 |
Fujifilm has released firmware updates for its camera models X-T2, X-Pro2, GFX 50s, X-T20, X100F and X-T1. The links below include download links for the updated camera manuals and full details about the updates:
In addition Fujifilm has provided updates to several of its software products:
 |
Some Instagram users are noticing a new feature that enables the archiving of old posts, removing them from public view without going so far as to delete them. The company has confirmed this feature’s existence to TechCrunch, explaining that the new archival option enables Instagrammers to view – and, if desired, restore – their old posts whenever they’d like.
 |
Users with access to the feature, which is currently in testing and only available on a limited basis, can find it by tapping the ‘…’ menu button on an Instagram post. Doing so reveals an ‘Archive’ option; tapping this removes the image from public view. To view archived posts, users can tap a small clock icon located in the upper right corner of their profile page. Instagram plans to expand the feature’s availability ‘over the next few months.’
Via: TechCrunch
 |
Bridge and travel zoom cameras are two of the very few categories of compact cameras to survive the smartphone. Whether it’s a travel zoom, which puts a 25X-30X zoom into your pocket, or a bridge camera which offers even more zoom, phones just can’t compete.
While there are now enthusiast-level long zoom cameras with 1″-type sensors, such as Sony’s Cyber-shot RX10 series and Panasonic FZ1000/FZ2500, there are still plenty of more budget-friendly models, though their smaller sensors don’t offer the image quality or depth-of-field control of the pricier models.
The following cameras are included in our roundup:
Of those eight cameras, three are pocket-sized and offer 30X-40X zooms. The other five are bridge (SLR-style) cameras with focal lengths ranging from 600mm to an unbelievable 2000mm (35mm-equivalent).
And with that, let’s take a look at some consumer-level travel zoom cameras!
A new product being funded on Kickstarter, Arsenal, aims to simplify the process of capturing images using a DSLR or mirrorless camera by utilizing artificial intelligence. The system is composed of a hardware component sits on the hotshoe and connects to the camera’s USB port, as well as mobile apps for iOS and Android that communicate via WiFi or Bluetooth to the main unit. Among other things, Arsenal chooses ideal camera settings for a particular scene based on what it has learned from thousands of similar existing photographs.
Arsenal was created by engineer and photographer Ryan Stout as a way to quickly shoot ‘amazing images’ in any condition, and without having to manually adjust the camera’s settings. The related mobile app provides total control over the camera, as well as one-tap access to an AI assistant – trained from a database of millions of photographs and their metadata – that chooses optimal settings based on the scene in front of the camera. The software then goes on to refine its chosen settings based on 18 environmental factors. It even takes vibrations into account, thanks to its highly sensitive accelerometer.
Photographers are given a live preview of the scene through the mobile app, as well as manual control over aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. You can focus by tapping on your phone’s touchscreen as well, or tap multiple points and Arsenal will ensure they’re all focused. Arsenal also supports advanced camera functions, like automated photo stacking for HDR images, focus stacking, long exposures without the need for ND filters, and time lapse creation. The resulting Raw files are saved directly to the camera.
 |
| Images on your camera can be viewed, even at 100%, directly in the app. From there you can instantly share to social media using your phone’s social sharing capabilities. You can even rate images and enter Lightroom compatible notes, and they’ll all show up upon import. |
Arsenal supports cameras from Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, and Sony; photographers can input their own camera on this page to see whether it is supported. The camera assistant is currently being funded through Kickstarter, where the $ 50,000 goal has been exceeded with nearly a quarter-million in funding. Backers can get a Kickstarter Exclusive Arsenal by pledging at least $ 150; shipping is estimated to start in January.
Our gallery below explains more about Arsenal’s features. View full-screen for captions.
$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_4614991868″,”galleryId”:”4614991868″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”standalone”:false,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”startInCommentsView”:false,”isMobile”:false}) });
Via: Kickstarter
Arsenal, leaving stealth mode, unveils AI-powered camera hardware on Kickstarter
Intelligent camera assistant wirelessly controls DSLR and Mirrorless cameras from a smartphone, uses machine learning to find optimal settings in any conditions.
BOSEMAN, MT—May 23, 2017—Arsenal, a camera technology startup, today announced the world’s first intelligent camera assistant powered by machine learning. The new hardware and software product, launched on Kickstarter, enables photographers to wirelessly control their cameras and quickly perform advanced techniques.
Arsenal’s artificial intelligence (AI) is powered by a series of machine learning algorithms trained on a database of millions of photographs and their metadata. By comparing new scenes with its database and adjusting based on environmental variables, Arsenal enables photographers to get the perfect shot every time.
“Today’s cameras have amazing optics, but they do very little to actually help you take a good photo,” said Ryan Stout, Arsenal’s founder and CEO. “You can go spend a thousand dollars and out-of-the-box it will take worse photos than your smartphone. Arsenal changes that by making your existing camera smarter.”
Arsenal will serve the growing market for Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) and Mirrorless cameras. Its initial product will be compatible with dozens of popular models made by Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Fuji.
In addition to its AI capabilities, Arsenal gives photographers control over their camera from up to 100 feet away. Users can adjust settings, watch a live preview, and trigger the shutter remotely from their smartphone.
Arsenal also simplifies several advanced photographic techniques. Arsenal will perform photo stacking (the process of combining multiple photos for more dynamic range or sharper focus), long exposures, and timelapses. In each case, the resulting RAW files are saved directly on the camera.
The Arsenal app also includes powerful photo review capabilities. Users can wirelessly browse the photos on their camera’s card and view individual RAW files in full resolution. Photos can then be shared directly to Instagram, Snap, and Facebook.
The Arsenal system, which is currently being tested in the field, consists of two parts: an ultralight hardware device that sits on top of a user’s camera, and an iOS/Android mobile app. The app wirelessly communicates with the device via wifi or Bluetooth, which in turn controls the camera via a micro-USB connection.
Backers of Arsenal’s Kickstarter campaign will be the first to receive the product, which is scheduled to ship in January 2018.
For more information on Arsenal, the intelligent camera assistant, visit https://witharsenal.com.
 |
Bag and accessories manufacturer Think Tank Photo has updated two of its ranges, adding more internal space and a rolling option to the StreetWalker series and a new waist strap to the TurnStyle sling-type bags.
 |
All three of the existing StreetWalker backpacks have been enlarged to create more depth in the interior compartments so they can carry more kit, and particularly large bodies with wide-ranging zoom lenses still attached. The series also now features a version with wheels and a retractable handle in the StreetWalker Rolling Backpack V2.0, which can operate as a backpack or a rolling case.
 |
The company has also revamped its Turnstyle series of sling bags, adding a new waist strap to hold the bag securely when the user is taking pictures. There are three sizes of bag, and each is now available in grey or blue.
The StreetWalker Rolling Backpack V2.0 costs $ 299.75 while the Turnstyle bags are priced $ 74.75 , $ 84.75 and $ 99.75 for the 5, 10 and 20 versions. For more information see the Think Tank Photo website.
Press release
Santa Rosa, Calif. – Legendary durability and award winning comfort have made Think Tank Photo’s StreetWalker® series one of the most sought-after products in the photographic world. Now Think Tank announces the new StreetWalker Rolling Backpack V2.0, featuring the ability to switch from a backpack to a roller. Also released are upgraded versions of all three classic StreetWalker backpacks. Photographers get the same comfort and quality as the original series but with new features such as increased depth for modern DSLR systems, and dedicated pockets for both tablets and smartphones.
The new StreetWalker Rolling Backpack V2.0 is so spacious, it will fit two DSLR
bodies with lenses attached (including a 200-400mm f/4), and a 15” laptop. The StreetWalker HardDrive V2.0 backpack fits two bodies with lenses attached or a gripped body with a 200–400mm f/4 attached, a 15” laptop and a 13” tablet. The StreetWalker Pro V2.0 backpack fits two bodies with lens attached or a 400mm f/2.8 unattached, and a 10” table. And, the StreetWalker V2.0 backpack fits one gripped DSLR with 70–200mm f/2.8 attached, one standard DSLR with 24–70mm f/2.8 attached, a 16–35mm f/2.8, and a 10” tablet.
“With the release of the new StreetWalker Rolling Backpack and the new versions of the three classic StreetWalker backpacks, we made three of the best pro-level backpacks in the photo industry even better,” said Doug Murdoch, Think Tank Photo’s CEO and lead designer. “The one thing we’ve heard over and over since they first launched is how comfortable and durable they are.
Now, with the hybrid rolling backpack and the upgraded core backpacks, we’ve integrated even more photographer feedback to expand their functionality.”
KEY FEATURES
StreetWalker Rolling Backpack V2.0
Santa Rosa, Calif. – Ideal for a casual day of shooting with a DSLR or Mirrorless system, Think Tank Photo’s slim, body-conforming TurnStyle V2.0 sling bag allow photographers to move and shoot freely. The updated version of this popular series offers a new stabilizer strap that holds the bag steady while actively shooting or tucks away when not in use. Think Tank’s sling bags’ design promotes easy rotation for rapid access to gear and accessories.
The TurnStyle 5 fits a mirrorless body plus two to four lenses, and an eight-inch tablet. The TurnStyle 10 fits a standard size DSLR plus one to two lenses, and an eight-inch tablet. The TurnStyle 20 fits a standard size DSLR plus one to three lenses, and a 10” tablet. These new version releases come in the traditional Charcoal and in a new color, Indigo Blue.
“This new version of our popular TurnStyle sling bags reinforces their reputation as the ideal ‘grab and go’ camera bag,” said Doug Murdoch, Think Tank Photo’s CEO and lead designer. “One thing we’ve learned from serving professional photographers for so long is that they always need one, pre-conformed gear kit that gives them access to their core gear. The TurnStyle is that bag.”
KEY ADDITIONAL FEATURES
MATERIALS
Exterior: All fabric exterior is treated with a durable water resistant coating while fabric underside is coated with polyurethane for superior water resistance, YKK® RC Fuse zippers, 420D velocity nylon, 550D polyspun, 320g air mesh, nylon webbing, 3-ply bonded nylon thread.
Interior: Removable closed-cell foam dividers, P210D, polyurethane backed velex liner, 2x polyurethane coated 210T seam-sealed taffeta rain cover, nylon binding tape, 3-ply bonded nylon thread.
 |
 |
As if $ 13,950 wasn’t enough to pay for a special edition lens, the Leica Store in San Francisco is offering a prototype of the Noctilux-M f/0.95 ASPH ‘Edition 0.95’ for $ 24,995. The Edition 0.95 is already a limited run version of the ‘standard’ $ 11,000 version of the lens, that comes finished in Leica’s new anodized high-gloss black instead of black paint.
There are only 95 of the ‘Edition 0.95’ lenses worldwide, which have unpainted engravings, but it isn’t clear how many Prototype B models exist. Needless to say, we’d hope there are fewer than 95.
The store’s website says that this specific model has the words ‘Prototype B’ in white paint on its underside, and that it will come with a matte black lens cap instead of the usual glossy one. Despite the store only having one example of this lens, thrill seekers can still add ten or more to their virtual shopping basket.
For more information see the San Francisco Leica Store website.
Store information
The Noctilux 0.95 Edition is one of the most unique noctilux lenses ever to roll off Leica’s production lines in Wetzlar. Built to resolve past the capabilities that are known in any other fast primes or even the faculties of human vision, the Noctilux is a legendary benchmark of photographic optical engineering. This special “0.95 Edition” is limited, respectively, to 95 units world wide and stands visual representation of the elegantly unique images the Noctilux creates. Featuring the same optical design as the regular Noctilux 50mm 0.95 ASPH this special edition has an added bit of elegance. The exterior of the “0.95 Edition” features Leica’s newly developed high-gloss anodized aluminum surface. The markings on the lens are left unpainted except one, the 0.95 f-stop mark.
This lens will be available in extremely limited quantities worldwide, and Leica Store SF/Camera West Boutiques will have very limited stock. If you have any questions concerning the availability of this lens please feel free to contact us directly at sales@leicastoresf.com or call 415.801.5066.
This specific lens is a prototype of this already rare blend of Leica and S.T. Dupont craftsmanship. This could very well be one of the most collectible 0.95 Noctilux’s on the market today. The Prototype reads “prototyp B” the the back side of the barrel, and features a matte black cap instead of the glossy cap that comes with other 0.95 edition lenses.
 |
Sony has issued firmware updates for ten of its E-mount lenses and the LA-EA3 adapter. The updates address a variety of bugs and stability issues. You can view details and download the update for your operating system by clicking on the Drivers & Software button on the linked product pages below:
The new Sony a9 landed in our office a few days ago, and we’ve been using it non-stop. Editors Rishi Sanyal and Carey Rose hosted a Facebook Live discussion to share their early impressions about the camera so far, as well as to answer live questions from our audience.
We apologize in advance for some audio difficulties. We’ll fix it for next time!