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  • Panasonic Lumix DC-G100/G110 initial review

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    The Panasonic Lumix DC-G100 (G110 in some regions) is the company’s take on the facing-the-camera vlogging camera, with innovative audio and a compact body.

    The G100 is a 20MP Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera designed explicitly for vloggers and content creators. It features a tracking audio system that works in conjunction with the camera’s face detection system and a flip-out screen that, by default, engages several easy-to-use modes.

    Above all, though, Panasonic has done its best to make the camera as small as possible. We’ll find out more about the trade-offs involved as we discuss the specifications in more detail.

    Key specifications

    • 20MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor
    • Electronic image stabilization (works in sync with in-lens IS)
    • Directional audio with tracking mode
    • Fully articulated high-brightness 1.84M-dot LCD panel
    • 3.68M-dot equivalent electronic viewfinder
    • Video up to 4K/30p and FHD up to 120p with quick/slow options
    • Mechanical shutter extends to 1/500 sec, electronic shutter to 1/16,000 sec

    The G100 will be available in a variety of kits, including one that bundles it with a small tabletop tripod/selfie grip.

    In the US, the camera will be offered with the compact, stabilized 12-32mm F3.5-5.6 lens for $ 749 or with the 12-32mm and selfie grip for $ 799. Options with the 12-60mm will be available in other territories.

    What’s new and how it compares

    The G100 is designed primarily for vlogging and includes some interesting ideas to support it. See what’s new and how it compares with its peers

    Click here to read more

    Body and handling

    The G100 has a pretty compact body with a decent amount of direct controls, and an interface that offers plenty of customization

    Click here to read more

    First impressions

    There are some clever ideas at play in the G100 but also some significant limitations, leaving us with mixed feelings (for now, at least)

    Click here to read more

    Sample gallery

    We’ve assembled a gallery of images shot with a pre-production G100

    Click here to see more

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • PhotoGIMP for Linux tries to turn GIMP into a more Photoshop-like experience

    For Linux users, Adobe doesn’t offer any of their Creative Cloud software, including Adobe Photoshop. Linux users have long had GIMP, which is a capable photo editing alternative to Photoshop. Although similar in functionality to Photoshop, GIMP’s default appearance is quite a bit different. With a new patch for GIMP 2.10, called PhotoGIMP, users can achieve a much more similar user interface to Photoshop.

    PhotoGIMP’s major contributors are Diolinux and yevklim, and the PhotoGIMP Patch has been designed for people with experience with Photoshop. As pointed out by John Aldred at DIY Photography, more users have been turning to Linux for their operating system needs. The result is that there are photographers used to Photoshop who are now needing to learn the ropes with GIMP instead. When you boot up the standard version of GIMP, you immediately see that the layout of tools is very different from Photoshop. Not only this, but the keyboard shortcuts users have committed to memory often work differently in GIMP. This is where PhotoGIMP comes in. By making GIMP look and act more like Photoshop, it should dramatically reduce the learning curve.

    As you can see in this screenshot, PhotoGIMP looks quite similar to Adobe Photoshop in terms of organization, tool location and the overall user interface. Image credit: PhotoGIMP on Github

    The primary features of the PhotoGIMP patch for GIMP are as follows:

    • Similar tool organization and layout to Adobe Photoshop
    • Hundreds of new fonts that mimic those available in Photoshop
    • New Python-based filters, such as ‘heal selection’
    • Default settings maximize the space on the canvas
    • New splash screen
    • Following Adobe documentation, in-app shortcuts are set similarly
    • New icon and name using a custom .desktop file

    YouTube channel Novaspirit Tech recently published a video overview of PhotoGIMP, including a quick comparison showing the differences in user interface between the standard version of GIMP and PhotoGIMP.

    While PhotoGIMP does not include all the same tools and features of Photoshop, it appears to look the part. For installation instructions, refer to the PhotoGIMP github page.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • WWDC2020 : A round-up of photo features and updates in iOS 14, iPadOS 14 and macOS Big Sur

    Apple’s virtual WWDC keynote yesterday was light on photography-related news, but hidden within the iOS 14 and macOS 11.0 (Big Sur) are a few small updates worth noting.

    iOS 14

    In iOS 14 the launch time of the stock camera app has been improved and time required between shots has been reduced. Specifically, Apple says ‘you can now shoot photos up to 90% faster (compared to iOS 13.5) at up to 4 frames per second’ and start-up time for the camera app has been improved by 25%.

    Additionally, Apple has added a new exposure compensation control that lets you lock an exposure value while separately locking focus on another point — something third-party camera apps have offered for years now. Also new is an updated interface when shooting in Night mode on the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro that provides an overlay using gyroscope information to ensure you stay steady throughout the image capture.

    A final small update is a new option within the camera settings that lets you mirror photos captured with the front-facing camera.

    Also, although it’s not directly related to photography, Apple has added an option within its accessibility settings to run Shortcuts with a double- or triple-tap on the back of the device. This means you could trigger various photo-related Shortcuts with either of these gestures, such as opening up a third-party camera app with a double-tap and opening up the editing app of your choice with a triple-tap.

    You can see all of the latest iOS 14 features on Apple’s iOS 14 ‘New Features’ page.

    iPadOS

    iPadOS doesn’t put as much emphasis on the capturing of photos as iOS, but Apple didn’t leave it hanging either. In camera mode, Apple has added quick toggles to change video resolution and framerate within the camera app and like iOS, there’s now an option to mirror images captured with the front camera.

    The Photos app on iPadOS is redesigned using Apple’s new full-height sidebar, making it easier to navigate between albums, search and more. It’s also possible to add captions to images within the Photos app and Apple has also improved the Memories function, which should better select more relevant photos and videos to highlight.

    The image picker has also been redesigned, which should make it easier to find and share or upload images within Safari, Messages, Mail and other third-party apps.

    You can find a full rundown of all the new iPadOS 14 features on Apple’s website.

    macOS 11.0 (Big Sur)

    Aside from the overall user interface changes and a few changes to the Photos app, there aren’t many photo-specific changes within macOS Big Sur. At least not for now.

    As much as macOS Big Sur changes things up on the visual side of things, it’s also about laying the groundwork for Apple’s forthcoming computers that will use its own ARM-based architecture. This requires a lot of behind-the-scenes work and programming to ensure apps designed for current computers and CPUs will work with the first computers with Apple’s own chipsets, the first of which Apple CEO Tim Cook says will be out by year’s end.

    Apple showcased both Adobe Lightroom CC and Photoshop running on one of its ARM-based developer kit computers and specifically said it’s working with Adobe to make sure Creative Cloud apps will work with the new architecture out of the gate, but we’ve heard similar statements before that took a little longer to come to fruition to be expected (i.e. Photoshop for iPad), so you might want to keep your expectations subdued for the time being.

    Still, making the jump from Intel chips to its own is no minor feat for processor-intensive applications such as Lightroom and Photoshop, so any collaboration between Apple and Adobe ahead of future hardware releases is a welcomed sight.

    As for the Photos app, Apple has added new video editing capabilities such as adjustments, filters and cropping, as well as improved the Retouch tool, which now uses ‘advanced machine learning to remove blemishes, dust specks, and other objects from photos.’

    Like the iPadOS update, Photos for macOS adds improved navigation, the ability to add captions to images and the aforementioned improvements to Memories for more relevant collections.

    Wrapping up

    Overall, the photo-related updates to iOS, iPadOS and macOS are relatively minor based on the hardware currently available. However, it’s usually the hardware that brings major changes and all of these operating system updates, macOS Big Sur in particular, lay the foundations for future hardware. You can watch the complete keynote on Apple’s YouTube Channel.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Video: A look at every new feature in Adobe’s June Lightroom, Photoshop updates

    Last week, Adobe released its latest updates for Lightroom, Photoshop and Camera Raw, bringing new and improved features to each of its photo-centric apps. While the list of updated features is exhaustive, Colin Smith from YouTube Channel Photoshop CAFE has broken down every new feature so you don’t have to.

    Smith’s feature overview is split between two videos: one that focuses on Photoshop and Camera Raw, and one that focuses on Lightroom Classic.

    For the 12-minute Photoshop video, Smith covers the improved AI-powered Select Subject tool in Photoshop as well as the updated Lightroom-inspired interface for Adobe Camera Raw.

    The Lightroom video comes in at 11 minutes and addresses the new Local Hue tool, the updated Tone Curve interface, ISO Adaptive Presets and the new performance improvements Adobe has made throughout the app.

    You can keep up to date with Smith’s Photoshop and Lightroom tips and tutorials over on the PhotoshopCAFE Youtube Channel.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Canon is sending a satellite with high-resolution camera tech into space

    Canon will send its high-resolution CE-SAT-IB satellite camera into space as part of Rocket Lab’s next payload launch, enabling it to showcase its Earth-imaging capabilities. The private aerospace company, which is based out of California, aims to provide ‘frequent and reliable’ launches, something it will demonstrate by holding its upcoming ‘Pics or It Didn’t Happen’ launch only three weeks after its ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ mission.

    The launch will be coordinated by Spaceflight Inc., the company said in a press release last week. Canon’s CE-SAT-1B is a microsatellite at only 67kg (148lbs), not to be confused with the CE-SAT-IIB satellite, which is scheduled to launch via Rocket Lab later on this year.

    The optical imaging system inside the CE-SAT-1B (pictured) is based on Canon’s EOS 5D Mark III design. Image via Canon

    The launch will take place on Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket from its Launch Complex 1 located on New Zealand’s North Island on July 4 local time. This mission will be called ‘Pics or It Didn’t Happen,’ the fourth Rocket Lab launch in the past year. The team had intended to launch the payloads earlier this year but were delayed by the pandemic.

    In a statement, Canon Electronics Satellite Systems Lab group executive Dr. Nobutada Sako told Spaceflight:

    This launch is very critical for Canon Electronics as we are launching a satellite where we have remarkably increased the ratio of in-house development of components compared to the previous launch. Partnering with Spaceflight on this mission has been very helpful and we look forward to a successful launch of our satellites.

    Canon launched its CE-SAT-I microsatellite in 2017 from India, successfully putting its tiny satellite into orbit. The camera company detailed this effort on its global website, explaining that it already has many of the technologies necessary to build and deploy these small machines.

    The CE-SAT-IB microsatellite is the first mass-produced version of the CE-SAT-1 from Canon Electronics. The satellite features solar cells and batteries for power, as well as an optical imaging system that is based on the Cassegrain 40cm telescope with a 3720mm focal length. The satellite’s detector is based on the Canon EOS 5D Mk.3 camera. With this tech, the CE-SAT-IB is able to capture Earth imagery with a resolution of 1m (3.2ft) from an orbit distance of 600km (373mi), according to NASA.

    In its own announcement, Rocket Lab said last week that its launch will include a total of seven microsatellites with Canon’s CE-SAT-IB as the primary payload. Assuming everything goes according to plan, Rocket Lab plans to conduct additional launches every month for the rest of the year and into 2021. In addition to launching another Canon satellite in the coming months, Rocket Lab also anticipates its first launch for the U.S. Space Force for Q3 2020.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Video: How scratch-proof is a Sony a6000 image sensor?

    If you’re a Sony user with a weak stomach, you might want to look away for this one. Photographer and YouTuber Arthur R shared a video this past week that looks at just how scratch-proof an image sensor is.

    Admittedly, this isn’t the most scientific of tests, as he’s using a scrap sensor and doesn’t put it back into the camera to see if any damage not visible to the eye is affecting image quality, but it’s an interesting test nonetheless. Using small tape, Arthur divides the sensor — taken from a Sony a6000 — into four quadrants and uses four different mediums to test the durability of the sensor: dust, dirt, oils and a knife.

    As Arthur details in the ten-minute video, the durability of the sensor is impressive, at least to the naked eye. Dust, dirt and oils didn’t show any noticeable markings and even the box cutter abuse only yielded a few scratches. Granted, it’s possible smaller scratches that could affect image quality may be able to be seen with a microscope, it still came out better than he expected.

    You can find more videos from Arthur R over on his YouTube Channel.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Impressive sharpness: Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG DN Art sample gallery updated

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    We initially got our hands on the Sony E-mount Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 while covering the launch in Japan last July. We’ve since acquired a copy here in Seattle and have been shooting with it around town (and in Cabo, pre-quarantine) primarily on a Sony a7R IV body (our initial samples were on an a7R III). These extra pixels should help convey just how ridiculously sharp this lens is. Have a look!

    See our Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG DN Art sample gallery

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Fujifilm gives X-A7, X-T200 webcam mode via firmware, bringing X Webcam utility to macOS next month

    Fujifilm has released firmware updates for its X-17 and X-T200 camera systems that makes it possible to use the mirrorless cameras as webcams without the need for extra software. Additionally, Fujfiilm has announced its X Webcam program will be launched for macOS next month.

    Screenshot of the USB webcam option within the Fujifilm menu system.

    Firmware version 1.30 for the X-A7 and version 1.10 for the X-T200 adds the option to use the camera as a webcam when connected to a computer via a USB cable. To access this setting, go into the menu, navigate to ‘Connection Setting,’ enter ‘USB Mode’ and plug in the camera to a computer via USB. Once connected, the camera should appear as a camera option on compatible video conferencing and messaging programs, such as Google Meet, Skype and Zoom.

    A collection of screenshots showing how cameras should appear as input options for Zoom, Skype and Google Meet.

    Fujifilm says this functionality should work on Windows 10 (x64), macOS 10.14 Mojave and macOS 10.15 Catalina. You can download firmware version 1.30 for the X-A7 and version 1.10 for the X-T200 on Fujifilm’s website.

    On the topic of macOS, Fujifilm has also announced announced it’s working on bringing its Fujifilm X Webcam utility to macOS. First launched on PC back in May, the utility will allow macOS users to turn their compatible X and GFX cameras into webcams. Fujifilm says the program will be available in mid-July.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Panasonic Lumix S Pro 70-200mm F2.8 O.I.S. sample gallery

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    The Panasonic S Pro 70-200mm F2.8 is an important lens in the L-mount system. Offering a focal range that’s popular with working pros, combined with optical stabilization as well as dust and moisture resistance, it’s a tentpole lens for S-series photographers.

    We’ve been out shooting with a 70-200mm for a few days – check out our sample gallery to see what it can do – and look out for more images coming soon.

    View our gallery of samples from the Panasonic S 70-200mm F2.8

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

  • Leica’s SL2 gets 187MP ‘Multishot’ mode with a new 2.0 firmware update

    Leica has released firmware version 2.0 for its SL2 full-frame mirrorless camera bringing with it the much-anticipated ‘Multishot’ mode amongst other features and fixes.

    When it was first revealed last November, Leica said its SL2 full-frame L-mount camera would eventually be able to capture 187MP images via a Multishot mode that would appear in a firmware update sometime in 2020. Now, the new feature is here and ready to be put to the test.

    When set to Multishot mode the SL2 will combine up to eight images to create a DNG file up to 187MP. To achieve this, the sensor is shifted in half-pixel increments between each of the exposures.

    Due to the Multishot mode using sensor-shifting to capture the high-res images, Multishot mode is limited to electronic shutter capture and automatically turns off image stabilization (both BIS and OIS). In addition to the final 187MP image, the SL2 will also save an image at normal resolution (47MP).

    Other improvements in firmware version 2.0 include an updated video menu interface, the ability to change the size of the autofocus field using a long tap and a new setting that will automatically rename formatted SD cards to ‘Leica SL2.’ Leica has also addressed a number of bugs including better detection of M lenses when used with an adapter, a fix for artifacts in DNG files when shooting in ‘Continous — Very High Speed’ mode, a fix for the incorrect focus distance values and updates to wireless connectivity that should provide a faster and more stable connection between the camera and connected mobile or desktop devices.

    Firmware version 2.0 for the SL2 is free to download on Leica’s website. Installation instructions and further details can also be found on the firmware download page.

    Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)