The season for love is here but finding a perfect gift for your lover isn’t easy. Whether you’re an amateur photographer or a real pro, you can give your sweetheart a photography Valentines gift that would be a winner for sure. I know you want to make this Valentine’s day unforgettable. Here I showcase 50 amazingly creative and romantic Valentine Continue Reading
The post 50 Sweet Valentine Gifts for Photographers and Their Sweethearts appeared first on Photodoto.
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Vertu is company known for its “handmade in England” luxury smartphones and eye-watering price tags. However, while many Vertu devices easily set you back as much as a decent used car, the specifications tend to be in line with mid-range rather than high-end models.
However, the latest incarnation of the Vertu Constellation, announced today, changes things up. It comes with actual high-end specifications and dual-SIM capability as an added bonus. The 5.5″ QHD AMOLED display is protected by scratch-proof sapphire glass and the Android 6 operating system is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chipset and 4GB of RAM. Also on board are 128GB of expandable storage, NFC, a USB Type-C port, and a 3,220 mAh battery. Front-facing stereo speakers with Dolby Digital Plus virtual surround sound processing should provide a good sound experience and all the components have been wrapped up in a hand-crafted shell made from anodized aluminum and finished with leather, ‘sourced from a specialist, family-run tannery in Italy.’
In the camera department the Constellation offers a 12 MP rear camera with 1.55um pixel size which equates to a 1/2.3 sensor. Video recording at 4K is supported but there is no talk of optical image stabilization. No pricing information for the device has been released yet but it’s safe to assume it will be a four-figure US$ number. In case you’re still not sure if this kind of price tag is justified, you should consider Vertu’s 24-hour concierge service is included. On the Constellation it is accessed by pressing a ruby button on the side of the phone. You also get access to iPass, the world’s largest Wi-Fi network. If you want to take your mobile image in style you won’t have to wait too long. The Constellation will be available from February. You can register your interest now on the Vertu website.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
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Ricoh has announced the Pentax KP, the follow-up to the K-3 II, which features a new ‘high sensitivity’ 24MP sensor and improved in-body image stabilization system.
The new CMOS sensor brings with it a top ISO of 819,200 and an electronic shutter that tops out at 1/24000 sec (the mechanical shutter goes to 1/6000 sec). The KP uses the new 5-axis ‘Shake Reduction II’ IBIS system, first seen on the K-1 full-framer, which offers up to 5 stops of stabilization according to Ricoh. As with other Pentax models, the KP supports Pixel Shift Resolution as well as AA Filter Simulation. The KP uses the same SAFOX 11 autofocus system as the K-3 II, meaning that it has 27 points, 25 of which are cross-type.
The KP’s body is relatively compact, sealed against dust and moisture, and functional down to +14F/-10C. It has a pentaprism viewfinder with ‘nearly’ 100% coverage and a 0.63x equivalent magnification, as well as a tilting 3″ touchscreen display. A nice extra is the ability to change the camera’s grip, with three sizes to choose from.
Typical of Pentax DSLRs, the KP is heavily customizable and features both Sensitivity and Shutter & Aperture Priority modes, a star tracking feature and built-in wireless flash control. The KP has added new Motion and Depth-of-Field options to the already large selection of bracketing modes it’s inherited from its predecessors. It can capture Full HD at 60i, 50i, 30p, 25p and 24p. The KP can shoot continuously at up to 7 fps. It also has built-in Wi-Fi. Something the KP doesn’t have is an HDMI port, instead using something called SlimPort, which can send HD video over a microUSB port. If you want HDMI, you’re going to have to drop $ 25 on a dongle.
The KP’s battery life is rated at 390 shots/charge – which is on the low end for a DSLR – though an optional battery grip can hold an additional D-LI109 battery or the significantly more powerful D-LI90.
The KP will be available in your choice of silver or black in late February for $ 1099/£1099 body-only.
Heir to K-3 legacy, Slim-Body Camera Incorporates New Features and Controls Optimized to Deliver Outstanding Images, Even in the Most Challenging Conditions
First PENTAX APS-C Camera to offer Shake Reduction II
WEST CALDWELL, NJ, January 25, 2017—Ricoh Imaging Americas Corporation today announced the PENTAX KP, an ultra-compact and highly portable DSLR with features and controls that facilitate capturing outstanding images, even in the most demanding conditions. The PENTAX KP packs many of the advanced capabilities of the award-winning PENTAX K-3 series into a modern, slim-body design that lends itself to applications from casual snapshots to serious outdoor photography while mountain climbing or trekking. The PENTAX KP also adds a new generation of innovations including a new, highly sensitive APS-C CMOS sensor and is the first PENTAX APS-C camera to incorporate Shake Reduction II (SR II), which features a five-axis mechanism to compensate for camera shake up to 5 steps.
The new 24-megapixel CMOS sensor enables shooting in extremely low-light conditions, with sensitivity to ISO 819200, making the camera ideal for night photography. The PENTAX KP features an electronic shutter option in live-view to enable high-speed shooting up to 1/24,000-second, which greatly broadens shooting capabilities when using large aperture lenses to achieve a shallow depth of field on a bright sunny day.
The PENTAX KP’s compact body is the result of a complete internal re-design to produce an advanced DSLR camera with an extremely slim profile for optimal comfort and handling. The KP’s rugged exterior is dustproof and weather-sealed to enable use in the most challenging outdoor conditions. The camera will perform in temperatures as low as 14 degrees F (-10 degrees C).
The PENTAX KP incorporates additional advanced technologies and ease-of-use features that have long been the hallmark of PENTAX cameras and enable them to be used comfortably and reliably in a wide range of conditions. These include:
“We designed the PENTAX KP to appeal to the world’s most discerning outdoor photographers, who will appreciate its rich and powerful feature set and rugged, compact design, whether they are shooting a landscape on a trek in Patagonia or capturing an eclipse,” said Kaz Eguchi, president, Ricoh Imaging Americas. “From Pixel Shift Resolution to our new generation of Shake Reduction, PENTAX proudly continues to lead the way in photographer-friendly innovation.”
| Pricing and Availability |
The PENTAX KP camera will be available on February 25 for a suggested list price of $ 1,099.95 at www.us.ricoh-imaging.com as well as at Ricoh Imaging-authorized retail outlets throughout North America.
1?Super-high-resolution images assured by approximately 24.32 effective megapixels and super-high-sensitivity photography at a top sensitivity of ISO 819200
The PENTAX KP features a new-generation APS-C-sized CMOS image sensor with approximately 24.32 effective megapixels to produce super-high-resolution images. By coupling this sensor with an AA-filter-free optical design, it optimizes the image sensor’s imaging power to deliver well-defined images with true-to-life reproduction of gradation and texture. Thanks to the combination of the PRIME IV imaging engine and a state-of-the-art accelerator unit, it assures dependable, high-speed operation and highly effective noise reduction to optimize both image resolution and super-high-sensitivity performance. As the result, it allows the photographer to handhold it in snapshot photography of night scenes at the super-high sensitivity of ISO 819200.
2?Compact, portable body perfect for snapshots, with a weather-resistant structure for harsh outdoor shooting
After a thorough review of the camera’s internal structure, PENTAX designed a completely new body that was far more compact and slim than existing models to optimize the PENTAX KP’s performance, operability and portability. When combined with a compact, lightweight PENTAX-DA-series lens, it can be carried comfortably and effortlessly for a wide range of applications, from casual snapshots to serious outdoor photography while mountain climbing or trekking. Its front, back and bottom exterior panels are all made of durable, lightweight magnesium alloy. With 67 sealing parts applied across the body, it provides a dustproof, weather-resistant structure, with outstanding cold-proof performance at temperatures down to -10°C. Thanks to these features, the PENTAX KP performs superbly and dependably even in such demanding settings as in the rain or at locations prone to dust and freezing temperatures.
3?A range of customization features, including an exchangeable grip
The PENTAX KP provides a grip replacement system for easy, quick change of a grip to accommodate the photographer’s shooting style or a mounted lens. In addition to the standard Grip S, it offers a choice of two replacement grips (Grip M and Grip L). It also provides a variety of customization functions to simplify and enhance camera operation, including Smart Function for speedy selection and easy setting of desired camera functions using the Fx (Function) and setting dials; and control panel customization to change the panel’s layout to suit the photographer’s preference.
4?PENTAX-original SR II five-axis shake-reduction system featuring the Pixel Shift Resolution System
(1) In-body SR mechanism
Thanks to the built-in SR II shake-reduction mechanism, the PENTAX KP effectively minimizes camera shake and delivers sharp, blur-free images, even in camera-shake-prone conditions such as when using a telephoto lens, shooting low-light scenes without flash illumination, or photographing sunset scenes. In addition to more common camera shake caused by pitch and yaw, this five-axis mechanism also compensates for camera shake caused by horizontal and vertical shift (often generated in macro photography) and camera shake caused by roll. It assures a compensation effect of approximately five shutter steps (CIPA standard compliant, smc PENTAX-DA 18-135mmF3.5-5.6ED AL [IF] DC WR?f=135mm) — a level equivalent to that of PENTAX’s flagship model — to expand the limits of handheld photography. When taking a panning shot, this mechanism efficiently controls the SR unit to compensate for all affecting factors without requiring any switching action.
(2) Pixel Shift Resolution System
The PENTAX KP features Pixel Shift Resolution System,* the latest super-resolution technology, which captures four images of the same scene by shifting the image sensor by a single pixel for each image, then synthesizes them into a single composite image. Compared to the conventional Bayer system, in which each pixel has only a single color-data unit, this innovative system obtains all color data in each pixel to deliver super-high-resolution images with far more truthful colors and much finer details than those produced by conventional APS-C-sized image sensors. To make this system more useful with a wider range of scenes and subjects, the PENTAX KP also provides ON/OFF switching of the motion correction function,** which automatically detects a moving object during continuous shooting and minimizes negative effects during the synthesizing process.
(3) PENTAX-original AA filter simulator
By applying microscopic vibrations to the image sensor unit at the sub-pixel level during image exposure, the PENTAX KP’s AA (anti-aliasing) filter simulator*** provides the same level of moiré reduction as an optical AA filter. Unlike an optical AA filter, which always creates the identical result, this innovative simulator lets the user switch the AA filter effect on and off and adjust the level of the effect, making it possible to set the ideal effect for a particular scene or subject based on the prevailing photographic conditions.
* When using this system, the user is advised to stabilize the camera firmly on a tripod. When a moving subject is captured in the camera’s image field, its image may not be reproduced clearly, either in part or as a whole.
** The movement may not be sufficiently corrected when the object is moving in a certain direction and/or pattern. This function does not guarantee that the movement is properly corrected with all subjects.
*** This function works more effectively with a shutter speed of 1/1000 second or slower. This function may not be compatible with some shooting modes, including the Pixel Shift Resolution System.
5?Electronically controlled shutter unit for super-high-speed shooting at 1/24000 second
The PENTAX KP’s shutter unit combines a reliable mechanical shutter mechanism (with a top speed of 1/6000 second) with an electronically controlled shutter mechanism.* The electronic shutter mode provides a super-high shutter speed of 1/24000 second with reduced noise and vibration at shutter release, making it ideal for low-noise, low-vibration shooting in Live-view and mirror-up applications. The camera also provides a high-speed continuous shooting function with a top speed of seven images per second.
* In the electronic shutter mode, the camera’s SR II mechanism and AA filter simulator are inoperable. During high-speed continuous shooting, the subject may suffer some deformation.
6?Optical viewfinder with nearly 100% field of view
Within its compact body, the PENTAX KP incorporates a glass prism finder featuring the same optics and coatings as those used in higher-class models. With a nearly 100-percent field of view and magnification of approximately 0.95 times, it provides a wide, bright image field for easy focusing and framing.
7?High-speed, 27-point autofocus system with the SAFOX 11 module
The PENTAX KP features the high-speed SAFOX 11 phase-matching AF sensor module to deliver dependable, responsive autofocus operation. Of its 27 focus sensors, 25 are cross-type sensors positioned in the middle to assure pinpoint focus on the subject at a minimum brightness level as low as -3 EV. A completely new, much-improved algorithm assures better autofocusing accuracy and speed than models equipped with the conventional SAFOX 11 module. The camera also provides useful customization features to assist in autofocus operation, such as a choice of operation modes—focus-priority, release-priority or advance-speed-priority—and the Selected-area Expansion function to automatically refocus on a subject when it moves away from the initial point.
8?Full HD movie recording with a range of functional settings
The PENTAX KP captures flawless, high-resolution Full HD movie clips (1920 x 1080 pixels; 60i/30p frame rate) in the H-264 recording format. It also provides an external microphone terminal for manual setting of the audio recording level and monitoring of the sound pressure level for microphone input. In addition to various visual effect modes available during movie recording,* it features a range of movie recording functions, including a 4K Interval Movie mode that connects a series of 4K-resolution still images (3840 x 2160 pixels) at a fixed interval to create a single movie file, and the Star Stream mode to record the traces of stars in the Interval Movie mode.
* When a special visual effect is applied, the frame rate may differ depending on the selected effect mode.
9?Vertical-tilt-type LCD monitor
The PENTAX KP’s 3.0-inch LCD monitor has approximately 921,000 dots, and provides a vertical tilt function to facilitate high- and low-angle shooting. In addition to its wide-view design, it features an air-gapless construction, in which the air space between LCD layers is eliminated to effectively reduce the reflection and dispersion of light for improved visibility during outdoor shooting. It also comes equipped with such convenient features as: the Outdoor View Setting mode, which instantly sets the optimum monitor brightness level for a given lighting condition; and a red-lighted monitor display function, which facilitates monitor viewing when the photographer’s eyes have become accustomed to a dark location during nighttime photography.
10?PENTAX Real-time Scene Analysis System
Supported by the combination of the approximately 86,000-pixel RGB light-metering sensor and the high-performance PRIME IV imaging engine, the PENTAX Real-time Scene Analysis System accurately and efficiently analyzes such factors as a brightness distribution in the image field and the subject’s primary color and motion. By adopting a breakthrough artificial intelligence technology called deep learning to its image detection algorithm,* this system assesses each individual scene more accurately while selecting the most appropriate exposure level and finishing touch for a given scene.
* Deep learning technology is available when the exposure mode is set to Scene Analyze Auto, or when the Custom Image mode is set to Auto Select.
11?Other features
Optional Accessories
Grip M (O-GP1671) and Grip L (O-GP1672)
Designed for exclusive use with the PENTAX KP camera body, these grips can be easily replaced with the standard Grip S (O-GP167) to accommodate the photographer’s shooting style or a mounted lens, or improve the camera’s operability and holding comfort. (Note: In North America, these accessory grips will come with the PENTAX KP.)
D-BG7 Battery Grip
Designed for exclusive use with the PENTAX KP, this battery grip features a dustproof, weather-resistant structure, and provides an extra set of control buttons (shutter release, AF/AE lock, exposure compensation/Fx3, and green), and a pair of electronic dials to facilitate vertical-position shooting. It comes with the Grip L for improved handling when a telephoto or large-aperture lens is mounted on the camera. In addition to the exclusive D-LI109 Lithium-ion Battery, it can also be powered by the large-capacity D-LI90 Lithium-ion Battery (a dedicated battery tray included), which is used to power the PENTAX K-1 and K-3II digital SLR cameras.
| Price | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $ 1099 (body only) |
| Body type | |
| Body type | Mid-size SLR |
| Body material | Magnesium alloy |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 6016 x 4000 |
| Other resolutions | 4608 x 3072, 3072 x 2048, 1920 x 1280 |
| Image ratio w:h | 3:2 |
| Effective pixels | 24 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 25 megapixels |
| Sensor size | APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | PRIME IV |
| Color space | sRGB, Adobe RGB |
| Color filter array | Primary Color Filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 100-819200 |
| White balance presets | 9 |
| Custom white balance | Yes (3 slots) |
| Image stabilization | Sensor-shift |
| Image stabilization notes | 5-axis, up to 5 stops |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Best, better, good |
| File format |
|
| Optics & Focus | |
| Autofocus |
|
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 27 |
| Lens mount | Pentax KAF2 |
| Focal length multiplier | 1.5× |
| Screen / viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Tilting |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 921,000 |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Optical (pentaprism) |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.95× |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/6000 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed (electronic) | 1/24000 sec |
| Exposure modes |
|
| Built-in flash | Yes |
| Flash range | 6.00 m (at ISO 100) |
| External flash | Yes (via hot shoe) |
| Flash modes | Auto, auto w/redeye reduction, flash on w/redeye reduction, slow sync, trailing curtain sync, manual, wireless |
| Flash X sync speed | 1/180 sec |
| Drive modes |
|
| Continuous drive | 7.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 12 secs) |
| Metering modes |
|
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±5 (2, 3, 5 frames ) |
| WB Bracketing | Yes |
| Videography features | |
| Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I supported) |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| HDMI | No (requires SlimPort adapter) |
| Microphone port | Yes |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11 b/g/n |
| Remote control | Yes (via remote cable or smartphone) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | Yes |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | D-LI109 lithium-ion battery & charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 390 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 703 g (1.55 lb / 24.80 oz) |
| Dimensions | 132 x 101 x 76 mm (5.2 x 3.98 x 2.99″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | Yes |
| GPS | Optional |
| GPS notes | O-GPS1 |
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
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Ricoh has taken the wraps off it’s newest DSLR, the APS-C format KP. Resembling a mini Pentax K-1, and inheriting some of the same features, the KP will replace the K-3 II in Ricoh’s APS-C lineup. We got our hands on a pre-production sample recently, and we’ve prepared a quick product tour.
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The KP really does look like a scaled-down K-1, with the same distinctive slab-sided Pentaprism hump. Ricoh tells us that they were aiming for a camera with a similar size as a competitive mirrorless model, but without sacrificing the experience of using an optical viewfinder.
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One major different between the KP and the K-1 is a built-in flash. It’s not particularly powerful (GN 6, at ISO 100) but should be useful for close-range portraiture and fill-in. Speaking (kind of) of low-light photography, the KP’s 27-point SAFOX 11 autofocus system should be usable down to -3EV.
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Probably the biggest upgrade in the KP compared to the K-3 II is its sensor. The KP boasts a 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor, with a maximum ISO sensitivity of ISO 819,200, supported by a built-in 5-axis ‘SR II’ stabilization system. Ricoh claims that this system will deliver an effective benefit of 5 stops of stabilization.
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The KP’s 3″ rear LCD features a resolution of 920k-dots, which is average for a midrange DSLR at this point. While it doesn’t offer the highest resolution on the market, it’s clear and detailed, and can also be tilted outwards.
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Sadly (hey, we’re nerds), the articulation mechanism is a conventional tilting hinge. There’s no sign of the K-1’s unique Apollo Lander-style struts. The tilting screen will be handy for several kinds of still photography, and also video. The KP’s video specification is relatively unremarkable (1080/30p) but it does feature a ‘4K Interval Movie mode’. This combines a series of 4K-resolution still images (3840 x 2160 pixels) taken at a fixed intervals to create a single movie file.
For those who want to output video to an external recorder or TV, do note that Ricoh has done way with the HDMI port on the KP. Instead, you need to buy a dongle which attaches to the ‘SlimPort’ (basically a microUSB jack with video output capability). RIcoh says the HDMI port was removed to keep the size of the camera down.
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Pentax has been adding options to the traditional PASM quartet for years, and the KP is no exception. It’s exposure mode dial is crowded with settings, and includes five (five!) custom ‘U’ preset positions plus Scene Analyze Auto, Program, Sensitivity Priority, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Shutter & Aperture Priority, Manual, and Bulb.
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This view shows off the KP’s nicely-sized front and rear control dials, and another top-mounted mode dial, with another three custom positions. This time for bracketing options, which include two new tools – ‘Motion Bracketing’ (shutter speed) and Depth-of-field Bracketing (aperture).
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A D-LI109 battery should deliver between 390-420 shots per charge, depending on flash use. This view shows off the rubber gaskets around the battery compartment door. Unusually these days, Ricoh calls the KP ‘weatherproof’ and claims that the KP is ‘dustproof and weather-sealed’ and capable of operating at temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 C).
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Here’s something else that’s a bit unusual – removable hand-grips. The KP ships with a medium-sized grip attached as standard, but with a few turns of an allen wrench…
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it can be popped right off, and replaced with smaller or larger grips, which are included in the box.
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The large grip goes especially well with the new optional battery grip.
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Please note that the grip shown here is an engineering prototype and is not cosmetically representative of the final shipping product (which will be more textured, and less shiny).
The D-BG7 Battery Grip can hold one extra battery, and an extra memory card (stowed, not as usable media). It will also be sold with a tray to adapt the K-70’s batteries to be used with the KP. The KP’s maximum shooting rate of 6 fps is not affected by the battery grip.
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Here’s that tray, in action.
The KP will be available on February 25 for a suggested list price of $ 1,099.95. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
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The Fujifilm X-T2 Graphite Silver Edition is now available for purchase from several online retailers for $ 1800 (without battery grip). This special edition brings all of the X-T2’s features alongside a triple-layer coating finish described as both ‘durable and aesthetic.’ The special edition camera is joined by an aluminum hot shoe, graphite silver EF-X8 shoe-mounted flash, and a leather camera strap.
The Graphite Silver’s triple-layer coating is preceded by an antioxidant treatment for the camera’s magnesium body, which is followed by the coating’s first layer, a matte black primer. That primer is then covered with paint particles using Thin-Film Multilayer Coating Technology, lending the graphite silver appearance. The last layer is a clear coat to add both shine and durability.
The camera has appeared on multiple retailers’ websites, including B&H Photo, Ace Photo, and Adorama. A model that includes a battery grip is also offered for $ 1900.
See more X-T2 Graphite Silver
hands-on photos
Via: Fujiaddict
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
[ By SA Rogers in Gadgets & Geekery & Technology. ]
If you’re that person who’s always asking for a ride or help moving, or you’re just too crazy busy to go grocery shopping or clean your own house, there’s a range of apps that could make your life a whole lot easier. Moving beyond the usual suspects like Uber and Amazon Prime Now, these city-centric apps streamline urban lifestyles, giving you assistance with things like transit planning, sharing rides, choosing a place to live, hiring people to assemble your IKEA furniture or getting liquor delivered to your doorstep.
Based in New York City, Via is a cab alternative in the vein of Lyft and Uber, but offers ride sharing, so you get into a car full of multiple passengers and pay less. The service charges a flat $ 5 fee for each of the first five rides and $ 7 thereafter (or still $ 5, if you buy the rides in advance.) Passengers are asked to meet their drivers on a street corner instead of being picked up at a specific location, and if you’re late, you have to wait for the next vehicle. It may not be the fastest way to get somewhere if you’re in a hurry, but it’s a cool alternative to city buses for everyday rides.
Which public transit route should you take at rush hour to avoid slowdowns? How did last night’s storm affect light rail service? Depending on what’s going on in the world, the flow of traffic changes. The Urban Engines app takes a variety of data points in big cities like Boston, Chicago, Seattle, Toronto and Los Angeles and uses them to determine which routes are best at which times. Best of all, it has an X-ray mode function that superimposes maps, bus or train routes and stops over the city as viewed through the camera lens of your phone, so you can easily find stops around you. It also continues working when there’s no mobile service as long as it has the right maps downloaded, so it won’t cut out underground.
Get groceries delivered from local stores (maybe even ones that aren’t included with Amazon Prime Now’s similar app service) via Instacart. The whole process is surprisingly fast, partially due to the fact that Instacart typically reserves its own checkout aisle at each participating store, ushering its shoppers through the lines. It’s pretty ideal for those times when you just can’t be bothered to leave the house (like when you’re sick, suffering from a hangover, or just really busy.)
Who doesn’t want wine, beer and liquor delivered to their door on demand? Drizly is an alcohol delivery app partnered with liquor stores in New York City, Los Angeles, Boston, D.C. and other cities, with a goal of building the biggest online catalog of booze available for delivery in the U.S.
These days, you can even order housekeeping and butler services on demand. ‘Hello, Alfred’ is an app that connects you to ‘carefully vetted’ helpers who visit your home once a week according to your desired schedule, doing chores like cleaning, grocery shopping, picking up dry cleaning and shipping your packages.
[ By SA Rogers in Gadgets & Geekery & Technology. ]
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Any seasoned landscape photographer can tell you that the moment spent actually pressing the shutter is just the tip of the iceberg – hours and even days are spent planning, getting into position and waiting for the right conditions. So the story behind Jack Fusco’s impressive new time-lapse, 61G Ocean Entry, might be familiar to landscape photo veterans.
Fusco and team traveled to Hawaii’s Big Island hoping to capture a somewhat rare occurrence: lava flowing into the Pacific Ocean from Kilauea Volcano. The goal was to capture a time-lapse of the stars along with the spectacular light show created by the flowing lava meeting ocean water.
If you watch the video above and you’ll see that Fusco’s mission was a success, but the behind-the-scenes story is equally fascinating. A rainy forecast and logistical challenges meant that the crew had to do a lot of thinking on their feet. All told, they came away with 1.3TB of data after 20 miles of hiking, hundreds of miles driven and very few hours spent sleeping. Was it worth the trouble? Take a look at the video and see for yourself.
Read the full behind-the-scenes story at Macphun’s blog.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
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The Sigma Art 85mm F1.4 DG HSM is one impressive piece of glass. We’ve got a number of portraits in our gallery, but we wanted to see how it fared in the streets too. In this update you’ll find a collection of street, architecture and cityscape photography.
See our Sigma Art 85mm F1.4
sample gallery
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
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Google opened up its Play app store to select Chromebook users last year, and now Adobe is offering versions of its Android Creative Cloud apps for the company’s browser-based notebook computers. The following apps will be available ‘in the coming weeks’ for certain Chromebook users:
The apps have been optimized for use on Chromebooks. They’re free to download and use without a Creative Cloud account, but certain features (such as exporting Raw files from Lightroom Mobile) are available only to CC subscribers. The apps can be downloaded to any Chromebook with access to the Google Play store (here’s a list of compatible devices,) including a group of Chromebooks being offered specifically for students as part of a beta program.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
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Photography website 500px has launched a new directory that aims to help photographers find new clients – and vice versa. The directory currently has more than 50,000 photographers listed across 191 countries and more than 11,000 searchable locations, according to 500px. This public launch follows the directory’s beta arrival back in December.
Photographers utilizing the directory can establish their own user profile, set rates for offline work, and directly communicate with clients. 500px says it will use the directory to locate photographers for ‘large corporate customer photography-on-demand assignments’ globally, and that clients can also use the directory to locate suitable photographers for their projects.
Currently all 500px users can access the entire directory right now, but the company says the directory will only be available to paid tier users starting in early April. Those interested can access the directory’s ‘Join’ page here.
In addition to the directory news, 500px has announced a new partnership with Adobe that’ll involve some of the best 500px photos being made available in the Adobe Stock Premium collection.
Via: 500px
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
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