360Photography

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  • Lumulabs Lumu Power adds a light and color meter to your iPhone

    Lumulabs is showing off its new Lumu Power light and color temperature meter add-on for smartphones that was successfully funded through a Kickstarter campaign earlier this year. Attached to an iPhone, the Lumu Power can measure ambient light and flash output, as well as color temperature. It uses two sensors, one on each side of the half-dome design. A photodiode with CIE spectral luminous efficiency measures the light levels and a True Color sensor, which is compliant with the CIE 1931/DIN 5033 color standard, analyzes the color temperature. 

    The electronics are protected by a stainless steel housing and the device attaches to your Apple device via the Lighting connector. An Android version that uses a USB Type-C port is planned for next year.

    The diffusers are made from polycarbonate lexan, and like the original Lumu, the Lumu Power is controlled via a dedicated app. The latter is still in development but Lumulabs says new functions are added almost on a daily basis. Color temperature, illuminance flash output curve, flash duration and flash versus ambient light ratio are some of the functions that have already been implemented. You can pre-order now on the Lumu website for $ 229. Shipping is planned to start by the end of the month.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Palette offers physical controllers for your photo editing software

    In hall 4 at Photokina we had the chance to take a closer look at Palette’s system of customizable physical controllers for software, which started out as a crowdfunding project but have been available in retail for some time now. The system consists of a core unit with a small display and a range of buttons, dials and sliders that all come with a sturdy aluminum housing and attach to each other magnetically. 

    Palette can me made to work with any software but predefined setups are available for Adobe Photohop, Lightroom and other photo and video editing applications. You can switch between functions using buttons, or adjust parameters such as digital exposure compensation, contrast or hue with sliders or dials. Your personal profile can be created in the Palette app. Multiple profiles are supported for different users or workflows and the Palette application can be set to automatically switch profiles when the application focus on your computer changes. The Palette starter kit is available for $ 199 on the Palette website.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Rollei Actioncam 430 comes with 4K resolution and Full-HD slow motion

    Market leader GoPro launched its new action cam models at a Photokina event on Monday. Rollei already announced its latest top-end action camera about a month ago, but we just got the chance to look at the new device at the Rollei booth at Photokina.

    The Actioncam 430 offers impressive camera specs and can record 4K video at 30 fps, 2K at 60 fps, 120 fps at Full-HD resolution and up to 200 fps at 720p, allowing for the recording of high definition slow-motion footage. In stills mode the Sony image sensor captures 12MP photographs and the lens covers an angle of view of 180 degrees. Images can be framed and reviewed on a 2″ TFT display with a 320 x 240 pixel resolution and a status display at the front keeps you informed about current shooting mode, remaining recording time and battery status. 

    The Actioncam 430 can be remote-controlled via a mobile app and a wristband-style wireless remote, with a range of up to 15 meters, is included in the box as well. The Rollei is not waterproof but comes with a case that is recommended for depths of up to 40m/131ft. The camera is compatible with most GoPro accessories and available now in Europe for €249 (approximately $ 275). No information on availability in other regions has been announced yet.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Photokina 2016: Hands-on with Tamron’s SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD G2

    Hands-on with Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD G2

    Tamron’s new SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 might look like little more than a refined version the previous 150-600mm, but the new version is actually a substantial redesign. 

    Hands-on with Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD G2

    The ‘G2’ in the name stands for second generation, reflecting several improvements to the design, including the now-standard SP level of build quality, and revamped Vibration Correction (VC) offering up to 4.5 stops of compensation. Optical construction comprises 21 elements in 13 groups, including three LD (Low Dispersion) lens elements.

    Hands-on with Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD G2

    Tamron’s ‘SP’ (Special Performance) designation is given only to the company’s highest-performing lenses, and the SP 150-600mm is the first zoom in Tamron’s new SP lineup. It is compatible with Tamron’s ‘TAP-in’ Console, which allows the lens to be customized to user preferences.

    Hands-on with Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD G2

    The 150-600mm has three VC settings, and one additional custom option (enabled via the Tap-In Console) activates Vibration Correction in video mode. This view also shows the rubber seal around the lens-mount, which keeps dust and moisture from getting into the camera. 

    Hands-on with Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD G2

    At full extension, the SP 150-600mm is a hefty lens, but the relatively small maximum aperture range keeps the deign relatively compact considering the telephoto reach. On an APS-C format camera, the effective focal length range increases to about 233-930mm equivalent. 

    Hands-on with Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD G2

    In addition to the main zoom lock, which prevents the zoom from extending beyond 150mm, a ‘Flex Zoom Lock’ mechanism has been added to keep the lens barrel fixed at any focal length of your choosing. 

    Hands-on with Tamron SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD G2

    The SP 150-600mm F5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 was launched alongside two new teleconverters. The 1.4X and 2X converters are moisture and dust-resistant, and turn the 150-600mm into a 210-840mm or 300-1200mm equivalent zoom on full-frame, respectively. 

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Instax goes luxury with Michael Kors collaboration

    Instax has been in the news in the past couple of weeks – first for the announcement of its monochrome instant mini film, and again with the announcement of a square format film and camera in the works. Now they’ve got something else cooking: a collaboration with fashion designer Michael Kors. The limited edition Kors-branded Instax Mini 70 is metallic gold with the designer’s signature printed on the back panel and the brand logo on the front. 

    The Michael Kors edition Instax Mini 70 will be sold bundled with film and is expected to be available in late October through the holiday season.

    Press release

    FUJIFILM AND MICHAEL KORS COLLABORATE ON INSTAX AT PHOTOKINA 2016

    Valhalla, N.Y., September 21, 2016 – Providing the total imaging solution for photographers, FUJIFILM North America Corporation will announce a new, one-of-a-kind collaboration with the world-renowned and award-winning fashion designer, Michael Kors. Known for luxury accessories and ready-to-wear fashion, Michael Kors produces a wide range of globally recognized products.

    MICHAEL KORS x FUJIFILM INSTAX Mini 70 Revealed
    FUJIFILM and Michael Kors are pleased to announce a new collaboration that captures the creativity of the fashion and photography worlds with the launch of a limited-edition INSTAX Mini 70 instant film camera.

    “Fashion and photography are about giving a voice to individuals as they express themselves, and this exclusive INSTAX Mini 70 by Michael Kors is the pinnacle of style and substance,” said Mark Yamamoto, President and CEO, FUJIFILM North America Corporation, and President, FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation. “We are seeing an explosion of excitement in instant photography today, and now consumers can make a stylish statement with the combination of INSTAX and the luxury of the Michael Kors brand.”

    The new MICHAEL KORS x FUJIFILM INSTAX Mini 70 camera comes in an exclusive gold metallic color that captures the jet-set Michael Kors aesthetic. The Michael Kors brand logo is printed on the front of the case body, and to make it even more special, the designer’s signature is showcased in the same gold hue on the camera door for a stamp of approval from Michael Kors himself.

    Celebrated for its ability to produce sharp, physical photos in an instant, the INSTAX Mini 70 features a sleek design, special selfie mode and high-performance flash that automatically calculates surrounding brightness and adjusts shutter speeds accordingly. As an added bonus, the camera has a smart selfie mode that automatically adjusts settings to capture picture-perfect selfies—a functionality that is sure to be a hit at parties or when hanging out with friends. Simply check your framing with the front-facing mirror next to the lens, and snap.

    The exclusive MICHAEL KORS x FUJIFILM INSTAX Mini 70 camera will be conveniently sold as a bundle, including ready-to-use film, and will be available for a limited time beginning in late October and through the Holiday season.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Photokina 2016: Nikon stand report video

    Nikon may have introduced the D5 and D500 many months ago in anticipation of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, but that doesn’t mean they’re out of new releases for Photokina 2016. The ambitious KeyMission lineup shows that Nikon is taking the 360 and action camera market awfully seriously, while the D3400 should continue to offer entry-level DSLR users impressive image quality. Lastly, the Nikkor AF-S 105mm F1.4 is a gorgeous piece of glass that we can’t wait to get out into the real world with.

    Watch as DPReview’s Barney Britton talks with Steve Heiner, Nikon’s senior technical manager, about these new products (and even a new market segment) from Nikon.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Video: First look at the Panasonic G85/G80

    The Panasonic G85 is the successor to the Panasonic G7 and shares its DSLR-style design with twin control dials and fully articulating touch display. It also uses the same sensor as the G7, but with no AA filter. The G85 receives a new 2.36M dot OLED electronic viewfinder with increased magnification over the G7. The camera also gains in-body 5-axis image stabilization and Dual I.S. 2 as well as weather and dust-sealing.

    The camera also uses an electromagnetic shutter and features a new in-camera focus-stacking mode. Like its predecessor it is 4K-capable, has built-in Wi-Fi and utilizes Panasonic’s Depth from Defocus AF. Get a glimpse of its capabilities in our quick First Look video, or head to our First Impressions if you’re looking for in-depth analysis.

    Read our Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 First Impression Review

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Adobe Lightroom CC 2015.7 and Lightroom 6.7 available now

    Adobe has launched Lightroom CC 2015.7 and Lightroom 6.7, saying the new versions bring bug fixes including compatibility solutions for newly released macOS Sierra, as well as additional lens profile and Raw support. MacOS users are encouraged to update to the latest version of Lightroom before updating to version 10.12 Sierra.

    In addition to the new camera support listed below, Lightroom CC now allows users to submit their photos to Adobe Stock Contributor via Adobe Stock Publish Service, more easily sync content between devices using drag-and-drop into ‘All Synced Photographs,’ and to always use Smart Previews in the Develop Module (regardless of whether the original files are available).

    New camera support:

    • Apple iPad Pro 9.7? (wifi and cellular)
    • Apple iPhone 6s Plus
    • Apple iPhone 6s
    • Apple iPhone 7
    • Apple iPhone 7 Plus
    • Apple iPhone SE
    • Canon EOS 5D Mark IV*
    • Casio EX-ZR4000 (EX-ZR5000)
    • GoPro HERO5 Black
    • Hasselblad H6D-100c
    • Nikon D3400
    • Panasonic DMC-G8 (DMC-G80, DMC-G81, DMC-G85)
    • Panasonic DMC-LX9 (DMC-LX10, DMC-LX15)

    *Please note that we support the import and editing of jpegs, raw files and dual pixel raw files from this camera model. We do not support any specific dual pixel raw functionality. If you are planning to use Dual Pixel raw files, please read Limitations with Canon Dual Pixel raw files in Camera Raw and Lightroom.

    **We added new versions of Adobe Standard color profiles for the Canon EOS 5DS and Canon EOS 5DS R cameras. These versions are denoted as V2, and the v2 profiles have lower contrast than the original Adobe Standard (v1) camera profiles.

    The list of new camera lens profile support can be found at Adobe’s Lightroom blog.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • The Racetrack Playa in Death Valley National Park marred by vandals

    Landscape photographer Kurt Lawson captured these images while on a photography trip to complete a special project about this area.

    Check out his Website, Facebook, Flickr and 500px.  

    It seems like only yesterday, a few weeks ago really, that we were writing about the vandalism at Cape Kiwanda on the Oregon coast. Yet here we are again with yet another case of vandalism – this time in Death Valley, California’s Racetrack playa. The area is known for its ‘moving stones’ and it appears that vandals have driven onto the playa and caused irreparable damage to the landscape.

    The Racetrack in Death Valley National Park is a protected area in which large stones seem to move of their own accord across the playa. In reality they move whenever it rains – as the rain water freezes and winds cause the rocks (sometimes boulders of up to 600lbs) to move across the playa floor leaving a meandering trail behind them. Evidence of this was actually captured for the first time back in 2014. There are only two places in the world where this occurs naturally.

    As he documented on his blog, landscape photographer Kurt Lawson was in the area scouting shooting locations for a project when he discovered the damage. He entered the protected area in the park and began to notice car tracks. It appeared that a group of individuals had driven a car across the the playa, thus carving car tracks permanently into an area where rain is a rarity.

    Deep tracks were carved across the rock trails that take years to form.

    What this means is that these tracks will be there for a very, very long time – if not forever. Some of the tire tracks cross trails made by the rocks. There are three parking lots in the Racetrack area, so vandals would have likely ignored the signs and at each one of them in order to carve their own paths through the playa as they left the designated parking areas. 

    What appear to be initials have been chiseled about 1/8″ deep into the rock.

    The type of damage that they caused isn’t repairable. What’s even more concerning is that whoever is responsible for it more than likely knew exactly what they were doing – there are ‘No motor vehicles beyond this point’ signs posted at every parking lot and along the roads between them. 

    The area that was vandalized is well marked with these ‘No motor vehicle’ signs. You can see tire tracks off in the distance.  

    After Cape Kiwanda, Yellowstone and now this – I’m really starting to question if what we’re doing to protect these areas is enough. Only time will tell.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • HumanEyes Technologies shows off Vuze VR 360 degree 3D camera

    At HumanEyes Technologies’ Photokina booth we had the chance to look at some of the first production models of the Vuze VR 3D 360 degree cam, first announced at the Cannes Festival in May. The camera uses 8 Full-HD cameras with wide-angle lenses that are arranged in pairs on the corners of the device to record 360 degree video in 3D. Of course you can also record standard 2D footage at a 4K output resolution and 30 frames per second. Each lens covers a 120 degree angle of view horizontally and 180 degree vertically.

    A standard tripod mount allows for easy mounting to any camera support, including the combined tripod/grip that comes in the package. The camera is operated via a single button on the device and settings can be changed via the Vuze App on any smartphone. The app also allows for management of footage that has already been saved on the microSD card and for a preview of the final video. 

    Stitching and editing of recorded footage is done in the Vuze Studio software on a PC or Mac and final results can be viewed on the included VR headset that is compatible with most smartphones. The Vuze will be available soon for $ 799.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)