360Photography

Category: Uncategorized

  • Video: How to make a DIY ‘beauty dish’ for $12

    Photographer and YouTuber Joe Edelman is a bit DIY obsessed when it comes to portrait gear—from DIY gobos, to a reflector holder, to a portable background stand, he’s created some pretty interesting things. But this poor man’s DIY ‘beauty dish’ might be his most useful creation yet.

    A beauty dish, as Edelman explains in the video, is a light modifier that turns a bare bulb flash into a large direct light source with rapid fall off and no hot spot in the center. It creates a fairly harsh light that is unforgiving, but desirable in portrait lighting situations where you really want to carve out your subject’s features.

    If you’re a novice you might occasionally want this create this look, but not so much that you’re willing to spend $ 60, $ 70 or $ 80 on a bona fide beauty dish. What’s a poor (literally) photographer to do?

    Left: Edelman’s DIY ‘beauty dish’ made from an umbrella and a piece of foam core. Right: sample photo shot with this modifier.

    Edelman’s solution is to use a 30-inch photography umbrella, place it strategically close to your subject for faster fall-off, zoom your speedlight as far in as you can, and cut out a 12-inch circle of black foam core to place in the middle.

    All together, this hacked-together modifier can cost as little as $ 12 ($ 11 for a 33-inch umbrella, $ 1 for some foam core at your local WalMart).

    Sure, it’s not a ‘real’ beauty dish, and maybe you can hack together a more accurate facsimile in your spare time, but it’s portable, takes about 5 minutes to ‘make’ and the results are remarkably similar to a real beauty dish.

    Check out the full video up top and then head over to Edelman’s YouTube channel if you want to see more tutorials like this one.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • New firmware brings USB-power and more to Hasselblad X1D-50c

    Hasselblad has released a firmware update for its 50MP X1D compact mirrorless medium-format camera. Firmware version 1.17.0 adds a number of new functions to the camera, including power from USB, an added overlay for the spot metering area, a visual overexposure warning, a grid overlay in video live view and recording, and a clickable white balance icon in live view.

    Bug fixes cover a front focus issue that could occur in certain situations, an incorrect “No Card” indication has been fixed, improved USB stability and tethered performance and more.

    To install the update, make sure to use a fully charged battery and be prepared for the procedure to take up to 12 minutes to complete. X1D users can download the update on the Hasselblad website after logging on with their credentials.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • LG G6 scores 84 points in DxOMark testing, lags slightly behind closest rivals

    DxOMark has published its image quality test results for LG’s current flagship smartphone, the LG G6. The G6 comes with a dual-camera setup that features two 13MP image sensors. In the main camera the sensor is coupled to an F1.8 image-stabilized lens. The secondary super-wide-angle camera comes with a slower F2.4 aperture and has to make do without optical image stabilization. In video mode the G6 can record up to 2160p/30fps footage.

    As usual, DxOMark has tested the main camera only and with an overall score of 84 points the G6 is on the same level as last year’s Motorola Moto G Plus or the iPhone 6s. Thanks to excellent exposures, good white balance, vivid color, high levels of detail, and a fast autofocus in bright light the G6 achieves a photo sub-score of 85 points. Negative points include an increase in noise and a reduction in low-contrast detail in lower light.

    In video mode the G6 scores 83 points, again thanks to a good performance in brighter conditions. Video footage shows accurate exposure, wide dynamic range, good detail and accurate white balance. Color shading is well under control and the testers liked the efficient stabilization system. You can read the full report on DxOMark.com or find our own comprehensive review of the LG G6 here.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Nikon reveals full-frame AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm F4.5-5.6E ED VR

    After introducing an AF-P 70-300mm telezoom for its crop-sensor DSLRs last year, Nikon is adding a full-frame version to the mix. The AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm F4.5-5.6E ED VR is the first FX Nikkor lens to offer a pulse (stepping) motor, with quieter autofocus ideal for video shooters.

    It claims 4.5 stops of stabilization, which is two stops better than 2.5 claimed on Nikon’s website for the current 70-300mm F4.5-5.6. This updated version also provides a shorter minimum focus distance of 1.2m / 3.94ft (compared to 1.5m / 4.9ft), ‘dust and drip resistance,’ a 9-blade aperture and an ED element to reduce chromatic aberration. It also has electronic aperture control for smooth exposure transitions while shooting video and bursts.

    The AF-P 70-300mm F4.5-5.6E ED VR will sell for $ 700 with availability to be announced later.

    NIKON INTRODUCES NEW FULL-FRAME TELEPHOTO ZOOM LENS: THE AF-P NIKKOR 70-300MM F/4.5-5.6E ED VR

    MELVILLE, NY (July 11, 2017 at 12:01 A.M. EDT) – Today, Nikon announced the new AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR, modernizing this popular zoom lens with a myriad of the latest Nikon technologies. The new lens features enhanced Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization capability and integrates a stepping motor for fast and quiet AF performance, making it Nikon’s first full-frame AF-P lens. This new NIKKOR lens is a versatile, compact telephoto option for intermediate FX and DX-format photographers looking to capture sports, wildlife, candids, travel and other subjects at long distances, all with stunning clarity.

    “This latest lens reaffirms Nikon’s commitment to giving FX-format shooters of all levels the unparalleled quality of NIKKOR glass, with the benefits of our latest optical technologies,” said Kosuke Kawaura, Director of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc.

    Updated with the Latest NIKKOR Lens Technologies
    Whether capturing a baseball game from the bleachers or the sights of a scenic vacation, the new AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR is a versatile lens that helps users capture sharp images and video, even in challenging light. The new AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm is lighter than its predecessor, despite packing new technologies that help those shooting photos and video achieve stellar results. Enhancements to the lens include:

    • Improved Vibration Reduction (VR) System: The new AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm lens provides users with up to 4.5 stops* of VR stabilization, to help create sharp photos and smooth video, even in low light or while handheld. Users can choose from either Normal or Sport VR Modes for added stability when shooting from a non-stationary location.
    • Lightweight with Stepping Motor Technology: This AF-P lens uses a stepping motor for fast and quiet autofocus, which reduces the sound of lens operation while recording HD or 4K UHD video. This new technology also contributes to the lens’ reduced weight, making it easy to carry on all-day excursions.
    • Electronic Diaphragm: This lens takes advantage of the fast burst speed of Nikon DSLR cameras, as the Electronic Diaphragm not only provides smooth exposure transitions during video capture, but also helps maintain consistent exposure during high-speed shooting, such as when photographing sports.
    • Get Close: The AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm lens features a minimum focus distance of only 3.94 ft. (1.2 meters) and a reproduction ratio of 0.25x, letting users get even closer to capture the most extravagant details, even at 300mm.
    • Lens Construction: The lens features dust and drip resistance, along with a metal lens mount for durability. It features a 9-blade diaphragm for a natural, circular bokeh. The lens also features an ED element to significantly reduce instances of chromatic aberration.

    Price and Availability
    The Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR lens will have a suggested retail price (SRP) of $ 699.95**, and availability will be announced at a later date. For more information on this new NIKKOR lens as well as the latest Nikon products, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

    *Based on CIPA Standard. This value is achieved when FX-format compatible lenses are attached to a FX-format digital SLR camera and zoom lenses are set at the maximum telephoto position.

    **SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time. Specifications, equipment and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.

    AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm F4.5-5.6E ED VR specifications

    Principal specifications
    Lens type Zoom lens
    Max Format size 35mm FF
    Focal length 70–300 mm
    Image stabilization Yes (4.5 stops)
    Lens mount Nikon F (FX)
    Aperture
    Maximum aperture F4.5–32
    Minimum aperture F5.6–40
    Aperture ring No
    Number of diaphragm blades 9
    Optics
    Elements 18
    Groups 14
    Special elements / coatings 1 ED element
    Focus
    Minimum focus 1.25 m (49.21″)
    Maximum magnification 0.25×
    Autofocus Yes
    Motor type Stepper motor
    Full time manual Yes
    Focus method Extending front
    Distance scale No
    DoF scale No
    Focus distance limiter No
    Physical
    Weight 680 g (1.50 lb)
    Diameter 81 mm (3.17″)
    Length 146 mm (5.75″)
    Sealing No
    Colour Black
    Zoom method Rotary (extending)
    Power zoom No
    Filter thread 67.0 mm
    Hood supplied Yes
    Hood product code HB-82
    Tripod collar No

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • The Laowa Magic Shift Converter brings easy lens-shifting to the Sony E-Mount

    Venus Optics, the Chinese maker of the Laowa lens brand, has launched the Laowa Magic Shift Converter (MSC). The Magic Shift is designed to be used with Canon or Nikon mount lenses and Sony Full Frame E-mount cameras, and adds shift capabilities to your super-wide-angle lenses.

    According to Laowa, the Magic Shift works specifically well with the company’s own Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D ultra-wide angle lens, which it converts into a 17mm f/4 Zero-D lens with a +/- 10mm shift capability.

    Laowa says that, thanks to a patented internal optics system, there is no vignetting even at maximum shift and the impact on image quality is minimal as well. In addition, the MSC comes with a 360° rotation structure which allows photographers to shoot in both horizontal and portrait orientation.

    Like conventional shift lenses, the Magic Shift Converter is aimed at architecture photographers, allowing them to compensate for converging parallels when shooting tall buildings or other structures with the lens angled upwards.

    The Laowa Magic Shift Converter (MSC) Canon variant is currently available to pre-order on the Venus Optics website and at authorized resellers. Shipping is expected to start in late July/early Aug. The Nikon variant should be available two months later.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Federal Court confirms (again): Police can be photographed in public

    Following in the footsteps of the US’s First, Fifth, Seventh, Ninth and Eleventh Circuit Courts of Appeals, judges for the Third Circuit Court of Appeals have unanimously ruled that individuals have a First Amendment right to photograph and video record police officers in public. The decision follows multiple cases involving law enforcement retaliation against individuals who were recording police activity in public.

    The ruling, which was filed on July 7, 2017, details two cases in which Philadelphia police officers interfered with individuals who were recording public law enforcement activity.

    The first case involved Amanda Geraci, who was filming the arrest of an anti-fracking protester when an officer ‘pinned’ her against a pillar, blocking her ability to record the arrest. The second case involved Richard Fields, who was arrested after refusing to stop recording public police activity.

    On behalf of the court, and per the document filed last week, Judge Thomas Ambro wrote, “Simply put, the First Amendment protects the act of photographing, filming, or otherwise recording police officers conducting their official duties in public.”

    There may be exceptions to this right, the judge notes, such as times when a “recording interferes with police activity.” However, in the absence of that concern, the Court finds that “under the First Amendment’s right of access to information, the public has the commensurate right to record—photograph, film, or audio record—police officers conducting official police activity in public areas.”

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • 7Artisans unveils range of low cost, fast lenses for mirrorless cameras

    Chinese optical manufacturer 7Artisans has introduced a collection of four lenses that are intended to provide low-cost alternatives to branded optics. The lenses are all designed for mirrorless cameras, and the company intermittently provides mounts for Sony E, MFT, Fujifilm X and Canon EOS M users, as well as one lens for Leica M cameras.

    The lenses are all manual focus, feature a copper core with an aluminum exterior and some of them come in a choice of black or silver finish. There isn’t much information on the company website but the Amazon sales pages reveal some of their specification.

    25mm f/1.8 | Sony E/Fujifilm X/MFT | $ 70

    This lens was designed for APS-C and Micro Four Thirds sensors, and boasts an aperture range of f/1.8-16. It uses seven elements in five groups, has 12 iris blades and offers a 46mm filter thread.

    35mm f/2 | Sony E/Fujifilm X/Canon EOS M | $ 156

    A lens capable of covering a full frame sensor, this 35mm f/2 uses a 10-bladed iris and has a minimum aperture of f/16. It is constructed with seven elements arranged in five groups and offers a 43mm filter thread.

    50mm f/1.1 | Leica M | $ 369

    Designed for the Leica M family, this standard focal length uses 12 iris blades to form its click-less f/1.1- f/16 aperture range. The company says it has used a Sonnar design and high-refractive index glass to optimize the lens for use at the widest apertures. The lens has seven elements arranged in six groups.

    The current version isn’t compatible with the Leica M4 and M4A, but models from September onward will be.

    7.5mm f/2.8 | Sony E/Fujifilm X/MFT | $ 139

    This is a fisheye lens that the company claims offers a maximum angle of view of 180°. It has 11 elements that are arranged in eight groups, and the 12-bladed iris closes to f/22.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Time-lapse captures thousands of fireworks going off over LA on July 4th

    Photographer and creative director Dylan Schwartz may have shot the viral fireworks time-lapse of the year this July 4th. Over the course of three hours, Schwartz captured thousands of fireworks going off above LA from his vantage point at Mount Wilson Observatory.

    Schwartz shared the story behind the timelapse with Time, telling the magazine, “Everything is spread out in L.A. To really see what L.A. does for the Fourth of July, you have to see the whole thing.” Even with this wide shot captured from 5,700+ feet above LA, Schwartz still says he only captured “a slice.”

    According to Time, the final time-lapse is a composite of nearly 250GB of stills and video shot with 4 different cameras. Schwartz used a Sony a9 (he’s a Sony ambassador) with a 70-200mm lens to capture both video and stills of the widest perspective, another camera for video exclusively, and two more were shooting stills of various key locations.

    Six hours of editing later, the time-lapse above was ready for posting on social media, where it immediately took off. Here’s an even closer crop posted to Schwartz’ Instagram account. Enjoy.

    A post shared by Dylan Schwartz (@dylan.schwartz) on


    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Nikon issues battery recall: Overheating batteries from 2012 still causing problems

    If you purchased a Nikon D800, D800E, D7000 or Nikon 1 V1 and are still shooting with the original EN-EL15 battery, or if you’ve ever purchased a spare EN-EL15 off the shelf, listen up. There’s a small chance you’re using a defective battery that could pose a danger to yourself and your camera body.

    In an update to a recall first announced all the way back in 2012, Nikon is asking owners of certain EN-EL15 batteries to get in touch with the company about getting a complimentary replacement.

    “The [affected] battery pack can experience a short circuit causing it to overheat and possibly causing the outside casing to become deformed, posing a potential hazard to consumers,” writes Nikon. “There have only been seven (7) confirmed reports of incidents of the problem worldwide, and while no injuries have taken place, Nikon Inc. has initiated this recall of the affected lot numbers as a reflection of its commitment to safety and product quality.”

    Affected batteries can be identified by the serial number. If the 9th number of the serial on the back is either an “E” or an “F” your battery is affected, and you should reach out to Nikon Inc. through this form to get a replacement. Do not dispose of the battery in the trash. You’ll need to give the defective battery to the UPS guy who brings you the new battery in exchange.

    You can read the full recall text below:

    EN-EL15 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery Pack Recall

    UPDATED EN-EL15 SERVICE ADVISORY AS OF JUNE 20, 2017. Technical Service Advisory for users of the EN-EL15 rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack.

    Nikon Inc. is asking your cooperation in connection with a voluntary recall of certain lot numbers of its Nikon Model EN-EL15 rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack. The battery pack can experience a short circuit causing it to overheat and possibly causing the outside casing to become deformed, posing a potential hazard to consumers. There have only been seven (7) confirmed reports of incidents of the problem worldwide, and while no injuries have taken place, Nikon Inc. has initiated this recall of the affected lot numbers as a reflection of its commitment to safety and product quality. We are asking that owners of the affected battery pack contact Nikon Inc. to initiate a free product exchange.

    The Nikon EN-EL15 battery pack is provided as a supplied accessory with the purchase of Nikon’s digital SLR D800, D800E, D810A, D810, D610, D600, D7200, D7100, D7000, D500 cameras and the Nikon 1 V1 advanced camera with interchangeable lens. However, EN-EL15 batteries supplied with D810A, D810, D610, D600, D500, D7200, D7100 are not included in this voluntary recall. It is also sold separately at retail under Nikon’s model number 27011. The EN-EL15 battery pack involved in this recall was first distributed by Nikon in March 2012 and is still being sold at retail.

    No other Nikon battery packs are involved in this recall.

    Nikon’s digital SLR D800, D800E, D810A, D810, D610, D600, D7200, D7100, D7000, D500 cameras and the Nikon 1 V1 advanced camera with interchangeable lens as well as any other Nikon cameras are also not subject to this recall.

    What you should do:

    1.) Determine if your EN-EL15 battery pack is affected
    This voluntary recall is limited to EN-EL15 battery packs in lots E and F. First, please confirm that “EN-EL15” is printed on the label of your battery pack. Then, please locate the 14-digit lot number beside the recycle symbol, as shown on the photo below.

    • If the 9th character of the lot number is E or F, your battery is among those being recalled.
    • If the 9th character of the lot number is any other letter, your battery is not affected by this recall.

    Click here to use our lot number lookup tool.

    2.) If your EN-EL15 battery pack is affected

    • Immediately remove the battery from your camera or camera bag, but please do not dispose of it.
    • Complete the Nikon’s online EN-EL15 battery exchange form by clicking this link.
    • Once your request is processed Nikon will send a confirmation email.
    • On the day of your battery exchange, UPS will contact you by phone and email notifying you of the delivery.
    • A UPS courier will then deliver your new battery pack(s) AND collect the recalled battery pack(s).
    • Someone needs to be present for this exchange. If you need to make special arrangements, please contact UPS.

    3.) If your EN-EL15 battery pack is not affected

    No further action is needed. Please continue using your EN-EL15 battery pack as usual.

    Nikon is committed to safety and to providing to its customers only the highest quality products. We regret any inconvenience this matter may cause you and appreciate your continued support of Nikon and its products.

    If you have any additional questions or concerns, please contact Nikon at 1-800-645-6687.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Nokia is teaming up with Zeiss to deliver the “ultimate imaging experience”

    Nokia’s 808 and Lumia 1020 are still regarded by some as the best camera smartphones ever made. The devices’ outstanding image quality was the result of a collaboration between the Finnish handset-maker and lens manufacturer Carl Zeiss. But things have changed a lot since the 808 was launched in 2012, and HMD Global now has the exclusive rights to Nokia’s brand name.

    Fortunately, it seems we are going to see Nokia smartphones with a Zeiss badge once again in the near future.

    HMD Global and Zeiss have announced a partnership to deliver the “ultimate imaging experience possible on a smartphone” and set “new imaging standards within the smartphone industry.”

    “Collaborating with ZEISS is an important part of our commitment to always deliver the very best experience for our customers,” says Arto Nummela, CEO of HMD Global. “Our fans want more than a great smartphone camera, they want a complete imaging experience that doesn’t just set the standard but redefines it. Our fans expect it and, together with ZEISS, we’re delivering it—co-developed imaging excellence for all.”

    This year HMD Global has already launched the Nokia 3, Nokia 5, and Nokia 6 smartphones, which are aimed at the entry-level and mid-range segments of the market—we have not seen a high-end model yet.

    It appears the Zeiss lenses and imaging technologies will be reserved for the upcoming Nokia 9 flagship. If the rumors are true, we should see a 13MP dual-camera in the 9.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)