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Posts Tagged ‘Track’

The Olympus M.Zuiko 100-400mm F5-6.3 IS goes to the track

21 Sep

The Olympus M.Zuiko 100-400mm F5-6.3 IS offers an equivalent focal length range of 200-800mm, making it perfect for casual wildlife and motorsports photography. Relative compact, lightweight and weather-sealed, the 100-400mm also offers powerful image stabilization, which works with the 5-axis in-body system used in current Olympus mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras.

We took the 100-400mm and an OM-D E-M1 Mark III to the Pacific Raceway here in Washington State recently, to see how it performs.

Olympus M.Zuiko 100-400mm F5-6.3 IS sample images

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This is sponsored content, created with the support of Amazon and Olympus. What does this mean?

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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NASA is asking the public to use their smartphones to help track light pollution caused by satellites

06 Mar

A newly launched NASA project called Satellite Streak Watcher aims to assess the night sky light pollution caused by low-Earth orbit satellites using images captured by the public. On its SciStarter project page, NASA asks anyone interested in participating to ‘Photographically record satellite streaks across the night sky to monitor this form of sky pollution.’

The space agency explains its concerns related to the satellites, stating, ‘As more satellites are placed into orbit, they will become an increasing problem to astronomers on the ground.’ Participants can use the Heavens-Above website to determine when and where satellites will pass over their local sky; images are uploaded and shared on the project’s website.

The new public science project follows announcements from a number of companies that have launched — or plan to launch — large numbers of small satellites into low-Earth orbit.

The most notable example of this comes from SpaceX, which has spent the past few years working on its Starlink mission. The private space company expects to ultimately launch thousands of small satellites into very-low Earth orbit (VLEO) in order to provide Internet access around the world. As of March 1, 2020, the company has delivered 302 of these satellites into space with plans to launch more throughout the year.

Critics have expressed concerns that Starlink and other projects like it will have a negative impact on the night sky, introducing light pollution that will disrupt astronomy. These satellites also impact astrophotography by adding thin, bright streaks of light to long-exposure images, prompting complaints from photographers who increasingly struggle to deal with light pollution.

DPReview reader Guido Forrier shared the below image in our Astrophotography forum, showing a series of fifteen Starlink satellites flying across the sky in one of his night sky photographs. When we asked what his thoughts on the matter, he said ‘I am surprised and incensed that apart from the already high light pollution, those satellites [have] also come to disturb. [There’s] a lot of rubbish is already flying in space and I see it regularly burning in the atmosphere.’

Photograph by Guido Forrier, shared with permission.

Until now, most efforts to combat light pollution have focused on the ground, not the sky. Light produced by street lamps, billboards, parking lot lights and more is reflected in the night sky, making it hard to see and photograph stars, particularly in regions close to big cities. The problem has spurred the creation of a number of Dark Sky Reserves throughout the world; these are regions of public and private land with ample natural darkness and starkly visible stars.

However, experts have expressed concerns over light pollution that results from satellites launched into low-Earth orbit, as well as more ridiculous future concepts like an artificial moon and space billboards. Because this type of light pollution comes from the sky rather than the planet’s surface, traveling to Dark Sky Reserves won’t help photographers avoid the issue.

According to Astronomy.com, the Starlink satellites are particularly disruptive to the night sky due to their shallow orbit, which is necessary for delivering Internet service to people on Earth. More than 40,000 of these small satellites may eventually be launched under the Starlink mission, and though SpaceX is experimenting with anti-reflective coating on the satellites, it is unclear whether that will be sufficient for reducing the disruption caused by the spacecraft.

MIT Technology Review points out that satellites depend on their reflective nature to help keep them cool; the experimental anti-reflective coating may cause thermal issues for the Starlink satellites. SpaceX applied the coating to the bottom of one of the 60 satellites it launched in December 2019 in order to test its potential impact on performance.

Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics astronomer Jonathan McDowell had told Technology Review at the time that while the reflective coating is ‘worth a try,’ he fears it ‘will be offset by the fact that they are moving the constellation to a lower orbit.’

NASA anticipates its Satellite Streak Watcher operating as a long-term project in order to gather data on satellite light pollution over time. The project currently has 136 members and 20 images, which include shots ranging from bright dots on the night sky to several long streaks of light bunched together. Though NASA says citizen scientists can use a basic tripod and most newer smartphones to capture the images, astrophotographers who have more capable camera systems are also welcomed to share their images.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Axibo camera slider system uses AI to track faces and objects

21 Sep

Axibo Media has launched a Kickstarter campaign for Axibo, an AI-powered camera slider system with tilt and pan functionalities. The company bills Axibo as a more affordable and simplified professional alternative to existing robotic camera systems. The product features an integrated 6 + 1 AI core CPU, powering its ability to learn faces and track ‘just about any object.’

Axibo is claimed to be the first AI-powered camera slider on the market. The device supports shooting in a variety of modes, including simple to 3-axis multi-point complex time-lapses, face tracking while sliding back and forth, and more.

The system supports payloads up to 20lbs (slider) to 24lbs (Pan & Tilt unit), speeds up to 1m/s (slide) and 300 deg/s (pan/tilt), and it supports voice control. Features include USB-C compatibility, HDMI-in, power for the mounted camera, and a universal app for controlling the device.

The 1m (3.2ft) slider is made from carbon fiber, supports angled and vertical motion, and including dual 1/4″-20 mounts on both ends. The Axibo slider can be used without the companion Axibo Z1 Pan & Tilt unit when applicable. The slider is joined by the companion Axibo controller, which includes WiFi, Bluetooth, USB-C, HMDI, axis inputs for camera control, and a Sony NP-F dual battery receiver.

The aforementioned Pan & Tilt unit features an intreated 4MP camera for 40fps face and object tracking, support for operating in inverted mode, modular mounting options (including support for tripods), and aluminum construction.

The Axibo camera slider system is being offered through Kickstarter, where backers who pledge at least $ 1,192 CAD are offered the slider, controller, z friction mount and cable package. Other pledge options include the Pan & Tilt unit for pledges of at least $ 1,315 CAD and both the slider and Pan & Tilt unit for pledges of at $ 2,105 CAD. Shipments to backers is estimated to start in April 2020

Disclaimer: Remember to do your research with any crowdfunding project. DPReview does its best to share only the projects that look legitimate and come from reliable creators, but as with any crowdfunded campaign, there’s always the risk of the product or service never coming to fruition.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Syrp launches Magic Carpet Pro slider with ‘infinitely extendable’ track

17 Mar

Filmmakers who need really long sliders are the target of the new Magic Carpet Pro, the latest in a series of sliders announced by accessories manufacturer Syrp. The key selling point of the Magic Carpet Pro is its ‘limiteless’ range, a feature made possible by a new track lever design that allow users to lengthen their slide by simply clicking additional lengths of track into place—no tools required.

But that’s not all the Magic Carpet Pro can do.

A newly designed flywheel sits inside the camera carriage, eliminating the need for belts and pulleys while creating smooth motion during manually controlled camera movements. And as with all of Syrp’s other slider systems, automated motion control can be added via a Genie system; in fact, the Genie ll is able to slot directly into the new quick release holder in the carriage itself.

The tracks are made from aluminum, and are expected to manage a payload of up to 70lbs when no extension tracks are in use, and up to 50lb when they are. Here’s a quick video intro from Syrp itself:

The Syrp Magic Carpet Pro can be pre-ordered now for May/June delivery, with kit prices ranging from $ 990 to $ 1470. Three kits will be available, including one with a two foot ‘Short Track’, one with a ‘Medium Track’ of three feet, and a third that includes both the short and the medium tracks to create a combined five foot slider.

For more information, visit the Syrp website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Photographer struck by rally car while standing near track corner

03 Feb

An incident involving a photographer struck by a car during the outdoor racing event Sno*Drift Rally has spurred discussion and criticism over shooting practices in risky situations. Photographer G David LaClair was standing near a corner of the outdoor racing track when a vehicle lost control and spun out, slid into the brush, and directly impacted the photographer.

The collision was captured in a pair of videos, both of which are graphic in nature. In a post shared via a screenshot on Facebook, the photographer LaClair reports that he suffered a lacerated liver and broken scapulas, as well as many bruises. The incident has resulted in many pointing out that better attention to safety would have prevented the collision.

Photographers were reportedly warned not to stand on the outside of a track corner due to the risk of a car losing control

In a Facebook comment left on a video of the accident, photographer Adam Bachi explains that a mandatory safety meeting for media personnel was held before the event. During this safety meeting, photographers were reportedly warned not to stand on the outside of a track corner due to the risk of a car losing control. Whether LaClair was present in that meeting and why he chose to stand in that spot is unclear.

Discussions have focused, in part, on how future incidents like this can be avoided, including potentially having experienced photographers follow inexperienced photographers, posting warning signs in dangerous shooting spots, and having safety personnel monitor dangerous spots to turn away anyone who unwittingly positions themselves there.

Via: Fstoppers

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Jared Polin launches ‘MyGearVault’ app to help you keep track of your gear

24 Jan

You probably know him as that shouty man on YouTube with the big hair, but for the past few months, Jared Polin (aka ‘Fro Knows Photo’) has been working on a new app called MyGearVault. It’s designed to help photographers keep track of their gear and make sure it’s properly covered if anything goes wrong.

The app launched over the weekend, and we’ve been using it for a few days. So far, we’re impressed. MyGearVault is one of the most straightforward ways we’ve found to keep track of a collection of photo equipment, and features like .CSV file export and an option to generate insurance quotes from within the app make it a potentially very powerful tool for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

We caught up with Jared last week to get the low-down on what MyGearVault is, and how it works.

Download MyGearVault

Why did you make an app?

Two things. We all know that photography is more than a hobby, its also an investment. Like other photographers, I have a lot of gear, and keeping it organized is essential. This free app primarily acts as a way for creatives to organize their equipment, and includes features to help them safeguard that investment.

Far too many photographers either don’t have insurance, or have the wrong kind. That’s why I created MyGearVault – to educate creatives about the proper insurance coverage so they can finally get the right protection.

MyGearVault isn’t just me. My partner in this project is an insurance industry veteran of 15 years who has overseen the formation of multiple insurance companies.

How does MyGearVault work?

MyGearVault has three major functions – it helps you to input, organize and finally protect your gear. Adding your cameras, accessories, computers and more to your vault is an extremely easy process, and if you don’t find your item in our database you can manually enter it.

If your item is in our database an image will already be populated along with the manufacture and model name. If you would like to change the image you can load one from your phone or take a picture of your item.

One of the most important features and my favorite is the ability to take a picture of your receipt and upload it to MyGearVault from your phone. Your receipt will be safely and securely stored inside your vault. This is important if you ever need to file a claim with an insurance company or supply a copy of your receipt for a warranty repair.

As you enter gear you will see your ‘total vault value’ listed at the top. As you enter different categories you will see the total value of that particular category. This is a great way to know what you have and what it’s worth.

We’ve also built a simple way for you to organize your gear into ‘kits.’ For example you can create a wedding kit that includes everything you would take to shoot a wedding. From the bodies and lenses to memory cards, computers, flashes, stands etc. At the top of each kit you will see ‘total kit value’ so you know what you have and what it’s worth.

Finally, there’s the protection aspect. We understand the importance of protecting your gear. That’s why we’re working with licensed professionals with access to top rated insurance companies to find a solution that fits your needs. Right now inside MyGearVault you can take a short questionnaire to receive an insurance quote. And in about one business day you can expect to have full comprehensive coverage from one of our licensed insurance partners.

What does your service offer that others don’t?

MyGearVault stands above anything else out there because it not only lets you input and organize your gear simply and elegantly but also lets you protect it. This is an interface designed for creatives by creatives, so its easy to understand and fun to use.

We are also working on features that help photographers protect their gear, such as serial number recognition in the case that gear gets stolen or misplaced. Additionally, we’re working with licensed professionals with access to top rated insurance companies to find a solution that fits a photographer / videographers needs.

In the weeks ahead we will be rolling out videos to help creatives understand the insurance world so they make sure they have the proper coverage. Insurance my not be sexy, but understanding it and protecting your gear is very important.

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I’m not a pro. Why do I need MyGearVault?

Simple, MyGearVault helps you keep track of what you have and what its worth. Many of us have a significant amount invested in our photography. Whether you’re a pro or not, it makes sense to organize your investment, and protect it.

If you make any money from your photography / videography, or if it’s your livelihood, MyGear Vault is a simple way to track and protect your gear.

I am a pro, and I already have insurance – why do I need MyGearVault?

If you’re happy with your insurance by all means stick with it. But I would suggest you still download and utilize MyGearVault because it can help you keep track of what you have, what it’s worth, and organize your receipts and serial numbers. When I entered all my gear into my personal Vault the first time, I realized I had more gear than I was currently insured for. MyGearVault helped me see what I had so I knew how much coverage I needed.

With MyGearVault you’re able to export a complete listing of all your gear, with its value and serial numbers, or just the gear within a specific kit or category as a .CSV file. Simply send this to your current insurer each year when they ask for it. In the future we will include an option to export this data as a PDF, which will include your sales receipts.

Even if you currently have insurance it might be a good idea to compare your current policy to one offered by our insurance partners. You can get a no obligation insurance quote under the insurance tab of MyGearVault.

I’m not sure I’m comfortable uploading information about my photo equipment – is the data secure?

When you use MyGearVault, data is sent to over a secure https protocol (the same thing used when you’re doing online shopping or logging in to your bank account). If you want to get technical, we’re serving API calls over https using token authentication. We will never share your data with anyone. When it comes to device security, you can secure the MyGearVault app with a touch ID or passcode, and there’s an option for Facebook login.

How are you making money from MyGearVault?

The short answer is that right now we’re not. MyGearVault is free, and in the long run, we hope that it becomes a revenue-generating service. For now though, we want photographers and video creatives to use it, tell us how it should evolve, and help us create the next version.

How are you hoping MyGearVault will evolve in future?

Right now we’re focused on helping both enthusiast and professional photographers / videographers keep track of their gear and protect it with this free app. As the community grows, we’re looking forward to offering additional resources to help them creatively and professionally.

INPUT• ORGANIZE• PROTECT: NEW “MYGEARVAULT” APP HELPS PHOTOGRAPHERS KEEP TRACK OF AND INSURE THEIR CAMERAS AND GEAR

Photographer and Instructor Jared Polin of FroKnowsPhoto created this service for creative professionals and hobbyists
Free App available today on the App Store
Photographers and Videographers can organize all of their equipment in their own secure personal “Vault”
App educates on how to protect gear and help users find insurance options

PHILADELPHIA, PA (January 23 2017) – Announced today and now available, MyGearVault is a new app for creatives (photographers / videographers) to help organize and protect their investment in expensive equipment. Jared Polin, also known as FroKnowsPhoto, created the app to help creatives and professionals understand what gear they have and what its really worth, while educating users and offering choices for protecting their own equipment.

“I get more emails than I should with stories of how someone’s gear was stolen, and they want to crowd fund replacements, because they didn’t have insurance. The truth is, its not entirely their fault. There’s not a lot of education out there about proper insurance for creatives. That’s all about to change. Whether you’re a working professional, a beginner, or a seasoned photo enthusiast, odds are you have a significant investment in your photo / video gear, which NEEDS to be organized to be protected,” Said Jared Polin.

Input and Organize

Knowing what you have and what its worth is the first step to protecting yourself. The interface of the MyGearVault app is easy to use, and allows users to input all of their equipment into their own secure, personal “Vault.” It’s simple to store all the important information about your gear, including a verified serial number, picture of your receipt, date purchased and much more. To speed up the process, the app has an auto-populate function that recognizes what the user is typing and completes fields. Recognizing that users have a lot of gear, the app helps organize it in unique and effective ways.

Each item can be saved into a specific category, such as Cameras, Lens, Computers, Data Storage, etc. When users click on a category, the total value of items based on the gear inside will appear. users can also create custom kits of gear, such as a specific gear assortment for weddings, travel, studio, video, astro -the possibilities are endless. This is a great way to know the value of gear you’re taking with you for any given vacation, project or job. All of this data can be easily exported as a CSV file and sent as needed for insurance, repair purposes or to friends and colleagues.

Protect

MyGearVault works in a few ways to help protect you: First, your vault is a record of your purchases, receipts and serial numbers, which makes it easy to account for your gear if the unfortunate happens. Your serial number is registered, so if the item is stolen, we will let you know if it is registered within another vault. MyGearVault educates users on the best option for insuring their gear. While not an insurance company, MyGearVault has partnered with licensed insurance professionals to helps users find a solution that fits the unique needs of every type of creative professional.

We understand how important insuring gear is, but also how confusing it can be, and that’s why we’re working with licensed professionals with access to top rated insurance companies. Right now inside MyGearVault you can take a short questionnaire to receive an immediate, no obligation insurance quote. In approximately one day, you can have full comprehensive coverage from one of our licensed insurance partners. “I have seen too many times that people are denied coverage, don’t have an adequate policy, or no coverage at all,” says Polin. This is the first step users can take to protect themselves.”

Availability

The MyGearVault app is available now, free of charge in the Apple App Store®. To download the app, click here: https://itunes.apple.com/app/mygearvault/id1106860868

An Android compatible version of the app is planned for the future. Contact Jared Polin with questions regarding MyGearVault – jared@mygearvault.com

Be sure to check out https://mygearvault.com/ for more information. Please check out our YouTube playlist for “how-to” videos.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Day at the track: Canon EOS-1D X Mark II samples

17 May

The EOS-1D X Mark II is the latest flagship body from Canon, boasting a 20.2MP CMOS sensor, 14 fps continuous viewfinder shooting and a new 61-point autofocus system. Built like a tank, the 1DX II is as pro-level as pro-level bodies come.

To get some basic impressions of its AF performance and image quality we brought it out to Evergreen Motocross Park in Monroe, Washington to photograph an all-day practice. While this gallery represents only our initial samples with the camera, we will be adding to it frequently in the coming days and weeks. Also, check back later in the week for an in-depth article about the experience of shooting these samples alongside the Nikon D5.

Note: All of the images in the gallery were processed using Adobe Photoshop CC with adjustments made mainly to exposure parameters and saturation only. All images were edited using the Camera Standard profile.

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II motocross samples

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Fast Track: New High-Speed Pedestrian Lanes Live in Liverpool

18 Nov

[ By WebUrbanist in Architecture & Cities & Urbanism. ]

pedestrian walking lane

An experimental pedestrian fast lane system deployed in England allows speedy walkers to circumvent gawking tourists and window shoppers.

Implemented by retailer Argos adjacent to a shopping complex in Liverpool, the Fast Track is a trial run (or: really fast walk) for separating dawdlers from power walkers.

pedestrian fast speed lane

If it seems like a marketing stunt, consider this: close to 30,000,000 Brits favor fast lanes for busy pedestrian thoroughfares. Close to a third surveyed in a recent study responded that they would approve of some consistent solution to slow-moving foot traffic.

fast lane shopping market

As in similar attempts elsewhere, like NYC’s half-joking painted pavement markings dividing New Yorkers from Tourists, the aim is to provide clear paths for different paces, segregated by speed, cellphone use or other factors, indoors or outside.

This latest variant may only be temporary, but a store spokesperson says it is there by popular demand and if successful the same idea could continue to spread to other private and public spaces.

[ By WebUrbanist in Architecture & Cities & Urbanism. ]

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Posted in Creativity

Track Your IG Info With StatShot

22 Sep

There are a few options out there when it comes to tracking your Instagram info: likes, follows, comments … you know the drill.

Our pal, Luke Beard (uh. great name, or greatest name?), wasn’t real thrilled with any of them, so he created his own! Get it, Luke.

StatShot not only gives you daily IG data, but does so in an uncluttered, non-intrusive way. It’s clean, straight to the point and free to use if you’ve got less than 5k followers. We love free.

Sign up by linking your IG account here and start getting your daily dose of IG info. It’s a beautiful way to figure out what people are diggin’ about your feed, which hashtags are working out, and quantitatively measure your internet love.

Our love for you, however, could never be contained within data. <3

Photojojo

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Posted in Equipment

High Line West: Chicago & LA on Track for Elevated Greenways

27 May

[ By WebUrbanist in Architecture & Cities & Urbanism. ]

high line park picture

Following in the footsteps of the United States’ largest urban center, 2nd and 3rd most populous cities in the country are each (respectively) developing and building extensive elevated parks, inspired in part by the success of The High Line in NYC.

The Los Angeles River Greenway Project

la greenway three dimensions

la greenway section raised

On the West Coast, Los Angeles has a plan to connect and create 50 miles of continuous bike and walking paths through the city. Over half of these segments are completed but the whole is not yet contiguous, forcing cyclists and pedestrians through dangerous crossings and other workarounds.

la city greenway path

la greenway public space

la greenway realistic rendering

Ramping up support for the last few years, the LA River Greenway 2020 project includes provisions for public space as well as private enterprise, with everything from gathering and performance areas to dining venues, yoga classes and bike-in movie theaters in mind.

The Chicago 606 & Bloomingdale Trail Project

bloomingdale trail elevated walkway

bloomingdale bridge juncture rendering

bloomingdale trail axon cut

bloomingdale aerial park view

Meanwhile, in the Midwest, Chicago’s Bloomingdale Trail is the centerpiece of a larger plan dubbed The 606. Already midway through construction, much of the multiple-mile trail follows existing east-and-west-running railroad tracks set a story above street level.

360Photography

Posts Tagged ‘Track’

The Olympus M.Zuiko 100-400mm F5-6.3 IS goes to the track

Olympus M.Zuiko 100-400mm F5-6.3 IS sample images

NASA is asking the public to use their smartphones to help track light pollution caused by satellites

Axibo camera slider system uses AI to track faces and objects

Syrp launches Magic Carpet Pro slider with ‘infinitely extendable’ track

Photographer struck by rally car while standing near track corner