360Photography

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  • Go hands-free: GoHawk offers bite-triggered remote shutter for GoPro

    Mounting your GoPro on your chest or helmet frees up your hands for all those extreme moments you’d like to capture, but when you still need to operate the shutter, are you truly hands-free? The GoHawk by Oregon-based POA Labs wants to help.

    Currently in prototype form, the GoHawk is an accessory kit that includes three remote shutter options: a handlebar, tongue and bite switch. The GoHawk is also designed to tell its user when the GoPro is actually recording via an LED indicator light that can be positioned inside of a helmet. Also included is an auxiliary USB power port for extended shooting.

    The unit is compatible with the GoPro Hero4 and essentially works like a camera cable release – that is triggering the switch via, your teeth, tongue or finger will allow you to record video, shoot single exposures or trigger a burst. The LED indicator light will be illuminated red while the GoPro is recording video or shooting stills and blue while the unit is on standby.

    POA Labs is seeking a total of $ 20,000 in funding. The unit and a single type of switch (your choice) is offered with a $ 131 pledge. Backers of the GoHawk can expect their units to ship in September 2016 if the funding campaign is a success.

    GoPro shooters and filmmakers would surely welcome the ability to trigger and monitor recording without lifting a finger. For more information, check out the Kickstarter page.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Rogue FlashBender 2 XL Pro Frank Doorhof Edition features ‘Super Soft Silver’ reflector

    Rogue has introduced a new FlashBender 2 XL Pro reflector designed in collaboration with photographer Frank Doorhof. The reflector uses ‘Super Soft Silver’ fabric, a material that produces an effect that falls somewhere between the soft lighting created by white fabric and the harsher, more contrasty reflections of sliver fabric.

    The FlashBender 2 XL Pro is the largest FlashBender model at 13in x 16in / 33cm x 41cm; it includes a belt and buckle for attachment to a flash, and an adjustable shape for altering the direction of light.

    The Rogue FlashBender 2 XL Pro Super Soft Silver Reflector is available now from Rogue for $ 59.95.

    Press release:

    ExpoImaging, Inc., creator of the patented FlashBender shapeable light modifiers for off-camera flash photography, today announced availability of the new Rogue FlashBender 2 XL Pro Super Soft Silver Reflector, Frank Doorhof edition.

    “Photographers looking for more contrast in their images while shooting flash on location will love this new Super Soft Silver FlashBender 2 XL Pro,” said Erik Sowder, ExpoImaging CEO. “Highly reflective shiny silver fabric is prone to hot spots and is often too bright and too contrasty for portraiture, especially in brighter light. Our custom Super Soft Silver fabric falls between harsh shiny silver and soft white fabrics. It is brighter and more “edgy” than white fabric while producing a softer and more even light than shiny silver fabric.”

    Professional photographer and lighting instructor Frank Doorhof is a master of using edgy light and contrast to create remarkable images. “I love more edge in my images,” said Frank, so when he first saw Rogue’s Super Soft Silver fabric, he knew he wanted a version of the Rogue FlashBender 2 XL Pro Reflector incorporating the fabric. Thus, the Rogue FlashBender 2 XL Pro Super Soft Silver Reflector, Frank Doorhof edition was born.

    Designed for portability to pack flat in most camera bags or laptop compartments, the 12” x 16” (30.5cm x 40.5cm) FlashBender 2 XL Pro reflector is the largest FlashBender. Building on the success of the popular Rogue FlashBender light modifiers for speedlights, FlashBender 2 reflectors can be shaped to control the direction of light from an accessory flash, and FlashBender 2’s improved belt and buckle design provides a faster and more secure attachment to your flash.
    With the control, versatility and portability of all FlashBenders and a Super Soft Silver reflective surface, the Frank Doorhof edition FlashBender 2 XL Pro Reflector represents a unique new photographic tool to create spectacular images.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Rogue FlashBender 2 XL Pro Super Soft Silver Reflector is available from ExpoImaging’s distribution partners worldwide or online at RogueFlash.com. The Rogue FlashBender 2 XL Pro Super Soft Silver Reflector retails for $ 59.95.

    About Rogue Photographic Design

    Created by ExpoImaging, Rogue Photographic Design develops innovative lighting equipment for speedlight enthusiasts. Compact, versatile, and durable, patented Rogue light modifiers offer unparalleled lighting control in portable and light weight designs. More information about Rogue Photographic Design is available at RogueFlash.com, or ExpoImaging.com. Rogue FlashBenders are patented: see http://www.ExpoIP.us.

    About ExpoImaging, Inc.

    ExpoImaging, Inc. markets, designs, manufactures and distributes innovative camera accessories to the photographic market. ExpoImaging is the pioneer in white balance filters and manufactures ExpoDisc White Balance Filters, Rogue FlashBenders, Rogue Diffusion Panels, Rogue Grid, Rogue Flash Gels, and Rogue Safari. ExpoImaging is also the exclusive U.S. distributor of CapBuckle, and Ray Flash: The Ring Light Adapter. These unique products are available at select photography dealers worldwide or online at RogueFlash.com, or http://www.expoimaging.com.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Study finds that yes, you can take photos and enjoy an experience too

    As smartphone picture-taking has become ubiquitous, so has criticism of it. It’s become a common refrain to hear that taking pictures detracts from fully enjoying and experiencing an event, whwther that’s a concert or a papal visit. To be truly in the moment, you shouldn’t be taking photos.

    Depressing stuff, but a new study presents a different view, one that photographers would probably agree with: taking photos enhances enjoyment of experiences, rather than detracting from enjoyment.

    A previous and much-cited study looked at the effect of photo-taking on memory, and found that people taking photos of objects at a museum were more likely to forget what they’d seen than people who hadn’t taken photos. This new research focuses rather on enjoyment rather than recall. 

    According to lead author Kristin Diehl, ‘unlike checking your email or texting, […]  photo-taking actually directs you towards the experience’.

    The research mostly focuses on use of a simple camera for taking snapshots, both in real-life situations like a city bus tour, and simulated scenarios. Again and again, participants in the study who were directed to take photos reported higher enjoyment of the experience than those who could not take pictures. 

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Raw capture coming to iPhone in iOS 10?

    An eagle-eyed Reddit user has spotted an important new iOS 10 feature that Apple slipped into its WWDC keynote yesterday: Raw image editing. The feature didn’t get a mention in the keynote speech itself, which instead focused on the addition of computer vision technology to sort photos more intelligently. Instead, the mention of Raw editing flashed on the screen behind SVP of Software Engineering Craig Federighi. 

    Apple’s news release for developers seems to suggest that Raw capture will also be offered with the update, which brings ‘more sophisticated control and monitoring of the entire [image] capture process […] including support for new features such as Live Photos and RAW format capture’.

    Many Android users have been enjoying Raw capture for some time now, so Apple would seem to be catching up. But the biggest news for photographers might be the ability to edit Raw files on an iPad Pro. iOS 10 is being offered in beta currently to developers, and will be released to the public this fall.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Affinity Photo for iPad early build showcased at Apple’s WWDC 2016

    At Apple’s Worldwide Developer’s Conference 2016, software maker Serif demonstrated an early build preview of its Affinity Photo for iPad software. Affinity Photo is a Photoshop alternative currently available for macOS with, as previously announced, a Windows version in the pipeline. This newly demonstrated version of Affinity Photo is designed specifically for the iPad, and brings with it the same features found on the desktop version.

    Though the company hasn’t formally detailed all of the iPad version’s functionality, the video does showcase a handful of features and capabilities, including a high level of performance enabling it to handle very high resolution photos, full 32-bit HDR editing, the ability to view and edit panoramas in a 360-degree view, and focus merging.

    ‘We’ve still got a load of work to do on [the iPad version],’ Serif stated, ‘but we thought you might like a peek.’ An anticipated release date was not provided. The company currently offers a macOS version for $ 49.99, while Windows users can sign up for access to a pending Windows beta release.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Panasonic introduces splash-proof Lumix G Leica Summilux 12mm F1.4

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    Panasonic is introducing a new prime lens to the Micro Four Thirds family: the Lumix G Leica DG Summilux 12mm F1.4 ASPH. It will be the widest prime that company offers (not counting its 8mm fisheye) and provides an equivalent 24mm view on Micro Four Thirds bodies. Designed to withstand a little wear-and-tear in the form of splashes and dust, the 12mm F1.4 offers a dedicated ring to control its nine-bladed aperture.

    Its rugged build includes a metal mount, body and included lens hood. The lens uses inner focus drive and a stepping motor for quiet operation, and is made up of 15 elements in 12 groups. Pricing and availability information has yet to be announced.

    Press release:

    PANASONIC LUMIX G LEICA DG SUMMILUX 12mm, F1.4 ASPH Lens

    The H-X012 Micro Four Thirds Professional Wide Angle Mirrorless Lens

    NEWARK, NJ (July 1, 2016) – Panasonic unveiled a new LEICA DG SUMMILUX 12mm/F1.4 ASPH. (35 mm camera equivalent: 24 mm) digital interchangeable lens for Digital Single Lens Mirrorless camera based on the Micro Four Thirds standard. The new 12mm wide-angle lens enables photographers to capture beautiful group, event, and nature photography. It also allows indoor shooting in low lighting and produces an impressive, natural defocusing effect with its F1.4 aperture. In addition, the LEICA DG SUMMILUX 12mm/F1.4 ASPH. boasts a rugged, splash/dust-proof design (when combined with splash and dustproof LUMIX G Mirrorless camera models) to meet the needs of a wide-range of photographic situations.

    Integrating two aspherical lenses, two UED (Ultra Extra-Low Dispersion) lenses and an ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) lens, the lens system is comprised of 15 elements in 12 groups. The adoption of five special lenses makes it possible to meet the stringent LEICA standard for exceptional image quality with high resolution and minimum distortion. In general, flare is commonly seen around the periphery of a point source with many high-speed lenses when a large aperture is employed. However, the new LEICA DG SUMMILUX 12mm/F1.4 ASPH. achieves high resolution from the center of the image to the corners by suppressing this flare. Users can take advantage of this lens to shoot a brilliant night skies or night scenes containing illumination to capture true-to-life images with minimal blurring and distortion at the edges. The multi-coated lens elements also minimize ghosting and flaring.

    Incorporating an inner focus drive system and a stepping motor, the new LEICA DG SUMMILUX 12mm/F1.4 ASPH. is capable of smooth, silent operation together with the camera’s high-speed, high-precision contrast AF system for both photo and video recording. It is also compatible with the sensor drive at a maximum of 240 fps to take full advantage of cameras with high-speed AF. This stunning AF performance is excellent for recording 4K videos, where precise focusing is essential.

    The LEICA DG SUMMILUX 12mm/F1.4 ASPH. comes with an aperture ring for direct, intuitive aperture control. Nine blades give the aperture a rounded shape that produces an attractively smooth effect in out-of-focus areas when shooting at larger aperture settings. A highly reliable metal mount assures durability for repeated use. The lens mount, the barrel and the hood are all made of metal to provide a sleek, sophisticated design that matches the entire line-up of LUMIX G Digital Single Lens Mirrorless (DSLM) cameras.

    Panasonic Lumix G Leica DG Summilux 12mm F1.4 specifications

    Principal specifications
    Lens type Prime lens
    Max Format size FourThirds
    Focal length 12 mm
    Lens mount Micro Four Thirds
    Aperture
    Maximum aperture F1.4
    Minimum aperture F16
    Aperture ring Yes
    Number of diaphragm blades 9
    Optics
    Elements 15
    Groups 12
    Special elements / coatings 2 aspherical lenses, 1 ED lens, 2 UED lenses
    Focus
    Minimum focus 0.20 m (7.87″)
    Maximum magnification 0.1×
    Autofocus Yes
    Motor type Stepper motor
    Full time manual Unknown
    Physical
    Weight 335 g (0.74 lb)
    Diameter 70 mm (2.76″)
    Length 70 mm (2.76″)
    Sealing Yes
    Filter thread 62.0 mm
    Hood supplied Yes

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Hands-on with new Panasonic Leica Summilux 12mm F1.4 ASPH

    Hands-on: Panasonic Leica Summilux 12mm F1.4 ASPH

    Panasonic has just announced a new prime lens for Micro Four Thirds. The Lumix G Leica DG Summilux 12mm F1.4 ASPH is a metal-bodied prime that provides an equivalent focal length of 24mm in full-frame terms. We’ve got one in our hands, and we’ve got pictures to prove it! 

    Hands-on: Panasonic Leica Summilux 12mm F1.4 ASPH

    As you can see, the new 12mm prime is a fairly substantial lens, and at 335g it’s relatively heavy, too. Panasonic is touting its all-metal construction (which even extends to the detachable hood) and 15 glass elements also contribute substantially to the weight. A nine-bladed aperture should ensure both attractive bokeh and sunstars at smaller apertures. 

    Hands-on: Panasonic Leica Summilux 12mm F1.4 ASPH

    Of those 15 elements, two are ‘ultra’ extra-low dispersion glass, and one is regular extra-low dispersion. According to Panasonic, they should combine to provide very good edge-to-edge sharpness even at wide apertures, making this an ideal lens for astrophotography (among other things). The front filter ring has a diameter of 62mm. 

    Hands-on: Panasonic Leica Summilux 12mm F1.4 ASPH

    A manual aperture ring and wide, well-damped focus ring give a feeling of real quality to the new 12mm, and although it’s not a lightweight lens, handling is very nice on the Lumix DMC-GH4. Autofocus is handled by a stepping motor, which Panasonic claims is capable of keeping up with the 240 fps refresh rate of modern Panasonic M43 cameras’ sensor-based autofocus. 

    Hands-on: Panasonic Leica Summilux 12mm F1.4 ASPH

    When paired with a weather-sealed camera like the GH4, the 12mm F1.4 becomes relatively weather-resistant. Panasonic claims that this combination should be ‘splash and dust’ proof. 

    Hands-on: Panasonic Leica Summilux 12mm F1.4 ASPH

    It’s hard to make out in this image, but around the lens mount you’ll find the slimmest of rubber seals, to prevent moisture and dust from getting into the camera when the 12mm F1.4 is attached.

    Hands-on: Panasonic Leica Summilux 12mm F1.4 ASPH

    Here’s the included lenshood in all its glory. The Panasonic Leica Summilux 12mm F1.4 ASPH is the sixth Leica lens in Panasonic’s current M43 lineup – pricing and availability have yet to be announced, but we’ll keep you posted.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • KitSplit is a peer-to-peer rental service for camera equipment

    KitSplit is a peer-to-peer rental network for camera gear and is best described as the ‘AirBnB’ of the camera world. Photographers who need equipment at a specific location are put in touch with owners who are willing to rent their gear out, while KitSplit takes care of vetting, insurance and the logistics. The company was founded about a year ago in New York by photographers who were unhappy with equipment rental options and by now has approximately 5000 members, both individuals and companies, and $ 40 million worth of equipment available to rent.

    The latter includes not only traditional cameras, but also drones and virtual reality gear. KitSplit says its services have been used by companies such as Condé Nast Entertainment, Hearst and NBC. After rapid growth in the New York area, KitSplit has now launched its first geographical expansion, to the Greater DC area, Philadelphia and Boston.

    Social sharing has taken off in recent years, especially in the accommodation and car rental sectors, so it only makes sense to apply the same principles to camera and imaging equipment. We’ll be interested how the company develops in the nearer future. More information about how KitSplit works can be found on the website.

    Would you use a service like Kitsplit? Let us know in the comments.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • DxOMark Mobile Report added to our LG G5 review

    We have added DxOMark’s Mobile Report to our camera review of the LG G5. The report includes DxO Lab’s usual industrial-quality scientific measurements. Its imaging experts have analyzed 14 aspects of mobile imaging including detailed image quality assessment, flash performance, autofocus reliability and more to calculate a final score. Click below to read our LG G5 review and go to page 9 for the DxO Mark mobile report.

    LG G5 review with DxOMark Mobile Report

    Click here for the LG G5 report on DxOMark.com

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Review: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 impresses with image quality, versatility

    Key Features

    • 16MP Four Thirds MOS sensor
    • Electromagnetically driven shutter
    • Depth from Defocus AF
    • 2.76M-dot field sequential EVF
    • 1.04M-dot tilting touchscreen display
    • 4K video / photo
    • 5-axis image stabilization with Dual I.S.
    • Bouncable pop-up flash
    • Wi-Fi

    The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 is a mid-range interchangeable lens camera sporting a 16MP Four Thirds sensor and 4K video capability. In markets outside of North America the GX85 is sold as the GX80; in Japan it is sold as the GX7 Mark II.

    Sliding in directly below the flagship GX8, the GX85 is targeted toward enthusiast photographers and videographers. It doesn’t use the new 20MP Four Thirds chip we saw in the GX8, instead it sticks with the familiar 16MP sensor used on many other Micro Four Thirds cameras. It also does not have the tilting EVF, weather-sealing or microphone input offered by the GX8. 

    Still, the GX85 shares many of its big brother’s features like 4K photo mode, Post Focus, Depth from Defocus AF, and Dual I.S.. It also has a redesigned shutter mechanism. Shutter-induced blur (‘shutter shock’) was an issue we encountered on the GX8, which used a motor and spring arrangement in its shutter mechanisms. The new electromagnetic shutter found in the GX8 resolves this problem.

    The GX85 also has no anti-aliasing filter, a first for Panasonic cameras. This should lead to better detail retention at the pixel level, but can also lead to moiré. However, Panasonic claims that the new Venus Engine image processor is specially tuned to combat moiré and false color and in use, we’ve found that it does so pretty well.

    Like the GX8, the GX85 offers Dual I.S., combining sensor-based image stabilization with lens-based IS. But unlike the GX8, which has 4-axis sensor IS, the GX85 offers 5-axis sensor IS with rotation correction. Another advantage over its big bro: the GX85 can also use Dual IS during 4K video capture, something that the GX8 cannot.

    Compared to its peers

      Panasonic GX85 Panasonic GX8 Panasonic GX7 Olympus PEN-F  Sony a6300
    Sensor 16.0MP Four Thirds CMOS  20.3MP Four Thirds CMOS 16.0MP Four Thirds CMOS  20.3MP Four Thirds CMOS  24.0MP APS-C CMOS
    Anti-aliasing filter  No  Yes Yes  No  Yes
    Image stabilization Sensor-shift (5-axis) + Dual I.S.
    		 Sensor-shift (4-axis) + Dual I.S. Sensor-shift (2-axis) Sensor-shift (5-axis) In-lens only
    AF system  49-pt CDAF 49-pt CDAF 23-pt CDAF 81-pt CDAF Hybrid AF
    (with 425 PDAF points)
    Flash x-sync  1/160 sec  1/250 sec   1/320 sec 1/250 sec  1/160 sec
    Burst rate
    (with C-AF)    		  6  fps   6 fps 5 fps 5 fps   11 fps
    EVF res/type 2.76M-dot field sequential LCD 2.36M-dot tilting OLED 2.76M-dot tilting field sequential LCD 2.36M-dot fixed OLED 2.36M-dot fixed OLED
    EVF magnification  0.7X 0.77x  0.7x 1.23x  0.7x
    LCD type/res 3″ tilting touch 1.04M-dot LCD 3″ vari-angle touch
    1.04M-dot OLED    		 3″ tilting touch
    1.04M-dot LCD    		 3″ vari-angle touch
    1.04M-dot LCD

    3″ tilting
    921.6k-Dot  LCD
    Built-in flash  Yes  No  Yes No *  Yes
    Video 2160/30p @ 100MBps 2160/30p @ 100MBps 1080/60p @ 28MBps 1080/60p @ 77Mbps  2160/30p @ 100MBps
    Mic/headphone sockets No / No Yes / No No / No No / No Yes / No
    Weather-sealing No Yes No No  Yes
    Battery life  290 shots 330 shots 320 shots 330 shots 400 shots 
    Dimensions 122 x 71 x 44 mm 133 x 78 x 63mm 123 x 71 x 55mm 125 x 72 x 37mm 120 x 67 x 49 mm
    Weight (CIPA) 426 g 487 g 402 g  427 g 404 g
    * External flash included in box 

    It’s arguable whether the GX85 should be called the little brother of the GX8 or the true replacement to the GX7. And the different regional naming conventions for the GX85 only add to the confusion. The chart above seems to give support to both ways of looking at it: the GX85 uses the same field sequential EVF as the GX7 (although it doesn’t tilt), and what is presumably the same sensor (sans AA filter). And like the GX7, it lacks weather sealing and microphone/headphone ports but has a pop-up flash.

    However, aside from its sensor and EVF, the GX85 also shares a lot of core components and specs with the GX8, such as its 49-point AF system, 4K video capture and 6 fps burst with AF. So whichever way you view the GX85, it certainly stacks up nicely to its Panasonic peers, as well as to the competition.

    Part of the family: The GX85 (top) alongside its Lumix stablemates, the GX7 and GX8.

    Pricing and availability 

    Kitted with the collapsible 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 zoom lens, the GX85/GX80 will run you $ 799/£599/€699. In the UK and Europe it’s available body-only for £509/€599 and with both the 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 and a 35-100mm F4-5.6 for £729/€899.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)