Category: Uncategorized

  • Watch thousands of books being reshelved in a two minute time-lapse

    After a two-year closure for repairs, the Rose Main Reading Room at the New York Public Library reopened earlier this month. That meant a whole lot of books had to go back on the shelves. Thankfully, the whole process has been documented in a totally engrossing time-lapse video that makes it look way easier than it actually was. Take a look at the video above, and head to the NYPL’s blog for more on the grand re-opening of their Rose Main Reading Room.

    Related: Photos of Cincinnati’s impressive ‘Old Main’ public library

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Carry-everywhere convenience: Sony RX100 V samples gallery update

    Photo by Carey Rose

    The Sony RX100-series has always been about offering photographers better image quality than a phone without weighing them down or putting a kink in their necks – and the Mark V is no exception. Ours has been a constant companion, allowing us to take advantage of the last remaining flashes of autumnal Seattle sunshine. So in the course of putting the finishing touches on our full review, we’ve brought one more big update to our existing samples gallery – enjoy!

    Check out our RX100 V
    real-world sample gallery

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Watch thousands of books being re-shelved in a two minute time-lapse

    After a two-year closure for repairs, the Rose Main Reading Room at the New York Public Library re-opened earlier this month. That meant a whole lot of books had to go back on the shelves. Thankfully, the whole process has been documented in a totally engrossing time-lapse video that makes it look way easier than it actually was. Take a look at the video above, and head to the NYPL’s blog for more on the grand re-opening of their Rose Main Reading Room.

    Related: Photos of Cincinnati’s impressive ‘Old Main’ public library

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Kipon launches EF to Sony E adapters with built-in variable ND filter

    Chinese lens and accessory maker Kipon has introduced an adapter that includes a variable neutral density filter, primarily for video shooters. The filter is placed between a Canon EF-S mount and a Sony E-mount body. The Kipon EF-S/E AF ND retains the autofocus and image stabilisation features of the lens, according to the company, and EXIF data is communicated so it can be recorded in the image files. The adapter also allows manual focusing of the lens to trigger MF assistance features of the camera – such as peaking or magnification.

    Kipon has produced adapters that contain graduated neutral density filters before but this is the first that has a variable ND filter. The filter is turned via a wheel that sticks out of the barrel and is marked with values between 1.5 and 7 f-stops. The idea of the adapter is that wide apertures can be used with shutter speeds appropriate for shooting video – as well as for stills shooters who want a shallow depth of field outdoors on bright days.

    The adapter features an EF-S mount, so that it can use both EF and EF-S lenses but covers the full frame image circle for use on a7 series cameras.

    The company suggests that the selling price should be 45,000 yen before tax, which is approximately $ 430.

    You can read more about the adapter, including camera compatibility, on this translated version of Japanese agent Focus Workshop’s website.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Nikon KeyMission action cameras now shipping in US

    The Nikon KeyMission action cameras are now shipping from retailers in the US. As previously stated, the Nikon KeyMission 80 is priced at $ 270, the KeyMission 170 at $ 399, and the KeyMission 360 at $ 499. However, all three models are being offered on Amazon, B&H Photo, and Adorama at slight discounts.

    The Nikon KeyMission 360 was first introduced at CES 2016, and followed later by the KeyMission 80 and KeyMission 170, with the numbers referring to each model’s field-of-view. The KeyMission 80 features a 12.5 megapixel front camera and 4.9 megapixel rear camera with support for 1080p recording, while the KeyMission 170 and 360 both support 4K recording. All three cameras are rugged to various degrees, including being waterproof and shockproof.

    Via: NikonRumors

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Facebook takes aim at Snapchat and Prisma with new camera features

    If cute animal selfie masks are the wave of the future, then Facebook isn’t going to sit idly by. The company will be updating its in-app camera function with some Snapchat and Prisma style functions soon. It is currently testing a new version that includes animated selfie masks, overlaid graphics, and geofilters, similar to those available on Snapchat, and a range of filter effects that convert your images and videos into fine-art paintings, like on the popular Prisma app.

    In addition there is a series of new ‘reactive’ filters that respond to movements of your body. They cover the screen with ‘bubbles’ that can be move around by waving your arms, or line patterns than be disrupted by motion. 

    Once you have accessed the new camera, filter options can be made visible by swiping down. In addition, you can tap on the new creative tools button for even more effects. The latter include pieces of virtual clothing and fashion accessories and art-filters. And it’s not just the filters that will remind you of Snapchat. Like on Snapchat, photos disappear after a 24 hour period, unless unless someone leaves a comment to start a conversation. The new Facebook camera features are currently being tested in Ireland, but should be expected to roll out globally soon.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Video: Game Boy Camera revisited

    Some of us were thrilled to be reunited with the Game Boy Camera of our childhood. Others? Less thrilled. Watch as DPR staff revisit the Game Boy Camera – or in some cases, pick it up for the very first time. 

    Read more about the Game Boy Camera

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Sigma introduces trio of firmware updates for Quattro, MC-11 and 150-600mm F5-6.3

    Lens and camera manufacturer Sigma has released three firmware updates that improve the functionality of its sd Quattro camera, the company’s MC-11 mount adapter and the two versions of its 150-600mm F5-6.3 zoom lens.

    The update to the sd Quatrro camera deals with an issue that causes the camera to freeze when being controlled via the company’s Capture Pro tethered-shooting software package, while the update for the MC-11 prepares the device for Sigma’s new and forthcoming 12-24mm F4, 500mm F4 and 85mm F1.4 lenses. The MC-11 allows users to mount certain Sigma EF- and SA-mount lenses to Sony E-mount cameras, and the update improves AF accuracy of EF-mount lenses that aren’t fully compatible with the system. It also allows lenses with Optical Stabilizer built-in to switch off in-body stabilization systems to use the in-lens system even when the lens isn’t fully compatible with the MC-11. With the firmware installed the start-up time of the combination is also improved.

    AF accuracy is also the main theme of the update to the 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports and Contemporary lenses in the Canon and Sigma mounts. The lenses will perform better when used with the MC-11 mount adapter, and with the sd Quattro in the case of the Sigma mount version. The update also reduces the sound made by the aperture blades in the Canon mount versions during filming both with and without the MC-11 – and the lenses are now fully functional with the Canon Digital Cinema Camera EOS C300 Mark ll.

    Those with the Sigma USB dock can install these updates themselves, and those who don’t have it can take their lenses and MC-11 to a Sigma approved service center and have the firmware updates installed for free. For more information visit the Sigma website.

    Manufacturer information:

    SIGMA sd Quattro firmware download

    Thank you for purchasing and using our products.
    Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce that new firmware of SIGMA sd Quattro is available for download.

    Benefit of the firmware update;

    SIGMA sd Quattro [Ver.1.03]
    It corrects the phenomenon where the camera stops responding to any operation after pressing [AF Capture] button, [AF Drive Only] button, and/or [MF Capture] button on SIGMA Capture Pro during shooting using SIGMA Capture Pro.

    SIGMA sd Quattro firmware Ver.1.03 download page
    http://www.sigma-global.com/en/download/cameras/firmware/

    * SIGMA Photo Pro 6.4.1 is required to develop RAW data (X3F files, X3I files) taken with sd Quattro cameras with firmware Ver1.02 or later.

    SIGMA Photo Pro 6.4.1 Download page
    http://www.sigma-global.com/en/download/cameras/sigma-photo-pro/

    Firmware Update for SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sports / Contemporary in SIGMA and Canon mount

    We would like to announce the availability of a new firmware update for the SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sports in SIGMA and Canon mount, and the SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary in SIGMA and Canon mount. The firmware can be updated using SIGMA Optimization Pro.

    The lens firmware update improves the AF accuracy and reduces the operating sound of the diaphragm blades when it is attached with the SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11.

    For customers who own the following applicable products and the SIGMA USB DOCK, please update the lens firmware using SIGMA Optimization Pro.

    Applicable products
    SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Sports – SIGMA and Canon mount
    SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary – SIGMA and Canon mount

    Benefits of this firmware update

    • It has improved the AF accuracy when the lens is attached with the SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11.
    • For customers who own SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11, it is necessary to update this to the latest firmware Ver1.02.
    • It has improved the AF accuracy of this lens when mounted on the SIGMA sd Quattro (SIGMA mount only).
    • It has reduced the operating sound of the lens diaphragm blades when attached with the SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 EF-E and used for shooting movies (Canon mount only).It has improved the AF accuracy when the lens is used for shooting movies as well as Live View on EOS DIGITAL SLR cameras (Canon mount only).*1
    • It has reduced the operating sound of the lens diaphragm blades when used for shooting movies on EOS DIGITAL SLR cameras (Canon mount only).*1
    • It is fully functional with the Canon Digital Cinema Camera EOS C300 Mark II.
    • *1 The degree of improvement differs depending on the camera used.

    Please ensure the SIGMA Optimization Pro has been updated to Ver1.3.1 or later from the following download page before updating the lens firmware.

    SIGMA Optimization Pro Download page
    http://www.sigma-global.com/en/download/lenses/sigma-optimization-pro/

    For customers who do not own the SIGMA USB DOCK, the lens firmware update will be provided free of charge but you will need to provide the proper documentation as listed in the instructions on the Service & Support section of our website

    Firmware Update for SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11

    We would like to announce the availability of a new firmware update for the SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 EF-E and SA-E.

    This firmware update supports the following new products; SIGMA 12-24mm F4 DG HSM | Art, which we started the delivery from October 2016, SIGMA 500mm F4 DG OS HSM | Sports and SIGMA 85mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art, which are scheduled to be delivered from November 2016. In addition, it has improved the operation when some lenses that are not fully compatible are attached. It has also corrected the phenomenon where the distortion correction figure is not indicated properly in the camera when the SIGMA 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM | Art is attached.

    For customers who own the SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11, please update the firmware using SIGMA Optimization Pro.

    Please ensure the SIGMA Optimization Pro has been updated to ver1.3.1 or later from the following download page before updating the MC-11 firmware.

    SIGMA Optimization Pro Download page
    http://www.sigma-global.com/en/download/lenses/sigma-optimization-pro/

    Applicable products
     SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 EF-E
     SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 SA-E

    Benefits of this firmware update

    • It is fully functional with the SIGMA 12-24mm F4 DG HSM | Art, the SIGMA 500mm F4 DG OS HSM | Sports and the SIGMA 85mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art lenses.
    • It has reduced the startup time between turning on the camera and taking an image by not initially driving the focus when the camera is turned on.
    • When lenses with Optical Stabilizer (OS) function that are not fully compatible with the SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 are attached with the SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 and mounted on a camera which incorporates a stabilizer unit, it enables the camera’s stabilizer unit to be turned off and the lens’s OS function to be turned on and off.
    • It has improved the AF accuracy of Canon EF lenses that are not fully compatible with the SIGMA MOUNT CONVERTER MC-11 (EF-E only).
    • It has corrected the phenomenon where the distortion correction figure is not indicated properly in the camera, when the SIGMA 24-105mm F4 DG OS HSM | Art is attached.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • YI M1 Sample Gallery

    The YI M1 is a new Micro Four Thirds camera by a China-based company called Young Innovators. Built around a familiar 20MP Sony sensor, the M1 offers quite a bit of room for Raw post processing. We took the YI around Seattle and over the hills to Leavenworth, WA to photograph some fall color.

    See our YI M1
    real-world sample gallery

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • DJI Phantom 4 drone with 24-carat gold plating goes on sale for £20k

    The DJI Phantom 4 camera drone may be functional, but it’s not luxurious. Filling that void is DronesDirect.co.uk, a drone retailer offering a 24-carat gold plated Phantom 4 model — something it has dubbed the ‘Rolls Royce of the drone world.’ The unit is the same as an ordinary Phantom 4 drone excluding the expensive gold coating.

    DronesDirect calls this the DJI Phantom 4: Gold Edition drone, and says it is an exclusive offering. Gold exterior aside, buyers get the same features as they would with any other Phantom 4 drone, as well as the remote controller, mobile device holder, an intelligent flight battery, a pair of propellers, propellers storage bag, battery charger, gimbal clamp and a 16GB microSD card.

    The Phantom 4: Gold Edition drone is available now for £19,999.97 / $ 21,800, with the company offering financing that brings it to £1,666.67/month for 12 months.

    Via: DIY Photography

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)