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Posts Tagged ‘Camera’

Leica announces the D-Lux 7, a 17MP camera with 4K video and a 24-75mm equiv. F1.7-2.8 lens

20 Nov

Leica has announced the D-Lux 7, the latest iteration of its compact camera that’s effectively a Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II wrapped up in a prettier frame just in time for the holiday season.

The D-Lux 7 uses a 17 megapixel Four Thirds MOS sensor, a decent bump up from the 10.1 megapixel sensor used inside its predecessor, the D-Lux 6. The D-Lux 7 captures up to 7 fps in burst, features a maximum sensitivity of ISO 25,600 and features a 4K photo capture mode and ‘post focus’ mode, the latter of which enables focus adjustments in post-production with compatible programs. On the video front, the D-Lux 7 captures 4K30p footage at 100Mb/s in the MP4 format.

The optically stabilized lens has also changed from a 24-90mm equivalent F1.4-2.3 lens inside the five-year-old D-Lux 6 to a new 24-75mm equivalent F1.7-2.8 Vario-Summilux lens. In addition to the physical aperture ring, the top of the lens features a dedicated physical switch for swapping between shooting ratios, including: 3:2, 16:9, 1:1 and 4:3. On the side of the lens is a matching switch for selecting the different focusing modes.

The electronic viewfinder has a 2.76M dot display and the rear screen uses a 3″ 1.24M dot LCD touchscreen display. The camera relies on Leica’s 1025 mAh BP-DC15 lithium-ion batteries and can be charged through an outlet, computer or a USB battery pack via the onboard Micro USB port.

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Built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi work together to provide iOS and Android connectivity using Leica’s FOTOS app. In addition to sharing images on-the-go, the FOTOS app also enables remote control of the D-Lux 7 and live view display. Leica also includes a CF D Flash Unit with the camera.

The Leica D-Lux 7 retails for $ 1,195 and is available for pre-order on Adorama and B&H. Leica has a video introduction for the D-Lux 7, but it can only be played on Vimeo.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Rhino Arc II 4-axis robotic camera system supports 15lb camera payloads

17 Nov

Rhino has launched a Kickstarter campaign for its new Rhino Arc II, a “robotic camera assistant” designed to replace a fluid head. The Arc II features a 4-axis motorized head with support for both tripods and the Rhino Slider, as well as up to 6.8kg/15lbs of camera equipment. Users have both joystick and mobile control options.

Rhino Arc II supports LightLapse, Interview, Keyframe, and Rack modes for smooth camera movements in a variety of filming scenarios. The robotic assistant supports Rhino Focus and the High Torque & High Speed Motor as optional tools for expanded capabilities.

The system is also backwards compatible with the Rhino EVO Motor and Slider EVO. When used with an optional Rhino Power dummy battery, Arc II offers integrated power output for mirrorless and DSRL cameras. Other features include an integrated 501 plate receiver, an OLED screen, and a pan motor for motorized mounting.

Rhino is offering the Arc II to Kickstarter backers who pledge at least $ 960 USD, a $ 240 discount over the anticipated retail price. The campaign also offers other rewards for backers, including the Rhino Slider Carbon, Slider Pro, and Rhino Arc II + Slider bundles. Shipping is expected to start in May 2019. To dine out more information and to make a pledge, head over to the Kickstarter campaign.

Disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Gear Offer is an online marketplace for buying and selling used camera gear

13 Nov

When it comes to buying used photography gear, there are plenty of options around the web: eBay, Amazon, KEH, B&H, and Adorama. Now, there’s a new option — Gear Offer, a photography-specific marketplace for selling and buying used camera equipment.

Based out of Scottsdale, Arizona, United States, Gear Offer is a self-proclaimed “marketplace just for photographers that’s hassle free, priced fairly and continually improving” founded in March 2017.

Trusting a new online marketplace isn’t always easy, but Gear Offer clearly lays out its terms of service and guidelines on how selling and buying items works.

Listing items on Gear Offer is free. There’s even a built-in pricing tool that uses recent sales of identical products as a guideline for what price you should set your item(s) at. Once the gear is listed, it’s a matter of waiting for someone to click the “buy now” button on the product page or make an offer that’s accepted.

Once an item is purchased, the funds from the buyer will be transferred to their Gear Offer account. The seller then packs up the item, ships it off, and adds the tracking number to the purchase on Gear Offer. The buyer will then receive updates until the item (hopefully) safely arrives on their doorstep. After the payment has cleared, which Gear Offer claims is “typically in 2 business days” the seller will receive their funds. Below is a chart provided by Gear Offer that illustrates the timeline of the buying and selling process.

To protect against fraudulent accounts and activity, Gear Offer says it uses machine learning to continually evaluate the risk of certain sales and transactions. It also relies on reviews from buyers and sellers to help build trust between frequent users. In the event something does go wrong, Gear Offers says customer service is provided by “real live humans,” and not ones in offshore call centers.

To confirm this claim DPReview tested the Gear Offer contact line by calling at roughly 4pm ET on a Saturday and after stating its name via a Google Voice operator service, DPReview was connected to a line that was eventually directed to a voicemail that said we would hear back “as soon as possible” regarding its inquiry. DPReview called again five minutes later in a secondary effort to contact the Gear Offer team and was immediately connected with a representative from the company.

Gear Offer makes its money is through a 6.9% processing fee when an item is sold, similar to how eBay and Amazon works, although at a lower rate — Gear Offer notes that eBay charges 12.9% (plus a standard $ .30 fixed processing fee).1 The 6.9% fee comes from the income of the seller of the item.

Head over to Gear Offer to find out more and browse around the current listings. To list or purchase photography gear sign up for an account.

1 The eBay processing fee is 10% and the PayPal processing fee is 2.9%, which makes for the 12.9% total fee.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Video: 5 tongue-in-cheek camera tricks for cheapskate photographers

11 Nov

There are very likely more hours of video in the form of camera tips on YouTube than a person could ever watch in their lifetime. But few, if any, of these videos will make you laugh (or cringe) as hard as the most recent video from I Did A Thing.

In his latest video, titled 5 Camera Tricks for Cheapskates, Alex spends four-and-a-half minutes sharing a collection of satirical camera tricks you can use to make the most of your camera equipment.

From butter sliders to a beer goggle filter, the video covers some of the most ridiculous tricks you could possibly think of. The absurd thing is, some of these tricks actually produce impressive results, as you can see from the buttery-smooth slider shot above.

We very much suggest you don’t try these at home for the sake of your floors, countertops, and camera equipment. But you’re free to live your life as you see fit.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Video: DIY Hasselblad XPan camera combines Hasselblad 500cm and anamorphic lens

10 Nov

Cinematographer Casey Cavanaugh of GxAce has published a video detailing the creation of his own Hasselblad XPan, a DIY camera he calls the GX-Pan. “I always wanted an XPan, the anamorphic dream,” Cavanaugh narrates in his video. “But it has always been out of my reach, so I built my own.”

The DIY GX-Pan features a custom machined adapter design to mount an anamorphic lens onto a Hasselblad 500cm camera. “What makes this better than an XPan, in my opinion, is that it gives a true anamorphic widescreen image,” Cavanaugh explains. Viewers are given both technical details and brief looks at the creation process.

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X-Pans are too damn expensive. So I built my own. Link to the video is up in the bio. #hasselbladxpan #xpan #anamorphiclens • • • • • • #anamorphic #anamorphiles #hasselblad #hasselblad500cm #fujiframez #fujixt3 #500cm #mediumformat #mediumformatfilm #cinematic #cinematography #cinebible #photocinematica #filmisnotdead @japancamerahunter @emulsivefilm @petapixel @phoblographer @35mmcblog @camerafilmphoto #panoramic #fujitx2 @hawkanamorphic @hasselblad @hasselbladfeatures @hasselbladculture

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Cavanaugh’s work can be found on his personal website, Flickr, and Instagram.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Video: Shooting a portrait on a 20×24 instant(ish) camera in Vienna

08 Nov

Marco Krenn of YouTube channel Analog Things has shared a video showcasing a 20×24 Wisner camera, including the process of capturing and developing a photo with it.

The camera, which is located at Supersense in Vienna, Austria, is presented in great detail throughout the ten minute video, with Krenn taking a look at the ground glass and paper holder, as well as the lens, inside the bellows, and the final portrait.

Supersense offers an online tour of its large format instant cameras, including an 8×10 Vienna Vintage Wood camera and the 20×24 camera featured in the video. The company allows visitors to schedule an appointment to have their own 20×24 or 8×10 instant portrait taken, and also sells instant film packs. In addition to its YouTube channel, Analog Things shares images related to analog photography on its Instagram account.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Escura Instant 60s is a retro-inspired instant camera that doesn’t need batteries

04 Nov

Battery-free instant cameras and printers appear to be all the rage right now. So, naturally, another company is tossing its hat in the ring. Hong Kong-based CARBON, a brand under the Graphic Guides Design Company, has launched a Kickstarter campaign for the Escura Instant 60s, a hand-crank Instant camera that uses the ubiquitous Instax film.

The camera, which is built with a retro 60s-inspired design, features a 60mm equivalent lens, two aperture options — F8 and F11 — and a shutter speed of roughly 1/100th of a second. There’s also a bulb shutter mode when using the optional spring shutter release cable. It’s also possible to capture multiple exposures on a single Instax print.

As with past battery-free cameras and printers we’ve seen, the process is as simple as turning the winding mechanism after capturing a shot. As you turn it, the print runs through the rollers and is fed out the top, ready to sit and be developed over the course of 90 seconds or so.

CARBON has also developed an external flash designed to be used with the Escura Instant 60s. It features the same retro design and is automatically synchronized with the shutter release.

The Escura Instant 60s is expected to ship in February 2019. Pledges start at roughly $ 55 (converted from HK$ ) for a single camera and go up as more cameras and add-ons are included. To find out more information and to secure your pledge, head on over to the Kickstarter campaign.

Disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Yongnuo teases YN450 mirrorless camera with Android, 4G connectivity

01 Nov

Chinese company Yongnuo has revealed plans to launch an Android-based mirrorless camera. The model is being referred to as “YN450,” but Yongnuo is soliciting name suggestions in a new contest on its Facebook Page. The public has until January 2019 to submit their name ideas.

The Yongnuo mirrorless interchangeable lens camera features 4G connectivity and runs on the Android operating system, which is accessible via a touchscreen display that covers the entire back of the camera. PhotoRumors elaborates on the Facebook post, claiming the YN450 camera will feature a memory card, headphone jack, 4000mAh battery, 4K/30fps video recording, support for RAW files, and built-in GPS.

Yongnuo will reveal the model’s final name in January 2019 and send contest winners a YN50mm F1.8C/N YONGNUO lens. As noted by MirrorlessRumors, the January date hints at a possible CES 2019 unveiling, though the company hasn’t confirmed the rumor.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Lens Rentals calls the Z7 the ‘best built mirrorless full-frame camera we’ve taken apart’

31 Oct

In case you were wondering what’s packed inside the Nikon Z7 and how well constructed it is, Lens Rentals has kindly cracked one open so you don’t have to, as promised in its EOS R teardown.

The camera equipment rental and repair business, famous for its camera teardowns, has documented the process of taking the Z7 apart, showing pictures of the weather sealing, electronic design, internal structure, and component layout of Nikon’s flagship full-frame mirrorless camera.

Roger Cicala, the man behind the teardown and founder of Lens Rentals, praises the extensive weathersealing protection from ingress of dust and moisture in the camera’s construction, and says the joints in the body are overlapped, screwed together and then covered by adhesive and rubber. He’s also impressed with the neatness of the electronics and the way the boards are packed into the body without leaving much space between them, especially with the in-body image stabilization.

“[The IBIS] noticeably more compact, has less travel than the Sony system, and seems more robust,” says Cicala. “From our focus on repair, we see this as a good thing – early Sony IBIS systems would sometimes move enough to jam and/or break. (To be clear, that’s not an issue with newer Sony cameras. I point this out just to show that the manufacturers have been watching each other.)”

Cicala’s only concerns seem to be that the diopter adjustment knob might not stand being pulled out and pushed in multiple times in rental models, and that the tripod screw isn’t as deep as some, so runs the slight risk of a long thread busting through it.

In conclusion Cicala says “I’m impressed by the very solid construction of the chassis and IBIS unit. I’m impressed with the neat, modern engineering of the electrical connections […] I’m not here to tell you which camera is best to use or has the best performance. I’m just here to say this is a damn well-built camera, the best built mirrorless full-frame camera we’ve taken apart.”

Go to the full teardown on Lens Rental’s website to see more photos and a more thorough take with all his comments. And remember, don’t try this at home!

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Panasonic announces first 8K camera with its organic image sensor inside

30 Oct

Panasonic has announced its first camera to use the organic film sensor it announced in February. This comes five years after announcing a collaboration with Fujifilm and seven years after the technology was patented. The AK-SHB810 uses the technology to offer 8K resolution at 60p and ‘global’ shutter.

The camera comes in the form of a ‘head unit’ that attaches via fiber-optical cable to an offboard processing unit. It should be available in 2019 with the Japanese press release talking about providing an 8K broadcast system in time for 2020, when Tokyo will host the Olympic Games. Panasonic also mentions feature film production, which explains the use of the industry-standard ‘PL’ mount.

In a conventional CMOS sensor, the silicon acts as the light-sensitive medium, charge storage and readout circuitry: reading out the pixel ends the exposure, so the shutter behavior is determined by the readout rate. In the organic film/CMOS chip, the two processes are independent, so the exposure can be stopped for the whole sensor to give a global shutter, with readout occuring in the background.

As well as avoiding any ‘rolling shutter’ skewing effect, Panasonic highlights that a global shutter means that flashguns fired while recording won’t cause partial bright bands across the image (something that could be distracting in broadcasts of indoor sporting events).

In addition, the sensor design allows the sensitivity of the capture medium to be varied to give a continuously variable virtual ‘ND Filter’ effect. The company also promises wide dynamic range capture, though puts no figures on this.

This figure shows the stepless, electronically-controlled ‘ND filter’ effect of the Panasonic sensor.

All these features stem from a fundamental aspect of the new sensor: the separation of the light gathering function of the sensor from the readout process and its circuitry.

The global shutter can be achieved because the light sensitive layer can be turned on and off (or its sensitivity varied) by varying the charge applied to it. This means that the whole film layer can capture a frame and then be made inactive while the CMOS circuitry underneath reads-out. In turn, this means the capture pattern doesn’t have to be defined by the sensor’s readout rate: progressively working down the frame.

The ability to vary the sensitivity of the organic film layer by adjusting the charge applied to it provides the virtual ‘ND filter’ affect, which can mimic ‘whole stop’ NDs or be continuously variable.

Pricing is not mentioned in the press release.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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