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Posts Tagged ‘launches’

Huawei launches Honor V8 with 12MP dual-camera module

11 May

Huawei has announced the V8, the new flagship in the Chinese manufacturer’s Honor series of devices. Consumers can choose from different display and processor options but the camera module is the same on all variants. The Honor V8 features a dual-camera setup that looks very similar in terms of specifications to the one found on the Huawei P9, but has to make do without the P9’s Leica branding.

Both 12MP sensors come with a 1.76-micron pixel-size and are coupled with a 6-element lens with F2.2 aperture. There is also a dual-LED flash and the AF-system is laser-assisted. As on the P9, the front camera offers an 8MP sensor and F2.4 aperture. 

In terms of display resolution customers get to choose from Full-HD or Quad-HD but all displays measure 5.7-inches and come with 2.5HD curved glass. The Android 6.0 operating system with Huawei EMUI 4.1 skin is powered by an octa-Core Kirin 950 or 955 chipset. RAM is 4GB on all models but the model with the higher-resolution screen comes with 64GB of storage while the Full-HD variant has to make do with 32GB.

Energy on all models is provided by a 3,500mAh battery that is charged via a USB Type-C connector. In China the Full-HD base model will retail for approximately $ 350 while to the top-end version with QHD-screen and 64GB storage will set you back approximately $ 439.

Via: GSM Arena

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Manfrotto launches secure backpack with concealed rear opening

11 May

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Accessory manufacturer Manfrotto has launched a new backpack that hides the opening of its main camera compartment between the bag and the person carrying it. The Advanced Rear backpack’s main compartment zipper is between the shoulder straps on the back side of the bag, so that when it is being carried no one can open it from behind.

Manfrotto says that the lower part of the bag is big enough for a professional DSLR along with three wide aperture zooms as well as accessories such as flash units. The camera compartment in this lower section is removable and comes with its own zipped cover so items can be stored when the rest of the bag is being used for something else.  The top section can be used for more accessories or personal belongings.

An additional pocket is suitable for a 13in laptop, a tablet and documents up to A4 in size. A tripod can be attached via the tripod pocket, and a cover is built-in to protect against rain and dust. The company says that the pack is a suitable size to carry as hand luggage on most airlines.

The Manfrotto Advanced Rear backpack costs $ 159.99/£119.95. For more information visit the Manfrotto website.

Press release:

MANFROTTO PRESENTS: Manfrotto Advanced Rear Backpack

Manfrotto, world leader in the photography, imaging equipment and accessories industry, announces the launch of the new Manfrotto Advanced Rear Backpack.
The Advanced Rear Backpack can be used as a camera backpack, a laptop backpack, or just as a protective camera case.

Protective for photographers
Featuring the Manfrotto Protection System, the lower part of the bag is dedicated to holding photographic equipment, and will safely hold a professional DSLR camera body with up to 3 lenses. The zip for the camera compartment is hidden on the back of the bag, giving maximum security to your equipment. The camera compartment is completely removable, meaning the bag can be transformed into a spacious daypack.

Practical for travellers
The new Manfrotto Advanced Rear Backpack features plenty of space for personal belongings when you are travelling. The front pocket can store a 13” laptop, A4 documents, 10” tablet and small book and can be opened separately without affecting your camera equipment. The side pocket is suitable for a notebook and water bottle and the upper compartment can contain other documents and personal items. The zips can also be locked for further security.

The bag comes with a dedicated tripod compartment, a side pocket perfect for a small tripod and a branded rain cover to keep equipment protected in all weather conditions.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Unconventional COVR Photo case launches for iPhone SE

05 May

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The COVR Photo iPhone case promotes shooting from an unconventional angle. Rather than holding your phone with the screen facing toward you, a prism in the case redirects the camera’s angle of view so the user can hold the phone as they would a remote control. Previously available for the iPhone 5/5S and 6/6S, it’s been released for the iPhone SE.

The app that is used with the device has also been improved to allow control of contrast, brightness and manual focusing, as well as a square shooting option and a burst mode.

The guiding principle behind the device’s design is that it allows more comfortable one-handed operation of the iPhone. Because the user points the ‘wrong’ part of the phone towards the subject, it isn’t obvious that a picture is being taken. The inventor, photo journalist Thomas Hurst, says that the design lets parents take more natural pictures of their children. He claims it is also useful for street photography and photo documentary work.

The device consists of a rigid case that snaps around the iPhone and a sliding prism with a lens unit that can be pushed over the phone’s camera unit or pulled back for ‘normal’ shooting. An app converts the image so that it doesn’t appear upside down on the screen.

The COVR Photo lens case for the iPhone SE costs $ 59.95 and comes in black, white, blue and purple. The case is also available for the iPhone 5/5S and 6/6S.

For more information visit the COVR Photo website.

Press release:

COVR Photo Releases App and New Case for iPhone SE

COVR the world with the only case that allows for one-handed iPhonography

As the only iPhone case with a built-in lens and custom app, COVR Photo is pleased to announce its case for the new iPhone SE. COVR Photo is the only case that allows users to take photos and videos while holding the phone one-handed and from a horizontal angle, like holding a TV remote.

“As a professional photographer for 20-years, I know how difficult it can be to capture a timeless moment,” said COVR Photo Founder, Thomas Hurst. “COVR came from a desire to help my wife easily capture the natural moments of our four children with the camera she always had with her – her smartphone.”

He adds, “COVR is the first smartphone case with a sliding lens built directly into it – so it’s always with you, at your fingertips, ready to help all of us capture the spontaneity of life with of our family, friends, and loved ones.”

Accompanying the new iPhone SE case, COVR Photo has just launched an updated app. In addition to adding manual contrast and brightness adjustment, the new app also features a “burst” mode, improved social media sharing, square camera mode and manual focus abilities.

The iPhone SE COVR case is available online now in black for $ 29.95 and $ 24.95 for white, blue and purple. Along with the case for the new iPhone SE, COVR Photo also offers cases for the iPhone 5/5S and iPhone 6/6S.

Parents, grandparents, professionals, photo-enthusiasts and travelers around the world use COVR to take photos and videos from a unique angle to capture once-in-lifetime moments using just one hand.

The case features include:

  • Patented sliding feature– Allows users to shoot using the COVR case similar to a remote control, or slide the COVR lens back and take pictures or videos with the regular iPhone camera lens.
  • Built-in Lens– COVR Photo is the only iPhone case with a built-in lens.
  • Protective case– Shock absorbent rubber core and a hard outer shell provides durability and protection without the bulk and weight.
  • Mobile app– The free COVR Photo app complements the COVR case by redirecting pictures through the COVR Photo lens as well as allows users to adjust focus, exposure and formatting.

Based out of Renton, Wash., COVR Photo was founded in 2014 by award-winning photojournalist Thomas Hurst. Designed with a high-quality prism, COVR Photo sits at just under a half inch tall, fitting comfortably in most pockets.

About COVR Photo: Created by photographer, Thomas Hurst, COVR Photo produces revolutionary products to equip and inspire people to document the world around them through photographs and videos. To learn more, visit covrphoto.com.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Elinchrom launches new EL-Skyport Plus system to include hotshoe flashes in wireless lighting networks

05 May

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Swiss studio flash manufacturer Elinchrom has launched the next generation of its Skyport wireless triggering system that allows photographers to include hotshoe flash units in their lighting set-ups. The EL-Skyport Plus system includes a newly designed transmitter that has a swivelling head that the company says helps to optimize reception, while the new receiver features a hotshoe mount for triggering ‘almost any’ brand of hotshoe flash.

The units work via 2.4Ghz radio communications, have a range of 656ft/200m and offer 16 channels with four groups.

The EL-Skyport Transmitter Plus costs $ 89.99 and the kit that includes the transmitter and the hotshoe receiver costs $ 139.99.

For more information visit the Elinchrom website.

Press release:

The Latest Evolution of the Skyport

Introducing the New EL-Skyport Plus System

The next generation Skyport is here and allows you to take full control of your flashes from the palm of your hands.

The EL-Skyport Plus follows the successful launch of the EL-Skyport Transmitter Plus HS for Canon® and Nikon®, for those shooters requiring Hi-Sync. The new EL-Skyport Plus system is compact and robust, using readily available AA batteries. The Skyport Plus offers an extended range of up to 656 feet (200 m) and controls the power of all Skyport enabled Elinchrom flash units. With eight individual frequencies and the choice of standard and speed protocols, there are 16 frequency options, each with four groups. The EL-Skyport Transmitter Plus is compatible with almost every camera. The transmitter head folds down for reduced profile and easier subject viewing while shooting.

Compatible with Most Flash Systems
The EL-Skyport Receiver Plus will trigger almost every flash system and features a built-in hot shoe to trigger speedlights, while enabling them to also be conveniently mounted onto a lighting stand.
When used in conjunction with a Skyport HS Plus Transmitter, most speedlights set at full power can also be incorporated into Hi-Sync applications (using high shutter sync speeds to freeze motion and control ambient light).

“Elinchrom has long prided itself on providing as much control as possible to its photographers. The new Skyport Plus continues that tradition by allowing shooters to take and maintain complete control no matter what they are shooting. When it comes to Living Light, no company does it better than Elinchrom.” said Jan Lederman, MAC Group President.

The Elinchrom Skyport Plus system is retro compatible with the existing Skyport Speed system, and forward compatible to the additional frequencies offered by the latest Elinchrom ELB and ELC units.

EL-Skyport Plus To Go Contents
* EL-Skyport Transmitter Plus contains:
* EL-Skyport Transmitter Plus
* 2.5 mm to PC sync cord
* Wrist strap
* 2-year warranty

EL-Skyport Universal Plus set contains:
* EL-Skyport Transmitter Plus
* EL-Skyport Receiver Plus
* 2.5 mm to PC sync cord
* 3.5 mm to 3.5 mm sync cord
* 3.5 mm to 6.35 mm adapter
* Wrist strap
* 2-year warranty

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Peak Design launches smaller ‘Everyday Messenger 13’ bag

04 May

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Peak Design has launched a more compact version of its Everyday Messenger bag designed to hold a 13″ laptop. The bag maintains the same Everyday Messenger design, but offers it in a lighter 42oz/1.2kg (versus 47oz/1.33kg) package with two FlexFold dividers instead of three.

The Everyday Messenger 13 has a 6L to 14L capacity, whereas the original bag — now called the Everyday Messenger 15 — has an 8L to 18L capacity and room for a 15″ laptop. Though perhaps better suited for smaller mirrorless kits, the Everyday Messenger 13 can accommodate up to a full-frame DSLR with three lenses and assorted accessories.

Other Everyday Messenger 13 features include a MagLatch, a pair of dedicated Capture clip attachment points, a front access panel, upper zipper, 2″ padded shoulder strap, removable waist strap, a tablet sleeve that is separate from the dedicated laptop pocket, a pair of side pockets, Hypalon-reinforced and bar-tacked stress points, a waxed outer shell, and water-resistant exterior zippers.

The Everyday Messenger 13 is priced at $ 219.95, and the Everyday Messenger 15 is priced at $ 249.95. Both are available now through Peak Design’s website.

Peak Design Everyday Messenger 15 Review

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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MacPhun launches Filters for Photos free app for Mac users

30 Apr

Software developer MacPhun has announced a new app for Mac OSX users that comes with 30 photo filter effects, and which is being offered as a free download. The Filters for Photos application can be downloaded as an extension to Apple’s own Photos program or as a standalone product. It provides one-click effects in a similar way to Instagram, and comes with sketch, oil painting, color tones, black and white, and grain styles – among others. Once applied the filters can be down-played and adjusted according the characteristics of that effect, and users can apply multiple filters to a single image.

When finished, filtered images can be exported directly to social media or other MacPhun and Adobe software programs, or they can be saved to the hard drive.

Filters for Photos can be downloaded from: macphun.com/filtersforphotos.

Press release:

Macphun’s new extension for Photos makes Photos for Mac more creative and fun

Filters for Photos adds 30 creative photo filters, and is available for free

Macphun, a leading photography software developer has today launched a new free app, Filters for Photos. The new software works as a Photos for Mac extension, as well as standalone software? it gives users the ability to add sketch, analog, vintage, and many other filters to their photos in a single click.

The software is the next step in Macphun’s continued support for Photos for Mac. Macphun was the first software developer to launch the Photos extensions in September, 2015. And now all the bestselling Macphun apps work as extensions (Aurora HDR, Intensify, Tonality, Snapheal, Noiseless).

About Filters for Photos
Filters for Photos is available as a free download exclusively from the Macphun Store. It introduces 30 creative filters to suit every hobby photographers’ style? from sketch to oil painting, vintage to rainbow palette. Users can adjust and tweak every filter, plus apply the filters to a certain part of the photo, quickly export their creations to other photo editors, or share via the social media and email.

Apple Photos for Mac is the default photoediting software for every Mac user, and Macphun aim to accelerate the user experience with this exciting new extension. There are 8 default filters in Photos for OS X with limited styles. Filters for Photos by Macphun is changing that.

In addition to 30 new filters, users will be able to:

  • Selectively apply filters with the custom brush
  • Preview all the changes in real time
  • Adjust and tune filters
  • Mix filters, creating new creative styles
  • Export to social media
  • Export to other photo software by Adobe, Apple and Macphun

Why Filters For Photos?
Macphun have introduced Filters For Photos in response to the popularity of oneclick presets and filters in Macphun’s other software. FX Photo Studio by Macphun (available for both iOS and Mac OS) features over 170 different filters? it has over 2 million monthly active users, and a total of over 25 million downloads. Over 65% of people, who use Aurora HDR, Intensify and Tonality, use oneclick presets to give their photos the necessary look in no time. So there’s definitely a high demand for editing tools that allow a quick change of the look of the photo.

Filters for Photos integrates with the Photos for Mac user experience, and helps more people be creative with their photography, without spending anything. Filters for Photos is available as a free download from macphun.com/filtersforphotos

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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ON1 Photo RAW, a new non-destructive Raw processor, launches this fall

29 Apr

ON1, an Oregon-based photography software developer, has announced a combination non-destructive photo editor and Raw processor: ON1 Photo RAW. The application has been built from the ground up to work with modern computers and high-resolution camera systems. The software can open 50MP images ‘in a fraction of a second on a standard PC or Mac’ according to its maker and performs edits without lag.

ON1 has been developing Photo RAW for the past several years, doing so around its ON1 Browse photo browser to eliminate the need for cataloging and importing photos. Along with lag-free processing, it offers features like tagging, rating, adjustments and photo effects. The photo editor includes integrated masking tools, layers, and brushes; effects and adjustments are applied in a non-destructive manner, says ON1. 

Several usage options are available with ON1 — it can be used as a plugin for Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, Corel, as a host app for Google Nik Collection, and as an extension for Apple Photos. ON1 says Photo RAW will support PSD, PSB, PND, DNG, TIF, and JPEG file formats.

ON1 Photo RAW is available to pre-order now for ON1 Plus Pro Members; a membership costs $ 149.99/year, and provides a perpetual license for ON1 applications. Members will receive ON1 Photo RAW first when it launches this fall. A non-membership ON1 Photo RAW purchase option will also be available.

Source: ON1

Press release:

Announcing the First New RAW Processor in Years, ON1 Photo RAW

The Future of RAW Photo Editing – Coming this fall – Includes support for over 800 cameras

Portland, OR – April 26, 2016 – ON1, Inc. today announced ON1 Photo RAW, the first all-new RAW processor and non-destructive photo editor to be released in more than a decade. With modern code optimized for today’s super-megapixel cameras and high-performance computer graphics systems, Photo RAW will be the world’s fastest, most flexible, and easiest-to-use RAW processor and photo editor on the market when it is released this fall.

The current class of RAW-based photo editors all have their heritage from the early days of digital photography, when most digital cameras had less than 10 megapixels, and computer processing power was a fraction of that found in modern PCs. When used with today’s popular 42- and 50-megapixel cameras, existing programs can often take seconds to render small portions of a RAW image and perform adjustments. Several years in the making, Photo RAW, with its modern RAW processing engine, is tuned for today’s sensors and graphics chips. It will open 50-megapixel images in a fraction of a second on a standard PC or Mac, and perform edits in real-time, without slider lag or frustrating waits for redraw.

Developed over the last several years, ON1 Photo RAW is built around ON1 Browse, the company’s lightning-fast photo browser, and will not require photographers to import and catalog their photos; an often painful and time-consuming process required before editing can begin. ON1 Browse is an integral part of Photo RAW, offering quick and easy ways to tag, rate, make color and tone adjustments, or add effects to their photos. Without catalogs, professionals will be able to make adjustments to photos and fellow colleagues can access and edit where they left off. This combination of a fast photo browser with instantaneous RAW processing will deliver a fluid, streamlined workflow to process any amount of photos all at once. Select one or 101 photos, make a few develop adjustments and all of the photos update automatically in real time.

ON1 Photo RAW’s instruction-based, non-destructive workflow will also surpass today’s RAW processors in other key ways. In addition to customary re-editable adjustments such as exposure, contrast, color, shadows and highlights, Photo RAW will also offer non-destructive effects and portrait retouching, something not present in any photo editor on the market. The complex filters found in ON1 Effects and ON1 Portrait—including Lens Blur, Skin Retouching, Dynamic Contrast, HDR Look and many more—are all available in Photo RAW’s non-destructive workflow. The controls found throughout ON1 Photo RAW will also respond in real-time by leveraging modern video cards, using the latest versions of OpenGL and OpenCL.

ON1 Photo RAW will include built-in layers, brushes, and advanced masking tools, making it a full RAW processor and complete photo editor in a single app. And, unlike any other photo app, Photo RAW will work the way you want, and where you want. For photographers with established workflows, Photo RAW will work seamlessly as a plug-in for Adobe Lightroom®, Photoshop®, and Corel®; a standalone host app for Google® Nik Collection and other photo editors; or as an extension to Apple® Photos. Common file formats—including JPEG, TIF, PSD, PSB, PND, and DNG—will be supported and will benefit from the speed and performance of the app.

Price and Availability

ON1 Photo RAW will be available this fall. You can pre-order ON1 Photo RAW today by becoming an ON1 Plus Pro Member at $ 149.99/yr. Plus Pro members receive a perpetual license for all ON1 apps (not a subscription) and will be the first to receive the app once it becomes available. If you want to purchase ON1 Photo RAW without becoming an ON1 Plus Pro Member, you can submit your email address on the ON1 Photo RAW web page to get the latest news, videos, beta, and pre-order announcements.

Owners of previous versions of ON1 Photo will have the option to upgrade to ON1 Photo RAW. The upgrade price will be determined at a later date. There will be special pricing for Photo 10 purchasers. Customers will be notified over the course of the next several months providing their upgrade information.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Leica launches M-D (Typ 262) digital rangefinder with no rear screen

29 Apr

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German camera manufacturer Leica has announced a new M digital rangefinder that has no LCD panel. The Leica M-D (Typ 262) will be almost exactly the same as the existing M (Typ 262) but without a rear screen for reviewing images and working the menu. The company says it has produced a camera with only the ‘essentials of photography’, or ‘Das Wescentliche’, and that it will help photographers concentrate on the important elements of image making rather than getting distracted with the camera functions.

This isn’t the first time Leica has produced a digital M with no rear screen, as the company launched the limited edition M Edition 60 to mark the sixtieth anniversary of its rangefinder camera system. Leica made only 600 of these models, and they sell for about $ 18,000/£12,000, but the M-D (Typ 262) will be the first full production model without a rear LCD.

This new model will feature the standard 24MP CMOS sensor, will have an ISO range of 200-6400, and will have brass base and top plates. The viewfinder has a magnification of 0.68x and offers bright-frame markings for 35/135mm, 28/90mm and 50/75mm lenses. The body has no traditional red dot as Leica says it wants the camera to be discrete, and the single frame mode uses a particularly quiet shutter cocking system.

Users will have control only of aperture, shutter speed and ISO settings, and the camera records in DNG Raw format only.

The Leica M-D (Typ 262) will go on sale in May with a price of $ 5995/£4650. The M (Typ 262), which does feature a rear screen, actually costs less, at $ 5195/£4050, but it doesn’t have the quiet shutter or brass top and bottom plates.

For more information visit the Leica website.

Press release:

Leica M-D: The return of anticipation

New digital Leica rangefinder focuses on the absolute essentials of photography, and excludes an LCD screen
 
Leica Camera has extended its iconic rangefinder camera series with a new model: the Leica M-D (Typ 262). The fifth product in the Leica M range, the Leica M-D joins the Leica M and M-P (Typ 240), the Leica M (Typ 262) and the Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246), offering a greater choice for photographers looking for specific functionality from their rangefinder camera.
 
The Leica M-D is the first serial production model of the digital M family to be made without an LCD monitor screen. The standard location of the screen on the back of the camera is taken by the ISO sensitivity setting dial – one of the few, but essential, features of the camera. Although the Leica M-D embodies the entire range of technical developments perfected over decades for the Leica rangefinder system, it intentionally omits all but the most vital features. Concentrating entirely on the key parameters required for photography: shutter speed, aperture, distance and ISO sensitivity, the Leica M-D focuses the user on the most essential aspect – the picture they are taking – and brings back the anticipation of discovering the results later in the process, as when shooting with film.
 
Jason Heward, managing director, Leica UK, said, “With the exclusion of the ubiquitous LCD screen, photographers must return to the principles of photography when shooting with the Leica M-D: accurate framing and composition, selecting the appropriate parameters and settings, and ensuring that they capture the decisive moment with the thought and consideration that has always been necessary in analogue photography. This unique rangefinder camera also brings back the fascination and expectation associated with film – returning photography to its origins during the capturing process, whilst maintaining the obvious convenience and benefits of digital technology.”
 
Principally, the technical features of the Leica M-D are based on those of the Leica M (Typ 262). As with all other digital Leica M cameras, the Leica M-D (Typ 262) features a high resolution CMOS full-frame sensor, which has been designed exclusively for rangefinder photography, and supports neither video recording nor Live View. Its 24 megapixel resolution delivers exceptional image quality and extreme sensitivity, making it perfect for available light situations. At the same time, the camera’s Maestro processor guarantees fast processing of image data. Exposures are captured exclusively as RAW data in DNG format, enabling photographers to apply the required adjustments in post-processing software.
 
Leica’s focus on ‘Das Wesentliche’ (the essentials of photography) is immediately recognisable in the design of this camera. The Leica M-D expresses purely functional, formal clarity, and features characteristics such as a brass top plate with a ‘step’ at the end, referencing the design of the Leica M9. The Leica ‘red dot’ logo has been omitted from the front of the camera for ultimate discretion.
 
Furthermore, the barely audible shutter of the Leica M-D ensures the camera is inconspicuous when shooting: an invaluable advantage in scenarios where the photographer wishes to remain unobtrusive. As an aid to this, the camera features a shutter cocking system that is particularly quiet in single exposure mode, and enables a shutter release frequency of up to two frames per second. In continuous mode, the Leica M-D has the same sequential shooting speed as its sister model and shoots up to three frames per second.
 
The Leica M-D is available in a black paint finish, and includes a real leather carrying strap in full-grain cowhide.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Magnum launches Photography Awards competition to celebrate its 70th birthday

27 Apr
Image © Martin Parr/Magnum Photos

The Magnum Photos agency has announced $ 18,000 worth of prize money for its first photography competition open to anyone 18 years or older. Launched as part of 2017’s celebrations to mark 70 years since the agency was established, the Magnum Photography Awards hopes to ‘discover the best photographers from all over the world.’ The agency has partnered with LensCulture and has set categories for Documentary, Street, Portrait, Fine Art and Photojournalism, as well as an Open section. The jury will look for a winning series and single image in each section, with the best series winning $ 2000 and the best single shot $ 1000. Additional images will be highlighted as finalists, Jurors’ Picks and Editors’ Picks, while five students will also be singled out for praise.

Cash prizes await the winners of the sections and those picked for other awards will be included in an online exhibition and a book, while all series entrants can request a review of their submission by an ‘industry expert’.

The deadline for entries is Tuesday May 24th 2016, and it costs $ 20 to submit a single image, with further submissions costing $ 10. Entering 5 single images as a group costs $ 50, while a series of 10 photos costs $ 60. For more information see the Magnum Photography Awards page on the LensCulture website.

Press release:

Call for Entries: Magnum and LensCulture Photography Awards 2016

Magnum Photos and LensCulture have joined forces to create one of the best new opportunities for photographers to be recognized and rewarded for their talent.

2017 marks a significant year for Magnum as we celebrate 70 years since our founding photographers toasted the conception of an independent photo agency. Ahead of these anniversary celebrations, Magnum Photos and LensCulture invite submissions to the inaugural Magnum and LensCulture Photography Awards, an international call to discover the best photographers from all over the world.

Our distinguished jury will select 12 Winners and 20 Finalists from Documentary, Street, Portrait, Fine Art, Photojournalism and Open categories. In addition, the jury will select 7 photographers as “Jurors’ Picks” and give out 5 “Student Spotlight” awards to young, up-and-coming talents. Winners, finalists and top-rated photographers will enjoy gain access to an unprecedented level of global exposure and recognition from two of the largest organizations in the photo industry, as well as cash funding and career support.

“Magnum Photos is delighted to be working with LensCulture on this exciting new competition, which we hope will attract diverse photographic practices from all over the world. 2016 marks a significant juncture for the agency as we launch a new, stories-first website, in the lead-up to our 70th anniversary. We view this new award as an opportunity for our dedicated audience — and the photography community at large — to share in our celebrations.” – Martin Parr, Magnum Photographer and President.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Phottix launches Cerberus adapter for using hotshoe flashes in Bowens and Elinchrom studio head modifiers

19 Apr

Flash manufacturer Phottix has launched a new adapter that is designed to allow hotshoe flash units to be used with standard studio accessories, such as softboxes, umbrellas and snoots. The Cerberus consists of a universal grip that holds the flash directly in the middle of an adapter ring that can be used to attach existing studio flash accessories in the Bowens S, Elinchrom and the Phottix Transfolder softbox range. The idea is that if users already have studio light modifiers they can use them with their hotshoe guns instead of having to buy accessories dedicated to smaller units.

The clamp used is the Phottix Griffin, which has a pair of spring-loaded jaws that close around the head of the flash unit, leaving the hotshoe free for remote triggers. The clamp is attached to a mounting bracket that can be fitted with the adapter ring to suit the mount of the modifiers you want to use. The unit is called Cerberus after the three-headed hound of Hades from Greek mythology because its interchangeable mount can accept modifiers in three different fittings.

The kit comes with a Phottix Varos Pro BG jointed Umbrella Adapter that is used to mount the whole kit on to a lighting stand or tripod. The Phottix Cerberus multi-mount kit, which includes the Bowens and Elinchrom rings, costs $ 92.50. For more information visit the Phottix website.

Manufacturer’s dramatic product video:

Press release:

Meet the Phottix Cerberus Flash Mount

There’s a new mounting system in town – the Phottix Cerberus Multi Mount.

The Phottix Cerberus Multi Mount is your all-in-one mounting solution for hot shoe flashes. Use your hot shoe flashes with Bowens-compatible accessories, Elinchrom-compatible accessories, and the Phottix Transfolder Softbox range.

The Cerberus system comes with:

  • Phottix Griffin with Phottix Easy-Folder-Compatible Mount and Phottix Varos Pro BG *
  • Cerberus Elinchrom-Compatible Mount
  • Cerberus Bowens-Compatible Mount
  • Cerberus Phottix Transfolder-Compatible Mount

Like the mythical Cerberus, the Phottix Cerberus Multi Mount has three heads. The standard round mount works with the range of Phottix Transfolder Softboxes. Add the Bowen-compatible mount – and traditional S-Mount compatible accessories can be used with your hot shoe flash. Swap that out for the Elinchrom-compatible mount and use Elinchrom’s vast array of accessories with your hot shoe flash.

The durable and patented Phottix Griffin Universal Flash Mount holds many popular hot shoe flash models secure in a synthetic-lined spring-loaded clamp. The system was designed to be both durable and easy to use. A Phottix Varos Pro BG Umbrella Adapter is included to mount the Phottix Cerberus Multi Mount to a light stand or boom. The Phottiax Griffin is available on its own as well as being included with the Cerberus Multi Mount set.

Several configurations of the Phottix Cerberus are avaialble. Talk to you local Phottix dealer or buy from the Phottix Online Store.

* Note: The Phottix Griffin Mount with this set is affixed to the Phottix Cerberus Softbox Mount and cannot be removed. Varos Pro BG does not come with metal Coldshoe and male 3/8” and ¼ “ screw.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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