360Photography

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  • iFixit takes a look inside the Olympus PEN E-PL7

    Inside the Olympus PEN E-PL7

    The Olympus PEN E-PL7, like its Micro Four Thirds peers, is a pretty impressive little piece of engineering. It houses a 16MP Four Thirds sensor and a 3″ LCD that flips up 180-degrees. It accepts Micro Four Thirds lenses and ships with a pocket-sized external flash. Being curious types of people, we wanted to know how Olympus squeezes everything into a camera of the E-PL7’s size. Thankfully, there’s iFixit. Their disassembly guide gives an up-close look at what’s inside the camera – and you don’t have to void your warranty in the process.

    iFixit Olympus PEN E-PL7 Repair Guide

    iFixit Olympus PEN E-PL7 Disassembly Guide

    Inside the Olympus PEN E-PL7

    This disassembly starts the way so many projects do: with a screwdriver. Screws are removed from the bottom plate and sides of the camera.

    Image via iFixit

    Inside the Olympus PEN E-PL7

    With some screws removed from the lens mount, this inner ring is revealed and carefully removed.

    Image via iFixit

    Inside the Olympus PEN E-PL7

    With even more screws gone a pair of tiny springs can be taken out of the mount.

    Image via iFixit

    Inside the Olympus PEN E-PL7

    Removing even more screws makes it possible to gently pull the chassis apart, but not quite all the way with a ribbon cable connecting the two pieces. 

    Image via iFixit

    Inside the Olympus PEN E-PL7

    A camera divided. Highlighted in red is the ZIF connector keeping the ribbon cable attached to the motherboard.

    Image via iFixit

    Inside the Olympus PEN E-PL7

    With the cable disconnected, the camera can be handled one half at a time.

    Image via iFixit

    Inside the Olympus PEN E-PL7

    Here’s another look at the motherboard, with even more ribbon cables attached.

    Image via iFixit

    Inside the Olympus PEN E-PL7

    Up top, the plate that holds the mode dial and shutter release can be removed once one more screw is out of the way. 

    Image via iFixit

    Inside the Olympus PEN E-PL7

    …And with some ribbon cables disconnected, the sensor comes free of the camera body too.

    Image via iFixit

    Inside the Olympus PEN E-PL7

     E-PL7’s 16MP sensor lies 

    Here’s a front view of the E-PL7’s 16MP sensor. 

    Image via iFixit

    Inside the Olympus PEN E-PL7

    The camera is looking quite empty at this point. Here’s a sense of how small that motherboard is.

    Image via iFixit

    Inside the Olympus PEN E-PL7

    …And with a few last cables disconnected and screws removed, the E-PL7 disassembly is complete.

    Image via iFixit

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Take a closer look inside Canon’s impressive EF 200-400mm F4L IS

    Canon has posted a video showing its massive EF 200-400mm F4L IS USM Extender 1.4 X reduced to its component parts.

    The Canon 200-400mm is an impressive lens. This hefty telephoto uses no fewer than 33 elements arranged in 24 groups, including Fluorite and Ultra-Low Dispersion glass, and features a built-in 1.4X teleconverter. Canon’s stop-motion video is rather charming, and makes a nice change from the computer-generated exploded imagery that we’re used to seeing. 

    Read our review of the Canon EF 200-400mm F4L IS (published 2013)

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Fotodiox launches flicker-free LED100WB lighting heads with dimmable daylight output

    Accessories and lighting manufacturer Fotodiox has introduced a new LED lighting head that it claims is flicker-free and suitable for high speed photography. The LED100WB head comes with a 5600k daylight balance and offers a more consistent color rendition than the company’s previous models. Fotodiox claims the heads have a CRI of >95 and while they only draw 100 watts they deliver dimmable output of more than 400 watts. The heads run cool so are ideal for a wide range of subject matter indoors and out, and will suit both stills and motion photographers.

    The company claims the output is flicker-free so frame rates as high as 120fps can be used for slow motion video, and that the bulbs have a life of 30,000 hours. The bulbs can be dimmed via a knob on the top of the housing or by using a wireless remote control. Fotodiox claims that the advantage of using their LED heads over tungsten when dimming is that the LED’s retain their color temperature.

    In a change from the company’s previous WA heads, which used a Bowens S mount for accessories, these new WB models take Alien Bee modifiers. The new heads are more compact than the WA heads, but they weigh the same and don’t offer a choice of temperature or power.

    The heads are sold on their own with a power adapter, reflector dish, a diffuser sock for the dish and a stand. A three head kit that also features folding softboxes with speed rings and a rolling case that fits the whole kit. The single head costs $ 299.99 while the 3-head kit costs $ 999.99.

    For more information visit the Fotodiox website.

    Press release:

    Fotodiox Pro Announces Compact, Powerful LED100WB for High Frame Rate Shooting

    Fotodiox Pro, creator and distributor of several lines of specialty solutions for videography, cinematography and photography, has announced the LED100WB: a soft light with powerful luminance for photographers and filmmakers. Built upon Fotodiox Pro’s award-winning LED technology, the LED100WB features a compact form factor and draws a mere 100 watts while outputting the rough equivalent of a 400+ watt Tungsten light. A perfect tool for portraits, tabletop photography, video interviews, short films and even special effects like slow-motion and time-lapse capture, the LED100W is available now as a single light or three-light kit from FotodioxPro.com.

    “The world is shooting in 4K, and we wanted to create something that would stand up to its amazing creative potential,” says Bohus Blahut, marketing director for Fotodiox Pro. “In addition to already being quite versatile and ready to use right out of the box, the LED100WB is a perfect light for exciting visuals like time-lapse and slow motion. Go ahead and bump frame rates up to 120fps – we’ve designed the LED100WB to provide powerful, beautiful, uniform soft light, with no flickering.”

    The LED100WB features a quick-release front mount compatible with Alien Bee accessories; one simple twist allows the user to mount or remove a whole host of light modification accessories. Each LED100WB comes with a metal reflector, a diffuser and a portable folding 24” Softbox, making it easier than ever to start shooting in seconds. Adding to its great versatility is a decidedly compact form factor – perfect for more creative positioning on a shoot – as well as the option to add barndoors, round and strip softboxes, and creative reflectors to each purchase. For ultimate portability, the three-light kit includes three light stands inside a custom-fit, luggage-style rolling case.

    To learn more about the LED100WB and Fotodiox Pro’s additional photography and filmmaking accessories, please visit FotodioxPro.com. View unboxing videos and product demonstrations via youtube.com/user/FotodioxInc.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Think Tank Photo launches Helipak backpack for DJI Inspire drone

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    Bag manufacturer Think Tank Photo has announced a new backpack designed for users of the DJI Inspire drone and other quadcopters of a similar size. The Helipak is capable of holding a single DJI Inspire craft as well as its gimbal, three lenses, spare propellers and six batteries, according to Think Tank Photo. There are also compartments for a 17in laptop and a pair of 8in tablets.

    The idea of the Helipak is that it makes transporting the drone to ‘scenic’ locations much easier than via a hard flight case as it features shoulder straps that allow the whole thing to be carried on the user’s back. The backpack straps can also be stowed away to make the Helipak into a normal case with top and side handles.

    While the case is made with soft materials it uses ‘twinwall’ reinforcement via a pair of ABS plastic shields within the outer construction that add extra rigid protection for the drone. The exterior is made with nylons and polyester that the company says provides a hardwearing and water repellent barrier, while zips are YKK RC Fuse and feature metal ‘hardwear’. In a promotional video Think Tank Photo claims that DJI’s own $ 200 case for the Inspire has poorly made zips that are prone to failing.

    The bag is available now and costs $ 339.75. For more information see the Think Tank Photo website.

    Press release

    Think Tank Photo’s Helipak™ for DJI Inspire Backpack

    Offers Superior Organization, Comfort, and Travel Portability

    SANTA ROSA, CALIFORNIA –Think Tank Photo has released the most well thought-out, comfortable, and protective backpack for users of DJI Inspire or other similarly sized quadcopters. The Helipak for DJI Inspire easily holds a DJI Inspire (parked with gimbal and rotors detached), Zenmuse gimbal with 3 lenses, 6x batteries, 2x controllers, 2 x 8” tablets, lots of extra propellers, and a 17” laptop and charger.

    Movable dividers allow users to customize the fit of their gear in this fully featured backpack. The contoured tuck-away harness with lumbar support, cut-away air-channel, the adjustable sternum strap, and the removable padded waistbelt allow for extreme comfort while trekking into remote areas or simply pulling it from the car.

    “The backpack’s ABS twinwall reinforcement provides a rigid shell that protects sensitive gear from impacts, bumps and scrapes,” said Think Tank Photo’s president and
    lead designer, Doug Murdoch. “It also features YKK™ RC Fuse zippers, 1680D Ballistic nylon bottom panel, metal hardware, and nylon webbing that are the most durable, longest
    lasting materials on the market. The last thing drone users want to worry about is if their backpack will hold up in rigorous outdoor conditions.”

    ADDITIONAL KEY FEATURES

    • Large front pocket fits auxiliary items for the day’s outing: light jacket, 17” laptop pocket or a large tablet
    • Lockable zippers
    • Internal see-through mesh pockets for small accessories: propellers, screwdriver, cables, etc.
    • Deluxe organizer for smart phone, wallet, pens, keys, business cards, etc.
    • Water bottle pocket on side
    • Height adjustable sternum strap
    • Elastic pockets on shoulder straps for phone, energy bar, etc.
    • Robust handles on three sides ensure rapid and easy retrieval from airline overhead bins, car trunks, etc.
    • Seam-sealed rain cover helps to protect gear and stows away inside backpack when not in use

    MATERIALS
    Exterior: For superior water-resistance, all exterior fabric has a durable water-repellant (DWR) coating, plus the underside of the fabric has a polyurethane coating. It also has YKK® RC Fuse (abrasion-resistant) zippers, 1680D ballistic nylon bottom panel, 600D polyester, 420D velocity nylon, 3D air mesh, ultra-stretch pockets, Y-buckles, antique finish metal hardware, nylon webbing, and 3-ply bonded nylon thread.

    Interior: 6mm ABS twinwall, removable closed cell foam dividers with PE board reinforcement, 200D polyester, polyurethane-backed 3-layer velex liner, 2x polyurethane coated nylon 210T seam-sealed rain cover, Belly-O mesh pockets, and 3-ply bonded nylon thread.

    TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
    Exterior Dimensions: 19.3” W x 24” H x 9.4” D (49 × 61 × 24cm)
    Interior Dimensions: 17.3” W x 21.7” H x 7.9” D (44 × 55 × 20cm)
    Laptop Compartment: 12.6” W x 16.9” H x 1.2” D (32 × 43 × 3cm)
    Weight (with all accessories): 8.5 lbs. (3.9 kg)

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • SUN-SNIPER introduceds new Rotaball ultra-strong camera straps

    German company SUN-SNIPER has introduced a new line of camera straps called Rotaball, and each of the seven straps within it feature both the maker’s Rotaball Connector and Blokker hardware. In addition, SUN-SNIPER has improved the shock absorber used with the new camera straps, added an integrated anti-theft steel cable, an underarm ‘Pitt’ strap feature that keeps the shoulder pad from sliding, and an anti-camera swing feature called ‘Limiter.’

    The Rotaball connector allows the camera to swing around its bearing, reducing stress on the tripod socket attachment point.

    The Rotaball Connector (see exploded view, above) is a stainless steel mono-multiball bearing featuring a single large ball that turns within an array of 32 smaller balls. The Blokker, meanwhile, is a pin developed to prevent the camera from being unscrewed and stolen. For added security, SUN-SNIPER has also included a steel cable in five of the seven models, each of which includes a 1,000 Euro insurance against camera theft, should someone succeed in cutting through the strap and stealing your camera.

    Rotaball Pro features

    1: ‘Rotaball’ Connector
    2: ‘Blokker’ to prevent tampering
    3: Shock-absorber
    4: Steel-reinforced strap
    5: Shoulder pad
    7: Swing limiter
    8: ‘Pitt’ underarm strap

    The Rotaball camera strap lineup is composed of the Rotaball Pro (89 EUR), Rotaball One (59 EUR), Rotaball Traveler (79 EUR), Rotaball DPH (149 EUR), Rotaball TPH (229 EUR), Rotaball Surf (59 EUR), and Rotaball BPS (49 EUR). All seven models are available now through SUN-SNIPER’s website.

    Press Release:

    RELAUNCH THE NEXT GENERATION: THE NEW SUN-SNIPER ROTABALL CAMERA STRAPS

    Egestorf, June 7, 2016. SUN-SNIPER revolutionizes the camera strap and introduces new features. SUN-SNIPER is already well know for its innovative product design, providing the greatest professionalism, comfort and safety, and being ready to shoot in a flash. And now the company is enhancing its SNIPER-STRAP system with new developments. Each of the seven ROTABALL models now has a ROTABALL CONNECTOR and a BLOKKER. The stainless steel mono-multi ball bearing (a large ball turning in 32 small balls) allows the camera to pivot freely and without obstruction. The rubber washer with its SNAKESKIN structure provides the safest connection to the strap. And even more security is ensured by the BLOKKER: a newly developed pin that blocks the connector at the camera to prevent the camera from being unscrewed by anyone not authorized to do so.

    “As an innovative leader in the industry, we place great emphasis on ensuring that our products are state-of-the-art, utilizing all the new technology available. This is why we continue to develop new features and improve the existing functions of our straps, providing photographers with the most comfortable and secure straps for carrying their cameras,” explains Peter Geller, owner and CEO of SUN-SNIPER.

    SEVEN MODELS, FIVE NEW FEATURES?

    The seven ROTABALL straps are designed to meet the most varied needs of professional and amateur photographers. In addition to the new ROTABALL CONNECTOR and the BLOKKER, the integrated SHOCK ABSORBER has also been improved. And the LIMITER feature prevents the camera from swinging back, while PITT ensures that the shoulder pad fits snugly and does not slide around.

    WORLDWIDE INNOVATION – INTEGRATED STEEL CABLE INCLUDING UNIQUE INSURANCE

    The steel cable is invisibly woven into five of the ROTABALL models (PRO, TRAVELER, DPH, TPH and BPS). New: The steel cable runs completely through the rubbery SHOCK ABSORBER as well. This safety tool protects from theft caused by cutting, burning or melting the straps. But if despite these precautions a thief should still prove successful, the SUN-SNIPER insurance will cover up to 1000.00 EURO of the loss. (Additional information on the insurance can be found under http://www.sun-sniper.com)

    “I have ridden at least 2500 km on horseback through Africa, Australia and Europe, with my M + SL + S Leicas on the SUN-SNIPER strap, ready to shoot the next picture,” says Florian Wagner, wildlife and outdoor sports photographer. He always has the camera close by, hanging safely by his body and ready for the next shot. The adventurer has been using SUN-SNIPER straps for his reports as seen from atop a horse. “The reliability, strain relief and especially the security of the SUN-SNIPER straps are essential to my survival.”

    STRESS TEST PASSED WITH FLYING COLORS

    ?ROTABALL straps can bear loads of up to five kilos in camera and lens weight. “Our camera straps of course also pass tougher tests, e.g. applying loads up to 80 kg. But then we cannot guarantee the stability of the camera bodies,” adds Peter Geller. “When performing the stress test, we focused particularly on the fact that the weight of the camera multiplies significantly due to the up-and-down motion caused by running, even with the SHOCK ABSORBER providing compensation.”

    ABOUT SUN-SNIPER

    ?After founding SUNBOUNCE, a company specializing exclusively in reflector systems for photography and film, over 20 years ago, Peter Geller in 2009 started SUN-SNIPER, producing revolutionary camera straps for photographers. Peter Geller’s aim is to make photographers’ work easier with his products. After all, he knows all about what the pros need: He was the last German photographer to win the “World Press Photo Award,” and that was 45 years ago. And he won it twice.

    Via: PhotographyBlog

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Lenovo Phab2 Pro is the first Project Tango phone

    At its TechWorld conference Lenovo has not only announced the modular Moto Z and Moto Z Force smartphones but also the first Google Project Tango enabled device, the Lenovo Phab 2 Pro. The phone provides an Augmented Reality (AR) experience, thanks to its ability to sense 3D-motion and geometry. It can capture 3D-scans of its surroundings and use the data to create 3D-maps, recognize places or track objects. The technology can project virtual effects in real-world spaces, help navigate indoor areas or provide information about objects it has recognized. 

    To achieve this the Phab2 Pro has a total of four cameras. In addition to the 8MP front module and the 16MP rear camera there are a depth and a motion tracking camera, both also located on the back. Underneath the 6.4″ Quad-HD IPS display there is a Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 652 chipset running Android 6.0. 4GB RAM and 64GB of microSD-expandable storage are on board as well, along with a fingerprint reader and Dolby Atmos surround sound technology. Energy is provided by a 4,050 mAh battery. All the high-end technology is nicely wrapped up in metal unibody that is available in gold or silver. 

    The Lenovo Phab2 Pro will be available to purchase online in August and one month later in stores globally. In the US it will cost $ 499. Lenovo promises that by the time of shipping a special Tango App Store will contain around 25 apps and is planning to expand this number to 100 by the end of the year. The new technology certainly looks promising, and it will be interesting to see how it catches on with consumers and developers. Additional information on how Tango works on the Phab2 Pro can be found in the Lenovo promotional video below.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Fast telezoom: Sigma 50-100mm F1.8 sample images

    The Sigma 50-100mm F1.8 DC HSM Art is a fast telezoom lens designed for APS-C format cameras, on which it provides an equivalant focal length range of approximately 75-150mm. Its fast F1.8 maximum aperture makes it the brightest lens of its type on the market. But is it any good? Take a look at our sample images to find out.

    View our gallery of samples from the Sigma 50-100mm F1.8 DC HSM Art

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • mini Plaster Hand is a camera mount on a belt

    Hong Kong-based company miniorenji has introduced a new camera mounting product called ‘mini Plaster Hand.’ Unlike tripods, mini Plaster Hand is a camera mount on a belt designed to strap around rails and poles for steady shots in areas where tripods are inconvenient or banned. The mount can be used with or without a ball head.

    Mini Plaster Hand is designed for use with all camera types, according to miniorenji, including point-and-shoot, mirrorless and DSLR cameras. The model is equipped with a flat plate and 1/4-inch screw; the plate can be placed on flat surfaces or strapped onto rails using the belt. When strapped onto a rail, a camera bag or other weighty item can be attached to the belt strap as a counterbalance weight. Mini Plaster Hand weighs 103g / 3.6oz and measures 60mm wide x 82mm high x 12mm deep (2.4 x 3.2 x 0.5-inches).

    Minioreji is seeking funding for production on Indiegogo, where you can pledge $ 40 for a mini Plaster Hand unit and 1.2kg ball head.

    Via: Indiegogo

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Lenovo unveils Moto Z, Moto Z Force and Moto Mods attachments

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    At its annual TechWorld conference today, Lenovo announced two new Motorola smartphones, the Moto Z and Moto Z Force. The two models are very similar but differ in some key ways – including the camera specifications. The Moto Z is only 5.2mm thin and comes with a 2,600 mAh battery and a 13MP rear camera with fast F1.8 aperture, optical image stabilization, laser-AF and a dual-tone LED flash. The 5MP wide-angle front camera has an F2.2 aperture. 

    At 6.99mm the Force is a little thicker and can fit a 21MP camera with F1.8 aperture, on-sensor phase detection, laser-AF and OIS into its body. It also comes with a shatterproof display and a larger 3,500 mAh battery. 

    The remaining device specifications are pretty much identical. Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chipset and 4GB of RAM. 32 or 64GB of storage are expandable via microSD card. The 5.5″ AMOLED displays offer a Quad-HD resolution and both devices come with fingerprint scanner and water-repellent coating. There is no 3.5mm headset jack but a USB Type-C to 3.5mm adapter is included.

    While the devices look very sleek and elegant, their unique selling proposition are the Moto Mods attachable accessory modules. They connect to the back of the phones via 16 connection points on the rear plate. So far there are the InstaShare projector which can project a 480p image up to size of 70″, the JBL Soundboost 6 Watt speaker and a 2220 mAh battery pack. Unfortunately the rumored camera grip has not materialized yet, but hopefully that is something to look forward to in the future. 

    The Moto Z Force will, at least initially, be exclusive to Verizon in the US and be marketed as the Moto Z Force Droid edition. Verizon will also sell the Moto Z Droid Edition but consumers can buy an unlocked version directly from Motorola. Both models will be available in the US this summer; in other regions the Moto Z will become available in September.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Facebook adds 360 photo viewing to iOS and Android apps

    Facebook has rolled out the ability to upload and view 360-degree images on its iOS and Android apps. These images can be taken via a phone’s panorama function or with a 360 capture device, such as the Samsung Gear 360.

    Once uploaded, any user can click on the image and move through the scene by moving their phone in space or just scrolling with a finger. Owners of Samsung cameras which support the company’s Gear VR headset can view the 360s by tapping a button in the Facebook app.

    The updated version of the Facebook app will be available for iOS and Android tomorrow, June 10th.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)