360Photography

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  • Yongnuo shows off familiar-looking 100mm F2 lens for Canon EOS

    The Yongnuo Y100mm F2 on the left, and Canon’s EF 100mm F2 USM on the right

    Chinese photo equipment manufacturer Yongnuo is set to launch a new 100mm F2 lens that not only uses a Canon EF mount but which also looks just like Canon’s own 100m F2. According to websites Photo Rumours and Photo Gear News the full-frame lens will be priced at around $ 170/€160.

    The lens has been made to resemble the Canon version inside and out it seems, as both feature eight elements, have a maximum magnification of 0.14x and an aperture range of F2 to F22. The Yongnuo lens arranges its elements in five groups though while Canon’s own model used eight in six. Canon’s EF 100mm F2 USM also has eight blades in its iris, against the nine in the Yongnuo version.

    Price is also a significant differentiator as the Canon lens costs $ 500. Nikon Rumours expects the lens to also become available in a Nikon mount.

    Yongnuo already sells 35mm F2 and 50mm F1.8 lenses in Canon and Nikon mounts with each mount having a corresponding barrel design to match of the camera brand’s own.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Magnum’s ‘Conditions of the Heart’ square print sale underway

    Magnum ‘Conditions of the Heart’ square print sale 

    Kochi, India, 2014 © Alex Webb / Magnum Photos

    Magnum Photos recently tasked its photographers with capturing photographs related to the theme ‘Conditions of the Heart,’ doing so for the organization’s Square Print Project. This project was inspired by David ‘Chim’ Seymour’s work, and is itself part of a larger series that examines the work of Magnum’s four co-founders. A new square print sale is now offering these photos as museum-quality 6×6 prints for a short duration.

    The square print sale started yesterday, October 31, and is running through November 4 at 6PM EST. During this time, the public can purchase high-quality 6×6 prints that are signed and estate stamped for $ 100 each. These square prints are printed onto archival paper and will not be available for purchase beyond this sale. Photographers featured in the square print sale include Steve McCurry, Alex Webb, David Alan Harvey, Matt Black, and others.

    Purchases can be made through Magnum Photos’ online shop.

    Magnum ‘Conditions of the Heart’ square print sale

    Kochi, India, 2014 © Alex Webb / Magnum Photos

    “Connection in photography can take many forms. While one typically thinks of the connection in photographing people one knows, there can also be a kind of intimacy with a place or a culture itself. As a street photographer, it is this latter connection that intrigues me. Over the years, I’ve learned that each culture demands its own unique and complicated approach—often with many nuanced variations—in order to photograph the life of its streets. For instance in Mumbai, people sometimes seem so interested in strangers, one may later discover smiling faces peering into the edges of one’s photographs. However, in a city such as Kochi in southern India where I took this photograph, one may also encounter unexpected quieter moments. Ultimately, no matter how gently and respectfully one tries to photograph in a culture other than one’s own, how long a street photographer can linger is largely thanks to the grace of others.”

    – Alex Webb

    Magnum ‘Conditions of the Heart’ square print sale

    Chiang Mai, Thailand © Steve McCurry / Magnum Photos

    “I photographed these elephants and their mahouts at a rescue sanctuary in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The mahouts dedicate their lives to caring for a specific elephant, spending their days and nights tending to all of the elephant’s needs.”

    – McCurry, Steve

    Magnum ‘Conditions of the Heart’ square print sale

    Savoy Ballroom. Harlem, New York City. 1939 . © Cornell Capa / International Center of Photography / Magnum Photos

    “The Concerned Photographer produces images in which genuine human feeling predominates over commercial cynicism or disinterested formalism.”

    – Cornell Capa

    Magnum ‘Conditions of the Heart’ square print sale

    Sheepherder with Mount Mikeno. North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2016 © Michael Christopher Brown/ Magnum Photos

    “Though much of my work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo depicts dire circumstances, I remain optimistic for the country; it is not only one of the most beautiful places, but also filled with incredible people.”

    – Michael Christopher Brown

    Magnum ‘Conditions of the Heart’ square print sale

    Fisherman and family. Bahía Honda, Cuba. 1954.© Eve Arnold/ Magnum Photos

    “Magnum dispatched [Eve Arnold] to Cuba and Haiti to take pictures for magazine projects that [Robert] Capa had arranged. In both countries, she was confronted with destitution on a level she had never seen, beyond even the migrant farm workers. A Cuban family she was photographing begged her to adopt their nine-year-old daughter, Juana, to save her from a life of poverty and prostitution, and she was so moved by them that she cried when she left.”

    – Janine di Giovanni, Magnum Legacy: Lives Behind Photographs – Eve Arnold, Prestel, 2015

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Announcing the winners of USA Landscape Photographer of the Year 2016

    USA Landscape Photographer of the Year 2016 Winners

    Sunrise light illuminates Mount Rainier as it rises above low clouds, seen from high above Tipsoo Lake, Washington. Adult Overall Winner 2016. Photo by Alex Noriega

    Nikon D600, 35mm, ISO 100, F11, shutter speed unknown

    We’re pleased to announce the winners of the 2016 USA Landscape Photographer of the Year Awards! From thousands of entries, Oregon-based Alex Noriega’s photo of a misty Mount Rainier at sunrise was selected as the overall winner. Youth winners were also selected for the comptetitions categories, with Hawaii’s Raiatea Arcuri taking the overall Youth award for a stunning image of water flowing over coastal lava tubes.

    We’re also excited to co-present a Special Award category, Life in Landscape. You can see the winner of that category and all of the other winning images by flipping through the slides above. For more information about the contest, visit their website. 

    Press release:

    The winners are announced
    1st November 2016

    A visually stunning and dramatic view of Mount Rainier has won the top prize in this year’s search for USA Landscape Photographer of the Year’s winning entry. Portland based photographer, Alex Noriega becomes the third person to win the overall title and the $ 15,000 prize. His picture of Mount Rainier as it rises above low clouds, seen from high above Tipsoo Lake was chosen, by the judges, from the thousands of entries received from over 40 countries across the globe, all celebrating the beauty and free spirit of the American landscape.

    Charlie Waite, one of Britain’s leading landscape photographers and founder of the Awards spoke about this year’s competition:

    “Apart from the pleasure I enjoy from my own landscape photography, there can be few experiences that come near the huge enjoyment and admiration that I have had from looking at photographs submitted to the USA Landscape Photographer of the Year.

    I have been truly overwhelmed by the high quality, considered and finely crafted images that we have seen from so many talented photographers who have contributed for the third USA Landscape Photographer of the Year 2016.

    From the start of the contest, the standard of landscape photography has been as high as it ever has been. The wonderful images that I have seen are testament to not only every photographer’s passion but for the obvious joy they receive from their creativity and indeed from fully engaging with some of the greatest landscapes on the planet.”

    The Young Landscape Photographer of the Year title has been awarded to Raiatea Arcuri, who captured coastal lava tubes along the Kona coast on the Island of Hawaii. Raiatea said of his image “What makes the Big Island special is the presence of lava tubes around the island. Some of these lava tubes at the coast will make amazing water motion as the waves push water in and out. It can be quite an epic experience capturing it. The water can easily surge up to your waist level and quickly recede back into the tube, creating a nice waterfall.”

    For the first time this year, the Awards are being held in association with DPReview and Amazon. Life in the Landscape, The Digital Photography Review Special Award was offered for the photograph judged to best convey how people interact with the American landscape. Michael Shainblum’s Endless which saw Michael endure extreme heat as it was about 105 degrees fahrenheit, certainly met the requirements for this Award and captures a truly magical moment.

    Congratulations also goes to the winner of this year’s other Special Award. Wild Landscape, The Future Publishing Award was won by Terrence Bond for his photograph The Real Duck Dynasty which was taken on the Clarence Canon Wildlife Refuge, Annada, Mo on the migratory highway, on the west side of the Mississippi River.

    2016 Results:

    Adult Winner – Alex Noriega – Sunrise light illuminates Mount Rainier
    Winner – Classic View – James Menzies – Main Strike, Grand Canyon National Park
    Runner Up – Classic View – Long Nguyen – Lost, Boardman Farm, Oregon
    Winner – Black and White – Terry Koyama – Waimea Bay Beast, Hawaii
    Runner Up – Black and White – Michael Ryan – Waimea Bay Beast, California
    Winner – My USA – Az Jackson – A lone figure of a man on Brooklyn Bridge, New York Runner Up – My USA – Michael Shainblum – Thunder Mountain, Eastern Sierra Mountains Winner – Urban – Souvik Dutta – Caged, Orlando, Florida
    Runner Up – Urban – Jennifer Vahlbruch – 75 Stages of Life, Miami, Florida
    Winner – Environmental Value – Terry Koyama – Mammatus Makers, Kansas
    Runner Up – Environmental Value – Yoshiki Nakamura – Sunset flight in Fir Island, Mt Vernon
    Winner – DPReview Special Award – Michael Shainblum – Endless, Fonts Point, Anza Borrego Desert
    Runner Up – DPReview Special Award – Sapna Reddy – Escape the Ordinary, Mt Tamalpais, Marin County
    Winner – Future Publishing Special Award – Terrence Bond – The real Duck Dynasty, Missouri
    Runner Up – Future Publishing Special Award – Ashish Varma – Autumn fog over Grand Tetons, Wyoming

    Youth Winner – Raiatea Arcuri – Coastal lava tubes in Kona, Hawaii
    Winner – Classic View – Mark Rivera – Lamar Valley, Autumn Foliage, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
    Winner – Black and White – John Morris – Sunset Light Show, California
    Winner – My USA – Raiatea Arcuri – Plume Cloud from the active Halemaumau Crater, Hawaii
    Winner – Urban – Kyle Wolfe – The Golden Gate Bridge as seen from Fort Point, San Francisco, California
    Winner – Environmental Value – Mark Basarab – Fiery Sunset Yosemite National Park, California
    Winner – DPReview Special Award – Mark Basarab – Point Reyes Slanted Tree, California Winner – Future Publishing Special Award – Kyle Wolfe – Navajo Sandstone of Antelope Canyon, Arizona

    Contact: info@usalpoty.com for images to accompany this release or to organize interviews with Awards founder, Charlie Waite, and/or Award winners.

    Please note that all images and/or logos supplied by or on behalf of USA Landscape Photographer of the Year remain the copyright of their respective photographers. They may only be used for press/promotional purposes in direct connection with the USA Landscape Photographer of the Year Awards and must be credited.

    More information: www.usalpoty.com

    USA Landscape Photographer of the Year 2016 Winners

    Coastal lava tubes in Kona, HI cause the water to flow in and out creating beautiful water motion. Youth Winner 2016. Photo by Raiatea Arcuri 

    Sony A6000, ISO 100, 0.4 sec, F11, 12mm (Rokinon 12mm)

    USA Landscape Photographer of the Year 2016 Winners

    Waimea Bay Beast, Oahu, Hawaii. B&W Winner. Photo by Terry Koyama

    Canon 5D Mark III with Canon EF200-400mm F4L lens 1/640 sec, F5.6, ISO 800

    USA Landscape Photographer of the Year 2016 Winners

    Sunset Light Show. B&W Winner Youth. Photo by John Morris

    Nikon D800, 1/250th, F9, ISO 160

    USA Landscape Photographer of the Year 2016 Winners

    Main Strike. Grand Canyon National Park. Classic Winner. Photo by James Menzies

    Canon EOS 5D Mark III. ISO 320, F10, focal length 26mm on a 17-40mm Wide lens. Bolt occurred during 19.9 second exposure

    USA Landscape Photographer of the Year 2016 Winners

    Lamar Valley, Autumn Foliage, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Classic Winner Youth. Photo by Mark Rivera

    Nikon D750, Nikkor 300mm lens, F6.7 for 1/640 second, ISO 250

    USA Landscape Photographer of the Year 2016 Winners

    “Endless” This image is a self portrait taken at Fonts Point in the Anza Borrego Desert. DPReview Special Award. Photo by Michael Shainblum

    Canon EOS 6D, Rokinon 14mm F2.8 25sec F2.8 ISO 3200

    USA Landscape Photographer of the Year 2016 Winners

    Point Reyes Slanted Tree, California. DPReview Special Award Youth. Photo by Mark Basarab

    Canon Rebel T3i 1/1000sec F3.5 ISO 800

    USA Landscape Photographer of the Year 2016 Winners

    Mammatus Makers, Kansas. Environmental Value. Photo by Terry Koyama

    Sony a7R II with Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS 1/4sec, F8.0, ISO 100

    USA Landscape Photographer of the Year 2016 Winners

    Fiery Sunset Yosemite National Park, California. Environmental Value Youth Winner. Photo by Mark Basarab

    Panasonic Lumix G5 1/400sec F3.5 ISO 160

    USA Landscape Photographer of the Year 2016 Winners

    The real Duck Dynasty. Future Publishing Special Award Winner. Photo by Terrence Bond

    Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, Canon EF 600mm F4L IS, 7.5 MB, JPEG, ISO 125 840mm, F7.1 1/400 sec

    USA Landscape Photographer of the Year 2016 Winners

    A mysterious lone figure with an umbrella walking from the arches of the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. My USA Winner. Photo by Az Jackson

    Canon 5D Mark II – ISO: 800, F5.6, 1/40 sec. – Focal Length: 24mm

    USA Landscape Photographer of the Year 2016 Winners

    An interesting plume cloud from the active Halemaumau Crater with steam pluming from the vents below in Kilauea Iki Crater in Volcanoes National Park. My USA Youth Winner. Photo by Raiatea Arcuri

    Sony A7S, ISO 500, 20 sec, F2.8, 24mm (Rokinon 24mm)

    USA Landscape Photographer of the Year 2016 Winners

    Caged (Orlando). Urban Winner. Photo by Souvik Dutta

    Canon EOS 70D 1/1328 sec, F8, ISO 200, Focal Length 10mm (16 mm – 35 mm equivalent)

    USA Landscape Photographer of the Year 2016 Winners

    The Golden Gate Bridge as seen from Fort Point in San Francisco. The eye is led into this circular composition by the careful placement of a rustic metal chain. Urban Winner Youth. Photo by Kyle Wolfe 

    Sony A7, Sony 28mm F2, B+W 10 stop ND filter Manual exposure, F22, 30 seconds, ISO 64, 28mm

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • The future is bright: technology trends in mobile photography

    The future is bright: technology trends in mobile photography

    Smartphones have long overtaken the trusted digital compact camera as the most popular imaging device among consumers. So it’s no surprise that for some time now the mobile industry has been a major driving force of innovation in imaging. 2016 is slowly yet surely coming to an end, and has been a fruitful year in terms of innovation in mobile imaging. What better time to look back at the most important technology trends that have emerged over the past few months?

    Multi-lens-cameras

    Dual-cameras have been around for some time now, but this year we’ve seen the introduction of two new types of this camera category with real potential to have a lasting impact on mobile imaging. The dual-camera modules in the Huawei P9 and Honor 8 capture images on a color and a monochrome sensor at the same time. Thanks to the lack of a color array filter, the latter can record better detail, higher contrast and a wider dynamic range than its color counterpart. After capture, the image information from both sensors is combined, resulting in better overall image quality than on a conventional camera.

     The dual-cam in the Huawei P9 combines images from color and monochrome sensors.

    Both the LG G5 and Apple’s new iPhone 7 Plus use dual-cameras for optical zooming. However, there is an important difference. On the LG the standard wide-angle lens is accompanied by a super-wide-angle. The Apple’s secondary lens offers an equivalent of 56mm, double that of the 28mm standard lens.

     Apple’s iPhone 7 Plus uses a dual-camera setup for digital zooming.

    Lack of optical zoom is one of the key limitations of conventional smartphone cameras. The digital zoom functions implemented in most smartphones lead to a deterioration of image quality and can’t really be considered an alternative. This is why the solutions from LG and Apple represent a real step forward that can help expand the creative potential of smartphone photography. The concept of dual-cameras is still in its infancy and it’s probably only a question of time before we’ll see smartphones with more than two camera/lens combinations – the very approach that the the Light L16 camera development team is taking.

    Raw-capture on smartphone cameras

    Raw-capture on smartphones is not a totally new topic either. It was first introduced to the high-end models in Nokia’s Lumia line and came to Android devices with version 5.0 of the Google OS, which was introduced in 2014. Since then many high-end devices from Samsung, Huawei, LG and other manufacturers have supported the feature. However, with the introduction of the seventh iPhone generation and iOS 10, Raw capture is now finally available on the other major mobile platform, iOS, massively expanding its potential user base. 

     The Huawei P9’s DNG files can be edited in Adobe Camera Raw or other Raw converters.

    The advantages of the Raw file format are the same on a smartphone camera as they are on a DSLR or mirrorless system camera. Instead of leaving the conversion of the captured image data to the algorithms of the camera’s JPEG-engine, the photographer can adjust many image parameters after capture, without any loss of image quality, by processing manually in a Raw-converter such as Adobe Camera Raw, Lightroom or Capture One.

    With the small image sensors in smartphone cameras digital exposure compensation can only be applied within narrow limits, but white balance, sharpness, contrast, noise reduction and many other parameters can all be modified. Especially in difficult lighting situations shooting Raw can be a lifesaver. However, it can also help achieve more natural image results when the camera’s default settings produce too vibrant images, as is often the case with smartphone cameras, or to create different versions of the same image – for example one for large-scale printing and one for viewing on the web.

    There is no doubt that the conversion of Raw image files can improve the quality of an image, or at least adjust it for specific requirements. However, the crucial question is if this all makes sense on a smartphone. Here, opinions are mixed. On one hand it can be argued that photographers who are willing to put time and effort into Raw conversion would typically shoot with their DSLR or system camera to start with. On the other hand, you never know when you encounter a great photo opportunity. If the only camera you’ve got is the smartphone in your pocket, Raw conversion can make the difference between a good and a great image.

    Modular solutions

    For many users an elegant and thin smartphone body is an important buying criterion. Unfortunately those characteristics stand in direct contrast to camera performance. Larger sensors offer lower noise levels and better dynamic range. Bigger lenses provide for brighter apertures or offer zoom capability. A powerful xenon flash also requires space. One of the solutions to this dilemma is a modular approach: for general everyday day use you carry the slim smartphone in the pocket. When better image quality and camera features are required, for example while visiting an event or when traveling, an external camera module is attached to the smartphone.

    Previous approaches, for example Sony’s QX-models or the Kodak Pixpro SL modules, which are compatible with most smartphones and connect to the device via Wi-Fi, were unfortunately cumbersome to operate. Connection to the smartphone was often slow and occasionally unstable, leading to laggy image transmission and operation.

    However, this year Lenovo has revived the camera module concept by introducing the Hasselblad True Zoom. The TrueZoom is so far only compatible with the smartphones of Lenovo’s Moto Z series but, on the upside, attaching and operating the device work much more seamlessly than anything else we’ve seen before. The TrueZoom attaches to the smartphone magnetically and, with a 10x zoom lens and xenon flash, instantly transforms it into a connected travel zoom camera, without any rebooting or other configuration steps.

    The Hasselblad True Zoom camera module attaches magnetically to smartphones of the Lenovo Moto Z series.

    The fact that the True Zoom is only compatible with a handful of phones won’t contribute to a wide distribution of the device. However, it is showing what is currently technologically feasible in terms of smartphones and external modules working together. Things could get even more interesting if market leaders Apple or Samsung show an interest in camera modules and make them popular with the masses.

    Algorithms trump hardware

    As mentioned above, your standard smartphone doesn’t provide enough space for large image sensors, zoom lenses or powerful flash units. However, mobile devices have one definite advantage over conventional cameras: computing power.

    Thanks to powerful chipsets modern smartphone cameras can record and digitally merge several image frames in a split-second. This process, called image stacking, captures more image information than a single frame. The resulting JPEG files show better detail, lower noise levels and a wider dynamic range than standard exposures. In very dark scenes this method can also achieve a brighter exposure than conventional capture. In addition, camera shake and blur in low light are less of an issue, as the individual frames of the image stack can use faster shutter speeds than a single standard exposure.

     The HDR+ mode in the Google Camera app uses frame stacking for improved image results.

    Apple offers such high dynamic range and night modes in its iPhone cameras and Google has implemented them into the HDR+ function of its Google Camera app, which is also used as the stock camera app on the new Pixel and Pixel XL phones. Again, development of such technologies is still in relatively early stages. Over the coming years more powerful processor hardware and better algorithms will likely further improve smartphone image quality, without a need for larger sensors or faster lenses.

    Outlook

    It’s probably fair to say that in the conventional digital camera sector the rate of innovation has noticeably slowed down over the last few years. In contrast, many of the new concepts that are currently being applied in mobile imaging are still in their infancy. It remains to be seen which ones will be here to stay and which ones will be forgotten in the nearer future. However, there’s no doubt that mobile photographers have a lot to look forward to. 

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Lume Cube returns to Kickstarter with the Life Lite mini LED cube

    Lume Cube launched the first generation of its high-powered LED-lighting cube for smartphones and action cameras back in 2014. Now, the company has returned to Kickstarter to raise funding for its follow-up product Life Lite. Compared to the original Lume Cube the Life Lite is about half the size and weight but, at 1000 lumens, still offers approximately 70% of the Lume Cube’s light output. 

    As before, you can control one Life Lite, or several units, via a smartphone app and a Bluetooth connection. The Life Lite is waterproof down to 10m/33ft, making it suitable for filming surfing and other water-based activities. There are multiple levels of strobe mode for creative lighting effects, a physical multifunction button and a custom fresnel lens. The emitted light has a color temperature of 5600K and the light is charged via a microUSB connector. A full charge gives you approximately 30 minute of illumination. 

    The Life Lite also comes with an internal magnet and a standard tripod mount, allowing for attachment to a wide range of metallic objects and camera support systems. You can secure a Life Lite now by pledging $ 39 on the project’s Kickstarter page. Shipping is planned for March 2017. 

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • LaCie unveils Thunderbolt 3 desktop storage devices

    LaCie has launched three new Thunderbolt 3 desktop storage devices, the 12big, 6big and Bolt3. All three devices are, according to LaCie, the fastest desktop storage solutions currently on the market, making them suitable for storing and editing 4K and 6K video content, among other things. The Bolt3 offers 2TB of storage, the 6big offers up to 60TB, and the 12big offers up to 120TB.

    The Bolt is the smallest of the three products, offering speeds up to 2800MB/s. According to LaCie, this model can handle raw video from a Blackmagic or RED camera, and can be used to transcode up to 6K footage using Adobe Premiere Pro or something similar. It only takes about 5 minutes to transfer a terabyte of 4K ProRes 4444 XQ video from the Bolt3 to the 12big.

    The LaCie 6big offers speeds up to 1400MB/s and the 12big has speeds up to 2600MB/s. These models can be used to edit uncompressed 10-bit and 12-bit HD videos or multiple streams of ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes 4444XQ footage. The company also says raw photos can be accessed and edited in Lightroom without lag. A custom Pelican Storm case will be available for these two models.

    The storage devices will be available this quarter starting at the following prices:

    • LaCie Bolt3: $ 1,999
    • LaCie 6big: $ 3,199
    • LaCie 12big: $ 6,399
    • Pelican Case: $ 349

    Press release:

    LaCie Announces World’s Fastest Desktop Storage and Complete Thunderbolt 3 Portfolio for Creative Professionals

    CUPERTINO, CALIF. – Today, LaCie, the premium brand from Seagate Technology plc (NASDAQ: STX), announced its Thunderbolt™ 3 portfolio of storage solutions aimed at helping video professionals excel with ultra high-resolution footage. First, the LaCie® Bolt3 combines Thunderbolt 3 speed with the latest M.2 PCIe SSDs to create the world’s fastest desktop drive. In addition, the LaCie 12big Thunderbolt 3 and 6big Thunderbolt 3 are ready to handle massive amounts of content thanks to fast transfer speeds, RAID 5/6 security and enterprise-class drives. These storage solutions, design by Neil Poulton, are ideal companions to the all-new MacBook Pro.

    For the Bolt3, LaCie harnessed the breakthrough performance potential of Thunderbolt 3 and paired it with two M.2 PCIe SSDs striped into a 2TB volume. Bolt3 delivers record speeds of up to 2800MB/s and cuts valuable time off of post-production workflows, such as ingesting RAW footage from RED® or Blackmagic® cinema cameras or transcoding 4/5/6K footage using Adobe® Premiere® Pro or DaVinci Resolve. What’s more, videographers can transfer a terabyte of 4K ProRes 4444 XQ footage from the LaCie Bolt3 to RAID storage—such as the LaCie 12big Thunderbolt 3—in only 5 minutes and 11 seconds*.

    The LaCie Bolt3 is engineered for long term reliability—from the enclosure to the internal components—to endure intensive storage tasks. Each product is individually Computer Numerical Control machined from solid aluminum blocks for rigid durability and heat dissipation. Effective cooling helps to ensure long-term component health. The stand securely docks the product with powerful neodymium magnets—and detaches for easy transport.

    With up to 120TB of massive capacity, the breakthrough performance of Thunderbolt 3 and RAID 5/6, the LaCie 12big, and the new LaCie 6big help video professionals meet the data demands of 4/5/6K cameras. Both feature Seagate enterprise-class drives with 256MB cache and 7200RPM for superb accessibility, reliability and robust performance.

    “From ultra high-resolution cameras to virtual reality to drones, the new experiences that content creators can bring to life are truly exciting,” said Tim Bucher, Senior Vice President of Seagate and LaCie Branded Solutions. “Creating these experiences generates unprecedented amounts of data while requiring extreme performance, and today we’re thrilled to help our customers by offering best-in-class storage solutions that excel in even the most demanding video workflows.”

    Thunderbolt 3 speeds of up to 2600MB/s for LaCie 12big and 1400MB/s for LaCie 6big slash time off nearly every post-production workflow task. Users can then edit multiple streams of ProRes 422 (HQ), ProRes 4444 XQ, as well as uncompressed HD 10-bit and 12-bit video. What’s more, photographers can transfer RAW photos quickly and edit in Adobe Lightroom without lag. Plus, with up to 120TB of capacity, the LaCie 12big can store 100 hours of 4K ProRes 4444 XQ footage in RAID 5*.

    With double the video bandwidth of its predecessor, Thunderbolt 3 lets a user daisy chain dual 4K displays or a single 5K display to the LaCie 12big or LaCie 6big. With two 4K displays, users can spread out their workspace by dedicating one display to the timeline and the other to previewing 4K footage, for example. It’s even possible to power a compatible laptop through the USB-C cable**. Additionally, the user can connect to USB 3.0 computers via the included USB-C to USB-A cable.

    The LaCie 12big and LaCie 6big are engineered to handle demanding video workflows. Front-accessible drives offer convenient and quick drive replacement and front-facing drive status LEDs help the user keep track of drive health and RAID build status. The aluminum enclosure dissipates heat far better than plastic, while two thermoregulated fans pull heat away from internal components. Both the LaCie 12big and LaCie 6big are protected by a five-year limited warranty that covers drives, enclosure and spare parts.

    LaCie has also partnered with Pelican Products to offer custom cases to safely transport the LaCie 12big or 6big to and from set. The Pelican™ Storm Case™ is an injection-molded case made of HPX® high-performance resin that is virtually unbreakable and resistant to dents and shatter. The custom, durable foam configuration houses a LaCie 12big or 6big, multiple LaCie Rugged® drives and accessories such as cords or a power supply. The cases are lightweight, airtight, watertight and backed by Pelican’s lifetime warranty***.

    AVAILABILITY
    The LaCie Bolt3 will come in a 2TB SSD capacity for $ 1999.00. The LaCie 6big will come in 24TB, 36TB, 48TB and 60TB capacities starting at $ 3199.00. The LaCie 12big will come in 48TB, 72TB, 96TB and 120TB capacities starting at $ 6399.00. The custom Pelican Storm cases start at $ 349.00. All LaCie Thunderbolt 3 solutions and the custom Pelican Storm cases will be available at LaCie resellers this quarter.

    * Based on 764GB per hour of 4K GoPro footage (source) and 764GB per hour of 4K ProRes 4444 XQ footage (source). Quantitative usage examples for various applications are for illustrative purposes.
    ** Delivers up to 15W to power compatible laptops.
    *** See pelican.com/warranty for full details.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • G-Technology introduces its first SSD portable stand-alone drive

    Storage company G-Technology has announced a new stand-alone SSD storage device that it claims can manage transfer speeds of up to 540MB per second. The G-Drive slim SSD uses a USB 3.1 interface and requires no external power source to run. Designed to be used with Mac computers the 500GB and 1TB drives, which come finished in silver or ‘space gray’, can be formatted for PC using the company’s Windows Format Wizard software. The drives come with a ‘high-quality’ USB Type-C to Type-C cable as well as a Type-C to Type-A cable.

    The drives are set to retail for $ 229.95 and $ 379.95, and are available now – with the space gray option an Apple Store exclusive.

    For more information see the G-Technology website.

    Press Release

    G-TECHNOLOGY G-DRIVE LINEUP OF PORTABLE SOLUTIONS EXPANDED WITH SOLID STATE TECHNOLOGY AND FAST USB-C™ CONNECTIVITY

    G-Technology®, a trusted premium storage brand by Western Digital (NASDAQ: WDC), today announced the expansion of its G-DRIVE portfolio, with its first solid state portable drive, the G-DRIVE slim SSD USB-C. The new drive brings faster interface speeds with USB-C connectivity and expanded external storage for next-generation computers such as MacBook and the all-new MacBook Pro, perfect for consumers and creative professionals across the world.

    Available in 1TB and 500GB capacities, the G-DRIVE slim SSD USB-C delivers super-fast solid state drive performance of up to 540MB/s. It features the speedy 10Gb/s USB 3.1 Gen 2 interface, taking full advantage of the SSD performance. The included high-quality Type-C to Type-C cable and Type-C to Type-A cable, allows this drive to operate with any computer featuring Thunderbolt 3, USB-C or USB 3.0* ports. Requiring no external power source, the G-DRIVE slim SSD USB-C will ensure that high-quality videos, photos and music will be readily available whether traveling in the field, back at home or in the office.

    “G-Technology continues to embrace advanced technologies in its line of products, and is excited to announce its fastest portable consumer storage solution to date,” said Mike Williams, vice president, advanced technologies/G-Technology, Content Solutions Group, Western Digital. “The G-DRIVE slim SSD USB-C embodies our commitment to delivering products that offer exceptional performance, style, and reliability, while combining SSD technology with the latest USB-C interface ensures users will have the latest technology and performance at their fingertips.”

    Plug-and-play for Mac®, this sleek drive is available in space gray and silver, making it a perfect companion for a MacBook or MacBook Pro. The MSRP for the 500GB capacity is $ 229.95 and the 1TB is $ 379.95*. The product is available for purchase today at G-Technology resellers with the space gray model available exclusively at Apple Stores in early November.

    G-Technology also announced today a new rose gold color for its G-DRIVE mobile USB-C line up, adding to its portfolio that also includes space gray and gold. Featuring a fast 1TB 7200RPM hard drive for transfer speeds of up to 136MB/s, the G-DRIVE mobile USB-C is compatible with any Thunderbolt 3, USB-C or USB 3.0 system**. The G-DRIVE mobile USB-C, is available in your favorite Apple colors, now at Apple stores, with rose gold coming in early November. The silver G-DRIVE mobile USB-C is available today at G-Technology resellers. The drives can be purchased at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $ 119.95*.

    “When I am out on location I need fast, reliable portable storage solutions to help keep up with demanding shoots. With sleek designs and super speeds, I know I can count on G-Technology drives as my go-to back up and transfer solutions, wherever I need to be,” said Jeremy Cowart, celebrity photographer and G-Team Ambassador.

    The G-DRIVE mobile USB-C and G-DRIVE slim SSD USB-C are easily reformatted for Windows users with the G-Technology Windows Format Wizard. For more information on G-Technology offerings, please visit www.g-technology.com.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85/G80 Review

    Key Features

    • 16MP Four Thirds MOS sensor w/o optical low pass filter
    • 5-axis image stabilization with Dual I.S. 2
    • Splash/dust-proof body
    • Depth from Defocus AF
    • 2.36M-dot OLED EVF
    • 3-inch 1.04M-dot fully-articulating touchscreen LCD
    • 4K video / photo
    • Focus stacking and post focus

    The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 is an SLR-style mid-range mirrorless camera. It features 4K video capture, 2nd-generation 5-axis image stabilization and a 16MP Four Thirds sensor with no optical low pass filter. A sister model, the G80 will be available in other markets.

    Though Panasonic has not come outright and said it, the G85 is the successor to the G7. More a refinement than something new entirely, both cameras share seemingly identical bodies and offer twin control dials, plenty of customizable buttons and fully articulating touch interfaces. 

    But the G85 is rather more grand: it’s weather-sealed with a magnesium alloy front plate, and offers a new electromagnetic shutter to combat shutter shock, an upgraded electronic viewfinder and 5-axis in-camera IS.

    Like the Panasonic GX85, the G85 uses a 16MP chip with no anti-aliasing filter. We found image quality from the GX85 to be slightly improved over that of past Panasonic cameras using the same 16MP chip with AA filters (like the G7).

    The G85 also uses the same redesigned shutter mechanism as the GX85, which we found to effectively mitigate shutter shock, an issue that affected the Panasonic G7. 

    Compared to its peers

      Panasonic G85 Panasonic G7 Panasonic GX85 Sony a6300 Olympus EM-5 II
    MSRP $ 900 (body) $ 800 (with kit lens) $ 800 (with kit lens) $ 1000 (body) $ 1100 (body)
    Sensor (resolution/size) 16MP Four Thirds 16MP Four Thirds 16MP Four Thirds 24MP APS-C 16MP Four Thirds
    AA filter No Yes No Yes No
    Stabilization Sensor-shift (5-axis) + Dual IS 2 In-lens only
    		 Sensor-shift (5-axis) + Dual I.S.
    		 In-lens only Sensor-shift (5-axis)
    EVF res/mag. 2.36M-dot OLED (0.74x) 2.36M-dot OLED (0.7x) 2.76M-dot field sequential LCD (0.7x) 2.36M-dot OLED (0.7x) 2.36M-dot LCD (0.74x)
    Autofocus Contrast Detect w/ 49-points + DFD Contrast Detect w/ 49-points + DFD Contrast Detect w/ 49-points + DFD Hybrid AF w/425 PDAF points Contrast Detect w/ 81-points
    Burst w/ continuous AF 6 fps 6 fps 6 fps 11 fps 5 fps
    LCD size, type 3-inch 1.04M-dot articulating 3-inch 1.04M-dot articulating 3-inch 1.04M-dot tilting 3-inch
    921k-dot tilting    		 3-inch 1.04M-dot articulating
    Touchscreen Yes Yes Yes No Yes
    Mic/Headphone port Yes/No Yes/No No/No Yes/No Yes/No
    Max movie resolution 4K/30p 4K/30p 4K/30p 4K/30p 1080/60p
    Weather-sealing Yes No No Yes Yes
    Flash sync speed 1/160 sec 1/160 sec 1/160 sec 1/160 sec 1/250 sec
    Battery life 320 shots 350 shots 290 shots 400 shots 310 shots
    Weight 453 g 410 g 426 g 404 g 469 g
    Dimensions 128 x 89 x 74 mm 125 x 86 x 77mm 122 x 71 x 44 mm 120 x 67 x 49 mm 124 x 85 x 45mm

    While the three Panasonic cameras compared above share quite a lot, the G85 stands out against the other 16MP Panasonic’s as the most appealing choice. This is due to its inclusion of weather-sealing, an updated Dual IS system and upgraded electronic viewfinder.

    When compared to similar mirrorless offerings from Sony and Olympus, things get a bit more complicated. The Sony beats it in terms of its more sophisticated AF system, larger sensor and faster burst (w/ AF), but the G85 offers superior ergonomics (fully articulating touchscreen, dual top-plate control dials, higher magnification EVF). The G85 and EM-5 II also share quite a lot, the major distinction between the two being the G85’s 4K video capability (compared to 1080p on the Olympus).

    The whole Panasonic gang, including the Panasonic G85, GX85, G7 and 20MP GX8.

    Pricing and availability

    The Panasonic G85 will be available in the US for $ 899 body only and $ 999 with 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 Power O.I.S. kit lens.

    Accessories

    The optional DMW-BGG1 vertical battery grip adds an additional shutter release and improved ergonomics, as well as room for a second battery, effectively doubling shooting time.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Google Pixel XL real-world sample gallery

    The Google Pixel XL landed in our office recently, and in addition to a trip to the studio, it’s been around the neighborhood for some real-world shooting. Take a look at how it handles a variety of situations, including some inexplicably sunny fall Seattle days.

    See our Google Pixel XL
    real-world sample gallery

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Nikon Small World 2016 winners announced

    Nikon Small World 2016 winners announced

    Four-day-old zebrafish embryo (10x). 1st place 2016 Photomicrography Competition. Photo by Dr. Oscar Ruiz

    For over 40 years Nikon’s Small World photomicrography competition has celebrated imagery of the hidden world right under our noses. This year, an image of a four-day-old Zebrafish embryo has taken the top prize. But that’s just scratching the surface – take a look at the top ten winners here and head over to the competition website to see even more.

    Nikon Small World 2016 winners announced

    2nd place 2016 Photomicrography Competition. Photo by Douglas L. Moore

    Polished slab of Teepee Canyon agate (90x).

    Nikon Small World 2016 winners announced

    3rd place 2016 Photomicrography Competition. Photo by Rebecca Nutbrown

    Brain cells from skin cells : Specifically, this is a culture of neurons (stained green) derived from human skin cells, and Schwann cells, a second type of brain cell (stained red), which have started to cover the neuron in the same way these cells interact in the brain. (20x)

    Nikon Small World 2016 winners announced

    4th place 2016 Photomicrography Competition. Photo by Jochen Schroeder

    Butterfly proboscis (6.3x). 

    Nikon Small World 2016 winners announced

    5th place 2016 Photomicrography Competition. Photo by Dr. Igor Siwanowicz

    Front foot (tarsus) of a male diving beetle (100x).

    Nikon Small World 2016 winners announced

    6th place 2016 Photomicrography Competition. Photo by Marek Mi?

    Air bubbles formed from melted ascorbic acid (vitamin C) crystals (50x).

    Nikon Small World 2016 winners announced

    7th place 2016 Photomicrography Competition. Photo by Dr. David Maitland

    Leaves of Selaginella (lesser club moss) (40x).

    Nikon Small World 2016 winners announced

    8th place 2016 Photomicrography Competition. Photo by Samuel Silberman

    Wildflower stamens (40x).

    Nikon Small World 2016 winners announced

    9th place 2016 Photomicrography Competition. Photo by Vin Kitayama & Sanae Kitayama

    Espresso coffee crystals.

    Nikon Small World 2016 winners announced

    10th place 2016 Photomicrography Competition. Photo by Rogelio Moreno Gill

    Frontonia (showing ingested food, cilia, mouth and trichocysts) (200x).

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)