing and availability for its new Cine Prime lenses. The 14mm and 135mm T2 primes will be available later this month for $ 4999 each, or as part of two and seven-lens kits for $ 10,499 and $ 24,799 respectively.

    Press Release:

    Sigma Announces Pricing and Availability for the 14mm and 135mm T2 Cine Prime Lenses, Shipping This July

    Full-frame sensor compatible, high-speed prime lenses bring Sigma’s esteemed Art lens technology to cinema cameras; the 14mm T2 FF and 135mm T2 FF begin shipping late July for a retail price of $ 4,999.00 USD each

    Ronkonkoma, NY – July 13, 2017 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading still photo and cinema lens, camera, flash and accessory manufacturer, today announced the availability of two brand new cine lenses: the Sigma 14mm T2 FF and 135mm T2 FF, which will both begin shipping late July 2017. Compatible with full-frame image sensors, these high-speed cine prime lenses are available for EF, E and PL mounts. They are available as individual lenses for a retail price of $ 4,999.00 USD each, or as part of two and seven lens sets for retail prices of $ 10,499.00 USD and $ 24,799.00 USD respectively.

    Go fast and wide with the Sigma 14mm T2 Cine Prime
    The Sigma 14mm T2 FF Cine Prime lens is the world’s first and only to offer an incredibly fast T2 at this ultra-wide angle focal length for full frame sensors. Bringing remarkable optical performance to the art of capturing moving images, the Sigma 14mm T2 offers cinematographers the opportunity for robust cinematic expression.

    Resolving power like nothing ever seen before with the Sigma 135mm T2 Cine Prime
    The Sigma 135mm T2 FF Cine Prime offers astonishing rendering performance unmatched by almost any lens on the market. Retaining the optical performance of Sigma’s original Art lens for the still photographer, this exceptional lens enables cinematographers to enjoy the highest image quality for shooting movies.

    Both lenses offer the following benefits and capabilities:

    • Bright, T2 full frame maximum aperture
    • Capable of resolving up to 8K
    • Available in Canon EF, Sony E & PL Mounts
    • 180-degree focus rotation

    The Sigma 14mm and 135mm lenses are fully compatible with full frame sensors. The addition of these lenses to the Sigma cine lineup expands the FF High Speed Prime Line to a total of seven lenses, from a super-wide 14mm to a brilliantly sharp telephoto 135mm.

    Pricing for individual lenses and lens sets
    The newest cine lens offerings from Sigma will be available individually as well as in sets for the following retail prices.

    Individual lenses:
    Sigma 14mm T2 FF – $ 4,999.00 USD
    Sigma 135mm T2 FF – $ 4,999.00 USD

    Two lens set with case:
    Sigma 14mm T2 FF, 135mm T2 FF and a protective lens carrying case – $ 10,499.00 USD

    Seven lens set with two cases:
    Sigma 14mm T2 FF, 20mm T1.5 FF, 24mm T1.5 FF, 35mm T1.5 FF, 50mm T1.5 FF, 85mm T1.5 FF, 135mm T2 FF, and two protective lens carrying cases – $ 24,799.00 USD

    The Sigma 14mm T2 FF and 135mm T2 FF Shipping Late July
    The Cine 14mm and 135mm lenses and sets will begin shipping late July 2017 for EF, E and PL mounts.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • VSCO adds free ‘Oakley’ photo filters to iOS and Android apps

    VSCO has teamed up with eyewear brand Oakley to launch new photo presets that replicate the company’s lens technology. These presets are free and available for both the Android and iOS versions of the VSCO app, enabling anyone to alter their photos to create scenes seemingly viewed through a pair of Oakley glasses.

    The new photo presets are collected under the ‘Oakley PRIZM Series,’ and they can be found by opening the app and navigating to its store.

    The free pack contains a total of three image filters called ‘Oak1,’ ‘Oak2,’ and ‘Oak3.’ VSCO says these presets are best used with landscape and outdoor adventure photography; however, they’re only available for a limited, unspecified duration so jump on it if you want to add that… sunglass touch to your photos.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Pulitzer-winning photographer uses Volvo SUV’s built-in camera to shoot photo exhibit

    Consumer vehicles are increasingly built with integrated cameras as part of safety systems, and the Volvo XC60 is no exception. The only difference? Volvo is using their car cam to capture a unique brand of photography.

    Volvo recently tapped Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Barbara Davidson and Swedish agency Forsman & Bodenfors to create a first-of-its-kind photography exhibit called ‘Moments’ that features images taken by Davidson using the SUV’s built-in camera. “Through art we’re connecting [viewers] with really important technology that saves lives,” Davidson explains in a video from Volvo Cars, “and I think we’re bringing the technical world and the artistic world together.”

    Pulling photos out of the car’s video feed, Davidson managed to create a unique set of photographs using the Volvo.

    Davidson staged the shots, a process highlighted in Volvo’s video. Talking about this, Davidson explained, “I’m really using the car as a camera, and I’m framing it as I would frame with my 35mm camera. So it’s very similar to how I would work as a photojournalist.”

    Volvo premiered the ‘Moments’ project on July 4th in London, and will be showcasing it in various parts of the world throughout 2017.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)