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Posts Tagged ‘brings’

Techart brings AF to Leica M lenses on Sony’s a7 II and a7R II

12 Feb

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Chinese company Techart has produced an adapter that works with the phase detection AF system of Sony’s a7 II and a7R II cameras to create an autofocus effect for Leica M mount lenses. The adapter ring sits between the body and the lens and uses a motor to drive the entire lens back and forth until sharp focus is found. The company claims focus is usually acquired within a second, and that the depth of the adapter can actually increase the close-focusing range of some focal lengths, allowing users to get closer their subjects.

Focal lengths of 50mm and wider need to be set to their infinity position while mounted on the adapter, and focus is found as the adapter pushes and pulls the lens closer and further away from the sensor. The sensor lets the adapter know when the subject is sharp, and the hunting stops. Lenses with longer focal lengths may need the user to do some of the work with the focusing ring on the lens, and then the adapter will finish the job.

The process only works with Sony’s a7 cameras that support phase detection systems, and the company says the adapter does not work for video. Single shot and continuous AF modes are available however, and the system can deal with lenses that weight up to 700g / 1.5lb. A smartphone app that connects with the adapter allows users to store information about up to 10 different lenses, which the adapter can then communicate back to the camera, so its 5-axis image stabilization system can be utilized.

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Techart says that, with add-on adapters, the device can work with other lens mounts that have long flange depth, such as the Leica R, and Contax/Yashica systems. The Techart PRO Autofocus Leica M Adapter for Sony E camera will cost $ 349. For more information and more sample images visit the Techart Pro website.

Press release:

Techart unveils the World’s First Autofocus Adapter for Manual Focus Lens, the Techart PRO AF Leica M lens adapter for Sony E mount cameras

Techart, the Chinese adapter manufacturer who has previously launched the first Contax G autofocus adapter for Sony E cameras, has unveiled the world’s first Autofocus adapter for Manual Lenses named ‘Techart PRO’. The Techart PRO adapter is able to drive the manual Leica M lenses to reach focus by using the focusing system in Sony A7II and Sony A7RII, giving an unprecedented new user experience for all Leica M lenses owners.

Techart PRO has adopted the z-shift technology where the Leica M bayonet is able to extend and retract. The distance between the lens and the camera sensor is hereby changed in order to reach the focus. The mechanism is quite similar to Contax AX system where the flange distance is changed for autofocusing. Techart PRO has electronic contacts to communicate with the Sony A7II and Sony A7RII and uses its PDAF
system to measure focus. The built-in motor will then drive the bayonet forward by a maximum of 4.5mm and reach the focus point for shooting.

Techart PRO is super light and powerful. The adaptor weighs only 133g and is able to drive a lens system as heavy as 700g. Apart from pairing up with the Leica M lenses, users can also further adapt lenses with longer flange distance (e.g. Leica R, CY, PK, MD, etc) with add-on adapters and enjoy the autofocusing experience with other manual lenses. Techart PRO supports both AF-S and AF-C modes and it can also serve as a close focusing adapter which can reduce the minimal focusing distance of the lenses.

A complimentary mobile app will be available for users to save 10 sets of lens data to the adapter and perform firmware upgrade via bluetooth.

Techart PRO is an evolutional product which can give users a completely new experience with their manual lenses. The fast and precise focusing allows users to take quick and sharp photos with their favourite manual lenses. More product information and testing videos can now be found via our official website.
(http://www.techartpro.com/)

Pricing and Availability
The Techart PRO Autofocus Leica M Adapter for Sony E cameras is currently available for pre-order at our official website (http://www.techartpro.com). The recommended retail price is USD 349/pc. Free shipping will be provided during the promotion period. Delivery will commence from March onwards and will be shipped from our US/UK/Hong Kong warehouse. 1-year warranty is included.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Fujifilm X-E2 firmware 4.00 brings Classic Chrome and other X-E2S features

09 Feb
It may be over two years old, but that doesn’t mean Fujifilm has given up on the X-E2.

Fujifilm has released its promised firmware update for its X-E2 mid-range mirrorless camera. The firmware update adds a host of feature and operational improvements, including the Classic Chrome film simulation and AF upgrades from the recent X-T models, as well as a revised user interface and multiple Auto ISO settings.

The firmware update for the over two-year-old model continues Fujifilm’s habit of supporting existing users and brings the camera into line with most of the latest X-series models.

The firmware can be downloaded now from the Fujifilm website

The changes are so significant that, rather than publishing an addendum, Fujifilm has released a new version of the camera’s owner’s manual.

Press Release:

Substantial firmware updates for the X-E2, delivering a new AF system for better capture of moving subjects among other improvements and function enhancements

[ Improvements and function enhancements with this firmware update ]

  1. New AF System

    (1) New AF system with Zone and Wide/Tracking modes for effortless capture of moving subjects
    (2) Improvement of AF accuracy
    (3) Eye Detection AF
    (4) Auto Macro mode
    (5) AF improvement in the Movie mode

  2. Function enhancements

    (6) High-speed electronic shutter with a maximum speed of 1/32000sec.*
    (7) White Balance Bracketing
    (8) Enhanced ISO Auto Setting to AUTO1/AUTO2/AUTO3
    (9) Exposure Compensation control in Manual.
    (10) Natural Live View function is just like the naked eye.
    (11) Finer lines on the framing grid enhances visibility
    (12) New Video Frame rates (50P / 25P / 24P)
    (13) Manual Shooting in Video mode
    (14) Phase detection AF support for Instant AF
    (15) Expansion of shutter speed in Program Shift mode

  3. Operability improvements

    (16) The new user interface
    (17) Improved Shutter Speed Dial operation
    (18) Name of Silent mode changed to avoid confusion
    (19) Direct selection of AF area
    (20) Unlocked AE-L / AF-L Buttons
    (21) Variable Focus Area during MF
    (22) Q. Menu customization
    (23) Interlocking of Metering and Focus areas
    (24) Movie Recording

  4. Other changes with the update

    (25) Supports focus limiter function for XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR
    (26) “BACKGROUND COLOR” menu
    (27) The maximum number of images taken in the continuous shooting mode

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Photo Mate R3 brings improved Raw editing on Android

02 Feb

Photo Mate, arguably the most comprehensive Raw image editing app for Android, has received a substantial update. Version R3 comes with an all-new rendering engine for both Raw & JPEG editing. This includes improvements to all the important adjustments, such as contrast, shadows, highlights and exposure. Read more

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Adobe Portfolio brings customizable personal websites to Creative Cloud

27 Jan

Adobe has introduced Adobe Portfolio, a website creation platform similar to Squarespace. Part of Creative Cloud, Adobe Portfolio is offered under three subscription tiers and aims to provide creatives and professionals with a simple way to showcase their work online.

The Adobe Portfolio service offers pre-made layouts, as well as customization options for website elements like the header, logo, navigation, background and footer. The designs are responsive, able to scale for various screen sizes and there’s an option for a personalized website URL. Features include galleries for showcasing content, password-protected pages and website analytics. Subscribers can also integrate a Behance account with Portfolio for seamless content syncing.

Adobe Portfolio is available to individuals under three Creative Cloud pricing tiers: $ 9.99 USD/month with included access to Photoshop CC and Lightroom CC, $ 19.99 USD/month with access to 20GB of cloud storage and one desktop app and $ 49.99 USD/month with access to all Adobe creative apps.

Via: Adobe Blog

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Eyes on the Skies: Ambarella brings fast 4K to drones with H2 and H12 processors

07 Jan

Processor maker Ambarella has announced its two newest and most powerful chips. The H2 and H12 are 4K (UHD) capable processors, with the more powerful H2 able to compress 10-bit 4K/60p video using H.265 HEVC compression or 4K/120p with the less efficient H.264 AVC system. The company says it’s the drone market that’s now pushing the capabilities it needs to offer – way beyond what compact cameras tend to need.

With the drone market in mind, the H2 also includes a 1.2Ghz quad core processor that allows it to handle the data required to keep a drone in the air. It can also output a low-delay Full HD video stream at the same time as compressing a 4K stream, allowing a near-immediate high res view to be sent to a remote operator.

What we found interesting is not just that applications such as drones are so demanding (that makes sense), but that the expectations of the drone and sports camera markets are so far beyond what is being offered in the still camera market. One big difference between the two markets is that, with the continued decline of small-sensor compacts, most of the sensors used in stills photography are much larger than those used in action cams or drones, which makes heat management and data readout more challenging. Even with this difference, it’s interesting to know that 60p and 120p 4K processing is already ready for consumer devices.

Ambarella vice president of marketing and business development Chris Day says that sales of processors for drone/flying cameras now makes up 10% of the company’s revenues, highlighting how fast-moving the sector is. ‘These things need Ultra HD video, high frame rates, great imaging, electronic stabilization and lots of CPU power. And, of course, this all needs to be with low power consumption: it’s pretty demanding but it’s a great fit for us.’ he says. Asked about the impact these technologies are likely to have on the conventional stills camera market, he points out the narrowing of boundaries between sectors: ‘companies such as DJI are starting to make their own cameras, rather than mounting conventional Sony or Micro Four Thirds cameras on there.’

With fast, high quality, high bit-depth video likely to become more common on action cameras and flying cameras, it’ll be interesting to see how many of these capabilities start to appear on more conventional cameras in the coming months and years.

Press Release:

Ambarella Introduces Low Power 4K Ultra HD SoCs for Sports and Flying Cameras

Ambarella H2 delivers 4K Ultra HD at 60 frames per second with under 2 Watts of power consumption

SANTA CLARA, Calif.–(UNDER EMBARGO – until Jan. 6, 2016 at 8:00 AM Eastern)–Ambarella, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMBA), a leading developer of low-power, HD and Ultra HD video processing semiconductors, today introduced the H2 and H12 camera System-on-Chips (SoCs) for a new generation of sports and flying cameras. H2 targets high-end camera models with 4K Ultra HD H.265/HEVC video at 60 frames per second and 4K AVC video at 120 frames per second. These high frame rates deliver smooth video during fast action shots and slow motion playback. H2 also includes 10-bit High Dynamic Range (HDR) video processing to handle high contrast scenes and supports DSLR quality photography. H12 targets mainstream cameras and offers 4K Ultra HD HEVC video at 30 frames per second. Both SoCs have extremely low power consumption allowing for the design of small form factor cameras, and feature advanced 3D electronic image stabilization, potentially eliminating the need for mechanical gimbals.

“With the introduction of H2 and H12 we now provide a complete portfolio of 4K Ultra HD HEVC solutions for sports and flying cameras,” said Fermi Wang, President and CEO of Ambarella. “H2, our first 14nm chip, delivers 4Kp60 Ultra HD HEVC video with 10-bit HDR processing, as supported by the latest generation of 4K HDR televisions. H12 delivers 4Kp30 Ultra HD HEVC video for outstanding video quality at mainstream camera price points.”

H2 features a new generation image processing pipeline which includes 10-bit HDR video processing and excellent imaging, even in challenging low-light conditions. The integration of a 1.2 GHz quad-core ARM® Cortex®-A53 CPU with floating point and NEONTM provides significant processing power for customer applications including flying camera flight control, video analytics and wireless networking. Its hardware de-warp engine supports wide-angle panoramic camera designs, while USB 3.0 connectivity provides fast upload of high resolution video. H2 supports live streaming of a second, low-delay, Full HD video stream for wireless monitoring and camera control.

H12 supports both 4Kp30 Ultra HD HEVC and AVC video encoding. It integrates a 1GHz single-core ARM® Cortex®-A9 CPU with floating point and NEONTM to provide the processing power required for customer applications including flying camera flight control and wireless networking. Its de-warp capability allows the use of wide-angle lenses with minimal image distortion. H12 also supports the live video streaming of a second, low-delay Full HD video stream.

Ambarella will demonstrate both H2 and H12 at a private event during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, January 6 – 9, 2016.

Pricing and Availability

For pricing and availability please contact Ambarella at www.ambarella.com/about/contact/inquiries
The URL for this news release is: www.ambarella.com/about/news-events.html
The URL for the related image is: www.ambarella.com/about/news-events/press-images/H2-H12-press-images.html

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 brings next-generation GPS to familiar rugged compact

06 Jan

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Olympus has updated its rugged compact lineup with the Stylus Tough TG-870, a modest update to last year’s model offering next-generation GPS and a brighter, higher-resolution screen. Still sporting a 16MP BSI CMOS chip and a 21-105mm equivalent zoom, the TG-870 provides a 920k-dot 180 degree flip-up LCD that claims to be 1.1x brighter than its predecessor’s screen. While the Wi-Fi features are unchanged the GPS feature has enhanced, claiming positioning in under 10 seconds. Also new to this model is Live Composite mode as well as low light Nightscape Movie and Nightscape Mode options.

The Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 will be offered in April 2016 for $ 279.99. 

Press release:

ACTION FROM EVERY ANGLE: THE NEW OLYMPUS STYLUS TOUGH® TG-870

Bright 180-Degree Tilting LCD, Ultra Wide-Angle 5x Zoom Lens, Built-in Wi-Fi®, Next-Generation GPS and Expanded Shooting Capabilities with Nighttime Live Composite in a Compact, Rugged Camera 

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., January 5, 2016 — Olympus adds to the versatility and creativity of its renowned Stylus Tough lineup with the new Stylus Tough TG-870, a premium rugged camera built to capture high-quality photos and video in the most challenging situations. This compact, take-anywhere camera is packed with features, including a class-leading ultra wide-angle 21mm (equivalent) lens with 5x optical zoom, allowing users the ability to effortlessly frame everything from dramatic landscapes to group shots. Together with its high-resolution 180-degree tilting LCD monitor, customizable front button, Sportcam Modes with full HD 1080/60p video, built-in Wi-Fi, next-generation GPS, and an ever-expanding wealth of expressive features, the Stylus Tough TG-870 is ready to capture stunning images anytime, in any environment.

In the tradition of the Olympus Tough series of rugged compact cameras, the Stylus Tough TG-870 is built to withstand extreme conditions: the camera is waterproof to depths of 50 feet (15 m), freezeproof to 14°F (-10°C), shockproof from 7 feet (2.1 m), crushproof to 220 pounds of force (100 kgf) and dustproof. The 21mm–105mm (35mm equivalent) f3.5–5.7 zoom lens is the widest lens in the rugged compact category, perfect for ultra-wide group selfie shots. The TruePic™ VII image processor, the same found in Olympus’s award-winning OM-D series of interchangeable lens cameras, is paired with a 16.0 megapixel backlit CMOS sensor to capture incredibly clear images with sharp details and true-to-life colors, even underwater.

The Stylus Tough TG-870’s 180-degree tilting 920,000-dot high-resolution LCD monitor has double the resolution and is 1.1x brighter than that of its predecessor, enabling the user to see more detail while shooting outdoors or underwater. The customizable button on the front of the camera can be programmed for several functions, including shutter release, video recording, monitor boost, LED assist and Super Macro Mode. The TG-870 also detects the orientation in which it’s being held to assist the user in capturing the perfect selfie, point-of-view action video or over-under shot.

The free Olympus Image Share app synchronizes a user’s iOS or Android mobile device with the Stylus Tough TG-870 via the camera’s built-in Wi-Fi, enabling instant image and movie transfers and direct uploading to websites and social media. A live view of the camera’s lens appears on the smart device display. Users can control the camera remotely by touching the smart device display as if it were the camera itself. The next-generation GPS boasts fast positioning in under 10 seconds via three satellite systems and helps users track precisely where they are in the world. The Olympus Image Track (OI.Track) smartphone app allows users to update the camera’s GPS assist data and transfer GPS logs and images from the camera to a smartphone for simplified viewing and management. 

An impressive variety of shooting modes and 13 Art Filters, including 6 new filters (Vintage, Key Line, Watercolor, Light Tone, Cross Process and Gentle Sepia), help the user capture distinctive images. The Stylus Tough TG-870 is equipped with nighttime Live Composite Mode, which automatically combines the brightest areas of multiple images taken with interval shooting for dramatic photos of cityscapes, star trails and light painting. Sportcam Mode puts four video options right at the user’s fingertips. With 60p Movie, the camera captures full HD 1080p video at 60 frames per second (fps), with 720/60p and 480/60p options also available. With High-Speed Movie, the Stylus Tough TG-870 can record slow-motion video at 120 fps at 854×480 (16:9) or 640×480 (4:3) resolution, or 240 fps at 640×360 (16:9) or 480×360 (4:3) resolution. Time Lapse Movie compresses hours of action into a short movie, and Sport Burst allows photographers to capture sequential images with a shutter interval of 0.05 to 60 seconds. For video capture after dark, camera settings are automatically optimized for low light with Nightscape Movie or Nightscape Mode.

The Stylus Tough TG-870’s rugged construction can be further reinforced with the CSCH-124 Silicone Jacket, which shields the camera from surface damage. The CSCH-123 Tough Sport Holder supports hands-free photography and video recording, allowing users to attach the camera to backpack straps or a chest harness during intensive activities like rock climbing or snowboarding. The PT-057 Underwater Case or Housing lets users dive deeper, increasing the camera’s underwater capability to 147 feet (45 m), and the elective UFL-3 Underwater Strobe Flash facilitates genuine underwater flash photography. A second tripod base plate on the camera offers the added benefit of vertical mounting, and the F-5AC compact high-capacity AC adapter reduces charging time, getting users back to the action faster. 

U.S. Pricing and Availability

The Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 will be available in April 2016 in Gunmetal Metallic, Metallic Green and Pure White for $ 279.99 (US) and $ 329.99 (CA).

Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 specifications

Price
MSRP $ 279
Body type
Body type Ultracompact
Body material Aluminum
Sensor
Max resolution 4608 x 3456
Image ratio w:h 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels 16 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors 17 megapixels
Sensor size 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
Sensor type BSI-CMOS
Processor TruePic VII
Color space sRGB
Color filter array Primary color filter
Image
ISO Auto, 125-6400 (expands to 12800)
White balance presets 6
Custom white balance Yes
Image stabilization Optical
Uncompressed format No
File format
  • JPEG (Exif v2.3)
Optics & Focus
Focal length (equiv.) 21–105 mm
Optical zoom 5×
Maximum aperture F3.5 – F5.7
Autofocus
  • Contrast Detect (sensor)
  • Multi-area
  • Center
  • Tracking
  • Single
  • Continuous
  • Face Detection
  • Live View
Autofocus assist lamp Yes
Digital zoom Yes (4x)
Manual focus No
Normal focus range 10 cm (3.94″)
Macro focus range 1 cm (0.39″)
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD Tilting
Screen size 3″
Screen dots 921,000
Touch screen No
Screen type TFT LCD
Live view Yes (Display tilts upward 180 degrees)
Viewfinder type None
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed 4 sec
Maximum shutter speed 1/2000 sec
Scene modes
  • Portrait
  • ePortrait
  • Landscape
  • Interval shooting
  • Live composite
  • Handheld star light
  • Night scene
  • Night + portrait
  • Sport
  • Indoor
  • Sunset
  • Fireworks
  • Cuisine
  • Documents
  • Beach & snow
  • Underwater snapshot
  • Underwater wide
  • Underwater macro
  • Backlight HDR
  • Self portrait
Built-in flash Yes
Flash range 4.00 m (at ISO 1600)
External flash No
Flash modes Auto, redeye reduction, fill flash, off, LED illuminator
Drive modes
  • Program
  • iAuto
Continuous drive 7.0 fps
Self-timer Yes (2 or 10 sec, custom)
Metering modes
  • Multi
  • Center-weighted
  • Spot
Exposure compensation ±2 (at 1/3 EV steps)
WB Bracketing No
Videography features
Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60p), 1280 x 720 (60p), 640 x 480 (60p)
Format MPEG-4, H.264
Videography notes 5-axis (optical+digital) image stabilization
Microphone Stereo
Speaker Mono
Storage
Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Storage included 37MB
Connectivity
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI Yes (micro-HDMI)
Microphone port No
Headphone port No
Wireless Built-In
Remote control Yes (via smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealed Yes (waterproof to 15m/50ft, crushproof to 100kgf/220lbf, shockproof from 2.1m/7ft, freezeproof to -10C/+14F)
Battery Battery Pack
Battery description Li-50B lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 300
Weight (inc. batteries) 221 g (0.49 lb / 7.80 oz)
Dimensions 113 x 64 x 28 mm (4.45 x 2.52 x 1.1″)
Other features
Orientation sensor Yes
Timelapse recording Yes
GPS BuiltIn

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon brings stepping motors to its DSLRs with two 18-55mm AF-P lenses

05 Jan

Nikon is bringing stepping motors to its DSLR lens lineup for the first time with a pair of ‘AF-P’ lenses, both of which are collapsable 18-55mm zooms (one with vibration reduction, the other without). Nikon says that its stepping motor lenses are both faster and quieter than their predecessors, making them quite appealing for video recording. These lenses have two aspherical elements as well as a Super Integrated Coating, with the VR model reducing shake by 4 stops (using the CIPA standard).

These aren’t the company’s first lenses to use this type of AF motor – they can be found on most, if not all, of the lenses for the Nikon 1 system.

Nikon has not disclosed pricing or availability information for either lens.

Press release:

AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR / AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G

Fast and quiet AF with adoption of a stepping motor
Compact and lightweight normal zoom lenses covering the 18-55mm range of focal lengths with a maximum aperture of f/3.5-5.6

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR and AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G, two normal zoom lenses compatible with Nikon DX-format digital SLR cameras.

The AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR and AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G are 3.1x normal zoom lenses covering the 18-55mm range of focal lengths (effective angles of view equivalent to those of a lens with 27-82.5mm focal lengths in FX and 35mm [135] formats). They are the first “AF-P” lenses for Nikon digital SLR cameras, utilizing stepping motors to drive AF for fast and quiet autofocusing. In addition, they have a compact and lightweight design for which retractable barrels were adopted for excellent portability, and the use of two aspherical lens elements has resulted in superior optical performance with which various types of aberration, including distortion and spherical aberration, are effectively suppressed. The AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR is also equipped with a vibration reduction (VR) mechanism offering camera shake compensation equivalent to a 4.0-stop* (with testing in accordance with CIPA standards) increase in shutter speed.

The combination of superior AF performance and excellent agility afforded by these lenses makes them perfect for those ready to try their hand at full-scale photography with a digital SLR camera.

AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR and AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G Primary Features

  • “AF-P” lenses that achieve fast and quiet AF with adoption of a stepping motor for AF drive operation
  • Compact and lightweight 3.1x 18-55mm (effective angles of view equivalent to those of a lens with 27-82.5mm focal lengths in 35mm [135] format) normal zoom lenses utilizing a retractable barrel and compatible with the Nikon DX format
  • Adoption of aspherical lens elements (2) achieves superior optical performance with which various types of aberration are effectively suppressed
  • Equipped with a vibration reduction (VR) mechanism offering camera shake compensation equivalent to a 4.0-stop* (with testing in accordance with CIPA standards) increase in shutter speed (AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR)

*At the maximum telephoto position when a digital SLR camera equipped with an APS-C size image sensor is used.

Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR / AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G specifications

  Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm F3.5-5.6G VR Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm F3.5-5.6G
Principal specifications
Lens type Zoom lens
Max Format size APS-C / DX
Focal length 18–55 mm
Image stabilisation Yes (4 stops) No
Lens mount Nikon F (DX)
Aperture
Maximum aperture F3.5 – F5.6
Minimum aperture F22.0 – F38.0
Aperture ring No
Number of diaphragm blades 7
Optics
Elements 12
Groups 9
Special elements / coatings Two aspherical elements + super integrated coating
Focus
Minimum focus 0.25 m (9.84″)
Maximum magnification 0.38×
Autofocus Yes
Motor type Stepper motor
Full time manual Yes
Focus method Internal
Distance scale No
DoF scale No
Physical
Weight 205 g (0.45 lb) 195 g (0.43 lb)
Diameter 65 mm (2.54″)
Length 63 mm (2.46″)
Materials Composite
Sealing No
Colour Black
Zoom method Rotary (extending)
Power zoom No
Zoom lock No
Filter thread 55.0 mm
Hood supplied No
Hood product code HB-N106
Tripod collar No

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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DxO brings OpticsPro extensions to Apple’s Photos software for OSX

23 Dec

DxO is bringing its OpticsPro software to Apple’s consumer-friendly Photos software for OSX. This $ 10 extension for Apple’s Photos app gives users full access to all of DxO’s Optics Modules, which can correct optical distortion and aberrations as well as improving dynamic range and removing haze from landscapes.

Also introduced is a free Photos extension for users of DxO’s ONE camera, which offers the same features mentioned above and supports the camera’s SuperRAW files.

Both extensions are available for download now from the Mac App Store. Mac OS X 10.11 (El Capitan) or later is required in order to use Photos.

Press release:

DxO OpticsPro for OS X Photos extensions add powerful one-click corrections to Apple’s OS X El Capitan

DxO’s renowned RAW image processing now available to Mac users as an extension to Apple’s Photos app.

PARIS and SAN FRANCISCO—December 22, 2015—DxO announced today the immediate availability of two new extensions for OS X El Capitan, DxO OpticsPro for OS X Photos and DxO OpticsPro for OS X Photos – DxO ONE Camera Only, that provide DxO’s advanced image processing within Apple Photos. DxO OpticsPro for OS X Photos adds seamless access to tens of thousands of DxO Optics Modules that enable DxO’s unrivaled automatic optical corrections for distortion, vignetting, chromatic aberration and lens softness for virtually all popular cameras and lenses. The extension is also available as a free download, designed exclusively to support RAW and SuperRAWTM images captured by the award-winning DxO ONE connected camera for iPhone and iPad. Both versions also feature simple, yet powerful one-click corrections that automatically improve white balance, dynamic range, reduce noise, and remove landscape haze to make your best photos look even better.

“By leveraging the new extensions in OS X El Capitan, we were able to provide Mac users with a streamlined workflow for their RAW images,” said Frédéric Guichard, co-founder and chief image scientist at DxO. “Photographers can now apply world renowned DxO OpticsPro technologies, such as Smart Lighting, ClearView, and PRIME to enhance their favorite images with no more than a click or two, and without ever leaving the Apple Photos app.”

DxO OpticsPro for OS X Photos is a paid download from the Mac App Store, which when installed automatically appears as an extension that can be accessed via the editing tools in Apple Photos. Launching the extension displays a deceptively simple, yet incredibly powerful user interface and includes access to all DxO Optics Modules currently supported by DxO’s advanced image processing software. The DxO Optics Modules automatically identify the camera and lens used to capture each photo, then use this information to instantly correct for a variety of optical flaws, such as distortion, chromatic aberration, vignetting, and lens softness.

Other corrections include: Smart Lighting (improves overall dynamic range), ClearView (instantly removes haze and smog from distant landscapes), and white balance. Users can modify the intensity of each correction in three simple levels. The extension also provides access to PRIME, the industry-leading denoising technology that analyzes thousands of neighboring pixels to remove noise while leaving important details untouched.

DxO ONE owners are invited to freely download and install the D xO OpticsPro for OS X Photos – DxO ONE Camera Only version that automatically applies these same advanced corrections to DxO ONE photos. When applied to a DxO ONE SuperRAWTM image, PRIME employs additional temporal noise reduction to render an amazingly clean, high-resolution photograph from the four RAW images embedded in each SuperRAW file.

Pricing & Availability

The DxO OpticsPro for OS X Photos extension, with support for tens of thousands of camera and lens combinations is available today at a special introductory price of $ 9.99/£7.99 via the Mac App Store.

The DxO OpticsPro for OS X Photos – DxO ONE Camera Only extension is available today as a free download via the Mac App Store for the DxO ONE.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Lightroom for mobile for iOS 2.1 brings iPad Pro support and Point Curve

17 Dec

Adobe has today launched version 2.1 of Lightroom for mobile for Apple iOS devices. The update comes with a number of new features, some of which take advantage of new hardware in the Apple iPad Pro and the new iPhone models 6s and 6s Plus. Read more

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Phase One Capture One Pro 9 brings updates to image editing algorithms

02 Dec

Phase One has launched Capture One Pro 9, the latest iteration of its tethering and image editing software. Capture One Pro 9 offers a ‘completely updated contrast engine,’ additional brushes, color editor masks and new keyword tools, among other features. Phase One also now offers three activations of the software for each standard license a photographer purchases. Also on the list of updates is the ability to apply curves locally, the addition of a Luma option to the curve tool palette and a battery status icon for the tool bar to view tethered camera battery life.

Capture One Pro 9 is available now for Mac and Windows for $ 299 / €279 to new customers. Capture One Pro 7 and 8 customers can upgrade for $ 99 / €99. Anyone who purchased Capture One Pro 8 after October 30, 2015 will be exempt from the upgrade fee.

Press release:

Phase One Releases Capture One Pro 9 for Working Photographers

Unleashes Unprecedented Power, Precision and Quality

COPENHAGEN, November 30, 2015 — Phase One, creator of the world’s finest open-platform, high-end camera systems and professional imaging software today released Capture One Pro 9. Known for its outstanding tethered capture capability, high-quality raw conversion, and precision image editing tools, Capture One Pro is already considered by 100,000 of the world’s leading photographers to be the best image capture application. 

Capture One Pro 9 introduces many new image quality precision tools, including a completely updated contrast engine. Capture One Pro 9 also brings powerful new asset management capabilities, including unprecedented sortable keywords capability. It has been designed to help speed the image-management process for volume keyword applications. Besides new physical workflow features, Capture One Pro 9 also gives customers three activations for each standard license to support on-location activation management, as requested by photographers.

NEW IMAGE EDITING TOOLS

Revised contrast engine – Changes have been made to the algorithms of color, saturation and contrast. And the color editor has been revised to align design with the color balance tool. Handles are made easier to use and adjust, and the tool is now scalable when undocked.

Masks from color editor – The color editor now allows the user to make a mask from a color edit.

New Brush pack – Tool changes include the addition of flow, airbrush, straight line brushing, and the ability to link brushes.

Luma curves and local curves – Added to the curve tool palette, Luma curves can be used to create contrast curves without affecting saturation. Also, curves can be used locally.

Battery status for toolbar – This new tool can be placed on the tool bar where it gives a power supply overview to the attached tethered camera, warning photographers of low power during a shoot.

Export EIP for catalogs – Catalog users can now benefit from EIP export for easy transportation of RAW and Settings, off system. In the Export originals panel, there is now an option to Export as EIP. Sessions users can also choose to Export originals. This creates a workflow in which the original RAW and adjustments are not packed – instead a copy is made, packed as EIP.   

DNG colors – This new feature allows Capture One Pro to treat and display supported camera files that have been converted to DNG (and include the RAW file in the DNG package), as if in their original format. 

NEW ASSET MANAGEMENT TOOLS

Keywords Tool – Keywords may be added and removed from images. The standard Capture One tool tips for local reset, local copy apply, pre-sets and help are available for this tool.

Keyword Libraries – Used to manage the list (or lists) of keywords in a catalog or a session. As the Keywords tool adds keywords to images, the document Keyword Library is populated. This forms a keyword list for any and all terms in the current document and is unique for the session or the catalog. 

Sortable Keywords – Unique to Capture One Pro 9, users are able to reorder keywords in the Keywords tool for single image selections.     

Originally developed to render the exceptional image quality captured by medium format Phase One camera systems, today Capture One Pro supports more than 400 different camera models. Capture One Pro is designed with more than enough available “headroom” to satisfy requirements for the highest resolution now and in the future. Whether or not photographers own a Phase One camera, all photographers can benefit from Capture One Pro’s  exceptional image quality and workflow advantages.

“Capture One Pro is essential for all commercial shoots; we use nothing else,” said Jonathan Rose, Company Director, DigiBoutique Ltd.

“Capture One Pro 9 is all about quality of life improvements for working photographers – whether they’re in the studio, or shooting landscape or portraits,” said Henrik O. Håkonsson, President, Phase One. “And those who are switching or stepping up from mainstream software might now find that Capture One Pro meets more, if not all, of their needs, beyond its legendary raw conversion capabilities.”

For illustrative & tutorial videos and details on all the new and improved features in Capture One Pro 9, including new cameras and lenses supported, please go to: www.phaseone.com/tutorials

Availability and Pricing

Capture One Pro 9 is available now for the Mac and Windows operating systems online at www.phaseone.com/store and from Phase One authorized partners worldwide. www.phaseone.com/partners. New with this release, each license permits three activations.

New customers can purchase Capture One Pro 9 for 299 USD or 279 EUR. Owners of previous versions of Capture One Pro 7 and 8 may upgrade for 99 USD or 99 EUR. For customers who have purchased Capture One Pro 8 since October 30, 2015, Phase One is offering a grace period, exempting them from the upgrade fee. Eligible customers should contact support www.phaseone.com/support to have their keys upgraded. 

Capture One Pro is also available by subscription. Capture One Pro 8 subscribers can simply download the new Capture One Pro 9 release. A single-user subscription is 15 USD / 12 EUR per month for a 12-month plan. Please see all subscription options at www.phaseone.com/store

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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