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Posts Tagged ‘Announces’

Elgato announces Stream Deck XL and Stream Deck Mobile

29 May

Elgato, now a subsidiary of Corsair, has announced Stream Deck XL and Stream Deck Mobile. Stream Deck XL is a new, larger version of its original Stream Deck, while Stream Deck Mobile is an iOS app that emulates the Stream Deck experience on your iPhone or iPad.

Stream Deck XL

The Stream Deck XL features 32 keys (8×4), more than double that of the 15 keys (5×3) the original Stream Deck had. Like the original Stream Deck though, the Stream Deck XL features the same functionality, with the ability to almost infinitely customize various shortcuts and macros needed to streamline your video or photo editing workflow, thanks to built-in support for various post-production applications including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere and more.

The unit measures 182cm x 112cm x 34cm (7.17in x 4.41in x 1.34in) and fixes two of the biggest complaints we had in our review of the original Stream Deck: it now has a much more sturdy stand and it features a detachable USB-A to USB-C braided cable that measures 1.5m (60in). Not only is the 45-degree stand more robust, it’s also magnetic, making it an easy snap-on, snap-off for when you want to move it around and lay it flat on a desk.

The Stream Deck XL is available to purchase for $ 249.95.

Stream Deck software update

Elgato has also announced an update to its Stream Deck software (version 4.3) for macOS and Windows. The update now adds support for new programs, additional customizability options and overall addresses various bugs. It can be downloaded directly from Elgato’s download page.

Stream Deck Mobile

If you don’t want to purchase a physical Stream Deck, you can now have similar functionality using your iOS device. Elgato has taken the custom shortcut experience and brought it to iOS via a new app called Stream Deck Mobile. As its name suggests, the app effectively brings the Stream Deck experience to your smartphone by creating a collection of shortcuts that can be accessed and triggered via your iOS device.

There’s no word on whether or not Elgato plans on making an Android version, but on iOS, the app can be downloaded and used for free as a three-day trial. After the trial, you can opt to pay either $ 2.99 per month or $ 25 per year for the full experience.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Lomography announces Petzval 55mm F1.7 lens for full-frame mirrorless systems

25 May

Lomography has announced it’s opened pre-orders for the Petzval 55mm F1.7 MKII, its first lens designed specifically for full-frame mirrorless cameras.

According to Lomography, the lens ‘is created with discerning photographers and filmmakers in mind’ and ‘designed to allow full creative flexibility, with its 7 levels of Bokeh Control and Dual Aperture system.’ Like other Lomography lenses, the Petzval 55mm F1.7 MKII comes with various plates to shape the bokeh in images.

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Below is a gallery sample photos captured with the Petzval 55mm F1.7 MKII and shared by Lomography:

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The lens is available Sony E, Canon RF and Nikon Z mounts and comes in three varieties: black brass, satin-finish brass and black anodized aluminum for $ 499, $ 449 and $ 399, respectively. Pre-orders are open now; the first aluminum units are expected to ship in July 2019 and brass units will follow shortly after in August 2019.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Godox announces redesigned X2T with Bluetooth and better handling

22 May

Chinese flash manufacturer Godox has released details of an updated trigger that will have a redesigned button layout, a larger display panel and Bluetooth to allow flashes to be controlled from a smartphone.

The Godox X2T has the same hotshoe for shoot-through flash as the X1T, but now has individual buttons for each flash group on the top panel to make selection and adjustment quicker and easier. The control dial has also been moved to the base of the unit, to make it accessible to the photographer’s left hand.

Other new features include a wider display panel with a new and clearer user interface, as well as a quick-lock for the foot instead of the old locking wheel. A scanning setting automatically detects the most secure channel, and Bluetooth support allows users to control and trigger their flash units using the GodoxPhoto app on Android and iOS smartphones and tablets.

As before, the trigger will be compatible with Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm, Olympus/Panasonic and Pentax cameras and their respective TTL systems. The X2T uses 2.4GH for a wireless control range of up to 100m, and can operate across 32 channels with 99 wireless ID settings. It has a USB socket for firmware updates and is powered by two AA batteries.

The company has yet to reveal pricing or when it intends to begin shipping, but you can find more information on the Godox website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Rokinon announces pricing, availability of its new 45mm F1.8 lens for Sony full-frame cameras

13 May

Rokinon, known in other markets as Samyang and Bowers, has announced the pricing and availability of its new AF 45mm F1.8 lens for Sony full-frame camera systems.

The lens, which Rokinon calls ‘tiny but premium’ is the latest in its ‘Tiny Series’ lens lineup. The optical construction consists of seven elements in six groups, including two aspherical elements and one extra-low dispersion element. Certain elements inside the design also feature Rokinon’s ‘Ultra Multi-Coating,’ which is said to reduct flaring and ghosting.

Inside, it features an autofocus motor for Sony camera systems, a nine-blade aperture diaphragm and an aperture range between F1.8 and F22.

While the lens was designed for full-frame Sony mirrorless cameras, it can also be used with Sony APS-C models where it ends up being a 67.5mm equivalent focal length lens. The lens measures in at 61.8mm (2.43in) by 56.1mm (2.21in) and weighs just 162g (5.7oz).

The Rokinon AF 45mm F1.8 lens is available to pre-order for $ 399 on B&H and has a suggested retail price of £349.99 in the UK. Orders are expected to ship at the end of May 2019.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Venus Optics announces pricing, availability of its Laowa 100mm F2.8 2:1 macro lens

10 May

Venus Optics has announced that the Laowa 100mm F2.8 macro lens it first showed at Photokina last year will cost $ 449 and will begin shipping at the end of this month. The 100mm Ultra-Macro APO lens can achieve 2:1 magnification and joins the company’s 60mm F2.8 with the same magnification ratio to create a unique line-up of macro optics.

The version designed for Canon EF mount has electronic contacts to drive aperture control and EXIF data

The lens will be available for Canon EF, Nikon F and Sony FE mounts, and will come with slight variations depending on the mount version. The Canon model is chipped and has an aperture motor to enable body-controlled aperture changes and for EXIF data to be stored in the image. The Canon version will also has a nine-bladed iris, while the Nikon model features a seven-blade aperture diaphragm. The Sony FE version of the lens will has a 13 blade aperture diaphragm.

Below are a few sample photos provided by Laowa:

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Laowa says it has worked hard to suppress chromatic aberrations, not only in focused areas but also areas not covered by the depth-of-field – which it points out is a problem for many other lenses.

A tripod collar is available for an additional $ 30. For more information see the Venus Optics website.

Press release:

Venus Optics announces availability and pricing for Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2:1 Ultra Macro APO

Featuring a 2 times life-size reproduction with no visible CA, the new Laowa Macro is a high quality and versatile macro and portrait lens.

China, 7 May 2019 – Venus Optics, the camera lenses manufacturer who had previously launched a number of unique Laowa camera lenses, is proud to announce the availability and pricing of the new Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2X Ultra-Macro APO lens.

Followed by the success of the Laowa 60mm f/2.8 2:1 Macro, the 100mm f/2.8 2:1 Macro is the 2nd member of Laowa 2:1 macro line-up. This new 100mm lens can cover full frame sensor and focus from 2:1 magnification to infinity. 100mm is a more popular focal length for macro photographers. However, all of the current 100mm macro lenses in the market can only achieve 1:1 (life-size) or even smaller magnification. Shooting with smaller bugs is usually a challenge for macro photographers. The wider magnification range of the new Laowa Macro allows photographers to capture subjects at any size, making it one of the most versatile macro lens in the market. Despite having the wider range, Venus Optics manage to compress the size of the lens to the minimal and it is similar to other 1:1 macro lens in the market.

Laowa 100mm 2:1 Macro lens also features an apochromatic (APO) characteristic that chromatic aberration is invisible. Chromatic aberration (CA) is one of the most challenging topic for optics designer as it can usually ruin a perfect image. Some of the macro lenses in the market controls the chromatic aberration at the ‘in-focus’ area really well but the CA is uncontrollable in ‘out-of-focus’ rendition. The Laowa 100mm, however, delivers an exceptional performance on chromatic aberration suppression, both at the ‘in-focus’ area as well as ‘out-of-focus’ area. The subject in the image will not be polluted of any unwanted color fringing.

The Canon version of the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2:1 Macro lens is integrated with a CPU chip and aperture motor. Photographers can now control the aperture and exposure through the camera itself and record the EXIF data into the photos. A focus indicator will also be shown in the camera to assist focus. This new feature also benefits macro photographers when composing at smaller f-stop as the aperture will only close when shutter is released, making the viewfinder so much brighter.

Not only it is an exceptional macro lens, the Laowa 100mm f/2.8 is also a very decent portrait lens when focus to infinity. The 12 elements in 10 groups optics design delivers a crystal sharpness image in both macro and infinity distances. The bright f/2.8 and circular aperture renders softly diffused bokeh and isolates the subject from its background. The lens has an internal focusing structure that will not extend when focus is changed. A multi-layer coating has also been applied to reduce lens flare and ghosting for increased contrast. Canon EF, Nikon F and Sony FE mounts are currently available.

Pricing & Availability

The suggested retail selling price in US of the new Laowa 100mm f/2.8 2:1 Ultra Macro APO lens is USD 449/pc (ex-VAT). Pricing varies in different countries.

The lens is now available to order from Venus Optics authorized resellers and official website (http://www.venuslens.net/) . Shipping is expected to start from late May onwards.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon announces the RF 85mm F1.2 L USM lens, the first RF lens to feature its BR optics

09 May

Canon has released the RF 85mm F1.2 L USM lens, a medium telephoto lens that’s the first RF lens, and only the company’s second lens, to feature Canon’s Blue Spectrum Refractive (BR) Optics. It will sell with a recommended price of $ 2699. There’s no news of the DS ‘Defocus Smoothing’ variant Canon has said is in development.

The lens features a new optical design compared to the EF version of the 85mm F1.2 II USM lens that includes one aspherical element, one ultra-low dispersion (UD) glass element and the aforementioned BR optics, which is placed between the concave and convex lenses and is designed to eliminate longitudinal chromatic aberration (typically seen as purple and green fringing in front of and behind the focal plane). In total, it contains 13 elements in 9 groups. Canon has also included its Air Sphere Coating (ASC), which helps to minimize lens flare and ghosting.

The RF 85mm F1.2 L USM lens has an aperture range of F1.2 through F16, a minimum focus distance of 85cm (2.79ft), an 82mm front filter thread and is weather-resistant with a dedicated fluorine coating. Like other RF lenses, the RF 85mm F1.2 features a customizable control ring at the front of the lens that can be used to adjust exposure compensation, aperture, ISO or shutter speed.

Below are three high-resolution sample photos provided by Canon:

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The lens measures in at 10.4cm (4.1″) diameter, 11.6cm (4.6″) long and it weighs 1.2kg (2.6lbs). Compared to its EF counterpart, it’s both wider, longer and heavier.

The Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM lens is currently available to pre-order (Adorama, B&H) for $ 2,699 and is set to ship in June 2019.

Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM Specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type Prime lens
Max Format size 35mm FF
Focal length 85 mm
Image stabilization No
Lens mount Canon RF
Aperture
Maximum aperture F1.2
Aperture ring No
Number of diaphragm blades 9
Aperture notes Circular aperture blades
Optics
Elements 13
Groups 9
Focus
Minimum focus 0.85 m (33.46″)
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Ring-type ultrasonic
Full time manual Yes
Focus method Internal
Distance scale No
DoF scale No
Physical
Weight 1195 g (2.63 lb)
Diameter 103 mm (4.06″)
Length 117 mm (4.62″)
Sealing Yes
Power zoom No
Zoom lock No
Filter thread 82 mm
Hood product code ET-89
Tripod collar No

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Aputure announces the Spotlight Mount, an add-on to shape light just right

09 May

New and unique in the world of light modifiers, Aputure have announced its new Spotlight. This unit interfaces with their range of C.O.B. lights, including the recently announced 120D MK II.

After the recent reveal at NAB 2019, more details have emerged for this unique light modifier. There are three lenses available at launch—19°, 26° and 36—each of which are user interchangeable to give either wider coverage or more pinpoint accuracy. This, together with the iris and shutter, allow more flexible creative options in shaping the beam.

Key features

  • Bowens mount to interface with Aputure’s 120D, 120D Mk II and 300D lights.
  • Available with a 19°, 26° or 36° lens.
  • Dual slots for included Gobo frame and gel holder or optional iris.
  • Internal shutters for precise beam shaping.
  • Lightweight aluminum die-cast alloy construction.
  • Dual Junior/Baby mount.
  • Includes B size Gobos
Precision lenses reduce chromatic aberrations and fall off

The Spotlight uses newly developed lenses to minimize color fringing at the edges of the projected beam circle down to less than 1 mm at 0.5 m. The new high resolution optics give 10x the native light output when used with a 120 D Mark II. This is combined with minimal light fall off and a color shift of less than 200° Kelvin.

The dual mount system also enables the spotlight to be mounted easily on C stands in the field or under slung on the lighting grid in the studio. Below is a quick video from Newsshooter detailing the new Aputure Spotlight:

The Aputure Spotlight is available to pre-order (Adorama, B&H) with one of the three lenses for $ 499. The lenses are also available separately at $ 259 (Adorama, B&H), as is the optional iris at $ 99 (Adorama, B&H). The Aputure Spotlight and accessories are expected to ship mid-May.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Viltrox announces 85mm F1.8 autofocus lens for Sony E-mount cameras

27 Apr

Chinese camera accessory manufacturer Viltrox has announced a new 85mm F1.8 autofocus lens for Sony E-mount camera systems.

The lens, which has an aperture range of F1.8 to F16, is designed for full-frame Sony cameras, but also works as a 127.5mm equivalent on APS-C cameras. It’s constructed of ten elements in seven groups, including one extra-low dispersion element and four specialty elements made from ‘highly transparent glass,’ which Viltrox says reduces aberrations and improves color rendering. Viltrox also uses an ‘HD Nano’ multi-layer coating on individual elements to minimize ghosting and flares.

A stepping motor (STM) is used to drive the autofocus and the lens features a minimum focusing distance of 80cm (2.62ft). The front filter size is 72mm and integrated contacts power the aperture mechanism and deliver EXIF data to compatible Sony cameras.

Viltrox doesn’t provide the dimensions of the lens, but it weighs 636g (1.4lbs). One of the more interesting elements of the lens is an integrated microUSB port located on the rear metal mount of the lens. This connector is used to upgrade the lens’ firmware, which is currently listed as version 1.01 at launch.

B&H currently has the Viltrox 85mm F1.8 STM Lens for Sony E-mount available to pre-order for $ 379. The expected shipping date is May 6, 2019.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Tamron announces new 35-150mm F2.8-4 lens for Canon, Nikon cameras

26 Apr

Tamron has announced the 35-150mm F2.8-4 Di VC OSD lens for Canon EF and Nikon F mounts.

The lens, which Tamron says is a ‘dedicated portrait lens,’ is constructed of 19 elements in 14 groups including three Low Dispersion elements (LD), three hybrid aspherical elements and a features Tamron’s Broad-Band Anti-Reflection (BBAR) coating throughout the lens to reduce ghosting and flares. Its maximum aperture range is F2.8 through F4 while its minimum aperture range is F16 through F22, depending on what focal length the lens is set to, and it features a nine blade aperture diaphragm.

Autofocus on the lens is powered by Tamron’s Optimized Silent Drive (OSD) DC motor and the image stabilization is done with Tamron’s Vibration Compensation (VC) technology, which is CIPA-rated for up to five additional stops of stability.

The lens features a minimum focusing distance of 45cm (17.7in) across the entire zoom range, a 77mm filter thread and a fluorine coating on the front lens element to protect against water and oil. The lens measures in at 124.4mm (4.9in) long and weighs 790g (27.9oz) for the Nikon F mount version, and measures 126.8mm (5in) long and 796g (28.1oz) for the Canon EF version. Tamron’s TAP-in ConsoleTM can be used with this lens to update the lens’ firmware and make fine adjustments to the autofocus and vibration compensation motors inside.

The Tamron 35-150mm F2.8-4 is currently available for pre-order at B&H for $ 799 (Canon EF, Nikon F).

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon announces COOLPIX W150 kid-friendly waterproof digital camera

24 Apr

Nikon has announced the COOLPIX W150, a colorful and rugged point-and-shoot digital camera that’s shockproof from drops up to 1.8m (5.9ft), waterproof down to 10m (33ft), dustproof and coldproof down to -10C (14F). The new model features a 13-megapixel sensor and a 3x optical zoom NIKKOR lens, Target Finding AF, multiple scene modes and support for recording Full HD videos with stereo audio.

Nikon has positioned the W150 as a digital camera suitable for both adults and children; the camera maker utilized a modified user interface that is simple enough for first-time users to navigate. The camera supports SnapBridge for automatically transferring images from the camera to an Android or iOS device.

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The W150 includes a few unique scene modes, including ‘underwater face framing,’ ‘add clarity underwater,’ ‘picture-in-picture’ and ‘add little planet effect.’ Other features include image lock, Smile Timer, Exchange Messages for adding voice messages to photos and a grading function for rating images and videos.

The Nikon W150 will be available in white, orange, blue, flower and resort color and pattern options. Nikon hasn’t made any mention of pricing or availability yet.

Press release:

Nikon releases the COOLPIX W150 compact digital camera

A waterproof and shockproof camera with a wide variety of scene modes and editing functions to offer users an enjoyable shooting experience

TOKYO – April 23, 2019 – Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is pleased to announce the release of the COOLPIX W150, a compact digital camera that offers superior water- and shock-proofing.

The COOLPIX W150 is a highly water-, shock-, cold- and dust-proof camera that supports shooting in a wide variety of situations, including capturing leisure activities at the pool or beach. A compact, rounded design makes it easy to handle for both children and adults alike. The addition of new and appealing color options and patterns to the camera body will make shooting leisure activities even more enjoyable.

The camera offers an effective pixel count of 13.2 million*1 pixels, and is equipped with a 3x optical zoom NIKKOR lens. It is also equipped with functions that make recording photos and movies with superior image and picture quality fun and easy for anyone. These include the Target Finding AF*2function, where the camera detects and focuses on the primary subject, and a function for recording Full HD movies*3 with stereo sound.

It also offers a variety of scene modes*4 and editing functions that allow users to capture memories and experiences in impressive photos. The variety of scene modes and effects allow users to explore unique possibilities and share these photos and movies with their loved ones.

Its compatibility with SnapBridge allows photos taken with the camera to be automatically downloaded*5 to a smart device*6 for easy sharing of high-quality photos.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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