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Google brings the National Parks to your living room with 360-virtual tours

26 Aug

In honor of the National Parks Centennial birthday celebration, Google has partnered with the National Parks Service to bring a unique and exciting virtual immersion experience to your fingertips. The Hidden Worlds of National Parks is a new exhibit that is part of Google’s larger Arts and Cultures Exhibit and Documentary series. In this new series, users will be able to visit and interact with some of the more obscure National Parks in the United States, such as the Dry Tortugas in Florida and the Kenai Fjords in Alaska through VR and 360 degree video tours.

In the video experience a National Parks service ranger will guide you through one of the five park options. Users will be taken on unique guided tours such as a hike through the lava flows in Hawai’i, a kayaking trip through the Fjords in Alaska or a snorkeling trip through the coral reefs in the Dry Tortugas of Florida.

The virtual tours are available online and in the Google Arts & Culture App which is available for both iOS and Android device platforms.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Astropad 2.0 brings better performance and increased compatibility

04 Aug

Astropad, the app that turns your iPad into a graphics tablet for your Mac, has released its first major update. Astropad 2.0 comes with a range of improvements that allow for a more responsive drawing experience and increased compatibility with Mac software packages. The makers of the app claim the technology is so good that users are starting to replace their Wacom tablets with Astropad.

The new version of Astropad comes with the following improvements:

Astropad’s LIQUID technology, which allows for very smooth operation at 60 fps, has been upgraded to run three times faster and with significantly reduced pixelation.
The new velocity control analyzes network conditions at a very high frequency to find the optimal balance between image quality and latency.
Astropad 2.0 uses 3x less CPU power and 4x less memory than before, extending the iPad’s battery life.
The pressure curve has been refined for a more natural drawing feel.
Ehanced software capability means that the app now supports panning and zooming gestures across more software applications, including: Affinity Designer, Affinity Photo, Art Rage, Clip Studio Paint, Lightroom, Mischief, Autodesk Sketchbook.
The cursor can now be auto-hidden while drawing.
The user interface has been updated for a sleeker look and feel.

The update to Astropad 2.0 is free for existing users. Anyone else can purchase the app now for $ 29.99 on the Apple App Store. Astropad 2.0 works on all iPads with iOS 8 and all Macs with 10.9 (Mavericks) or later.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Wolffepack Capture brings unique swinging access design to a photography backpack

24 Jul

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Taking your backpack off once to grab your camera gear isn’t a big deal. Having to do it over and over throughout the course of a day is a royal pain. That’s why David Wolffe dreamed up the Wolffepack – a backpack designed so that the user can swing the main compartment in front of themselves while keeping the straps on their shoulders. With a few models already on the market, the company is now looking to produce the Wolffepack Capture, designed specifically for photographers.

Sling and messenger-style bags are easier to swing around and grab gear out of while keeping your bag on your shoulder, but they don’t offer the even weight distribution of a backpack. Hence, the Wolffepack Capture employs a release cable that attaches to one of the straps. Pulling and releasing the cord lowers the pack while the straps stay fixed – the wearer can then swing the bag around front and grab their gear. Wolffepack calls this its ‘orbital trapeze technology.’

The Wolffepack Capture includes a removable, padded ‘pod’ designed to hold a DSLR with lens as well as two additional lenses. The bag also makes room for a 15″ laptop and can hold a tripod in either of its two side pockets. The Capture is made of water-resistant polyester and a nylon waterproof rain cover is included. The cord attaching the main pack to the rest of the bag is made of Kevlar, carbon fiber and Dyneema, a combination that Wofflepack calls ’15x stronger than steel.’

The Wolffepack Capture has launched on Kickstarter, where the company is looking for funding before putting the bag into production. They estimate the Capture will ship to customers in November. Currently, a pledge of $ 152/£115 will get you a Capture with camera pod – full MSRP is expected to be about $ 225/£170.

What do you think – a great idea or kind of wacky? Let us know in the comments.

Press release:

Wolffepack Capture: The Ultimate Backpack for Cameras and Access launches on Kickstarter

July 20th 2016

The award-winning team from Wolffepack have just adapted their unique Wolffepack access system for photography, and are now launching the Wolffepack Capture, the ultimate backpack for cameras and access.

This follows their successful Kickstarter in November 2014 with their first concept, Wolffepack, the world’s first Orbital Backpack.

Wolffepack Capture is a revolutionary new camera bag that allows you to swing your gear round to your front whilst still strapped to your back. It offers groundbreaking gains in easier access, better workflow and greater security.

This innovation comes with a unique set of features:

Rapid Access: Wolffepack’s unique system swings your camera bag swiftly round to your front without unstrapping, for rapid and easy access.
Padded Carry: a custom-designed and removable padded pod to hold camera, lenses and accessories that sits inside the top of the backpack. Removing the pod converts the Capture into an access backpack for everyone.
Ergonomic Workflow: the top of the bag opens in a clean one-handed single movement, allowing the pod entrance to naturally open in an ‘aperture action’. This presents the camera in the perfect position to grab, shoot and replace.
Hands-free Platform: Wolffepack’s system allows you to stow the bag on your front, creating an ideal platform to work cleanly and hands-free on shooting, lens changes, or reloading storage.
Customisable Loading System: with a moveable internal shelf, there are spaces for both camera equipment and everyday gear in 3 different configurations

Wolffepack’s radical new concept in backpack design has won an ISPO Award 2016 for product excellence, following its December 2015 Good Design Award from the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Design, and its Good Design Award 2015 from the Japan Institute of Design Promotion in November. It has also been nominated for a prestigious 2017 German Design Council Award.

Wolffepack Capture takes camera backpack design to a whole new level. The custom-designed padded pod includes all the pouches and compartments you need to safely carry and organise your camera, lenses and accessories. The customisable loading system stores away your belongings exactly how you need them – the camera pod docked and locked safely in one section, your day gear and belongings tucked away in the other. Alternatively, the 2 compartments can be converted into one large space. Stowing the bag to your front means you can work cleanly and safely without ever needing to put your backpack down on wet or dirty ground.

The ingenious expetoSYSTEM®, a patented orbital trapeze technology that frees the bag to rotate around the body on a super-strong cord system, is now available to the world of photography. It incorporates durable, high-performance materials such as Dyneema cords (15 times stronger than steel), Kevlar and carbon fibre componentry, as well as the latest magnetic catches.

David Wolffe, founder and inventor, said: “Since our Kickstarter success in 2014, we’ve been inundated with enquiries and requests to design a camera bag. As a photographer myself I always thought we’d produce a design for cameras. Now the Wolffepack Capture is finally here it has come out even better than I imagined.“

The Wolffepack Capture provides fast and easy access, comfort and convenience, not just for photographers but for everyone. It has been crafted with cameras in mind, but offers an innovative hands-free advantage for anyone on-the-go, from the commuter to the hiker, the parent to the traveller. With the camera pod removed, it’s the perfect backpack for access for everyone.

The Wolffepack story started with a seed in the mind of David Wolffe, a former Finance Director who quit his corporate career to develop the Wolffepack® backpack. A successful initial campaign on crowdfunding website Kickstarter to boost the first production run of the Wolffepack® reached 157% of its funding goal and generated preorders in 28 countries.

Some of the international acclaim the Wolffepack® has earned includes coverage on Channel 4 Television, in The National Geographic Traveller Magazine, The Independent, The Daily Express, The Daily Mail, The Telegraph, Der Spiegel and in many technology reviews including Neuerdings and Gizmag.

Wolffepack Capture- The Ultimate Backpack for Cameras and Access

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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DxO OpticsPro 11 brings advanced Raw noise reduction

02 Jun

DxO has updated its OpticsPro software to version 11. OpticsPro 11 brings improvements to one of the last generation’s headline features – ‘PRIME’ noise reduction. DxO promises that PRIME 2016 offers improved bokeh protection and better detail retention, particularly in shadows. Processing times have decreased, and users can expect up to 4X faster performance.

A new spot-weighted option is now offered under ‘DxO Smart Lighting’, limiting the effects of ‘Smart Lighting’ tone-mapping to local areas of the image (that you can define). This helps preserve overall contrast, particularly in detected faces. DxO demoed the feature for us, and it really helped curb the flattening effect of too high a ‘Smart Lighting’ setting.

The hallmark of DxO OpticsPro is the profile-based automatic corrections the software performs simply reading the metadata of your Raws. On top of that, smart algorithms like ‘Smart Lighting’ really help get you a good starting point, while remaining customizable in their effect. Do you rely on DxO OpticsPro for your images and, if so, what’s your favorite aspect of the software?

Let us know in the comments below the Press Release.

Press Release:

DxO OpticsPro 11 introduces new innovations in advanced RAW image processing

DxO PRIME 2016 noise reduction technology and automated spot weighted corrections are indispensable tools for photographers

Special discounts on all DxO software through June 30, 2016

PARIS & SAN FRANCISCO—June 1, 2016—DxO, a world leader in digital imaging technologies, announces the immediate availability of DxO OpticsPro 11, a major update to its award-winning photo software for Mac and PC. DxO OpticsPro 11 introduces important enhancements to DxO PRIME, the industry-standard for noise reduction, and new automated tools, such as spot weighted correction, auto microcontrast and auto red-eye that leverage face detection to help bring out the subtle nuances in images — all in just a few clicks and regardless of the original shooting conditions.

DxO PRIME 2016, better and faster

DxO OpticsPro 11 features DxO’s proprietary DxO PRIME 2016 noise reduction, which enables photographers to salvage noisy photos thought previously unusable. With DxO OpticsPro 11, photographers can capture new images at an even higher ISO by using a new version of PRIME that is better and faster than ever. DxO PRIME 2016 better preserves bokehs and smooth transitions, retains more details, and more faithfully preserves colors in dark areas, and it does this all automatically by reading each camera’s precise calibration data. And through an intense effort to adapt and optimize this technology, DxO PRIME 2016 is now able to process RAW files up to 4x faster than before — in fact, the higher the ISO, the bigger the benefit of processing time.

“The new DxO PRIME noise reduction is nothing short of amazing,” said professional photographer Mike Mezeul, “it gives me the ability to capture images at incredibly high ISOs and still render out incredibly rich, detailed, and noise-free images.”

Automated Spot Weighted Corrections

The image scientists at DxO have designed a new enhancement to DxO OpticsPro’s Smart Lighting tool that uses face detection to apply an intelligent tone map on the entire image, to better extend the dynamic range, add fill light, and improve contrast while optimizing illumination on faces. The result is genuine spot processing—after capture—with the very same results as spot metering typically provides in camera, but with the added benefit of fine-tuning flexibility.

“The image scientists at DxO have done it again,” said Camilla Ferrari, professional photographer and DxO ambassador, “by using face detection, the new spot weighted correction is able to apply even a very strong level of Smart Lighting, while keeping the people in my images looking much more natural and pleasing to my eye.”

Other enhanced tools, including new full screen mode

DxO OpticsPro 11 also adds a number of other useful tools for photographers, including an auto microcontrast mode that enhances image content while taking care to preserve faces and keep noise under control. The selective tone control produces more natural results, efficiently recovering information in shadows and highlights while avoiding flattening midtones, and there’s also a new tool that uses face and eye detection to automatically apply red eye correction, even as a batch process on multiple photos. In addition, a brand new full screen viewer removes distracting clutter so you can focus more on selecting, rejecting and rating your images, while using new shortcuts designed to help speed up the culling process.

Even more cameras supported

Without any user intervention (apart from simply viewing your image) DxO OpticsPro will read the metadata in your photo, and prompt you to download the appropriate camera/lens module. With that module, OpticsPro automatically and intelligently applies corrections such as distortion, chromatic aberration, vignetting, and lens softness. And with this latest release, DxO OpticsPro 11 adds support for a number of new cameras, including Nikon’s new flagship D5, bringing the total number of supported camera/lens combinations to well over 28,000!

Pricing & Availability

The ESSENTIAL and ELITE editions of DxO OpticsPro 11 for Mac and Windows are immediately available in the DxO online store (shop.dxo.com) and at photo resellers at a special discount through June 30, 2016:

GBP:

• DxO OpticsPro 11 ESSENTIAL Edition : £79 instead of £99
• DxO OpticsPro 11 ELITE Edition : £119 instead of £159

(Suggested retail prices, including VAT)

Photographers who acquired or upgraded a DxO OpticsPro license on or after April 1, 2016, are entitled to a free upgrade to version 11.

A fully-functional trial version of DxO OpticsPro 11, good for one month, is available on the DxO website: http://www.dxo.com/en/photography/download

About DxO

DxO develops the world’s most advanced image processing technologies, which have enabled over 300 million devices to capture the highest quality images achievable. DxO’s award-winning OpticsPro software lets serious photographers quickly and easily make their best photos look even better, and the DxO ONE miniaturized camera has redefined mobile photography with a design that pairs perfectly with iPhone and iPad to capture DSLR quality images that are instantly available to share with family, friends and followers.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Weather-resistant Fujifilm 2x teleconverter brings 1219mm focal length to X-Series

19 May

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Fujifilm X-Series users will soon be able to purchase a 2x teleconverter compatible with two of the company’s telephoto zoom lenses, delivering a maximum equivalent focal length of 1219mm for its interchangeable lens compact system. The XF2X TC WR teleconverter will be weather and dust-resistant when used with the X-T1 and X-Pro2 camera bodies combined with the XF50-140mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR and XF100-400mm F4.5-5.6R LM OIS WR lenses.

Fujifilm says that the teleconverter will deliver an angle of view equivalent to that of a 1219mm lens on a full frame camera when it is used with the 100-400mm lens, once the crop factor of the APS-C format is taken into account.

The converter consists of nine elements in five groups and adds 30.2mm to the physical length of the camera/lens set-up. With the 2-stop light loss, the AF system of the X-cameras will revert to contrast detection with the 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 lens, but phase detection will still work with the 50-140mm F2.8. Both lenses will need a firmware update in order to operate with the new teleconverter so that adjusted aperture and focal length values can be recorded in the EXIF data and displayed on-screen.

Fuji suggests that the converter will be compatible with other lenses in the X-Series range, and has set up a website on which it promises to post information about future lens compatibility.

The Fujifilm XF2X TC WR teleconverter will be available in June priced £349. For more information visit the Fujifilm website.

Press release:

Fujifilm announces the FUJINON XF2X TC WR Teleconverter

High-performance weather and dust resistant teleconverter with excellent optical design to be added to the X-Series interchangeable lens line-up in June

FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Shigehiro Nakajima) is proud to announce that the new FUJINON TELECONVERTER XF2X TC WR, a teleconverter extending the telephoto area of some X Mount lenses*1, will be added to the mirrorless digital camera X-Series interchangeable lens line-up in June 2016.

The FUJINON TELECONVERTER XF2X TC WR is a high-performance teleconverter, capable of multiplying the focal length of mounted lenses*1 by two. It features excellent optical design with a construction of 9 elements in 5 groups to maintain the optical performance of the original lens.

In addition, thanks to the unified design when mounted to a compatible lens*1, the teleconverter is weather and dust-resistant and operates at temperatures as low as -10°C. This makes it possible to be used with confidence outdoors when used with the weather and dust-resistant X-T1 and X-Pro2 camera bodies, and the XF50-140mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR and XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR lenses.

*1 Compatible lens (As of May 19, 2016)
XF50-140mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR = 100-280mmF5.6 with teleconverter mounted (Equivalent to 152-427mm on a 35mm format)
XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR = 200-800mmF9-11 with teleconverter mounted (Equivalent to 305-1,219mm on a 35mm format)

1. Main Features

(1) High image quality design which maintains the optical performance of the original lens

Construction of 9 elements in 5 groups maintains the optical performance of the original lens.
By using the optimal image quality parameters for the overall characteristics of the original lens and 2x teleconverter, excellent imaging performance with great aberration suppression is still achieved.
The aperture becomes two f-stops higher when the teleconverter is mounted, and the camera displays and records information reflecting the change in aperture and focal length.

(2) Autofocus performance

Phase detection AF is still available when using the XF50-140mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR with the 2x teleconverter mounted.
Contrast Detection AF is still available when using the XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR with the 2x teleconverter mounted.
Accurate focusing at super-telephoto focal lengths with shallow depth of field is possible thanks to the AF performed by the image sensor, thanks to the ‘Live View’ feature on the cameras.

(3) The optical image stabilization performance

The camera’s optical image stabilization performance*2 is unaffected by the addition of the teleconverter

*2CIPA guidelines, at telephoto end.

(4) Weather and dust-resistant and -10°C low-temperature operation

Using the teleconverter with a weather-resistant camera, such as the FUJIFILM X-T1 or X-Pro2 mirrorless digital camera and the FUJINON XF50-140mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR or FUJINON XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR lens does not affect the weather resistance of the system.

(5) High-grade subtle appearance

The teleconverter’s high grade metal exterior has been designed with the X system in mind. When attached to a compatible FUJINON lens, the two products appear as one single lens.

2. Main Specification

Type	FUJINON LENS XF2X TC WR
Lens construction	9 elements 5 groups
Focal length	2x that of original lens
Max. aperture	2 additional stop
Min. aperture	2 additional stop
Focus range	Approx. same as that of original lens
Max. magnification	2x that of original lens
External dimensions: Diameter x Length (distance from camera lens mount flange)	Approx. ?58mm x 30.2mm
Weight (excluding lens caps)	Approx.170g

4. Support Information

A firmware update is required for the FUJINON XF50-140mm F2.8 R LM OIS WR and FUJINON XF100-400mm F4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR lenses in order to provide full compatibility. This firmware is planned to be available at the beginning of June 2016. Please note that when updating firmware, make sure to update the latest camera firmware before updating the lens.

Please refer to the following website for information on how to confirm your firmware version and its update methods. http://www.fujifilm.com/support/digital_cameras/software/fw_table.html
Please be sure to check the following website as we will continue to update it with information regarding mountable lenses. http://fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/x/fujinon_lens_xf2x_tc_wr/

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Canon PowerShot SX620 HS brings 25x optical zoom to pocketable form

11 May

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Canon has announced a refresh to its compact superzoom lineup in the form of the PowerShot SX620 HS. It offers a 25x optical zoom covering an equivalent 25-625mm range, outdoing the 25-450mm equiv. range of its SX610 predecessor. The SX620 maintains a 20.2MP sensor, 3″ 922k-dot LCD, Intelligent image stabilization and built-in Wi-Fi with NFC.

The Canon PowerShot SX620 HS will be offered in your choice of black, red or silver for $ 279.99 and will be available later this month.

Press release:

SHARE MEMORIES ON THE GO WITH NEW COMPACT, CONNECTED POWERSHOT SX620 HS DIGITAL CAMERA

Latest Canon PowerShot Digital Camera Provides Impressive Image Quality and Zoom Range in a Compact Size

MELVILLE, N.Y., May 11, 2016 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, introduced today the new Canon PowerShot SX620 HS digital camera – ideal for individuals looking for a convenient, easy-to-carry compact digital camera capable of producing high-quality photos and videos. This new camera boasts a 20.2 Megapixel* CMOS imaging sensor and a powerful 25X Optical Zoom lens (25-625mm equivalent) in a form factor that will easily fit in a pocket or purse, making it an ideal camera for those passionate about photography to capture gorgeous imagery no matter where they are.

The camera’s built-in wireless capabilities make it convenient to share images and videos on the go, and its powerful 25X optical zoom lens makes it ideal for those wanting to zoom in and out of the action. The Canon PowerShot SX620 HS digital camera is a great companion for those looking to visually document their daily adventures and easily share their experiences as they explore new places and do new things.

As the successor to Canon’s PowerShot SX610 HS digital compact camera, the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS digital camera also features:

An Intelligent Image Stabilizer (IS) that helps optimize image stabilization for virtually shake-free images in a variety of shooting conditions
Built-in Wi-Fi®** and Near Field Communication (NFC™)*** to allow for easy sharing and transferring of images and videos to a personal computer or other compatible devices such as the Canon Connect Station CS 100
20.2 megapixel* CMOS sensor with DIGIC 4+ Image Processor to help deliver stunning image quality, even in low light
The ability to capture spectacular 1080p Full HD video
Large 3.0-inch (approximately 922,000 dots) LCD to allow for easy viewing, even from a wide angle
Hybrid Auto mode that allows for recording up to four seconds of video before each image that is captured, then automatically combines each clip and still into a quick video recap of the day
Smart AUTO mode which intelligently selects the proper settings for the camera based on pre-defined shooting situations to help create the best possible image
Creative Shot mode that uses composition, color and lighting from an original image to create unique images with an artistic flair
An Auto Zoom feature that, when enabled, makes the camera automatically zoom in on subjects and help keep them in focus

Canon’s PowerShot SX620 HS digital camera, available in black, red and silver, is scheduled to be available in May 2016 for an estimated retail price of $ 279.991.

1 Availability, pricing and specifications are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.

* Image processing may cause a decrease in the number of pixels.

** Compatible with iOS® versions 7.1/8.4/9.0, Android™ smartphone and tablet versions 4.0/4.1/4.2/4.3/4.4/5.0/5.1. Data charges may apply with the download of the free Canon Camera Connect app. This app helps enable you to upload images to social media services. Please note that image files may contain personally identifiable information that may implicate privacy laws. Canon disclaims and has no responsibility for your use of such images. Canon does not obtain, collect or use such images or any information included in such images through this app.

*** Compatible with Android smartphone and tablet versions 4.0/4.1/4.2/4.3/4.4/5.0/5.1.

Canon PowerShot SX620 HS specifications

Price
MSRP	$ 279
Body type
Body type	Compact
Sensor
Max resolution	5184 x 3888
Other resolutions	4:3 (5184 x 3888, 3648 x 2736, 2048 x 1536, 640 x 480), 16:9 (5184 x 2912, 3648 x 2048, 1920 x 1080, 640 x 360), 3:2 (5184 x 3456, 3648 x 2432, 2048 x 1368, 640 x 424), 1:1 (3888 x 3888, 2736 x 2736, 1536 x 1536, 480 x 480)
Image ratio w:h	1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels	20 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors	21 megapixels
Sensor size	1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
Sensor type	BSI-CMOS
Processor	DIGIC 4+
Color space	sRGB
Color filter array	Primary color filter
Image
ISO	Auto, 80-3200
White balance presets	5
Custom white balance	Yes
Image stabilization	Optical
Image stabilization notes	Intelligent IS
Uncompressed format	No
JPEG quality levels	Superfine, fine
File format	JPEG (Exif v2.3)
Optics & Focus
Focal length (equiv.)	25–625 mm
Optical zoom	25×
Maximum aperture	F3.2–6.6
Autofocus	Contrast Detect (sensor) Multi-area Center Selective single-point Tracking Single Continuous Face Detection Live View
Autofocus assist lamp	Yes
Digital zoom	Yes (4X)
Manual focus	Yes
Normal focus range	5 cm (1.97″)
Macro focus range	1 cm (0.39″)
Number of focus points	9
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD	Fixed
Screen size	3″
Screen dots	922,000
Touch screen	No
Screen type	TFT LCD
Live view	Yes
Viewfinder type	None
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed	15 sec
Maximum shutter speed	1/2000 sec
Exposure modes	Hybrid Auto Creative Shot Scene Program
Scene modes	Portrait Smile Wink Self-timer Face Self-timer High-speed Burst Handheld Night Scene Low Light Fireworks Long Shutter
Built-in flash	Yes
Flash range	4.00 m (with Auto ISO)
External flash	No
Flash modes	Auto, on, slow synchro, off
Drive modes	Single Continuous Self-timer
Continuous drive	2.5 fps
Self-timer	Yes (2 or 10 secs, custom)
Metering modes	Multi Center-weighted Spot
Exposure compensation	±2 (at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features
Resolutions	1920 x 1080 (30p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Format	MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone	Mono
Speaker	Mono
Storage
Storage types	SD/SDHC/SDXC card
Connectivity
USB	USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI	Yes (micro-HDMI)
Microphone port	No
Headphone port	No
Wireless	Built-In
Wireless notes	802.11b/g/n with NFC
Remote control	Yes (via smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealed	No
Battery	Battery Pack
Battery description	NB-13L lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	295
Weight (inc. batteries)	182 g (0.40 lb / 6.42 oz)
Dimensions	97 x 57 x 28 mm (3.81 x 2.24 x 1.1″)
Other features
Orientation sensor	Yes
GPS	None

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Forage-Friendly Barge Brings Fresh & Free Produce to NYC Docks

05 May

[ By WebUrbanist in Technology & Vehicles & Mods. ]

food barge

A food barge full of fruits and vegetables is coming to the waterways of the Big Apple this summer, stopping at scheduled increments to let people pick produce as it passes from one dock to the next.

swale rendering

Depending on where you live in New York City, finding a grocery store with fresh food is not always easy. The Swale project, set to launch in June on an 80-foot-long barge, will bring everything from blueberries to chard to people who want to partake.

In some cities with serious food desert problems, including Philadelphia and Baltimore, food forestry has already taken root. In Seattle, the seven-acre Beacon Food Forest is maintained by community volunteers and open to anyone who wants to grab something off a branch or vine.

swale food project

According to the project leader of Swale, New York ordinances prevent foraging for food on public land (such as parks), making similar projects in NYC impossible to launch, except on the water, of course. “We want to show that healthy, fresh food can be a free public service,” says Mary Mattingly, “not just an expensive commodity, and something that for not much work and effort, a city could supply.”

waterpod two

The project grew out of another of her adventurous works dubbed the Waterpod, in which she and some fellow artists lived self-sufficiently on the water for six months, growing their own food.

waterpod

More about the current Swale project: “Swale, a collaborative floating food project, is dedicated to rethinking and challenging New York City’s connection to our environment. Built on an 80-foot by 30-foot floating platform, Swale contains an edible forest garden. Functioning as both a sculpture and a tool, Swale provides free healthy food at the intersection of public art and service. With Swale, we want to reinforce water as a commons, and work towards fresh food as a commons too.”

[ By WebUrbanist in Technology & Vehicles & Mods. ]

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Major Leica SL firmware update brings better AF, new top shutter speed

15 Apr

Leica has introduced firmware version 2.0 for its SL (Typ 601) camera that brings a major change to the camera’s focusing as well as a new top shutter speed of 1/16,000sec. The firmware takes the number of AF points available in single point mode from 49 to 529. Leica claims it has also made improvements to the autofocusing system’s speed, accuracy and tracking abilities.

Exposure compensation gets a new access point with the update and can now be controlled via the top dial and the thumb wheel on the camera’s rear, while the longest exposure timed by the camera goes from 60 seconds to 30 minutes. The company says that it has created a new top shutter speed of 1/16,000sec by using the fast-reactions of the aperture in the system’s SL lenses.

General image quality of JPEG files is also said to have been optimized, as has the focus peaking feature, and Raw files can now be magnified in review mode.

For more information see the Leica firmware download page.

Press release:

Leica releases firmware update 2.0 for Leica SL mirrorless camera system

New firmware enhances camera performance, handling and workflow

Leica Camera has released a new firmware update for the mirrorless Leica SL camera system. Firmware version 2.0 can be downloaded by registered Leica SL owners from the Leica Owners’ Area (https://owners.leica-camera.com). Alternatively, customers can bring their camera to any Leica Store or Leica’s Customer Service department in the UK, for a complimentary update service.

The numerous new features included in firmware update 2.0 have been designed to further improve the performance of the Leica SL and enable a faster photographic workflow. For example, the autofocus function has been revised and optimised. Already impressively fast in combination with SL-Lenses, it now offers even faster focusing, increased precision and optimised subject tracking. A further enhancement increases the number of AF focusing points available for the single point AF setting to 529.

Also new in firmware 2.0 is direct exposure compensation controlled by the top dial and the click wheel on the back of the camera, in the three automatic exposure modes, P, T and A. The firmware update also extends the range of shutter speeds. Timed exposures of up to 30 minutes can now be captured automatically without additional support and, thanks to the fast, electronically-controlled aperture of the lenses, exposures can be made with the highest shutter speed of 1/16,000s.

Additional improvements have been introduced with regard to JPG quality, white balance, the video menu, Auto ISO options and the focus peaking function. Pictures taken in DNG format can now be magnified for better image evaluation, and the camera is also now compatible with all Leica flash units. An update to the app to allow the use of the optimised functions, and three noise reduction settings, complete the improvements provided by this latest firmware update.

More information can be found at uk.leica-camera.com.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Adobe Lightroom CC 2015.5 / 6.5 update brings bug fixes, new camera support

17 Mar

Adobe has launched Lightroom CC 2015.5 and Lightroom 6.5, bringing numerous bug fixes alongside new camera support and dozens of new lens profiles. The update fixes a few issues with the Panorama Merge feature, including bugs affecting Boundary Warp, as well as ‘a ton of sync errors’ and a couple missing features.

The new version of Lightroom takes care of dust spots in a smart way – remove spots from the first image, and the rest will be removed automatically as other images are merged. Additionally, bugs have been fixed that affected Boundary Warp, a tool that helps straighten curved edges of stitched panoramas.

Bug fixes unrelated to Panorama Merge include numerous unspecified syncing errors. Adobe also claims that syncing with the Android and iOS Lightroom apps is now faster. Mouse scrolling has been restored in Loupe view, and it has also reinstated scroll bars in the Book module for faster browsing. Finally, slideshows once again display images in high-resolution, whereas before a bug caused them to display at a ‘much lower res than expected.’

The following camera models are now supported:

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
Canon EOS 80D
Canon EOS 1300D (Rebel T6, Kiss X80)
Nikon D5
Nikon D500
Olympus PEN-F
Olympus SH-3
Panasonic DMC-CM10
Panasonic DMC-GF8
Panasonic DMC-ZS100 (DMC-ZS110, DMC-TZ100, DMC-TZ101, DMC-TZ110, DMC-TX1)
Samsung NX3300
Sony Alpha a6300 (ILCE-6300)
Yuneec CGO4

Lastly, more than 70 lens profiles have been added for lenses from Canon, Fujifilm, Olympus, Panasonic, Pentax, Samsung, SIGMA, and Sony, and there’s support for the lens used by the Huawei Nexus 6P and LG Nexus 5X smartphones. The full list of newly supported lens profile is available here.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Panasonic Lumix GH4 firmware 2.5 brings Post Focus and 4K Photo Mode

16 Mar

Panasonic has announced a firmware update for the Lumix DMC-GH4, bringing Post Focus, 4K Photo Mode and burst shooting with flash to the video-centric mirrorless camera. The update will be available at the end of March, free of charge.

Post Focus was first announced in July of last year. It captures a short clip of 4K footage while racking focus from one end to the other, allowing the user to select a frame in playback mode after capture with the desired focus point. The Lumix GX8, G7 and FZ300 were the first in line to get the feature via firmware update.

Also taking advantage of the GH4’s video capabilities is the newly added 4K Photo feature, which enables 4K burst, 4K Burst (Start/Stop) and 4K pre-burst. These modes optimize 4K shooting for still photo extraction, and aim to help photographers catch hard-to-get moments, like the elusive group shot with all eyes open. Firmware 2.5 also enables consecutive shooting with compatible Panasonic external flash units.

In the past, Panasonic has used Photokina to launch its DSLR-style mirrorless cameras, so it would make sense if we see an update to the GH-series come September. However, a significant firmware update in the meantime indicates that it’s still alive and kicking.

Check Panasonic’s support website at the end of March to download the update.

Press release:

DMC-GH4 Firmware Update Version 2.5

Newark, NJ (March 16, 2016) – Panasonic has today announced the new firmware update Version 2.5 for the DMC-GH4 to further enhance its performance at no charge. The new firmware Version 2.5 includes following functional updates:

-Post Focus
Post Focus is a special function that enables users to select an in-focus point after shooting. It has already been integrated in new LUMIX cameras such as the GX8. With this function, users can enjoy changing the perspective for greater photographic expression or to choose the best in-focus shot for macro shooting.

-4K PHOTO (4K Burst / 4K Burst (Start/Stop) / 4K Pre-burst)
With 4K PHOTO mode there are three dedicated modes – 4K Burst / 4K Burst (Start/Stop) / 4K Pre-burst – are all now available on LUMIX GH4*. The addition of these modes further enhances the usability of 4K PHOTO to capture fleeting photo opportunities at 30p.

-External Flash Burst
Consecutive shooting with flash burst is available with an external flash that is capable of continuous emission. This includes the following Panasonic models: DMW-FL580L, DMW-FL360L, DMW-FL500, DMW-FL360 and DMW-FL220.

The new DMC-GH4 firmware Version 2.5 is scheduled to be released at the end of March 2016 at the LUMIX Customer Support website: http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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