360Photography

Category: Uncategorized

  • Videre 35mm is a build-it-yourself cardboard pinhole camera

    In an era where everyone has a camera in their pocket, incredibly, cardboard analog cameras are having a moment. It’s easy to see the charms of Videre 35mm, an adorable, assemble-it-yourself pinhole camera that’s seeking funding as part of Kickstarter’s Gold program right now.

    It’s a re-tooled version of the medium-format Videre, which was fully funded on Kickstarter in 2013 by creator Kelly Angood. Her second project, a smaller version called Viddy which took 35mm and medium-format film, was successfully crowdfunded a year later.

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    Videre 35mm is smaller and easier to assemble than its medium-format predecessor, offering a tripod mount, redesigned film mechanism and a sturdier shutter. Angood claims that the whole thing can be assembled in about an hour, and shipping is anticipated for December 2017 – provided its $ 10,000 funding goal is reached. With 40 days to go the project has reached close to $ 4,000.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Saramonic unveils VMic series of high-end shotgun microphones for DSLRs

    Microphone maker Saramonic has launched the VMic series of high-end shotgun microphones for DSLRs. The top-of-the-range Saramonic VMic Pro is a super directional shotgun microphone that mounts directly onto your camera’s hotshoe. It comes with an integrated shock mount system that features an all-metal construction.

    There is a 150 Hz low cut filter and a high frequency boost (+6dB) feature that can be controlled independently. The VMic Pro also comes with three position level control (-10dB, 0dB, +20dB), a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio monitoring, and a low battery LED indicator. The microphone’s frequency response is 35 Hz ~ 20 kHz, signal-to-noise ratio is 75dB, and the microphone has a dynamic range of 120dB. Power is supplied by two AA batteries and the package includes a foam windshield as well as a detachable 3.5mm cable to connect to the camera.

    The VMic Recorder model features an integrated flash recorder that can store 16-bit / 48 kHz WAV audio files to a Micro SDHC memory card up to 32GB capacity. It also comes with an LCD monitor and a single-button recording function. The standard VMic model comes with similar specifications to the Pro variant but has to make do with a slightly reduced feature set. It will set you back $ 119.95; the Recorder is $ 199.95. No US pricing has been released yet for the VMiv Pro yet which in the UK will cost you £199.14.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • OnePlus 5 camera samples

    Today OnePlus has launched its latest flagship smartphone, the OnePlus 5, which comes with a dual-camera setup that combines a main camera with a 1/2.8″ 16MP Sony IMX 398 sensor and F1.7 aperture with a 2x tele-lens that captures images on a 20MP 1/2.8″ Sony IMX 350 sensor features an F2.6 aperture.

    We already have our hands on a production unit and our full camera review will be available in the near future. To shorten the wait until then we have posted a selection of sample images that were taken with both wide angle and tele lens in a variety of lighting situations in the gallery below.

    Sample Gallery

    There are 17 images in our OnePlus 5 samples gallery. Please do not reproduce any of these images on a website or any newsletter / magazine without prior permission (see our copyright page). We make the originals available for private users to download to their own machines for personal examination or printing (in conjunction with this review), we do so in good faith, please don’t abuse it.

    Unless otherwise noted images taken with no particular settings at full resolution.

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    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Firmware v1.1.1 for Canon 5DS and 5DSR fixes HDR mode and level display

    Canon has released firmware version 1.1.1 for its EOS 5DS and 5DS R full-frame DSLR models. The new firmware fixes a number of user-reported bugs, including an issue in HDR mode that prevents the camera from completing a full bracket with certain settings.

    Other fixes include:

    • Err70 display which with certain combinations of settings
    • Correction of level display when the camera is held in vertical orientation with the hand grip pointing downward
    • Correction of a power-up delay of approximately five seconds when using certain CF cards

    You can download firmware version 1.1.1 for the Canon EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R now on the Canon website.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Fujifilm X-A3 sample gallery

    Photo by Jeff Keller

    Despite its modest MSRP, Fujifilm’s entry-level X-A3 has dual control dials, a tilting touchscreen, and the same 24MP sensor from the company’s flagship models – but with a traditional Bayer color filter array instead of X-Trans. We’re pushing through our full review, but in the meantime, check out how it performs with a variety of the company’s prime and zoom lenses.

    See the Fujifilm X-A3 sample gallery

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • LG launches G6+ with wireless charging and improved G6 software

    If you liked the performance of the LG G6 dual-camera in our review but still weren’t quite convinced by LG’s 2017 flagship, maybe the G6+ – announced today – will win you over.

    The G6+ retains most of the original G6 specification including the 13MP dual-camera with super-wide-angle lens, but doubles the internal storage to 128GB and brings Qi wireless charging to the feature set. In addition, it will come with premium B&O headphones included in the box. The Plus model will also offer a few new color options, including Optical Marine Blue, Optical Terra Gold and Optical Black. A special coating will make the back panel change hue with the angle of reflected light. No information on the G6+ pricing and availability has been released yet.

    In addition to launching the Plus model, the original G6 is also getting a boost: a new software version brings face recognition functionality for unlocking the device. The new feature allows you to unlock by just lifting the G6 up and pointing the front camera towards your face.

    The Low Power Consumption feature is also new and makes use of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 chipset’s ability to improve battery usage. It collects data from sensors and optimizes power usage, depending on your location and movement. Other new features include fine volume control of the Hi-Fi Quad audio and automatic call recording for pre-defined numbers.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Varjo ’20/20′ VR headset to offer ‘human eye resolution’ bionic display

    Comparison image (shot with a Sony RX100 IV) viewed through Varjo’s ‘bionic’ display (above) and an Oculus headset. Image courtesy Varjo

    Poor display resolution is one of the hurdles VR needs to overcome if it’s going to gain traction with a larger audience. That’s why Finnish company Varjo is actively developing a virtual reality/augmented reality headset codenamed ’20/20,’ a moniker that refers to its ‘human eye resolution’ display. While the Oculus Rift offers approximately 1.2MP for each eye, Varjo aims to far exceed that resolution at 70MP, though with a twist: the ’20/20′ headset tracks which objects the wearer is looking at, rendering those objects at a very high resolution while objects in the wearer’s peripheral vision are lower resolution.

    Varjo hasn’t gone into great detail about the technology behind its headset, though Engadget reports that it is using what the company calls a ‘bionic display’ alongside ‘foveated eye tracking,’ the combination of which makes its VR ’10 years ahead of the current state-of-the-art.’ The company claims to employ scientists who previously worked at Intel, Microsoft, and NVIDIA, among others.

    The company goes on to claim that its ’20/20′ headset can also be used for augmented reality and mixed reality applications, though details on both are slight at this time. Likewise, information on Varjo’s launch plans are unclear, though the company states that pro-tier ‘Varjo-branded products’ will start shipping in the fourth quarter of this year. Varjo offers several photos comparing its display technology with that of existing VR headsets here.

    Via: Engadget, Varjo

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Report: Ricoh announcing cost cuts in face of crisis

    According to a report by Nikkei Ricoh is facing its biggest crisis ever and will have to cut costs in order to survive. Ricoh’s Imaging and Solutions division, which predominantly produces printers and accounts for 90% of Ricoh’s consolidated sales has been struggling the most. Nikkei reports that ‘Ricoh is staring at huge losses as the market for multifunctional printers, Ricoh’s cash cow, evaporates and its global sales network racks up high costs.’

    In light of this situation Ricoh’s new President and CEO, Yoshinori Yamashita, has set a target of reducing costs by 100 billion yen ($ 912 million) through March 2020. He is also quoted as saying that the company’s new policy is to rid itself of the ’emphasis on market share above all else.’

    According to the report the lion’s share of the cost cuts will be realized in Ricoh’s global sales and services network which comprises of more than two-thirds of the company’s 100,000 global employees. At this point it is not clear if and how Ricoh’s imaging brands, such as Pentax, the Theta 360 degree cameras or the R Development kit live-streaming VR camera will be impacted by the cost reductions. When Nikkei reported earlier this spring that Ricoh was considering leaving the camera business, Ricoh denied that it was considering such a move.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Video: insane drone footage shows Muscle Beach in the early a.m.

    Drones are not easy to fly. As a novice drone enthusiast myself, I’ve become acquainted with the learning curve that comes with taking to the skies. As a result I’m always amazed by highly skilled drone pilots and their videos. But some videos go above and beyond simply inspiring: they make you question the very laws of physics and space.

    The video above, filmed at Santa Monica’s famed Muscle Beach, falls into this category. It was posted by Vimeo user Robert McIntosh, whose page features a ton more awesome drone videos. A bit of research reveals that he shoots most of his footage with a 250 mm mini quadcoptor that is likely custom-built – with an action camera mounted to it. The small size explains its uncanny ability to squeeze through tight spaces mid-flight.

    Sure, the sound effects in the video are a bit silly, but McIntosh’s flight skills and the resulting footage are nothing short of breathtaking – which makes me feel either inspired or intimidated. I’m not sure which.

    Also, you can check out the original clip, before stabilization right here. There’s also a few outtakes near the end.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Move over Nikon: Gitzo celebrates 100 years with pricey, limited-edition tripods

    Gitzo is celebrating 100 years since the founding of its brand by Arsène Gitzhoven, and to commemorate the occasion they’ve released two special edition tripods. The 100 Year Anniversary Edition Tripod features a ‘new high-appeal look and feel’ as well as features standard on the Traveler Series tripods: Carbon tubing, 180-degree leg folding and the company’s G-lock mechanism. Only 1917 of them will be sold, but if that’s not exclusive enough for you, there are only 100 Arsène Gitzhoven Traveler Tripods to be had.

    The Arsène Gitzhoven Traveler features an all-carbon fiber construction. Each one will be laser engraved with its production number from 1/100 to 100/100 as well as an engraving of its owner’s signature. It’ll set you back $ 3000; the 100 Year Anniversary Edition will sell for $ 1500. Each will be available from ‘select dealers.’

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    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)