RSS
 

Posts Tagged ‘launches’

Macphun launches beta of Luminar photo editor for Windows

14 Jul

Mac-software maker Macphun has launched its first product for Windows PCs: a public beta of its award-winning photo editor Luminar. The beta is free of charge and comes with many of the most important features of the Mac version, including the artificial intelligence powered Accent AI Filter, which replaces traditional controls like shadows, highlights, contrast, tone, saturation and exposure with a single slider.

Unfortunately, a number of functions remain under development for the Windows platform, including workspaces, plug-in integration, object removal and noise reduction; however, the public beta will be updated as those features are being integrated and Macphun is envisaging a full cross-platform release in late in 2017.

“We are thrilled to release our first PC product today and give photography enthusiasts around the world the first taste of our best-selling Mac product,” said Kevin La Rue, Vice-President at Macphun. “By test-driving Luminar for Windows, beta testers can help shape our software and make the final release a perfect fit for everyone.”

You can download the free public beta of Luminar for Windows on the Macphun website now.

Press Release

Macphun debuts its first-ever software for the PC, heralding a new era of cross-platform solutions for photographers

San Diego, CA – July 13, 2017 — Macphun, the California-based developer known for delivering award-winning products for Mac, today launched the free public beta of its award-winning photo editor Luminar for Windows. To download the beta, please visit macphun.com/beta.

Luminar is a powerful photo editor designed to tackle anyone’s photography needs, from correcting challenging image problems to artful stylizing. Users can choose between levels of image processing complexity based on their experience, and adapt the workspace controls to their skill level, moving up to more advanced modes as they learn. Luminar works in non-destructive fashion and aims to take “work” from photo editing “workflow” for photographers worldwide.

In April, only 5 months after its launch, Luminar for Mac won the prestigious TIPA award for Best Imaging Software 2017. This all-in-one photo editor is a cutting-edge solution for creating fascinating images without extra hassle. Luminar includes over 300 robust tools that make fixing, editing and perfecting a photo as easy as moving a slider.

“We are thrilled to release our first PC product today and give photography enthusiasts around the world the first taste of our best-selling Mac product,” said Kevin La Rue, Vice-President at Macphun. “By test-driving Luminar for Windows, beta testers can help shape our software and make the final release a perfect fit for everyone,” concluded La Rue.

The public beta is free of charge and already matches some of the most important features of Luminar, such as the newest and most advanced tool developed by Macphun’s Research and Development Lab – the Accent AI Filter, powered by artificial intelligence technology. The filter allows anyone to create stunning images with a single slider, substituting for dozens of traditional controls like shadows, highlights, contrast, tone, saturation, exposure, details and many others.

Admittedly, several features from the Mac version of Luminar remain in development for the Windows platform, among them workspaces, plug-in integration, object removal, noise reduction, and more. As these are completed, the public beta will be updated regularly leading to a full cross-platform release late in 2017.

Key features of the Luminar for Windows public beta:

  • Adaptive user interface – Exactly matching the Mac version, the software adapts to the skill level and preferences of the photographer.
  • One-click presets – Over 50 pre-defined styles for every photography style.
  • Photo Editing Filters – Over 40 custom filters, each with built-in visual tips and a unique set of easy-to-use controls for correcting, enhancing and stylizing images.
  • RAW file conversion – Support for the latest RAW file libraries.
  • Non-destructive workflow – Edit without fear.

Recommended System Requirements – Windows 10, Core i5 2.2 or better, 8GB RAM, 1GB GPU RAM, SSD with 20+GB free space.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Macphun launches beta of Luminar photo editor for Windows

Posted in Uncategorized

 

3 Legged Thing launches low-cost, lightweight universal L-Bracket

14 Jul

UK tripod manufacturer 3 Legged Thing has introduced a new, lightweight universal L-Bracket that offers full cable port access for a range of Canon and Nikon cameras, and which has a thread on its upright so users can attach accessories such as mics or flash brackets.

The QR11-L is designed to make switching from landscape orientation to portrait quick and easy when using a tripod. It is made from magnesium alloy, to be lightweight while still protecting the camera, and features a large cut-out area that offers varying degrees of access to microphone, headphone and USB/HDMI ports located on the camera’s end panel depending on the brand and model of camera. (We’ve included a compatibility list is below).

Each axis has a strap lug and the base rail is shaped to be clamped into Arca Swiss style heads. For storage, the two plates come apart using a supplied tool and the whole kit fits into a drawstring bag for transportation.

The 3 Legged Thing QR11-L comes in a choice of Copper or Slate colors and will cost £49.99/$ 49.99 when shipping begins on August 1st. For more information see the 3 Legged Thing website.

Manufacturer information

A GUIDE TO COMPATIBILITY

One of the most common questions we receive is about compatibility with cameras. This guide is designed to show you what you should expect. The QR11 fits most modern cameras, but may require some adjustment or compromise.

Full compatibility.

The following cameras support the QR11, and enable full access to battery and cable doors.

  • CANON – 760D, 80D
  • NIKON – D3300, D3400, D5300, D5500, D5600, D500, D610, D700, D7000, D7100, D800, D810

Very compatible.

The following cameras support the QR11, and with a small adjustment, enable access to battery, cable door, or both.

  • CANON – 5D II, 5D III, 5D IV, 6D, 7D, 7D II, 700D, 750D
  • NIKON – D750

Partial compatibility.

The following cameras support the QR11, but access to the cable and battery doors is impeded.

  • CANON – 100D, 1300D, M3, M5
  • NIKON – 1V3, 1J5
  • SONY – A68, A77, A99, A99ii, A5000, A6000, A6300, A6500, A7, A7ii, A7r, A7s
  • FUJI – X100/S/T, X-E2/S, XT1, XT2, XT10
  • OLYMPUS – E-M1, E-M1 II, E-M10 II, E-M5 II, E-PL7, E-PL8, PEN-F
  • PENTAX – K-1, K-3 II, K-50, K-70, K-S2

3 Legged Thing QR11-L Universal L-Bracket

The new QR11-LG Quick Release Plate comes with a 110mm base, side bracket with cable access and 1/4”-20 accessory mount, compatible with standard Arca Swiss® clamps and heads. Designed to make the switch from landscape to portrait quick and easy, and with a side mount for optional accessories, the QR11-LG takes L Bracket functionality into the 21st century.

SO, WHAT’S IN THE KIT?

  • QR11-LG Quick Release L Bracket
  • Stagsden Stainless Steel camera screw
  • Retaining bolts (2.5mm hex) for horizontal axis security
  • Toolz – Multi Tool, hex key, coin key, key ring, carabiner and bottle opener
  • Tough drawstring bag
  • Elevated Street Credibility (not guaranteed)

FEATURES

  • Two piece L Bracket, that can be disassembled for when stowage space is limited
  • 1/4″-20 side mount, for adding accessories (monitors, microphones etc)
  • Precision engineed plate profiles for secure connection to your tripod head
  • Base slot for strap attachment or Peak Design® Anchor connection

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on 3 Legged Thing launches low-cost, lightweight universal L-Bracket

Posted in Uncategorized

 

SainSonic launches 50mm F1.1 lens for APS-C cameras

10 Jul

Chinese manufacturer SainSonic, which also makes an 8mm F3.0 fisheye prime lens as well as various floating music orbs and tabletop tube headphone amplifiers, has announced a new manual focus lens for APS-C cameras. It’s called the Kamlan 50mm F1.1 (!) lens and it’s currently offered in Sony E-Mount and Canon EOS M mounts, with a Fujifilm mount version coming soon.

The lens has a claimed 11 circular aperture blades (claimed, because if you were to count the blades in the above mockup, you’d wind up with 9), and a fairly pedestrian five elements in five groups, though there’s talk of high quality element coatings.

You can snag a Kamlan 50mm F1.1 today for the very reasonable price of $ 169.99 USD.

For more images and details regarding the lens, head on over to SainSonic. For some samples from the lens and comparative tests, check out Christopher Frost’s video review on YouTube:

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on SainSonic launches 50mm F1.1 lens for APS-C cameras

Posted in Uncategorized

 

C.P. Goerz launches ‘always-in-focus’ Citograph 35mm lens on Kickstarter

07 Jul

German startup C.P. Goerz has launched its new ‘always-in-focus’ Citograph 35mm f/8 lens on the crowdfunding website Kickstarter. The Citograph is designed to shoot photos ‘instantly’ by removing the need to manually focus and adjust the lens, with C.P. Goerz claiming that its product ‘may very well revolutionize street photography.’

The lens features a disc aperture equal to f/8 alongside a 35mm focal length and super-compact design—the Citograph does not have any moving parts.

“The Citograph 35 was designed specifically for capturing those fleeting, decisive moments that are gone in the flash of an eye,” the company says, explaining that anything located at least 9ft / 2.8m from the camera ranging to infinity will be in focus. Despite its capabilities—or because of them—the lens is described as being among the thinnest in the world.

Here are a few sample images C.P. Goerz published on Kickstarter:

C.P. Goerz plans to offer the Citograph 35mm lens in Sony E, Fuji, Nikon, Canon, Pentax, MFT and Leica M mounts.

Those interested in acquiring this strange WYSIWYG lens can claim a unit by pledging at least $ 220 USD on the Kickstarter campaign (early bird offer). Shipping to backers is estimated to start in March of 2018, with the company planning to launch the product on the retail photography marketing in the Spring of 2018 at an expected retail price of $ 550 USD.

Technical specs per Kickstarter page:

  • Magnification ratio 1:8
  • Optical construction 4 elements in 3 groups
  • Field of view +/- 31°
  • Distortion ? 1% Light loss max. 27 %
  • Focussing 3m bis ?
  • Filter thread M 37 x 0,75
  • Dimensions Ø 58 mm x 23 mm
  • Weight ±. 120g

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on C.P. Goerz launches ‘always-in-focus’ Citograph 35mm lens on Kickstarter

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Think Tank teams up with SKB for hard cases, launches MindShift ‘PhotoCross’ sling bags

03 Jul

MindShift Gear has announced ‘PhotoCross,’ a new lineup of sling bags designed for adventure photographers. Coming alongside this announcement is one from sister company Think Tank Photo, which has teamed up with SKB to offer the latter company’s hard cases fitted with soft inner dividers and organizers from Think Tank. The SKB/Think Tank hard case lineup currently includes 10 models.

The new hard case lineup comprises ‘SKB designed by Think Tank’ models featuring SKB’s own waterproof and durable iSeries hardshell exteriors. Think Tank has fitted its own internal modular organizers and protective padding into the cases, including movable dividers and lid organizers. The hard case lineup ranges in price from $ 109.99 to $ 329.99.

Joining those hard cases is MindShift Gear’s PhotoCross 10 and PhotoCross 13 bags for photographers in the field. Both bags feature space for photographic gear and either a 10-inch tablet (the PhotoCross 10) or up to a 13-inch laptop (the PhotoCross 13). The bags’ designs include T-pulls, carrying handles on both the side and top, a 320G breathable air-mesh back panel, a pocket that can accommodate most 1-liter water bottles and a 3-point harness.

The PhotoCross 10 bag can accommodate either a mirrorless camera body and up to five lenses or an ungripped DSLR and up to two lenses plus a tablet. The larger PhotoCross 13 can accommodate up to an ungripped DSLR alongside up to four lenses – including a 70–200mm F2.8 lens, MindShift explains – plus ‘some’ 13-inch laptops. The PhotoCross 13 will cost $ 129.99; PhotoCross 10 will cost $ 114.99.

Via: Think Tank Photo

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Think Tank teams up with SKB for hard cases, launches MindShift ‘PhotoCross’ sling bags

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Lee launches new set of high-end ProGlass IRND filters for stills shooters

01 Jul

Two years in the making, Lee Filters has just announced that it is bringing its highly-regarded ProGlass IRND cinematography filters to the world of stills photography. The company calls these ‘a new standard’ in ND filters, claiming they are, “remarkably neutral, with almost no color shift and extremely accurate stop values.”

The high-end filters will be available through the Seven5, 100mm and SW150 systems, and since they block both IR and UV pollution, they should deliver cleaner colors that require far less work in post-production.

This example, available in interactive form on the Lee website, comes from an unedited RAW file:

The new line will come in six different strengths: 2-stop, 3-stop, 4-stop, 6-stop, 10-stop, all the way up to an impressive 15-stop filter. And the 6, 10, and 15-stop models each feature additional foam light insulation to ensure there are no light leaks, no matter how long the exposure.
Shot with a 0.6ND medium grad Shot with a 0.6ND medium grad and the 4.5ND (15-stop) ProGlass IRND

For more information, and to watch a demo video, visit the Lee Filters website. The ProGlass IRND Filter systems are available to stills shooters today in Seven5, 100mm and SW150 versions for £132.00 ($ 172 USD), £150.00 ($ 195 USD), and £346.00 ($ 450 USD), respectively.

Press Release

ProGlass IRND Filters

Two years in the making, the ProGlass IRND range from LEE Filters sets a new standard in neutral-density filters.

ProGlass IRND filters were originally designed for the film industry, to meet the exacting needs of the world’s leading cinematographers, and have already been hailed as the best neutral-density filters on the market. Now, they are available to the stills photographer, in sizes to fit the LEE Filters Seven5, 100mm and SW150 systems.

Advances in coating technology mean that the filters, which are manufactured from 2mm-thick, optically flat glass, are available not only in strengths of two (0.6ND), three (0.9ND), four (1.2ND) and six (1.8ND) stops, but also in ultra-long 10 (3ND) and 15-stop (4.5ND) versions. Not only this, but all filters in the range – whatever their strength – are designed to be free of colour casts, with extremely accurate stop values, ensuring consistency in all shooting conditions and allowing for absolute precision when exposing images. Their neutrality also means less time spent tweaking colour balances in postproduction.

In addition, filters in the ProGlass IRND range are designed to block both infrared and ultraviolet pollution. As a result, blacks are rendered truly black, whites are clean, and results reveal a crispness that is second to none.

The 6, 10 and 15-stop versions of the ProGlass IRND filters come with a foam seal to prevent light leaks during long exposures, and should be placed into the filter slot closest to the lens. While the 2, 3, 4 and 6-stop versions do not feature a foam seal, it is still recommended also to place them into the slot closest to the lens.

All filters in the ProGlass IRND range can be used in conjunction with other filters, including neutral-density grads and the polariser.

Pricing
ProGlass IRND Filter (Seven5 System) – £132.00 each (Excl VAT)
ProGlass IRND Filter (100mm System) – £150.00 each (Excl VAT)
ProGlass IRND Filter (SW150 System) – £346.00 each (Excl VAT)

For further information, contact LEE Filters on +44 (0) 1264 366245; sales@leefilters.com; www.leefilters.com

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Lee launches new set of high-end ProGlass IRND filters for stills shooters

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Samsung launches ISOCELL image sensor brand

28 Jun

Samsung Electronics has introduced its image sensor brand ISOCELL at the 2017 Mobile World Congress (MWC) Shanghai. Samsung originally launched the ISOCELL technology, which reduces crosstalk between pixels through physical barriers, in 2013 and has now decided to use the moniker as a brand name.

“Samsung ISOCELL is a brand that represents the essence of our leading pixel technologies. We expect the ISOCELL brand to help consumers easily acknowledge and confide in camera performance as well as overall quality of the device,” said Ben Hur, Vice President of System LSI marketing at Samsung Electronics. “With our advanced image sensor technologies, Samsung will continue to bring innovation to cameras used in smartphones and other applications.”

ISOCELL sensors comprises four sub-brands: Bright, Fast, Slim and Dual which are tailored to specific mobile device market demands:

  • ISOCELL Bright sensors deliver bright and sharp images with high color fidelity and reduced noise in low light environments
  • ISOCELL Fast sensors provide fast autofocus onto still or moving objects even when dark
  • ISOCELL Slim sensors adopt the smallest pixel sizes available in the market at 0.9-1.0um, yet produce high quality images for the slimmest devices
  • ISOCELL Dual sensors can be mixed and matched in various combinations on consumer devices to bring about features demanded in the latest dual camera trend

The latter works in a similar way to the dual-camera modules in more recent Huawei high-end phones. combining an RGB with a monochrome sensor. If the rumors are true we will see the ISOCELL Dual sensors for the first time in the upcoming Samsung Note 8 which is likely to be launched around the IFA trade show in Berlin at the beginning of September.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Samsung launches ISOCELL image sensor brand

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Europeana launches 1914 – 1918 thematic collection

24 Jun
Military band, Lorraine 1915, unknown photographer, Max Kranz/Europeana

Europeana, which runs Europeana Photography, the online image archive that includes more than 2 million historical photographs from European collections in 34 countries, is launching the new Europeana 1914-1918 thematic collection, covering World War I.

The collection will be officially launched during the Europeana Transcribathon Campus Berlin 2017 which will be held on 22 and 23 June at the Berlin State Library. At the event teams from three generations and several European countries will compete to digitally transcribe as many World War One documents as possible, and link them to other historical sources such as early 20th century newspapers. Transcribathons are crowdsourcing events and gather people from across Europe and online to create digital versions of handwritten items. Since their launch in November 2016, several million characters and 12,000 documents, from love letters to poems, have been transcribed.

Frank Drauschke, of Europeana 1914-1918 project team says: “Most sources on Europeana 1914-1918 are written by hand, and often hard to decipher. Transcribathon aims to help us ‘polish’ a raw diamond by this making private memorabilia readable online. We utilise the power of our community to transcribe as many private stories and documents from diverse languages and regions of Europe and make them available to the public.”

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Europeana launches 1914 – 1918 thematic collection

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Zeiss launches Milvus 1.4/35 full-frame lens for Canon and Nikon

21 Jun

Zeiss has launched a new lens for full-frame DSLRs with Canon and Nikon mount, the Milvus 1.4/35. The new model is the tenth lens in the Milvus series and according to Zeiss, thanks to its fast aperture, particularly suited for portrait photography. That said, its 35mm focal length also makes it a good all-rounder and useful in landscape photography and even filming.

“The high maximum aperture enables the subject to stand out clearly against the background, and the photographer can achieve creative combinations of focus and blur,” says Christophe Casenave, Product Manager at Zeiss.

Like all lenses in the Milvus line the 1.4/35 comes with a robust metal barrel and is protected against dust and splashes and therefore suitable for working in adverse weather conditions. Zeiss says a new optical design with aspherical lens elements, special glass materials and advanced correction means photos taken with the Milvus are practically free from chromatic aberrations. The Zeiss Milvus 1.4/35 will be available from specialist dealers and in the ZEISS Online Shop from July 2017. The recommended retail price is 1,999 Euros ($ 2,228). More information is available on the Zeiss website.

Press Release:

ZEISS Milvus 1.4/35 Camera Lens for DSLR Cameras

The tenth lens in the ZEISS Milvus series for DSLR cameras already shows its many benefits at full aperture

OBERKOCHEN/Germany, 2017-06-21.

ZEISS has launched a new lens for full-frame DSLR cameras from Canon1 and Nikon2 on the market: the ZEISS Milvus 1.4/35. Now the tenth lens in the Milvus family, the ZEISS Milvus 1.4/35 is particularly suitable for portrait photography thanks to its speed. “The high maximum aperture enables the subject to stand out clearly against the background, and the photographer can achieve creative combinations of focus and blur,” says Christophe Casenave, Product Manager at ZEISS. “The manual focus enables very exact focusing, and the creamy bokeh provides an excellent image look. And even at full aperture the image quality leaves nothing to be desired.” The ZEISS Milvus 1.4/35 is also perfectly at home in landscape photography: “The 35-millimeter focal length is a genuine all-rounder.” Like all lenses in the ZEISS Milvus family, it is protected against dust and splashes and, according to Casenave, even bad weather is no problem. The metal barrel gives the lens its robust and durable character.

Practically no chromatic aberrations thanks to a new optical design

With aspherical lens elements, special glass materials and advanced correction, ZEISS has given the lens a completely new optical design. “This means the photos are practically free from chromatic aberrations,” says Casenave. Thanks to their excellent edge-to-edge imagery the ZEISS Milvus lenses are designed for high-performance digital cameras. “The resolutions of camera sensors are constantly becoming higher, and this also increases the demands made on the lenses. For ZEISS Milvus lenses this is no problem. They are a solid investment in the future.”

Also suitable for filming

The ten lenses in the ZEISS Milvus family, ranging between 15 and 135 millimeters, are also suitable for film productions: the manual focus with a large rotation angle can be operated with the aid of a ZEISS Lens Gear with a follow-focus system. The de-click function allows the aperture to be set continuously in the version for Nikon3 cameras. A further benefit for filming: ZEISS has matched the color characteristics of the ten lenses. Filmmakers can therefore switch between the focal lengths and still have a uniform color look. “This facilitates editing enormously,” says Casenave.

Price and availability

The ZEISS Milvus 1.4/35 will be available from specialist dealers and in the ZEISS Online Shop from July 2017. The recommended retail price is 1,999 euros.

You can find further information at www.zeiss.com/photo/milvus1435

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Zeiss launches Milvus 1.4/35 full-frame lens for Canon and Nikon

Posted in Uncategorized

 

LG launches G6+ with wireless charging and improved G6 software

20 Jun

If you liked the performance of the LG G6 dual-camera in our review but still weren’t quite convinced by LG’s 2017 flagship, maybe the G6+ – announced today – will win you over.

The G6+ retains most of the original G6 specification including the 13MP dual-camera with super-wide-angle lens, but doubles the internal storage to 128GB and brings Qi wireless charging to the feature set. In addition, it will come with premium B&O headphones included in the box. The Plus model will also offer a few new color options, including Optical Marine Blue, Optical Terra Gold and Optical Black. A special coating will make the back panel change hue with the angle of reflected light. No information on the G6+ pricing and availability has been released yet.

In addition to launching the Plus model, the original G6 is also getting a boost: a new software version brings face recognition functionality for unlocking the device. The new feature allows you to unlock by just lifting the G6 up and pointing the front camera towards your face.

The Low Power Consumption feature is also new and makes use of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 chipset’s ability to improve battery usage. It collects data from sensors and optimizes power usage, depending on your location and movement. Other new features include fine volume control of the Hi-Fi Quad audio and automatic call recording for pre-defined numbers.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on LG launches G6+ with wireless charging and improved G6 software

Posted in Uncategorized

 
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »