Image sharing platform Flickr has announced today its app for the Samsung Gear VR virtual reality headset. It allows you to view the tens of thousands of 360-degree panorama images that have been uploaded by Flickr users in an immersive way that allows for panning by moving your head. Read more
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Battery life is still one of the most obvious weaknesses of smartphones and many devices, even high-end models, will struggle to get through an entire day of normal use without charging. Apple’s iPhones are no exception, which is why there is an abundance of aftermarket battery packs and cases available for the range, but until today no Apple-branded battery expansion had been available. Read more
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
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Italian accessories manufacturer Manfrotto has announced it is to introduce a new range of LED light panels under the Lykos brand name. The Lykos Daylight and Lykos BiColor panels are small enough to hold in one hand but can also be mounted on a lighting stand, and can be powered by an L-type video-camera battery or via the included AC adapter. Both panels use surface-mounted LEDs which the company claims deliver better power efficiency, more consistent color, flicker-free illumination and an improved working life.
The Daylight version has a color temperature of 5600K while the BiColor model uses white and warm LEDs. These can be mixed to produce anything from 3000-5600K, to match local lighting conditions or for color effects. The Daylight version can manage 1600lux@1m, while the BiColor is not quite as bright at 1500lux@1m.
All controls have separate knobs so that the panels can be left to produce the same temperature or brightness when they are switched off and on again, as the on/off function is not integrated into one of the dials.
An optional Bluetooth dongle allows the panels to be controlled individually or in groups via a Smartphone app that has a memory function to recall light levels and temperature. The app is also compatible with Litepanel’s Astra models, so both types can be controlled from one app simultaneously.
Manfrotto has also introduced a softbox for the Lykos panels, as well as a set of filters for the Daylight model and a gel diffuser.
The Lykos Daylight will cost £299.95/$ 449.99 and the BiColor version will be £399.95/$ 514.99. The Bluetooth dongle will be £75.95/$ 99.99
For more information visit the Manfrotto website.
Press release:
December 2015 – Manfrotto, world leader in the photography, imaging equipment and accessories industry, announces the launch of the LYKOS portable light with new LED technology (Surface Mounted Technology). Available in Daylight and BiColor versions, the LYKOS guarantees the highest illuminance in compact size and is the best solution for the photographer and videographer on the go who needs a lightweight light source.
LYKOS LED panels, powered by Litepanels, is part of the new, ready to use Manfrotto LED lights.
POWERFUL LIGHT
Portable and compact light, LYKOS is designed to meet the needs of demanding professionals. The powerful light is capable of an output of 1600lux and exists in two versions. LYKOS Daylight is centered at 5600K and LYKOS BiColor has the option to change colour temperature from warm white (3000K) to cold white (5600K). A color LCD display on the back of the unit allows easy monitoring of the functions.
Thanks to the new generation SMT technology, the LYKOS lights ensure long LED life, energy efficiency, consistent colour reproduction and flicker-free functionality. This light can be operated by L-Type Li-ion batteries or by mains through the AC adaptor included.
SMART CONNECTION
All units are “Bluetooth-ready”. An optional Bluetooth dongle transforms LYKOS in a smart device and permits remote control through a downloadable iPhone App or via the Digital Director App. Controllable functions include the On/Off switch, dimming 0%-100%, colour temperature regulation, grouping of lights and recall of previously stored scene settings with new features to soon be implemented. Manfrotto LYKOS and Litepanels Astra will embed a compatible wireless technology which will mean it will be possible to control both through the same app.
KIT AND MORE
The LYKOS pack includes a Ball head, gel diffuser (filters for the Daylight version) and a mains adaptor.
Moreover, the Manfrotto LYKOS Softbox is a perfect optional accessory to be used in combination with LYKOS LED panels. It creates a beautifully soft lighting, softening shadows in the images. It can be set up in seconds without any tools and the diffuser film is specifically designed for LED Lighting and reduces the light output by 1.3 f-stops.
The new portable LYKOS LED panels are a powerful, efficient and smart device ready to use for professional photographer and videographer.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
As a followup to its Cardboard headset and Cardboard app, Google has launched a new VR content creation tool for Android called Cardboard Camera. With Cardboard Camera, users are able to record 360-degree panoramas for viewing with Cardboard VR headsets. Read more
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
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Ricoh has announced it is to offer an infrared-sensitive version of its 645Z medium format camera, the 645Z IR. Sadly, the new model is not intended for public consumption, but will be aimed at museums and scientific establishments who will have to sign a usage agreement before they can make a purchase.
The camera will be made sensitive to infrared by removing the IR-cut filter that sits in front of the sensor. The photographer will then need to fit a filter over the lens to cut visible light according to the requirements of the occasion. With a hot mirror in place the camera will operate as a normal 645Z, but without one the sensor will be able to record wavelengths of up to 1100 nanometers.
Ricoh says that there is no provision for auto focusing when the camera is working with infrared light as the light focuses at a different distance to visible light, and advises owners to use the magnify function of the live view display on the rear tilting-LCD screen.
Other than the removal of the IR cut filter the 51.4MP camera will operate in exactly the same way as the normal version – including the scene modes, compatibility with Flucards, wireless control from a smartphone and the ability to shoot HD video.
Ricoh is offering the Pentax 645Z IR to museums, libraries, government agencies and research institutions for specialist operations, often involving forensic work or recording detail in artworks concealed by layers of paint or faded with time. Shooting with infrared sometimes makes visible what can’t be seen with the human eye.
The company hasn’t made public the price, but says the camera will be available from 15th January next year.
For more information see the Ricoh website (Japanese)
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Accessories manufacturer Manfrotto has introduced a new series of backpacks designed for photographers who fly drones. The Aviator D1 Drone Backpack holds a medium sized quadcopter such as the DJI Phantom 3 along with all the accessories that go with it, as well as a DSLR, a laptop and a tripod. Read more
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Software developer Macphun has announced a new package designed to help photographers to combine multiple exposures into HDR images. Created in partnership with HDR specialist Trey Ratcliff, Aurora HDR provides tools for a wide range of effects via manual controls and a collection of pre-sets. Read more
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
With smartphone screens growing larger and nearing what used to be tablet territory, it’s probably natural that the latter are increasing screen size as well. Apple launched the 12.9-inch iPad Pro in September and now Samsung, which already has the 12.2-inch Galaxy Tab Pro in its line-up, has gone one step further and launched the gigantic Galaxy View with an 18.4-inch display. Read more
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Think Tank has launched the Lily Deanne, its first series of photo bags designed specifically with women in mind. The shoulder bag is available in three sizes, each designed to accommodate pro-sized camera bodies and lenses. Read more
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
Chinese lens manufacturer Shenyang Zhongyi Optics has redesigned the optical construction of is Turbo Adapter that allows Micro Four Thirds users to mount Nikon and Canon lenses to their cameras. The details are slight, but the company says the configuration is completely different, although still using four elements, and new coatings have been applied to reduce flare and increase contrast. Read more
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)