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Posts Tagged ‘launches’

Canon USA launches new online photography courses

09 Jun

Canon USA has announced seven new photography courses that will form the beginning of the company’s new Canon Online Learning program. The courses are aimed at the full spectrum of photographers from beginner to professional says Canon, and students will be able to learn at their own pace as the resources aren’t live. There will be video tutorials and downloadable worksheets and assignments for the practical courses, while equipment-based courses intend to help users get the most out of their Canon cameras and accessories.

The first seven courses will be:

  • Understanding EOS Camera Operations
  • Photo 101: How to Take Great Pictures
  • Printing Basics & Beyond
  • Great Landscapes Made Easy
  • Child’s Play: Simple Tips for Photographing Children
  • Getting Started with Flash Photography
  • Canon Insider Guide: EOS Rebel Series

Courses will be priced from $ 19.99 to $ 59.99.

For more information visit the Canon Online Learning website.

Press release

Canon Educates & Inspires With New In-Depth Online Learning Program

Canon Online Learning Courses Designed to Support and Develop Imaging Skills for Passionate Photographers of All Levels

Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, is launching Canon Online Learning, a new program of immersive digital courses designed to help photo and video enthusiasts of all levels develop their skills at their own pace. The program, which expands upon Canon’s robust mix of existing free and paid educational offerings, looks to educate parents, travelers, imaging hobbyists and working professionals with proven techniques from recognizable industry talents.

Available now are these initial seven courses, suitable for all skill levels:
* Understanding EOS Camera Operations
* Photo 101: How to Take Great Pictures
* Printing Basics & Beyond
* Great Landscapes Made Easy
* Child’s Play: Simple Tips for Photographing Children
* Getting Started with Flash Photography
* Canon Insider Guide: EOS Rebel Series

These first seven courses, and subsequent classes to follow, will include video guides unique to each course with the option to download or print PDF materials. With the exception of Canon Insider Guide: EOS Rebel Series, courses will also include complementary resources such as bonus video content, lighting/shooting diagrams, shot lists, resource guides and interviews with course instructors. Additional interactive materials may include quizzes, assignments, interactive images and diagrams.

“Canon has always provided industry leading educational resources for our customers. Over the years, we have expanded our offerings to include live workshops, one-on-one in-person sessions and countless free lectures across the country. Now, for those passionate customers looking to take a deeper dive into photography or videography, we have developed a curriculum of content that addresses the various ways our customers use our products today, and it’s available at their convenience online, day or night,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “This new program also helps familiarize the imaging community with our wide range of educational tools, allowing them to learn valuable tips from our technical experts, as well as our Explorers of Light professional photographers.”

Initial course offerings range from $ 19.99-$ 59.99. To learn more about Canon Online Learning please visit: http://usa.canon.com/onlinelearning or email learning@cusa.canon.com.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Lumigon launches T3 smartphone with night vision camera

08 Jun

Danish electronics company Lumigon has announced a new smartphone that it claims is the first in the world to offer a night vision camera. The Lumigon T3 features three cameras in total; a 13MP rear camera, a 5MP front camera and a 4MP night vision camera that uses what the company describes as a ‘dual infrared flash’. Lumigon says the camera can take stills and video in total darkness. The rear 13MP camera uses a dual tone flash, has a phase detection AF system and can shoot 120fps slow-motion video as well as 4K video.

The T3 uses a 2.2 GHz 64-bit 8-core processor with 3GB of RAM, and all models come with 128GB of internal storage. The device runs Android 6.0 and features a 4.8in Super AMOLED 1280×720 display. The stainless steel body uses Gorilla glass on the front and back, and offers BackTouch touch sensitivity on the rear for controlling functions displayed on the front screen. Other features include dual SIM slots, universal IR remote control and wireless charging.

The Lumigon T3 will be available in white, black and orange, as well as four different gold versions. The standard ‘classic’ models will cost €645/DKK 4799/$ 740 while the gold models will be€1100/DKK 8000/$ 1200.

For more information visit the Lumigon website.

Press release:

Lumigon launches T3, a premium smartphone with unique features in Scandinavian design

Lumigon announces the launch of the T3 smartphone, integrating minimalistic Scandinavian design with durable steel exterior and innovative features such as a night vision camera and the innovative BackTouch technology, so far never seen before in mobile phones.

“We wanted to create a new smartphone that reflects our design philosophy,” says Lumigon CEO Lars Gravesen. “The glass and steel used in the T3 are extremely durable, but that doesn’t mean sacrificing the look and feel of the phone. In fact, it provides a great balance between design, premium materials, innovation and technology.”

In addition to the classic versions, the T3 is also available in a gold edition with four different models, to fulfil the needs of customers who like it a little more extraordinary.

Innovative design, inside and out
The exterior of T3 is crafted from molybdenum 316 stainless steel, whose strength and high resistance is known from the boat industry. This durability is further enhanced with scratch and damage resistant glass. Both the front and back of the phone are of Corning® Gorilla® Glass to help ensure the 4.8” HD Super AMOLED Diamond display is not spoiled by screen cracks. These robust materials were carefully selected and precisely crafted to create a dust and water-resistant phone that can withstand daily use, while retaining the sleek design of an exclusive product.

These details extend to the interior, which is powered by an ultra-fast 2.2 GHz 64 bit 8-core processor with 3 GB RAM running Android™ 6.0, making this smartphone run smooth and fast. Lars Gravesen continues, “In a world with such huge demands for data, we wanted to give our customers enough capacity that will make users hardly run out of space, thus we decided to launch the T3 with 128 GB internal memory as standard.”

Being a truly versatile device, the T3 also features a 4G Dual Nano SIM slot allowing the use of two SIM cards simultaneously. These can be hot-swapped without shutting down the phone, allowing for exceptional agility on the go.

Perfect picture – day and night
The T3 comes with three cameras and provides high quality photography regardless of time of day or lighting conditions. The 4K HD camera takes ultra-sharp photos while the advanced Phase Detection Autofocus find its focus point instantly. The 2K HD front camera with innovative FrontFlash allows for perfect selfies even in dark environments. The mirror in combination with the FrontFlash turns this phone to a gadget that the ladies will find very handy when fixing their makeup on the go.

The T3 is the first smartphone in the world to have a 2K HD Night Vision camera that can capture photos and videos even in total darkness.

BackTouch
The innovative BackTouch technology enables to scroll content on the display from the back of the phone and is very convenient when taking selfies as the user just needs to tap on the BackTouch. This brand new feature introduces easy one-handed navigation and improved swiping and scrolling capabilities.

Secured
T3 has cutting-edge security and interface features. The 360° ceramic fingerprint reader provides added security along with 740 unique Vault feature that lets the user store private and confidential information on the phone. The data within the Vault is secure and encrypted with AES 256-bit algorithm.

Make it Your Way
T3 is provided in three classic colours, black, white and orange as well as the exclusive series, like the elegant 24-karat gold in four different models. Users can then show their individual looks, while those who want to experience the next level of luxury can leave their mark with a personal engraving.

Mr Gravesen says, “The T3 was created for users who want something different and want to stand out from the crowd.”

“To me,” he continues, “Danish design reflects craftsmanship, simplicity and real-life functionality, taking high-quality materials and combining them with innovative features to create a clean premium product. That was the design mindset that brought us to the creation of the T3 smartphone.”

Availability
The T3 is available for purchase at the Lumigon web shop and at selected dealers worldwide at a price starting from EUR 645/DKK 4799 for the stainless steel versions with 128 GB internal memory. The sales box also includes a stainless steel designer headset created from quality materials and with precision in every detail.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sandisk launches 128GB capacity memory stick with USB-C and A connections

07 Jun

Memory manufacturer SanDisk has announced a new series of portable flash drives that feature a retractable, reversible connector that allows users to pair the stick with both USB Type-C and Type-A devices. The company suggests the dual compatibility of the Ultra Dual Drive USB Type-C will make it easier for smartphone users to transfer images and data from the phone to a computer, as well as offering a solution for expanding the storage memory of the device.

SanDisk claims the USB sticks have a maximum read speed of 150MB per second but says that the write speed is dependent on the device it is connected to. Android users can download the SanDisk Memory Zone app that features a convenient interface for transferring files between the phone and the external storage areas. The flash drives come in capacities from 16GB to 128GB and have a five year warrantee.

  • 16GB $ 19.99/£10
  • 32GB $ 29.99/£13
  • 64GB $ 39.99/£21
  • 128GB $ 69.99/£39

For more information see the SanDisk website.

Press release:

SanDisk Mobile Storage Portfolio Expanded with Faster, Higher Capacity USB Type-C Flash Drive

New SanDisk Ultra® Dual Drive USB Type-C™ offers hassle-free transfer between smartphones and next-generation USB-C™ devices

Western Digital® Corporation (NASDAQ: WDC), a global storage technology and solutions leader, today expanded its line of SanDisk-branded mobile storage solutions with the new SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive USB Type-C flash drive. The newest generation drive features a new retractable design, faster speeds and higher capacity, giving consumers the ability to quickly and easily free up space and transfer content between their smartphones and today’s USB-C devices1.

“With its reversible connector, impressive speeds, and multi-purpose potential, USB Type-C is a game-changer,” said Dinesh Bahal, vice president of SanDisk product marketing, Western Digital. “More Type-C devices are entering the market and through our Type-C mobile drives, we can offer consumers a complete line of mobile storage solutions. The new SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive USB Type-C flash drive now provides more than twice the capacity and offers the flexibility to quickly and conveniently move photos, videos and files between devices, as well as the freedom to expand device capacity.”

Now available in up to 128GB*, the sleek, new SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive USB Type-C includes one reversible USB Type-C connector and one standard USB (Type-A) connector, enabling users to easily free up space on a smartphone or tablet, or transfer files between smartphones, tablets and computers and next-generation devices. The drive also now delivers high-speed USB 3.1 performance of up to 150MB/s2 – offering users phenomenal speeds when moving their photos, videos and files to a computer.

“By 2020 we expect that 44 percent of all mobile phones sold worldwide will include a USB-C connector, that’s about 800% growth over the next four years,” said Ken Hyers, director, Wireless Device Strategies, Strategy Analytics. “At this rate of anticipated growth, we expect to see more and more solutions like the SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive USB Type-C flash drive that offer consumers a way to move and access their content between devices with varying connectors.”

The SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive USB Type-C flash drive also works with the SanDisk® Memory Zone app for Android™, giving users an easy way to manage and back up content on their device. The app, which is available for free through the Google Play™ Store3, auto-launches upon insertion of the drive into a compatible device, allowing immediate access to the user’s content.

The SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive USB Type-C flash drive complements the company’s suite of SanDisk brand USB Type-C flash memory solutions which range from USB drives to portable SSDs.

Pricing and Availability
The SanDisk Ultra Dual USB Type-C Flash Drive features a five-year warranty4, and is now available worldwide at Amazon and other leading retailers. The new offering comes in capacities of 16GB, 32GB, 64GB and 128GB with U.S. MSRPs of $ 19.99, $ 29.99, $ 39.99 and $ 69.99, respectively.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Takeway launches R1 Mini Ranger Clampod for action cameras

04 Jun

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Camera clamp manufacturer Takeway has announced a miniature version of its T1 Clampod that it is aiming at the action cam market. The R1 Mini Ranger Clampod features a screw-close clamping jaw that can be adjusted for gripping on to flat surfaces or around cylindrical poles. The jaw offers a choice of three clamping ‘teeth’ so users can select the most appropriate for the type of surface the clamp is being attached to.

The head features a quick release plate that allows cameras to be attached and detached easily – Takeway claims the R1 can cope with a maximum load of 300g. Its load capacity makes it suitable for small to medium sized flash units too, such as the Canon Speedlite 430EX RT, though not top-of-the-range models. The aluminum clamp itself weighs 73g, and the jaw can attach to tubes of between 10-32mm in diameter and flat surfaces of between 5-32mm thick.

The Takeway R1 Mini Ranger Clampod will cost £29.94/€39.95. For more information visit the Takeway website.

Press release:

Kenro unveils new additions to Takeway range

Kenro Ltd, the specialist photo & video distributor, has expanded its range of Takeway camera clamps with the introduction of the new R1 Mini Ranger Clampod, together with an expanded range of Clampod accessories.

Kenro is the UK and Ireland’s exclusive distributor of the versatile Takeway Clampod mini tripod and clamping system.

Following hot on the heels of its ingenious larger brother – the T1 Clampod introduced last year – the new R1 Mini Ranger version is aimed at action cameras, mobile phones and GPS devices. SRP is just £29.94.

It is ideal for fixing onto cycle or motorcycle handlebars for filming outdoor adventure activities, but it will actually clamp onto anything 5-32mm thick so the applications are numerous. The R1 Mini Ranger has a quick release plate so an action camera or other device can be quickly loaded into place.

It can be used as a camera support aid in inaccessible places where handheld or tripod use is not possible, plus it can also be used with a flex neck for precise positioning in even more difficult places.

Clampod accessories, also recently launched, include:

Tablet Holder (TY102)
The optional tablet holder is compatible with tablets from 7” to 10.2” – such as iPad, Note 10.1 etc. The stored holder is only 15 cm x 6.4 cm, the max opening for tablet width is 20cm. SRP is £17.94.

Smartphone Holder for Sports (TY103)
This is a smartphone holder for dynamic use – such as motorcycles, bicycles, scooters, skateboarding etc. Even with violent shaking, a smartphone will not easily fall out. It is designed for smartphones from 4” to 5.7” in size. SRP is £15.54.

G1 Mini Tripod (TYG1)
The G1 is a table-top device which fits direct to cameras etc, via its 1/4” screw thread. It is designed to be used with the TYB01 Ball Head and T1 Clampod. Size folded: 15 x 11 x 7cm. Size extended: 9.5 x 4 x 2.4cm. SRP is £17.34.

Flex Neck (TYFN01)
The Flex Neck is 11cm long and fits the camera plate of the T1 or R1 Takeway Clamps along with the TYB01 Ball Head. Its bending action enables the user, in conjunction with a Takeway Clamp, to operate at more extreme angles. SRP is £22.14.

Ball Head (TYB01)
This mini Ball Head is designed mainly for use with the Takeway R1 Ranger, G1 Tripod or Flex Neck. It has a load capacity of 3kg and features a Quick Release Plate. SRP is £22.74.

Paul Kench, Kenro’s managing director, says: “When we introduced the original T1 Clampod, it provided users with a great looking, excellent quality and very handy device to clamp digital cameras to virtually anything and it has been very well received.

“This success led Takeway to design a smaller clamp aimed at the action cam and handheld device user, and the R1 Mini Ranger Clampod fits the bill perfectly. With its extended range of accessories, Takeway now has an extremely versatile and cost-effective device clamping system.”
All quoted prices are SRP guide, including VAT.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Broncolor launches range of softbox edge masks for rim light effect

26 May

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Swiss lighting brand broncolor has announced a range of diffuser panels for its softboxes that help to create a rim light effect when the subject is positioned in front of the softbox. The Edge Masks feature a large black panel in the center of the diffuser that prevents light from passing, but leaves strips all the way around the panel for the flash to pass through. The idea is that people posed in front of the panel will appear on a black background but highlighted with a rim of light all around them.

The panels are designed to replace the usual white diffuser of the softbox, which is removed when the Edge Mask is in place. The effect is relatively easy to achieve using any softbox and a panel of black material, but these are a bit more convenient and look more professional.

The company has also launched a 110cm parabolic umbrella that can be used to vary the focus of the reflected light. The umbrella has a particularly long arm that allows the light source to be placed at a range of distances from the reflective material.

The Edge Masks come in a range of sizes and are available now, as is the Focus 110 umbrella. The Edge Masks are priced from £42/$ 54 to £84/$ 113, while the umbrella costs £150/$ 210.

For more information visit the broncolor website.

Press release:

New Light Shaping Tools – Edge Masks & Focus 110

Hot on the heels of the new Siros L battery powered studio monobloc, broncolor have also released two brand new lights shaping tools – the Edge Mask diffuser and Focus 110 umbrella.

Edge Masks
Using the broncolor range of softboxes just became even more creative and flexible. The new Edge Mask helps turn the rectangular sizes of the softboxes in to a rim light, allowing for subjects to be photographed in-front of and against the softbox, with the light wrapping around the subject from behind. This is a popular technique previously only created by flagging off the softbox with a board, but the Edge Mask provides a professional, easy and uniform method for creating the effect. Simply attach the Edge Mask to your existing softbox as you would an external diffuser.

Focus 110
The new parabolic Focus 110 umbrella (110cm diameter) provides a quick an easy way of producing a focusable parabolic light effect. Simply pop it up and use the lamp heads umbrella holder to slide and focus the shaper.

Pricing and availability
The new Edge Masks and Focus 110 are ready and available to ship now!

33.612.00 – Edge Mask for Softbox 35 x 60 – £35 ex. VAT
33.613.00 – Edge Mask for Softbox 60 x 100 – £40 ex. VAT
33.614.00 – Edge Mask for Softbox 90 x 120 – £50 ex. VAT
33.615.00 – Edge Mask for Softbox 120 x 180 – £70 ex. VAT

33.576.00 – Focus 110 – £125 + VAT

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Lensbaby Circular 180+ ultra-wide-angle GoPro lens launches on Kickstarter

25 May

Lensbaby has launched a Kickstarter campaign for the Lensbaby Circular 180+, a lens that attaches to a GoPro Hero’s waterproof housing. The Circular 180+ has an ultra-wide 185° field-of-view and features ‘tack sharp edge-to-edge focus,’ according to Lensbaby, as well as ‘intense depth’ and rugged construction.

The new lens is designed specifically for GoPro’s Hero action cameras, attaching to the waterproof housing with a mount that screws tightly into place. The lens housing is likewise waterproof with an IP68 standard rating, enabling it to handle ‘extended immersion’ to depths down to 3m/9.8ft. The lens is joined by a water-resistant mount, and there’s a waterproof add-on mount as well. Compatibility includes the GoPro Hero, Hero+, Hero+ LCD, and the current standard housing, which supports the Hero4 Silver and Black, Hero3+, and Hero3.

Lensbaby is seeking $ 30,000 in funding on Kickstarter, where the Circular 180+ lens is offered at various price points as low as $ 69. Backers are expected to receive their orders in August 2016, assuming the funding campaign is successful.

Via: Kickstarter

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Brian May launches smartphone adapter for stereoscopic virtual reality viewer

25 May

Brian May, guitarist with the band Queen and a stereo photography enthusiast, has launched a kit that allows users to view 3D stereo pairs and virtual reality content on a smartphone for just £25 (approx. US $ 37). The OWL VR Smart Phone Kit is an adaptation of a traditional Victorian-style stereo viewer sold by May’s London Stereoscopic Company. Instead of inserting card-mounted stereo pairs, users fix a plate to the viewer’s aperture that holds the smartphone in place. May says that the device provides a much better value alternative to standard VR headsets, and it is more adaptable and of higher quality than low cost models. It’s in much the same vein as Google’s Cardboard VR and other budget-friendly viewers designed for Google’s VR app.

The OWL has a rigid structure but folds flat for storage, is made from ‘high-grade’ polypropylene and features ‘high quality’ lenses with adjustable focus. The adapter allows access to all the phone’s controls while it is in place, including the headphone socket so audio can be enjoyed during 3D movies and VR experiences.

Although not in continuous existence, the London Stereoscopic Company was founded in 1854. Over the years it created and sold stereo equipment and cards showing scenes from all around the world. Its fortunes have undulated along with the popularity of stereo photography, and was dissolved a number of times. It was revived in 2008 to promote and preserve the work of the photographer Thomas Richard Williams. Brian May has been one of the directors of the business since 2008.

The OWL VR Smart Phone kit will be available from June and will ship internationally. For more information visit the London Stereoscopic Company’s website.

Press release:

Virtual Reality from Brian May. It’s real.

Lifelong stereoscopy enthusiast and collector, and, incidentally, world-famous rock guitarist, Brian May this month launches the OWL VR Smart Phone Kit, a Virtual Reality and 3-D stereo image viewer that brings all the excitement of VR within reach of anyone with a smart phone.

Brian’s London Stereoscopic Company has been supplying his unique original patent OWL Stereo Viewer to 3-D enthusiasts since 2009, enabling a whole new audience to view the company’s reproductions of classic Victorian stereo cards, as well as the originals, plus recently released astronomy and Queen-focused 3-D images. The OWL has been recognised and adopted by 3-D organisations world-wide, as a high quality immersive device.

The new OWL VR Smart Phone Kit takes the existing OWL Stereo Viewer and, through use of a simple but ingenious adaptor, enables its use with a smart phone not only to view online 3-D images, but also those taken by the user, and commercially available virtual reality content. Manufactured from high-grade polypropylene, and fully collapsible to a thin flat configuration, the OWL is supplied ready for use in seconds. Its carefully positioned high-quality optical lenses, plus fully adjustable focus, present every user with the ideal optical geometry for perfect viewing of side-by-side 3-D images.

Working with any smart phone, the OWL VR Kit has a significant advantage over most other VR devices, which are usually tied to just one particular make or model of phone. And, in contrast with most of the low cost viewers available, the OWL kit offers full access to the controls on the phone at all times. Access to the headphone socket is also unobstructed. This is particularly useful when using the OWL to watch virtual reality films of concerts, or other content with a soundtrack. It also enables users to connect their smart phone to a home cinema system to generate surround sound to complement the 360° 3-D visuals.

Commenting on the launch, Brian May said, “Virtual Reality has taken the consumer electronics world by storm over recent months and masses of content is now rapidly becoming available. However, until now, users have had the choice of an expensive VR viewer that puts it out of reach of many people or a very low cost alternative that just doesn’t do the format justice.” He continues, “The OWL Smart Phone Kit changes all that; for a very modest outlay, anyone can now enjoy the VR experience, and also gain access to the fascinating world of Stereoscopy. Plus, with the apps that are available for smart phones, it’s now possible to take your own 3-D images and enjoy them instantly using this simple OWL Kit.”

The OWL Smart Phone VR Kit will be available from mid June 2016 for £25, direct from
www.londonstereo.com/lsc_shop.html

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Broncolor launches battery-powered Siros studio heads for location photographers

18 May

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Swiss lighting manufacturer bronocolor has announced the Siros 400 L and 800 L, a pair of battery-powered studio heads. Both models use an interchangeable lithium-ion cell that the company says is powerful enough to provide 440 full-power bursts from a single charge in the 400L, and 200 in the 800L. The cells recharge from flat in 75 minutes.

The new heads use the same modifiers as the current Siros range, and the 25-watt LED modeling light matches the color temperature of the bulbs used in the company’s mains-powered heads. The Siros 800 L has a maximum output of 800 joules, while the smaller 400 L head manages half of that. Both can produce flash durations as short as 1/19,000sec, and both can be controlled via Wi-Fi and the broncolor bronControl app for iOS and Android devices. To help the user identify which light is being adjusted from the app, it is possible to color code each head using the LEDs built into the body of the head’s housing.

These new Siros L heads can only be powered via their batteries, which fit inside the head rather than acting as external packs connected by a cable. Spare batteries will cost £215 plus tax. The heads will be available sooner than the press release states.

  • Siros 400 L Head – £1,515 + VAT
  • Siros 800 L Head – £1,755 + VAT
  • Siros 400 Outdoor Kit 2 (Two head kit) – £2,995 + VAT
  • Siros 800 Outdoor Kit 2 (Two head kit) – £3,495 + VAT

For more information visit the broncolor website.

Press release:

broncolor presents its new compact device – battery-powered studio quality

With the Siros 800 L, we have succeeded in producing one of the most powerful compact devices currently available on the market. The Siros 800 L is, like the somewhat smaller version, the Siros 400 L, a true genius in offering discerning photographers optimum lighting both indoors and outdoors.

Siros L – optimum lighting, compact and mobile
The Siros L is broncolor’s new battery-powered compact device, which provides ambitious professional photographers with the opportunity to enjoy the perfect lighting, be this in a mobile form in the studio, or for external shots – offering both very fast, and also long, flash durations.

The device has the most up-to-date lithium ion batteries – thanks to this, the device can achieve 440 flashes at full power; and the lower the power, even more flashes are available. The battery-pack can be used over a very wide temperature range from -10° to 60°C (14° to 140°F). Once its power has been used up, it can be completely recharged in only 75 minutes, allowing just two batteries to be switched and recharged during a shoot if there is a power supply available.

The Siros L uses the Swiss manufacturer’s ECTC technology, which has already been used in the well-known Scoro and Move generators – thus, Siros L has flash durations of up to 1/19’000 s (t0.5) and, of course, a guaranteed constant colour temperature over the entire control range.

All the Siros L’s functions are easily and remotely controlled by the “bronControl” app, which establishes its own WiFi network; this then allows the control of several devices by means of a smartphone or tablet. In order to ensure that the photographer knows which device he is currently addressing, the devices all have different LED colour codes – this ensures that the Siros L is easy to use, both indoors and outdoors.

Thanks to its compact size and battery-operation, the Siros L is absolutely ideal for outdoor use. It can, of course, also be used in the studio where it can be easily integrated into existing broncolor studio equipment.

The 25-watt LED modules offer a bright modelling light with a colour temperature of 3000 K, matching the colour temperature of the halogen modelling lamps of the Siros mains powered units.

In addition to the 800 J version for photographers who refuse to compromise in respect of power, there is the Siros 400 L version which is somewhat smaller and lighter and thus offers about 50% of the energy of its bigger brother.

The Siros L can be used with the entire broncolor light-shaper range. Many light-shapers, such as softboxes, open reflectors and especially Paras, are parabolic and can only guarantee an optimum light output and quality if the light source is placed as close as possible to the focal point in the interior of the reflector. This is why, with the Siros L, broncolor has deliberately opted for an external flash tube, providing perfect lighting.

The Siros L will be available in shops from 1st July 2016.
Would you like to know more? Please visit broncolor’s website at www.broncolor.com

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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EyeEm launches The Roll for iOS, an intelligent take on your Camera Roll

13 May

If you’re an iPhone owner, you know one thing about the beloved Camera Roll: it can get messy. While it seeks to bring some order to the chaos with built-in dating and geotagging, it doesn’t help high-volume shooters zero in on specific content or locate their best shots from multitudes of thumbnails.

EyeEm, the global community and photography marketplace, is here to help with today’s release of The Roll, an app that uses a proprietary image recognition algorithm to classify, tag, keyword and select your best photos. In addition to its organizational function, the app also displays metadata such as aperture, ISO, geolocation and more.

When launched, The Roll examines each of your photos for content and then groups similar shots together, whether or not they were taken on the same day or in the same place (and ignoring all of those screenshots living on your phone). Then, it classifies and tags photos under broad searchable categories like Pets, Water, Fun, Cute, or a predominant color or location, placing the best shot on top. The same photos or groups can appear under different headings. Within each broad classification are smaller subgroups of similar photos of varying quality that you can choose to keep or delete in order to save room on your device or to immediately share with others.

The app’s keywording and scoring functionality are based on EyeEm Vision, the company’s server-based computer vision tech. Powered by deep learning technology, photos are assigned an Aesthetic Score from 1 to 100 percent that seeks to replicate how professional photographers and curators judge a composition.

Each photo also features a multitude of keywords, which are derived from a shot’s content and an artificial intelligence algorithm’s judgment of the photo’s mood and emotion. The algorithm can identify thousands of concepts to help you search for photos in your catalog. EyeEm assures privacy to all users and promises that all synced photos are deleted after scoring and keywording.

The app contains all the information you need to understand how it works, though there is no further analysis on why one cat picture may score 10 points more or less than another taken at the same time or place — though scrolling through each selection often makes the rational for the score more obvious. I did not necessarily agree with all of The Roll’s judgments about my images, of course, but it provides a starting point if a user is in a quandary about what to immediately share or delete.

The Roll is not the first to come up with automatic sorting and keywording: Google Photos and Flickr’s Magic View already do that. The Roll also did not move at lightning speed through my relatively small collection, which is typically filled with screenshots. Its real value is having a reliable analysis of resident images and an assist in deciding what is immediately sharable.

The Roll is offered free of charge and while it only runs on iOS 9 or later for now, an Android version is in the works.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Corel AfterShot Pro 3 launches with new touchup tool, recovery algorithm

12 May

Corel has launched AfterShot Pro 3, the latest version of its photo editing software. The newest version brings several added features and updates, including a Lens Correction Development Kit for creating custom lens corrections, an in-app plugin manager, and a few new and improved tools for touching up photos.

AfterShot Pro 3 is equipped with a completely new Highlight Recovery algorithm, and as such Corel claims the Highlight Recovery Range slider can pull more tones and details from overexposed Raw photos. Joining the new algorithm is the addition of ‘comprehensive watermarking,’ including the ability to watermark in batches, rotate the watermark’s angle, adjust its size, and alter its transparency. 

Another new editing tool is Blemish Removal & Correction, which aims to eliminate the need to use a separate app like Photoshop to remove blemishes and perform other touchups and small corrections. Photo presets can also be applied via the new in-app preset library; both premium and free presets are offered.

Finally, AfterShot Pro 3 features a new modular delivery system for providing updated and new Raw profiles more quickly than the previous software version. With this, new camera profiles are available to download in-app as soon as they’re released by the company’s development team.

Corel AfterShot Pro 3 is available in English, German and Japanese through the product’s website; Windows, Mac and Linux are supported. The price for new customers is $ 79.99 USD/CAD, while existing customers can upgrade to the newest version for $ 59.99 USD/CAD.

Via: MarketWired

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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