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Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Posts Tagged ‘first’
ACLU files First Amendment lawsuit against US government on behalf of 5 photojournalists
27
Nov
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The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has sued the United States government on the behalf of five photojournalists who allege their rights were violated ‘on multiple separate occasions’ while reporting on conditions at the US-Mexico border. According to the ACLU, the Department of Homeland Security made a database of journalists and photojournalists who were reporting on US-Mexico border conditions and used this database to target, detain, and interrogate them.
The lawsuit was filed on the behalf of Bing Guan, Go Nakamura, Mark Abramson, Kitra Cahana and Ariana Drehsler, all of whom are professional photojournalists and U.S. citizens, according to the ACLU. The lawsuit alleges these individuals were among the journalists included in Homeland Security’s secret database.
The database allegedly contained the photojournalists’ names, birth dates, headshots, and information about whether they’d been interrogated. An ‘X’ was allegedly used to cross out the individuals who had already been interrogated, indicating that the ‘random’ secondary screenings and interrogations they were subjected to weren’t actually random.
Bing Guan said in a statement to the ACLU:
‘I was being targeted by my own government for reporting on conditions at the border.‘
The ACLU explains that photojournalists were detained when they attempted to reenter the United States, at which point they were allegedly interrogated about various matters ranging from their observations of the condition of the border and shelters to whether they could identify people from a series of headshots. Multiple photojournalists claim they were forced to reveal the images they had taken and that at least one officer had used a phone to snap images of the photos.
Forcing the photojournalists to disclose details about their sources and observations was a violation of the First Amendment, according to the ACLU, which calls the ‘disturbing actions’ a potential deterrent that may prevent other journalists from pursuing similar work.
The ACLU said in its announcement of the lawsuit:
‘That the government’s actions occurred at the border makes them no less unlawful … When the government tries to circumvent constitutional protections, we must hold it accountable. No journalist should have to fear government interference for having the persistence, courage, and commitment to expose the truth.’
The lawsuit can be read in full on the ACLU’s website. Plaintiffs seek an official declaration that their First Amendment rights were violated; they also want the records related to their interrogations to be expunged and more.
Via: ACLU
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Canon reveals its first two 8K broadcast lenses, the UHD-DIGISUPER 51 and 7×10.7 KAS S
12
Nov
 |
Canon has taken the wraps off the new UHD-DIGISUPER 51 (SP51x15.5B) and 7×10.7 KAS S, its first two 8K broadcast lenses. The models are compatible with 8K broadcast cameras that feature 1.25″ sensors, according to Canon, which notes that this equipment has become more popular in documentary production and sports coverage.
The UHD-DIGISUPER 51 8K model is a 51x field zoom lens with what Canon says is the longest focal range in the world at 15.5 – 790mm. An integrated 1.5x extender brings the total telephoto focal length to 1185mm. Canon says this new model offers high-end quality ‘from the center to the periphery of the screen.’
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Joining the zoom lens is Canon’s new 7×10.7 KAS S 8K portable 7x zoom lens with a 10.7 – 75mm focal range. As with the UHD-DIGISUPER model, the 7×10.7 KAS S 8K lens features the ‘same operability’ as its 4K and 2/3″ HDTV lens counterparts, according to the company.
The 7×10.7 KAS S model will arrive first; customers will be able to special order it starting in January 2020. The UHD-DIGISUPER 51 will likewise be offered as a special order, but not until May 2020. Pricing information hasn’t been revealed at this time.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
DPReview TV: Leica SL2 first impressions
09
Nov
Chris and Jordan are off to Germany to try the new Leica SL2 at Leica headquarters. Will Chris get to keep a camera for his birthday? Will Jordan declare it the best Leica ever for video? Tune in to to get the answers to this and more.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get new episodes of DPReview TV every week.
- Intro
- Portraits
- Design
- In-body image stabilization (IBIS)
- Displays
- Battery
- Sensor
- Autofocus
- Ports
- Video capabilities
- Conclusion
Sample images from this episode
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Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Canon Announces the EOS Ra, Its First Mirrorless Astrophotography Camera
08
Nov
The post Canon Announces the EOS Ra, Its First Mirrorless Astrophotography Camera appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.
Canon has announced its first astrophotography camera since the Canon 60Da, which is also its first-ever mirrorless astrophotography camera:
The Canon EOS Ra.
The EOS Ra isn’t a particularly flashy camera; it’s the Canon EOS R, along with a few special features designed for astrophotographers. But if you’re looking to take photos of the night sky, the Canon EOS Ra may be exactly what you need.
What makes this camera special?
First, Canon has added a special IR filter in front of the sensor, one that promises to increase transmission of the H-alpha wavelength by approximately four times the amount of the standard EOS R. Most cameras include an IR filter that reduces H-alpha wavelength transmission. But the H-alpha wavelength features heavily in celestial phenomena such as diffuse nebulae; the enhanced transmission should make for clearer, sharper images of these astronomical objects.
And second, Canon added enhanced EVF and LCD viewing. You can zoom in to 5x or 30x magnification using either the LCD or the electronic viewfinder, which allows you to focus on celestial objects with increased precision.
Note that the Canon EOS Ra offers all the other features of the EOS R, including a 30.3 MP sensor, the DIGIC 8 processor, continuous shooting at 8 frames per second, and Canon’s amazing Dual Pixel autofocus.
So who should get the Canon EOS Ra? And how does it perform when shooting subjects other than the night sky?
The Canon EOS Ra is designed for astrophotographers, and I recommend you keep it that way. While all the EOS R features are present, the altered IR filter may cause issues when photographing non-celestial subjects. Plus, the EOS Ra has a few hundred dollars added to its price tag, selling for $ 2499 USD compared to the $ 1799 USD Canon EOS R. For non-astrophotographers, purchasing the EOS Ra will be throwing away unnecessary dollars.
But for astrophotographers, the Canon EOS Ra is a fantastic option.
The camera is currently available for preorder and should debut in mid-December 2019.
What do you think about the Canon EOS Ra? And for all the astrophotographers out there: Will you be using it for astrophotography?
The post Canon Announces the EOS Ra, Its First Mirrorless Astrophotography Camera appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.
Leica SL2: First sample images from this new 47MP camera
07
Nov
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The Leica SL2 is the brand’s latest full frame mirrorless camera sporting a new 47MP sensor, updated processor, redesigned ergonomics and an upgraded 5.76M-dot OLED viewfinder.
We got our hands on an SL2 prior to launch and we’ve been shooting around downtown Seattle alternating between Leica’s beefy but versatile 24-90mm F2.8-4 and Sigma’s charmingly compact 45mm F2.8. Here are our initial samples.
See our Leica SL2 sample gallery
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Here are our first samples from the Nikon Z 58mm 0.95 ‘Noct’
26
Oct
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We’re on the ground at the Photoplus trade show in New York City, where we’ve had the chance to shoot a few samples with a working version of Nikon’s $ 8000 58mm F0.95 ‘Noct’ lens, while on the show floor. Check them out above – we’ll add more the first chance we get. And don’t forget to read our hands-on here.
See our initial Nikon Z 58mm 0.95 ‘Noct’ samples
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Samyang AF 14mm F2.8 RF arrives as the first third-party Canon RF autofocus lens
26
Oct
 |
Samyang has introduced the first third-party autofocus lens for Canon RF mount, the Samyang AF 14mm F2.8 RF. The new model joins the company’s similar AF 14mm F2.8 lens for Canon EF, featuring a 113.9-degree wide angle of view (89.8-degree APS-C) thanks to 14 elements in 10 groups, including one high-reflective element, two extra-low dispersion elements and three aspherical elements.
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Samyang says it ‘optimized’ the new AF 14mm F2.8 RF lens design so that it is compact enough for use with mirrorless cameras. The model measures 95.3mm (3.7in) in length and weighs 484g (1lbs). The lens is weather-sealed and includes a rear filter holder, AF-MF switch, and an optical design intended to ‘adjust the light flow and reduce the aberration.’
Specs:
- Aperture range: F2.8 – F22
- Construction: 14 Elements in 10 groups
- Coating UMC
- Min focusing distance: 0.20m (0.66ft)
- Max magnification ratio: x0.12
- Number of blades: 7
- Angle of view: 35mm 113.9?/ APS-C 89.8?
- Max diameter ?86mm
Below is a gallery of sample images provided by Samyang:
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The Samyang AF 14mm F2.8 RF will be released globally in November; price hasn’t been revealed at this time.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
The X-A7 is Fujifilm’s first good entry-level mirrorless ILC
13
Sep
 |
Back when Fujifilm announced the X-A5 in early 2018, it sounded like a really appealing entry-level ILC; in terms of spec, at least. It had an time-tested 24MP APS-C sensor, on-sensor PDAF, a flip-up touchscreen display, 4K video capture, a mic socket and great battery life.
Unfortunately, aside from image quality, the X-A5 turned out to be a pretty lousy camera. It was very sluggish and the autofocus system was unreliable. While it could indeed capture 4K video, it was at 15 frames per second, which is essentially an 8MP burst mode (or silent-era movie simulator). Everyone knows that Fujifilm is capable of making excellent cameras (like the X-T3), which made the X-A5 that much more disappointing.
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The new X-A7 gives me hope. It’s way faster, has a more robust AF system, a fully articulating touchscreen, AF joystick, a USB-C port and oversampled 4K capture, all for under $ 700 with a lens. And it comes in mint green!
Aside from the color of the camera Fujifilm sent us, what grabbed my attention first was that 3.5″, 2.76 million-dot display, which is the best I’ve seen on a low-priced camera – by a large margin. The screen has a 16:9 aspect ratio, which means that you’ll get black margins when shooting stills. But if you’re into vlogging, that aspect ratio, paired with the built-in 2.5mm mic socket (a 3.5mm adapter is included) and oversampled, uncropped 4K/30p make the X-A7 an appealing option, unless its 15 minute recording limit is an issue.
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In order to incorporate the large LCD, Fujifilm has had to redesign the back of the camera. The four-way controller has been replaced by an 8-way joystick which, while on the small side, works well.
Since the four-way controller is gone, getting at some settings is a bit harder. Accessing the touch-enabled Q.Menu requires two taps on the display, while the self-timer needs to be assigned to a custom button (Strangely, there’s no way to assign the Q.Menu to a custom button – at least, not yet.)
The rear dial moved to a more traditional position on the top plate, as opposed to the one that was upward-facing dial on the back of earlier models. The power switch has been transformed from a switch to a button that sits in-between all of the dials. As someone who was constantly turning the X-A5 (and X-T100) on and off accidentally due to the switch’s placement, I appreciate this change.
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| The X-A7 has a refined, touch-enabled menu system |
While I was drooling over the display, my colleague Carey was scrolling through the menus, noting how much more responsive they were than on the X-A5 and X-T100. While we can’t put a number to it, it’s clear that the X-A7 got a processor bump of some sort. I wondered if that translated to faster burst shooting or a larger buffer, but it did not: it’s still 6 fps, for up to 4-5 shots.
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| Pressing the menu button brings up this new on-screen UI |
After stealing the camera back from Carey, I toyed with the new touchscreen interface, which has simple on-screen buttons for adjusting focus mode, brightness, skin softening and a few other things, depending on the shooting mode. A button for accessing the touch-enabled Q.Menu is also here.
One very cool thing that Fujifilm snuck in appears when you change the Film Simulation mode: a side-by-side view showing comparing your current mode versus the other options. You can even move a slider (shown in the video above) back and forth. This isn’t a feature I’ve been dreaming about, but now that I’ve seen it, I’m hoping that it appears on more cameras.
It’s nice to see that Fujifilm has released a camera that actually surpasses our expectations for an entry-level product
Seeing how I’ve only used the camera for a day, it’s too early to make any judgments about image quality or autofocus performance. Fujifilm says that the 24MP sensor is newly developed, with copper wiring and fast readout speeds (something it also said back when the X-T2 was introduced). The autofocus system has phase-detect points across the whole frame and offers both face and eye detection. Fujifilm has hinted that new AF algorithms will allow the X-A7 to perform as well or better than the X-T30/X-T3. We’ll see how it does when we put it in front of a weaving bicycle when a production model appears.
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After putting out a bunch of really disappointing X-A series cameras, it’s nice to see that Fujifilm has listened to their customers (and perhaps some camera review websites) and released a camera that actually surpasses our expectations for an entry-level product, assuming that the autofocus really is better than the X-A5. How it holds up against competitive products from Canon, Olympus, Panasonic and Sony remains to be seen, but based on my initial tinkering with the camera, I’m definitely impressed.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
First samples from the Sony a6100, E 16-55mm and E 70-350mm
31
Aug
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We’re in New York City where Sony’s launched an impressive range of new APS-C gear including a flagship a6600 body, budget-friendly a6100 body, E 16-55mm F2.8 standard zoom lens and E 70-350mm F4.5-6.3 telephoto lens. We got our hands on both the a6100 and duo of lenses. Check out our initial samples.
See our Sony a6100 sample gallery
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
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