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Archive for June, 2017

Trash Beats Tesla: This Powerful DIY Electric Car Cost Just $13K to Build

20 Jun

[ By SA Rogers in Technology & Vehicles & Mods. ]

Made from the corpse of a 1997 BMW 528i salvaged from a junkyard and other recycled parts, this DIY electric car beats the Tesla Model S P100D’s mile range at a tiny fraction of the cost. The Tesla boasts a range of 335 miles per charge, while the ‘Phoenix’ by Eric Lundgren gets 380 miles. Lundgren and his team built the Phoenix in 35 days for just $ 13,000, and hopes the attention his trash car is getting will encourage carmakers with more cash to do more material recycling.

Founder and CEO of information technology organization ITAP, Lundgren bought the 20-year-old E39 generation BMW 528i and removed most of the interior – including the rear seats, dashboard, center console and trim – in order to save weight (yes, that’s the catch.) He added a 130kWh battery pack that uses cells from EV and laptop batteries to power the car, which takes up most of the space where the backseat would normally be.

To test his creation, Lundgren pitted it against three popular electric vehicles: the Tesla, a Chevy Bolt and a Nissan Leaf. All four competed in a trip across Southern California to see which one would last the longest. The Leaf ran out of juice first after 81 miles, followed by the Model S at 238 miles. The Bolt managed to squeak out 271. The BMW never ran out of range at all – instead, it blew a fuse after 340 miles with 32 percent of its charge left on its battery pack. In a second test, the Phoenix ran directly against the Tesla, getting 382 miles to the 100D’s 315.

Clearly, the fact that so much of its weight has been removed while the Tesla is loaded down with luxury options makes a difference in the result, but so should the fact that Tesla is working with top-quality, brand-new parts. For Lundgren, that’s not really the point.

“Re-use is the purest form of recycling. It creates zero carbon footprint. Re-using parts/components within broken/obsolete electroncis is called ‘hybrid recycling.’ This is a much-needed and often missing part of the recycling ecosystem.”

[ By SA Rogers in Technology & Vehicles & Mods. ]

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Firmware v1.1.1 for Canon 5DS and 5DSR fixes HDR mode and level display

20 Jun

Canon has released firmware version 1.1.1 for its EOS 5DS and 5DS R full-frame DSLR models. The new firmware fixes a number of user-reported bugs, including an issue in HDR mode that prevents the camera from completing a full bracket with certain settings.

Other fixes include:

Err70 display which with certain combinations of settings
Correction of level display when the camera is held in vertical orientation with the hand grip pointing downward
Correction of a power-up delay of approximately five seconds when using certain CF cards

You can download firmware version 1.1.1 for the Canon EOS 5DS and EOS 5DS R now on the Canon website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Fujifilm X-A3 sample gallery

20 Jun

Photo by Jeff Keller

Despite its modest MSRP, Fujifilm’s entry-level X-A3 has dual control dials, a tilting touchscreen, and the same 24MP sensor from the company’s flagship models – but with a traditional Bayer color filter array instead of X-Trans. We’re pushing through our full review, but in the meantime, check out how it performs with a variety of the company’s prime and zoom lenses.

See the Fujifilm X-A3 sample gallery

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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LG launches G6+ with wireless charging and improved G6 software

20 Jun

If you liked the performance of the LG G6 dual-camera in our review but still weren’t quite convinced by LG’s 2017 flagship, maybe the G6+ – announced today – will win you over.

The G6+ retains most of the original G6 specification including the 13MP dual-camera with super-wide-angle lens, but doubles the internal storage to 128GB and brings Qi wireless charging to the feature set. In addition, it will come with premium B&O headphones included in the box. The Plus model will also offer a few new color options, including Optical Marine Blue, Optical Terra Gold and Optical Black. A special coating will make the back panel change hue with the angle of reflected light. No information on the G6+ pricing and availability has been released yet.

In addition to launching the Plus model, the original G6 is also getting a boost: a new software version brings face recognition functionality for unlocking the device. The new feature allows you to unlock by just lifting the G6 up and pointing the front camera towards your face.

The Low Power Consumption feature is also new and makes use of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 chipset’s ability to improve battery usage. It collects data from sensors and optimizes power usage, depending on your location and movement. Other new features include fine volume control of the Hi-Fi Quad audio and automatic call recording for pre-defined numbers.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Varjo ’20/20′ VR headset to offer ‘human eye resolution’ bionic display

20 Jun

Comparison image (shot with a Sony RX100 IV) viewed through Varjo’s ‘bionic’ display (above) and an Oculus headset. Image courtesy Varjo

Poor display resolution is one of the hurdles VR needs to overcome if it’s going to gain traction with a larger audience. That’s why Finnish company Varjo is actively developing a virtual reality/augmented reality headset codenamed ’20/20,’ a moniker that refers to its ‘human eye resolution’ display. While the Oculus Rift offers approximately 1.2MP for each eye, Varjo aims to far exceed that resolution at 70MP, though with a twist: the ’20/20′ headset tracks which objects the wearer is looking at, rendering those objects at a very high resolution while objects in the wearer’s peripheral vision are lower resolution.

Varjo hasn’t gone into great detail about the technology behind its headset, though Engadget reports that it is using what the company calls a ‘bionic display’ alongside ‘foveated eye tracking,’ the combination of which makes its VR ’10 years ahead of the current state-of-the-art.’ The company claims to employ scientists who previously worked at Intel, Microsoft, and NVIDIA, among others.

The company goes on to claim that its ’20/20′ headset can also be used for augmented reality and mixed reality applications, though details on both are slight at this time. Likewise, information on Varjo’s launch plans are unclear, though the company states that pro-tier ‘Varjo-branded products’ will start shipping in the fourth quarter of this year. Varjo offers several photos comparing its display technology with that of existing VR headsets here.

Via: Engadget, Varjo

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Report: Ricoh announcing cost cuts in face of crisis

20 Jun

According to a report by Nikkei Ricoh is facing its biggest crisis ever and will have to cut costs in order to survive. Ricoh’s Imaging and Solutions division, which predominantly produces printers and accounts for 90% of Ricoh’s consolidated sales has been struggling the most. Nikkei reports that ‘Ricoh is staring at huge losses as the market for multifunctional printers, Ricoh’s cash cow, evaporates and its global sales network racks up high costs.’

In light of this situation Ricoh’s new President and CEO, Yoshinori Yamashita, has set a target of reducing costs by 100 billion yen ($ 912 million) through March 2020. He is also quoted as saying that the company’s new policy is to rid itself of the ’emphasis on market share above all else.’

According to the report the lion’s share of the cost cuts will be realized in Ricoh’s global sales and services network which comprises of more than two-thirds of the company’s 100,000 global employees. At this point it is not clear if and how Ricoh’s imaging brands, such as Pentax, the Theta 360 degree cameras or the R Development kit live-streaming VR camera will be impacted by the cost reductions. When Nikkei reported earlier this spring that Ricoh was considering leaving the camera business, Ricoh denied that it was considering such a move.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Video: insane drone footage shows Muscle Beach in the early a.m.

20 Jun

Drones are not easy to fly. As a novice drone enthusiast myself, I’ve become acquainted with the learning curve that comes with taking to the skies. As a result I’m always amazed by highly skilled drone pilots and their videos. But some videos go above and beyond simply inspiring: they make you question the very laws of physics and space.

The video above, filmed at Santa Monica’s famed Muscle Beach, falls into this category. It was posted by Vimeo user Robert McIntosh, whose page features a ton more awesome drone videos. A bit of research reveals that he shoots most of his footage with a 250 mm mini quadcoptor that is likely custom-built – with an action camera mounted to it. The small size explains its uncanny ability to squeeze through tight spaces mid-flight.

Sure, the sound effects in the video are a bit silly, but McIntosh’s flight skills and the resulting footage are nothing short of breathtaking – which makes me feel either inspired or intimidated. I’m not sure which.

Also, you can check out the original clip, before stabilization right here. There’s also a few outtakes near the end.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Move over Nikon: Gitzo celebrates 100 years with pricey, limited-edition tripods

20 Jun

Gitzo is celebrating 100 years since the founding of its brand by Arsène Gitzhoven, and to commemorate the occasion they’ve released two special edition tripods. The 100 Year Anniversary Edition Tripod features a ‘new high-appeal look and feel’ as well as features standard on the Traveler Series tripods: Carbon tubing, 180-degree leg folding and the company’s G-lock mechanism. Only 1917 of them will be sold, but if that’s not exclusive enough for you, there are only 100 Arsène Gitzhoven Traveler Tripods to be had.

The Arsène Gitzhoven Traveler features an all-carbon fiber construction. Each one will be laser engraved with its production number from 1/100 to 100/100 as well as an engraving of its owner’s signature. It’ll set you back $ 3000; the 100 Year Anniversary Edition will sell for $ 1500. Each will be available from ‘select dealers.’

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Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Pixel Peeper lets you check the Lightroom edits made to a JPEG

20 Jun

Pixel Peeper is an EXIF viewer that will show how a JPEG was edited in Lightroom – provided it was, you know, edited in Lightroom. This photo wasn’t.

Freelance web developer Piotr Chmolowski is the creator of Pixel Peeper, a simple web application that displays EXIF information and any Lightroom edits made to an image. By uploading any JPEG image (the site’s fine print states that photos are not saved to a server) you’ll see the camera and lens used to make the image, exposure settings, and the positions of each Lightroom adjustment slider – provided the owner of the image hasn’t chosen to hide that data.

I made a little website that takes a JPG image and shows you how it was edited in Lightroom (+ camera settings)https://t.co/EFG3UhMdTS pic.twitter.com/P8EaienbZ2

— Piotr Chmolowski (@p_ch) June 19, 2017

The site is quick and certainly easy to use. Chmolowski mentions that he’s looking to add an option that would use an image’s URL rather than requiring the user to download an image they’re curious about. If you’ve often wondered how a particular image was edited, it might be worth bookmarking Pixel Peeper for future reference.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Lush Labels: 15 Bold & Beautiful Botanical Packaging Designs

19 Jun

[ By SA Rogers in Design & Products & Packaging. ]

Representing all that’s fresh, lush and alive, botanical illustrations can make even the most boring everyday products seem life-sustaining, highlight the potential of a simple bag of dirt and turn takeout coffee cups into fashion accessories. They’re especially effective on personal care products, tea, liquor bottles and other products that go in or on our bodies. This selection of botanical product packaging is so gorgeous, it’s tempting to just keep them on shelves for decor long after the contents are gone.

Pure Health Products by Philippe Tyan

This series of packages created for a theoretical health supplement company by Philippe Tyan makes getting your vitamins seem a whole lot more pleasant with beautiful illustrations of fanciful plants.

Allis Gluten-Free Packaging by Maison d’Idee

Hummingbirds hover around an array of enticing flowers on Allis range of gluten-free flour (see what they did there?) in this series by Maison d’Idée.

Wolffer Estate Gin by IWANT

A special-edition pink gin by Wolffer Estate is set off perfectly in a transparent bottle with botanical labeling by IWANT design.

Superfly Juice by B&B Studio

B&B Studio created this ‘no logo’ bottle for Superfly, a new addition to Firefly’s juice range, which is a collaboration with one of the world’s most influential mixologists.

Vila Florida by Lo Siento Design

“This bar and restaurant is located inside a civic center with a garden, and the entire image seeks to evoke that atmosphere,” says Lo Siento design of its ‘Vila Florida’ project. “Featuring botanical elements and bright green as the only color, the result is fresh and natural.”

360Photography

Archive for June, 2017

Trash Beats Tesla: This Powerful DIY Electric Car Cost Just $13K to Build

Firmware v1.1.1 for Canon 5DS and 5DSR fixes HDR mode and level display

Fujifilm X-A3 sample gallery

LG launches G6+ with wireless charging and improved G6 software

Varjo ’20/20′ VR headset to offer ‘human eye resolution’ bionic display

Report: Ricoh announcing cost cuts in face of crisis

Video: insane drone footage shows Muscle Beach in the early a.m.

Move over Nikon: Gitzo celebrates 100 years with pricey, limited-edition tripods

Pixel Peeper lets you check the Lightroom edits made to a JPEG