360Photography

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  • Peak Design adds Range Pouch to Everyday lineup

    Peak Design has added the Range Pouch to its lineup of versatile Everyday camera bags. The pouch is designed to carry a lens on a belt, in a bag or on a strap, and is available in three sizes. The smallest is designed for kit and prime lenses, and the large will fit up to a 70-200mm. The pouches pack down flat when not carrying a lens, and the larger models can be configured to fit a couple of smaller lenses stacked on top of each other.

    Right now the Range Pouch is available as an add-on when you back Peak Design’s current Kickstarter campaign. The small Range Pouch can be added for $ 29, the medium for $ 34 and the large for $ 39. Following the campaign, the small will cost $ 35, the medium $ 40 and the large $ 45.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • DxO releases major firmware update and accessories for DxO One camera

    DxO has released a significant firmware update and an expanded range of accessories for its DxO One camera. The improvements include remote operation over Wi-Fi, while the accessories include a waterproof case.

    The firmware update finally enables the camera’s Wi-Fi, making it possible to use it remotely. The camera can either create and ad hoc connection to an iOS device or can join an existing Wi-Fi network.

    The Wi-Fi system uses the Apple Lightning connector to establish the communication between the two devices. These ad hoc connections should have a range of 10-15m, depending on how much radio traffic there is. Connections across existing Wi-Fi networks work over a greater range but use a slower transfer protocol.

    The firmware update also improves both the camera’s battery management and the battery level reporting, meaning you should be able to shoot for longer with the camera and have a clearer idea of how much battery life remains.

    Accessories

    DxO has also launched a series of accessories that considerably extend the One’s capabilities.

    These include a footplate/tripod mount, that allows the camera to sit upright and includes both a standard tripod thread and Arca-Swiss-style flanges. These are closer together than usual, though, so it may not be compatible with all Arca-Swiss heads.

    There’s also a rugged case. This comes with two clip-on backs, one of which provides environmental sealing and allows the continued use of the touchscreen and a second that provides full water proofing (to a depth of 45m). The case includes a hinge attachment, making it compatible with many mounts and accessories designed for GoPros.

    With the waterproof back attached, the camera’s shooting mode can be changed by holding your hand over the lens for 3 seconds – allowing a degree of control without having to remove the camera from its case.

    There’s also a set of adapters to allow 30.5mm filters to be clipped onto the front of the camera. This makes it possible to add diopter lenses or optical filters to the camera easily.

    The firmware update and associated iOS app will be free. The tripod stand will cost around $ 24.99/£19.99/€24,90, while the ‘outdoor case’ has a recommended price of $ 59.99/£49.99/€59,90.

    Press Release

    The DxO ONE award winning camera takes it one step further with two new state-of-the-art features

    Wi-Fi Remote Control and Outdoor Shell dramatically extend the fields of use of the DxO ONE camera.

    PARIS and SAN FRANCISCO—August 31, 2016—Camera manufacturer DxO announces major updates to the DxO ONE Miniaturized DSLR-quality Camera for iPhone, including Wi-Fi remote control and a new waterproof Outdoor Shell designed to further extend its elds of use. Upholding their promise to make the camera even better after you’ve bought it, Wi-Fi Remote Control will be available to all existing users free of charge via a forthcoming 2.0 software update. DxO’s accessories ecosystem also introduces an ultra-compact Stand and a snap-on Optical Adapter, enhancing creative possibilities for the DxO ONE which captures pro-quality photos and videos that you can share instantly to Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and more.

    DxO’s new Wi-Fi Remote Control implementation is remarkable in that it completely eliminates the cumbersome and altogether frustrating Wi-Fi con guration process that plagues every other Wi-Fi-equipped camera on the market. When attached via DxO’s patented Lightning connector, Apple iOS can seamlessly pass its Wi-Fi authentication credentials from the iPhone to the DxO ONE. In-house or in-of ce, users can take advantage of this unique DxO innovation that lets the camera immediately tap into the Wi-Fi network that your iPhone is already logged onto. And when traveling about, or out in the wilderness, your DxO ONE can just as easily create a direct Wi-Fi connection to your iPhone. By enabling remote connectivity between the DxO ONE camera and your iPhone, photographers are free to explore every conceivable photographic angle, while still having control over every capture setting, and the ability to easily view, edit and share their content to social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

    “Last year, we revolutionized mobile photography by packing DSLR-quality into a camera design so incredibly small that it could always be available in our pocket,” said DxO CEO and founder, Jérôme Ménière. “And now, thanks to Wi-Fi Remote Control and our new accessories ecosystem, all our users can take the DxO ONE with them absolutely anywhere, without restrictions, and extend their creativity even further.”

    The Outdoor Shell, compatible with all existing DxO ONE cameras, is extremely rugged and yet quick and easy to attach. The shell can be equipped with either of two waterproof back doors, one of which is splash proof (IP67), perfect for sailing or walks in the rain. The other is fully submersible and immersion proof to depths of 45m (150 ft) for scuba diving in a reef or just swimming in your pool. The design features a dual clamping system that snaps securely into place to protect your DxO ONE camera from water, dust and shock, while providing access to power switching and multiple capture modes without having to open the shell. Built to stand up to the elements, the Outdoor Shell is made from durable high end polymers and stainless steel. The shell accepts 30.5mm thread optical add-ons, features a 1?4-20 thread for tripod mounting, and can even be attached to popular Action Cam xtures and harnesses. Available in seven exciting colors including yellow, coral, lime, olive, black, white and lagoon, the waterproof Outdoor Shell is the perfect way to protect and personalize your DxO ONE.

    The 2.0 software update also introduces Mobile Smart Lighting, a lighter-weight variant of the famed Smart Lighting feature in DxO OpticsPro, which automatically analyzes each scene and applies an intelligent and customizable global tone map—in this instance, to every photo you take with your DxO ONE. The overall effect is similar to having added a ll light to the picture, which dramatically enhances the dynamic range of your images. The automatic 2.0 update also includes signi cant enhancements to battery management and power consumption including an on-demand auto- focus mode similar to that of DSLRs, and an innovative underwater white balance that automatically compensates for the blue cast to achieve a more pleasant rendering in your underwater images.

    “It seems every few months the team in Paris automatically updates my DxO ONE with cool new features,” said celebrated motorsports photographer, John Thawley. “Now, with remote Wi-Fi control I’m totally untethered. Combined with the protective shell, I’m free to place the camera in all sorts of new and discreet scenarios. This means I can capture high resolution images that just weren’t possible before… not with any camera!”

    An e-store, accessible right from the DxO ONE app, allows you to easily order any of the new accessories including an ultra-compact Stand that uses an ingenious combination of clamps to let you balance your camera on almost any surface or mount it to a tripod. Also accessible via the e-store is a snap-on Optical Adapter that allows standard ND and creative lters, macro lenses, and hoods to be mounted in front of the lens of your DxO ONE camera. And of course, the accessories store also provides one stop access to the waterproof Outdoor Shell that lets you take your DxO ONE miniaturized camera where no DSLR or smartphone can go.

    Pricing & Availability

    The DxO ONE Miniaturized DSLR-quality Camera for iPhone and iPad is available now for pre-order at dxo.com and Amazon, and other respected retailers for £399 / 499 €. First customer availability is expected second half of September.

    Also available in the same timeframe from select retailers, as well as via the new in-app e-store, are genuine DxO accessories designed to enhance the DxO ONE user experience. These include the waterproof Outdoor Shell for £49.99 / 59,90 €, the ultra- compact Stand for £19.99 / 24,90 €, the snap-on Optical Adapter for £19.99 / 24,90 €, and a protective quick-draw Zipped Pouch for £15.99 / 19,90 €.

    The DxO ONE 2.0 iOS app and companion Apple Watch app will be made available as free software updates via the iTunes App Store, also available the second half of September. Every DxO ONE user is invited to download DxO Connect for Mac/PC, or on Mac DxO OpticsPro for Photos – DxO ONE camera only, both of which harness the power of the DxO OpticsPro photo engine to make your best DxO ONE photos look even better.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Lytro Immerge VR footage showcased for the first time

    Last November, Lytro unveiled Immerge, a pro-grade camera rig for producing cinematic VR content using the company’s light field technology. At the time, Lytro offered interested partners and studios the option to checkout a prototype of the rig, but little had been said since. That changed last week, with Lytro publishing a demonstration video showing footage created by its rig as seen through an Oculus Rift VR headset.

    Lytro’s Immerge produces content by capturing data from all directions around the rig, using that to generate views for VR footage. The resulting footage can be presented in a few different forms: as spherical videos, 180-degree and 360-degree immersive videos, and there’s also the option for seamless capture. Unlike most VR cameras on the market, though, Immerge is being targeted at large studios and others interested in producing cinematic VR content. As demonstrated in the video below, these studios can use Immerge’s end-to-end system to blend CG elements into the footage without using a traditional green screen.

    It’s not clear which companies have partnered with Lytro. However, Lytro VP of engineering Tim Milliron said in a statement to The Verge, ‘What I can say is definitely in Q1 of 2017 you should be seeing several kinds of these kinds of experiences out in the real world from other content producers that we’re working with today.’ The rig’s price hasn’t been revealed, but previous statements from the company pegs it at ‘multiple hundreds of thousands of dollars.’

    Via: The Verge

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Hasselblad X1D-50c shipments delayed until September 15

    Shipment of the Hasselblad X1D-50C has been delayed for a couple of weeks, according to a listing on B&H Photo. The retailer’s product page now shows a shipment start date of September 15, two weeks later than the previously given August 30 date.

    Hasselblad’s 100MP H6D has also missed its target ship date, though by a much greater margin: announced in April, it’s currently listed as unavailable at B&H. Hasselblad announced a trade-up deal for those waiting for the H6D-100c; customers can purchase a 50MP H6D-50c and only pay the difference to trade up for the 100MP back when the H6D-100c becomes available. Earthquake damage to Sony Japan’s sensor facilities has been cited as the root cause of that delay.

    Via: Mirrorless Rumors

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Putting Image Microadjust to the test on the Canon 5D Mark IV

    One of the most discussed features of the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is Image Microadjust. This uses the slight difference in perspective between the left and right-facing halves of the split ‘dual’ pixels to fine-tune the effective focus point of the images.

    Like everyone else, we were interested to see what degree of refocusability this gave.

    If you’re wondering: ‘will this let me correct which eye my portrait is focused on?’ The answer is a resounding ‘no’. Indeed, even if the question is: ‘can I shift the focus back from the eye lashes to get the iris sharp,’ the answer isn’t much more positive.

    Dual Pixel Image Microadjustment

    We set up the 5D Mark IV with EF 35mm F1.4L II USM at F1.4, set up at approximately 25x focal length distance from our LensAlign target. The Dual Pixel Raw file was then processed in Digital Photo Professional (DPP) to see how much the maximum backward and forward adjustments could move focus.

    +5 (Max backward adjustment) 0 (No adjustment) -5 (Max forward adjustment)

    AF (Lens) Microadjustment

    For comparison, here’s the amount of adjustment that can be achieved using AF microadjustment – the traditional method for calibrating your lens to your body to correct back/front-focus issues. The rollover starts at +1 as this is the degree of adjustment needed by this lens on this body.

     +20  +10  +3  +2  +1  0  -1  -2  -3  -10  -20

    Real-world difference

    To demonstrate the real-world impact image microadjust might have on a traditional head-shot portrait, we shot Carey with an EF 85mm F1.8 at F1.8.

    This portrait was very slightly front focused, so we tested the degree to which it can be refocused, backwards. For each of the adjustments, ‘Strength’ was set to 10 to maximize the input from one set of pixels.

    +5 (Max backward adjustment) 0 (No adjustment) -5 (Max forward adjustment)

    Interestingly, it appears the images become noticeably softer when you apply forward or backward adjustment, which may mask some of the advantages of the focus shift (there’s a chance that slightly better-looking results will be possible if you apply higher levels of sharpening to the microadjusted images). However, the degree of correction we’re seeing is so small that we wonder whether it’s worth the additional effort of having to incorporate the DPP software into your workflow, especially given the relatively long opening times required for each image, even on a fast computer. Or the doubling in file size.

    Overall, traditional ‘AF microadjustment’ is a much more powerful tool for achieving pinpoint sharpness and ensuring any particular lens is properly calibrated to your body. Dual Pixel Raw’s primary value, in this particular incarnation, is questionable, as it will only be useful for very minor focus shifts, rather than as a general tool for correcting focus error. That said, the technology itself is promising, and we hope to see more capable future iterations as Canon iterates on the technology.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Sony introduces FE 50mm F2.8 Macro with 1:1 reproduction

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    Sony has announced the FE 50mm F2.8 Macro, a full-frame lens with true 1:1 macro magnification. It provides a minimum focus distance of 16cm/6.3in and is resistant to dust and moisture. Its design includes 8 elements in 7 groups and a rounded 7-blade aperture.

    The Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro will sell for $ 500 when it goes on sale in September.

    Press release:

    Sony Releases Full-Frame FE 50mm F2.8 Macro Lens

    A lightweight and compact standard 50mm F2.8 macro prime lens that offers versatile shooting experience

    SAN DIEGO, Aug. 30, 2016 – Sony Electronics, a worldwide leader in digital imaging and the world’s largest image sensor manufacturer, has today introduced a new full-frame lens for their E-mount camera system, the FE 50mm F2.8 Macro lens (model SEL50M28).

    Ideal for everyday photography, this 50mm macro lens features an F2.8 maximum aperture that offers outstanding image quality and bokeh, while its 1:1 macro capability allows the photographer to get sharp close-up shots of their subject. Additionally, its comprehensive range of controls including focus-mode switch, focus-range limiter and focus-hold button ensure an effortless shooting experience for a wide range of users.

    The lens offers a 6.3 inch minimum focusing distance and a wider field of view for capturing more background, compared to longer focal-length macro lenses. Weighing in at a mere 8.4 oz., it’s extremely lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry around.

    The new FE 50mm F2.8 Macro lens features an ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass to effectively compensate for axial chromatic aberration at close focus, allowing it to create consistently sharp and high quality images. The optical and mechanical construction of the lens has less glare and ghosting, even without a lens hood. The lens is also dust and moisture resistant.

    Pricing and Availability

    The new FE 50mm F2.8 Macro lens will be available in September for about $ 500 US and $ 650 CA, respectively. It will be sold at a variety of Sony authorized dealers throughout North America.

    Sony FE 50mm F2.8 Macro specifications

    Principal specifications
    Lens type Prime lens
    Max Format size 35mm FF
    Focal length 50 mm
    Image stabilization No
    Lens mount Sony FE
    Aperture
    Maximum aperture F2.8
    Minimum aperture F16
    Aperture ring No
    Number of diaphragm blades 7
    Optics
    Elements 8
    Groups 8
    Special elements / coatings Extra-low Dispersion glass
    Focus
    Minimum focus 0.16 m (6.3″)
    Maximum magnification 1×
    Autofocus Yes
    Full time manual No
    Focus method Extending front
    Distance scale Yes
    DoF scale No
    Focus distance limiter Yes
    Physical
    Weight 236 g (0.52 lb)
    Diameter 71 mm (2.8″)
    Length 71 mm (2.8″)
    Sealing Yes
    Colour Black
    Filter thread 55.0 mm
    Hood supplied No
    Tripod collar No

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Display your camera collection in style with these 3D-printed wall mounts

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    Looking for a sleek, minimalist display for your vintage camera collection? LaudWorks, a purveyor of DIY project tools, has launched a small accessory called Hangie for easily mounting a camera on a wall. The 3D-printed mount is offered in both steel and plastic versions with multiple color options, and is nearly invisible when used, giving the impression that the camera is floating on the wall.

    The Hangie mount is simple to install: first, attach the mount to a wall using two screws, then secure the camera using a tripod mount screw. The metal version of Hangie is made from bronze-infused stainless steel and is designed for heavier cameras; LaudWorks says it tested this version with a Canon EOS 7D and a EF-S 17-55mm lens attachment (1500g / 3.3lb). The plastic version, meanwhile, is made from white nylon plastic and is made for ‘small, lightweight cameras.’

    Both products are available from Shapeways; the plastic version is $ 4 and the metal version is $ 21. 

    Via: PetaPixel

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • PRVKE 21 is a rugged and versatile camera backpack

    Recently we have seen several camera bags that look like anything but camera bags, and Wandrd’s new Prvke 21 is the latest example for this trend. With its roll-top and rugged style it looks like a cross between a bike messenger bag and a mountaineering backpack. The Prvke 21 is made from ballistic nylon, water-resistant Tarpaulin and rugged YKK zippers, the combination of which should keep all your gear dry and safe. Magnetic loops and large buckles allow for easy conversion from backpack to tote. 

    The Prvke 21’s design has been based on feedback from users of the original Prvke bag, many of whom were looking for a smaller version. The interior is customizable and its 21 liter capacity, that can be expanded to 25 liters, makes it a good option for the commute bag, for the occasional hike or even a quick weekend trip.  

    That said, photographers will probably be most interested in the Prvke 21’s removable camera cube. It holds a mirrorless camera with up to four lenses or a full-frame DSLR body plus two lenses. Integrated straps allow for “hands-free” access to your camera gear and a camera sling keeps your camera ready without having it dangling from your neck. In addition the bag comes with a hidden passport pocket, front pockets for the small stuff, a padded laptop-sleeve and various other small pockets, for keys, mobile phone and memory cards. 

    If you like the look of the bag you can now secure one by pledging $ 149 for the early-bird option on the Prvke 21’s Kickstarter page. Delivery is planned by Christmas 2016. More information can also be found on the Wandrd website.

    Key specifications:

    • 21 liters capacity (expandable to 25)
    • 2.8 lbs / 1.3kg empty weight
    • 17 × 11 × 6.5 inches / 43 x 28 x 16.5 cm
    • water-resistant
    • $ 149 early-bird price on Kickstarter

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Canon EOS 5D Mark IV added to studio scene comparison

    As soon as our Canon EOS 5D IV test unit arrived we put it straight to work, both out and about in Seattle and in the studio. The EOS 5D IV has just been added to our studio test scene comparison tool, so you can easily compare it to its peers. Our dynamic range test results will be following shortly.

    For now, check out how the EOS 5D IV compares to its peers and competitors in our studio by clicking on the link below.

    Canon EOS 5D Mark IV studio test scene

    *Raw images have been processed with an early beta build of Adobe Camera Raw. Image quality may not represent the final version of the plugin, but is likely to be close.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Canon EOS 5D Mark IV real-world sample gallery

    We’ve only had the 5D Mark IV for a couple days, but that hasn’t stopped us from taking it out for a bit of shooting. Take a look at some sample images from Canon’s latest full-frame DSLR.

    *Raw conversions have been performed with a very early beta build of Adobe Camera Raw. Image quality may not represent the final shipping version.

    Click here to view our Canon 5D Mark IV real-world sample gallery

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)