360Photography

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  • Hopes of Kodachrome relaunch put on ice

    Photo by pittaya via Flickr. Used under CC license

    Hold your horses, all you would-be Egglestons: Kodachrome probably isn’t about to make a comeback. In all the excitement about the re-launch of Ektachrome, the Chief Marketing Officer of Eastman Kodak said that the company was going to look into bringing back the iconic filmstock.

    The problem was, it was the wrong Kodak. Now, in an interview with TIME.com, a senior representative from Kodak Alaris, the UK-based company that owns the Kodak stills film division, says it’s unlikely, given the need for specialist processing.

    Dennis Olbrich, president of the imaging, paper, photo chemicals and film division at Kodak Alaris is quoted as saying ‘I would love for it to be Kodachrome, obviously. But it’s a very difficult proposition to get that whole infrastructure back in place.’

    He did stress that the company was still interested in re-launching older filmstocks, though. ‘We’re already starting to evaluate what other films we could bring back and whether it would make sense to do it,’ he said.

    Kodak Alaris acquired the stills film division as part of a settlement with Kodak’s UK pension scheme, during its restructuring under the US’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection process. US-based Eastman Kodak manufactures the film on the UK company’s behalf and still sells cine film and filmstocks for the movie industry.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Ultimate travel kit – Thailand with Olympus’ E-M1 II & 25mm prime lens

    Introduction

    ISO 200, 1/4000 sec, F2.

    When I travel, I always bring a dedicated camera with me. My preferred form of ‘travel photography,’ at least when taking pictures for myself, is to document my experiences and create a visual diary. I like to travel as light as I can while still being able to come back with results of decent quality (though a personal trip to Iceland with a D810 was a notable exception to the notion of traveling light).

    So, what would I bring for a planned personal trip to Thailand? My D700’s are solid but a bit bulky, and I’m not entirely sure how my original X100 would stand up to high humidity, beaches and possibly a rain shower or two (understatement of the year, as I’ll get to in a bit). I considered the Nikon D500 or the Pentax K-3 II, but both are also fairly bulky, though I was still hoping to end up with a camera that had a larger sensor than the waterproof Nikon AW1.

    My constant companion, based on a combination of size, speed and durability.

    Luckily, Olympus has been kind enough to allow us an extended loan on our OM-D E-M1 Mark II for continued testing, particularly in anticipation of future firmware updates. I also decided on just a single lens for the whole trip; the Olympus 25mm F1.2 Pro.

    It was settled, then. An informal travel experience with a Micro Four Thirds camera and a fixed, 50mm-equivalent lens to document the trip of a lifetime. What could possibly go wrong?

    Full disclosure: This was a personal trip paid for entirely by myself. The choice to bring along an Olympus E-M1 II and lens was mine alone. I do wish to express gratitude to Olympus for allowing DPReview to hold on to our E-M1 II review sample, as well as my fellow staffers at DPReview for allowing me to borrow it for this trip.

    All images processed and cropped to taste in a beta version of Adobe Camera Raw unless otherwise noted.

    Living with your choices

    When I told photo-nerd friends that I was going to Thailand with only an E-M1 II, they thought that was awesome. When I told them that I was going with only a 50mm equivalent lens, a sort of shade passed over their faces; a mixture of interest, bemusement and pity.

    Wat Pho is also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, which measures 15 meters high and 46 meters long and resides in a confined space. This made using my 50mm equivalent lens…challenging. Straight out of camera JPEG cropped slightly to taste. ISO 400, 1/125 sec, F1.2.

    Despite being primarily a prime-lens shooter, I do not shoot the 50mm focal length very often. Yes, it was the de-facto ‘kit lens’ for entry level film SLRs of yore, but after discovering how much I preferred prime lenses to zooms, I gravitated toward the 35mm focal length years ago and haven’t wavered much since.

    As anyone who shoots mostly prime lenses knows, familiarity with a focal length often allows you to ‘see’ pictures that will work before the camera is even to your eye. Given my unfamiliarity with the 50mm focal length, I found myself working a lot harder on my compositions than I anticipated.

    I found that for general photography in Thailand, including landscapes and basic ‘I was here’ images, 50mm was difficult to adjust to. ISO 200, 1/1250 sec, F4.

    What worked and what didn’t

    To state the exceedingly obvious, there are times to experiment with new gear and times to stick with what’s familiar. It wasn’t long into our time in Bangkok that I began to second-guess my decision to bring this single lens.

    Sometimes, the 50mm field of view was an asset, allowing me some more working distance than I was used to. Other times, it was constricting. ISO 200, 1/200 sec, F2.8.

    Bangkok is a busy, bustling metropolis with a sea of activity surrounding you at all times, whether you are in the back alley of a flower market or anxiously waiting for a seat at Thip Samai for some of the best pad thai you’ll ever eat. In this sense, the camera and lens combination was perfect. The E-M1 II is one of the most responsive mirrorless cameras out there, and the autofocus on the 25mm F1.2 lens is swift and accurate – all of this ensuring that the camera was ready to capture a moment when I was.

    Spongebob says, ‘Buy me. You know you want to.’ ISO 200, 1/200 sec, F2.8.

    The problem was in developing my ability to ‘see’ an image with the 50mm focal length, as I would often swing the camera around, only to realize that I really needed to take a few steps back. I was finding it difficult to capture single images with both a strong subject as well as a sense of context, which I generally find much easier with the 35mm focal length. 

    But as we made our way from Bangkok to the Krabi province in southern Thailand, I had other things to worry about than my framing and compositions.

    Until next time, Bangkok. ISO 200, 1/2500 sec, F5.6.

    The rain

    Shortly into our time in the Krabi province, southern Thailand was ravaged by unseasonably strong rain and winds (the rainy season is supposed to end in November). The result was large-scale flooding affecting around 700,000 people and resulting in dozens of lives lost.

    The beginning of the storms roll in to Koh Phi Phi. 1/100 sec, ISO 6400, F4.

    The worst of the weather was to the east of us, as we experienced stormy conditions but largely less severe flooding. It wasn’t until much of the rain had subsided that we had realized the gravity and impact of the situation; we had simply been attempting to make the best of our trip, as did the countless tourists that surrounded us.

    Rain begins to fall on tourists and locals on Koh Phi Phi. ISO 640, 1/125 sec, F1.2.

    I bring this up so as to make clear that as I go on with this piece, it is with respect and acknowledgment of the scale of the human impact we were lucky enough to have avoided the worst of.

    Though the rains did their part to keep me from taking as many photographs as I would have otherwise, the E-M1 II’s purportedly extreme weather sealing meant that I was comfortable having the camera with me much of the time. So while I was taking fewer photographs, the point is that I was still taking them.

    Flooding continued in the town of Krabi even after rains had ceased, forced multiple reroutings of traffic on and off Route 4 to the airport. ISO 1250, 1/125 sec, F1.2.

    Growth and challenges

    The final region we visited in Thailand was Chiang Mai, in which we planned a visit to the Elephant Nature Park. Here, all elephants in residence are rescues and not subject to rides, tricks or shows. Instead, visitors are able to experience an elephant’s life in a more natural, simple and tranquil setting.

    As far as the relative simplicity of shooting with only a 50mm equivalent lens throughout my trip, it ended up being a positive experience despite my earlier hesitations. While my images weren’t exactly how I had envisioned them, I found that wasn’t a bad thing. Most importantly, I struggled a bit and found some enjoyment in the challenge of shooting different subject matter with a different selection of gear than I’m accustomed to. It might sound strange to challenge one’s self on a ‘vacation,’ but I guess I’m a bit weird like that.

    Forcing myself to work with the 50mm focal length was a challenge that often forced me to see scenes in front of me a little differently than I would with a wider lens. ISO 200, 1/1000 sec, F2.

    To be sure, there are other solutions out there I could have chosen for this journey, but I was more than pleased with the Olympus E-M1 II. It offered an good balance of size, ergonomics, speed, weather resistance and image quality. It would have been nice in some dimmer scenes to have a larger sensor with lower noise levels, and I didn’t particularly have a use for the ultra-high burst rates the Olympus is capable of. But as a travel camera for this particular journey, the camera performed admirably. Maybe next time I’ll even take a zoom lens.

    ISO 200, F8, 1/3200 sec.

    Samples Gallery

    All images were shot in Raw + JPEG with a 3:2 crop as personal preference. Many of the edited Raws were differently cropped, and were produced using a beta version of Adobe Camera Raw. 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)

  • ZeroTech to introduce 4K action cam with built-in gimbal

    Chinese drone manufacturer ZeroTech has announced it will introduce a handheld action camera that features an in-built 3-axis stabilization gimbal. The Rollcap will shoot 4K video and 13MP stills while providing +/-0.03° of angular vibration compensation as well as gimbal movements to smooth video footage. The company says its built-in gimbal can tilt up to +/- 30°, can pan up to +/-40° and has a roll range of +/-85°.

    The lens offers a 94° angle of view, so compares approximately to a 21mm on a full frame system. The camera features are controlled remotely via a smartphone app and recording can also be started and stopped at the camera. Features include slow motion video, high drive burst modes, time lapse, self-timer and HDR. A tripod thread allows the Rollcap to be mounted on a pole, helmet or accessory grip, and a single charge of the internal battery is said to be good for 110 minutes of 4K footage.

    The device will be available later this year, and pricing will be between $ 500-600. For more information visit the ZeroTech website.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Can’t afford a Hasselblad? Win one instead in the 2018 Masters contest

    Natalia Evelyn Bencicova
    Hasselblad Masters 2016
    Winner of the Portrait category

    Hasselblad is giving away 11 medium-format cameras in what it’s describing as the biggest Masters competition it has ever held. The 2018 contest introduces a new category for aerial photography in tribute, Hasselblad says, to the company’s roots in aerial work – its first camera was an aerial camera. The inclusion may also have something to do with drone-manufacturing share-holder DJI.

    Entrants need to be working professionals, with a specification that you should have been professional for three years, and any brand of film or digital camera can be used. The Project/21 category though is open to all photographers who have yet to reach the age of 22. Submissions should consist of three images which don’t have to be a set or related in any way so long as they fit the brief of the category.

    Each category winner will receive a Hasselblad digital medium camera as a prize, but will also be loaned Hasselblad equipment to produce a set of images for the Hasselblad Masters commemorative book.

    2018 Categories include:

    • Aerial (New for 2018)
    • Architecture
    • Fine Art
    • Fashion/Beauty
    • Landscape
    • Portrait
    • Product
    • Project/21 (Under 21)
    • Street/Urban
    • Wedding
    • Wildlife

    The competition is open now and will close on June 10th 2017, and entry is free. For more information see the Hasselblad website. 

    Press release

    Hasselblad’s Prestigious Masters 2018 Competition Opens for Entries

    Hasselblad is proud to officially open its renowned Masters competition for 2018. Photographers across the globe are invited to submit three images that best demonstrate their photographic ability for the chance to be named a Hasselblad Master. The Hasselblad Masters is one of the world’s most prestigious professional photographic competitions and gives acclaimed professionals, as well as aspiring newcomers, the chance to make their mark in the world of high-end photography.

    Winners will not only receive the coveted accolade but will take home a state of the art medium format Hasselblad camera and have their work published in the Hasselblad Masters commemorative book, to be launched in 2018.

    This year’s competition is bigger than ever with 11 categories, including the brand new ‘Aerial’ sector that pays tribute to Hasselblad’s history of aerial photography, with its technology used on several space missions including the first landing on the moon.
    The 2016 Masters competition proved to be the most popular to date, with over 10,000 entries. The quality of entries was extremely high and the ten crowned Masters encompassed ambition, imagination and photographic skill. Each created truly outstanding work for Hasselblad Masters Volume 5 book, drawing on the theme of ‘Inspire’. Their images were displayed at photokina 2016 and across galleries and media publications around the world.

    Previous Hasselblad Masters are some of the biggest names in photography; including Anton Corbijn (2001), Rodney Smith (2002), Charlie Waite (2002), Patrick Demarchelier (2003), Albert Watson (2004), Marco Grob (2007), Kevin Then (2008), and Hans Strand (2008).

    Hasselblad Masters are judged on their photographic ability, creativity, compositional skills, conceptual strength and technique – and are acknowledged to have made a compelling contribution to the art of photography. Each entrant must submit three images per category, with the jury voting on the images rather than the photographer.

    Entrants will first face an Internal Jury of Hasselblad staff, experts in the field of photography and supremely knowledgeable about Hasselblad cameras. The Internal Jury will select ten finalists in each category that showcase a high level of technical skill and creative flair. These finalists will then reach the professional Masters Jury, compiled of 24 of the best names in photography. Together with the public vote, which acts as a 25th jury member, the Hasselblad Masters are chosen.

    The 2018 main Masters jury will be unveiled later in the year; past jury members have included world renowned photographers such as Marco Grob, Steve McCurry, and Tim Flach.

    Hasselblad CMO, Johan Åhlen said “After the overwhelming response we received to the 2016 Hasselblad Masters, we’re excited to see what’s in store this year. The quality of entries in previous years has been simply outstanding and we’re immensely proud to continue to inspire and empower talented photographers across the globe. Our Masters become part of the Hasselblad family and we want to equip them with everything they need to make their mark on high-end photography.”

    Open for entries 24th January – 10th June 2017. Entries are submitted via www.hasselblad.com. Winners will be announced in January 2018.
    For full details on competition download Masters 2018 Rules & Regulations
    Previous edition of Hasselblad Masters 2016 published in “Hasselblad Masters Vol. 5 – Inspire”: http://teneues-books.com/hasselblad-masters-vol-5-9815

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • The Vertu Constellation is a luxury smartphone with high-end specs, for a change

    Vertu is company known for its “handmade in England” luxury smartphones and eye-watering price tags. However, while many Vertu devices easily set you back as much as a decent used car, the specifications tend to be in line with mid-range rather than high-end models.

    However, the latest incarnation of the Vertu Constellation, announced today, changes things up. It comes with actual high-end specifications and dual-SIM capability as an added bonus. The  5.5″ QHD AMOLED display is protected by scratch-proof sapphire glass and the Android 6 operating system is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chipset and 4GB of RAM. Also on board are 128GB of expandable storage, NFC, a USB Type-C port, and a 3,220 mAh battery. Front-facing stereo speakers with Dolby Digital Plus virtual surround sound processing should provide a good sound experience and all the components have been wrapped up in a hand-crafted shell made from anodized aluminum and finished with leather, ‘sourced from a specialist, family-run tannery in Italy.’

    In the camera department the Constellation offers a 12 MP rear camera with 1.55um pixel size which equates to a 1/2.3 sensor. Video recording at 4K is supported but there is no talk of optical image stabilization. No pricing information for the device has been released yet but it’s safe to assume it will be a four-figure US$ number. In case you’re still not sure if this kind of price tag is justified, you should consider Vertu’s 24-hour concierge service is included. On the Constellation it is accessed by pressing a ruby button on the side of the phone. You also get access to iPass, the world’s largest Wi-Fi network. If you want to take your mobile image in style you won’t have to wait too long. The Constellation will be available from February. You can register your interest now on the Vertu website.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Ricoh announces Pentax KP with new Shake Reduction system and 24MP sensor

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    Ricoh has announced the Pentax KP, the follow-up to the K-3 II, which features a new ‘high sensitivity’ 24MP sensor and improved in-body image stabilization system.

    The new CMOS sensor brings with it a top ISO of 819,200 and an electronic shutter that tops out at 1/24000 sec (the mechanical shutter goes to 1/6000 sec). The KP uses the new 5-axis ‘Shake Reduction II’ IBIS system, first seen on the K-1 full-framer, which offers up to 5 stops of stabilization according to Ricoh. As with other Pentax models, the KP supports Pixel Shift Resolution as well as AA Filter Simulation. The KP uses the same SAFOX 11 autofocus system as the K-3 II, meaning that it has 27 points, 25 of which are cross-type.

    The KP’s body is relatively compact, sealed against dust and moisture, and functional down to +14F/-10C. It has a pentaprism viewfinder with ‘nearly’ 100% coverage and a 0.63x equivalent magnification, as well as a tilting 3″ touchscreen display. A nice extra is the ability to change the camera’s grip, with three sizes to choose from.

    Typical of Pentax DSLRs, the KP is heavily customizable and features both Sensitivity and Shutter & Aperture Priority modes, a star tracking feature and built-in wireless flash control. The KP has added new Motion and Depth-of-Field options to the already large selection of bracketing modes it’s inherited from its predecessors. It can capture Full HD at 60i, 50i, 30p, 25p and 24p. The KP can shoot continuously at up to 7 fps. It also has built-in Wi-Fi. Something the KP doesn’t have is an HDMI port, instead using something called SlimPort, which can send HD video over a microUSB port. If you want HDMI, you’re going to have to drop $ 25 on a dongle.

    The KP’s battery life is rated at 390 shots/charge – which is on the low end for a DSLR – though an optional battery grip can hold an additional D-LI109 battery or the significantly more powerful D-LI90.

    The KP will be available in your choice of silver or black in late February for $ 1099/£1099 body-only.

    Ricoh Unveils Ultra-Compact PENTAX KP, a Weatherproof DSLR That Provides Outdoor Photographers with New Standard for Quality, Customization and Ease of Use

    Heir to K-3 legacy, Slim-Body Camera Incorporates New Features and Controls Optimized to Deliver Outstanding Images, Even in the Most Challenging Conditions

    First PENTAX APS-C Camera to offer Shake Reduction II

    WEST CALDWELL, NJ, January 25, 2017—Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the PENTAX KP, an ultra-compact and highly portable DSLR with features and controls that facilitate capturing outstanding images, even in the most demanding conditions. The PENTAX KP packs many of the advanced capabilities of the award-winning PENTAX K-3 series into a modern, slim-body design that lends itself to applications from casual snapshots to serious outdoor photography while mountain climbing or trekking. The PENTAX KP also adds a new generation of innovations including a new, highly sensitive APS-C CMOS sensor and is the first PENTAX APS-C camera to incorporate Shake Reduction II (SR II), which features a five-axis mechanism to compensate for camera shake up to 5 steps.

    The new 24-megapixel CMOS sensor enables shooting in extremely low-light conditions, with sensitivity to ISO 819200, making the camera ideal for night photography. The PENTAX KP features an electronic shutter option in live-view to enable high-speed shooting up to 1/24,000-second, which greatly broadens shooting capabilities when using large aperture lenses to achieve a shallow depth of field on a bright sunny day.

    The PENTAX KP’s compact body is the result of a complete internal re-design to produce an advanced DSLR camera with an extremely slim profile for optimal comfort and handling. The KP’s rugged exterior is dustproof and weather-sealed to enable use in the most challenging outdoor conditions. The camera will perform in temperatures as low as 14 degrees F (-10 degrees C).

    The PENTAX KP incorporates additional advanced technologies and ease-of-use features that have long been the hallmark of PENTAX cameras and enable them to be used comfortably and reliably in a wide range of conditions. These include:

    • 5-Axis Shake Reduction System: The PENTAX KP is the first PENTAX APS-C DSLR to offer the new generation SR II system, which uses a five-axis mechanism to compensate for camera shake caused by horizontal and vertical shift (often generated in macro photography), roll (difficult to handle by lens-installed shake reduction mechanisms), as well as pitch and yaw. The SR II unit is controlled with great precision as soon as the camera’s power is turned on, providing a wide compensation range—as much as five shutter steps—to further expand the limits of handheld shooting. With the addition of an optional accessory GPS module (O-GPS1 GPS unit), the PENTAX KP, simplifies astro-photography, making it possible to record stars as points of light rather than star trails during extremely long exposures.
    • Pixel Shift Resolution: This acclaimed PENTAX technology enables producing color-accurate still-life subjects with the highest resolving power. The technology uses the KP’s in-body Shake Reduction System to move the image sensor in single-pixel increments, to capture four separate images that are subsequently combined into a single, high-definition image.
    • A vertical-tilt LCD monitor that facilitates high- and low-angle shooting.
    • A grip replacement system that lets photographers choose their preference of grip based on shooting style or lens choice. In addition to the standard grip that comes with the PENTAX KP, accessory grips include medium (M) and large (L) grips (these will come packaged with KP bodies sold in North America), as well as the optional D-BG7 Battery Grip.
    • Control panels, button settings and dial controls that can all be customized, based on a user’s preference.

    “We designed the PENTAX KP to appeal to the world’s most discerning outdoor photographers, who will appreciate its rich and powerful feature set and rugged, compact design, whether they are shooting a landscape on a trek in Patagonia or capturing an eclipse,” said Kaz Eguchi, president, Ricoh Imaging Americas. “From Pixel Shift Resolution to our new generation of Shake Reduction, PENTAX proudly continues to lead the way in photographer-friendly innovation.”

    | Pricing and Availability |

     The PENTAX KP camera will be available on February 25 for a suggested list price of $ 1,099.95 at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com as well as at Ricoh Imaging-authorized retail outlets throughout North America.

    Main Features 

    1?Super-high-resolution images assured by approximately 24.32 effective megapixels and super-high-sensitivity photography at a top sensitivity of ISO 819200

    The PENTAX KP features a new-generation APS-C-sized CMOS image sensor with approximately 24.32 effective megapixels to produce super-high-resolution images. By coupling this sensor with an AA-filter-free optical design, it optimizes the image sensor’s imaging power to deliver well-defined images with true-to-life reproduction of gradation and texture. Thanks to the combination of the PRIME IV imaging engine and a state-of-the-art accelerator unit, it assures dependable, high-speed operation and highly effective noise reduction to optimize both image resolution and super-high-sensitivity performance. As the result, it allows the photographer to handhold it in snapshot photography of night scenes at the super-high sensitivity of ISO 819200.

    2?Compact, portable body perfect for snapshots, with a weather-resistant structure for harsh outdoor shooting

    After a thorough review of the camera’s internal structure, PENTAX designed a completely new body that was far more compact and slim than existing models to optimize the PENTAX KP’s performance, operability and portability. When combined with a compact, lightweight PENTAX-DA-series lens, it can be carried comfortably and effortlessly for a wide range of applications, from casual snapshots to serious outdoor photography while mountain climbing or trekking. Its front, back and bottom exterior panels are all made of durable, lightweight magnesium alloy. With 67 sealing parts applied across the body, it provides a dustproof, weather-resistant structure, with outstanding cold-proof performance at temperatures down to -10°C. Thanks to these features, the PENTAX KP performs superbly and dependably even in such demanding settings as in the rain or at locations prone to dust and freezing temperatures. 

    3?A range of customization features, including an exchangeable grip

    The PENTAX KP provides a grip replacement system for easy, quick change of a grip to accommodate the photographer’s shooting style or a mounted lens. In addition to the standard Grip S, it offers a choice of two replacement grips (Grip M and Grip L). It also provides a variety of customization functions to simplify and enhance camera operation, including Smart Function for speedy selection and easy setting of desired camera functions using the Fx (Function) and setting dials; and control panel customization to change the panel’s layout to suit the photographer’s preference. 

    4?PENTAX-original SR II five-axis shake-reduction system featuring the Pixel Shift Resolution System

    (1) In-body SR mechanism

    Thanks to the built-in SR II shake-reduction mechanism, the PENTAX KP effectively minimizes camera shake and delivers sharp, blur-free images, even in camera-shake-prone conditions such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting low-light scenes without flash illumination, or photographing sunset scenes. In addition to more common camera shake caused by pitch and yaw, this five-axis mechanism also compensates for camera shake caused by horizontal and vertical shift (often generated in macro photography) and camera shake caused by roll. It assures a compensation effect of approximately five shutter steps (CIPA standard compliant, smc PENTAX-DA 18-135mmF3.5-5.6ED AL [IF] DC WR?f=135mm) — a level equivalent to that of PENTAX’s flagship model — to expand the limits of handheld photography. When taking a panning shot, this mechanism efficiently controls the SR unit to compensate for all affecting factors without requiring any switching action. 

    (2) Pixel Shift Resolution System

    The PENTAX KP features Pixel Shift Resolution System,* the latest super-resolution technology, which captures four images of the same scene by shifting the image sensor by a single pixel for each image, then synthesizes them into a single composite image. Compared to the conventional Bayer system, in which each pixel has only a single color-data unit, this innovative system obtains all color data in each pixel to deliver super-high-resolution images with far more truthful colors and much finer details than those produced by conventional APS-C-sized image sensors. To make this system more useful with a wider range of scenes and subjects, the PENTAX KP also provides ON/OFF switching of the motion correction function,** which automatically detects a moving object during continuous shooting and minimizes negative effects during the synthesizing process.

    (3) PENTAX-original AA filter simulator

    By applying microscopic vibrations to the image sensor unit at the sub-pixel level during image exposure, the PENTAX KP’s AA (anti-aliasing) filter simulator*** provides the same level of moiré reduction as an optical AA filter. Unlike an optical AA filter, which always creates the identical result, this innovative simulator lets the user switch the AA filter effect on and off and adjust the level of the effect, making it possible to set the ideal effect for a particular scene or subject based on the prevailing photographic conditions.

    * When using this system, the user is advised to stabilize the camera firmly on a tripod. When a moving subject is captured in the camera’s image field, its image may not be reproduced clearly, either in part or as a whole.

    ** The movement may not be sufficiently corrected when the object is moving in a certain direction and/or pattern. This function does not guarantee that the movement is properly corrected with all subjects.

    *** This function works more effectively with a shutter speed of 1/1000 second or slower. This function may not be compatible with some shooting modes, including the Pixel Shift Resolution System.

    5?Electronically controlled shutter unit for super-high-speed shooting at 1/24000 second

    The PENTAX KP’s shutter unit combines a reliable mechanical shutter mechanism (with a top speed of 1/6000 second) with an electronically controlled shutter mechanism.* The electronic shutter mode provides a super-high shutter speed of 1/24000 second with reduced noise and vibration at shutter release, making it ideal for low-noise, low-vibration shooting in Live-view and mirror-up applications. The camera also provides a high-speed continuous shooting function with a top speed of seven images per second.

    * In the electronic shutter mode, the camera’s SR II mechanism and AA filter simulator are inoperable. During high-speed continuous shooting, the subject may suffer some deformation.

    6?Optical viewfinder with nearly 100% field of view

    Within its compact body, the PENTAX KP incorporates a glass prism finder featuring the same optics and coatings as those used in higher-class models. With a nearly 100-percent field of view and magnification of approximately 0.95 times, it provides a wide, bright image field for easy focusing and framing.

    7?High-speed, 27-point autofocus system with the SAFOX 11 module

    The PENTAX KP features the high-speed SAFOX 11 phase-matching AF sensor module to deliver dependable, responsive autofocus operation. Of its 27 focus sensors, 25 are cross-type sensors positioned in the middle to assure pinpoint focus on the subject at a minimum brightness level as low as -3 EV. A completely new, much-improved algorithm assures better autofocusing accuracy and speed than models equipped with the conventional SAFOX 11 module. The camera also provides useful customization features to assist in autofocus operation, such as a choice of operation modes—focus-priority, release-priority or advance-speed-priority—and the Selected-area Expansion function to automatically refocus on a subject when it moves away from the initial point.

    8?Full HD movie recording with a range of functional settings

    The PENTAX KP captures flawless, high-resolution Full HD movie clips (1920 x 1080 pixels; 60i/30p frame rate) in the H-264 recording format. It also provides an external microphone terminal for manual setting of the audio recording level and monitoring of the sound pressure level for microphone input. In addition to various visual effect modes available during movie recording,* it features a range of movie recording functions, including a 4K Interval Movie mode that connects a series of 4K-resolution still images (3840 x 2160 pixels) at a fixed interval to create a single movie file, and the Star Stream mode to record the traces of stars in the Interval Movie mode. 

    * When a special visual effect is applied, the frame rate may differ depending on the selected effect mode.

    9?Vertical-tilt-type LCD monitor

    The PENTAX KP’s 3.0-inch LCD monitor has approximately 921,000 dots, and provides a vertical tilt function to facilitate high- and low-angle shooting. In addition to its wide-view design, it features an air-gapless construction, in which the air space between LCD layers is eliminated to effectively reduce the reflection and dispersion of light for improved visibility during outdoor shooting. It also comes equipped with such convenient features as: the Outdoor View Setting mode, which instantly sets the optimum monitor brightness level for a given lighting condition; and a red-lighted monitor display function, which facilitates monitor viewing when the photographer’s eyes have become accustomed to a dark location during nighttime photography.

    10?PENTAX Real-time Scene Analysis System

    Supported by the combination of the approximately 86,000-pixel RGB light-metering sensor and the high-performance PRIME IV imaging engine, the PENTAX Real-time Scene Analysis System accurately and efficiently analyzes such factors as a brightness distribution in the image field and the subject’s primary color and motion. By adopting a breakthrough artificial intelligence technology called deep learning to its image detection algorithm,* this system assesses each individual scene more accurately while selecting the most appropriate exposure level and finishing touch for a given scene.

    * Deep learning technology is available when the exposure mode is set to Scene Analyze Auto, or when the Custom Image mode is set to Auto Select. 

    11?Other features

    • Switching lever to activate various settings during still-image and Live-view shooting and movie recording
    • New Motion Bracketing and Depth-of-field Bracketing functions to capture three images of same scene by automatically shifting aperture and/or shutter-speed settings in user-selected steps.
    • Wireless LAN connection to support operation with smartphones and tablet computers
    • DR II?Dust Removal II? mechanism to shake dust off from the image sensor surface using ultrasonic vibrations
    • Clarity control and Skin Tone correction functions, two of the latest image processing technologies developed by RICOH Central Laboratory
    • Compatibility with the optional O-GPS1 GPS Unit for the recording of shooting position data and simplified astronomical photography
    • A selection of imaging tools, such as Custom Images, Digital Filters
    • Compatibility with the optional PENTAX IMAGE Transmitter 2 tethering software

    Optional Accessories 

    Grip M (O-GP1671) and Grip L (O-GP1672)

    Designed for exclusive use with the PENTAX KP camera body, these grips can be easily replaced with the standard Grip S (O-GP167) to accommodate the photographer’s shooting style or a mounted lens, or improve the camera’s operability and holding comfort. (Note: In North America, these accessory grips will come with the PENTAX KP.)

    D-BG7 Battery Grip

    Designed for exclusive use with the PENTAX KP, this battery grip features a dustproof, weather-resistant structure, and provides an extra set of control buttons (shutter release, AF/AE lock, exposure compensation/Fx3, and green), and a pair of electronic dials to facilitate vertical-position shooting. It comes with the Grip L for improved handling when a telephoto or large-aperture lens is mounted on the camera. In addition to the exclusive D-LI109 Lithium-ion Battery, it can also be powered by the large-capacity D-LI90 Lithium-ion Battery (a dedicated battery tray included), which is used to power the PENTAX K-1 and K-3II digital SLR cameras.

    Pentax KP specifications

    Price
    MSRP $ 1099 (body only)
    Body type
    Body type Mid-size SLR
    Body material Magnesium alloy
    Sensor
    Max resolution 6016 x 4000
    Other resolutions 4608 x 3072, 3072 x 2048, 1920 x 1280
    Image ratio w:h 3:2
    Effective pixels 24 megapixels
    Sensor photo detectors 25 megapixels
    Sensor size APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
    Sensor type CMOS
    Processor PRIME IV
    Color space sRGB, Adobe RGB
    Color filter array Primary Color Filter
    Image
    ISO Auto, 100-819200
    White balance presets 9
    Custom white balance Yes (3 slots)
    Image stabilization Sensor-shift
    Image stabilization notes 5-axis, up to 5 stops
    Uncompressed format RAW
    JPEG quality levels Best, better, good
    File format
    • JPEG (Exif v2.3)
    • Raw (Pentax PEF or DNG)
    Optics & Focus
    Autofocus
    • Contrast Detect (sensor)
    • Multi-area
    • Center
    • Selective single-point
    • Tracking
    • Single
    • Continuous
    • Touch
    • Face Detection
    • Live View
    Autofocus assist lamp Yes
    Manual focus Yes
    Number of focus points 27
    Lens mount Pentax KAF2
    Focal length multiplier 1.5×
    Screen / viewfinder
    Articulated LCD Tilting
    Screen size 3″
    Screen dots 921,000
    Touch screen Yes
    Screen type TFT LCD
    Live view Yes
    Viewfinder type Optical (pentaprism)
    Viewfinder coverage 100%
    Viewfinder magnification 0.95×
    Photography features
    Minimum shutter speed 30 sec
    Maximum shutter speed 1/6000 sec
    Maximum shutter speed (electronic) 1/24000 sec
    Exposure modes
    • Program
    • Sensitivity priority
    • Shutter priority
    • Aperture priority
    • Shutter & aperture priority
    • Manual
    • Bulb
    Built-in flash Yes
    Flash range 6.00 m (at ISO 100)
    External flash Yes (via hot shoe)
    Flash modes Auto, auto w/redeye reduction, flash on w/redeye reduction, slow sync, trailing curtain sync, manual, wireless
    Flash X sync speed 1/180 sec
    Drive modes
    • Single
    • Continuous
    • Self-timer
    • AE bracketing
    • DoF bracketing
    • Motion bracketing
    • Mirror-up
    • Multi-exposure
    • Interval shooting
    • Interval composite
    • Interval movie record
    • Star stream
    Continuous drive 7.0 fps
    Self-timer Yes (2 or 12 secs)
    Metering modes
    • Multi
    • Center-weighted
    • Spot
    Exposure compensation ±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
    AE Bracketing ±5 (2, 3, 5 frames )
    WB Bracketing Yes
    Videography features
    Format MPEG-4, H.264
    Microphone Stereo
    Speaker Mono
    Storage
    Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I supported)
    Connectivity
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    HDMI No (requires SlimPort adapter)
    Microphone port Yes
    Headphone port No
    Wireless Built-In
    Wireless notes 802.11 b/g/n
    Remote control Yes (via remote cable or smartphone)
    Physical
    Environmentally sealed Yes
    Battery Battery Pack
    Battery description D-LI109 lithium-ion battery & charger
    Battery Life (CIPA) 390
    Weight (inc. batteries) 703 g (1.55 lb / 24.80 oz)
    Dimensions 132 x 101 x 76 mm (5.2 x 3.98 x 2.99″)
    Other features
    Orientation sensor Yes
    Timelapse recording Yes
    GPS Optional
    GPS notes O-GPS1

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Hands-on with Ricoh’s compact Pentax KP

    Hands-on with new Pentax KP

    Ricoh has taken the wraps off it’s newest DSLR, the APS-C format KP. Resembling a mini Pentax K-1, and inheriting some of the same features, the KP will replace the K-3 II in Ricoh’s APS-C lineup. We got our hands on a pre-production sample recently, and we’ve prepared a quick product tour. 

    Hands-on with new Pentax KP

    The KP really does look like a scaled-down K-1, with the same distinctive slab-sided Pentaprism hump. Ricoh tells us that they were aiming for a camera with a similar size as a competitive mirrorless model, but without sacrificing the experience of using an optical viewfinder.

    Hands-on with new Pentax KP

    One major different between the KP and the K-1 is a built-in flash. It’s not particularly powerful (GN 6, at ISO 100) but should be useful for close-range portraiture and fill-in. Speaking (kind of) of low-light photography, the KP’s 27-point SAFOX 11 autofocus system should be usable down to -3EV.  

    Hands-on with new Pentax KP

    Probably the biggest upgrade in the KP compared to the K-3 II is its sensor. The KP boasts a 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor, with a maximum ISO sensitivity of ISO 819,200, supported by a built-in 5-axis ‘SR II’ stabilization system. Ricoh claims that this system will deliver an effective benefit of 5 stops of stabilization. 

    Hands-on with new Pentax KP

    The KP’s 3″ rear LCD features a resolution of 920k-dots, which is average for a midrange DSLR at this point. While it doesn’t offer the highest resolution on the market, it’s clear and detailed, and can also be tilted outwards.

    Hands-on with new Pentax KP

    Sadly (hey, we’re nerds), the articulation mechanism is a conventional tilting hinge. There’s no sign of the K-1’s unique Apollo Lander-style struts. The tilting screen will be handy for several kinds of still photography, and also video. The KP’s video specification is relatively unremarkable (1080/30p) but it does feature a ‘4K Interval Movie mode’. This combines a series of 4K-resolution still images (3840 x 2160 pixels) taken at a fixed intervals to create a single movie file.

    For those who want to output video to an external recorder or TV, do note that Ricoh has done way with the HDMI port on the KP. Instead, you need to buy a dongle which attaches to the ‘SlimPort’ (basically a microUSB jack with video output capability). RIcoh says the HDMI port was removed to keep the size of the camera down.

    Hands-on with new Pentax KP

    Pentax has been adding options to the traditional PASM quartet for years, and the KP is no exception. It’s exposure mode dial is crowded with settings, and includes five (five!) custom ‘U’ preset positions plus Scene Analyze Auto, Program, Sensitivity Priority, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Shutter & Aperture Priority, Manual, and Bulb. 

    Hands-on with new Pentax KP

    This view shows off the KP’s nicely-sized front and rear control dials, and another top-mounted mode dial, with another three custom positions. This time for bracketing options, which include two new tools – ‘Motion Bracketing’ (shutter speed) and Depth-of-field Bracketing (aperture).

    Hands-on with new Pentax KP

    A D-LI109 battery should deliver between 390-420 shots per charge, depending on flash use. This view shows off the rubber gaskets around the battery compartment door. Unusually these days, Ricoh calls the KP ‘weatherproof’ and claims that the KP is ‘dustproof and weather-sealed’ and capable of operating at temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 C).

    Hands-on with new Pentax KP

    Here’s something else that’s a bit unusual – removable hand-grips. The KP ships with a medium-sized grip attached as standard, but with a few turns of an allen wrench…

    Hands-on with new Pentax KP

    it can be popped right off, and replaced with smaller or larger grips, which are included in the box.

    Hands-on with new Pentax KP

    The large grip goes especially well with the new optional battery grip. 

    Hands-on with new Pentax KP

    Please note that the grip shown here is an engineering prototype and is not cosmetically representative of the final shipping product (which will be more textured, and less shiny).

    The D-BG7 Battery Grip can hold one extra battery, and an extra memory card (stowed, not as usable media). It will also be sold with a tray to adapt the K-70’s batteries to be used with the KP. The KP’s maximum shooting rate of 6 fps is not affected by the battery grip. 

    Hands-on with new Pentax KP

    Here’s that tray, in action. 

    The KP will be available on February 25 for a suggested list price of $ 1,099.95. What do you think? Let us know in the comments. 

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Fujifilm X-T2 Graphite Silver Edition goes up for sale online

    The Fujifilm X-T2 Graphite Silver Edition is now available for purchase from several online retailers for $ 1800 (without battery grip). This special edition brings all of the X-T2’s features alongside a triple-layer coating finish described as both ‘durable and aesthetic.’ The special edition camera is joined by an aluminum hot shoe, graphite silver EF-X8 shoe-mounted flash, and a leather camera strap.

    The Graphite Silver’s triple-layer coating is preceded by an antioxidant treatment for the camera’s magnesium body, which is followed by the coating’s first layer, a matte black primer. That primer is then covered with paint particles using Thin-Film Multilayer Coating Technology, lending the graphite silver appearance. The last layer is a clear coat to add both shine and durability.

    The camera has appeared on multiple retailers’ websites, including B&H Photo, Ace Photo, and Adorama. A model that includes a battery grip is also offered for $ 1900. 

    See more X-T2 Graphite Silver
    hands-on photos

    Via: Fujiaddict

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • This time-lapse captures the awe-inspiring power of lava flowing into the ocean

    Any seasoned landscape photographer can tell you that the moment spent actually pressing the shutter is just the tip of the iceberg – hours and even days are spent planning, getting into position and waiting for the right conditions. So the story behind Jack Fusco’s impressive new time-lapse, 61G Ocean Entry, might be familiar to landscape photo veterans.

    Fusco and team traveled to Hawaii’s Big Island hoping to capture a somewhat rare occurrence: lava flowing into the Pacific Ocean from Kilauea Volcano. The goal was to capture a time-lapse of the stars along with the spectacular light show created by the flowing lava meeting ocean water.

    If you watch the video above and you’ll see that Fusco’s mission was a success, but the behind-the-scenes story is equally fascinating. A rainy forecast and logistical challenges meant that the crew had to do a lot of thinking on their feet. All told, they came away with 1.3TB of data after 20 miles of hiking, hundreds of miles driven and very few hours spent sleeping. Was it worth the trouble? Take a look at the video and see for yourself.

    Read the full behind-the-scenes story at Macphun’s blog.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Sigma 85mm F1.4 Art sample gallery updated

    The Sigma Art 85mm F1.4 DG HSM is one impressive piece of glass. We’ve got a number of portraits in our gallery, but we wanted to see how it fared in the streets too. In this update you’ll find a collection of street, architecture and cityscape photography.

    See our Sigma Art 85mm F1.4
    sample gallery

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)