360Photography

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  • Nikon issues D750 and D4s firmware updates, optimizes D750 VR with compatible lenses

    Nikon has released firmware updates for its D750 and D4S DSLRs, providing both with a new external recording control option for use with external recorders using Atomos Open Protocol. At the end of a list of bug fixes, Nikon also mentions that the D750’s firmware version 1.10 introduces ‘optimal vibration reduction’ with vibration reduction lenses. We’re hoping this addresses a glitch in which VR can sometimes contribute to image shake.

    Other notes on the firmware updates for both cameras relate to bug fixes in movie live view, and the D750’s update addresses some minor problems with HDR mode and in-camera Raw processing among other things. See below for more details.

    Download Nikon D750 firmware version 1.10

    Download Nikon D4S firmware version 1.30

    Nikon D750 firmware version 1.10

    • An External recording control option has been added to the HDMI item in the SETUP MENU. If the camera is connected via HDMI to a third-party recorder that supports the Atomos Open Protocol (the Atomos SHOGUN, NINJA2, or NINJA BLADE), selecting On allows camera controls to be used to start and stop recording. More information is available in a supplementary manual.
    • Note:Choose an option other than 576p (progressive) or 480p (progressive) for HDMI > Output resolution in the SETUP MENU.
    • Fixed the following issues:
      – The brightness of the live view photography display would not change when a command dial was rotated to adjust exposure compensation with On (Auto reset) selected for b Metering/exposure > b3 Easy exposure compensation > Easy exposure compensation in the CUSTOM SETTING MENU.
      – Although the preview button would stop the lens down to maximum aperture when assigned the Preview role, the maximum aperture indicator would not appear in the monitor.
      – In rare cases, the shutter would not be released when the user attempted to take photographs in movie live view.
      – About 4 seconds of static could be heard on audio recorded with external HDMI recorders during movie live view.
      – The shutter speed, aperture, and ISO sensitivity displayed in the monitor during movie live view would differ from values in the final movie file.
      – Part of the focus point would disappear if the user zoomed in while the framing grid was displayed.
      – Volume could sometimes not be adjusted if movies were played with indicators hidden during full-frame playback (None (image only)).
      – Exposure compensation would fail to produce the desired results if a negative value was selected when NEF (RAW) images were processed using the NEF (RAW) processing option in the RETOUCH MENU.
      – Images would in rare cases fail to record correctly with HDR (high dynamic range) selected in the PHOTO SHOOTING MENU.
      – If On was selected for Exposure smoothing during interval timer photography, every frame after the first would be overexposed.
      – File numbers were not assigned in the proper sequence.
      – The focus point would not be displayed in the correct location in the monitor.
      – In some languages, characters or parts of characters would be missing from the SETUP MENU > Location data > Position display.
      – In some languages, characters or parts of characters would be missing from the SETUP MENU > AF fine-tune > List saved values display.
      – In some regions, nothing would be displayed when Conformity marking was selected in the SETUP MENU.
    • Some help text has been changed.
    • Optimal vibration reduction is now available with vibration reduction lenses.

    Nikon D4S firmware version 1.30

    • An External recording control option has been added to the HDMI item in the SETUP MENU. If the camera is connected via HDMI to a third-party recorder that supports the Atomos Open Protocol (the Atomos SHOGUN, NINJA2, or NINJA BLADE), selecting On allows camera controls to be used to start and stop recording. More information is available in a supplementary manual.

    Note:

    • Choose an option other than 576p (progressive) or 480p (progressive) for HDMI > Output resolution in the SETUP MENU.
    • Choose an option other than Auto for HDMI > Output resolution in the SETUP MENU when 640x  424; 30p or 640x  424; 25p is selected for Movie settings > Frame size/frame rate in the SHOOTING MENU.
    • Fixed the following issues:
      – In rare cases, the shutter would not be released when the user attempted to take photographs in movie live view.
      – About 4 seconds of static could be heard on audio recorded with external HDMI recorders during movie live view.
      – Exposure compensation would fail to produce the desired results if a negative value was selected when NEF (RAW) images were processed using the NEF (RAW) processing option in the RETOUCH MENU.
      – Images would in rare cases fail to record correctly with HDR (high dynamic range) selected in the SHOOTING MENU.
      – In portrait orientation, the monitor would not show the focus point in the correct location if 5:4 (30×24) was selected for Choose image area.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Photoshop CC 2015 update and Fuse CC (Preview) now available

    Adobe has updated Photoshop CC 2015 with the new features it detailed a few weeks ago as its MAX conference. Among the new, mostly designer-oriented features is a high-contrast touch-enabled interface, the ability to customize your Photoshop CC toolbar, direct SVG importing, Artboard improvements and support for Fuse CC, a 3D design application.

    Joining the Photoshop CC update is the release of Fuse CC (Preview), which can be connected with Photoshop for ‘significantly greater design flexibility and creative options.’ At this point, Fuse CC is only available in English.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Pentax launches limited-circulation 645Z IR, an infrared version of its medium format camera

    Ricoh has announced it is to offer an infrared-sensitive version of its 645Z medium format camera, the 645Z IR. Sadly, the new model is not intended for public consumption, but will be aimed at museums and scientific establishments who will have to sign a usage agreement before they can make a purchase. 

    The camera will be made sensitive to infrared by removing the IR-cut filter that sits in front of the sensor. The photographer will then need to fit a filter over the lens to cut visible light according to the requirements of the occasion. With a hot mirror in place the camera will operate as a normal 645Z, but without one the sensor will be able to record wavelengths of up to 1100 nanometers. 

    Ricoh says that there is no provision for auto focusing when the camera is working with infrared light as the light focuses at a different distance to visible light, and advises owners to use the magnify function of the live view display on the rear tilting-LCD screen. 

    Other than the removal of the IR cut filter the 51.4MP camera will operate in exactly the same way as the normal version – including the scene modes, compatibility with Flucards, wireless control from a smartphone and the ability to shoot HD video. 

    Ricoh is offering the Pentax 645Z IR to museums, libraries, government agencies and research institutions for specialist operations, often involving forensic work or recording detail in artworks concealed by layers of paint or faded with time. Shooting with infrared sometimes makes visible what can’t be seen with the human eye. 

    The company hasn’t made public the price, but says the camera will be available from 15th January next year.  

    For more information see the Ricoh website (Japanese)

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Apple iPhone 6s Plus camera review

    The iPhone 6s Plus is the iPhone 6s’ bigger brother and, apart from the larger 5.5-inch screen, mainly distinguishes itself from the smaller model by offering optical image stabilization system in its camera module. Compared to its predecessor, the 6s Plus ups camera resolution to 12MP, adds 50% more phase detection sensors and is capable of 4K footage. Our review tests its camera performance. Read more

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • DxO ONE gets 1/20,000sec top shutter speed and better handling via firmware version 1.2

    The DxO ONE smartphone companion camera is to benefit from a host of improvements and new features when the company releases new firmware early in December. General handling will be improved with what DxO vaguely describes as ‘instant access to advanced capture parameters and photo information with a simple swipe’ and ‘more control over the entire photo and video capture process’. The DxO ONE will also be compatible with the Apple Watch via a new app designed especially for it, and the DxO ONE will go on sale in Apple Stores. 

    New features in firmware version 1.2 include the broadening of the shutter speed range to encompass 30-1/20,000sec, and continuous shooting – though the company doesn’t say at what rate. The video mode will allow manual control of aperture, ISO, white balance and ‘more’. 

    DxO says that the changes have been instigated by user feedback from photographers, and that the new firmware will make the device ‘even more powerful’. For more information visit the DxO website.

    Press release:

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    Powerful new features added to the DxO ONE connected camera via software update

    Version 1.2 available as a free download for existing DxO ONE users early December

    PARIS and SAN FRANCISCO—November 24th, 2015—DxO announced today the availability of the first major software update for the award-winning DxO ONE Professional Quality Connected Camera. The DxO ONE app version 1.2 will be available early December via the iTunes App Store, and will introduce new camera controls based on direct feedback from DxO’s rapidly expanding community of photographers. Version 1.2 makes the DxO ONE camera even more powerful, including new ways to view and interact with advanced photo info, and provides more control over the entire photo and video capture process including via a companion Apple Watch app. The DxO ONE connected camera is now also available in select Apple retail stores nationwide, as well as on Apple’s online store.

    “Using the camera has become second nature to me—it’s crazy good. I never imagined standing in a pit lane at a major motorsports event and immediately being able to provide a PR rep images of his team’s pit stop literally seconds after the car pulled away,” said John Thawley, whose images have been featured in print for companies such as Ferrari, Jaguar, Lexus, and Maserati. “I’ve been equally impressed with the DxO team and their responsiveness to feedback and suggestions. It’s nice working with a company that is listening, and I can’t wait to see what the DxO ONE team does next.”

    The way you interact with the DxO ONE is even better, thanks to new features that let users get instant access to advanced capture parameters and photo information with a simple swipe. Continuous shooting offers users the ability to shoot several photos in a row by simply depressing the shutter button. The manual focus mode now provides one tap access to hyper-focal distance, and the ability to reposition the magnification loupe for critical focusing. At the request of pro photographers, the shutter speed range has been expanded for capturing even faster motion (1/20000) and longer low-light exposures (30s). Users can now capture high quality video with full manual control of aperture, ISO, white balance and more. DxO ONE selfies are now available in every capture setting and mode, including the ability to record high quality video selfies, ready to share with the world. There’s even a new companion app that lets users remotely trigger a DxO ONE camera with their Apple Watch.

    The image scientists, engineers, and designers at DxO are committed to refining the connected camera experience. This relentless pursuit of perfection has been aided by the generous outpouring of support and direction provided by DxO ONE photographers, many of whom, like John Thawley, are established and respected members of the professional community. Thanks to this tight feedback loop, DxO ONE owners can expect to receive a regular cadence of exciting new features in the months and years to come.

    Pricing and availability

    The DxO ONE Professional Quality Connected Camera is available for purchase at dxo.com and photo retailers for a price of £449 (including VAT). Purchase price includes DxO FilmPack Elite, and for a limited time, DxO OpticsPro Elite (a £258 value). 

    The DxO ONE iOS app update, and companion Apple Watch app will both be available as free downloads via the iTunes App Store early December. New firmware, also available at the same time, can be easily downloaded via the app and installed on the DxO ONE. 

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Behind the camera: Cristina Mittermeier, conservation photographer

    In this video we take a look at the work of Cristina Mittermeier, a conservation photographer who has dedicated her working life to documenting our changing environment and the roles of human communities around the world in protecting it. Founder of the International League of Conservation Photographers, Cristina delivered the keynote talk at our recent PIX 2015 show in Seattle. Check out our video to learn more about her work.  

    A look at the work of Cristina Mittermeier, conservation photographer 

    This is sponsored content, produced with the support of Sony. What does this mean?

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Ricoh continues to tease Pentax full-frame DSLR with new image and… not much else.

    Ricoh’s string of teaser coverage for its upcoming full-frame Pentax DSLR continues today with a new image of the camera and a press release – though not much in the way of more concrete information. Read more

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Rain or shine: Fujifilm XF 35mm F2 R WR real-world sample gallery

    Fujifilm’s XF 35mm F2 strikes an appealing balance between size, cost and durability. It’s sealed against moisture and dust, making it a great candidate for use with the weather-resistant X-T1, and at $ 399 is a fairly affordable ‘normal’ prime for Fuji’s X-system. The Pacific Northwest is just the place to test weather-resistant gear, though thankfully we’ve had enough unseasonably dry and sunny days to put together a real-world sample gallery with the 35mm F2. Read more

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • PIX 2015: Robert Hurt and the hidden universe

    Robert Hurt might just have the coolest job in the galaxy. He’s a visualization scientist with NASA, helping to interpret research data from space telescopes and NASA missions into photography. In short, he helps reveal the hidden universe that exists beyond the realm of human vision. In his PIX 2015 talk, he shares his insight on how his images are created and what kinds of things we can hope to discover when the unseen world becomes visible. Read more

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • PPE 2015: Interview with portrait photographer Victoria Will

    Trained as a photojournalist, Victoria Will found herself gravitating toward portraiture as she honed her skills at the New York Post. She’s now known for her celebrity portraits, including a series of tintype portraits created at the Sundance Film Festival. We sat down with her at PPE 2015 to learn more about what led her to where she is now and how she connects with her subjects. Read more

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)