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Posts Tagged ‘adds’

Leica adds 60mm F2.8 macro to TL lens lineup

02 Sep

Leica has announced a 60mm F2.8 macro lens for its TL-mount cameras, which is just the T (Typ 701) at this point.

The company was very short on details about the APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60mm F2.8 ASPH, aside from saying that it will have a 1:1 reproduction ratio and will arrive this Fall in black or silver. When mounted on the APS-C ‘T’, the lens will be equivalent to 90mm.

This will be the sixth lens for the TL mount.

Press release:

Leica Announces Newest Addition to the T Lens Portfolio: the Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60mm

All future lenses for the Leica T camera system will be marketed under a new name: “TL”

September 1, 2016 – Beginning today, a new prime lens is available for the Leica T camera system – the Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60 mm f/2.8 ASPH. Considered to be the reference lens in the APS-C segment, this lens delivers macro exposures with a reproduction ratio of 1:1 and impresses with best imaging performance.

Like the Leica Summilux-TL 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH., the Leica APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60 mm f/2.8 ASPH. is available in both black and silver.

With this new addition, the lens portfolio of the Leica T camera system now offers a total of six lenses – including three prime lenses and three zoom lenses – that together offer a range of focal lengths for every photographic situation. The two fast prime lenses, the Leica Summicron-TL 23 mm f/2 ASPH. and the Summilux-TL 35 mm f/1.4 ASPH, are classic focal lengths for reportage photography. The APO-Macro-Elmarit-TL 60 mm f/2.8 ASPH. complements them ideally as a lens for finely detailed close-up photography. Finally, the three compact zoom lenses, the Leica Super-Vario-Elmar-TL 11–23 mm f/3.5–4.5 ASPH., Vario-Elmar-TL 18–56 mm f/3.5–5.6 ASPH., and APO-Vario-Elmar-TL 55–135 mm f/3.5–4.5 ASPH., cover an entire range of focal lengths equivalent to 17 to 200 mm in 35 mm format and deliver outstanding images with rich contrast from corner to corner of the frame.

As the Leica T and the new Leica SL share the same L bayonet mount, the name ‘TL’ will be implemented for all new Leica T lenses moving forward. Thanks to the flexibility offered by the TL-Lenses for a wide range of applications on cameras with the L-Bayonet, Leica once again showcases the company’s fundamental principle of system-compatibility and sustainability and offers users access to an even wider portfolio of Leica products

All Leica TL-Lenses impress with outstanding imaging performance at lengths that range from infinity to their closest focusing distance and deliver images with the unique Leica look and bokeh. Designed by the optical engineering specialists in Wetzlar, the lenses all offer the exceptional imaging performance for which Leica lenses are renowned. The combination of optical and technical expertise and the use of only the finest materials guarantee consistent quality and reliability in every situation.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Peak Design adds Range Pouch to Everyday lineup

01 Sep

Peak Design has added the Range Pouch to its lineup of versatile Everyday camera bags. The pouch is designed to carry a lens on a belt, in a bag or on a strap, and is available in three sizes. The smallest is designed for kit and prime lenses, and the large will fit up to a 70-200mm. The pouches pack down flat when not carrying a lens, and the larger models can be configured to fit a couple of smaller lenses stacked on top of each other.

Right now the Range Pouch is available as an add-on when you back Peak Design’s current Kickstarter campaign. The small Range Pouch can be added for $ 29, the medium for $ 34 and the large for $ 39. Following the campaign, the small will cost $ 35, the medium $ 40 and the large $ 45.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Fujifilm adds XF 23mm F2 R WR to all-weather lens lineup

26 Aug

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Fujifilm has announced the Fujinon XF 23mm F2 R WR, adding a 35mm equiv. prime to its weather-resistant X-mount lineup. The lens offers water and dust resistance and will work in temperatures as low as 14°F /-10°C. Built with a metal housing, it provides a ring for aperture control and uses a stepping motor that Fujifilm claims is capable of focusing speeds as fast as 0.05 seconds when paired with the phase detection AF systems of the X-Pro2 and X-T2. It’s made up of 10 elements in 6 groups and uses a 9-blade aperture. 

The Fujinon XF 23mm F2 R WR will go on sale in September for $ 449.95.

Press release:

FUJIFILM ANNOUNCES THE NEW FUJINON XF23mmF2 R WR

Compact, lightweight and stylish XF23mmF2 R WR expands high-performance X Series lenses

Valhalla, N.Y., August 25, 2016 – FUJIFILM Corporation has announced the new FUJINON XF23mmF2 R WR, a compact, weather and dust-resistant wide-angle lens weighing just 180g. The new lens joins the lineup of X Series digital camera lenses known for their outstanding image quality. The XF23mmF2 R WR has a highly versatile focal length (35mm in 35mm format equivalent), covering a range of subjects from snapshots to landscapes and portraits. Its compact, lightweight design and high-speed autofocus (AF) capability allow users to enjoy taking pictures quickly and easily.

The XF23mmF2 R WR gives users advanced image resolution, capable of drawing out the full performance of the proprietary Fujifilm X-TRANS CMOS sensor. It has a similar size and design to the existing XF35mmF2, adding to a stylish collection of compact lenses. The inner-focus AF system uses a stepping motor to drive lightweight focusing elements for silent and fast autofocus. When combined with the phase detection AF system of the FUJIFILM X-Pro2 and X-T2, the lens can focus in an astonishing 0.05 seconds.

The metal exterior gives users a feeling of premium quality and robustness, and the aperture ring and focus ring have been designed with just the right amount of clicking and torque for optimum feedback and operability. The lens is weather and dust resistant and operates at temperatures as low as 14°F / -10°C, making it an ideal choice for outdoor photography.

FUJINON XF23mmF2 R WR Key Features:

  • FUJIFILM X-Mount is compatible with all FUJIFILM X Series interchangeable system cameras
  • Weather-resistant design capable of operating at temperatures as low as 14°F / -10°C
  • 10 elements in 6 groups with 2 aspherical elements
  • Super EBC (Super Electron Beam Coating) ensures high performance by reducing both flare and ghosting
  • 9 blade aperture creates smooth and circular bokeh
  • Minimum working distance of less than 9 inches
  • Fast and silent autofocus of 0.05 seconds
  • Compatible with the vented metal hood “LH-XF35-2” (also compatible with the XF35mmF2 R WR).

The FUJINON XF23mmF2 R WR will be available in September 2016 for USD $ 449.95. It will initially be available in Black only.

Fujifilm XF 23mm F2 R WR specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type Prime lens
Max Format size APS-C / DX
Focal length 23 mm
Image stabilization No
Lens mount Fujifilm X
Aperture
Maximum aperture F2
Minimum aperture F16
Aperture ring Yes
Number of diaphragm blades 9
Optics
Elements 10
Groups 6
Special elements / coatings 2 aspherical elements + Super Electron Beam Coating
Focus
Minimum focus 0.22 m (8.66″)
Maximum magnification 0.13×
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Stepper motor
Full time manual Yes
Focus method Internal
Distance scale No
DoF scale No
Physical
Weight 180 g (0.40 lb)
Diameter 60 mm (2.36″)
Length 52 mm (2.05″)
Sealing Yes
Colour Black, silver
Filter thread 43.0 mm
Hood supplied Yes
Hood product code LH-XF35-2
Tripod collar No

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Edelkrone Wing adds non-motorized gliding to any tripod

25 Aug

Edelkrone has launched Wing, a non-motorized sliding armature that attaches to a tripod and glides a camera in a straight line without rails.  Wing has a total gliding range of 40cm / 16in and is made from CNC machined lightweight aluminum. According to Edelkrone, Wing is designed to stay out of the shot at all points.

When collapsed, Wing measures 147 x 45 x 66cm / 5.7 x 1.7 x 2.6in and weighs 0.54kg / 1.2lb. The unit features a 3/8”-16 mounting port on the bottom and a standard 1/4”-20 mounting screw on the top, as well as locking and drag adjustment mechanisms to fix the camera in place or alter the amount of friction.

Wing is available to purchase now for $ 249.

 
Via: Gizmodo

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Firmware update for Sony a7R II improves stability, adds support for radio controlled flashes

19 Aug

Sony has released a firmware update for its a7R II full-frame mirrorless camera which improves camera stability while adding support for the company’s new radio controlled lighting system.

The official list of improvements in version 3.30 include:

  • Support for Radio Controlled Lighting System
  • Improved stability in picture shooting mode (by optimizing temperature control)
  • Allows for HDMI output while using Remote Camera Control software
  • Improves overall stability and operability of the camera

The firmware is now available and can be downloaded right here.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Cascable remote control app adds support for 50 cameras

13 Aug

Cascable, a Wi-Fi-based camera remote control app for Apple devices, has been updated to version 2.0. This update is a major one, adding both new features and additional support over the previous version. Most notably, Cascable 2.0 now supports 50 camera models from Sony, Canon, Nikon and Olympus. It also adds a new Night Mode dark theme, faster image previews and better photo management.

According to Cascable, user feedback indicated that version 1.0’s photo preview method was too cumbersome. To remedy this, Cascable 2.0 automatically provides a preview of a shot as soon as it is taken, though at a lower resolution than the original photo. Photo management has also been improved by showing the most recent photos first, and any photo can now be quickly previewed using Force Touch or a tap.

Finally, Cascable says the latest software version has better handling of RAW + JPEG workflows, namely via the elimination of duplicate images. Users can zoom into images at a 1:1 resolution, and metadata with a histogram is now presented during fullscreen photo viewing.

Cascable 2.0 uses a different payment structure compared to the 1.x versions, being made available as a free base app with ‘Pro’ feature packs that cost $ 9.99 individually (there are three total) or $ 24.99 as a bundle. The update is free to all existing customers. Cascable 2.0 is available to download now from iTunes.

Via: Cascable Blog

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Elinchrom adds Sony compatibility to its high speed sync Skyport Plus HS wireless controller

11 Aug

Lighting manufacturer Elinchrom has introduced a version of its high speed sync Skyport remote flash trigger and controller that is compatible with Sony cameras. The new Skyport Plus HS transmitter allows Sony camera users to synchronize their shutter with Elinchrom flash heads using speeds of up to 1/8000sec. The system has been in use for some time for Canon and Nikon users, but now Elinchrom has added Sony to the list of camera brands with which the transmitter works.

Elinchrom’s high speed sync system is called Hi-Sync and varies from hotshoe style flash units in the way it produces light for short shutter speeds. While HSS modes in speedlights tend to use pulsing flash that gradually covers the camera sensor as the shutter slit passes by, Hi-Sync just uses a relatively long-duration burst. The company has introduced a system it calls OverDrive Sync that allows the user to calibrate the timing of the burst to the opening and closing of the individual camera’s shutter to ensure the two events coincide. This ODS system also allows a certain degree of exposure manipulation as photographers can tailor their shutter to different segments of the flash output curve.

The Skyport Plus HS 2.4GHz radio transmitter has a range of 200m/656ft when used without obstruction between the camera and the head, and 60m/196ft when used indoors. It system offers 20 channels for normal shooting and 20 more for high speed shooting, which can be arranged in 4 groups, and an AF illuminator to assist in low light conditions.

The Elinchrom Skyport Plus HS costs $ 249.95 USD / €249 EUR / £199 GBP.

For more information see the Elinchrom website.

Sony camera compatibility

 A7  A7 ll  A7r  A7r ll  A7s
 A7s ll A33 A37 A55 A57
A77 A77 ll A99 A100 A230
A290 A330 A350 A380 A390
A450 A500 A550 A560 A580
A700 A850 A6000 RX1 NEX-7K

Press release:

Elinchrom expands the family of EL-Skyport Plus HS transmitters to Sony users !

Since the launch of the Skyport Plus HS for Canon and Nikon, Sony users have been patiently awaiting their dedicated Transmitter. As promised, the most advanced Skyport ever is now available to Sony users. This will give them the ability to control and visualize power settings for all their compatible Elinchrom lights and the capability to shoot at speeds up to 1/8000s in Hi-Sync mode.

Visual Feedback Interface
The Large LCD display of the Skyport HS features two-way control via a visual feedback interface that lets you see the exact power up to 10 compatible Elinchrom lights in your setup right on the transmitter.

Users can control the modelling lamp and power of each flash unit directly from the Skyport transmitter, which instantly shows the updated settings.

This provides unsurpassed levels of “two-way communication and control” for every light in your setup, right from your camera.

Hi-Sync opens up the world of flash photography
Elinchrom Hi-Sync technology lets you go beyond the X-Sync of your camera. Photographers can simply switch to Hi-Sync mode and access sync speeds up to 1/8000s to freeze motion, overpower the sun, darken backgrounds or use a wider aperture. The ODS (Over Drive Sync) enables users to fine tune the Skyport Plus HS transmitter’s trigger signal to optimize exposure at high shutter speeds while gaining up to 2 more f-stops of light.

Even more
The Skyport HS has 20 frequency channels that can be used for either Normal or Speed mode. The transmitter attaches easily and securely to the hotshoe with its one-touch quick-lock mechanism, and is powered by 2x AA batteries. Users can also enjoy a range of up to 656ft (200m) outdoors, and up to 196ft (60m) indoors.

The Skyport HS continues the Elinchrom commitment to quality
Providing photographers with tools to enhance their shooting experience whilst also showing how Elinchrom is looking firmly ahead to the future. The Skyport HS represents a seamless extension of the EL-Skyport family since it is also compatible with the three previous generations of Elinchrom flash units (those using the EL-Skyport Transceiver RX module for Style RX, Digital RX, and Ranger RX systems, and those with integrated EL-Skyport modules for the BRX, D-Lite RX, ELC Pro HD, and ELB series.)

Other camera systems are currently being evaluated for future release.

EL-Skyport Plus HS Features
* Large LCD with unique, real-time display of remote flash power settings
* Easy access buttons and rotation ring for fast setup and control
* 20 Channels, 4 Groups for Normal and Speed Sync Modes
* Hi-Sync, up to 1/8000sec with Sony, Canon and Nikon cameras
* Extended working range up to 656ft (200m)
* AF Illuminator and sure-lock mounting foot
* USB port for future-proof upgrades

The EL-Skyport Transmitter Plus HS is now available for Sony, Canon and Nikon cameras.
EL19371 – EL-Skyport Transmitter Plus HS for Sony
EL19366 – EL-Skyport Transmitter Plus HS for Canon
EL19367 – EL-Skyport Transmitter Plus HS for Nikon
Street Price: $ 249.95 USD / €249 EUR / £199 GBP

Specifications
Frequency Band : 2.4 GHz
Channels : 40; (20 in Normal mode – green / 20 in Speed mode – red)
Groups : 4: 1, 2, 3, 4
Flash synchronization :
Normal: limited to the native X-sync of your camera
Hi-Sync mode: up to a 1/8000 sec.*
2nd curtain sync: only Canon
Range : Up to 200m (656’) for triggering
AF Assist Beam : Yes
Connection :
Foot for Sony hotshoe (19371) Canon hotshoe (19366) and Nikon hotshoe (19367)
Mini-USB for firmware updates
2.5 mm remote release
Power source : 2x AA batteries
Indicators and Controls :
LCD screen display:
Sync mode, group, channel, ODS activation, Hi-Sync activation, shutter mode, remaining battery power, flash unit name, flash unit ID, flash unit power level, flash unit modelling level.
Buttons:
Group selection, test, rotation ring to change values, confirmation, on/off and refresh.
There are also 4 buttons with variable functionality:
Power +/-, Modelling lamp off/prop/free, Individual unit selection and setup on the dashboard. Menu up, menu down and exit in the setup menu.
Dimensions : 84.1 x 68.3 x 58.5 mm (3.3 x 2.7 x 2.3”)
Weight : 120 g ( 0.27 lbs.) without batteries

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon D500 firmware update adds workaround for SD card errors

13 Jul

Nikon has released a firmware update for the D500, correcting the card error issue we discussed in our D500 review. The error — which happened once in our office and has been reported by many camera owners — manifests when some UHS-II SD cards are used (Lexar cards seem to be particularly affected). According to Nikon, these card errors are resulting from the cards themselves, not the camera.

The update takes the D500’s firmware from version 1.01 to 1.02, and only corrects the card error. Per Nikon’s changelog, the new firmware does the following:

Download Nikon D500 firmware version 1.02

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon releases new firmware for D5: Improves video and adds flicker reduction

23 Jun

Nikon has released new firmware for its flagship D5 DSLR. There are four main improvements included in firmware v1.10, which address some of the frustrations that we had with the D5 in our full review.  

Video Recording Upgrades:

  1. Movie maximum recording time extended to 29 minute 59 seconds, including for 4K UHD video
  2. Electronic VR for more stable hand-held Full-HD*1/HD video recording added

Still Photography Upgrades:

  1. Flicker reduction function for still photography added, minimizing exposure variations
  2. 9-point dynamic-area AF added, offering more selective focus on a moving subject 

Press release:

Further advance of Nikon D5 digital SLR camera performance through expanded functions

Tokyo – Nikon Corporation has released new firmware, C: Ver. 1.10, that expands the functions of its flagship Nikon FX-format digital SLR camera, the D5.

The D5 has been extremely well received on all fronts, winning such globally prestigious photo and imaging awards as the TIPA Awards 2016, and the Camera GP (Grand Prix) 2016 Readers Award (sponsored by Japan’s Camera Journal Press Club), which is selected through voting by users.

Nikon has released new firmware for the D5, C: Ver. 1.10, that enhances D5 performance even further. The new firmware offers a major upgrade to the camera’s shooting capabilities, delivering four key improvements. First, the maximum recording time of movies, including for 4K UHD movies, is extended, and three functions — Flicker reduction for still images, 9-point dynamic-area AF AF-area mode, and Electronic VR for movies — are added. In addition to these four major changes, some additional updates* have been applied to the new firmware.

  • *Details regarding “additional updates” are provided on the firmware’s free download page (Nikon Download Center).

Release overview

The new firmware is available for download from June 23, 2016. It can be downloaded free of charge from the following URL.

  • *The camera’s current firmware version can be checked using the Firmware version option in the setup menu.

Four major improvements

1. Maximum movie recording time, including for 4K UHD movies, extended to 29 min. 59 s

Movies up to 29 minutes 59 seconds in length can now be recorded at all Movie quality and Frame size/frame rate settings. The new firmware increases the maximum recording time of even 4K UHD (3840×2160) movies from 3 minutes to 29 minutes 59 seconds. In addition, movies are recorded to up to eight separate files, each of which has a file size of up to 4 GB. Separate movie files can be combined to create a single movie using ViewNX-Movie Editor.

  • •The maximum recording time for 4K UHD time-lapse movies is 3 minutes.

2. Flicker reduction for still images added for more stable exposure under lighting that flickers

When shooting under fluorescent and some other types of artificial lighting, flickering may cause uneven exposure in parts of images and/or variations in exposure and color reproduction characteristics between individual images captured continuously or in quick succession. We have equipped the new firmware with a Flicker reduction function for still images*1 that reduces these effects. When Flicker reduction is enabled, the camera detects peak brightness as light flickers and automatically times shutter release with these peaks in brightness for stable exposure and color reproduction characteristics. This function is effective when continuous shooting is used for indoor sporting events or similar situations captured at fast shutter speeds*2.

  • *1Still images captured during viewfinder photography (not available with mirror up mode).
  • *2The continuous shooting rate may decrease.

3. 9-point dynamic-area AF AF-area mode added for focusing on a limited portion of a moving subject

With dynamic-area AF, the camera focuses based on information from surrounding focus points* if the subject briefly leaves the focus point selected by the photographer. The D5 originally supported 25-point, 72-point and 153-point dynamic-area AF. A 9-point dynamic-area AF option has been added with the new firmware. This new option is effective for focusing on a more specific portion of a moving subject.

  • *In dynamic-area AF with 9, 25 or 72 points, the number of focus points actually used may be fewer than 9, 25 or 72, depending on the selected primary focus point.

4. Electronic vibration reduction function, effective with hand-held recording, added (for HD and full-HD*1 movie recording)

The new firmware has been equipped with an Electronic VR function that reduces the effects of camera shake with hand-held recording of movies in the FX- or DX-based movie formats (image areas)*2. The effects of camera shake in three directions — vertical (up and down), horizontal (left and right), and rotational (around the center of the lens) — are reduced. This function is effective when recording movies in places or situations in which use of a tripod is prohibited or inconvenient, or when there simply isn’t time to set one up. In addition, electronic VR can be used in combination with the optical vibration reduction (VR) built into a NIKKOR lens for more effective reduction of the effects of camera shake.

  • *1Not available with 1920 x 1080 crop settings.
  • *2The angle of view will be reduced slightly.
  • The effects of electronic VR are also reflected when photos are captured during movie recording (Live frame grab).
  • When Electronic VR is enabled, the maximum sensitivity allowed is ISO 102400, even if ISO sensitivity is set to Hi 0.3 or higher.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Facebook adds 360 photo viewing to iOS and Android apps

10 Jun

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)

 
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