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Posts Tagged ‘Program’

Panasonic Lumix PRO Services support program is now accepting applications

05 Feb

Panasonic has launched registration for its new Lumix PRO Services, a support program for professional photographers and other imaging customers. The company is offering its service in four tiers, each with different prices, requirements and benefits. Panasonic is now offering Lumix PRO Services to customers in the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Spain, France, and Germany.

For customers in the US, the highest-end ‘Platinum’ tier is offered to professionals who own at least two of the following camera bodies: G85, G9, GH4, GH5, and GH5s. As well, the customer must own at least four of the following qualifying Lumix lenses:

  • 12-35mm f/2.8
  • 12-35mm f/2.8 II
  • 14-42mm f/3.5-56 Power Zoom
  • 35-100mm f/2.8
  • 35-100mm f/2.8 II
  • 45-175mm f/3.5-5.6 Power Zoom
  • Leica 100-400mm f/4-6.3 – Vario-Elmar
  • Leica 12-60mm f/2.8-4 Vario-Elmarit
  • Leica 12mm f/1.4 Summilux
  • Leica 15mm f/1.7 Summilux
  • Leica 200mm f/2.8 Elmarit
  • Leica 25mm f/1.4 Summilux
  • Leica 42.5mm f/1.2 Nocticron
  • Leica 45mm F/2.8 Macro-Elmar
  • Leica 50-200mm f/2.8-4 Vario-Elmarit
  • Leica 8-18mm f/2.8-4 Vario-Elmarit

Multiple benefits are offered to US-based Lumix PRO Services ‘Platinum’ customers, including two business day turnaround, next-day free shipping, a 20% discount on out-of-warranty repairs, loaner gear for repairs that require more than two business days, a “premium welcome kit,” and an exclusive hotline.

Later in 2019, Panasonic also plans to add evaluation loaners for new products and discounts with (currently unnamed) partners. The membership is priced at $ 199 USD per year and is now accepting applications from eligible customers.

The program varies based on region. Lumix PRO Services ‘Platinum’ customers in the UK, for example, must have a minimum of three camera bodies and five lenses to register their gear. This version of the ‘Platinum’ membership is priced at ?179. Platinum customers in Spain, France and Germany are charged €199.

According to Panasonic, its Lumix PRO Services have been available in Japan since April 2017 and will arrive in Ireland and Austria in Spring 2019. Other unspecified countries will be supported later this year.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Nikon’s ‘Trade up to Z’ program offering additional discount for traded-in cameras

28 Jan

Nikon has announced a new incentive for its trade-in program that offers additional discounts on its Z6 and Z7 full frame mirrorless cameras if consumers hand over their operating interchangeable lens cameras (ILC).

From now through Sunday, March 31, 2019, consumers who hand over a working ILC to Nikon will receive an additional $ 200 off the Nikon Z6 and $ 400 off the Nikon Z7 on top of the trade-in value of their camera. The deal is honored regardless of the age or brand being turned in, so long as it’s functioning, and the discounts also apply to Nikon’s various kits that include the Z6 and Z7 cameras.

Nikon also mentions its FTZ Mount Adapter is also $ 100 off when purchasing it in tandem with a Z6 or Z7 camera.

For more information on the program and to get started on the trade-in process, head over to Nikon’s ‘Trade up to Z’ page.

NIKON INC. ANNOUNCES “TRADE UP TO Z” CAMERA TRADE-IN PROGRAM

Add an Additional $ 400 (for Nikon Z 7) or $ 200 (for Nikon Z 6) to Your Interchangeable Lens Camera’s Trade-In Value Towards the Purchase of a New Nikon Z Series Camera at Participating Nikon Authorized Dealers

MELVILLE, NY (January 25, 2019) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced a new trade-in program that makes it easier than ever to upgrade to the revolutionary new Nikon Z Series full-frame mirrorless camera system.

Starting on Sunday, January 27, 2019, consumers can trade in their operating interchangeable lens camera for a new, cutting-edge Nikon Z Series camera and get $ 400 towards a Nikon Z 7 or $ 200 towards a Nikon Z 6 in addition to their camera’s trade-in value, regardless of camera brand. What’s more, consumers can save an additional $ 100 on the Mount Adapter FTZ when purchased together with a new Nikon Z 6 or Z 7.* This limited-time trade-in program ends March 31, 2019. For more information about the Trade Up to Z Program, including full terms and conditions, please visit nikonusa.com/ztradeup.

Built around the next-generation Z Mount, the acclaimed Nikon Z 6 and Z 7 cameras achieve a new era in optical performance for Nikon. These full-frame mirrorless cameras are equipped with FX-format BSI CMOS image sensors for outstanding image quality, fast hybrid AF, 5-axis in-body stabilization, an exceptionally clear Quad VGA Electronic Viewfinder and amazing video features. Combined with the growing line of high-performance Z NIKKOR lenses, the Nikon Z Series empowers users to pursue their creative vision without limits.

For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the new Nikon Z Series full-frame mirrorless camera system, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Canon brings its Digital Photo Professional Raw processing program to iOS

10 Oct

Canon has ported a large chunk of its Digital Photo Professional (DPP) Raw processing software’s feature set to mobile and launched the DPP Express app for Apple’s iPad.

The new app works in conjunction with Canon’s Camera Connect app and offers a wide range of processing functions for Canon .CR3 Raw files and JPEG images. Files can be viewed, adjusted and saved to the cloud, a computer or your camera – all wirelessly.

The Camera Connect app, which also allows you to control the camera remotely, is used to wirelessly download images from your Canon camera to the iPad. Once on the tablet, images can then be processed and edited in DPP Express. The user interface has been designed with simplicity in mind and adjustment options include tone curves, picture settings, gamma levels and lens correction. All changes are applied in real time.

DPP Express also offers Multiple Editing Histories, allowing for several edited versions of the same image. Up to four editing histories let you compare effects and editing options on the same image and can be copied and pasted between files to apply the same workflow to more than one image.

The app is compatible with newer iPads and iPad Pro models running iOS 11. For more information on compatibility and features have a look at the Canon website. You can download DPP Express from the iOS App Store.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sony announces Alpha Female program offering $25,000 grants and mentorships

09 Oct

Sony has announced a new “Alpha Female” program, a creator-in-residence opportunity that will award six-month grants to five female filmmakers and photographers. The program, which is no longer accepting submissions, aims to “elevate diversity in thought and creation,” according to Sony. The first class of recipients will be announced some time early this month.

The awarded grants include $ 25,000 in funds, as well as $ 5,000 in product loans and another $ 5,000 in product allowances. The program is a mentorship that involves being paired with Sony Artisans of Imagery, and there’s also guaranteed presentations at LA and New York exhibits for all five participants. The program is open to US and Canadian applicants only.

Sony has also vowed to fund projects by women in its Alpha Imaging Collective and Artisans of Imagery, as well as photography and filmmaking events that are focused on and backed by women.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Apple launches service program for MacBooks affected by keyboard issues, offers free repairs

25 Jun
RawPixel/Unsplash

Apple has launched a new service program for select MacBook and MacBook Pros potentially affected by a keyboard issue that results in sticky, unresponsive keys and repeated characters when typing.

The service program comes after three separate class action lawsuits were filed against the Cupertino company for issues related to MacBook and MacBook Pro keyboards.

In a statement provided to 9to5Mac by an Apple spokesperson, the program ‘covers a small percentage of keyboards in certain MacBook and MacBook Pro models which may exhibit one or more of the following behaviors: letters or characters that repeat unexpectedly or don’t appear when pressed or keys that feel “sticky” or aren’t responding in a consistent manner.’

If believe your MacBook or MacBook Pro is being affected by the above issues, the first step is to check whether or not your model is part of the service program. To do this, go into the Apple (?) menu in the upper-left-hand corner of your Mac and select ‘About This Mac.’ Below are the eligible models:

  • MacBook (Retina, 12-­inch, Early 2015)
  • MacBook (Retina, 12­-inch, Early 2016)
  • MacBook (Retina, 12-­inch, 2017)
  • MacBook Pro (13­-inch, 2016, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
  • MacBook Pro (13-­inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
  • MacBook Pro (13-­inch, 2016, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
  • MacBook Pro (13-­inch, 2017, Four Thunderbolt 3 Ports)
  • MacBook Pro (15-­inch, 2016)
  • MacBook Pro (15-­inch, 2017)

If your MacBook or MacBook Pro is one of the above models and is experiencing keyboard issues, the next step is to set up the repair process. You can have the repair done at an Apple authorized service provider, make an appointment at an Apple retail store, or mail in your computer to Apple’s repair center.

Before any repairs are made, Apple will verify whether anything needs to be fixed. If it does, Apple will ‘service [the] eligible MacBook and MacBook Pro keyboards, free of charge.’ The repairs will consist of either replacing the affected keys or potentially replacing the keyboard as a whole if required.

You can find more details on how to get your device repaired by going to Apple’s documentation page detailing the service program.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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PolarPro’s new buyback program gives you credit towards a new filter when you trade in an old one

20 Jun

Earlier this year, PolarPro stepped up its filter game and brought its expertise to the world of DSLR and mirrorless cameras with its QuartzLine filters.

As a follow-up to its latest filter lineup, PolarPro has launched a buyback program that will let you get a certain amount of credit towards a new filter if you return an old one – even if it’s not theirs.

Here’s how it works. For any 37mm or 46mm filter you send in, you’ll be given a $ 20 credit towards a new PolarPro filter. For 67mm, 77mm and 82mm filter sizes, you’ll be given $ 40 in PolarPro credit. You will receive one credit for each filter you send in. Once you’ve agreed to the PolarPro terms for the return, you’ll be given a discount code to use with your PolarPro purchase.

This is the dialog box you’ll see when asked to agree to the terms of the buyback program.

Once your purchase is made, PolarPro will send you an email with a prepaid label to send in your old filter(s). Simply package them up and ship them off within 14 days of receiving your new QuartzLine filter and you’re good to go. You can even use the box they shipped you your new filter in. PolarPro notes that any filters sent in will be recycled or repurposed.

To find out more information and get started with your trade-in, head on over to PolarPro’s buyback page.

Read our original article about QuartzLine filters (April 2018)

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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ARRI starts certified pre-owned program for second hand cinema cameras

27 Apr

Filmmakers on a budget who prefer using second hand kit will soon have a great certified option at their disposal, as cinema camera manufacturer Arri has started a certified sales program for used Alexa bodies. The company says these pre-owned Alexa Plus and Classic models have gone through extensive servicing and testing before being put on sale, and for additional peace of mind, all of them will come with a one year warranty.

Before you get too excited, you are still going to need at least €9,900 (~$ 12,000 USD) plus tax to get yourself started… and that’s without a lens. So far the company has just eight cameras for sale, including Alexa Plus 4:3 and 16:9 models and a Classic EV, none of which are in the current production line-up.

Still, as the program grows, it will offer more affordable (if not exactly affordable) options for filmmakers with medium-deep pockets and extremely high standards.

To get ARRI’s Approved Certificate, the second hand bodies are checked, serviced, fixed and tested by the company’s service engineers. According to the website, this includes “a thorough check of parameters, including image sensor quality, recording functions, connectors, flange focal distance, audio system, and ARRI Lens Control System.” Furthermore:

The overhaul also includes an update to the latest Software Update Packet (SUP) of the respective model. Repairs are performed as required if any malfunctions are detected. Before the ARRI Certificate of Approval is issued, the equipment goes through the same Final Function Test as new cameras, ensuring it meets the high standards expected of it.

For more information, visit the pre-owned pages on the Arri website.

Press Release

Announcing the ARRI Approved Certified Pre-Owned Program

  • Selected ARRI ALEXA cameras available
  • Comprehensive check and overhaul of all components
  • All cameras subjected to final function test
  • Certified cameras come with one-year warranty

April 24, 2018; Munich, Germany – ARRI announces the introduction of the Certified Pre-Owned Program. The motion picture equipment manufacturer is now offering selected pre-owned and refurbished camera systems of the ALEXA series for sale. “We are excited to offer the ARRI Approved Certified Pre-Owned Program,” says Stephan Schenk, Managing Director of ARRI Cine Technik and General Manager of the Business Unit Camera Systems. “It’s a global initiative which adds a new tier to our products, allowing more filmmakers access to our technology. It also gives educational institutions a cost-effective way of providing high-quality equipment for their students.”

ARRI’s attention to detail and intimate knowledge of conditions on set for over one hundred years have resulted in generations of cameras that are robust, reliable, and simple to operate. Under the ARRI Approved Certified Pre-Owned Program selected ALEXA Plus and ALEXA Classic EVs undergo thorough assessments, are given thorough overhauls, and are recalibrated.

All components—starting with the sensor—are checked to confirm they are fully functioning, and that all systems work as they should. Any parts that require replacement are exchanged.

Christian Richter, Manager Certified Pre-Owned Camera Systems at ARRI, says the program delivers reliability, affordability, and dependability. “It will give more filmmakers access to tools that will enable them to capture stunning images,” he says. “They can be sure that they are not sacrificing performance for price, because the selected ALEXA cameras come directly from the manufacturer and are backed by ARRI’s warranty.”

Before the ARRI Certificate of Approval is issued, the equipment goes through the same final function test as new cameras, ensuring it meets the high standards expected of it. The ARRI approved and certified cameras are also covered by a one-year warranty.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Ricoh courts developers with plug-in program for the Theta V 360 camera

10 Jan
DPReview Ricoh Theta V hands-on photo. Credit: Jeff Keller.

Ricoh has just announced a so-called Partner Program for the 360° Ricoh Theta V. Taking advantage of the fact that the Theta V runs the Android operating system, Ricoh is setting up a program that will allow developers to create plug-ins specifically tailored to the camera.

The idea is actually kind of brilliant, as DPReview’s own Dale Baskin explains:

This is interesting because most consumer-grade 360° cameras really don’t do anything unique. What makes them useful is the software (which is why I really liked the Rylo). I think Ricoh is smart to open their platform up to developers as someone may come up with a really interesting feature that could potentially drive sales of the hardware.

What we’re not clear on is to what degree developers will be able to create features from scratch, given that Ricoh uses the word “plug-in” to describe what they’ll be creating. The Partner Program graphic Ricoh released isn’t much help in that department either:

“Based on the Android operating system, the RICOH THETA V provides a user-friendly way for third-parties to not only create apps and software that extend and enhance the capabilities of 360-degree imaging but also new features and functionality for the camera itself,” reads Ricoh’s announcement. “These can include customized capabilities that enhance the RICOH THETA V’s use for specialty applications and in vertical markets.”

The first step is to give developers access to the Theta V API and SDK. And once the apps and plug-ins start flowing, Ricoh will make them available for download through “an online RICOH THETA V partner marketplace where plug-ins can be uploaded and shared.”

We consider this a step in the right direction for Ricoh, and a good reason to keep an eye on the Theta V in the weeks and months to come. The Partner Program is set to launch in Spring of 2018, at which point Ricoh hopes the Theta V will become “a constantly evolving product.”

Press Release

Ricoh announces Plug-in Partner Program for RICOH THETA V

Launching spring 2018, initiative includes an online marketplace where third parties can upload and share their Android-based plug-ins for the popular consumer 360-degree camera

LAS VEGAS (CES 2018, South Plaza, Booth #64704), January 8, 2018 – Ricoh today announced the RICOH THETA V Partner Program, which will launch in spring 2018.

The new program will support third-party developers interested in creating their own Android™-based plug-ins for the RICOH THETA V, the top-of-the-line Ricoh 360-degree camera capable of capturing fully-spherical photos and 4K video. The program will be featured at CES 2018, where attendees will be able to get a hands on experience creating their own plug-in, resulting in the creation of a new feature for the RICOH THETA V camera.

Based on the Android operating system, the RICOH THETA V provides a user-friendly way for third-parties to not only create apps and software that extend and enhance the capabilities of 360-degree imaging but also new features and functionality for the camera itself. These can include customized capabilities that enhance the RICOH THETA V’s use for specialty applications and in vertical markets. As part of the program, Ricoh is making available the RICOH THETA V’s application program interface (API) and software development kit (SDK) and will provide tools and guidance to support plug-in development. It will also open an online RICOH THETA V partner marketplace, where plug-ins can be uploaded and shared.

A unique plug-in preinstalled in the RICOH THETA V enables “Remote Playback,”*1 which makes it possible, using a compatible wireless display adapter, to mirror playback of 360-degree still images and video data stored on the camera on a large screen monitor.

“By opening the platform for application development, we are enabling the RICOH THETA V to be a constantly evolving product. For this reason, we are very excited about the new partner program,” said Wataru Ohtani, Corporate Associate Vice President and General Manager of Smart Vision Business Group, Ricoh Company Ltd. “The RICOH THETA V Plug-in Partner Program will enable third-party companies and developers to create custom features and services. Our goal is for consumers and businesses alike to benefit from RICOH THETA V and to become a standard platform for the 360-degree imagery.”

When launched in 2013, the RICOH THETA was the world’s first 360-degree*2, single-shot camera, enabling users to express themselves in new and unique ways. 360-degree still photos and videos redefined photography by giving the viewer the ability to control what he or she sees in a scene. In addition, the resulting 360-degree images were easily shared with others, allowing them to virtually experience a scene as if they were there.

Today, the RICOH THETA cameras are being used for a broad range of consumer and business applications, ranging from documenting vacation memories to photojournalism, law enforcement, real estate listings and virtual tours, and much more.

*1. Other devices are required, including the separate wireless display adapter.
*2. In the consumer products category, a camera capable of capturing fully spherical scenes surrounding the user in one shot. (as of October, 2013 investigated by Ricoh)

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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The Dutch police have shut down their drone-catching eagle program

14 Dec

Dutch police are retiring their drone-catching eagles due to a combination of performance issues and a lack of need, according to a report from NOS. The eagles were originally deployed as a way to intercept wayward (and potentially dangerous) drones, but training the eagles is reportedly too costly, and the need for them is too low.

Various solutions have been developed to deal with the issue of drones flying where they’re not allowed, but the eagles were probably the most interesting, and definitely the coolest to watch in action. In fact, you can see a demonstration of one of these trained eagles in the video below:

Other drone-control solutions involve police drones that launch nets to capture the unwelcome drones, and jamming devices that disrupt a drone’s ability to communicate with its remote control, causing the device to return home. The Netherlands, however, chose to experiment with eagles instead.

Unfortunately, despite intense training, the eagles didn’t always act as intended, reports NOS, citing a statement from a police spokesperson. Given these training troubles, officials worries that the eagles might not perform as expected when used outside of their training environment.

Between this possibility and a (surprising?) lack of demand for drone-catching eagles, the program is now officially shut down.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Phase One introduces Capture One ambassador program

08 Nov

Phase One is forming partnerships with a group of pro photographers and retouchers under its new Capture One Brand Ambassador Program. Under this program, Phase One is teaming with some top talent from both the photography and retouching communities, giving them a platform through which “to share their talent and skills to inspire the photographic community.”

Translation: Capture One is a really impressive piece of post-processing software, and we want more people to know about it, especially now that everyone is pissed at Adobe.

Phase One currently has 13 brand ambassadors, a group comprised of professional retouchers and photographers with a variety of specialities including portrait, fashion, nature, cityscape, lifestyle and fine art. You can see a full list of the freshly minted ambassadors and their respective skills on the Phase One website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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